by Mark J Rose
“Let me show you something,” Matt said. He reached into his pack and pulled out his wallet. He opened the small leather case to reveal the gold and sapphire ring. He handed it Thomas.
“You expected this?”
“Hardly,” Matt replied. “I carry it to remind me of why I’m working.”
Thomas handed the ring back to Matt and stood to go. He patted the dog on the head. “I missed you, Scout.” He turned to Matt. “It’s been good having you here again, son.”
45
Mrs. William Taylor
Matt checked his pocket to feel the small lump the sapphire ring made in the wool fabric. He’d check it and forget that he’d checked it every ten minutes. He was nervous. They’d rehearsed the wedding at the church twice the day before and he’d mastered all his duties. He wished they could’ve done the same thing with his engagement. He’d need to propose at the church sometime before or after the wedding so that Thomas could announce their engagement at the reception. The questions circled around and around in his head. Where should he ask her? Should it be right before the wedding or afterwards? What if the opportunity never presented itself? He wanted to shout.
The Taylors were walking Thomas up the steps to St. John’s when Matt decided to get it over with. He was walking side by side with Grace, who he knew would disappear soon after they entered the church to tend to Graine. It seemed like the perfect opportunity. My God, she looks beautiful.
“Everyone,” Matt said loudly. “Could we please stop?” He said it loudly enough that the people behind him froze. “I’d like to do this in front of friends and family.” Matt looked down to acknowledge Franklin. “I’ve gotten permission.” Matt acknowledged Grace’s parents and watched them nod in return.
Grace was surprised. “Mr. Miller, what?”
Matt fumbled in his pocket. There it is! He pulled the ring out and went down on his knee there on the top step of the church. People in the churchyard hurried over to see the commotion.
“Grace Taylor,” Matt said. He focused on asking the question loudly so that everyone in the churchyard could hear. “From the first day that I saw you, I dreamed that you’d someday be my wife. I’m asking you in front of your family, your friends and before God. Will you marry me?”
She looked down at him. He saw the tears well up in her eyes. She put her hand out for him to take but was silent. The crowd grew impatient.
“Daughter,” her mother said from the bottom of the step. “You must answer. Do you say yea or nay?”
Grace looked down at her mother, surprised. “Of course,” she said.
“Of course you’ll answer?” Matt asked. “Or of course you’ll be my wife?”
“Of course I’ll be your wife,” she replied. She put both her hands on her waist impatiently. “After all that has happened and how long I’ve waited?”
“I still have to ask,” Matt said. There were chuckles in the churchyard. Matt whispered, “Give me your hand.”
“Why?”
“Give it back,” Matt whispered louder. She reluctantly held her hand out and he slipped the sapphire ring on her finger. It matched her blue dress. It was the same dress he’d seen in his dreams. She now had a brilliant smile on her face. She expected the proposal, but not the ring.
“Oh!” she said. “It’s beautiful.” There were more chuckles from a crowd that had gotten steadily larger. Matt stood up, and Grace took the opportunity to kiss him strongly on the lips. She looked sideways, caught herself, and stepped away. The fact that she was now hopelessly embarrassed endeared her to those looking on. They both turned to the crowd, and there was a roaring applause.
Matt closed his fist and gave a barely visible fist pump, and the crowd applauded again. “Thanks, everyone,” he said. He took Grace’s warm hand in his and they turned to walk into the church.
“I can’t wait to show Graine,” Grace said. “’Tis a beautiful ring.”
“Surprised?” Matt asked.
“Only that Father would agree so early. You have no way to support a family.”
“Of course I do.”
“I’ll not believe it until we’re safely married.” She dropped his hand. “I should help Graine.” He watched her walk to the back of the church and disappear. Gorgeous creature! Matt looked up at the ceiling of the church. He was trying to take in everything he could to remember this day. He whispered a thank you.
“I knew you had it in you,” Will said quietly as he stepped to stand beside him.
“What about you? Nervous?”
“I think you’ll make a fine brother,” Will said.
“No, about your wedding night.”
“Why should I be nervous?”
Matt could barely hear the quiver in Will’s voice. “It’s going to be hard to live up to all that bravado,” Matt said.
“You should be building my confidence,” Will whispered, “rather than tearing it down.”
The Reverend Michael interrupted them, directing them to the front of the church.
The wedding was mostly a blur to Matt. He went through the motions but was preoccupied with thoughts of Grace and the day when he’d walk down the aisle in this same church to marry his beautiful fiancée. The thought of his wedding night filled him with desire. He snapped out of his daydream when the church roared in applause as Thomas and Graine were finally announced as man and wife.
The range of reactions Matt saw in the different family members was priceless. Thomas was happy to have it done. Mary looked sad to see her first son finally become a man with his own family. Robert and Judith Martin, Graine’s parents, looked tickled beyond belief. Etiquette had dictated that they wait until their oldest daughter was married before their six younger daughters could be betrothed. Graine had been in no hurry to find a husband because of her involvement in managing her father’s business. Matt wondered who would run it now that Graine was married and living on the Taylor farm.
