Authors: Linda Daly
“Only for a moment,” she said meekly.
Much to her surprise, Alfred did most of the talking while pacing, as
she sat quietly and listened. When he announced that after being down in
the basement last night for the first time in years, he had to agree with
Gilbert--it was dank and dismal. Her heart raced, fearing the worst. Instead,
she was relieved to hear that other arrangements were being made for
Gilbert to be moved to the servant’s quarters in Montgomery’s room, where
the two of them could have more privacy. Although he said nothing
directly to her, just by his remark of them requiring privacy, she knew
Alfred had guessed why she hadn’t changed from her gown.
Only being in the servant’s wing once, Miranda recalled that
Montgomery had his own entrance to the gardens as well as the main
house, and she smiled, thanking him. Blushing, Alfred then addressed other
concerns on his mind, the first being if she still intended to go with Gilbert
to San Francisco.
When she replied yes, explaining she and he would like to be wed as
soon as possible, Alfred immediately nodded his head and said he would
make the necessary arrangements. However, he insisted that the wedding
be detained for a few days until Benjamin had returned, since Alfred was
concerned in letting any others find out they were harboring a wanted man
for murder. Agreeing with him, and grateful for his keen perception of the
situation, she asked, “Is there anything else you care to discuss with me
before I make my leave?”
Looking at her, she knew what he was about to say troubled him by the
look on his face. Bracing herself for a lecture Miranda took in a deep
breath.
“Considering the lateness in the hour and when you did not answer
your door to your bedchamber earlier, I took it upon myself to send word to
Mrs. Myles that you have taken ill today.”
Hearing him say he had visited her room and knew she was not there,
Miranda blushed but said nothing, listening to his every word.
“This so-called illness should suffice for a few days, my dear, by being
excused from dinner and other situations where you would be required to
be in contact with Tad. With Joshua and Elise arriving with the Robbins’
early next week and the preparations for the party keeping everyone
preoccupied, I should venture you’ll have ample excuse not to be alone
with Tad. Nevertheless, we still have the end of this week to get through.
Are you certain you will have the courage to continue this charade?”
Puzzled by such a comment she said, “Of course. Haven’t I done so
until now?”
Tuning to face her, he looked tenderly at her. “It has suddenly occurred
to me that in my zest to help, I may have caused you and Mr. O’Flaherty
more harm than good by not waiting to speak with him next week.”
“I’m sorry Mr. Honeycutt, but I’m not following you . . .”
Raising his hand to silence her, he added. “I wasn’t finished. You see,
there is a certain glow a woman possesses when she loves and she knows
she is loved in return. And my dear, you radiate. If I can see it, I am
positive that a certain young man who already thinks you’re beautiful, will
see it too. Therefore, from here on out, until you leave us Miranda, you
must be doubly careful. It goes without saying that myself and
Montgomery will help wherever we can, and I’m sure after I explain the
complexities of the situation to Felicity, she too will assist you as well.
However, we cannot be with you every moment of the day. Now more than
ever before, we must do nothing to arouse the suspicions of Tad or the
temper of Mr. O’Flaherty. Not that I think your fellow would do anything
unwisely, mind you. But a man in love is apt to do anything, especially if
he must protect the woman he loves from his enemy.”
Seeing her ready to object, Alfred hastily added, “Miranda, I know
what I’m talking about here.” As if the matter had been settled, he added.
“As I was saying, as wonderful as it is to have you confide in me, there are
certain matters you need to discuss with a woman. Mrs. Myles, being
worldly and as levelheaded as she is, would be my first choice. Not to
mention, with Vivian hell-bent in rekindling an alliance with Felicity, for
the sake of impressing Rupert Robbins, we can use this to our advantage.
Don’t you agree, my dear? So I’ve urgently requested she come early
tonight, before dinner.”
Realizing he was right and trying to be as delicate as he could, she
nodded. “As you wish, sir. Is there any thing else?”
“Just one. Please be happy, my dear. You and Mr. O’Flaherty deserve
that much.”
After thanking him again, Miranda crept silently to her room. While
freshening up and changing into another gown, a smile crossed her lips as
the last of Alfred’s words sprang to mind. Although he had never said it
formally, she instinctively knew Alfred approved of her choice in men.
Anxious passengers made their way toward the gangplank to meet their
loved ones, while Joshua and Elise stood on the deck looking out onto the
harbor nostalgically.
“Well Mrs. Carmidy, did you enjoy your wedding trip?” Joshua
whispered huskily, holding Elise close to him, his arms wrapped around
her waist as they looked out over the harbor.
