A World Apart (The Hands of Time: Book 3)

by Irina Shapiro

  Charles finished his drink and set the glass down on the table. He was tired and needed to go to bed. He was sure his sexual prowess would return once Alec showed up and helped him shoulder some of the responsibility for the estate. Charles had always wanted to inherit the plantation, but he never realized quite what a burden it was until he was suddenly left in charge.

  Chapter 68

  Abbie curled into a fetal position, her hands over her stomach. She hoped she wasn’t going to be sick. Martha was fast asleep, snoring lightly, oblivious to Abbie’s discomfort. The cramps were terrible, forcing her to pull her legs closer to her belly to try and ease the pain. She wished she could call her mother, but then she would have to explain about her and Finn, and she wasn’t about to do that. Abbie wished that Finn would come back. He’d been gone for over two weeks now, and she was worried sick. They’d just heard about the sacking of the British fort a few days ago.

  British patrols were all over the area, questioning folk and confiscating anything they labeled as “military supplies”. Over one hundred soldiers had survived the explosion at the fort, but none of them could provide any information about the attack. No one had seen or heard anything. It’s as if the fort had been attacked by ghosts. Abbie wasn’t sure exactly where Finn was supposed to be, but she thought it might have been somewhere in the vicinity of the fort. What if he’d been hurt?

  Another cramp twisted inside Abbie’s stomach, a moan forcing itself past her lips. She didn’t want anyone to hear. She had to bear this alone. Abbie sat up in bed, pulled her knees up to her chest and began to rock back and forth. The motion seemed to ease the pain, finally allowing her to catch her breath. She was so tired. She had to feel better by morning. Martha’s wedding was three days away, and preparations had to be made. Dozens of people would be arriving for the celebration, so they would begin cooking tomorrow. Some things could be made in advance, while others would need to be prepared the day before. Their mother had prepared a list with tasks for each of them, even the younger children. They would be in charge of decorating the house with colorful leaves and ribbons.

  Abbie’s task was to help with the baking and the barbeque. A pit had been prepared at the back of the house where the pig would be roasted. Abbie’s task was to baste it periodically with sauce and juice and turn the spit to make sure that the meat was cooked evenly. The pig would take about twelve hours to cook through, so her father would light the pit several hours before dawn to make sure it was ready in time for the feast. The pig would be left in the hot pit over glowing coals while the family went to church for the ceremony. While Abbie was minding the pig, she’d also be helping with making apple tarts and baking biscuits on the morning of the wedding.

  Despite the chilly weather, trestle tables and benches would be set up outside for the guests, since there was no room in the house for so many people. Abbie, her mother, and Sarah would have to bring dishes from the house as soon as they were ready to be served.

  Tomorrow they would be making a large vat of pumpkin soup and preparing cranberry sauce to go with the meat. Abbie didn’t care much for the soup, but she’d always loved the tart cranberry sauce, and snuck a couple of spoonfuls into her mouth before covering the bowl with a cloth to keep the flies away. She had to admit that she was looking forward to the wedding. It’d been a long time since there’d been a party. She hoped Sam would come home, but things could change at a moment’s notice, like the attack on the fort. Her mother didn’t complain, but Abbie knew that having Sam back with them would make all the difference.

  Abbie lay back down on the bed as the cramps finally eased. She closed her eyes, hoping tomorrow would be a better day.

  Chapter 69

  The afternoon shadows were just beginning to lengthen as the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon. The gutters were choked with fallen leaves, and the smell of approaching winter and burning wood was in the air. Valerie shivered in her cloak, unable to close it all the way due to the sling for her arm. She wished she had brought a woolen gown and thicker stockings with her. She might have to buy some. Alec walked next to her, his face ruddy with the cold of the approaching evening. They’d spent another day walking around town in the hope of finding Finn, but their search proved fruitless. Valerie snuck a peak at Alec. He looked tired and worn. His bruises had faded, but his ribs were still sore, especially when he got out of bed or tried to pull on his boots. These things took a long time to heal. Alec seemed lost in thought as they bypassed a laughing couple walking with their children. Something about the boy reminded Valerie of Finn when he was small, and she noticed Alec following the boy with his eyes. He must have thought the same.

  “Valerie, I think it’s time we went home,” he said suddenly.

  “I’m not leaving without Finn, Alec. We must find him.” Valerie stopped walking and turned to face Alec. “We will find him. I know it.” Her words sounded hollow even to herself. She knew Alec was right. They’d plastered the town with broadsheets, and walked around endlessly in the hope of running into Finn, but it had all been in vain. No one had come forward since Mr. Clements and Bessie. Valerie felt frustrated and helpless. Finn could literally be anywhere by now, perhaps even in a different colony. Maybe whoever he’d been with was only passing through. Alec’s eyes slid away from her face as he tried to argue his case. He couldn’t bear to see her pain.

  “Sweetheart, we’ve been here for nearly two months. The trail has gone cold weeks ago.”

  “Alec, we can’t leave. You can go back if you wish, but I’m staying. Besides, people had seen him,” Valerie retorted stubbornly. She began walking again, needing to do something in her agitation.