46
Douglas Browne
The Martin estate was wrapped up in so many bows and ribbons that it looked like a big Christmas present. Thomas, who always took great pleasure in joking about the immensity of the Martins’ home, tapped Matt on the shoulder as they walked closer. “We’ll be adding a building or two to the farm by the time you’re to be married, but if you expect this, I should think it will require another year or two.”
“Or five, I think,” Matt smiled. “We’ll get there.” He looked around, taking in the opulence, confident that the Taylor farm could someday be as impressive. Taylor-Miller farm. Ha!
Matt hadn’t realized, though, how big an event this would be for Richmond and the surrounding countryside. The Martins had many friends in Virginia, and their guests included business associates, local politicians, clergy, and the entire congregation of St. John’s Church. Horse people, associates and friends of the Taylor Family were there as well. Also in attendance were two scientists from Philadelphia, at least one of whom happened to be an author and postmaster general of the American colonies. Judging by the attention he was getting, either Franklin’s reputation had preceded him or the Martins had announced his presence in advance. Matt suspected that it might have been both.
Less appreciated by Matt was the fact that Franklin was already famous across the colonies for the things he’d done before getting involved in creating a new country. His reputation was firmly established for his scientific experiments, inventions, and the publication of Poor Richard’s Almanac. Because of the breadth of his experience, Franklin had the enviable ability to move freely and comfortably among townspeople, farmers, businessmen, and the very wealthy.
The wedding party, including the parents, was shown to an elevated platform at the front of the reception. People were mingling below, trying to get situated as they found their name placards at the tables. Well-dressed black servants wandered through the crowd with trays of food and wine. Thomas and Graine sat talking at the center of the elevated table, seemingly unaware of the controlled bedlam ta
king place a step below them.
Matt would catch Grace’s gaze every now and then. He liked the fact that she was looking down often at the ring. She was moving her hand, probably trying to get it to sparkle in the afternoon sun. Matt had chosen the ring with one idea in mind: that Grace would think of him every time she saw it. Seeing how she was looking at it now, he felt like his plan to keep her attention was working.
Robert Martin stepped up on a small riser, rang a bell, and waited for everyone to take their seats. He talked briefly to the newlyweds while everyone found their tables, and then rang the bell again. “Welcome, everyone,” he yelled to the crowd. The murmur lowered as more people sat. “Welcome, everyone,” he repeated loudly, “to the wedding of my oldest daughter.”
He went on to talk about Graine, how much he loved her and how proud he was of the lady she had become. He finished by wishing the new couple God’s blessing. Last was his tribute to the King of England, which took almost as much time as he’d spent talking about his daughter. He expressed his gratitude to the king and his pride in being a loyal subject of the Crown. It was enough to make Matt wonder if Robert Martin might have trouble when relations with the mother country became strained.
Thomas spoke next. “I’d like to thank our gracious hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Martin. A man dreams his whole life of the day that his son might marry a lady like Graine. We’ve heard that my son is a charming man, often too charming for his own good.” The crowd laughed. “God must have been on his side to convince this beautiful, challenging, and intelligent lady to marry into our family. This is more than I—we—could’ve hoped. They’re an attractive couple and we wish them a blessed life. We’ll be building them a new house on our farm and they will hopefully be starting their family very soon.” He went on to talk about his son and what he was like growing up, then finished by offering congratulations to the newlyweds. The gathering went up in a roaring applause.
Thomas waited for a moment and then went on. “Mr. and Mrs. Martin and the young couple have given me permission to make one other announcement. My daughter Grace has been formally betrothed to Mr. Matthew Miller of Philadelphia.” Thomas motioned to them and Matt stood up simultaneously with Grace. Wild applause filled the crowd again. “Many changes are afoot in the Taylor family. May God bless us all.” Thomas waved and sat down, followed by many others who spoke on behalf of either the bride or the groom. Some were long-winded, and it went on for almost an hour. There was a collective sigh of relief when lunch was served and Robert Martin ended the tributes.
Many people came by to congratulate Grace on her engagement. Matt was satisfied to see more than a few women take a closer look at the engagement ring. People also came to introduce themselves to Matt, either because he was a member of the wedding or because of the engagement. It was the usual party conversation, but he did get the opportunity to talk to a few businessmen. He tried to inconspicuously scribble their names down on a piece of paper in his pocket whenever he got the chance. He was especially focused on anyone who might be interested in selling his tablets. Grace hovered in and out the entire afternoon She would come find him to dance and then disappear to talk with her friends. The newlyweds flitted about the reception. They were an attractive couple, and it made Matt smile to think he might have had some part in getting them together.
The party was winding down at about the same time the sun was setting in the horizon. There was great fanfare as Thomas and Graine got into the carriage that would take them to a country home on the river for their wedding night, then to Williamsburg and off to the coast for a few weeks. There had been a commitment from both families that the young couple be given every opportunity to produce a grandchild. Looking around at the estate and at the Taylor and Martin families, Matt was sure they would be very lucky children.
As Matt watched the couple’s carriage drive away, he saw Thomas wave him over. Thomas was talking to another older man.
“I’d like you to meet Douglas Browne,” Thomas said as Matt walked up to them.
