by Linda Daly
Outside the orphanage, James stood and watched Felicity’s silhouette and rubbed his cheek where she had just kissed him. Just as it had moments earlier, James manhood stirred, recalling her scent as she drew near him. A sinister smile crossed his lips, and he whispered, “Yes indeed! Everything is exactly as I’ve planned. Only a fortnight to go and I will have you, as mine!”
Meanwhile in front of the rectory, Miranda approached Montgomery and a smile crossed her lips. No longer was she intimidated by his immense size or menacing look. Instead, she regarded him now as a trusted friend. She knew if it had not been for his help, it would have been impossible to harbor Gilbert safely away at the Honeycutt’s.
It had become an unspoken rule between them never to mention Gilbert’s name when they spoke of him, so instead, she asked, while accepting Montgomery’s assistance into the coach, “How is he today?”
“Cantankerous as ever,” Montgomery somberly replied.
By his tone and the disgusted look Montgomery exhibited, Miranda knew precisely what the driver meant. Of all the men she had ever met, Gilbert O’Flaherty was by far the most difficult. Despite this fact, she had fallen hopelessly in love with him, seeing other attributes in him that she admired and respected far greater than his anger and hostility toward others.
Over the past several weeks while nursing him back to health, she grew to understand that such hostilities were not out of jealousy or envy, but rather from being treated with such a lack of respect.
Upon arriving in America as an indentured servant, he and his sister MargaretAnne had been forced to endure hardships much like those of a slave. For seven long years, until their contract had been fulfilled, Gilbert, a proud man, had been stripped of his dignity by the hands of his master. He and MargaretAnne had been reduced to accept the demeaning treatment of his master, or suffer the consequences of extending their contractual time. MargaretAnne was able to accept those conditions more freely than Gilbert, whose resentment toward those of power grew as each day passed.
Over time, Gilbert’s anger grew to hate, especially after fulfilling his obligation, when he discovered he was still viewed as a lower-class citizen, simply because of his heritage.
Was it any wonder that he was so bitter and angry? she thought. Glancing at Montgomery, the thought suddenly occurred to her that perhaps such anger was the reason why this servant showed great kindness to her while treating others with such coldness. Answering her own question, she thought, Of course it is! We have a special bond between us. He knows that I am looked down upon by some for being a Southerner, just as Gilbert is for being an Irishman, and sadly just as he was, for being a colored man. Never seeing it in that light before, she smiled warmly at the driver. Noticing he was still awaiting instructions, Miranda immediately apologized.
“Forgive me, Montgomery. I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts I hadn’t realized there was something else you wanted to discuss. Has something happened that I should be aware of?”
“No, miss. I just wanted to say that I will miss you when you leave for San Francisco.”
Touched by his words she leaned forward and patted his hand. “That was very kind of you to say, Montgomery. I hope you know that I will miss you, too. I take it then that Mr. Sterling has filled you in on my intentions.”
“Yes, miss.” Then clearing his throat, still uncomfortable to show any emotion to her, he added. “Mr. Sterling has directed me to begin packing a few of your personal belongings. Shall I store them in the passage behind the dumbwaiter in your room, or would your prefer I take them to the basement?”
Confused by his question, she asked, “Passage off the dumbwaiter? I know of no passage.”
Judging by the puzzled look on his face, Miranda realized he was surprised at her not knowing and quickly answered, “Beggin’ your pardon, Miss Miranda. I thought you knew; you living there so long and all. There is a private passage between each of the rooms for the servants to have easy access. That’s how I intended to get to your room without being seen.”
The blood drained from her face hearing of such a place, recalling the night Tad had brought her flowers. Realizing that such a passage must have been how Tad had gained access to her room, her heart began to race. Immediately she wondered, How many other nights had he come into her room uninvited?
“This private access you speak of Montgomery. Can you show it to me?”
Puzzled by her request, he nodded. “Sure thing, miss. The only problem is, I’m not permitted in the living quarters after nightfall. So, without drawing attention to myself, I will have to come to your bedchamber later this evening through the kitchen or basement.”
