****
The carriage slowed as the enormous plantation home came into view. Abby was nervous as she got a good look at the house. The belvedere on the roof seemed to be peering down on her. White columns rose all the way up to the third floor. So enthralled with the house, she had no idea they had stopped in the front drive. When Ian touched her arm, Abby jumped. Distress came into her eyes as she faced him.
Without saying a word, he bounded out of the carriage and held his arms out for her. She glanced over her shoulder and watched James, Daniel in his arms, stop on the steps to wait for them. A single tear gathered in the corner of her eye and spilled over as she let him help her to the ground. Arm tucked into hers, he led her onto the deep portico which was the most magnificent piece of architecture she had ever laid eyes on. A long table with several chairs adorned the portico causing Abby to assume they spent a lot of time outside. Large potted plants filled the corners giving it a natural, homey feeling. The smell of basil led her to believe the plants were used for cooking.
He opened the door and they stepped inside. “I’m going to go get Grace. I need to soften the blow a little. I would hate for her to swoon from shock when she sees you.”
To calm her nerves, Abby moved about the huge foyer, awed by its size. It was bigger than her whole farm house in Tarboro. Never in her life had she seen such opulence. Fresh waxed tables lined the walls adorned with colorful vases holding fresh flowers. The huge, vibrant rug covering the floor probably cost more money than they had made on their small farm in ten years. Double stair cases climbed each side of the wall leading upstairs. Beautiful, intricate, wrought iron banisters were a sight to behold.
Many winters had been spent in fear of not having enough food to sustain them. If she had been raised by these people, in this house, she would have taken the life she had for granted. Would she have been a spoiled brat destined for hell if she had remained in this house? At least her parents taught her to awe God and not worldly possessions.
James took Abby’s hand. “It’s okay, Abby. I know all this is a little intimidating, but it is only material things. Daddy and mom would have given it all away to have you back. Family is what is important to us.”
Abby gave him a weak smile. She believed him. Even though he was brought up with money and prestige, he turned out to be a man of devotion and honor. Maybe she was the one being snobbish.
Terror struck when Abby heard Ian’s voice behind her. “Come with me, lass.” Her hands shook as she reached to take Daniel from James. “Just you, lass. I think we should let her get over one shock before we give her another.”
She squeezed Daniel’s chubby legs hoping he would give her courage. Her son bounced in James’ arms and cooed loudly, causing Abby’s heart to overflow with love. When she felt Ian take her hand, she wanted to pull away. This was by far the hardest thing she had ever done in her life.
A very pretty woman sat on the sofa in the parlor. Her brown hair was swept back into a long braid with wisps of hair framing her face. Abby could not tell what she was thinking because her head was downcast as if in deep thought. Then she turned and looked at Abby. Neither said a word as they stared, mesmerized by each other. Only seconds passed, but it seemed like an eternity to Abby. Her heart beat so fast she thought it would leap out of her chest.
“She looks just like you, Ian.”
Thumbs hooked in his pockets, Ian rocked back on his heels as if nervous. “I see a little of you in her, Grace. She has your dimples when she smiles.”
Still Abby could see the doubt in Grace’s eyes. Of course the woman would have doubts. How many times had young ladies stood in the same spot she was standing in now claiming to be Ellie McDonald? Too many times Grace had her heart trampled because of lies and deceit. Abby understood her fear because she could be another imposter here once again to destroy their hope.
Ian handed the tiny pink dress to Grace. The dress Grace had painstakingly spent hours embroidering. The dress Ellie had been wearing when someone stole her away from them. Holding the dress, Grace’s tears began. She held the dress to her face soaking it with her happy tears.
“It is Ellie, Grace. This time there is no doubt.” A slight quaver in his voice, Abby feared Ian would break down. “She has the same birthmark.”
Grace held out her arms for Abby. A tightness filled Abby’s chest and throat, then the tears started as she fell onto her knees, and into Grace’s outstretched arms. Her cheek rested on Grace’s chest where she could hear the beat of her heart; her mother’s heart. Locked together neither wanting to break the embrace, they stayed in that position for several minutes. Finally Grace pushed Abby back to peer into her face, the face of her daughter. She wiped one side of her cheek with her fingers.
