Deborah entered the parlor, a box in her arms. “Hello, Abigail, Brother Nathan. Isn’t it a glorious morning?”
The men stood up again, even young Patrick, showing he had been raised properly. The next hour was filled with conversation as they learned everything there was to know about Mia’s long-lost relatives. They spoke to Nathan about their church at home and their faith. They talked to Abigail and Deborah about education and a stable home.
By the time the Ogdens readied themselves to leave, Abigail felt reassured about Mia’s future. It was still hard to hug Mia for the final time. She would miss the adorable little girl. A glance at Nathan’s face told her he also had conflicting feelings.
After Mia finished her good-byes, Miss Ruthanne took her hand. “We’re going to have so much fun. You’ll love Boston.”
Abigail touched Nathan’s hand and offered him a smile. “She’ll be so much happier.”
“Yes, you’re right.” He brushed a hand across his face, his gesture melting her heart. How wonderful to be in love with someone so caring.
Deborah’s sigh broke the silence in the parlor as she picked up a platter of freshly baked sugar cookies. “I highly recommend these, Brother Pierce.”
He glanced at the plate of sweets, but his answer was forestalled by Abigail’s gasp.
“Is that your bracelet?” Abigail pointed to their hostess’s outstretched arm.
“Yes, the sheriff returned it to me.” Deborah moved the platter to her other hand and showed them the treasured piece of jewelry. “It seems the vile Mr. Ward must have taken it at some time when he was sneaking about.”
Nathan shook his head. “What a shame.”
“If not for your bravery, Mr. Ward might never have been stopped.” Abigail’s voice was filled with admiration.
Nathan tried not to squirm, but it was difficult. God had given him peace over his actions—even if it meant taking another life, he had the responsibility to defend those who needed his help—but he was thankful not to have been the inadvertent cause of yet another man’s death. There was still hope for Silas’s salvation. “I have visited Mr. Ward twice since that night, and I believe he is coming to the point of listening to God’s plan.”
The glance from Abigail made him want to squirm even more. He was not worthy of the love he saw in her gaze.
“Isn’t it about time for us to go back to Magnolia Plantation?” He hoped she would not see through his bid to distract her.
Abigail raised an eyebrow. “You shouldn’t be so modest.”
“Don’t give him a hard time, Abigail.” The laughter in Deborah’s voice told him she was not fooled, either. “I wish more men were as humble as Brother Pierce.”
Wondering if his ears were as red as they were warm, Nathan led Abigail to the buggy and helped her get settled on the seat before handing her the reins and taking his place beside her.
“Why don’t you drive?” She handed him the reins. “I have something much more interesting to do.”
He shrugged and guided the horse along the street. “What would that be?”
“Admiring the man I’m going to marry.” She tucked her hand around his arm. “Mia is going to be all right, you know.”
“Yes.” It never ceased to amaze him how perceptive Abigail was. “In the last few days I was wondering if we could adopt her ourselves. But Christ had a better plan in mind.”
He loved the way her cheeks reddened. “You are such a special man. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have you in my life.”
“And I you.” Now it was his turn to blush. “I thank God for you daily.”
“I once thought it would be impossible to submit to a man.” Her lemony perfume filled his senses as she leaned against his shoulder. “But that was before I knew a man who submitted himself so easily to Christ.”
He knew the Scripture she referred to but was curious for her understanding of the subject. “What do you mean?”
“I have always considered myself independent. I thought it a weakness to rely on any man as I’ve seen so many simpering ladies do.”
He couldn’t help but interject, “But what about your mother with your father? I wouldn’t consider her to be ‘simpering.’”
“And neither do I. In fact, it was during a discussion with Mama and Mrs. Ross in Jackson that I really began to see the idea of submitting in a different way. When Mrs. Ross mentioned the words from Paul that I quoted earlier, I began to think that submitting to the right man, the right godly man, could indeed be what is intended for a man and wife. Then when I had dinner with Silas, I knew almost immediately I could never submit to him, not even truly respect him.”
“So what ultimately changed your mind?”
“You did.”
“Me? How?”
“Well, it was actually God working through you. When I witnessed your encounter with God at the campground, I finally understood what Paul meant. I knew I could submit to someone who loved me like Christ loved the Church. You’ve always wanted only the best for me and have never tried to control me. I love only you and trust you with my heart.”
“Hmm, sounds as if we should go camping many more times.” He couldn’t keep his face serious enough to hide his grin.
Abigail elbowed him in the side. “All right now, where is that Christlike love?”
“Right where you know it to be.” He pointed to his chest. “In my heart.” She planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “Same here.”
Although he would have liked to bask in the glow of her admiration, Nathan knew it was time to let her see his own weakness. “I didn’t start preaching for the right reason.”
She sat up and a frown creased her brow. “What are you talking about?”
“Do you remember when I told you and your parents about killing Ira Watson?”
He felt rather than saw her nod.
