Fortune Favours

Part 2

by Diz

Roughly and hour later, East sat with his back resting against a tree and re-read the letter for the umpteenth time.

"My dear" it said,

"I shall be returning to the Manor House. India has been marvellous but I found myself wishing you were here to see it. I hope you can forgive me for the way I left, and welcome me back." Grace's bold handwriting marched across the page and East could almost hear her cool, authoritative voice as he read the rest of the letter that detailed her travel arrangements and her anticipated date of arrival. Early March.

Folding the letter he stuffed it into his jacket pocket. The late February weather was cold and a keen wind nipped at his face. He hardly felt it. His mind was racing, as it had been from the moment he received the letter.

 "Welcome her back?" he mused. What did she mean? Pick up where they left off? As if the harsh words and painful parting had never happened? All of these questions jostled for position in his mind as he gained the saddle of his horse and turned for home, but he shied away from the hardest one of all. What about Jo? What would he tell her?

It was while she was shopping in town that Jo heard the words that chilled her heart. Two women were standing behind a display of canned goods and gossiping.

"They say she's coming back to the Manor House." said one.

"Oh yes, they're all of a flutter up there. My daughter works in the kitchen. She says it's close to panic." the second confirmed.  Against her will Jo moved closer. The first woman continued in a knowing tone,

"I don't doubt for a minute that Driscoll chap'll be glad to see her". Her companion giggled.

Jo turned on her heel and left the shop, her body rigid with anger.

 "How could this happen now?" she fumed "Now, just when everything is so good". She covered the ground to her tethered horse in quick short strides; the boy's clothes she habitually wore allowed her to move freely. Fortune eyed her as she untied the reins roughly. Once she was safely mounted she urged her mare into a canter and then, when they were away from the town, a ground-eating gallop.

When East arrived at his cottage and rode round to the stable Jo was nearly finished grooming Fortune. Even from a distance the line of her back and jerky movements alerted him that something was wrong. He dismounted, secured Magus to a rail, and approached. Jo stopped what she was doing and turned to face him.

"What's the matter?" he asked placing his hands on her shoulders. She shrugged out of his loose grip and turned back to her task.

 "Nothing" she said,

 "What makes you think something's wrong? I'm fine. Really" her words were accompanied by firm strokes of the brush over Fortune’s coat. Taking a step closer, East slipped an arm around her waist, the other hand moved to still her action, tangling with her fingers to make her drop the brush. He felt her stiffen. He pushed his advantage, drawing her back against him, dropping his lips to her neck and playfully licking the sensitive skin just below her ear. A satisfied smile curved his lips as he felt the starch leave her spine and her body soften and shiver in arousal. He heard a soft sigh as her head relaxed back. His hands moved, smoothing over her shape, rising to cup her breasts, gently teasing her response, feeling her nipples stiffen through the material of her shirt. His own reaction was powerful, the pressure in his groin heightened by the subtle wriggle of her hips against him. Grinding against her backside he growled his pleasure into her ear and busied his fingers unbuttoning her shirt and parting the material to finally touch soft skin. Twisting suddenly in his arms she thrust her hands into his hair and pulled his lips to hers in a wild kiss, her tongue plunging and taking, surprising him for a moment with her intensity. Just as quickly she broke away and grabbed his hand, using all of her wiry strength to drag him towards the stable. A little bemused, but very aroused, by her urgency he allowed her to take him with her into the building and an empty stall. Eyes adjusting to the dim interior he looked at her. Bright eyes, flushed cheeks and the rapid rise and fall of her breasts told him all he needed to know. Fixing his gaze on hers he advanced.

"Yes."

He heard her whisper as he pushed her back against the wall. Her fingers danced down to unfasten his trousers and steal inside to wrap around his arousal, sliding over the smooth hot skin, making him suck in a harsh breath. He in turn released fastenings of hers pushing material down past her hips. His urgent fingers travelled over the cotton of her drawers to find the split seam and drive into her, already slick and wet for him. Her hiss of excitement tested the boundaries of his control as he tortured her with his hand, rubbing hard and then gently teasing the tight nub of her clitoris. Wrapping her braid around his fist he pulled her head back, lowered his head and nipped at her neck with a growl.

