Blues Along the River

by Sandra Robbins

  His mouth pulled into a smile at the answer that came to mind. Of course he could. He knew exactly what to do. Turning the horse around, he spurred the mare toward town.

  Within minutes he was back at the store. He jumped out of the saddle before the horse had come to a complete stop. He looped the reins over the hitching post, clenched his fists, and strode toward the back of the store where he’d left Victoria.

  She still sat in the chair, but her hands covered her face and her shoulders shook. Shocked at the sight of her crying, he slowed his step and crept toward her. When he stood in front of her, he knelt on one knee. “Victoria, what’s the matter?”

  She jerked her head up and stared at him with a startled expression on her face. “What do you want?”

  He felt at a loss as to what he should do. “I came back to apologize for leaving so abruptly.”

  She pushed up out of the chair and stepped behind it. “There’s no need for that. I’m all right.”

  He frowned. “No, you’re not. Did I do something to offend you?”

  She shook her head. “You didn’t do anything.”

  He wanted to step closer to her, but the chair blocked his way. “I came back to tell you that you’re not going back to Mobile.”

  Her eyebrows arched. “I’m not?”

  “No, you’re going to stay here and marry me.” He could hardly believe he’d spoken the words.

  Her hand clutched at her throat, and she stared at him. “You want me to marry you?”

  He reached out, grabbed the chair, and set it to the side. Then he stepped closer to her. “I would regret it the rest of my life if I didn’t stop you from leaving. You don’t want to end up living over a store. I have a beautiful home that needs a woman in it. I want you to marry me and live with me at Pembrook.”

  Fresh tears welled up in her eyes. “What about love, Marcus? Do you love me?”

  He hesitated before he answered. “I haven’t had any experience with love, Victoria. All I know is that you are in my thoughts constantly and that I feel more at ease with you than anyone I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine my life without you. I’m a wealthy man, and I want to provide you with everything you need in life. When I think of all those things, I know I love you with all my heart.”

  “You’ve been in my thoughts since I first met you, too. I don’t want to go back to Mobile. I love you, too, Marcus. I want to stay here and be your wife.”

  Her words stirred his heart. “My wife,” he murmured. He’d never dreamed he would be able to say those words, and she’d also said she loved him. He reached out, took her hand in his, and kissed it. “Thank you, Victoria. You do me a great honor. Now that we’ve settled our wishes, I must ask your family’s permission.”

  “Do you want to talk to them now?”

  He shook his head. “No. I’ll invite all of you to Pembrook after church next Sunday. I want them to see where you’ll be living and be assured you’ll be cared for. Then I’ll speak with them. This moment has meant so much to me, and I wish it to remain between the two of us until then. Is that agreeable with you?”

  “Yes, that’s fine with me.”

  He took a deep breath. “There is one more thing, Victoria.”

  “What?”

  He grasped both her hands in his and stared into her eyes. “You must promise you will never leave me.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why do you think I’d leave you?”

  He rubbed his fingers across her knuckles. “My mother left me when I was small, and I’ve never had a woman in my life until you.”

  She didn’t blink as she returned his steady gaze. “I promise I will never leave you, Marcus.”

  He exhaled, dropped her hands, and backed away. “Good. I shall be back tomorrow night to invite your family to Pembrook.”

  He turned and hurried back to where he’d left his horse. At the corner of the store, he glanced over his shoulder at her. She raised her hand and waved. He pursed his lips and nodded before he continued on his way.

  When he’d awoken this morning, he’d had no idea he would be engaged before the end of the day. His father’s words about how a woman couldn’t be trusted flashed into his mind. Father had felt that way because of his wife’s desertion. She had deserted not only her husband but her son as well.

  For the first time in a long time, Marcus allowed the emotions he normally struggled to conceal to flow through his mind. He tried again to remember what his mother had looked like, but with his father’s refusal to have her picture in the house, he had no idea. He allowed the vision he’d stored away in the hollow part of his heart to drift to the surface, and he smiled. Did she really have dark hair and blue eyes like he imagined, or was she blond and fair skinned? He had no idea.

