Mississippi Brides

by Diane T. Ashley,Aaron McCarver

  As soon as Nathan helped her up, he joined her on the bench. “It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it’s perfect for the celebration.” She reached for her parasol and opened it.

  “I was worried because of the storms last week.”

  Abigail watched his strong hands as he handled the reins. “I’ve been thinking about what you said to me that day.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.” His voice was wry. “I’d hate to think you had forgotten my proposal.”

  She couldn’t help the giggle his words and tone caused. But the laughter fled a moment later when he stopped the wagon. “What are you doing?”

  He took her parasol from her hand and closed it. “Something I’ve regretted not doing that day.”

  His blue gaze was like a caress. He placed his hands on either side of her face and leaned toward her. His lips brushed hers lightly…then with more insistence. His touch was sweeter than a song. It made her feel precious, feminine, beloved. It was the most wonderful thing she had ever experienced in her life. She almost reached out to pull him near again when he ended the kiss.

  “I love you, Abigail.” His voice shook slightly, as though he was as affected by the kiss as she had been. “Please tell me you’ll marry me.”

  All of her doubts melted away like frost at sunrise. Abigail put a hand over her thundering heart and tried to swallow, but her mouth was dry as dust. She couldn’t force out a single syllable. So she nodded.

  Nathan gathered her in his arms and hugged her. “You’ve made me the happiest man on earth.” He kissed her again. And again.

  Finally she pushed at his chest. “We have to go get the children.”

  “What children?” He placed a kiss at the base of her neck.

  Abigail giggled. “The ones at the orphanage. They’re waiting for us.” He sighed and straightened. “I suppose you’re right.”

  All the way into town she drank in his profile and sent silent prayers of gratefulness to God for bringing them together.

  “Where’s Mia?” Abigail put a hand on her hip. “She was playing jackstraw earlier, but no one has seen her for a while.”

  Nathan was sitting cross-legged on the ground, playing marbles with some of the boys from the orphanage. She had watched him all afternoon as he talked and played with the children. They all loved him, and he no longer looked as though he was being skinned when they crowded around him. The change in him was one she could definitely live with.

  He unfolded his legs and stood up, brushing at the dirt that had accumulated on his pants. “I don’t know.”

  “I’m worried she went back to the orphanage to check on Boots.” Mia had pouted when they refused to let her bring the orphanage cat along. Abigail had tried to explain that a kitten would be frightened by all the noise and people, but Mia had refused to budge until Nathan stepped in and convinced her to let Boots take a nap while they went to the festivities. Mia had acted fine once she got to the town square, but she could have slipped off to collect Boots when their backs were turned. “I’ve already asked around,” Abigail continued, “but no one has seen her for the past hour.”

  Nathan reached for the coat he’d draped over a nearby tree limb. “I’ll go to the orphanage and look for her.”

  “I’ll go with you.” She looked toward the stable. “Why don’t we walk and save the time it would take to get the wagon hitched?”

  He held out his arm, and she put her hand on it, blushing slightly at the unexpected tingle caused by his nearness. They walked down the street, smiling and nodding at the people they passed. It seemed everyone in Natchez was here.

  Vendors had set up temporary booths selling everything from melons to barbecued ribs. Politicians shook hands and talked about the challenges facing Mississippi. Children shouted and ran through the crowds, playing games of tag or hide-and-seek while their parents looked on from the shade of the large trees ringing the town square. Once the sun set, families would enjoy watching the fireworks before they returned to their homes.

  Nathan put his hand over Abigail’s. “I may owe Mia my thanks since her disappearance has given me an excuse to be alone with you.”

  She sliced a glance at him from the corner of her eye. “You’re going to make me wonder if it was your idea for her to go back to the orphanage.”

  His laughter rang out on the still air. “I am crushed to be so misunderstood.”

  It felt so good when her laugh joined his. Their life together was going to be full of wonderful moments. They walked on in perfect harmony, leaving the crowds behind. If not for her concern about Mia, Abigail would have been content to have their walk last for hours.

  “When can we get married?”