Smiling at him, Elise cooed, “It was perfect. I almost wish it didn’t
have to end.”
“Even traveling the rough seas?” Joshua teased.
“Oh you . . .” she whispered lovingly, tapping his hand. “I could do
without that I suppose.”
“Indeed. Are you feeling better now?” he asked concerned.
“Oh much better now that we’ve docked. I’m so sorry I spoiled our last
few days . . .”
“You did nothing of the sort.” Joshua interrupted. “I rather enjoyed
tending to you for a change. Although, as I recall, I was a far better patient
after we were ambushed than you were these past few days.”
“That’s because you were unconscious,” she replied sarcastically.
Chuckling, Joshua kissed her head and asked, “Have you decided if we
should share our news right away, or wait a few more months?”
Knowing what news he was referring too, and loving him for allowing
her to make this decision, Elise leaned back into his shoulder enjoying his
nearness. “Oh darling, as much as I’d love to share our good fortune with
our family, let’s wait for just a while. After all, with Rupert and Annabelle
here, I wouldn’t want to distract from their visit.”
Nestling closer to his wife, Joshua smiled. “Who are you kidding
Elise? You enjoy being the center of attention. Do I need to remind you
how you used to sashay around your mother’s parlor to be certain you had
captured all the men’s hearts?”
Playfully slapping his hand, she said, “Oh you do exaggerate so.
Besides, I’ve already captured the only man I’ll ever need or want.”
“Yes you have, my pearl.”
Turning to face him with concern in her eyes, she said, “Darling,
before long I’m going to be fat. Will you still love me then?”
Chuckling, he kissed her forehead. “I’ll love you more.”
Satisfied with his response, she cooed, “You always did know how to
turn my head.”
Seeing that the Robbins’ were on their way to join them, Joshua hastily
whispered in her ear, “Behave yourself, you shameless hussy.”
Smiling at him with a twinkle in her eye, she innocently asked, “Is that
anyway to speak to the mother of your child?”
Turning his attention to Rupert, who had now joined them with
Annabelle on his arm, Joshua ignored her last comment, directing his
attention to their new friends. “All packed and ready to meet everyone?”
“Well, we’re packed. But in truth, suddenly I feel a bit apprehensive.”
Annabelle said shyly. “We’ve had such a lovely trip. Do you suppose we
could remain on the ship instead?”
“Oh fiddlesticks, Annabelle. It won’t be so bad.” Elise said
reassuringly, while taking her arm. “If Lavinia so much as looks at you
crossed-eye, why I’m apt to forget I’m a lady!” Then hugging Annabelle,
Elise mischievously giggled. “You know, with me not having my sea legs
and all, she might have an unfortunate accident,” Elise exclaimed, while
exaggerating a shifting motion of her hips followed by Elise clasping her
hands around her cheeks as if shocked. “Mercy sakes, now wouldn’t that
be a sight! Her splashing about in all that murky water below might be
quite memorable, not to mention most amusing. Why, I should imagine
even the pristine and beautiful Lavinia would find it difficult to keep up
appearances in those conditions.”
Chuckling nervously, Annabelle embraced her new friend. “Yes, but
you wouldn’t really do such a thing. Would you, Elise?”
Tucking her arm through Annabelle’s, Elise snickered while cocking an
eyebrow. “Well, I have been prone to be a might cantankerous from time to
time, when provoked.” Leaning closer as if sharing a secret, Elise said,
“Did I ever tell you of the time when Joshua made me so upset that I threw
my shoe at him?”
“Oh you didn’t!” Annabelle replied with a broad smile.
“I most certainly did. It was back at my Mama’s boardinghouse in
Fairfax.”
Lagging behind their wives, Rupert looked at Joshua. “Your wife really
is quite special.”
“That she is,” Joshua said, proudly grinning in her direction, admiring
Elise’s ability to put people at ease, even under the most difficult situations.
Turning his attention back to Rupert, he added. “I’d say we both were
damn lucky men.”
“Indeed,” Rupert proclaimed.
With that, the four of them stood in line with the rest of the passengers
ready to disembark. Once on the gangplank, Elise began scanning the
crowd of people waiting for the passengers. Spotting her mother in the
group below, she began waving frantically.
“Look Joshua. Mama and Michael are here. Oh, and there are your
folks, too. See them?” she asked excitedly.
“Yes dear, perhaps it might be wise not to jump about in your condition
though. After all, you could fall.”
Squishing up her nose and acting as if she were annoyed, Elise pouted
while clearly enjoying his pampering. “Oh pish-posh. You’re no fun!
