Disclaimers:  See Part 1

 

Time Has No Meaning

by Stone

 

Part 2

 

“I’m sure I’m not the first woman you’ve seen in a state of partial undress.”  Danielle’s tone was light, even though it seemed forced.

 

“But…I’ve never wanted someone so badly.”  The wringing of her hands was the only outward sign of nervousness Jess could detect.

 

“Jess, I think we need to have a little talk before we have biblical knowledge of each other.”

 

“Talk?”  Her voice was strained.  She was already removing her coat.  She took two strides forward, but the look in Danielle’s eyes halted her.  Closing her eyes, Jess mentally wished for control of her overheated body.  “Talk, Danielle.  I’m listening.”

 

“I have to tell you something.  Even though you are a woman you seem to think like the men of this time; therefore, what I have to say might change your mind about doing this.”

 

“You’re welcome to try.”

 

Danielle smiled at the woman’s often used expression and Jess felt herself relax slightly.  She wondered if Danielle knew there was nothing she could say that could quell her desire.  The only thing that would satisfy her now was for them to have each other, completely.

 

Danielle let out a rush of breath.  “It’s been a long time since I’ve done this.”

Allowing her head to fall to the side, Jess studied her for a moment.  Her expression showed her shock.  “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t surprised.”  She paused for a long moment.  “You said you’ve never been married.”

 

“It’s true.  I’ve never been married.  In my time, marriage isn’t necessary.  It is considered acceptable to most people for couples to have sex without any commitment.”

 

“How can this be?”  Jess went to the edge of the bed and sat down.  Her eyes were still fixed on Danielle as she tried to remind herself that if she challenged Danielle’s delusions about this other time, it might just cost her their wedding night.  “Why are you telling me this now?”

 

“Because I wanted you to know.  I know in this time, it’s considered a big deal and that you might not think me worthy.”  She started to interrupt, but Danielle rushed on.  “I have only been with one other person and I loved her, but…”  She let the words trail off as she stared into her past.  “Besides, if I waited on marriage, I would still be a virgin.  Remember?  Women can not marry in my time.”

 

“Danielle, I think you know that women in this time cannot marry.  Where I find myself here is unusual, but it seems to work for me.  These people, most of them, do not look upon me as a woman.”  Jess looked away, seemingly in thought.  “You stated that it has been a long time, since you’ve made love.  Why is that if your time believes as you say?”

 

Danielle quietly moved to sit beside her.  “As I was saying, I’ve only been with one person in my twenty-nine years.  It was right after my second year in medical school.  We were together for almost three years.  I waited a lot longer than most of the women in my time.  I was considered the oddity.”

 

“Then why did you wait?”

 

“I was really committed to getting through school and I was confused by the feelings I was having toward women.  I just wasn’t interested in any of the men that were interested in me.  By the time I was in medical school and getting more than curious, AIDS came along.”

 

Jess wrinkled her brows.  “The people in your time required aid in order to make love?”

Danielle laughed to the point tears came to her eyes.  “Not aid, A-I-D-S.  It’s a terrible disease that can be transmitted through sexual contact.  I have to admit that is unlikely to happen to lesbians?”

 

“Les…bians?”

 

Danielle smiled and shook her head.  “Uh…It is unlikely to happen to two women sexually involved.”

 

Jess groaned.  “Danielle, it isn’t appropriate for us to discuss things such as this.”

“You would think that you being a woman that you would be more open-minded than the men of this time.  Danielle snickered.  “But you think just like them.”

 

She tilted her head and tried to understand what Danielle meant by her statement.  “This is who I am.  Do you feel this is…unacceptable?”

 

Danielle smiled and touched Jess’s cheek gently with her fingers.  “No.  You thought I had changed my mind, but I haven’t.  I was afraid that you would change your mind about me after this conversation.  I have not changed my mind.”  Danielle blushed feverishly.  “If fact, I’ve had to struggle to keep from creeping into your room at night, ever since that first time you kissed me.”

 

“I think we’ve talked long enough,” Jess said quietly.  She turned and eased down on top of Danielle, grinning at the mixture of hunger and embarrassment on Danielle’s face. 

 

Bracing her weight with one hand, she rolled Danielle on to her side so she could untie the miles of lacing that held her corset together.  All the while she watched Danielle’s expression, watched how Danielle reacted as the garments loosened and fell away.  “You’re perfect,” Jess whispered as her eyes took in Danielle’s nakedness.  Next, her hands found the ties for Danielle’s petticoats and she made quick work of them, until Danielle lay next to her beautifully exposed. 

 

“You’re still dressed.  Let’s change that.”  Danielle’s slightly trembling hands reached for the buttons on Jess’s shirt.  Danielle was amazing adept at removing clothing and when she looked up at Jess’s face she could see the question.  “I’ve undressed hundreds of people as part of my training, Jess.  Most of the time, especially when I was on my ER rotation, we cut the clothes off.”  She let go a nervous laugh.  “I’m still attempting to prepare myself for the sight of you, so I don’t faint from seeing you in your birthday suit.”

 

“Birthday suit?”  Jess was sorry that she even asked the question.  With Danielle’s hands on her body, she didn’t care if she wanted to tell tall tales about fairies and leprechauns.  She didn’t wait for Danielle’s answer.  She simply pushed her down on the mattress and began to kiss her with an intensity that bordered on savage.  She just couldn’t seem to get close enough to her.  Slipping one hand beneath her small hip, she lifted Danielle against her thigh, marveling at the small sound that rumbled in Danielle’s throat.

 

She raised her head waiting the few reassuring seconds for Danielle to reach for her and pull her back.  It left no doubt in her mind that Danielle wanted this as much as she did.  That knowledge brought with it a complete loss of control.  With one hand she spread Danielle’s legs with the intention of entering her.

 

Danielle had a different idea.  She was afraid if she allowed Jess to take her in this fashion, it would set the pace for their relationship behind closed doors.  She had no intentions of allowing Jess to be the only one in control in the bedroom.  She placed her hands on Jess’s shoulders, pushing her onto her back and rolling with her until she lay on top of Jess.  Her floral scented hair fell across Jess’s face.  Grabbing her hair and throwing it out of the way with one hand, she cupped Jess’s face with the other.  Looking directly into her eyes, she whispered, “Jess, we’re going to do this my way, okay?”

 

At that instant, Jess would have agreed to anything.  She nodded mutely as Danielle moved to the side and began to touch her everywhere.  She brought her forearm up to cover her eyes as she grimaced and waged war with her self control.  Danielle was driving her mad with the feathery touches.  “Danielle.”  She whispered the name like a prayer.

 

“Yes?”

 

“I’m not sure I can tolerate much more of this.”

 

Danielle smiled.  “Then participate.”

 

Dropping her arm, she looked at Danielle’s flushed face and sensual smile, then dipped her head and took the peak of Danielle’s nipple into her mouth.

 

Danielle arched against her and her fingers immediately wound through Jess’s dark hair, holding her firmly to her breast.

 

Jess’s hands weren’t idle as she continued to savor the nipple between her lips.  Danielle dug her nails gently into Jess’s scalp as Jess explored her body with her hands and mouth.  Jess was taking in every little pleasurable sound Danielle made.  When she dragged her opened mouth over the supple curve of Danielle’s throat, she cried out and Jess knew it was time.  She tried to place her on her back, yet Danielle resisted.

 

Again, Danielle stopped her.  “Jess…wait.”

 

Jess lifted her head to look at her and found Danielle’s expression wild and a sheen of perspiration coating her body.  “I want you, Danielle.  I want you now.”

 

“I know, sweetheart.”  She smiled.  “Let me.”  The look Danielle was giving her could not be argued with.  She could see desire, purpose, and a plea in the look.  Jess conceded and lay back. 

 

Danielle left a trail of light kisses and gentle nips down her neck.  She smiled against her neck when she heard the harsh moan escape from Jess.  She cupped Jess’s face with both hands.  “I want to taste you, Jess.  All of you.”

 

She shuddered at the desire she saw in Danielle’s eyes.  She had never heard a woman speak such bold words.  Jess threw her head back against the pillow, wondering what Danielle could possibly do next.  Danielle already had her body so tense, so taut, she wasn’t sure what to expect.  She had never felt this way before and she definitely had never allowed a woman such liberties with her body.

 

Danielle ran her hands gently over the warm skin of her strong shoulders, inching slowly until she cupped her small firm breasts in her hands.

 

Jess’s breath caught in her throat as she felt small gentle fingers moving over her nipples.  Her hands reached out, moving over Danielle’s body fervently, but Danielle took them gently into her own hands, placing them on the pillow over her head.  “Let me love you.  Let me make love to you, Jess.”

 

Jess closed her eyes tightly.  Her body felt like it would explode, but her voice wouldn’t come.  She relaxed her arms, giving Danielle permission.

 

“You are so perfect…it should truly be a crime,” Danielle murmured as her hands moved gently over the strong body.  She lowered her mouth, finding Jess’s breast.  She feasted on the nipple, knowing she would never get enough of this woman.

 

Jess arched into her and breathed out something Danielle could not understand.  She took it as encouragement and moved down her body, tasting every inch of her.  She wanted to be between Jess’s thighs.  She wanted to taste the most intimate part of this unique magnificent woman.

 

Jess threw her head back as Danielle moved down her body.  Her hips arched, searching for a release.  She didn’t know what to expect; she only knew she wanted it.  And she wanted it from Danielle.

 

Spreading Jess’s legs apart, Danielle saw the glistening black curls in the flickering of the candlelight.  She closed her eyes and groaned knowing she would never be the same after tasting this woman.

 

Jess yelled out when Danielle’s mouth found her.  The feeling was so new to her it scared her.  She squeezed her eyes shut and gripped the bed coverings.  Then Danielle’s tongue moved through her wetness and it was too much.  She fisted her hands in Danielle’s hair to stop her.

 

Danielle looked up at her with confusion and concern on her face.  “Are you okay?”

 

Jess was back to clutching the bed coverings and trying to focus on Danielle’s face.  “Yes…no!  I have never done that before.  I don’t know what…” She groaned in frustration, unable to put words to what she was feeling.

 

Danielle’s mind was clouded with desire, but she thought she understood.  “You’ve never had that feeling before or you’ve never had someone taste you before?”

 

Danielle’s boldness was lost on Jess now.  It was all she could do to hear and comprehend the words.  “Both.” 

 

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.  Jess had never experienced this intimate act.  She smiled and ran her hands gently up and down both of Jess’s thighs.  “It’s alright, Jess.  I won’t hurt you.  I only want to give you pleasure.  Trust me and you will be rewarded beyond your wildest.  I promise.”

 

Jess only stared at her, but seemed to relax under the gentle persuasion.

 

Danielle kissed the inside of both of thighs and felt her jerk slightly.  She slowly kissed her way back to the wet heat between her legs.  She thought it best not to linger too long.  Jess was on the edge; it would not take much to drive her over.  Her lips took Jess inside, sucking hard and Jess rose off the bed.  Danielle was unable to keep the woman’s hips still.  She slowed her actions, her tongue again moving through the wetness, finally plunging inside her.

 

“Oh, dear God,” Jess murmured.  Her hands reached out and grabbed Danielle’s head again, but this time she held her firmly to her as her hips undulated against her mouth. 

 

Danielle was overwhelmed with pleasure as her mouth feasted on Jess.  So sweet and so perfect.  She felt her own wetness coat her thighs, felt the throbbing ache between her own legs.  Her tongue pulled out and her lips found her again, sucking her hard.  She struggled to hold Jess down, her hands pressing against Jess’s hips as she held her legs apart the best she could.  Then she felt Jess still, heard her breath catch and hold, then Jess rose up again letting her pleasure be known as she climaxed.

 

Jess lay back, pulling Danielle up her body, knowing Danielle needed her own release.  But she couldn’t remember ever feeling so weak.  Her body did not want to move.  She felt as Danielle straddled her thigh, felt her wetness coat her as Danielle ground into her hard.  Jess’s hand moved between them, finding Danielle’s ache.  She touched her, stroking her as Danielle pressed against her.

 

Danielle felt Jess’s hand on her and she reached for it, grinding against the fingers as she sought release.  Danielle bent her head to capture her lips and she came instantly, crying out into Jess’s mouth.

 

She finally collapsed on top of Jess letting her weight settle on her.  She felt’s arms come around her, gently caressing her back.  “Danielle, I’m not sure what just happened to me, but I know I lost a part of myself.  And I know you now have it.”

 

Danielle had no words that could compete with that.  She slid her body to Jess’s side and kissed her shoulder.  All the emotions draining her, she let out a contented sigh and snuggled close.  They were both asleep within moments.

 

**********

 

“Danielle?”

 

“Mmmmm.”  Danielle stretched her body against Jess.  Jess had already suffered through having Danielle sleep next to her completely naked.  Now she was apparently supposed to endure the torture of having her move.

 

“Danielle,” Jess said more forcefully.

 

Lifting her head, Danielle shifted into a half sitting position, not bothering to cover herself in the process.  Jess made a valiant attempt to keep from looking.  She failed. 

 

“Have you no shame?”  Even with the question, she continued to take in Danielle’s state of undress.  Jess imagined her smile matched her own.

 

“Apparently not.”  Only then did Danielle lift the edge of the blanket to a more modest level.  “But then again, I doubt there’s much of me you haven’t already seen, so what’s the point?”

 

She placed a kiss on Danielle’s forehead.  “The point is we have to get back to town.  This won’t happen if you insist on flaunting your…charms in front of me.”

 

“Town?  Why do we have to go back?  We just got married.  We’re supposed to be on our honeymoon.”  She reached out and grabbed Jess’s arm as she attempted to get out of bed.  “We’re supposed to stay in bed for a week, making mad, passionate love until we go blind.”

 

“Good Lord, woman!”  Jess chuckled as she shrugged out of bed, shaking her head as she continued a quiet chuckle.  Stepping into her trousers, she was surprised when she didn’t hear any further comments from Danielle.  Pouting wasn’t her style.  Jess turned to see her looking stricken.  “What did I say?”

 

Danielle lifted her eyes and Jess was stunned to find them moist with unshed tears.  She was even more stunned by the way it made her feel.  “What?”  She moved next to Danielle and pulled her into the circle of her arms.

 

Danielle’s voice was low.  “I guess it was pretty disappointing, huh?”

 

“What?”

 

Jess felt her shake her head.  “Don’t play dumb, Jess.  All you have to do is say I wasn’t what you expected.  You don’t need to make up reasons not to–”

 

“Danielle, you really have lost touch, haven’t you?”  She shook Danielle gently to make her understand.  “I would love nothing better than to stay in bed with you for that week you were discussing, but I’m afraid we simply can not.”

 

“Why not?”

 

“Because the Union ships patrol the river and they delight in firing upon the houses along their banks.  It simply isn’t safe for us to stay here.”  She lifted Danielle’s face and brushed a few strands of hair out of her eyes.  “If you doubt my honesty, Danielle, explain this.”  She smiled smugly when Danielle gave a little gasp as soon as Jess placed her hand over her wet center that gave testimony to her words.  “We still have to leave right after breakfast.”

 

**********

 

Danielle declined the assistance of the young girl sent up to help her dress.  The damned corset could just stay loosely tied.

 

Joining Jess in the airy, stunning breakfast room gave her a new appreciation for Southern charm and beauty.  Nothing she had ever been taught as a child could have prepared her for the reality of this.  Everything was perfect, especially Jess as she entered the room.

 

Jess rose and saw her to her seat.

 

“Thank you.”  She suddenly felt awkward.  It was strange, but the intimacy they had shared had drastically changed the way she thought of Jess.

 

“Coffee?”  The question came from the same young girl who had been dispatched to assist Danielle.  She spoke to Jess, keeping her eyes fixed on some distant point.

 

“Yes and for Lady Blain, as well.”

Lady Blain, Danielle repeated in her brain.  That title would take some getting used to if she had married a man, but to hear it come out of Jess’s mouth so naturally was just plain unbelievable.  As soon as the girl left, she turned to Jess.  “I prefer Dr. Hamilton or Danielle, but I will meet you half way with Dr. Blain.”

 

Jess gave her one of her tolerant smiles and Danielle felt herself growing annoyed.  “Don’t patronize me, Jess.  Either you accept what I am or let me go.”

 

Leaning back in her chair, Jess regarded her for several long moments over the rim of her coffee cup.  “You don’t ask for much, do you, Danielle?”

 

She began with a loud sigh.  “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask you about something else.

 

One dark brow raised and a smile curved the corners of Jess’s mouth.

 

“I’ve been thinking about why the locket didn’t take me back to my time.”

 

“I believe we have already dispensed with that bit of folly.”

 

Danielle glared at her.  “It isn’t folly.  You will see that in about ten days when the fire breaks out.  I’m willing to wait until then for you to eat crow.  Now, back to the locket.”

 

“Must we?”

 

“Yes.  Maybe I can’t return to my time because I have some sort of purpose to fulfill here.”

 

“Like what?  Turn water into wine?”

 

“Nothing quite so lofty,” Danielle retorted.  “I was thinking more along the line of proving that you didn’t kill your wife.”

 

“You’re my wife.”

 

Danielle felt her cheeks warm and she averted her eyes for a moment.  “Your first wife, Lillian.  Maybe if I can clear your name, I can get back to my time.”

 

“This is all very fascinating, Danielle, but I think you’re taking this fantasy a bit too far.”

 

“It isn’t a fantasy.  I don’t belong here.”

 

“After last night, I would tend to disagree with you.”

Danielle’s blush deepened.  “I can’t stay in a time I don’t belong to just for great sex.”

 

“Great?”

 

Danielle’s patience was wearing thin.  “Damn it, Jess!  I’m serious.  All I want is a chance to prove that you didn’t kill her.”

Her expression grew heavy, as if she would be sorry to see Danielle out of her life.  Danielle knew she was reading more into it than was there.  The whole notion that Jess had actually developed feelings for her in such a short time was ludicrous.  As ludicrous as the thought that she would miss her when, and if, she could get home.  Suddenly her mind flashed a kaleidoscope of memories…the woman’s laughter, her dimple, their wedding, her words after their lovemaking.

 

“What exactly do you want, Danielle?”

 

“I want to perform an autopsy on Lillian’s remains.”

 

**********

 

“How disgusting.”  Madeline made face of disapproval.  “I hope you told her no.”

 

Jess sighed.  “Of course.”

 

Danielle sat at the table fuming.  It was bad enough that Jess had flatly refused even to consider allowing her to perform an autopsy on Lillian.  But the fact that Jess had brought it up as dinner conversation that evening only made matters worse.  Hell, she was still miffed to discover that on their first full day of marriage, Jess had invited the McKinneys and Madeline to dinner.

 

Danielle gave a saccharine smile.  “Jess doesn’t believe any of what I’ve been telling her.”  She noticed Anna’s expression grow solemn.  “You know better, though, don’t you, Anna?”

 

“Danielle,” Jess warned.

 

There was a silence as Daniel, Jess and Madeline all watched as the normally poised Anna appeared to struggle with an appropriate response.

 

“I told you I would not tolerate your upsetting Anna.” She glared at Danielle.  Her eyes were dark and stormy, but Danielle was determined

 

“Careful, Jess.  You really shouldn’t look at your wife with murder in you eyes.  People might talk.  Again.”

 

Her cutting remark was a direct hit.  Jess looked as though she would gladly get out of her chair and strangle her.  Jess’s hands balled into tight fists and a vein in the side of her neck was bulging.  “Go upstairs, Danielle.”

 

“Go to hell, Jess,” Danielle retorted with a sweet smile.  “I warned you I wasn’t too good at obeying.

