by Betty Bolte
"Apparently among these three." Emily tucked a hand in the crook of Frank's arm.
A cannon blast announced the arrival of the war weary American army. By the angle of the sun, Samantha calculated the time as about three in the afternoon. Leading the tattered men, General Greene rode into view and passed down the sandy King Street. The army's martial tune provided a merry atmosphere as the happy crowd cheered and welcomed the victorious men home. The two armies were separated by mere yards. The men, in fact, marched close enough for the last ranks of the British troops to exchange greetings with the first troops of the American forces.
Suddenly Emily stilled and stared at the patriots returning to town. "Is that...? Could it be?"
"What, dear?" Frank glanced at her and then back to the throng of shabby, malnourished, and limping men marching proudly past the small group.
"It is! Luke!" Emily tore her hand from Frank's arm and, lifting her skirts enough to not drag in the dirt, ran to greet three men in pieced together uniforms. "Ethan! Bill!"
Emily's brothers had arrived home safe and sound after three years fighting across the southern colonies. Samantha's happiness for her friend buoyed her already happy thoughts. They looked the worse for their time in the field, but smiles countered the shabby attire and limping strides. They were indeed fortunate to have survived the ordeal relatively unharmed. Putting their lives back on track after the battle dust settled would take some time.
The future looked bright for everyone as the sun shone on the victors as well as the group of friends. Samantha couldn't stop the silly grin on her face. Twelfth Night loomed only weeks away, and the three couples would be married. Despite the three women's initial vow to remain unmarried, each had found a man worth breaking their promise. They had each made a choice to spend their lives with men who more than respected them, but loved them. The secret to a contented life rested in discovering a person to love and cherish as well as respect and trust. Her future indeed sparkled like the stars in the heavens, full of points of light, hope, and love.
Epilogue
The first floor of Frank's house fairly bulged with people, the many guests repeatedly glancing to the wide staircase. Evelyn spotted a cluster of the sewing circle ladies Amy had introduced her to over the past several weeks, including the loquacious Darlene Walters and her meek husband, Louis. Catherine and George Manning chatted with the dashing Luke Sullivan, probably interrogating him about his adventures with the militia. Candles flickered throughout the newly redecorated house, illuminating bouquets of flowers tied with long curling ribbon secured to the banister and resting on tables. In the parlor, a string quartet played softly while Captain Sullivan conversed with Lucille and Richard Abernathy. To Evelyn, it seemed the entire town had crammed inside the house to witness the event of the season.
Evelyn envisioned Emily, Amy, and Samantha helping each other with the final touches to their wedding dresses. Planning the event had proved easier than she'd expected as they'd simply expanded upon the usual Twelfth Night festivities. With the end of the occupation came more trade and thus access to sugar, and spices, and finer materials to add to the plainer dresses they'd made over. With so many guests for the triple wedding, no fire had been lit and the windows and doors thrown open to ensure everyone's comfort. The chilly January evening stood silent witness to the happy throngs, both inside the house and outside in the streets. The holidays had been made even merrier by the absence of enemy soldiers and the relief of the citizens. Topping off the holiday season with a triple wedding excited every person in town.
The quartet struck up a processional piece, announcing the brides' arrival down the stairs. Evelyn smiled through tears as Emily appeared on the steps in a pale yellow gown. She admired the embroidered white roses edging the scooped neckline and extending in rays to the bottom hem. Emily had fashioned her blonde curls into an intricate bun beneath a matching pale yellow hat made from lace and decorated with real white roses.
After Emily reached the bottom of the stairs, Amy appeared at the top. Delighted gasps came from the ladies in the gathering at the base of the staircase. Evelyn exchanged a quick smile with her before Amy focused on navigating the treads. She'd chosen a midnight blue dress overlaid with lavender netting. Amy's eyes sparkled with happiness as she descended toward the crowd. Her dark locks had been tamed into an intricate hairdo, a few curls left to hang beside her rosy cheeks. Amy accepted Catherine's well wishes before turning to saunter into the parlor where the newly elected patriotic rector from St. Michael's waited to perform the ceremony. The grooms lined up to his side, dressed in dark suits as they awaited the arrival of each bride.
