Homespun Hearts

by Caroline Fyffe

  "It'll be fine," she whispered quietly to herself. "I'll make him real happy. I'll be the best wife a man ever had," she vowed. Just exactly how she was going to accomplish that was not yet clear, but if determination was enough, she would succeed.

  Her father's face was worried but determined. Yo had never told her any of the private discussion he'd had with Cleav. But he hadn't needed to. Esme could read disapproval in every line of his face.

  She'd been so foolish! She berated herself, not for the first time. This wasn't what she'd wanted. Although marriage to Cleavis Rhy had been her aim for weeks, she hadn't planned on a scandal or an unwilling husband.

  Pearly Beachum had caught her off-guard. With honesty as her natural bent, she'd blurted out the truth when a lie would have better served. Looking back, she'd rather have had the whole congregation believe she was stealing from Rhy's store than bring disgrace to him. Nor did she wish to tarnish the shining hope that the fancy, store-bought garters had represented. Remembrance brought a blush to her cheek and the precious pieces of pink and white to mind. She could feel them now fitting smooth and snug against her thighs. Even in her current confusion, a warmth of tenderness suffused her, and a tiny smile quivered at the side of her mouth. It was the sweetest gift she had ever received. Surely he must care for her. Surely he must care a little.

  As the church came into sight, she became even more apprehensive. Her forehead broke out in beads of sweat.

  "He must care a little!" she said in a desperate whisper. "Please God, I'll never ask for anything else!"

  Adelaide and Agrippa, however, were bothered by neither the finality of her marriage nor the circumstances leading to her proposal. Primped and pretty, they were giddy with excitement. For them weddings were the most fun party of all, and certainly the twins had the best chance of catching the wedding bouquet.

  "That'd mean that we'd marry next," Adelaide cheerfully informed her father.

  Yo did not seem particularly taken with the idea. "How soon is next?" he asked with a disagreeable frown.

  "As soon as Armon asks us!" Agrippa answered with a near shriek of delight. And the two young women shared a laughing embrace as they hurried ahead to the church.

  Crabb hesitated, touching Esme's shoulder lightly to stop her progress. "I agreed to this wedding 'cause I's thinking it were your idea," he said evenly as he studied his daughter. "If you're afeared of this man or you changed your mind, just say so."

  Even in her anxious state, Esme managed a smile for her father. Pa was lazy and practically worthless, but she never doubted his love for her.

  "Marrying Cleavis Rhy is going to put us in clover, Pa," she answered with more enthusiasm than she felt at the moment. "We're going to move into that big fine house and eat regular year-round."

  He shook his head dubiously. "Esme-girl, I'd never be able to choke down a bite if I thought the food was bought with your misery."

  Esme managed a halfhearted chuckle. "Being married to a rich, handsome man is the kind of misery most girls dream of," she bantered playfully.

  "But you sure ain't most girls," Yohan said. "Besides, marriage is more than dreams. Living with the wrong person, even when you love them, can be a world of grief. And truth to tell," he added, "the word love ain't never fallen from your lips that I can remember."

  Esme forced out a little giggle that didn't quite ring true. "I love you and the twins, Pa. I respect the man who's to be my husband. I think that's enough."

  Her father shrugged doubtfully. "Respect ain't much comfort in a wedding bed."

  Her face flaming scarlet, Esme swallowed the spurt of anxiety and fear as if it were a tangible thing.

  "I'll do my duty," she said bravely.

  Yo nodded. "I never doubted it," he admitted. "But bedding a man ain't always easy for a woman."

  Esme paled slightly.

  "I never talked of such with you girls, 'cause it just didn't seem fitting," he said, showing signs of paternal awkwardness. "But if you are going to walk into that church and marry up, I want to be sure that you know what you're doing."

  There was silence between them for a moment.

  "I want to marry him," Esme whispered.

  "You want to bed him?"

  Esme nodded. "I ain't never," she confessed. "But when he kisses me, I ... I want more."

  She'd lowered her eyes with shame, but her father grasped her chin in his hand and raised it to look down into her face.

  "That's where most women start their married life," he said, "half-yearning, half-curious."

  "I've heard that it hurts?" Her statement was formed like a question.