"East" she gasped,

 "I need you...please...in me!" Pushed to his limit by her breathless plea he stooped to pull off her boots and strip her of her trousers before standing to grip her buttocks, squeeze hard, and lift her to the height he needed.

Jo opened her legs further for him. Fisting her hands in his hair she sucked in a breath holding his fierce gaze as he thrust hard and direct into her waiting body. Her arms dropped to his shoulders and her ankles circled round to lock at his waist. She leaned her shoulders back against the wall, closed her eyes, and gloried in East's rough, almost desperate, movements pushing her closer to the release she craved. His head moved forward and down and she felt his mouth and teeth fasten to the delicate skin of her breast. The prickling sensation of the bite seemed to sensitise her whole body, sending crackles of white heat straight to her pulsing core, and she tumbled headlong into her climax. She clutched East close with arms and legs, shuddering in pleasure, as he pinned her to the wall with long strokes, which got faster and deeper until, with a hoarse cry, he emptied himself into her.

The sated pair sank to the floor and lay gasping in the straw in a tangle of limbs. East shifted a little to draw her close to his chest, one hand idly smoothing up and down her back.

"Jo" he said in a quiet voice,

"Now will you tell me what's wrong?" Jo sighed and snuggled closer, toying with a button on his shirt, she said,

"Grace"

The hand smoothing her back seemed to falter but began again a brief second later.

"What about Grace?" East asked, his voice low and even.

"She's coming back. At least that's what the gossip in town says." Jo's voice was flat. East shifted her back from him and rolled to his feet, fastening his trousers quickly.

"Well if the gossip says it, it must be true." He winked at her and offered a hand to help her to her feet.

"I suppose you're right" she said as she watched him lift her clothing from the floor and shake off the worst of the straw.

"What would you do if she did come back?" she wondered as she redressed, wanting to ask him but very afraid of the answer.

In bed that night East lay awake listening to the soft sounds Jo made as she slept curled trustingly beside him.

"You have to tell her mate." a voice in his head nagged at him,

 " I know, and I will. I just have to find the right way and the right time." He thought, trying to ignore the thought that he was being a coward. He closed his eyes but sleep was a long time coming.

The days became weeks and "the right time" never came. Then, on a blustery March afternoon, the decision was taken out of his hands.

He was exercising Promise in the paddock when he became aware of an approaching buggy. He slowed the horse to a walk as he watched the vehicle draw to a halt and the driver get down. Grace. East remembered that Jo was out riding Ghost and breathed a sigh of relief. That was one complication he could do without. Halting Promise gently he walked him to the rail and tied him. Only then did he turn to face the new arrival.

"East" she said in that cool voice he remembered.

 "You look wonderful, really well. How have you been?" she smiled.

"I've been fine." he replied, struggling to control the feelings seeing her again were arousing. Anger, relief, happiness, fear, so many conflicting emotions.

"Good, that's good. Marvellous in fact. I've so much to tell you. Are you going to offer me a cup of tea?" she glanced at the cottage. East nodded towards the tethered colt.

"I'd love to hear all your news but, as you can see, I'm busy." He watched her mouth twitch in a slight smile as she registered the sarcastic edge to his words.

"I can see that." she replied, unruffled by his tone.

 "Perhaps another time."

He continued to look at her; taking in her perfectly cut clothing and expensive appearance. She seemed little changed in the past year, still tall, cool and elegant, her eyes forthright and direct, but something was different when he looked at her. Something had changed in him he realised.

"Will you come?" Grace's question broke into his train of thought.

"My party on Friday evening?" she explained in response to his frown.

"I'm not sure...." he said.

"Feel free to bring Miss Campbell with you. I understand she lives here." Grace smiled at his stunned expression.

"Yes, we'll come." he said and watched as she nodded, turned away and climbed into her buggy. She looked at him again.

 "Until Friday then." she said, then clicked her tongue urging her horse to "Walk on" and pull the buggy away and back towards the Manor House.