  He wondered if she was still alive and if she ever thought of him. Probably not. In all the years since she left when he was three years old, she hadn’t attempted to get in touch with him. What was it about him that made her not love him? He’d struggled with that question all his life and was no nearer an answer now than he had been when he was a child.

  His blood turned cold at the fear that Victoria would dislike living at Pembrook as much as his mother had. Victoria said she loved him and promised she would never leave him, but she might change her mind in the future. He would have to make her realize how much he loved her so that she would never want to leave him. He couldn’t lose her, too.

  Seven

  Victoria knew the big house at Pembrook would be beautiful, but she hadn’t expected its breathtaking interior. She remembered looking at the house from the deck of the Alabama Maiden and thinking the only way she’d get to see the inside of such a house was if she worked in the kitchen. Now she was here because the owner of one of the wealthiest plantations in Alabama wished to ask her family’s permission to marry her.

  From the moment she and her family walked in the front door, she’d been overcome by the spacious rooms and the ornate furniture. She’d almost gasped aloud when Marcus opened the door to the dining room and she spied the long table draped with a white cloth and sparkling candelabras at each end. Even in the daylight, the flickering flames from the candles cast dancing patterns across the wallpaper that Marcus whispered in her ear had been ordered from France by his father. The massive sideboard that sat against one wall had been shipped to Pembrook from England. Her heart fluttered at the thought of sitting in this elegant room at the other end of the table, facing Marcus and presiding over the dinner parties they would give after they were married.

  Her uncle swallowed the bite of ham he’d placed in his mouth, laid his fork on his plate, and glanced at Marcus, who sat at the head of the table. “You have a nice home, Marcus. Thank you for inviting us today.”

  Marcus leaned back in his chair and smiled. His gaze drifted around the room. “My grandfather built the house, but my father was the one who furnished it. I was a small boy during the war, but I’ve often heard my father talk about how thankful he was the Yankees never came to Pembrook. Of course, he’d hidden most of the valuables. So even with all the slaves gone, he had money after the war to get Pembrook back on its feet. And he did a great job.”

  Her uncle nodded. “He sure did. Now it’s yours, and I’m sure you’ll continue to make it successful.”

  Before Marcus could respond, the door to the kitchen opened, and the woman who’d served their meal stepped into the room and stopped a few feet away from the table. Her dark skin glistened in the candlelight. A red scarf tied at the back of her head covered her hair, but a few tufts of wiry dark hair stuck out over her ears. She stood with her hands clasped in front of her and her gaze directed at the floor.

  Marcus glanced at her. “Yes, Sally?”

  “I’s wond’rin’ if ya’ll needs anything else, Mistuh Mahcus.”

  Marcus looked from Victoria to her mother and uncle. “Would you like anything else before Sally serves dessert?”

  Victoria’s mother laid her napkin beside her plate and smiled a
t the woman who’d cooked their meal. “No, thank you, but everything was delicious.”

  The woman didn’t look up but nodded.

  Victoria turned in her seat to get a better look. “Sally, Mr. Marcus told me that you cook all his meals. He’s very fortunate to have such a good cook.”

  Sally’s eyes grew wide, and she darted a quick glance in Victoria’s direction. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  Victoria smiled. “I can only echo my mother’s words about how tasty everything was.”

  Sally opened her mouth to speak, but Marcus interrupted. “You can take these dishes and serve dessert now, Sally.”

  The woman scrambled to clear the dishes away from the table. In a matter of minutes, she had taken all of them to the kitchen and returned with desserts plates filled with apple cobbler. Victoria picked up her fork, cut into the flaky crust, and took a big bite.

  “Mmm.” Swallowing, she reached out and touched Sally’s arm as she placed a plate in front of Uncle Samuel. “Sally, this is heavenly. I don’t know when I’ve eaten better.”

