Daughters of Harwood House Trilogy : Three Romances Tell the Saga of Sisters Sold into Indentured Service (9781630586140)

by Crawford, Dianna; Laity, Sally

  Mariah seemed oblivious to the girl as she immediately picked up her fork and speared a bit of meat. Obviously her ladyship wasn’t too coy to reveal she was as hungry as he was. Suddenly, however, she stopped, her fork posed midair. “Do forgive me. I was so caught up in the delicious scent of real food after the sorry ship’s fare we were forced to endure that I completely forgot my manners. You must think me a heathen, not waiting for you to bless our food.”

  She expected him to pray aloud? In this public place? A quick glance around revealed that the other customers didn’t even know he and Mariah were there, but from the corner of his eye he could see Peggy observing them. Still, he couldn’t allow this lovely Englishwoman to think a Virginia gentleman was any less a Christian than she. “Shall we bow our heads?” Even as he said the words, he felt heat climbing his neck. “Father in heaven, we thank You for this hearty meal. And thank You,” he tacked on for good measure, “for Mariah Harwood’s safe arrival to our shores. We know it had to be Your providence that brought me to the Baltimore wharf at the very moment she was most in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  “Amen.” After her echoing whisper, Mariah met his eyes, her own filled with questions. “May I ask what brought you to the docks so far from your home?” She sliced a bit of the pie’s potato crust.

  “Horses. I delivered a mare and her foal to a man about to embark by ship to Bermuda. I made certain the animals were safely aboard and then left…and that’s when I saw you in your lovely blue gown and bonnet.”

  “I see.” With a smile, she lifted her food to her mouth.

  Colin slathered butter on a chunk of bread and took a bite, wondering how his father would take the news that forty pounds of the horse money had been spent to purchase a bond servant they didn’t need. Then he realized his father was the least of his worries. The biggest challenge ahead was how to get Mariah into the house past his mother. A slow smirk tickled his lips. Of course, he could rent her a room across the river in Georgetown. Digging into his slice of shepherd’s pie, he glanced up at the stunningly beautiful, but rather prim, young lady across from him. No. No matter how much she’d flirted with him from upon the auction block, she’d actually stiffened whenever he’d moved too close to her during their ride here. No doubt she’d balk at the very idea of being his mistress…delicious though the notion might be.

  He had no other choice. He had to take her home with him to the plantation. Taking a sip of cider, he mulled over the story he’d concocted for Mariah’s sister, how he’d bought her for his mother. The more he thought about it, the more he surmised that perhaps it was just the ticket.

  “Mariah,” he ventured after a few more thought-filled swallows of his drink, “I noticed when you signed your name to the bond that you had lovely penmanship. Did you, by chance, handle any business correspondence for your father?”

  She blotted her lips on her napkin. “Why, yes. I did. And because of my handwriting, I also answered the various invitations our family received to social engagements.”

  Excellent. “And I’m sure you possess many other accomplishments, as well. The art of stitchery, perhaps.”

  A frown creased her smooth brow. “Stitchery. Such a tedious endeavor. I’ll allow I can do it adequately, if I must, but I much prefer playing music for others to stitch by.”

  Good. Good. “You play an instrument, then.”

  “I play two, in fact. The flute and the harpsichord. I can also play the cello and violin a bit, if need be.”

  Even better!

  “But alas, Rose sold my flute when she sold my prettiest frocks, as well as forfeited my dowry.” Her lips thinned to an angry line; then with a sigh, she relaxed and mustered a weak smile. “No sense crying over spilt milk, as they say. I must learn to embrace whatever the Good Lord has in store for me.”

  Colin reached an empathetic hand across the table to cover hers again. “Be assured I will do all in my power to make your introduction to our fair land as enjoyable as possible.” He had to admit it did sound good and was easy to say. But getting Mariah past his formidable mother and comfortably ensconced in their home would take far more effort and ingenuity…if it were even possible.

  Chapter 3

  Colin felt Mariah inhale deeply and knew she was about to speak.

  “Since we took leave of Baltimore, we’ve passed through quite a few farms and plantations surrounded by forest, and a scant number of small villages. Is Alexandria merely another hamlet, or is it, perchance, a city?”

