The Shopkeeper's Widow

by Izzy James

  The view from her window was restful. She could see no one for miles. Sweat dripped from her face onto the foolscap, obscuring her words. The open window offered no respite from the humidity.

  Surveying the landscape to confirm that she really was alone, she removed her dress and stays leaving only her shift. She grabbed a towel and a cake of soap and headed downstairs to the waterfall. She had filled it herself two days ago in preparation for a day just like today. Cleaning the large house was filthy work.

  She would ask Freewill to enclose her shower as soon as he had a chance. Right now, it stood open on her back porch, a spindly set of pipes and a cistern. Peering outside the door to confirm once again that she was alone, she stepped out onto the porch. The cold water ran down her body in cleansing rivulets. She used the cake of soap to wash her hair. It was heaven to feel so clean. She wrapped herself with the towel and ran back up to her room.

  Delany dressed using a clean shift from the trunk she’d already delivered. She left her hair down to let it dry.

  21

  They finally arrived in Kemp’s Landing. People milled around, but Field detected a bit of desperation among them. A forced cheerfulness. Several flyers were posted for a ball to be held in two days’ time at the assembly rooms.

  “I didn’t realize that Kemp’s Landing had assembly rooms.”

  “We are provincial. We’re not uncouth, Mr. Archer. We have dance associations and balls.” Delany laughed at him. It was the first time she’d let down her guard since he’d kissed her in the ballroom at her house. Since then, she’d kept her distance or made sure they were never alone.

  “I beg your pardon.” He tapped the corner of his hat and bowed. A teasing smile played at the corner of his lips.

  “You are forgiven. I think it might be just the thing to move our cargo.”

  Field agreed with her assessment. He just needed to find Lawson to do the hand off.

  Delany disappeared into Morgan’s with her list while he headed over to Parke’s.

  Parke nodded to him when he entered. “Archer.”

  “Mr. Archer, is it? A tall gentleman in a buff colored suit addressed him.

  Field eyed him, not anxious to make himself known.

  “I’m Lawson. I heard you wanted to see me.”

  Field looked to Parke for confirmation. Parke nodded. Field extended his hand. Lawson took it in a dry, calloused one.

  They agreed that Lawson would receive Field’s cargo at the ball two nights hence. Lawson would arrange men to transfer the boxes while Field danced with Delany inside.

  The arrangement suited him just fine. This detour had taken enough of his time. He was ready to head home. He was anxious to give his mother his thanks for insisting he stop at Fleet’s to bring her present. She couldn’t have known what a difference it would make to his life—all of their lives—when he brought Delany Fleet home to be his wife.

  Now he just needed to tell Delany.

  Once they had cleared town and Field was certain they wouldn’t be overheard, he told Delany of his agreement with Lawson.

  “I find it nightmarish that a party will be had in the midst of these raids,” Delany said.

  “Life does go on.”

  “Yes, I know that, but it seems to me that when people are being killed and their farms are being raided that they wouldn’t think of getting together to dance a jig.”

  “Perhaps it’s just because all these things are going on that they need to dance a jig to remember that better times are coming.”

  “I will concede that such amusements will continue, though I believe I will still be discomfited.”

  “Excellent. Then you won’t mind if I claim a couple of dances with you?”

  She hesitated, but her good manners won out. There was no way for her to decline without being rude, and he knew it.

  ~*~

  Molly was in the parlor when they arrived home. Delany claimed the seat next to her sister-in-law. Molly made uniform stitches in another of Christopher’s shirts.

  “How does it go with Mr. Archer?”

  “He will be leaving in a couple of days.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “There is to be a ball in the assembly rooms in Kemp’s Landing in two days’ time. After that, he will leave for home.”

  “What will you do?”

  “I will stay here and then remove to my house.”

  “What did you say you’d call it?”

  “Button Cove.”

  The thought of living here with her family had sounded so full of life and purpose. But Field’s kiss had uncovered an emptiness she’d been trying to forget. The vision of little Ruben’s dark eyes seeing the world for the first time. The amber eyes of a plump baby boy with dark red-tipped hair that would never be born.

  “Has he spoken to you?”

  “No. He kissed me once. But no, he hasn’t spoken to me.”

  “He has been attentive, staying by your side at Button Cove.” Molly grinned at her reference.

  Delany smiled in appreciation. “He has. But that doesn’t mean anything, does it? He doesn’t have much else to do and no servant to command to send in his place.”

  Something she wasn’t seeing niggled at her conscience. It was something obvious she was sure, but she just couldn’t place whatever it happened to be. Yes, Field had been attentive, but after that kiss, which he’d apologized for, there had been no declaration of love and no further kisses either. She was partly to blame for that. She took care not to be alone with him again. He was leaving and her heart would break as she stood there and watched him ride away. She would go to her house and live as full a life as God would give her, but her heart wouldn’t survive if she indulged anymore in Field’s nearness to her.

  “Give it time, Delany. I think God is working on him. Archer doesn’t know what he wants yet.”

  “Were you in love with Sam before he knew it?”

