Minnie sailed into the room. “Oh, good. You’ve changed out of your wedding dress. It wouldn’t do to let Luke see you in that. Run along. I’ll put your finery away.”
A surge of joy dried Molly’s tears. “Luke’s here?”
“Yes, he wants to see you in the garden. It’s so nice out there this time of day.”
Mandy kissed Molly’s cheek. “I have to go anyway, dearest. You talk this over with Luke. It might be that you two can travel to Georgia this autumn after the crops come in.”
Molly hadn’t even considered that. “Do you think so?”
Mandy laughed as she turned to help Minnie with the dress. “From the way I’ve seen Luke look at you, I’d say he’ll do anything to make you happy.”
The happiness on Molly’s face as she glanced in the mirror convinced her Mandy was right. She stuffed the loose tendrils back in her snood and pinched her cheeks to add some color, then dashed from the room and down the stairs.
She knew where Luke would be in the garden. A gazebo anchored the far boundary of the sunny space of colorful, fragrant perennials and annuals artlessly scattered about. The subtle scent of lilies, daisies, larkspur, and zinnia was overwhelmed by a huge lilac bush at the corner. Ella had already offered to give Molly a section of the bush to transplant to her farmhouse in the spring.
As soon as Molly and Luke made eye contact, he rose from the bench inside the vine-covered gazebo. His wide smile and open arms invited her, and she went into his embrace. The world fell away as they kissed.
With a groan, he broke the kiss but only moved enough to allow them to stare into each other’s eyes. “Do you realize, my love, in three days it will be our wedding day?”
She laughed to relieve the emotion in her throat. “How could I not? The ladies of this town remind me several times a day.”
“I probably won’t be able to visit at all tomorrow, or even the next day. And Miz Ella forbids me to see you the day of the wedding until you march down the aisle.” His voice turned husky. “So, it’s likely we won’t see each other again until then.”
His look said this was as disagreeable to him as it was to her, but she knew he’d have to work on the house raising. She’d like to tell him she didn’t care if the house was finished before he took her over the threshold, but that was important to him. And anything important to him was important to her.
They sat and she ducked her head, a shy smile hiking the corners of her mouth. “I don’t suppose I could join the ladies out at the house tomorrow.”
“No—I don’t want you to see it in the shape it’s in.” Alarm sounded in his tone.
She lifted her head, a full grin letting him know she was joking. “It’s all right. I have much to do. I never even dared hope for my true love to marry. I can surely have enough patience to make the day perfect.”
Then that old worry crept back in and she caught her lower lip between her teeth. “There’s just one dark blot over my happiness.”
He took her hand. “What?”
“When you were telling me how you’d injured yourself to get discharged from the army, and believed that marked you a coward…well, it reminded me I, too, have been a coward.”
His brows pulled together with concern, but he said nothing.
“I have a confession to make to you, and I pray it doesn’t make you think less of me.”
“Never. I want you to know you can always tell me anything. What is it?”
“Daddy didn’t approve of my marriage. In fact, he didn’t know I was leaving.” She dropped her gaze to where a yellow butterfly flitted along the sweet William blooms. “I ran away.”
Luke turned, his knee touching her leg and she felt it all the way through the layers of skirt and petticoats. “You mean your father doesn’t know where you are?”
“I’ve sent him a letter and two telegrams, but I’ve heard nothing.”
“Could it be he’s on his way up here?”
She had considered this, and the thought both pleased and scared her. “I…I doubt it.” Twisting around on the bench, she peered into his troubled eyes. “Mandy suggested something that gave me hope I might reconcile with Daddy later—after he’s had time to get used to the idea of our marriage.”
He still held on to her left hand and she reached for his other. If only he’d agree. “This fall after harvest, we’ll go to Aunt Sadie’s in Alabama—that’s where Daddy is moving to—and see him. If that’s agreeable with you.”
When he didn’t respond, panic swelled. “Is it?”
