by Lynn Wolfe
He hadn’t wanted to take the time so stop and eat, but Mary insisted. She said a packed lunch wouldn’t be that special, not like eating at an Inn. In his heart, James knew Mary and the children needed rest, along with the horses. Mary had convinced him that after lunch, the children would fall asleep for a spell. He hoped she was right.
*****
James was happy to see Andrew and Matilda had gone to sleep just as Mary thought, shortly after they began the afternoon stretch of their trip. James continued to try and pry answers from Mary about her home, but she continued to give him vague responses.
He knew Mary was hiding something. Ever since they started today’s journey, she appeared anxious. What was she worried about? Was the house too small to hold all of them comfortably? Maybe that was why Mary eluded the questions he’d continued to ask.
James and Mary rode in silence for the next couple of hours. Mary seemed even more distant and he hadn’t thought that possible. She offered no conversation to James. He decided maybe she was just overwhelmed at the thought of being married and the new task of raising two children. But in his heart, he knew Mary would be a wonderful wife and mother, even if she didn’t realize that, yet.
*****
Mary knew they were almost home. Thank goodness she lived just outside of Washington. Mary prayed her plan with Edward was working.
“James, the turn is over the next rise. Take the first left.”
Andrew’s ears perked up when he overheard Mary telling James to make a turn. “Are we really here?” he asked.
“Yes, you’ll see our home shortly.” Mary responded, so nervous she could barely stop her hands from shaking. The moment of truth was coming and she hoped James would keep an open mind. She didn’t want to think of what might happen if James couldn’t accept what she and Edward had done. At the moment, Mary was full of second thoughts.
As they approached the plantation home, Mary was relieved she saw no sign of visitors. She prayed the guests were all present and their carriages hidden inside the barn, behind the barn and wherever else Taylor could find a spot for them. She realized she was biting her lip and quickly stopped. She hoped James hadn’t noticed because she truly didn’t want to start answering questions until she was safely inside the house, where others could bear witness to her story.
*****
James was pleasantly surprised when he saw the lovely stone cottage setting not far from a wonderful and large plantation home. The cottage seemed to be perfect. The roof looked solid and it had obviously been well maintained. Mary was very lucky to have such a nice home left to her.
But as they got closer to the cottage, James was troubled. He saw laundry hanging on the line. Just then, two children came running out to greet them. James stopped the carriage, since they obviously came to speak with them.
“Hi, Miss Mary. We missed you!” Tad said, as his little sister Cynthia stood beside him.
“I’ve missed both of you, too. Let me introduce you to my new family, this is my husband, James Parker, and our children, Andrew and Matilda. And this is Taylor, who goes by Tad, and his sister, Cynthia.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Parker, are Andrew and Matilda allowed to come with us for some cookies and milk? Mother said it’s fine with her. She just finished baking the cookies and we weren’t permitted to have any until you folks arrived.”
“Could we?” Matilda asked. “I’m starving.”
“Me too!” Andrew chimed in.
“I think that would be a great idea, don’t you, James? Tad, will you bring Andrew and Matilda to my home once you have finished with your cookies and milk?”
“Gladly,” Tad said.
Once James got the children out of the carriage, he turned to Mary, “Your home? James knew he was very brisk with his question, but the only other home around was the large one on the hill, that had verandas and appeared to be very similar to the home he just left.
“Well, I’m trying to explain this in a way you’ll understand. Promise me, James, you’ll hear me out and not say one word until I’m finished.”
James had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He was pretty sure what Mary might have to say. She didn’t really own the house, she lived there as a servant. He knew many times people hired the entire family to help with the plantation and then allowed them to live in the servants quarters. He was fairly certain this was why Mary acted so strangely their entire trip. She had lied about owning a home.
He had to take a deep breath, “I’ll hold my tongue the best I can, Mary, but once you’ve finished, you might not like what I’ve to say. I feel you haven’t been honest with me. Am I right?”
