Mississippi Brides

by Diane T. Ashley,Aaron McCarver

  “Thought I’d come see what you might be up to.” Hamp grinned at him. “Looks like the rumors are true.”

  “What rumors?”

  “That you’ve fallen head over heels for the lovely Miss Lister.”

  Luke punched him on the shoulder. “And what if I have?”

  Grabbing his shoulder in mock pain, Hamp made a face. “Nothing, nothing at all. Far be it from me to try and stop a man from hanging a noose around his own neck.”

  “Matrimony is not a noose. It’s a state of endless joy.”

  Hamp snorted.

  “Check the poets if you don’t believe me.”

  “Matrimony could be nice, I suppose, but I don’t know that you should be tying yourself to Marianna Lister for life.”

  All humor left Luke in a rush. “Do you know something detrimental about the lady?”

  “Only that her beautiful face may hide a waspish nature.”

  Luke rolled his eyes. “Do you think I would be ruled by my wife?”

  A shrug answered him. “I’m not saying that. But you might want to choose someone a bit more biddable.”

  “If I cannot rule my household, I deserve to be hen-pecked.” Luke turned away with the intention of finding Miss Lister and asking her for a dance, but a commotion at the entrance to the ballroom stopped him.

  Everyone was crowding around the tall couple at the door. Wondering what was happening, he took a few steps in that direction before he recognized them. It was Brother Pierce and his wife. Mrs. Pierce caught his gaze and smiled at him before turning to say something to the young lady who had come up on her other side.

  Caroline Pierce. His heart skipped a beat. She was a vision of loveliness this evening. He’d thought she was pretty when he saw her at the church, but tonight she was stunning.

  “Who is that?” Hamp’s voice behind him was full of curiosity and wonder. “I’ve never seen her before.”

  “You ought to spend more time in church.” Luke threw his answer over his shoulder as he made his way to where she stood.

  Miss Pierce looked as scared as she had when he pulled her from the path of the runaway carriage earlier this week. Everything in him wanted to rescue her once again. He bowed to Mrs. Pierce. “May I have the honor of dancing with your daughter?”

  “I…I don—”

  “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Captain Talbot.” Mrs. Pierce turned to her daughter. “You cannot break a soldier’s heart, dearest. You must give him a sweet memory to take with him when he returns to the battlefield.”

  Although her cheeks had reddened at the gentle scold, Caroline Pierce nodded and held out her hand.

  Luke tucked it into the crook of his arm and led her to the edge of the dance floor. “I count myself lucky to secure the first dance with you. I’m sure you will be flooded with offers when I return you to your parents’ side.”

  Her gaze darted upward to meet his. “Are you making fun of me?”

  “Not at all.” Luke was stunned. Did she have no idea how beautiful she looked? The dark blue of her dress made her eyes glow like sapphires. Her golden hair seemed to radiate under the light of the candles. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was, but he had the feeling his compliments might frighten her even more.

  The orchestra began a waltz, and Luke swept her into his embrace. She fit in his arms as though made for him. He started off slowly to make certain she could keep up with him. She seemed so innocent he would not have been shocked to learn this was her first ball. But if so, she had been well schooled in the art of waltzing. He twirled her faster and faster, but her steps never faltered. It was as though she knew before he did which way he was going to move.

  “You are an excellent dancer, Miss Pierce.”

  “Thank you, Captain Talbot.”

  A few more measures followed in silence. All he could see of his dance partner was the top of her head and her wide skirts. Her face was hidden from his view as she apparently found his buttons fascinating.

  “I find myself very comfortable with you, Miss Pierce. Most of the other young ladies I have danced with seem to feel it is necessary to chatter endlessly about the most obscure things. You, however, are to be commended for your reticence. It is a charming characteristic.”

  She did not glance up.

  He swung her around again. “Is there something wrong with my jacket?”

  Caroline shook her head. “Not at all.”

  He squeezed her hand briefly. “That’s a relief. My grandmother asked me to wear this uniform. She felt I was not handsome enough unless I wore something a bit more dashing than evening wear.”

