by Linda Daly
Elise smiled at her mother, and quickly said. “You attract more bees with honey than with vinegar. Right?”
“Right,” Sarah said, chuckling. “Well, I’ll go and take my seat and get Miranda so we can begin. Just please remember darling, I love you and no matter that you’re now going to be a married woman, you’re still my Elise.”
Hugging her mother tightly and kissing her on the cheek, Elise whispered, “I love you Mama. Nothing will ever change that.”
Before Sarah had a chance to respond, Michael poked his head into the small room in the back of the church and lovingly smiled over at his wife and daughter. “Just as I expected, the two of you hugging while we wait patiently for the bride’s grand entrance.”
Elise beamed, looking at her stepfather and started firing questions. “Oh Michael, have you seen Joshua? Is he nervous? Did he wear his uniform or choose a suit?”
Stepping into the room, shutting the door behind him, he chuckled. “Well, let’s see now if I’ve got them straight. Yes, I saw him. No, he’s not nervous, surprisingly enough. And in answer to the last one, I’m not telling. I promised Joshua to keep you guessing.”
“Oh you two men. Always sticking together,” Elise pouted.
“Only when he’s doing the right thing where my daughter is concerned. Now let me have a look at you, Miss Hamilton, before you become an old married woman.” Their eyes locked and Michael softly said, “Elise, I couldn’t be more proud of you, if I were your own father.”
Tears stinging her eyes, Elise hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear, “Oh Michael, don’t you know by now that I think of you as my father? I love you very much.”
Kissing her gently on the forehead, he said, “I love you too.” Then pulling away from her he said, “Well there’s a certain fine young man who loves you also, and before he sends in a search party after us, I’d say we better get this show on the road. I’m certain your mother has given you wonderful advice darling, so I won’t add to that other than to say that you and Joshua deserve happiness. Make every day special and never forget how much you love one another.”
“I promise.”
Taking Sarah’s arm, he jokingly added, “Good. Oh, and have I mentioned a few grandchildren would be a welcoming addition to our family?”
Blushing, Elise smiled nervously at Michael then at her mother who began playfully scolding her husband. “Shame on you! Now poor Elise is blushing.” Chuckling while escorting Sarah out of the room, Michael said, “Why certainly, haven’t you ever heard of the expression ‘a blushing bride’?”
Passing them, Miranda came into the room, asking, “Are you ready?” Her excitement was clearly noticeable in her voice.
Nodding nervously, Elise took in a deep breath and said, “Oh yes. Let’s begin.”
Within moments, following her Maid of Honor, Elise slowly walked down the aisle, her eyes focused straight ahead on Joshua who stood smiling broadly wearing his uniform. Seeing him, her heart skipped a beat. Joshua had insisted he would never wear the uniform again, even though Elise had begged him to, just this once. Oh Joshua you wore it for me. As their eyes locked, the love they felt for one another was obvious to everyone in attendance in the small church.
As she reached the altar, Benjamin Myles, who agreed to perform the ceremony, smiled at Elise and Joshua asking them to take each other’s hand.
“Today, it is my sincere honor and privilege to stand before this man and this woman, who have overcome great obstacles to become husband and wife. Through their steadfast love and determination they renew my faith, as I’m sure they do yours, that anything is possible with the help of our Lord.”
Michael immediately grasped Sarah’s hand and squeezed it gently, while she silently wept tears of joy. Feeling his son’s eyes on him, he turned and smiled warmly at Tad as Benjamin continued to perform the ceremony.
From the corner of his eye, Michael also saw the strained smile on his mother’s face, and directed his attention back to the altar, knowing the pasted smile on his mother’s lips was for appearance sake only. As grateful as he was that Vivian had managed to put together such a lovely wedding in such a short period of time, he knew such gestures didn’t come from her heart, but rather as a way to impress others.
From the first moment Vivian had met Sarah and Elise, she had gone out of her way to appear welcoming, all the while snidely insinuating Michael had chosen unwisely, just as she had with his first wife, Emily. However Sarah—older and wiser than Emily had been—took it in stride and never complained. Looking at Elise and Joshua, he silently prayed the two of them would be blessed as he and Sarah were, and not have to endure the hardship of meddling in-laws. Then thinking of the surprise that the Carmidy’s and Sarah and he had planned for the newlyweds, he smiled. Well only if the meddling is for their own good, he thought. Amused with himself, his attention went back to the wedding vows.
“Do you Joshua Carmidy, take Elise Hamilton to be your lawfully wedded wife?” Benjamin asked solemnly.
“I do,” proclaimed Joshua in a firm tone, his eyes never trailing from Elise’s.
“Do you promise to love her, to cherish her, and forsake all others before her?”
Hearing those words, Lucas Brown, arriving late the previous night from Washington, shifted in his chair and winced, recalling when he had promised to do the same when he and Catherine had wed. Blocking out the haunting images of his late wife and slave mistress Elmira, he rubbed his knee unconsciously, just as he had countless times in the past few years whenever he was reminded of his sordid past. Stop this at once! He scolded himself, determined not to let the phantoms of his past cloud this particular occasion.
