Dinah’s countenance lifted. “I would love to.”
“Marianne, we’ll give you a report on little Jamie.”
“Thank you, dear.”
The two ladies walked toward the drawing room door arm-in-arm, but as Rachel passed Thomas, she gave him a conspiratorial wink. It was all he could do not to burst out laughing, for his little sister-in-law was a true delight. How had Freddy ever managed to win such a charming lady?
At the front door, Freddy strapped on a saber and picked up a musket. “We have snakes here, too. And a few other creatures we prefer not to encounter.” He handed the musket to Thomas and leaned on his cane. “Shall we go? I have something special to show you.”
Thomas hesitated, wondering if he should retrieve his own saber from his room, then decided against it. All thoughts about thrashing Freddy now seemed juvenile, and they certainly would not engage in a duel with swords. Perhaps his anger over childhood matters would have to be forgotten. No matter how much pain he carried, how could he hold bitterness against someone who had changed so much? From everything Thomas had seen here at the plantation, Freddy had become a competent, admirable man, so unlike the boy he had been.
They walked on either side of Marianne, helping her down the front steps and along the shaded pathway to Freddy’s mysterious destination. Merry seemed to know Freddy’s plan, and so Thomas decided to enjoy waiting for the surprise. With every step, he observed that both his sister and brother endured with courage their different limitations. No word of complaint. No allusion to the pain each must be feeling. But every few steps, one or the other exhaled or inhaled sharply enough to show some serious discomfort. Thomas would have insisted that they turn back, but they both appeared eager to reach their destination.
“Here we are.” Freddy waved his hand to indicate a large, covered springhouse. “Merry, will you sit?”
She laughed a bit breathlessly. “Yes, and none too soon.”
Thomas watched her with concern. Perhaps they should not have brought her along. Still, after she eased herself down on the low coquina wall of the cistern, she smiled as she brought up her fan to wave before her face.
The simple gesture, something every lady did, reminded Thomas of the fan he had given Dinah. They had yet to discuss the message he had intended, but soon he could tell her everything.
Freddy sat beside their sister and pressed one hand down his wounded leg. This expedition had cost him dearly, a fact that Thomas would not overlook.
“Well, Tommy, how long will you be with us?” Freddy dipped his hand in the water and patted some on the back of his neck. “And while you answer, be a good lad and fetch us a drink.” He pointed to a dipper beside the spring that flowed into the cistern.
An annoying bit of pride nettled Thomas. He was used to giving orders and being waited on. And now his little brother’s spoiled side was reemerging.
“Oh, yes, please,” Merry said. “I would appreciate a drink. This water is the sweetest and purest you’ll ever taste.”
“Of course.” Thomas chuckled at his own foolishness. He would do anything for her. But for Freddy—
He filled the pewter dipper under the water flow, then carried it to his sister. “To answer your question, I cannot stay more than a week. Last time out on patrol, I nearly caught the pirate they call Nighthawk. I’m determined he will not escape me again.”
“Oh.” Merry’s eyes widened. “Oh, my.” She pressed a hand to her chest and appeared to be truly frightened.
Her alarm on his behalf moved him deeply, but he also chided himself for bringing up such a topic. “Never fear, sister. These are small matters you need not concern yourself with.”
She looked at Freddy.
“We will make it a matter of prayer, will we not, Merry?” Freddy patted her hand. “Remember, fret not.”
She nodded and then gazed across the landscape.
Thomas rejected the jealousy that threatened to invade his heart. Of course these two would be close, as they always had been. They shared a mother and had been raised under her loving direction. Still, being the outsider pained him. Best to speak his request now and be done with it. He leaned against a nearby pine tree and crossed his arms, trying to decide how to begin.
“I say, Tommy,” Freddy said, suddenly cheerful, “take a look at that arbor over there.” He pointed to an alcove made of woven live oak branches and covered with wild red roses. Inside the recess sat a small wrought-iron bench with a cushion on it. He grinned at Merry then back at Thomas. “I had that made for a special occasion a little over five years ago.”
