Authors: Linda Daly
“Oh he still does enjoy his wine, but what Frenchmen doesn’t?” Anne
snickered. “Shortly after Annabelle had left France and returned to
England, Francois seemed to come to his senses and a few months later he
returned to England. Obviously, hoping to win Annabelle’s heart and
perhaps even her hand. For a while there I truly believed he might succeed,
him being such a suave and smooth talker . . .”
“I never thought he stood a chance,” interrupted Elspeth. “After all,
hadn’t Annabelle been forced to endure a father who enjoyed his drink?
Why would she choose a life with a man certain to only cause her more
pain when there was Rupert showing her how life could be? No. I honestly
believe Annabelle never gave Francois another thought. Why if I had to
choose between two men, I can tell you . . .”
“Yes dear we all know . . .” Anne said motioning toward Annabelle and
Rupert who were edging their way closer them. Quickly she changed the
subject and asked Elise, “Not that we want to see you and Joshua leave us
Elise, but when did you say your ship sets sails?”
“Why I believe Joshua said something about traveling to London in a
few days to see the sights, then we would return here the first week of July
for a few days before returning to New York.”
Annabelle, hearing Elise’s response, glanced up at her husband
lovingly and softly said, “What a coincidence darling.” Then directing her
attention back to Elise, she asked, “Before it gets too late, perhaps you and
Joshua might have a few moments to discuss that very subject. Your
traveling arrangements, that is.”
Intrigued by her comment, Elise glanced at Anne. “Well if you’ll
excuse us, Anne and Elspeth, while I’ll go find that wayward husband of
mine,” Elise said jokingly, standing up. “If I know him, he’s probably
bending Edward’s ear off about the war.”
After joining Joshua and being led to a private study away from the
other guests, the four of them made themselves comfortable while sipping
more champagne. Within a few minutes, it was decided that Rupert and
Annabelle would be joining Joshua and Elise to London to show them the
sights and returning with them to New York. Judging by the look on
Rupert’s face when he mentioned how he missed his cousin, Elise surmised
that he was equally worried about her. As much as she welcomed the
Robbins’ company, Elise couldn’t help but wonder what Lavinia was going
to say when they returned with Rupert and her sister Annabelle.
“Oh you can’t be serious?” exclaimed Miranda, hearing the news that
Elise and Joshua were returning early along with Rupert and Lavinia’s
sister, Annabelle.
“Just what am I going to do with another Lavinia snooping about the
Honeycutt’s? Gilbert is sure to be discovered now!” Overwrought from the
stress of concealing Gilbert from Tad the past several days, compounded
by keeping up the pretense of still being interested in the man she now
loathed caused Miranda to weep hysterically.
“I just can’t keep up this pretense any longer. Why can’t Gilbert just
tell Albert what really happened. Surely he would help us.”
“Oh sweetheart, you’re mistaken about Annabelle, she is nothing like
her sister. And you know perfectly well that blood is thicker than water. No
matter how sympathetic Alfred might be to the injustices Gilbert has
sustained by Tad and his unscrupulous friend, he would never betray his
own grandson.”
Reaching for her friend, Felicity hugged Miranda while looking across
the room at James for answers.
“Are you certain, James? As much as I welcome seeing my cousin
Rupert and Annabelle again, having them under the same roof where
Miranda is hiding Gilbert is rather unsettling to say the least.”
“We all agreed that hiding Gilbert until the party was the best for all
concerned, especially now that he is wanted for the murder of that poor
friend of his.”
Between her sobs, Miranda said defiantly, “And we all know who
actually killed that poor man and yet we do nothing to see that his murderer
is incarcerated. Instead, we keep an innocent man locked up after he was
nearly killed while those guilty remain free!”
“We have no proof Daniel actually killed that man, except the word of
an Irishman who has admittedly swindled a man of means out of money
while playing cards.”
Angered by James last comment, Miranda wiped her tears and glared
at him. “You know as well as I do that Gilbert is innocent! So why are you
suggesting otherwise?”
Seeing how angered Miranda had become, Felicity softly said,
“Miranda dear, I think what James was trying to say is that if we were to
bring in the authorities, no one would believe his story. Especially against
two prominent members of society.”
“Precisely,” James agreed. “Haven’t I from the first day we found
Gilbert done everything in my power to keep him safe?”
Nodding, Miranda answered, “Yes. And I do appreciate it. Honest I do,
it’s just I’m frightened that he will be discovered before we have a chance
to free him.”
Felicity, still comforting Miranda, softly said, “Why borrow trouble
needlessly? God has kept him safe while half of New York is scouring the
city looking for him. I see no reason to think our plan won’t work. All we
need to do is keep our heads, and pray that God will help us.”
Sighing heavily, wanting to believe it was that simple, Miranda agreed.
“When are the four newlyweds expected?”
“The latter part of next week, and then the party is only four days after
that. So less than two weeks from now, you and Gilbert will be safely on
your way to San Francisco,” James said reassuringly.
Seeing her friend relax, Felicity asked, “Dear, does Gilbert know your
intentions of going with him yet?”