  Surprise flashed in the woman’s eyes, and she glanced down at Victoria’s hand on her arm. Taking a swift step back, she distanced herself from Victoria. “Thank you ag’in, ma’am.”

  She turned and rushed to the kitchen. Victoria turned a questioning gaze toward Marcus. “Did I frighten Sally?”

  He shrugged. “She doesn’t talk much. You probably just caught her off guard.”

  Victoria stared at the closed kitchen door, but the woman didn’t enter the room again. When they had finished their dessert, Marcus stood. “If you’re through, let’s go into the parlor where we can relax. Then I’d like to show you around Pembrook.”

  Marcus stood at the door and waited until they had all passed by before he stepped in front and led the way down the hallway toward the parlor at the front of the house. Victoria glanced up at the curving staircase that led to the upstairs as they passed and wondered what the rooms up there looked like. If they were anything like those she’d already seen, she knew she was about to enter into a life she never would have dreamed about.

  In the parlor, Victoria and her mother sat down on the gilt-framed French sofa that faced a marble fireplace, and her uncle took a seat in one of the sofa’s matching chairs beside them. She gazed up at the large mirror above the fireplace and the two pink lusters that sat at each end of the mantel.

  She pointed to the lusters. “Marcus, those are beautiful. Where did you get them?”

  He glanced up at the enameled, bowl-shaped candleholders with the tier of single-drop crystals hanging toward the base of each stem. “My father had them sent from Bristol, England. Do you like them?”

  “Oh yes. They’re the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.”

  He smiled and then stepped in front of the mantel, turned his back on it, and clasped his hands behind him. Victoria thought he’d never looked handsomer than he did standing there, his gaze almost caressing her face. He cleared his throat. “It’s been a pleasure to have all of you here today. But I must confess that I have an ulterior motive in inviting you here.”

  Her mother looked at Uncle Samuel, who frowned at Marcus. “What is it?”

  Marcus held out his hand to Victoria. “Will you please come stand beside me?”

  “Yes.” Victoria cast a nervous glance at her mother and rose to stand beside him.

  Her mother and uncle didn’t blink as she and Marcus faced them. Marcus took a deep breath. “First of all, I want to thank you, Mr. Perkins and Mrs. Turner, for letting me visit Victoria in your home for the past few months. During this time, we have come to know each other. I have also developed a deep feeling for Victoria, and she assures me that my affection is returned. I spoke with her last week, and we decided we would bring our wishes to you today.” He reached out and clasped Victoria’s hand. “I would like to ask your permission to marry her. I promise I will take care of her and provide her with everything she needs in life.”

  Neither her mother nor her uncle spoke for a moment. Mama licked her lips and let out a long breath. “Marcus, do you love my daughter?”

  “I do.”

  She looked at Victoria. “And do you love Marcus?”

  “I do.”

  Her mother glanced at Uncle Samuel as if she was struggling with an answer. Uncle Samuel stared at her for a moment before he directed his attention back to Marcus. “But you’ve only known each other a few months. You need more time before you make such an important decision.”

  Victoria shook her head. “It wouldn’t matter, Uncle Samuel. Marcus and I love each other, and that’s not going to change whether we marry tomorrow or six months from now.”

  Her mother directed a piercing look at Marcus. “Do you promise that you will always respect and take care of my daughter?”

  “I will.”

  With a shrug she sank back against the pillows of the sofa. “Then I suppose I give my permission for you to marry my daughter. I hope the two of you know what you’re doing.”

  Victoria released Marcus’s hand and leaned down and hugged her mother. “Thank you, Mama. We do know what we’re doing.”

  Her mother’s arms circled her shoulders, pulling her tighter, and she whispered in Victoria’s ear, “I don’t want you to think I’m not happy for you, darling. I am, but it surprised me. You know there aren’t many women who could capture a husband as wealthy as Marcus. You’ll be well taken care of for the rest of your life. That’s always been my wish for you.”

