Shadows of Magnolia: Southern Legacy, #2

By Jerri Hines

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This is a serial! The books in this series may have cliffhangers and hooks to make you want to continue to the next book. Do not begin if you don't want to become addicted to the series! Southern Legacy will consist of four books-- Belle of Charleston, Shadows of Magnolia, Born to Be Brothers and The Sun Will Rise. Enjoy!
 
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to read the first book in the Southern Legacy Series, Belle of Charleston, before reading Shadows of Magnolia. This is a SERIAL! Shadows of Magnolia begins where Belle of Charleston left off.

Set against the backdrop of Antebellum Charleston with the martial clash of brother against brother looming on the horizon-here is an absorbing, tantalizing saga of life during one of our country's most turbulent times-Southern Legacy Series.

Shadows of Magnolia, Book Two

Somewhere between love and tomorrow is forever!

Josephine Buchanan Wright is forced apart from the man she loves. She has chosen the path of honor and duty, denying her heart its desire. Unaware of a growing threat against her, she strives to make her dying father's wish a reality.

Cullen Smythe returns to Philadelphia and tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart...forget her and make a life for himself--alone. But fate has other plans for once more Josephine enters his world.

Can their love be rekindled against the forces against them? Love and betrayal; jealousy and violence--all with a war looming on the horizon, bidding brother against brother.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jerri Hines
• Release date: Jul 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536597585

Jerri Hines

A Southern gal with a fascination for history, bestselling author Jerri Hines writes historical suspense fiction and historical romance. Jerri believes in love and the power it holds, the reason she adds romance to her stories. She has lived the last thirty years near Boston with her Yankee husband.

Book preview

Southern Legacy Series, Book Two

SHADOWS OF MAGNOLIA

by

Jerri Hines

http://jerrihines.org/

http://twitter.com/jhines340

Published by Magnolia Way

Copyright 2015 by Jerri Hines

Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill

Edited by Faith Williams, The Atwater Group

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Dedication

To my husband, Bob, for allowing me to follow my dream.

In Memoriam

To two lovely Southern ladies who were major influences in my life.

My grandmothers

Mamie Lambert Dotson and Ruby Lee Caveness.

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

This is a serial! The books in this series may have cliffhangers and hooks to make you want to continue to the next book. Do not begin if you don’t want to become addicted to the series! Southern Legacy will consist of four books— Belle of Charleston, Shadows of Magnolia, Born to Be Brothers and The Sun Will Rise. Enjoy!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to read the first book in the Southern Legacy Series, Belle of Charleston, before reading Shadows of Magnolia. This is a SERIAL! Shadows of Magnolia begins where Belle of Charleston left off.

Contents

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 One

A WARM, SOUTHEASTERLY breeze sprang up just before Josephine Buchanan Wright walked out of St. Philip's Church. She paused in the portico and enjoyed the gentle caress—a much-needed reprieve from the hot, sweltering heat of August.

She had only recently returned to Charleston, having spent the early summer on Pawley's Island. Papa had rented a fine, airy house down along the shoreline, private and perfect for his recovery from heart failure. With having only to throw back the shutters and inhale the cool light ocean wind, Jo found it a temporary escape from the tangled web her life had become.

Long, lazy days, she cared for her papa. The time spent lounging on the beach under a large parasol and sitting on the side porch sipping on mint lemonade, enjoying visitors that came and went.

Charlotte visited briefly and then journeyed with her momma over to Columbia to see relatives. Grace Ann followed Charlotte's stay, accompanied by Mr. Whitney.

Mr. Whitney is taking me to London! Grace Ann informed Jo. It is a shame that I won't be at your wedding, but Mr. Whitney felt it only proper to see you before we departed.

Jo had no desire to even think of her upcoming wedding to Andrew Montgomery. Charleston was miles away, the wedding, not until the end of the summer. She had decided to live in the moment.

It had been a delightful stay. Alongside Grace Ann, Jo seemed to relive days gone by of childhood. She laughed and giggled with Grace Ann like they had done when they had been children, enjoying picnics on the beach and wading in the surf. It was good to laugh. She thought she had forgotten how.

Papa spent a great deal of his time in talks with Mr. Whitney. Jo suspected it had to do with her grandfather and cousins. Papa steadfastly refused to discuss it with her, assuring her she had nothing to fear.

Grace Ann hinted that Harry Lee and Buck had been exiled from their home state.

I swear I don't know what got into their heads, but now they are heaven knows where assuredly regretting their behavior. Why they can't set foot back in Charleston, not without fear of repercussions from your papa! Grace Ann tried to make light of it. Momma is saddened by their actions. She believes they did it to save the family. I honestly believe that was purely selfish on their part. Men are selfish creatures, but they most assuredly would not have done you harm.

