Thomas felt the oddest impulse to comfort him. After all, he’d had almost four months to absorb the shock, during which time he had taken to the solitude of his cabin numerous times. “Grief can scramble a man’s brain…and his tongue.”
Freddy studied him for a moment. “Yes, it can.”
“Would you like for me to leave you alone?”
Freddy straightened and pulled in another deep breath. “No. Let me give you a tour of the plantation. I’ll show you how we make the indigo dye for that uniform you’re wearing.”
“I’d like that,” Thomas said, “but I believe your charming wife invited us to gather in the drawing room.”
Freddy grimaced. “Yes, of course.” He brushed a hand over his eyes, then stood and retrieved his cane.
Thomas flinched. He’d forgotten about the injury, and his admiration for Freddy’s stoicism increased. The whining brat appeared to have become a man. “You did not give me a clear answer regarding your injury.”
“No, I didn’t.” Freddy limped past his chair. “Shall we go?”
At this brusque response, all the good will that had been growing within Thomas vanished. His sincere interest in his brother’s well-being was an attempt to navigate their strained relationship into friendlier waters. Yet Freddy rejected his attempt. Well, even if his brother preferred to steer clear of such weighty discussions, Thomas would run out his guns and give chase. Before he returned to his ship, he would find out why he had been banished from their childhood home and why Freddy had failed to take care of their sister-in-law. They would hash out—or thrash out—their differences. And Father and the Dowager Countess Bennington would not be there to protect Freddy from his wrath.
Chapter Sixteen
Dinah walked around the edges of the drawing room, admiring views from the front and side windows. Outside in the late afternoon sunlight, workers in fields bent over indigo plants or cultivated the large vegetable garden. An elderly groom led a young horse around the shady circular front drive, and several spaniels joined them for their stroll. In the distant marshes, birds called to one another in melodic tones.
How easily she could live in this pastoral setting and find contentment. Of course she must find some way to contribute to the household. But surely there was something she could do to benefit her relatives.
The drawing room was elegantly furnished with two groupings of furniture and seating for at least fifteen or twenty people. In each area, mahogany coffee and side tables held vases of fresh wildflowers and roses, whose fragrances filled the air.
Dinah turned her attention to the pianoforte in the corner. Both Rachel and Marianne could play the instrument, but Dinah had never had the opportunity to learn. Would Thomas find her lacking in artistic skills? When she stood side by side with his accomplished sister, would he realize after all that Dinah would not make a suitable wife for a nobleman’s son, a renowned captain in His Majesty’s Navy? Oh, but she could learn if given the chance. Perhaps some time with Marianne would improve her talents and refine her manners.
Dismissing such pointless musings, she sat on a tapestry settee to await the rest of their party. Soon Rachel entered, followed by Betty, who was now dressed in a black muslin gown with a white apron. From the young woman’s broad smile, Dinah surmised that she was pleased with her elevation.
“When everyone is present, I will ring for you to bring the refreshments.” Rachel indicated a small bell on a side table. “Oh, Dinah, you’re already here.” She hurried over to sit beside her and grasped her hands. “We’re so pleased to have you visit. How long can you stay?”
Dinah clutched her cousin’s hands and searched her countenance in an effort to see if there were limits to her hospitality. But Rachel’s dark-brown eyes exuded only welcome and affection.
“I have no obligations in St. Augustine.” She tried to keep her expression bland, tried to keep hope from emanating from her own face. “I suppose I shall stay as long as you will have me.”
“Oh.” Rachel squared her shoulders. “Why…that’s grand.” Despite her words, her smile tightened.
Dinah’s heart dipped to her stomach. “Well, of course, no more than a month beyond Marianne’s lying-in. I must get back for Mrs. Pilot’s next ball, which will be in early August. I am determined to have a new gown for this one and must have time to make it.” Of course her cousin did not want another person living here. With an infant arriving any day, another guest would only add confusion. But perhaps she could find refuge with Uncle Lamech and Aunt Lydie in St. Johns Towne. Perhaps she could work in their mercantile to earn her keep.
