Mississippi Brides

by Diane T. Ashley,Aaron McCarver

  Caroline glanced toward Mr. Boothe, glad to see he was chatting with the person on his far side. She put her hands to her cheeks in an attempt to cool them. “You misunderstand, Ma. We were discussing faith and Pa’s sermons.”

  “I’m neither blind nor so old that I cannot see when someone, or even a pair of someones, is interested in my daughter.”

  Wondering if she could disappear under the table, Caroline shook her head but remained silent. She was certain her mother was mistaken. Neither man had been more than polite. Yet there had been a special gleam in the captain’s obsidian eyes. A gleam that made her breath catch.

  What if? A tiny smile teased the edges of her mouth. The very idea that either the sweet Mr. Boothe or the debonair Captain Talbot might be interested in her was at the same time terrifying and exhilarating.

  Chapter 6

  Luke smiled across the table toward Caroline. “I’m glad your parents agreed to let you and your sister attend lunch with my grandmother and me.”

  “Me, too.”

  Her blush was endearing. It hinted at her innocence, a refreshing change from the calculated charm he usually encountered from the local belles. Caroline Pierce was different from all of them. Different from any young woman he’d ever met. He admired her quiet competence and the faith shining in her blue eyes.

  Was this why he’d been unable to quash his ardent pursuit? It had been only two days since he’d seen her at the Lancasters’ ball, but already he had paid a visit to her parents and invited her to today’s luncheon.

  “Have you seen many battles, Captain Talbot?”

  The eager question posed by her younger sister turned his attention to Tory. He nodded. “Far too many.”

  “It’s a shame the Yankees won’t just let us alone.” Grandma heaped a steaming spoonful of collard greens on top of her cornbread before handing the bowl to Caroline. “Too many men have died already.”

  A frown crossed Tory’s face. “I’ll bet those Yankees run whenever they see our handsome soldiers riding toward them on the battlefield.”

  Luke considered his answer. He didn’t want to disillusion the younger Miss Pierce, but there was nothing romantic about war. “It’s not like that, Miss Tory. The Union soldiers are as brave as any of our men. We all follow the orders of our commanding officers even if it means death.”

  He noticed Caroline’s shudder and wished he could reach across the square table and squeeze her hand. He wanted to comfort her, but since his grandmother was present, he contented himself with a wide smile.

  “Let’s talk about something more pleasant, shall we?” Luke accepted the bowl of collards from Tory, but his gaze remained focused on Caroline. “Tell us about growing up in Jackson. Have you ever visited the capitol?”

  “Yes, many times. Ma and Pa are very interested in keeping abreast of the political situation.” Her answering smile was like sunshine after a week of rain. “They say it’s the duty of all Americans to take part in the democratic process on which this country was founded.”

  “Do they not consider themselves to be Confederate Americans?” Grandma’s voice was sharp with disapproval.

  Caroline’s cheeks reddened. “I suppose so. But they don’t approve of slavery.”

  Luke was surprised at the admission. Abolitionists were not unheard of in Mississippi, but they were few in number. Too many people here relied on slave labor to make their farms and plantations successful.

  “I had heard as much.” Grandma’s right hand played with her fork. “And that your grandparents in Natchez hold even more radical ideas than your parents.”

  “I suppose you could say that.” Caroline seemed so engrossed with the food on her plate that she could not tear her gaze away from it. “Our grandfather freed all of the slaves on his plantation a long time ago and offered them paying jobs.”

  Luke’s mouth dropped open. “I doubt that made him very popular.”

  “Oh no.” Caroline looked at him, her eyes wide. “In fact, the townspeople once tried to burn our grandfather out. Our grandmother risked her reputation and her very life to warn him.”

  Tory picked up the story. “They stopped the fire. It was a very brave thing to do. If not for her, Magnolia would have burned to the ground with our grandfather inside the main house.” In her excitement, Tory made a wide gesture with her hands. Her right hand bumped her glass of lemonade and it teetered. “Oh!”

