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

by Crawford, Dianna; Laity, Sally

  And Colin’s, concerning my own…She released a pent-up sigh.

  Chapter 32

  After the butler helped him into clothing appropriate for the evening, Colin relaxed in his room. Or tried to relax. For the past two hours there’d been a steady cacophony of giggles, loud thumps, and slamming doors and drawers in the next chamber. The racket coming from Victoria’s room seemed to have no end.

  “From all the commotion, you’d think they were preparing for a coronation,” he muttered. But then, for all he knew, that sort of nonsense went on all the time in the female world. He’d never before been confined to his room long enough to overhear the way his sisters conducted themselves when preparing for company. Truth was, the womenfolk in the family always emerged from their cocoons looking quite beautiful…especially Mariah. He called forth a vision of her in lavender ruffles that complemented her ebony curls and incredible eyes, then dismissed it with a scowl.

  Someone rapped on his door and opened it.

  “Mastah Colin, yo’ folks wants you to go greet de guests now. I’s to take y’all down.”

  “Thanks, Benjamin.” Colin nodded and made a point of not hesitating as he crossed the room. “Don’t take me down at such a slow pace that I look helpless.”

  “No, sah. We’ll high-step it all de way.”

  Grinning at the mental image that conjured up, Colin took the butler’s arm. “Have the Tuckers arrived yet?”

  “Dey was jest turnin’ on our lane when I come up fo’ y’all.”

  “Good. Then I should reach the foyer before they knock.”

  “Dat’s what de Missus say.”

  Colin grunted. For all her fine words, it appeared Mother didn’t want him to be an embarrassment any more than he did himself.

  As they started down the stairs, doors opened and closed behind him with a flurry of female whispers and the rapid patter of approaching slippers. The girls—and most likely Mariah—were coming in all their glory. They called out greetings as they raced past him.

  “Hi, Colin.”

  “Love you, Colin.”

  Then he heard much more sedate footsteps. “Good evening, Mr. Barclay.” Mariah matched her steps with his and the butler’s as they continued down the wide staircase. “You look quite dashing this evening.”

  Colin reminded himself to be polite. Still, he didn’t want her to attach herself to him. The Tuckers would be at the door any second. “Thank you. Your perfume smells nice.”

  His mother’s voice drifted from the foyer as she instructed the girls to quiet down.

  The brass door knocker tapped.

  Colin’s spirits sank. He had yet to reach the marble floor. How many steps remained to the bottom landing before the guests were admitted inside?

  Mariah threaded her arm through his. “Benjamin, you may go answer the door. I’ll allow Colin to escort me the rest of the way.”

  “Yes’m.”

  Before Colin could protest, the butler hurried away, leaving him at Mariah’s mercy. He heard the door open.

  “Last step,” Mariah said softly. She moved with him toward the cluster of happy voices.

  “Good evening, everyone,” Dennis’s mother gushed. “It was so nice of you to invite us. And Colin, it’s great to see you up and about.”

  Mr. Tucker stepped closer and squeezed Colin’s shoulder, speaking in his booming voice. “I second that, son.”

  “Yes, old man,” Tuck piped in. “You’re a far sight better lookin’ than you were when we dragged you back here.”

  Colin nodded and smiled toward each voice. “We’re glad you could come.”

  “And Mariah.” Tuck spoke from right in front of her and Colin. “You look marvelous this evening.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m sure you look dashing as well, Tuck,” Colin chided, “if Tori’s sugary welcome was any indication.”

  “Colin! Please!” his sister gasped.

  Mariah gave a quick yank to his sleeve.

  “Only teasing, sis.”

  Mother finally came to the rescue. “Helen, Drew, it’s such a warm evening I thought we might be more comfortable out on the terrace. Shall we?”

  “Sounds delightful, Cora, my dear,” Father said, taking charge.

  “Heather?” Colin heard Tuck say, and he knew his friend would be escorting both sisters outside.

  Colin grimaced, wishing he’d spoken sooner himself so he could walk with someone instead of scheming Mariah. “Amy?”

