Mississippi Brides

by Diane T. Ashley,Aaron McCarver

  Her mother shook her head. “We live in chaotic times. I am afraid the issue of slavery is causing a rift in the church.”

  “How can Christian people truly support such a terrible institution?” Abigail pushed herself up from the table and walked to a large window overlooking several leafy oak trees. Flowers waved gaily under their shade.

  “It’s not our place to judge them.” Mrs. Ross’s voice was gentle. “But we have the duty to pray for them.”

  Her mother laughed. “You sound like Jeremiah. My husband is determined to teach by example and pray for God’s intervention. Even during those early days when he was the victim of an evil plot, he refused to do anything more than make certain their plans did not hurt me or his workers.”

  Abigail listened to the two women discussing the issues, amazed that neither of them felt they should try to change their husbands’ minds. She turned to them. “How do you do it? How do you sit back and discuss this without trying to make a difference?”

  Mrs. Ross looked confused by the question. “Are you talking about trying to undermine our husbands’ decisions?”

  Before Abigail could answer, her mother spoke up. “Abigail, we have spoken about this before. The Bible teaches us to submit to our husbands. They are the heads of our households.”

  “That’s right.” Mrs. Ross twisted her wedding ring as she hesitated. “My husband and I each have our duties to fulfill. If I tried to usurp his work, or he mine, our family could not function. Bill helps people turn their lives and hearts to Jesus, while my ministry has more to do with their earthly needs.”

  When Mrs. Ross explained it that way, it made more sense to Abigail. She had seen the same in her own household while growing up, but she had chafed against the restrictions she thought constrained her mother. Had she been that mistaken? “What about suffrage for women?”

  Mrs. Ross shrugged. “Mississippi was the first state to recognize the rights of married women to own property separate from their husbands. How much more progressive would you have us be?”

  “I would like to be a part of this state’s future.” Abigail clenched her fist. She had been raised by parents who believed strongly in abolishing slavery. She believed allowing women to vote was almost as important. “I do not want to be treated as though I have no brain for anything beyond housekeeping, motherhood, and clothing fashions.”

  “Are you saying you think those pursuits have no validity?” Her mother’s tones held a note of amusement.

  Feeling as though she had been betrayed, Abigail turned to look at her mother. “Of course not. I would not be so foolish. Many women don’t aspire to more than keeping an immaculate home and raising their children, but others would like to do something different. Women like Lucretia Mott and Margaret Fuller.”

  Abigail watched as the two older women exchanged glances. Volumes of information and experience seemed to pass between them. As though they knew something more than she.

  Abigail sat back down at the table. Forcing herself to relax, she took a deep, calming breath, and placed her hands in her lap.

  Mrs. Ross leaned over and gave her shoulder a pat. “You will understand better once you fall in love. Then you will see the importance of supporting your husband’s decisions. Paul’s words are not to be ignored lightly. If wives were to try and rule over their husbands, this world would soon be a place of much bitterness and rivalry. Besides, I am sure you will find as much satisfaction in submitting to your husband as I do. When a man truly loves you as Christ loves the Church, you will have no trouble doing so.”

  Struggling for a moment with the conflicting thoughts in her head, Abigail glanced at her mother and heeded the warning she saw. As someone younger than their hostess as well as an unmarried female, she knew she could not continue to argue the point. Dropping her gaze to her hands, she nodded. “I hope you’re right.”

  “Of course she is.” Mama looked relieved. She might have added something more to the conversation, but the sound of male voices in the dining room forestalled her. She stood and held out a hand to Abigail. “Let’s go find out what happened in the meeting.”

  Even though she had great interest in that very thing, Abigail wished she had time to sit quietly and think about what the two women had told her. Was there validity in Paul’s instructions to women? Was there an order to things that must be preserved? She did not know the answer, only that she still wanted to plan her own path without having to please some man’s arbitrary whim.