“No. I’ve decided not to tell him until we are safely aboard the train.”
“I see,” Felicity said frowning. “Are you certain this is wise? What if
he makes a fuss about it and draws attention to you both? You know how
volatile he can get.”
Tired of justifying Gilbert’s actions to Felicity and James, she shook
her head, knowing that neither of them liked him. “He was frightened and
hurt back when he was here, but now that he has grown to trust me, that’s
all changed.”
“I hope for your sake that’s true. As you know, Miranda, I can’t for the
life of me understand what you see in this man...” James raised his hand,
seeing her temper flare again. “But then again, look whom I chose to
marry, so I’m a fine one to talk.”
Seeing a smile cross her friend’s lips, Felicity said, “Well dear, as much
as I enjoy your company, it is getting late. Perhaps we should finish this
conversation tomorrow. You’re still coming by in the morning so that we
can look for a dress for the party, aren’t you?”
“Why yes. As a matter of fact, I thought I might look for some suits for
Gilbert as well. That is, if you wouldn’t mind.”
Seeing how impatient James was getting, Felicity smiled and said, “Of
course not. Benjamin could use a few new suits as well, so we can look for
the both of them.”
After walking Miranda to the door, Felicity turned back to her
husband’s office to have a chat with James before he had to take his leave,
knowing he was expected at the Honeycutt’s by seven. Fearful James might
take offense to what she wanted to discuss with him, she took a deep breath
and said a silent prayer.
Dear Lord, please help me to find the words to
express my concern of him spending so much time with me, especially since
he has done so much to help both Benjamin and me.
Finishing her prayer,
she walked through the office door and, mindful that they were now alone,
kept the door open.
“How kind of you to stay for a few extra minutes, James. I would
never have asked if it wasn’t due to something I needed to go over with
you.”
A look of concern crossed his brow as he asked, “What is it Felicity?
Aren’t the two new women I’ve hired for you working out?”
“Oh no, they are wonderful. Why I can’t believe how much free time I
have now. It’s heaven sent. Thank you again.”
Sensing she was having a difficult time bringing up what it was that
troubled her, and knowing how she was a stickler for protocol, he surmised
she wanted to discuss the time the two of them spent together. Rather than
put her through the embarrassment, James said, “Felicity, before you begin,
I was wondering if I might address something with you?”
“Of course,” she responded.
“As fond as I have become of both you and Benjamin, I fear that
spending so much time here at the orphanage is unwise. Especially with
Gilbert’s future hanging in the balance. As you know, Lavinia is already
suspicious of our friendship, and rather than do something that might
further provoke her, I was thinking that perhaps from now until the party I
should avoid being seen here.”
Relief spread across Felicity’s face. “Oh James, you have no idea how
relieved I am to hear you say that. That’s precisely what I wanted to
discuss with you this evening, but didn’t know how to approach the
subject. Especially since you have done so much for all of us.”
Raising his hand, not comfortable having her sing his praise, he said,
“Well then, that’s settled since we are both in agreement. If you are in need
of anything, feel free to tell Miranda and I will see to it that you are well
taken care of.”
Grateful for his thoughtfulness, she stepped forward and gently kissed
him on the cheek.
“You really are such a dear man. How will I ever repay you for all your
kindness?”
Smiling at her, he said, “You just did, my dear. Well if there’s nothing
more, I will be on my way. I know the way out.” Turning, he headed
toward the door, and said, “Don’t worry about a thing, Felicity. Everything
is going precisely as I had planned.”
Nodding her response, she watched as he made his way through the
front door of the rectory, surprised he had left in such a hurry. Then hearing
the children and realizing they must have finished their evening meal, she
scurried off to assist them to bed.
Outside the orphanage, James stood and watched Felicity’s silhouette
and rubbed his cheek where she had just kissed him. Just as it had moments
earlier, James manhood stirred, recalling her scent as she drew near him. A
sinister smile crossed his lips, and he whispered, “Yes indeed! Everything
is exactly as I’ve planned. Only a fortnight to go and I will have you, as
mine!”
Meanwhile in front of the rectory, Miranda approached Montgomery
and a smile crossed her lips. No longer was she intimidated by his immense
size or menacing look. Instead, she regarded him now as a trusted friend.
She knew if it had not been for his help, it would have been impossible to
harbor Gilbert safely away at the Honeycutt’s.
It had become an unspoken rule between them never to mention
Gilbert’s name when they spoke of him, so instead, she asked, while
accepting Montgomery’s assistance into the coach, “How is
he
today?”
“Cantankerous as ever,” Montgomery somberly replied.
By his tone and the disgusted look Montgomery exhibited, Miranda
knew precisely what the driver meant. Of all the men she had ever met,
Gilbert O’Flaherty was by far the most difficult. Despite this fact, she had
fallen hopelessly in love with him, seeing other attributes in him that she
admired and respected far greater than his anger and hostility toward
others.
Over the past several weeks while nursing him back to health, she grew
to understand that such hostilities were not out of jealousy or envy, but
rather from being treated with such a lack of respect.
