Daughters of Harwood House Trilogy : Three Romances Tell the Saga of Sisters Sold into Indentured Service (9781630586140)
Page 42
Race day arrived at last with a flurry of activity. Amid excited giggles and complaints, every hair on every head had to be in proper order, and every new garment had to accentuate the girls’ slender bodies perfectly, especially Victoria’s. “After all,” Mistress Barclay had declared the day before, “we must all be at our best. We cannot look like paupers before our neighbors.”
But no one looked forward to the day in Alexandria with more anticipation than Mariah as she floated down the stairs in her own most stylish summer gown. In daffodil lawn, its full skirt was drawn up on either side in a soft apron effect to reveal ruffled petticoats, and a broad sash of emerald satin formed a flowing bow in back. Around her neck she wore a delicate cameo on an emerald ribbon, a prized treasure that once belonged to her mother. She hoped to dazzle Colin enough today that she would become a betrothed woman before the sun set. Of course, the event would likely have to be kept secret until his inheritance had been secured, because under no circumstance—even considering her indenturement—would she go to his home or his bed without a proper certificate of marriage.
Her imaginings were interrupted when Amy bumped past her on the stairs. “Do hurry. Mama said I could bring Patches along with us. After the race and the picnic, she said I can ride around on him with the rest of the kids.”
“I’m sure that will be—” Mariah stopped midsentence as Amy bolted away, the leather soles of the child’s slippers echoing across the marble floor of the foyer and out the open door. It’ll be most enjoyable for Colin and me, she added mentally with a wry smile. Having the youngster occupied was vital to the plan.
Reaching the bottom landing, Mariah strolled toward the entrance, her closed parasol tapping beside her like a stylish cane. Dear Lord, I know You want what’s best for me…and for my sisters, she added for good measure. Once I’m wed to Colin, I shall be able to buy their bond papers and perhaps even send Rose and Lily back to Papa in England. He’d like that, I’m sure. So whatever I must say or do today, I just know You’ll agree will be for the best. Thank You. Gratified that she’d remembered to pray, she stepped out into a glorious, dew-kissed morning.
The landau would be used again today. Jericho, the driver, stood resplendent in a crisp black uniform as he waited beside the open carriage door to assist everyone into the conveyance. Choosing a seat facing the rear so Mistress Barclay would be able to face forward, Mariah wagged her head and smiled at the sight of Amy. The child was turned to the rear and on her knees, facing her little spotted gelding.
“You get to come with us, Patch. We’re gonna have so much fun!”
“You’d better turn around,” Mariah urged the girl. “I hear your mother coming, and you’re crushing that lovely new skirt.”
Amy flipped around and smoothed her rose taffeta frock as her sisters preceded their mother out the door.
Heather, attired in ruffled peach, and Victoria in a soft blue the identical hue of her eyes, looked especially fetching as they approached the carriage. But though the new day gowns were lovely on the girls, nothing could compare to Victoria’s breathless smile at having not only one beau but two!
Mariah squelched a smug smile. Today her parents would be there to chaperone their budding daughter. With any luck at all, the elder Barclays would be so busy watching Tori, they’d have no chance to oversee Colin and her. Yes, Lord, this truly will be a wonderful day.
Once the women were settled with their parasols safely stored and the driver had climbed up to his seat, the mistress cleared her throat. “Jericho, you may proceed now.”
“Yes, Miss’tus.” With a snap of Jericho’s whip, the carriage lurched into motion.
“I wish Papa were here to see our new frocks,” Heather lamented. “And my new parasol. It’s ever so pretty.”
“So do I, dear.” Her mother looked across at Heather, who sat beside Mariah. “But you know he and your brother needed to take the horses into town yesterday so the animals would be completely rested for today’s race.”
“I know. But he’s never seen me in anything this pretty. It makes me look grown up, does it not?”
Mistress Barclay offered a warm smile. “Yes. Ever so grown up. But your father always thinks you’re beautiful, no matter what you wear.”
