by Linda Daly
Realizing he was right and trying to be as delicate as he could, she nodded. “As you wish, sir. Is there any thing else?”
“Just one. Please be happy, my dear. You and Mr. O’Flaherty deserve that much.”
After thanking him again, Miranda crept silently to her room. While freshening up and changing into another gown, a smile crossed her lips as the last of Alfred’s words sprang to mind. Although he had never said it formally, she instinctively knew Alfred approved of her choice in men.
Sixteen
New Beginnings
Anxious passengers made their way toward the gangplank to meet their loved ones, while Joshua and Elise stood on the deck looking out onto the harbor nostalgically.
“Well Mrs. Carmidy, did you enjoy your wedding trip?” Joshua whispered huskily, holding Elise close to him, his arms wrapped around her waist as they looked out over the harbor.
Smiling at him, Elise cooed, “It was perfect. I almost wish it didn’t have to end.”
“Even traveling the rough seas?” Joshua teased.
“Oh you …” she whispered lovingly, tapping his hand. “I could do without that I suppose.”
“Indeed. Are you feeling better now?” he asked concerned.
“Oh much better now that we’ve docked. I’m so sorry I spoiled our last few days …”
“You did nothing of the sort.” Joshua interrupted. “I rather enjoyed tending to you for a change. Although, as I recall, I was a far better patient after we were ambushed than you were these past few days.”
“That’s because you were unconscious,” she replied sarcastically.
Chuckling, Joshua kissed her head and asked, “Have you decided if we should share our news right away, or wait a few more months?”
Knowing what news he was referring too, and loving him for allowing her to make this decision, Elise leaned back into his shoulder enjoying his nearness. “Oh darling, as much as I’d love to share our good fortune with our family, let’s wait for just a while. After all, with Rupert and Annabelle here, I wouldn’t want to distract from their visit.”
Nestling closer to his wife, Joshua smiled. “Who are you kidding Elise? You enjoy being the center of attention. Do I need to remind you how you used to sashay around your mother’s parlor to be certain you had captured all the men’s hearts?”
Playfully slapping his hand, she said, “Oh you do exaggerate so. Besides, I’ve already captured the only man I’ll ever need or want.”
“Yes you have, my pearl.”
Turning to face him with concern in her eyes, she said, “Darling, before long I’m going to be fat. Will you still love me then?”
Chuckling, he kissed her forehead. “I’ll love you more.”
Satisfied with his response, she cooed, “You always did know how to turn my head.”
Seeing that the Robbins’ were on their way to join them, Joshua hastily whispered in her ear, “Behave yourself, you shameless hussy.”
Smiling at him with a twinkle in her eye, she innocently asked, “Is that anyway to speak to the mother of your child?”
Turning his attention to Rupert, who had now joined them with Annabelle on his arm, Joshua ignored her last comment, directing his attention to their new friends. “All packed and ready to meet everyone?”
“Well, we’re packed. But in truth, suddenly I feel a bit apprehensive.” Annabelle said shyly. “We’ve had such a lovely trip. Do you suppose we could remain on the ship instead?”
“Oh fiddlesticks, Annabelle. It won’t be so bad.” Elise said reassuringly, while taking her arm. “If Lavinia so much as looks at you crossed-eye, why I’m apt to forget I’m a lady!” Then hugging Annabelle, Elise mischievously giggled. “You know, with me not having my sea legs and all, she might have an unfortunate accident,” Elise exclaimed, while exaggerating a shifting motion of her hips followed by Elise clasping her hands around her cheeks as if shocked. “Mercy sakes, now wouldn’t that be a sight! Her splashing about in all that murky water below might be quite memorable, not to mention most amusing. Why, I should imagine even the pristine and beautiful Lavinia would find it difficult to keep up appearances in those conditions.”
Chuckling nervously, Annabelle embraced her new friend. “Yes, but you wouldn’t really do such a thing. Would you, Elise?”
Tucking her arm through Annabelle’s, Elise snickered while cocking an eyebrow. “Well, I have been prone to be a might cantankerous from time to time, when provoked.” Leaning closer as if sharing a secret, Elise said, “Did I ever tell you of the time when Joshua made me so upset that I threw my shoe at him?”
