Doves Migration

by Linda Daly

  “Hope and a whole lot of praying,” Elise stated, sincerely.

  “Hope,” Miranda whispered nostalgically. “Oh Elise, I remember the day when you convinced me that hope was what was needed if we were to carry on. How wonderful that you never wavered and kept believing, despite everything you endured.”

  “Oh, I didn’t say that.” Elise chuckled softly. “There were plenty of times I nearly gave up. But it was Joshua’s love and Michael’s unselfish devotion that kept me strong. Without Michael, I honestly don’t know if Mama and I would have made it. I still can’t believe how he stayed with us, when he could have lived in comfort. But he made a promise and he followed through and I shall never forget what he sacrificed for both Mama and me. Why, I couldn’t love him more if he were my real father,” Elise exclaimed.

  As Sarah pretended to sleep, a tear rolled down her cheek as she heard her daughter speak of Michael with such endearment. At the same time, Joshua looked at Michael, as the two of them listened to the women chattering inside.

  “Just in case I haven’t told you, Michael, thank you! If anything should have happened to that woman, hell, I don’t know what might have become of me.”

  “We both did what we had to do. Hell, I had it easy compared to what you went through. I had Sarah by my side everyday,” he replied humbly. “I’m just glad it’s almost over.”

  “The sooner we’re in New York, the sooner we’ll both breathe easier.”

  From inside the coach, Felicity said softly, “Mr. Honeycutt seems like a wonderful man. Truly, you have been blessed. Not only did you find a father, but you also found the love of a wonderful man, who obviously loves you completely. Yes, Elise. I would definitely say you have indeed been one of the fortunate souls who will take with them something of value out of all this madness.”

  “And don’t you think I don’t know it, too. As soon as we reach New York I plan to spend the rest of my life making both Joshua and Michael proud of me.”

  Miranda sheepishly said, “Well, all I can say is, Michael definitely takes after his father and not his mother.” Shaking her head knowingly at Felicity, she added, “Now, don’t look at me so disapprovingly, Felicity. You know what I say is the absolute truth.”

  Felicity softly chuckled and whispered, “Shh, Miranda. What if Michael can hear you?”

  Anxious to hear what Michael’s parents were really like, Elise smiled encouragingly, knowing if she asked point blank that would be wrong, but if Miranda volunteered the information … Well, what could be the harm in listening?

  “Oh Felicity, you know perfectly well Vivian grates on your last nerve, always comparing you to her precious Lavinia.” Realizing she had said too much, Miranda quickly added, “I’m so sorry, Felicity. Will you ever forgive me?”

  “No harm done. I’m sure it’s just a matter of time, and Elise will be told the whole sordid past regarding Lavinia, Benjamin, and me. After Elise bared her heart to me, it’s only fair that I reciprocate. Besides, I would rather Elise hear my side first.”

  Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Elise squealed softly, “I knew there was something peculiar going on, regarding the Sterlings. Isn’t that their names? I sensed it back at that restaurant.”

  “Elise, you are truly amazing. I won’t even ask how we gave it away,” Miranda whispered.

  Slowly, Felicity began explaining to Elise how she came to meet her husband, Benjamin, after her parents’ tragic deaths. She explained the arrangements her uncle, Edwin Robbins, had provided for her—to live with the Reverend Myles and his newlywed wife, Lavinia.

  Confused, Elise asked, “Excuse me, Felicity. Are you saying that when you first went to England, Benjamin was married to this other woman, Lavinia?”

  “Yes. It’s very confusing, and since we have a long ride ahead of us, I’ll try to explain everything to you.”

  Elise sat silently as Felicity explained the details of her past. From the look in Felicity’s eyes, it was clear to see this was something that brought her deep pain.

  From her first meeting with Benjamin, when Felicity had mistaken him as the headmaster of the school she was to teach at, she saw in him a tenderness she had never seen in any other man. And as good friends as she and Benjamin had become, the opposite was true of Felicity and Lavinia.

  A tender smile crossed Felicity’s lips as she spoke of meeting other family members; her Aunt Gwen, the sister of Felicity’s late grandfather, and her cousins Rupert Robbins and Anne Spencer. It was clear that Felicity genuinely missed them and loved them dearly. As she explained the rift that had kept the Phelps and the Robbins apart for so many years, the tone of her voice betrayed great sadness.