  The question sizzled through her. “We haven’t even told my parents yet.”

  “We can do that tonight.” He raised his eyebrows and waggled them.

  Abigail giggled. “I think a Christmas wedding would be romantic.”

  “Christmas!” He shook his head. “I think July would be much better.”

  “Let’s worry about that once we collect Mia.” A frown replaced Abigail’s smile as they approached the orphanage. “It doesn’t look like anyone is here.”

  “I think I see a light.” Nathan pointed at an odd green glow that seemed to emanate from the backyard.

  The ghost! Was it possible? They skirted the outside of the house as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sight that met her eyes made Abigail’s blood freeze. A figure in a long white robe moved silently along the edge of the bluff, waving a green-tinted lantern back and forth.

  After the first second of disbelief passed, anger swelled inside her. She recognized the arrogant strut of the so-called ghost. What was Silas Ward doing out here? And why was he wearing that robe? Was he using the legend of the pirate’s wife for some nefarious purpose? His green-shuttered lantern illuminated a mound in the grass and her breath caught. Mia. With a little cry, she pulled away from Nathan and rushed forward. “What have you done?”

  Silas looked up as she ran toward him, his face twisted in a mask of hatred. When Abigail would have knelt to check the little girl, he grabbed her arm and whipped her around so she stood with her back to him. “Where is it?”

  “What are you talking about, Silas?” Abigail grimaced as he pushed her arm upward. “Ouch, you’re hurting me.”

  “Let go of her!” Nathan’s voice was harsh as he moved toward them.

  “Stay back!” Silas pulled a knife from the pocket of his ridiculous robe and pressed it against Abigail’s neck.

  Nathan stopped abruptly. The blood drained from his face. “What do you want, Silas?”

  “I want the treasure. Where is it?” The man holding her sounded crazed.

  “What treasure?” She could hear the shock in Nathan’s voice.

  Silas snorted. “Don’t be stupid. This house used to belong to a pirate who hid his treasure here. I’ve been looking for it, but I haven’t found anything…yet.”

  Abigail kept her head still to avoid the prick of his knife. “How do you know about the treasure?”

  “I lived here as a child. One of your father’s poor orphans. I used to spend hours exploring, looking for the treasure. But then my cousin came to claim me. He took me away and introduced me to the world of drinking and gambling. What a life…until the money ran out.”

  His laughter was harsh. “I even thought about marrying you, but that wouldn’t work. You may be rich, but your parents have spoiled you far too much. And you’re rather plain, too. Besides, I require obedience from my women.”

  If the moment had not been so serious, she would have laughed at his words. How ironic that she’d thought this man admired her independence. A movement at her feet caught Abigail’s attention.

  Mia put a hand on her head and moaned. “What happened?” Her voice was groggy.

  Abigail hoped the child was not hurt. It was hard to tell in the weird glow of the green lamp. She looked at it closely.

&nbs
p; Silas must have realized her confusion. “It’s made from green mica. Useful when you need to imitate a spirit. You should have heard that silly matron going on and on about seeing me out here. All I had to do was blow out the lamp and pull off this robe to disappear. Ingenious, isn’t it?”

  “You were the one scaring the children?”

  Silas pulled her away from Mia and the lamp. “Too bad there wasn’t much of value inside the orphanage.” The knife bit her neck. “Tell me where the treasure is.”

  “Don’t be an idiot. There’s no treasure.” She put all the conviction she could muster into the words. “We found a sea trunk hidden behind a false wall in the dining room years ago, but it only held letters and a few trinkets.”

  She could hear the rage in the hiss of his breath at her ear. “You’re lying.”

  A trickle eased down her neck, and Abigail realized she was bleeding. She looked across at Nathan and forced herself to smile. Whether she lived or died tonight, she would always be thankful to have won his love.

  Mia picked that moment to push to her feet and run toward Nathan. Silas loosened his hold on her arm. Instead of trying to pull away, Abigail tripped and fell forward, a moan of pain slipping out as her knees made contact with the hard ground.