“I’m sorry, Molly. I can hardly hold a coherent thought when you are near.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’m more than agreeable. I think we should visit your father, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t visit us before then. I can’t imagine having a daughter like you and not coming to see her.”
Relief and happiness settled in her chest. She kissed him and lay her head on his shoulder. With the feel of her husband-to-be’s heart beating against her ear, she breathed in the sweet scent of the lilac bush. The larks sang their summer song overhead, and she couldn’t imagine a more heavenly place to be.
Chapter 17
But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. – Matthew 22:11
His wedding day had to be the hottest of the year. Luke stood at the front of the church with Rev. Lawrence as the pews filled to capacity. He wiped his palms over his pants. It wouldn’t do to take Molly’s hand with a sweaty one.
As he feared, he didn’t get a spare moment to see her the last two days, but the work and his tired muscles were worth it. He couldn’t believe how his little house was transformed. Not only was the outside freshly painted, but the ladies had cleaned and decorated the inside. He had walked through the rooms last night trying to view them through Molly’s eyes. The farmhouse couldn’t make up for the plantation home she’d lost in the war, but it was cozy, if humble. He knew she’d be pleased, and nothing brought him more joy than pleasing her.
Rev. Lawrence slapped him on the back. “I’ve never had a bride-groom faint yet, son. You’ll get through this ceremony.”
“Wish they hadn’t made such a to-do about it. Do I look nervous?”
“Yes.” Mrs. Lawrence had joined them with her violin in hand. She reached up to pat his cheek, then turned to her husband. “We’re ready, dear.”
She took her place to the right of the dais and began to play Mendelsohn, and the hum of voices ceased. Rebecca and Marni came down the aisle, walking side-by-side. Mandy came close behind, carrying a huge bouquet.
Luke’s pulse sped as he stared at the open doors. Mrs. Lawrence stilled her bow and silence fell until he was sure everyone could hear his heavy breathing. For one crazy moment he feared Molly had changed her mind and wouldn’t appear. Then Rev. Lawrence gestured for the congregants to stand and Mrs. Lawrence struck the Wedding March.
Water filmed Luke’s eyes as Caleb appeared with Molly on his arm. She would have preferred her father escort her, but somehow Luke would win the man’s approval in time. He blinked to bring this beautiful woman into focus. Thank You, God, for sending her to me.
She kept her gaze locked on his until she reached him, and he took her gloved hand.
The minister read the Scripture from Genesis and Luke’s Gospel regarding the foundations of marriage. Luke stared into Molly’s upturned face, the loving look in her dark eyes holding him spellbound. He hardly heard the pastor’s sermon.
But when Rev. Lawrence cleared his throat after his prayer, Luke stood at attention like a soldier. “Luke Calvin Ferrell, do you take this woman, Molly—”
“Stop this wedding,” a man shouted from the back of the church.
The congregation let out a collective gasp, and all eyes turned in the direction of the intruder. A tall, thin man with gray hair and beard stomped down the aisle.
“Sir, what is the meaning of this?” Rev. Lawrence demanded. Caleb and Braden moved in to offer assistanc
e if needed.
“Daddy.” Molly’s voice was incredulous.
“You’re leaving with me, Molly. This man, Luke Ferrell, killed your mother.”
Shock turned to rage in Luke. “I did not. Molly, I don’t know what he’s talking about.”
Mr. Stewart waved a paper in front of Rev. Lawrence. “Read this, preacher. Tell the whole church. This is an affidavit from my former overseer. He names Luke Ferrell as one of the men with Sergeant Nat Lind’s regiment, who raided the countryside throughout Georgia. His men, with Luke Ferrell’s help, burned down our house, with my wife in it, not to mention, looted, raped, and terrorized the slaves who tried to save her.”
Rev. Lawrence sent a shocked look from Luke back to the enraged man. “I’m sure you’re mistaken, Mr. Stewart. It was during war.”
“Isn’t there any decency in any of you? War doesn’t excuse the murder of innocent women.”
