“Miss Laura, the table is set for you and Miss Carissa,” the maid announced.
Laura looked to her sister as she rose. “Come, we can talk while we enjoy some lunch. I’m quite famished.”
The ladies made their way to the dining room and seated themselves to plates of cold chicken, fresh melon slices, and a bevy of other delights. Laura offered grace, then began to choose from a selection of cheeses.
“I know that the guests enjoyed your wedding very much,” Laura said without meeting her sister’s watchful eye. “Everyone thought your gown quite lovely. They thought it rivaled those imported from France.”
“I’m so glad,” Carissa said, cutting into a piece of chicken breast. “I felt beautiful. Mother’s choice of that Chantilly lace made the perfect veil. I’ve packed it all away for my daughter to use one day.”
“Your daughter?” Laura questioned. “You’re already making plans for a daughter?”
“Well, I suppose we could have boys instead,” Carissa said absentmindedly. She let her shawl slip from her shoulders. “It’s rather warm today.”
“Yes.” Laura glanced up and noticed a dark bruise on her sister’s arm. “You’re hurt. What happened?”
Carissa seemed surprised. “What?”
Laura pointed to her arm. “You have bruises.”
“Oh,” Carissa replied casually. “I suppose I got it moving the furniture around. As I told you, I’ve been busy arranging.” She refocused on her plate and ate for several minutes without saying another word.
Laura too fell silent. Carissa hardly seemed herself. Sipping her lemonade, Laura wondered what was really going on with her sister.
A knock echoed through the otherwise quiet house. Laura could hear the butler’s muffled talk. She prayed none of her mother’s friends had come to call. She wanted this time with Carissa—not a gathering of gossips.
“Miss Laura, Mr. Reid has asked to see you. Are you in?” Mr. Gaston announced.
“Oh yes,” Laura replied. She hadn’t seen Brandon since the wedding and was beginning to worry about him. “Have him join us here.”
When he strode into the room, however, her fears were all dispelled. “It’s good to see you,” she said, getting to her feet.
“Please remain seated. I didn’t mean to interrupt your luncheon.” He nodded toward Carissa, then returned his gaze to Laura. “I can return at a better time.”
“Nonsense. Join us, please. I’ll have another place set.”
“No, I’ve just eaten. I would be happy to sit and share your company, however.”
His smile warmed her, and Laura nodded her approval. “I think that would be wonderful . . . don’t you, Carissa?”
“Of course, Captain Reid. It is perfectly acceptable for you to be here even if our mother and father are out. Since I am a married woman, no one would frown upon Laura receiving you.”
Brandon chuckled. “Well, we wouldn’t want to shock society.”
Laura reclaimed her chair as Brandon assisted her. Once she was secure, he took his place between them.
“I thought perhaps you’d fallen ill,” Laura said, trying not to sound overly concerned. “You didn’t come to church as you had said you would.”
“I know, and I do apologize. Something came up at the last minute.”
“Well, this is the first time I’ve seen either of you since the day of the wedding,” Laura replied. “It’s definitely the best thing to happen all week.”
He chuckled. “So have you ladies been enjoying the lovely weather? I thought we were most fortunate to have cooler temperatures.”
“Yes, but today has been quite warm,” Laura stated. “Though not unpleasantly so.” She cut a piece of melon. “Do tell us what you have been doing, Mr. Reid. Are you making plans to return to Indiana?”
“I have considered it.” He smiled in a teasing fashion, adding, “But I find myself rather intrigued by Texas. Corpus Christi in particular.”
“I don’t suppose my sister has anything to do with that,” Carissa said, giving him a coy glance.
“She might,” he replied with a wink. “I’ve also had the good fortune to spend some time learning about ranching and horse breeding in Texas. It would seem that there are a great many parcels of land available for purchase. My good friend Major Armstrong is trying to convince me to purchase one near him. I believe the ranch he has chosen is near Dallas.”
Laura nodded. “I have heard it’s quite beautiful there.”
“But you’ve not seen it for yourself?” he asked.
Shaking her head, Laura picked up her glass. “I was born in eastern Texas, but other than that, I’ve not seen much beyond Corpus Christi. Not that I wouldn’t like to. In fact, I think I would very much enjoy traveling. Things have changed so much here.” She paused and sipped the cool liquid. “Do you suppose it will ever return to as it was before?”
“Would you want it to?” Brandon asked casually.
Laura studied his expression for a moment. “No, I wouldn’t . . . but perhaps I should have asked, do you suppose things will ever get better? People are so angry. You know that as well as anyone, after serving in the army. But I continue to be amazed at the anger and ugliness spewed by women I once considered the epitome of gentility and civil society.”
Brandon nodded. “Maybe it’s because we have some expectation that men will act that way, but when the ladies take on that role, it comes across as more shocking and distasteful.”
“I think the women feel betrayed,” Carissa said, surprising Laura.
She looked at her sister. “Why do you say that?”
Carissa shrugged. “Well, they figured that their men were capable of keeping them safe. They thought life would go on in the same manner as it always had, but then it was taken from them. The only life they’d known was gone. Food and supplies were cut off, and people suffered and died.”
