by Jerri Hines
His hand ran through his hair. He looked at her with eyes that reflected the depth of depression. A cold fear crept over his face. “It was necessary to protect you, Jo.”
Filled with apprehension, she said in an uneasy tone, “I’m mortified, Wade. It was bad enough to have Kathleen accuse me of being a hussy, but to have my husband—”
Abruptly, he grasped hold of her arm and pulled her back to him. “Don’t ever say that word…ever! Do you understand me? Never! It is not what I think and I would never…never do anything to cause you harm in any fashion!”
The intensity of his tone took her back. His expression betrayed his distress. She could not ignore the truth that faced her—he was frightened of losing her.
“Why, then, Wade? Why would you degrade my reputation? How can I hold my head up in polite society anymore? What will be said about Percival? Will his name be tainted?”
“You have it wrong…all wrong. Right before I left for Virginia, Cullen wrote Andrew. Cullen warned him that he was going to do whatever he needed to do…to protect what he declared was his son! His son, Jo!” His voice rose higher; his grip tightened. “I had to leave. I had no choice, but I couldn’t without taking care of you. Can’t you see? It was the only choice I had to keep you safe.”
Suddenly, his grip eased, but the alarm in his eyes didn’t diminish. He went on. “Do you not know me, Jo? You are my life. I would never dishonor you. Understand. Andrew is my brother. I have to depend on him to watch over you while I am gone. It went no further, but there is more I need to say…to confess. Something you deserve to know. I can’t live with myself otherwise.”
The room stilled; her blood ran cold as trepidation grew. She looked at him and saw it in his eyes…he was about to affirm her suspicions. Oh, Good Lord, it was true!
His face rigid, he began, “After receiving news that Andrew had jilted you at the altar, my only thought was to get to you before Cullen could marry you. I did the one thing I could do to ensure your return…”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. She could keep quiet no longer. She cried out as the words rolled off her lips like a pained scream. “It was you! You…you sent the telegram!”
Jo tried to jerk away, but he caught her arm and swung back against his chest. She fought him, wildly hitting him with her fist over and over again. He ignored her attempt to dispense hurt upon him, letting her continue until she collapsed hapless into his arms.
Uncontrollable sobs shook her body. It had been a shock. Despite Andrew’s warning, the admission wrenched her soul. Images assaulted her…images of Cullen’s eyes staring accusingly upon her. What a fool she had been!
Her dark eyes hardened. She sneered. “You believe it will ease your conscience when in reality it will destroy the life I thought we had created together.”
“Listen. It is all I ask,” he said. “All I wanted was what I had. Before Cullen…before Clarissa…it was you and I. A love like we had isn’t easily to be forgotten. Through everything, I never did. I never meant to hurt you. I confess I put honor and duty before us, but in that I had no choice.”
Jo caught her breath. She could not argue that she too held to honor and duty, but she had never deceived another in a veiled attempt at the conviction. She railed, “Do not hide behind your honor to defend yourself. I won’t have it! Let me go!”
“No.” He stubbornly resisted her efforts to distance herself from him. “I want only to explain myself.”
He gathered her close and tried to still her, forcing her to listen to him whether she wanted to or not. “My reasons went beyond honor and duty…it’s the Montgomery legacy. I can’t have you believing that I have shamed you to obtain Magnolia Bluff.”
She glared up at him, but ceased to struggle. She straightened herself up. “If you can, convince me of your good intentions, because all I see is a greedy man much like his grandfather who would have done anything to ensure he gained his much-desired prize—Magnolia Bluff.”
For a long moment, he looked at her. “Everything I have ever done, I have done for the furtherance of my family. You and I have been caught up in a tangled web of lies. It is for that reason I need you to understand my actions. I married Clarissa for one reason—to save Magnolia Bluff. I let you go to Philadelphia for one reason—to save Magnolia Bluff.
“When you went to Philadelphia, you lied to me and told me that your papa would disinherit you if you went against your engagement. Do you not know it tore at my soul to let you leave? I did it only for the family…not me. What did I have to gain? Magnolia Bluff would have gone to Andrew.”