  Nathan froze for an instant before instinct took over. He leaped forward.

  Silas started to haul Abigail back to her feet but released her as he saw Nathan barreling toward him. Nathan ducked as the deadly blade slashed the air, but he came up swinging both arms. His first blow made contact with Silas’s jaw. The impact shuddered down the length of his arm and made his stomach roil.

  The other man’s head snapped back, but he didn’t lose his footing. His left fist somehow found its way into Nathan’s stomach. Nathan’s jaw clenched against the pain radiating outward from his midsection, but he knew he could not afford to double over. Silas was lifting the knife above his head now, holding it in both hands as though wielding an axe. Immediately on the defensive, Nathan grabbed Silas’s wrists and pushed hard to keep the blade from biting into his shoulder.

  Little by little, Nathan realized he was losing the struggle as the blade inched down. He sent a prayer heavenward for the strength to overcome the madman.

  He could not win against the downward force of the knife, but Nathan realized he didn’t need to. Instead of trying to stop the blade’s descent, he relaxed briefly. A triumphant leer of success lit Silas’s features when Nathan’s grip weakened. But it changed to horror as Nathan twisted to one side. The blade whizzed harmlessly through the air past his shoulder.

  Before Silas could recover, Nathan bent down and thrust his shoulder into the other man’s abdomen. Silas tumbled backward, arms windmilling as he teetered on the edge of the steep bluff. A shrill scream tore free as he realized he would not be able to save himself, and he disappeared from Nathan’s horrified gaze.

  It couldn’t happen again. He could not break the sixth commandment again. Anguish and remorse filled him.

  He didn’t even remember Abigail until she flung her arms around him. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”

  Mia ran to them, apparently unharmed. “You did it, Pastor. You saved us. That was a mean man.” She hugged him with nearly as much strength as Abigail had.

  “Are you two okay?”

  They both nodded, looking at him like he was a hero. So why did he feel like a villain? The question went unanswered as wind gusted against his face.

  Wait. Had he heard a cry for help?

  Nathan disengaged the clinging arms and flung himself to the ground, his head hanging over the edge of the steep bluff. At first he saw nothing in the failing light, but then a movement below made him catch his breath. “Abigail, Mia, go find a rope. Quick.”

  They ran toward the house as he reached down for Silas’s hand. If he could only reach a few more inches. Nathan strained to no avail. “Hold on. We’ll help you.”

  A loud noise brought his head up. A cascade of red sparks lit the sky. The fireworks had begun.

  “Why?” The word was tossed up toward him from the man who was hanging on to life by a thread. “Why are you helping me?”

  “Because God loves you. He’s perfect, and He loves you in spite of the evil you would commit. How can I do less?”

  Silence answered him. Nathan closed his eyes and prayed for Silas to live. Tense moments passed—each one like a fading heartbeat. He considered half-a-dozen plans but rejected all of them.

  Finally he heard someone running toward him. He turned his head and saw Abigail. She didn’t have a rope, but a sheet billowed around her. What a resourceful woman.

  She skidded to a stop next to him. “I sent Mia back to the celebration to get Papa and the sheriff.” She lay down next to him and dropped one end of the sheet over the edge of the bluff.

  Realizing he would need to anchor the material, Nathan grabbed the other end and sat up. He looped the soft cloth around his waist and tied it in a quick knot. “You’re going to have to use the sheet like a ladder, Silas.”

  A jerk told him Silas had grabbed hold. As the pressure around his waist increased, Nathan wondered if he could stop both of them from plunging to their deaths. As Silas climbed upward, Nathan’s boots inched closer to the edge.

  As if from a distance, he heard Abigail crying and praying and wished he could comfort her. His jaw clenched as one of his boots slid off the grassy edge into nothingness. He gritted his teeth and tried to hold on.

  Shouts sounded. He could feel the pounding of heavy footfalls. Then strong hands grabbed him under his arms and pulled back. Help had arrived in the nick of time.

  Someone heaved Silas over the edge, and the terrible pressure around Nathan’s waist eased. He stood up slowly as the sheriff placed handcuffs on Silas.

