Authors: Linda Daly
Within the hour, the bride and groom, snuggling close together inside
the coach, pulled up in front of the Honeycutt’s, with Charles, Joshua’s
youngest brother and best man, and Miranda. Glancing away from Elise for
a moment Joshua said, in apprehension. “By God, I thought we agreed to a
small
reception.”
Belle from the South. I’m surprised the whole town didn’t come out.”
Shaking his head, Joshua said sternly, “Charles, I’m no hero. How
many times do I have to tell you? And we’re no longer Northerners or
Southerners. Today, I’m nothing more than one hell of a lucky man who
married a wonderful and beautiful woman. We’ve worked too hard for this
day, so please no more talk of war. Today is Elise’s day.”
Snuggling closer to Joshua, Elise whispered, “Our day, darling.”
Just then, Benjamin and Felicity pulled up, and Charles and Miranda
joined them outside the carriage while Elise dreamily cooed, “I suppose we
should go in. Mrs. Honeycutt has gone to so much trouble and all.”
“Yes. However, as I recall a few weeks ago in your bedroom, I said
once we were wed, I would truly make you mine. Well, we are wed . . .”
He paused as he pulled Elise closer to him, suggestively saying, “Do we
really need to attend this party, darling? I still recall a few tactical
maneuvers that should get us half way to Niagara Falls before they even
miss us.”
Enjoying the feel of his mouth tenderly kissing her neck, she moaned
slightly, and said, “Why Joshua Carmidy, I do believe I’ve married a
devil.”
“You have no idea, Mrs. Carmidy.” Skillfully, Joshua shut the door to
the coach with his foot, while passionately kissing her.
From outside Benjamin jokingly called to them, “There will be no
retreating this night, Mr. and Mrs. Carmidy. You two deserve a
celebration.”
Playfully growling, Joshua waved his hand toward the window,
motioning them to leave as he said to Elise, “We better go in before I
change my mind. But later, you and I have a great deal of unfinished
business to tend to.”
Smiling back at him Elise whispered, “See, I knew if we tried long
enough, we could find something to agree on, Major.” Then pulling away
from him, she brazenly said, “Major Carmidy, aren’t you going to be a
proper gentleman and escort your wife into our wedding celebration?”
Chuckling, he stepped out of the coach while offering her his hand. “At
your service, my captivating little minx.” Taking his hand, she gingerly slid
out of the coach and looked up at him grinning from ear to ear. “I always
knew someday you’d come around to my way of thinkin’.”
Bending down, he whispered, suggestively, “Keep it up darling and I
might be forced to turn you over my knee like I threatened to a long time
ago.”
“Promises, promises. I’d like to see you try.” Moving out of his reach
before he had a chance to affectionately pat her hind end, Elise chuckled.
Miranda smiled affectionately at their childlike bantering, no longer
embarrassed by their display of affection for one another, as the six of them
walked up the stairs to the Honeycutt’s mansion. “I always said you two
were like two roosters peckin’ at one another.”
Elise, spotting Lavinia Sterling standing next to Mrs. Honeycutt
greeting their guests, said softly, “Speaking about a couple of roosters
peckin’, what is
she
doin’ here?”
“I swear I had no idea Lavinia and Mr. Sterling were going to be here
tonight,” Miranda said apologetically to Felicity.
Before Felicity had a chance to speak, Elise snidely said, “Well don’t
fret none, Felicity. Mrs. Sterling may think she’s being so clever but truly,
she’s no match to me. Just follow my lead.” Glancing up at Joshua, Elise
smiled. “You know me darling, I never could back down from a good
fight.”
Nodding, he escorted Elise to their hostess while Elise cooed
affectionately, “Why grandmother Honeycutt and Mrs. Sterling, how lovely
you both look this evening. Joshua and I can’t tell you how much this
means to us, opening your home like this so we could celebrate our special
night.”
Reaching Vivian, Elise immediately kissed her on each cheek, then
turned to Lavinia and did the same. “Why, I see you thought of everything,
too. You both greeting everyone is truly special. I’m sure Mama and
Mother Carmidy appreciate it so much.”
“Precisely what I told our dear Sarah only moments ago. I believe my
words to her were, ‘Why my dear, one with good breeding never denies the
opportunity of another with only the purest of intentions to be recognized
for her generous offer to assist in the arrangements.’ So of course when our
Mrs. Sterling offered, I simply couldn’t deny her, now could I?”