  She glanced up then, her eyes wide. “But you are the most handsome man here.”

  “Thank you, Miss Pierce.” He smiled at the words. Her tone of voice was matter-of-fact without the slightest hint of flattery. A warm feeling flooded him. Luke wanted to laugh out loud. He wanted to hold Miss Pierce close to his heart. He wanted to get lost in her blue gaze. The thoughts filling his head both intrigued and scared him.

  But what did he know about this girl? She could sing. Her father was a well-known pastor. She was willing to sacrifice her safety for the sake of a family member. Those were all points in her favor, but they didn’t guarantee she would make a good wife. He needed to know more. “Where did you grow up, Miss Pierce?”

  “In Jackson, but I was born in Natchez.”

  “I see.” He looked up to see his grandmother frowning at him. Odd that she was not happy. He was doing what she wanted—talking to a marriageable young lady. “I haven’t been to Natchez. Is it the same as Vicksburg?”

  Miss Pierce hesitated a moment before shaking her head. “Natchez feels more…more staid. Or maybe I feel that way because I know Natchez was settled so long ago.”

  He chuckled. “Vicksburg has been around for a while, too.”

  “Yes, that’s true. But the homes here have a newer feeling to them. The riverfront is much the same at both towns—high bluffs overlooking the river.”

  “Do you still have family in Natchez?”

  She nodded. “My brother and his family live at Magnolia. He runs the plantation now that my grandparents have gotten older.”

  Miss Pierce seemed tailor-made for him. She was quiet and biddable, and her family sounded much like his own.

  The music came to a close before he could think of other questions, but Luke was impressed with what he’d learned. He took her back to her mother and stood there a moment, talking to both ladies.

  “Why, if it isn’t the dashing Captain Talbot.”

  Luke turned to find Miss Lister bearing down on him, her skirts swaying as she managed to plant herself between him and Miss Pierce. It was not the smartest move. Marianna’s cream dress was probably more fashionable than the one worn by Miss Pierce, but he had to avert his eyes from the charms she was exhibiting above the low neckline. Instead of being alluring, it made her look a bit tawdry and desperate.

  “Good evening, Miss Lister. Have you met Mrs. Pierce and Miss Pierce?”

  She raised her chin and attempted to stare down her nose at the two ladies. “I do not believe—Oh, yes, you’re the preacher’s wife, aren’t you?”

  “Indeed.” Mrs. Pierce’s eyes flashed. She drew herself up and looked past Miss Lister. “And I believe I hear my husband calling to us now. Please excuse us.”

  Her smile seemed a bit forced, but Luke could not blame Mrs. Pierce. He wished he could follow her and Miss Pierce across the room, but Miss Lister had her hand on his arm. He felt a little like a hooked fish as he watched the two women make their way to the far side of the ballroom.

  “I have something to confess, Captain Talbot.” Miss Lister’s voice was as sweet as cane syrup.

  Luke brought his attention back to the girl next to him, careful to keep his gaze trained on her face. “I am almost afraid to ask what you wish to tell me.”

  She snapped open a fan with her free hand and used it to hide the bottom half of her face. “I have be
en counting the minutes until I could see you once more.”

  It was only with an effort that he kept his mouth from dropping open. What kind of change had come over Miss Lister? Where was the charming companion who he had thought might become Mrs. Talbot? She had always been a little forward, but he’d never thought her so brash.

  He remembered Hamp’s warning. What was he to do now? He could not be rude to her.

  “You are very kind, Miss Lister.”

  The musicians had taken a break, but now they began playing once more.

  He sketched a bow. “Will you honor me with a dance?”

  She giggled behind her fan and nodded.

  As he led her to the center of the room, he thought it was lucky this was not a waltz. He took his position to her left as prescribed by the polonaise and held her right hand. Then it was bow-step-step, bow-step-step, bow-step-step-change in the slow movements of the dance. Miss Lister smiled and even tried to move a bit closer a couple of times, but Luke always managed to keep the proper distance between them. He didn’t know when he’d ever found a dance so interminable. As soon as it ended, he escorted Miss Lister back to her mother and left her side as quickly as possible.

