Reagan's Honor

Reagan’s Honor

By

Linda Kaye

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2003 by Linda Kaye

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book is dedicated, with all my love,

To my son Thomas.

Never give up your dreams.

A special thanks to the following:

The girls in POI for the inspiration.

To Dana and Brenda for hounding me to get this published.

To Ouida for the opinion I really needed and valued.

But most of all to my mother for always being there.

CHAPTER ONE

The early morning sun was just beginning to emerge over the waters of Charleston Bay as eighteen-year-old Reagan McMillan sipped her coffee. She stared intently toward the small man-made island on which Fort Sumter stood. The loud rumble of cannons had pulled her from a deep sleep two hours earlier, but the guns were now eerily silent. Reagan had dressed in her favorite pale blue morning gown knowing that with the first light her home would be crawling with visitors. It had previously been decided that the third floor piazza of the McMillan townhouse would provide an excellent view of the activities in the harbor without losing any comfort or shade. Voices gathering on the boardwalk below made Reagan thankful that her father had wanted to spoil her mother with this prestigious home. Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft clip-clops of an approaching carriage, and a smile spread across her face.

Mason Liles would be the first to arrive. As Reagan's betrothed it was both his duty and his right. Reagan positioned herself so that the morning sun would catch the golden highlights in her hair and waited until Ezra showed Mason to the piazza. Two more carriages pulled to a stop at the front door, and Reagan was disappointed that she and Mason would only have a few minutes together.

Twenty-four year old Mason gazed at his fiancée with growing admiration. She was a tall, slender girl with ample curves. Reagan's dark blonde hair hung in soft ringlets half way down her back. If she had been looking towards him Mason knew her dark brown eyes would be flashing with mischief. Reagan McMillan was an exceptional young lady and would make any man proud to call her his wife.

Reagan knew the moment Mason stepped onto the piazza, but she pretended to concentrate on pouring herself more coffee. Mason had to clear his throat twice before she glanced his way.

Mason! she exclaimed in a surprised voice. I didn't even hear you drive up. She flashed him one of her brightest smiles and waited until he lightly kissed her outstretched hand.

Liar, he teased. If I know you as well as I think I do then I would say it's a fair bet you've been watching for me since half past four this morning, pet. He pulled out a chair and sat down beside her. Ezra moved forward to serve Mason who nonchalantly waved the black man away.

Reagan laughed as Mason poured himself a cup of coffee. She could never fool him. Maybe I have been, she admitted. But it's not every day that a war starts practically in your own front lawn. She waved her hand toward the now silent fort.

Mason took her small hand in his own. If spending the morning with a beautiful lady is one of the spoils of war, then I'm all for it, he replied gently kissing her hand for the second time only this time he boldly rested his lips against her skin longer than was seemingly. His words and actions brought a slight blush to Reagan's face.

Good morning, baby sister! called Reagan's oldest sister Carolyn. The couple jumped at the sudden break in their silent moment. Reagan blushed deeper at her sister's disapproving gaze. I declare, maybe I should insist you move in with David and myself if this is the way you carry on. She turned her eyes on Mason. You could very well ruin my sister's reputation by being here alone with her.

Then perhaps I should demand he marry the lass, David Hodges teased as he walked up to his wife. Cari, leave the two alone. Ezra was right here the entire time, and I don't think Mason would dare rile Ezra's temper. He looked toward the aging black man who had served as valet to the McMillan girls' father for fifty two years and now remained as butler. Ezra seemed to only nod at David's words, but to those who knew him understood that he was beaming with pride inside. He was fiercely protective of the three McMillan girls and would do anything to protect them.

Still, Carolyn started, Perhaps I should speak to Rachel.

Did somebody call my name? Rachel asked as she and her husband Evan entered followed by Charles and Emma Wells as well as their daughter Cynthia Wells.

David interjected before his wife could say a word. We were just wondering when you would arrive. He gently kissed his Carolyn's slack-jawed cheek and smiled brightly at her. Looks like there could be quite a large crowd here today.

As if on cue Reagan soon found her home crawling with guests. She bustled about playing hostess and making sure everything was perfect. She was scanning the piazza for Ezra to ask that more coffeecake be brought up from the kitchen when she turned right into Lucas Baines. She was speechless as she stared eye to eye with her one time handsome beau. Lucas smiled but his expression quickly faded as Mason magically appeared at her side and protectively put his arm around Reagan's waist. The two men nearly snarled at one another before Mason extended his hand to Lucas. Lucas glared at the hand and finally he grudgingly shook it.