Matt reached his hand out.
“Congratulations on your betrothal,” Browne said. “You’re blessed to become part of such an esteemed family.”
Matt nodded. “I recognize your name,” he said. “You have a farm on the coast known for good breeding. There was one stallion in particular.”
“Keegan. We still have him,” Browne said. “He’s no Shadow, despite what Thomas thinks.”
“I thought Nathan Payne bought him,” Matt said.
Browne shook his head. “A nasty business. I knew something was amiss as soon as he came to my farm.”
“I bought him,” Thomas said. “I’m going to the coast tomorrow to bring him home. It’s a full day’s ride, and I need company. I usually take Will.”
“Seeing the beauty of your new daughter,” Browne said, “I’ll be surprised if Will ever returns.” All three men laughed.
“I can come,” Matt said. “How long?”
“A few days, I think,” said Thomas. “I’m sorry to take you away from Grace, but we can accommodate the lost time when you return. The boys can do her chores.”
“Sounds like a deal,” Matt said. He didn’t think he had a choice. It seemed like something a future son-in-law should do to ingratiate himself to his new family.
Browne broke in. “Thomas, something you should know. There’s a mare at the Norfolk auction that you should see. She’s a perfect match for Keegan.”
Matt interrupted them. “What’s at this auction?”
“More horses in one place than anywhere else in Virginia,” Browne replied excitedly.
“The Paynes will be there,” Matt said.
Thomas shook his head. “They’ve bought so many horses already.”
“Trust me,” Matt replied. “They’ll be there.”
47
New Tack
Matt had once visited the Indiana State Fair. It was the closest thing he’d experienced to the livestock auction they were now attending. Every manner of animal was being bought and sold by Virginia farmers. They left Keegan on the Browne farm and would pick him up on the way back to Richmond. Thomas hoped to be able to buy one other horse, the silver mare named Aida that Douglas Browne had mentioned.
Matt thought back to his impressions of Douglas Browne. Up until yesterday, he could only imagine Browne from the stories told by the Taylors. Now that he’d met him in person and seen his farm, the man had taken on legendary dimensions. He had plans within plans when it came to bloodlines, and Matt imagined Browne didn’t have enough years in his life to be able to complete his quest for the perfect horse.
The Browne farm was a good contrast to the Taylor farm, helping Matt put the latter into perspective. He couldn’t say if one was better than the other, but he certainly was surprised by the quality of the Browne horses. Some of them looked like they were genetically enhanced or taking steroids. Browne had significant influence over Thomas when it came to breeding, and Thomas deferred to him as a respected mentor. Matt had the impression that good horse breeding was the sole purview of the Taylors. Now, having met Douglas Browne, Matt knew who the real breeding genius was in Virginia.
Browne was supplying the whole state with breeding stock. It didn’t look like he spent much time selling to people who just rode horses. He had inherited money from his father in England, so he had no monetary incentive. He worked with animals because they were his passion, and when he did sell, he charged as much as the market would bear. He was a very religious man and there were some hint that he was also a mentor to Thomas in this regard. Thomas respected him more than anyone Matt had seen since they’d met.
Matt and Thomas were walking through the separate areas of the auction, gazing at the livestock. Matt stopped to look at the chickens. He’d never seen so many exotic-looking birds. Thomas had to pull him away from the cages.
“You want to fight chickens?” Thomas asked.
“They’re cool to look at,” Matt replied.
&
nbsp; “The boys told me ‘cool’ was something you were around ladies,” Thomas said.
“Too complicated to explain,” Matt replied.
They walked through the people who congregated around the horses. When they finally saw Aida, Matt had to consciously keep himself from making ooh and ah sounds. She was an impressive silver animal that stood about seventeen hands. They knew from Browne’s description and envy that she would be a remarkable animal, but her rich coat and her strong line had to be seen to be appreciated.
Thomas took his time looking over the horse and explained each observation to Matt like he was conducting a class. It soon became clear to Aida’s owner that Thomas knew his way around a horse, so he stepped out of the stall to talk to another man. “Tack comes with her,” the owner called, pointing to a bench. “I’ve no way to get it home.”
Thomas and Matt walked over to inspect the bridle, leather straps, and saddle. “My saddle needs to be replaced,” Matt said. “I’ll give you a few pounds.”
“That’s a ten-pound saddle if I ever saw one,” Thomas said.
“I’m not the same man you found under a bridge,” Matt replied.
The older man smiled. “We’ll speak.” He said this in that perplexing manner he had where Matt could never tell whether he was joking. Grace had inherited this ability from her father, and Matt found it equally maddening in her.
Thomas tapped Matt on the shoulder and motioned that they should leave. They were in the auction bay in time to watch Aida enter the ring. She shuffled like a warhorse, kicking up dust from the dirt floor. Matt, who had lingered behind Thomas, stepped to the edge of the bay to join his future father-in-law as three other men moved into the opposite side. Matt didn’t know whether to be surprised or satisfied that the future he’d dreamed had come to pass. He was facing Nathan, Levi, and Paul Payne. All three had their eyes on the horse.