Mariah couldn’t keep from chiming in. “And I think that all of you look as marvelous as any stylish London family traveling to Bath on holiday.”
“Do you really think so?” A faint pink tinge rose over Victoria’s fine cheekbones as she reached up to touch the intricate cluster of curls Lizzie had fashioned for her.
“Absolutely. ’Tis an honor to be riding with you.”
Her flattering words didn’t seem to faze the lady of the family. Unsmiling, she swung her gaze to the passing countryside. “I do hope both horses fare well in the race today. Should that be the case, Eldon believes it would entice more of the gentry to buy locally, rather than import their Thoroughbreds from England.”
Mariah gave her a polite nod. Splendid! Another concern to keep the Barclays’ time filled. Yes, this was going to be a very good day.
“I never expected so many people!” Mariah turned in her seat to peer over her shoulder as the landau crunched along the graveled road toward Alexandria. Even with the town buildings some ways off, crowds already milled about, blocking the road. In the distance, canopies of different sizes and shapes edged a long, narrow clearing, and men stood at each one, buying and selling. Others hollered above the noise, hawking their wares. Oblivious to the melee, children darted among the throng, rolling hoops and skipping arm in arm.
Along each side of what Mariah surmised was the racecourse, colorful groups had already gathered in the shaded areas beneath the trees and laid out blankets and quilts for their picnics. All this for a simple horse race! She shook her head in wonder.
Amy suddenly sprang to her feet and leaned over the edge of the carriage. “I thought so! A parade of musicians is comin’! With two drummer boys in front!” She swung her attention to Mariah. “Please, can I play a drum instead of that ol’ violin? I hate those screechy strings, and a drum would be so much more fun.”
Mistress Barclay reached out and tugged her daughter back to her seat. “Do try to be a young lady, child…at least until we get situated. And no, you may not have a drum to pound on. Drums are for announcing special events or beating out a cadence for soldiers to march by, definitely not for making parlor music.”
The girl slumped down with a morose expression and crossed her arms with a huff.
“We’re so sorry.” Mariah hoped her soothing tone would placate the little imp. “ ’Tis just one of those small disappointments we young ladies must face because we were born as daughters and not sons. But as you get older, I’m sure you’ll learn to appreciate all the things you’ll get to do that boys cannot.”
Amy’s dangling foot gave an angry kick to the padded leather seat board. “You mean like spending hours and hours in front of a mirror having your hair yanked and pulled? Ha! I’d rather gig frogs.”
Her sisters, on either side of Mariah, burst out laughing, and she could do no less.
Even the lady of the family lost some of her starch by chuckling behind her gloved hand. “Mercy me, Amy-child. You are the gray hairs on my head.”
The slightly off-key assembly of drummers and fifers marched off the road and continued on until they reached the edge of the racecourse, where their piercing ruckus ceased.
Mariah smiled at Heather. “When your flute arrives—a proper flute, mind you—you’ll learn to make the sweetest sort of music, not at all like that annoying noise.”
The girl’s expression turned dreamy. “Indeed. I once heard a street musician in Charles Town playing a flute. His music was ever so enchanting and sweet.”
“Yes, dear, I’m sure it was.” Mistress Barclay smiled and reached over to give her daughter an empathetic pat, then called up to the driver. “Jericho, turn off here and drive us to that sprawling oak down near the far end.”
“Quite. I prefer to be away from the dust and racket.”
As he reined the matched team dutifully off the road and headed for the spot she’d indicated, the mistress gave Mariah a nod. “We’ll actually be able to see the finish line much better from there.”
Amy again hopped to her feet. “Look, here comes Colin and Tuck—and that Eddie Rochester of Tori’s, of course.”
Victoria craned around to see them, but Mariah caught her arm and shook her head. “ ’Tis best not to act too eager.”
“Somebody else is with them. He looks quite tall.” Amy frowned and leaned out so far over the edge Mariah feared she might topple off. “I don’t know who it is. Do you, Mama?”
The matron glanced in the direction of the approaching young men and gave a half smile. “I do believe it’s that young Washington lad, George, if I’m not mistaken. So sad about his brother dying of smallpox. I heard he’s inherited Mount Vernon.”