“I’m sure Luke wouldn’t have done that, Daddy.” Molly’s voice trembled with tears. “You weren’t with that regiment, were you, Luke. You were with Sherman’s army.”
“Sergeant Lind was with Sherman, Molly, but—”
He got no further, Mr. Stewart plowed into him with both fists, punching him in the face, busting his mouth. Luke fell back, automatically clenching his fists. But he couldn’t strike Molly’s father.
Pandemonium broke out. Women screamed. Caleb and Braden grabbed ahold of Mr. Stewart. Rev. Lawrence helped Luke up. He blinked, trying to find Molly.
She was disappearing through the back door.
Chapter 18
A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it. But knowledge is easy to him who understands. – Proverbs 14:6
A soft knock sounded on Molly’s bedroom door. “Molly, dear, may I come in?”
“Yes, Ella, please.”
Molly rose from the side of the bed where she’d been kneeling, for how long she didn’t know. “I was praying,” she said as if an explanation was needed.
After rushing out of the church, she’d run, the urgency to put as much distance between her and the two men she loved as possible. As her breath had given out, her spirit took over, guiding her to a place she’d be alone with her Heavenly Father, the only One Who’d never fail her.
Ella’s clutched hands rested against the front of her dress, the same one she’d worn at the wedding. Like she, too, had been praying. She moved into the room and sat on the end of the bed, propping her back against the footboard. “I understand how you must feel, but I want you to know—and I know without a doubt—Luke loves you.”
Molly lowered herself onto the side of the bed and stared at her lap. “I know. And I’ve hurt him by running away. Just as I hurt Daddy by running away.” She slipped a glance to Ella. “Wasn’t it Paul who said, “I do those things I don’t want to do and fail to do those I should?”
“Yes, I believe it was, but that’s common to us all. We’ll never reach perfection in this world.”
Silence deepened and all Molly could hear was her own breathing.
Ella finally spoke, softly but loud enough to make Molly jump. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to be still and let the Spirit lead me. I’ll speak to both Daddy and Luke. What I’ll say, I don’t know, except I owe them both an apology.”
Minnie appeared on the threshold. “Molly, your father is downstairs. Will you see him?”
Ella reached out for her hand. “You don’t have to go yet. We can offer an excuse if you wish.”
Molly filled her lungs and rose. “No. I’ll see him now.” She straightened her shoulders as she crossed the floor.
Daddy stood in the foyer studying a painting of Washington crossing the Delaware, his back to her. To keep from startling him, she called to him as she gained the landing.
He whirled around at the sound of her voice but waited for her to reach him before speaking. “Molly, I’ve been out of my mind with worry.”
She didn’t resist when he pulled her into his arms. “You didn’t receive my letter or telegrams?”
The cords in his neck bunched. “I did, but I wanted to find evidence before I came for you. I had recalled Jenkins giving me details of how the Yankees had attacked our place and what Liddy and Sam had said. I was certain Ferrell was one of the men who’d been in Lind’s gang. I knew you wouldn’t believe me without proof, so I found Jenkins and had him write out exactly what happened during the raid. You can read it for yourself.” He pulled the paper from his inside pocket.
“I don’t want to see it, Daddy.” Finding all the energy draining from her, Molly turned away and strode to the stuffed leather wingchair. Daddy’s steps sounded close behind. He waited for her to be seated before continuing to lay out his case against Luke. Each minute detail was like a dagger to her heart, but the peace she’d gained during her prayers held her calm.
Having regained her strength, she got to her feet and walked around the chair to put some barrier between them. The irony of having to do that made her cringe.
“Daddy, Luke told me he was with Sherman, and all the atrocities his drunken men committed, but he didn’t participate. Furthermore, he deliberately injured himself so he’d be discharged. It was the only thing he knew to do.”
“He told me that story too. Don’t tell me you believed him?” Daddy’s voice rose to a level Molly feared Ella or Minnie would hear. They might feel compelled to come to her rescue, and she wanted to have this out alone.