  Luke tried to prevent disaster, but her flailing hand prevented him from reaching the overturning glass.

  From the corner of his eye, he saw Caroline cover her mouth with her hand, but then his focus centered on the unfolding disaster as Tory jumped up, her jerky actions further disturbing their table. The surface tilted toward his grandmother, all of its contents sliding inexorably toward her lap.

  Grandma’s loaded dinner plate was the first missile to land, followed by plates of cornbread, smoked ham, and stewed apples. The bowl of collard greens tumbled toward her, too, but Luke managed to catch the hot vegetables before they reached the edge of the table. He was not so lucky with the butter crock or the salt cellar, both of which crashed to the floor, blasting their contents across his grandmother’s dress, face, and hair.

  Tory was frozen, her hands covering her mouth, but her sister jumped up and began picking up the remnants of the food and crockery. “I am s–so sorry.”

  Grandma pulled a handkerchief from the sleeve of her dress and dabbed at the mess on her face. “It’s not you who needs to apologize. It wasn’t your fault. But I trust your sister will be severely punished for her shenanigans.”

  Luke opened his mouth to speak up for the young girl who was now crying quietly, but he was forestalled by Caroline. At his grandmother’s words, her head went up and the fire of battle entered her blue eyes. “I beg your pardon?”

  “You heard me.” Grandma sniffed. “In my day she would be restricted to her room with a diet of bread and water for her unspeakable actions.”

  Tory began crying in earnest now. Caroline turned her back on his grandmother and stalked over to her sister. “Don’t worry, dear. It was only an accident.” She looked at Luke. “I think we should return to our hotel.”

  Luke wondered what had happened to the shy preacher’s daughter. He’d never expected to see such determination, such righteous indignation. She was as fierce as any soldier in the midst of battle, eager to defend the innocent.

  This was a side of Caroline he’d never dreamed existed, a side he had to admire. Would she leap to the defense of anyone she cared about? He rather thought she might. Beneath her quiet exterior lurked a heart of gold—a treasure to be sought by any man who was looking for a suitable woman to marry.

  Caroline had never felt such anticipation before a ball. She had dreaded going to the Lancasters’…but tonight was different. She grabbed her fan and reticule and headed downstairs to join her parents.

  Only Pa was standing in the hallway. “Your mother is already in the carriage.” He took her hand and put it on his arm. “You look especially beautiful tonight, Caroline.”

  She dipped her head but said nothing. Fathers always thought their daughters were beautiful—at least her father did.

  Being careful not to lose control of her hoops, Caroline settled into the seat opposite her mother and listened as her parents discussed returning to Jackson before the end of the month. Her heart sank. She would never see Captain Talbot again once they left Vicksburg.

  Her mother turned to Caroline. “You’re very quiet this evening.”

  Pa fingered the edge of his cravat. “She’s going to be the belle of the ball.”

  “Not if Miss Lister is in attendance. She is much prettier than I and more accomplished by all accounts.” What she didn’t say was she still hoped to see Captain Talbot. After the luncheon with him and his grandmother three days prior, she had been unable to banish him from her thoughts. He was such a considerate man. And so handsome she had to remind herself not to stare at him. He was intelligent, too
. It was a wonder no female had managed to win his affections. Perhaps it was the Lord’s plan. Perhaps he would fall in love with her and—

  Caroline halted the thought. It was silly to have such ideas. No one fell in love at first sight. Never mind the way seeing him made her heart throb. She wouldn’t be able to stay in Vicksburg long enough for him to develop deep feelings for her. She sighed. Luke Talbot was certain to fall in love with someone else—someone like the beauteous Miss Lister.

  The carriage came to a halt, and Caroline leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the Abbot home. It was an imposing mansion perched high on a bluff overlooking a bend in the Mississippi River. Lamps shone in every window of the two-story brick house and lined the circular driveway, lending a fairy-tale appearance to the estate. As she alighted and followed her parents up the wide stairs, Caroline felt like a princess.