His tired eyes met hers. Her train of thought had differed from his on the matter. She had been hurt, but it did little to explain his deception. She said the words that burned in her heart. “What of Cullen? What reason did you have to cruelly trick your cousin?”
“Nothing I say will expunge my guilt toward Cullen. Make no mistake, I do not apologize that I have you, but that I deceived my cousin is something that I will have to live with.”
“Is it that guilt which claims Percival?”
Out of it all, it had been the unspoken secret they shared. She stared at him, hardly breathing.
He was silent for a moment. Then in a calm, tired voice, he said with finality, “I have proclaimed Percival as mine. In my heart and soul, he is my son. It was by my actions that we married, which took you from my cousin. True, our union was your papa’s dearest wish, but your papa would have accepted Cullen after Andrew’s fiasco. It was I who could not have it, not when you were within my reach.
“I wanted you by whatever means necessary. I have always truly believed we were destined to be one. Moreover, I do not believe that Cullen could ever have given to you what would truly make you happy. You needed to be here…in Charleston…at Magnolia Bluff. It is who you are.”
She wanted to scream that he was wrong. She had loved Cullen, but a remnant of pain surfaced as she remembered that Cullen fought for the North. He had chosen to turn his back on his family, the place of his birth…and her. Then slowly, the realization suffused through her that Wade’s words held truth in them. Perhaps, he had known her better than she had known herself.
He sighed heavily. “I was so angry when I discovered that you had been with Cullen, but ultimately, I came to the realization I was going to lose you if I allowed that fact to consume me. I found that my love for you was deeper than my rage and discovered it’s what we choose to let come between us that will define our marriage. I came to an acceptance that my life is better with you in it and would never be happy otherwise. God has shown me favor by giving to me the greatest gifts a man could ask for—a loving wife and a healthy child.
“Tell me, my darling, despite all that has come before us, have we not been happy?”
For a time, she said nothing. A million thoughts ran rampant through her mind and heart. The night had been sweet agony with having Wade home. There had been a barrier between them—the hurt and pain of the doubt that had lived inside her was much deeper than the insult of having Andrew know of her indiscretion.
Through the strength of Wade’s conviction, she found the answer she sought. He loved her. He loved Percival. Moreover, Private Riley’s words at dinner terrified her. It frightened her to imagine life without Wade. She could not bear a future so dismal. Her resolve faltered and with it, the wall crumbled.
A sudden consciousness swept through her that Andrew had been correct. She couldn’t change the past, only the future.
The only future she had…the life she had known…the life she was born into was with Wade. It was a different love, perhaps, than she had felt for Cullen, but she was a different person now. She gave herself up to Wade’s joy and Percival’s legacy.
“Josephine, my love, my life.” His voice softened to a low whisper. “Tell me…have I ruined your life by marrying me?”
“No.” She encircled her arms about his neck and embraced him fiercely. “You are as I am. I do not want to be anywhere but here with you and Percival. I
t is my only wish that we are a family…always.”
She could say no more, for his lips were upon hers. Their lips blended with an impatient urgency. Overwhelmed with the passion he stirred, the world became his touch, his caress, and the rhythm of their bodies.
Jo snuggled into Wade’s shoulder. Their coupling had been intense and quick. He had been almost apologetic. There was no need. She was happy, truly happy, which came with acceptance of her life as it was: a husband who loved her beyond measure, a healthy son, and the promise of a future…if the war allowed. She pushed back the thought, thinking only of the days before them.
Cullen was but a memory, the past. Her future lay with the man who held her tightly in his arms.
* * * *
With Percival in his arms, Wade walked over the side fields with Andrew. His small son had become his shadow in the week he had returned home. God in his mercy, it was going to be hard to leave once more.
He had briefly hoped to have been transferred to the defense of Charleston, but his orders arrived yesterday. He had been recalled back to Hampton’s Legion. By this time tomorrow, he would be back on his way to Virginia.