“Dear Mrs. Pilot.” Rachel’s warmth returned. “How is my good friend? She was so kind to me when Frederick announced our engagement at one of those delightful galas.”
Grateful for a diversion from a painful subject, Dinah forced out a laugh. “She is well, as always.” She entertained Rachel for the next few minutes with the account of how the regimental officer’s wife had convinced their stern governor to hastily arrange a ball for Captain Moberly.
“Yes,” Rachel said, “Mr. Tonyn does require a special occasion for such an event, doesn’t he? Of course, the sons of Lord Bennington are sufficiently important to break his usual practices.” She leaned toward Dinah with a confiding air. “Tell me, cousin, what do you think of my handsome brother-in-law?”
Struggling to deny the heat climbing up her neck, she waved her fan with a casual air. “Why, he is all that one would expect of a Moberly and a British naval officer. As you said, handsome. And of course he has flawless manners, is skilled in every courtesy, courageous in his duty. Oh, and an excellent dancer.” She gazed toward an open window and tried to concentrate on the increased breeze that had sprung up, seemingly for her benefit.
Rachel’s responding laugh was more like a giggle. “Blushing is not a sin, Dinah.”
“As you know, cousin, I do not blush…much.” Somehow she must divert the conversation. It was too soon to talk about her…interest in Captain Moberly. Too soon to entrust her deepest thoughts to her cousin, who held her at a distance about her own concerns. “Do you suppose Kezia would permit me to take one of the puppies home?” Artemis would have apoplexy if she did that.
“How long did it take you to fall in love with him?”
“The puppy?”
Now Rachel threw back her head and laughed until her face grew red. “Oh, my dear, why do we refuse to admit to our hearts’ fondest desires?”
Dinah stared at her, bemused. Until this moment she had not realized that one of her fondest desires was to receive her cousin’s hospitality, a home where she did not have to answer for every action, every breath, every thought. But she was unlikely to be granted that wish.
Rachel drew up her own fan and waved it. “I believe I hear our gentlemen coming up the hallway.”
Dinah smacked her hand lightly. “Stop that,” she whispered. “He has said nothing to me.”
“Ah.” Rachel bit her lower lip, but her eyes gleamed with merriment.
Thomas had spent the last eighteen years controlling his thoughts and emotions, and he would not fail this time. He must turn all thoughts to Dinah and see to Freddy later.
His first task was to find out where her Uncle Lamech resided. For some reason, he had imagined Mr. Folger lived here at the plantation. But that made no sense. The old fellow owned a business in St. Johns Towne, a mercantile, if Thomas remembered correctly.
As he and his brother approached the well-appointed drawing room, well-appointed, at least, for a wilderness plantation, Thomas felt his heart lighten. Rounding the doorway, he spied Dinah seated by her cousin on an elegant settee. How graceful she looked in this setting, with her lavender gown and upswept hair. He liked to see her hair uncovered by a cap or bonnet, for her blond locks glistened in the daylight like gold.
“My dear.” Freddy approached his wife and bent to kiss her cheek. “Where are the others?”
She gave her husband a cheery smile, and Thomas a
dmitted to himself that Freddy had won himself a charming bride. Why had he ever thought these Americans common? Their English heritage was apparent at every turn.
“You knew, of course,” said Mrs. Moberly, “that Dr. Wellsey would go to his old laboratory and begin work immediately. I advised him about some illnesses among the slaves, and he is determined to see that they are remedied, if a remedy is to be found.”
“Ah.” Freddy waved Thomas to a seat across from the ladies. “Of course. And I assume Mrs. Wellsey is with Merry?”
“Yes. And so, here we are.” After ringing a bell on the table beside her, Mrs. Moberly set her gaze on Thomas.
He could not escape her piercing dark eyes, so like Dinah’s, but with a matronly maturity. “Madam, I am grateful for the generous accommodations you provided for me at such short notice.”
As her maid came forward and began serving refreshments, Mrs. Moberly eyed him with a playful scowl. “Thomas, if you do not call me Rachel, I shall refuse to respond.”