  He reveled in her British accent and liked listening to her lyrical voice…almost as much as he enjoyed holding her within his arms. He only wished he’d been able to hold her close during the numerous ferry rides, particularly the last one, across the Potomac. They had arrived in Virginia at last. “Alexandria isn’t a city like Baltimore, but it does boast a fine little string of shops. I’m afraid we won’t be traveling into the town this evening, however. The crossroad just ahead runs alongside the river and edges our plantation.”

  “And how much farther do we still have to go?” she asked over her shoulder.

  Colin sensed her weariness. A ride on horseback from the port of Baltimore was a challenging distance for even an experienced rider, and added to her ordeal on the auction block and the ensuing parting with her sisters; she’d had a long, trying day. “Less than an hour.” He glanced at the sinking sun. “We should arrive home in time for supper. I’m honored to report that our cook happens to be one of the best in the county.”

  A slight tip of her head acknowledged the information.

  Much of his uneasiness over having purchased Mariah had dispelled during the hours since leaving the roadside inn in Blandensburg. Now as they turned east onto the river road, he mentally tallied the reasons for his confidence. The young Englishwoman was a perfect fit for his family. Besides the excellence of her education, her every mannerism was grace itself. His sisters could learn a lot about being accomplished young ladies from Mariah. And best of all, she spoke with the cultured accent his mother continually tried to instill in the rest of the family.

  He smiled to himself. Coming from a Boston merchant background, his mother considered the more relaxed drawl of a Virginian quite common. “Quite common, indeed,” she’d told them all hundreds of times. He and his pa strove to speak properly whenever they were in her presence. She was certain to appreciate having Mariah around.

  Tilting his head a bit, he studied the delicate curve of Mariah’s very tempting neck. Even if it weren’t so tempting, four years’ secretary and tutor service for a paltry forty pounds sterling was an astounding bargain. Besides, he was a grown man. He’d be twenty-five in a few months. High time he stopped allowing Mother to question his every decision.

  “If I might ask, how do you plantation folk pass leisure time, living so far from a city?” Mariah asked, the musical lilt in her voice pleasuring him yet again.

  Colin recognized that, as a stranger in a strange land, she needed to be put at ease. He gave a light chuckle. “You won’t be bored, I can assure you. We have parties and afternoon teas and do almost everything our more sophisticated town dwellers do. If there happens to be an interesting play or musicale in one of the larger cities, we don’t find the distance overly daunting. We go downriver to the port and catch one of the coastal packets that ply the waters between our cultural centers.” For a moment he envisioned himself having this lovely Englishwoman on his arm wherever an activity might take them, a delightful possibility.

  Mariah nodded, then straightened her spine. “There’s a rider coming toward us. I think he’s trying to get your attention.”

  Leaning to peer around her, Colin spied Dennis Tucker, his lifelong chum from the neighboring plantation, waving an arm. He groaned inwardly at the bad timing. With the young man’s golden-boy looks and natural charm, the two of them were forever in competition when it came to the local belles, and Tuck would definitely be interested in Mariah.

  As his friend rode up to intercept
them, Colin raised a reluctant hand in acknowledgment. “I’d hoped to keep you to myself a bit longer,” he said under his breath near Mariah’s ear, “but…”

  As expected, Dennis wasted no time in filling his hooded hazel eyes with the sight of the English beauty. “Thought you’d be in Baltimore a few more days, Colin.” His lips quirked into a teasing grin. “I say. Looks like you spent your last farthing, too.” With his focus still on Mariah, he reached up and removed the plantation hat from his sun-streaked blond hair. “Good afternoon, milady. Dennis Tucker at your service. And it appears you are in serious need.”

  “What do you mean by that?” Colin interjected before Mariah could respond to the interloper and instruct him in the art of proper introductions.

  “It’s obvious, isn’t it?” A smirk added a glint to his eyes as he edged his mount closer. “For someone who set out with a wealth of horses the last time I saw him, you somehow managed to lose all but one. Why else would a damsel with the face of an angel be crowded onto Paladin with a man so unworthy of her undeniable beauty?”