“You don’t say.” Victoria’s blue eyes grew brighter.
“Don’t waste a second thought on him, daughter,” her mother cajoled. “Little money came with the inheritance. I doubt he’ll amount to much.”
“Well, he sure sits a horse fine.” Victoria maintained her interest as the men drew up alongside.
Dennis Tucker swept his tricornered hat off his sandy head in a grand gesture and beamed, centering his hazel-eyed gaze on Victoria. “Good morning, ladies. What a pleasure to see such a bounty of beauty in a single carriage.”
Not to be outdone, lanky, freckle-faced Edward gave a wry smirk. “A veritable bouquet of Fairfax County’s loveliest blossoms, to be sure.”
“Why, thank you.” Mistress Barclay tilted her head to one side, and the wispy plume on her summer bonnet dipped delicately with the motion.
Mariah took the opportunity to admire Colin, attired in black racing pants and tall boots, a full-sleeved white blouse, and a gray-striped vest. He looked incredibly handsome.
And he was filling his dark eyes with her, his look conveying all the desire for her she knew he kept hidden inside.
Lest his mother notice their locked gazes, Mariah smiled politely at him. “Mr. Barclay, I don’t believe I’ve met your friend.”
Colin blinked, then regained his composure. “Ah, yes. Quite right. George Washington, I’d be pleased to introduce you to Miss Harwood. She’s the tutoress to my sisters that Tuck mentioned. I believe you’ve met my family.”
The serious-faced young man tipped his hat and gave a polite bow of his head. “How do you do, miss.” He offered only the hint of a smile as his blue eyes took in the whole group. He nodded to Colin’s mother. “Mistress Barclay. A pleasure to see you again.”
“Are you racing today with the others?” Mariah asked, noting the well-muscled gray he rode.
“Yes, but only for the sport. My horse is more accustomed to climbing mountains than running about a track.”
“Aye.” Colin placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “George has been appointed by the governor, no less, to survey the backcountry.”
“My.” Mariah studied the serious newcomer. “For one so young, I’m sure that must be quite an honor.” Just as she’d suspected, opportunities in this new country truly did abound. She scanned the other riders. “I wish you all good luck. May the best horse win.” And may I win my prize as well—the one awaiting a few short hours from now.
Nice going, dunderhead. Colin clenched his teeth so hard his jaw ached as he called himself every foul name he could think of. He’d had that race in the bag. But after being in the lead for nearly the entire time, a flash of yellow distracted him as Mariah cheered him on from the sidelines, and the horse on his flank sped on by over the finish line, along with one of the others. Colin came in third. Why did she have to choose that all-important moment to look so breathtakingly beautiful that he’d lost his focus and eased up on Paladin? Well, nothing could be done about it now. Time to join the family and pretend he still had an appetite.
Striding up to the green plaid blanket where Mariah was busy helping his mother set out food for the picnic lunch, he let his gaze linger on the English beauty. The yellow gown gracing her enticing form made her look like a delicate spring daffodil waiting to adorn someone’s elegant table. It was a wonder that the other competitors in the race hadn’t been distracted as he’d been.
At least Pa’s filly, Queen’s Lace, had been the victor. Colin couldn’t help but smile. The poor young thing was so frightened by all the horses chasing her, she’d practically killed herself trying to get away from them.
But there was another filly Colin didn’t plan to allow to get away. Not today. He eased down onto the wool blanket beside Mariah.
He sensed her awareness of him as she casually brushed a brown-black curl from her shoulder without acknowledging his presence.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Queenie today,” Father gushed as he sat down beside Mother. “I truly believe our Thoroughbred business will begin to pay for itself in the very near future.”
“I do hope so, Eldon.” She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “This enterprise has been quite expensive. And we’ll need a considerable amount of money in the next few years.” She tipped her head meaningfully in Victoria’s direction, where her daughter sat with a beau on either side.