Jo rode up to find East standing motionless in the paddock looking off into the distance. Following his line of sight she watched a light buggy disappearing over a slight rise. Dismounting she led Ghost over to the rail and tied her.

"Who was that?" she asked jerking her chin in the direction the buggy had gone.

"Grace." East answered in a flat voice, not meeting her eyes. Jo's heart sank.

"So it's true then? She is back." her hands felt cold and she shoved them into the pockets of her trousers.

"Seems that way." He shrugged, untied Promise and led him out of the paddock, tied him alongside Ghost and collected the tools necessary for grooming. Jo followed. Silence hung in a pall over them while they worked.

"What did she want?" the young woman asked, long minutes later, the words drawn unwillingly from her.

"To invite us to a party on Friday evening." he replied.  Whatever it was she'd been expecting to hear, it wasn't that.

"A party!" she echoed incredulously.

 "You hear nothing from the woman for a year and she rides up out of the blue to invite you to a party? What did you say?" East's action in grooming stopped but he didn't turn to face her.

"I said we would go." he said in a grim tone.

"You said we would go?" she echoed him again, feeling a little ridiculous but nevertheless out of sorts and frustrated.

 "Well I suppose that's all there is to be said" she growled throwing the brush, narrowly missing East's head.

"You'll have to finish this, I have to sort out something to wear before Friday so that I won't be an embarrassment to you." Pleased with her parting shot she strode away and disappeared into the house, slamming the door for emphasis.

East spent the rest of the day keeping out of the way. When he did venture into the cottage he found food and a glass of milk laid out on the table but no sign of Jo. Smiling grimly he ate the food, washed the dishes and left to find something to keep himself occupied reasoning that, in time, she would calm down. Then they would talk. As he worked East remembered what his life has been like before Jo.

 He'd existed, he hadn't lived. Grace had gone, but even before that their relationship had foundered, and he'd been alone. Then he had caught Jo poaching and his life had never been the same, she brought him warmth and love. Her free spirit fascinated him as much as her lithe body excited him. She had made him whole.

 Reaching into his waistcoat pocket he took out a ring. It was small and silver; the top was fashioned in the shape of a horseshoe. It was a mate to the large rough ring he wore. Turning it in his fingers he thought of Jo, he'd had this made for her and intended to give it to her the very day Grace's letter had arrived. Sighing in frustration he replaced the ring. When it got too dark to work in the stable he went to the cottage. Still no Jo. The door leading to the bedroom was shut tight in mute warning. He gave it a sour look and dropped into one of the two armchairs by the fire. It wasn't just his life that had changed he thought as he looked around. His once basic and functional house had slowly and steadily become a warm and welcoming home. Flowers filled a vase on the windowsill, and pretty cushions sat on the armchairs. There was an atmosphere of contentment which East recognised as Jo's gift to him.

In the bedroom she shared with East Jo's fingers, holding a needle and thread, flew over the material of her one dress. A jumble of ribbons and lace lay beside her on a low table. As she worked the rhythm of the needle slowed and her anger slowed with it. She thought about East. His warmth and openness and his broad, strong body so much like the horses he worked. She remembered their first meeting when he caught her stealing a fish and, instead of punishing her, had become a friend and later a lover. She looked at the dress, thinking of the first time she had worn it for him. The night Promise had been born. Their first night together here in his bed. She had fallen in love with him. They had a home here. They became each other's family. Hearing a noise from the living room Jo realised how dark it had become and how long she had been sewing. Putting her work down she stood and stretched. Her stomach growled alarmingly. She hadn't eaten since she'd left the food out for East earlier, rolling her shoulders she decided to go and find something to eat. East was out there, she could hear him. Her anger stirred again but behind it she recognised fear. How did he feel about seeing her again? Did he still love the woman who had brought him to England?

 Head held high and shoulders squared she walked out of the bedroom through the living area and into the kitchen to begin preparing a meal. Behind her she felt, more then heard, East get out of his chair and move towards her. Gripping her arms he turned her to him. She looked at him unwillingly.

"Sorry" they said together, and then smiled.