“Ellie, you have no idea the time and effort we have put in trying to find you.” Abby stiffened when Grace called her Ellie. Pain crossed her face realizing she would not be able to call her own daughter by the name she gave her. In a small soft voice Grace asked, “What would you like to be called?”
“Abby, my name is Abby.”
“Abby. That is a pretty name. You are as beautiful as I imagined all these years.” She felt guilty for not allowing Grace to call her by the name she gave her, but she had been Abby for much too long. Patting the place beside her, Grace said, “Sit, please, tell me about your life.”
Silently, Ian slipped out the door to let Grace and Abby get to know each other.
An hour later the two ladies emerged in search of Daniel. Tears started afresh for Grace the moment she saw her grandson in Ian’s arms.
Ian handed Daniel to Grace. “This is our grandson, Daniel.”
Grace held Daniel to her bosom and wept for joy. He was her first grandson. “He is beautiful, Abby. How old is he?”
“Three months old.” Gales of laughter filled the room as Daniel struggled with her locket trying to pull it from her neck. She held him close kissing his fat little cheek. It warmed Abby’s heart to see her so happy.
Laughter continued as Daniel tugged even harder on the necklace around Grace’s neck. “Did your husband come with you?”
Abby flushed furiously. Ian cleared his throat to draw Grace’s attention. “Abby is not yet married. It is a long story and I will explain while we dress. Come my dear, we have to get gussied up for our daughter is getting married today.”
****
Abby stared at her reflection in the mirror. She could not believe the transformation. Grace’s maid arranged her hair on top of her head giving her an almost gentile appearance. Never had anyone been able to tame her wild locks. At home her father always insisted she wear it in a bun so she would look demure. There again she called Jacob her father. He was not her father, Ian was.
Not wanting to ruin her mood, Abby pushed the thoughts of Jacob out of her mind. She looked at the dresses Grace laid on the bed for her to choose from.
“Are you sure you do not want to wear my wedding dress, Abby? I have it stored away. I would be honored for you to wear the gown.”
“I would not feel comfortable getting married in white. One of these other dresses will do nicely. They are beautiful.” Abby could not believe after six children, Grace still looked so fit.
Someone lightly knocked on the door and the maid opened it. Abby gave a squeal of delight when Judith entered carrying Daniel. “Aunt Judith, I have missed you.”
Judith held Abby tight and began to cry. “I can’t believe you are getting married today.” Squished between Abby and Judith, Daniel began to squirm.
Taking a step back she began to giggle and cry at the same time. “I thought you might want to feed him before the wedding. You know how demanding he can be about his meals. We don’t want him interrupting your nuptials.”
“Aunt Judith, this is Grace.” Abby still felt awkward. She wasn’t ready to call Grace, mother quite yet. Hopefully she would when she knew her better.
Judith wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand and sniffled loudl
y. “It is nice to meet you.”
“I’ll go get dressed and let you two talk.” Abby could tell Grace was also uncomfortable.
The moment Grace and her maid disappeared through the door, Abby said, “You are beginning to look pregnant.”
Judith touched her stomach. “I know. Taylor can’t keep his hands off my protruding belly.”
Abby rolled her eyes. “Uncle Taylor can’t keep his hands off any part of you.”
Judith’s expression changed and became serious. “Are you okay, Abby?”
“Yes, I am fine. At first I was shocked at the realization that I am Ellie McDonald. It still seems like some kind of dream.” Abby untied her robe and began to feed Daniel. She looked down into his face lovingly as his loud gulps filled the room. A ripple of pride washed over her.
A wicked look on her face, Judith replied, “The McDonald men are huge, and each one of them is sinfully handsome. It is hard to believe you have five big, strong brothers.”
“At least I got the chance to get to know James before meeting the other McDonalds. Can you imagine four men you have never met before coming at you at one time, talking at the same time? I’m still aching from all the hugging.”