Evelyn watched Samantha take the first step and flashed an approving smile in her direction. The emerald velvet gown, with its deep neckline and smattering of rhinestones across the bodice, suited her coloring, emphasizing the luster of her ebony hair and green eyes. She'd had Emily fashion her hair into an elegant braid for the occasion, with wisps of curls left to dance about her face. Gold bobs hung on her earlobes and a matching gold chain glinted at her neck. She flowed toward the guests with grace and poise, radiant in her joy.
Jim squirmed in her arms as Evelyn followed Samantha into the parlor. The furniture had been removed to permit the crush of friends and family to witness the wedding. Evelyn slipped among the throng until she found a spot by the cold fireplace. The three couples took their places in a half circle standing before Henry Purcell, his bible in hand.
A handsome young man—tall, intriguing dark gray eyes with black rims, brown hair pulled into a queue—sidled up to stand in the gap beside her, exchanging a quick glance as Mr. Purcell began the ceremony with a prayer. The man seemed familiar, but she could not place where she may have seen him. She closed her eyes for the prayer, joggling the baby to keep him quiet while the minister spoke. She tried to focus on the words, but the image of the man standing to her right encroached on her thoughts. He was a stranger in town. At least, she didn't think she'd seen him before. Then why did he look familiar? The room grew warm with the many bodies crammed inside. She heard feet shuffle, and then the man's arm bumped against hers and her eyes popped open. She glanced at him and then at George Manning, who wore a conspiratorial smile. What was he up to? She shared a hesitant grin with him and then the tall man and closed her eyes again. Lord, give me strength while standing beside the handsome man.
The minister ended the prayer and read the vows each bride and groom must make to wed the other. Evelyn noticed the three women kept their eyes on their soon to be husband's face. She prayed for each of them to have a better marriage than she'd had, one filled with esteem and love equally. For herself, her next husband would need to be kind and ambitious. Love was a secondary consideration to finding someone to be a good provider for her child. Jim would grow up with everything necessary for him to have a chance at a decent life with a capable and caring wife and sturdy intelligent children. She'd see to it.
After the couples exchanged their vows, Mr. Purcell pronounced them man and wife and the guests cheered. Evelyn cheered right along until she noticed the stranger watching her instead of the new-married couples.
"What is the matter, sir?" She hugged little Jim tighter until he squirmed. "You appear distracted from the happy occasion."
"My apologies if I've startled you, Madam." He half bowed with a smile revealing a gap where two teeth should have stood. "I came looking for Major Hanson, but it seems he's a might busy at the moment."
"Why do you seek him out?" She turned her attention back to where the new husbands were taking advantage of the freedom to kiss their wives. "On his wedding day, no less."
"He suggested I look him up after the war." He faced front again, watching the happy couples make their way through the throng of people toward the hall. "Unfortunately, I see my timing is poor."
"How do you know him?" She sauntered down the hall, trailing the happy throng of brides and grooms and parents into the festooned dining room.
; "We met at camp in October, right near the end of the fighting." The man looked at her, a soft smile edging his lips. "Back when I thought I still had a family to go home to."
She frowned and peered up at him. "What happened to your family?"
His open expression became shuttered in the blink of an eye. "A British scavenging party raided my homestead, took what they wanted, and then set it afire. My family died in the blaze."
"How horrible." Jim snuggled closer to her, as though sensing her distress as she imagined the conflagration and the lives lost. She didn't even know the man's name, but sorrow flooded her heart as she stared at the carefully stoic expression. "My husband died at the hands of loyalist renegades, so I understand. My gracious, where are my manners? My name is Evelyn Hamilton. And you are?"