Upon arriving in America as an indentured servant, he and his sister
Margaret-Anne had been forced to endure hardships much like those of a
slave. For seven long years, until their contract had been fulfilled, Gilbert,
a proud man, had been stripped of his dignity by the hands of his master.
He and Margaret-Anne had been reduced to accept the demeaning
treatment of his master, or suffer the consequences of extending their
contractual time. Margaret-Anne was able to accept those conditions more
freely than Gilbert, whose resentment toward those of power grew as each
day passed.
Over time, Gilbert’s anger grew to hate, especially after fulfilling his
obligation, when he discovered he was still viewed as a lower-class citizen,
simply because of his heritage.
Was it any wonder that he was so bitter and angry? s
he thought.
Glancing at Montgomery, the thought suddenly occurred to her that
perhaps such anger was the reason why this servant showed great kindness
to her while treating others with such coldness. Answering her own
question, she thought,
Of course it is! We have a special bond between us.
He knows that I am looked down upon by some for being a Southerner, just
as Gilbert is for being an Irishman, and sadly just as he was, for being a
colored man.
Never seeing it in that light before, she smiled warmly at the
driver. Noticing he was still awaiting instructions, Miranda immediately
apologized.
“Forgive me, Montgomery. I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts I
hadn’t realized there was something else you wanted to discuss. Has
something happened that I should be aware of?”
“No, miss. I just wanted to say that I will miss you when you leave for
San Francisco.”
Touched by his words she leaned forward and patted his hand. “That
was very kind of you to say, Montgomery. I hope you know that I will miss
you, too. I take it then that Mr. Sterling has filled you in on my intentions.”
“Yes, miss.” Then clearing his throat, still uncomfortable to show any
emotion to her, he added. “Mr. Sterling has directed me to begin packing a
few of your personal belongings. Shall I store them in the passage behind
the dumbwaiter in your room, or would your prefer I take them to the
basement?”
Confused by his question, she asked, “Passage off the dumbwaiter? I
know of no passage.”
Judging by the puzzled look on his face, Miranda realized he was
surprised at her not knowing and quickly answered, “Beggin’ your pardon,
Miss Miranda. I thought you knew; you living there so long and all. There
is a private passage between each of the rooms for the servants to have
easy access. That’s how I intended to get to your room without being
seen.”
The blood drained from her face hearing of such a place, recalling the
night Tad had brought her flowers. Realizing that such a passage must have
been how Tad had gained access to her room, her heart began to race.
Immediately she wondered,
How many other nights had he come into her
room uninvited?
“This private access you speak of Montgomery. Can you show it to
me?”
Puzzled by her request, he nodded. “Sure thing, miss. The only
problem is, I’m not permitted in the living quarters after nightfall. So,
without drawing attention to myself, I will have to come to your
bedchamber later this evening through the kitchen or basement.”
Nodding, understanding the nature of his concern, not wanting to
arouse suspicions, she asked, “Are you saying that this dumbwaiter goes to
the kitchen, as well as the basement?”
“Sure enough.”
Barely able to breathe let alone talk, her mind buzzing, Miranda
somehow managed to find her voice. “I see. After dinner I usually visit
with
him
. . . Will midnight be too late for you to show me how this
passage works?”
Seeing Montgomery nod and turn to leave, she called to him.
“Montgomery, in case I’ve been negligent in expressing my gratitude to
you for all your help . . .”
Turning, he interrupted her. “Miss, that’s not necessary. I already
know.”
“Well, thank you nevertheless. I truly do not know what would have
become of
him,
if it weren’t for your help. For both of us, thank you.”
Nodding, Montgomery smiled then took his position on the buckboard
of the hansom cab. As the carriage pulled away from the orphanage, she
gazed along the familiar route to the Honeycutt’s, grateful to have this time
to herself to sort out in her mind more distressing information about the
man she had once opened her heart to.
Upon hearing the jaded truth from Gilbert as to why Daniel and Tad
had been after him, Miranda was angered as well as sympathetic, too. How
dreadful for Tad to think he had been responsible for killing an innocent
man. Having lived with the guilt of Joseph’s death on her conscience,
Miranda knew how agonizing living with such guilt was and had been
tempted to ease his troubled mind.
Yet, she also knew, even if he knew the truth--that it wasn’t he who had
committed such a dastardly deed--Tad would still want to destroy Gilbert
out of jealousy, or worse, figure out how she knew. Out of her own need to
protect Gilbert, she remained silent. Over time, she began to resent Tad
more every day for causing her to make such a choice, and she came to
realize that Tad running down Gilbert was deliberate. He had openly
sought Gilbert out of hiding to kill him. And that was something she would
never forgive him for.
Even after discovering the unthinkable truth, Miranda couldn’t figure
out why he would do such a thing. For weeks, she had chastised herself for
being partially responsible for Tad reacting in such a vile and inhumane
way. It occurred to her that obviously he was insecure of her love, or why
else would he do such a despicable thing to Gilbert? However, tonight,
discovering how Tad had accessed her room, she no longer pitied him or
blamed herself for his actions.