  The sensation persisted as she smiled at their hosts and complimented them on their home. She was pronounced a lovely young lady and sent inside to break the hearts of all the young men.

  Dozens of couples were already dancing to the melodious sounds of the orchestra. Other guests stood in small groups of two or more, renewing acquaintances or discussing whatever topics were popular—the war mostly.

  A couple about the same age as Ma and Pa approached them. After introductions, they launched into a discussion of the church’s stance on slavery. It was a touchy subject, but one that held little interest for Caroline.

  “I hope your sister has recovered from your visit three days ago.”

  The deep tones made Caroline’s breath catch. He was here, and he’d sought her out. She turned to give him her brightest smile. “Yes, Captain. Thank you for asking. She was devastated to have caused such a mess, but youth is resilient.”

  “Yes, indeed.” The look in his eyes brought a flutter to her stomach. “My only regret was that our visit was cut short by her accident. I would have liked to spend more time with you.”

  Caroline raised her fan to hide her blush. He probably thought she was a poor, dumb provincial. She wished she had more self-control. What kind of woman blushed because someone complimented her?

  “Will you dance with me?”

  Caroline glanced at her mother for permission and received a nod.

  A waltz was playing as they joined the other dancers. Captain Talbot’s arm was a warm band around her waist. He was so strong and confident. She made the mistake of meeting his glance. The admiration she saw in his eyes was almost too much to bear. Her heart was galloping faster than a racing horse. In that moment she knew the truth. Love at first sight might not exist, but she had fallen in love with Luke Talbot. The realization made her miss a step, but he held her close and kept her from stumbling. She wished the song would last forever.

  When it ended, they were near a pair of doors opening out onto a balcony. “It’s a bit warm in here. Would you like to step outside for a moment?”

  Caroline’s heart skidded to a sudden stop. Dare she go outside with him? She glanced toward her parents, who were deep in conversation. Excitement at her daring coursed through Caroline. “Only for a moment.”

  He swept her out of the room instantly, his hand resting lightly at the center of her back. “I hope you know the effect you’ve had on me over the past days.” His face was so close she could feel his breath on her cheek.

  Had she made a mistake in agreeing to come outside alone with him? Did he think she was brazen? Caroline moved to the balustrade. “Perhaps we should go back inside.”

  “Please give me a moment. I have something I’d like to say to you.”

  The air cooled her arms even though they were covered with elbow-length gloves. Caroline rubbed them as she watched him. “Is something wrong?”

  He stepped closer and took her hands in his. Then he did something so unexpected that she could not believe her eyes….

  He dropped to one knee. “I can’t get you out of my mind, Caroline. Since the first time I saw you, I have had eyes for no woman but you. You are beautiful, talented, and so pure. I know we’ve only known each other a few days, but I hope you’ll believe me when I say I don’t think I can live the rest of my life unless you’re by my side. I wish we had more time, but life is far too uncertain these days. I cannot risk the chance that we’ll be separated, so please say you’ll do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

  Tears threatened to overwhelm her. “Luke.” This was her dream come true. This was the fairy tale. This was the man God had created for her. And he was asking her to be his wife. He loved her! It was almost too good to be true. Yet there he was, looking up at her, the love evident on his face. How could she turn him down?

  “Please say yes, Caroline.”

  Where she had been cold a few moments earlier, now a fire burned her skin. Luke’s words had changed everything. “Yes.” She nodded for emphasis. “Yes, Luke. I will marry you, as soon as we get Pa’s approval.”

  He stood up and took her in his arms. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive. I want to marry you right away.” He pressed a kiss on her temple.

  Her toes curled, and Caroline thought she might faint. She nodded again as her eyes drifted shut. She had to be dreaming, but the man holding her felt very solid. A small voice warned her that it was too fast, but she suppressed it. She was in love with a man who loved her. What could possibly go wrong?

  Chapter 7

  I know a secret.” Tory’s words brought a frown to Caroline’s face. She shook her head at her little sister.