Disarmed, he laughed. “Aye, aye, ma’am. I should say, aye, aye, Rachel.” He glanced at his beloved, whom he longed to call Dinah aloud, then turned back to her cousin. Unable to think of any other strategy, he chose artifice. “Dear sister, you have a large, well-managed household. No doubt the credit goes to you, for Freddy—” he decided insulting her husband would not en dear him to her “—is clearly taken up with managing the plantation.”
Rachel bent her head graciously. “I thank you, Thomas. As a ship’s captain, you know all about order, so your praise is appreciated.”
“You are most welcome. And speaking of ships’ captains, should I not soon be meeting your good father, a former whaler?” Along with some surprisingly tasty tea, he swallowed much pride with that bit of flattery. Like most other mariners, he despised whaling as a filthy, inferior seafaring occupation.
The lady’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, he will be sorry to have missed you. Perhaps if he had known you were coming—”
“Uncle Lamech is not here?” Dinah’s expression fell.
Had she guessed Thomas’s plan and understood the implications of her uncle’s absence? No matter. From her frown and furrowed brow, she appeared to need some sort of comforting. He would provide it as soon as possible.
“Why, no.” Rachel turned to her cousin. “He and Lydie sailed to Jamaica a fortnight ago for both business and a holiday. They will not return for two or three months.”
Now Thomas sat back in his chair, stunned. He would not wait that long to pay his addresses to Dinah, nor would he speak to her directly without one gentleman in her defense. He certainly would not ask that jackanapes Hussey for permission. That left only—
Freddy.
Chapter Seventeen
Dinah noticed the tightening in Frederick’s jaw and the red tint around his eyes. She surmised that Thomas had delivered the sad news of their father’s death, and Frederick was bearing it well. But she could not guess what was going on in the captain’s mind. She knew only that when he entered the room, her troubled emotions settled into a comfortable assurance that all would be well. She did note that he and his brother seemed to lean away from each other, and they had chosen chairs some distance apart. She recalled a verse in Psalm 133 that she had read just days ago: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” She had lifted a prayer that these two brothers would soon resolve their differences.
But she could not expect others to tread a spiritual path when the news of Uncle Lamech’s trip to Jamaica had quickly stirred her anxiety again. Now she would have to wait until he returned to ask if she might live with him and Aunt Lydie. As hard as it would be, she must choose to trust that God would take care of her.
Taking a bite of biscuit and jam, she forced her attention back to the conversation, which Rachel skillfully managed to keep on light subjects. Was that because she knew her husband and his brother were not at peace with each other? “And so Papá’s mercantile now has competition, not only in St. Johns Towne but also in Cowford. This area is growing so rapidly that Frederick may require assistance in his duties as magistrate.”
Thomas gave his brother a slight bow. “My compliments to you for your proficiency in your duties. With that rotten rebellion going on in the northern colonies, it is encouraging to see solid new English settlements growing on this continent.”
Frederick and Rachel traded one of those husband and wife looks that Dinah envied, a gaze that bespoke shared beliefs, goals and hearts united. How she longed for such a relationship.
“Thomas!” Marianne walked, or rather, lumbered into the room, arms extended toward the captain.
“Merry.” He set down his teacup and met her in the center of the room, gently pulling her into a fond embrace. “My dear sister, are you well?”
“Oh, yes, and better still because you have come.” Marianne moved back a step. “Look how handsome you are in your uniform.” She sniffed back tears, then reached a hand toward Dinah.
“Sister.” Her sweet, welcoming smile held no lack of love.
Dinah hurried to embrace her, glancing briefly at the captain as he returned to his chair. “Marianne, you are the picture of health.” Indeed she was, and from the size of her abdomen, it appeared the child would arrive very soon. Dinah wanted to ask when, but feared her status as a single woman would make the question improper. “Will Jamie be returning soon?”