 

“That’s it!”  Jess began to rise out of her chair.

 

Anna spoke with an anxious voice.  “Wait.  There is no reason for you two to fight on my account.”

 

“I think they’d fight on anyone’s account.”  Madeline’s expression was smug as she leaned back in her chair as if to enjoy a performance.  “They’re two headstrong people.”

 

Anna turned to Jess.  “Jess, Danielle does seem to have an uncanny knowledge where we are all concerned.

 

Danielle watched as the anger drained from Jess’s face only to be replaced with complete impatience.

 

Daniel touched his wife’s arm.  “Anna, what are you talking about?  You haven’t said anything to me about this.”

 

Anna touched his hand that rested on her arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze.  It was such a simple, natural action that it was amazing it had such a profound effect on Danielle.  She couldn’t imagine ever being so at ease with Jess that a simple touch could bring her out of the volatile personality.

 

Anna smiled.  “There wasn’t time, but for the life of me, I can’t see how she could know what she knows if something isn’t amiss.”

 

“We aren’t talking ‘amiss’.”  Madeline chuckled.  “I can’t believe you would be so gullible as to be taken in by her vivid imagination.”

 

“Fine!”  Danielle stood in such a rush that her chair clattered to the floor.  “Then let’s just be honest here.  I’ll let Jess explain to you what will happen on December 11.  If I’m wrong, you are all welcome to continue thinking I’m some crazed soul.  If I’m right, I would hope you would all have the decency to apologize for not believing the truth.”  Danielle took two steps toward the door, then feeling spiteful, she turned to Madeline.  “If I have such a vivid imagination, why is it that you’ve told the whole town that your husband is away on business?”

 

Danielle marched up the stairs, her footsteps echoing through the silent house.  “Dramatic exit,” she mumbled with a sigh as she entered the yellow bedroom and closed and locked the door.  “Dramatic and mean.  I shouldn’t have said that to Aunt Madeline.  But she’s not my aunt.”  She threw herself on the bed.  “She just looks like her, talks like her…and doesn’t know me from a houseplant.”

 

She dragged herself off the bed and paced the room, torn between the desire to throw something and the desire to burst into frustrated tears.  “Okay, there has to be an explanation for all of this.  I just have to look at it objectively, as though I’m diagnosing a patient, only I’m the patient.  Jesus, I’m talking to myself, again.  If I keep this up, I will be a patient.”  She groaned in frustration.  “What do I know?  I know my father didn’t die at age five, but this Madeline’s brother did.  Therefore, they are not the same person.  They can be from the same family.  Like this Madeline is some sort of distant relative of mine, which would explain why she looks the same.  But what about Anna?”  The question moved her to sit back on the bed.  “Well, this Anna is married to a man named Daniel, which I’m sure is simply coincidence.   The fact that Anna was raised in an orphanage instead of by her mother proves that she isn’t the same as my Anna, so that sorta explains her.”

 

She fell back on the bed.  “Or maybe I’ve traveled to a place that I simply can’t explain and sure as hell don’t understand.”

 

**********

 

Jess seemed to have accepted the fact that Danielle preferred her old room to sharing one with her.  Her quiet acceptance didn’t do much to improve her temperament.

 

In the ten days since her little tirade at dinner, no one except Mrs. McGrady had even gone near Danielle.  She wasn’t about to apologize, though, not when she had nothing to apologize for.  She was from another time and she needed help in order to get back.  If Jess and the others couldn’t handle that, she didn’t need their company.

 

“She’s gone out.”  Danielle turned to see Mrs. McGrady enter the room.

 

Danielle nodded.  “Thanks, I’ll come down for breakfast now.”

 

“This isn’t right, Lady Blain.  Newlyweds shouldn’t be behaving the way you two have been.  It isn’t natural.”

 

“Tell her that.”  She violently pushed her hair from her face.  “She started it.”

 

“It’s her pride, Lady.”

 

“Pride is no excuse and quit calling me lady.”  She turned and headed out of the bedroom with Mrs. McGrady following her.  “Besides, she’ll come around day after tomorrow.

 

Mrs. McGrady didn’t understand.  “What?”

 

“She’ll have no choice but to rethink her position after she sees I was telling the truth.  Then, perhaps she and I can negotiate some sort of peaceful coexistence.”

 

“Peace isn’t what she’ll be wanting.”  Mrs. McGrady’s voice was so low that Danielle barely heard her.

 

“What are you talking about?”  Danielle sat in the chair which Thomas held for her.  The ritual had started the day following the dinner disaster.  As soon as Jess left to do whatever it was she did every morning, Danielle ate her breakfast, walked in the garden, then returned to her room and refused even to set eyes on Jess.

 

“She hasn’t been the same since you stopped speaking to her.”  Mrs. McGrady’s face was a mess of worry.  “I’ve never seen her so out of sorts before.  I know for a fact she’s gone to your door twice, but something keeps her from knocking and getting this settled.”

 

“Arrogance.”  Danielle slipped a slice of melon into her mouth.  “But her superior self is going to be taken down a peg or two before all this is over.”

 

“It seems to me she isn’t the only one around her with ego troubles.”  McGrady stomped from the room.  Great!  Now my only friend is mad at me.  Okay so I do owe Madeline an apology but that is as far as I’m willing to bend.

 

Danielle finished her breakfast without much enthusiasm.  Slipping her cape on, she left by the back door, feeling renewed by the strong rays of the sun.  One thing hadn’t changed since her bizarre trip in time.  She still needed the sun’s rays to feel alive.  The small building at the rear of the property housed the kitchen and was where Thomas and the two other housemen lived.  Danielle knew she wasn’t welcome there.  Not because the three men disliked her, but because entertaining an unescorted woman could cost them their lives.  She contented herself by strolling along the pathway adjacent to the garden, trying to imagine what it would look like in the spring.  “Not that I want to be here in the spring,” she said aloud.

 

“You and Blain planning on leaving Charleston?”

 

Danielle nearly jumped at the sound of Captain Fourcade’s voice.  Turning in the direction of the offensive sound, she found him standing in the shadows of the dependency, dressed in full military regalia.  In spite of the fact that her marriage to Jess had all but guaranteed that this man couldn’t arrest her, she felt a decent amount of unease knot her stomach.  “No.”  Her answered was clipped.  “What are you doing here?”

 

Fourcade smiled, but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes; they were as cold as the wind coming off the water.  “I see you’re as forthright as I have been led to believe.”  It wasn’t a compliment.

 

“I asked what you were doing here, Captain Fourcade. If you wish to speak to Jess, I’m afraid—”

 

“No ma’am,”  He interrupted with a polite inclination of his head.

 

He was attractive enough that his actions could easily be construed as charming.  But his charm was lost on Danielle.  She was more interested in his motivations than in his perfectly coiffed blond hair.  Surely he knew this since she was with a woman.  They may treat her as a man, but they couldn’t be that blind. 

 

“I came specifically to speak with you.”

”About what?”

His brows drew together as his hand rested on the handle of the sword tied at his hip.  “Perhaps we would be more comfortable inside?”

 

“I doubt it.”  She was being honest.

 

“I would appreciate some refreshment, Lady Blain, surely that isn’t too much to ask, given the fact that Blain is so keen on adhering to social traditions.”

 

“Fine.”  Danielle sighed.  “Follow me.”

 

“With pleasure.”

 

She recognized the double meaning and chose to ignore it.  Fourcade trailed her inside, moving into the parlor as if he owned the place.  He handed Thomas his hat and sword, then settled comfortably into one of the chairs. 

 

“Is everything all right?”  Mrs. McGrady asked when she hustled into the room.

 

“The captain wanted a drink.”  She looked at Fourcade.  “Coffee?  Tea?  What?”

 

“Tea would be lovely.”  He spoke to Mrs. McGrady in a superior tone that was dismissive and grating.  He looked back to Danielle as soon as they were alone.  “You’re looking well.”

 

“Is there some reason I shouldn’t?”

 

Fourcade’s eyes filled with unabashed hatred.  “Given the fate of Blain’s last wife, it isn’t totally unreasonable that some of us would have concerns for your safety.”

 

“Unfounded and baseless concerns.”  She crossed her arms in front of her.  “If you simply wanted to assure yourself that I was still breathing, why waste Mrs. McGrady’s time by having her make tea?”

 

“You really are blunt, aren’t you?”  Fourcade’s façade was slipping.  His cultured speech now held an edge that matched the harsh emotion in his piercing blue eyes.

 

“Among other things.  I’m also notoriously short on patience, so please get to the point.”

 

“Very well.”  Fourcade shrugged.  He waited for Mrs. McGrady to place the try on the table next to his chair and make her exit before he spoke.  “The Weatherly family has taken your…situation rather hard.”

 

“I’m sure.”

 

“Blain’s insensitivity is particularly disturbing in terms of her refusal to return certain rights to Mr. Weatherly.”

 

“If you’re talking about the fact that Jess received a fifty-percent share of the wharf for marrying Lillian, I don’t understand why you’re discussing this with me.”

 

“It was my hope that you could convince Blain to return those rights to Weatherly, given the fact that Blain killed…”

 

“You may leave now, Captain.”  Danielle took a deep breath.  “And you will never be welcome here so long as you voice your baseless accusation regarding Lillian’s death.”

 

Fourcade rose slowly and took a menacing step, which brought him right to Danielle.  His hands reached out and grabbed her upper arms, painfully bruising the skin beneath the fabric.  “You really should be careful how you speak to me.  I hold an important position with the regiment currently in control of this area.  If you don’t…”

 

“If you don’t get your hands off her, I’ll kill you where you stand.”

 

Fourcade’s expression held a healthy dose of alarm at the threat.  After lowering his arms, he stepped away from Danielle and turned to face Blain.  “I’m afraid you misunderstood.”

 

“No, you didn’t.”  Danielle met Jess’s questioning eyes.  “He came here because he thought he could use me to get to you.”

 

“Ma’am?”  Fourcade tried to act shocked.

 

“That’s Lady Blain.”  Jess looked toward the door.  “Thomas!”  The houseman appeared in a flash, Fourcade’s hat and sword in his hands.  “See the captain out.”

 

“We need to get this settled, Blain.”

 

“There is nothing to settle.  You touch my wife again, you’re a dead man.  Nothing ambiguous about that, now is there?”

 

“I wasn’t talking about her.  I was talking about Weatherly’s wharf–”

 

“Is partially owned by me.  Now get out.”

 

As soon as the door slammed, Jess came over to Danielle, but stopped short of making physical contact.  “Did he hurt you?”

 

“I’ll probably have a few bruises, but nothing major.”

 

Jess let out a colorful expletive.

 

“I thought we weren’t supposed to use that word,” Danielle teased.

 

Jess’s answer was a warm smile.  It wasn’t until that moment that Danielle realized just how much she had missed her.  “You aren’t supposed to use that word, Danielle.  Being me has its advantages.”

 

Danielle didn’t hear the comment.  She was busy breathing in the scent that was Jess and longing to reach up and brush the wayward strand of ebony hair from her face.  Or trace the taut line of her jaw.

 

“I’m sorry if Fourcade upset you.”  Her voice was suddenly soft.  “I should have anticipated.”  She stared at Danielle a few moments, before pulling her into her arms and kissing her almost painfully.  Danielle’s back arched to accommodate Jess’s height and slipped her arms around her neck.  The effects of the kiss instantly made her bones useless.  Pride didn’t seem to matter when Jess was holding her.  In fact, nothing could even compare with the feelings she experienced whenever Jess touched her.  It was so overwhelming, so powerful, that it was almost frightening.

 

Jess reluctantly lifted her mouth from Danielle’s “I’ve missed you, Danielle.”  Her thumb came up to touch her slightly swollen lower lip.  “I didn’t mean to do that.”

 

“I did.”  Danielle smiled.  “Maybe we should try having a relationship where we only communicate with our bodies.  We seem to get into trouble whenever we have a discussion.”

 

“No talking, just touching?”  Jess grinned.  “I think you may be onto something.”

 

While Danielle found her smile infectious, she wasn’t quite willing to go that far to repair their strained relationship.  “I could never do it.  I’m about as good at keeping my mouth shut as I am at obeying.”

 

“I got that impression when you were so belligerent to Fourcade.”

”You were eavesdropping?”

 

“Only for a second.  Until that bastard grabbed you.”

 

“Why is he over here threatening you on Weatherly’s behalf?”

“Good question.  Maybe because I already told Weatherly I wasn’t going to sign over my interest.

 

“So he called in the troops?”

 

Jess looked troubled.  “Maybe.”  She circled her arms around Danielle’s waist.  “I’ve got to go out.”

 

“But I thought–”

 

“Hush, Danielle.”  She soothed the comment with a kiss to Danielle’s forehead.  “I’m having the same thoughts, too, which will make riding several miles on horseback damn difficult.”

 

“Your language is surprising, Jess.  Wherever did you learn to curse like a sailor?”

”From my beautiful wife.”  She gave Danielle a quick kiss and released her.  “I’ll be back by supper.”

 

Danielle reached out and squeezed Jess’s derriere.  “Do we have to eat?”

 

“You’ll need your strength, Danielle.”  Jess grinned.  “Tell Mrs. McGrady to prepare something quick.  No six course meals this night.”

 

“Where are you going?”  Danielle was horrified to hear the whine in her voice.  “I mean…do you have to go out?”

 

Jess ran her finger in a tantalizing path along her jaw line, sending shivers of anticipation through her.  Jess’s eyes held a promise that thrilled her beyond imagination.  “I’m afraid I must go.”

 

“Must or should?”

 

Jess glanced around, then placed her mouth very near Danielle’s ear.  Near enough that Danielle could feel the heat of her breath as it whipped through her hair.  “I have a meeting, Danielle.  The information is essential if I’m to prevent bloodshed.”

 

“What about your blood?  What if something happens to you, Jess?”

 

Jess’s smile was little reassurance. 

 

“Worried for my safety?”  The smile turned rather smug and there was definite pleasure in the speculation.

 

“I’m a doctor, Jess.  I think people should live, not die.”

 

The look she offered told Danielle, she didn’t believe her noncommittal response. “Don’t concern yourself.  I’ll be back in time to spend the entire evening entertaining you.”

 

Reluctantly, Danielle let her go after impulsively going up on her tiptoes to place a kiss in the general vicinity of her mouth.  From the window, she watched Jess mount and ride away.  “Be careful, Jess.”

**********

 

Mrs. McGrady’s mood improved dramatically when she learned that Danielle and Jess would be dining together.  Perhaps she was simply reacting to the way Danielle had blushed when she had asked the woman to prepare something fast and light.

 

Danielle busied herself with a bath and the arduous task of drying her long hair.  “This is a royal pain.”  She shook her head near the roaring fire.

 

Mrs. McGrady looked in her direction with a confused look on her face.  “What?” 

 

“No hair dryers, no electric rollers.  None of the things that make life simple.”

 

The older woman snorted and rested her hands on her ample hips.  “And what else have you to do that you can’t take the time to dry your hair?”

 

“Good point.  I guess I just miss all the creature comforts I took for granted.”

 

“I think it’s Jess Blain you’re missing.”  The woman did not try to disguise her approval.

 

“Jess does grow on you,” Danielle conceded reluctantly.  “Since I’m stuck with her, I might as well make the best of it.”

 

“Stuck with her my foot.  You have a fondness for her.  I can tell.”

 

Danielle spared the woman a look.  “Physical chemistry isn’t fondness.”

 

Mrs. McGrady blushed.  “I don’t know nothing about chemistry, but I do know about being suited.  Not like that one my Sara married.  She should have married a woman.  God forgive me, but I hope he’s taken in the war so that she can have a second chance.”

 

“Is he that bad?”

 

“He’s a mean one.  Takes his anger out on my Sara when the mood strikes.  She always has a handy excuse, but I don’t hold to a man raising his fist in anger to any woman.

 

“I’ll talk to her.”

 

Mrs. McGrady shook her head.  “Won’t do no good.  Sara is about as dumb as a cow when it comes to that boy.”

 

Danielle had to argue the point.  “But she has her son to think about.  Get my gown.  We’ll go now.  I have to remove her sutures anyway.”

 

“But your hair–”

 

“It will dry eventually.”  Danielle moved away from the fire.

 

They found Sara in her modest home, lying in her small bed, feeding her beautiful infant son.  Her green eyes showed signs of fatigue, but she seemed too enthralled with her new baby to mind the apparent lack of sleep.

 

“I came to remove your stitches.”  She took the baby from Sara, admired him a minute before handing him off to his proud grandmother.

 

Sara shyly allowed Danielle to examine her for signs of infection as well as any other problems.  She cried out when Danielle removed the stitches with the crude scissors and tweezers she had brought along.  Her face turned crimson when Danielle asked if she was having any trouble breast feeding.

 

“No.”  She shielded her eyes as she unwillingly participated in the frank conversation.

 

Danielle sat on the edge of the bed.  “Sara, you and your son are alive because of major surgery.  Do you understand that?”

 

The girl nodded.

 

“You have to be extremely careful with your activities for the next several weeks.  I’ll make arrangements with Jess to keep sending someone to help you each day.  Your mother can–”

 

“No, please!” Sara whispered.  “I love her dearly, but my mother and I can’t take a breath without fighting over it.”

 

Danielle smiled.  “Okay.  But with the stitches out, you’ll have to be very careful not to strain anything.  Do you understand?”

 

“Yes, ma’am.”

 

“And no sexual intercourse.”

 

Sara gasped.  “Lady Blain!  My husband isn’t even here.”

 

Danielle’s tone took on her firmest ‘doctor’ tone.  “Well, if he should happen to come home for a visit he isn’t to touch you in any way.”

 

“John is really a good man at heart.”

 

“Sara, I’m sure he has wonderful qualities, but you have a son to care for now.  If you raise that child in an environment where he sees his father beating you, chances are he’ll beat his wife.  Just as bad, think about what you’ll do when your husband beats him.”

 

“John always wanted a son.  He would never do that.”

 

“It isn’t about love and wanting, Sara.  When a man hits a woman or a child, it’s about power.  It also tends to run in families.  So, if you don’t want your son to grow up being abused or learning to abuse, get out.”

 

They were walking back to the Station in the dark when Mrs. McGrady broke the silence.  “Was all that true?”

 

“Unfortunately, yes.”

 

“Your time must surely be better than this.  It sounds like women have a much better lot in life.”

 

“Some things are better and others are worse.”  Stopping, she put her hand on the woman’s arm and met her eyes.  “Thank you for believing me.”

 

“It’s goes against everything in nature, but it is the only explanation for the likes of you.”

 

Locking her arm with the older woman’s, Danielle picked up the pace.  “Was that supposed to be a compliment?  I’m not sure it sounded like one.”

 

“My apologies.”

 

“It was a joke, Mrs. McGrady.  Just joking with you.”  When they turned the corner, her heart fluttered when she saw the silhouette of a horse tethered at the railing.  “I didn’t expect her so soon.”  She was forcing herself not the run, not to appear overanxious.  Then she thought, to hell with it, as she dropped Mrs. McGrady’s arm and lifted her skirts.

 

Mrs. McGrady laughed.  “You’re not fond of her.  No ma’am.  Not at all.

 

Danielle ignored the woman’s hoot of laughter as she raced up the steps.  Thomas opened the door, his face masked with concern.  “What is it, Thomas?  What?”

 

“I didn’t know where to find you.  It’s bad.”

 

“Where is she?” 

 

“We took her to her bed, ma’am.”

 

Danielle rushed past the man and up the stairs.  Jess was on top of her bed, perfectly still, bleeding profusely. 

