by Lynn Wolfe
Edward mounted his horse and shook hands with James, Clayton and John. “If for some reason, this plan doesn’t work, I want you to know I’ve had no better friends than those here tonight. I pray I can save them from harm. Forgive me, if this plan fails.”
“May God be with you,” Clayton said, as they watched in silence as Edward rode straight into a nightmare.
Chapter Ninety-One
Thomas, Anna and Mary listened with surprise and dread as a horse and rider stopped in front of their home. No one spoke but watched anxiously to see who was about to enter. As the door opened, it was little Jane who cried out.
“These bad men hurt Papa!”
“What’s going on?” Edward asked trying to look as surprised. He saw two guns pointed at him and immediately held his hands above his head and prayed they wouldn’t shot him. He watched as Chester came over and took the gun out of the holster on his hip.
As Edward had hoped, Chester didn’t bother to check him for a second gun. All the while, Henry kept his gun aimed at Edward’s chest. Chester stepped beside Henry and laid Edward’s gun out of reach on the table.
“It’ll be alright Jane, these men won’t harm you,” Edward said softly, trying to keep her calm. His heart breaking for the fear Jane was enduring, along with the others.
“What are you doing here at this time of night, Edward?” Henry asked, concerned. He felt the timing seemed odd, yet, waited for an explanation.
“I’ve been staying here. I don’t find that too unusual to be staying at my son’s place. What the hell are you doing here?” Edward bluffed, not looking at any member of his family for fear they might give him away.
“We’re paying a visit to those people who betrayed me when I warned them not to. I’m going to have my revenge. I must admit, I was shocked to see Mary here tonight. I couldn’t believe my luck. But now, to have you added to the mix, I think this might be a blessing. I couldn’t have planned this better.”
“I don’t think it matters if I disagree with your opinion or not, does it?” Edward asked, trying to figure out the best time to try for his gun. So far, they hadn’t tied his hands. But he knew it was only a matter of time until they did.
“You, my friend, are an added bonus to the cause.” Henry said, grinning at Edward, and licking his lips.
“What cause might that be?” Edward questioned, again stalling for time. He was hoping to get Thomas to understand all hell would be breaking loose at any moment. But Thomas hadn’t even glanced at Edward since his gun had been taken. Thomas was watching Anna and Mary as they sat rigid in their chairs. So far, it appeared to Edward, neither of the women had broken down. If they had, there was no sign of it.
“I’ve come to seek revenge, Edward. Revenge on those who went against me.”
“Revenge? Don’t you think you’re being a bit hypocritical? If anyone here should seek revenge, I believe it should be me. You took my wife and children. I should be the one seeking revenge on the man who ruined my life.
“Or maybe it should be Mary, who you brutally betrayed when you broke her heart by writing James a letter full of lies. You’ve done a fine job tangling your betrayals together until they’ve now come full circle, starting off with your lies about me. Now, Thomas and Mary know everything.”
“I don’t give a damn about what Thomas or Mary know! They owed me! They should have stayed in England to take care of my needs. After all I’ve done for them; they treated me like I was nothing.”
“Tell me, Henry, how did you get Jane to marry you?” Edward asked, wondering just how Henry deceived Jane.
“It was fairly easy; I lived not far from your residence, and found it easy to take notice of the most beautiful woman around, even with child. Soon, we were chatting almost daily, a few minutes each evening, as she walked Thomas. Then, the more we visited, the more I fell in love with her. When she told me the name of your ship and about the time it was due, I formed plan to make her mine. Once I got rid of you, it didn’t take Jane long to realize she needed someone to help her out and so I kindly made myself available. She may have never loved me, like she did you, but I married her on the condition she’d never bring your name into a conversation again, and I would adopt Thomas and the child, once the baby was born. “I loved her, Edward.”
“So did I! I regret ever believing you, and will until the day I die!”
“Since that will be today, your regrets will soon be ended,” Henry said, smirking and ready to begin their torture.
“Henry, I don’t like this. Don’t you find it odd Pierce should ride up now? I think it’s time he proves what he’s said. Let’s see where he’s been sleeping.”
“That’s and excellent idea, Chester. I doubt that he’s lying, I don’t think he has it in him, but which room have you been using, Edward?”
“I’ve been staying in the loft. Please feel free to check, if you must. Why would I have a reason to lie? I’m not like you, Ball. I don’t spend my life deceiving people. Just what are you planning?”
“You, along with the rest of your family, shall have a tragic accident and be burned alive. It will be so sad.”
Edward drew in a quick breath. Those words shook him to the core. He knew his time had run out. He couldn’t believe what Henry was planning. Yet, he knew he meant what he’d said. Edward prayed James, Clayton and Thomas had reached the house by now and were ready for action. James had been certain they could enter into the bedrooms without being noticed, as long as Edward could keep Henry and Chester occupied with questions.
As Henry was telling Chester to grab some rope to tie Edward, Edward knew he had no choice but to act. Chester had picked up the rope when Edward fired his first shot and watched as the bullet hit Chester squarely in the chest. Before waiting to see if the shot was fatal, Edward turned his gun toward Henry.