Colin knew his mother referred to the cash money that would be required to pay for his three sisters’ dowries once they were married off to merchant heirs like Edward Rochester. She was determined that Colin’s own marriage would bring more land to the family. Mother was also resolute to see him wed to one of the local plantation belles. Preferably one from a neighboring farm, like prissy Constance Montclair.
Suddenly aware that his pa was pronouncing the blessing over the food, Colin bowed his head. He was so torn. The fact was, he did want to bring property to his family, just not at the expense of his happiness. And he’d never known such incredible joy as had been his good fortune since Mariah came into his life.
He swept her a sidelong glance. Her head was bowed in prayer, and parted curls revealed a tempting, slender neck. He let his eyes rove the alluring curve. A lot of men managed to have both: a proper marriage and a mistress on the side. They seemed to fare well. Why couldn’t that work for him?
“Amen.” His pa finished, bringing a swift end to Colin’s musings. Before the man could tack on the encouragement to eat, everyone began helping themselves to the fried chicken and summer salad. Father just grinned. “Your mother and I have been invited to visit the Lawrences after we finish eating. Harold Lawrence expressed an interest in buying our young winner.”
A pleased murmur made the rounds.
“ ’Twould be my honor to attend Victoria while y’all are occupied with business,” Tuck offered with fork in hand as he flaunted one of his charming grins.
Mother met his gaze. “That’s most thoughtful of you, Dennis. I gladly leave Victoria and Heather in yours and Edward’s care. My daughters are to remain together at all times.”
Colin squelched a smug grin. He should’ve known she was much too astute to be fooled by Tuck. Inhaling deeply of Mariah’s lemon verbena perfume, he took a healthy bite of his drumstick.
“Oh, and Colin.” Mother dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Do see that Amy and her pony don’t get into any mischief while we’re discussing things with the Lawrences.”
“Mama!” Bread crumbs flew from Amy’s mouth as she lurched to her knees. “You said I could ride around with the other kids. You promised.”
“And you may, darling.” She bestowed an indulgent look on her daughter as she spoke in her calmly superior voice. “Your brother will just be there to see you don’t get too exuberant.”
Not this time I won’t. Pretending not to be disturbed in the least, Colin took a sip of his lemonade. Today, the little snitch was as eager to be rid of him as he was of her. He tipped his head at his mother. “This has been a delectable spr
ead, Mother. Truly superb, as always.”
Chapter 13
Idly twirling her lacy parasol, Mariah stood in the shade of a hickory tree not far from the entrance of the livery barn. Colin had gone inside to saddle Amy’s pony, and from the significant look he’d given her on his way past, she knew he had no intention of remaining in the child’s company for long.
She glanced around while she waited, noting that the crowd had thinned a bit. Some folks had left for their homes, while many continued to lounge at their picnic spots under the trees. A number of people still browsed the wares of the peddlers, and others loitered in front of a nearby tavern. A few passing men had sent Mariah suggestive grins, but she pretended not to notice as she admired the scenery. There couldn’t have been a more perfect summer day.
Just how long does it take to saddle a little horse? She tapped her foot impatiently in the grass for several seconds, then left the protection of the tree and started toward the open barn doors. In the darkened interior, she saw Colin talking seriously to Amy as the girl sat astride her pony. From his unflinching stance, Mariah could only guess at the instructions he was giving her, since he intended for his sister to go riding on her own without him.
“I promise! I promise!” Pouting her displeasure, Amy rammed her heels into Patches’s sides, and the pony lurched forward into a trot, barely missing Colin’s booted feet as it charged out of the barn and past Mariah. “See you later!” The girl’s joyous shout trailed off as she bounced away, long blond waves whipping behind her.
Watching after her young charge, a sudden uneasiness gnawed at Mariah’s conscience. Amy was, after all, only eight. A very reckless eight. Anything could happen to her.
Colin strode out into the light at last, and he, too, wore a dubious expression as he joined Mariah.
She continued to watch down the road until Amy brought her pony to a halt alongside three other youngsters on ponies; then she glanced up at Colin. “Do you think she’ll be all right?”