  Chapter 13

  After the Sunday service and a lively meal with the Ross family, Nathan returned to the inn with the LeGrands. The past two days had been filled with so much information he wondered why his head did not explode.

  Leaning back against the meager cushions of the rented carriage, he pondered what to do for the afternoon. He wasn’t tired, so the idea of an afternoon nap did not appeal. Should he closet himself in his rooms and study his Bible? Perhaps, but this was his first visit to Mississippi’s capital city, so he should be able to find an interesting way to spend the rest of the day.

  Mrs. LeGrand’s voice interrupted his musings. “What do you plan to do this afternoon?”

  Nathan raised his head and looked toward her, wondering if she had read his mind. But she was looking toward her daughter, not at him.

  Abigail shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “I have an idea.” Mr. LeGrand winked at his daughter. “Why don’t you and Brother Pierce explore the city? You could tour the State House. I understand it is quite spectacular in its scope. And Pastor Ross told me the governor’s home is nearly complete.”

  Abigail shook her head. “I don’t think—”

  “What a wonderful idea!” Her mother’s exclamation cut off Abigail’s refusal. “The two of you can come back this afternoon and tell us all about it.”

  “I would not mind seeing the State House.” Was that his voice? Had he lost his mind? It was obvious Abigail had no interest in touring with him. He should have demurred. So why was he nodding?

  “Good.” Mr. LeGrand cleared his throat. “That’s settled then. We will let you young people ramble about while we make arrangements for the trip home.”

  For her part, Abigail said nothing more. But she did not look at him a single time during the rest of the ride to the inn.

  Nathan had the idea she was not going to make the best traveling companion, but he did not mind trying to cajole her a little. He would like to return to the easy camaraderie they had shared prior to the steamboat voyage. He liked Abigail very much, possibly a little too much, and he chafed against the polite wall she had erected between them. Perhaps this would give them the opportunity to clear the air between them.

  “Right this way, ma’am, sir.” A tall, smiling man wearing a fancy coat and tall cravat led the way to the second floor of the State House. “It’s so nice to see a young married couple taking an interest in the seat of government.”

  Abigail’s cheeks burned. “But we’re not married.”

  She was surprised at the grin on Nathan’s face, which made her cheeks heat up another one hundred degrees or so. What did he find so funny?

  “My apologies.” The man glanced at both of them. “I guess it’s the way the two of you look together, kind of natural like.”

  What should she make of that comment? After hesitating for a moment, she decided the best way to deal with the situation was to pretend deafness. Nathan proffered his arm but she shook her head slightly. No sense in strengthening their guide’s supposition.

  Stepping into the main atrium, she was nearly overwhelmed by the size and appointments of the State House. It was definitely a fitting place for decision makers to meet.

  Their guide pointed out the gleaming limestone floors and had them look upward some ninety-four feet at the dome above the rotunda. As he led them up a sweeping staircase, he talked about the first, failed architect, John Lawrence, who had been fired when he botched the contracted work for three straight years. His
voice warmed considerably as he spoke of William Nichols, the final architect who tore out his predecessor’s work and started over in 1835.

  They reached the second floor and followed him to the rail that surrounded a large opening overlooking the entry foyer. “As I’m sure you are aware, Mississippi has a bicameral legislature. When they are meeting, the Senate occupies the room to our left, while the House meets in the room to our right.”

  Abigail looked at the wide doors on either end of the hallway. “You can see from one side all the way to the other.”

  “What a perceptive young lady you are escorting, sir.”

  “She is indeed.” Nathan’s blue gaze swept her face.

  The knowing look on the guide’s face made Abigail fold her lips in a tight line. He glanced at her and cleared his throat. “Well…as I was saying…or rather, as you pointed out, miss, the chamber doors allow the presiding officers to see each other. That way the lieutenant governor and the Speaker of the House can begin and end their sessions simultaneously.”

