Doves Migration

by Linda Daly

  Their moment of tenderness was interrupted by Michael, who embarrassed at finding his son and Miranda embracing in the family garden, coughed to warn them of his presence.

  Nervously, Miranda turned from Michael, hearing him say, “Excuse me Tad and Miranda at such an inopportune time, but son, you have a visitor who is quite anxious to speak with you—a Mr. Daniel Hobbs.”

  “Yes father. Would you please ask him to wait? I’ll be right there.”

  Nodding his response, Michael, with a smile on his face, turned back to the house while Tad tried to reassure Miranda who looked up at him anxiously. “Dearest, don’t be embarrassed. I’ll explain to Father that I was thanking you for tending to my wound.”

  “I’m not worried about that—well perhaps a little—but what troubles me most is Mr. Hobbs. Isn’t he the man who was with you … I mean, Tad you have no idea the hate I saw in Mr. O’Flaherty’s eyes. It worries me …”

  “Listen to me, Miranda. For the first time in my life, I have something to live for. Father and I are trying to work out our differences and now we …” Tad paused, seeing her look of anxiousness speaking about the two of them, so he continued saying. “Nothing is going to come between us getting to know one another now that we are finally able to trust one another. You do trust me don’t you Miranda?”

  His question took her by surprise. “Yes Tad, I do,” she said, realizing he had earned her trust by being so forthright.

  “Good. So please trust me to handle this. Just promise me that you’ll stay clear of O’Flaherty. Can you do that for me?”

  “Yes.”

  As if the matter had been settled, Tad kissed her forehead and excused himself. As she watched him walk back toward the house to meet with his friend Daniel, she couldn’t stop the feeling of pending doom. As she gazed into the garden, her mind flooded with the events of the past few days.

  She absentmindedly smelled a sprig of lilacs from the bush, and a smile crossed her lips, recalling how Tad had picked some for her. How could she possibly feel so close with this man after twenty-four hours, when for years she had been repelled by his advances?

  Even now, after he had told her everything about the fight he had with Gilbert, something inside her screamed there was more to the argument between her and Gilbert. Dear God, how can I feel so safe in his arms but doubt him the moment he leaves? What is wrong with me?

  So engrossed in her thoughts, Miranda hadn’t seen Gilbert step closer, watching her in wonderment. Disgusted that she was so easily swayed, he turned and walked back to the alley and pushed his cart to his next stop.

  Sarah called out, walking into the gardens, “Miranda dear, would you care for some company?” She smiled fondly at her, feeling particularly maternal, especially since Michael told her what he had witnessed only moments earlier.

  “Oh Mrs. Honeycutt, I didn’t hear you coming. How are you today?” she said politely, knowing by the smile on her face she knew about Tad’s and her embrace.

  Sarah nodded, placing her arm around the girl she had known since she was a baby. “That was very kind of you to tend to Tad last evening. And since he and his father have begun to clear the air regarding their differences, it would appear you had something to do with that healing too.”

  Miranda smiled. “Nothing that you and Mr. Honeycutt haven’t already done for Papa and me. Why I can’t imagine what would have become of us if it hadn’t been for the both of you.”

  “Sweetheart, we were only too glad to help.” Seeing that Miranda felt uncomfortable, Sarah said, “Miranda, you do know that if there is anything you need or want I’m always here for you, don’t you? I may not be your mother, nor would I ever dream of trying to replace her … but surely you must realize that I’ve loved you since you were born.”

  “I know Mrs. Honeycutt, and I love you too. I’m concerned about something but I need to work out on my own,” Miranda said softly.

  Nodding, Sarah said, “Yes. Especially since that something or someone is Michael’s son. Now I’m not going to pretend I don’t know about you two young folks kissing earlier, nor that both Michael and I wouldn’t welcome having you in Tad’s life. We both view you as a loving, wise young woman, whom we love very much. It’s because we do love you, we want you to know that if a romance should develop between Tad and you, above all else darling, make sure that this is what you want. Don’t let your heart be pressured or manipulated into caring for someone out of gratitude. In other words, Miranda, don’t feel you need to do this for Tad, Michael, the Honeycutt’s, your father, or me. Because it’s your heart you are following and ultimately it’s your heart that will either soar or suffer in the end.”