  Colin ground his teeth in irritation. “Tuck, allow me to introduce you to Miss Harwood, our houseguest. And now if you’ll excuse us, we’re in a bit of a hurry and must be on our way. You know how Eloise gets in a tizzy whenever a family member is late for supper.”

  Reaching for Mariah’s hand, Dennis swept it up and brought it to his mouth. “Miss Harwood. The pleasure is all mine.”

  Colin reined his mount away, forcing his friend to release his hold.

  “Till we meet again, miss,” Dennis said with a gallant tip of his head. Replacing his hat, he shifted his gaze to Colin. “Before you rush off, I was wondering if you’d heard anything significant regarding that business up north—about those French soldiers heading down into the Ohio Valley. You’d think Governor Clinton in New York would assume his duty and do something to stop them.” His attention drifted back to Mariah. “After all, we have our womenfolk to think of…especially our very loveliest ones.”

  Mariah swiveled toward Colin with a puzzled expression. “Are the French on the verge of an invasion? We had no word of this in England.”

  “It’s nothing to trouble yourself about. Dennis is referring to some turmoil brewing hundreds of miles from here over trading rights with the Indian tribes.”

  She relaxed and turned forward again.

  Dennis flashed a sheepish smile. “I must apologize, miss. I wouldn’t dream of causing such a lovely lady a second’s distress. In fact—”

  “In fact,” Colin interrupted, taking a firmer grip on Paladin’s reins, “any more delay and we’ll surely be late for supper. We must press on. No doubt you have an appointment to keep yourself, since you’re headin’ toward town.”

  “Indeed. I was on my way to the Pattersons’ for dinner and cards. Lexie and Mary Ann invited me yesterday after church.” He continued to ogle Mariah. “I’d venture to say they’d be pleased if you two would join us. You know the Pattersons always put on a generous spread.”

  “Another time, Tuck.” Colin nudged his mount into motion. “We’re expected at home.”

  “I’ll drop by tomorrow, then, to hear the latest from Baltimore,” his friend persisted.

  Colin suppressed a groan and spurred Paladin to a faster pace.

  The setting sun had turned the river into a glorious amber ribbon by the time the horse veered onto a rambling lane shaded by towering oak trees. Observing the sprawling fields on either side, Mariah studied the large, brownish-green leaves of the crop Colin had told her was tobacco. Until this moment, the only tobacco she’d seen had been in small pouches Papa had used to fill his pipe.

  As her gaze drifted ahead, she saw a magnificent, two-story white house with black shutters, sitting like a jewel amid stately trees and gardens. Pristine round columns fronted a porch that extended across the anterior. Her heart swelled with joy. This beautifully situated mansion was to be her new home!

  Colin had spoken only the truth. He had not lied about his name or where he lived. This incredibly handsome man truly was her Prince Charming…everything a girl could want. And he was attracted to her.

  As the horse picked up its pace, obviously eager to reach the stable, Mariah couldn’t help but smile. The animal was no more eager than she was.

  “We’re almost there,” Colin announced, taking a firmer hold on the reins to keep Paladin from breaking into a trot. “I do hope my home pleases you.”

  “It does. Very much. It is breathtakingly lovely.” But even as she uttered the words, a disturbing thought spoiled the moment. As an indentured servant, how much of the grace and comforts of this elegant home would she be permitted to enjoy? Thus far, Colin had treated her like an honored guest, not a bonded worker. Dear Father in heaven, she finally remembered to pray, I quite forgot to place myself in Your care. Please make my dearest dream come true. Amen. With a twinge of guilt, she imagined Rose would view such a prayer as a selfish request. But surely the Lord wanted good things for His children, didn’t He?

  Mariah filled her eyes with the splendor of the flower-bedecked fountain gracing the center of the circle drive as they neared the mansion.

  On their approach, a young girl sprang up from one of the chairs on the veranda and ran through the open doorway. “Mother! Poppy! Come and look! Colin’s back, and he’s bringin’ a woman with him!”

  Behind Mariah, Colin emptied his lungs with a grunt. “That was Amy, our little snitch. I vow, she’s worse than a town crier.”

  Before Mariah could respond, people started pouring out of the house. A tall, distinguished, bearded man and two girls—one who appeared about Lily’s age and one a bit younger. The threesome stood staring in surprise from the edge of the porch.

