by Diana Ballew
“And Mama Claire—where was she?” With hands shaking, she groped the arm of the bench for support. “Oh, heavens, is she...?”
“No, she's alive, but she’s hurt. And it wasn't the fire that got her.”
Feeling as if she’d just been kicked in the stomach, she swallowed hard. “Dear Lord, Isaac, do tell.”
“Poor ol’ girl was defending our property when the mob came to our gates. One of Brewster's negroes called her a traitor, and a scuffle ensued. Someone pushed her; she fell backwards and hit her head on a rock. I saw her, Eden. She’s been in and out of consciousness.”
“I want her here—with me, Isaac. I’ll care for her—you know I will.”
He shook his head. “She’s pretty bad off—can’t be moved right now, honey. She’s with her daughter, and ol' Uncle Asa won't leave her side. He's always been sweet on her even if she pretends not to know it.”
Eden forced a smile. The cat and mouse game between Mama Claire and Uncle Asa had been going on for as long as she could remember. He would take good care of her, of that she could be assured.
Isaac sighed and hung his head. “It's not a home anymore, Sis. But I promise to rebuild when this war is over. I will rebuild.” He stretched his long legs out and folded his arms across his chest. “That land is ours, and nobody can take it from us.”
“But...but what are we to do? Where do we go?” A mental image of Lucy wailing into her handkerchief and Ann dissolving into a state of hysteria flashed in her mind. “Lucy was so excited about living there—”
“Lucy already knows. I broke the news to her this afternoon when we stopped in town.”
“You troubled her with this and didn’t bother to tell me earlier? Do you think I’m still a child, unable to handle dreadful news?”
“No, it’s not like that,” he defended.
She sucked in her cheeks and jutted her chin out.
Isaac frowned. “Now, don't you go jerkin’ your chin at me, little sister. I just wanted her advice on how to break the news to you. Don’t hold that against me.”
“Well, does anyone else know?” She placed a hand on her hip. “You didn't dare tell Ann before me, did you?”
“Of course not. Don't be a ninny. But one other person does know, and that's what we need to discuss.”
She tossed up her hands. “Isaac, I can’t help but feel taken aback by all this!”
“Now, wait a minute. If you would just let me finish what I have to tell you, maybe you won't be so fired up.”
She tempered her emotions and swallowed her pride. Since the death of their father, Oak Hill was more his home than it was hers. No doubt the loss left him with a dreadful emptiness. “I'm sorry. Go on.”
He patted her hand and nodded. “Today when Lucy and I were in town, we stopped at Pizzini's for ice cream. I told her the wretched news. She was amazing about the whole thing, but worried, too. She knew how hard you’d take this. Well, no sooner had I told her when her cousin came walking into the shop.”
Eden snapped her head around to face Isaac so fast the ribbons on her bonnet smacked against her cheek. “Uh, which cousin might that be?”
“Why, Major Hampton. She told me you knew of him.”
“Oh, that cousin.” She dismissed the cousin’s name with the wave of her hand. “Yes, I believe she’s mentioned him. What of him?”
“Well, he came into the shop, and Lucy appeared upset. She was sniffling and blowing her nose. I told him the whole sad story, and Eden, I must say, I’m overwhelmed by the man’s generosity.”
“What generosity?”
The small lines on Isaac’s face softened. “The major lives by himself at Hampton Manor. I’m sure Lucy has talked about the place.”
“She may have mentioned it,” she said, keeping any emotion from her answer.
“Anyway, without so much as a second thought, he absolutely insisted Lucy and her new relatives stay at his manor for as long as it’s necessary. Because of the war, he’s away most of the time. Frankly, Lucy is fond of him, and she was so excited about the idea, I didn’t want to let her down, and I knew you and Ann would be taken care of.”
Eden didn’t know what to think. Her childhood home was nothing more than charred embers and scarred memories. She could dissolve into tears and wallow in pity, but at some point, she would have to face the devastating reality she was now a homeless wretch. Lord knows, the last thing she would ever want to do is burden Isaac with excess worries while he was off fighting. She looked into his eyes, and they all but pleaded for some semblance of tranquility; begging her to calm the storm gathering force all around them.
