A Love Woven True

by Judith Miller

  But I was in love too, and look where that took me.

  The lecturer held up a specimen of some type of butterfly, the name of which escaped Elinor. Instead of pretending to listen any longer, she quietly got up and excused herself from the row of rapt listeners. Perhaps butterflies were meant to be a part of their world, but they certainly had no place in hers.

  The streetlights shone a path for Elinor to follow home. All along the way she watched other people . . . couples . . . families.

  Everyone had someone. The lights that shone from the houses promised happy homes where people gathered in love. Through one of the massive widows trimmed in gauzy lace curtains, Elinor caught a glimpse of a young man lifting a small child in the air.

  She turned away quickly, the pain encircling her heart like a band, threatening to stop its beating.

  ‘‘I wish it would stop,’’ she murmured, picking up her pace. ‘‘I wish I could just cease to be—to hurt.’’

  Jasmine drew her grandmother into a warm embrace. ‘‘You’ll have to admit that our wedding was a nice affair, even if it didn’t meet your original expectations,’’ Jasmine whispered.

  ‘‘I would agree that the wedding was nice,’’ Alice answered. ‘‘It certainly was neither elegant nor the social event of the year, but it was a nice little gathering.’’

  Jasmine laughed and tightened her embrace. ‘‘Nolan and I are truly pleased your illness did not keep you from attending.’’

  ‘‘All right, young lady, you got your way. No need to harass me about my earlier tactics. Truth be told, my health isn’t that good, nor will it remain stable forever. I am an old woman.’’

  ‘‘Grandmother, are you trying to worry me?’’

  Alice’s features softened. ‘‘No. I’m simply remembering how devastated you were to lose your mother. I won’t live forever, Jasmine, and you must be prepared. Perhaps I did play at exaggerating it when trying to convince you to change your wedding plans, but you must see the truth. Each winter I grow a little weaker.’’

  Jasmine hugged her grandmother close. ‘‘I couldn’t bear to lose you.’’

  Grandmother stroked Jasmine’s hair. ‘‘But we will see each other again—in heaven. You must never fear my passing. Death is a part of life and shouldn’t be feared. God has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. Never . . . not even in death.’’

  Jasmine pulled away and looked into her grandmother’s eyes. ‘‘I love you, Grandmother. So very much. I know we’ll have all eternity, but I’d like a little longer here on earth.’’

  Alice Wainwright smiled. ‘‘I’ll do what I can to ensure that, but don’t fret over it if God has other plans.’’ Jasmine nodded soberly and Alice added, ‘‘You had best go upstairs and change into your traveling gown. I daresay Nolan is not going to be detained at this reception much longer.’’

  ‘‘Do come help me, won’t you?’’ Jasmine asked as she grasped her grandmother’s hand.

  ‘‘Now you want my help,’’ she said with a chuckle as she happily followed Jasmine to her room.

  Alice unfastened Jasmine’s fawn gown that had been elegantly embellished around the neckline with Kiara’s ivory handmade lace. ‘‘I do think you should have agreed to something longer than a few days in Boston for your wedding trip. I’m sure Nolan isn’t pleased with your decision.’’

  ‘‘Nolan is fine with my decision. Neither of us wanted to leave Spencer for any longer. Besides, we’re imposing upon Kiara and Naomi to care for him. I wouldn’t expect them to tend to him any longer than a few days—especially with Kiara’s baby due in only a few months.’’

  ‘‘I told you I would come and stay here at the farm and look after him.’’

  ‘‘Really, Grandmother—an hour or two tending a young boy is one thing, but any longer and you would have to take to your bed. And we’ve just talked about your health and keeping you around for a while. I’ve told both Kiara and Naomi to call upon you if they need your help,’’ she added.

  A rumble of thunder sounded overhead as Alice helped Jasmine into her traveling dress of periwinkle blue silk. ‘‘As usual, you look lovely, my dear. Permit an old woman to tell you that I am very happy you and Nolan found each other. You deserve the joy of a good marriage, and I know Nolan is going to make you very happy.’’

  ‘‘Thank you, Grandmother. I’m certain he will also.’’ She placed a kiss on the older woman’s cheek.

  Alice glanced out the bedroom window. ‘‘Those clouds appear ominous. We had best get you downstairs to your groom so that you may leave before the rain begins.’’

