Doves Migration

by Linda Daly

  Mistaking her uneasiness with concern at the thought of Rupert and Annabelle leaving, James quickly went to her side. “Forgive me, Felicity. My intention was not to upset you further. On the contrary, I’m here today simply to help ease your mind. In answer to your question, I’ve heard no mention as to when the Robbins’ intend to return to England. However, I should think they would want to stay here in America for several months. After all, this is such a vast country with much to see. Certainly since they are on their honeymoon, there should be no hurry in returning to England.”

  Realizing she had managed to conceal her and Benjamin’s secret from him for the time being, Felicity smiled fondly at James. “Yes. I’m sure you’re right.”

  Glancing at her and seeing her trembling fingers, James leaned closer and placed her petite hands in his. “As you know Felicity, I’m not in favor of women partaking frequently in the consumption of spirits—having a lush for a wife—however, I do feel there are particular circumstances that a few nips at some brandy might be welcoming to steady one’s nerves. This being one of them, since this whole affair with Miranda has obviously upset you more than you are saying.”

  “Surely, you can’t be suggesting I use alcohol to get through this evening, James? Why, that is completely irrational and I would think you and Alfred would want me in top form rather then dimmed by the effects of brandy.”

  At times like this, when James had the opportunity of being alone with her and capable of seeing just what an extraordinarily fine woman she really was, he found it exceedingly difficult not to exhibit his true feelings for her. Especially when she reacted in such a manner as she just had, using logic while not being overbearing. Admiring this quality in her, he smiled adoringly at her.

  “Dearest Felicity, I’m not suggesting anything more than we take a few nips at Benjamin’s finest brandy for medicinal purposes, and who knows-if we are lucky—we might find it a fine elixir.”

  Shocked by him making such an innuendo that they should share in a magic potion together, Felicity pulled her hands from his grasp feeling suddenly uncomfortable by his nearness. Seeing the hurt look in his eyes and surmising the strain of tonight’s events must be putting them both under a great strain, she asked sweetly, “Do you really think it wise? What I mean to say is, if you honestly think a few sips of brandy might steady my nerves then of course I will consider it.”

  “Absolutely, it would help. And if it lessens your guilt, perhaps you would pour me one too.”

  Smiling at how skillful he was at convincing her to share a drink with him, which she normally reserved only to indulge in the privacy of her home with her husband, Felicity turned to retrieve Benjamin’s only vice. As she walked the few steps across the small room, so deep in thought about the risk they all faced if caught trying to free Gilbert, Felicity was unaware that James watched her every move.

  With every minute that passed, James knew the time was drawing nearer to when he would finally take this woman from Benjamin and claim her as his. If only for the moment that he would bed her.

  As Felicity bent down to retrieve the crystal decanter from the locked cupboard, James’ breathing became irregular. Standing in the small lounge of the orphanage, with Benjamin only a few feet from them, James fantasized what it would feel like to come up from behind Felicity and pull her naked flesh next to his.

  Even watching her delicate fingers pry open the lid of the bottle to pour some of the contents into a glass was an aphrodisiac to him. As Felicity innocently glanced at him for his approval, his craving for her grew. He became acutely aware he had a full erection, and immediately took a seat. Still drinking in her every move while pouring a second brandy, he warned himself, Pace yourself, old boy. Don’t spoil it now, like some over-zealous schoolboy out of control, or all that you have done to win her confidence, was for not.

  As Felicity, took a seat beside him, James, aware of how nervous she was acting in his presence, calmly suggested she take a sip of the brandy to help settle her nerves. Obliging, after several minutes of polite conversations and another round of drinks to help prime his unsuspecting victim, James watched with keen interest as the seemingly shy and always pristine Felicity began to feel the effect of the drink and slowly let down her defenses.

  “I’m so grateful for all the help you’ve given to Miranda and Gilbert. Why I still cannot imagine why you would risk harboring a fugitive from the authorities as you have. All I can say is, you have no idea what your kindness has meant to both Benjamin and me. We shall never forget it.”

  “Dear Felicity, as I told you before. I was only too happy to help.”