Elise’s back stiffened but her smile never wavered. “Why certainly
not.” Turning her attentions to Lavinia, Elise gushed. “Mrs. Sterling, I am
truly honored that you would be so generous on our account. In all my
excitement, I didn’t see you at the church, wasn’t it just the most loveliest
of ceremonies?” Elise motioned for the others to pass by, while Joshua held
his wife more snuggly around her waist, amused by her clever distraction.
Seeing the other four had safely avoided any embarrassing moments by
Vivian or Lavinia, Elise said condescendingly, “My, but Reverend Myles
surely does know how to give a heartfelt service, doesn’t he? Speaking
woman to woman . . .” Elise leaned forward, whispering, “I like to think
behind every good man, is a better woman. My friend Felicity is truly a
lucky woman to be married to such a charming man, wouldn’t you agree,
Mrs. Sterling?”
Lavinia’s smile faded, as Vivian’s smile spread. Then cordially Elise
excused herself, making an excuse she needed to find her mother and
in-laws.
“Well of all the nerve. I’m telling you Viv, that new little
granddaughter of yours must know that Benjamin and I were once married.
Otherwise, why would she say such a thing? Unless she’s completely void
of proper rearing, which is no wonder considering who her mother is.”
“I may have no use for that daughter-in-law of mine, but my
granddaughter on the other hand shows great promise.”
“Why Viv, I’m shocked at such a comment. Surely you can’t think
anyone from that backward part of the country could possibly be anything
more than a simpleton.”
“Are you sure of that Lavinia? Look for yourself. Felicity and
Benjamin are already in the ballroom thanks to Elise’s little diversion.
From where I stand, I’d say not only does she match your beauty but she’s
equally as cunning.”
“Well, time will tell, won’t it Viv?” Lavinia’s eyes glared at Elise
watching intently as the bride made her way to her friends and parents.
Casually looking over the rim of her fluted champagne glass Felicity
softly said, “As much as I appreciate what you’ve done, Elise, I fear you
have made a fierce enemy.”
“Oh pish-posh. Even the greatest adversaries enjoy a little competition
every now and then.” Turning her attention to Joshua, she added, “Isn’t that
right darling?”
“Yes darling. And we certainly were that, weren’t we.”
For the remaining afternoon, Elise and Joshua mingled amongst their
guests, telling everyone how they had met and fallen in love, all the while
aware that Lavinia was watching their every move. While Joshua was
visiting with his parents, Elise strolled over to where the senior
Mr. Honeycutt stood, looking out at his guests. As she approached
Michael’s father, she smiled sweetly, saying, “Thank you again, for such a
lovely reception, and for opening your home to me. I do hope I haven’t
been any nuisance to you. When Joshua and I return from our honeymoon,
I do hope you will honor us by coming to dinner at the Carmidy’s.”
“Ah, so then you and Joshua have decided to move in with his
parents?” Alfred asked.
“Why yes, Mr. . . . er . . . Grandfather Honeycutt. With Mama and
Michael intending to find a home of their own soon, and since Joshua’s just
getting started back at the firm, it will take sometime before he will be
established again. So for the time being, we, I mean Joshua and I thought,
this would be wisest.”
“Yes. Well it does seem well thought out. Your husband is a fine man.
I’m certain in no time you and he will have a home of your own.”
“Thank you, sir. There was one more thing I wanted to ask, that is if
you wouldn’t mind another inconvenience? Would you find me terribly
rude, sir, if I asked to be excused from dinner tonight? It’s not that we both
don’t appreciate everything you’ve done, because we do. It’s just that we
have such a long ride ahead of us and all . . .”
Alfred smiled at her. “My dear, am I to assume you’ve not asked my
wife or even your husband about this proposal of yours yet?”
Blushing at his candor and at being so astute, Elise said hesitantly,
“Not exactly, sir. Perhaps I spoke too hastily. Please forgive me if I’ve said
something to offend you. It truly was not my intention. It’s just that Joshua
and I have been through so much and since we hardly know anyone . . .”
“Dear Elise, in the past week, it has become abundantly clear just why
my son fell so hopelessly in love with you and your dear mother. I too find
I can’t refuse you anything, so don’t worry your pretty little head about
another thing. If you will give me a few minutes, I’ll announce to everyone
that your leaving early is my idea, being the most sensible thing to do. Will
that please you, granddaughter?”
Without thinking, she hugged him tightly. “Oh thank you so much. You
really are such a dear man, just like Michael.”