Shifting again in his chair, he looked at Elise. My, but you were a handful, little one. Time seemed to stand still for Lucas as he allowed himself to recall those particular memories of his life in his beloved plantation, Glenbrook, where Elise and his daughter were concerned. A smile crossed Lucas’s lips as he recalled images of his daughter Miranda and Elise as children, growing up together as neighbors. His Miranda, shy and awkward, where Elise was just the opposite, full of life and spirit and determined to have things her own way. Well little one, I sure hope you know what you’re getting yourself into with this man, he thought, recalling the night he had first met Joshua.
From the onset of meeting him at a dinner party that Joshua had horned his way into, Lucas had taken an instant dislike to him. Viewing the major as an arrogant Northerner, not just because of his politics—Joshua, a Union Major, and Lucas a staunch Southern Democratic Statesman, who had openly pushed for the great state of Virginia to withdraw from the Union-were like oil and vinegar. But the fact was he was certain Joshua was after more than delivering threatening messages.
Glancing at Joshua now, Lucas smiled. Well I guess I was right after all, you did have hidden agendas. And by the looks of it, you won more than the war, you sly dog. Always wanting to be proven right, Lucas smiled contentedly recalling how as a child, Elise had looked upon him as a father figure after her own father, Caleb Hamilton, had been killed in a tragic hunting accident. Seeing her now, standing before the man she had chosen to share a life with, Lucas couldn’t help but wonder if Caleb would approve. Then glancing at Sarah, their eyes met and knowingly the two old friends, who had been through so much together, smiled warmly at one another and nodded. Yes, Caleb would definitely be pleased, he thought, his eyes trailing back to the altar.
As Elise made her commitment to Joshua, a tear rolled down her cheek as she lovingly gazed back into his eyes. With trembling hands, Elise extended her hand and accepted Joshua’s ring as a pledge of his love and devotion. Never had she felt such love for him as she had right then. Her heart pounded so rapidly, she was certain everyone in attendance could hear it. As she slid the ring on Joshua’s finger, her voice cracked. “With this ring, I thee wed.”
As Benjamin announced they were now man and wife, without waiting for permission, Joshua whisked Elise into his arms and husk
ily whispered, “I told you one day I would win your heart. I love you, Mrs. Carmidy.”
“That you did Major Carmidy. That yo …” Before she could finish her sentence, Joshua leaned down and began kissing her passionately.
“Well it would appear our groom needs no prompting from me to kiss his bride,” Benjamin exclaimed, as he and the others in attendance smiled and chuckled amongst themselves.
~
Within the hour, the bride and groom, snuggling close together inside the coach, pulled up in front of the Honeycutt’s, with Charles, Joshua’s youngest brother and best man, and Miranda. Glancing away from Elise for a moment Joshua said, in apprehension. “By God, I thought we agreed to a small reception.”
“Oh for Vivian, this is small,” Miranda exclaimed, smiling. “Hell brother, what did you expect? A war hero returning home, with a Belle from the South. I’m surprised the whole town didn’t come out.” Shaking his head, Joshua said sternly, “Charles, I’m no hero. How
many times do I have to tell you? And we’re no longer Northerners or
Southerners. Today, I’m nothing more than one hell of a lucky man who
married a wonderful and beautiful woman. We’ve worked too hard for this
day, so please no more talk of war. Today is Elise’s day.”
Snuggling closer to Joshua, Elise whispered, “Our day, darling.” Just then, Benjamin and Felicity pulled up, and Charles and Miranda
joined them outside the carriage while Elise dreamily cooed, “I suppose we
should go in. Mrs. Honeycutt has gone to so much trouble and all.” “Yes. However, as I recall a few weeks ago in your bedroom, I said
once we were wed, I would truly make you mine. Well, we are wed …”
He paused as he pulled Elise closer to him, suggestively saying, “Do we
really need to attend this party, darling? I still recall a few tactical
maneuvers that should get us half way to Niagara Falls before they even
miss us.”
Enjoying the feel of his mouth tenderly kissing her neck, she moaned
slightly, and said, “Why Joshua Carmidy, I do believe I’ve married a
devil.”
“You have no idea, Mrs. Carmidy.” Skillfully, Joshua shut the door to
the coach with his foot, while passionately kissing her.
From outside Benjamin jokingly called to them, “There will be no
retreating this night, Mr. and Mrs. Carmidy. You two deserve a
celebration.”
Playfully growling, Joshua waved his hand toward the window,
motioning them to leave as he said to Elise, “We better go in before I
change my mind. But later, you and I have a great deal of unfinished
business to tend to.”
Smiling back at him Elise whispered, “See, I knew if we tried long
enough, we could find something to agree on, Major.” Then pulling away
from him, she brazenly said, “Major Carmidy, aren’t you going to be a
proper gentleman and escort your wife into our wedding celebration?” Chuckling, he stepped out of the coach while offering her his hand. “At
your service, my captivating little minx.” Taking his hand, she gingerly slid
out of the coach and looked up at him grinning from ear to ear. “I always
knew someday you’d come around to my way of thinkin’.”