  Mariah turned him to follow the others and spoke in a whisper. “Amy had supper earlier. Your mother thought it best, considering her, shall we say, indelicate way with words.”

  He emitted a low chuckle. “I’ll bet she did.”

  “It’s wonderful to see you in such high spirits, Colin,” Dennis’s mother said, walking ahead of him and Mariah. “You always were such a brave boy.”

  The pity in her tone made Colin want to retch.

  Mariah, however, tightened her hold. “I understand that your son was also quite brave, Mistress Tucker. Victoria said he, too, was wounded.”

  “He was?” Her voice shook. “Dennis. Is it true? You were shot? Why didn’t you tell me? You might’ve been killed.”

  Tuck quickly put her at ease. “A musket ball merely grazed my shoulder, Mom, that’s all. Nothing to get upset about. It was all but healed by the time I got home.”

  As the woman questioned her son further, Colin felt compelled to express his appreciation to Mariah for steering the attention away from him. He leaned close to her scented warmth. “Thank you.”

  “No need.”

  A waft of cooler air brushed his face. They’d reached their destination, and he hadn’t made a single misstep. He had Mariah to thank for that, too.

  The chairs scraping around the table ceased quickly as everyone found seats. Colin managed to hold out Mariah’s chair for her before taking his own. Her perfume so sweetened the air around him, he wondered if she’d applied the entire bottle.

  Footsteps from behind preceded the aroma of roast pork, mashed potatoes, spiced applesauce, and collard greens, as the servants carried platters of food to the table and dished out portions to everyone. Colin appreciated having something besides perfume to inhale.

  At the head of the group, Father eased his chair back and stood to offer the blessing. “Our most gracious heavenly Father, we thank You for this opportunity to fellowship with dear friends and enjoy the bounty You so faithfully provide. We ask Your blessing upon our food and our conversation. And we are most grateful for Your mercy in bringing our sons home to us again. May You watch over the colony of Virginia and the other colonies during this time of trial. Amen.”

  At least he didn’t mention my personal trial. I’m thankful for that small mercy. Other sounds drifted to Colin’s ears—the snapping of napkins to be placed on laps, the tap of forks against plates. He hoped he could manage the task of eating without looking foolish. While Mistress Tucker began expounding on Mother’s lovely garden, Colin edged his fingers up from his lap to feel for his napkin.

  Mariah’s hand covered his and guided it to the cloth beneath his fork, then quickly slid her fingers away.

  “Oh, yes,” Mother said. “The star of jasmine cuttings I ordered last spring have done beautifully. Already they are climbing the railings and have such a sweet, heady, scent. Especially at eventide.”

  While everyone delved into the food, Colin nibbled on a buttered roll he’d felt on his plate.

  Mariah cleared her throat. “Mistress Barclay, the pork is so deliciously tender, it falls apart at the touch of a fork.”

  Already having detected the meat from its aroma, Colin knew Mariah was trying to provide information for his benefit, and he appreciated her thoughtfulness. He managed to spear a piece of it and forked it to his lips.

  “Why, thank you, dear. We are fortunate to have Eloise’s skills. She’s always been a wonderful cook.”

  “I agree, Cora,” Tuck’s mother said. “One of the
se days, I’d be most grateful if you’d send her over to teach our cook how to make those wonderful, flaky pastries she does so well. Hettie has never been able to master them.”

  Mother gave a throaty laugh. “I can send her, but I doubt she’ll give up her secret recipes. They were passed down to her by a French Creole cook at her prior owner’s.”

  “Speaking of the French,” Father cut in, “when my daughter and I rode to Alexandria to retrieve Colin’s horse this afternoon, I picked up a newspaper from Philadelphia. The publisher, a man named Benjamin Franklin, wrote a very interesting piece stating that if the colonies don’t start cooperating with each other soon, the French could very easily concentrate their efforts, and with the help of their Indian allies, they could pick us off one by one.”

  “A pity he didn’t write that before our valiant boys were forced to go to battle with too few men and insufficient supplies,” Mr. Tucker said on a wry note. He set down his glass with a click.