“Luke came to you? To explain?” Something swelled in her heart just knowing Luke had the courage to confront Daddy after that terrible public humiliation he’d endured.
“I saw his scarred leg where he poured hot grease on it. He almost lost the leg. Daddy, you know how it was in the army. Luke was an eighteen-year-old corporal. He couldn’t disobey his commander.”
“A man of honor would. Did he report your mother’s death?” He didn’t give her time to reply. “No, the whole gang of them marched off to join up with Sherman on their merry way to more looting and burning.”
“Daddy, even if what you claim is true, it doesn’t matter now. Luke has sought forgiveness from God and me, although I saw what he did as most honorable, and I’m convinced he didn’t know Mama was in the house. I hope none of the men, as despicable as they were, knew.”
“Jenkins said they did, and I believe him.”
Molly threw her hands out. “Daddy, it doesn’t matter now. I am going to marry Luke, if he’ll still have me, and we’re going to raise a family. From the bottom of my heart, I want you to be a part of our family, but it’s up to you.”
“Marry him? After knowing he killed your mother? You need to pack your things, Molly. Our train leaves in an hour.”
Molly raised her voice. “He didn’t kill Mama. Stop saying that. Stop thinking that. I’m not going with you. Yes, we’re going to get married, tomorrow I hope.” She turned her back on him.
“Why, Molly, at least tell me why.”
The tears she’d fought rose and spilled over. She turned to face him. “Because he loves me.” She held out a palm to forestall whatever argument her father had. “And I love him.”
Daddy’s expression crumbled and he seemed to age ten years before her eyes. He swallowed. “Then there’s nothing else to be said, is there? I’d best be going.”
Through her tears she watched his back, shoulders slumped like an old man, as he retreated.
She stood staring at the closed door, so lost in her thoughts, Ella startled her when she said, “Molly, are you all right?”
Releasing a deep sigh, Molly faced her with a smile she didn’t feel. “Yes, I think so. Do you mind if I take Burt for a ride?”
“Why, yes, dear.” Ella’s voice held concern. “Are you going anywhere in particular?”
“I’m going to see Luke. He’ll be out at his farm, don’t you think?”
Ella smiled. “I expect so. I’ll have Josiah saddle Burt. He’ll have her ready by the time you change into your riding habi
t.”
“Luke didn’t want her to see the farmhouse before they got married.”
They hadn’t noticed Minnie had entered the room.
“Believe me, Minnie,” Ella said, “Luke will be glad to see her now under any circumstance.”
Molly raced up the stairs. Now her mind was made up, she was anxious to ride. She just hoped Ella was right about Luke wanting to see her.
Chapter 19
For His anger is but for a moment. His favor is for life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. – Psalm 30:5
Tonight should have been his wedding night. Luke hardly recognized his old bedroom after the ladies of the town finished sprucing it up. They’d left feminine touches like ruffled curtains, vases of flowers, crocheted doilies. A rag rug rested by the bedside and a wedding ring quilt lay across the bed.
He had to get away from reminders of Molly. Moving swiftly through the house, he took care not to look into the new parlor where her piano stood.
Outside, the south wind only called to mind she’d left on the south train with her father, and the heavy scent of new paint reminded him she’d never see the house he’d built for her. All his time and effort, as well as that of the townspeople, was wasted.
He fled to the barn. It would soon be time to bring in Butter and Pet. He squinted against the lowering sun to search the pasture, and found the two cows lying under an oak tree, chewing their cud. Luke swiped his mouth, wincing as his hand came in contact with his busted lip.
Inside the barn the cool, hay-perfumed air hadn’t changed. But even here were reminders. Feckless nickered. Luke found the curry brush and began stroking the horse’s flank. “Guess it’s just you and me and Reckless, old boy.”
The emptiness of his futility shouldn’t affect him this much, but it did, and he buried his face in the horse’s neck and wept. God, help me. I want to go after her—convince her to come back. But I’ll do whatever you want me to. Just, please help me forget her.
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