by Linda Daly
Chuckling, he boisterously said, “I was wondering how long it was going to take for you two to get your heads together.”
“Come Miranda, let’s take a stroll in the gardens.”
“The gardens you say …” her voice trailing off while smiling sweetly at her friend. It was obvious to Elise that Miranda was stalling, which only heightened her interests further.
“As lovely as that sounds, it seems so selfish of me to occupy all your time when you’ve just returned. Perhaps after dinner we could sneak away.”
Leaning closer to Miranda, Elise whispered softly, “I may have been away for a spell, but I know when you’re trying to keep something from me. The way I see it, we can go to the gardens now and discuss our secrets. Just as we have since we were babes, or I can find out on my own. The choice is yours.” Smiling sweetly she leaned into the flustered Miranda and continued. “Oh please don’t be a ninny, Miranda. You know, I mean you no harm. I’m just curious as to what has you so keen on Grandfather Honeycutt and Reverend Myles going to the gardens, and why you don’t want me out there.”
Still smiling, Miranda looked at her friend and shook her head whispering coyly, “Dearest Elise, your imagination is running away with you. What possible secrets would I have, for goodness sakes? It just so happens, when I saw Alfred going to the gardens I was just wondering if he had an opportunity to complete a special surprise we have for you and Joshua’s homecoming, is all. So don’t you dare try to wiggle it from me. My lips are sealed.”
Not fooled by the ploy Miranda was trying to use on her, having used it countless times herself in the past, Elise smiled and applauded softly not to draw attention to them.
“Bravo, Miranda. Well done. Why, I don’t believe I was ever as convincing as you were just then. However, my dear, it isn’t wise to use one of my own tricks on me. I see right through them.”
Seeing Miranda’s smile fade, Elise added. “Why must you insist on taunting me by trying to conceal something from your oldest friend? As soon as I saw you, it was obvious you were trying to hide that you have found love. You radiate with the glow as only a woman can who has found true love. Who is he Miranda?” she whispered.
Giggling nervously, Miranda said, “He? Whatever are you babbling about?”
“You’re in love and loved in return. Don’t try to deny it Miranda.” Leaning closer, she whispered enthusiastically, “Is it Tad?”
Shaking her head, Miranda for the first time since they had been chatting, looked sincerely at her friend. “I’m sorry to disappoint you Elise. Although Tad and I have been courting, we are not in love like you, and your Joshua … Which reminds me, I really must speak with Alfred. Promise you will act surprised. I’ll be right back for that chat.”
With that, Miranda turned and scurried away before Elise could stop her. Watching her friend, Elise shook her head gently. Fine Miranda, run from me now, but I know something is not right, here. And by gosh, I intend to find out before the night is over. Turning her attention to Felicity, Elise decided that perhaps she might find out something from Miranda’s newest friend. Smiling cordially, she joined Felicity and Annabelle as they chatted softly sitting on the settee arm in arm.
Seeing Elise approach, Felicity asked, “My, but you look so distracted Elise. Are you well?”
Keeping the pasted smile to her lips, she cooed, “Yes. Quite well, thank you Felicity, dear. It’s just so close indoors, after all that delightful sea air. Perhaps you two would care to join me for a stroll in the gardens?” Elise asked, while glancing at Annabelle, who nodded in agreement.
As the three of them strolled past Lucas, the Honeycutt’s and the Carmidy’s, Elise was aware of the watchful eye of her husband as he continued conversing with Michael about current events.
“So am I to understand you correctly? The latest theory is that Booth shot the President from a personal vendetta, rather than a hopeful restoration of the Confederacy?”
Returning Joshua’s smile, Elise glanced at Annabelle and whispered, “That’s one thing I sure didn’t miss while we were abroad.”
Confused by such a comment, Felicity said, “What’s that?”
“All that talk of poor Mr. Lincoln’s death. Why it’s depressing.”
The three women rushed past the crowd gathered around William Carmidy and heard him reply, “According to eyewitnesses, Booth was seen with Lucy Hale the morning of the assassination at the National Hotel. Rumor has it, their meeting was to inform Booth that their engagement was to end, since she would be traveling with her father, John Hale to his newly appointed assignment as Ambassador of Spain. That, by the way, Lincoln had appointed him too that very day!”