Thomas studied the structure, trying to imagine its purpose. He could picture Dinah seated on the bench. His brother’s meaning suddenly became clear, and he grinned. “You proposed to Rachel there.”
Freddy and Merry laughed, and the sound of it made for a cheerful duet. “Indeed I did. And there it sits, languishing for want of a similar use. Do you suppose I could rent it out?”
In this moment of understanding and camaraderie, Thomas felt as if the weight of two tons of ballast had been lifted from his chest. He exploded in laughter that rivaled his siblings’. “Am I that transparent?”
Merry waved her fan. “Why, whatever do you mean?” But she could not contain her mirth, and soon had to bring out a handkerchief to dry her watering eyes. “Oh, Tommy, I am so happy for you. Dinah is the dearest girl, and we do love her. Will you propose to her here?” She put both hands on her round abdomen. “Umph. Even my child finds the situation delightful.”
Thomas experienced a moment of concern, but his sister’s expression did not indicate any pain. “I cannot think of a more enchanting place to address a lady in regard to marriage.” He plucked a pine needle from his sleeve. “I am disappointed that neither Jamie nor Mr. Folger is here. In their absence, I must assume it is acceptable to ask you, Freddy, if I may indeed propose to our Miss Templeton.”
Freddy’s wide grin softened to a crooked smile. “You will perhaps be surprised to know what we have all known for some time that you two would suit each other well. You share many common interests.” He glanced at Merry, who gave him a rueful smile, which struck Thomas as odd in light of the approval he was pouring out. “While we had no idea you would be transferred to St. Augustine, we did try to think of a way to put the two of you in each other’s paths. And look, the Lord has done it for us. No machinations necessary.”
His heart lightened beyond all previous hopes, Thomas studied his brother and a surge of affection rolled through him. At this moment, he could forgive Freddy any fault, any offense. “Shall I speak to her this evening? Before dark, of course.”
“If you wish. If you’re anything like me, you do not want to postpone it. And if it grows dark before it can be managed, we can light lanterns.” Freddy pointed to the string of lamps hung around the springhouse. “And one of us can accompany you.”
“That is well pleasing to me,” Thomas said. “Now, may we return to the house and my fair lady’s company?”
Merry folded her fan and clutched it but did not rise. “I do have a matter to discuss with you both.”
Thomas questioned Freddy with a look, but he shrugged.
“What is it, dear one?” Freddy touched her shoulder.
She bit her lip briefly. “You two are keeping something from me, but I am stronger than you think. Tell me now. I demand it.” Her eyes flashed with resolve.
Thomas sat beside her, took her hand and again sent Freddy a questioning look. Freddy nodded once.
“Our father now rests in peace with the Almighty.”
She swallowed hard. “I knew. Somehow I just knew it.” She drew in a sharp breath and again rested her hands on her abdomen. Her eyes widened, and she gave out a long, broken moan of pain that sent fear coursing through Thomas. Ariel had begun her doomed delivery just like this. Freddy gaped at their sister and Thomas seemed unable to move. Merry’s face scrunched into a red ball, and she gulped for air as if there was none to be had. “Dear
brothers,” she squeaked out, “will you please escort me to Mrs. Wellsey?”
Chapter Eighteen
“It’s so quiet.” Dinah sat with Frederick and Thomas in the dimly-lit drawing room. When her neighbor in St. Augustine had given birth last month, her screams had echoed through the narrow streets of the city. But for the past hour, not a sound other than an occasional footstep had emanated from the upstairs.
Even in the soft candlelight of the drawing room, Dinah could see mild tension creasing Frederick’s face. But every muscle on Thomas’s face was taut, making him appear nothing short of stricken. When he had carried his sister into the house and up the stairs, the entire household hurried to help. The children had already been put to bed, but the nursery door at the far end of the hall was covered with blankets to keep out any possible sounds. Servants carried linens and water to the bedchamber. And Joanna, Rachel and a slave woman with birthing experience cloistered themselves with Marianne. Before closing the door, Rachel ordered Dinah and the gentlemen downstairs, where they continued to sit in silence.