  “Valerie, those people must have been mistaken. No one has seen him since, and it’s been weeks. Clearly, he’s not here. And I won’t leave you here alone, you know that.” He began to walk faster to keep pace with her, but Valerie suddenly stopped, grabbing Alec by the arm.

  “Alec, this is all my fault. I can’t go back and live with this guilt for the rest of my life.” Valerie looked up at him, willing him to understand.

  “It’s not your fault. How could you have known that Finn would go into Mr. Taylor’s room and start pressing numbers on the watch? He hardly ever went up to the attic. It just happened. It wasn’t something you had done.” Alec was trying to reason with her, but Valerie was adamant.

  “Yes, it is my fault. I should have listened to my instinct and sent Mr. Taylor away. The man has a history of negligence. Thanks to him, your grandmother and I wound up in the past. I should have known better than to let him stay. If not for me, Finn would be with us at home and everything would be all right.” Valerie walked faster, forcing Alec to lengthen his stride to walk with her, his hand to his tender ribs. She slowed down, feeling guilty.

  “Valerie, blaming yourself will not get him back. Louisa and Kit must be sick with worry, and God only knows what they told the others. We missed our daughter’s birthday with no explanation, and winter is only weeks away. Unless the supply ships came in while we’ve been gone, there’s a lack of food in the colony that might lead to starvation. I’m responsible for the well-being of my workers, as well as for the family. I hope that Charles has stepped in to help Kit, but considering our relationship over the past two years, I’m not so sure. We must return, love.”

  Valerie looked up at the twilit sky. The first stars were just appearing as wispy clouds scuttled across the moon already visible in the darkening heavens. She knew Alec was right, but couldn’t bring herself to admit it. Admitting it would mean that there was nothing more they could do and it was time to go back. The thought of a life without her son was unbearable. How could she go on knowing that she would never see him, never find out what happened to him? It was a fate worse than death. She had already lost one son, how could she bear to lose another? She knew Alec felt the same sense of bereavement, but he was able to be more practical, as he had been when it came to his brother’s imprisonment and death all those years ago;
whereas she was more emotional, incapable of admitting defeat.

  “Alec, please, one more week. If we haven’t had any leads by December 1st, we’ll go home. I promise. I just need a few days to come to terms with the inevitable.” She slid her arm through his, leaning against him for warmth and support.

  “All right, love, one more week. Shall we have some supper?” They were almost at the inn, the windows of the taproom glowing amber in the gathering darkness, the sounds of laughter spilling through the door as it opened and closed with coming and going patrons.

  “I’m not very hungry. Why don’t you eat in the dining room while I go upstairs? I just need a little time on my own.”

  “Shall I bring something up for you? You must eat Valerie. You hardly touched your dinner earlier.” Valerie kissed Alec’s cheek, grateful for his concern.

  “I’m all right, just not very hungry today. I have a bit of a headache and want to lie down. Go enjoy your supper.” Valerie let go of Alec’s arm, walking through the door of the inn and trotting up the stairs, unable to watch people talking and laughing in the taproom when her heart was in pieces. She just wanted to be alone for a while, in the dark solitude of their room.

  Alec went up to the bar to get a tankard of ale. He was tired, achy, and heartsick. He’d wanted to broach the topic of departure for some days now, but was afraid of Valerie’s reaction. Even if she agreed to go home, she would blame herself for the rest of her days, mourning Finn as if he died. Alec couldn’t bear the thought of Finn being dead. He wanted to believe that his son was out there somewhere, making a life for himself in this remarkable new world. If he had been younger, he would have been excited to find himself in the future, part of events that would change the country forever.

  “Mr. Whitfield, isn’t it?”

  Alec turned to find two men approaching him through the crowded room. One of the men looked vaguely familiar, but the other one was a stranger for sure. Alec hoped this had nothing to do with the events of the night of Valerie’s kidnapping. People had speculated about the fire at the Gale farm for some weeks, but eventually the curiosity died down. Neither Bobby Mann nor Percival Gale had been well-liked, and many secretly thought they’d gotten what was coming to them.

  “Yes, how may I be of help?” Alec asked warily, not sure he wanted to talk to these men.

  “Mr. Whitfield, I’m Alfred Hewitt. We met some weeks ago in this very room. This is Noah Brady. May we have a word?”

  Chapter 70

  Finn perched on the stile, watching wistfully as Sam practically ran toward the farmhouse. He told Sam he needed a few minutes, but in truth, he couldn’t stand watching the family reunion. It was too painful. Sam disappeared inside the door as cries of joy erupted from the house. Finn could see through the window the rapture on Mrs. Mallory’s face as Sam wrapped his arms around her, holding her in a bear-like embrace, his younger sisters wrapping their arms around his legs. Martha was standing off to the side, smiling, while Mr. Mallory set aside his pipe in order to give his son a warm hug. Finn couldn’t see Abbie, but she had to be there somewhere, happy to welcome her brother home. Finn turned his back to the house, unable to watch any longer. He would never have a homecoming like this one. He would never see his family again. He’d never hug his parents, or watch his sister get married, or see Evie grow up. He would be forever alone unless Abbie agreed to become his wife and become his family. Finn looked up at the sky, trying not to cry. He was a man, and men didn’t cry when they missed their mothers.

