“I had no idea how to find your home, so I stepped into the land office to get directions.” Brother Pierce explained the circumstances as Deborah poured cups of tea for each of them.
Conversation languished when he finished talking. Abigail sipped her lukewarm tea and wracked her brain for something to ask Mr. Ward about his business in the land office. She glanced in his direction and their gazes clashed. She remembered the way he’d kissed her hand and felt her cheeks warming.
“Mr. Ward has dropped by nearly every day since his arrival last week.” Deborah smiled at the man and Abigail breathed a sigh of relief when she felt his gaze move away.
After blotting his mouth and mustache with a linen napkin, Mr. Ward returned his attention to her. “It’s the children that I love to see. Their energy and enthusiasm reminds me of my own youth.”
“Is that right, Mr. Ward?” Abigail’s curiosity blossomed. “Were you an orphan?”
He nodded slowly and steepled his hands under his chin. “My parents died when I was very young, but I was taken in by a distant cousin. If not, I might have been dependent on an establishment like this one.” He smiled in her direction. “Of course I once thought orphanages were dreary, harsh places, but since coming to Natchez, I have discovered my mistake. And Miss Trent sings your praises all the time. She tells me you donate large portions of your time here.”
“I have not been here nearly as much as I should lately.” Abigail balanced her cup and saucer on her knees. “Mama and Papa have kept me busy at home.”
“It’s always that way during springtime.” Deborah smiled at both of the men. “Especially at Magnolia Plantation, since Abigail and her family do not rely on slaves.”
“How commendable.” Mr. Ward’s smile was directed toward her. “My cousin and I have never agreed with slavery.”
Perhaps Mr. Ward deserved more consideration. “I’ve never understood why so many think slavery is necessary. Papa has never relied on slaves. The moment he purchased Magnolia, he freed all the people there and offered to help them get established on their own farms. We pay living wages to our help, and Magnolia still prospers.”
Abigail looked toward Brother Pierce. His gaze seemed focused on the tea in his cup. But then he glanced up. His expression was cloaked, his mouth forming a straight line as he studied her. She straightened her posture, a defensive reaction.
“I only wish more plantation owners agreed with you and your father.” Mr. Ward’s comment drew her attention away from the noncommittal pastor. “Perhaps others will follow your lead.”
Her heart warmed at his supportive words. Abigail smiled at Mr. Ward. “We can only pray for that result.”
Deborah stirred a lump of sugar into her tea and leaned forward. “Very true. I have always admired your parents’ stand on abolition. And that of your great-aunt and great-uncle. They freed all of the slaves at Tanner Plantation after your parents proved it was possible. Who can say what effect their successful operations will have on other planters? Perhaps one day all of Natchez will turn from slavery.”
“I am amazed to find such heartfelt abolitionist leanings here.” Brother Pierce entered the conversation. “Before coming to Natchez, I had believed everyone here supported slavery. In eastern Tennessee, slavery is almost nonexistent. The people work their own farms. But of course, we do not have such massive operations as here.”
Abigail looked at him out of the corner of her eye. Was that why he had no firm opinion on such matters? Perhaps she should not be so quick to judge him. If she traveled to Chattanooga, she would surely run into many things that were different. Things she had no opinion about because she didn’t have enough information. Shame pricked her. But slavery? Should that be condoned in any circumstance? She didn’t think so. Perhaps it was time to change the subject to something less contentious. “What’s new here? It seems so long since I came by.”
“As a matter of fact, before you arrived Mr. Ward and I were discussing a rather strange occurrence. I don’t know exactly what to make of it.” Deborah put her spoon on the service tray, and a small frown drew her eyebrows together. “I don’t believe in such things, but some of the children have become convinced we have a ghost.”
The hairs on the back of Abigail’s neck lifted. “A ghost?” She looked from her friend to the newcomer. Both were nodding. “Are you sure it’s not a jest?”
“Oh no.” Deborah’s frown deepened. “A couple of nights ago, several of the girls came screaming out of their bedroom. They were terrified.”
“Exactly what frightened them?”
“One of the girls was awakened by a noise. She’s frightened of mice and thought that was what she was hearing. She woke up another girl, and they got out of their beds to investigate. Both of them saw a weird green light shining under the door. Their screams woke the others, and they stampeded from the room en masse.”
Brother Pierce shifted in his chair. “Who was in the hallway?”
“No one.”
Deborah’s quiet words made Abigail’s eyes widen. She could feel her discomfort increasing with every second ticking by. “What do you suppose it was?”
A shrug answered her question. “I hope it was nothing more than a bad dream and a vivid imagination. I don’t like the idea of someone wandering around the house at night.”
“Perhaps you should contact the sheriff.” Brother Pierce’s voice was gentle and restored Abigail’s equilibrium.
“That’s a good idea.” She reached over and patted Deborah’s hand. “I can stop by his office on my way home.”
“Thank you for your concern, but I don’t really think it’s necessary.” Deborah squeezed Abigail’s hand. “But I promise to contact him myself if anything else happens. I will not put the children in danger.”
Mr. Ward cleared his throat. “I think you have the right idea, Miss Trent. But you must not forget to contact the authorities if you have any further trouble.”