  Miranda, touched by Sarah’s kind words, hugged her. “Oh Mrs. Honeycutt, thank you. I’m already so confused.”

  “Darling, take your time. When it comes to affairs of the heart, it’s always confusing. All I can say is trust your heart, and above all be patient. Just look at Elise and Joshua, or myself for that matter. When I first met Michael, he was nothing more than a kind man who rented a room. Now he’s my world. When a woman gives her heart to a man, truly gives it openly and freely, she lives to please only him. So dearest, be very sure he’s worthy of such love.”

  “But how do you know if he is? I mean, how did you know, or Elise know Joshua was the right one?”

  “My mother told me once that a man’s pride will prevent him from sharing his inner thoughts sometimes, but a man’s eyes are the mirror to his soul. And so far, she’s never been wrong.”

  With those words of wisdom, the two of them joined the Honeycutt’s and Sterling’s for cocktails before dinner. As Miranda watched the three couples she couldn’t help but notice that when James Sterling spoke to his wife, although his words were pleasant, his eyes showed no warmth. But for that matter, neither were Lavinia’s toward her husband. Just before dinner, Tad joined them and smiled at her, but his eyes reflected agitation. Miranda smiled knowingly at Sarah who responded with a nod. Turning her attention to Tad, Miranda asked, “Is everything alright?”

  “Couldn’t be better,” he replied, but instinctively she knew he was lying by the look in his eyes.

  As they sat around the table, Sarah noticed the look between Vivian and Lavinia, and she braced herself expecting Lavinia to make mention of the cut over Tad’s eye, or something equally none of her business.

  “Miranda dear, don’t think I’ve forgotten about our shopping date. What time will be good for you tomorrow? After all, the theatre does require a certain flair in our choice of fashion. Have you decided what play you plan to attend?”

  Not giving the matter any thought since earlier this morning, Miranda looked at Tad shyly, hoping he would answer Lavinia.

  “Well in fact, I was going to discuss this with Miranda in private, but I had thought perhaps we might take in those flashing pictures from the Cinematoscope or perhaps do some reading together.” Tad said looking at Miranda for approval.

  “Reading sounds lovely,” Miranda said shyly while nodding to Beatrice for more soup.

  “Ah well, as a writer myself you’ll hear no complaints from me on your choice of entertainment. What novel did you have in mind, son?” Michael asked, looking across the table to Tad.

  With a devilish grin, Tad replied, “I fancy Dickens myself. Perhaps, Our Mutual Friends. Gasps could be heard around the table, and receiving the shocked response he intended, Tad smiled victoriously while taking a sip of his soup.

  Outraged by such a comment, Alfred arched his eyebrow and scornfully looked at his grandson. “I hardly think such a book would be considered appropriate. If memory serves me correct, Pearson wrote that Dickens’ works are ‘filthy and bestial, an honest man would admit one into his house for a water-closet doormat’. And I agree with him. I absolutely forbid it, Tad.”

  Tad’s smile faded and he looked at his grandfather, saying in a respectful tone, “Actually Grandfather, I was thinking Hawthorne’s The House of Seven Gables, or the tale of his life
at Brook Farm, The Blithedale Romance might be more appropriate”

  Glancing his son then at Tad, Alfred said, “A far better choice.”

  “Ah Hawthorne, yes I’ve rather enjoyed some of his novels,” Lavinia said, adding her two cent’s worth.

  With a gleam in his eyes, James said, “Indeed, as I recall, you read The Scarlet Letter several times, dear. Wasn’t that also Hawthorne’s work?”

  No one responded to James’s comment, and immediately all looked at their soup seeing the angry glare Lavinia gave her husband.

  With a pasted smile to her lips, Lavinia retaliated. “It surprises me you noticed dear, so preoccupied by Dickens and America-what was that passage I read regarding delusion of grandeur? Ah yes I remember, ‘The lunatic is the man who lives in a small world, but thinks it is a large one’. Personally, I tend to agree with Alfred. Dickens is rather off color and not at all worth reading.”