“Please drive up to the plantation home and I’ll tell you everything inside, I promise.” Mary said firmly. She didn’t like the tone James had used or his last question, for she had lied.
Chapter Ninety-Four
James helped Mary down from the carriage and noticed Tad coming towards them with a cookie in his hand, ready to take the reins from him.
“Mother told me I was to take the carriage to the barn and rub down the horses.”
James looked over to Mary with his brows arched. She responded before he was able to say anything.
“Why thank you, Tad. James, don’t look so worried. Tad’s very good with animals. Aren’t you Tad?”
“Yes, I am. I can handle a team as fine as these, Mr. Parker. You sure have a fine carriage and pair of horses.”
Mary saw James wince. But before she could change the subject, James explained to Tad the pair of horses and carriage were not this. She took that time to hurry up the steps before James could stop her.
Then to Mary’s relief, Agnes was standing on the Veranda opening the door for them.
“Why, Miss Mary, what have you gone and done?” Agnes asked, checking James Parker out from head to toe. “Might handsome fellow, if you ask me.”
Mary laughed. “Agnes, you’re certainly right. This is my husband, James Parker.”
“It’s sure a pleasure to meet you, Sir. Everything’s ready in the dining room, Miss Mary, if you’d kindly follow me.”
James tried to grab Mary’s arm but she was one step ahead of him. “Mary,” James called out, demanding her to stop. “Mary, exactly what’s going on?”
Mary heard the anger in his voice. Mary kept right on marching to the dining room as she answered, “Now James, you promised me you’d allow me to explain once we got inside the house, and I’ll be more than glad to, once we’re seated for supper, ” Mary was keeping just far enough ahead of James that he couldn’t yet grab her.
“Seated? Are we eating dinner in this house? ”“Well, I am, I’m starving! That lunch at the Inn didn’t last very long,” Mary laughingly said. She knew James was hot on her heels and was just about to create a scene when she heard him cussing under his breath.
James thought he might be in a dream. Before him was Thomas, Anna, Jane, John and Constance Webb, Edward Pierce, and he noticed seating for other people who obviously hadn’t arrived yet. Before he had a chance to say anything, everyone in the dining room started with their congratulations and asking what had taken them so long to get there.
Then Andrew, Matilda, Tad and Cynthia entered. Andrew and Matilda began screaming with delight to see the rest of their family there.
Their joy brought tears to James eyes. He wondered why they’d be eating here, but he couldn’t bring himself to dampen the spirit of the room. What a wonderful surprise, he thought. But where was Mary’s home?
He then spotted the man who’d attended the auction with a lovely woman he assumed was his wife. What the hell was he doing here? But, before James could confront the young man, Mary was by his side.
“James, may I introduce you to Taylor Hawkins and his wife Lizzie.”
“Hello, Mr. Parker, nice to see you again.”
James nodded to Taylor but couldn’t find any words to say that would be civil. James was now quite confused, concerned and agitated. D
id Mary somehow have something to do with the auction? Did these people own this plantation–—no, they live in the cottage, didn’t they?
James noted there were five places yet to be filled. Two were for him and Mary. But before he got a chance to ask Mary who else was coming, he heard footsteps from the staircase landing on the foyer floor and a familiar voice speaking to him.
“James, darling, we wondered when you’d arrive,” Annabelle said, as she reached up to kiss his cheek.
“Mother,” James said sternly, as he stared at his father who was grinning from ear to ear. James wondered what his father found to be so happy about when he didn’t have a clue what was happening.
“Hope you had a good trip, son,” Clayton said, as he patted James on the back.
James hated surprises. At first he was thrilled to see everyone, but now, he knew he appeared to be the only person in the room who had no knowledge of what was going on.
Edward came over to give Mary a hug. “I take it you had a wonderful time by the glow on your face, daughter.”
While hugging her father, Mary had been careful not to put any pressure on her father’s sling. “It was wonderful. I couldn’t be any happier than I am now. How are you feeling?”
