Defiant Hearts Read online

  Table of Contents

  Cover Page

  Excerpt

  Other Books By

  Title Page

  Dedicated

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND APPRECIATION TO:

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighten

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  YOU WON’T WANT TO READ JUST ONE—KATHERINE STONE

  Copyright

  SECRETS AND SEDUCTIONS

  “Oh, Jayce,” Laura murmured, “I’ve been so worried about you.”

  She was so enchanting that Jayce forgot for a while why he had come to see her: to question her, to test her, to learn if he had been right or wrong about her…“I’m fine, Laura, but I’ve been worried about you, too. I’ve missed you.”

  Laura saw the desire in his gaze, a desire that seemed to match her own. With every fiber of her being, she wanted to be in his arms. Right or wrong, she must have him at least once or surely her defiant heart would cease to beat.

  Jayce grasped her hand and held it to his lips, his eyes never leaving hers. “I want to make love to you, Laura; I have since the first moment we met.”

  She was neither surprised nor offended by his words. In fact, she was thrilled to hear them. She needed—wanted—him. How else could she discover what kind of man he truly was unless she yielded to him tonight? Without hesitation, she led him to her bed…

  ROMANCE FROM FERN MICHAELS

  DEAR EMILY (0-8217-4952-8, $5.99)

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  Available wherever paperbacks are sold, or order direct from the Publisher. Send cover price plus 50¢ per copy for mailing and handling Penguin USA, P.O. Box 999, c/o Dept. 17109, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. Residents of New York and Tennessee must include sales tax. DO NOT SEND CASH.

  Defiant

  Hearts

  Janelle Taylor

  This book is dedicated in loving memory to three unique

  southern gentlemen and a fine southern lady:

  Joseph Earl Taylor

  the epitome of a perfect father-in-law;

  Sharon Huff Williams

  a special sister-in-law;

  Lt. Colonel (retired) Marion “Mac” McMichael

  a wonderful uncle and good friend;

  Marion “Bill” Wing

  an exceptional and witty stepfather.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND APPRECIATION TO:

  Charles Lott and Michael Taylor for their research assistance in Arizona.

  Betty Taylor for research assistance in Virginia.

  Thanks to the historical battleground sites, national parks, libraries, museums, Chambers of Commerce, visitor’s bureaus, welcome centers, newspapers, tour guides, bookstores, and authors in Virginia and Arizona—especially those in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, and Prescott—who assisted me and my helpers with gathering information for this novel.

  Books and authors I found particularly enlightening were:

  The Civil War, Day By Day: E. B. Long with Barbara Long, Da Capo Press.

  Moore’s Complete Civil War Guide To Richmond: Samuel Moore, Jr.

  Civil War In The Western Territories: Ray Colton, University of Oklahoma Press.

  The Galvanized Yankees: Dee Brown, University of Nebraska Press.

  Davis: Perry Scott King, Chelsea House Publishers—World Leaders series.

  Pauline Weaver:Jim Byrkit and Bruce Hooper, Sierra Azul Productions.

  Chapter One

  “No, Lily, I can’t allow you to carry this message to our contact. You must not endanger yourself more than necessary. If anyone should take the risk, it should be me since I was the one who chose to continue Aunt Clarissa’s work after her death; may her gentle soul rest in heaven.” Laura’s green eyes misted as she thought of the special woman who had taken her in nineteen months ago. Clarissa had claimed her as a niece, loved her like a daughter, and left everything to her upon her death in May of ’63.

  “You’re the one who shouldn’t be endangered, Laura. You’re far more important to our cause than I am. I have no family, and little freedom or pride to lose. You’re a fine lady and I’m nothing more than a—”

  “Do not say such things, Lily, for they aren’t true,” Laura scolded in a gentle tone as she pressed fingers to the older woman’s lips to prevent the insult from coming forth. “You’re my closest friend; I trust very few people as much as I do you. I’m no more worthy of survival than you are, and no more the proper southern belle of long ago. We’ve had no news of late, so my family could be lost to me by now. With so many battles occurring around Fredericksburg since I left, perhaps our plantation no longer exists. We’ve seen and read newspaper accounts about places which have been burned, looted, or shelled beyond recognition. I’m certain my brother Tom would not have left me home alone with the overseer and workers if he believed I was in danger. I don’t know what would have happened to me if Aunt Clarissa hadn’t come for me in November before the fierce fighting started nearby. She was such a wonderful woman, so intelligent and brave. She’s been gone for fourteen months and I still miss her sorely.”

  “So do I, Laura. Clarissa Carlisle took me in when I was stranded, penniless, and terrified, when I was at my lowest. If not for her, I would be working in a cheap brothel or tavern and have no say about who my patrons are. I’m grateful you allow me the same privileges she did.”

  “I would never ask, order, or expect you to sleep with any man, Lily.”

  “I know, but this became my lot in life years ago. Truly, it isn’t that awful, not with clean and respectable gentlemen who would never be rough or crude with me or the other girls. Besides paying well when we need their money, I can’t think of a better way to loosen lips and steal secrets from them,” Lily added, and laughed.