  Molly put down her sewing to laugh. “Oh, yes. He fought it hard. He thought that being a farmer’s wife wasn’t enough for me, being the daughter of a planter.”

  “But you are happy.”

  “It took him some time to realize that I would be happy anywhere as long as I could be with him. But that was after he came to terms with the fact that he loved me. He thought he could do everything himself. Didn’t need anybody but himself.”

  “Is it always this complicated?”

  “Probably. But if it’s worth having, it’s worth the wrangle we go through to get it.”

  ~*~

  Delany woke early the next morning after a fitful night’s sleep. She put on a muslin dress and prepared to go to Button Cove to clean the smokehouse, a square brick building with no windows and a dirt floor. She did not relish the task. She had been right to work on the house herself though. She had been exposed to every square inch of the building and its dependencies, with the exception of the kitchen, which she’d left in Pauline’s capable hands.

  Pauline would accompany her today as well.

  After that, the ball would occupy her time, and then Field Archer would go home.

  22

  Delany dressed in her finest slate-blue silk mantua, with its lavender petticoat. The entire ensemble embroidered with silver gilt thread sparkled as she moved. It flattered her complexion and accented her silver eyes. Tonight would be the last time she would dance with Field, and she wanted it to be memorable for him as well as for her. It was the first time she’d ever regretted not employing a lady’s maid. A maid could have made her curls frame her face in the latest fashion. As it was, she did her usual configuration of a bun at the back of her head but allowed a few tendrils to curl at her temples. It had a pleasing effect in the glass. She couldn’t compete with Hester Morgan’s finery, but then, she didn’t need to. She was off the marriage market. Hester was still shopping.

  Field awaited her in the hall with Molly and Sam. Field’s blue suit so closely matched her own that people might assume there might be a
purpose in it. She briefly wondered if she should change but thought better of it. Let them think what they thought. Tonight would be the last night she would have in his arms, and she would make the best of it.

  Once again, they followed Sam and Molly in their wagon. Field hung close to Sam believing there was safety in numbers.

  Delany placed her hand over her pocket where she kept her travel documents just in case they should be stopped.

  Lawson was outside when they arrived talking to the men who were directing the parking traffic. They were motioned to park next to a wagon Delany assumed was Lawson’s. They were nearly through. When they came out tonight, it would be finished. Delany trembled as she stepped into Field’s waiting arms.

  The assembly room was a large wooden rectangular building ablaze with candles. Fiddle music spilled out the windows. The night was cool and smelled of tobacco and salt.

  She took Field’s offered arm and followed Sam and Molly into the party.

  A country dance was in full swing. Bright colors whirled in and out of the movements of the dance. Those who chose not to dance sat or stood chatting on the sides of the room.

  Field led her immediately to Simon Morgan standing next to the refreshment table.

  Delany faced back toward the dancers, hoping to see Sarah. To her delight, Sarah stood across the room next to Isaac, who was talking to Dr. Woodsmartin. She excused herself from Field and Simon. Delany skirted across the line of dancers to present herself to her old friend. Before she could speak, Isaac intercepted her. The smile froze on Delany’s face as she spied John Crawley in the far corner conversing with another gentleman she did not know. What’s he doing here?

  “Is something wrong, Delany?” Isaac reached for her hand.

  “Oh, it’s nothing. I was just surprised, that’s all.” While she did her best to regain her composure, the dread she felt at the sight of the odious man cooled her insides.

  Sarah’s light touch replaced Isaac’s. “Come. Let’s get you something to drink. You look awfully pale.”

  They walked arm in arm toward the refreshments. When they arrived back at the table, Delany took a spot next to Field, who turned his body slightly to acknowledge her presence. She resisted the urge to tuck under his arm where she would be safe.

  “What’s John Crawley doing here?” she whispered to Sarah.

  “I don’t know, but I expect he’s following the governor around.”

  “The governor is in the harbor in Norfolk.”

  “He’s staying with the Logans at Kemp’s Landing.”

  “Thank God that’s all it is.” She sighed a deep breath and took another look at Sarah. She was dressed in a mantua of Caribbean blue which made her normally serene eyes dazzle. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you out of your black.”

  “I’m tired of black.”

  Delany grinned. “It’s time I came for a visit.”

  The music stopped, and the dancers departed the center of the floor.

  Field’s hand was in front of her before Isaac could take a step toward her. He nodded his head as she passed with Field for the dance floor.

  “Has anything upset you, my dear?” he asked as he took her hand for the first movement.

  Her head snapped up at the endearment. “Not really.”

  “You looked deathly pale when you returned from the other side of the room. If your friends hadn’t been there, I would have taken you outside.”

  “I didn’t think you noticed.”

  “I always notice you, Delany.” The warmth in his eyes present in their first dance was back.

  “Did you see John Crawley?”

  Field glanced quickly around. “No, not yet.”

  “Sarah says he’s following the governor around.”

  A look of disgust crossed his features.

  “My sentiments exactly,” Delany said as they passed through to their new position.

  Field escorted her back to the table and the waiting Sarah. She had no sooner picked up her glass than Isaac offered his hand for the next dance. Three couples down was John Crawley and Hester Morgan.