Surprised by her sister’s sudden depth of thought, Laura pressed her to continue. “I suppose Malcolm speaks against the Union constantly?”
“He seldom says anything. He is troubled by nightmares sometimes.” She seemed to lose herself momentarily in thought. “He saw so much death.”
“As did the soldiers on both sides of the war,” Brandon countered. “However, I think you make a valid point. Betrayal is a difficult thing to endure. I think that’s part of the anger the North holds against the South. They feel betrayed by the Southerners who so quickly cast off their American ties to form their own nation.”
Carissa looked at him oddly but said nothing. Laura couldn’t help but wonder at her sister’s sudden silence. “Well, this has certainly made our conversation gloomy.”
“Then let us consider something more positive,” Brandon said with a smile. “My original purpose in coming here was to invite you and your family to a musical performance tonight. I realize this is very late notice, but I only got back to town yesterday.”
“You were out of town?” Laura said, shaking her head. “I don’t recall your mentioning a trip.”
“I was on army business,” Brandon said, shrugging it off. “It came up without warning and I didn’t have a chance to let you know I’d be gone. However, upon returning I learned of this musical diversion. We have a group of soldiers who are quite talented. They have entertained before, and I have to say they are as good as any musicians I’ve ever heard back East.”
“That does sound like a wonderful distraction,” Laura declared.
“The invitation is for you and your parents.” He looked to Carissa. “And you and Mr. Lowe are welcome to join us, as well.”
“We already have plans,” Carissa said. She got up rather abruptly from the table and Brandon too rose. She waved him back down. “I need to go. I was supposed to meet my ride back in town by one. I’m afoot so I must allow for the time.”
“Nonsense,” Laura said. “Wait until Mother returns, and we will drive you home ourselves.”
Carissa shook her head and grabbed her shawl. �
��No. I need to go now.” She came and embraced Laura. “I’m sorry.”
Laura stared after her sister’s retreating form. “I’m worried for her.”
“Why are you worried?” Brandon asked.
Laura considered the situation for a moment. She trusted Brandon and needed to share with him the things she’d overheard. “I think her husband is up to something . . . dangerous. In fact, I believe he means to commit murder.”
———
Brandon’s eyes widened. “Murder?”
She nodded. “I overheard him the night of the wedding party. He was talking to his friends—I don’t know for sure which ones, but there were several gathered—and they were talking about powder. Someone said something about having enough to blow the Yankees to kingdom come. Malcolm replied that with the way things were going, they might be able to move their plans up to the early part of November. I really don’t know much else.”
Brandon frowned. “That’s enough, don’t you think? Why didn’t you tell me that night?”
“I wanted to, but one thing led to another and then there was the fight. I figured to let you know at church the next morning. When you didn’t show up, I presumed I could tell you the next time you came to visit, and I suppose I have done just that. I’m very worried, Brandon.”
“And well you should be. Worried for your brother-in-law.” He wondered how much he should say. “I know that the army has been concerned about a plot. I’ll check in with my friends and let them know what you’ve said.”
“A plot? With Malcolm involved in it?” Laura questioned. “I didn’t realize the army was involved.”
Brandon felt momentarily panicked. “Well . . . that is to say . . . your brother-in-law is very vocal in his feelings about the war and how things turned out. I wouldn’t be surprised if the army hasn’t been watching him since the war ended.”
This seemed to satisfy her. “I do hope you’ll be careful.” Laura wrung her hands. “I think Malcolm is dangerous. I noticed Carissa had bruises on her arm. She told me it was from moving furniture, but I don’t believe her.”
“You think he hit her?”
“I do. The bruises looked like fingerprints.” She met his eyes. “Like he had grabbed her hard. Carissa was not at all herself. I really don’t know what to think.”
“Do you suppose she knows about Malcolm’s exploits?”
“If she does, she isn’t saying anything. Carissa has never been overly interested in anything but herself, so I doubt she is a part of this or even knows about Malcolm’s conspiracies. I just asked her about his work, and she knows nothing of what he does.”
Brandon felt horrible for what he was about to do. “Laura, this is most grave. A great many men could lose their lives if what you’ve overheard is carried out to completion.”
“I know,” she whispered. “That’s why I felt it important to tell you. I don’t know what else to do.”
He nodded. “I have an idea, but it will mean a bit of a risk to you.”
She raised a brow. “I’m not afraid of that. Tell me how I can help.”
“Do you think you could get your sister to answer a few questions? Maybe assist the army in observing what Malcolm is up to?”
Her eyes widened, and Brandon feared he’d gone too far. This would all be for naught if she decided to warn Malcolm that the army was watching him.
“I’ll help in any way I can,” Laura stated. “So long as it doesn’t endanger Carissa.” She sighed. “Unfortunately, I think she’s already in danger.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do whatever I can to keep her safe. If Malcolm is plotting against the army, then most of his plans will take place away from Carissa and her home.”
“What do you need to know?” Laura asked. “Should I even question Malcolm himself? Are there questions I could pose that would be useful?”
“No. I don’t want you interacting with him unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you should overhear him speaking with your father or others, that’s fine. But it would be best for you if we did nothing to cause him to take notice.”