  Laura did not want to hurt her friend by arguing about her morals or behavior so she changed the subject with a sigh. “When the war is over, how will I tell Father about Clarissa’s death? I haven’t mentioned it in letters to him as I dare not distract him on the battlefield. They loved each other so much and would have married if war hadn’t come.”

  “Despite his love and grief, Laura, he’ll probably be angry she got you into spying and endangered you, and brought you to live and work in a place and manner unfit for a genteel lady.”

  “The Southern Paradise Club and Hotel is a respectable establishment, and I’ve done nothing to dishonor myself or our family name. Only regular and trusted patrons know we offer female…services. Most think we only rent rooms, provide guests with meals, and provide a place where men can socialize. Our patrons are men of high status or rank, the same kind of men who once visited our home. Our place is clean and lovely, and we don’t allow any ruffians or trouble. All I do is greet our patrons, play the piano and sing on occasion, serve them drinks and meals, and take care of all business. Besides, how can Father object when this is how and where he met and fell in love with Clarissa? Too, she probably saved my life or at least my virtue by taking me out of harm’s way.”

  Lily, as w
ell as their patrons, knew that Laura “Carlisle” did not entertain men upstairs in the three private rooms, nor had Clarissa. Guests treated Laura with the same respect and admiration as they had the former owner. “No matter if you don’t lie abed with men, if Colonel Adams knew what you were doing in secret, he would order you to join your uncle in Arizona.”

  “What you say is true, but would I be safer out West with all the Indian troubles? And what if the Rebels make another attempt to recover Arizona and New Mexico? Have you forgotten what the newspapers have said? At first, the Confederacy took over that area; it had a southern governor and delegate to its Congress. Then, Federal troops recaptured it and President Lincoln made Arizona a territory and appointed a Union governor. But from what I hear, the Confederacy wants it back again.”

  “It’s still safer out there than here in Virginia, in Richmond. But there’s hope in another direction.” Lily changed the subject. “We haven’t learned of any fighting near Greenbriar, and it’s a good distance from Fredericksburg, so I’m sure it’s safe and your people are protecting everything for you as promised; you told me no one could be more loyal than they are. One day, this awful war will end and you can stop risking your life the way you’ve been doing since Clarissa died.”

  “I have no choice, Lily. Things worsen every day. I must carry on for Aunt Clarissa and help stop this bloodshed as soon as possible. At this very moment, General Early is threatening an attack on Washington. Until he headed there, he and Sheridan were ripping it up in the Shenandoah Valley. We know it’s an irreplaceable supply area for the Confederacy, and an invasion route to the North. Sherman is advancing on Georgia with Atlanta as his major target, and it doesn’t look as if Johnston can stop or delay him. Lee and Grant are battling southeast of us and near Petersburg. Grant knows that if he can take the vital rail hub there, he’ll open the door to enter Richmond. Since Virginia and Georgia have ten of the largest and most important arsenals and ammunition makers, Grant and Sherman won’t give up fighting to capture them, nor will Lee and Johnston cease trying to hold them, though I doubt Johnston can succeed.”

  Laura took a deep breath and added, “It’s looking bad for the South, Lily. New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, and other large cities have fallen into Union hands; if Richmond and Atlanta are taken, the Confederacy will be gravely injured. The entire coastline is blockaded, but Rebel ships still get through to certain ports. The entrances to the James, Potomac, Rappahannock, and Mississippi rivers are controlled by the Union. If the major ports of Mobile, Galveston, Savannah, Charleston, and Wilmington are lost, the Confederacy will suffer fatal wounds. It’s obvious Petersburg and Atlanta are crucial to both sides. When and if they fall, the end will be near. I must get this message delivered before ignorance of these facts costs more lives.”

  To lighten their moods, Lily grinned. Her blue eyes sparkled as she quipped, “It was generous of Bragg’s escort to share that news with me. Don’t you agree?”

  “If he had been thinking clearly, he would not have divulged it.”

  “No man can keep a clear mind while his body is being pleasured,” Lily joked, and saw the refined Laura try to suppress a smile of amusement. “Rest for a while and prepare yourself for what lies ahead tonight. I’ll take care of everything here.”

  “I don’t know what I would do without you, Lily.”

  “Your friendship and respect are payment enough.”

  Laura grasped the other woman’s hand. “You have both and always will. If I don’t make it back, you know what to do.”

  “You’re too clever and quick-witted to get caught. But it won’t hurt to be extra careful, since things are heating up everywhere.”

  The two women embraced, smiled, then parted.

  After she clad herself in a black dress and an ebony shawl with which to conceal her dark-blond hair, Laura Adams—known to everyone in town as Laura Carlisle—waited for night to come so its shadows could cloak her daring plans. She stood in the doorway to her home away from home, a lovely wooden structure attached by an enclosed ten-foot passageway to the larger Southern Paradise Club. She knew Lily had locked the doors at both ends after her departure earlier. With Lily in charge tonight, no one should pull the cord to summon her there with the bell that rang at her end. If anyone did, she would claim she had been out strolling or taking a long bath.