Nodding, understanding the nature of his concern, not wanting to arouse suspicions, she asked, “Are you saying that this dumbwaiter goes to the kitchen, as well as the basement?”
“Sure enough.”
Barely able to breathe let alone talk, her mind buzzing, Miranda somehow managed to find her voice. “I see. After dinner I usually visit with him … Will midnight be too late for you to show me how this passage works?”
Seeing Montgomery nod and turn to leave, she called to him. “Montgomery, in case I’ve been negligent in expressing my gratitude to you for all your help …”
Turning, he interrupted her. “Miss, that’s not necessary. I already know.”
“Well, thank you nevertheless. I truly do not know what would have become of him, if it weren’t for your help. For both of us, thank you.”
Nodding, Montgomery smiled then took his position on the buckboard of the hansom cab. As the carriage pulled away from the orphanage, she gazed along the familiar route to the Honeycutt’s, grateful to have this time to herself to sort out in her mind more distressing information about the man she had once opened her heart to.
Upon hearing the jaded truth from Gilbert as to why Daniel and Tad had been after him, Miranda was angered as well as sympathetic, too. How dreadful for Tad to think he had been responsible for killing an innocent man. Having lived with the guilt of Joseph’s death on her conscience, Miranda knew how agonizing living with such guilt was and had been tempted to ease his troubled mind.
Yet, she also knew, even if he knew the truth—that it wasn’t he who had committed such a dastardly deed—Tad would still want to destroy Gilbert out of jealousy, or worse, figure out how she knew. Out of her own need to protect Gilbert, she remained silent. Over time, she began to resent Tad more every day for causing her to make such a choice, and she came to realize that Tad running down Gilbert was deliberate. He had openly sought Gilbert out of hiding to kill him. And that was something she would never forgive him for.
Even after discovering the unthinkable truth, Miranda couldn’t figure out why he would do such a thing. For weeks, she had chastised herself for being partially responsible for Tad reacting in such a vile and inhumane way. It occurred to her that obviously he was insecure of her love, or why else would he do such a despicable thing to Gilbert? However, tonight, discovering how Tad had accessed her room, she no longer pitied him or blamed herself for his actions.
Instead, Miranda saw him for what he was, a man with no character. Realizing his lack of integrity caused him to do the things he had done, and the thought of him hovering over her fiendishly while she slept crept inside her mind. Is there no end to his treachery and deceit? Then panic filled her heart as she wondered, Dear God, how can I continue this charade, when he makes my skin crawl?
Shaking her head in disgust, she recalled Gilbert confessing his part in swindling Tad rather than lie to her. The differences between these two men far outstretch any class boundaries, she surmised. Gilbert may not be as polished or educated as Tad, that much was true. However, what he was lacking in social skills far surpassed Tad in character and integrity. Thank heavens, I found out the truth before it was too late.
Recalling their passionate embrace several weeks earlier in the garden, she quivered in disgust. How could I have ever felt close to a man with so few scruples?
Dee
p in her thoughts, Miranda had not realized the carriage had turned into the Honeycutt’s drive until she spotted Tad waiting outside his grandparents’ home As she returned his nod, she planted a smile to her lips for his benefit, while thinking, Only a fortnight to go … You can do this. Smile Miranda.
“Ah, Miranda dear. I was worried about you,” Tad called as the cab paused beside him.
“Worried? Why ever for?” Miranda said calmly, accepting his hand as she stepped out of the cab. “You knew I was at the orphanage.”
“You are later than usual.”
“Am I?” she asked, avoiding eye contact with him, knowing that he came to meet her only to have a few private moments alone together. Nodding to Montgomery, the servant obediently pulled away and Miranda calmly began walking toward the Honeycutt mansion, determined not to be alone with Tad more than necessary.
“Oh dear, I suppose you’re right,” she said casually, glancing down at her lapel watch. “Felicity was telling me the news of her cousin Rupert and his newlywed bride, Annabelle coming for a visit. I suppose I forgot the time.” Glancing at him, she appeared to be excited, by adding. “It appears they will be returning with Joshua and Elise. Isn’t that grand news? You do know that Annabelle is Lavinia’s sister don’t you?”
