Mississippi Brides

by Diane T. Ashley,Aaron McCarver

  “You may be right, but it is not here today, nor is it likely to arrive before the end of the week. Only God is in control of the future. All we can do is work our way through today.”

  He pushed the toe of his boot against the stack of dry wood to one side of the fireplace. “Exactly what work do you have planned for today?”

  Grandma placed her needlework into a basket beside her. “I thought we might pay a visit on the Listers. You and Marianna seem to be getting along fairly well.”

  “She is a sweet girl.” He turned and caught the smile on his grandmother’s face. “But don’t go posting any notices in the paper yet. I am not ready to declare my interest in her.”

  “You ought not wait too long, Grandson. Someone will soon snap up a prize like that young lady. She is talented, kind, and quite beautiful. Her family is well received in this area. She would be an excellent choice for you.”

  “You are partial to her because you are friends with her mother.”

  “I admit to a certain amount of partiality.” Grandma rang for a servant. “But if she were not a good match for you, no amount of friendship with any of her family would sway my opinion.”

  A quiet knock on the door interrupted their conversation. When his grandmother called for the person to enter, Luke listened while she gave the servant instructions for a carriage to take them on their outing. He was not deeply averse to the idea of finding a bride, in spite of his comments to his relative. And he supposed Miss Lister was as good a candidate as any other. Perhaps he should go ahead and propose. Get it over with. It would please his parents as well as his grandmother. So why try to hold out against the inevitable?

  A vision of crystal-blue eyes came to him, and Luke could almost hear the last few chords of the song from the evening before. His heart quickened. Perhaps he should hesitate. Perhaps he should visit Brother Pierce and meet his family before he made an irrevocable decision. After his first failed attempt, it behooved him to be especially careful in selecting the girl to become his wife.

  With his mind made up, Luke went to his room to gather his cloak and gloves. He would take Grandma to visit with the Listers, and then he would insist on dropping by to visit the Pierce family. Meeting the girl he’d only seen from a distance would certainly quiet the clamor in his heart.

  Chapter 4

  Soldiers marched toward them to the rat-a-tat of a drumbeat. Caroline tried not to flinch at the mixture of fear and determination she saw in the faces of the men and boys. She wanted to put her arms around all of them. She wanted to gather them up and send them home to their families. They had no business here. If only she could change things. Her shoulders lifted and fell in a heartfelt sigh.

  “We’d better get out of the way.” Ma nodded toward the mercantile. “Let’s see if we can find some sugar. The cook says she has a few sweet potatoes left from the last harvest, and she wants to make a pie.”

  “I love sweet potato pie.” Tory’s skirts swayed as she crossed the street in front of them.

  “It would be a treat.” Caroline took her mother’s arm. “But it is getting harder and harder to find supplies.”

  Ma glanced back at the soldiers. “When most of the menfolk are marching to war instead of planting and harvesting crops, shortages are to be expected.”

  Tory held the door open until all three of them were inside. “Maybe we’ll be lucky today.”

  “What can I help you ladies with?” A gray-haired man with a round stomach approached them.

  Caroline looked around the large room lined with shelves. Empty shelves. It didn’t look to her as though he had anything to sell.

  The merchant’s gaze followed hers around the store. “Yes, things are a bit scarce, but we’re doing the best we can. Now that the winter is about to end, maybe we’ll be able to get some fresh produce.”

  “We’ll pray so.” Her mother stepped forward. “We are on a mission for a five-pound bag of sugar.”

  The merchant bowed. “Right this way.” He turned and led them toward the counter. “I just received a supply last week. But I have to admit it is a bit dear. Hard to get things brought in when the railroads are closed.”

  Caroline gasped. “The trains are not running?”

  Tory’s mouth dropped open, and she turned to her mother. “How will we get home next week?”

  “I knew we should not have come.” Caroline slapped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. The words had already slipped out.

  Ma bent a frown on both of them. “Don’t worry. We will manage.”