What needed to happen became as clear as the sparkling night sky. She would find the strength to rise above another painful period in her life. As soon as possible, she would send what little belongings they had left to Hampton Manor, and she would be sure to thank Lucy’s generous cousin herself tomorrow at the wedding.
Chapter 5
Preparing for the evening reception, Eden stepped into her new jade gown, her fingers trailing along the silken fabric, smoothing the delicate pleats.
The wedding had been lovely. Isaac looked particularly gallant in his uniform, and Lucy appeared a vision of beauty, dressed to elegant perfection in her white dress of shimmering satin, delicate lace, and pearls. Eden recalled her disappointment when a telegram arrived from Lucy’s cousin moments before the start of the ceremony. He congratulated the couple on their blissful union while extending an apology: Because of unyielding military matters, he would not be able to arrive until the reception.
Major Hampton had been responsible for the grand reception this evening. While he supplied the means, he had left Aunt Martha in charge of administering the funds to the appropriate parties to ensure the loveliest celebration for his favorite cousin. He, being the wealthiest of all Lucy’s family, had insisted on supplying foods and beverages from Hampton Manor. All morning long, and by the carriage full, came sterling trays of beautifully decorated Virginia hams, stuffed wild pheasant, and oysters by the bushel. There were oversized dishes of colorful roasted vegetables, assorted loaves of baked breads, and elegant crockery of freshly whipped creamy butter. The largest cake Eden had ever seen had been prepared in advance and delivered by Major Hampton’s personal coachman.
The major seemed too good to be true, and if everything he had been doing for the reception were not enough, he now offered his home to Lucy and her new family. She needed to meet this man and thank him for his overwhelming generosity.
With only a few minutes left to finish before the arrival of the carriage, she stood tall, looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror. She recalled Ann’s spiteful comments about her petite bosom. She adjusted the silken bodice of her gown, shrugging the neckline a bit lower than she felt comfortable with, but she had to admit, the daring plunge did give her breasts more definition.
She turned her head from side to side, admiring Eliza’s artistic finesse with the elegant styling of her hair. The emerald combs gathering her honey-blonde hair glimmered delicately and accentuated the curls cascading down her back.
Emeralds, she mused, remembering the stranger at Mr. Johnson's shop. A thread of heat slithered up her spine at the thought of his staring at her silhouetted, half-naked body from across the dark street. She watched in the mirror as her pale skin instantly took on a rosy hue.
Good heavens. “Don’t give that man a second thought.”
The two women walked into the entry of Franklin Hall and handed their lace shawls to the attendant.
Ann glared at Eden. “I'm glad you took my advice and managed some cleavage. Fortunately, it's nothing I've ever had to worry about.”
The negro attendant hung their wraps and sniffed uncomfortably.
Eden was not the least bit surprised to see Ann’s ample bosom practically spilling out of the blue gown. “No, I don't imagine it's anything you've had to worry about.”
Ann patted Eden's wrist as they walked into the large
room. “It’s all right if you’re jealous.” She leaned closer. “Really, dear, I understand.”
Her stepmother had always been most content when given the opportunity to talk about her fine attributes. Unable to resist temptation, Eden willingly engaged in the exchange.
“Oh, Ann, you're able to see right through me,” she said, making her voice sweeter than sugar. “I have a question for you on that very subject.”
Delight flashed in Ann's eyes. “I see. Do go on.”
Eden gestured for her to hem in closer. “At night, when you unleash those fleshy udders you call bosoms, does it hurt when they hit the floor?”
Several seconds passed before Ann’s smile faded with recognition. Her blue eyes darkened, narrowing to indigo slits. “Why, you little vicious witch—how dare you. You watch and see who captures more attention this evening, you...you flat-bosomed old maid!”
