Love Stays True

by Martha Rogers

  Will grabbed the offered hand and squeezed it. “You’re sure a sight for sore eyes. Ever since your letter, we’ve all been looking for you.”

  Manfred searched the grounds. “Speaking of which, where are your mother and sisters?”

  Mr. Dyer rubbed his chin. “Sorry they’re not here, but the house isn’t quite livable yet. They’re in St. Francisville with the Woodruffs.”

  Disappointment filled Manfred, but at least the women were safe. “We passed the Harper plantation earlier today. What happened there? Where are the Harpers?”

  The boys became silent, and Mr. Dyer bowed his head then raised his eyes to lock with Manfred’s gaze. “It’s a long story. Mrs. Harper and Jenny are safe, but Mr. Harper and Andrew are dead.”

  Manfred sucked in his breath. “Where are the women now?” He followed Mr. Dyer back to the house.

  “Mrs. Harper is with friends, and Jenny is in St. Francisville with Sallie.” He expelled a heavy sigh. “We finished our breakfast, but there’s coffee left. Come join me for a cup, and I’ll tell you about the family. Then you can go on down to St. Francisville.”

  What Manfred heard both chilled and warmed him. His family was safe, as were Sallie and her mother and sister. If they left within the next half hour, they could be in St. Francisville by late afternoon. In only a few short hours Sallie would know of his love for her and his desire to marry her as soon as possible.

  St. Francisville, Louisiana

  Sallie gazed across at Jenny. The girl’s raven tresses cascaded from the ivory clip holding the mass at the crown of her head. They hid her face as she concentrated on working the tiny stitches of her sampler.

  Jenny raised violet eyes to Sallie. “What are you thinking, dear friend?”

  Sallie sighed. “About how beautiful you are, and you smile so much now that Benjamin Elliot is calling on you.” In the two weeks since she’d received the letter from Manfred, Benjamin had called on Jenny four times.

  Jenny’s cheeks reddened, and she dropped the sampler to her lap. “He’s been most kind to me. I so appreciate your father stepping in and taking Papa’s place to give permission. I do enjoy his company despite . . . ”

  Sallie tossed aside her own stitching and grasped her friend’s hand. “Of course. He’s a gentleman.”

  A smile lit up Jenny’s face, and she picked up her needle and sampler to resume stitching. “I know. He seems to sense my feelings and is so polite with me.”

  “You deserve good things in your life right now.” Sallie hugged her friend then sat back. She tapped a cheek with her index finger. “Mama thinks it’s time for you to have more things of your own. She’s arranged for Mrs. Tenney to make you a few simple garments. You and I aren’t exactly the same size, and you’re a bit taller too. You need something to fit like the lavender silk did.”

  “Oh, Sallie. I can’t impose. You’ve already done so much for me.” Jenny lowered her eyes and stared at her hands. “However, a simple skirt and blouse of my own would be nice. You must be tired of sharing.”

  Sallie reached across and lifted Jenny’s chin. “I don’t mind at all. What little I have is yours too. Understand?”

  “Yes, I understand, but you and your family are too generous.” Jenny laid aside her sampler once again and rose to walk to the window.

  Sallie jumped up. “I know what. Let’s go to Brady’s store and look at pictures and find some material for a new garment.”

  Jenny spun around, her mouth agape. She gulped and said, “Right now?”

  “I think that’s a splendid idea. It’s a lovely way to close this afternoon.” Mama spoke from the doorway. “A walk in the fresh air will do us all good. I’ll get my hat and join you.”

  Sallie tugged at Jenny’s hand. “See, even Mama’s excited about doing this for you too. Let’s get our parasols.”

  In a few minutes the three women strolled down the street toward Brady’s store. The few blocks of walking in fresh air raised Sallie’s spirits. She lifted her eyes toward the brilliant blue sky where clouds floated like puffs of smoke from Papa’s pipe. The only thing missing in her life was Manfred. When he arrived back home, her world would be complete.

  The bell over the door tinkled, signaling their entrance. Mr. Brady greeted them. “Good morning, Mrs. Dyer. ’Tis a beautiful day for shopping.”

  Sallie folded her parasol and stepped inside behind Mama. “Yes, it is, Mr. Brady. We’ve come for a look at your piece goods.”