  “I didn’t mean to frighten you ladies.” The man twisted his apron in his hands. “Where are you from?”

  “We live in Jackson.”

  He looked over their heads.

  Caroline wanted to turn around to see what he was looking at, but she refrained.

  After a moment he refocused on them and smiled. “I was trying to remember what I’d heard about the Vicksburg to Jackson line. I think it’s still running, although there may not be many seats left open for civilians.”

  Tory sniffed. “I don’t want to be stuck in Vicksburg.”

  Ma shot a look at Caroline before turning to the merchant. “We’ll need that sugar now, sir. How much is it?”

  While Ma bartered with him, Caroline put her arm around Tory. “It’s going to be okay. You know God is watching over us. No matter whether we’re here or in Jackson, or even back in Natchez, the important thing is that we’re together.”

  “I suppose so.” Tory looked up at her, tears swimming in her eyes. “I just want the war to end, Caroline.”

  “So do I.” She hugged her little sister tightly and led her back to the front door. “Let’s go outside and watch the soldiers marching. They’ll love seeing a pretty girl wave to them.”

  She was rewarded with a giggle. “Two pretty girls.”

  The sun was beginning to sink toward the western horizon, and a cold breeze whipped down the street as they waved at the boys in gray. The sidewalk was more crowded now than it had been earlier as the townspeople came out to cheer for the soldiers. Instead of staying on the wooden sidewalk to watch, the sisters stepped onto the street where they could see better.

  It almost felt like a Fourth of July celebration with the prancing horses and marching men. Except that it wouldn’t be so cold in July. Caroline’s lips were beginning to grow numb, and she turned to look back over her shoulder to see if Ma had come out yet.

  A loud noise brought her back around to gaze at the street. “What was that? It sounded like gunfire.”

  Tory shook her head.

  A scream sounded from farther down the street, and the soldiers parted as a carriage careened around the corner. To Caroline it seemed the equipage was traveling in slow motion. She saw the eyes of the four horses as they raced to some unknown destination, saw the reins dangling between them, realized that no one sat in the driver’s seat. All of this detail she took in instantly. Her heart pounded as she watched the carriage get closer to their side of the road.

  She grabbed Tory’s shoulders and pushed hard to get her safely back on the sidewalk, but somehow her feet got tangled up in her skirt. Instead of jumping to safety alongside her sister, Caroline lost her footing. She could feel herself falling, careening out of control much like the carriage bearing down on her. The whole world seemed to shake with the pounding of the hooves. She was going to die, and she could do nothing to save herself.

  In the last possible instant, something grabbed her. She slammed against something—someone—hard. The thump of a racing heart reverberated in her head. It was so close she felt it rather than heard it. An iron band across her waist stole her ability to breathe, and the flashing glimpse of worried faces whirled like the kaleidoscope her parents had given to her last Christmas.

  In the midst of the chaos and danger, Caroline felt safe, treasured—the way she felt in her father’s hug. A scent tickled her nose, a mixture of soap and starch—a scent that presaged spring, fresh linens, a
nd new leaves.

  Then the iron band slackened its hold, and her feet touched the wooden planks of the sidewalk. Caroline leaned back a little to see the face of her rescuer. Her breath caught. “It’s you.”

  He frowned at her, a concerned look in his obsidian eyes. “Are you hurt?”

  “I—No…I don’t think so.”

  His face was barely inches away. Except for the men in her family, his face was closer than any man’s face had ever been. If he moved even a tiny bit closer, his mustache would brush her cheek.

  The thought stole her breath. Caroline thought she might faint from the realization. Bright flashes appeared at the corner of her vision.

  “Caroline!” Tory’s voice penetrated her awareness. She felt something pulling on her arm. “Unhand my sister!”

  The arm slipped away from her instantly. An impulse to throw herself at the handsome stranger washed through her, but her sister’s grip on her arm was like an anchor keeping her from straying into dangerous waters.