He inclined his head with a smile. "Nathaniel Williams, at your service."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance." Evelyn returned the smile, curious as to the event which left him without two teeth. "I believe Benjamin may be free should you wish to offer your congratulations to the bride and groom."
"An excellent idea." Nathaniel swept a hand in the direction of the couple in question. "After you."
Evelyn wended her way through the throng of guests, protecting Jim from the gesticulating hands and shifting bodies. She slipped around a table burdened with clear glass tiered plates holding containers of colorful jellies and fruits. At the other end of the room, the three couples greeted the multitude of guests. Slowly, she managed to make her way, Nathaniel following in her wake, until she stood before Amy and Benjamin.
"Congratulations to you both, my friends." Evelyn hugged Amy with one arm, gripping Jim against her with the other. "I bring an acquaintance of yours, Benjamin." She nodded toward Nathaniel, who stepped up to her side.
"The cook! How are you, my man?" Benjamin clasped the taller man on the upper arm in greeting. "What brings you here on this day of days?"
Nathaniel returned the greeting with a sheepish grin. "It is of no matter on your wedding day, sir. We can speak later, once things settle."
"Very well, if you insist." Benjamin beamed at Evelyn. "My gratitude to you for taking him under your wing, Mrs. Hamilton. I'm sure he appreciates your kindness, even as young as he is."
Nathaniel cocked his head, appearing much like a robin contemplating where to peck for the next worm. "We are the same age, Major, so I'm sure I do not know what you mean."
Benjamin laughed as he made a half bow. "Then my mistake. I considered you but a child when first we met."
Nathaniel nodded and raised his brows. "I hear such comments often. It is the curse of my family."
Amy stepped forward and addressed Nathaniel. "But pray tell us why you've come? My curiosity is quite excited by your mysterious mission."
Nathaniel glanced at Benjamin and then Evelyn. He shrugged as he smiled into her eyes before turning back to regard the major. "I come seeking assistance in rebuilding my life. The one the British have stolen away. Might I speak with you at your first opportunity, Major?"
Benjamin's smile sobered but stayed on his lips. "Of course. Tomorrow we will meet at McCrady's for supper, say one o'clock?"
"I shall be there." Nathaniel reached out to shake hands with Benjamin.
"In the mean space," Benjamin said, glancing at Evelyn, "perhaps Mrs. Hamilton would be so kind as to entertain you?"
Evelyn hugged Jim tighter to her chest as she gazed at the lanky man, his height and breadth impressive to behold. "I'd be pleased to introduce him around and make him feel welcome."
Nathaniel smiled at her, a puzzled look settling into his eyes. "Have we met? Your face looks vaguely familiar."
"You look familiar, as well, but I do not know where we might have done so." She gazed at him, studying each feature and searching her memory.
He returned the study, his gaze flitting from eyes to nose to mouth and back. Finally, he lifted both brows and let out a low whistle. "I know where I saw you."
"Indeed?" She racked her memory but could not dredge up the occasion. "Where? When?"
"When my commander had us search your home for provisions."
She blinked as the memory of the fearsome day played in her mind. Gasped as the image of a youthful American army soldier took almost all of her fresh vegetables. "How dare you show your face in this house?"
"My apologies for upsetting you." Nathaniel bowed to emphasize his chagrin. "I was under orders, or I would not have ventured inside."
Benjamin watched the exchange with a light frown on his face. "I thought you'd spoken of the Hamilton manor when you spoke of the raid. What a coincidence you'd meet here on this day."
Nathaniel smiled at Evelyn, eyes sparkling with his suppressed laughter. "Or is it fate?"
Evelyn stared at him, silent and uncertain. She remembered he'd refrained from scavenging all of their produce because he noticed she was with child. The baby she carried in her arms. He had a duty to the soldiers, to provide sustenance so they could achieve the desired outcome of the war. Indeed, the handsome, kind man watching her with expectation plain in his expression asked a very good question. But did she want to know the answer?