"I'm sorry." she said, "You have enough to be getting on with. It was childish" He shook his head.

"And I'm sorry, I should have waited to ask you if you wanted to go on Friday. We don't have to, I can let her know." Jo sucked in a breath, she was desperate to take up the offer but knew it would be a mistake.

"No," she said in a determinedly bright tone. "We'll go. I've never been to a fancy party." East smiled, hugged her to him, and kissed the top of her head.

"Beauty!" he said tightening his grip for a moment. Setting her back from him he became all business,

 "Right, what do you need me to do to get food on the go?"

On Friday night East stood in the living room waiting for Jo. He paced backwards and forwards, twisting the ring on his finger. He had his back to the door when it opened. He turned to face her and his jaw dropped. Jo wore her only dress, a cornflower blue he recognised, but the alterations she had made changed it totally. The once high-buttoned neck was now a low square neckline, edged with lace. The tops of her breasts swelled invitingly above it. The long sleeves now ended at the elbow and were also decorated with lace. East’s eyes continued down to where the skirt was lifted in low soft folds held in place by roses fashioned from sapphire blue ribbon and showing a demure hint of petticoat laced through with the same ribbon. Lifting his eyes from the toes of her polished boots he noticed her hair. The dark silky length of it was swept up in an intricate style, two blue enamel and silver combs held the sides in place and a tumble of ribbons caressed the back of her neck.

"There you go again." Jo said, blue eyes sparkling and smiling,

 "Gaping at me like tickled trout".  East laughed and held a hand out to her. She crossed to him and took it allowing him to turn her under his arm, the better to admire her from all angles. It made her laugh. He brought her to a halt and took both of her hands.

"You look beautiful Luv.” he said, his eyes moving over her flushed face. He reached into his waistcoat pocket and lifted out the small silver ring. East lifted her right hand and slipped it onto her ring finger, then he placed his own right hand palm to palm with hers. The two rings chimed together. Their fingers entwined and he pulled her closer to him. Jo's eyes were bright with unshed tears; he kissed them closed and then, very gently, her mouth. Her lips clung and moved against his sweetly.

"Thank you." she whispered against his mouth, and lifted her other hand to rest against his cheek. He turned his lips to kiss her palm and stepped back.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked in a voice that was not quite steady.

"In a moment." Jo said, returned to the bedroom and emerged with a warm blue shawl, which he took from her and draped around her shoulders, bending to place a soft kiss on her neck.

"Let's go,” he breathed. Jo smiled, ordered Deacon to "Stay”, took East's proffered arm and went to the party.

They rode in on a buggy pulled by Fortune. Every window in the Manor House was blazing with light as they walked up the steps to the front door. East patted Jo's hand that was tucked in the crook of his elbow.

"Relax" he said,

 "It's a party". Jo tried to return his smile but her face felt stiff. A formally suited butler opened the door.

"Good evening Mr Driscoll. Nice to see you again sir." he said. East smiled as he lifted Jo's shawl from her shoulders and handed it to the man.

"It's nice to be here Joseph" he replied. Jo looked around the entrance hall. Several doors led from it into rooms where people were talking and laughing. Everyone was beautifully dressed and seemed to know each other. Jo felt more and more out of her depth.  East slipped an arm around her waist and gave a slight squeeze.

"Let's get a drink,” he suggested, looking down at her with an encouraging smile. They moved into one of the reception rooms and were served a delicious punch. Several people greeted East and looked quizzically at her before smiling politely. Few seemed to connect her current appearance with the tomboy they usually saw. East dropped his lips to whisper in her ear.

"It's a bit like Cinderella. Nobody recognises you." Jo shivered at the warm breath against her.

"So that would make you the handsome prince?" she teased. Clearing his throat he straightened his waistcoat and asked,

"You don't think so? I thought I scrubbed up pretty well." Taking a step back she looked him up and down.  His thick hair shone in the light, and blue green eyes twinkled mischievously in his handsome face. She had to admit that the close fitting black trousers and frock coat suited him well. Beneath the coat he wore a snowy white shirt and carefully tied tie under a dark red brocade waistcoat. The only concession made to the horseman he was were his polished  "Sunday" boots. She looked up into his face and grinned.

