Doves Migration

by Linda Daly

  Never did Elise let on that she knew the sordid past of the Myles’, nor that Lavinia had once been wed to Benjamin. Instead Elise accepted their warm hospitality and respected their privacy. Although today, attending Annabelle’s wedding, she found it particularly odd that not only was Lavinia absent, but that no one spoke of her absence. It was as if Lavinia didn’t exist.

  Following the wedding, a beautiful garden party was scheduled at Ashwillow. One of the guests in attendance was a Frenchmen, whom Elise discovered had once been an artist prior to a tragic accident which had left him partially paralyzed on his right side. As Elise discreetly observed the man, she was reminded of Thomas by the same haunting troubled look in his eyes. Much to her surprise, Francois joined her and Joshua.

  “Ah, so Anne tells me you are friends with our Felicity, Madame Carmidy?” Francois asked.

  Smiling politely, Elise nodded. “Yes. As children, her family would visit my dearest friends, the Browns. Recently we were all reacquainted in New York.”

  “Oui, I trust Reverend Myles and Felicity are well?”

  “Quite well, Mr. Racine.”

  “And are you also familiar with Mr. and Mrs. Sterling?” he asked, his eyes twinkling.

  Apprehensively, Elise said, “Yes, I know of them.”

  “Ah, from the curtness in your response am I to assume you are not as fond of them as you are the Myles’?” By the look on his face, Elise realized this man enjoyed taunting people.

  Amused that he understood she would be flustered by his boldness, Elise raised her eyebrow and responded coyly, “Why Mr. Racine, I had no idea I was in the company of such a diversified gentleman who possessed the abilities of deciphering a complete stranger’s speech patterns.”

  Hearing his wife’s comment, Joshua chuckled under his breath while sipping his champagne, camouflaging it with a cough. Glancing at him with a devilish grin and a twinkle in her eyes, Elise asked, “Darling, are you alright?”

  “Quite. I was just enjoying our hosts’ hospitality and this fine nectar of the grapes. After years of tasting gunpowder, what a delightful change to experience a rounded full-bodied drink on my palate without the hint of bitterness. Perhaps you should sample some of your champagne, dear,” Joshua answered, while placing his arm around her waist and squeezing it slightly as if to let her know he did not approve of her quick tongue.

  The couple’s interaction with one another did not go unnoticed by Francois who smiled at Joshua. “Monsieur Carmidy, it would appear you are quite a connoisseur. Not only in fine wines, but in your choice of women, choosing one equally resourceful to her beauty.”

  “Indeed I am, Mr. Racine. But please call me Joshua.”

  “Only if you will honor me by addressing me as Francois.” He bowed politely then turning his attention back to Elise, he asked, “And I do hope you too shall honor me the same, Madame Carmidy.”

  Nodding her response, Elise took a sip of her champagne, glanced at the newlyweds, and commented, “My, Mrs. Robbins glows of happiness. Wouldn’t you agree Francois?” Much to her surprise, the twinkle in Francois’ eyes dimmed as he glanced at her.

  “Oui, Annabelle always has though, in my eyes, Madame.” Then as if he were aware of Elise’s watchful eye, he added hastily, “She may not be the striking beauty of her sister, but there’s much to be said for a woman of such tenderness.”

  “Oh please call me Elise, otherwise it hardly seems fair since I’ve already addressed you by your Christian name. As for Mrs. Robbins, although I’ve only known her for a short while, I would agree that she is indeed a tender and loving woman. No wonder she and Felicity were such good friends. In many ways they are very similar, wouldn’t you agree?” she asked smiling, watching his reaction intently, mindful that Joshua was still holding her snugly.

  “Again we agree, Elise. Yet am I mistaken or did you once again avoid commenting on Mrs. Sterling?” Francois said coyly, openly toying with her, which infuriated Elise.

  Luckily though, they were joined by Elspeth Haversham who jokingly said, “Oh Francois, you naughty man, are you badgering Elise over Lavinia and James?”

  “Badgering?” he asked, seemingly enjoying playing the part of the victim, while continuing playfully. “Why Elspeth, you know me better than that. Although I have been known to be perhaps persuasive from time to time, never would I be so vulgar as to badger information from a worthy opponent.”