Abigail put her teacup back on the serving tray and stood up. “I suppose we should get back to Magnolia.”
The other three also stood. After saying good-bye and promising to come back soon, Abigail and Brother Pierce left the large house. As they walked across the front lawn, she glanced up at the tall man. “You are a man of surprises.”
He settled his hat on his head. “What do you mean?”
“I am amazed you have met both Mia and Mr. Ward.”
A slow chuckle rumbled through his chest. “It was a matter of happenstance. The little girl found me. She seems to have confused me with her uncle.”
“Yes, it is very sad. Mia lost all of her family. We have sent out inquiries for grandparents or cousins but no one has answered them. But she doesn’t usually show such affection to strangers. You must have made quite an impression on her.”
“I don’t know about that.” He opened the gate for her.
Abigail waited as he latched it behind them. She could see why the little girl might be attracted to him. Brother Pierce was nothing like most pastors she had met. He was methodical and quiet, a man one could rely upon. She wondered if he was quiet when he preached, too. That would be a change. Most of the pastors in this part of the world were fiery and loud when they took the pulpit. It would be interesting to listen to his sermons.
On the ride back to Magnolia Plantation, Abigail pointed out some of the larger plantations and told him the story of how her father had come to Natchez from New Orleans. She loved the story of his bringing Mr. Hughes home after the battle against the British at New Orleans. He was a good listener, easy to talk to because of the interesting questions he asked about those times. By the time they turned into the winding lane that led to the plantation house, she was feeling much more kindly toward him. “Please make plans to dine with us again this evening.”
His blue eyes studied her so long that Abigail began to wonder if her hat was askew. She resisted the urge to check and waited for his answer.
“I do appreciate the invitation, Mis
s LeGrand, but I must refuse. I have several chores that must be completed. Letters and unpacking and such. Please give my regrets to your estimable parents.”
The sting of his refusal made her cheeks burn. With a curt nod, she turned her horse’s head and cantered away. Abigail knew she shouldn’t care if he would rather eat alone than join her at the family dinner table. So why did she?
Chapter 6
Thank you for giving me a ride to the church.” A drop of water slipped down Nathan’s back, and he wondered if the dreary weather was a statement from God about his sermon.
“It’s no trouble at all.” Mrs. LeGrand smiled at him.
Mr. LeGrand tucked his wife’s hand under his elbow. “We didn’t want you to arrive drenched.”
“At least the worst of the storm has passed.” Sitting to his right, Abigail was the picture of spring. Her dress was as green as spring leaves, and her perfume tantalized him. Sweet with a hint of spice. Nathan wanted to savor the scent. She was so pretty, and this morning she was the picture of maidenly innocence. He wondered why she had not been snapped up by some handsome, rich swain. Perhaps all the men in this part of the world were blind…or more likely intimidated by her intelligence and independent spirit.
If he was looking for a wife, she would be the perfect candidate. Of course he was not. The last thing he wanted was to fall in love and marry. He had more important tasks to complete. And he never wanted to be in the position of again having to use his physical strength against a human being. He shuddered.
“Are you cold, Pastor?” Abigail looked over at him.
Prickles of heat broke out on his forehead. “No, I was thinking of something.” He hoped none of the other occupants could see how hot he had grown.
Mr. LeGrand glanced his way. “You don’t need to be nervous about your sermon, Brother Pierce.”
“That’s right.” Mrs. LeGrand leaned forward and patted his knee.
Her motherly concern wrapped him in a cocoon. It had been so long since anyone fussed over him. He hadn’t realized the lack until this very minute. Since the death of his aunt a decade earlier, he and his uncle had lived without a caring, feminine touch.
The coach lurched through a rut, and Abigail fell against him. “I’m sorry.”
Their bodies were pressed together from knee to shoulder. Her hair tickled his nose, and her perfume filled his senses. Part of him wanted the contact to linger, but he helped her sit back up. “It wasn’t your fault.”
For the rest of the trip to town, he listened to Mr. LeGrand talk about the effect today’s rain would have on crops. The older man obviously loved growing things. But Nathan found it hard to concentrate on the fine points of germination and cultivation. His mind was still preoccupied with the past. And the fateful night when everything changed. His hand jerked as for a brief instant he relived the feel of the sharp knife sliding into another man’s body.
“Are you okay?” Abigail’s concerned gaze combed his face. “You look pale.”
He cleared his throat and straightened his shoulders. “I’m fine. I’m trying to get my thoughts in order.”
“I’m sure you’ll do a wonderful job.”
Nathan appreciated her kindness and the supportive nods of her parents. But as the carriage drew up to the church, he wondered if he had made a terrible mistake to become a pastor. What did he know of such things? He was as guilty as anyone else.
They entered the church to find it only half full. But that didn’t stop Mrs. LeGrand from introducing him to everyone who had preceded them. The first couple was Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, the managers of Natchez’s most successful shipping business. The second couple, Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield, were not as welcoming. He suspected there might be an interesting story behind their attitudes.
He renewed his acquaintance with Abigail’s great-aunt and great-uncle whom he had first met at the waterfront mission. Several other couples and families went out of their way to make him feel welcome.