“I agree.” Laura pushed back her plate and bit her lower lip.
Brandon wanted only to reassure her that everything would be all right, but he couldn’t. Her news only served to confirm his suspicions and worst fears. Plans to wreak havoc and destruction were in the works—enough so that Lowe felt they could move up their target date. He frowned. Early November was only weeks away. If they couldn’t pin down the information and learn the truth, a great many people might die.
His frown only deepened as he glanced back to Laura’s fearful expression. And now I’ve involved the woman I love. He shook his head. What price would this cost him?
14
Later that day, Laura sat curled up in the front parlor, reading. The draperies were open to let in the fading afternoon light, and Laura settled comfortably on the newly covered settee by the window.
She tried for the fifth time to begin the tedious narrative of the final book in James Fenimore Cooper’s LEATHERSTOCKING TALES. Natty Bumppo was unable to hold her attention, however, and she finally gave up. Closing the book harder than she’d meant to, Laura was surprised to hear a gasp from behind her.
Looking over her shoulder, Laura found Esther quietly dusting some of the furniture. “’Scuse me,” Esther said. “Ya startled me—tha’s all.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry,” Laura said, getting to her feet. “I’m afraid this book is utterly boring.”
“Cain’t ’magine a book bein’ borin’, iffn y’all pardon my sayin’ so.”
“Well, normally I would agree with you, but Mr. Cooper has managed quite capably.”
Esther’s expression took on a faraway look. “I reckon iffn I could read, I’d be happy for to read Mr. Cooper. Be like touchin’ the sky.”
Laura cocked her head to one side as she considered the woman’s words. “What do you mean . . . touching the sky?”
The black woman looked at her sheepishly. “I apologize for goin’ on. Never did know when to keep my mouth shut.”
“No, I’m curious.” Laura could see that Esther was rather embarrassed. “Please tell me.”
The black woman’s face took on a distant look. “I always wanted to learn to read. I saw the white folks readin’ . . . writin’, too, and wished I could do the same. Since I was jes a girl I wanted to read. My ma used to say that wantin’ what ya couldn’t never have was like touchin’ the sky. It’d be mighty nice, but weren’t ever gonna happen. All ya could do was gwan dreamin’ ’bout it.”
Laura recognized the start of an opportunity and stepped toward Esther in a most conspiratorial manner. “I could teach you to read.”
Esther’s dark eyes widened. “I ain’t got the brains for such learnin’.”
“Of course you have. You just haven’t been given a chance to use that brain for learning. If you give it a try, I think you’ll find that reading will be easy for you.” Laura wasn’t sure that would be the case, but she firmly believed that heading into any project with a positive spirit gave a person a leg up on those with a negative one.
“How ya reckon we could do it?” Esther asked in a hush.
Laura smiled at her nervousness. “Well, we could meet in the morning before breakfast.”
“I gots to start workin’ at five.”
“Then what if we met at four thirty? At first we will just meet for about twenty minutes. No sense overwhelming you.”
“But ya’d have to be gettin’ up so early.”
Laura shrugged. “I can always go back to bed. In fact, if I meet you in the kitchen before Cook gets up, we could have our lesson there. I could just come down in my nightgown and robe and if anyone sees me, it will just look as if I came down for an early morning snack.”
Esther put her hand to her heart. “Iffn you truly think I can read, I’d be proud to try.”
A smile spread across Laura’s face. “Then it’s settled. We can start in the morning.”
Laura didn’t think about the fact that she might be up quite late until Brandon arrived to join them for supper. Her mother and father were delighted with the prospect of an evening’s entertainment.
“We haven’t had any quality musicians since the war began. So many of the men who played were called away,” Mother explained as they finished their dessert.
“I can vouch for the musicians in this group. They once played for President Lincoln himself,” Brandon explained.
Mother got to her feet, and the men rose, as well. “I will go freshen up a bit and perhaps you men can have a cigar before we depart.”
“I do not smoke, ma’am,” Brandon told her, “but I thank you for the invitation.”
“If you’ll excuse me,” Laura’s father said, “I will arrange for the carriage.”
This left Brandon and Laura alone. Laura accepted Brandon’s help up from the chair and smiled. “I believe you’ve made my parents very happy. My mother delights in social events, and my father delights in my mother. When you make her happy, he is not far behind.”
Brandon laughed. “I could hear my father saying something similar. He always believed that the woman of the house commanded the emotions of the family.”
Laura led him to the front sitting room, where she’d left her shawl. She had just retrieved it when Brandon drew close.
“I hope you’ll pardon the whispers, but I wanted to tell you something in private.”
She nodded and gave him a hint of a smile. “Do tell.”
“I spoke with my friend Major Armstrong. He’s the one who is helping General Russell with the investigation I mentioned earlier. He believes your information will be quite valuable. He wonders how you feel about aiding the army in this matter.”
“I told you before that I would help in any way I can. I’ve never trusted Malcolm, and now I’m worried that he is hurting my sister. Carissa has always been quite naïve, and I fear this time she’s gotten herself into more trouble than she can manage.”
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