Caught up in the conversation, Joshua said, “Really father! Why I wasn’t aware Booth was even engaged. The last I had heard, he was quite a womanizer.”
Anxious to bring Joshua in all the latest news, Michael said, “According to my sources, not only was Booth and Lucy engaged, but he was insanely jealous of an involvement between Lincoln’s son Robert Todd, and his betrothed.”
Hearing the latest comment as she left Alfred’s study, Felicity smiled at her friends. “Thank heavens we don’t have to worry of such betrayal from our husbands.”
Nodding her head, Annabelle added. “Yes, indeed. I shudder to think though how close I was to choosing unwisely.”
Knowing whom she was referring too, Elise said, “I know precisely what you mean.”
Slightly distracted by not seeing Benjamin, Alfred, or Miranda anywhere in sight, Elise turned her attention back to her friends and smiled to mask her curiosity. “Although in truth, there was never anyone else for me but my Joshua. Nevertheless, I feel lucky knowing I would never end up so happy, if I had chosen another path.”
“Oh don’t be so sure it was luck, Elise. I have come to believe firmly that what happens in our lives is not luck, but rather is all in God’s plan. You and Rupert, Joshua and Elise and my Ben …” Pausing, suddenly feeling very awkward, Felicity glanced sheepishly at her friend.
Sensing her friend’s awkwardness, Annabelle tucked her arm through hers knowingly, and warmly said, “No two people belong together dear friend, more than you and Benjamin Myles. Thank heavens, your dear Auntie had the wisdom to break tradition.”
Seeing Felicity well up with tears in her eyes, Elise suddenly felt as if she were intruding on them and tried gracefully to excuse herself. Recognizing why she was excusing herself, the two women insisted she remain, explaining they had no secrets Elise hadn’t already heard, being a trusted friend. Reluctantly, Elise listened soberly, nodding occasionally as Felicity explained in detail how she and Benjamin were reunited. In return, Annabelle recounted the years they had been apart beginning with the death of her father, her illfated infatuation with Francois and how Rupert had been there to mend her broken heart once again when she discovered what a scoundrel Francois actually was.
Hearing them speak of such intimate details, exposing their hearts and the love they had for their husbands, it was clear to Elise these two women shared the same friendship that she and Miranda had. Time apart from one another had little effect on the way they felt for each other, or the ability to sense the other’s thoughts. Precisely why as Elise sat listening to Annabelle and Felicity rekindle their friendship, her thoughts were on Miranda.
No matter what her friend said, she knew Miranda had found love. If not with Tad, than who? she wondered. So caught up in her own thoughts Elise hadn’t realized that Annabelle had asked her a question. Hearing no chatter amongst her companions, Elise looked at them and seeing the strange look on both of their faces as they stared at her, blushed.
“Oh, do forgive me. Seeing how you two speak so freely with one another has made me start to worry about Miranda.”
“Worry you say? Whatever for Elise?” Felicity asked, fanning herself to cover the warmth in her cheeks she suddenly felt by having Elise bring up Miranda now of all times. Especially, since she knew that Benjamin had probably already joine
d her and Gilbert in holy matrimony. Hastily, Felicity added to help ease Elise’s troubled mind.
“Although we’re not as close as you and she are, I can assure you, Miranda is very happy.”
“Yes. She does have that certain glow to her, doesn’t she?” Elise asked suspiciously, aware of Felicity’s sudden uneasiness. Guessing that Miranda had confided in her made Elise jealous, but she refrained from showing her disappointment and waited for Felicity to respond.
“Glow you say? I guess I didn’t see any change in her appearance, since I see her nearly everyday at the orphanage.” Seeing an opportunity to change the direction of the conversation, Felicity hastily added. “Oh dear, I do hope Miranda’s not having a relapse. You know, she was quite ill last week and missed several days at the orphanage.”
“No I wasn’t aware of that,” Elise replied politely, all the while thinking, Who are you fooling? Miranda’s no more sick than you or I am.