 

Danielle barked out orders, which unlike the first time, were followed without hesitation.  Anna, Madeline and Daniel soon returned with the supplies. 

 

Daniel stepped up beside her and watched her pour alcohol over her hands.  “What can I do to help, Danielle?”

 

“Find whoever did this to her.”

 

Madeline’s voice was shaky when she finally spoke.  “How bad is it?”

”The knife hit a major artery in her leg.  She has lost a great deal of blood.”

 

“What does that mean?” Anna inquired.

 

Danielle started working.  “It means we don’t have a lot of time.”

 

Daniel proved to be a far better assistant than Thomas and in no time, she had repaired the wound.  But that wasn’t her major concern.  Jess’s pressure was dangerously low.  Which made her wonder if she hadn’t lost too much of her blood.  “I can’t risk transfusion.  I have no way of determining her blood type in time, even if I did have the right equipment.”  She was thinking aloud with a room full of people.

 

Daniel’s brows went together.  “Transfusion?”

 

Danielle explained the procedure.  She was pretty sure that she could rig a needle and some of the glass tubing to make it work.  She just didn’t know if she should risk something so drastic. 

 

Daniel touched Danielle’s arm.  “What are her chances?”

 

She reached for Jess’s wrist.  Her pulse was too faint to be detected, so she moved her fingers to her throat to check.  “She’s lost too much blood, Daniel.”

 

“Then let’s do it.”

 

“But if you and Jess don’t match, your blood might kill her.”

 

Daniel was hastily shrugging out of his jacket and shirt.  “It doesn’t sound like we have a choice ma’am.  At least if we do this, we’ve tried.”

 

“Tried what?” Anna asked as she entered the room and moved toward the bed, obviously surprised to see her husband disrobing.  Her expression paled when they explained what they were going to do.  Daniel lay down carefully on the bed next to Jess, while Mrs. McGrady began a litany of prayers and Madeline set about creating what Danielle described from blown-glass tubing from one of the light fixtures, a wooden candle form, and two syringes. 

 

“This might sting,” she warned Daniel as she swabbed the crease of his arm with brandy.  Anna was at his side, holding his hand.  Making sure he remained upon the mound of pillows, since they had only gravity to make the procedure work.

 

“It stings.”  Daniel made a face.

 

“Sorry.  Stay very still.”  She looked toward Madeline.  “Madeline, I need more light so I can try to judge the volume.”

 

“Right here.”  She produced another candle as she stepped up beside Danielle.  “I sure hope you know what you are doing, girl.”

 

Ignoring Madeline, Danielle kept two fingers on Jess’s artery and her eyes glued to the hastily flowing blood.  When she was satisfied that she had replaced enough of the vital flood, she made quick work of disassembling everything. 

 

She placed a cloth to Daniel’s arm. “Hold that tight against your arm and don’t try to get up yet.”  She turned to look at Jess.  “Thomas, bend her arm and keep pressure where I had the needle.”

 

Danielle checked the woman’s pupils.  Relief filled her when she saw no signs of major complications.  “I think it’s working.”  She smiled.  “Her pulse is stronger and she seems to be tolerating the transfusion. 

 

Daniel started to get up.  “Stay there, Daniel.”  He ignored her and almost fell on his face.  “Someone, get him some juice and something sweet.  That will help with the woozy feeling.”

 

Mrs. McGrady was happy to be able to do something.  “I can handle that.” 

 

**********

 

“Is she any better?”  Anna’s voice was sweet as she joined Danielle in the parlor.

 

Seeing the two small children had a strange effect on Danielle.  Tommy and Teresa eyed her wearily.  Tommy usually ran to her, begging for a hug, while his younger sister was usually fascinated and content to play with Danielle’s fair hair.  Now they cowered shyly at their mother’s skirts.  The rejection, though unintentional, was the last thing she needed in her current state.  Ever since Jess had spiked a high fever, Danielle had been on the verge of tears.  She had no way of knowing if Jess’s worsened condition was her fault.  She knew it could be caused by doing something with inadequate tools and untried methods.

 

Danielle moved to stare out the window.  “She’s still feverish, Anna.”

 

Anna sat her children near the fire, giving them each a stick of what smelled like peppermint.  “I’m sure she’ll come around.  Daniel hasn’t suffered any ill effects from the treatment.”

 

“He shouldn’t have.  Madeline came by this morning.  She isn’t speaking to me.”

 

“She’s taking her husband’s abandonment quite hard.”

 

“What could he possibly want?”

”Who?”  Anna moved to stand next to Danielle at the window.  “Oh.”

 

“I’m not in the mood to deal with yet another of Weatherly’s errand boys.”  George Blaken knocked on the door.  “Especially not that one.”

 

Thomas announced the man just as he stepped into the room.  Holding his hat and a gold handled walking stick, the man looked like a lawyer.  His clothing was conservative, as were the cut and style of his dark hair.  His eyes were equally dark and set close together above a narrow, pointed nose. 

 

“Lady Blain.”  He nodded his head and spoke politely.  He turned to Anna.  “Mrs. McKinney.”  Again slightly nodding his head.

 

“Jess isn’t dead yet, so you probably wasted a trip.”

 

Blaken looked puzzled.  “I’m afraid there must some sort of misunderstanding.”

 

Anna thought it best to take over.  “What does bring you here, Mr. Blaken?”  She pulled the cord to summon Mrs. McGrady.  When Mrs. McGrady entered the room she turned to her.  “Please be kind enough to take the children to another part of the house.”

 

Tommy and Teresa readily went with the woman, while Danielle kept her eyes on Blaken, trying to determine if his professed confusion was genuine.

 

Blaken faced Anna.  “Your husband sent me.  Mr. McKinney felt it was appropriate that I be the one to explain my position to Lady Blain.”

 

Danielle spoke up quickly.  “Your position on what?”

 

“On your…on Blain, Blain’s injury.”

 

There was something about the way Blaken said the word that grated on her already overstressed nerves.  “She was stabbed.  You make it sound like she hit her thumb with a hammer.”

 

Blaken sucked in a breath and squared his shoulders.  “You must understand the situation, Lady Blain.  Wasting time and energy investigating what was, in all likelihood, a self-inflicted wound for the purposes of–”

 

“Back up!”  Danielle took a step forward and tilted her head.  “What makes you think her wounds were self-inflicted?  That has to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard.  Especially since you haven’t even seen the wound.”

 

“Sheriff McKinney said you wouldn’t be reasonable about this possibility.”

 

“Reasonable?”  Danielle challenged loudly.  Ignoring the angry red color seeping up the man’s neck, she continued.  “I can assure you that Jess did not stab herself.”

 

“I’m sure it comforts you to believe that.”

 

That patronizing, superior tone sent Danielle over the edge.  “Look, you spiteful little weasel.  I think the only reason you have classified Jess’s stabbing as self inflicted is that Nora Weatherly is you housemate.  If you won’t allow Daniel to investigate this crime so that someone can be prosecuted, you are obviously incapable of properly doing your job.”

 

“Nora is not the reason I believe Blain did this to herself.”

 

“You have about two seconds to explain.”

 

The man glared down at her for a second.  “You are either the most gullible woman around or you have knowingly and willingly chosen to spend you life with a murderer.”

 

“Jess hasn’t murdered anyone.”

 

“Gullible!”  He shook his head.  “The woman has obviously convinced you that she isn’t responsible for throwing the loveliest creature in all of Charleston from the second story of this house.”

 

“Hold it.”  Danielle raised her hand up to stop him, while she mentally weighed each and every word.  Lifting her blue eyes in challenge, she said, “You loved her.”

 

“Of course I was in love with her.  Most men were.  To know Lillian was to love her.  With the one notable exception of Blain.”

 

“If you were so in love with her and Weatherly was in such an all fire hurry to marry her off, why didn’t you marry her?”

 

Blaken didn’t answer Danielle’s question immediately.  He seemed content to study the pattern of the wool rug.

 

Anna couldn’t stay quiet any longer.  “Well?  I think you owe Lady Blain a response after all the accusations you have made regarding Jess.  Who, by the way, is upstairs in quite poor condition.”

 

The piece of information seemed to bring Blaken some amount of sick comfort.  “I was never able to tell Lillian of my feelings.”  His voice grew quiet.  “And then she killed her.”

 

Danielle was reaching the end of her patience and tired of repeating herself.  “Jess didn’t kill anyone.  And since you don’t have any intention of finding out who tried to kill her, for a second time, I would appreciate it if you would get the hell out of my house.”  She brushed the man’s shoulder as she exited the room.  As she saw it, her only options were either to leave or to grab one of the irons from the fireplace and beat some sense into him.

 

Danielle opened the door to the bedroom.

 

Mrs. McGrady stood up.  “I’ve been rubbing her with alcohol every hour, just as you said.”

 

“Is there any change?”

 

“She’s still burning up.”

 

“I’ll sit with her for a while.”  She squeezed the older woman’s shoulder.  “Go get something to eat and I won’t be needing you to make dinner for me.”

 

“You haven’t eaten all day, ma’am.”

 

“I’ll grab something later.”  She climbed up on the high bed and felt the heat emanating from the woman’s sweaty body.  She checked her pupils and her pulse, feeling utterly and totally helpless.  Her wound was clean, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t missed something when she’d sutured it.

 

“Please don’t die, Jess,” she whispered as she took a cloth and dabbed away the moisture.

 

Jess groaned and her head moved in the direction of Danielle’s voice.

 

“You have to fight this infection and get well, Jess.  I’m afraid, for the first time in my life.  I’m afraid to live in this world without you.  You do get on my nerves at times because you can be stubborn, but I really don’t think I could stand it if you died.”

 

“Danielle?”  Jess didn’t open her eyes and her voice was low and scratchy.

 

“I’m here, Jess.  What happened?  Who did this to you?”

 

“Danielle…love you.”

 

“Jess, you don’t know what you’re saying, but at least you’re talking.  Tell me what happened so I can tell Daniel.”

 

“Has to be love…need you…too much.”

 

“Hush.”  She filled a glass with water and brought it to her lips.  “Try to drink, Jess.  You need fluids.”

 

“Need…you…to…stay.”

 

“I’m not going anywhere.  Please try to take a sip.”

 

In her current state, there was no way she could identify her attacker.  Danielle held her head and managed to get a few ounces of water into her before she faded out again.  Her color looked better, Danielle decided about half an hour later when she realized Jess was no longer perspiring and her skin felt cooler to the touch.  She was still pale, but her vital signs were encouraging.

 

Danielle was so excited she was just about to ring for Mrs. McGrady, when the door burst open and a very breathless Madeline appeared.

 

“My God, Danielle, you were right.  Just about the whole city is on fire.”

 

All through the night of December 11, what few men were left inside the city stood with the Confederate soldiers and managed to battle the flames as building after building ignited.  When it was all over, the fire had destroyed an area of 540 acres between the rivers.  Exactly what she told Jess it would destroy.

 

**********

 

 “She was right, you know?”  Madeline sat in a chair next to Jess’s bed.  “It was just as she said it would be. 

 

“I know.”

 

“What do you think it means?”

 

Jess studied her friend, knowing Madeline was as skeptical as she, yet the evidence seemed to support the strange claims.  “I have no idea.”  She stretched her frame, tired from the week of lying in bed.

 

“Is it possible that she really did travel through time?  That she isn’t real?”

 

Jess didn’t hesitate in her answer.  “She’s real.  I suppose anything is possible.”  She was hoping to sound philosophical.  “She could prove to be invaluable to us.”

 

Madeline’s look was disapproving.  “If what she has been saying is true, then she is part of my family.  I won’t have you using her if it means putting her in danger.”

 

“But she must know a great deal about the major turning points in the war.  If she can tell me of those with the same accuracy she predicated the fire–”

 

“Maybe that’s all it was.  Just a lucky prediction.  Or maybe she overheard something.”

 

Jess shook her head.  “Her knowledge of medicine isn’t luck.  She has saved my life on two occasions.”

 

One of Madeline’s brows arched high on her forehead.  “Have you ever stopped to wonder why?”

 

“Because she’s a doctor.  It’s what she does.”

 

Madeline nodded.  “That must be why she barely left your side in all the time you were ill.  It wasn’t until you started mumbling that she went off to try to help some of the victims burned or injured by the fire.”

 

“Did my stores make it?”

 

Madeline shook her head.  “Most of the cotton stores were lost.  But I didn’t come here to discuss cotton.”

 

Danielle peeked around the corner of the partially opened door.  “I’m sorry.”

 

Jess immediately noticed the fatigue around her eyes, as well as the soot, ash and filth that were smudged on her cheeks.  “Come in.”  She was struggling to keep her voice even.  Regardless of Danielle’s current state of disarray, Jess didn’t want her to leave.

 

She seemed nervous as she joined them and Jess noted that she never made eye contact.

 

Madeline gestured to Danielle’s clothing with her hand.  “You surely are a sight.  When was the last time you slept, Danielle?”

 

“That’s why I came back.  I’m about dead on my feet.”

 

 Jess tried to sit up straight.  “What exactly have you been doing?”

 

“A small hospital was set up.  I’ve been helping Dr. Sadlin and Miss Green tend to people.”

 

Jess laughed softly.  “Helping?”

 

Danielle’s smile was almost one of embarrassment.  “Okay, so I felt it was my duty to teach that quack the right way to salve and wrap a serious burn.”

 

Madeline laughed.  “I’m sure the midwife, Greene, loved that.  She thinks Sadlin walks on water and I’ll bet she didn’t take too kindly to your making him look like a jackass in front of others.”

 

Danielle wiped her palms on the front of her skirt.  Jess noted that there were several other smeared stains, indicating that she had been working a long time.

 

“She tried to have me tossed out on more than one occasion.  But I guess, in the end, people were in such pain they didn’t care who treated them.”

 

Jess shifted herself so she could sit up better.  “Madeline, would you mind giving Danielle and me a moment?”

 

Madeline was out of the chair instantly.  After kissing the air in the vicinity of Jess, she moved to Danielle.  The two women stood toe to toe and Jess held her breath, not knowing what her longtime friend intended.

 

“I never thought I’d have a niece.”  She had a hint of emotion in her voice.  “Welcome to the family.”

 

“Do you mean it?”

 

Madeline nodded.  “I think so.  I can’t seem to come up with a better explanation for all your talents.”

 

“What about you?” she asked as soon as Madeline was out of the room.  “Do you believe me?”

 

Her eyes met Danielle’s and she searched the expectant face a long time.   “I have to admit that from the stories I’ve been hearing, I don’t really have much choice.”

 

Jess hadn’t expected Danielle to fling herself onto the bed, but she did.  Jess didn’t mind, in fact, she wished Danielle might have done this days ago.  The feel of Danielle’s small body was a sensation burned into her mind, and Jess had thought of her almost every waking moment.  She wondered what could be happening to her.  She didn’t understand how Danielle had become so important to her in such a short period of time.  She didn’t know how she would bear it if, and when, Danielle found a way to return to her own time.  She knew she couldn’t stand in Danielle’s way and feel the way she did about her.  Either possibility brought with it a profound sense of sadness and loss.  So profound that Jess felt the need to communicate her fears to Danielle, perhaps convince her to stay.

 

Taking Danielle’s smudged face in her hands, Jess kissed her gently, silently hoping things would never have to change. 

 

Danielle smiled.  “What was that all about?” 

 

She brushed some of the hair off Danielle’s face.  “I believe it was a kiss.”  She wanted to find something that would add lightness to her own heavy heart at the moment.  “You have indicated in the past that you enjoy being kissed.”

 

Danielle’s eyes narrowed as she listened.  “You’re lying, Jess.  That was something different.  You look like you just lost your best friend.  Has something happened?”

 

Jess shrugged and tried to force a smile to her lips.  “I lost a great deal in the fire.  But I suppose that is nothing compared with the poor souls who lost more than just material possessions.”

 

Danielle nodded, then yawned.  “I’ll change your dressing, then I really need a quick bath and a nap before I go back.”

 

“Go back?  Surely the worst is over now.”

 

“It is, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do some good.”

 

“You can do some good here.”  She gave Danielle a playful wink.

 

Danielle shook her head and placed her hands on her slender hips.  “You’re incorrigible.  I can’t believe you’re the same person who was mumbling deliriously just a short time ago.”

 

“What makes you think I was delirious?”

 

“I heard what you said.”  She giggled.  “Trust me, you’d be as red as a beet if I repeated even half of it.”

 

“I think I said–”

 

“It isn’t important.  I didn’t take any of it seriously and I know it was the fever talking and not you.”

 

“But, Danielle–”

 

“Really, Jess.  I’ve got to go now.  I want you to stay in bed until at least tomorrow.”

 

Frowning, she decided Danielle wasn’t in a terribly receptive mood.  Funny that a woman who could curse like a man, discuss sexuality as if it were the weather, wasn’t, apparently, inclined to discuss matters of the heart.  Specifically not her own heart.

 

“I guess we can talk about my…delirium another time.”

 

Danielle was visibly relieved.  “Fine.  I’m going to get cleaned up and grab a nap.”

 

“You can sleep with me.”  Jess turned down the corner of the sheet.

 

Danielle gave her a lopsided look.  “I don’t think that would work, nor would it be particularly good for your leg.”

 

“You’re a doctor.  Surely you can figure out a way for us to–”

 

She cleared her throat to interrupt.  “I’m leaving now, Jess.”  Her face was flaming.  “You need to get your strength back.”

 

“Why don’t you give me a reason?   You know, some sort of reward if I promise to be a good girl.”

 

“I’ll bet you were never a good girl.”  She laughed.  “Besides, I can’t think of a single thing I could offer as a reward.”  Her voice was teasing and there was a playful twinkle in her eyes.

 

“I have a few suggestions.”

 

“All of them X-rated, no doubt.”

“X-rated?”

 

“Sexually explicit.  Obviously, your libido wasn’t hurt.”

 

“Want to test your theory, Doctor?”

 

Danielle’s expression grew suddenly serious.  “I’m glad you believe me.  It means a lot to me.”

 

Jess suddenly realized she didn’t want gratitude from Danielle.  She wanted much more.  Recalling Danielle’s belief that she would return to her time if she was able to prove she didn’t kill Lillian, Jess rubbed her temple in thought.  “I’ll think about your suggestion.”

”Which suggestion?”

 

“That I permit you to examine Lillian’s body.”

 

Danielle’s eyes grew wide.  “Thank you.”

 

“I haven’t said yes,” Jess cautioned.  “Just that I would consider it.”

 

“Why the sudden change of heart?”

 

“Because if you do manage to prove me innocent, you can return to your time.”

 

“Right.”

 

The hurt in Danielle’s voice from that one word haunted Jess long after Danielle had hastily left the room.  Still, Jess didn’t dare read more into it.

 

**********

 

“Not now, please,” Danielle whispered when she saw Nora coming toward her on the street.  She was too exhausted from her hectic day to deal with the girl.

 

“Stop!”

 

“Go away, Nora.”  She met the girl’s eyes before continuing.  “I’m tired and Jess is waiting for me.”

 

Nora flinched, but she stood her ground, effectively preventing Danielle from passing.  Danielle thought of simply knocking the girl on her ass into the dirty street, but that required an expense of energy and she preferred to save what little energy she had for later, now that Jess was up and about.

 

“I know George came to see you.”

 

“Yes, George Blaken, Captain Fourcade, all your father’s flunkies have dropped in.”

 

“You have to get Jess to listen to reason, Danielle.”

 

Maybe it was the slight catch in the girl’s voice, or perhaps just the fact that she seemed suddenly scared.  “I don’t have any interest in telling Jess what to do with her interest in the wharf.  As far as I’m concerned, it’s between her and your father.”