  “At least we Virginians put forth an effort,” Tuck boasted. “And now, at long last, the House of Burgesses has agreed to spend twenty thousand pounds toward the cause.”

  Father chuckled. “Yes. And they finally got Governor Dinwiddie to sign it, including the rider abolishing that gold pistole fee on land patents. From what I heard, Dinwiddie was livid when he saw that proposed—again.”

  “Well,” Mr. Tucker replied. “I, for one, am glad the rider was included. Gold is much too hard to come by in the colonies as it is, without shipping it over to England to fill their coffers.”

  “Getting back to that newspaper article,” Father said, “there’s a very-to-the-point picture in it. One of a snake being cut into several pieces, with the name of a colony on each section. Below it read, ‘Join or Die.’ Very apropos, wouldn’t you say?”

  Mother coughed lightly into her napkin. “I think discussing such a topic at the dinner table is definitely not apropos. Would you gentlemen mind saving this conversation for after our meal?”

  “Quite right, Cora, my love. Till later, gentlemen.”

  Colin could almost see him raising his lemonade in a salute and tipping his head.

  “Speaking of later,” Mr. Tucker chimed in, “I have a bit of business I’d like to discuss with you and your son after supper.”

  Detecting an almost imperceptible titter from Victoria, Colin surmised she would be the topic. But why did his and Tuck’s parents want him involved?

  “I see.” A curt note tinged Mother’s voice. “Well, Eloise has made some delightful apple dumplings for our dessert. After we’ve had a chance to enjoy them, Helen and the rest of us ladies shall wait for you menfolk in the parlor. I do hope you won’t be overlong. The girls have some lovely entertainment planned.” She rang a silver bell to call for dessert.

  Colin picked up his fork and made another stab at his plate. He still had some food to take care of. All in all, though, this promised to be a lively evening.

  “Would you gentlemen care for a cigar?” Colin’s father closed the library door for privacy.

  “Don’t mind if I do,” Mr. Tucker responded.

  Colin heard the humidor being opened and smelled the rich aroma of tobacco.

  “I selected the best leaves myself,” his father said, his inflection proud.

  Not eager to handle something with one end on fire, Colin gave a negative wave of his hand. “Not just now, Pa.”

  “None for me either,” Tuck said.

  Colin stifled a smirk at the uncharacteristic hint of nervousness in his friend’s voice. No doubt Tuck’s palms were sweating, as well.

  “Then let us be seated.” Father spoke pleasantly. “We might as well be comfortable while we discuss our business.”

  Tuck took hold of Colin’s arm and turned him a bit. “Come sit with me on the settee, old man.” The slight tremble in his fingers on Colin’s sleeve was more than evident. Obviously he needed moral support.

  As they settled back against the damask upholstery, faint music drifted from the parlor across the way. Colin detected only the harpsichord and flute and figured Tori was too overwrought to play her violin. He figured she’d perched on whatever chair had the best view of the library doors.

  Mr. Tucker cleared his throat. “I’m sure it’s no surprise why we’re here this evening. Our son Dennis has expressed a desire to wed your daughter Victoria. I’ve been told the only impediment to a marriage between the pair is the matter of a dowry acceptable to us both. Is that correct?”

  Seated beside Colin, Tuck nudged Colin’s shoe with his.

  “Yes, that is true,” Father answered. “Cora and I—well, the whole family, to be entirely correct—think very highly of Dennis. He more than proved his worth by not shirkin’ his duty last winter.”

  No one spoke for a few seconds. Colin had expected his father to say more, to state the dowry he and Mother, especially, were willing to send with Tori—unless he was waiting to hear Mr. Tucker’s proposal first.

  Mr. Tucker shifted in his seat. “Since you and I both agree our farmland is worth far more than a mere sack of coin that is easily squandered, Dennis and I have come up with a simple solution. If Colin would concede to deed over his property on the South Fork of the Potomac, it would in no way diminish your fields. You could reimburse Colin the price of that land, plus a small profit, of course.”