Hearing of the orphanage, Annabelle quickly asked, “With Miranda ill and Benjamin away, how did you manage, Felicity?”
Glancing at Elise before she answered, Felicity wondered if her feeble attempt of redirecting the conversation had been successful. Unable to gauge by the look in Elise’s eyes or in her mannerisms, Felicity surmised, You must have been an excellent spy.
~
Not more than one-hundred feet away, inside the small servant’s quarters that was now being used to harbor Gilbert, Benjamin smiled warmly at Miranda.
“As you can guess, I’m equally surprised and honored to perform this ceremony for you and Mr. O’Flaherty, Miranda. And although it is quite pleasant that Mr. Honeycutt and Gilbert’s sister, MargaretAnne are here to witness this joyous occasion, I would be amiss in my duties by not stating the obvious and that is your father’s absence. Are you certain you want him to miss such an important occasion, Miranda? Especially when he’s so near?”
Looking at Benjamin, Miranda nodded. “Yes, Benjamin. I’m certain. As hurtful as it will be for both father and I, for years to come, I truly feel this is for the best.”
Inhaling a deep breath and looking at Alfred then back at the intended bride, Benjamin hesitantly nodded his head. “Very well, as you wish.”
Taking a moment as if gathering his thoughts, Benjamin closed his eyes before glancing back at Miranda and Gilbert. “Often times, before joining two individuals as one into one of God’s holiest ordinances, I remind couples that the vast differences of their past must never be forgotten. Today, looking at the two of you, never have these words seem so poignant. As you embark on this new journey, not as two individuals but rather one, be certain to bring with you the essentials of a strong union. Patience, respect, and above all, love. The love you feel for one another, your patience to see the other’s points of view and respecting each other, as individuals, with their own unique personalities along with different heritages will make for a strong and lasting bond. My solemn prayer for you both is that if you honor these commitments to one another, your life as man and wife will flourish as each day passes.”
Pausing, Benjamin smiled fondly at Miranda.
“Dearest Miranda, moving thousand of miles away from the protection of your loved ones may be painful and exceptionally hard on you. Are you prepared to forsake the life you once lived and cleave only to Gilbert, all the days of your life?”
Solemnly, Miranda glanced at Gilbert and said without hesitation, “I am. We shall build a life from our love with the help of God.”
Nodding as if satisfied with her response, Benjamin directed his attention to Gilbert.
“And you, Mr. O’Flaherty. As you stand beside your intended this afternoon, with your future uncertain, are you prepared to place Miranda’s needs and desires in front of your own?”
Hearing his question, Gilbert glared at Benjamin. “I’ll not be giving any explanation to some Englishmen, despite that collar, Parson.”
Shocked by such a comment, Miranda gasped while Albert, shouted, “That will be quite enough, Mr. O’Flaherty. How dare you speak to Reverend Myles in such a vile manner?”
Turning his attention to his host, Gilbert said apologetically, “Forgive me, sir. I meant no disrespect to ya. But I’ll be damned if I’m going to answer such an intimate question to the likes of him.” He scoffed, coldly nodding at Benjamin.
Confused by his sudden outburst, Miranda looked pleadingly at Gilbert while reaching for his arm. “Why are you saying such things, Gilbert?”
Sheepishly looking over at her, the anger faded from his eyes and he smiled lovingly at her before responding in a soft whisper. “I already told ya Mandy, the day God brought us together was the most blessed day of my life and I will cherish ya until the day I die.”
“Then why are you so angry? Benjamin has done nothing against you. He is here at my request, because he’s a trusted friend.”
Rubbing his hands through his hair, Gilbert glanced at Benjamin then back at Miranda and he tenderly smiled at his bride to be. “I know how much it means to ya that we are legally wed, and so out of respect for ya, Mr. Honeycutt, and even that collar the parson wears, I will answer any question he asks. But mind ya lass, this will be the last time I will ever be judged by some Englishmen, who knows nothing of me, or answer questions regarding my devotion to ya.”