  The balding man chuckled. “And I thought maybe you were here for more peppermints.”

  “Maybe later.” Sallie hooked her arm through Jenny’s. “Let’s see what we can find back there.” She led her friend to the shelves filled with bolts of rainbow-hued fabrics while Mama stayed in front and conversed with Mr. Brady.

  The odor of dye in the fabrics caused Sallie to sneeze. “Eww, some of these need washing before they’re sewn up.” She covered her nose with a lace handkerchief.

  “They do for a fact.” Jenny agreed then pulled down a fold of dark blue cotton. “This would make a suitable skirt for general wear.”

  Sallie shrugged. “I suppose it’s alright. A little plain. What about this calico or the red and yellow plaid.” She held out the corners for Jenny’s inspection.

  “I like the design, but I’d rather have it in dark blue. Red and yellow plaid is your best color, not mine.” She reached up and pulled out a piece of blue and white plaid with a touch of yellow.

  Sallie smiled. “Of course. Blue is much more suitable with your coloring.”

  Jenny nodded then added white lawn to her stack. She headed for the Godey’s books, and Sallie followed to peer over her shoulder as Jenny flipped through the pages.

  “There. That’s the one I like. What do you think?” Jenny pointed to a skirt topped with a mid-arm-length sleeve shirtwaist with a plain collar and buttons down the front.

  “Hmm, yes, I do like that. Shouldn’t take long for Mrs. Tenney to make either.” Sallie took the bundle of fabric from Jenny. “Don’t you want one a little fancier too?”

  “No, this will be quite nice for now. I have the lavender silk for special occasions.” Jenny retrieved a slip of paper from her pocket and picked up a nearby pencil to note the page number to give to Mrs. Tenney.

  Sallie eyed the braids and buttons on display and selected several. Jenny stopped by her side and added a length of blue braid to the stack of goods.

  Sallie smiled. Seeing her friend enjoy her shopping warmed her heart. Once Jenny had access to anything and everything she could ever want, but now she had to rely on others for their generosity and kindness. She silently thanked Papa and Grandpa for being so generous.

  They moved away from the dry goods and into the general merchandise area. Sallie breathed in the earthy aroma of fresh vegetables mingled with the scent of lamp oil. “I love coming into the store. So many different delights to tickle my nose.” She moved toward the candy jars.

  Jenny placed her selections on the counter, and Mama picked out a few staples. Sallie stood by the candy jars, enjoying the sparkling colors and delightful scents. She glanced up to see a broad grin spread across Mr. Brady’s face and heard Jenny suck in her breath.

  A voice behind her spoke up. “I still think the cinnamons are the best.”

  Sallie’s heart skipped a beat, and joy rose in her throat. Could it be? She whirled around to face the voice of her dreams and whispered, “Manfred, oh, Manfred, it is you.” She took one step toward Manfred then leaped into his arms. “You’re here! You’re home!”

  Manfred held her tightly. “Yes, it’s me. I’m here, Sallie. I’m really here.”

  Suddenly Sallie drew back, remembering her proper behavior. She smoothed her skirts, and heat flooded her cheeks. “Oh, my. Excuse me.” How could she have been so forward in front of everyone in the store?

  Manfred’s eyes twinkled, and his mouth curved in a smile. “Still my beautiful, spontaneous Sallie. You haven’t changed at all.” He reached for her h
and.

  Sallie glanced over his shoulder and locked gazes with Mama. With a broad grin and tears on her cheeks, Mama nodded her approval.

  This time Sallie let Manfred take her hand and pull her gently to his side. She heard murmurs and greetings all around her, but her eyes saw only Manfred. She gazed into his brown eyes, and her heart filled with the love reflected there. So many days, weeks, and months she had waited for this moment, and now he stood by her side. Her heart beat a wild tempo she had no desire to still.

  “Pardon, Miss Dyer.”

  A hand rested on her shoulder, and she turned to find Edwin behind her.

  “I’m so thankful we found you. I don’t think this brother of mine could have stood looking for you much longer.” He grinned and winked at Manfred.

  Sallie squeezed Edwin’s hand. “I’m grateful you both are safe.”