  “I’m sorry, miss.” He bowed to Tory. “I meant no harm.”

  With every second that passed, she was regaining her senses. Caroline shook off her sister’s hand. “You saved me from certain death.”

  He turned back to her and bowed once more, his charming smile lifting the edges of his lips. “I’m glad to have been of service, ma’am.”

  The door of the mercantile flew open, and her mother descended on them like an angry hornet. “What’s going on out here? Caroline? Tory? Are you all right?”

  “Yes, Mother.” Caroline could not tear her gaze from the stranger’s face. A part of her wanted to touch his side-whiskers, trace a finger along the edges of his mouth. Blood rushed to her cheeks. What had come over her? She blinked to break the connection between them.

  “Caroline was nearly run down by a driverless carriage.” Tory’s voice shook with fear. “She shoved me out of the way, but she fell. I thought she was about to die.”

  “Thanks to the fast actions of this kind man, everything has turned out fine.” The words were coming from her mouth, but she had no idea how.

  Ma moved closer as though to insert herself between Caroline and the stranger. “It seems I owe you much, sir. I am Abigail Pierce.” She held out her hand.

  The stranger bowed over it, showing that he was well versed in social graces. “Luke Talbot, at your service, Mrs. Pierce. It’s a pleasure to meet you and your lovely daughters.”

  The wary look on Ma’s face faded. She allowed a smile to turn up the corners of her mouth. “The pleasure belongs to me, sir, especially since you saved Caroline from a nasty accident.”

  Although Ma was standing between them, Caroline could still see his eyes. Their gazes met, and her breath stopped again. She put a hand to her throat.

  “I hope you’ll allow me to escort you ladies to your home. It would be remiss of me to leave you standing here when it is obvious Miss Pierce is not completely recovered.”

  Caroline turned her gaze on her mother, her chest filling with hope.

  “I suppose that would be acceptable, Mr. Talbot—”

  “Captain Talbot, ma’am.”

  “You’re a soldier?” Tory’s voice now held more than a hint of hero worship.

  He smiled and nodded. “Although I’m on furlough right now, I am pleased to serve the Confederate army.”

  “I know Mr. Pierce will want to add his thanks to my own, Captain.” Ma’s voice was firm. Caroline recognized the tone. Captain Pierce would be going back to the hotel with them unless he had a very compelling excuse.

  “I’d be delighted to make his acquaintance.”

  “Excellent.” Ma pulled on her gloves. “As soon as the supplies are loaded, we can leave.”

  Captain Talbot walked out onto the street and said a few words to the soldiers who were still milling about. He pointed an arm, and a couple of them went running in the direction of the driverless carriage. The others shouldered their weapons and marched east toward the outskirts of town.

  Caroline was impressed with his capable handling of the situation. From the time he’d arrived on the scene, Captain Talbot had commanded the respect and admiration of all those around him. He was obviously a leader…and obviously well above the type of man she could hope to have for a husband.

  Her sigh brought Tory a step closer. “Are you certain you’re unhurt? I could not even scream when I saw that runaway carriage hurtling toward you.” She took Caroline’s hand in her own. “You sacrificed your own safety for me.”

  “You would have done the same.” Caroline shifted slightly. She didn’t deserve any praise. She’d only done what came naturally. The one who deserved the praise was the captain. She was not his kin, but he’d risked everything for her safety.

  She glanced toward him once again as he strode back over to them and engaged their mother in easy conversation. She would enjoy whatever time and attention he gave her and her family, no matter that the outcome would probably leave her pining for more. Like the woman who petitioned Jesus for help, she would gladly accept the crumbs Captain Talbot let fall while he was near.

  Chapter 5

  I can hardly believe the week is nearing an end.” Grandma sat in the rocker and pushed at the floor with her foot. “Where has the time gone?”