Before Miranda had a chance to respond, Benjamin coughed politely and smiled warmly at the man before him. “Mr. O’Flaherty, forgive me for being so intrusive on your privacy. And although, I do not know you personally, it is clear that the love you feel for Miranda is one of great depth. Will you kindly allow me the honor and privilege to join you as man and wife in the eyes of God and all his holy saints?”
Nodding at Benjamin then looking at Miranda, Gilbert smiled. “Nothing would make us happier, Parson.”
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Miranda accepted Gilbert’s hand. Although, she had no idea why he had taken such an instant dislike to Benjamin, she knew that despite Gilbert’s obvious objections, what mattered most to him was her happiness. A loving smile replaced her frown and as they were legally joined as one. She took great solace in knowing that in spite of the anger he harbored in his heart towards others, Gilbert loved her more.
~ Seventeen ~
Watching Eyes
Paralyzed were she stood, Miranda found it difficult to contain the rush of emotions that swept over her as she glanced at family and friends gathered in the Honeycutt’s study after her wedding. Secretly she hoped someone would realize her whole life had changed, all the while praying no one would discover her secret and jeopardize Gilbert’s safety.
In a daze, she wondered how was it possible that those in attendance could chat idly after what she just did. She was now a married woman aching to share her joy and jubilation with those she loved, yet she was forced to act as the single most important event of her life had never happened.
As her eyes rested upon her father, whose laughter rang out above the rest, immense guilt and sorrow gripped at her heart. Pleadingly she thought, Oh Papa, please don’t hate me for hurting you. It wasn’t intentional. In her distraught state of mind, Miranda continued to plead her case, although her father would never hear her words. Surely, you must remember what is felt to love another? Such love cannot be denied.
Hearing her own thoughts of denied love, Miranda found her mind connecting the love she felt for her husband to the love she imagined her father must have felt for his slave. Shocked by such a revelation, Miranda stared at her father more intently and wondered, Was it that way for you too, Papa? Is that why you continued to have an affair with Elmira all those years? You couldn’t stop your heart from feeling as it did.
Knowing instinctively the answer to her questions, the resentment and anger that Miranda had harbored against her father seemed to dissolve. Surprisingly, Miranda found herself able to understand in part how difficult it must have been for Lucas to love and lose both women in his life. Such a revelation made her feel closer to her father than she h
ad ever felt before. A tender smile crossed her lips as she watched him conversing with his friend, Michael Honeycutt.
Papa, you don’t know it yet, but I truly am your little girl. Not only am I strongwilled and a might stubborn at times, I also have a great capacity for loving, too. Unfortunately, like you, I too have hurt others I love, just as you hurt Mama. I hope that someday you will come to understand my actions were not those of an angry child, defying her father, but rather of a woman trying to protect the man she loves. Looking up to heaven she hastily added, And God willing, a far sight better than Papa was able to protect Mama and Elmira.
Realizing she had included Elmira in her prayer, and the tragic fate of both women, Miranda closed her eyes and hastily added, Dear God, please let the similarities of my father and I end there. Please don’t let my loved one perish as Papa’s did.
Unable to think such despairing thoughts, knowing she would burst into tears, Miranda looked about the crowded room for a distraction. Glancing at Elise and Joshua, her fears subsided as she watched Joshua stand tentatively near her friend’s side, his hand resting around her waist as if it were the most natural thing to do in the world. My, but you two have come so far together, she mused to herself.
Recalling, their turbulent relationship back in Fairfax, and how Joshua and Elise were able to overcome their vast differences, a sense of hope filled her. If they can do it, I just know Gilbert and I can too, she thought as Benjamin’s words, echoed in her mind. As you embark on this new journey, not as two individuals but rather one, be certain to bring with you the essentials of a strong union … patience, respect and love.
Taking comfort from his words—which took on a deeper meaning-Miranda vowed again that from here on out, not only would she love Gilbert, but she would learn to be patient and respect his inheritance. Still puzzled as to why he had reacted so adversely to Benjamin, she became aware that Elise had motioned her to join them.
Knowing she couldn’t bring herself to join in casual conversation, Miranda declined with a subtle shaking of her head. Feeling incredible guilt for not sharing her secret, even now with her dear friend, she silently prayed. Oh Elise, please don’t be angry with me for too long when you find out.