  Customers in the store crowded around, but Manfred didn’t let go of her hand. Nathan Brady clasped Manfred’s shoulder. “Hello, my friend.”

  The look passing between the two young men said what their words didn’t. Sallie swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked back tears. Oh, what they must have endured in the months past. As if reading her thoughts, Manfred gripped her hand reassuringly and smiled down at her.

  Nathan said, “I want to hear all about your journey.”

  “Speaking of which.” Edwin laid a paper-wrapped bundle on the counter. “Mr. Brady, I’ve brought a gift from Mrs. Brady’s sister in Alabama. They gave us shelter in a storm some days back.”

  Mr. Brady’s hands trembled as he touched the parcel. “Nathan, run home and get Ma. We have a gift from Mattie.”

  The young man bolted through the door. Mr. Brady said, “This will mean so much to Ma. Thank you both.”

  Moments later Mrs. Brady rushed through the door. “You have something from Mattie?” She snatched up the package Mr. Brady held out to her.

  She tore into the bundle and ripped away the paper. A moment later she shook out the brightly colored quilt for all to see. “Oh my, it’s the quilt she made of pieces from clothes we wore as children.” Her eyes glistened.

  First she hugged Edwin then Manfred. “You two brought this? Oh, thank you, thank you.”

  Manfred tugged at a piece of paper in his pocket. “Here’s a letter from her too.”

  Mattie’s hand covered her mouth, and she reached for the paper. She read it and clasped it to her chest, joy filling her countenance.

  Sallie blinked back her own tears of joy and thanksgiving. What a wonderful moment to savor and remember. Not even the shadow of her past could mar this moment beside Manfred.

  Manfred gazed at Sallie with a crooked grin—the grin that had graced her dreams. He spoke to Mrs. Brady. “It has been a pleasure delivering this news to you, but Miss Dyer and I have some things to discuss.” He led Sallie toward the door. “If you’ll excuse us, ladies, I’ll be walking her home.”

  Sallie glanced back to see Mama and Jenny and several others huddled around Mrs. Brady, admiring the quilt.

  With the pressure of Manfred’s hand clutching hers, Sallie wanted to skip, laugh, cry, and shout all at once. The sky shone a brighter blue with Manfred beside her. She matched his slow gait and contained her impulses, letting her insides do the rejoicing.

  “How did you know where to find me?” Her heart danced with delight, and she couldn’t take her eyes from his face lest he might disappear and she discovered this to be a dream.

  “I spoke with your father in Woodville. He told me you were with the Woodruffs. Then when I arrived at the house, you were out, and Lettie told me to check at Mr. Brady’s.”

  He stopped and turned to stand face-to-face with her. “Contrary to what Edwin said, if you had not been at the store, I would have torn St. Francisville apart to find you.”

  Sallie whispered, “Oh, Manfred, I love you and have worried so about you.”

  “I wish you could have been spared the agony of not knowing.”

  His grin captivated her again as it had so often in the past. “I always hoped you would return, and now here you are.” The pressure of his hand on hers filled her with delight as they continued their walk to the Woodruff home.

  Sallie glanced back and spotted Mama and Jenny following, both smiling like children on Christmas morning. To Sallie, this was Christmas, Easter, and her birthday all rolled into one glorious day.

  At the house they sat in the wicker chairs on the wide veranda. Manfred said, “I remember the last time we were here. It’s where I’ve pictured you so many times in the past months.”

  Suddenly the door swung open, and Grandma rushed out, followed by Hannah, who grasped Manfred around the waist and hugged him. Grandma reached across and kissed Manfred on the cheek.

  Manfred unwrapped Hannah’s arms from his middle and stood back to peer at her. “Why, Miss Hannah. You’re quite the young lady now. Growing up to be as pretty as your sister.”

  Hannah straightened her shoulders and stood tall, and her cheeks blossomed apple red. Sallie laughed. Manfred had not lost any of his charm.

  Jenny and Mama joined them, and Sallie listened to their chatter with amusement and patience. As much as she wanted to be alone with him, she willingly shared his homecoming.

  Mama clapped her hands. “Enough of this. Edwin told me you haven’t been to your home yet. I know how anxious your mother is to see you. You’ll be a wonderful surprise. I do offer an invitation for your family to join us here for dinner tomorrow evening. We’ll have a joyous celebration.”

