Mississippi Brides

by Diane T. Ashley,Aaron McCarver

The first thing Caroline noticed as she disembarked from the carriage was a huge, conical pipe mounted on the nose of a boxy, open-windowed conveyance. The black smoke belching from the pipe drifted back over the roofs of cargo and passenger cars. “Is that the train we’ll be taking?”

  Her father nodded and pulled out his pocket watch. “We should be leaving the station within an hour.”

  “There’s another train.” Tory stepped up beside her and pointed to a second engine pointed south. “How can you tell which one we should board?”

  “That one is going to New Orleans.” Pa put away his watch and held out his arm for Ma. “Stay with us, you two. I don’t want to have to come looking for you.”

  Picking up her skirt, Caroline picked her way around bales, barrels, and boxes. She almost fell when an obnoxious businessman pushed past her and was only saved from ending up facedown in a puddle by the quick reflexes of a nearby soldier.

  “Careful, ma’am.” His hand gripped her arm.

  Her breath got stuck in her throat, but Caroline managed to mumble her thanks. He bowed and was quickly lost in the crowd.

  “He was handsome.” Tory’s familiar voice restored her equilibrium.

  Caroline rolled her eyes. “You think every man above the age of ten is handsome, especially if he’s wearing a uniform.”

  Tory stuck out her tongue.

  “Careful or your expression may get stuck that way.” Caroline repeated the warning their mother had often used when she was younger.

  “Come along, girls.” Ma’s voice stopped Tory from answering.

  They waited a few feet back as their father spoke briefly with the conductor. Nearby, a farmer made arrangements for livestock to be delivered to his home, his voice sharp as he directed the loading onto a wagon.

  “Did you see the size of the lantern on the front of the locomotive?” Tory’s voice held a note of awe. “It’s almost as large as my bedroom window.”

  “Yes.” Caroline looked toward the large engine. “It must be nearly as bright as moonlight.”

  Tory nodded. “I wonder why they need it though. That large shovel on the front of the train looks as though it would sweep away any obstacles.”

  “I’ve read of Union soldiers pulling up tracks and causing Confederate trains to have wrecks. Perhaps they need the lantern to make sure the track ahead has not been destroyed.”

  “You young ladies don’t have to worry about a thing.” The conductor, a tall man with a kindly smile, walked over to them. His reddish-blond hair reminded her of Grandpa back in Natchez. “We’ll have you safely to your destination before nightfall.”

  Tory’s face fell, but all Caroline felt was relief at the man’s reassurance. She could never be as daring as her younger sister. The conductor indicated the steps with a broad gesture, and she turned to realize their parents had already boarded the train.

  She climbed the steps and entered the cabin, feeling her stomach curdle as the floor pitched slightly under the movements of the other travelers. She swallowed hard and moved forward, looking for some sign of her parents. How had they gotten separated so quickly?

  “There they are.” Tory pointed to a seat at the back, and Caroline breathed a sigh of relief as she recognized them. Ma was already seated next to the window, but Pa was removing his coat and hat. At least he had not begun looking for them.

  Tory and Caroline settled themselves on the seat in front of their parents. Tory looked out the window and pointed to a man who was carrying their trunks on his shoulders. “I do hope he doesn’t drop my trunk. I cannot imagine how embarrassing it would be to have all my clothing scattered on the ground.”

  “You have such an imagination.” Caroline sometimes wished she had inherited a small portion of Tory’s zest for life…as well as a large helping of her outspokenness. She sighed and folded her hands in her lap. It was not as though she found life difficult, and she knew the good Lord had created her to have her own strengths, but it would be nice to take pleasure in each day with the wholehearted joy her sister displayed.

  Tory continued to remark on all the things that caught her attention as the car filled with passengers. The ring of a brass bell somewhere ahead brought the conductor past them, stopping here or there to help people stow their bags and cloaks.

  The train shuddered, and she gripped the edge of her seat, her heart tripping. Caroline twisted her head toward the window and saw the depot moving backward.