“You should have seen them with Daniel before I rescued him. It is like a tug of war down stairs with Cord’s family wanting to hold him and your newfound family wanting to hold him. I thought I had better get him out of the line of fire. I swear they were about to come to fisticuffs.” Judith had a dreamy look on her face. “It’s a good thing I am already married, or I might be tempted amongst all those irresistible, strong, brawny men. You can feel the energy vibrating off the walls.”
Abby laughed at Judith. She could almost picture them in her mind from Judith’s description. When Daniel was full and released his hold on Abby’s nipple, she tied her robe into place. “Will you please tell Uncle Taylor I would like to see him before I get married?”
Judith held out her arms. “Do you want me to take Daniel?”
“No, I would like a few moments alone with him before we are descended upon again. All these people make me nervous, and I think he can feel how tense I am. He has been fretful.”
By the time Taylor arrived, Daniel slept soundly in Abby’s arms. He sat on the edge of the bed and touched Daniel’s chubby cheek. “I will miss him so much, Abby.”
“You will have a child of your own soon.” Abby laid her hand on Taylor’s and squeezed. “If the child has a fraction of your and Judith’s energy, you will have time for little else.”
Taylor smiled, “I will also miss you, Abby.”
“You have no idea what your love and support has meant to me, Uncle Taylor. I don’t know what would have happened if you had not allowed me into your home and into your life. I love you.” A tear escaped and flowed down Abby’s face. She leaned in and kissed Taylor on the cheek.
“You have made my old plantation a home, Abby. Even though you were birthed by other parents, I still see so much of Martha in you. You are as sweet and caring, with a strong devotion to the people you love. Something tells me you were better off raised on a small farm in Tarboro.”
“I’m sure you are right. I would probably have been so spoiled no one would have been able to tolerate me if I would have been raised in this huge house.”
Taylor’s demeanor changed. “I have a confession, Abby.” Taylor took a deep breath and plunged in. “I am responsible for Cord being at the Lewis party. I thought you were making a huge mistake seeking to marry another when it was obvious you were still in love with Cord. Please forgive my meddling but I could not stand by and let you make a mistake.”
“You were right, Uncle Taylor. I should not have been so stubborn and admitted how much I was in love with Cord.” Abby cupped Taylor’s cheek. “Thank you for meddling.”
Suddenly Nick stood in the doorway. “We had better get this wedding started before a feud starts between the McDonalds and Suttons.”
Chapter Fourteen
At the top of the stairs clutching Nick’s arm for support, Abby felt she might faint. She glanced around the huge foyer and noticed how the room was divided. Cord’s family was on one side, along with Taylor and Judith. Her new family was on the other side. Her stomach fluttered nervously because she felt she was going into the tiger’s lair. How had her simple, peaceful life on a farm changed so drastically?
When she hesitated, Nick whispered in her ear, “If you have changed your mind, we can go back home. You do not have to marry Cord.”
Abby gazed down at Cord and their eyes met. She smiled with new found courage. “I love him. I want to spend my life with him.” They descended the stairs slowly and stopped in front of Cord.
Abby fought the tears that threatened to spill forth as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed Nick on the cheek. He embraced her before stepping back so the ceremony could begin. Cord tucked his arm into hers and smiled as his gaze started at her toes and ended at the top of her perfectly styled hair.
“I have never seen you look more beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Abby faced the preacher and tried to focus on his words. Sweat pearled on her brow, and she felt nauseous. When it was time to say, ‘I do’, Cord squeezed her hand. She turned and met his dark eyes when she said the words with conviction. He had to grip her trembling hand when it was time to slip the beautiful diamond ring on her finger.
Cord took her in his arms and gave her a firm kiss on the lips. He whispered in her ear so only she could hear, “I love you.”
It was the second most important day of her life. The most important day of her life was the birth of Daniel.
