Doves Migration

by Linda Daly

  Seeing the concerned look in Elise’s eyes, Miranda smiled reassuringly back at her, amused that even now after starting a new life of her own, her dear friend still hovered over her like an old mother hen. Dear Elise, even after you have children of your own, I suppose you will keep trying to look after me. The thought of Elise mothering her own children sparked the memory of them growing up together and the pledge they had vowed to one another. Remembering that pledge, Miranda looked away with stinging eyes. I didn’t break my promise Elise. Honest I didn’t! No one else was my maid of honor.

  Chastising herself for becoming so emotional, Miranda tried desperately to regain composure. Get mad, Miranda, she told herself. Get good and mad just like Elise taught you to do countless times before. Almost able to hear her friend’s words, Miranda nodded her head feeling her tears rescind as she took in a deep breath and put the blame where it belonged. This is Tad’s fault. All of it! He cheated you out of your day!

  As anger and rage replaced her guilt, she observed the man who had caused her so much pain, enter the room. Hatred mounted in her heart as she watched Tad being introduced to the Robbins’ by Vivian, as if he were royalty or someone equally fine. Unlike those who gathered around him, Miranda was no longer impressed with Tad’s striking good looks and polished mannerisms. What she saw as she glared at him from across the crowded room was a depraved bastard, whom she now loathed.

  So engrossed in watching his every move with contempt in her eyes and in her heart, Miranda hadn’t realized that Alfred, seeing her react so adversely to Tad’s presence, had come to her side. Lovingly placing his hand on her shoulder, Miranda jumped and turned toward him.

  “Oh Mr. Honeycutt …” She gasped, pausing to catch her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. “You gave me such a start!”

  “I’m sorry, dearest. By the look on your face I thought you needed rescuing.”

  Blushing, suddenly ashamed of her behavior, Miranda smiled at the man she had truly began to think of as a second father. “Was I that transparent?” she asked sheepishly.

  Nodding his response, he said, “Hell has no fury like a woman’s scorn, they say. And if a woman ever looked at me, as you just did my grandson, I would run from the room for protection.”

  “I can’t help it. I hate him … I hate him for what he’s done to Gilbert. For ruining what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. I mean it, sir. No matter how much I try not to, I can’t stop myself. I hate him!” Her voice became louder with every declaration of her immense loathing of his grandson.

  “Shh,” Alfred whispered discretely. “You must get a hold of yourself, my dear. Otherwise, everyone will become suspicious.”

  On the verge of hysteria, Miranda looked pleadingly at Alfred. “I’m trying too … honest I am. But the pain is so strong.”

  “Do it for that fine husband of yours, Mrs. O’Flaherty,” Alfred whispered softly, smiling tenderly at her.

  Hearing him refer to Gilbert as a fine man and calling her by her new name, Miranda nodded her head obediently. “He is a fine man, isn’t he?” she asked timidly, desperately needing his approval.

  “Indeed he is, dear one. I never say anything I don’t mean and I’m telling you, despite his temper, I like your husband very much. He has a fine character and obviously loves you. And that my dear, is what I admire most in him. When a man loves as he loves you, everything is bound to work out.”

  Tenderly he patted her cheek, than looking solemnly to avoid being seen showing too much emotion, Alfred continued in a soft whisper, “All you need to do now, is try to keep this charade up for a few more moments. Afterwards, I will see to it that for the next several days, you and Mr. O’Flaherty will not be disturbed.”

  Confused by his last comment, Miranda frowned. Seeing him nod in the direction of the door, Miranda’s eyes followed his. There she saw Montgomery standing proudly at the entrance and discreetly grinning at her.

  “My dear, it would appear you are about to have a dreadful relapse of your mysterious illness of last week, and for precautionary measures mind you, I must insist that you be quarantined to the third floor.”

  Puzzled, she asked, “Relapse … Quarantined? Whatever do you mean?”

  “What I mean is, you and your husband need time alone together. No two people so much in love should be separated from one another, especially on their wedding day.”

  Seeing her eyes start to well up with tears, he leaned closer and whispered sternly, “Now don’t you dare cry on me, Miranda! Or you’ll spoil everything I’ve taken great care to plan out.”