Bending down, he whispered, suggestively, “Keep it up darling and I
might be forced to turn you over my knee like I threatened to a long time
ago.”
“Promises, promises. I’d like to see you try.” Moving out of his reach
before he had a chance to affectionately pat her hind end, Elise chuckled. Miranda smiled affectionately at their childlike bantering, no longer
embarrassed by their display of affection for one another, as the six of them
walked up the stairs to the Honeycutt’s mansion. “I always said you two
were like two roosters peckin’ at one another.”
Elise, spotting Lavinia Sterling standing next to Mrs. Honeycutt
greeting their guests, said softly, “Speaking about a couple of roosters
peckin’, what is she doin’ here?”
“I swear I had no idea Lavinia and Mr. Sterling were going to be here
tonight,” Miranda said apologetically to Felicity.
Before Felicity had a chance to speak, Elise snidely said, “Well don’t
fret none, Felicity. Mrs. Sterling may think she’s being so clever but truly,
she’s no match to me. Just follow my lead.” Glancing up at Joshua, Elise
smiled. “You know me darling, I never could back down from a good
fight.”
Nodding, he escorted Elise to their hostess while Elise cooed
affectionately, “Why grandmother Honeycutt and Mrs. Sterling, how lovely
you both look this evening. Joshua and I can’t tell you how much this
means to us, opening your home like this so we could celebrate our special
night.”
Reaching Vivian, Elise immediately kissed her on each cheek, then
turned to Lavinia and did the same. “Why, I see you thought of everything,
too. You both greeting everyone is truly special. I’m sure Mama and
Mother Carmidy appreciate it so much.”
“Precisely what I told our dear Sarah only moments ago. I believe my
words to her were, ‘Why my dear, one with good breeding never denies the
opportunity of another with only the purest of intentions to be recognized
for her generous offer to assist in the arrangements.’ So of course when our
Mrs. Sterling offered, I simply couldn’t deny her, now could I?” Elise’s back stiffened but her smile never wavered. “Why certainly
not.” Turning her attentions to Lavinia, Elise gushed. “Mrs. Sterling, I am
truly honored that you would be so generous on our account. In all my
excitement, I didn’t see you at the church, wasn’t it just the most loveliest
of ceremonies?” Elise motioned for the others to pass by, while Joshua held
his wife more snuggly around her waist, amused by her clever distraction. Seeing the other four had safely avoided any embarrassing moments by
Vivian or Lavinia, Elise said condescendingly, “My, but Reverend Myles
surely does know how to give a heartfelt service, doesn’t he? Speaking
woman to woman …” Elise leaned forward, whispering, “I like to think
behind every good man, is a better woman. My friend Felicity is truly a
lucky woman to be married to such a charming man, wouldn’t you agree,
Mrs. Sterling?”
Lavinia’s smile faded, as Vivian’s smile spread. Then cordially Elise
excused herself, making an excuse she needed to find her mother and
in-laws.
“Well of all the nerve. I’m telling you Viv, that new little
granddaughter of yours must know that Benjamin and I were once married.
Otherwise, why would she say such a thing? Unless she’s completely void
of proper rearing, which is no wonder considering who her mother is.” “I may have no use for that daughter-in-law of mine, but my
granddaughter on the other hand shows great promise.”
“Why Viv, I’m shocked at such a comment. Surely you can’t think
anyone from that backward part of the country could possibly be anything
more than a simpleton.”
“Are you sure of that Lavinia? Look for yourself. Felicity and
Benjamin are already in the ballroom thanks to Elise’s little diversion.
From where I stand, I’d say not only does she match your beauty but she’s
equally as cunning.”
“Well, time will tell, won’t it Viv?�
�� Lavinia’s eyes glared at Elise
watching intently as the bride made her way to her friends and parents. Casually looking over the rim of her fluted champagne glass Felicity
softly said, “As much as I appreciate what you’ve done, Elise, I fear you
have made a fierce enemy.”
“Oh pish-posh. Even the greatest adversaries enjoy a little competition
every now and then.” Turning her attention to Joshua, she added, “Isn’t that
right darling?”
“Yes darling. And we certainly were that, weren’t we.”
For the remaining afternoon, Elise and Joshua mingled amongst their
guests, telling everyone how they had met and fallen in love, all the while
aware that Lavinia was watching their every move. While Joshua was
visiting with his parents, Elise strolled over to where the senior
Mr. Honeycutt stood, looking out at his guests. As she approached
Michael’s father, she smiled sweetly, saying, “Thank you again, for such a
lovely reception, and for opening your home to me. I do hope I haven’t
been any nuisance to you. When Joshua and I return from our honeymoon,
I do hope you will honor us by coming to dinner at the Carmidy’s.” “Ah, so then you and Joshua have decided to move in with his
parents?” Alfred asked.
“Why yes, Mr… . er … Grandfather Honeycutt. With Mama and
Michael intending to find a home of their own soon, and since Joshua’s just
getting started back at the firm, it will take sometime before he will be
