Doves Migration

by Linda Daly

  In absolute shock, Lavinia’s eyes drifted from the gray smoke to her host.

  Politely, Alfred asked, “Are you ill, Mrs. Sterling? All of a sudden you look pale. Shall I ring for a bit of brandy? I understand a little of its nectar works wonders for what ails you.” Alfred smiled wickedly at her as more smoke from the fire filled the air.

  Dear God, James told him everything! How could he … Finding her voice, Lavinia said, “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  Not waiting for a response, Lavinia turned on her heels. Why, that no good bastard is going to ruin everything!

  Tad, who had the misfortune of being detained by his grandmother, looked grateful for the distraction, as Lavinia approached. “Oh my, Lavinia, you’re so flushed. Has that husband of mine kept you by that fire of his too long? He has such a fascination with them, even in this Godforsaken heat …” Vivian prattled.

  “It is rather warm this evening. We never had this type of heat back in England.” Lavinia mumbled, still in shock. “I’m just a little parched-nothing that a cool glass of water won’t cure,” Lavinia cordially answered, trying to regain her composure as Vivian Honeycutt watched her grandson Tad join Miranda.

  Gesturing in their direction she muttered, “Why must that girl constantly push my dear grandson away like that? The thought has occurred to me that it may serve someone’s interest to persuade Miranda into having a change of heart.”

  “Funny you should bring that matter up. I was just thinking how the two of them are suited for one another.” Disliking Tad Honeycutt from the beginning, viewing him as a weak man, sure to make someone miserable, Lavinia looked at Miranda and smiled coyly.

  “Vivian, your grandson is exactly what that woman deserves. Perhaps if someone like myself were to help a budding romance along, then perhaps someone like yourself would be willing to return the favor.”

  “Splendid idea. Now what is it that you need from me, my dear?” As the two of them put their heads together to advance their own desires, Tad spoke softly behind Miranda.

  “Do you intend to stay annoyed with me all evening?” Tad whispered, coming up behind the unsuspecting Miranda, who immediately turned and peered up at him. Realizing that everyone’s attention, including that of her father’s was now on them, she politely excused herself and Tad to the side, far enough away as to not be overheard.

  With a pasted smile to her lips, she whispered, “Tad, I find it extremely ill-mannered, even contemptible, that you find it necessary to further agitate me by bringing up the incident in the gardens. Clearly, you must know that such behavior will only make matters worse.” Since she had his undivided attention and her anger wasn’t satisfied, she added. “Solely for the purpose of not being misunderstood, let me make myself perfectly clear. I am not angry, nor annoyed with you. I just believe firmly that our differences are far too vast to ever expect anything more between us, than that of an acquaintance. Therefore, for the sake of risking an unpleasant evening, I would prefer you drop the entire incident.”

  “Only if you promise me one thing.”

  Trying very hard not to appear angry, although she was livid, Miranda took a deep breath and asked, “What is that?”

  “Let me make it up to you by taking you to the theatre next week?”

  “The theatre? Why on earth would I go to the theatre with you?” she answered sharply, her resentment unmasked. Realizing her tone was extremely rude, she quickly added. “Tad, I’m very sorry. What an unkind thing for me to have said. No matter how annoyed I am with you, I had no right to be so rude.”

  “Ah ha! By your own admission you are annoyed with me, after all?” he said smiling at her.

  As hard as it was for Miranda to admit it, Tad did know how to be charming and she couldn’t help but smile.

  “Perhaps just a little.”

  “Well then, please, let me make it up to you. Come with me to the theatre and dine out for an evening, rather than sit here night after night listening to the same old rubbish.”

  An evening out did sound delightful, Miranda thought, gazing up at him, suddenly aware that he looked exceptionally handsome tonight.

  “I’ll think on it and let you know after dinner,” she whispered.

  Nodding, Tad’s smile faded as he gazed lovingly at her and cupped her elbow in the palm of his hand. “Miranda, truly I am sorry.”

  The sincerity in his voice startled her, as she looked into his eyes that reminded her of the sea. As their eyes met, her heart stirred and no longer could she be angry with him. Was it possible she had misjudged him?