“Before I leave, Andrew, I will show you where I keep the copy of the documents I signed. I should have done so before I left, but I assumed Grandfather would have shown you.”
“Grandfather barely talked to me.”
Wade shrugged, not surprised with the information. He went on. “I will admit, I signed them with the greatest reluctance. I have doubts we will ever recover what is owed to us by giving up portions of our crops to the Confederacy. No one knows what the government bonds will be worth by the time the war is over, but it is our duty.”
“I had Gardner take care of the arrangements when you wrote to me about it after Grandfather passed. I knew Magnolia Bluff had pledged her crops. I just had no knowledge of where the papers were kept.”
Wade stopped, turned and gazed at his brother. “I have been meaning to ask why you sent Barclay to White Oaks. I’m confused to the reasoning. Barclay knows Magnolia Bluff. With the slaves posing a threat, he would notice any change in demeanor or behavior. Nothing comes before the safety of the family.”
“I can easily bring him back,” Andrew said. “Gardner seems to have a way with the slaves. I haven’t detected the slightest unrest, but it is yours to address. I don’t proclaim to have the skills you have in running a plantation. If you want—”
“No, no.” Wade swung Percival onto his shoulder. “Don’t be defensive. I don’t have time for this. It is only Barclay knows Magnolia Bluffs, the slaves, the land. I know that with the worry about revolts, I would feel better if Barclay was here. I don’t know this Gardner.”
“I do, Wade. Trust me and have faith in my ability to take care of everyone. I can assure you I have kept the faith.”
“What does that mean?”
“That you aren’t as concerned with a revolt here at Magnolia Bluff. You know your people. That is not your worry. Your worry has left the Carolinas.”
Wade stared at Andrew, his expression altered, sterner, more intense. “Cullen. You are talking about Cullen?”
“I have held back on this information until today because I didn’t want to ruin your homecoming. Know though, I won’t lie to you. Cullen contacted me when the Yanks overran Beaufort. He was there. I saw him myself. I made it clear to him that I will never allow him to take Percival. I gave you my word that I would protect your family. I will keep it.”
Wade’s anxiety changed to relief. “You said he is gone.”
“Transferred to the Western blockade. He sent word to me himself.” Andrew paused a moment, as if carefully considering his next words. “Cullen has come to an acceptance of the situation. In his last correspondence, he only wanted me to know that if the need arose, I could send the whole family—Mother, the girls, Josephine, and Percival—to Philadelphia. Uncle Jonathan would take them in. He is not a threat to you anymore.”
“You are certain?”
“I will protect the family. I swear, Wade. I haven’t been the brother you have been to me, but I will make amends. I won’t let anything happen to Josephine or Percival.”
“I trust you, Andrew. It is Cullen I do not, but if he is not here, I doubt he can do much from his ship. I’m sorry, Andrew. It’s just they are my life and it kills me not to be able—”
“I know, brother. I know. I will guard them with my life.”
Wade let Percival down at the lawn’s edge. Instead of walking, the toddler clung to his papa’s leg until Wade picked him up again. Swinging Percival above his head, he had the little one giggling and laughing. Percival fell back down into his arms and hugged him tight.
He looked back over at Andrew. “Then I will leave with one less worry.”
Wade did not sleep. He spent the night staring at his wife. Despite his desire to stop time, the morning dawned. With the greatest of reluctance, he rose.
Jo leaned against him. Fighting back tears in a battle she lost, she cried, “I can’t bear the thought of all the lonely nights without you.”
“Now, none of this.” He wiped her eyes. “Be brave, my darling. I will return.”
“I will try.” She choked on her words. “Promise one thing, Wade, before you go. I listened to your men tell of your bravery and how you have distinguished yourself in battle. I’m so proud of you, but promise me you won’t do anything foolish. Come home to me. I will survive, knowing you are coming back to me. Promise me.”
“You have my word, Mrs. Montgomery.” He leaned over and sealed the promise with a kiss.