  “Does the governor have an office in the State House?” Nathan nodded toward the closed doors lined up with military precision along the hallway between the two chambers.

  “Yes, he does. And if we’re lucky, you may see Governor McNutt during your visit here. His office is on this floor, to one side of the Supreme Court Chamber directly behind us.”

  “So all three branches of government are housed in this one building?” Abigail felt her mouth drop open. The building seemed so quiet, yet it must be a beehive of activity at some times of the year.

  The guide recaptured her attention. “Let’s go up one floor, and I’ll show you the galleries where the public can watch the proceedings of the legislature.”

  “Even ladies?” The question popped out of her mouth before she could stop it.

  The guide smiled. “Of course. We in Mississippi revere our women. We would never try to exclude them.”

  Except from voting or holding office. At least those words stayed inside her mind instead of tripping off her tongue. She had no desire to offend the tour guide, even though he hadn’t been very considerate of her feelings. It wasn’t his fault women had not been granted suffrage.

  They sat in the wooden chairs in the gallery, and she closed her eyes to imagine what the chamber below her must be like while the legislature was meeting. Serious discussions, motions, bills, resolutions. She had read about the legislators’ work in the newspaper, but it was so exciting to actually be here. To see the place where they debated and discussed and crafted the laws of the land made her blood pump faster. Perhaps one day she could talk Papa into bringing her back when the legislature was in session.

  “Abigail?” Nathan’s voice penetrated her thoughts. “Are you ready to go?”

  The visions faded along with her excitement. How long had she been daydreaming? Nathan was still sitting next to her, but the guide had returned to the door and was looking at his pocket watch.

  “I suppose it’s time for us to leave.” She picked up her reticule and stood.

  The guide put his watch back into the pocket of his waistcoat and led them back down the stairs to the first floor. She and Nathan followed his footsteps like a couple of baby ducklings trailing behind their mama. At the entrance, the guide handed Nathan his hat. “Are the two of you going to see the new governor’s home?”

  “I had understood it’s not complete.”

  “Almost.” The man pointed toward the south. “Visitors are welcome even though many rooms are not furnished. It’s election year, you know. I suppose the new governor and first lady will bring their own things with them.”

  “Thank you for directing us.” Nathan pulled a coin from his pocket and offered it to the guide.

  “Thank you, sir.” He pocketed the coin without glancing at it. “You can take a carriage if necessary, but the mansion is three blocks down Capitol Street.”

  Abigail felt a bit put out. Why were the two men talking as if she didn’t exist? Did her opinion not matter? What if her feet hurt after traipsing all over the State House? Or what if she had no desire to see the mansion? Nathan couldn’t know how keen she was to see it. She might have had plans to do something completely different back at the hotel, but did that occur to Nathan? No. He simply held out his arm as if he expected her to fall in with whatever plan he devised. She would not stand for such treatment. “I don’t believe I can walk another step.”

  His head swiveled toward her and his blue eyes narrowed. Was he about to order her to accompany him?

  Her chin tilted upward. She would not be cowed by any man.

  “What’s wrong, Abigail?”

  Shame washed through her at the concern in his voice. A sharp thought, however, overrode it. It was about time he considered her opinion. It didn’t really matter that she was not overtired. The point was his lack of consideration. His attempt to control her. “I am a bit weary, but please don’t let me stop your sightseeing. You go on to the mansion. I’m certain I can manage to find my way back to the hotel.”

  A frown darkened his brow, turning the sky blue color of his eyes stormy gray. Her chin went up and her spine straightened. She was a grown woman and could take care of herself. She would not cower before any man.

  He took her hand and drew her a few steps away from the interested ears of their guide. “I am sorry, but I cannot allow you to do that.”

  She could feel her eyes narrowing at his statement. “You cannot allow it? I’ll have you know I am perfectly capable of managing my own life.” She jerked her hand away and turned to descend the steps. If she had to walk every step of the way back to the hotel she would do it.

