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

by Crawford, Dianna; Laity, Sally

  “Indeed I am, sir.” Mariah tucked her chin. “This is, after all, a Christian home.”

  “That is true.” The reverend nodded in thought. “I’ve had many a spirited conversation with the dear lady of the house, since she comes from the land of the Puritans.” He clasped his hands together. “Speaking of spirited, might I ask your thoughts on this morning’s sermon?”

  Mariah cut Colin a disturbed glance. The two of them had spent far more time merely enjoying sitting side by side than they had in paying attention to the man’s dry discourse. She straightened her posture. “I believe your sermon centered on Psalm 139, did it not?”

  “Quite. And what insights did you glean from King David’s words?”

  Colin attempted to stall for a few minutes. “We were discussing that on the way home, weren’t we? It seemed each of us hit on a different point.”

  Mariah smiled at him and returned her attention to the clergyman. “I always find myself caught up in the beautiful lyrical wording. ‘If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea….’ I do believe someone has set those very words to music in one of the pieces I’ve played.”

  “Ah, yes. Beautiful.” Reverend Hopkins then spoke with more conviction. “But the meaning behind the Psalm has far more passion. ‘O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.’”

  Colin suddenly felt a twinge of guilt for having been less than truthful with the minister. Still, Mariah needed his help. “That scripture truly is powerful. Very powerful. To become aware that we have such an all-knowing and all-seeing God, One who cares enough to take particular interest in each and every one of us, that is an extremely profound truth. Is that not what we were talking about earlier, Miss Harwood?”

  “Why, yes.” She gave his wrist a secret squeeze under the table. “And you worded it most succinctly. Don’t you agree, Reverend Hopkins?” She offered a smile that included his good wife. “And I want to add that I thank our Good Lord every night for bringing me to such a God-fearing family.”

  Delighting in her words, her voice, Colin wove his fingers through hers. Tomorrow. Tomorrow they’d be leaving his mother’s ever-watchful eyes behind and spending the entire day together. And despite the nuisance of tattletale Amy’s presence, he’d find a way to be alone with Mariah.

  By hook or by crook.

  Chapter 11

  Colin prided himself for acting the perfect gentleman on the carriage ride to and from Alexandria. Positioning Amy and Heather on either side of him, he made sure his youngest sister would have nothing to tattle to their mother about when they returned home for the noon meal. He didn’t want to cause the slightest trouble that could spoil plans for their afternoon outing—the horseback ride to the Great Falls.

  It had taken him awhile to get used to the idea that Victoria was infatuated with Dennis Tucker. When they stopped by his friend’s plantation to pick Tuck up on their return trip, she found the perfect spot for him—next to her. On her opposite side, Mariah appeared somewhat dull in comparison to Tori. As if in deference to the girl, she had chosen a frock far less fancy to allow Victoria to shine. Even her severe hairstyle lacked its usual bounce, while Victoria’s golden curls and flowing ribbons danced on the breeze and reflected shards of sunlight as she chatted with Dennis. Colin began to see her with new eyes…the way any young buck might do. He found the concept unsettling.

  When they reached the house and went inside for lunch, Colin followed the others, chuckling to himself that the business of courting could get so complicated. However, if Dennis happened to be Victoria’s choice, he would do his utmost as her big brother to help her in her quest. After all, she could do far worse. Although Tuck often tended toward being on the footloose side and out for a good time, deep down he would invariably make the responsible decision.

  The servants had yet to bring in the food, but delectable smells drifted in from the kitchen, promising a tasty meal. After the small group entered the dining room and found chairs, Mother joined them and took her customary place at the end of the long table.

  Colin addressed her as he seated Mariah next to him in one of the side chairs. “Where’s Pa? I thought he’d be eating with us.”

  “Down at the stables. He wanted to be sure the afternoon outing would be enjoyable for everyone, so he’s selecting some gentle mounts for the girls.”