Jo made no argument. It would serve no purpose. Grace Ann wasn't responsible for her brothers' faults. To Charleston society, the bad blood between Grandpa Henry and Papa had been whitewashed, dealt with between the men themselves. The final resolution seemed to satisfy her papa, and she took heart in that fact.

Initially, Jo was saddened to leave the shore, but her mood changed when she returned to the city. A warming sensation swept through her as the wheels of the carriage rolled over the narrow, cobbled streets. She took in the familiar sights: houses surrounded by lovely gardens and giant oaks and palmettos, the shops along King Street, the salons where political rhetoric flowed over into the streets, and the view of the ships in Charleston Harbor.

Everything was as it was before she left as she had always known it to be. This is what Papa understood—it was home, a part of her.

The peal of the church bells announced the Sunday sermon had been brought to a close. She could not deny the effect the familiar sound had upon her. Memories disturbed the smooth peace she had found away from this city—assaulting her casual acceptance of the events that had unfolded over the last few months.

Her sensibilities ruled her heart, not allowing her the ability to mourn what she had lost. She could not afford to release the wall she had erected. No, her fate lay with the man her father had arranged she should marry. She would not contemplate a different path. She would behave in the manner demanded of a good Southern woman.

Releasing a pensive sigh, she moved alongside of her fiancée. Surreptitiously, she studied the man who would be her husband within the week.

Andrew Montgomery leaned against his cane. Handsome enough, Jo supposed. Not as tall as the other Montgomery men, his dusty blond hair was cut short along with his sideburns. He had grown a goatee but kept it neatly trimmed. His stance lent to the conclusion his leg pained him.

He was a quiet, studious man. His soft brown eyes rarely sought Jo's, but she had seen compassion in them toward others. His time devoted to becoming a doctor. He, too, had only recently returned to Charleston, having finished the last of his studies in Philadelphia.

Jo assumed he would set up his doctor's practice here in Charleston, but he had not yet stated that fact. Neither had he talked of the plantation that would be theirs, Magnolia Bluff. In truth, he had told her little. Their marriage was born of obligation, not love.

Papa's lawyers had met with Andrew immediately upon his arrival. The settlement between Papa and the Montgomerys had been finalized. It would not be the wedding of her dreams but drawn from a legal agreement.

Her reluctant fiancé had been the epitome of politeness, but she sensed his repulsion. The man, who soon would be her husband, hated her, more so now than ever. He would marry her to save his family's fortune. She would marry him to be her father’s dutiful daughter.

Oh, what might have been...if only Cullen... No, no, no! She pushed the memories from her mind, if not her heart.

At the foot of the church steps, Jo instantly recognized the lady heading their way. The mother of one of Clarissa's friends, Deborah Wilder. The older heavy set woman greeted the couple with a warm smile.

Was it not a wonderful service? One leaves Reverend Riley's sermon feeling vindicated, Mrs. Wilder said, stepping closer to Jo. It makes me feel good knowing God is on our side.

Jo sensed the woman wanted to continue the good reverend's sermon and condemn all Yankees. Jo was not one to run from a challenge. She would have liked nothing more to point out that in the northerner churches, they, too, were preaching the same, except, she was certain that they thought God was on their side.

I enjoyed it greatly, Andrew offered. Reverend Riley is a fine speaker.

I have said it many times...you have only to ask Mr. Wilder that I have...we are indeed fortunate to have Reverend Riley here in Charleston. They tried you know to convince him to go to Savannah, but he would have nothing to do with it. Said his home is here. Did my heart good, Mrs. Wilder went on. Of course, I assume he is marrying you two on Saturday.

A small smile emerged on Andrew’s lips. I asked him myself.

Jo couldn't remember Andrew smiling in her company. It was only then she noticed the tight lines around his mouth ease; his eyes held a softness she had never seen. For Heaven’s Sake! He can be pleasant when not in conversation with me. He is just as miserable as I about our union!

Josephine, Mrs. Wilder said as she reached over and squeezed her hand. I have a confession...I saw...

Jo exchanged a confused look with Andrew. She looked back at Mrs. Wilder. Saw? I'm sorry...

Mrs. Wilder took in an exaggerated breath. Your gown. I swear I have never seen a gown so breathtaking! Why Ellie...Miss Haney... told me, it had come from Paris.

Papa surprised me with it when we returned to Charleston.