  Again, there was complete silence around the dinner table as Alfred looked to James then back at Lavinia. “Begging your pardon Lavinia, dear. I believe Dickens was referring to those who are able to see their world for what it is and once they do, they become dissatisfied and sadly realize that what they had once thought was truth, was merely a fallacy. Wasn’t that your interpretation James?”

  Coughing to hide his chuckle, James nodded his head. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I did, Alfred. Opening your eyes to the truth is often painful.” Then glaring at Lavinia, he added, “Perhaps, my dear, I could lend you my copy to reread the entire book so you might fully grasp Dickens’s meaning.”

  “No that won’t be necessary, dear,” she said smiling at her husband, but it was clear for everyone to see that Lavinia’s smile showed anything but warmth.

  Obviously enjoying that the conversation had shifted to someone other than himself, Tad said, “Grandfather, I’m shocked that you know of Dickens’ work so well, considering you clearly don’t approve of me reading it to Miranda.”

  “I never said I hadn’t read Dickens, Tad. What I said was, I do not approve of his writing and reading it with someone, especially if that person happens to be Miranda.” Pausing to smile fondly at her then directing his attention back to Tad he added. “As I view it, a good business man should be knowledgeable on all subjects if he is to remain on top of his game. Literature being no exception, particularly since it’s these writers that formulate a man’s way of thinking.”

  Wiping his mouth with his linen napkin, Michael applauded his father’s comment, saying, “Here, here Father. Precisely why I’ve decided to dabble in writing a novel, myself.”

  “How wonderful Michael!” Vivian cooed. “Does that small home that Sarah picked out …” Her eyes drifted quickly to Sarah with contempt, then she returned her attention back to Michael, and said sweetly, “… have a room that will afford you the quiet you will require with such an undertaking? After hearing all the decorating it will need, I am sure your father would offer you his study while he’s away during the day. That way Sarah could try to make a more presentable home while not disturbing you in the process.”

  Sarah’s back stiffened hearing Vivian’s comment, knowing this was Michael’s mother’s way of saying she didn’t approve of their choice in homes, and she was trying to keep her son close to her and away from Sarah.

  “That won’t be necessary, Mother. Sarah and I have already discussed my need for privacy and she has graciously agreed to allow me to use her boudoir while the carpenters work on the first floor. Besides, since I intend to write a Northerner’s point of view while living in the South, Sarah will be a great help in recalling situations.”

  Obviously not pleased with her son’s response, Vivian’s attentions were directed to her grandson. “Well surely with your father and Sarah so preoccupied with their new lives, whatever are you going to do while living there?”

  Before Tad had a chance to respond, Alfred spoke firmly, “Vivian, we’ve already had this discussion. Tad is going to be with his father where he belongs. I was hoping to persuade him to come and join me at Honeycutt and Son’s now that he’s graduated and has had ample time off following school. How does that sound to you, Tad?”

  “Well Grandfather, I was intending to discuss my future with you and Father of course later, but since we are all here … I was thinking of pursuing a career in law. As a matter of fact, with Joshua now in the family, I thought once he returned I’d discuss the possibilities of joining his father’s firm.”

  Alfred looked at his grandson with disappointment in his eyes, and said, “I had no idea law intrigued you. But since it does, there’s no need to wait for Joshua and Elise’s return. If you would like, I can speak with William Carmidy on your behalf. After all, with his firm now handling a great deal of my holdings, I see him quite frequently.”

  “Oh Tad you can’t be serious. The law of all professions, having to deal with all those undesirables and bad people,” spouted Vivian.

  Chuckling, Michael said, “Well it’s a good thing Joshua isn’t here. I’m sure he would have something to say about that remark, Mother.”

  “Indeed!” agreed Alfred, who added. “Where did I hear that if there were no bad people there would be no good lawyers?”

  “Dickens, in The Old Curiosity Shop, as I recall,” James said.

  “My, but you are well versed this evening aren’t you, darling? Where do you find the time to read so much?” Lavinia asked.