“Yes. Of course. Must we speak of them now? It occurred to me that we’ve not taken a walk in the gardens for quite some time.”
“Oh Tad, that does sound lovely. However, considering the lateness of the hour and all, I really need to freshen up before dinner. You don’t mind do you? Perhaps another time would be better.” Again, she forced a smile to her lips and hoped that her eyes did not betray her.
Gently grasping hold of her elbows, Tad drew her closer to him and huskily whispered, “Are you certain that’s the only reason why you are declining my invitation? Lately, I have the distinct impression that you are deliberately trying to avoid me.”
Feeling his breath on her neck, the blood drained from her face and she trembled slightly, fearful he had somehow become wise to her deceptions or worse that he was going to kiss her.
“Don’t be silly,” she whispered, giddily. “Why, I see you nearly every night.”
Not releasing her from his grasp, Tad looked deep into her eyes. “Miranda, for weeks after I moved in with father and Sarah, you asked me repeatedly if there was something wrong. Now I am asking you the same. Have you grown tired of my advances and no longer wish for me to court you?”
Tempted to end this farce here and now, but deciding the risk would be too great, she shyly said with the most sincere look she could manage, “Perhaps I have been a little distant of late. I won’t deny it troubled me greatly that you had withdrawn from me there for a while, despite you saying otherwise. Nevertheless, I can assure you Tad, my feelings for you are just as strong as before.”
Satisfied she had not lied entirely—after all she did dislike him just as she had before he had been courting her—she pasted a smile to her lips as she had seen Elise use countless times before. Then subtlety, she gazed into his eyes to gauge if he detected her insincerity. Judging by the relief she saw looking back at her, Miranda knew she was successful in not arousing his suspicion.
“You know how your grandmother detests lateness, and from the sounds I hear from inside, everyone has already gathered.”
Kissing her forehead, he said, “The Sterling’s aren’t here yet, so she won’t even notice if you’re running slightly behind. But go ahead, we can talk later.”
Entering the mansion, she continued smiling all the while desperately wanting to wash off the grime of a hard day at the orphanage and Tad’s kiss from her forehead. Much to Miranda’s delight, the evening activities were halted to discuss the arrival of Lavinia’s sister, Annabelle, and Rupert Robbins. It was agreed upon right up front that Rupert would feel more at ease with the Honeycutt’s, rather than having to choose between staying with his cousin Felicity or his wife’s sister.
Clearly excited at the thought of someone so prominent visiting their home, Vivian suggested the welcoming home party already underway should now be a welcome party for both couples. This way, the finest of New York society would have the opportunity to meet ‘the war hero’ who married her granddaughter as well as the elite of society from Europe. Immediately she began planning to extend her guest list.
While suggestions on who should be included were offered, Miranda impatiently glanced at the clock periodically certain that it must be running slow. Trying to figure a way of checking if the time was correct, her thoughts were interrupted when she heard, “Oh Miranda dear …”
Immediately Miranda’s back stiffened, knowing by now whenever she was addressed in such a manner, Vivian expected something in return.
“Yes. Mrs. Honeycutt?” she replied politely.
“It suddenly occurred to me that our dear Felicity probably hasn’t been out from under those ghastly urchin’s feet since Benjamin has been in Washington. Tomorrow, you must see to it that she joins us for dinner. Can I count on you to see to that, my dear?”
Hearing Vivian’s comment, Lavinia taking a sip of her wine, started to cough and looked at her friend in shock. An exchange of glances passed between the two women and Lavinia immediately chimed in.
“Yes. How long has it been since dear Felicity has been without her Benjamin? When does he intend to return, for goodness sake? Surely Rupert would find it most unsettling to find out his dear cousin has been left alone for so long.” Snidely she looked at James and smiled coyly. “Do you know James, darling?”