“Oh you didn’t!” Annabelle replied with a broad smile.
“I most certainly did. It was back at my Mama’s boardinghouse in Fairfax.”
Lagging behind their wives, Rupert looked at Joshua. “Your wife really is quite special.”
“That she is,” Joshua said, proudly grinning in her direction, admiring Elise’s ability to put people at ease, even under the most difficult situations. Turning his attention back to Rupert, he added. “I’d say we both were damn lucky men.”
“Indeed,” Rupert proclaimed.
With that, the four of them stood in line with the rest of the passengers ready to disembark. Once on the gangplank, Elise began scanning the crowd of people waiting for the passengers. Spotting her mother in the group below, she began waving frantically.
“Look Joshua. Mama and Michael are here. Oh, and there are your folks, too. See them?” she asked excitedly.
“Yes dear, perhaps it might be wise not to jump about in your condition though. After all, you could fall.”
Squishing up her nose and acting as if she were annoyed, Elise pouted while clearly enjoying his pampering. “Oh pish-posh. You’re no fun! Honestly Joshua, ever since you found out, you’ve been hovering about like some old nursemaid.”
Turning her attention to Annabelle, she said in an exaggerated whisper, certain that Rupert could hear her as well. “By the way, we’ve decided not to bring up the baby just yet. You will keep our secret won’t you?”
Nodding her response, Annabelle’s eyes drifted to the crowd below and she discreetly scanned where Elise had been pointing. Spotting Lavinia among the crowd, her heart began to race as the blood rushed to her cheeks.
Glancing at Annabelle and seeing her friend’s concerned look, Elise reassuringly patted her arm. “Don’t fret, Annabelle. She can’t cause you harm as long as Rupert’s by your side.”
“A very wise and accurate assessment,” stated Rupert, proudly.
Raising her eyebrow, Elise timidly looked at Rupert with a smile pasted to her lips. Oh my, this should be interesting, she thought while politely nodding as they made eye contact.
As soon as the four of them stepped outside onto the dock, they were immediately surrounded by family. After exchanging hardy hellos to her family, Elise watched shamelessly as Annabelle and Lavinia grazed each other’s cheeks without any hugs or excited greetings as she and Joshua had with their folks. Instinctively she knew this strained welcoming had nothing to do with the English being reserved, acting as passing acquaintances rather than family.
From Elise’s vantage point she marveled at how cordial Rupert had been with James rather than with his wife’s sister. He boldly said, “James, you old scoundrel. Good to see you again.” He shook his hand vigorously while Annabelle nodded saying a polite hello. Again, Elise’s interest piqued noticing how Annabelle had addressed her brother-in-law as Mr. Sterling rather than by his Christian name.
How peculiar, Elise thought, looking away so as not to appear rude by staring at them. However, she did notice that as polished as Rupert was-seldom exhibiting emotion in public—he made no attempt in concealing his disappointment at discovering that Felicity was not able to welcome them.
“And why is it again that our cousin was not able to be here, Mrs. Honeycutt?”
Obviously flustered that he was asking her the question rather than Lavinia, Vivian said, red
faced, “Why Rupert, just as I explained. With she and our dear Miranda welcoming Reverend Myles and Miranda’s father back home, there simply was no time. Why, if we had not received your telegram late this afternoon, telling of your early arrival, I dare say we would have all missed this joyous occasion. Isn’t that right Alfred?” Vivian said, looking for support from her husband.
Not lending the encouragement Vivian had wanted, he replied by asking, “Why is it that you decided to take an earlier ship, Mr. Robbins?”
Speaking up, Joshua said, “Actually, it was our idea, sir. Elise was a little under the weather and I wanted to get her home safely.”
“Oh dear,” Sarah exclaimed, hugging her daughter nearer to her. “Are you alright dear?”
“Mama, don’t worry. I’m fit as a fiddle. Joshua was just being overly cautious, is all.” Judging by Sarah’s concerned look, she didn’t believe her daughter, but smiled at her anyway.