  “Then you should honor your promise to keep it.” Mrs. Pierce plied her needle with measured precision, never looking up from the sock she was darning. “A promise is like an oath. God has many warnings against breaking an oath.”

  “But I didn’t promise to keep it.”

  “Tory…” Caroline heard the plea in her own voice. She didn’t want her parents to find out until Luke could be here, too. She glanced at the clock on the mantel. It seemed to have stopped its forward movement. Would the morning never end? His meeting with the major was supposed to be over before lunch. If he didn’t arrive soon, it would be too late. She’d never been able to keep anything from her mother. Ma seemed able to read her mind with a single glance.

  As if she had already discerned something, Ma looked up, her gaze shifting between her daughters. “Please don’t tell me….”

  Caroline’s head went up. How did she do that? She held her shoulders straight as though about to face a firing squad. Her stomach knotted. “I have nothing to tell you right now.”

  “Is it about that boy who rescued you? The soldier?” Ma’s gaze pierced her. “Have you agreed to marry him?”

  Her lips trembled. Why was this so difficult? Why couldn’t she simply say the words? Where was her courage? “I…p–prefer to w–wait for C–Captain Talbot’s arrival.” Only eight words, but she was winded.

  Ma stood up and moved to the sofa, where she sat next to her sister. “Tory, you are excused.”

  “But Ma—”

  “You heard me. Now go. I need to talk to your sister.” Ma didn’t say anything else until Tory’s lagging footsteps made it to the hallway and the door to the ladies’ parlor was closed behind her.

  She took the sampler Caroline had been working on and put it on the low table in front of the sofa. Then she gathered Caroline’s hands in her own. “Tell me what happened.”

  Caroline took a quick breath. “I love him, Ma.” Not a single stutter. Perhaps shallow breaths were the answer.

  “I know you think you do, but Caroline, you don’t know anything about him.”

  She pulled her hands free and stood. “I know he’s a good man. A Christian man who loves me. He’s also kind and thoughtful and brave besides being well educated.” Caroline was beginning to feel a little lightheaded, so she stopped talking.

  “I see you’ve thought about this.” The ticking of the clock was louder than her mother’s comment.

  Caroline held her hands out to the fire. “Yes
, ma’am.”

  Ma sighed. “Your pa would say I brought this on myself by begging you to stand up for yourself.”

  From where she stood, Caroline could see through the window overlooking the entrance to their hotel. She watched a carriage pull up, hoping she would see Luke’s handsome face, but the lady who got out was a stranger.

  She felt rather than heard her mother get up and walk toward her. An arm went around her waist, and her mother pulled her close. “And I guess he would be right.”

  Their shared laughter eased the tension.

  “I love you, Caroline, and I only want the best for you.”

  “Luke is the best. I never thought I’d find anyone as good as Pa, but he is.”

  “Time will tell. As soon as we talk to your father, I’ll write to your grandparents and ask them if we can have the wedding at Magnolia.”

  Caroline’s mouth fell open. “But—”

  “I know!” Her mother clapped her hands together, excitement showing on her face. “We’ll have the wedding at Christmas. It’s my favorite time of the year. And the plantation looks so nice when it’s bedecked in garland and mistletoe.”

  She should have known it wouldn’t be easy. She looked at her mother and considered how to break the bad news to her. “We don’t want to wait, Ma.”

  That stopped her mother in midplan. Her eyes opened wide. “When were you thinking about marrying him?”

  “Saturday.” The syllables fell into a deep silence. The expressions that crossed her mother’s face might have been humorous under other circumstances, but Caroline could not manage to summon up a smile. “We want Pa to perform the ceremony.”

  “But why the unseemly haste?”

  “Luke has to return to duty in two weeks.”

  “I see.” Her mother walked back to the sofa and sat down. “I don’t suppose you could wait until after the war?”

  Caroline shook her head. “Don’t you remember telling me how you knew immediately Pa was right for you? Luke is the right man for me. I’ve prayed about it, and so has he, and we believe God has given us His blessing.”