The End
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EVELYN'S PROMISE
A More Perfect Union
Book Four
Excerpt from
Evelyn's Promise
A More Perfect Union
Book Four
by
Betty Bolté
Award-winning Author
Charles Town, South Carolina – 1783
"Will this day never end?" Evelyn Hamilton slapped a hand over her mouth and peeked at the lanky man standing beside her, hoping he hadn't heard her childish grumbling.
No, he apparently hadn't. Nathaniel Williams' attention lingered on the happy couples as they received congratulations from the guests snaking past the newly married. The whole town had turned out, or so it seemed with the multitude of people milling about in the candlelit and lavishly decorated home. She'd enjoyed applying her talents to making the house reflect the importance of the day's event. In truth, the triple wedding and all its festivities made Twelfth Night a livelier and more joyful occasion than in previous years, especially those under British rule, from what she'd been told.
The last two years she hadn't been able to make the half-day's carriage ride into town. Walter frowned upon everything her family enjoyed, especially holiday celebrations. He'd been a difficult man to please. When she had not produced an heir within a few months of their marriage, he'd turned mean. Fortunately, she had conceived a baby and his tirades abated. Until the renegades and scouts began raiding their lauder and pantry. He held his tongue while the invaders took all they wanted, but then he unleashed his anger upon her. She'd never been as happy as when her sensitive sister, Amy, insisted upon staying at the manor to help her with the lying in phase of her pregnancy.
All the worry and fear had been worth it, creating the perfect little one in her arms. She looked down as her baby son squirmed in her embrace. Even Walter had expressed pride in little Jim. She'd promised her son that she'd do all in her power to ensure Master James Christopher Hamilton grew up to honor his name.
She and Nathaniel, a stranger to her up until the rector performed the weddings a few minutes ago, had already paid their compliments to the three pairs of smiling husbands and wives. Each bride shone with happines
s, their smiles vying with the candles for lighting the room. Evelyn grinned as one bride snuck peeks at her new husband. Evelyn huffed a laugh. What a tumultuous relationship they'd had before ultimately discovering their mutual interest. The three happy couples made a striking and impressive group.
One day, Evelyn would need to find another husband, one to provide for her two-month old son. She held no illusion on that score. If she only had herself to support, she'd manage with sewing or perhaps by being a governess. But Jim needed a father to teach the boy how to be a man, and to ensure he received the requisite care and education to grow to his full maturity. With the uncertainty lingering in the new nation, she didn't want to face that daunting task alone.
Nathaniel caught her attention with a tilt of his head and wave of his hand. "Do you know all of these people? Or did some of them attend for the free food?"
Evelyn shrugged. "On Twelfth Night everyone is invited. I hope we don't run out of the rum punch and egg nog."
"Would you care for a cup of either, before such a tragic event occurs?" He winked at her, a smile lifting the corners of his closed mouth. "I'm happy to oblige, if so."
"No, but thank you. My hands are already full." She tucked the light blanket around her son's sleeping face.
"I imagine they will remain full until your son is full grown." He stepped closer to her as guests pushed behind him on their way to the virtually groaning table of refreshments. "It appears the party is just beginning."
"Yes, it should last for several days as long as the food and drink last." Her heartbeat pulsed in her ears at his proximity, a sensation she'd only experienced when in fear of Walter's next actions. She held still with no little trepidation.
Nathaniel towered over her petite frame, a giant dressed in fine clothes. She lifted her chin, not willing to admit even to herself of any unease, and studied the stranger's scarred yet handsome features. If not for the still red lines stretching across his right cheek, he'd appear to be in his teen years. His earlier brief conversation with Benjamin, her sister's new husband, revealed he had fought in the state militia. He had come to town at Benjamin's express invitation. What kind of business could he possibly have with the major? And, more urgent, why did he need to stand so close?