Rayce took a drink from the crystal glass. Over the rim, he caught sight of the young blonde standing across the crowded room speaking with her stepmother. He stood watching the two finely dressed women, his gaze narrowing in on Eden Blair.
The moment he first laid eyes upon her, she had been wrapped from head to toe in lifeless black. Between the dark garments and reserved manner, she hardly appeared approachable. The second time he saw her, she had barely a stitch on. Lord, how the vision of the unpretentious woman in mourning black, her hair tucked modestly under a crisp bonnet, contradicted the image of the seductress he saw in the candlelit window dressed in scanty sheer white, her hair hanging long and wild, her pert breasts...
“...so, by tomorrow, the situation should have changed. How? I’m not sure yet.” Jeb frowned and leaned forward. “Major? You still with me?”
“I’m here...I’m listening.” Rayce jutted his chin forward.
The general turned around and grinned. “Ah, I see.” He put his hand in his trouser pocket and cocked his head to the side. “The Blair women are looking particularly lovely tonight, wouldn’t you agree?”
Rayce scanned the room, noting he and the general were not the only men to take appreciative notice of the two attractive women as they entered the room. “Indeed.” He took another taste of his drink.
Jeb nudged his elbow. “So, which one of the ladies has caught your eye, Major?”
Rayce swallowed hard and coughed. “Excuse me?”
“I know that look in your eye, Rayce.” Jeb laughed and stepped closer. “A certain beauty has captured your attention.” His eyebrows rose. “Wait. Don’t tell me they have both captured your affections.”
Rayce smiled and sighed heavily. “You’re never going to let me forget the mess I created courting both of Major Randall’s daughters all those years ago, are you?”
“Who me?” Jeb put a hand over his heart.
“All right, perhaps I deserved that back then.” Rayce turned his gaze toward Eden. “But it’s not like that this time.”
“Come now. Which one is it, then?” Jeb’s blue eyes brightened. “Let me guess.” The general cupped his chin and turned his attention to Eden and her stepmother engaged in what appeared to be a passionate discussion. “Mrs. Blair is certainly charming—a handful I hear, but charming, nonetheless. Now, her stepdaughter, Eden...” He sighed. “There’s something special about her. Spirit and intellect wrapped in a lovely package.” He faced Rayce. “Yes, if I had to guess I’d—”
“I should have known you’d find this thoroughly amusing—”
“Oh, my.” Jeb nodded toward the front of the room.
Rayce caught a glimpse of Eden’s stepmother making a direct beeline toward a group of officers conversing in a corner.
Jeb cleared his throat. “It appears as though the Widow Blair has managed to find her bearings once again.”
Rayce lowered the glass, his gaze focused on Eden standing at the entrance to the room. Just as he had imagined, the jade gown accentuated the delicate curves of her body, and her long golden mane glistened like silk cascading down her flawless ivory skin. She looked every inch the lovely Southern belle as she stood smiling mischievously, her cheeks flushing pink as she lowered her hand from her lips.
He inhaled deeply and exhaled in jagged breaths as he imagined pulling her body close to his, wrapping her soft honey tresses around his hands and drawing that luscious mouth of hers to his own.
Perhaps the time grew near for an introduction.
Eden looked around the beautifully decorated hall. On a table in the center of the room sat the tall wedding cake. In every corner, stood large vases of freshly-cut spring flowers in various shades of pink and purple, and in all directions people mingled and enjoyed themselves.
She spotted Ann off to the side, already looped arm-in-arm with some poor unsuspecting officer who stood smiling adoringly at her as if she were the only person in the room. “She sure works fast,” she murmured.
“Eden! Eden—over here,” rang Lucy’s voice. “I’m over here, dear.”
She made her way through the crowd to where Lucy stood, yards upon yards of white flowing fabric framing her petite body.
“I’ve been looking all over for you, where have you been?”
“I’m sorry. Ann took longer than expected.”
“Oh, never mind, honey, you’re here now.” Lucy’s eyes sparkled. “Have you been introduced to my cousin yet?”
