by Linda Daly
Nuzzling close to her, he rubbed his clean-shaven face up against her delicate ivory skin.
“You, know I was just thinking about that, and I’ve decided I reacted in haste the other day. Surely you would agree I wasn’t thinking clearly considering the fact that I was exhausted from riding all night straight through from Appomattox Court House, and therefore, I deserve a second chance. And since today being clear-headed, clean-shaven, well rested, and having a keen desire that won’t wait much longer, surely you might grant me a few moments to indulge myself with your charms.”
Taking a breath and winking at Elise devilishly, Joshua continued. “Could it be that in your haste of packing, you’ve forgotten something we could fetch together?” he whispered suggestively.
Laughing gently at his proposal, she lifted her gloved index finger, shaking it lovingly.
“Absolutely not! You had your chance Major Carmidy. And since it was your choice— not mine—to wait until we were wed … which, I might add, I’ve not yet decided if I should forgive you for, or not. You, my dear, will simply have to wait until you make an honest woman of me.”
In a husky voice he growled, “Just as long as it’s not too long.”
“It won’t be much longer,” Elise said dreamily, feeling Joshua’s strong arms wrap tighter around her waist. “Darling, look at Mama and Michael. Do you think she will be happy in New York? All she has ever known is Doves Landing and the life she built here in Fairfax with her dear friends.”
“Your mother is a strong woman who loves her husband very much. She will be fine, wherever, Michael is.”
“Yes, I know how she feels …” She cooed up at him, her voice trailed off, as she watched Sarah conversing with Irma and Charles Mason. My, how they have aged since Tricia’s death!
Her smile faded as the immense guilt stirred inside her again, remembering Tricia Mason’s death. If only I hadn’t stolen the piece of paper off Mr. Brown’s desk that disclosed how each man had voted regarding secession, and had not passed it on to Thomas Hastings. Perhaps then that innocent, young girl might still be alive. Such thoughts sent immediate shivers up her spine.
Joshua leaned closer and asked, “Are you all right, darling?”
“Yes, just got a chill, is all,” Elise said, trying to sound convincing, not wanting to alarm him. Nonchalantly she began rubbing his hand, still wrapped tightly around her, still troubled by her thoughts, knowing for as long as she lived, she would never forgive herself for the role she played in Tricia’s death, or for shooting Joseph when he tried to run. The lifeless eyes starring up at her was a sight that still haunted her till this day.
Looking down at Joshua’s hand she closed her eyes, desperately trying to block out all the pain she had caused. Immense guilt filled her at being able to feel safe from harm with the arms of the man she loved wrapped around her, knowing all that she had done. Her guilt-ridden mind couldn’t seem to forget—much less forgive—her past actions and suddenly tears from her inner anguish streamed down her cheeks.
Knowingly, Joshua whispered reassuringly in her ear. “Elise, don’t do this to yourself. Put it behind us darling, if not for you and me, but for them. We were at war, but now we must try to rebuild a life. One that will be of peace.”
Speaking not a word, Elise listened to his soothing words, needing to make some sense of all the tragedies of war that not only she had committed, but that others had also.
“There is not a soul in this grieving nation, who has not done something of which they are not particularly proud of, north and south alike. War has brought out the best, and the worst, in us all. I look at Hastings over there and I honestly sympathize with that poor bastard. That shell of the man standing there could just as easily be me.”
Just then Thomas glanced at them and nodded politely. Returning his nod, Joshua quickly continued. “Don’t you think it troubles me that I can go home and step back into my life in the North with only my personal demons and nightmares to remind me of all that has occurred? What does he and others just like him do? With no family, no home to come back to? Where does a man like him, with so much rage inside him, even begin to build a new life?”
“Oh Joshua,” she whispered lovingly. “Is it any wonder why I love you so?” Feeling a tug around her waist, she softly whispered, “As far as Thomas goes, don’t worry about him. Michael has offered him a position as overseer of Doves Landing, as well as helping at Glenbrook. I told you that Glenbrook has been converted to an orphanage for girls, didn’t I?”