  Seeing the merriment in his eyes, she nodded and tried desperately to oblige by fanning herself, hanging onto his every word, feeling suddenly giddy as a schoolgirl.

  “Montgomery has just successfully moved all your personal effects, along with the few things you’ve manage to purchase for Mr… . for Gilbert, to the third level. It’s my private suite as you know, and I have the only key, or should I say Gilbert has the only key now. He’s there waiting for you, my dear. Before you go to him though, I must discuss a few things with you. So please hear me out.”

  Seeing the seriousness of his look, Miranda leaned closer to him. “I’m listening.”

  “As much as I approve of your choice in men. I do not approve of your plan. So … I’ve taken the liberty of altering it some.” Raising his hand to silent any objection she might try to give him, Alfred hastily added. “There is no point in arguing, my dear. The matter is finished. Beside, we have only a few more moments.”

  “Go on,” she whispered, trying not to appear to anxious, knowing that others may see her and come to find out why before Alfred had finished.

  “First off, Montgomery will be accompanying you and your husband to California. This was his choice, not mine. Although I will miss him terribly, I know he will serve you well. Secondly, after this week, your husband’s sister, MargaretAnne, will no longer be a servant. If I know your husband, he would prefer she too begin a new life and so I’ve given her a small, but adequate dowry so she can begin a new life for herself. Finally, when you arrive in San Francisco, you are to go to your new home. Montgomery knows the address. It’s a modest home, but should do you both nicely as you begin a new life together.”

  Stunned, her head reeling, Miranda desperately wanted to burst into tears and hug this wonderful man who truly had thought of everything. Rather than try to think of the right words to describe her gratitude Miranda softly said, “I love you. Thank you for caring for me as if I were your own.”

  Smiling at her, and obviously touched by her words of endearment, Alfred’s voice cracked as he said, “As far as I’m concerned, you are, my dear.” Then glancing up and noticing Tad approach he hastily added, “Now wipe that smile off your face and look as if you are going to faint, because Tad is on his way over here.”

  Turning to see her nemesis, Miranda’s smile faded with no further prompting from Alfred. Feeling suddenly nauseous and lightheaded, Miranda managed to turn and face Alfred while feeling the room spin around her. Mumbling incoherently, Miranda said before slumping into Alfred’s arms, “No need to pretend … I truly am not feeling well.”

  Stunned, Alfred reacted by motioning for Montgomery, while protectively wrapping his arms tightly around Miranda, preventing Tad from lifting her into his own arms. Sternly, Alfred said, “Tad, let Montgomery tend to Miranda.” Giving no explanation for his sudden outburst to his grandson, Alfred turned his attention to the others that had gathered around them, seeing Miranda faint.

  Motioning to his guests, he hastily said, “Stand back, please. Give her some air.”

  By then Montgomery had arrived to assist Miranda. Alfred, seeing Felicity, politely asked, “Mrs. Myles, would you be kind enough to assist Montgomery in making Miranda comfortable?”

  Nodding and without hesitation, Felicity obligingly said, “Yes, of course.”

  “Good God, is she alright?” Lucas bellowed as he rushed to his daughter’s side, holding h
er hand. Turning to Alfred, he demanded an explanation.

  “What in tarnation, happened Alfred?”

  Just then Vivian pushed through the crowd of people, looked at her husband, raised her eyebrow and said, “Yes indeed. What has happened to our dear, Miranda?”

  “We were talking and she swooned. Fear not though, I’m sure she will be fine in no time at all. Thanks to the keen observation of Mrs. Myles-who informed me earlier that she feared Miranda was still under the weather—I took the liberty of having her things moved to my private suite on the upper floor. After she is settled in, I’ll send for the doctor straight away.”

  “Thank you, Alfred,” Lucas called out as Montgomery carried her toward the entrance, all the while scolding the servant with every step he took. “Be careful with her. Damn it man, must you walk so fast?”

  “Sir, MargaretAnne is already upstairs fixing up her new room. I’m sure she and Mrs. Myles will take good care of Miss Miranda, right nicely.”