“Who, the major? No, we truly just arrived.” Eden scanned the room. “He’s here?”
Lucy clutched her arm. “Oh, he’s here all right, and I can’t wait any longer for you to meet him.” She brought a gloved finger to her chin and surveyed the room. “He’s looking so forward to meeting you. I saw him a few minutes ago. Where is...” Her eyes widened. “Ah—there—talking to General Stuart.”
Lucy’s grip tightened, and before Eden knew it, she was moving through the crowd toward the rear of the room.
As they drew closer, she saw the two uniformed men engaged in conversation standing near the double doors leading to the Hall’s famous fragrant herb and flower gardens. The leaded-glass doors stood wide open, and her head swam with the peppery scent of freshly trimmed rosemary merging with the humid breeze.
General Jeb Stuart winked as they approached, but the major’s back faced them. Right away, Eden noted how his uniform fit him like a second skin as the gray fabric spanned the breadth of his broad shoulders. His dark, wavy hair hung long and contrasted sharply with his lighter collar.
The major, seemingly unaware of their approach, appeared deep in conversation with the general, for he suddenly tossed back his head and roared with laughter. The full masculine laugh warmed her cheeks, and she instantly felt shy and childlike as she desperately tried to remember the speech she had rehearsed earlier in her room to thank the man for all he had done.
Lucy reached up and placed a hand on the major’s shoulder. “Rayce. Look who has finally arrived—our very own Miss Eden Blair.”
General Stuart quickly intercepted Eden’s hand and placed a cordial peck upon her knuckle. “Miss Blair, you look especially lovely this evening.”
“It’s very nice to see you again, General,” she said as she turned to glance up at Lucy’s elusive cousin.
Feeling as though her stomach had just hit the wooden floor below her feet, her legs buckled beneath her gown. She gulped and stared into the major’s dark brown eyes, hinting with amusement.
With a firm grasp, the major took hold of her hands and bent to whisper a kiss upon each tightly clenched fist. “Miss Blair, at last we meet. I’ve heard so much about you.”
This can’t be happening! “Major,” she managed to croak out.
The man stood imposingly tall and far too close. Her heart raced as she looked into his dark eyes, and the tiny hairs at the nape of her neck stood up.
“Wait...” he said, raising a dark eyebrow and stepping forward.
He wouldn’t dare.
The major tilted his chin, and a subtle smirk lit the edge of his mouth. “Is it possible we’ve met before?
”
“Of course not!” she blurted, snatching her hands from his grasp.
Lucy shot her a puzzled glance.
Eden’s gaze darted between Lucy and General Stuart. The general looked all too comfortable with the situation and even appeared to be enjoying it.
Inhaling slowly, she composed herself the best she could and gazed into the major’s eyes. “What I mean, sir, is, well, I’ve heard you have been terribly busy. I don’t see how it would have been possible.”
“Ah, yes.” He rubbed his jaw. “That would appear the case, but there is something very familiar about you, Miss Blair. I can’t help but feel we have met before.” His dark gaze appraised her from head to toe.
“I...I believe you’re mistaken, Major.” Silently, she prayed he would not choose this untimely moment to reveal their unfortunate encounter at Mr. Johnson’s store and...the window.
The hot flush of embarrassment burned her cheeks. She lowered her lashes from his piercing gaze, as a shudder of panic coursed through her veins. I’m face to face with the perverted lout who spied on me!
“Pardon my perseverance, Miss Blair...”
Oh, no. She held her breath and looked directly into his eyes.
“By chance, is it possible we met on Broad Street...with your sister?”
Eden swallowed her gasp of astonishment. This could not be happening. The lowdown cad planned to humiliate her in front of everyone.
Not willing to reveal her anxiety, lest he take it as a sign to continue his wicked game, she smiled, and in the coolest of manner said, “As I mentioned before, Major, you are most certainly mistaken. I have no sister.”
He paused, frowning. Suddenly, his eyebrows jumped. “Window shopping—that’s it.”