  He managed to partner several other young ladies, although he remembered neither their names nor the conversations. But when he saw his redheaded friend chatting with Miss Pierce, he stumbled and had to apologize to his unfortunate partner. When the musicians took yet another break, he looked around for Miss Pierce in her stunning blue dress but could find her nowhere. His heart wilted. He’d wanted more time with her and had planned to ask her to join him at the midnight repast. Had her parents already taken her home?

  He sauntered over to the corner where the widows sat together, their fans waving like butterflies in a field of flowers. He sat in a vacant chair next to his grandmother, thinking to escort her to the dining room since Miss Pierce was not available. “Are you having a good time tonight?”

  She pierced him with a frown. “Why have you not been paying more attention to Marianna? I thought you had fixed your interest with her.”

  Her reproachful tone and pointed complaint made blood surge upward, heating his cheeks and his ears. “Many young ladies of good families are in attendance this evening. Did you expect me to ignore them?”

  “Of course not, but you have only danced with Miss Lister once. After all the time you have spent with her, you’ve raised certain hopes. I would hate to see you disappoint her family or yours by letting your head be turned by some pretentious upstart.”

  Anger started a slow burn in his belly. Even though they were surrounded by people, or maybe because of that fact, Luke decided it was time to take a stand with her. “I do not care for your tone of voice, Grandmother. You seem to have the mistaken belief you can choose my dance partners. You have no say in the matter at all.”

  He saw the shock in her expression, but he would not back down from his statements. He realized his desire to give his grandmother respect had evolved into a situation where she felt she was in control of him. It was about time to set her straight on that matter. He was a grown man, and she would respect his position of authority.

  Grandma’s fan fluttered back and forth with some force as she digested his words.

  He noticed the ladies sitting nearby had stopped talking to each other and were avidly awaiting her response.

  She opened her mouth once and then closed it before swallowing hard. “You are quite right, Luke. I didn’t mean to overstate my concern. It’s only that I love you so much. You are my only grandson, and the continuation of our family rests solely on your capable shoulders. Please forgive me.”

  The other ladies went back to the conversation almost as soon as they realized he and Grandma were not going to have a row.

  Luke nodded and leaned over to plant a kiss her cheek. “I love you, too. I was about to go get something to eat. Would you care to join me?”

  She nodded, so he stood and helped her to her feet. As they approached the dining room, he listened with one ear to her chatter about the number of people in attendance and their social standing in the community.

  Luke hoped his earlier words had not hurt her too much, and although he regretted airing the matter in such a public setting, she should not have chastised him so openly. His pride would not allow him to appear too weak to control his own family members.

  Caroline knew the moment Captain Talbot entered the dining room. The room seemed to contract until the only thing she could see was his dark hair and dashing gray uniform. Her heart pounded in her chest as she saw him smile down at his companion. His grandmother, she had learned. Wasn’t that sweet? And another indication of what a good man he was.

  She wished no one was sitting next to her, but her parents were seated on one side of her and Hampton Boothe, a young man she’d just met this evening, had claimed the seat to her left. He seemed a kind and outgoing sort, the type of companion her younger sister would adore. Mr. Boothe was well read, and his lively sense of humor had made her smile several times.

  “My friend has been telling me how wonderful your father’s sermons are.” Mr. Boothe’s voice recaptured her attention.

  “I believe so.” She dipped her spoon into her bowl of oyster stew. “Of course, I may not be an impartial judge of the matter. Pa says he started preaching for the wrong reason, but God had the right reason in mind all along.”

  “What is the right reason?”

  Caroline looked at his earnest face. “Are you a Christian, Mr. Boothe?”