Marianne’s smile dimmed, and she looked away. “He has been gone only three months, not enough time to sail to London, conduct his usual business and return to East Florida.” She sat next to Rachel on the settee and patted the space next to her for Dinah. “And so, Thomas, since my husband lingers across the ocean, you must give us all the news of home.”
Dinah kept her eyes focused on Marianne, kept her expression placid so as not to give a hint of the family’s sorrow. Her sister-in-law must be shielded from grief. It was enough that Jamie was away so often, the never-ending burden of a seafarer’s wife. Could Dinah bear such separations from the man she loved? Her gaze strayed to Thomas, and her heart ached to see the tenderness in his eyes. How would he keep the bad news from Marianne?
“Where does one begin?” He glanced away and frowned as if considering his response. “William and Mary now have six in their brood. Robert and Grace are doing well and expect their first child in September. They all send their love and fond wishes, as does your mother.”
“Thank you.” Marianne seemed to drink in the captain’s report. “Dear Grace deserves much happiness for her constancy to our family.” Then her eyes reddened. “I would not expect Father to—” she shook her head “—never mind.” Then she laughed. “I must say this, however. Father once complained about not having enough progeny. It seems to me that he should be well satisfied now.” She patted her abdomen, shocking Dinah, but Rachel chuckled.
Even Frederick and the captain managed to find humor in the situation, which caused her to wonder exceedingly. And her admiration for the captain increased for the way he had managed to avoid distressing Marianne. Now she would do her part to keep the conversation diverted from grievous matters.
“You may all be interested in hearing about our trip here from St. Augustine.” Hoping she had sounded sufficiently detached, she took a sip of tea to convey nonchalance.
All eyes swung to her, but she most enjoyed the captain’s fond gaze.
“Why, yes, of course,” said Rachel. “Forgive me for not asking.”
“It was a pleasant trip, not too hot, and the roadway is surprisingly smooth. We enjoyed our stay at the Temple Inn. The food was excellent, and the accommodations comfortable. And, oh yes, Captain Moberly saved me from a rattlesnake just this morning.”
The ladies gasped, and Frederick sat forward in his chair. “You must tell us everything, Dinah.” He glanced at his brother. “A hero on sea and land, eh?” Mild admiration colored his tone.
Dinah described her ordeal, and Captain Moberly interjected a few things she
had not noticed during her terror. Their relatives watched with mouths agape, murmuring “oohs” and “ahhs” and “thank the Lord” in all the appropriate places.
“I fear,” she said, “that my courage at last gave out, and I began to faint. Captain Moberly caught me and carried me safely to the carriage, where—” she decided to confess all “—I did indeed faint.” She saw the mild alarm in his eyes, but no censure for her weakness. “Of course, Dr. Wellsey and Joanna made certain I was all right.”
“Oh, Dinah.” Marianne hugged her awkwardly.
“Good gracious.” Rachel stood and stepped around Marianne to embrace Dinah, too.
Her lips close to Dinah’s ear, Rachel whispered, “You are mistaken, cousin. From the look in the good captain’s eyes, I believe he has indeed spoken.”
Thomas glanced around the group, all of whom now stared at him. It was all he could do not to shift in his chair and tug at his collar. “Freddy, I think it is time we took that tour of the plantation you offered me.” He rose and bowed to Rachel. “Will you excuse us, dear lady? After riding all day, I feel in need of a good walk.”
“Yes, of course,” Rachel said.
“May I go, too?” Marianne struggled to her feet. “Joanna tells me my time is near and that I should walk every day. Her advice led to good results with my son.”
Thomas glanced at Freddy, who seemed not to mind their sister’s request. Although he would not have thought of it, she would surely provide a buffer between them, as she often had when they were children. With her along, however, he would have to temper his anger toward his brother lest he cause her distress.
Bother. Dinah was frowning, as if she might feel slighted. Now he would have to invite her to come, which spoiled all his plans.
“Dinah, dear.” Rachel looped her arm around Miss Templeton’s waist. “Will you come with me to see what the children are doing? Caddy is an excellent nursemaid, but I feel better if I check on them myself.”
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