  Elise, hearing him refer to her as a worthy opponent, smiled over the rim of her glass while sipping more of her champagne.

  “Now be truthful dearest Elspeth, you are equally curious to know how James and Lavinia are getting on in New York, but are far too timid in asking. While I, on the other hand …”

  Unexpectedly, Anne approaching from behind Francois, finished his sentence for him. “I should think ‘scandalous’ would be appropriate Francois. That topic of conversation is hardly appropriate, Francois, and you of all people should know that. Have you no compassion for Annabelle, after everything she has done for you? Now I absolutely forbid you from badgering Mr. and Mrs. Carmidy further regarding that woman. Understood?”

  From Anne’s tone—although her voice remained just above a whisper-it was clear that she had a great influence on Francois and Elspeth.

  Apologetically, Elspeth said, “Of course you’re right, dear Anne. How foolish of me to even encourage Francois.”

  The tension was so thick that Elise nervously glanced at Joshua who winked back at her before saying, “Are Mr. and Mrs. Robbins intending to go on a honeymoon trip as my bride and I have done?”

  “Hmm, I’m not sure …” Anne glanced toward the newlyweds as they approached. “Let’s ask them, shall we Joshua?”

  Hearing Anne’s comment, Rupert said, “Ask us what, pray tell?”

  “Joshua and I were wondering if you and Annabelle were intending to take a trip to celebrate your nuptials as he and Elise have.”

  “It’s such a shame you hadn’t thought of traveling back to America with Joshua and Elise. I’m sure your bride—never seeing the colonies-might have found it rather enjoyable, old boy,” Francois replied snidely.

  Seeing the uncomfortable glance between Annabelle and Rupert, Joshua hastily added, “As enjoyable as your company would be on the return voyage, I fear you would be terribly disappointed. I love New York, but since the war I must admit, my fair city hasn’t weathered the storm too well.”

  “Precisely why Annabelle and I chose not to visit the colonies,” Rupert said smiling appreciatively back at Joshua.

  “Oh dear, I had no idea New York was so dreadful,” Anne said with concern in her voice. “I do hope our cousin isn’t in any danger, Rupert.”

  “New York isn’t dangerous, Anne,” Elise gushed enthusiastically. “It’s lovely! You can’t imagine all the shops and brick buildings all together. Why, the streets are filled with people milling about, in all their fancy wares looking just as carefree as birds chirping. There are vendors on every street corner and did I mention the shops? Millinery, tailors, why they even have this one store that has just about everything anyone could possibly want. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it in all my life.”

  “It sounds as if you enjoyed yourself shopping in New York, Elise. Is that where you purchased your lovely gown?” Annabelle asked sweetly.

  Blushing Elise said, “Why yes, as a matter of fact, as part of my wedding trousseau, compliments of my dear stepfather, Michael Honeycutt. Actually, it was Felicity and our mutual friend Miranda who helped me choose this very gown.”

  “How lovely …” Annabelle said dreamily. “I recall when Felicity and I picked out our gowns for her introduction party. What a time we had together. I know I’ve asked before, but how are they truly? Does Felicity help out at the orphanage?”

  Enthusiastically Elise answered, “Help out? Why I honestly don’t know what Benjamin would do without her. She wakes up at the crack of dawn to help feed all the children then schools them during the day, and if that wasn’
t enough, she tends to the wee ones before they go down for the night. I admire her devotion to the children and her husband’s work.” Seeing the concerned look on Rupert’s face, Elise quickly added, “Perhaps in my haste of admiration, I’ve overstated Felicity’s activities …”

  “Fear not Elise, you have said nothing we haven’t all suspected. Perhaps following our celebration you and Joshua would consider remaining so that we might have an opportunity to discuss a proposition my bride …” Rupert said, smiling at Annabelle lovingly. “… and I have for you both.”

  Although his question was directed toward Elise and Joshua, Rupert’s eyes never swayed from Annabelle who blushed at her husband’s display of affection toward her in public. After Joshua agreed, the newlyweds excused themselves to mingle with their other guests while Anne seized the opportunity and took Elise by the hand.