As they started to make their way to the coaches, Elise’s ears perked up upon hearing Rupert address Felicity’s absence again.
“Shall we be seeing our cousin tonight then, Mrs. Honeycutt?”
“Why yes, of course. She promised me as soon as Benjamin and Lucas arrive they will come straight to our home. As a matter of fact, they should be there now.”
“Right. I was under the impression that when Reverend Myles traveled, Felicity accompanied him. Am I too assume she has been residing with you Mrs. Honeycutt, in Benjamin’s absence?”
Clearly flustered by his questions, Vivian replied, “As it was, Felicity preferred to stay at her own home. She really is quite devoted to the children you know.”
Having spent the last six weeks with the Robbins’, Elise knew that the glance they had just shared between one another was more than idle curiosity.
Reaching the coaches, it was decided Elise and Joshua would travel with both of their parents, while Rupert and Annabelle would accompany the Sterling’s along with Alfred and Vivian. Smiling reassuringly at Annabelle, Elise stepped into her coach and took a seat by her mother.
As soon as Elise was situated, Sarah leaned closer to her and whispered, “Don’t you think for one minute you’re fooling anyone, missy. A mother always knows.”
Smiling sweetly at her mother, acting naïve, Elise coyly said, “Mama, for the life of me, I don’t know what you’re referring too.” Grateful for the diversion as Mary Carmidy entered the coach, Elise cooed, while patting the seat and sliding over.
“Come sit beside me, Mother Carmidy.”
“Why certainly, dear. As long as I won’t be crowding you. As I recall when I was in your delicate condition, I just hated to feel closed in.”
The blood drained from Elise’s face as her eyes opened as wide as saucers, quickly glancing between her two mothers in complete shock. Seeing Joshua enter the coach, Elise looked over at him pleadingly and said, “I swear, darling. I didn’t say a word!”
With a triumphant grin, Mary patted Elise’s hand and looked at her son. “It’s true! As soon as I saw that glow to her and then looked at you all puffed up like some rooster, I just knew.”
“We just knew!” Sarah chimed in.
“Knew what?” William and Michael asked as they took their seats across from the three women.
“That we’re soon to be grandparents!” Both mothers exclaimed enthusiastically. This immediately sent great cheers of laughter erupting from inside the coach that echoed throughout the crowed street. While in the Sterling’s coach that followed closely behind, no such excitement existed. Instead, the silence between the six of them was deafening.
As soon as the coaches pulled in front of the Honeycutt’s mansion, instinctively everyone remained in the background while Rupert and Annabelle was greeted with great enthusiasm by Felicity. With tears welling in her eyes, Elise smiled as she watched Felicity embrace Rupert and Annabelle.
“How good it is too see you both,” she exclaimed hugging them again, tears running down her cheeks. “If I had known you were arriving today, I would have welcomed you at the dock.” Seconds later, Benjamin joined his wife and shook Rupert’s hand vigorously, then patted him on the back.
“Congratulations and welcome to America, old friend.” Turning to Annabelle, Benjamin hugged her fondly as she did him in return. Turning his attention to Rupert he jokingly said, “You’re a lucky man, my friend. How did you ever manage to persuade such a lovely creature as this to become your bride?”
Glancing to his once sister-in-law, Benjamin said sincerely, “I’ve never seen you look more radiant Annabelle.”
Bashfully, she smiled and warmly said, “How kind of you to say so Benjamin. It’s so good to see you again.”
From the look on Annabelle’s face, it was clear to everyone that her words were sincere, and Elise glanced at Lavinia. Judging the sour look on Lavinia’s face, Elise knew instinctively that she was not enjoying the reunion of these four people who obviously cared deeply for one another. As Lavinia and Elise’s eyes locked onto each other, Elise extended a cordial smile to her, which was not returned. Nearly ready to burst out giggling, Elise politely glanced back at the Myles’ to hear what Benjamin was saying.
“Speaking from our hearts …” Pausing and extending his arm for Felicity to join him, Benjamin continued. “Having you both here means more to us than words could ever express.”