But Henry had already aimed and fired. Edward went reeling backwards unto the floor. But before Henry got off another shot, James, Clayton and John fired their guns. Henry had never heard the bedroom doors open. As he fell to the floor, with three bullets pumped in him, he turned to see the face of James Parker, grinning as he lay gasping for air.
What Henry had tried to mutter was anyone’s guess, but his final words were something he was desperately trying to say to James, but found no sound to his voice.
Clayton and John quickly untied Thomas and Anna. Little Jane who’d been screaming the entire time since the first shot rang out, reached for her grandfather Webb, as Clayton checked the bodies of Henry and Chester for any sign of life.
Once James untied Mary, she ran to her father who was bleeding badly. She reached down to try to stop the bleeding with her hands.
“Mary, my wound isn’t as bad as it looks. I think the bullet went through me.” Edward said, through clenched teeth.
“Please don’t talk, Father. You can’t leave me, I need you,” Mary said, through her tears, as she continued to press on the wound shaking uncontrollably.
“Mary, let me have a look,” James stated, as he pried Mary away. “Your father’s right, the bullet’s gone through the shoulder; he’ll be fine once we stop the bleeding.”
Right then, William, Shorty, Jack with the rest of the men, came storming into the kitchen with guns drawn. Poor Jane started screaming again and John Webb took her into the bedroom to calm her down and get her out of the sight of the dead bodies on the floor and her grandfathers bleeding shoulder.
“Everyone alright?” Will asked, as he scanned the room. “Both dead, I see.”
“Yep, and a good thing, too. We’ve rid the world of two evil bastards.” Clayton announced, with satisfaction.
“Looks like Henry took three bullets, from three guns I assume. Or was if four?” Will inquired, looking over to Edward.
“Three, Henry got me before I could get off a second shot. I shot Chester, though. Then, James, Clayton and John saved the rest of us from certain death by getting Ball.
“Thanks for coming when you did, Will, if thin
gs hadn’t worked out as we planned, we sure as hell didn’t want these two mad jackals getting away.” Edward added. It was then he noticed he was starting to feel a little faint.
“I’ll go for the authorities,” Shorty offered. “That’s after we take these two out of here. I think we’ve seen enough of them to last a lifetime. We found Hank tied up in the barn with a nasty head wound. But I think he’ll be fine in a few days.”
“Thank goodness he’s alright,” James said, as he pulled Mary close. “Do you think you’ll be up to a wedding tomorrow, after all this activity?”
Mary looked to her father, who by now had been placed in a chair and was holding a cloth over his wound. “I’m ready if father’s able to give me away.”
“Mary, I’ll be there, don’t worry about me. I might be hurting some, but it’ll take more than a shoulder wound to keep me from your wedding.”
Clayton and John took the next two hours trying to clean up the blood from where Henry, Chester and Edward had been shot. Thomas and James consoled Anna and Mary. Jane had finally fallen asleep in her bed.
For the first time in several months, everyone felt they could finally rest in peace knowing they’d nothing left to fear from Henry Ball or his cohort, Chester Hartley.
The authorities arrived and once they’d taken everyone’s statements, they took the bodies of Ball and Hartley back for burial.
Goodnights were finally said and tomorrow promised to be a new day for all.
Chapter Ninety-Two
The Wedding
Mary looked around and smiled as she saw the tired faces of the families who gathered this day to watch her wed James. At least, she wouldn’t be the only one with dark eyes and little sleep. But none of that mattered. Today, she was finally having her dream come true. She was to be the wife of James Parker.
“Father, how are you doing? Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“I won’t lie, Mary, my shoulders fairly sore, but nothing can stop me from giving my beautiful daughter away, nothing!
Mary leaned up and kissed her father on the cheek. “I love you, Father.”
“And I love you, Mary.”
Andrew and Matilda were the only ones who appeared to have had a good night’s rest. They had no idea about last night’s activities. Someday, when they were older, Mary and James would explain what had happened the night before, but until then, Mary prayed this subject remained forgotten for some time.
The wedding had been very simple and Mary soon realized the vows they had spoken had taken but a few minutes to exchange. Yet, she’d waited a lifetime to speak those glorious words. Hugs and kisses were exchanged by all as they gathered together for a small meal to celebrate the marriage. Annabelle and Constance had made a lovely cake which was enjoyed by the children and many of the men, who gladly took second and third helpings.
It was soon time for Mary and James to head for Baltimore, where they planned to spend their first night together. Thomas had been kind enough to loan them his carriage. John Webb had offered to take Thomas, Anna and Jane back to their place later in the day.
Mary was pleased when Annabelle and Clayton offered to keep Andrew and Matilda until their return from spending a few days alone on Chesapeake Bay, after their first nights stay in Baltimore.
“Come Andrew and Matilda, we must leave now to get you settled at Grandma and Papa’s house.” James cringed to see the tears running down their cheeks as they said their final goodbyes to Lightning and Star. It was far worse than he’d imagined.
The carriage moved slowly away. Among the many loud cheers of the well wishes, Mary couldn’t help but hear the soft sobs of Andrew and Matilda behind her.