 

“But she should leave Charleston.  It’s what she should have done after Lillian died.”

 

A sound of utter disbelief rumbled from Danielle’s throat.  “This is her home.  And Blazenwood, as well.  Why would she leave Charleston?”

 

“Because of Lillian’s death.”

 

“Look,” Danielle began, calling on her reserve of patience and constantly reminding herself that this girl had recently lost her sister.  “Jess didn’t kill her, so there isn’t any reason she should consider relocating.”

 

“But she could go back to where she came from.  Captain Fourcade has always wanted to buy Blazenwood and Father needs full control of the wharf.”

”Needs or wants?”  She was growing tired of the pointless conversation.

 

“It is the only thing of value he has.  He’s desperate.”

 

“I’m really very sorry.”  Danielle lifted her skirts with the intention of stepping into the street to get past the annoying girl. 

 

“But Jess has to leave!”

 

“That’s ridiculous.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, Nora.”  She started to leave again.

 

“I was there that night.”  She lowered her voice to a whisper.  “I saw her do it.  I saw Jess kill Lillian.”

 

**********

 

Jess observed her as she paced back and forth in front of the fireplace.  “You seem nervous.”

 

“I had an interesting chat with Nora on my way home.  You certainly have managed to make the Weatherlys angry, haven’t you?”

 

Shrugging her broad shoulders, Jess leaned against the mantel, shifting some of the weight off her bad leg.  “Weatherly blames me for his daughter’s death.”

 

“No wonder.”  She met Jess’s eyes.  “Nora just told me that she saw you kill Lillian.”

 

“What?”

 

Danielle offered a reassuring smile.  “Don’t worry; she wasn’t very convincing.”

 

Danielle watched as relief and apparent pleasure lightened her expression.  Jess seemed to approve of the fact that she hadn’t given much credence to Nora’s dramatic proclamation.

 

“If she told Weatherly that story, it’s no wonder he’s so bitter.”

 

“She did shed some light on why I’ve had so many visitors, though.”

 

“Which is?”

 

“Does Captain Fourcade want Blazenwood?”

 

The smile that formed on her mouth could only be described as derogatory.  “I bought the land for only back taxes when I first came here.  I rebuilt the house and returned it to its present condition.  Fourcade has made no secret of his belief that I stole the place away from his family.”

 

“Then why didn’t he just pay the taxes?”

 

“At the time, Fourcade’s family had suffered three straight years of failed crops.”

 

“So you did the corporate raider thing and now he’s pissed.”

 

Jess was gaping at her.

 

“Sorry.  I know some of my expressions are foreign to you, but sometimes it is just as hard for me.  The use of the word ‘Madam’ in my time usually refers to a woman who runs a brothel.  I’ll try to remember where I am while I’m stuck here, okay?”

 

She watched as Jess’s expression closed.  It was like watching a heavy wall fall into place.  “What, Jess?”

 

She shook her head and moved over to refill her glass.  She drank the glass of brandy in one quick swallow. 

 

Troubled by the sudden change in her, Danielle went to her side, placing a tentative hand on her forearm.  “What’s wrong?”

 

She heard Jess’s audible breath and felt the muscle beneath her fingers tense. 

 

**********

 

“I suppose I have grown rather accustomed to having you around these past weeks.  Whenever you speak of leaving…”

 

“Jess.”  Danielle placed a hand on her arm, bringing Jess’s eyes to hers.  “I can’t figure out how to get back, but if I do you have to understand my side of it.”

 

The words sounded shallow to Danielle, even as she allowed them to slip past her lips.  She knew that she wasn’t supposed to feel the emptiness whenever she thought about going home. 

 

“I’m trying, Danielle.”

 

“I know.  I also know what happens.  I know that this is the costliest war this country has yet to experience.  I know that people of vision and greatness are assassinated.”

 

“You could help prevent those things, Danielle.”

 

Danielle nodded.  “I’ve thought about that.  But what if I were to somehow change the course of history?  What if I said or did something that had a negative effect later on?”

 

“Such as?”

 

Pressing her fingers against her temples, Danielle searched her memory.  “Let’s say Lincoln gets reelected and serves a second term as president.”

”Does that happen?”

 

Danielle nodded, averting her eyes in the process.  “But in that second term, his plans could prevent this country from hearing the voices of Martin Luther King Jr. and Maya Angelou.”

 

“Who are they?”

 

“Just two examples of great visionaries, whose futures I could affect if I started fooling around with the past.”

 

“But we can prevent bloodshed.”  She gripped Danielle’s upper arms as she argued.  “With your help, I could prevent what you’re telling me will be a long, awful period with a lot of needless death and suffering.” 

 

Danielle looked at the deep lines etched at the corners of Jess’s eyes.  The sincerity she saw there touched her deeply.  “It wouldn’t be right, Jess.  Who knows?  I may have already done or said something that will change the course of things.  That’s why it is so important that I get back to where I belong.”

 

Jess’s expression grew solemn.  “I understand.  I suppose you’ll need this.”  She reached into the pocket of her trousers and removed the locket.  Lifting Danielle’s hand, she placed the locket in her palm, then wrapped her fingers around it.  The locket held the warmth of Jess’s body.  Jess’s eyes were anything but warm. 

 

Danielle had a huge lump in her throat, but she knew she had to say something.  “Thank you.”  She fell quiet for a moment as she looked at the locket.  “I don’t know what to say.”

 

Jess’s palm flattened against Danielle’s cheeks and her eyes studied each of Danielle’s features.  Danielle’s heart actually hurt when she realized Jess was trying to commit her to memory.  “I wish there were some other way, Danielle.  I wish I could find a way to make you want to stay here.”

 

“And I wish I knew a way to take you with me.”

 

Jess smiled.  “That would be perfect, wouldn’t it?  Is there war in your time?”

 

She nodded.  “But not like this.  We’ve made it very neat and sanitary.  Enemies can kill each other without ever coming face-to-face.”

 

“Hmm, that would make it simpler, I suppose.”

 

Jess reached her hands around Danielle’s waist and pulled her to her.

 

“Your leg, Jess.”

 

“My leg is fine,” Jess promised.

 

“But we shouldn’t be doing this, not so soon after your injury.”

 

“Is that your medical opinion or are you just trying to get out of your wifely duties?”  Jess’s tone was very teasing.

 

Placing her palms against Jess’s chest, Danielle allowed her fingernails to gently rake the outline of her collarbone.  “I happen to enjoy my wifely duties very much.  But we really shouldn’t put undo stress on that leg.”

 

Jess kissed her forehead.  “And what if I simply ignore your protests and carry you up to my bedroom and have my way with you?”

 

“We’d probably both break our necks, since your leg can barely hold your own weight, let alone mine.”

 

Jess sighed, apparently resigned to following Danielle’s advice in spite of her obvious desire.  “So what should we do?”

 

“You can tell me what happened the night you were stabbed.  God knows Blaken has all but forbidden Daniel to do any investigating.”

 

Jess shrugged.  “Blaken just doesn’t believe me.”

 

Danielle grunted.  “Because he was madly in love with Lillian.  That’s what he can’t get over.”

 

“Where did you hear this bit of gossip?”

 

Danielle tilted her head.  “From him.”

 

Jess placed a quick kiss on her lips.

 

Danville stared up at her, puzzled by her suddenly cheery mood.  “I would think that hearing that someone was in love with your partner would be a little depressing.”

 

Jess met and held her gaze.  “It would be if he’d been talking about you.”

She felt her whole body go still at the sudden change in the direction of their conversation.  “Be serious, Jess.”

 

“I am.”  She leaned and gave Danielle a slow, sensual kiss that actually left her breathless.  “I know you don’t want to discuss this, Danielle, but–”

 

“Don’t!” She quickly placed her fingers to Jess’s lips.  “We don’t have a future and this is hard enough without complicating it with our emotions.”

 

“Are you really so able to turn your feelings on and off like that, Danielle?”

 

“I’ve had to learn to do that, Jess.  If not, I wouldn’t be able to cope with my job.  Emotional distance is a necessary defense mechanism for me.”

 

“What about me, Danielle?  Am I supposed to pretend that I don’t–”

 

“Yes,” Danielle cut in.  “We can make it wonderful for however long I’m here.”  She was hoping to salve some of the pain she read in Jess’s expression.  “Or we can have pointless conversations that won’t change a thing.”

 

Reluctantly, Jess inclined her head fractionally.

 

“Good.   Now since we can’t do what we’d like to be doing, why don’t you explain to me why you’re working with a slimeball like Canton?”

 

Jess reluctantly allowed her to slip from her embrace.  Danielle took a seat close to the fire, while Jess sank into the chair, then lifted her injured leg onto the ottoman.  After getting comfortable, she nodded to the locket that Danielle held in her hand.  “Aren’t you going to put it on?”

 

“In a minute.  I want to know more about you and Canton.”

 

“Canton is a necessary evil.”

”Evil enough to have stabbed you?  Is that what happened?”

 

“I was on my way to meet a new contact, when a rider came out of the trees and attacked.”

”Was it someone you know?  Was it Canton or Fourcade?”

 

Jess shook her head.  “It happened really quickly and my horse threw me.  By the time I recovered, the man had disappeared back into the trees.”

 

“But you did recognize him?” Danielle guessed.

 

“It was pitch black, yet there was something familiar about him.  But I really couldn’t say who it was.”

Danielle moved next to her, placing her hand on one of Jess’s.  “Think, Jess.  Could you see his face, maybe his hair?  A hand with a ring or something?”

 

“He was completely shrouded by a cape.  I only got a look at his boots.”

”That’s a start.”

 

Jess sighed.  “Not really.  I only caught a glimpse and all I can remember is that they were black and well worn.”

 

“I’ll assume there’s no such thing as a Foot Locker yet, so couldn’t we get a list of all the men in Charleston who have had black boots made?”

 

Jess tapped the arm of the chair with her finger.  “I’m quite certain it would take from now until your time for us to track down every man who has commissioned black riding boots.”

“That many, huh?”

“And as I said, they were well worn, so the person could very well have had them made a number of years ago, in any town or city with a cobbler.”

 

Danielle shook her head in frustration.  “I get the point.  Investigation is much simpler in my time.  We can trace dye lots to specific manufacturers, then trace the finished product through distributors.  Computers make it pretty easy to gain access to all sorts of information.”

 

“Computers?”

 

“Machines that store and manipulate all sorts of information.  They control most everything, much to the chagrin of my lab tech.  She would probably be much happier if we did everything by abacus and stone tablets.”

Intrigue was obvious in Jess’s large eyes.  “Your computer sounds much more interesting.”

 

Danielle smiled.  “Television, movies and my personal favorite is the CD player.”  Danielle went on to explain the things in great detail.  Jess hung on her every word, stopping her occasionally to ask questions.

 

She let out a long whistle.  “I think I would like your time.”

 

“I think so, too.”  Danielle’s voice softened before she continued.  She had to get them back to the original subject.  “Why do you work with Canton against the South?”

 

“My reasons are quite simple.  I don’t believe any good can come of civil war.  History would testify to that.  I really have only one goal in life and it is not terribly lofty.”

 

“Which is?”

 

“To live in peace at Blazenwood.  To continue to make improvements to the architecture and the grounds.  I like creating things, designing things.  I was happiest when Blazenwood was under construction.”

 

Danielle looked away and spoke softly.  “You’ll get a chance to do it over again.”

 

Jess’s dark brows drew together at the bridge of her nose.  “Blazenwood is destroyed?”

 

Danielle was sorry she had opened her mouth.  “I honestly don’t know.  I just know that by my time, it isn’t standing.  At least most of it isn’t.”

 

She closed her eyes and leaned her dark head against the back of the chair.  “I built that place in the hope that it would continue long after my death.”

”Now that I’ve told you, maybe you can take measures to protect it.  Unless it’s your heirs who allow it to fall into ruin.”

 

“What heirs?” Jess asked, without opening her eyes.  “I am a woman that has no intentions of lying with a man.  There will be no heirs.”

 

“There are always children who need someone to take care of them, Jess.  Many children need a home and parents…especially after this war is over.”

Jess opened her eyes.  “Yes.  Parents.  Two people, Danielle.  That will be impossible when you leave.”

 

Danielle didn’t know what to say.  “I’m sure you’ll find–”

 

“What, Danielle?  Another woman like you?”  Jess sneered.  “I know you don’t want to hear this, Danielle, but I find I don’t want any other woman but you.”

 

“Jess, don’t,” Danielle pleaded.

 

Ignoring her protest, Jess reached out and pulled Danielle into her lap.  “I must be totally daft, but I know I’ve never felt like this before.”

 

Jess’s mouth closed on hers, moving with exquisite tenderness.  The fierce passion was tempered by something else, something that began to pierce the wall around Danielle’s heart.  Fireworks exploded in her mind as she slipped her arm around Jess’s neck and settled comfortably against her.  She wished over and over again that lifetimes didn’t stand between them.

 

Jess lifted her head and reached out to grab Danielle’s hand.  She found the locket still clutched there and took it from her.  “If you’re going to leave me, Danielle, do it now please?”

 

Danielle lowered her head and allowed Jess to slip the locket over her head.  Nothing happened. 

 

“It still doesn’t work.”  Danielle was amazed by the fact that a part of her was glad.  “I’m still doing something wrong.”

Jess rose, gently setting Danielle on the floor.  She didn’t meet Danielle’s eyes when she spoke.  “You came to me on the grounds of Blazenwood.  Perhaps when I take you there tomorrow morning, you’ll have better…luck.”

 

“I thought you said Blazenwood was too dangerous.

 

“It is, but it is where Lillian is buried.”

 

“What are you saying, Jess?”

 

“Prove I didn’t kill her, Danielle.  The faster you accomplish that, the faster we can end this.”

 

**********

 

 

Danielle watched Jess stare out the window of the carriage.  “You’re acting like I chose this, Jess.” 

 

“You made a choice, Danielle.”  She kept her face turned toward the small window, refusing even to look at her.  “I’m simply complying with your wishes.”

Remembering the fireworks she experienced in Jess’s arms, she reached out and took her hand.  “Do you want to know what I really wish could happen?”  Jess still did not turn to look at her.  “Jess, please look at me.”  Once she had her full attention, she continued.  “I wish I could find whatever trapdoor I fell through and take you back with me.  I’ve waited all my life to feel the things you make me feel.  I had pretty much given up on that dream until I met you.  I don’t know how it happened, but I’m in love with you, Jess.  The thought of leaving you breaks my heart.”

 

Jess’s jaw dropped open.  “How can you tell me this now?  Don’t you know that I feel the same way about you?”

Tears welled up in Danielle’s eyes.  “Yes, I know, but it doesn’t change anything.  It can’t.  I don’t belong here and I never will.”

 

Jess leaned forward and wiped a stray tear from her cheek.  “You could, Danielle.  We can leave the country until the war if over if you want.”

 

“But what would that do to the course of things?”  She was suddenly angry at fate and whatever else was responsible for her predicament.  “You are a part of the war.  If you suddenly disappear, it could change something that could affect dozens, maybe hundreds, of other things.” 

 

“I don’t care.”  She punched the seat next to her.  “Tell me, Danielle, what are we supposed to do.  Am I just to forget you?”

 

“We have to.  You’ll have to pretend that I died or something.  I don’t know, Jess.”

 

“Forgive me, but I wasn’t heartbroken when Lillian died.  I was sorry for her passing, but it was never like this.  Lillian and I never shared what I’ve shared with you.  Losing you might be more than I can suffer.”

 

“Please don’t say that, Jess.  It isn’t any easier for me, but we have no choice.”

 

“Is that why you’re wearing the locket?” Accusation dripped from each syllable.  “You want to make sure you’re prepared at every step.”

 

Danielle glared at her.  “I’m wearing the locket because it has your picture inside.”

“A photograph.”  Jess’s voice was quiet as she shook her head.  “I will not even have that of you.”

 

The carriage stopped then, depositing them at the front of the stately mansion just as dusk settled on Blazenwood. 

 

They dined in total silence before Jess dismissed the staff and retrieved Danielle’s satchel from the carriage. 

 

“Thank you.”  Danielle was trying to keep her voice light.  If her plan worked and she discovered something that could clear Jess’s name, she didn’t want their last words spoken in anger.

 

Jess’s only response was a grunt.

 

So much for what I want.  Danielle shook her head and followed her from the house.  Apparently, Jess was going to make this as unpleasant as possible.

 

Jess carried a candle as they followed a stone path that wound deep into the pines lining the property.  After a short while, they came upon an iron gate that surrounded a crypt.

 

“Being kept aboveground will help.”

 

“Spare me the details.”  Jess’s tones were clipped.  “I’ll wait for you out here.”

Danielle moved to stand directly in front of her.  “Can I have a kiss first?”

Jess looked over her head and said, “I have no desire to kiss you.”

Taking a calming breath, Danielle swore she wouldn’t cry as she entered the musty room and went to work.  When she emerged more than two hours later, their roles had reversed.

 

“Your examination didn’t send you back.”  Jess observed happily, wrapping her arms around Danielle and attempting to kiss her.

 

Danielle turned her head to keep from being subjected to the unwanted kiss.  “Let go of me, Jess.”

 

Jess was confused and, she would hate to admit, a little scared.  She slowly released her.  “What is it, Danielle?  What happened?  What did you discover?”

 

Danielle took the satchel and shoved it hard against Jess’s midsection.  “I discovered you’re a stinking liar.”

“Liar?  I didn’t kill her, Danielle.”

 

“Even after you found out that she had a lover?”

 

“What?  What are you talking about, Danielle?”

 

“I’m referring to the fact that Lillian was three months pregnant when she died.”  Danielle’s quick smile was wicked.  “I’m guessing you didn’t have a lot to do with that.”

 

“Three months pregnant?  I…I…Three months pregnant?”

 

**********

 

Back at the house, Jess followed Danielle into the bedroom.  “We have to talk about this, Danielle.”

 

“I don’t want to talk to you right now.  I can’t.  Please…just go.  I want to be alone.”

 

“Danielle!”  Jess’s voice thundered.  “Think for a minute.  Why would I kill her for lying with another.  I didn’t love her.  Hell, I barely knew her.”

 

Danielle turned away and tried to think clearly.  “I don’t know.  Maybe you were dishonest about your feelings, as well.  Or maybe it was pride.”  She shook her head and hung her shoulders.  “I just don’t know.”  She didn’t want to believe it was possible.

 

Jess released a frustrated breath.  “Fine.  Let us look at this a different way.  Are you sure she was expecting?”

“Positive.”  Danielle’s anger was fading somewhat as her rational side regained control over her emotions.  She watched as Jess paced, knowing in her heart and mind that she couldn’t have killed Lillian.

 

As Jess paced, she voiced her thoughts aloud.  “I chose Lillian because I needed her father’s wharf, but he evidently didn’t know she was expecting.  He wouldn’t have chosen me to marry her…he would have chosen a man.  He would have demanded to know the identity of the baby’s father.”  Jess was silent for a moment, deep in thought.  “The father of the baby.  Maybe…he killed her.”

 

Danielle gasped.  “Oh my God, Jess.  If he thought Lillian told you about the baby, he could be the one that has made the two attempts on your life.”

 

Jess turned to her and shrugged.  “Maybe.”  Her expression changed suddenly.  “So you believe me…again?”

 

Danielle let out a long breath.  “Jess…You…I didn’t know what to think.  During the examination, everything I found was consistent with a fall, but then…the baby.  My mind started racing.  I’m sorry, Jess.  I really am.”