  Just then, Jerome announced dinner was being served. Still gingerly holding onto her elbow, Tad whispered, “Shall we?”

  Accepting his arm, Miranda and Tad followed Vivian and Alfred into the dining room, rather than being accompanied in by her father which normally took place when he was in town. A smile passed between Michael and Lucas as they accompanied Sarah into the dining room, while Lavinia glared at James, knowing any hope to continue the farce that he had attacked her was futile.

  Suddenly everything became clear to Lavinia. If James had told Alfred, which she was certain that he had, then could it be possible he had confided in Benjamin too?

  Recalling the sudden familiarity among the three of them sent chills through her, as her mind raced. Why you miserable bastard, gathering sympathy were you? Then another thought crossed her mind and she felt nauseous. Or, were you simply trying to be closer to that tart?

  Seeing a smile being exchanged between Felicity and James, she knew instantly it was the latter. Remembering how he had been so keen on hearing every detail of Benjamin and Felicity’s mudslide episode, especially where Felicity was concerned, her stomach coiled. Dear God, he wasn’t aroused by my advancements, but rather he lusted for her. Enraged by such a revelation, she immediately looked at Felicity with contempt and hate then back to her husband.

  “Why Lavinia dearest, you look pale. Are you sure everything is all right?” James asked sympathetically, but his eyes reflected amusement by her suffering.

  “Perhaps some fresh air would help.” Directing her attention to her hostess, she said, “Vivian, please begin without us. We shan’t be but a moment.”

  It was Alfred who replied for his wife. “Take your time, dear. The Myles’ were just commenting on how generous your dear husband was to them today and since we both know how James detests notoriety, this will save him further embarrassment.”

  Raising his eyebrow, emphasizing the word embarrassment, Lavinia knew his comment was directed toward her. How dare he, she thought while turning on her heels. Lavinia stormed out of the dining room, past the sitting room, rushing to the garden where she stood fuming watching James approach. From the smug look on his face, she knew her suspicions were right. Unable to control her rage as soon as he entered the gardens, she snarled, “How could you?”

  “How could I what, my dearest?” James asked innocently, only provoking the rage inside her.

  “You know perfectly well what I mean. You knew how vulnerable I was, begging you to prove your love for me last night, when all the while you were lusting over that filthy tart!”

  Judging by the look in his eyes, Lavinia knew she was right and demanded an explanation. “How could you?” she yelled.

  Drawing closer to her, James took her elbow and callously said, “You’re distraught Lavinia, besides delusional. First you accuse me unjustly of accosting you, and now you claim you begged for my affections. Didn’t I satisfy your insatiable desires, so you maliciously attack me for punishment? Or is it, in your demented state that you simply don’t know anymore? Maybe I should take you home and call a physician that Alfred has recommended. Perhaps a few weeks of rest in the countryside might do you a world of good.”

  Jerking away from him, Lavinia snarled, “No. I know precisely what you and that old coot are scheming and I won’t stand for it. You are the delusional one if you think I’ll be fooled into being sent away to the country so you can be free to l
ust after that strumpet Felicity. Next you’ll be insisting I go to some sanitarium …”

  Chuckling sinisterly at her, he said, “Is that so? Why would you think I’d send you away to asylum, my dear? Could it possibly be that you aren’t able to control your temper in public? Have you become so unstable that you find it necessary to hurl false accusations at your husband trying to discredit his good name, calling a matriarch of society foul names? The list is endless my dear, and I’ve only mentioned today’s outlandish behavior. Shall I bring up your sordid past episodes as well? Why, any doctor would agree you need confinement.”

  Before she had a chance to respond, Alfred came through the garden door asking, “Is everything alright, James? Should I send Montgomery for the doctor?”

  Lavinia gasped, knowing the two of them were deadly serious. They did intend to be rid of her by locking her away in some nut house. Panic filled her as she pleadingly began shaking her head, and tears ran down her cheeks.

  “Please James, don’t do this,” Lavinia begged. Their eyes locked onto one another and she held her breath. Seeing no warmth for her in his eyes, Lavinia feared the worst. “I beseech you, don’t lock me away. I’ll be good.” She whimpered.