  Surprised, but not dismayed, Mariah hoped with bated breath.

  Then a slender, gracefully elegant, and handsome woman attired in rich turquoise brocade stepped outside. Mariah knew immediately where Colin had inherited his good looks, from his raven hair to his dark brown eyes. Truly the woman would have been the belle of the ball in her younger years—the belle of any ball.

  As the girl Colin called Amy came alongside her mother, Mariah realized that all three daughters had inherited their father’s complexion. Each of them had varying shades of golden blond hair, while his held a smattering of silver among the strands.

  “Colin, my dear,” the woman said as she started down the wide gray steps, “we didn’t expect you home for several more days.” Her gaze then centered on Mariah, and she offered a decidedly practiced smile, more polite than warm.

  The extra tension Mariah felt in Colin’s arms as he assisted her to the ground added to her renewed trepidation. She hurriedly smoothed down her hopelessly wrinkled skirt. Undoubtedly it smelled of horse. She swallowed as Colin dismounted.

  As the rest of the family continued to watch from atop the stairs, Mistress Barclay reached the landing and stepped toward Mariah with a hand outstretched in a gesture of greeting. “Welcome, my dear. This is a pleasant surprise.”

  Mariah curtsied the best she could, considering her wobbly, saddle-weary legs. “Thank you, madam. ’Tis my pleasure.”

  The older woman tilted her intricately coifed head in question. “I do not believe you are one of our local gentry, are you?”

  “No, Mistress Barclay. I was born in Bath, England. I’ve only just arrived in the colonies.”

  “How delightful.” Her smile widened. She turned to her family as they came to join them. “I should like you to meet my husband, Eldon. And these are our lovely daughters, Victoria, Heather, and our youngest, Amanda.” Each of the girls bobbed a curtsy in turn.

  “I’m very pleased to meet all of you,” Mariah said, offering a smile.

  “But everyone calls me Amy,” the youngest drawled, crowding in front of the others.

  “Or Brat,” Victoria, the oldest, added, rolling her eyes.

  As Amy pursed her lips and turned to retort, Mariah interceded. “Which do you prefer, Amy or A
manda?”

  The youngster looked up at her. “The way it sounds when you say it, either would be real fine.”

  “Really fine,” her mother corrected.

  The girl flicked a swift, irritated glance in her mother’s direction. “Either name is splendidly fine.” She fluttered a hand in a theatrical flare.

  Mariah had to admit the child was a bit of an imp.

  Colin moved alongside her just then. “Mother, Father, I’d like to present Miss Mariah Harwood. She and her family are recent arrivals to our fair land.”

  “Harwood.” Mistress Barclay turned to her husband. “My dear, I don’t believe you’ve mentioned a new family in the neighborhood by that name.”

  Mariah moistened her lips, intending to clear up the misunderstanding, but an African slave stepped out of the front door just then. Her dark head, swathed in red calico, nodded to Colin’s mother. “Mistress Barclay,” she announced in a drawl more pronounced than Amy’s, “suppa’ is served.”

  “Thank you, Pansy. And we’ll be needing two more place settings.”

  “Yessum.” She switched her expressive dusky gaze to Colin. “Welcome home, Masta Colin. We wasn’t ‘spectin’ y’all back so soon.”

  As the servant returned inside, Colin’s father kneaded his trim Van Dyke beard and addressed him. “That’s true, son. We weren’t. Did the transfer go as planned?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “We’ll have no business talk for now.” Colin’s mother threaded her arm through Mariah’s and started for the steps. “I should like to get further acquainted with our lovely guest.”

  Mariah gulped in dismay. Guest! They had no idea she was actually purchased help. This would not do at all. “Mistress Barclay, I don’t think I should—”

  “Miss Harwood is concerned that she smells a touch horsey,” Colin piped in, speaking over her.

  His mother chuckled softly. “I’m afraid she’ll find that’s quite normal around here. We can, however, remedy the situation.” Releasing her hold on Mariah, she turned back to her oldest daughter. “Victoria, dear, would you please show our guest upstairs so she can freshen up a bit? We’ll delay dinner a few minutes. And Colin, you don’t exactly smell like a rose, yourself.”