 

Jess could hear the regret in her voice.  It broke her heart to think that Danielle could think of her as a liar and a murderer, but it didn’t stop her from closing the distance between them.  Her expression darkened as her eyes made a bold appraisal of Danielle.  “Since we have been discussing my truthfulness, I feel it only appropriate that I tell you that I have lied to you in the past.”

 

Danielle stiffened.  “Really?”

 

“Yes.  I lied to you when I stated that I had no desire to kiss you.  I can think of nothing that would give me more pleasure.  Then or now.”

 

Danielle smiled as tears came to her eyes. 

 

Jess raised both of her hands and gently cupped Danielle’s face.  “May I kiss you now?”

 

Danielle was surprised and saddened at the uncertainty in Jess’s voice.  Jess was asking for permission instead of acting.  That was a first.  “You’re asking?”  Danielle smiled.  “I may faint from the shock.”

 

She looked into Danielle’s eyes as her thumb lazily drifted over her bottom lip.  “I would beg if it would please you.”  She bent slightly, but stopped.  Leaving her lips hovering over Danielle’s mouth, waiting.

 

The thought of Jess begging sent a surge of pleasure through Danielle’s body that had her struggling for breath.  She met Jess’s lips with a hard, hungry pressure that thrilled them both.  Her hands lifted quickly to Jess’s shirt, tearing open the edges in order to feel the strong silky skin of her body.  She pushed the garment down her arms, feeling the tightening of Jess’s bunched muscles.

 

Jess broke the kiss with a teasing smile playing on her lips.  “I’m not sure I like your aggressive tendencies, but I suppose two can play your game.”  That said, Jess grasped the top of her bodice and tore the fabric to the waist while bringing their lips together again.  The noise Danielle made against Jess’s mouth wasn’t one of protest.  It was sheer pleasure knowing that Jess’s need was as desperate as her own.  Dresses were replaceable; This sort of passion came along only once in a lifetime.

 

Jess’s mouth slowed to a gentler pace as her hand cupped the swell of Danielle’s breast.  Danielle moaned and pressed herself against her, caught between wanting this to last all night and the overwhelming urgency coiling her stomach.

 

She got both her wishes.  Weeks of abstinence led to a quick, volatile joining.  Then, slowly, while the rest of the house slept, they took their time exploring each other as night gave way to dawn.

 

Later, Danielle lay staring at the ceiling deep in thought.  She jerked at the sound of Jess’s voice so close to her ear.

 

“Thinking about Lillian, again?”

 

“I’ll bet if we find the father of Lillian’s child, we’ll find out who is behind the attempts on your life.”

 

Jess shook her head.  “You are more than welcome to try, but I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

 

Harold Weatherly probably won’t be inclined to help us.  Nora either.  George Blaken told me he loved her.  It must be him.”

 

“George Blaken?”  Jess laughed.  “The man’s every action is dictated by his mother.  I don’t think he would have bedded Lillian without his mother’s permission.”

 

“Jess!”  Danielle couldn’t stop laughing.  “That isn’t very kind.”

 

“My apologies.”  She smiled with a raised brow.  “But I find it hard to believe that I could have offended your sensibilities, Danielle.  You aren’t exactly easy to shock.”

 

Danielle couldn’t argue with that.

 

“We really should try to get some sleep.”  She pulled Danielle into the curve of her arm.  “I have to be back in town by dinnertime.”  

 

“Don’t tell me.”  Danielle groaned.  “You’ve got another meeting.  Another dangerous meeting?”

 

Danielle could feel and hear the laughter rumble deep in Jess’s chest.  “Nothing so cloak and dagger, I’m afraid.”  She squeezed Danielle briefly to reassure her.  “I simply have to be on time to receive a package, Danielle.”

 

“From Madeline?”

 

Danielle felt her tense for an instant.  “How did you know?”

 

“When you told me only three people knew you were a spy and you wouldn’t reveal the third name, I realized it had to be Madeline or Anna.”

 

“How did you decide on Madeline?”  Jess took a lock of her hair and toyed with it as they spoke.

 

“I heard you talking.”

 

Jess let out a breath and gave the lock she was holding a small tug.  “I warned you against eavesdropping.”

 

“And I warned you that I don’t obey very well.”

 

Dropping the lock of hair, Jess reached down and slowly pulled the locket out from beneath the sheet.  “I’ve grown to detest this thing.”

”Think of it as a necessary evil, like Canton.”

 

“Right.”

 

“Speaking of him.”  Danielle propped herself up on her elbows.  “I know why you spy for the Union.  Why does he?”

 

“Money.  He is making a small fortune, which he keeps secreted in banks in New York.”

 

“And Madeline?  Why does she do it?”

 

“Even though it has been years since her husband left, Madeline can’t seem to get past it.  Every month she pretends to receive a letter from him.  The truth is, the last she heard, William Yeager had his own regiment in Virginia.  I think she’s hoping he won’t have the chance to return home to the young woman he left her for.”

 

Danielle shook her head.  “He did the same thing in my time.  He left her and took their two young sons with him.”

 

Jess was looking up at her with utter amazement in her eyes.  “Does she get her boys back?”

 

“You mean Will took the boys in this time, too?”

 

Jess nodded.

 

“Eventually.”  Danielle didn’t have the heart to tell her just how long and difficult that reunion would be. 

 

**********

 

Jess was on time to retrieve the package from Madeline, but Madeline informed her that it hadn’t arrived.  They discussed other plans to receive the package.

 

Madeline watched Jess stare out the window at the garden. “So, what do you plan to do about it?”

 

Jess shrugged, distracted with watching Danielle out in the garden with Anna’s two children.  She was laughing and playing with the children with such joy.  She looked so happy at the moment and Jess wondered how she could keep her that way.  And in this time.

 

“Jess!” Madeline bellowed.

 

Anna cut her eyes to Madeline as she poured each of them a cup of tea.  “Don’t get cross, Madeline.  This is all very difficult to digest.”

 

“Well, we can’t breathe a word to anyone,” Madeline instructed.  “People wouldn’t have the first notion what to do with a woman that wasn’t real.”

 

“She is real.”  Jess continued to look at Danielle, with her back to Anna and Madeline.  “And no one should know that better than I.”

 

Anna blushed, but Madeline seemed to derive smug pleasure from what Jess’s words implied.  “Then you must think of a way to convince her to stay, Jess.”

 

“I might not have to.”  Jess felt a surge of guilt well up inside her with the words.  “She doesn’t know how to get back to her time.”

 

“That’s wonderful!”  Madeline’s face had a bright smile dominating her face.  “That solves the problem of keeping her here.”

 

“But it doesn’t.”  Her shoulders slumped forward.  “I don’t want her kept here as a prisoner.  If she stays, I want it to be because it is what she wants.  Or…”  She decided that thought should remain unspoken.

 

Madeline’s brow arched high and disapprovingly on her forehead.  “Or what, Jess?”

 

“Perhaps there might be some way for me to accompany her back to her time.”

 

“Jess!”  Both women yelped in unison.

 

Shaking her head, she spoke quietly.  “It’s probably a moot point anyway.  Danielle has spent hours manipulating the locket.  She tried taking my picture out, putting it in.  She even repeated the words she had said just before it happened.”

 

Anna touched Jess’s back.  “She really is determined.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Then you have to change her mind.”  Madeline’s voice rose with each word.  “It shouldn’t matter where you are if you both love each other.”

 

“But it does.”  Jess recalled Danielle’s argument to the subject.  “She can’t be a doctor, she doesn’t have the same freedoms and she’s terrified she’ll do or say something that will change the course of world events.

 

Madeline waved a hand at Jess.  “Phooey.  I’ll have a talk with the girl and make her see reason.”

 

Jess smiled at her.  “You’re welcome to try.”

 

**********

 

Danielle appeared for dinner and found Madeline seated at the end of the table.  “Where’s Jess?”

 

“She had to run an errand.  She said if she wasn’t back in time we should start without her.”

 

“Is she in danger?”  Danielle could feel her forehead crease from her frown.  Madeline’s smile was sly and it was all too reminiscent of the Aunt Madeline whom Danielle knew so well.  “What is she doing, Madeline?”

”She’s out getting something for you, if you must know.”

 

Danielle felt the tension drain from her shoulders and she took her seat.  “Good.  I’m kind of tired of stitching her back together after each of her clandestine adventures.”

 

“Jess is a tough one.”  Madeline’s voice showed her genuine fondness.  “And now she has a good reason to come home in one piece.”

Eyeing her dinner companion cautiously, Danielle leaned back in her chair.  “What is that supposed to mean?”

 

“A person in love doesn’t usually take so many risks.”

”Did she really have an errand or did you send her off so that you and I could talk about this?  Which…,” Danielle paused to make a production out of flipping her linen napkin into her lap, “…is none of your business.”

 

Madeline grunted.  “Are you telling me you don’t love her?”

”I’m telling you it is none of your business.”

”I’m your aunt.”

”Not for another hundred-plus years.”

 

“I can’t sit back and watch you destroy her, Danielle.  I’ve known Jess for years and she’s never been in love, to my knowledge.”

 

Danielle closed her eyes.  “I don’t want to hear this.”

 

“Well, someone has to say it.  I think I understand why you want to go back to wherever you came from, but you’d lose her in the process.  Is it really worth it, Danielle?”

 

Sucking in a breath with her eyes still closed, she exhaled slowly.  “I don’t want to lose her, but I don’t want to stay in this time.”

 

“Then you’d better decide which means more to you.”

”I know this is hard for you to understand, Madeline, and I’m sorry.”

 

“But if you give up one, perhaps you’ll find the other has no meaning.  I don’t think you can have both.”

 

“Probably not.”  Danielle could feel the reality of the statement add a great weight to her already heavy heart.

 

Her spirits lifted somewhat when she heard the front door open.  Jess joined them in the dining room, carrying a small portfolio beneath her arm.  She greeted Madeline, then placed a kiss on Danielle’s mouth that was neither brief nor perfunctory.  It didn’t end until Madeline loudly cleared her throat.

 

“Sorry.”  Jess’s light tone and bright smile indicated that she wasn’t the least bit repentant for her behavior.  “I think you’ll be pleased with this.”  She untied the lacing and flipped open a collection of photographs from their wedding day.”

 

“Wow.”  Danielle turned the pages and recalled every minute of that day in detail.

 

 Jess presented her with a long box.  “And I took the liberty of arranging for this.”

 

“What is it?”

 

Jess smiled.  “Open it.”

 

When she did, Danielle found a pendant, much more ornate than the one around her neck.  Their initials had been carved on the cover and when she flicked it open, she found her photograph on one side and Jess’s on the other.  “It is beautiful.”  She held it out for Jess to attend to the clasp and her voice became small.  “Take the other one off for now.”

 

That earned her a kiss on the neck that held great promise for the night ahead.

 

**********

 

“You didn’t need to come with me.”

 

Danielle’s smile was genuine.  “I like Blazenwood.  Besides, I’m not used to so much idle time.”

 

Jess gave her a playful wink.  “There is always needlework.”

 

“Miss Greene came by yesterday to suggest that I start sewing for the Confederate soldiers.  She thought I would be a good candidate since I seemed adequate with a needle and thread.”

 

Jess’s laughter filled the carriage.  “My scars are barely noticeable.  And I understand many of our young Southern lads went north without sufficiently warm clothing.”

 

“Don’t get smug, Jess.  The Union experiences several humiliating defeats at the hands of those Southern lads before the war turns.”

 

“Care to tell me about any of them?”

 

“So you can pass that on?  Sorry, Jess.  That’s against the rules.”

 

“It was worth a try.”  She had a huge grin on her face that brought forth an incredible dimple.  “After last night, I would have believed you incapable of denying me any–”

 

Her words were cut off by a sudden and loud explosion that sent their carriage tumbling to its side.  Danielle cried out, using her arms to try to soften the blow as she was bounced around the interior.

 

“Are you all right, Danielle?”

 

Before Danielle could answer, she was silenced when the dirt just beyond the carriage erupted, spaying them with pebbles.  Danielle felt the breath rush from her body as Jess threw herself on top of her.  The silence that followed was deafening, but somehow comforting.  Apparently, whoever was firing the cannon believed they had hit their target.”

 

Jess cupped her face.  “Are you all right.”

 

“I will be when you get off of me.”

 

Smiling apologetically, Jess rolled onto her side.  At that instant, a large cannonball came crashing through the carriage, right toward Danielle.

 

Jess wrapped both arms around her and rolled quickly as far as the space in the carriage would allow.  She felt the pressure of debris hitting them and heard Danielle scream.  When the debris stopped she watched Danielle’s eyes close as both of her hands went to her head.  Danielle’s pain showed in her face.  Jess knew she had to get them to safety.

 

**********

“For the third time, it’s nothing, Jess.”

 

“But you are bleeding.”

 

“It’s just a scrape.  I didn’t even lose consciousness.  I’m fine.”

 

Jess continued to part her hair and examine the abraded lump on the side of Danielle’s head.

 

Danielle sighed, slapping Jess’s hands away.  “Your leg must be killing you.  You shouldn’t have carried me all the way here.”

 

“It wasn’t that far.  Besides, I shouldn’t have agreed to let you accompany me.”

 

“Don’t be that way, Jess.  I wanted to come.”  She looked around at her surroundings.  “What is this place?”

 

“A hunting lodge.  We are at Blazenwood, just not anywhere near the house.”

 

“Cozy.”  Danielle’s voice was sarcastic as she took in the collection of mounted and stuffed animals guarding the room.  “Did you do all this?”

 

She shook her head.  “Not all.”

 

“I don’t know whether to be glad or disgusted.”

 

Jess was now moving to start a fire.  “By what?”

 

“I guess you don’t hunt, you don’t eat.”

 

Jess tossed wood into the fireplace impatiently.  “Danielle, what are you going on about?”

 

“Gun control.”  Shaking her head, she indicated that Jess should just forget it.  That seemed to suit Jess, for she appeared quite distracted.  And very, very tense.   Danielle watched as Jess prowled the room, checking each window in turn, her whole body coiled as if preparing to respond to some sensed danger.  “You’re wound up, Jess.  Can the cannons from the blockade ships reach us here?”

 

“No.”

 

“Then what is it?”

 

“I was guaranteed safe passage out here.  Something must be wrong.”

 

Danielle got to her feet.  “I thought you said we were riding out to Blazenwood to pick up supplies for the house.”

 

Jess didn’t respond.  She also didn’t look at Danielle.

 

“What are we really doing out here, Jess?”

 

Still no response.

 

“Tell me, Jess.  What are we doing here?”

 

Jess sighed heavily.  “The package I was supposed to receive yesterday was delayed.  This is the alternative plan.”

 

“We’re spying?” Danielle scoffed.

 

“I’m spying.  You are just along because I couldn’t think of a good reason to forbid it.”

 

“You could have tried the truth.  What didn’t you tell me you had to do this?”

 

Jess turned then, meeting her eyes.  “Would you have stayed behind?”

Danielle didn’t hesitate in her answer.  “No.  I probably would have tried to talk you out of it.”

 

Jess flashed her a grin.  “That was precisely my thought.”

 

“You can’t have all the benefits of marriage and just dismiss me when the mood strikes, Jess.”  Her voice was teasing.

 

Jess ignored the taunt.  “Now you’ll have to stay hidden when you hear a rider approach.  I’m quite sure my compatriots will feel as Canton does.  Most of these men closely guard their identities along with their activities.”

 

“And women.  You are not the only one, Jess.  There are a few women in Richmond using their charms to get information from various military and government bigwigs.”

 

“Care to share any names?”

 

“And get someone hanged?  Sorry, but you’ll have to fight your own battles.”

 

Jess continued her vigil at the window.  “Is that why you examined Lillian?”

 

“I was hoping to find something to tell me the identity of the real killer.”

”Then you still believe clearing my name is the key to getting back to your own time?”

 

“I’m trying to approach this logically, Jess.”

 

“Is that why I saw you rubbing the locket in you hand and pretending you were listening to Madeline?”

 

Danielle felt her cheeks go warm.  “Okay, so now I’m thinking logically.  The locket belonged to Lillian and she’s dead.  Your picture was inside, so you have to be the catalyst for all of this.  I admired your picture, made some comment about wanting you and wham-o, here I am.”

 

She turned to give Danielle her full attention.  “Back up.  Explain the part about wanting me.”

 

Danielle wished the rough pine flooring would open up and drop her into a deep hole.  “I was having a conversation with Aunt Madeline and she was giving me a hard time about not dating.  It was just a crack…a joke.”  She could feel herself blushing all the way to her toes.  “I now have a new appreciation for the adage ‘be careful what you wish for.’”

 

Jess’s dark head tilted slightly and she gave Danielle a devastatingly sexy half smile.  “You wished for me and…wham-o?”

 

“Pretty much,” Danielle admitted.  She was trying to quell the desire budding in the pit of her stomach.  When Jess looked at her like that, Danielle seemed able to forget that she didn’t much like this time.

 

“Perhaps if I had the same thought, we could return together.”

 

“That would be perfect, but finding yourself in a different time isn’t a walk in the park.”

Jess left her sentry and came to Danielle, lacing her fingers behind Danielle’s waist and holding her tight. 

 

Danielle leaned her head back so that she could look into her eyes.  What she saw there made her both happy and sad.  “You’re serious, aren’t you?  You would actually come with me if you could?”

 

“I would do anything to be with you, Danielle.  Even if it means learning that a mouse is not only a creature but also an electronic assistant.”

 

 

 

**********

 

Jess’s head bent slowly and she was just about to kiss her when the unmistakable sound of hoofbeats filtered into the cabin.  Jess gave her a look and quickly pushed her into a spot hidden by the shadows of a large cabinet.

 

“You’re late,” Jess said without preamble as soon as she heard the door open.

 

Danielle silently cursed the fact that she was hidden.  It just grated on her natural curiosity.  It also didn’t explain why she suddenly smelled something vile, worse than an animal.

 

The young man smiled at Jess.  “Nice to see you again, Blain.  What happened to your carriage?”

 

“We were fired upon.”

 

“We?”

 

Danielle silently cringed in her hidden spot.

 

“My driver and myself.”  Jess shook her head and lowered her eyes.  “He didn’t make it.”

 

“Sorry to hear that.”  He shifted further inside the room.  “I’ve had a difficult time myself.”

 

Jess rushed to change the subject when she saw the opening.  “What happened to you anyway, Charlie?”  She wrinkled her nose and looked around.  “And what is that smell?”

 

“A chicken coop.”  The young man laughed.  “I was forced to hide last night when a Confederate soldier saw me riding toward town.  Then I was forced to wait until the kindly farmer completed his chores before I could safely meet you here.”

 

“What an odor.”  Jess moved away from him.  “Try not to touch anything while you are here.”

 

Charlie shoved saddle bags at Jess.  “You’ll have to get this to our Union contact before morning.  And it can’t go through Canton because there’s no money to pay his fees right now.”

 

“Before morning?”  Jess unrolled the documents the man had handed her.  “That doesn’t give me much time.”

 

“I’d do it myself, but my ship is due to sail day after tomorrow at dawn.  I have to get back before I’m replaced.  What with the war, commercial shipping is at a virtual standstill.  It will be hard for me to reestablish my contacts if I don’t sail with this ship.”

 

“I understand, Charlie, but I need you to ride to Blazenwood and have my groom send two mounts.”

 

Charlie’s face contorted in a deep frown.  “Two?”

 

Jess had to think quickly.  “Yes.  I have some supplies in the carriage to retrieve and I can’t very well leave the driver.”