  Oliver Maxwell hunkered beside a large oak tree, securing what shelter could be found while permitting him a partial view of the small cottage occupied by the three Negroes. Oliver’s horse was tethered in a nearby clump of trees to remain hidden from view until he was prepared to make his move. He shivered as the cool fall air pressed his damp garments against his body. The sound of an approaching wagon caused him to shrink out of sight.

  ‘‘Are ya ready ta get ta work on those fences, Obadiah?’’ one of the men called out from the wagon with a strong Irish brogue.

  Oliver edged out from behind the tree and watched in dismay as the wagon came to a halt near the cottage. Obadiah exited the house and climbed into the wagon. Leaning against the tree, Oliver slid down into a squat and tilted his head against the tree’s rough bark. He’d suffered through this rain and cold for naught! Making a tight fist, Oliver slammed it into the open palm of his other hand. He had counted upon making some quick money and assured Enoch and Joseph his plan for kidnapping and selling freed slaves would prove effective.

  Oliver didn’t know how long he’d been sitting at the base of the tree when he heard the voices of a woman and small child coming from the opened door of the cottage. Obadiah’s wife and child! If he captured them, he could use them as bait to lure Oba-diah into his clutches. Naomi walked out of the door carrying a basket of clothing and moved toward the cauldron of water hanging over an open fire. The child remained close to her side. Moving quietly, Oliver made his way to the clump of bushes and then untied and mounted his horse. With two quick jabs, he dug his heels into the horse’s shanks and sped off toward the woman and child. Moving with lightning speed, he entered the yard and dismounted.

  ‘‘Nooo!’’ Naomi screamed as he grabbed her around the waist.

  Slapping his hand across the struggling woman’s mouth, Oliver wrestled her to the ground. With a knee wedged into her back, he moved to quickly gag her with a dirty handkerchief before securing both hands behind her with a piece of rope. He lifted her feather-light body onto the horse and then grabbed the screaming child under his arm. With greater ease than he could have hoped for, Oliver hoisted himself up and slapped the reins.

  Balancing a basket of dirty clothes under one arm and holding Moses with her other hand, Kiara ambled toward Obadiah and Naomi’s nearby cottage. ‘‘Come on with ya, Moses. Let’s go and see yar little friend Spencer. The two of ya can play while yar mama and me do our washin’,’’ she said, suddenly distracted by the sight of a horse speeding away from the cottage.

  She stopped and squinted into the sun. ‘‘Stop! Stop!’’ she screamed, dropping the basket and scooping Moses into her arms. Running as fast as her burgeoning body would permit, she finally came to a halt and dropped to her knees, gasping for breath. The horse was now out of sight.

  Clutching Moses close to her side, Kiara was uncertain what to do. Her mind raced.

  ‘‘Wet go,’’ Moses said, wiggling against her arms.

  Hands trembling, Kiara loosened her hold on the child. ‘‘Don’t be runnin’ off—we must go find your papa.’’

  But Liam, Rogan, and Obadiah were mending fences, and Paddy and Mr. Fisher had taken one of the horses to the farrier in Lowell. There was no one close at hand to help, no one to go after Naomi and Spencer.

  Settle yarself, Kiara. We can na understand a word ya’re sayin’,’’ Rogan admonished as he pulled
her close.

  Moses toddled toward Obadiah. ‘‘Papa!’’

  ‘‘What you doin’ here, chile?’’ Obadiah lifted the boy into his arms and in several long strides was beside Rogan and Kiara.

  ‘‘What’s goin’ on? How come you got Moses out here?’’

  ‘‘She’s been tryin’ to tell me,’’ Rogan said. ‘‘Take a deep breath, lass, and try ta talk.’’

  Kiara swallowed hard, knowing she must relay the information. ‘‘Naomi came over to visit with me after the three of ya left this morning. Moses fell asleep, and I told her ta be leavin’ him with me and I’d join her after he woke up. We was gonna do our washin’ together. Naomi took Spencer home with her. When Moses woke up from his nap, I gathered my washin’ and headed out to the cottage. The sun was blindin’ me, but I heard a scream and then I saw a man ridin’ off with Naomi and Spencer.’’

  Obadiah was shaking his head forcefully. ‘‘No! Dat can’t be true.’’

  ‘‘ ’Tis true. I ran as fast as I could, but I was carryin’ Moses and with me in my condition, I could na run fast enough. They was down the road and out of sight before I could even make it ta the cottage.’’

  ‘‘Come on! We gotta go get her!’’ Obadiah hollered.