“I decided the only way to pay for my actions would be to dedicate myself to preaching God’s Word. I thought I could earn forgiveness. It wasn’t until the night at the campground when I heard that poem about coming to God, ‘Just As I Am,’ that I realized the truth. No one can earn forgiveness. It’s a gift given freely when Christ laid down His life for our sins.” The words had come slowly at first, but now they seemed easier. “I thought about quitting. But God kept putting people in front of me, people who seemed to need my help to find their way to Him. People like the slaves I told you about. Even Silas Ward. People who are hurting and lost. And now that I have turned my life over to God without reservation, I believe He has given me the ability to reach them.”
Her hands covered his on the reins, and she pulled the horse to a stop. “I love you, Nathan Pierce. And I know you’re right. God has something very special in mind for you.”
He glanced around and realized they had not quite reached Magnolia Plantation, so he caught her up in his embrace. “I love you, too, Abigail LeGrand. With your support, I know I’ll be able to meet every challenge.” He pressed his lips against her softer ones, his heart filling with love and thankfulness to have won the admiration of such a special woman. As their kiss deepened, he made a promise to himself to always treasure her love as much as he did at this moment.
Epilogue
Nathan stood proudly and watched as Jeremiah LeGrand escorted his daughter down the aisle. This was the happiest day of his life. Abigail stepped close to him, a wide smile on her face. He could barely believe this vibrant woman was about to become his wife. He sent a silent prayer of thanks heavenward. God had blessed him so. She was especially lovely today, her hair piled high on her head, the white skirt of her dress floating around her. All she needed was a pair of wings to qualify as an angel.
Outside the church, the weather was not as sunny as he’d hoped. A storm had blown in as they were getting ready to leave Magnolia Plantation. But at least it had not stopped anyone from attending.
He glanced toward the pews where the children from the orphanage sat. It seemed odd not to see Mia’s expressive
face among them, but he had received a letter from her describing her new home. She was being well cared for, so he could not be sad. He would have to remember to send her a letter describing the wedding.
Several people in the packed church gasped as lightning flashed outside, almost immediately followed by the boom of thunder. The wind blew against the walls of the church, but inside peace and love filled the air.
Nathan watched Abigail’s face as he repeated his vows of loyalty and love. Then it was her turn. Her voice was hesitant at first but gained strength as she continued.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you the Reverend and Mrs. Nathan Pierce.”
Instead of going outside, Abigail and Nathan stood next to each other and greeted their friends and neighbors. By the time they had spoken to all of their well-wishers, the sun had come out once more. Nathan wondered if he would ever get used to the rapid weather changes in this part of the country.
Abigail’s father went to the podium to get everyone’s attention. “We are going to move this celebration to Magnolia Plantation. We have plenty of food for everyone there.”
Nathan escorted Abigail to the carriage as a spattering of raindrops fell on them.
She ducked her head and hurried into the vehicle. “I knew we should wait for cold weather.”
Nathan climbed in and sat beside her. “I couldn’t wait even one more day for you.” Putting an arm around her waist, he pulled her close for a kiss. He still could not quite believe the love flowing between them. God had truly blessed them.
Satisfaction and joy filled her face as she broke free for a moment. “Nor I for you, my love.”
AS THE RIVER DRIFTS AWAY
Dedication
To our editors extraordinaire: JoAnne Simmons and Becky Durost Fish. You are wonderful editors who have become our friends. Thanks for giving wings to our dreams. We deeply appreciate the work you put into improving our stories. And for everyone else who wants you to edit their books…we call dibs!
Chapter 1
January 1863
Jackson, Mississippi
Abigail, I’m not planning to take you and the girls with me this time.” Pa straightened and dusted his hands after tossing a fresh log on the fire. “It’s far too dangerous for gadding about.”
Ma sighed and pulled her shawl closer about her shoulders. “We’re not talking about going on a sightseeing trip, Nathan. And you’ll be there to protect us.”
Caroline Pierce studied the grooves in the pine floor, wishing she could think of something to say that would bring her parents to agreement. She was eighteen years old, after all. Old enough to find the right words. “Perhaps we sh…shouldn’t go to Vicksburg.” She could feel the pressure of her parents’ gazes but refused to look up. Her heart beat a rapid tattoo. Why had she decided to voice her opinion?
“Don’t be nonsensical, dearest.” Ma reached past the arm of the sofa and patted her knee. “You’re not afraid, are you? We’ll be much safer with your father than staying here in Jackson all alone.”
Ma’s tone was gentle, so why couldn’t Caroline calm the beating of her heart? She loved her mother and ought to be accustomed to her outspokenness. But she wished just this once that Ma would quietly accept Pa’s pronouncement. Then they could turn their attention to some other subject, like yesterday’s sermon. She would even welcome a discussion on what color to paint the parlor or whether or not she could mend the tear in her counterpane.
The fireplace logs shifted, and heat from the dancing flames brushed her cheeks. A deep breath seemed to steady her nerves somewhat. Wondering if she’d lost her mind, Caroline opened her mouth to answer. “I’m sorry to disagree with you, Ma. Pa would not make such a decision lightly. We have a duty to listen to him.”
“You’re quite right, Caroline.” Ma’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. “But that does not preclude my discussing the matter with him. Or with you either.”