  Hearing Benjamin stir from his office and realizing the lateness of the hour, James stood as his host entered the room. “Old Man, not only have I overstayed my welcome this afternoon, I’ve taken the liberties of introducing the nectar of the Gods to my fair hostess.”

  James paused to raise his glass to Benjamin and nod his head to Felicity before continuing. “Who was overwrought with anticipation and anxiety, but thanks to this fine vintage, has since found herself to be quite relaxed.”

  Disgusted at watching Benjamin lean over the back of the chair where Felicity sat and tenderly kiss the crown of her head, James lifted his glass and belted back the remaining contents of the glass. The brandy quickly soured in his mouth hearing Benjamin speak softly to his wife.

  “My poor darling. I’ve neglected you, haven’t I?”

  Felicity leaned further into her chair and stretched her neck back while looking up at her husband lovingly. “Never,” she exclaimed.

  From where James stood, never had he heard her voice sound so seductive, and he became hypnotized by the contours of Felicity’s long slender neck. Shamelessly he stared at the woman he hungered, as she gingerly raised her arm and caressed the side of Benjamin’s face and beard.

  “I trust you were inspired to complete the task at hand, my dearest?” Felicity asked warmly, knowing how difficult it was for Benjamin to write a letter asking the Bishop to find someone else to replace him at the orphanage as soon as possible.

  Nodding, he smiled knowingly at her. “Indeed. I had guidance from above.”

  “Good.” Aware that they were being watched, Benjamin coughed and pulled on the gold chain dangling from his front waist pocket to retrieve his watch. Glancing down at it, he raised his head in disbelief. “My, but the party is in less than two hours.”

  Shocked, Felicity bolted from her seat. “You can’t be serious, Ben. Why, I haven’t even freshened up, let alone fix my hair …” She mumbled, feeling to see if her hair was still tightly curled from this morning. Obviously flustered, Felicity then turned to James. “Please do forgive me. I really must excuse myself this very moment. Thank you for keeping me company this afternoon and calming my nerves. You really are such a dear man…”

  Not finishing her sentence, she dashed from the room leaving Benjamin and James chuckling amongst themselves. Noticing Felicity had reached their bedchamber, Benjamin lovingly called to her. “I’ll be in shortly to help you, my dear.”

  Turning to James, he added. “With only hours to go until Gilbert is finally a free man, I would be amiss if I didn’t convey to you, my heartfelt gratitude in all your efforts regarding Miranda and Gilbert. You’re unselfish kindness means more to Felicity than mere words can say.”

  Before James had a chance to respond, Felicity called out to her husband. “Oh Ben, please do excuse the interruption. Dearest, were you intending to wear your blue or brown suit this evening?”

  Smiling at James, Benjamin turned and called to her. “Neither darling. I thought we agreed on the black silk that you commissioned for me.”

  Hearing Benjamin’s words of how Felicity had spent money from her inheritance to have a suit specially tailored for him, James’ back stiffened, fighting the impulse of glaring at the man before him that he had come to loath. Thinking Benjamin no better than some educated, peasant Gigolo, who preyed on rich women pretending to be God-like, J
ames pasted a smile to his lips to cover up the contempt he felt.

  “Of course! How silly of me.” Felicity called from behind the closed door. There was no mistaking the tension in Felicity’s voice, and James looked at Benjamin wondering why such a fine woman allowed this man to use her as he did.

  “Well, I’m sure you too need to freshen up too, so I won’t keep you by rambling on about our gratitude for all you’ve done, James. Just one quick thing before you go. Speaking for both Felicity and myself, I can honestly say that both of us value your friendship, more than you know. And, if there is anything we can do for you in the future, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  Accepting Benjamin’s hand, he shook it cordially all the while thinking, You phony bastard! Let’s see how superior you act when a second wife of yours discovers what it’s like to be with a real man.

  Such thoughts caused him to smile and James said, “Right. Since there’s little time to spare, I should be making my leave.”

  “Indeed.” Benjamin nodded, while gesturing his guest to the door.