  “My dear, I don’t believe you’ve had the opportunity of viewing Ashwillow gardens, have you? Why don’t you and I take a stroll? That is if you wouldn’t mind, Joshua?”

  From her mannerism, it was clear the invitation was only for Elise, so Elspeth excused herself leaving Francois and Joshua conversing while she and Elise made their way past the small groups of guests. Once outdoors and past the stoned patio, Anne looked at Elise and smiled nervously.

  Never one to be shy, Elise whispered, “It’s always been my way of thinking just to say what’s on your mind. And so, I hope you won’t be offended if I tell you that Felicity has shared with me, her and Reverend Myles’ history.”

  Relief spread across Anne’s face. “Oh I do love how you Americans can come right to the point,” she exclaimed.

  “Yes well, others may not share in your opinion, I dare say. Yet at times like this, it does cut through the muck now, doesn’t it?” Elise smiled triumphantly.

  “Indeed it does.” Anne agreed, chuckling slightly as the two of them walked farther along the path. Allowing the other woman time to gather her thoughts, Elise said not a word, enjoying the lovely English gardens.

  “It’s uncanny I suppose some might say, but the day Aunt Gwendolyn announced she and Felicity were traveling to America—call it woman’s intuition—I felt uneasy about their trip. So much so that I asked Felicity if we would ever see her again. Now it appears my fears have become a reality. With Felicity married and starting a new life with Benjamin, I suppose it’s best …”

  “Pardon me for asking Anne, but why is that precisely? I mean, I know that Reverend Myles’ work at the orphanage is important to him and all, yet it has crossed my mind that perhaps he and Felicity feel they would not be welcomed back to England. Don’t misunderstand, nothing was said, nor even implied, but it was my impression or perhaps woman’s intuition that led me to believe this. Which, if you don’t mind me saying, is darn-right silly considering the fact that when they met up in New York, both of them were free to marry whomever they chose. Especially since in the eyes of God, Benjamin’s short-lived relationship to Mrs. Sterling was annulled, therefore never existed. Isn’t that how you see it, Anne?”

  “My but you are frank, Elise,” Anne said solemnly.

  Concerned that she had offended her hostess, Elise immediately apologized. “Yes, it’s a gift and a curse sometimes. Please forgive me for butting my nose in where it obviously doesn’t belong.”

  Smiling warmly at Elise, Anne said, “Nonsense. You obviously care about Felicity and your question is one I’ve asked myself over again. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. You see, after the scandal that Lavinia and her late father began, accusing Benjamin of lusting over Felicity at the ball …”

  “Felicity told me everything of that incident, but surely after everyone discovered who actually committed the attack on her, they must have realized Benjamin was innocent?”

  “Forgive me for interrupting you, Elise. With them marrying as they did, surely you can see how it could be viewed that although Benjamin had not committed the attack, perhaps there was some truth to Lavinia’s claims of them lusting over one another. In fact, after it was discovered that Felicity and Benjamin were married, you cannot imagine the gossip that ensued. Mind you, never in my presence, but it was clear our set had their doubts on both Reverend Myles and my cousin’s integrity. And as happy as I am for Felicity that she has found love, I still can’t believe that Aunt Gwendolyn, being such a staunch believer in tradition, brought them together, knowing full-well the ramifications of such a union.”

  “Well not knowing your aunt of course, all I can say is what Felicity told me of her, and that was, Gwendolyn Phelps had risked her own life so that Felicity could find true happiness. To my way of thinking, someone that lived her life upholding certain moralities and traditions and broke them to bring Felicity and Benjamin together thought long and hard before making such a decision. Surely others in your set could be more tolerant, if nothing more than out of respect for such a wise and caring woman, as your aunt obviously was.”

  “As lovely as that sounds Elise, I’m afraid you don’t understand the complexities …”

  “If I know anything at all, complex situations of the heart, I have a clear understanding of. You see …” As Elise spoke of how she and Joshua had met and the obstacles they had to overcome, not just from the war, but the bitterness and hatred that challenged their love, Anne listened silently.