"You'll do for me mate." she mimicked his accent.

"Come dance with me Girlie" he said. Taking her hand he led her to another room where couples were dancing. East drew her into his arms and they began to waltz. Jo felt wonderful, dressed in her best, dancing with East at a fancy party. She smiled up at him and he returned it, his eyes warm and loving.

The music stopped and they moved aside to allow others the chance to dance. They were chatting quietly, heads close together, when a voice said,

"East! How good to see you, I'm glad you could come." He felt Jo tense beside him as he turned to face Grace who looked every inch the lady of the Manor dressed in a black beaded gown that sparkled in the lamplight.

"Mrs McAllister." he said in a polite voice, "I'd like you to meet Miss Josephine Campbell". The two women regarded each other and Grace held out an elegant hand.

 "How do you do Miss Campbell, I'm happy to meet you." Jo took the outstretched hand and smiled. East carefully released a breath he hadn't realised he'd held. He looked at Grace while the two women chatted. He saw a tall, striking woman who was clearly at home in this setting. Someone whose strength had kept him alive when all he wanted to do was give up. Someone he'd always be grateful to. His eyes moved to Jo and his mouth twitched in a smile as he felt the tightening in his chest he always associated with her. He saw a woman whose warmth and generosity of spirit filled a cold space in his soul. She was the woman he loved not because she dazzled him, like Grace had once done, but because when they were together it felt right and good. Like it was meant to be.

"How's the horse breeding business progressing?" Grace's question pulled him from his thoughts.

"It's good." he said, "Ghost foaled a beauty not long ago and Magus is bringing in good stud fees. I wanted to talk to you about that." he continued meeting Grace's gaze steadily.

"Would you consider selling the cottage and stable to me?" He heard Jo's soft intake of breath. Grace raised and eyebrow.

"Come to the house tomorrow and we can discuss terms."  She said coolly, her eyes frank and appraising, then she looked away across the room.

"If you'll excuse me East, Miss Campbell. I must attend to my other guests." and with an easy smile she moved away. Jo nudged East with her elbow.

"Why?" she asked looking up at him, a small frown notched between her brows. He smoothed it away with his thumb.

"Because I want it to be ours, I don't want to be in debt to anyone. Even a good friend." he smiled and kissed her brow where the frown lines had been.

Jo lay in bed late the next morning. To be truthful it was nearly the afternoon. She stretched luxuriously, enjoying herself. They had come home from the party in high spirits and collapsed into bed. East had awakened her early with questing hands.

 "From Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty." he whispered in her ear while he gently pinched her nipples and brushed a hand down, teasing her ribs, sliding on down to stroke between her legs, easing them apart and slipping an errant finger into her. Jo arched her back and rubbed against him, loving the groan she elicited. Reaching a hand back to slide over his long flank, she felt his arousal press against her buttocks. She purred happily deep in her throat. East caught her shoulder in his teeth and pressed her forward urging her to bend one leg up. He kissed his way down her spine as she sighed and left a rosy bite mark on one round cheek, giggling at her squeak of surprise. Sliding his body back up he matched her position and slowly, teasingly, entered her, inch by tortuous inch, as she breathlessly demanded more of him. Finally sheathed tightly he began a lazy rhythm of strokes in and out of her needy body. His hotly whispered words and murmured endearments aroused them both to the point where their climax burst on them, carrying them on a wave of sensation which left them exhausted and gasping for breath. They returned to sleep cuddled together.

 Eventually the needs of the horses forced East from the bed. Jo protested half-heartedly when he pressed her back down into the mattress saying she deserved a treat and that she should lie- in. The treat was added to when, after the morning chores, he brought her breakfast in bed. She lay picking at the food as he changed his work clothes for his "good" clothes to meet with Grace.

"Stop looking at me like that or I'll never get to the meeting,” he growled as she greedily watched the play of his muscles under his tanned skin. He laughed as she plumped up the pillows, settled more comfortably against them and pretended to take a keener interest in his actions. When he was dressed he crossed to the bed, neatly evaded her clinging arms, kissed her lightly and said,

"When I get back, this will be ours." then he moved away.