  Turning his head back to Alfred, James finally said, “No. Not this time, my friend.”

  Hearing his reply Lavinia, sighed and wept softly in her hands.

  “Very well, as you wish,” responded Alfred in a cool tone. “Do see to it though, that you both return promptly. You know how Vivian detests waiting.”

  “Yes. of course,” replied James looking back at Lavinia. “Get control of yourself at once or I might have a change of heart, my dear.”

  Obediently, Lavinia wiped the tears from her eyes, having no other recourse. Never had she felt such hatred or fear for another as she did now. Realizing that she had been out-maneuvered by the two of them and had played right into their hands, Lavinia asked, “Now what?”

  “Now, you will conduct yourself in the manner that any man should expect from his wife, and that is to be soft and gentle just as Benjamin Myles’ wife. From where I stand, I’ve got the short end of the stick when he rid himself of you and took Felicity as a bride. Furthermore, I’ll be damned if you think I’m going to continue letting the likes of that sniveling swine, ex-husband of yours outshine me any longer. Am I clear on that, Lavinia? You do as I say, or else my dear, you will suffer the consequences.”

  She quivered, hearing his ultimatum. James had made himself perfectly clear. Either she did exactly as he wished, or she would be locked away. Nodding her response, stunned beyond belief, Lavinia stepped back into the Honeycutt’s home, being led by James who had placed his hand in the small of her back. Coarsely he whispered to her, “Smile dearest, you wouldn’t want to make a scene now, would you?”

  Pasting a smile to her lips, Lavinia took her seat across from Felicity. Judging by the look of concern on her face, Lavinia knew her smile wasn’t fooling anyone. Avoiding eye contact with her nemesis, she unfolded her linen napkin, saying, “My, but dinner smells wonderful as usual, Vivian.”

  As the salad was being served, Lavinia remained silent, keeping to herself. James might be able to control my tongue, for the time being, but he will never be able to control my thoughts. Smiling at Felicity then back at her husband she thought, you bloody bastard, you will rue the day you prefer that little bitch to me. Then recalling James’s words describing Benjamin, a genuine smile crossed her lips. Well, James was right about one thing. Benjamin was nothing but a swine who apparently enjoyed rolling around in the mud, with his sow slut.

  Spooning dressing over her salad, she continued to smile until Benjamin, said, “Um, roast pork, one of my favorites.”

  Immediately Lavinia began coughing to mask her laughter until knowingly, James frowned at her.

  “My, but I am parched this evening,” she mumbled and reached for her goblet of water.

  After dinner, as was the case every night, the men went to Alfred’s library while the women chatted in Vivian’s private sitting room. As the women relaxed, sounds of the men deep in conversation over the conspiracy of the death of Lincoln could be heard trailing into the sitting room as one disagreed with another. Tonight was no exception.

  From the night Lincoln had been shot and killed, no matter who attended the Honeycutt evening dinner parties, sides were drawn as the events of the conspiracy and the military rights on such offenses were reported in the newspapers. Tonight’s debate was no exception—even if a woman was found guilty in a military court of law, should she be hung.

  Proclaiming Mrs. Surratt’s innocence as usual, Michael argued that she was as much a victim as poor Lincoln was and therefore should have never been found guilty in the first place. He argued there was no proof she was actually involved in the plotting with John Wilkes Booth and the other men. As others would interject, Michael held steadfast to his opinion that this was a gross injustice. Simply because she ran the boarding house where Booth resided and had become friendly with her boarders and son’s friends, was no justification for such acts to be committed to a good Catholic woman as they had been, always ending his argument by stating emphatically that her only crime was trying to protect her son, John.

