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rejoin his mother where he’d be out of the way--away from Jackson’s wife.
    When Travis realized that he hadn’t said anything to Mr. Jeffries, he finished explaining. “Sorry, I was remembering the conversation where I learned the news from Harvey, my banker.” Travis lifted his shoulders in an angry shrug. “I can truly say it wasn’t a pleasant day.”
    “I’m terribly sorry, sir,” Mr. Jeffries said, shaking his head. “My assistant must have confused the address. You were to receive your letter in advance of your father’s business associates.”
    Travis understood that it was not an intentional slight, but still it hurt. And he wasn’t really sure why. “The only thing I know is the old codger never did anything without having a reason. The education came only after he realized that I was the only one to carry on the family name. Only then did he give me his last name and acknowledge my birth. And now this insult -- that woman.” Travis motioned toward the house. “The woman owns half the blasted plantation -- just what is -- or was -- my father about?”
    “I cannot comment on the subject, sir,” Mr. Jeffries said, his brows drawing together in an agonized expression. “But I can say that your father seemed to think a great deal of Miss Brooke.”
    “Evidently so,” Travis grated out. “He left her half the damned plantation.” He turned on his heel and strode toward the barn. “I’m going to check the cane,” he called back over his shoulder. “If you want to see what Moss Grove is about, I’ll have a horse saddled for you, and you can ride with me.”
    “Thank you,” Mr. Jeffries said, huffing as he struggled to catch up with Travis. “I can understand your being upset over the situation ...” Jeffries’ words trailed off as Travis gave him a warning look, but then Jeffries continued. “I traveled with Mrs. Hammond and her friends, and they are all quite lovely ladies. Perhaps you’ll change--”
    Travis stopped suddenly cutting Jeffries off, “What ladies?”
    “I believe they are friends, but think of themselves as sisters, sir. Quite close, I do believe. Actually the other two women were your father’s nieces and your first cousins. They lived with your father for awhile.”
    As casually as he could manage, Travis stated, “Don’t tell me I’m going to have two more women dropping in on me. As if I don’t have enough aggravation.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Thank God my mother isn’t here. She’d be having the vapors or carrying on so that I would never have any peace.”
    “Oh, no sir. The ladies parted company in New York, each going their separate ways.”
    “Good,” Travis snapped, then motioned for the stableman to saddle another horse. When the horses were brought around, Travis mounted, but couldn’t resist speaking his thoughts. “Well, it’s a damned shame that Mrs. Hammond didn’t go with them.”
    Mr. Jeffries mounted. “I hope that you’ll feel differently once you become better acquainted with Mrs. Hammond. She’s really quite a lovely woman.”
    Travis gave a half laugh before he said, “Don’t wager your life on it.”
     
     
    Mammy led the way down a long hall. The clicking of their heels on the hard, parquet floor was the only sound.
    Apparently, Mammy didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with chatter. When they reached the end of the hall, Mammy opened the door and announced, “Dis is your room. I t’ink you’ll enjoy dis room, yes.”
    Everything smelled clean and of fresh lemon wax. It was a refreshing change from the dampness of the ship and the musty odor of the taverns and coaches they’d used on their trip.
    Brooke glanced around the spacious room. The furniture was all dark mahogany. A large bed with a white lace canopy sat in the middle of the room, and a sofa and two rose-colored chairs faced the fireplace on the other side.
    The room had been decorated for a woman--possibly the fiancée. Just how close was