  “How thoughtful.” Colin was relieved that his father would be preoccupied for a time. He had something to say that the older man would likely not approve of.

  His mother directed her gaze to Victoria. “Were you girls able to find pretty fabrics and trims for your new gowns?”

  As his sister opened her mouth to reply, Colin winced and held up a finger. “Before you ladies start talking ribbons and lace and other fripperies, I have a comment to make.”

  Just as he hoped, all eyes riveted on him.

  “I think it’s high time, Mother, for you to pay more attention to how Victoria dresses. The frock she has on today makes her seem much too—” He narrowed his eyes and stared at her. “Too grown up.”

  Victoria gasped, her mouth gaping in speechless shock.

  The other young people exchanged puzzled glances but remained silent.

  His mother appeared far from pleased herself as she spoke through tight lips. “Whatever do you mean, son?”

  Not at all put off by her demanding tone, he cocked his head back and forth and straightened his spine. “It’s like this. From the moment we reached Alexandria, it seemed every man in town began gawking at Victoria. Anyone with half a brain could tell what was on their minds. Then after I dropped the girls off at the seamstress’s shop, I barely got half a block away before that upstart, Eddie Rochester, came running up to me, wanting to know if he could come calling on her this evening.”

  Mother’s eyes grew wide as she swallowed the bait. The Rochesters were the wealthiest merchants along the quay. “Are you referring to Gilbert Rochester’s eldest son?”

  Colin smirked. “Quite. The one who’s always tearing about the countryside in that fancy phaeton of his, kicking up all kinds of dust. Needless to say, I wasted no time in setting him straight.”

  “What did you say to him?” His mother clutched the arms of her chair.

  “The truth. That Tori’s just a child. Too young to start receiving callers.”

  Victoria paled and shrank in her seat in embarrassment.

  “Too young!” Sinking back in her chair, Mother shook her head, her eyes ablaze. “This is not to be borne, Colin. You are turning out to be even worse than your father. I refused to tolerate his interference regarding our daughters, and I shall not abide such actions on your part either. Your sister is not a child. She will turn sixteen in less than a month, and she’s a beautiful, blossoming young woman. As soon as you’ve eaten, I expect you to ride straight back into town and inform Edward he’s more than welcome to call on Victoria at any time.”

  Colin had the sinking feeling he’d overplayed his hand a fraction.

  “But Mama!” Amy lurched to her feet. “He’s takin’ us to the falls this afternoon. You promised.” Folding her arms, she plopped back down onto her chair, her bottom lip protruding.

  “I’ll go first thing in the morning.” Colin gave his mother a placating nod. “If you’re absolutely sure you want that Rochester whelp hanging around here.”

  “He is a bit pushy,” Victoria admitted in a subdued voice. “He’s been tryin’ to catch my attention at church for some time now. I’ve just ignored him.”

  Tori must have caught on to his attempt to whet Tuck’s interest by injecting a little competition, real or imagined. Colin breathed a little easier. With any luck at all, having her and his friend otherwise occupied would give him some time alone with Mariah, whi
ch was the whole point of the outing.

  “Darling.” Mother spoke to Victoria in a more soothing maternal tone. “That’s what young men do whenever a young miss catches their fancy. You really should be flattered. That particular gentleman would be quite the catch for any girl. Now, enough of this sort of talk. It’s time to eat.” Picking up a silver bell near her plate, she rang it.

  Colin saw Tuck slide a glance to Victoria. One that lingered, as if seeing her for the first time.

  Mariah must have noticed as well. She nudged Colin’s foot with hers.

  And now the rest of the day awaited them.

  Mariah doubted there had ever been a more glorious summer day. The dreadful heat of the Sabbath had gradually dissipated during the night, and a milder, flawless morning dawned. Now a little past midday, luscious, billowy clouds floated across the bluest of skies, and birds of every hue and voice gave tribute to nature’s perfection as the small group plodded their way over the rolling, wooded terrain toward the Great Falls.