Raising her hand frantically before her, as if uninterested in James’ reply, Vivian looked at her husband frantically. “Alfred, I insist you send for Benjamin and Lucas at once. Why I simply can not allow our dear Felicity to be alone tending to all those children while the two of those men try to change the minds of stubborn bureaucrats. Surely, with all your influence, you could see to it that Benjamin gets the support he needs to run that orphanage properly. Why, when I think of the sacrifices both Benjamin and Felicity have unselfishly made for those children, I’m ashamed that we haven’t done more to help ourselves.”
Nodding his head, Alfred puffed on his pipe slowly while grinning snidely at his wife. “Mother, why I had no idea you had such an interest in the orphans, or for that matter Reverend Myles and Felicity. However, since you have brought it to my attention, consider the matter closed. I will take care of the situation straight away.”
“Thank you, Alfred.” Turning her attention back to Miranda, she said, “Well Miranda dear, will you see to it that our dear Felicity dines with us tomorrow evening then?”
Never in all the years that she had lived with the Honeycutt’s had she ever heard Vivian refer to Felicity with such endearment, or the orphans for that matter, and Miranda knew precisely why the sudden change of heart. With Rupert Robbins, being first cousin of Felicity, it would not set well with him to know how his cousin had been treated in the past by his hostess. Trying not to show her disgust at Vivian being such a hypocrite, Miranda nodded politely.
“I can’t promise Mrs. Honeycutt, but I will certainly try.”
Pouting, Vivian nervously tapped her index finger against her lip as if trying to think. Then as if having an idea, she smiled at Miranda. “Come to think of it dear, there is no need for you to say a thing. I’ll make a point to drop by in the morning and invite her myself. Why, I will even offer to help with those poor children for a spell. Surely, there must be something I could do that would be beneficial for their upbringing.” As if answering her own question, she quickly added. “Ah, of course. I will read to them. What do you think of that, dear?”
No longer masking his amusement by his wife’s sudden interest in Felicity Robbins-Phelps Myles, Alfred coughed and looked at Michael then at Sarah, who both tried to refrain from smiling. Shaking his head he said, “As generous as this offer of yours is my dear, perhaps you might want to reconsider. Have you forgotten how children bring on your migraines? I would hat
e to see you over do it and be laid up for a week.”
Red-faced, Vivian glared at her husband. “What an unkind thing for you to say Alfred. Why I love children and you know it.” Looking up at her son for support and seeing he had nothing to say, she huffed, “Well I do!”
“Yes, yes of course you do, my dear. However, perhaps it would be best for Miranda to extend your invitation to Felicity after all. Considering all the arrangements that still need your attention, I’m certain that would be best. A fortnight isn’t that long and I’m sure your time could be spent making certain our guest’s stay will be acceptable.”
“Mother Honeycutt, if you would like, perhaps the two of us could go shopping for new bed-linens tomorrow. That is, if you’re free.” Sarah offered.
Amused at what lengths Vivian would take to make a good impression, and seeing how Sarah was trying to get her attention, Miranda quickly joined in on the conversation of the welcoming-home party. “What was it again Mrs. Honeycutt, you were planning to serve?”
As Vivian prated on about the festivities, Miranda continued to ask her questions to avoid the tradition of Tad reading to her in Vivian’s boudoir. Just as she had hoped, as the clock chimed nine, Michael looked at Sarah and Tad.
“Well, it’s getting that time. Shall we?” Turning his attention to his father who had stood to send his son off, Michael said, “Dinner was exceptionally interesting tonight. Thank you.”
~
An hour later, waiting until she was certain Vivian and Alfred had retired for the evening, Miranda crept through the darkened halls and down to the basement of the Honeycutt mansion. Within minutes of joining Gilbert, she found herself engaged in a heated discussion with him for he managed to upset her again.
“Ah … so his lordship didn’t get to read to you this evening did he? Tsk tsk, such a pity!” He smirked. “Fret not though, my dear. There’s always tomorrow.” Acknowledging her scowl, he added sarcastically. “Oh that’s right, my dear is reserved for his lordship, isn’t it, Mandy?” His eyes twinkled at seeing her reaction.