  Beside her, Tory clapped her hands together. “We’re moving.”

  A second glance out the window proved her sister right. The train, not the depot, was moving, picking up speed with every turn of the metal wheels beneath them. She pried her fingers from the edge of the wooden bench and placed them in her lap once more. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile to her lips. “So we are.”

  Tory didn’t seem to notice her discomfort, so enthralled was she by the passing scenery. “I wonder if we’ll see any Yankees.”

  “I doubt it.” Pa’s voice came from the seat behind them. “And I thought I told you not to use that term. You can call them Union or Federal soldiers, but you will be punished if I hear you use that vulgar term again.”

  “Yes, sir.” Tory’s voice was penitent.

  Caroline hated to see the sheen of tears in her sister’s eyes. She reached over and gave Tory’s hand a squeeze.

  Tory rewarded her with a wobbly smile.

  “Look at all the smoke.” Caroline indicated the black swirls coming from the engine at the front of the train. “Thankfully it’s cool enough in here so that we can keep the windows shut.”

  While Tory watched the passing scenery, Caroline pulled needlework from her reticule and began stitching. “I don’t know how you have such patience.” Tory’s whisper raised a smile. “And your stitches are so much finer than mine. You will make an excellent wife for some handsome soldier.”

  Color heated Caroline’s cheeks. “Don’t be silly. I don’t even have a suitor. I’m sure you will marry before anyone makes me an offer.”

  Tory made a choked sound. “Anyone who gets to know you will never be able to resist your sweetness and feminine abilities. You are the perfect example of the good wife Solomon talks about in the Bible. Why, who knows? He could even be here on this train and watching you sitting here demurely with your stitchery in your lap. He’s probably trying to figure out who you are and how to arrange an introduction.”

  This time the choked sound came from Caroline’s throat. “You are being a silly goose.” But her heart stumbled. Was it true? She looked around at the passengers she could see. A short, overweight businessman in the seat opposite them had tipped his hat over his face and was apparently sleeping. Up ahead she could see a passably handsome man sitting next to his beautiful wife. A pair of soldiers were laughing and talking as though they had no thought of war or death. Tory’s imagination was as vivid as ever but had no basis in reality.

  She returned her attention to her needlework. Only God knew what was in store, but she had no doubt He had a bright future in mind for both her and her sister.

  Chapter 2

  Luke Talbot sawed at the tough slice of beef and wished for the time before the war, the days when good meat was readily available at restaurants. The days when he could expect a decent meal to complement the beautiful young lady seated opposite him. Why had he let Gram talk him into coming to Vicksburg, anyway?

  For a wife.

  He glanced toward Marianna Lister, the young lady sitting across from him. Glossy black hair framed her beautiful face. Miss Lister’s complexion was flawless, as was her genteel conversation and fashionable attire. Yet when he compared her to the woman who had stolen his heart and then betrayed it—

  Luke shook his head to stop that train of thought. No need to compare her to Amelia Montgomery. No female would ever outshine her memory. Even though Amelia’s lies and subterfuges had probably cost him his chance to become a general in the Confederate army, she would always be the first woman he�
��d ever loved. It didn’t matter that she had betrayed the South and then had the effrontery to choose Jared Stuart instead of him; Amelia had claimed the better part of Luke’s heart.

  “It is so delightful to spend an evening away from my family.” Miss Lister ignored the meat on her plate and nibbled at a biscuit. “Papa always drones on and on about the war. It scares my poor mother half to death. You would think Yankees were standing on our very doorstep if you listened to him.”

  “Your father is probably right to be concerned.” Luke finally managed to separate a bite of meat from the serving on his plate. “Lincoln has made it very plain he would love to capture the city of Vicksburg.”

  Marianna dabbed at her mouth with her napkin. “That may be so, but it’s most unlikely. General Grant will soon realize he cannot prevail and will leave us alone. He’s already tried three times to take the city, but our troops have outwitted him at every turn.”

  “I have the feeling the general is not yet ready to admit defeat.”