Honestly Joshua, ever since you found out, you’ve been hovering about
like some old nursemaid.”
Turning her attention to Annabelle, she said in an exaggerated whisper,
certain that Rupert could hear her as well. “By the way, we’ve decided not
to bring up the baby just yet. You will keep our secret won’t you?”
Nodding her response, Annabelle’s eyes drifted to the crowd below and
she discreetly scanned where Elise had been pointing. Spotting Lavinia
among the crowd, her heart began to race as the blood rushed to her
cheeks.
Glancing at Annabelle and seeing her friend’s concerned look, Elise
reassuringly patted her arm. “Don’t fret, Annabelle. She can’t cause you
harm as long as Rupert’s by your side.”
“A very wise and accurate assessment,” stated Rupert, proudly.
Raising her eyebrow, Elise timidly looked at Rupert with a smile
pasted to her lips.
Oh my, this should be interesting,
she thought while
politely nodding as they made eye contact.
As soon as the four of them stepped outside onto the dock, they were
immediately surrounded by family. After exchanging hardy hellos to her
family, Elise watched shamelessly as Annabelle and Lavinia grazed each
other’s cheeks without any hugs or excited greetings as she and Joshua had
with their folks. Instinctively she knew this strained welcoming had
nothing to do with the English being reserved, acting as passing
acquaintances rather than family.
From Elise’s vantage point she marveled at how cordial Rupert had
been with James rather than with his wife’s sister. He boldly said, “James,
you old scoundrel. Good to see you again.” He shook his hand vigorously
while Annabelle nodded saying a polite hello. Again, Elise’s interest piqued
noticing how Annabelle had addressed her brother-in-law as Mr. Sterling
rather than by his Christian name.
How peculiar,
Elise thought, looking away so as not to appear rude by
staring at them. However, she did notice that as polished as Rupert was-seldom exhibiting emotion in public--he made no attempt in concealing his
disappointment at discovering that Felicity was not able to welcome them.
“And why is it again that our cousin was not able to be here, Mrs.
Honeycutt?”
Obviously flustered that he was asking her the question rather than
Lavinia, Vivian said, red faced, “Why Rupert, just as I explained. With she
and our dear Miranda welcoming Reverend Myles and Miranda’s father
back home, there simply was no time. Why, if we had not received your
telegram late this afternoon, telling of your early arrival, I dare say we
would have all missed this joyous occasion. Isn’t that right Alfred?” Vivian
said, looking for support from her husband.
Not lending the encouragement Vivian had wanted, he replied by
asking, “Why is it that you decided to take an earlier ship, Mr. Robbins?”
Speaking up, Joshua said, “Actually, it was our idea, sir. Elise was a
little under the weather and I wanted to get her home safely.”
“Oh dear,” Sarah exclaimed, hugging her daughter nearer to her. “Are
you alright dear?”
“Mama, don’t worry. I’m fit as a fiddle. Joshua was just being overly
cautious, is all.” Judging by Sarah’s concerned look, she didn’t believe her
daughter, but smiled at her anyway.
As they started to make their way to the coaches, Elise’s ears perked up
upon hearing Rupert address Felicity’s absence again.
“Shall we be seeing our cousin tonight then, Mrs. Honeycutt?”
“Why yes, of course. She promised me as soon as Benjamin and Lucas
arrive they will come straight to our home. As a matter of fact, they should
be there now.”
“Right. I was under the impression that when Reverend Myles
traveled, Felicity accompanied him. Am I too assume she has been residing
with you Mrs. Honeycutt, in Benjamin’s absence?”
Clearly flustered by his questions, Vivian replied, “As it was, Felicity
preferred to stay at her own home. She really is quite devoted to the
children you know.”
Having spent the last six weeks with the Robbins’, Elise knew that the
glance they had just shared between one another was more than idle
curiosity.
Reaching the coaches, it was decided Elise and Joshua would travel
with both of their parents, while Rupert and Annabelle would accompany
the Sterling’s along with Alfred and Vivian. Smiling reassuringly at
Annabelle, Elise stepped into her coach and took a seat by her mother.
As soon as Elise was situated, Sarah leaned closer to her and
whispered, “Don’t you think for one minute you’re fooling anyone, missy.
A mother always knows.”
Smiling sweetly at her mother, acting naïve, Elise coyly said, “Mama,
for the life of me, I don’t know what you’re referring too.” Grateful for the
diversion as Mary Carmidy entered the coach, Elise cooed, while patting
the seat and sliding over.
“Come sit beside me, Mother Carmidy.”