Papa had seen to it that the whole of her wardrobe had become most fashionable. Why she wore the most flattering rose floral print this morning. The skirt was tied back to show the tiers of elegant white ruffles, and her bonnet matched the lovely pink in her gown. Her dark tresses gleamed richly, drawn back from her face in an openly woven white silk net.

It is quite exquisite, especially the pearls beaded into the gown and the lace! Mrs. Wilder exclaimed, then abruptly, her voice lowered. I declare, Josephine, I was shocked, though. Did I see your girl getting fitted in the back room? At first, I thought I was seeing things. Of course, I cornered Miss Haney...she didn't want to, but eventually, she confessed you ordered the girl several items from her store. All hush...hush.

If you mean...

I understand, Mrs. Wilder released Jo's hand and patted it ever so gently. Truly, I do. You have a compassionate heart. I say this only because your poor momma is not here to do so. God bless her soul. Her voiced hissed underneath her breath. But you can't have a blackie in our dress store...shopping!

Immediately, the woman straightened herself. Of course, I would never say a word about what I saw. Poor Miss Haney would suffer so if everyone knew she serviced slaves. What else could I do? Phyllis is such good friends with your Clarissa. She glanced around. Where is the lovely girl?

For a brief moment, Jo considered the unfairness of it all. She wanted to retort that Gillie was no longer her servant or slave. Jo had only wanted Gillie to enjoy the moment. The courts had finalized the official papers that freed Heyward and Gillie. Gillie would travel with Jo to Philadelphia after Jo’s wedding to enjoy one of her own; a true wedding stemmed from the love Gillie and Heyward had for each other.

Jo had not asked much for her own wedding. It was deemed best to have a small affair, immediate family only at the ceremony at the Montgomery's house on the Battery. A far cry from Clarissa and Wade's grand affair. She did not care for herself, but she wanted more for Gillie. She wanted Gillie to enjoy her moment.

Papa had been indulgent toward her since she agreed to marry Andrew. In so doing, when Jo insisted that she give Gillie a wardrobe for her wedding gift, her papa obliged by convincing Miss Haney to fit Gillie for her travels.

What on earth was Mrs. Wilder doing in the back of the store snooping? Why the store had been closed when Gillie had been fitted! The nosy thing!

Who? Jo asked. Lost in her thoughts, she had quite forgotten what the woman had asked.

Why that sweet thing, Clarissa! I don’t believe I saw her at service.

Clarissa is feeling a bit under the weather, Mrs. Wilder. I am certain she will be able to attend the ceremony at week's end. I hope to see you and your family as well, Andrew's brow was harshly furrowed. I thank you for your concern with my Jo. I can assure you it will be addressed.

Mrs. Wilder clutched her bosom. Thank the Good Lord, you know now. I had been so worried. I knew you would want to know.

Andrew waited until Mrs. Wilder walked away before he grasped hold of Jo’s elbow. She wanted to protest, but it was not the place to do so.

Warily, she allowed Andrew to guide her to the carriage. She wished that Grace Ann had not traveled to London with Mr. Whitney or that Charlotte hadn't gone to visit family in Camden. She felt so alone.

Jo found Wade and his mother waiting patiently for them in the open carriage. She paused before accepting Wade's assistance up into the forward seat. He startled her when his blue eyes locked on hers with a frowning intensity.

Wade Montgomery. The man who at one time she professed her love gave her a reproachful look. He had changed. Not his looks. He was still undeniably handsome, tall, and lean with streaked blond hair and deep, blue eyes.

No, it was his feelings that had altered. He hated her because he had lost the one thing he loved more than he did her—Magnolia Bluff.

She smothered her growing misery, happy only that Papa was not beside her to endure the ire of her new family. He had looked so pale and tired this morning, she insisted he rest.

It had been Papa who had stubbornly held to the promise he made his wife before her death. Ruthlessly determined, Papa had succeeded in maneuvering Jo into becoming a lady accepted by Charleston society...mistress of Magnolia Bluff, but it came at a much higher price than what her papa imagined. Papa handed her over to a family that held little love for her.

She wanted nothing more than to make them understand that as much as they hated Papa, if not for the marriage, they would lose everything...everything. Not by her Papa's hand, but by the actions of Douglas Montgomery, father, husband, and son of those who now resented her intrusion into their household. Now, it would not happen because of her union with Andrew.

Andrew settled himself beside her, but it was not her fiancé that irritated Jo. Wade had not taken his eyes from her.

Wade drew a stiff smile. I told you, Drew, that you needed to talk with her.

Jo had no need to ask the reason for his statement. It was obvious he knew exactly the topic of conversation with Mrs. Wilder. She was not quite sure how to react to Wade's hostility. Her chin tilted