  “Abigail, wait. I’ll gladly escort you to your parents if that’s your wish. But you should not wander the streets alone. I’m sure pickpockets and thieves abound in such a populous area.”

  She could hear his footsteps behind her but refused to turn her head. Thank goodness the carriage that had brought them to the State House was still there. She marched straight to it and smiled at the driver as he opened the door for her. She had barely sat down, however, before he climbed into the carriage and took the opposite seat.

  “I don’t know what I’ve said to set you off this time, Miss LeGrand, but whatever it is, I pray you will explain it to me so I can apologize and we can go on as before.”

  She raised her chin and looked him straight in the eye. “I have no idea what you mean, Mr. Pierce. It is a pity you do not trust me to take care of myself, but since that is the case, I suppose you shall reap the consequences.” Feeling she had put him in his place without uttering a single cross word, Abigail congratulated herself. She turned to gaze at the scenery outside and completely ignored the clamoring voice of her conscience as the carriage retraced the route to their inn.

  Chapter 14

  Nathan prepared to make the rounds of his circuit once again. Although he would rather have rested a day or two after returning from Jackson, it was probably a good idea for him to maintain a discreet distance between himself and his host’s daughter. But before he could go, he would have to take his leave of her…them.

  Nathan put on his best frock coat and hat and strode to the main house. He knew Mrs. LeGrand entertained guests at this time of the morning. Perhaps her daughter would be out on errands, and he wouldn’t even have to see her. That would be best for both of them. He noticed two carriages at the front door, a sure sign of several visitors. So even if Abigail was here, she would likely be preoccupied by other conversations.

  Taking the front steps two at a time, he grabbed the brass door knocker and rapped it smartly against the LeGrands’ front door.

  The housekeeper opened the door and wiped her hands on her checkered apron. “Good mornin’, Mr. Pierce.” The black woman’s drawl was as thick and sweet as honey. “Come on in here. The missus is in the parlor.”

  The hope that she might not be in the parlor died as he heard Abigail’s lilting laughter. He took a deep breath before wa
lking into the room. Mrs. LeGrand and her daughter shared the sofa, each talking to a different visitor. Mrs. LeGrand left off talking to her friend Mrs. Hughes and greeted him, but Abigail smiled briefly before returning her attention to Silas Ward, the man sitting in a chair next to her end of the sofa.

  A sick feeling invaded his stomach at the sight of the man’s hand brushing her arm as he put down his china cup. No one else seemed to notice the familiar way he was acting, so Nathan averted his gaze and tried to concentrate on Mrs. LeGrand.

  “Why don’t you sit here, Nathan?” She indicated a spot on the sofa. If he took it, he would be sitting between her and her daughter. “I was telling Susannah about our trip to Jackson. Perhaps you can tell her about the meeting with the church elders.”

  Nathan eased onto the sofa, careful to avoid touching Abigail. Mrs. LeGrand poured tea into a delicate china cup, added a sugar cube at his nod, and stirred it delicately before handing it to him. “We talked about abolition mostly.”

  Susannah sipped from her teacup and nodded. “I assume some of our local pastors do not like the church’s support of abolition.”

  “That’s right.” He wondered if Abigail was listening to their conversation. “I have to admit I didn’t understand much about the whole issue of slavery until I came to Mississippi.”

  “In the part of Tennessee where Nathan lived, they don’t have many slaves.” Mrs. LeGrand touched his hand lightly. “But we’ve been praying for his eyes to be opened to the true evil of owning another person, isn’t that right, Abigail?”

  “What?” The girl sitting on his other side looked past him toward her mother. “I’m afraid I wasn’t paying attention. Mr. Ward has been telling me about his latest visit to the orphanage.”

  Mrs. LeGrand repeated her statement.

  Abigail shrugged. “Anyone with half a brain could see for himself. I’m sure you don’t support the institution of slavery, do you, Mr. Ward?”