  Abigail ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek, his ear, his other cheek—her lips trembling against his skin. He held her close and thanked God for preserving all three of them.

  Mr. LeGrand’s voice brought Nathan back to his senses. “I suppose this means your mother was right.”

  He tried to disengage himself from Abigail’s embrace, but she clung to him like a limpet. Finally he looked over her head and smiled at her father. “I hope you will allow me to marry your daughter, sir.”

  “Don’t be silly, Nathan.” Abigail smiled up at him, her dark eyes hinting mischief. “Mama and Papa probably knew before we did that we were in love.” She pulled his face down and kissed him soundly.

  Chapter 20

  I still can’t believe Silas Ward was hiding his past and his true reason for coming to Natchez. If only he had told us the truth, so much pain and misery could have been avoided.” Abigail shook her head as she guided the buggy toward the orphanage.

  “He was the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Nathan’s sigh was lengthy and deep. “I’m glad we stopped him before his plans did any more harm.”

  “Thanks to your efforts.” A thrill of pleasure lifted the corners of her mouth at the expression on Nathan’s face. He was such a good man. In the weeks since the revival she had seen him guiding others, loving them in spite of their weaknesses, and leading them to Christ by his humble example. How had she ever thought him overbearing or controlling? Christ’s love shone through his words and deeds.

  This trip to the orphanage was another indication of the changes in this man. He had planned this visit and asked her to join him instead of the other way around. His relationship with several of the children warmed her heart.

  As they turned the corner, Nathan pointed toward the orphanage. “We are not the only visitors this morning.”

  Abigail frowned at the unfamiliar carriage and horses. “It looks like they’ve come some distance.”

  Nathan jumped down as soon as she brought the buggy to a halt. “Did your father say anything before you left?”

  Tossing the reins to him, she shook her head. “No.”

  A couple of the boys were chasing each other arou
nd the orphanage yard as Nathan helped her dismount, then opened the gate. Before they could make their way to the front porch, the door flew open and Mia appeared with a squeal of delight.

  She dashed down the steps and barreled into Nathan, who caught her up in a strong hug. “You seem overly delighted to see me this morning.” He planted a kiss on her forehead.

  “You’ll never believe who has come to us.”

  Abigail smiled to see the two of them together. They looked so natural.

  “I have cousins.” Mia’s words ended her speculation. “And an aunt and uncle. They’ve come from Boston to find me.” The little girl scrunched up her face for a moment as she gazed at the man holding her. “Is that a long way from Natchez?”

  “Yes, it is.” Nathan’s deep voice carried a hint of sadness. He let Mia slide down as they reached the porch steps. “But I’m sure you’ll like it there.”

  She smiled and ran back inside.

  Abigail caught up with Nathan and touched his elbow. “Are you okay?”

  A slight grin turned up one side of his mouth. “Of course. I’m thrilled for Mia.”

  They walked inside together and headed for the parlor, following Mia’s excited voice. “And he told me all about how Jesus loves little girls and boys.”

  Abigail saw Nathan’s smile widen. A prayer of thankfulness filled her. They entered the parlor to find a young family inside.

  The lady looked much like Mia’s mother, petite and fine-boned. Her husband, a shorter, slightly rotund gentleman, was equally well-dressed and wore a pleasant expression as he stood. Their two children, a boy who looked to be a few years older than Mia and a young girl who had to be about her age, sat quietly and listened to their newfound cousin.

  Mia performed the introductions—Uncle C. J. and Aunt Dorothy Ogden, and her cousins, Master Patrick and Miss Ruthanne.

  “Mia says you are from Boston.” Abigail glanced at Nathan, who sat next to her on the sofa.

  “Yes.” Mrs. Ogden picked at the material of her gown. “I am ashamed to admit that my sister, Mia’s mother, and I were estranged almost a decade ago. The reason is not important now, but you can imagine my sorrow at learning of my sister’s death. We left when we received the letter telling us about Mia.” The warm glance she lavished on the young girl was enough to calm some of Abigail’s concerns.