They left the plantation and Mary felt a tug at her heart when she noticed James had taken one last look with tears barely kept away.
“The new owner will take possession of the plantation in a couple of weeks.” James informed Mary. “I’m glad he also bought Lightning and Star. That way, the children could leave knowing their horses were still living in the place they’d grown accustomed to.”
Mary saw his tears but said nothing. She continued to look straight ahead, waiting for James to start a conversation. She knew it was up to James to deal with such sorrow alone. She only hoped he’d be able to manage to put this day behind him and enjoy and commit to their beginning together.
Mary feared what would happen in the next week or two when James finds out she and Edward betrayed his trust. What would he do? Would he forgive them? She prayed he would. Soon she would have her answer. But for now, she will pretend all was right with the world, and have a grand time during these few days alone with James. It may be her last happy days as, Mrs. James Parker.
Chapter Ninety-Three
The honeymoon was everything Mary could have hoped. After their first night at the glorious Baltimore Hotel, they spent the remainder of their time at a wonderful inn close to the bay. They went for walks holding hands and kissing as they had once done so long ago. Mary felt James had finally put the last few months behind him. She knew being away from the plantation helped him immensely, since he didn’t have the everyday reminder of what was lost.
When it was first announced James and Mary would wed, James’s father pulled him aside and gave him a small sum of money to take Mary away for a few days. His father made it clear this was a wedding gift to be used on this particular trip.
He was to take the money and not say a word. It was as much for Mary as for him, his father had said, since he felt they deserved a chance to have a few days alone, before they started their new life together as a family.
For once, James did as asked. He was grateful he could do something special for Mary, without dipping into the small amount of money left from the auction. He hoped to find a decent job after they returned from their honeymoon.
*****
When James and Mary excitedly pulled in front of his parent’s home, after their few days at the bay, Andrew and Matilda came running out to greet them.
“We’re so happy you’re home. Did you bring us anything?” Matilda asked, as she hugged her father tightly.
James scooped her up kissed her chubby cheeks and chuckled as Andrew scolded his sister.
“Hush, Matilda, you know better than to ask such a question, it isn’t polite!”
James placed Matilda beside Andrew and leaned down on one knee. “Well, as a matter of fact, Mary and I did bring each of you a memento from our trip.”
“Oh, what is it, Father?” Matilda asked excitedly.
Andrew rolled his eyes. Hadn’t she heard what he’d said? Was he the only one who knew how to use manners? “Thank you, father, for bringing us something.” Andrew said, trying to sound older than his years.
James was pleased with Andrew’s manners. “Here Andrew, as you know, we have limited funds, but we thought you might like this.”
“Thanks, and you too, Mary.” Andrew added and quickly tore off the paper to discover a new shiny pocket knife. “My first knife, I shall be very careful with it. I promise!”
Matilda was struggling to get her package opened so Mary leaned down and helped her.
“Oh how pretty, can I wear the necklace now?”
“Yes, if you can be careful with it. But in the future, the necklace will only be worn for church or a special occasions,” Mary said, lovingly, and gave her a hug. Mary then hugged Andrew and kissed his cheek even though he teasingly tried to pull away.
“Thank you Father and Mary for the prettiest necklace ever made!” Matilda said, as she showed her necklace to her grandparents as Andrew patiently waited to show them his new knife.
“What lovely presents,” Annabelle gushed as she admired the two gifts.
“When will you leave for Washington?” Clayton asked. He knew Mary would be aware by this time Edward would have shared their plans to surprise James with a family reception, so he had to pretend to want them to stay on for a few days.
“We’ll need to leave early in the mor
ning. I’m anxious to go see our new home. Then, I can decide if any repairs may be needed. Besides, the sooner we get back, the sooner I can look for work. Mary keeps telling me the home is in good shape, but I’d like to judge it for myself.”
“Oh, I wish you could have spent another night or two,” Annabelle remarked, pretending to be sad, but didn’t add anything further.
*****
The next morning came too quickly as far as James was concerned. He hadn’t realized how tired he was, until his mother knocked on the bedroom door to say breakfast was ready. He then realized Mary was gone from the room, which meant she’d already dressed and was waiting for him, downstairs.
As James entered the dining room he apologized for his late arrival. “Sorry I slept in. I can’t believe I’m the last to arrive for breakfast!” James remarked, surprised everyone was already prepared to eat.
“The children and I were hungry. We were about to begin eating without you!” Mary teased. “Everything looks wonderful!” Mary told Annabelle, as she began scooping up food for Andrew and Matilda.
Once done with breakfast, James, Mary and the children set out for their trip to Washington. There were a few tears as they left, with Annabelle and Clayton sadly waving from their porch as the carriage pulled out.
Mary realized with every mile taken that brought them closer to their plantation, she felt her heart beating a little faster.
“When we will be there?” Andrew asked for the third time in an hour. They’d finally stopped at the Inn for lunch, that Mary had spoke of earlier, located between Baltimore and Washington.
“Andrew, we’re stopping to eat lunch. I don’t think we’ll arrive at our new home until late this afternoon. This Inn has excellent food and we can have a chance to stretch our legs.” James stated.