  “I suppose so. When I was a boy, one of those traveling preachers came through here and stayed with me and my family. Before he left, he took all of us out back to a creek and baptized us. All I remember was him raising his hand and asking me if I wanted to be forgiven so I could go to heaven. I knew the right answer was yes so that’s what I said. Then he prayed to God and dunked me in that water. When he pulled me back up, he said I was a new person.”

  “Did he ask you if you believed in Christ as the one and only Son of God and the way to salvation?”

  Mr. Boothe frowned for a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t remember that part. Is it important? Do I need to get baptized again?”

  Lord, please give me the right words. “Getting baptized is important, and I know some folks who’ve done it more than once, but it’s not necessary for salvation. It’s your belief that makes the difference. The day Jesus was crucified, He wasn’t the only one being put to death. Two criminals hung on crosses beside him at Golgotha. One of them scorned Jesus, but the other one recognized Him and asked for forgiveness. Even though he had not been baptized, Jesus told the second man: ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’”

  “So it’s okay to wait until you’re dying to decide whether or not you believe in Jesus.”

  Caroline forgot all about the food in front of her. She forgot about Captain Talbot. She even forgot to be self-conscious. “Of course not. That would be utter foolishness. First of all, you would miss so many opportunities to live right and so many blessings that the Lord wants to give you. And then what if you die suddenly, before you get the chance to turn to Christ? Do you want to take the risk and end up spending eternity separated from your Maker?”

  “Sounds to me like Mr. Pierce is not the only preacher in the family.”

  Caroline looked over her shoulder to see Captain Talbot standing directly behind Mr. Boothe. Her breath caught. When had he come over? And why hadn’t she kept her mouth shut? Now he would think she was too talkative. He’d mentioned how much he prized a female who did not chatter all the time.

  Sharing the Gospel is not idle chatter. Her heart settled into a more sedate rhythm at the thought. She felt the warmth of His presence. No matter what it made Captain Talbot think, she would not feel bad for speaking out.

  Her dinner companion rolled his eyes. “You’re not welcome over here, Luke. Miss Pierce and I are getting along fine without your interruption. I doubt you have anything
to add, and I need to hear what she’s got to say about faith. We live in uncertain times, and you never know when you might be drawing your last breath.”

  “What foolishness is this?” Captain Talbot raised one eyebrow. “I’ll admit I haven’t known you long, Boothe, but this is an obvious ploy to impress Miss Pierce.” He turned his warm gaze to her. “He’s got a reputation as a freethinker, you know.”

  Mr. Boothe’s mouth dropped open. “I am no such thing.”

  “Is that so?” Captain Talbot shook his head. “Then why don’t you tell us how many of her father’s church meetings you have attended this week, Hampton.”

  “What?” Mr. Boothe spluttered. “I…well…I…”

  Caroline felt a little sorry for the man sitting next to her. He was obviously flustered by the question. She was about to answer for him, but the captain forestalled her with a wink.

  “See what I mean, Miss Pierce?” His voice was full of triumph. “Don’t let him fool you.”

  Was the handsome captain flirting with her? Caroline thought he might be. A pleasant glow brought a smile to her face. She gave an exaggerated sigh. “I suppose you will have to come to the revival meeting tomorrow afternoon, Mr. Boothe, to prove your sincerity.”

  Now it was Mr. Boothe who looked pleased. He shot a triumphant glance toward Captain Talbot. “I would love to attend.”

  Caroline decided to take the middle road. She did not want the serious matter of salvation to be diluted by foolishness. “My family would be happy to see both of you there.”

  “Might I hope you will also be glad to see me there?” Mr. Boothe touched her hand where it lay on the table between them.

  Certain her cheeks were as red as a bowl of strawberries, Caroline pulled her hand away and tucked it in her lap. “How could I not be? All Christians rejoice over the salvation of a lost soul.”

  “Save me a place up front, if you will, Miss Pierce.” Captain Talbot smiled. “I can hardly wait to see how Hampton reacts to Brother Pierce’s sermon.”

  As he walked off, her mother leaned toward Caroline. “What a fine young man that Captain Talbot is, and he seems quite smitten with you, dearest.”