By then Joshua had joined them and jokingly said, “As much as I
admire you, sir, I’ll not stand by idle while you steal this lovely creature
from me without a fight. It took too long to capture her heart.”
Chuckling, Alfred said, “Well Joshua, if I were some thirty years
younger, I might have given you a little competition where this charming
woman is concerned. I was just telling your lovely bride here that I think it
unwise to prolong your trip any further. You two have a long ride ahead of
you, so why don’t I toast the bride and groom and send you off to that
honeymoon Elise was telling me about.”
Joshua looked suspiciously at Elise then grasped Alfred’s hand. “I
don’t know what just went on here Mr. Honeycutt, but hell, I could hug
you myself. Thank you!”
“My pleasure, Joshua. But since you’re part of the family, please call
me Alfred.”
Joshua, still shaking his hand, said, “Alfred it is. Thank you very
much.”
With that, Alfred cleared his throat, and with Joshua and Elise beaming
by his side, got everyone’s attention. After toasting the couple, he
announced that after careful consideration, he felt it wise if the newlyweds
started on their journey without delay.
Michael and Sarah who had been conversing with the Carmidys looked
shocked and immediately went to their children’s side, asking to see them
both before they left. Then Joshua and Elise, after thanking their guests for
sharing such an important day with them, said a special goodbye to other
friends and family who had gathered close to them.
As Elise hugged Lucas, her eyes smarted as she whispered in his ear,
“Thank you Mr. Brown for everything. Not just for leaving Washington to
make it to my wedding, but for being a surrogate father to me as a child.
Perhaps that’s why I chose someone like Joshua to share a life with.”
Startled by such a comment, he looked puzzled at her. “Frankly Elise, I
never thought the day would come that you could surprise me, knowing
you as I do. Yet again, you’ve managed to bowl me over with such a
comment. Not that I disapprove of your choice mind you, but clearly given
the vast difference between your Joshua and me, I hardly see any
similarities.”
“Oh I wouldn’t say that. Aren’t you both equally stubborn, and true to
your convictions?” she replied coyly.
Lucas’s robust laughter filled the room. “Well come to think on it, I
guess we do have some similarities after all,” Lucas said, smiling fondly at
her and then over at Joshua.
“Not to mention the fact that we both admire a certain young lady’s
spunk!” Joshua chimed in.
“Yes indeed. It would appear we do agree on some things after all.”
Again Elise kissed Lucas softly on the cheek, before being led into
Alfred’s study where Joshua’s and her parents were already waiting for
them. As they approached the doorway, as if forgetting something, Elise
stopped and whispered to Joshua, “Hold on one second, darling.”
Turning, she ran back to Alfred and tenderly kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you so much. I’ll never forget this, Grandfather.”
Since Vivian was watching her husband closely with disapproving
eyes, Alfred cleared his throat. “Now run along dear. We’ll talk more when
you return.”
“Yes, Grandfather.” Smiling fondly at him, Elise scurried back to
Joshua, who had been watching her and was now shaking his head
adoringly at her.
“Now why is it I find it hard to believe that Mr. Honeycutt’s sudden
concern for our traveling arrangements was not all his own idea?”
“Why Joshua Carmidy, whatever are you implying? I can see already
you are going to plum wear me out with that suspicious mind of yours.”
Michael, overhearing her, said, “Well my dear, I tend to agree with
your husband. Father is a staunch believer in following tradition, and the
bride and groom leaving before dinner is anything but traditional. I don’t
know what you said to him, but perhaps your new daughter in-law might
be useful at your law firm, William.”
“Funny you should say that, I was thinking the same thing,” William
Carmidy said, smiling fondly at Elise.
Closing the office door to his father’s study, Michael listened as Joshua
responded, “By God, are you trying to ruin my career before I even get it
back on track? There’s a reason why women aren’t lawyers; I’d never win
a case up against her.”
After they all had a good laugh at Joshua’s comment, Michael nodded
at William Carmidy who looked seriously at Elise and Joshua.
“Well, before you two leave, Michael, Sarah, and your mother and I
have a little surprise for you both. Now I know you both said that you
wanted to go to Niagara Falls for your honeymoon, but we all agreed after
everything that you two have been through, you deserved something more.
Precisely why we’ve arranged passage for you to travel to England. Your
luggage has been packed, your boarding passes bought, even traveling
expenses have been obtained thanks to the generous gift of Alfred
Honeycutt, who opened a special account in your name just for this special
occasion.”
Dumbfounded by such news, Elise and Joshua both gasped as William