“Fairly well, I’ve taken some time off work in hopes I’ll heal quicker.”
“Edward, nice to see you,” James shook his father-in-law’s hand wondering how much he knew.
James looked around the table once again and noted there was now only one person’s place unaccounted for.
“Mary, I count one more place setting than people in this room, who else is coming?”
“I swear to you, James. I haven’t a clue. I think maybe Agnes miscounted the number of settings needed tonight. Let me check with her.”
But before she got the chance to look for Agnes, Edward, who’d overheard Mary and James talking, decided the time was now to bring out the surprise guest.
“Mary, I added a guest to your dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”
Mary was confused. She had no idea who her father would bring on this special night. That wasn’t like him. She thought they’d agreed it was only going to be family and close friends at their dinner party.
“Excuse me, Mary, James and guests; may I introduce to you, Miss Minnie Baker, from England.”
Mary screamed in delight. “Minnie, Minnie is that truly you standing there!” Mary ran to Minnie and hugged her tightly and cried with joy.
“There child, please stop crying. I didn’t mean to shock you. I truly didn’t. Edward wanted to surprise you.”
“When did you arrive?” Mary asked looking at her father. “And how did you ever get Minnie to come to America?”
“I wish I could say I had something to do with her arrival. When I went to England to see Miss Minnie, I suggested she make a trip to visit here, but she assured me that wasn’t in her plans. Then, a letter arrived a few weeks ago, asking me about accommodations in America, if she should come for a surprise visit. I wrote back and the plan for the surprise fit perfect with tonight’s gathering.”
Thomas and Anna also came over to hug Miss Minnie and share in the sheer pleasure of having her present.
“This, Mary, was my surprise to you; I didn’t think you’d mind an additional guest tonight. Am I right?” Edward inquired beaming.
“Oh yes,” Mary said, and started to introduce Minnie. “Everyone, this is––-but her father interrupted her.
“Mary, I’ve already introduced her to everyone, in your excitement I think you’ve forgotten.” Edward said, laughing at his befuddled daughter.
“Let’s eat! Miss Minnie and I are hungry” Thomas said loudly, grinning and winking at Mary as everyone gathered around the table.
Mary stopped her father and Minnie before taking her seat. “Father, I can’t thank you enough for bringing Minnie with you tonight. It’s a wonderful surprise. In fact, it’s the best gift you could have ever given me.”
“How are you holding up? Have you told James everything, yet?” Edward asked, wondering if the confession was yet to come.
“No, actually, I haven’t told James much at all. He’s rather perplexed with me. But as soon as I finish eating, I’ll tell James everything while I have my family and friends here to support me. I’m afraid I’m taking the coward’s way out.”
“Good luck, Mary, but I do feel we’ll be forgiven,” Edward said, reassuringly.
“Forgiven for what?” Minnie whispered to Mary.
“You’ll see soon enough. I just hope father’s right.”
Edward smiled as he watched his daughter take her seat besides James. Minnie had asked him numerous times about Mary’s home and what was going on in her life, but he’d carefully put her off.
This was Mary’s time to explain, to everyone, exactly what had been going on and why. He planned to be ready to support her if things turned ugly. But the way things were unfolding, he felt fairly certain all would be well in the end.
Chapter Ninety-Five
Everyone was nearly finished eating, except for Mary. She’d only taken a few bites as she continued to move her food around her plate. She knew James had glanced at her several times but said nothing. She kept taking deep breaths in hopes to calm her nerves.
James, after finishing his meal, leaned over to Mary. “I think you’ve put me off long enough. I deserve some answers. I know you’re very nervous about something, since you keep biting you lip. Since you’re not eating, you might as well be talking. Now!” James said, in a whisper that commanded her to come clean.
Mary stood and everyone at the table immediately became silent. Even the children sensed something important was about to take place.