  Lucas nodded in agreement, paused allowing the servant to proceed, while Elise rushed past Lucas to be at her friend’s side. Following closely behind Elise and Montgomery, concerned for his wife’s well being was Joshua, who managed to catch up with her.

  “Darling, do you think that’s wise?” he asked, tenderly placing his hand on Elise’s shoulder. “After all, you don’t know the extent of Miranda’s illness and you have to think of your own heath, especially now.”

  Pausing, Elise turned and looked at him pleadingly. “She needs me! Miranda’s like a sister to me.”

  “I know, sweetheart,” he whispered soothingly. “But our baby needs a healthy mother too.”

  Nodding, Elise begrudgingly allowed Joshua to escort her back inside to the parlor. Upon reaching both of their mothers, Joshua shook his head disapprovingly and jokingly said, “Keep a close eye on her while I find anchors to weigh her down. She’s as fast as lightning.”

  As both mothers consoled Elise, Joshua stepped over to Michael and his father. “Damn, I thought keeping track of a platoon was tough! That was easy compared to my little spitfire.” Chuckling amongst themselves, Joshua glanced at Elise and winked as she pouted while her mother continued to fuss over her.

  Alfred, amused hearing his granddaughter’s husband’s comment, smiled while extending his arm to Lucas. “Let’s you and I crack open a bottle of some aged brandy, old friend, and let Mrs. Myles tend to our Miranda.”

  “Good idea,” Lucas exclaimed, pulling out his handkerchief and wiping the perspiration from his brow. “When I saw her swoon … Hell, I’m not too proud to admit it. I felt as helpless as the day I found out her mother had left us.”

  Knowing what Lucas meant, Alfred patted him on the shoulder and said reassuringly, “There’s nothing wrong with Miranda that a few days of rest won’t cure.”

  Glancing at the staircase, Lucas nodded. “God, I hope you’re right. She’s all I have left.”

  Across the room, seeing the concerned look exchanged between Rupert and Annabelle, Vivian rushed to their side. “Let me assure you, your rooms are far removed from Miranda’s. You have nothing to be fearful of.”

  Obviously offended by her comment, Rupert said curtly, “Mrs. Honeycutt, I assure you, our concern was not for our welfare, but rather that of Felicity’s friend. Now if you’ll excuse us.”

  Taking his wife’s arm, Rupert promptly escorted Annabelle where the Carmidy’s and Honeycutt’s were gathered. Humiliated, Vivian’s cheeks turned crimson and she latched onto her grandson’s sleeve as he started for the stairwell.

  In a strained whisper, Vivian said, “Don’t you dare leave my side Tad! Or so help me, I’ll never give you another red cent.”

  Raising his eyebrow and then cordially smiling at her, Tad snarled in a hushed whisper, “Now grandmother dear, that wouldn’t be a threat, would it?”

  Returning the same fraudulent smile, she said coldly, “Why Tad. I wouldn’t dream of ever doing such a treacherous act as blackmailing my own grandson.”

  Hearing the word blackmail, Tad’s smile faded. “Grandmother, I’m warning you. If you do anything, and I do mean anything for Grandfather to discover …”

  Raising her hand slightly and pointing her index finger in front of him, she said, “Careful, dear boy. When someone, such as yourself needs funds to pay off a hefty ransom, it clearly isn’t wise to offend the one who has been footing the bill with blood money, now is it, dear Tad?”

  As the two of them actively engaged in conversation they, along with everyone else in the room, were being monitored closely by Lavinia. Perched like a Persian cat on the window-seat that looked out to the gardens, she smiled sheepishly. Well, well, well, she mused to herself. Seems little Miranda has been far more craftier than I gave her credit for. There’s much to be said for being an observer. You do find out the most intriguing things …

  Glancing to where the Carmidy’s and Honeycutt’s were gathered, it was obvious to Lavinia by the way everyone congregated around Joshua and Elise and paying special attention to Elise, that she must be expecting. Not the least bit interested in such news, other than amused that before long she was going to become fat, Lavinia thought, How droll! Then Lavinia paused, as she witnessed her sister and Rupert join them. Judging by how Annabelle was reacting, it was clear to Lavinia that the Robbins’ were in on their little secret, too.