  Hearing the door close, Felicity, still anxious over tonight and unable to shake this feeling of pending doom, pulled back the lace curtains to see James enter his coach. Closing her eyes, still feeling the effects of the brandy, she leaned against the window and said a silent prayer. Dear Lord, please protect Gilbert and Miranda and help them find the peace and happiness they deserve.

  Caught up in her own thoughts and fears, Felicity had no idea that James, leaning back into the seat of his hansom cab, eyes glistening with anticipation, watched her like that of a hunter, as he spotted his prey. Whispering to himself, he said, “Yes, indeed! Tonight you will be mine!” Then with a sinister chuckle, he taped the roof of the cab signaling his driver to commence.

  ~

  Across town, Elise, unable to draw the cords of her corset tighter around her protruding waist, cried out in despair. “Oh fiddlesticks! Megan please help me, otherwise I’ll never fit into my gown.”

  Obligingly, the young maidservant placed the mantel she had just brushed across the foot of the bed. Turning, the young servant, sheepishly said, “Mrs. Carmidy, beggin’ your pardon, didn’t Mr. Carmidy instruct me not to make your corset so tight? You wouldn’t want me to be sacked, now would ya?”

  Entering their bedchamber, hearing the maid’s plea, Joshua proclaimed, “Why certainly not Megan. That will be all. I’ll tend to my wife this evening.”

  Disgusted that once again Joshua was underfoot, Elise rolled her eyes. “Mercy sakes, Joshua. Can’t a girl have a moment’s peace without you lurking about? Might I remind you that you are no longer a Union officer tracking some Southern spy’s whereabouts?”

  Chuckling silently at seeing his wife stand before him, fists planted firmly on her hips, he walked behind her and tenderly whispered in her ear. “That may be so, but some things never change. I see you’re still as feisty as ever.” Nuzzling his cheek next to hers, he tenderly kissed the nape of her neck.

  Feeling her respond to his nearness by leaning closer to him, Elise’s tone softened. “And you my wonderful husband, still believe I can be tamed like some wild stallion.”

  Kissing her neck again and sliding his arms around her expanding waist, Joshua huskily whispered, “Not a stallion my dear, a mare.”

  Immediately hearing his comment, Elise’s back stiffened and she slapped Joshua’s arm. “Well how flattering to compare your wife to a horse!”

  Ignoring Joshua’s smirk, looking at her reflection in the mirror, Elise turned to face Joshua on the verge of tears. “It’s no wonder you think of me as some horse. Just look at my backside. Why, it’s getting as big as Maggie’s!” she wailed in despair.

  Unable to conceal his amusement in her comparing herself to that of her horse, Joshua laughed out loud. “Oh Elise, I’ve seen plenty of horse’s backsides and I can assure you, never once have I ever been aroused by them as when I look at yours. Now come back over here and let me help you get into your gown or we’ll be late for our own party.”

  Still pouting, Elise shook her head defiantly. “That’s the whole problem. You can’t help me into my gown, because it doesn’t fit me anymore!”

  Because Elise was truly upset, Joshua looked down at the lovely gown she had worn only a month earlier. Immediately he became concerned, wondering if it was normal for a woman to already be getting so large so soon into her pregnancy, but rather than worry her needlessly, Joshua glanced at Elise reassuringly.

  “I never did fancy that gown, if truth be known. Why not pick out another. Didn’t you just show me a gown you and your mother picked out the other day?”

  Nodding, her lips trembling she said, “I can’t wear that to a party, Joshua. That’s a gown for expectant mother’s to be.”

  “And aren’t you?”

  “Yes. However, no one knows it and besides, I won’t wear it. It makes me look big and fat.”

  Walking over to her, Joshua lovingly placed his hand on her rounded torso and tenderly rubbed it before looking up at her. “When I see our baby growing inside you, I don’t see someone gaining weight, but rather the woman I love who is carrying my son or daughter, and it takes my breath away. Never have I desired you more, so please no more talk about being fat. You look radiant to me.”

  Cupping her arms around his neck, she cooed, “Oh Joshua, you always could turn my head with your words.”