  “Let him come.” The young lady opposite him raised her chin in a defiant gesture. “I refuse to cower like some child who is afraid of an imaginary hobgoblin.”

  Luke smiled. He had to admire the young lady’s courage. In fact, there was much to admire about Miss Lister. A very fine example of a true Southern belle, Marianna was beautiful and intelligent. She was also proving herself to be an entertaining companion. She was the best of the crop his grandmother had paraded in front of him since his arrival in Mississippi before Christmas.

  “I can almost see you running off a whole platoon of Yankees with a broom and a parasol.”

  “I suppose you’re making a joke at my expense. But I’ll do whatever is necessary to protect my home and family.”

  “Pardon me, Miss Lister.” Luke hid his smile. He hadn’t meant to insult her. “I didn’t mean to make light of your words. I have no doubt you would do a wonderful job of running those Yankees off. I only wish the ladies back in Tennessee had half of your fervor. When we men go off to fight, it’s comforting to know we’ve left our homes in the capable, courageous hands of ladies such as yourself.”

  Her smile was as wide as the Mississippi River and as bright as sunlight. He ought to tell her that, but he didn’t want to rush into anything. There would be time for him to get to know Miss Lister better before he began spouting effusive compliments. Instead he satisfied himself with returning her attractive smile.

  Luke reached for his goblet of water at the same time she did, and their knuckles brushed. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, and a faint flush colored her cheeks. In that moment, he thought he might be able to bury his feelings for Amelia after all. Perhaps Marianna Lister could fill the hole Amelia had left behind.

  As their dinner continued, he discovered Marianna’s talents ranged from music to watercolors. She also volunteered with the Southern Ladies Relief Society, where she distributed tracts to wounded soldiers. Of course, she also found time to attend balls and visit friends. On Sundays, she worshipped at a local church, and she even rolled bandages for the local hospital on Sunday afternoons.

  “I don’t know how you do it, Miss Lister.” Luke put his fork down next to his empty plate and signaled the waiter to bring the bill. “How do you ever find time for your beauty rest?”

  “It’s not difficult. I find sufficient time, especially now that the war has curtailed many of the social engagements we would normally enjoy. Mother says it is a shame I have come of age during this beastly war. The good Lord knows there are not many eligible men anymore. It’s one reason I was so happy when your grandmother wrote to us of your arrival.”

  Luke was in the process of pulling money out of his pocketbook so he concentrated on that rather than the feeling of being pursued by an experienced hunter. The material of his shirt rubbed at the back of his neck, but he refused to give in to the instinct to scratch it. He ought to realize by now that until he married he would be the target of matchmaking mamas and their eager daughters. He was young, wealthy, and passably good looking. But he could not remember any young lady ever being quite so forthcoming about her goals. He supposed it must be a cultural difference.

  He would have to remember to ask Hampton Boothe about it the next time he saw his friend. Hampton had been a fount of information about the mores of the local society, and he could likely tell him whether Miss Lister was ingenuous or predatory. “I see.”

  The waiter approached the table once again, and Luke handed him several Confederate bills. The man counted the bills and bowed. “Thank you, sir. I hope you will return to dine with us again soon.”

  Luke nodded, but his stomach clenched at the thought of fighting to slice his way through another piece of meat that had more in common with jerked beef than roast beef. Unless the other eating establishments in Vicksburg had equally poor offerings, he doubted he would be returning any time soon.

  He gathered their wraps and escorted Miss Lister to his carriage, tucking a thick fur around her ankles before sitting across from her in the carriage and signaling to the driver they were ready to leave.

  The clang of a train’s bell made her lean forward and pull back the velvet curtain covering the coach window. “Do you think we could go to the station and watch the people disembark?”

  Luke cast a dubious glance at the gathering dusk. “Won’t your parents be expecting you to return home soon?”

  “I suppose so.” Her lips puckered slightly in a charming pout.