  “You see, my grandfather and grandmother had such a deep love for one another that they risked everything to be together, forsaking their past, their inheritances, and their families, just so they could be together. Unfortunately, their love caused my dear Aunt Gwen a tremendous amount of pain.”

  Elise and Miranda remained silent allowing Felicity to continue. She explained her beloved aunt’s pain was precisely why she and Benjamin were together now. Seeing their look of confusion, Felicity began to describe the night of the ball, when she was introduced to society.

  “That was to be a magical night, bringing two families together. Instead, it ended up being a night that separated another and nearly destroyed an innocent man’s reputation—her Benjamin’s. The man with whom she had fallen hopelessly in love with, despite knowing he was never to be hers.”

  As Felicity relived the Squire’s attack, she nearly faltered, her voice cracked with pain and humiliation. Yet she continued.

  When Felicity revealed it was Lavinia’s father—the Squire—who had accosted her, Lavinia had risen to his defense, accusing her own husband, Benjamin, of being the attacker instead. Within weeks of that dreadful night, Lavinia disappeared, presumably to Australia with her married lover, James Sterling. Benjamin had been sent away by the Church of England to avoid further scandal, even though he had, by then, been proven innocent.

  Felicity had no hope that her love for Benjamin and his love for her could ever be accepted in British society. Benjamin’s reputation had been tainted and she, as an heiress of two prominent families, must forget the love she had found in her Ben.

  Pausing, Felicity looked earnestly at Elise, saying, “When you explained the depth of your pain, not knowing where Joshua was or if he was alive or dead, I understood exactly what you felt. I knew from my own experience, the depths of such pain. Unless you experience it first hand, no one, no matter how sympathetic they are, can ever truly understand. You see, that is what I felt when I was separated from Benjamin. Fortunately, my Aunt Gwen had known such pain and brought us back together. She risked her own life, so I could live in true happiness.”

  “And have you?” Elise asked softly, genuinely moved by what Felicity had been through.

  “Elise, there are no words to describe the utter peace and joy I have experienced since I became Mrs. Benjamin Myles. I know this may sound strange to some. Nevertheless, when two people have struggled as you and Joshua, Michael and your dear mother, my dear grandparents, and my Ben and I have, I truly believe God blesses them with an extraordinary gift. And that gift is bliss in loving one another completely and freely. And I know that with all you and Joshua have been through, you too, will have such a marriage.”

  “Oh Felicity, that’s so kind of you to say. Mama said something very similar to me, many years ago, when I couldn’t decide between my loyalty to my countrymen and the man I loved …”

  Her voice trailed off, recalling the day Joshua had told her he didn’t trust her. That day, fearful she would lose him forever, Elise had chosen love. A frown crossed her brow and she said, “Felicity, there’s just one thing I don’t understand. How is it that Lavinia is in New York and married to James Sterling?”

  As Felicity explained, Benjamin sat silently on the back of the coach, smiling. My dear Felicity … he mused, What a treasure
you are. With all her wealth and position rightfully due her, the only thing that matters to her still, is our love. Looking up at the darkened sky filled with twinkling stars, Benjamin bowed his head and earnestly said a prayer of thanks to God. Ending his prayer he asked, Dear Lord, please grant dear Felicity the child she so desperately wants.

  As Felicity and Elise finished sharing their tales, Miranda looked at her friends and said, “Both of you are so fortunate, to find someone to share your lives with, while I’m convinced more than ever that I’ll end up an old maid.”

  “Oh pish-posh Miranda,” Elise exclaimed. “Why, you are lovelier today than I’ve ever seen you. Surely by now, someone has taken a fancy to you.”

  Before Miranda had a chance to answer, Felicity interrupted. “Oh, believe me, someone has. A most desirable gentleman, too …”

  “Oh, and you haven’t said a word. Why you naughty girl. Tell me who this lucky man is,” Elise said, bubbling with excitement.