Her hands twisted in her lap. Caroline did not want to “discuss” things. She had already expressed her opinion. But she did not have the courage to argue with her strong-willed parent. Why not accept Pa’s bidding? It would make life much easier, and much quieter, in the Pierce home. But Ma was not likely to change, so Caroline folded her lips and remained silent while wondering why they couldn’t just go along with Pa. He deserved their respectful acceptance of his decisions.
“If your mother did not challenge me, I’d be certain she was ill.” Her father settled on the sofa and placed an arm around her mother’s shoulders. “I’ve never been under any illusion about her timidity.”
Caroline wondered if she would ever understand others in her family. Was she a changeling? But that wasn’t possible. Even she could see how much she looked like her father. Both of them had blond hair, fair skin, and eyes as blue as a summer sky. But at three inches above five feet, she had not inherited her father’s height.
Pa was a well-respected pastor at one of the largest churches in town, but at home he often bowed to the wishes of his wife. Ma and even Tory, Caroline’s younger sister, seemed to take delight in disputing many of his decisions.
Perhaps I am the odd one. They didn’t suffer from the same malady that twisted Caroline’s tongue in knots every time she tried to speak. She nodded and dipped her head once more.
The door to the study opened, and she glanced up to see Tory rushing through the door. Her sister’s dark hair fell in thick waves about her shoulders, and excitement brought extra beauty to her face. Grandma said Tory looked like she had when she was younger.
Tory would soon be collecting men’s hearts the way some young women collected flowers. Although she was a full four years younger than Caroline, she was already turning heads at church. She was definitely the most beautiful member of the family and the liveliest. But it was her innate kindness that made her irresistible to young people of both sexes. If a group of youngsters was gathered together, Tory was almost certain to be at its center.
“Come quickly.” Tory clasped her hands in front of her chest. “A group of soldiers is marching down the street. You have to see them. They are so handsome in their gray uniforms.”
“Please tell me you have not been ogling the young men.” Pa’s sigh was audible.
Ma rose from the sofa. “I’m sure she’s done no such thing.” Her dark-brown gaze held the same warning as her voice. “Have you, Tory?”
“Of course not.” Tory’s wide skirts twisted as she turned toward the door to the hallway. “Come along, Caroline. Hurry, or you’ll miss them.”
Pa stood and offered his arm to Ma. Caroline followed them to the hallway, a smile turning up the corners of her mouth as Pa placed a quick kiss on Ma’s cheek. Her love for him was clear in the gaze Ma trained on him as they walked out. Was their love for each other the reason for Pa’s tolerance? Caroline worried at the question as her sister flung the front doors wide and a blast of frigid air rushed into the hallway.
“Brr.” Her mother’s shoulders lifted as the cold surrounded them. “Wait until we’ve put on our wraps.”
“Sorry.” Her younger sister closed the doors, a penitent look on her face.
“You allow yourself to get far too excited, Tory.” Her mother took her cloak from a hook on the wall. “If you wish to be included in adult gatherings, you’ll have to temper your actions with the same good sense your older sister displays.”
Caroline felt another blush as she accepted her green wool cloak from her father and wrapped it around her shoulders. She was not comfortable being held up as an example. She had far too many faults.
“I believe we are ready to brave the cold.” Pa nodded at Tory. “Let’s see these soldiers of yours.”
This time when she opened the doors, Tory managed it with a bit more grace. But as Caroline crossed the threshold, her incorrigible sister winked at her, and a giggle threatened to escape. A prime example of why she should not be held up as a model of good behavior.
The street was alive with ma
rching men. Her gaze widened as she stepped to the rail surrounding the deep porch. “Oh my.”
Tory grabbed her arm. “Aren’t they marvelous?”
A frown brought Caroline’s brows together. Marching in formation, five abreast, the sea of gray slouch caps and uniforms filled the dirt road from edge to edge. But as she looked closer, she realized their uniforms were tattered and faded. Sadness and empathy filled her. “Where are they going?”
“Probably to Canton.” Her father pointed to the north. “President Davis has ordered General Johnston to keep the Jackson area safe as well as lend support to General Pemberton’s troops in Vicksburg.”
“Some of them look so young.” Ma shook her head. “Younger than you are, Tory. It makes me sad to think of the boys who won’t be alive when this war is over.”
Tory had leaned over the edge of the rail, but she straightened and looked toward her parents. “Don’t say such a terrible thing. Amy Parsons says the South is winning the war. Maybe all our boys will come back unhurt.”
Caroline found herself agreeing with her mother. The war had gone on for several years now. Hopes for a quick end had faded as the battles continued to rage, and every day they heard of families who had lost sons, brothers, or fathers.
Pa shook his head. “No matter which side wins, war is a terrible thing. Especially this war between states. I’ve read in the local newspapers of brothers joining opposite sides and meeting each other on the battlefield.”
Caroline’s jaw tightened. She hated the idea of siblings as enemies. “We should pray for them.” She reached for her father’s hand. “And for a quick end to the war.”
Mississippi Brides Page 31