  Feeling a bit like a heel for denying her request, Luke crossed his arms over his chest. “Perhaps I could escort you to the station in the future when we have more time.”

  “Could we?” The pout melted into a warm smile. “You are very kind. I know you must think it odd of me, but I enjoy watching people. Their faces inspire my paintings.”

  “I would consider it my pleasure.” The carriage halted, and he found himself torn by conflicting emotions. He felt a desire to please her, make her continue to smile at him in that admiring way. But his conscience warned him to maintain a proper distance or find himself cornered into proposing to her before he knew for certain whether she would make a proper wife.

  So he escorted her to the front door and handed her over to the butler with a promise to call on her again soon. Then he made his escape into his carriage. All the way back to the hotel, he thought about the time he’d spent with Marianna. But would she be the right choice to become Mrs. Luke Talbot?

  “I’m so glad you agreed to escort me to church, Luke.” His grandmother took his hand as she stepped out of the carriage. “I was afraid you might have other plans this evening…like visiting with the breathtaking Marianna Lister.”

  “Not at all. I wouldn’t dream of putting another lady ahead of you.”

  She swatted his arm. “Flatterer. I’m not blind, you know. You’ve spent nearly every waking hour at her parents’ home this week, culminating in your dinner together. You must know the whole town is abuzz with talk of romance.”

  “You shouldn’t listen to gossip, Grandma.” He held out his elbow and waited until she grasped it before moving toward the wide church doors. “Besides, you’ve been talking about the fiery Brother Pierce almost since the day I arrived at Shady Oaks. I am most anxious to hear his learned sermon.”

  A giggle turned his head to the right where a pair of young women stood whispering to each other. Rays of the setting sun gilded the blond hair of the taller one. She had an arresting face—it spoke to him of sweetness and a shy personality. Her companion had dark hair and a much livelier expression, bringing to mind some of the escapades he’d been involved in when he was a young boy.

  The darker one leaned up and whispered something while looking directly at him. He had no idea what she said, but whatever it was caused the willowy, blond girl’s cheeks to suffuse with bright color. Her eyes, as blue as the lakes back home, widened when their gazes met, and her mouth formed a perfect O of surprise.

  An instant later he was past them, enter
ing the candlelit sanctuary with his grandmother still on his arm. He wanted nothing more than to turn around, go back outside, and introduce himself to the beautiful blond. But he knew he could not. He had a duty to fulfill to his relative. Good manners and good sense made him move forward. He found a seat for them on a half-empty pew and helped his grandmother get comfortable. As soon as he was seated, he twisted around to see if the girl had entered the room.

  “Are you looking for Miss Lister?” Grandma’s voice brought him back to reality with a thump.

  What was he thinking? That he wanted to meet another young lady? She was probably engaged, maybe even married. The idea tightened his chest. She could not be. She was far too innocent. He almost laughed out loud at the thought. How could he possibly know that? He’d not spoken a single word to her. Yet something inside him knew.

  “No. I…uh…I…” He tried to gather his thoughts. He could feel his grandmother’s gaze on his face. “Do you know the two girls who were standing outside as we entered the church?”

  The question in her eyes turned to confusion. “What girls?”

  “Didn’t you see them? One was a raven-haired lady, girl really. But it was her friend I would really like to meet. Her hair was as bright as sunlight, golden as a field of wheat. She is one of the most striking women I have ever seen.”

  Grandma looked back over her shoulder, nodding to someone she knew. “I don’t know who you’re talking about, Luke. I don’t see anyone matching your description.”

  “They’ll have to come inside. Why else would they be loitering about the entrance to the church?”

  His grandmother shrugged and turned her attention back to the front of the room. “We’re bound to see them sooner or later.”

  Hoping her words were prophetic, Luke straightened and pulled on the sleeves of his frock coat. The dark wool was warm enough, but since the church was heated, he was beginning to wish he’d chosen something a little less scratchy.

  Marianna Lister and her family arrived, but the pew he and his grandmother occupied was already crowded, so they spoke briefly before procuring a pew closer to the front.