“Yes. I recall you saying that when you explained how Mr. Brown and Miranda found their way to Washington and New York too. Wasn’t it? Lucas Brown in New York? By God, now that’s something I cannot imagine.”
“Well it’s true. Miranda and her father are in Washington right now, actually. From what I understand, Miranda travels from Washington to New York quite regularly. Seems Mr. Brown is quite active with old colleagues of his. I believe they call them the War Democrats. So we will join them for a visit … that is, if it’s alright with you darlin’.”
“That works out perfectly, since I have business to attend to in Washington myself. That is, if we ever get on the road today!”
Elise turned to face Joshua, hearing the frustration in his voice. “Don’t fret dear, I’ll go and see if I can move Mama along. Now wait here, I’ll be just a minute …” Before he had a chance to stop her, Elise was off, her hoop skirts swaying back and forth. “Mama.” Her voice trailed in the wind. “Please do try and hurry, it’s getting quite late.”
Hearing Elise, Noah and Gweneth Crenshaw looked over at Joshua and smiled. Then turning back to Elise, Noah said, “God has indeed blessed you, Miss Elise.”
“Yes, sir. He certainly has,” she replied, politely.
Realizing Joshua was standing alone by the rig, Michael took advantage of the opportunity to edge his way closer to the carriage while Gwyneth was giving Sarah one last hug.
“God speed, to you Michael. I will miss you all terribly,” Noah said, following closely behind Michael. Upon reaching Joshua he added, “You’re one mighty lucky man, Major Carmidy. You take real good care of her, now. Elise is a rare and precious pearl who needs to be loved and held dear to your heart to retain her luster.”
“I’ll remember that, sir.”
“Good. You do that son, and you won’t regret it.” Turning back to Michael, he said, “Now take good care of our dear Sarah and say hello to Lucas for me when you see him. It’s so hard to believe that all our friends are leaving.”
Ignoring his last comment and to avoid any further delays, Michael said, “I will, Noah. With the war behind us, perhaps we will all see one another again, one day soon.”
The two men shook hands vigorously and Noah slapped Michael on the back. “Even if we don’t, it was a pleasure and a blessing to have you amongst us these past few years. I shall keep you all in my prayers.”
“Thank you, friend.” Turning back toward his wife and daughter, Michael called to them anxiously, “Ladies, are we about ready to go?”
Sarah and Elise, arm in arm, stopped to look at Doves Landing one last time. Overcome with emotion, they embraced. “Well, my darling daughter, are you ready to begin a new life with the man you love?”
“I could ask you the same, Mama. Are you?” Smiling at each other and with a nod of their heads, mother and daughter chimed in unison, through their tears. “Ready!” As they walked together, still arm in arm, Joshua and Michael stepped closer to their loved ones.
Playfully, Joshua extended his arm and then dramatically bowed to Elise, as if addressing royalty. “Come my precious pearl. Your chariot awaits you.”
“Pearl? I rather like that,” Elise retorted, smiling as she stepped into the carriage.
“I thought you might,” Joshua said, winking at Noah, who gave a knowing nod as Joshua assisted her into the back seat of Lucas’s old carriage that they were taking to him for his stay in New York.
Sarah, who had been watchi
ng the two young lovers, smiled as Michael came up behind her and placed his hand in the small of her back. “Darling, we’ll be back soon. I promise.”
“I know, dearest. I just never thought I’d see the day when …” Pausing, she stopped in mid-sentence seeing the worried look in her husband’s eyes. Immediately Sarah changed her tone of voice to one of enthusiasm and cheerfully said, “… when I would actually be excited to be leaving my lovely home and starting a new life with my wonderful husband.”
“You won’t be sorry. I’ll see to it,” Michael whispered.
“I know.” Realizing Elise was watching her intently, Sarah placed her gloved hands before her and in a playful shrug asked, “What seems to be the delay here, anyway? I thought we were in a hurry.”
Michael glanced at Joshua and shook his head in disbelief. “What did I tell you, they are definitely worth the wait.” Joshua winked and climbed up on the buckboard with Michael.