I heard there was a celebration here, a voice called from inside the house. Reagan looked behind Lucas and saw his Aunt Esther Ashford coming into view.

Reagan pushed past Mason and Lucas to greet her. My goodness! I didn't believe you when you said you would come. I'm so glad you did. Reagan helped the elderly lady into a chair and sat down beside her.

The widow Ashford leaned over and whispered, Wild horses couldn't keep my nephew away. The rascal woke me up while it was still dark out and has been rushing me along since.

Reagan only smiled meekly. She knew Mrs. Ashford was trying to play matchmaker again. It was hard for the lady to understand what had happened between Lucas and Reagan. Sometimes Reagan wondered herself. It seemed like one day she and Lucas were planning their future together, and the next day she was engaged to Mason.

She glanced at Lucas and Mason. They were both talking amicably to be polite. The tension was obvious only to Reagan and possibly Mrs. Ashford. Both men were extremely handsome yet so very different. Mason was tall and slender with a slight muscular build. His sandy brown hair and blue-green eyes matched his lighthearted attitude. He was well educated, wealthy, and polite. Mason had lived a life of complete luxury and now worked for his father's law firm. Lucas was shorter by an inch or so but much more solid and muscular. His hair and eyes were dark enough to be called black, and when angry he cast a sinister appearance. Lucas was also educated and wealthy, but breaking with tradition, Lucas scoffed at gentleman's work and shortly after their breakup he had taken off for Texas territory and started a ranch. His aunt, who had raised Lucas after his parents were killed in a train accident, was the first to brag of her nephew's success as a cowboy.

Reagan forced herself to stop daydreaming and return to being a proper hostess. Soon she was too busy to wonder what had brought Lucas back to Charleston or why Mason was suddenly being so chatty with him. Reagan was floating around the piazza politely making brief conversation with each guest and completely enjoying herself when she was suddenly grabbed from behind, picked up, spun through the air, and set back down in the arms of a laughing man.

Richard Jeffries! she cried happily when she recognized the culprit. I never thought I'd see you again! I had assumed some pretty cowgirl had roped you in and kept you tied up at home by now.

Richard threw his head back and laughed. You know what they say. Never assume anything. It will only make an ass... Reagan stopped him short with a friendly slap on his upper arm. She shook her head at him to scold him but had to give in to her own laughter.

So when did you get back? she asked. Why are you back? How long will you be here? Are you married yet? Reagan ticked off a list of questions faster than he could reply.

Yesterday, business, about a month, and still single. I can't seem to find a girl prettier than you, my love. And since you won't have me, I'll just have to stay a bachelor the rest of my days.

Can't find a girl foolish enough to put up with your nonsense, you mean, Reagan snorted. She hugged him warmly. Oh it's so good to see you, Richard. I have really missed you. Since Richard had moved to Texas with Lucas, Reagan had truly missed her childhood friend.

Richard's face suddenly grew serious. Miss anybody else?

Reagan knew he was referring to Lucas but before she had a chance to answer a distant boom stopped all conversation. A rush was made for the front of the piazza closest to the harbor. Reagan managed to squeeze between everybody for the best possible view. She pulled her opera glass from her reticule and held it up to her eyes.

Give 'em hell! came a shout from the crowd on the street and boardwalk below. Please, there are ladies present! a disgusted voice replied. That request was cut short by one of the 'ladies' shrieking, Blow 'em to bits! Reagan giggled at the hilarity of the whole scene. A sharp jab and a disapproving look from Carolyn made her regain her composure quickly.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mason's voice boomed. You are watching history in the making. This is the South's first stand for independence. May God be with our boys out there. A chorus of amens passed among the crowd on the piazza as well as those gathered below.

The breakfast gathering soon turned into a luncheon, but the merrymaking and celebrating continued with full force. Reagan always enjoyed her parties but today was a complete thrill. She had made certain to pass at least a few words with everybody. Everybody except Lucas. With the exception of their first encounter she had quite tactfully managed to avoid him completely. Reagan glanced at Mason and knew that his relaxed behavior was due in part to her ignoring Lucas. Right now he was calmly watching the continuing bombardment on the fort. Reagan quickly scanned the partiers to make sure everybody else was enjoying themselves as much as Mason.

Cynthia Wells, the banker's shy and somewhat backward daughter, was the only person standing alone and looking a bit out of place. Well now it won't do at all to have even one lonely guest, Reagan thought to herself. Mama always said that each guest must feel as if the celebration were in their own honor. She glided towards Cynthia and gently led her over to Mason.

Mason? She waited as he jumped to his feet and smiled at the two women. Do you know Cynthia Wells?