  There was a perceptible nod of agreement. "Your mama said it hurt some the first time," he admitted. "But I think it's mostly just so downright embarrassing," he said.

  Yohan gazed thoughtfully across the meadow toward the church. "A gal is told for twenty years to keep herself decently covered, and then she stands a few moments in front of the preacher and finds herself married up to a fellow she hardly knows." Yo Crabb shook his head in disbelief. "And she's supposed to lift up her nightgown for him like it was nothing!"

  Esme covered her own burning cheeks at the thought.

  "And the fellow," Yo continued. "He's pert-near as ignorant as she is. The most of what he knows about it is stories he's heard from other men. Nearly all of which are lies and bragging. Now he's supposed to reassure her, comfort her, and please her while his own heart's a-beating so loudly he can't hear himself think and he's touching and squeezing things he's been dreaming about for years."

  With a pessimistic sigh, Crabb gently patted his daughter's cheek and carefully smoothed a stray lock of her hair. "What I'm aiming to say, Esme-girl," he told her, "is that it ain't always perfect right away. Things between a man and a woman take time. That's why God made marriage forever."

  Yo looked into her eyes seeking assurance. "I'd feel better about this, Esme, if I knew that you loved him."

  Esme nearly choked on the words, but she knew they had to be said. "I was thinking to marry him for all of us, Pa. I figured I could get along with just about any fellow with some money." She hesitated. "Truly, I didn't expect to feel nothing special, but I think I really do love him, Pa," she admitted. "I just can't seem to help myself. I just wish he loved me."

  Her father's smile brightened. "He will, Esme-girl," he told her. "How can he help himself?"

  She was late. Cleav forced himself not to look at his watch again. Everybody was staring at him. Sweat beaded on his brow as a glistening accent to his florid complexion. Grandpa McCray had once told him a story about his boyhood in Scotland, where sinners were made to sit on a chair in front of the church, and the congregation stared at them as a punishment. In Cleav's youth he'd thought they'd gotten off easy. Now he wasn't so sure.

  Maude Honsucker, who was every bit of ninety, was providing the music. She had warned Cleavis that she could only play the tunes that she could remember. This morning her memory was apparently not too lively as she'd been playing the same hymn repeatedly for a good twenty minutes. And her very soulful rendition of "Nearer My God to Thee" had Cleavis thinking that rather than standing to the right of the pulpit, he should be lying in a box in front of it.

  Scanning the crowd, he noted, not for the first time, that it was an exceptional turnout. He'd had hopes that since his own mother refused to make an appearance, the rest of the community would do likewise. But it looked to Cleav as if Mrs. Rhy was the only living soul within ten miles that was not in attendance.

  Even Sophrona, looking brave and beautiful, sat with her mother on the second pew on the left. Her head was held high, and her face betrayed no emotion. He had never anticipated that she would be there. Although there had been no understanding between them, there had been expectation. Perhaps that was why she hadn't stayed away. Community sympathy would have embarrassed her. No doubt she would be the first to wish Cleav and his new bride well.

  Cleav cringed with disgust and gave into the urge
to check his watch. Maybe she just wanted to be a part of the audience that watched Cleavis Rhy be left waiting at the church!

  With an audible creak, the door to the church opened and the Crabb twins sauntered in. Behind him, Cleav heard Reverend Tewksbury sigh in audible relief. Apparently he wasn't the only one who'd begun to wonder.

  Swinging clasped hands as they made their way down the aisle, the two pretty young girls hesitated only once to giggle when Armon Hightower gave them a broad wink. As they reached the front of the church, the two gave Cleav a haughty glance before assuming their places.

  "Is she on her way?" Cleav whispered to the nearest twin, unable to tell one from the other.

  "She's outside talking to Pa," she answered, pausing only an instant to watch Cleav's shoulders relax before she added spitefully, "I think he's trying to convince her to go through with this." This last was said quite loudly.

  Humiliation flooded Cleav like Indian Creek in the springtime. The crowd tittered as the Crabb girl's words were hastily repeated and spread like a fire through the sanctuary. He had no idea where to direct his gaze. He didn't want to see his friends and neighbors laughing at his expense. Unexpectedly the memory of the Crabbs' charity basket came to mind. As if it were yesterday, Cleav could see Esme standing proud and strong, her eyes focused on an unseen horizon as she gazed over the heads of the crowd.