Since Joshua was still an officer in the Union Army, it was agreed that for the safety of all concerned, it would be wisest for him to ride up top in plain view, until they reached Washington. So on this bright sunny spring day, nearly four years from the first time Michael Honeycutt had come to Fairfax, Virginia on assignment, he was now headed back home with a new family.
With a broad grin, he looked at his future son-in-law, and said, “You know son, I’m not one to borrow trouble, but if I were you I’d be a getting while the getting’s good.”
Confused by Michael’s comment, Joshua said, “Why is that?”
“Well considering the fact that two Yanks are about to take two of the finest treasures that the South has to offer, I’d say we had better be getting a move on. Wouldn’t you?”
Chuckling knowingly, Joshua agreed. “Yeah, I see what ya mean.” Needing no further encouragement, Joshua snapped the reins, leaving the lives they had known in Fairfax behind them. As the carriage slowly pulled away, Elise leaned slightly out of the window, holding on to her hat with one hand and waving merrily with the other to their friends.
“Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged!”
Two
The South is Avenged
On April 14, 1865—Good Friday morning, as they rode into Washington, an awestruck Elise gazed out the window of the coach.
“My goodness, Mama, look at all these people. Have you ever in all your life seen so many folk all in one place milling about, like that? Just look at the women in their lovely gowns and hats,” she said enviously. Then excitedly, Elise pointed to the other side of the coach.
“Look at her … Why her parasol matches her gown.” Turning toward Sarah, she asked, “Have you ever seen a lovelier ensemble in all your life?” Then looking at her worn traveling suit, Elise pouted. “I feel like some old strumpet, or worse, some farmer’s wife in these old rags! Can we please go shopping before we go in search of Miranda and her friend Felicity? Heaven knows, I would shrivel up in embarrassment meeting them like this.”
“Now Elise, there’s nothing wrong with the way you look, and might I remind you that some of our dearest friends are farmers. Why as I recall…”
Interrupting her mother, Elise said, “Oh Mama, no lectures today. Surely, you agree that our clothing is outdated and terribly worn. What kind of impression will either of us make looking like this?”
Hearing his daughter, Michael called down to her reassuringly, “Fear not Elise, as soon as we secure acceptable rooms, we shall remedy your shopping dilemma at once.” Looking at Joshua, he added, “The town looks mighty busy. I hope they saved our reservations.”
As they pulled up in front of the Willard Hotel, at 14th Street and Pennsylvania, a gentleman in a top hat and coat, with a white silk scarf above the lapels of his overcoat, came to greet them. “Will you being staying with us, sir?”
“Yes, good man. I have a reservation, under Honeycutt—Michael J. Honeycutt. Three rooms, sir. Kindly see to it that our trunks are taken to our rooms.”
“Of course, Mr. Honeycutt. Good to see you again.”
Michael looked closer at the man before him as he stepped down from the backboard and stretched his back. “Why Cromley, you old son of a gun. How are you? How kind of you to remember me after all this time.”
“Darling …” Michael pulled on Sarah’s hand as she exited the carriage under the assistance of Joshua. “…This is Cromley. Cromley, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Sarah Honeycutt, and my beautiful daughter Elise Hamilton.” Stretching out his arm, Michael added. “And this fine officer is my future son-in-law, Major Joshua Carmidy. While we are here in Washington, please see to it that you give them all special attention now, won’t you?”
“I’d be honored to, sir.” Bowing politely to the women first, he then extended his white gloved-hand to Joshua. “Good to make your acquaintance.”
Turning, Cromley blew his whistle three short bursts. Within seconds, three men came scurrying out the main door of the lobby, all dressed in red overcoats and black hats. Elise and Sarah glanced at one another, not saying a word, just taking it all in, in amazed silence, having never seen such formality as this.
“Will you be requiring your carriage, sir? Or shall I see that it goes to the stables?”
Michael, putting his index finger in the air signaling he required a moment, turned to Joshua. “How long do you think it will take for you to clear things up at the war department?”
“Why, there’s no telling … I’m sure I’m not the only one trying to get my discharge papers and back pay. I don’t know. Three, maybe four hours, I’d guess.”