  Albert and James however, sided together that any woman, no matter how naive Mrs. Surratt claimed to be now, should be treated as the men whom she associated with. Using Michael’s argument against him, especially since her son was involved, it was certain proof that she must be involved too. Claiming Mary Surratt knew exactly every detail of the assassination plot and was proven a co-conspirator by storing French field glasses at her property in Maryland, along with other escape articles needed for Booth and Herold, Louis Weichmann, her escort, testified he had overheard her telling John Lloyd that very morning “to have those shooting irons ready”. According to Weichmann’s testimony, Booth and his accomplice David Herold did flee to the boardinghouse in Surrattsville, Maryland, first, to retrieve the hidden items after the murder of Lincoln. Clearly, this was proof she was guilty and should get what she deserved.

  Benjamin on the other hand, felt as many Americans did—that a civilian should not be brought up on charges by a military court of law. Apparently, Lucas agreed with his assessment of the situation by adding, “The woman is entitled to be tried in a court of law as prescribed in the constitution, by a dozen of her peers.” Stating, this being the case, then a pardon was in order until a civil court could hear the evidence.

  Bored with the same old arguments night after night, Tad, not caring if Mary Surratt were to be hung on July seventh or not, patiently waited until Michael was deeply involved expressing his opinion and would silently make his escape. This night however, Tad had to wait, while Benjamin, with the aide of Lucas, debated their viewpoints with Alfred and James.

  While Sarah and Lavinia exchanged their views on woman’s suffrage, Miranda asked Felicity, in a hushed whisper, “Have you noticed how peculiar Mrs. Sterling is behaving this evening?”

  Nodding, she said, “Take it from me. She’s a predator, waiting for her prey to become distracted. So watch yourself.”

  Immediately Miranda smiled at her friend’s ability to come directly to the point without arousing suspicion.

  Seeing Miranda’s smile, Lavinia turned her attention toward her and cooed sweetly, “Oh do share with us what’s so amusing, Miranda dear. It wouldn’t have anything to do with that incredibly handsome Tad, now would it? I must admit, when I saw you speaking with him earlier, I thought to myself, ‘my but they do make a striking couple’.”

  Feeling exceptionally uncomfortable, Miranda’s eyes drifted toward Felicity as if looking for assistance and acknowledging her earlier observation.

  “Wouldn’t you agree, Mrs. Honeycutt?” Lavinia asked.

  Both Vivian and Sarah began to speak at once. Embarrassed and realizing her motherin-law was annoyed, Sarah politely said, “Oh I’m sorry, Mother Honeycutt.”

  Vivian looked at Sarah, coolly sayin
g, “Perhaps this could be prevented if Lavinia felt comfortable calling you by your first name.”

  Aware that this was another attempt of Vivian’s to make her feel uneasy, Sarah turned and looked at Lavinia, her face crimson. “I’m so sorry Lavinia, for the confusion. Since I’ve heard you address my motherin-law as Vivian, I assumed you were referring to me. But to avoid any further confusion in the future, please, will you address me by first name?”

  Glaring at Sarah, Vivian coughed, clearly not amused by Sarah pointing out the obvious that it was she who had spoken out of turn. Felicity and Miranda only glanced at one another sensing the tension between Sarah and Vivian.

  Not ready to drop the opportunity of speaking about Miranda and Tad, needing Vivian’s help more than ever, Lavinia said, “Certainly Sarah. You’ve known our dear Miranda since she was a child I understand?”

  “Yes, of course.” Sarah said, knowing where this conversation was leading and feeling extremely uncomfortable.

  “Well, then perhaps you would give her some motherly advice and tell her what a wonderful catch Tad is.”

  Sarah knew that if she didn’t agree with Lavinia, Michael would hear from his mother how his new wife had said that she didn’t think Tad was good enough for Miranda. While on the other hand, if she agreed with Lavinia then poor Miranda would feel uncomfortable.

  Tactfully Sarah responded by saying, “It has always been my practice never to try and persuade my daughter Elise or Miranda into doing anything while in the presence of others. Surely you must agree that deliberately trying to embarrass them serves no purpose other than to alienate your loved ones from you.” Sarah’s last comment was directed to Vivian, but she turned to Miranda and smiled lovingly. “I trust Miranda being such a wise young woman will follow her heart.”

  The smell of cigar smoke filled the room and Vivian looked at Lavinia knowingly and nodded toward the doorway just as Tad came in to join them.