  ‘‘Settle yarself, Obadiah,’’ Liam admonished. ‘‘If we’re gonna find yar wife and little Spencer, we’ve gotta be thinkin’. Ain’ nobody gonna listen to a couple Irishmen and a Negro. We need ta get us some help. I’m thinkin’ maybe Mr. Cheever could lend a hand. I’ll take the horse Kiara rode out here and go and tell him what’s happened. The rest of ya go back to the farm and wait for me there. See if ya can be findin’ anything that’s gonna give us some idea of what happened. Look far any clue the culprit may’ve left behind. We’re gonna need all the help we can get if we’re gonna find them.’’

  Kiara began to sob as Rogan helped her into the wagon. ‘‘We’ve got ta find them, Rogan. Miss Jasmine’s gonna be home in a few days. She’ll never fargive us for lettin’ this happen ta little Spencer—and poor Naomi, what’s gonna happen ta her?’’

  ‘‘We’ll find dem—ain’ gonna rest until we find both of dem,’’ Obadiah said, his back rigid and jaw clenched tight.

  A short time later, Rogan pulled back on the reins, and the horses came to a halt in front of the barn. Obadiah jumped down with Moses in his arms while Rogan lifted Kiara to the ground.

  ‘‘Ya’re still tremblin’, lass. Ya need to keep yar faith. We’re gonna find them, and I’m thinkin’ the best way to help is go back over to the house and see what’s in the area. Looks like the fire’s still goin’,’’ he said as they grew closer. The woven basket was overturned near the fire, and dirty clothes and linens lay scattered on the ground. Kiara grabbed the basket and began picking up the garments. ‘‘We were goin’ ta wash together,’’ she said, glancing toward Obadiah. ‘‘I already told ya that, didn’t I?’’

  Obadiah nodded. ‘‘Try to remember everything from da time you left da house with Moses,’’ he encouraged.

  Kiara looked at her husband, who gave her an encouraging smile. ‘‘Naomi brought both of the boys ta the house, and we had a cup of tea and visited. She said she thought Moses might be takin’ a cold and that he hadn’t been sleepin’ well the last couple nights.’’

  ‘‘Tha’s true. He been mighty hard to please da last few days.’’

  ‘‘For sure he was fussin’, and I began rockin’ him on me lap. He fell asleep, and I told Naomi to just leave him until he woke up. She said she’d be takin’ Spencer back to the cottage so he wouldn’t wake up Moses. We agreed to do the washin’ when Moses woke up.’’

  Rogan patted her shoulder. ‘‘Ya’re doin’ fine, lass. What happened next?’’

  ‘‘Moses woke up, I picked up my basket of dirty clothes, and we left the house. All of a sudden, I heard a scream and looked toward the cottage. The sun was shinin’ bright, and I moved enough to block the sun from me eyes so I could be seein’. By that time, all I saw was the back of a man. He had Naomi sprawled across the horse and Spencer tucked under ’is arm. The boy was kickin’ and cryin’ as they rode away.’’

  ‘‘And what kind of horse was he ridin’, lass? Can ya be tellin’ us about the horse?’’

  Kiara looked at the road, trying to visualize it. ‘‘The horse was na unusual—nothin’ like the Arabians. It was just a horse.’’

  ‘‘What color?’’ Obadiah insisted.

  ‘‘A light sorrel. I’m sorry, but the sun was in me eyes,’’ she said with a tremble in her voice. ‘‘I’m thinking it might be a mottled red.’’

  Rogan drew her close and wrapped her in his arms. ‘‘Stop yar tears, lass. If ya’re to help, ya must remain calm. Think of the boy,’’ he whispered. ‘‘Ya’ll have him upset all over again.’’

  Kiara turned and took in Moses’ tear-stained face puckered into an image of gloom. ‘‘Come here, Moses. Come sit with me.’’ She sat on the step of the cabin and spread her arms to welcome him.

  He rushed to Kiara and wiggled onto the bit of lap remaining unoccupied by the child growing inside her. Kiara began to rock back and forth as the child shoved his thumb into his mouth and rested his curly head on her breast while Rogan and Obadiah continued to search for some sign of the man.

  ‘‘We’s wastin’ time. While we’s standin’ ’round doin’ nothin’, he’s gettin’ farther on down da road with Naomi and Spencer. We should take a couple of dem fine horses and go after dem—ain’ nothin’ to be gained standin’ here. We done seen all dere is to see—which turns out to be nothin’.’’

  ‘‘Liam said to wait, and I ain’t one ta be goin’ against Liam Donohue. Besides, if anyone saw us on those Arabians, they’d far sure hang us high. Sure and I can see it now—an Irishman and a Negro tryin’ to explain how they happen ta be ridin’ a couple of expensive Arabian steeds.’’