  “All I can say is what Felicity said to me. Now let me think, I believe she said something to the effect that ‘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, but when two people have struggled to be together, I believe God blesses them with an extraordinary gift, and that is bliss in loving one another completely and freely’. And I tend to believe her, Anne. Why, I risked everything, just to love Joshua. My family, my beliefs, my life, and I can tell you I’d do it all over again. Thankfully, Joshua and I have a happy ending, but it pains me to think Felicity is being punished for loving that one man in the world who makes her heartbeat quicken just by him walking into a room. Now I may not understand all there is to know about proper English traditions, but no one can deny that those two were made to be together. Why it’s as plain as the nose on your face when you see them with each other. Why would you deny yourselves the pleasure of their company when you all clearly miss Felicity so much?” Shaking her head dramatically, Elise said, “And my Mama says I’m stubborn …”

  A smile crossed Anne’s lips. “How I wish it were merely being stubborn, or that there were a group of people I could plead Felicity’s case to. However, that simply isn’t the case here. Our codes of ethics are not written down anywhere, and even if it were possible to change the thought process of some very rigid thinking people, it would take more than one person. Not to mention the fact that if Benjamin and Felicity’s marriage could be accepted—which is highly unlikely—but for the sake of argument if it were, there would still be the matter of Lavinia. And I can tell you that is one woman none of us misses nor wishes to ever set eyes on again.” Realizing she had said too much, Anne began to apologize for her outburst.

  Elise hastily commented instead, “On the matter of Lavinia Sterling, having only met her a few times I can assure you, I agree wholeheartedly. However, that is where our agreement ends. You see I just witnessed what an influence you have on others in your set. Need I remind you of the incident earlier when you scolded Elspeth and that Francois fellow? It was very clear that they respected you and your opinion. Otherwise, why would they have kowtowed down to you so rapidly without a dispute? Perhaps it’s out of respect for you that they do not say anything regarding Felicity and Benjamin, fearful that it is you who doesn’t approve. From my own personal experience, I’ve been afraid to discuss them simply because I didn’t want to offend you or your cousin Rupert. Either way, one thing’s for sure, life is too precious to be wasting it on some silly imaginary rules, which if I’m not mistaken isn’t there a saying that says rules are meant to be broken?” Elise said, smili
ng devilishly.

  Anne reached out an arm to Elise, and smiled. “Mrs. Carmidy, I am so glad that you and that handsome husband of yours came to visit us.”

  Elise tenderly hugged the woman in return and walked arm and arm back toward the house.

  Playfully Anne asked, “Well, since everything is out in the open, pray tell, how is Felicity coping with having that evil woman living so near? It still amazes me that the four of them ended up in New York together, of all places. Be honest and don’t you dare leave out a single detail.”

  Giggling, feeling at complete ease with her new friend, Elise shared how after her wedding to Joshua, she had foiled Lavinia’s opportunity at embarrassing Felicity and Benjamin as they entered the ballroom. Spotting Rupert nearby, she nodded reassuringly at him. He whispered something into his wife’s ear, which caused Annabelle to react favorably by kissing him on the cheek and beaming from ear to ear. As busy as Elise was describing the events of her encounter with Lavinia, she noticed the interaction between her two hosts. Being inquisitive, she wondered what precisely it had meant but rather than question Anne, she followed her host as they walked closer to Mrs. Haversham and Elspeth.

  Smiling lovingly at Joshua who was now joined by Anne’s husband Edward, Elise heard Anne say, “Mrs. Haversham, would you mind terribly if we borrowed Elspeth for a few moments?”

  Graciously accepting Anne’s offer, Elise heard Elspeth whisper softly, “Can you ever forgive me dear Anne, for my insensitivity earlier?”

  “Oh Elspeth, don’t be silly darling …” Anne replied while walking back toward the stone patio, extending her hand to a table far removed from other guests mingling freely about. “Francois has a way of drawing those into his web. Since the accident he’s gotten worse, I’m afraid.”

  Curious about Anne’s comment, Elise walked ahead of her hostess and waited until all three of them had taken their seats. “Would it be considered terribly rude of me to inquire further as to this accident? I’ve heard several people mention it, yet I know little else other than it left him partially paralyzed.”