  “I know, Mama. Being married to Marcus is the best thing I could ever have imagined.”

  Her mother released her. “Then be happy. When will the wedding be?”

  Victoria laughed and glanced at Marcus. “We haven’t decided yet. When shall we get married?”

  He smiled. “The sooner the better for me. How long do you need to get ready?”

  Her mother stood up and grasped Victoria’s arm. “Don’t rush it, darling. I’m sure the people of Willow Bend will expect a big wedding for one of the county’s most eligible bachelors. We have to make your dress and decide what we’ll serve at the reception. Then we need to talk to Reverend Luckett and see when would be a good time to have it at the church.”

  Marcus frowned. “I don’t want to have it at the church, and I don’t want a lot of people invited. I prefer that we have it in the garden off the terrace at the back of the house. The flowering plants are beautiful this time of year.”

  “You don’t want to invite our friends?” Her mother shot an incredulous look at Uncle Samuel, who hadn’t said a word.

  Marcus stepped closer to Victoria and gazed into her eyes. “I want this to be our time and your family’s. Of course we’ll have Reverend Luckett and his wife, and I’d really like to invite Dante and Savannah. But that’s all.”

  Her mother’s frown deepened. “But that will only be four guests.”

  Victoria sighed. It was so like her mother to want a big event. If given the chance, she’d probably plan the biggest wedding Willow Bend had ever seen. She smiled at Marcus and turned to her mother. “Those four people are Marcus’s friends, and they’re also the only people I know well. I think a small wedding right here where we’re going to live is just what I want.”

  “Very well.” The grumbled words told Victoria that her mother wasn’t pleased. “But we’ll still need some time to get your dress ready.”

  Victoria shook her head. “You sound like you’re trying to put it off.” She turned to Marcus. “When would you like to have the wedding?”

  “It would be better for me if we have it before harvest. I think two weeks would be best. What do you think?”

  Victoria nodded. “That’s fine with me.” She turned back to her mother. “Two weeks from today we’ll have the wedding right here at Pembrook.”

  Resignation flickered in her mother’s eyes, and she pursed her lips. Giving a slight nod, she glanced around the room. “I hope you’ll be very happy here, Victoria. This is a beautiful home.
”

  Victoria felt as if she’d burst with happiness. Marcus reached out and pressed her hand into his. She stared up into his face and smiled. “Are you as happy as I am, Marcus?”

  “I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life. I can’t wait for you to really be home with me at Pembrook.”

  She let her gaze rove over the ornate furniture and the heavy draperies that hung at the windows. It looked like a picture she’d seen in a book once, but this was different. It was going to be her home, and she was going to be the mistress of this grand house.

  ❧

  Marcus had never seen a more beautiful day. Cooler temperatures had drifted into the area overnight, and the July afternoon felt more like a spring day. The shade from one of the big oak trees scattered at the edge of the garden covered the area where he’d placed the chairs for the wedding guests.

  From the veranda, Marcus stared across the garden at the guests who’d gathered for the wedding. Victoria’s mother sat in a chair, and Tave and Savannah stood on either side of her. As they talked, from time to time one of them would glance at him.

  Mrs. Turner’s lips pulled into a nervous smile every few minutes. She was trying to be happy about the small wedding, but Marcus knew she would have preferred a big one in town. Savannah and Tave looked just as uncomfortable. Weren’t they happy for Victoria and him? His heart sank at the thought that they didn’t approve of the marriage that was about to take place.

  Dante, who stood next to him, leaned closer and grinned. “Your life is about to change. Are you scared?”

  Marcus swallowed and took a deep breath. “A little.”

  Dante laughed. “You wouldn’t be a man if you weren’t. Don’t worry, Marcus. Daniel and I are here to get you through this.”

  Marcus swiveled and turned to Dante. “Savannah and Tave look unhappy. Do they not want Victoria to marry me?”

  “I don’t think they’re unhappy. They’re just concerned,” Dante said. “After all, you and Victoria haven’t known each other very long.”