Mason took the timid girls hand and replied, Of course, I know who she is, although I have never had the pleasure of a proper introduction. His flattery was rewarded by Cynthia's delicate but true blush.

Well in that case, Mason Liles, may I present Cynthia Wells. Cynthia, this is Mason Liles, my fiancée. Reagan practically shoved the girl into a chair and rejoined her guests. She glanced back and watched Mason leading the girl in casual conversation.

Rachel strolled up beside Reagan and whispered softly. That lady has almost cleaned you out of food. Reagan glanced toward the sideboard and noted the food piled on Emma Wells' plate for the third time.

No wonder poor Cynthia is as skinny as a rail. If I had to compete with Emma Wells for food, I would shrivel away to nothing myself. The sisters tried to stifle their giggles. Don't worry, I'll see about some more. She's got to stop sometime.

Reagan tried not to look hurried as she walked into the house. She really didn't mind how much Emma Wells ate, but she certainly didn't want anybody to go without. If word got out that she had ran out of food, her days of being known as a great hostess were over. After bursting into the kitchen and almost knocking down the three serving girls carrying huge platters of food, Reagan relaxed. She suddenly realized just how exhausted she really was. She needed to rest for a few minutes before going back to her guests. Staggering into the parlor, Reagan collapsed in one of a pair of bright green overstuffed chairs.

Why are you going to marry him? a man's voice asked.

Reagan jerked her head toward the voice and jumped when she saw Lucas sitting in the matching chair just a few feet away from her own. How could she have not seen him? What are you doing here? she demanded.

Lucas set his drink down on the table between the chairs and leaned toward her. I apologize. I was not aware that you didn't allow your guests to rest a bit.

Reagan bounced up from the chair. By all means, stay and rest as long as you wish. Never let it be said that a McMillan denied a man of his rest. She turned to leave, but Lucas reached out and stopped her.

Please don't leave on my account. Never let it be said that a Baines denied a lady of her rest. He pulled her back toward him until she was forced to sit back down. You still haven't answered my question. Why are you going to marry him?

Reagan dropped her gaze to her lap. Her hands were white as she squeezed them over and over. I, uh... she stammered. He's a good man, she finally blurted out.

Lucas looked at her downcast eyes and noticed she couldn't meet his gaze. There are a lot of good men in the world. That doesn't mean you have to marry them all.

I love him! she said quickly hoping that would satisfy him.

Lucas shook his head and took her hands in his. You once said you loved me.

That was a long time ago, she retorted. She wanted to pull her hands away but she couldn't find the strength. His touch was so warm, so comforting, and so familiar. Reagan almost felt paralyzed by his gentle caress.

Not so long ago. I still love you, Reagan.

Reagan didn't know how to respond to his declaration. Her heart was pounding so loud that she knew he could hear it. Why did his nearness do this to her? She couldn't think straight and all she wanted to do was rush into his arms. But she couldn't do that now. She belonged to Mason, not Lucas.

Reagan, what happened? His voice was soft and soothing. His face was so close now it was almost touching her own. What went wrong? We should be married right now. Not like this.

Lucas...Please, don't do this to me, she begged breathlessly.

She stood up to leave but was stopped again by Lucas. This time he took her in his arms and held her against him. Don't do this to me, Reagan, he replied. He tilted her face to his and slowly moved his lips to meet her own. Reagan pushed against him, but her will to fight was broken as the kiss deepened. She held on to him as if her very life depended on it. Suddenly she found herself kissing him back passionately. Don't marry him, Reagan, Lucas demanded. Marry me. Say you will. We belong together. The meaning of his words hit Reagan like an ice-cold pail of water. He began to kiss her again, but Reagan pulled back.

I...I can't, she cried as she broke away from his hold and ran from the room. She didn't even notice Richard standing in the doorway who had to jump out of her way to avoid being knocked down.

Lucas watched her fleeing form with a heavy heart. Damn! he cursed as he downed his drink and poured himself another.

Quite a show, if I do say so myself, Richard commented and softly applauded. Don't know who put on the better performance; the tearful lady or the jilted man. Yessir, quite a show.

Lucas glared as his friend with complete disgust. Go to hell, he barked and downed another drink.

Richard smiled as he poured himself a drink. He placed the lid back on the decanter and took a drink before he spoke another word. You two really should just get it over with and get married. Save a hell of a lot of bad tempers flying around. Rather ruins a party, don't you think? Not getting any response from Lucas he continued. So if you two are so much in love, why did you ever split up?

Lucas finished another glass. "I don't really know