After some time, Thomas rose and paced about the room, then stared out a window and swiped his hands down his face. “We should not have told her.”
Frederick stood and limped to his side. “You know she’s too perceptive to deceive. And for goodness sake, do not blame yourself for—” He glanced at Dinah, then murmured, “Listen, brother, here on the plantation, I’ve observed this sort of event more times than I can count. It was clear to me it would happen very soon.”
Captain Moberly shook his head and massaged the back of his neck. “Whereas my one experience…”
Dinah picked at the hem of her long sleeves until stitches loosened. She understood the captain’s concern. Having lost his wife and son, he must think every birth posed mortal danger. She cast about in her mind for a way to comfort him and could think of only one.
Slipping down on her knees before the settee, she bowed to pray. Soon she felt a presence beside her, and then another on the other side. Tears clogged her throat, making it impossible to pray out loud. Yet surely God would hear what her heart cried out. Dear God, have mercy on Marianne and her baby. Have mercy on my brother and do not take his beloved wife from him. Have mercy on dear Thomas. How could he bear it if his only sister dies?
“Almighty God,” the captain prayed beside her, “grant safety, grant life, grant…” He groaned and said no more.
“Father in heaven.” Frederick’s voice came strong and true. “We pray on behalf of our beloved sister and her child. We know You love them and Jamie. We know You have a plan. Your ways are not our ways, and You never make a mistake, so help us to trust You, no matter what the outcome of this night.” He paused but made no move to stand. Soon he continued. “In Scripture, You promise that where two or three are gathered in Your name, You will be there in the midst of us. We gather here to ask that all will go well and Marianne and her infant will—”
“She’s here, master.” The slave midwife stood in the drawing room doorway with her hands clasped, and a hint of excitement filled her soft alto voice. “Miss Marianne had a baby girl, and all is well.”
Thomas slumped face down on the settee and exhaled a long, ragged sigh, while Frederick laughed and pulled himself to his feet, wincing as he grabbed his cane. “Praise God!” He put one hand under Dinah’s elbow and helped her up. “I suppose you’ll want to go up and see her…them.”
Dinah could see the relief in his face. In fact, his whole countenance seemed to beam in the candlelight. “Yes, I’d like that.”
She hesitated, waiting for Thomas to stand. When he did, she saw brightness on his face, too, but it came from a damp sheen on his cheeks. This dear man, so strong and brave in his duties, had wept with joy for his sister, and perhaps in sorrow for his own lost wife and child.
“Well,” he said, straightening his uniform, “that was remarkably…fast.” He cleared his throat. “Miss Templeton, please do not delay in bringing us a report.”
Merry mischief swept into her and she gave him a sharp salute. “Aye, aye, Captain.”
His responding laughter echoed throughout the room. What a pleasing sound, so filled with unreserved relief and unbounded joy.
She hurried out toward the stairs, but not before she heard the two men congratulate each other on being uncles once again. This truly was a night of miracles, and her heart lifted in praise over the goodness of God. Not only had Marianne delivered her baby safely, but despite the mysterious animosity that had existed between the brothers, they seemed well on their way to reconciliation. In fact, she herself had felt God’s hand upon the three of them as Frederick had uttered his eloquent prayer. She had always admired the faith he and Rachel exhibited, but now she felt her own faith bolstered and confirmed.
She tiptoed into the room and, at Joanna’s nod, approached the bed. Someone had brushed Marianne’s thick black curls away from her weary but peaceful face. She wore a fresh night rail, the bedding had been changed and the fragrance of pine and roses filled the room. But Dinah’s gaze quickly settled upon her new niece, a tiny doll with a rosy, perfectly formed face topped by a sprinkle of downy black hair. Warmth and joy flooded her heart, and tears sprang to her eyes.
“Oh, Marianne, she’s so beautiful.”