  “Delany, I would like to ask you if I may come to see you sometime soon.”

  It would be an interesting evening. How had she managed to forget Isaac Harrison?

  “We’re friends, Isaac. You can come see me anytime you wish,” she told him as she passed through to the other side of the line. “Bring your mother with you, and we can have a long visit.” She smiled at him with what she hoped he knew was a strictly friendly way.

  He was silent as he walked her back to Sarah and Field.

  “Mrs. Fleet.” John Crawley wiped his hands down the front of his coat, carefully avoiding the red plumage affixed to his lapel, and offered a short bow.

  “Mr. Crawley, we did not expect to see you here.”

  “It is a wonder, is it not? I came because Lord Dunmore asked me to attend him here.” He passed a white handkerchief over his slick face.

  “How do you leave Norfolk?”

  “Still intact, though one cannot say for how long. Lord Dunmore grows weary of the so-called patriots.”

  Delany bristled. Perhaps the patriots grow weary of Lord Dunmore.

  Field stepped closer to her side and took her elbow.

  “Crawley, isn’t it?” Field looked down from his height to the small man.

  “Mr. Archer, Lord Dunmore has heard you are here. He would very much like to see you.”

  “Mr. Crawley,” Sarah interrupted, “how is your dear mother?”

  Crawley’s face reddened. “My mother is ever in good health,” he said.

  Delany got the distinct impression he wished it weren’t true.

  The fiddler struck the bow, and Field stuck out his hand.

  They moved through the dance smoothly. His intimate smile met her at every turn and when they were done, he put her hand on his arm and escorted her to the opposite end of the hall where Simon and Hester stood.

  “Delany Fleet,” Hester declared, “I just heard you’re the great emancipator. Freed all your slaves when Mr. Fleet died.” Hester’s chocolate brown eyes glittered. “Have you never heard that passage that says if you are a slave you should obey your masters with sincerity of heart?”

  Delany’s anger rose and stiffened her spine. Of course she was very well acquainted with the passages commonly used to promote slavery in the colony. She closed her eyes for two blinks. “How about, ‘If you were called a slave? Don’t worry about it; but if you are able to also become free, rather do that.’ If God says it’s better for us to be free, how can I in good conscience be anyone’s master?”

  “What else would you expect from an indentured servant. Would you have us free all the servants?” Hester jeered, her hard eyes challenging Field who stood behind her shoulder. Several guests circled the small group to hear the exchange. “You’re as bad as Lord Dunmore.”

  “’The wind blows where it wishes,’” Delany countered, “’and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone that is born of the Spirit.’ How can someone follow the true calling of the Lord if he is slave?”

  “Enough,” Field commanded.

  Delany could not read the scowl on his face.

  Hester beamed triumphantly.

  When Crawley was involved, she could see his protectiveness of her, but when Hester was the culprit, it seemed his loyalty was divided. No matter, she was used to taking care of herself, and she would again. He would be gone in just a couple of days now that the cargo had been donated to the militia. It was time to get used to being on her own again. Delany cast about for Sam and Molly. “If you will excuse me.” She exited the group and headed for her family.

  ~*~

  “Delany,” Field called in a hoarse whisper.

  He followed her, accompanied by the Fleets, out of the assembly room into the night. She didn’t slow down. What was the matter with the woman? Didn’t she hear him? “Delany,” he called on
ce more as they neared the wagon.

  “What?” She turned on him so suddenly that they nearly collided.

  “What happened back there?”

  “Look.” She moved away from Sam and Molly toward a tall oak. “Whatever this is that has been going on between us will end in a couple of days when you leave, so let’s just drop it.”

  His heart plummeted. She was right. He would leave in a couple of days, but he had hoped to bring her with him. “Delany.” He reached for and she allowed him to take her hand. “Simon Morgan is my friend.” She pulled on her hand, but he held it firmly. “But Horsey Hester doesn’t mean a thing to me.”

  She snorted in recognition of the old name. “Then why did you…ˮ Her eyes widened. “You don’t agree with me on slavery.” She forcefully withdrew her hand.

  “It’s complicated.”

  “No, it isn’t. You either agree with me that all men have a right to be free or you don’t.”

  Archer Hall and its hundreds of dependents flitted through his mind. The plantation belonged to his father. Even if he did agree, he could do nothing to rectify the situation. How did she miss the fact that he couldn’t just turn loose on society hundreds of men, women, and children to fend for themselves? They needed shelter and food. How were they to provide for themselves if he were to turn them all out on a whim? “Delany, it isn’t as simple as that.”

  “Yes, it is.” She turned from him and climbed into the back of Sam’s wagon.

  He followed them home with an empty wagon. She was right in one respect. Now that the firelocks were delivered, he could go home. He didn’t need her to pass through as himself with no cargo. He was free to leave.

  Who would protect her while she finished preparing her house? Sam couldn’t spare the time or the labor. Ruben had his hands full with Mary and the baby.

  Delany wasn’t his problem. She’d made it clear that she preferred for him to leave, and that’s just what he would do. He would have Robert pack him at first light.