 

**********

 

The horses arrived within an hour of Charlie’s departure.  It was quite dark and Danielle didn’t relish the thought of riding.  “Where do we have to go, Jess?”

 

Jess continued to ready the horses.  “I’m sending you back to town and I’m riding north.”  She turned her steely eyes on Danielle.  “Alone.”

 

Danielle huffed.  “I’m not sure I can find my way.  I have no sense of direction.  Couldn’t I stay here?”

 

“No.”

 

“Couldn’t I stay at Blazenwood for the night?”

 

“Not when there’s a whole garrison of antsy Confederate troops just a few miles on the other side to the river.”

 

“But what if I get lost or if I get stopped by a patrol?”

 

Jess stopped fiddling with the strap of the saddle and let out a long sigh.  “To be honest, I don’t know what to do with you.”

 

“Take me with you, Jess.”

 

“It isn’t around the corner, Danielle.  It will take hours of hard riding to get there.”

 

“I can ride.  I might not be equestrian of the year, but I’d rather risk falling off that damned horse than roaming around here in the dark by myself.”

”I shouldn’t.”

 

“Then I’ll just follow you.”  Danielle held up a hand before Jess could protest.  “And before you argue, remember, I’m the one who never obeys.”

 

Jess narrowed her eyes, but bent down and cupped her hands in order to help Danielle mount the horse.  “You have to be the most infuriating creature on earth.”

 

Danielle immediately felt a lopsided padding on the saddle beneath her.  “What is this?  I can’t ride sidesaddle, Jess.  I’ll surely fall on my as… ah, rear end.”

 

Jess shook her head.  “There’s an old saddle in the lodge.  Unstrap that one while I get it.”

 

Danielle did as instructed, taking it one step further.  It was a big mistake.  When she pulled the thing off the animal’s back, she fell backward, with the saddle on top of her. 

 

Jess smirked at her when she returned.  “It’s comforting to see you’re such an accomplished horsewoman.”  Jess lifted the saddle off her.  “It will be a pleasure having you along.”

 

“There’s no need for sarcasm.”  Danielle could see that Jess was really worried about taking her along and wanted to assure her.  “I really won’t slow you down.  I’ll even promise to behave.”

 

Jess turned, her eyes glistening with surprise.  “Does that mean you’ll obey me?”

 

Danielle crossed her arms over her chest.  “This one time and just until you’ve delivered whatever it is you’re supposed to be delivering.”

 

“Then it will be worth the trouble of having you along.”

 

Danielle waited until Jess turned her back before she childishly offered her tongue.  When Jess had strapped on the new saddle, Danielle proudly hiked her skirts and mounted without Jess’s assistance.

 

“What you are doing is positively scandalous.”  Jess was referring to the fact that Danielle sat astride the horse, a great deal of thigh exposed for all to see.”

 

Danielle smiled.  “It’s also immensely practical.”  She grabbed the reins and followed Jess into the darkness.

 

When Jess had said several hours of hard riding, it wasn’t an exaggeration.  Every muscle in Danielle’s body ached by the time they had delivered the documents and were nearly back to Charleston.

 

Jess turned in her saddle to look at Danielle.  “Feeling all right?”

 

“Fine,” she lied.  She would have bitten off her tongue before ever admitting she should have taken Jess’s advice and gone back to The Station, regardless of her misgivings.

 

“I don’t believe I have ever seen you this quiet.  Are you sure you’re not in any discomfort?”

 

The mocking tone, coupled with the fact that she was exhausted, ignited her fuse.  “Okay.  You were right.  I don’t have a muscle that isn’t screaming bloody murder.  My arms feel like lead and my butt is numb.”

 

Jess threw her head back and laughed as she moved her horse abreast of Danielle’s.  “Here.”  She pulled up on the reins of Danielle’s horse and brought both animals to an instant halt.

 

“What are you doing, Jess?”

 

“It’s only about seven more miles to Charleston.  We’ll ride together so you can rest.”

 

“Why didn’t you make this offer about ten miles back?”  She allowed Jess to help settle her in front on the horse. 

 

“I guess I was just enjoying your compliant behavior so much that I– Uumph!”  Jess groaned as Danielle’s elbow found her stomach.  “The truth is I didn’t realize you were in such discomfort.”

 

“I’m not in any discomfort now.”  She rested against Jess and drank in the scent of her.  “This reminds me of that first night.  It seems like forever ago now.”

 

“Yes, it does.”

 

“I was really mad that night.  Especially when you had the audacity to tie me up.”

Jess gave her a gentle hug.  “My mistake.  You should have told me that the best way to subdue you was to seduce you.  It would have simplified things.”

 

“If we figure out a way for you to return with me, you can’t make comments like that to women.”  Danielle’s voice held no malice.

 

“As long as I have you, I won’t make any comments to another woman.”

 

Before Danielle could comment a gunshot rang out, causing her horse to bolt and Jess’s to rear.  Another shot blew by her ear, close enough so that she could actually smell the hot metal.

 

Jess dropped them to the ground as soon as she was able to get control of the animal.  Then, without a word, she went tearing off in the direction of the next shot.

 

In the pale morning light, Danielle couldn’t see very far and she wasn’t sure whether it was better to go to the edge of the trees or race after Jess.  She knew she could never catch up with Jess so, lifting her skirt, she took refuge behind an oak tree and listened.

 

She wondered why Jess had to go looking for trouble.  The thought made her shake and she gripped the rough surface of the tree.  The feeling intensified when she heard another shot.  She waited for what seemed like an eternity, but it began to appear that Jess wouldn’t be coming back for her.  A vision of Jess lying dead in the road brought tears to her eyes.  Her head dropped as she allowed the tears to flow freely down her cheeks.  She started whispering aloud in her grief.  “I never actually told her I loved her.  I always made it part of my grand speeches about going home.”

 

“Then I’ll have to give you an opportunity to redeem yourself.”  Jess smiled.

 

Danielle looked up and blinked when she saw whom Jess had walking behind the horse being led by a rope tied to the saddle horn.  She wiped her tears away.  “Harold Weatherly was shooting at us?”

 

Jess dismounted.  “Probably not us, more likely me.”  She took her booted foot and kicked the back of Weatherly’s legs causing him to fall at Danielle’s feet.  He was staring up at Danielle with eyes filled with dread and animosity.  A strip of fabric, obviously torn form his jacket, served as a gag and his hands were bound with the same sort of rope Jess had used to tie her all those weeks ago.

 

“Is that really necessary, Jess?”

 

“This horse can only accommodate two riders.  He can walk, since his gunfire caused two perfectly good horses to run off.”

 

Danielle shrugged, seeing her point.  They rode slowly into town.  Jess apparently had no desire to cause Weatherly pain.  Their approach did, however, garner the attentions of nearly the entire town.

 

Danielle was amazed by the number of people who ran out on porches and front verandas to gawk at Harold Weatherly being led up the road.  Yet no one, except Daniel McKinney, stepped forward.  “What is going on here?”

 

Jess’s expression was blank.  “You’ll find out as soon as I do, Daniel.”

 

Daniel mumbled something Danielle couldn’t understand as he went forward and met them at the front of The Station.

 

Jess dismounted from Weatherly’s horse, then helped Danielle down before untying the rope from the saddle horn and tugging Harold up the front steps. 

 

Daniel turned to Danielle.  “Do you know what this is all about?”

 

“Not really.”

 

“Where have the two of you been?”

 

“Out at Blazenwood.”

 

Jess yanked the prisoner into the parlor.  “What’s important is that Weatherly has made three attempts on my life and in this last one, he very nearly killed Danielle.”

 

Daniel’s eyes grew wide as he looked at Danielle.  Danielle saw his gaze travel to the lump on the side of her head. 

 

Answering his thoughts, Danielle spoke up.  “That was another mishap.  Luckily Harold is a pretty bad shot.”

 

The bound and gagged man began to mumble beneath the cloth stuffed in his mouth.  Jess responded by shoving him into a chair.  “I want him arrested and prosecuted.  I also want the charge to include the loss of one of my horses.  A very valuable mare.”

 

Daniel raked his fingers through his hair, his handsome features conveying his utter dismay at the strange turn of events.

 

Before they got much further, Madeline and Anna arrived.  Apparently, word of the situation had brought them running.

 

Harold struggled against his restraints, but appeared to know better than to try to move from the spot where Jess had shoved him.

 

Daniel looked at Weatherly’s bound hands, before addressing Jess.  “I appreciate that there is some bad blood between you two, but dragging him through town probably wasn’t such a good idea, Jess.”

 

Jess’s expression was stone-like in its intensity.  “I know the Confederate occupation of the city has seriously limited your powers, but even Blaken won’t be able to overlook this.”  Jess reached into the back of her waistband and produced a rather impressive handgun.

 

It was a large weapon with some sort of bleached bone carved into the handle.  The sight of it instantly filled Danielle with misgiving, yet she couldn’t figure out why.  But there was something about seeing the gun that set off a warning light in her brain.

 

Daniel looked at the gun closely.  “How did you get that?”

 

“I took it away from the bastard just before he fired his fourth shot.”

 

Daniel looked at Danielle for affirmation.  She nodded, then recapped what had happened when they were on the deserted roadway.

 

“What the hell were you doing out there at dawn?”

 

Jess’s eyes found Danielle’s in the group.  “Retrieving Danielle.”

 

“I’m afraid I went riding and lost my way,” Danielle lied.  “I never have had much of a sense of direction.”

 

Daniel looked from Jess to her, then shrugged, apparently not interested in challenging the lame story.

 

Madeline pulled one of her cigarettes out and lit it, taking a long drag and blowing out a stream of smoke.  “Don’t you think we could untie him?”

 

Daniel eyed Jess.  “I really should hear his side of it.”

 

Giving a curt nod, Jess reached over and pulled the gag from Harold’s mouth.  The man immediately began to spit and sputter about Blain being a murderer.

 

Jess held up the gag.  “I’ll be happy to ram this back in your mouth.”

 

The small man glared up at Jess with unbridled hatred.  “I only wanted see to it that you suffered for killing my Lillian.  Since the law hasn’t been able to touch you, I was within my rights as a father.”

 

“Really?”  Jess sounded bored.  “Since you brought up fathers, want to tell me the name of the father of the baby Lillian was carrying.”

 

Harold went white, Anna sucked in a breath and Madeline made a sound that wasn’t really surprise, but more like the dawn of understanding.  “Baby?  You’re insane.  She wasn’t pregnant.  She would have told me.”

 

“Maybe.  If she knew.  Lillian was pregnant when she died.”  Danielle spoke up for everyone’s benefit.  She knew several people in the room would heed her diagnosis. 

 

Jess bent forward and spoke next to the man’s ear, her voice filled with loathing.  “What went wrong, Weatherly?  You had to have known she was spending time with someone.”

 

The man was red faced.  “Yes, I knew she was seeing someone secretly, but she wouldn’t tell me who he was.  I begged and pleaded with her, but she wouldn’t tell me anything more than she loved him, but he shunned her after her innocence was gone and wouldn’t marry her.  I knew I could count on your greed to solve the problem.”  He took a deep breath and stared at Jess a moment before yelling at her.  “You had the money, the social status, but you needed the wharf and I needed her married before she shamed herself and her family.  I had to choose between you and Blaken.  Even you being a woman, you’re more man than he.  He’d ask his mother for permission to piss.”

 

Anna turned away at the comment.  Madeline laughed.  Daniel pushed the man’s head forward roughly.  “There are ladies present, you mean bastard.”

 

Madeline continued to laugh.  “That explains why she looked like a zombie when she married Jess.  I always wondered why she had that vacant look in her eyes on what should have been the happiest day of her life.”

 

Danielle stepped forward.  “It makes more sense that her lover killed her.  If Lillian knew she was pregnant and told him, he would know that her marrying Jess wouldn’t hide their affair.  Jess being a woman and Lillian pregnant would cause the whole town to get involved.  Everyone would be curious as to who was the father of the baby.”

 

Harold turned to Danielle.  “But Nora was here at The Station.  She swears no one but Jess was in the house that night.  No one but her could have pushed her from that window.”

 

“You managed to get upstairs without being seen.  The first time you tried to kill Jess.”

 

Harold looked to Daniel.  “That wasn’t me.  I swear.  I wasn’t the one who shot at her the night she brought her here.”  He pointed at Danielle. 

 

Jess slapped him on the side of his head.  “Careful how you address her, Weatherly.”

 

“But I’m telling the truth.  This morning was the first opportunity I had to make things right.”

 

Realization came to Danielle in a sudden flash.  “It wasn’t the same gun.”

 

Jess looked at her with a confused expression on her face.  “What?” 

 

“On the night you were shot, I saw the gun just before the person fired.  It wasn’t the same as that one.”  She pointed to the gun Daniel now held.  “I would have remembered that handle.  The gun I saw that night was plain.”

 

Madeline touched Danielle’s arm.  “You mean there are two people intent on killing Jess?”

 

“Well, we have one of them right here.”  Jess pulled Harold to his feet.  “And I’m taking this one directly to Blaken.”

 

Danielle was skeptical.  “But, Jess, what if Blaken was the father of Lillian’s child?”

 

“Blaken?”  Daniel, Madeline and Harold all asked at the same instant.

 

Anna came to Danielle’s side and looked at Jess.  “He did tell Danielle and  me that he was in love with Lillian.  Is it possible that he’s the person responsible for the other attempts on your life?”

 

Jess nodded, but Danielle kept her reservations to herself.  It was certainly a strong possibility.  If Jess was right and Blaken was totally devoted to his mother, he wouldn’t want word of his callous treatment of Lillian to become public.  And he did seem overtly hostile toward Jess.

 

Jess looked at Harold.  “Let’s go.”

 

With Daniel in charge of the prisoner, Jess and Danielle followed behind, walking arm and arm.  “Once we have this settled, I promise you’ll be able to get some rest, Danielle.”

 

“I couldn’t sleep while this keyed up.  Something about all of this doesn’t feel right.”

 

Jess slowed their pace so that they were out of the earshot of Daniel and Harold.  “Maybe because we’re so close to finding the answer that will send you back to your time.”

 

She leaned against Jess, closing her eyes.  “I’m going to hope we go together, Jess.  If I can travel through time, you should be able to do the same.”

 

“And if I can’t?”  Jess’s words carried a heaviness that she could feel.

 

“Let’s not think about that now.” 

 

They weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms when they arrived at Blaken’s office.  “What is the meaning of this, McKinney?  And why is that man bound?”

 

“He’s under arrest for attempting to kill Blain and Danielle.”  Daniel deposited Harold in one of the chairs opposite Blaken’s massive desk.

 

“I think you have it backward,” Blaken argued.  “Blain is the killer we’ve been after.”

 

“You’ve been after,” Danielle corrected.  “And now we all understand why it was so important for you to arrest Jess for your crime.”

 

My c-crime?  I didn’t kill Lillian.  I believe I explained why that was an absurdity.”  He leveled his gaze on Danielle.

 

“I know what you told me and I also know about the baby.”

 

“Baby?  What baby?”

 

Jess took a threatening step toward the man.  Resting her fingertips against the desk, she leaned forward, getting right into the man’s face.  “It seems Lillian was three months along.  Care to shed any light on that?”

 

Blaken’s face was so expressive that Danielle didn’t think it was fake.  In fact, the man seemed so genuinely stunned by the news that he collapsed into his chair with his jaw still dangling open.  “Not Lillian.”  There was such worship in his whisper, such reverence behind the exclamation that Danielle was immediately convinced that Blaken was not the one responsible for Lillian’s pregnancy.

 

Jess must have come to the same conclusion, for she stepped away from the desk and moved to Danielle’s side.

 

Daniel stepped forward.  “Even if you didn’t know about the baby, that doesn’t mean you can’t be responsible for the attempt on Jess’s life.”

 

That seemed to bring the man out of his daze.  “But I thought you just said you had evidence that Harold tried to kill Jess.”

”I attacked her on the road.  I couldn’t stand the thought that she had killed my daughter and then refused to return her dowry.”

 

Danielle needed answers.  “What about the stabbing?  Was that you, as well?”

 

Harold Weatherly appeared genuinely shocked by her question.  “Of course not.  I wouldn’t be so stupid as to attempt to kill her with a knife.”  He looked at Jess with disgust.  “She has proven her abilities too many times.”

 

“Smart man.”  Jess raised a brow.  “Not a particularly accurate shot, but you were wise not to come after me with a knife.”

 

Danielle turned to her.  “So who do you know that isn’t so wise?”

 

Jess didn’t answer with words, but her eyes indicated that she had an idea.

 

After leaving Daniel and Blaken to work out the details of Harold’s arrest, Danielle and Jess headed home.

 

“Canton, right?” Danielle guessed.

 

“He’s the only one I can think of.  And the shooting and stabbing did happen after I compromised his position by refusing to allow him to kill you.”

 

“But I thought he needed you and vice versa.”

 

Jess shrugged.  “He could always find someone to replace me.  He knows most of my contacts.  It might take him a bit longer to get information out, but he is resourceful.”

 

“So what are you going to do?”

 

“You don’t want to know.”

 

Danielle grabbed a handful of Jess’s shirtsleeve and tugged her to a halt.  “While I agree that you’re probably right about Canton, what if you’re wrong?  Just like all evidence pointing to Blaken, but he wasn’t Lillian’s lover.”

 

“So he said.”

 

“C’mon, Jess.  He was absolutely devastated to hear that she was pregnant when she died.  Obviously, he had her up on a pedestal, but he was definitely admiring her from afar.”

 

“But Canton isn’t Blaken.  He isn’t afraid to kill.”

 

Danielle shivered, recalling just how willing Canton had been to do her in on that first night.  “But killing you would put a definite crimp in his wallet.  And you told me that he was so lacking in principle that he was selling out his own country just to make a fast dollar.”

 

“If you are going to suggest that Canton and Lillian were lovers, I would have to take issue.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because Canton would have married her.  Especially with the added inducement of an interest in the wharf.  Do you realize how much income comes from that wharf?  It is the only route for more than fifty plantations to get their crops to Europe.  The North has virtually choked off all other outlets.  Without the money from selling our crops abroad, the Confederacy would go bankrupt inside of a week.”

 

“But I heard what Canton said to you.  He was almost laughing when he spoke of Lillian’s murder and how convenient it was.  Perhaps he wasn’t just talking about your spying activities.”

 

“So now you’re saying that you don’t think Canton tried to kill me, but you do think he killed Lillian?”

 

She stiffened when she heard the mocking tone in Jess’s voice.  “It’s a possibility.  Someone pushed that girl out the window.”

 

“I know, Danielle.  I found her body.”

 

“Tell me exactly what you found.”

 

Jess grunted in disgust as they climbed the front steps to the house.  “Not now, Danielle.  I’m tired and I just want to get some rest.”

 

“But it could help me learn more about what might have happened.  If I can get the trajectory of the body, I can calculate the probable height of the assailant.

 

“Danielle, haven’t we had enough excitement for one day?”

Apparently not,” she answered when the door was opened by a tearful Nora Weatherly.

 

“Not now, Nora,” Jess said as she brushed past the girl, keeping her hand at Danielle’s waist.

 

“I tried to get her to leave,” Mrs. McGrady announced with definite irritation in her brogue.  “I told her right where she could find that despicable father of hers.”

 

Nora burst into a chorus of gut-wrenching sobs and Jess looked at the ceiling, wondering what she was going to do with this pathetic creature.  The woman was in obvious distress; therefore, Jess could not just ignore her.  She sighed and looked pleadingly at Danielle.

 

Danielle studied the young woman a moment, then turned back to Jess.  “Let’s hear what she has to say.”