Mary looked to her father and slowly inhaled before speaking. “James has reminded me I owe him some answers about this home. A few of you present know what’s going on. Some of you have no knowledge of what transpired over the last several months. If I were a braver person, I’d speak to my husband alone.
“Today, I don’t feel that brave. As much as I love you, James, I feel certain it will be better I confess my sins in front of our family and friends, in hopes that you’ll hold your temper until you’ve had some time to consider my words.
First, I’d like to make mention that the only ones missing from our celebration today are Luther and Jacob, James’s brothers, who I’ve yet to meet, but I know they’re with us tonight, at least in our hearts.”
So far so good, Mary thought, as she reminded herself to get this over with quickly and not to look at James.
“I first met Nettie Powell, the former owner of this wonderful plantation, when I became her seamstress. During our time together, we became good friends. In cultivating our friendship, I also became close to Agnes and the Hawkins’s family.
“When Nettie passed, she left the bulk of her estate to me. But she had some conditions I have to live by. One was, if I should ever marry, my husband and I must live in this plantation house. There were other conditions of her will, all within reason, and agreed upon by Agnes, and Taylor and his family, who reside here in the lovely cottage.
I’m telling you this so you’ll know how much I love these people who are part of this plantation. They became my family when I was very much alone. More than anything, Nettie wanted me to find happiness. If she only knew how her wish has come true.” Mary paused to wipe her tears.
“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to get so emotional. Now, getting to the part James has waited all evening to hear. I know many of you recognized Taylor. He came to the auction at my request, James.
“Edward explained your unfortunate circumstances, when I first learned he was my father. I also understood from your family and Thomas that you’d made it quite clear they were not to do any bidding the day of the auction or to interfere with any of your decisions.
“However, when I arrived to help, you made no such request of me. In fact, if you remember, you barely acknowledged me. So I carefully listened and wrote down what I c
ould remember of the items that had a special meaning to you, your families and the children. That’s why Taylor purchased Matilda’s and Andrew’s dressers and the set of dishes that had been in the Webb family for years.
“But the best purchase Taylor made that day was Lightning and Star. Andrew and Matilda have been asking often how they are doing, so I can now tell you they’re just fine.”
James stopped her. “That can’t be, Mary. The colt and pony went to the new owner of the plantation. Edward told me so himself.” James said, looking for Edward to support him and angry with Mary for leading the children to believe she had their animals. He was now glaring at his new wife. The room went deadly quiet.
Mary’s heart was pounding. She quickly blurted out, “We’re the new owners, James.”
The look of shock on James faced matched everyone’s, but Edwards.
“Edward, you’ve some explaining to do. Did you out and out lie?” James asked in disbelief. Edward was the most honest man James had ever known, besides his father.
“I merely tried to skirt the truth, James. Mary and I planned this because I knew my hands were tied. But Mary’s, well, you never told her she couldn’t bid at the auction.”
James took a long, deep breath before he harshly spoke. “I was there, at no time did Mary bid on one damn thing. So please tell me how in the hell this could have happened? How could Mary outbid the others, without bidding at all?”
Edward smiled and was pleased as he could be. He knew James was about to explode, especially with the thought anyone would dare deceive him. “Well, James, Mary’s bid was for a dollar more than any bid received. I already knew she’d own the plantation. We just didn’t know the price.”
James again glared at Mary. This wasn’t the Mary he knew so many years ago. She tricked him! “Mary, –—
But Mary cut him off. “James, you promised me you would hear me out. I can tell you’re miffed at the moment, but I’m not quite through.”
“Miffed, what the hell kind of word is miffed? I am downright furious!”
“Yes, dear, we can all see that, now please let me continue so you may save your anger for one big explosion.” Mary noticed a few chuckles among the group; she then looked at her father for reassurance. She was relieved when she saw he was grinning and not one bit phased by the outburst James had just given. She knew this would upset James even more. He wasn’t in the mood to be laughed at.