  Laura looked toward the James River that had aided Richmond’s growth and progress, and help make the city of vast importance to the Confederacy. She hated this war with all her heart. To her, it was like a violent and unmerciful storm that was wreaking death and destruction across her beloved country and especially in her state. The raging conflict had separated her from her family, home, friends, way of life, and even her identity: things that might never be reclaimed, no matter what she did to help terminate the war.

  Laura leaned against the doorjamb in a house that stood only a few blocks from the Confederate Capitol and home of its highest leader. She wondered for the thousandth time how matters had gotten so out of hand and how so many people had become so bitter and hostile to the extreme point of battling and slaying even family and friends. How could so many hearts have become so cold and defiant; people, so brutal and destructive? Would her patriotism—considered treason by the other side—get her slain or captured and imprisoned? Was what she was doing worth the perilous risks to herself, to dear Lily, and to Ben? Yes. The answer leapt into her mind, if it helped end this vicious and lethal war sooner so healing could begin and her family—as well as others—could be reunited.

  Laura used a lacy handkerchief to blot perspiration from her face. Perhaps, she reasoned, the hot and humid July weather had made her edgy. It was best to push aside her anguished musings because it was time to leave, time to try to reach her contact to pass along the new facts she had gathered. No, Laura reminded herself—these were facts Lily had extracted from a patron while he was enjoying her friend’s carnal skills. She didn’t understand how Lily could have sex with strangers or mere acquaintances, but she mustn’t judge the girl since she had not walked in Lily’s steps and endured the hardships and heartaches she had.

  Laura slipped a five-shot double-action Adams revolver into a deep pocket of her dress. The ride looming ahead was ten miles long, but Benjamin Simmons would be waiting for her as he did each Thursday night. Ben would see to it that her coded message reached the right person, and he would protect her with his life, as she would him.

  She made certain she had her pass, as it was very possible she would encounter inquisitive soldiers while en route. She sneaked to the stable, saddled her black horse, walked him to the street, and mounted. She headed toward Fourth Street to avoid passing her establishment and risking being seen by her guests. The people she passed along the gas-lit streets didn’t appear to notice her; even so, the ebony shawl over her head concealed most of her face and all of her blond hair from view. Shortly, she cleared town and headed toward Petersburg along the most infrequently used road, sighing in relief to have made it this far.

  Darkness, created by a thick line of trees and bushes on either side, engulfed her on the twisting road. She stayed tense and alert, her ears and eyes strained to their limits. She ignored the sounds of crickets, frogs, and nocturnal birds and creatures, though a small herd of deer startled her badly when it raced across the road before her. Every time she heard human noises or saw a lantern flickering ahead, she slipped into the trees to hide until it was safe to continue. She knew her well-trained horse, a beloved animal she had brought to Richmond with her from the plantation, would remain quiet and still at her command. She had a plausible excuse to use on her return leg if it was needed, but riding south at this late hour and on a side road would be difficult to explain. She knew if she were caught spying for the enemy she risked incarceration in a horrible prison or, worse, hanging. Yet, she vowed nothing they did to her would coerce her to expose her accomplices.

  Her heart pounded, her mouth dried, and she trembled froma realistic d
ose of fear as she journeyed near a bend in the James River where Drewry’s Bluff was located. That site was heavily fortified to prevent the Yankee gunboats from getting close to Richmond. Two months ago, the Union general called “Beast” Butler had captured its earthenworks, only to lose them two days later. Afterwhich, the site was strengthened with more men and cannons. In the distance, she heard shelling and firing at other Union targets and saw the dark sky light up on occasion during the largest blasts. For a few moments, her attention strayed to her father and brothers, and she hoped they were safe from harm.

  Laura reached her destination, a group of tall oaks, and was relieved to find Ben there, leaning against one huge trunk. As usual, they spoke in muted voices and used as few words as possible, since sounds might carry too far in the stillness of night. She removed her waist sash and snipped the stitches to extract a coded message. She passed it to the man with long brown hair, a short beard and mustache, and dark eyes which a slouch hat almost covered. Her green gaze passed over the C. S. symbol on his hat and his dusty—stolen—Rebel uniform. “Read it and see if you have any questions,” she commanded softly.

  Ben’s mind deciphered the missive, which revealed General Bragg—Davis’s adviser—was being sent to Atlanta to meet with General Johnston about his lack of progress against Sherman and his possible replacement by Hood, a fierce fighter and bold leader. It related that the Weldon rail lines near Petersburg had been repaired for transporting more men, arms, supplies, and railroad mortars to the area. General Early was invading Pennsylvania and Maryland, the missive further revealed, and was pushing toward Washington in an effort to lure Sheridan from the Shenandoah Valley and Grant from around Petersburg by striking fear into Yankee hearts by taking the bloody reality of war to their soil. Ben knew that most of the infantrymen and generals didn’t like Bragg, not since his defeat at Chattanooga in late ’63, a turning point in the war in favor of the North. He also was aware that just as many disliked “Retreating Joe Johnston” and wanted him replaced. He realized, based on Hood’s prowess and reputation, Hood would be trouble for them. “Have you made any headway on fillin’ Grant’s last request to you?” he whispered.