  Walking their long-legged Thoroughbreds beneath a shady canopy of trees to rest them, Mariah looked at Colin and chuckled as Heather and Amy sprang up into their saddles and galloped ahead in the wake of two young fawns sprinting through the forest. “At last. ’Tis a full week since you and I have been able to speak freely without someone reporting on our every word.”

  “Only a week?” A wry half smile twitched his lips as he tugged on Paladin’s lead and drew him alongside her horse. A cool breeze from the river below ruffled the full white sleeves of his blouse and toyed with a lock of his hatless hair. “Seems more like a month.” His dark eyes drifted to Mariah’s and took their sweet time there before he so much as blinked. “Before my sisters come back, I do want to apologize for not apprising you of something you may not know.”

  She tipped her head in question.

  “I am but an heir to my family’s wealth, still awaiting my inheritance. But my father assures me it won’t be the case much longer. He’s promised to deed over a portion of our land to me when I turn five and twenty—which is a mere seven months hence. At that time I’ll have my own income to do with as I wish—and my own home, should I choose to build one.”

  He made it sound as if it was important for her to know those things, as if she would somehow be a part of it. But seven months. That was a long time to wait when one was forced to live under the thumb of his domineering mother. Still, so be it. Seven months or—heaven forbid—seven years, Colin was a man who was more than worth the wait. She moistened her lips and peered up at him through her lashes. “If it is not too bold of me to ask, do you so choose to build a home of your own?”

  He flashed a sheepish smile. “Actually, until a week ago I hadn’t given the matter much thought. But now the possibility seems to be growing more enticing all the time.” He reached for her hand, his gaze still roving her face. “Mariah, we’ve known each other for such a short while, you and I, yet from the first moment I saw you, I knew you were incredibly special, and that proves to be truer by the moment. You must know you’re all I think about every day, all I dream about at night. I don’t think it was by some bizarre twist of fate that we met. I believe you came into my life for a reason.”

  Hearing the words she had hardly allowed herself to dream about, Mariah could scarcely draw breath over the throbbing of her heart. She’d never seen such a depth of feeling in Colin’s expression before, and she was thankful that Victoria and Dennis weren’t near enough to witness it, since they were riding a ways behind them.

  Or were they?

  Suddenly aware she could not detect the sound of the couple talking or the clop of their horses, Mariah turned and looked back along the trail. They were nowhere to be seen.

  Colin scowled. “I can’t believe this. A few subtle nudges on my part, and my pal absconds with my sister.” He swung up onto Paladin and wheeled him around.

  Mariah reached a hand up to stay him. “Wait a moment, Colin. Surely they’ll be coming into view any second. Don’t embarrass Victoria unnecessarily. She’s been mooning after Dennis Tucker for so long, and he’s finally beginning to show interest—thanks to you.”

  His expression darkened. “Indeed. Well, there’s interest, and then there’s interest.”

  Unable to resist such a perfect moment, Mariah gave him a coy smile. “And which kind of interest do you have in me, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “Both!” Ramming his heels into Paladin’s flanks, he sped off in the direction they’d come.

  Both. Exactly what she’d hoped with all her heart to hear. She let out a slow breath and climbed aboard her mount. If only she hadn’t discovered Victoria was missing. Perhaps there might even have been a proposal of marriage, had the moment lasted a bit longer. If she had ever doubted before, those doubts had just been put to rest, even though she could not imagine how things could ever work out toward that end. Particularly with Mrs. Barclay to consider.

  Watching after Colin, she saw him rein his horse to a halt. Beyond him Victoria and Tuck rode slowly into view, laughing and absorbed in each other, completely oblivious to the fact that the protector of Victoria’s honor awaited them. How amazing that this man who wouldn’t give his sister a few measly minutes alone with her new beau had done nothing this entire week but think up plans to get Mariah alone.