  Several minutes later, after convincing Elise that she looked beautiful in her new dress without the corset that bound her, Joshua also managed to convince his wife that tonight would be the perfect time to announce their joyous news. As they made their way to the Honeycutt’s, earlier than usual so that Elise could have the chance to share her news with Miranda first, Joshua made a mental note to speak with his mother regarding Elise’s condition.

  Nineteen

  Lives are Changed, Forever

  As soon as the front door opened to the Honeycutt home, Elise headed directly to Miranda’s bedchamber rather than having her mantel placed in the cloakroom. Joshua went in search of Alfred, having been told they were the first to arrive. Standing outside Miranda’s room, Elise paused a moment when she felt a fluttering in her stomach. Startled, she gasped and her hand went immediately inside her mantel to rub her protruding abdomen over her silk skirt.

  “Mercy sakes, what was that?” she whispered. In that fleeting moment her maternal instincts came alive and she spoke softly to the child growing inside her.

  “Hello little one. Was that you?” Wanting to run to Joshua in hopes what she had felt was the baby, but certain she wasn’t far enough along to feel movement, she stood silently and rubbed her stomach in wonderment. Hearing noises coming from behind the closed door, Elise quietly knocked and smiled when Miranda opened it.

  Ignoring the surprised look on her friend’s face, Elise rushed past her and squealed, “Oh Miranda, I’m so glad you’re alone. Can we please chat for a spell before the party begins? I must tell you something before anyone else finds out.”

  Shutting the door behind her and glancing about the room to make sure there was nothing left about that would draw suspicions from her curious friend, Miranda smiled at Elise. “My, this must be some news if you didn’t have your mantel checked. Shall I take it for you?” Miranda asked, stretching out her arms ready to take her friend’s wrap.

  Instead, Elise herself ran to Miranda and hugged her tightly. “Oh Miranda, it’s so good to see you. Ever since you took ill I wanted to check on you, really I did. But Joshua and Mama thought it unwise.”

  “Oh don’t fret none about that, Elise. I’m sure getting accustomed to your new surroundings and home was far more pressing than to nursemaid an old friend. Besides, there wasn’t anything you could have done for me. I just needed rest. And as you can see, I’m as fit as a fiddle now.”

  Pulling slightly away from her friend still holding onto her waist, she smiled warmly. “That you are, my dear friend, that you are. I mean this, Miranda, I’ve never seen you look
so beautiful.”

  Lowering her head embarrassed, Miranda still noticing Elise was wearing her mantel, asked again, “Are you chilled, Elise? It’s hotter than blazes this evening and you’ve still got your mantel on. Maybe you’re coming down with something?”

  Snickering, realizing her friend was right, she stepped back and begun pulling on her drawstring. “It is a might close in here, tonight. But I didn’t want anyone else to see my gown until you did.”

  Puzzled by such a comment, Miranda asked, “Is your dress the important news you wanted to share with me?”

  “Well, not exactly …” Elise said coyly, dramatically turning around and taking off her mantel, letting it drop to her feet. Turning slowly back to face her friend, in anticipation, she stood there beaming as Miranda’s eyes scanned Elise’s new dress. Immediately her hands went to her mouth in shock and began to squeal in delight.

  “Oh Elise, how wonderful. You’re going to have a baby!” Immediately the two women hugged one another as Elise nodded her head enthusiastically.

  “Can you believe it? I’m going to be a mama.”

  “Does your Mama know?”

  Planting her hand squarely on her hip, she scuffed, “Why, I didn’t even get off the boat before both she and Mother Carmidy had guessed. I swear it was the most peculiar thing. There I was, trying to be so secretive, but they both knew. I guess, just like I knew the moment I saw you in Alfred’s study the other day, that you had found true love.”

  Desperately wanting to share her news with Elise, but knowing it was too risky, Miranda shook her head. “I swear Elise, when you get something in your head you’re as stubborn as an old mule. Can’t we just please take a few minutes to share in your joy?”

  Raising her eyebrow, Elise cocked her head and looked at her friend. “No sense in trying to get me all riled up by calling me names, Miranda. This old stubborn mule ain’t budging, until you tell me who the lucky man is.” Then tapping her foot, she looked at Miranda just as she had countless times before when she expected an answer.