  Miranda rolled her eyes as her cheeks turned bright red, and she protested in embarrassment. “There is nothing to tell. I’ve told you dozens of times, Felicity,” Miranda scolded, turning her head to the woman beside her. “I’m not the least bit romantically interested in Tad.”

  “Tad?” Elise blurted, her curiosity getting the best of her. “You can’t mean Michael’s son, can you? Oh that would be perfect. Then we truly would be sisters.”

  “As lovely as that would be, Elise … There is no future for Tad and me.”

  Confused, Elise asked, “Why? You made a comment earlier that Michael’s mother is … perhaps difficult. Is she preventing such a union?”

  “No, not at all. As difficult as Vivian can be at times, I honestly believe she has grown fond of me in her own way. In answer to your question, no, Mrs. Honeycutt is not preventing a romance between her grandson and me.”

  “Is there something wrong with Tad?”

  “No. He’s extremely good looking, very educated, always charming and exhibiting the finest character.”

  “Well, Tad sounds perfect, for goodness sake Miranda. What is wrong then? Surely, it can’t be because of him being a Northerner. Is that it?” Elise’s back stiffened, taking offense to the implication, suddenly feeling very protective of men from the North. “Does this have anything to do with your Papa? Surely, he wouldn’t deny you …”

  “Stop! Father has no objections to Tad. Why, he has even hinted that as difficult as it would be for him to accept any man, least of all a Northerner, he would never stand in the way of my happiness.”

  Elise looked at Felicity and Miranda, completely puzzled. “Then what in tarnation is wrong? You say Tad is wonderful and neither of your families is opposed to your union. Why, then? I don’t understand.”

  “Well, as polished and as debonair as Tad appears to be in public, there’s something about him … Let’s just say Tad definitely takes after his grandmother rather than his grandfather, Alfred, or even Michael.”

  Before Miranda had an opportunity to expand on that, Sarah—still awake and unable to bear the thought of Michael overhearing anything negative about his son—started to stir. Raising her head up straight and opening her eyes slowly, Sarah smiled at the three women, saying, “My, I must have dozed off. Surely, we’re well out of danger by now. Perhaps we should inquire if we could stop and rest for the night? Michael and Joshua must be exhausted by now, driving from Fairfax and now this.” Without waiting for a response, Sarah tapped on the roof of the coach.

  Within minutes, they came to a halt. After determining it was unwise for them to seek lodging, possibly arousing suspicions needlessly, Joshua found a location nestled deep in the woods where they could pass the night unnoticed.

  Benjamin and Felicity, clinging close to one another a few yards from the coach, whispered their goodnights while Sarah and Michael found shelter under a tree close by. Lying in her husband’s arms, Sarah assumed from his quiet demeanor that he had overheard the conversation earlier. Rather than saying anything, she cuddled closer to him, whispering, “Darling, I’m so sorry, but after lying in these damp weeds and leaves I’m afraid I’m going to ruin the lovely dress you bought me.”

  “Don’t give it another thought, dear. As soon as we get to New York, I will take care of everything.” Sarah knew he meant more than just replacing her dress.

  With Miranda across from her, fast asleep in the carriage, Elise could hear Joshua pacing alongside and she crept off the seat where she had been trying to sleep. Peering out the window, she saw Joshua leaning against a tree. As she watched him, her heart soared and she thought of that first night so long ago, when he was leaning against the French doors of her mother’s parlor.

  Sneaking out of the coach as quietly as she could, she saw him grinning at her from the shadows. As she approached, he shook his head. “What are you doing skulking about, Miss Hamilton? Seems I’ve caught you again. You’re not going to try and wiggle your way out of this by claiming you’re sleepwalking are you?” he whispered, teasingly.

  “Oh no, I know precisely what I’m doing. I’ve learned my lesson long ago. You were always more clever than I, anyway.”

  Pulling her close to him, their eyes met. “Oh Elise, I still can’t believe we’re together.” Wrapping her in his arms he whispered, “Why aren’t you resting? I thought you were fast asleep hours ago.”

  “I couldn’t sleep. Darling, you must be exhausted, too. Why don’t you rest for a spell and I’ll keep watch.”

  “You little spitfire, always afraid you’re going to miss something.” Joshua chuckled softly.