Less than an hour later, he mounted his horse. The whole family stood on the steps. He smiled at his mother, his sisters, and his wife. Oh, Lord, how lovely she looked!
Jo wore the dress he had bought from a blockade runner after his mission had been completed, a white cotton tarlatan. Woven stripes were set in the bodice and skirt with a red satin ribbon intertwined into the cotton lace, worn over crinoline. A matching red silk belt tied in the back with a large bow.
The matching bonnet was secured with a floral ribbon. Tiny tresses of dark curls escaped and framed her lovely oval face. A vision to behold… He tethered back his horse.
With one last glance over his shoulder, he saw Percival happily waving good-bye in his momma’s arms. His young son had no concept that his father wouldn’t be returning for a while, but he did. He prayed fervently to God to watch over them until his return.
* * * *
With the descent of colder weather, the North had made no attempt for further skirmishes or battles. The Confederacy’s winter quarters had been established outside of Centerville, Virginia. Makeshift huts littered the hillside.
Despite the hardship of being away from home, the men had taken the opportunity to rest. With no immediate battle looming over them, camp life had become tolerable. The ladies of the immediate community gave gifts of comfort to the officers: socks, comforters, and scarves.
The troops even enjoyed snowball fights and singing heartwarming songs around the campfire. Wade, himself, had imbibed in many lavish meals, accompanied by toast after toast to independence. His mind, though, was never far away from his home.
His worry concerning Cullen eased, but Harry Lee and Buck were never far from his mind. Before the war, he felt in control. Now, he had lost that advantage. The war had caused more havoc than the battles on the field.
Fortunately, Wade had discovered that the Haynes brothers had been assigned to an infantry unit under the command of Brigadier General Richard Garnett. Wade had the opportunity of making Garnett’s acquaintance during his Navy days on one of his assignments. General Garnett, formerly of the US Army before he had resigned his commission to serve for the Confederacy, had agreed to keep a watchful eye on the brothers.
Monitoring the brothers had served to be beneficial. Wade supposed he shouldn’t have been surprised that the brothers had already been on the verge of a court-martial. Each had been formally warned of
actions unbecoming a soldier. Buck had even been demoted back to private.
From Garnett’s report, Harry Lee and Buck were not cowards and had no issue in battle. Harry Lee had even received a commendation for his bravery at Manassas. Wade held no doubt that Harry Lee had no qualms in taking another’s life.
Taking direct orders had been another issue. When ordered by their captain to do guard duty, the brothers had refused, which had led to an inopportune duel. Neither man who participated in the duel had been injured: Buck missed wildly, the captain intentionally fired wide.
Buck had been formally charged with insubordination. Harry Lee avoided the charge only because of his deeds on the field, but, Garnett assured Wade that there would not be another episode such as that one without more dire consequences. Buck had been transferred out of Harry Lee’s unit.
Wade had taken comfort in the knowledge that the brothers had pressing matters to concern themselves with besides any revenge they might still harbor against his family. Still, Wade relayed the information on to Andrew.
Josephine’s letters came regularly. He read and reread them every night. The last letter, she had conveyed Grace Ann had returned to Whitney Hall. Theodore Whitney had taken a fall from his horse. Grace Ann had immediately withdrawn back to her home to care for her husband.
Knowing how close Jo had become to her cousin, he wondered why Jo had not gone with Grace Ann. Reading between the lines of his wife’s letters, though, he held to a lingering hope that it was her own health that delayed her venture away from Magnolia Bluff…that perhaps another life grew inside her.
At the end of January, Wade received an invitation to join General P.T. Beauregard for dinner, along with seven other officers. It was not unusual to dine with the commanding officers, but never had he received a formal request.
Wade had known Beauregard well from Charleston and had found the general had not lost any of his flair for the dramatic. The man had not lost his popularity among the men nor the animosity of President Davis, if the rumors held any truth in them. The night had not played out long before Beauregard made a shocking announcement to the men.