 

Jess gave her a grateful smile before ushering the sobbing girl into the dining room and suggesting that Mrs. McGrady make some tea.

 

“Please don’t have my father charged, Jess.  I couldn’t stand it if he went to prison.  He’s all I have.” 

 

“You didn’t seem to mind if Jess went to prison,” Danielle retorted.

 

There was a definite possessiveness in Danielle’s tone that warmed Jess.  It was obvious from Danielle’s stiff posture as she sat near Nora that Danielle’s desire to protect her was as strong as the other desires, she had discovered during their time together.  Perhaps that was a sign that she would stay.

 

“I only said what I did to help my father,” Nora hiccupped.  “I thought if you believed Jess was guilty that you would want to get her away from here to keep her from being hanged.”

 

Danielle sighed.  “I might have if I believed you.”

 

“Why is it so important to you that I leave?”  Jess could feel her patience nearing an end after being reminded of the girl’s accusations.

 

“You must return your interest in the wharf to Father.  It’s his only hope.”

 

“He won’t need money where he’s going.”  Jess wasn’t surprised when her comment sent Nora in to another fit of tears.

 

Danielle gave Jess a private look that fairly pleaded for compassion.  Jess wondered where her capacity for kindness came from, given the fact that Nora and her family had been the cause of so much of their difficulties.

 

Danielle cleared her throat.  “Why is the wharf so important?  Surely your father has sufficient income to live comfortably from his share.”

 

“It isn’t his,” Nora admitted in a voice so soft it was barely audible. “It belongs to Bruce Fourcade.”

 

“What are you talking about?”  Jess was clearly exasperated.  “Your father has owned that property for years.”

 

Nora folded her hands in her lap and fixed her eyes on them.  Her shoulders still shook with an occasional sniff. 

 

“Nora,” Danielle began calmly, “if you expect Jess to help you, you’ll have to give her good reason.”

 

“Father has had a problem for some time.”

 

“If you’re talking about his gambling, I know all about it.  Anybody that has been inside the Goldnugget knows your father’s passion for cards.”

 

“Goldnugget?”  Danielle looked up to meet Jess’s eyes.

Jess swallowed hard.  “It’s a gentleman’s club.”

 

Danielle blinked.  “I see.  Are you welcome in this gentleman’s club?”

 

Jess felt her face grow warm and lowered her eyes slightly.  “Yes.”

 

“And what sort of things go on at this club?” Danielle challenged.

 

Jess smirked.  “Exactly what you think goes on.”

 

Danielle slowly nodded her understanding.  “Is this an establishment you have frequented in the past?”

 

Jess placed her hand on Danielle’s shoulder wanting to reassure her.  “Not in my recent past.”

 

Danielle drew her eyes away from Jess’s and turned back to Nora.  “So your father owes money?”

 

Nora shook her head.  “Not money.  He signed a note for the wharf.”

 

Jess shook her head in disbelief.  “When did he do this?”

 

“Right after Lillian died.  He thought you would do the honorable thing and refuse to accept her dowry in light of her death.”

 

“I might have if you and your family hadn’t been so quick to accuse me of killing her.”

 

Nora sniffed and wiped at her tears.  “I know you didn’t kill my sister.”

 

“But because of the things that you’ve said to Danielle and Lord knows who else, no one in this town will ever believe otherwise.”

 

Nora shifted uneasily in her chair.  “I’m sorry, Jess.  Truly I am.  I swear, if you’ll just refuse to press charges, I promise I won’t ever make that accusation again.

 

Danielle shook her head.  “That’s all well and good, Nora, but it won’t undo the damage that has already been done.  And who’s to say your father won’t get out of jail and come gunning for Jess again.”

 

“I’ll talk to him.”  Nora took a deep breath to calm herself.  “I’ll even move back home to keep an eye on him.”

 

**********

 

They left Mrs. McGrady to see to Nora, suggesting the girl nap to regain her composure while she and Jess weighed their options.  Now, in their room alone, it was too quiet.  “You’re awfully quiet, Jess.”

 

“I’m thinking.”

 

“I’m thinking too.”  Danielle sat at the dressing table and toyed with Lillian’s locket.  “Tell me where you found her body, Jess.”

 

Jess groaned.  “Must I?”

 

Danielle could hear the weariness in her voice.  “Humor me.”  She flicked open the locket and compared the picture with the woman lying on the bed.  “It could be important.”

”I found her directly below the window.”

 

“How directly?”

 

“Maybe a foot or so out from the house.”

 

“Get up,” Danielle told her excitedly.

 

“I’m tired, Danielle.  I–”

 

“We have to talk to Nora again.”  She went to the bed and gave Jess’s arm a pull.

 

Reluctantly, Jess hoisted herself off the bed and followed her across the hall.

 

Danielle didn’t bother to knock.  She simply opened the door and found Nora in a chair, clutching her small purse in her lap.  She looked up with wide, frightened eyes. 

 

“Who was the father of Lillian’s baby, Nora?” Danielle asked before she even stopped walking.

 

“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.  What baby?”

 

“Don’t lie to me,” Danielle warned.  “Lillian had to confide in someone.  I’m betting it was you.”

 

“You’re mistaken.”  Nora lowered her eyes.  “I don’t know where you got such an idea.  Lillian married Jess and everyone knows they could never have children.”

 

Danielle laughed lightly, but her laugh held no humor.  “Even if Lillian had married a man, she was only married a matter of hours.”  She waited for Nora to comment.  “Fine.  Then your father can spend the rest of his life in jail.”

 

Turning on the balls of her feet, she grasped Jess’s hand and began to pull her from the room.

 

“Wait!”

 

Danielle gave Jess an encouraging smile before she turned to face the reluctant young girl.  “You know the identity of the man.  Tell me and we’ll have him arrested for trying to kill Jess on the first two occasions.  So long as Jess agrees, the charges against you father will be dropped.”

 

Jess was skeptical.  “They will?” 

 

Danielle turned to face her.  “Bigger fish, Jess.  Harold was acting on his grief.  Surely you can make allowances for that.”

 

“Don’t be so sure.”

Danielle ignored her grumbled words.  “Well, Nora, which will it be?  Your father or the identity of the baby’s father?”

 

Nora pulled her lower lip between her teeth and thought for a few seconds.  “Bruce Fourcade.  He and Lillian were lovers.”

 

Danielle gasped.  “Captain Fourcade?”

 

Nora only nodded.

 

Jess shook her head, sadness in her eyes.  “I guess we know who killed Lillian now.”

 

Danielle looked at her.  She didn’t hear a lot of emotion in the statement, but she could see the sadness in her eyes.  “No, we don’t.”  She looked at Nora.  “But Nora does, don’t you?”

 

The girl shifted uncomfortably in her seat.  “I guess it could have been Captain Fourcade.  Lillian said that he laughed when she told him about the baby.  She said he had no intention of marrying her.  Apparently, he had more important plans for his future than being married to her.”

 

“Nora,” Danielle began sternly.  “We both know that Captain Fourcade might be guilty of treating your sister horribly, but he didn’t kill her.”

 

“You?”  Jess’s eyes were wide as she looked upon Nora with total shock.  “You killed your own sister?”

 

Nora began to sob again, tears streaming down her cheeks.

 

“I don’t believe this.”  Jess took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to understand.  “All this time and she’s the one who–”

 

“You aren’t seeing the forest for the trees, Jess.”  Danielle turned her back on the tearful Nora and moved to stand in front of Jess.  Taking her hands in hers, she lifted her chin to meet Jess’s bewildered gray eyes.  The smile she offered held a mixture of sadness and apology.  “Don’t you get it, Jess?”

 

“Get what?  Nora was the only other person in the house.”

 

“No,” she said with profound sorrow.  “There was one other person in the house.  A person who was apparently unable to cope with the idea of living.”

 

She watched as the meaning of her words registered on Jess’s face.  “You think she killed herself?”

 

Danielle nodded once, then turned to Nora.  “You’ve known that all along, haven’t you?

 

Nora’s head bobbed as she continued to cry.

 

Jess was at a loss.  “How did you figure this out?’

 

“When you told me where you found her.  If she had been thrown or even pushed, she would have landed a greater distance from the house.”

 

“I see,” Jess said softly.  “But why?”  She looked at the floor deep in thought.  “Because she felt she had to marry me because her father insisted?  Because she knew she was pregnant?  Or because she was in love with Fourcade and he wouldn’t have her?”  She looked up.  “Why would she do that?”

 

Danielle approached the still crying young girl.  “Nora, give Jess the note.”  The girl’s head snapped up and shock showed in her swollen eyes.  “Please, Nora.  She has a right to know why.”

 

Nora’s voice was barely above a whisper and breaking with sobs.  “How…did you…know?”

 

“I guessed.  You told too many lies and they caught up with you.”  She smiled.  “I think one of your father’s biggest mistakes was he choose the wrong daughter to marry a woman.”

 

The girl lowered her eyes and a small smile appeared through the tears.  “Jess was respected, wealthy and very strong, but she is a woman and Lillian was very much in love with a man.”  Fresh tears flowed when she looked at Danielle.  “If word gets out that Lillian killed herself, she’ll be branded a sinner.”

 

“No one beyond the family needs to know.”  Danielle touched the girl’s shoulder gently.  “Give her the note, Nora.”

 

**********

 

“Do you feel better?”  Danielle’s tone had disapproval dripping from each word.

 

Jess sighed wearily.  “I suppose.”  She was trying not to stare at the locket around Danielle’s neck.  It wasn’t the locket she’d had made specifically for Danielle.  It was Lillian’s locket.  The one that brought Danielle to her and the one she feared would take her away. 

 

Danielle shook her head.  “Did you have to hit him?”

 

Jess shrugged.  “When I learned Fourcade only seduced Lillian to get to her father, just so he could get into his card game, I felt like slapping him.  When he finally admitted that he only wanted control of the wharf so he could refuse my stores and put Blazenwood into bankruptcy, I felt like strangling him.  Trust me, punching him was actually an act of kindness.”

 

Madeline piped in.  “I would have done the same.  Fourcade deserved it, but I think you are a fool for letting Harold Weatherly go free.”

 

“Now, Madeline,” Anna warned.  “That was Jess’s decision and it isn’t as if the man hasn’t suffered a great deal already.”

 

Madeline huffed.  “He tried to kill them.  Tell her, Daniel.”

 

“I’m afraid I can see Anna’s point, Madeline.  I was at the jail when Nora came in and spoke with her father.  Whatever she told Weatherly had a profound affect on him.  When I released him, he seemed to be in another world.”

 

Jess leaned into Danielle so no one else could hear her words.  “Which is where you’re planning on going, right?”  She gave a quick glance to the locket.

 

“Not until I’ve had a chance to say goodbye.”  Her smile was sad.  “Don’t look so crestfallen.  I’ve proved your innocence and I’m still here, so I could be on the wrong track and you’re going to be stuck with me for the duration.”

 

Jess suddenly felt guilty because she had to admit to herself that she wished for nothing else.  She had no words.

 

Anna cleared her throat to get their attention.  “So Danielle, how do you plan on getting back to your time?”

 

“With your help.”

Madeline stiffened and Anna looked afraid.

 

“Don’t worry.  I’m not going to ask you to do anything other than help recreate the afternoon that it happened.”

 

Jess touched her hand.  “And if that doesn’t work?”

 

Jess saw the flash of sadness cross her eyes in spite of the bright smile she offered.  “I’ll stay here, I guess.”

 

Madeline stood and gathered her belongings.  “So when do you want to do this experiment of yours, Danielle?”

 

Danielle looked at Jess for several long moments.  She was still looking in Jess’s eyes when she answered Madeline.  “Tomorrow.”

 

Jess closed her eyes to prevent the tears that came instantly from showing.  She turned her back to everyone.  “I’m going to get a drink.  Anyone else?” 

 

No one answered.  They all just stared at Danielle in silence.

 

Finally Anna stepped to her and took her hand.  “So soon?  Do you have to do it tomorrow?”

 

Danielle knew that she didn’t belong in this time, but it didn’t stop her from loving these people.  She loved them as much as she did her family and friends in her own time.  And here she had Jess.  Danielle knew she couldn’t second guess herself, so she gripped Anna’s hand.  “It’s time.  Will you be here before lunch tomorrow?”

 

Anna looked at Daniel and he nodded.  She gave Danielle a hug.  “Yes.”  She tried to smile.  “I’ll be here.”

”Thank you, Anna.”

 

“You’re welcome.”  She took Daniel’s hand.  “We are going home.  I believe you have had enough excitement for awhile.” 

 

Daniel and Anna said their goodbyes and showed themselves out.

 

Danielle was doing her best not to cry when she looked at Madeline.  “How about you?  Will you come?”  Madeline wouldn’t even look at her.  “Will you help me…Aunt Madeline?”

 

Madeline looked up with sadness and fire in her eyes.  “That’s unfair.  I was trying to ignore you and you go and say Aunt Madeline…like…like that.”

 

Danielle couldn’t help it.  A chuckle escaped even as the tears in her eyes threatened to fall. Hearing Madeline’s childish tone accuse her was heartbreaking.  She went to her and hugged her tightly.  “Thank you, Aunt Madeline.”  Her tears could no longer be held.  “You will always be my Aunt.  Always.”

 

Madeline took her face in her hands.  “Are you sure about this, child?”

”Yes, I am.  I’m sorry.”

Madeline squeezed her eyes shut briefly.  “So am I.  I will see you tomorrow.”  She rushed out before her own tears fell.

 

**********

 

Danielle found Jess in the living room with her back to the doorway, seemingly deep in thought with her head hanging, her long, lean body braced by her arm on the mantle above the fire place, an empty crystal glass dangling from her hand. 

 

Danielle stood quietly in the doorway and studied the dark stranger that she had fallen in love with.  Jess looked weary, which was a rare thing for her.  She looked frazzled, which was even more rare.  The woman was amazingly striking and strong.  Danielle realized that strength both appealed to her and challenged her.  She knew they had to talk and would more than likely fight.  But for now, she only wanted to give Jess peace.

 

She crossed the room quickly and took the empty crystal from Jess’s lazy hand and proceeded to the decanter to pour another.  “Why don’t you sit down, Jess.”

 

“I don’t want to sit down.”  There was an angry edge to her voice.

 

“Sit,” she repeated, using the cool, unbending tone Jess often used with her.  When Jess’s eyes flashed, Danielle turned away to pour out a snifter of brandy.

 

Too distracted to be amused by the sudden role reversal, Jess let out an impatient breath.  “No.  Why don’t you go…manipulate that locket or something.”

 

“Why don’t you stop being so stubborn?”  She set the brandy on the table in front of the couch, then crossed to Jess, wrapped her arms around her waist, pressed her cheek to her back.  “Please, Jess.”

 

“I’m not in the mood for a fight, Danielle.”  And because she wasn’t, but in the mood to brood, she walked over and sat.

 

She joined Jess on the couch.  “Neither am I” 

 

No sooner than she sat, Jess lifted the locket off Danielle’s chest and stared at it as if it would…could hurt her.

 

Danielle leaned away and pulled the locket from Jess’s hand.  “No.”  She dropped the locket behind the front of her dress.  “I don’t want to discuss that.”

 

Jess’s eyes glinted.  She was angry and she couldn’t help it.  She didn’t want to take it out on Danielle, so the best thing that could happen was for them to spend time alone.  “I don’t want to talk to you right now either, so go away.”

 

Danielle reached for the brandy and offered it to Jess.  “I didn’t say I didn’t want to talk.  I said I didn’t want to discuss the locket.”  She held the drink higher.  “Now, drink this.”

 

“You’re pushing you’re luck, Danielle.  I want to be alone.  I’m not ready to talk to you.”

 

Danielle continued to hold the brandy expecting Jess to take it.  “I’m sorry to hear that, but I have plenty of patience.”

 

“Then put it to use elsewhere.  I don’t want the brandy or your company right at the moment.”

 

Danielle knew Jess was lashing out, but her own temper was starting to rise.  “Fine.  I’ll drink it.”  She didn’t particularly like brandy and she hated the idea of drinking out of the leaded crystal, but she emptied it in one swallow.  “We don’t have to talk, but,” she said as she curled herself into Jess’s lap, “I’m not going anywhere.”

 

Jess took her by the shoulders to set her aside.  “Then I will.”

 

She simply locked her arms around Jess’s neck.  “No, you won’t.  Am I so much trouble that you want to be away from me?”

 

Jess let out a sigh, then defeated, lowered her forehead to Danielle’s.  “You’re a constant annoyance to me.  I don’t know why I keep you.”

 

Danielle smiled.  “Me either.  Except.”  She brushed her lips over Jess’s.  “This maybe.  This is always good.”  And skimming her fingers through Jess’s hair, tilting her head back, she kissed her long, slow and deep.

 

“Danielle.”  Jess murmured it, mouth against mouth.

 

“Let me.”  Danielle’s lips traveled over her cheeks very slowly.  Very tenderly.  “Just let me.  I love you.”

 

She could feel Jess’s muscles were taut and knotted with a tension that so rarely showed.  She stroked, letting her hands smooth while her mouth seduced.  So controlled, Danielle thought, shifting to scrape her teeth lightly over Jess’s jaw.  She found both frustration and security in Jess’s control.  Now it wavered and she would attempt to exploit the weakness, try to channel her anger into lust.

 

Her busy hands moved to Jess’s shirt, slowly opening the buttons.  Her lips followed down the trail of exposed flesh to Jess’s heart where the beat was strong, but still too steady.  “I love the taste of you.”  She ran her hands up Jess’s sides, over her breasts, flicked her tongue over a nipple and heard the quick intake of breath.  “Everywhere.”

 

She shifted again, straddling Jess now.  And when she saw the dark cloud of need over the wild eyes, the beat of her own blood quickened.  She slowly began to do away with all the material on her body that this time required of her.  She watched Jess’s gray eyes grow darker with every uncovered piece of flesh.  When she saw Jess’s gaze shift down, she felt her nipples throb as if her mouth had already claimed them.

 

Jess lightly touched the palm of her hand to Danielle’s cheek.  “Let me take you to bed.”

 

Danielle smiled and her eyes took on a sinful gleam.  “Let’s take each other.”  She stretched up, stripped off the remaining material and tossed it aside.  “Right here.”  She fisted her hands in Jess’s hair, curved their bodies together, sliding flesh against flesh.  “Put your hands on me, Jess,” she demanded before covering her mouth with her own.

 

That was all Jess needed to hear.  In one quick move Danielle was under her.  Her mouth closed over Danielle’s breast, teeth nipping at the sensitive flesh.  The thrill of it swam through Danielle so that she arched up, urging her on, digging her nails into Jess’s strong shoulders.

 

Jess suddenly couldn’t think of anything except Danielle.  The way Danielle’s body responded to her without pause.  The curves and lines of her that amazingly fit against her own body so perfectly.  The beautiful pale skin and the taste of it when the heat of passion was over it. 

 

She worked her way back up to Danielle’s mouth and opened immediately to Danielle’s probing tongue.  She ran both her hands through Danielle’s silky hair, while Danielle’s hands went to the buttons on her pants.  With a frustrated groan Danielle forced the pants down past Jess’s hips, where Jess kicked them away and effectively took control of the kiss by sucking and teasing Danielle’s agile tongue.

Jess’s hands strayed briefly over the curves of Danielle’s hips and upper thighs before she slipped her hand between her legs and began caressing her with devastating slowness.

Danielle shuddered at the sensation and her hips rose impulsively.  “Jess…”

Jess raised up to gaze down on Danielle’s face as her fingers moved through the hot wet folds.  She searched Danielle’s half lidded eyes as she rocked against her hand.  “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are when you’re like this?”