 "G'day Girlie" he grinned from the door and left.

Guilt finally pushed Jo from her cosy nest, and she washed and dressed hurriedly, thinking of all the little jobs a working stable always generated. At the door she reached for a jacket. Her hand closed on one belonging to East. She shrugged into it. It dwarfed her but it held that particular scent of straw, horse and man that belonged unmistakeably to him. She breathed it in, smiled and hugged it round herself.  On the walk to the stable she stuffed her chilled hands into the pockets of the jacket. Her fingers encountered a piece of paper. Frowning she stopped, pulled it out and unfolded what looked like a letter.

"My dear" she read,

 "I shall be returning to the Manor House". Jo's blood froze as she read on. When she finished she turned on her heel and went back to the cottage.

East flung himself from Ghost and all but ran into the cottage to tell Jo the news. The cottage and stable belonged to them. She wasn't in the main room and there was no answer when he called her name. He grinned. Maybe she was still in bed, all warm and waiting. He opened the door and peeked into the bedroom. Jo wasn't in the bed, but what he saw forced the breath out of him. Jo's pretty blue dress was spread out neatly on the bed. On top lay a sheet of paper held in place by a small silver ring in the shape of a horseshoe. Crossing to the bed he recognised Grace's letter.

"No" he growled as he snatched up the ring, thrust it into his pocket, and bolted for the stable. He arrived in time to find Jo leading out Fortune and Promise with Deacon in tow.  She looked like she did when he had first seen her, wearing boy's clothes with her hair stuffed under a cap. Then her blue eyes had been wide with fear. Now they sparkled with anger.

"So," she said in a sarcastic tone, "back from "welcoming" your "good friend" Grace?" the weighted words struck him like blows.

"Jo. Luv. I'm sorry..." he began.

"Sorry?" she spat, "Sorry? What for? Leading me up the garden path? Or getting found out?" She turned and started to check Fortune’s saddle girth in angry jerks.

"Jo." he tried again, "Please let me explain. It's not what you think." he saw her movements falter and plunged on.

 " Grace did write to me and I should have told you. That was stupid, and I'm sorry for it. But I didn't know how to tell ya, how you would react. I was scared you might leave." His mouth twisted in a grim smile since that was what she seemed to be doing anyway. She had stopped her checks and he met her eyes, but she didn't respond. Her face was blank, unreadable.

"I don't love Grace." he said and saw her eyebrows rise in disbelief.

"I don't." he repeated firmly.

 "I thought I did. She dazzled me. She was so different to anyone I'd ever met before. So confident. So sure of what she wanted. It wasn't love, it was infatuation. Then when she brought me here...." his voice trailed off.

"I owe her a lot but I don't love her." He watched a tiny glimmer of something kindle in her eyes. It gave him the courage to go on.

He continued speaking quietly, taking a small step towards her.

"Not love like I feel for you. The way my gut clenches when I see your first sleepy smile in the morning." Another small step forward.

"The pride that swells up in me when I see you working the horses" Another small step, he was nearly within touching distance.

"The terror that grips my heart thinking that you might leave me." he said, finally reaching out to take her hand. He looked down at it. Small and brown, unresponsive in his own larger one. He raised his eyes to find hers swimming with tears.

"Forgive me." he asked simply,

 "Stay with me." his eyes begged. Finally a sound like a sob escaped from her and she flung herself at his chest, his arms closed gratefully around her and he closed his eyes. Then, to his surprise, she leaned back from him and punched him hard on the arm.

"I was so scared and angry!” she sniffed and punched him again. He stood firm under her onslaught, not releasing her.

"I love you and you made me scared and angry!" she drew back her arm for a third blow but he caught her hand and carried it to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. He pulled her to his chest, fished the ring from his pocket and replaced it on her finger.

"I love you Jo." he said. Jo lifted his hand and kissed the matching ring he wore and smiled, welcoming his tender kiss and enveloping hug.