“Why certainly, dear. As long as I won’t be crowding you. As I recall
when I was in your delicate condition, I just hated to feel closed in.”
The blood drained from Elise’s face as her eyes opened as wide as
saucers, quickly glancing between her two mothers in complete shock.
Seeing Joshua enter the coach, Elise looked over at him pleadingly and
said, “I swear, darling. I didn’t say a word!”
With a triumphant grin, Mary patted Elise’s hand and looked at her
son. “It’s true! As soon as I saw that glow to her and then looked at you all
puffed up like some rooster, I just knew.”
“
We
just knew!” Sarah chimed in.
“Knew what?” William and Michael asked as they took their seats
across from the three women.
“That we’re soon to be grandparents!” Both mothers exclaimed
enthusiastically. This immediately sent great cheers of laughter erupting
from inside the coach that echoed throughout the crowed street. While in
the Sterling’s coach that followed closely behind, no such excitement
existed. Instead, the silence between the six of them was deafening.
As soon as the coaches pulled in front of the Honeycutt’s mansion,
instinctively everyone remained in the background while Rupert and
Annabelle was greeted with great enthusiasm by Felicity. With tears
welling in her eyes, Elise smiled as she watched Felicity embrace Rupert
and Annabelle.
“How good it is too see you both,” she exclaimed hugging them again,
tears running down her cheeks. “If I had known you were arriving today, I
would have welcomed you at the dock.” Seconds later, Benjamin joined his
wife and shook Rupert’s hand vigorously, then patted him on the back.
“Congratulations and welcome to America, old friend.” Turning to
Annabelle, Benjamin hugged her fondly as she did him in return. Turning
his attention to Rupert he jokingly said, “You’re a lucky man, my friend.
How did you ever manage to persuade such a lovely creature as this to
become your bride?”
Glancing to his once sister-in-law, Benjamin said sincerely, “I’ve never
seen you look more radiant Annabelle.”
Bashfully, she smiled and warmly said, “How kind of you to say so
Benjamin. It’s so good to see you again.”
From the look on Annabelle’s face, it was clear to everyone that her
words were sincere, and Elise glanced at Lavinia. Judging the sour look on
Lavinia’s face, Elise knew instinctively that she was not enjoying the
reunion of these four people who obviously cared deeply for one another.
As Lavinia and Elise’s eyes locked onto each other, Elise extended a
cordial smile to her, which was not returned. Nearly ready to burst out
giggling, Elise politely glanced back at the Myles’ to hear what Benjamin
was saying.
“Speaking from our hearts . . .” Pausing and extending his arm for
Felicity to join him, Benjamin continued. “Having you both here means
more to us than words could ever express.”
As they all hugged one another again, Elise noted what a contrast this
reunion was to the one at the docks.
Alfred, seeing Miranda and Lucas watching from the steps, cleared his
throat and motioned them to join him. “Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, I would like
to introduce you to Lucas Brown and his dear daughter, Miranda. The
Brown’s are old friends of the family. Perhaps my granddaughter told you
that she and Miranda grew up as neighbors in Fairfax, Virginia?”
Hearing Virginia, Rupert looked at his cousin. “Virginia? That was
where you were raised Felicity.”
Tucking her hand in his arm, she said nostalgically, “Oh Rupert. What
a dear man you are--you remembered. Yes. Mama and Papa were old
friends of Mr. Brown’s, too.”
Nodding, making the connection, Rupert smiled while extending his
hand to Lucas, who accepted it and shook it vigorously. “How good it is to
make your acquaintance, sir.”
Pleased by the warm gesture, Lucas smiled and nodded respectfully at
Annabelle, then said to Rupert. “I had the pleasure of knowing your aunt as
well, Mr. Robbins. A mighty fine woman--a mighty fine woman indeed.”
As Felicity introduced Miranda to Rupert and Annabelle, Elise felt a
twinge of jealousy proclaiming her a dear friend. Feeling Lavinia’s eyes on
her, Elise deliberately avoided eye contact with her, and joined them by
tucking her arm around Miranda’s waist.
“I’ll only share her with you Felicity, since you were so kind to
introduce me to your dear friend, Annabelle.”
The four woman giggled softly and Annabelle, said, “Well, it would
appear we shall all be friends then.”
Clearly able to see that her friend and confidant was an outcast to these
four women, Vivian glanced at Lavinia, discreetly gesturing her to join
them. Seeing Lavinia make no attempt to join the circle of friends, Vivian
pasted a smile to her lips and said, “Dearest Felicity, why don’t you show
our guests into Alfred’s study and we will continue this lovely reunion in
comfort.”