  Luke opened his eyes wide. “We’ve been inundated with visits from your friends every morning. And shortly after lunch, we have made calls on anyone in town who has a marriageable daughter. Then it’s back to the hotel for a quick supper before we go to the church to hear the pastor. I am exhausted by the time I climb into my bed, and it seems my head hardly rests on the pillow before the sun is up and it’s time to start all over again.”

  “If there’s one thing I have learned in my life, it is—to quote one of John Heywood’s proverbs—‘Take time whan time cometh, lest time steale away.’”

  “Good advice.” Luke walked to the window and stared out at the street below. The townspeople were making for their homes as the sun set on the far side of the river. The activity looked normal, ordinary, as though the war was over. But he knew better. “My furlough will be over by the end of the month.”

  “All the more reason to find a suitable wife now.” The rocker creaked rhythmically behind him. “No one will travel out to Shady Oaks to visit us. The risk of being caught by a Yankee patrol increases daily.”

  “Perhaps we should cut our visit short.” Luke turned away from the window. “I want to make certain the plantation is in good shape before I have to leave you alone.”

  Grandma waved a dismissive hand. “I was alone before you got here, young man. I can make it on my own if I have to. Besides, if you will settle on one of the young ladies you’ve met, I won’t have to be alone. Your new wife and I will work in tandem to make sure you have a home to return to.”

  Luke considered her carefully. “I’m not sure you’re willing to give over the reins to some young miss.”

  “You’re wrong about that. There’s plenty of work to go around. When I married your grandfather and he brought me down to Mississippi, I had no idea how to run a household. His mother was not very welcoming, and I had a hard few years until your mother was born. Even though all of that happened many decades ago, I still remember what it was like. I am especially well qualified to help your wife find her feet.”

  “That’s a relief.” He walked to the rocker and bent to place a kiss on his grandmother’s cheek. “But what if I choose someone you don’t approve of?”

  “I cannot imagine your being so foolish. Your parents raised you to be levelheaded and to know your duty.” She patted his cheek. “You’ll make an excellent choice.”

  Luke straightened and pulled out his pocket watch. “I suppose it’s time for me to change into my dress clothes if we’re to make it to the Lancasters’ home before midnight.”

  “Why don’t you wear your uniform tonight?”

  A frown creased his brow. “I don’t think that’s proper as long as I’m on furlough
.”

  “Fiddle!” Grandma pushed herself up. “You are an officer of the Confederacy. Are you ashamed to show your true colors?”

  Luke straightened his shoulders. “Not at all, I jus—”

  “I don’t want to hear any excuses,” she interrupted him. “The ladies will love it. And I have a yen to see you in it myself.”

  Swallowing his arguments, Luke bowed to her. “I will do as you wish, Grandmother.” He could see how much she wanted him to wear his uniform. He would have to get past his discomfort and put a good face on the matter. It wouldn’t do to let any of the townspeople sense discord between them.

  The uniform was a bit snugger than it had been the last time he wore it. Luke tugged on the short jacket as he entered the ballroom. He had been far too lazy over the past months. It was time to get back to Shady Oaks and get the plantation in order. He could find a suitable wife when the war was over. Grandma might be anxious to have someone with her during these troubling times, but he didn’t think he’d be stationed that far away.

  The room was already full. The musicians played in one corner while the older men stood in tight groups in the opposite corner. In between, couples danced under the watchful gazes of their chaperones. Looking at the people here, one would hardly believe a devastating war was taking the lives of their husbands and sons.

  The music came to a rousing end, and he spotted Miss Lister being led from the dance floor. Her escort was a slender man with a wide mustache and wavy black hair. Luke frowned as he watched Miss Lister smile up at him.

  “Are you jealous she’s caught the attention of Major Fontenot?” A hand clapped him on the back.

  “Hamp, what are you doing here?” Luke shook hands with the man who’d traveled south at the same time he had come to take over his grandparents’ plantation. They’d found out during the long train ride that they were bound for the same area and had become fast friends. Hampton Boothe had a head of carrotyhued hair that curled in spite of the copious amounts of Macassar oil he applied. It was the bane of his existence.