  Pouting, she said, “No, I’m not. Honestly …”

  Before she had a chance to finish, Joshua whispered, “I know.”

  His head bent toward her and from the look in his eyes, Elise knew how raw his passion for her was. As their mouths hungrily found one another in the dark of the night, Elise wrapped her arm around the nape of his neck, moaning slightly. Joshua tenderly pulled back from kissing her further, whispering, “As captivating as your charms are my dearest, you are a distraction. Why not return to the coach while I stand guard?”

  Defiantly, Elise begged, “No. Oh please, let me stay here with you, Joshua. I promise I’ll be good.”

  Lovingly, he smiled at her. “I’ve never been able to refuse you, have I?”

  Sheepishly, she grinned. “Well, that’s not exactly true. Why, as I recall, two times in particular, you certainly did turn down my advances. Shall I refresh your memory, Major Carmidy?”

  “No, that won’t be necessary, you little minx. Now, if you insist on staying out here, come sit beside me. That is, only if you promise to behave yourself, you shameless hussy,” Joshua whispered teasingly at her.

  “I promise to try,” Elise replied, enjoying their playful bantering. They took a seat against the trunk of the tree. For the better of an hour, Elise nestled in his arms, while Joshua gingerly brushed her hair along her forehead. Feeling her breathing steadying, he knew at last that his beloved had fallen asleep.

  Joshua stiffened slightly as a male figure approached, and Michael Honeycutt, hearing the chilling sound of the hammer being cocked on Joshua’s pistol in the still of the night, whispered,

  “Hold on there, son. It’s only me. By the looks of it, perhaps, I should be drawing my rifle on you,” Michael said jokingly, nodding toward Elise, still nestled in Joshua’s arms. Joshua released his hand from his gun and placed it back near his side.

  “Sir, I can assure you nothing happened. You know how determined Elise is …”

  Raising his hand, Michael smiled. “Oh, I know only too well, Joshua. Get some rest now and I’ll stand guard for a spell. We’ve got a lot of miles to cover tomorrow.”

  Nodding knowingly at Michael, Joshua wrapped his arms tighter around the slight figure so close to him and allowed himself to drift off to sleep while holding Elise protectively

  Four

  Haunting Reminders

  As the weary travelers finally arrived at th
e Honeycutt’s mansion, it was clear that Michael was not himself. His mood was far more sullen than Sarah had ever seen in the three years they had been married. The closer he approached his family home, the edgier he became. And it wasn’t just Sarah and Elise who noticed his abrupt attitude change. Judging by the way the others looked away—embarrassed as Michael snapped at Sarah, when she harmlessly commented on how different the three story brick homes were from those in Fairfax.

  “Well, they might not be as quaint as Doves Landing, but there’s something to be said for orderly tradition.”

  Sarah was so hurt by her husband’s comment she only smiled her reply. Seeing the shocked look on Elise’s face, Sarah shook her head as if pleading with her daughter not to say anything.

  By the time the tired group had stepped through the Honeycutt’s front door, Michael immediately started barking orders to the butler.

  “Jerome, where are my parents and son?” Michael snarled, not allowing the butler an opportunity to properly welcome him home, or greet the other guests. Then without consulting anyone, Michael decided the women should rest while he visited his family, ordering the butler to freshen their gowns and bring them a tray. After determining that Elise was going to meet Joshua’s parents that evening, Michael insisted they all meet for dinner the following night.

  As if there was nothing further to discuss, Michael then made it clear he was anxious to be alone with his family and every one hastily bid their farewells.

  “Right this way, Mrs. Honeycutt.”

  Stunned, Sarah nodded politely at the servant, while glancing at Elise and Miranda, who had not said a word since their arrival. “Come along girls, let’s not keep Michael any longer from his family.”

  Once Michael was well out of overhearing them, Elise whispered to her mother, “Have you ever seen a house like this in all your life?”

  Sarah frowned and motioned to the butler ahead of them. Clearly, she wanted Elise to wait until they were alone, before commenting on the Honeycutt’s home. As the three of them silently followed Jerome, Miranda pointed out things to the wide-eyed Elise, all the way up the long staircase.