  A quick glance at Vivian, Lavinia surmised her hostess knew nothing of the joyous event or otherwise she would have already made a big announcement. Snickering to herself, she thought, Poor Viv, too busy with that no-count grandson of hers to notice this would have been her first opportunity to connect with that boring husband of my sister.

  Looking back at Annabelle, she smiled grimacing, Little will-robber, enjoying being brought in on that back wood, no-account secret, are we? Well, when I’m through with you, I’ll wipe that smug smile right off that amusing face of yours!

  Feeling eyes on her, her focus drifted to Rupert. You traitorous bastard, she thought cordially extending a smile back to him. You might have outfoxed me back in England, and even won my sister’s heart but I’ll be damned if you’ll ever spend a cent of Father’s money that is rightfully mine! Seeing him glance away made her feel victorious. Rupert Robbins, if it takes me a lifetime, I will make you pay for betraying Father and me for the likes of Benjamin Myles!

  Thinking of her ex-husband, her eyes trailed to where he and James were huddled close together. Surprised, she wondered, What possibly could James have to say that would interest that dull, do-gooder? Observing the knowing nod James and Alfred exchanged between them, she surmised Alfred was in on it too and Lavinia frowned.

  Hmm, what possibly could the three of them have in common? she wondered. Then recalling Miranda’s dramatic scene moments earlier and how she had witnessed her fainting spell brought on by seeing Tad—rather than an illness as Alfred had tried to convey to everyone, Lavinia’s mind began to race. Looking about the room for any noticeable clues, her eyes rested on Vivian. Judging by Tad’s expression, it was obvious Vivian was holding something over his head. But what? she asked herself.

  Unable to piece the puzzle together, she glanced back at her husband. No wonder you’ve been leaving me alone, you’ve been too busy plotting with Alfred.

  Knowing James as she did, and realizing he only did things that would benefit him in the end, she concluded that somehow all of this had something to do with Felicity, too. Scanning the room quickly to see if Felicity had returned, and seeing so sign of her, Lavinia’s attention returned to James. While hastily thinking what information she was certain of, and how it could benefit her, a plan started to form in her mind. Gingerly sliding off the cushioned bench, Lavinia slowly approached the unsuspecting James, all the while her mind raced.

  “Benjamin, you wouldn’t mind if I stole my husband away for just a while, would you?” she cooed sweetly. “The naughty man has neglected me all afternoon.”

  “Right,” Benjamin, said cordially, glancing apprehensive
ly at James, recognizing that particular look in Lavinia’s eyes, but unable to say or do anything. Instead he headed toward Rupert. “Ah old friend, so tell me how are Edward and Anne?”

  “In truth, not as well as I would like to report. Anne and the children are well, but Edward on the other hand has had a recurring bout of influenza …”

  As curious as Lavinia was in hearing the news of the Spencers’, she had more pressing interests. Tucking her hand around James’ arm, she suggested a nice stroll in the gardens. Seeing her husband start to object, she smiled at him while coyly raising her eyebrow.

  “Fine, James. We can stay here if you like, but I thought you would prefer some privacy considering I know that you, Alfred and that little tart you lust for, have been helping Miranda plot against Vivian’s grandson. Perhaps I’ll just go speak with my dear friend, instead.”

  Starting to walk away and feeling him pull her back, Lavinia knew she had hit a nerve and smiled triumphantly. Turning and seeing the surprise in his eyes, she brazenly said, “Why James, you honestly didn’t think you could keep a secret from me. Did you?”

  Needing no more prompting, James hurried his wife off to deep within the garden and turned her to face him. With no one able to hear him-feeling no need to keep up a pretense of polite conversation—he demanded, “And just what is it precisely, you think you know Lavinia?”

  “Evidently I know more than you want me too, James darling. Or why else would you rush me out here and act so indignantly?”

  Glaring at his wife, ready to walk away calling her bluff, Lavinia said, “Is that really wise James? Considering, I know that this so-called courtship between Tad and Miranda has been nothing but a farce.”

  “You’re delusional! First we’re conspiring and now you’re accusing someone as innocent as Miranda of perpetrating such a heinous act.”