  Caught off guard by the suggestion, Colin suddenly realized why the Tuckers had wanted him present. He hoped his expression hadn’t betrayed the disappointment that sank in his heart like a rock. Not only had his own dreams been tied to that parcel, but it hurt to think they knew he’d never be able to fulfill those dreams now.

  Obviously his father noticed his lack of response. “Tuck, what do you propose to bring to the marriage?”

  “M–me? I…uh—”

  Mr. Tucker cut in. “Eldon, you know Dennis is sole heir to all our properties.”

  “Quite. But I’d like to hear what his plans happen to be for my daughter.”

  “Plans?” Tuck finally managed. “I plan to love her and cherish her, sir. And the moment you agree to our marriage, I plan to start building a cottage for us.” He turned slightly in his seat. “A cozy little honeymoon cottage near where the brook comes out of the woods in the west section. Our own private place.”

  The more his friend rattled on, so full of dreams for Tori and himself, the more dejected Colin became. If he hadn’t lost his sight, he might’ve been discussing his marriage to Mariah this evening.

  Father interrupted his thoughts. “Well. That would please Victoria, I’m sure. But as to the South Fork parcel, that is not my decision. It’s for my son to decide.”

  Hoping to hide his melancholy, Colin sat up straighter and raised his chin. He forced himself to speak in a normal tone. “It sounds like a reasonable solution to me.”

  In a flash, Tuck grabbed him and hugged him, thumping him on the back. “Thank you, my friend. Thank you.” He sprang to his feet. “I must go tell Tori.”

  “If you happen to see Benjamin in the foyer,” Colin called after him, “tell him I need to speak to him.” He lumbered to his feet and turned in the direction of his father. “I’m rather tired now. Would you give the ladies my regrets?”

  Chapter 33

  Mariah could scarcely concentrate on the classical pieces she’d chosen to play for the dinner guests. Though she rendered each one flawlessly, her attention remained focused across the way, her angst easily as keen as Victoria’s. The girl sat forward in her chair, her gaze fixed on the library doors.

  Hoping against hope that by some miracle Colin’s desire to marry her would be rekindled as he listened to his friend’s plea for Tori’s hand, Mariah released a ragged sigh. Surely he’d noticed what an asset she’d been to him this evening. What an asset she would always be.

  The library door swung open, and Mariah’s fingers accidentally struck the wrong keys. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice as Dennis rushed across the hall to the parlor, grinning from ear to ear.r />
  Mariah couldn’t help smiling herself when Victoria jumped to her feet and flew into the young man’s open arms.

  Mistress Barclay, however, didn’t appear so thrilled. The woman’s grim expression revealed the realization that her lifelong plans for her daughter had been thwarted.

  But Dennis Tucker’s mother rushed to the couple and embraced them both. “Praise be! I have a new daughter.”

  “And I have anew brother!” Heather laughed and joined the celebrants.

  Tuck drew Tori close to his side and strode to her mother, who remained seated and unsmiling. “I hope you will be happy for us. It won’t be necessary for you to give up any of your land holdings.”

  She tilted her perfectly coiffed head. “I don’t understand. Your father is willing to accept money instead?”

  “Not exactly.” He gave her a smug smile and hugged Victoria. “Colin has agreed to deed his land on the South Fork to me, and in turn, your husband will compensate him.”

  Stunned by that news, Mariah rose from the harpsichord stool. “Are you referring to the parcels you and he bought in the backcountry?” The land Colin had promised to take her to see.

  “That’s right.” He turned back to Mistress Barclay.

  Her demeanor changed to one of approval as she stood to her feet and took their hands in hers. “Why, what a perfect solution. I’d never have thought of it.”

  Tuck shrugged a shoulder. “Well, the property is in question at the moment because of the French. But I’m willing to gamble that the colonies will come together soon and push the French forces back to Canada, where they belong.”

  “I’m…so pleased for you.” Mariah somehow managed weak congratulations as she started for the doorway. She could no longer bear to be around Victoria and Tuck and their overflowing joy.

  Mr. Barclay and Colin emerged from the library at that moment. “I’ll return shortly,” the older man called over his shoulder as he and his son started up the staircase.