“Of course. Tell you what. How about if we all meet back in front of Ford’s Theatre … You know where it is, right?”
“Yes, of course,” Joshua replied.
“Good. Then let’s say around eight o’clock, shall we? That should give us plenty of time to do what we all have to do and I’ll send word to the Browns’ and the Myles’ to meet us for a late supper. How does that sound?” Michael asked, turning to Sarah.
“Fine. But darling, where are the shops? And what and where is Ford’s Theatre?” she asked.
Michael, realizing the bellman was still awaiting orders, addressed him first. “Cromley, it doesn’t appear we will be needing the carriage any further at this time.”
“Very well, sir,” the bellman retorted, bowing politely.
Michael took Sarah by the elbow, smiling down at her. “I will take you there straight away, after checking in. I certainly can’t have my wife getting lost in Washington, now can I?”
After checking into their rooms, Joshua went in one direction while Elise, Sarah, and Michael went in another. Just as promised, Michael pointed out the Ford Theatre and other interesting sites in Washington as they searched for shops that would be suitable for their purchasing needs. After a short visit at his bank where Michael withdrew money, the three of them were off again.
For the first time in their lives, Sarah and Elise went shopping in a large city. Within hours, they were completely transformed into welldressed women, attired in the latest fashions direct from Paris, France. With only a few coins left in Sarah’s new silk-beaded purse, she smiled at Elise, and whispered, “My, I don’t recall ever spending this much money in a month, let alone in one day.”
Stepping onto busy 10th Street, both women wrapped their parasol cords around their wrist as instructed by the shopkeeper and clutched their new silk purses in their lace-gloved hands. Feeling every bit as stylish as any other woman on the cobblestone streets of Washington, Elise and Sarah strutted proudly over to Michael, who had waited for them outside the boutique.
Seeing them approach, he immediately stood erect and then in grand fashion, took off his top hat and gallantly waved it in front of him dramatically as he bowed. “Two visions of loveliness have graced my presence.”
Sarah tapped her toe and tried to look crossly at him. “Be still Michael, or you will have the entire town staring at us.”
Chuckling, he placed his hat firm
ly back in place. “I thought that was the idea, Mrs. Honeycutt.” Winking at her, he turned and offered an elbow to each of them. “Shall we go and find Joshua? I’m sure he must be finished by now.”
As the three of them strolled down the street, Elise couldn’t help but admire her reflection in the various shop and boardinghouse windows. Leaning forward slightly to get her mother’s attention, she whispered, “Mama, have you ever seen so many boardinghouses?”
“That’s easy to explain,” Michael said, obviously pleased to be their tour guide. “You see, the majority of Congressmen and State Representatives rent rooms rather than taking up permanent residence in Washington.”
“Michael, is that also why there are so many shops and eateries?”
“Indeed.”
As a group of gentlemen passed them, tilting their hats and displaying admiring smiles, Elise declared, “I think I rather like the North after all.”
Sarah responded by shaking her head at Elise being so predictable, while Michael declared, “Ah yes, well judging by what I’ve just seen, a certain Major Carmidy is definitely going to have to keep an eye on his fiancée.”
“Oh pooh,” Elise scoffed, teasingly.
Just as Michael had thought, Joshua was already waiting on the corner of E Street and 10th Street. Seeing them, he began to walk toward them, his broad smile clearly exhibited his approval of his fiancée’s choice in apparel. As soon as he was close enough to be heard, he complimented her. “My pearl, you glow. Never have I seen you look lovelier.”
Pleased by his comment, Elise glided her gloved hand to the waist of her tailored black skirt with large pleats in the back that ran from the back of her knees to the hem of the long skirt.
Knowing that her attire accented her tiny frame, Elise casually adjusted her parasol on the sleeve of her coat. The matching coat cinched in at her waist and spread gently across her buttocks then gathered tightly again around the front of her waist ending in a scalloped, velvet taupe lapel collar. With the matching high-collared sheer taupe blouse, Elise felt radiant as she curtsied at Joshua, being certain to show off her matching narrow taupe felt hat.