Rachel approached and put an arm around Dinah’s waist. “Isn’t she? Little Jamie will be pleased to wake in the morning and find he has a sister.”
Marianne chuckled softly. “And your daughter will be delighted her new cousin is a girl.” She sighed deeply, and her smile disappeared. “The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Rachel moved to the head of the bed and gently embraced her. “Oh, dear one, may we not say that the Lord has changed our sorrow into joy? And think of this—your beloved father might not have forgiven you in this life, but now that he is in heaven, he at last comprehends the true grace of our heavenly Father.”
Marianne laughed softly through her tears. “Thank you, dear one.”
While the two mothers murmured over the infant, Dinah found herself moving toward the end of the bed. Their friendship was far deeper than any she had ever known, and she had not been invited into their circle. A familiar cavern yawned wider within her, but she refused to let bitterness fill it, nor would she fall into self-pity. She resolved to count it sufficient that Thomas and his brother had settled their differences and that a new life had been brought forth into the world. If God chose for her to dwell in loneliness, so be it.
Her reverie was broken by Marianne’s tired but serene voice. “I must get some rest, sisters, but Dinah, would you like to hold her?”
Dinah’s heart lightened and she moved close and reached out her arms. With the baby firmly nestled against her, she looked at her kinswomen and experienced a moment of peace and belonging. These moments were rare and she savored it, basking in the warmth of Marianne’s smile.
Chapter Nineteen
Thomas awoke at first light to see that Hinton, as always, had risen before him. While his steward quietly brought in hot water and laid out his razor and strop, Thomas lay abed planning his day. If all went well, by supper he could overcome every obstacle to his happiness, save one. Dinah would accept his proposal and he and Freddy would put to rest their childhood quarrels. The smattering of comradeship he and his brother had enjoyed portended good things, and Thomas would do his part to demolish the final barriers. After that, only one thing remained to complete his success, but catching Nighthawk would have to wait until another day. For now, a cool, fresh breeze blew pine scents in through the window’s mosquito netting and foreshadowed success in all his ventures. Energized by these thoughts, he climbed out of bed and began to dress.
“Coffee, sir?” Hinton held out a steaming cup, just what Thomas needed.
“Thank you.” He sipped the hot liquid and found to his surprise it tasted quite good. Then he submitted himself to Hinton, who stirred up a lather in his shaving mug, applied it
liberally to Thomas’s face and began to scrape away the heavy black stubble. During the process, he found himself examining the events of last evening.
He had struggled to find the words to pray for Marianne, yet Freddy spoke to the Almighty as if to a friend, a compassionate benefactor. Neither of them had ever addressed their father in such a familiar tone. None of Thomas’s crew, even his officers, dared to address him that way. And Thomas certainly would never address a superior with such self-assurance. How could Freddy not tremble in the face of the ultimate authority of the universe? Perhaps before Thomas spoke to him about other matters, he should inquire about this bold and personal form of prayer. In fact, he found himself a bit envious of the relationship his brother seemed to have with the Almighty.
He chuckled inwardly. Someday he must address this issue with Freddy.
But first things first. Thomas must look in on his sister and new niece before he broke his fast. After basking briefly in the warmth of the hot towel Hinton applied and the refreshing sting of the shaving balm, he finished dressing.
“The house is quiet, sir.” Hinton sniffed, as he did when things did not meet his approval. “Mr. Moberly does not have a breakfast room, but breakfast is laid out in the dining room.”
“Ah, very good.” Thomas wanted to laugh at his steward’s snobbery. He himself might have found the plantation lacking in other circumstances. But today, everything pleased him, even delaying his visit to Marianne. Of course she would want to sleep late after last night’s ordeal. Again, he marveled at her easy delivery and sent up a silent prayer of thanks.
Downstairs a servant presided over the breakfast buffet and upon inquiry informed Thomas that Mr. Moberly had left at dawn to make his rounds of the plantation. A small thread of disappointment wound through him but he dismissed it. Tomorrow would be soon enough to ride out with Freddy.
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