It amazed Abby how Grace and her servants had prepared such a wonderful feast with such so little notice. Bowls of food filled the table and every dish was scrumptious. Now that the wedding was over, everyone seemed to be more at ease. Abby thought maybe the wine had something to do with everyone seeming so jovial. The moment a bottle was emptied, Ian opened another in its place. The man was the most gracious host, laughing and joking with the wedding guests.
Abby had finally met the last of Cord’s family. His two younger brothers, Samuel and Jesse, who resembled Adam with brown hair and blue eyes, had introduced themselves. His sister, Meredith, favored Cord with black hair and dark eyes. They were warm and friendly, making Abby feel like part of the family.
As the night wore on, several of the slaves were summoned into the house to play music and everyone danced. Abby couldn’t help but notice Nick watching Cord’s beautiful sister, Meredith, as she flirted outrageously and danced with the McDonald men.
Back home, her behavior would be considered scandalous, not to mention the low cut dress she wore showed a bit too much skin. Still her brother seemed very interested.
Standing beside Jeremy McDonald, Abby heard Nick ask, “Why hasn’t Meredith been married off? Abby said she was twenty years old. That’s old even for the wealthy isn’t it? She is mighty pretty not to have caught the eye of some man.”
Without taking his eyes off Meredith, Jeremy smiled wickedly. He seemed to find humor in Nick’s interest in Cord’s sister. “Adam has attempted to find a good match for her. Every time she does something to ruin his plans.”
Abby leaned in to catch Jeremy’s next words because he lowered his voice not wanting anyone else to hear.
“The last time she was to marry Howard Smith, a wealthy plantation owner. He caught her kissing his stable boy, caused quite a scandal. She is beautiful isn’t she?”
“Yes, she is a fancy piece, especially with all that coal black hair hanging free down her back.”
Meredith flounced off the dance floor and didn’t stop until she was standing mere inches from Nick. She replied with absolute assurance, “Well, plow boy, since it seems you aren’t going to ask me to dance, I guess I’ll have to do the asking.” Her dark brown eyes sparkled mischievously. Abby thought she was awfully bold.
“Sorry, ma’am, I don’t know how to dance.” Nick clasped his hands behind his
back and fixed his eyes on Meredith.
Her painted lips parted in a smile. “Don’t you have barn dances and church socials where you come from?”
Nick laughed loudly. “I never have time for such nonsense. Where I come from you work from dawn to dusk. We don’t have slaves to wait on us hand and foot.”
The color drained from Meredith’s face and Abby felt sorry for her, but only for a moment. “Touché, plow boy.” She plopped her hands on her hips and raised her chin.
“You can call me Nick, anything but plow boy.”
Meredith boldly tucked her arm into Nick’s, and pulled him away from Jeremy. “If we can’t dance, then let’s at least get something cold to drink. I’m hot and thirsty.”
Eyes crinkling, Jeremy whispered to Abby, “Nick better tread carefully, or he won’t know what hit him.”
Well, Abby wanted Nick to meet a woman and settle down, but she feared Meredith would break his heart. Spoiled rotten and beautiful, she could take advantage of Nick’s good-natured ways.
****
Anxious to get his family home, Cord made several excuses to leave. Every time he tried to depart, Ian insisted they wait until the other guests left. Sick and tired of Ian always having his way, Cord was ready to tell the man he would leave when he was good and ready.
Before he got the chance Adam approached. “It’s getting late. I hate to leave you in the midst of the enemy camp, but I’m tired. I’ve invited Taylor, Judith, and Nick to stay with us tonight. I think they’ll be more comfortable at Sutton Plantation than here.”
“We won’t be far behind you.”
As Adam slipped into his jacket, he asked, “Do you want us to wait for you?”
“No, you go on. I’ll help Abby pack her things and we shouldn’t be too long.”
Adam shook Cord’s hand. “Congratulations, you are a lucky man, Cord. You have a beautiful wife and a strong son.”
“Thank you, Adam. I’ll be glad to get Abby home where maybe we can have some peace. She has been through a lot.”
Love Me Again Page 19
