Forced to Love (Historical Romance Collection) The Fires of Love & Hate

Chapter 6 Fool That I Am

CHAPTER 6--FOOL THAT I AM

One week following Hattie and Lucinda Brown’s conversation at Hattie’s wedding, Lucinda rode down the long road to the estate and was met at the steps of the great mansion by George Walsh.  As she stepped down from her father’s buggy, she told George that she had only two bags.  Knowing Miss Hattie was expecting Lucinda, he took her to Rebecca’s study.  “Miss Hattie is out for a walk with Rebecca.  She asked if you would wait here in her study.  I hope you don’t mind.”

Happy to even be invited into such a beautiful home, she replied graciously, “Not at all.”  It was some time before Hattie returned, giving Lucinda time to collect her thoughts.  Sitting in a chair looking out the window, she fiddled with her dress.  She was nearly sick, not knowing how she was going to tell Abner’s mother of her situation.  She hoped so much that Rebecca would accept her, and even though Hattie had said she would, Lucinda had reservations.  Illegitimacy was not looked upon kindly, and she worried about her child growing up without a father.  The more she thought about it, the more upset she got until, after a couple minutes, she was weeping uncontrollably in her hands.  Just then, the ornate double doors to the study opened as Hattie and Rebecca entered the room.  Standing and turning to face them, Lucinda’s tear-stained face showed the wear of much stress. 

Rebecca, seeing Lucinda’s hot tears, rushed to her side.  “Lucinda, my dear, whatever is wrong?  Come, come, Dear, sit down here on the settee and tell me what’s troubling you.” 

As Lucinda joined Rebecca on the sofa, Hattie knelt on the floor beside them.  Lucinda’s mother Katherine was one of Rebecca’s dearest friends, and Rebecca was with her when Lucinda was born.  Lucinda had been a pretty child and grown into quite a beautiful woman, whom Rebecca loved very much.  But now, sitting with Rebecca, a woman she had always looked up to, Lucinda was afraid and ashamed to have to tell her that her son had raped her.  Finding it difficult to speak, Lucinda pleadingly looked to Hattie for help.

Rebecca was gifted in being emotionally in tune with those dear to her.  Seeing the look in Lucinda’s eyes, she patiently waited for her to speak.  Finally, she asked Hattie, “Do you know what’s wrong, dear?”

Hattie nodded, realizing this was going to break Rebecca’s heart.

Seeing the expression on Hattie’s face, Rebecca could sense that whatever was wrong had something to do with her son.  “Please don’t tell me, Hattie,” she paused, “that this has something to do with Abner?”

Looking at Lucinda once more and then at Rebecca, Hattie replied hesitantly, “Yes, Rebecca, I’m afraid, it does.”  Taking her new mother-in-law’s hands lovingly, she began to explain.  “I found out only a short time before the weddin’ that Abner had raped Lucinda, and now, she’s goin’ to have his baby.”  Rebecca didn’t move as Hattie continued.  “Do you remember questionin’ me about the paper you saw on the vanity the day of the weddin’?  It was to acknowledge the child as bein’ Abner’s and provide financial support for Lucinda until the baby is grown.  I forced him to sign it, and he was so enraged that I became afraid for Lucinda.  I’ve asked her to come to Silver Creek, so that we could help and protect her.”

Rebecca began trembling but tried to remain calm.  Inside she was raging at her son’s deplorable behavior, but she knew she had to keep her emotions under control, as any lady of her upbringing must.  Seeing the frightened look on Lucinda’s face, she reached over and pulled her close and kissed her.  “Hattie has done the right thing, Lucinda.”

“Does that mean I can stay?”

“Surely you may; I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I’ll cancel my trip to Richmond right away.  I want you right here, and I promise you as I did Hattie, you’ll never want for anything as long as you live.”  Tears ran down her face as she spoke, and taking a handkerchief from her sleeve, she blotted them.  Hattie moved closer and rested one arm across Rebecca’s lap.  Rebecca was quiet for a long time, thinking of how much love she felt for these two beautiful young women.  “How in the world could Abner have hurt them?” she thought.  Her mind raced and her thoughts became more intense.  Her great expectations for Abner were now utterly dashed to pieces by his base instincts and arrogant will.  Standing, she walked to the door and called for George.  “Lucinda will not be visiting, but will be living with us, George.  I’ll be discussing the matter with you, Mary, and the rest of the family later this evening.”