  “Oh you would be surprised, my dear!” James gave Lavinia a snide grin, sending her mind whirling. Does he know of my afternoon rendezvous?

  As was the norm every night following dinner, the women joined Vivian in her drawing room, while the men met in Alfred’s study. However, this evening Sarah excused herself following the meal, explaining she needed to catch up on her correspondence. Miranda and Tad claimed they would begin reading and made their way to the adjacent room off the drawing room, in Vivian’s private sitting room with the door open. As was the practice for couples who were courting, Tad took a seat across from Miranda who sat on Vivian’s davenport.

  Pulling out a worn copy of Hawthorne’s The House of Seven Gables, Tad whispered to Miranda, “You have read this, haven’t you Miranda?”

  “Yes, of course,” she replied, puzzled.

  “Good, then if we should be asked about it, you can truthfully recall the story.”

  Not comfortable with deceiving others as a rule, she nodded.

  To keep up the pretense, Tad began reading from the first chapter. After hearing chatter from the other room, he looked at Miranda and winked, laying the book on his knees. “If I know Grandmother and Lavinia, the two of them will be so busy conspiring they won’t give us another thought.”

  A smile crossed her lips, recalling how she and Constance had done something similar when Lucas was in his study.

  “You surprise me, Miranda.”

  “In what way?” she asked, being careful to keep her voice barely above a whisper.

  “From that knowing grin, I would have to assume this was not your first time at concealing your true intentions.”

  Realizing she had let her guard down, her smile faded. “As I told you earlier in the garden Tad, there is much you don’t know about me.”

  “Yes, I hope to remedy that soon.”

  Knowing this was Tad’s way of asking her to share her past, Miranda quickly replied, “And in time perhaps you will, but this evening I was rather hoping you would tell me why Mr. Hobbs came to visit you. From the look on your face following his visit, I could tell you were quite agitated.”

  “Could you?” Tad smiled, yet his eyes disclosed anything but amusement as he made up some excuse for Daniel’s visit. As Miranda listened to him, she suddenly became aware that when he lied to her, he often looked slightly over her head rather than into her eyes.

  In the other room, Vivian filled Lavinia in on all that had transpired, including how Alfred had prevented her from going to her son or grandson when they obviously needed her the most.


  “Oh how simply dreadful for you, Viv darling. So you have no idea what was said between Tad and Michael this afternoon?”

  “No. That obnoxious wife of my son saw to it I was kept well away from them, talking endlessly with Alfred and me about that new house of theirs. I’m telling you Lavinia, I don’t know what’s worse, having that wretched woman as a daughter-in-law or dealing with Alfred’s sudden interest in our family. Lately I can’t move from room to room without him knowing everything I do. Honestly, I don’t know what to make of it. Ever since Michael’s return, he is constantly underfoot. Why, I don’t think he’s been to the club once this week.”

  Lavinia’s eyes widened and she looked at her host suspiciously. “What did you say? Why, James told me he met with Alfred this very afternoon …”

  “Oh I can assure you Alfred has been here the entire day,” Vivian said, shaking her head in disgust. “Why, he’s only been to the office twice this week as a matter of fact. And I can tell you having that man watch my every move, along with dealing with that ghastly wife of Michael’s, well I’m at my wits end.”

  As Vivian kept twittering on, complaining about Sarah and Alfred, Lavinia’s heart raced knowing that James had been lying to her. She recalled how James had excused his lateness this evening by saying he had been delayed at the club with Alfred. At the time, Lavinia had been grateful since Isaac’s and her afternoon of lovemaking had gotten out of hand and he had left far later than they had intended. However, she couldn’t help but wonder what James was really doing.

  “Lavinia! Have you heard a word I’ve said?” Vivian asked annoyed. “Why if I intended to be ignored, I could have waited to discuss my troubles with Alfred. God knows that man has perfected the art of ignoring me.”

  “Oh Viv, I’m so sorry. It’s just something you said got me to thinking. This afternoon, Isaac and my sitting went longer than usual. You remember how I told you how I’ve commissioned him to paint my portrait as a surprise to James?”