By the time he began the sermon, his trepidation had eased. He retold the story of Noah, a man who had listened to God’s whispers and ignored the opinions of his neighbors. He warned them to focus on the world to come and reminded them that they were all sojourners in this world. Then he concluded by reading to them from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians: “ ‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ ”
When he stepped down from the pulpit, the townspeople crowded around him. He received their congratulations with a feeling of accomplishment. He had survived the first sermon in his circuit.
“That was a wonderful sermon, Brother Pierce.” Somehow he heard her voice above all the other people in the church.
“Thank you, Miss LeGrand. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.”
“Yes, Brother Pierce.” Her father clapped him on the back. “You have the makings of a fine pastor. I can see why you were chosen to be a circuit rider. God is going to use you in a very powerful way.”
Nathan ducked his head. He wasn’t sure if the older man’s words were true or not, nor was he certain he wanted to be used in a powerful way. He’d rather serve God quietly, pay for his sins, and maybe make a difference in a few people’s lives. He had no desire to set the world on fire.
“Come, come.” Mrs. LeGrand’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I’ve been telling everyone about the ball we’ll be having in a week to make certain you get the chance to meet everyone.”
“A ball?” The words struck terror in his heart. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
Mrs. LeGrand put a hand on his arm. “Of course it’s a good idea. Wait and see. Everyone in the county will attend. It will be a great deal of fun. And you can dance with all the pretty girls. A handsome man like you, and one with such a commanding air, all the girls will be eager to have you partner with them. And who knows? Perhaps we’ll even manage to find you someone special. Someone you can spend the rest of your life with.”
Feeling like a leaf caught in a maelstrom, he followed her back out of the church. Surely there would be a way to halt her matchmaking plans. The last thing he needed was a wife.
Chapter 7
Abigail, you look lovelier than usual this evening.” Her father beamed as he watched her descend the central staircase. “You’ll be the belle of the ball.”
She rolled her eyes as she reached the first floor. “There will be a dozen young ladies who have a better claim to that title than I.”
Papa hugged her and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “They cannot begin to compare.” He stepped back. “Is that a new dress?”
“Oh, Papa. Of course it’s not new.” She laughed. “I’ve been much too busy to go for a fitting.”
Her mother joined them. “Sometimes I wonder if you keep yourself so busy so you can avoid having a family of your own.”
Abigail had heard this speech before. She dropped a curtsy. “I’m trying to emulate you, Mama. Remember telling me how close you once came to marrying the wrong man?”
“Twice.” Papa winked at her. “She didn’t tell you about the soldier she met in New Orleans.”
Wrinkling her brow in confusion, Abigail turned to her mother. “I thought you were engaged for a short time to Lowell Sheffield because your family pushed you to marry.”
Her mother cleared her throat. “Yes, but that was a couple of years later.”
“Wait, I have to hear this story. You met someone in New Orleans?”
Was that a flush in her mother’s cheeks?
Abigail’s head swiveled back to her father. “Weren’t you a soldier in New Orleans?”
“Yes, but I wasn’t the type to spend my nights at the local balls, so sadly, I never met your mother until I moved here.”
She couldn’t believe her mother had never told her about falling in love with a soldier. Was she still in love with him? Or had Papa turned her head? “Who was he?”
Her mother put her hands on her hips. “He’s no one important. I once fancied myself interested in Asher Landon because
I thought we could make an advantageous match. But he was in love with someone else. And I thank God for that. If he had not given me the cold shoulder, I might never have come home to Natchez. And I might never have met your papa.”
“And then I would have spent my life alone.” Her father put an arm around her mother’s waist and hugged her briefly.
The front knocker sounded, and he relinquished his hold to answer the door. Abigail stood next to her mother as their guests arrived, her mind captivated by the glimpse into her parents’ past. She tried to imagine them young and in love, but it was beyond her ability.
A pang of some emotion tightened her chest. She was determined to remain single until God arranged for her to meet the right man, someone who would not try to curtail her dreams. He would have to live here with her in Natchez so she could continue helping at the orphanage and working in the waterfront mission. He would be accommodating and thoughtful, a man who listened to her ideas and supported her efforts—
Brother Pierce stepped into the foyer, and her galloping thoughts came to a sudden halt. While he shook hands with her father and bowed to her mother, Abigail reached a hand up to check her coiffure even though she knew it was secure. Jemma had outdone herself, winding Abigail’s long hair into dips and swirls and securing it with ribbons and diamond-studded pins. And although her dress was not new, it was one of her favorites, made of pale pink jonquil, with deep flounces and wide sleeves. She liked the way it swirled around her ankles as she danced.
“You’re looking especially lovely this evening, Miss LeGrand.” Brother Pierce took her outstretched hand in his own.
The light reflected off of his thick hair, like molten gold, as he bowed. Her heart stuttered as his large fingers squeezed her hand gently before straightening. “Th–thank you, sir. I…It…” Why wouldn’t her mouth work properly? She took a quick breath and prayed to regain her composure. “We haven’t seen you much this week.”
“I have been preparing for my first trip to some of the surrounding areas.”
Mississippi Brides Page 21