  Grandma placed her hands on Hannah’s shoulders. “Let’s go in and leave these two to say good-bye.” The young girl trailed after Grandma and Mama, but looked back at Manfred and Sallie with longing in her eyes.

  Alone again, Manfred grasped Sallie’s hands and brought them to his lips. He stared at her, and his eyes bore straight to her soul.

  His words were a whisper. “You are even more beautiful than I remember. When I return, I have an important matter to discuss. Until then, know my heart is completely yours.” His head bent forward and his lips met hers. Breath caught in her throat, and for a moment she didn’t respond. Then her arms went around his neck, and she returned the kiss with all the fervor she’d bottled up for so many months. Moments later they broke apart. With one last smile Manfred dropped a kiss on her fingers before he bounded down the porch steps. He stopped and pulled something from his pocket. “I almost forgot.”

  He returned to the porch and handed her a folded piece of paper. “This is a letter from a young woman we met at the beginning of our journey. She thought her husband was dead, but we met him on our journey, and he was on his way home to her. She asked me to give you this.” With a last peck on her cheek, he trotted out to the road where Edwin had arrived with their horse.

  Sallie collapsed into a chair and drew her hand to her lips. Such behavior would be frowned upon in ordinary circumstances, but these were anything but ordinary. She stared after the two figures until they disappeared down the hill leading down to Bayou Sara. The paper crackled in her hand. She unfolded it and read Rachel’s praises for Manfred and Edwin and their help at the farm. Rachel then wished Sallie and Manfred a long and happy marriage. Sallie dropped the letter to her lap. The dark shadow of her past returned with a vengeance, and she sucked in her breath before exhaling. A shudder shook her shoulders, and her hands trembled against her mouth. What would Manfred think of her once he knew what she had done?

  Manfred whistled “Dixie” and quickened his pace as the landing came into view. Edwin slapped Lady’s rump with his hat and let out a rebel yell. The horse galloped down the slope with the young man waving his arm and shouting. Manfred raced after him whooping and hollering.

  Ma ran out the door wiping her hands on her apron with Bessie close behind. Manfred watched her face light up like a full moon when she realized who came barreling toward her.

  “Pa, come quick,” she shouted as she scurried toward them.

  Edwin slid off
the horse and grabbed Ma. Pa rushed from the dock with Theo and Charles behind him. He enveloped Manfred in a bear hug. No words were needed. After a moment Pa released him, and Manfred turned to gather Ma into his arms.

  With a boy on each side Ma cried, “My last two are home. Thank You, Lord, thank You.”

  Several workmen joined in the greeting. They bombarded Manfred with questions while Edwin talked with Pa. Finally, with his arm and Edwin’s linked into hers, Ma led her returning sons into the house.

  Home cooking had never smelled better. The aroma of chicken, potatoes, beans, and fresh-baked bread filled the house and set his stomach to growling. But just then he spotted a lone figure in the shadows of the parlor corner.

  Henry, his brother, nodded. Manfred gasped. What had happened to Henry’s hair? Once dark as the night, it now shone snow white, and his young countenance bore the signs of a man much older in age.

  Manfred locked gazes with his brother, but Henry’s eyes gazed back as empty as the windows Manfred had seen in deserted buildings. What had happened to rob Henry of his youth and zest for life? He stepped toward Henry, but his brother slipped away and closed a door behind him. Manfred would have to wait for any answers.

  “Hmm, sorry, Ma, what did you say?”

  “Did you stop by to see Sallie Dyer before coming here?”

  Heat rose in his cheeks. “Yes, I did. I couldn’t wait another minute to see her.”

  “I understand, son. True love must be fulfilled.”

  He hugged her. “Thank you for understanding. Oh, and Mrs. Dyer sent an invitation for us to come to dinner tomorrow evening. It’s short notice, but I do hope you’ll accept.”

  Ma’s hands flew to her cheeks. “Oh, my. Dear Amanda. Of course we’ll accept. But now I must be getting our supper ready.” She took one last longing look at her boys before hurrying from the room.

  Manfred left the conversations behind him and sought out Henry. He found his brother in a bedroom. “I wanted to let you know I understand why you may not want to be with the others, but I’d like to talk a bit.”