  The sound of approaching horses caused both men to cease their arguing and turn their attention toward the road.

  ‘‘Looks like Liam found Mr. Cheever,’’ Rogan said as he waved at the men. They all rushed to the horses—even Kiara, still holding Moses.

  Liam pulled back hard on the reins as he and Matthew neared the cottage. ‘‘Have ya anything more ta tell us?’’

  Rogan shook his head. ‘‘There’s na a scrap of a clue ta be found around the place.’’

  ‘‘Can you think of any reason someone would kidnap Naomi and Spencer?’’ Matthew asked as he dismounted. ‘‘Have you had any threats against you, Obadiah?’’

  ‘‘No, suh, ain’ had nothin’ like dat. Ain’ nobody woulda even knowed Spencer was at da house and ain’ no reason for no one ta be takin’ Naomi. She ain’ never done nothin’ to nobody.’’

  Matthew removed his straw hat and wiped the beads of perspiration from his forehead. ‘‘What about your former owner, Obadiah? I know Mrs. Houston purchased your freedom, but I wonder if he might have something to do with this.’’

  ‘‘No, suh, I don’ think so. Miss Jasmine paid him what he was askin’ fer us. Fact is, she paid Massa Harshaw more than what anyone else woulda paid. Mean as dat man was, I don’ think he’d be tryin’ such a thing as kidnappin’ Naomi. Don’ make no sense.’’

  ‘‘I’m merely trying to think of any reason there might be for someone to specifically take Naomi and Spencer,’’ Matthew said. ‘‘I asked my wife to go and speak to Alice Wainwright. I thought she should know Spencer is missing.’’

  Kiara pointed down the road, where an approaching horse and rider could be seen in the distance. ‘‘Here comes Paddy.’’

  The group stood watching the young man as he approached on one of the beautiful Arabians, the horse prancing toward them with the elegant beauty of a trained dancer.

  ‘‘I was na expectin’ such a welcome,’’ Paddy said, a bright smile curling his lips. Kiara watched as her brother scanned their faces and then turned his attention to her. ‘‘What’s the matter? Ya all look as though someone has died.’’


  ‘‘Naomi and Spencer ’ave been kidnapped,’’ Kiara told him. ‘‘I saw a man ride off with the two of them as I was leavin’ the house with Moses.’’

  ‘‘Surely ya’re jokin’. Why would anyone want to be kidnappin’ Naomi and Spencer?’’ Paddy asked. ‘‘When did they disappear?’’

  Once again Kiara recounted the activity leading up to the kidnapping, and though the details were few, she attempted to recall every one for her brother.

  ‘‘I think we should take one more look outside the house; then Liam and I will see if we can follow their trail,’’ Matthew said. ‘‘Obadiah, I think it’s best if you remain here with Moses.’’

  ‘‘Ya’re not gonna find nothin’ by lookin’ again,’’ Rogan remarked. ‘‘Me and Obadiah already done that two times.’’

  ‘‘Then it shouldn’t take long. We’ll give the area a fresh look. You and Obadiah can stay with the horses, Rogan,’’ Matthew said as he led the others closer to the cottage.

  Paddy stooped down and settled on his haunches, scanning the damp ground before glancing up at his sister. ‘‘Did the kidnappin’ happen before or after Mr. Maxwell came to the cottage?’’

  ‘‘Mr. Maxwell did na come today, Paddy,’’ she said.

  ‘‘Look at those muddy prints.’’ He pointed to the ground as Matthew and Liam returned. ‘‘Mr. Maxwell’s horse has a clubfoot. I noticed it when I watered the animal, but I do na see any wagon marks. He must ’ave been riding the horse. Did ya na say the horse was red, Kiara? Do ya think it might’ve been a strawberry roan?’’

  ‘‘May ’ave been. The sun was in me eyes, Paddy, but I thought there was a reddish color to the animal. They disappeared afore I could see very good.’’

  ‘‘Seems we need to talk to Mr. Maxwell. Any idea where he stays when he’s in Lowell?’’ Matthew asked, glancing around at the others.

  ‘‘I heard him tell Miss Jasmine he’d be deliverin’ our shoes in a month, or she could check at the Merrimack House if she was in town.’’ Paddy replied, his chest puffing as he shared the information. ‘‘He said he’d made arrangements with the owner of the Merrimack since he always took a room there when he was in town.’’