As they all hugged one another again, Elise noted what a contrast this reunion was to the one at the docks.
Alfred, seeing Miranda and Lucas watching from the steps, cleared his throat and motioned them to join him. “Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, I would like to introduce you to Lucas Brown and his dear daughter, Miranda. The Brown’s are old friends of the family. Perhaps my granddaughter told you that she and Miranda grew up as neighbors in Fairfax, Virginia?”
Hearing Virginia, Rupert looked at his cousin. “Virginia? That was where you were raised Felicity.”
Tucking her hand in his arm, she said nostalgically, “Oh Rupert. What a dear man you are—you remembered. Yes. Mama and Papa were old friends of Mr. Brown’s, too.”
Nodding, making the connection, Rupert smiled while extending his hand to Lucas, who accepted it and shook it vigorously. “How good it is to make your acquaintance, sir.”
Pleased by the warm gesture, Lucas smiled and nodded respectfully at Annabelle, then said to Rupert. “I had the pleasure of knowing your aunt as well, Mr. Robbins. A mighty fine woman—a mighty fine woman indeed.”
As Felicity introduced Miranda to Rupert and Annabelle, Elise felt a twinge of jealousy proclaiming her a dear friend. Feeling Lavinia’s eyes on her, Elise deliberately avoided eye contact with her, and joined them by tucking her arm around Miranda’s waist.
“I’ll only share her with you Felicity, since you were so kind to introduce me to your dear friend, Annabelle.”
The four woman giggled softly and Annabelle, said, “Well, it would appear we shall all be friends then.”
Clearly able to see that her friend and confidant was an outcast to these four women, Vivian glanced at Lavinia, discreetly gesturing her to join them. Seeing Lavinia make no attempt to join the circle of friends, Vivian pasted a smile to her lips and said, “Dearest Felicity, why don’t you show our guests into Alfred’s study and we will continue this lovely reunion in comfort.”
Following their hosts into the study, everyone began to mingle freely, chatting amongst themselves as the servants brought refreshments. Sitting on a padded ledge overseeing the gardens and facing the other guests, Elise smiled cordially, listening to Joshua recount their trip abroad to their parents. She was intrigued by how the Myles’ and Robbins’ immediately huddled together, catching up on each of their lives, while the Sterling’s sat quietly on the opposite side of the room keeping Vivian company. Elise, nodding at Miranda, who smiled at her while chatting with Alfred and her father, noticed how lovely her friend looked. Miranda’s in love, she thought to herself and then looked about the room and realized Tad was not present.
> “Excuse me, Michael.” Elise interrupted. “I’ve just realized Tad’s not with us this evening. Will he be joining us for dinner?”
“Yes dear, of course. He had errands to run. In truth, I haven’t seen him all day. So he will be pleasantly surprised to see that you all have arrived earlier than expected.”
“Ah …” Elise answered absent mindedly, watching Alfred make his way across the room to speak with Benjamin in private, far removed from the other guests. From the look on her grandfather’s face, Elise got the distinct impression he was troubled by something. Watching discreetly, she saw the two men excuse themselves and head toward the gardens. As they passed, she nodded at her grandfather, who smiled fondly back at her while escorting Benjamin outdoors, without stopping to say a few words.
Hmm, how odd, Elise thought. Wondering what could be so urgent that he wouldn’t take the time to chat for a spell, she glanced at Miranda, hoping to get her attention so she could gesture for her and Lucas to join them. Instead, Elise observed Miranda who was too preoccupied watching the Reverend Myles and Alfred to even notice her.
Curiosity getting the best of her, Elise immediately tapped Joshua on the shoulder and whispered, “Darling, I think I’ll stretch my legs and get a breath of fresh air for a spell.”
Nodding, Joshua leaned closer to her and asked, “Shall I join you?”
“Heavens no. You find out all the news I know that you’re dying to hear, while I have a nice chat with my dear friend, Miranda.”
Politely excusing herself from Sarah and Mary, Elise went directly to Miranda and hugged her, while saying to Lucas. “Mr. Brown, why don’t you visit with Michael and Joshua, while I steal Miranda away for one of our chats.”