Danielle moaned softly and shifted her hips wanting more pressure, then hissed through clenched teeth when two fingers buried deep inside her.  “Not…the way you do…ah, Jess.”

Danielle moved her hand to grasp Jess’s wrist.  Using her free hand she pulled Jess by the nape of her neck to her lips.  The kiss was greedy and full of audible moans. 

Jess was giving her slow steady thrusts, but when she felt the tightening on her fingers, she used her thumb to rub tight circles over the begging nub.  When she knew Danielle was close, she broke the kiss to watch her.  She wanted to see her go over the edge, needed to feel it, to know when her system exploded, because when it happened she felt like everything Danielle was, was hers.  Danielle’s skin covered with a sheen of sweat as her hips pumped and her perfect breasts swayed with the movement. She started to close her eyes as her breath tore out into a sob.  “Open your eyes.  I want to see your eyes, Danielle.”  Jess reached up to touch Danielle’s face, hoping to coax her eyes open, but as her fingers neared Danielle’s cheek, her eyes opened, showing smoldering pleading eyes. 

Danielle caught Jess’s fingers with her lips and pulled them into her mouth.  She heard Jess moan as she sucked them deeper into her mouth.  She released the fingers when she lost the control to hold off her release any longer.  Fighting the urge to throw her head back and close her eyes, she caught her bottom lip between her teeth and lost herself in Jess’s darkening eyes.  Her thighs stretched tight, she could feel her insides quiver as her lover’s name passed her lips.

Jess’s gray eyes stayed on Danielle’s face as she felt her flow into her hand.  She let her hand still, but left her fingers inside as the tremors slowly subsided and Danielle’s body calmed.

Danielle released Jess’s wrist and tangled her fingers in the Jess’s hair, pulling her tightly to her. 

Jess sighed as her head rested on Danielle’s breasts.  She could hear and feel her heart pounding at her ear.  She looked up as Danielle’s lips curled into a small smile and her eyes closed slowly, as she took slow deep breaths.  Jess started to remove her fingers, but Danielle squeezed her thighs together.  “Wait, baby.  I don’t think I can stand it if you move them now.”  She moaned softy as Jess’s fingers stilled and her voice dropped to a whisper.  “I love you, Jess.”

Jess closed her eyes tightly, grateful that Danielle couldn’t see the play of emotions cross her face.  Hearing the words was both a promise and a curse.  The thought of this being their last night together like this had a death grip on her heart.  After a moment’s hesitation to be sure she could control her voice, she replied in a hoarse whisper, “I love you, too, Danielle.”

Neither woman was sure how long passed before Danielle finally spoke.  “Okay, baby.”  She laughed.  “I think I can survive your moving now that I’m sure my heart isn’t going to pound its way out of my chest.”

Jess rose up and slowly removed her fingers as she sprinkled soft kisses along the swell of Danielle’s breast.

Danielle sighed quietly and reached out to cup Jess’s jaw.  “Bring those talented lips up here.”

Jess grinned.  “It would be my pleasure.”

“And mine,” Danielle murmured before her lips were covered with lips that proved their talent.

Danielle stretched under Jess to test her limp limbs.  At the moment she wasn’t sure she could muster enough strength to crawl off the couch.  She just wanted to snuggle up to Jess and lie there wanton and spent, completely satisfied and simply drift on the luscious aftermath of the powerful orgasm.  But looking at Jess and knowing this could be the last night she ever touched her, she knew this night was just beginning.  She ran her fingers lazily down Jess’s back and smiled when she felt goosebumps in their wake.  “With your help, Jess, I just might make it up the stairs and we can pick up where you left off.”

 

Jess untangled herself from Danielle, then pulled her into her lap.  She nuzzled into her neck, sucking on several sensitive spots, before running the tip of her tongue along the curve of Danielle’s ear.

 

Danielle shuddered, braced her hands on Jess’s shoulders and pushed away in time to catch the sexy grin.  “I take it that’s a ‘yes’.”

 

“Definitely.”  She stood with Danielle still tucked comfortably in her arms and started for the stairs.

 

Danielle gasped as Jess stood, then giggled.  “Sweetheart, I can walk.”

Jess dipped her head and kissed her on the tip of her nose.  “Stop complaining.  It will give you a few more minutes to recuperate, so that lovely body of yours can back up that wonderful mouth of yours.”

 

Danielle smiled.  “For someone who recently told me we shouldn’t be speaking of such things, you sure are free with the words tonight.”

 

“Mmm…must be the company I’m keeping.”

 

**********

 

Daniel, Anna and Madeline arrived together. 

 

At Danielle’s direction, they waited until the exact time she had gone to have that fateful lunch with her aunt. She gave Anna and Madeline their dialogue which left Jess and Daniel nothing to do but stand back and observe.

 

Daniel’s expression saddened with a thought.  “I guess it will be hard watching her disappear into thin air.

 

“‘Hard’ doesn’t even begin to describe it, Daniel.”  Jess reached into her pocket and pulled out the pendant she had given Danielle.  Opening it, she stared at her picture wondering if Danielle would even remember her once she got back to her own time.  She knew Danielle had the original locket with Jess’s picture, Lillian’s locket, and she had given her numerous love marks the previous night all over her body, but she wanted more assurance.

 

Danielle had the locket in one hand and the small black and white photograph of Jess in the other.  “Okay.  I slipped the picture of Jess back in the–” 

 

“Wait!”  Jess rushed to her, gathered her into her arms and kissed her hard.  When she released her, she looked into her eyes, silently praying she wouldn’t leave, but knowing that she loved Danielle too much to insist she stay.  “I love you, Danielle,” she whispered in a voice choked with raw emotion.

 

Danielle gazed up into eyes swimming.  She reached out and dreamily played with Jess’s face with the tips of her fingers.  She knew that she had already memorized every line, every curve, every muscle, every sound and she thought she had memorized every look, but this one was new.  It was desperation, and the realization of it took her very breath.  When she could speak, her voice was quiet and strained.  “I love you, too.  I always will.”

 

All Jess could focus on as she gazed down into Danielle’s blue eyes that were shimmering with tears was how she didn’t think she could continue without her.  She genuinely understood what had driven Lillian mad.  “Danielle, I know it’s against the rules, but I’d like to ask a favor.”

 

“Anything,” Danielle whispered as her hand came to rest on Jess’s cheek.

 

Jess opened the locket in her hand and took out the miniature photograph of Danielle in her wedding dress.  “I want you to remember me, Danielle.  I want you to remember everything we shared.”

 

“I will, Jess.  It’s all here.”  She placed her hand over her heart.

 

“Take this with you.”  She took Lillian’s locket out of Danielle’s hand.  “When you’re back where you belong, maybe this will remind you that I’ll never love or want anyone the way I love and want you.”  Jess slipped the picture into the empty space, placed it over Danielle’s head and as she did, she experienced a flash of bright light.

 

**********

“First you disappear…now you’ve spent nearly a week moping around like the dead,” Madeline bellowed.

 

“Leave me alone,” Danielle groaned as she pulled the covers over her head.  “And give me back the key to my apartment.  I told you yesterday I didn’t feel like company.”

 

“I know what you told me.”  Madeline yanked the bedspread, as well as the sheet off the bed.  “I’m just trying to figure out what’s gotten into you.  You look like hell.”

 

“Thank you,” Danielle retorted smartly.  “Now that you’ve stated the obvious, why don’t you leave?”

 

“Because I’m not going to sit by and watch you destroy your life.”

 

Danielle was fighting back tears.  “I already have.”

 

“I spoke to Allison today and she said you only have one week of comp time left.  If you don’t go back to the hospital by Monday, they’ll fire you.”

 

“So?”

 

“Danielle Hamilton!” Madeline yelled as she placed her hands on her hips.  “You worked too hard and too long to become a doctor to take this attitude now.  Tell me what the hell is wrong and maybe I can help.”

 

Danielle shook her head as she absently rubbed her locket between her fingers.  “Everything is wrong.  And it isn’t something you can fix.”

 

“If you won’t tell me, will you talk to Anna?  She’s as worried about you as I am.”

 

“Please, Aunt Madeline.  Don’t send in reinforcements.  I just need some time to myself.”

 

“You’ve had weeks of time, Danielle.  And where the hell were you that you couldn’t even pick up a phone?”

 

“I already told you…I wasn’t someplace where they had phones.”

 

“Madeline sat on the edge of the bed.  “Danielle, honey, I’ll back off if you don’t want to tell me what’s wrong, but you’ve got to get out of this apartment and back among the living.”

 

“I will.”

 

“When?”

 

“When I feel like it.”

 

“Not good enough, Danielle.  We’re having a private party for Anna’s birthday tomorrow night after closing.  If you’re not there by eleven-thirty, I swear I will come over here and drag you out of here myself.”

 

“I don’t feel like a party.”

 

“I don’t really care,” Madeline returned angrily.  “There is nothing uglier than a person drowning herself in self pity.  Anna has been a good friend to you.  The least you can do is come and wish her a happy birthday.”

 

“Fine.  But that’s all  I will to do.”

 

Madeline’s voice rose.  “What about your job?  Are you going to let them fire you?”

 

“Aunt Madeline, I said I would come to the party.”  She took a deep breath to calm her angry voice.  “I haven’t decided what I’m going to do about work yet, but when I do, I promise I’ll let you know.”

 

“You’re as pigheaded as your father was,” Madeline mumbled.

 

Danielle couldn’t help herself.  She had to know why he was not alive in the other time.  “Did my father have an accident when he was a child?”

 

Madeline’s brows drew together before she answered.  “I haven’t thought about that in years. He was riding his bike and I challenged him to race me down a big hill.  He lost control of his bike and was almost killed.  He was about five.  Why?”

 

“Just boning up on my family tree.  Were you named after someone?  Some relative?”

 

Madeline shrugged.  “I think so, but I’d have to dig out the family Bible to find out who.  I’ve never placed much stock in that sort of thing.”  She wagged her finger at Danielle.  “Live for the present.  Why this sudden interest in genealogy?”

 

Danielle shrugged.  “It’s something to do.”

 

“What you need to do is take a shower, get out of this damned apartment and get over what ever it is that’s put you in such a foul mood.”

 

Danielle sighed, holding the locket tighter.

 

“Was it a woman, Danielle?  Is that what this is all about?  Did you meet someone?”

 

“What makes you think that?”  Danielle would not meet her aunt’s eyes.  “We both know I haven’t had much luck in that department.”

 

“Unless you met someone on your mystery vacation.”

 

Apparently, Danielle’s silence was all the confirmation Madeline needed.  “If that’s the case, I have the perfect solution.  When you have a bad experience with a person, you don’t mope, you find a replacement.”

 

“Is that why you never dated anyone after Uncle Will left you?”

“We aren’t discussing me.  Besides, it seems your uncle has come to his senses.”

 

“What?”

 

Madeline actually blushed.  “We’ve seen each other a couple of times since he came back from Florida.”

 

Madeline said it as though her husband had been away at Disney World instead of spending the last twenty years married to someone else.

 

“Good for you.”

 

“Is there any chance you could get a second chance with this person you met?”

 

Danielle lowered her eyes.  “Nope.”

 

“Is she involved with someone else?”

 

Thinking of the gold band in the drawer of her nightstand, Danielle simply nodded.

 

“Then you’re better off.  I thought you would have been smarter than to get involved with someone like that.”

 

“Yeah.  Me, too.”

 

Whether it was because she feared another scene with her aunt or the fact that some of Madeline’s words had penetrated her brain, Danielle wasn’t entirely sure.  Since she had suddenly reappeared in her apartment, she wasn’t sure of much of anything other than how much she missed Jess.  Whatever the reason, she had actually taken a shower, fixed her hair and applied a little makeup before slipping on a simple black dress made of clingy material.  It wasn’t her usual style, but if she was going to get her aunt off her back, she needed to look the part. 

 

She also called the chief of her department and smoothed things over so she could return to work the following Monday.  Now, as she stepped into her heels, her only problem, she thought, was surviving the party.  After running a brush through her hair, she slipped her locket over her head and added a pair of earrings.  She looked okay, unless anyone bothered to peer into her eyes.  They were dull and lifeless.  But she forced that thought to the back of her mind.  Just as she kept trying to keep the memory of Jess locked there.

 

She parked her car at the rear of The Station, under the sign marked Employees Only.  There were only a few other cars in the lot and she recognized all but one.  She smiled, thinking the car must surely belong to whomever Madeline had hired to replace the clumsy waiter she’d encountered on her last visit.

 

She stood outside for a minute, remembering vividly what the place had looked like when it had been her home.  “Not a healthy thought.  Just pretend it never happened.”  She walked through the door.

 

Sandy smiled.  “Hi, Danielle.  Everyone is in the dining room.” She looked at Danielle strangely for a moment.  “Boy, is your karma ever screwed up.”

 

“Thanks.  And I knew that already.”

 

“There you are.” Madeline beamed as she came through the swinging metal door that led to the dining area.  “I was afraid I was going to have to come for you.  Good. You look wonderful.”

 

“I tried.”  Danielle plastered a smile on her face.

 

Madeline took Danielle’s arm and led her toward the stairwell.  “I’ve got a small surprise for you.”

 

Danielle took one look at her aunt’s face and started up the stairs.  “How could you?  Whoever she is, get rid of her.  I’ll wait in the office until she’s gone.”

 

“Be reasonable, Danielle.  She’s great and really nice looking.  And she says–”

 

“I don’t care if she’s God’s gift, if she says so much as hello to me, I’ll deck her.”

 

“You’re welcome to try.”

 

Danielle made a noise that sounded like a small whimper as she turned toward the familiar voice.  “Jess?”

 

Madeline’s eyes went wide.  “Wait a minute, you two really do know each other?”

 

“Yes,” they answered in unison.

 

“Leave us alone, Aunt Madeline,” Danielle stated as if in a trance.

 

“But the party?”

 

“We’ll be down in a minute,” Danielle mumbled as she finally came out of her daze and climbed the stairs two at a time to throw herself into Jess’s arms.

 

Madeline’s mouth fell open. “I guess you do know each other.”

 

Danielle barely heard Madeline’s words as their mouths joined in a hungry kiss.

 

Danielle pulled Jess into the office and closed the door.  “What happened?”

 

“I’m not sure, but I ended up out in the middle of some field.  I wandered around for two days and then I got arrested.”

 

Danielle didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.  “What?”

 

Jess smiled almost shyly.  “I tried to explain to the police officer that I was from 1861 and had followed you through time.”

 

Danielle tried to control her snicker.  “You didn’t.”

 

“It gave me a better understanding of how you must have felt when none of us would believe you.”

 

“Frustrating, huh?” She ran her hands through Jess’s hair then over her shirt.  “I like you in contemporary clothing.  Who took you shopping?”

 

“Daniel.”

 

“You didn’t tell him?”

 

Jess was shaking her head from side to side almost violently.  “When they told me I was free to go after my forty-eight hours of observation, I came here, hoping to find you.”

 

Danielle couldn’t help teasing her.  “You must have looked cute roaming the streets in your period costume.”

 

“I did get some rather interesting reactions.”

 

“How did you find Daniel?”

 

Jess lifted a lock of Danielle’s hair as she answered.  “He found me.  I was hanging around out back and I guess I scared Anna or something.  The next thing I knew, he was on top of me.”

 

“Daniel doesn’t take kindly to having his wife threatened.”

 

“I wasn’t threatening her.  I was waiting for you.”

“And you told Daniel that?”

 

“He didn’t believe me, though.  He would have taken me back to that awful diagnostic center again if Madeline hadn’t shown up.”

 

“When was that?”

 

“Yesterday.”

 

“And you didn’t call me?”

 

Jess shook her head.  “Madeline wouldn’t allow it.  She said if I was lying, she’d ring my neck and then call my girl…friend.  Know anything about that?”

 

Danielle looked up at her and tried to hold back her laughter.  “Maybe.”

 

Jess narrowed her eyes.  “Maybe?”

 

Danielle stopped laughing and looked away briefly.  “Well, I did kinda tell her that I met someone, but she was involved with someone else.”

 

Jess looked confused for a moment.  “Involved?”  She wrinkled her brows in thought.  “You mean you failed to tell her we’re married?”

 

Danielle took on the expression of a scolded child.  “I guess I did.”

 

“Well, I guess you need some reminding, Lady Blain.”  Jess swept the contents on Madeline’s desk to the floor and lay Danielle on the surface.  She wasted no time settling on top of her, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

 

Danielle’s hands touched every place she could reach, while she marveled in the feel of Jess’s magical mouth.

 

The office door burst open with Daniel and Madeline standing in the doorway.  Madeline had her hands on her hips.  “Danielle Hamilton, what on earth do you think you’re doing?”

 

Danielle’s smile must have looked as guilty as she felt.  “I guess we just forgot where we were.”

 

Madeline’s frown wasn’t quite as fierce as it could have been as she eyed the scattered papers.  “You made one hell of a mess of my things.  And couldn’t you have waited until you got home?”

 

“I am hom–”

 

“What Jess means,” Danielle interrupted, “is that I wasn’t totally honest when I told you she was involved with someone else.”

 

Madeline seemed visibly relieved.  “Thank God.  I would hate to think you two were carrying on like that if she were.”

 

Danielle smiled sweetly.  “She’s married.”

 

When Daniel’s mouth fell open and her aunt’s audible gasp could be heard in the next room, she continued, “To me.”

 

It took Danielle a good half an hour to calm her aunt and convince Daniel that she wasn’t delusional.  Finally they were left alone. 

 

Jess showered Danielle’s face with kisses.  “I apologize for anything and everything I ever said or thought when you were in my time.  I could have sworn I saw the man who worked at the livery…back when there was a livery on the corner.”

 

Danielle laughed.  “I think you’ll find having a car dealership on the corner much more useful.  I can’t believe you’re actually, really, honestly here.  In the flesh.”

 

“I can’t either.”  Jess looked suddenly very serious.  “What do you think hap–” 

 

Danielle lifted her finger to Jess’s lips to quiet her.  “Don’t ask, Jess.  There are no answers.  I only know that it doesn’t make sense, but that I don’t care because we’re together again.”

 

“But there has to be an explanation,” Jess persisted.  “Your Aunt Madeline is the same woman I’ve known for years.”

 

“Just chalk it up to magic, Jess.”  She kissed her deeply, then smiled.  “At least I won’t have to worry about your reaction to my aunt.  She does have a habit of putting people off.”

 

Jess laughed.  “One thing’s for sure.  I’ve never known Madeline to be rendered speechless before.”

 

“It was something of a new experience,” Danielle agreed.  She felt giddy as she played with Jess’s shirt.

 

Jess let her hands travel over Danielle’s body.  “I think I’m going to like these clothes.  You feel so good.”  She looked down at Danielle, then frowned when her eyes fell on the locket lying on Danielle’s chest.  “This locket.”  She lifted it from Danielle’s skin with her fingers.  “Danielle, maybe we should get rid of it.  Or even destroy it.”

 

Danielle reacted to the words by snatching the locket out of her hand and stepping away.  “No!”  She instantly went back to Jess and cupped her face.  “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to yell, I just…This locket brought me to you.  Then you to me.  We can’t destroy it.”  Don’t you understand?”

 

“But what if it takes one or both of us back, Danielle?”

 

Danielle’s expression changed to one of pure love, before she wrapped herself in Jess’s arms. “Love, I don’t think we have to worry about that.  It would seem, when it comes to the two of us, time has no meaning.”

 

The End

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