  Once the big brother made certain the couple took note of his meaningful glower, he came back to join Mariah. He shook his head while matching Paladin’s gait to that of her mount, and his demeanor lightened noticeably. “I was hoping to distract Amy, particularly when we reach the falls, since she loves to play in the water there. But now this.” He lofted a hand in the air in a helpless gesture. “My little sister will be the least of my concerns. It’s my oldest one I’ll have to keep a close eye on.”

  Mariah slanted him a smile. “Surely you can trust your best friend to be a gentleman.”

  “You jest.” Scoffing, he tossed a glance of disbelief over his shoulder.

  Surmising that the young man could be trusted about as much as she could trust Colin, given the right opportunity, Mariah stifled a giggle. “Well, kind sir, you did say the falls are very beautiful. There’ll be other times for us, I’m sure.”

  He didn’t respond immediately, just plodded along, a thoughtful tilt to his dark head. “The day of the race.” He nodded with finality and relapsed back into his drawl. “I’ll make certain of it then. That mother of mine has been runnin’ my life far too long already, whether she’s had reason to do so or not. It’s time I put an end to her meddlin’.”

  Even though Mariah hoped with all her being that he spoke the truth, she couldn’t ignore the twinge of uneasiness at the level of his determination. “You do remember her threat to sell me to some vile stranger,” she murmured, as if voicing the thought aloud would bring the horrid prospect to reality.

  A slow, smug grin moved across his lips. “Ah, but you forget one thing. Whose signature is on those papers?” He quirked a teasing brow. “Not hers. Mine.”

  Chapter 12

  The next two weeks stretched on interminably. Mariah’s thoughts insisted on reverting constantly to the horseback ride to the Great Falls. She’d come so close to securing a marriage proposal from Colin that afternoon. So close. But with him occupied in overseeing his sister’s conduct during the remainder of the outing, there’d been no further mention of the possibility of a shared future for the two of them. Mariah now had no other recourse than to wait until the day of the upcoming race for another opportunity to be alone with him, and patience never had been her dominant virtue.

  To be fair, Colin had tossed her a few meager crumbs of his affection now and then since their return—a private look, the occasional folding of her hand within his beneath the dining table. But sly little Amy managed to snag the chair between them most mealtimes, no doubt following her mother’s instructions.

  These days Colin and his father spent most of their hours out with the horses, since Mr. Barclay had decide
d to enter a second promising filly from their stables in the racing competition. Mariah filled the majority of her time with her teaching duties. Heather, the quiet middle daughter, showed amazing promise when it came to learning the violin, and Mariah truly enjoyed working with the talented young miss. Even if fate determined her stay here on the plantation to be cut short by marriage, she hoped to be permitted to keep helping Heather to master the instrument.

  Increasingly, her dreams centered on taking her leave of this magnificent plantation and living with Colin in a fine home of their own. But since that all-important conversation on the way to the falls had been aborted, there hadn’t been a single moment for them to be alone long enough to formulate any plans. Their very first day back, he’d been forced to make good on his lie to his mother by returning to Alexandria and convincing Edward Rochester he was welcome to come and call on Victoria. In turn, that young man’s almost daily presence spurred Tuck to drop by most evenings as well.

  Fanning herself while her charges composed essays regarding their jaunt to the falls, Mariah switched her attention out the small window, staring unseeing at a summer sky fragmented by the branches of a maple tree just outside.

  Victoria obviously relished having wealthy and handsome young bachelors devoting endless evenings to showering her with attention. Mariah couldn’t help but envy the girl as she watched from the sidelines, playing the harpsichord while Tori and the others danced and sang. Observing Colin coaxing shy Heather to dance with him did bring a smile, however. He was by far richer and better looking than either of the two young swains. He was sure to be a gentle father to his and Mariah’s children. If…

  She sighed and averted her focus to the music before her. The someday of her dreams could prove to be a long way off.