  He hadn’t heard Abbie come up behind him until she took his hand, lifting it to her face. She was warm and soft, looking up at him with worried eyes. “Are you all right, Finn? I’ve missed you so.”

  Finn pulled Abbie closer, kissing her upturned face. “I missed you too. I was just missing my parents,” he admitted. He hadn’t been planning to tell her, but he had to share with somebody. “I can’t bear knowing that I’ll never see them again. I miss my family.”

  “We’ll be your family now. Sam just told us what you did for him, Finn. You saved his life. You’re a hero.” Abbie was looking up at him, her eyes full of love.

  “I’m no hero, Abbie. I was scared to death.”

  “You could have just walked away and left Sam to die, but you didn’t. Of course you were scared, but you still did it. My parents will never forget what you’ve done for us. I will never forget. I hope you never leave us, Finn.”

  “I’ll never leave you, Abbie. I want to marry you and be with you forever. I can’t offer you anything right now, but if you’re willing to wait a few years, I promise I’ll find a way to support us. May I ask your father for your hand?” Finn watched her face, terrified of seeing rejection. If Abbie said no, there would be no reason for him to remain with the Mallorys. He would have to go somewhere, anywhere.

  Abbie walked into his arms, her cheek against his thundering heart. “I would be proud to be your wife Finn, but we might not be able to wait a few years.” Finn looked down at her in confusion until her meaning finally sank in.

  “Oh, God, Abbie, are you sure?”

  “No, but I’m two weeks late, so it’s a definite possibility. I haven’t said anything to my parents yet. It wouldn’t be right to ruin Martha’s wedding, besides, I wanted to wait for you to get back. I’ll have to tell them sooner or later.”

  “Why don’t you wait until I’ve spoken to your father? I’d much prefer to do it without a gun being pointed at my heart,” Finn said, kissing the top of Abbie’s head.

  “I was afraid you might be angry.”

  “Why would I be angry?” Finn asked, confused. “I love you, Abbie, and I’ll take care of you, no matter what.”

  “I don’t want you to marry me just because I might be with child,” she retorted, suddenly worried that Finn would feel obligated to marry her. She wanted him to marry her for love. Finn jumped off the stile and took her in his arms, kissing the tip of her nose.

  “You are completely daft, Abigail Mallory, but I love you anyway. Now let’s go inside. I’m starving.”

  Abbie didn’t protest as Finn took her hand and walked toward the house. He might never see his family again, but Abbie and her family were the next best thing. He’d gotten lucky indeed.

  Chapter 71

  Finn offered to help Abbie with the pig, giving her an opportunity to sleep a little later. She looked exhausted the night before, worn out by worry over her possible pregnancy. Finn was only too happy to do something useful. He sat by the glowing pit in the darkness of the early morning, enjoying the smell of roasting meat. The house was already abuzz with activity. Mrs. Mallory had risen at 3 a.m. to begin the last of the cooking. She wanted to be done by noon when the family would leave for the church, returning after the ceremony with all their guests.

  Gil’s parents would stop by before the wedding to drop off their contribution to the feast. His mother had been cooking for days as well. Finn looked forward to the party. It would be nice to eat well after weeks of subsisting on rabbit and fish. The smell of the apple tarts had been heavenly as he walked into the house last night. Mrs. Mallory cut one up to celebrate Sam and Finn’s return. Finn could have happily eaten the whole tart on his own, but the rest were for the wedding. He’d have his fill today. Finn dipped a ladle into the bucket of sauce and carefully poured it over the roasting carcass. The smell made his mouth water. He’d go in for breakfast once the sun came up.

  The morning went by very quickly. Everyone was busy with last-minute preparations, putting the finishing touches on the decorations and the food. Finn volunteered to stay by the pit through the church service. Mr. Mallory was afraid that animals would get to the pig, devouring it before they came back. Finn didn’t mind if it gave Abbie the opportunity to go to church and see her sister wed. He helped Abbie into the wagon, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  “You look beautiful,” he whispered into her ear. “Much more beautiful than the bride. I can’t wait until it’s our turn.” Abbie giggled, blus
hing prettily. She had a new frock for the occasion and a lace tucker covering her swelling breasts. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Finn watched as the family drove away. Martha was lovely in her wedding dress and bonnet. She was a bundle of nerves, eager to be wed at last. She and Gil would be spending their wedding night at a nearby inn, a present from Gil’s parents. Finn was curious to meet the elusive Gil. He would finally see him once the bridal party returned from church. Gil spent the night at his parents’ house, forbidden to see his bride before the big day. Finn smiled thinking of where he and Abbie would be spending the night. He couldn’t wait to hold her.

  **

  The guests began to arrive shortly after the church service. Martha was glowing as Gil helped her down from the trap. He was a tall, dark-haired youth, no older than nineteen. Finn didn’t think he was particularly handsome, but his eyes lit up as he smiled at Martha, and she blushed crimson at something he whispered in her ear. Maybe Abbie was wrong, and she loved him after all. The tables were already set up outside. There would be dancing after everyone had eaten.