  Cleav raised his chin and stared at the distant nothingness. If Esme could will herself unashamed, so could he. His mind traveled back in time to his school days in Knoxville. Again he heard the taunts and laughter of young gentlemen in tailor-made suits. Strangely the sting was not as cutting. Had time softened the images of his humbling? Or had experience taught him taunts didn't matter?

  The door to the church opened, and Cleav watched the woman who would be his wife step inside. She hesitated for a moment inside the door and then squinted toward the front.

  Cleav's face broke into a delighted smile. Esme's vision wasn't good enough to see him, yet, but he could see her perfectly. Her chin raised and determined, she was as ill-at-ease and embarrassed as he was. Somehow that pleased him.

  The Widow Honsucker abruptly changed the sad lament she played to a rousing "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder, I'll Be There."

  Taking her father's arm, Esme led, rather than followed him, up the aisle. Brother Oswald stood, detaining her momentarily, as he handed her a small bouquet of lupins, cut from the bushes at the side of the church. The stems were carefully wrapped with white ribbons and a shield of leaves protected the blossoms, since the touch of hands would darken the petals. The sweet pungent odor already filled the room. Esme breathed in a deep fragrant breath.

  Looking up, her eyes met Cleav's. They gave each other the cautious look of two people joined more by fate than free will. Esme lowered her gaze discreetly and continued at her father's side, making her way to the front of the church.

  When they reached the preacher, her father at her left, his fiddle tucked neatly under his arm, and her sisters at her right, attractively and identically turned out in their Sunday best, Esme focused her attention on Reverend Tewksbury.

  But Cleavis focused his attention on her.

  "Dearly Beloved," the reverend began. His voice was hoarse and caught unexpectedly. After clearing his throat, he began again. “Dearly Beloved. We are gathered here in the presence of God to unite this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. An honorable estate ..."

  Cleav was not listening. His eyes and his thoughts were on Esme standing barely a yard away. He would never have chosen her, he reminded himself. But perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. He remembered the warmth of her kisses, the feel of her body pressed close to his, and—oh heaven of heavens— those long, lovely legs. He reminded himself that she was bright and hardworking. Although she certainly would not be an asset on his arm, he thought she might clean up well and wouldn't look too bad in decent clothes. He was willing to make the best of it. ' 'Who gives this woman in marriage?" Reverend Tewksbury boomed across the crowd as if he didn't know the person to answer was standing right in front of him.

  "I do!" Yohan shouted right back.

  Stepping back, Yo placed Esme's hand in Cleav's. The two shared a brief, blushing glance before returning their attention to the preacher.

  Yohan, however, was not finished. To the amazement of everyone, he put the fiddle to his chin and began to play a slow, sweet, romantic tune of the mountains.

  Esme recognized it as the one he'd written the day she'd gone down the mountain to ask Cleav to marry her. That wonderful day, so long ago now, when she'd learned what sweetness was desire.

  Cleav looked at his bride, surprised to see tears forming in her eyes. The song was tender, he had to admit. Too tender for the loveless wedding it commemorated. But then, perhaps it was not loveless for Esme. A woman who so brazenly chased, offered, and even begged for attention was without a doubt infatuated with the man of her pursuit. Maybe it was more than a girlish fancy. She could be deeply in love with him. That pleased him more than it should have.

  To have Esme Crabb, with her sweet smile and seductive legs, striving to win his favor. And she'd certainly never be any trouble to him. A woman so desperately in love would be easy to handle.

  "Do you, Manfred Cleavis Rhy, take this woman, Esmeralda Joleen Crabb, to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to protect, honor, and cherish her, keeping yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"

  Cleav swallowed hurriedly and then stated with conviction, "I do."

  "And do you, Esmeralda Joleen Crabb, take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love and obey him, keeping yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"

  Esme turned to look at Cleav. There was fear in her eyes but resolution, too. Facing Reverend Tewksbury, she replied with calm determination, "I do."

  Cleav brought out the ring. The wide gold band had been in his store for two years. He'd paid a fast-talking drummer too much for it and had never been able to sell it. Although it was too much to hope that it might fit Esme, when he placed it on the third finger of her left hand, it was perfect.

  "By the power vested in me by this church and the State of Tennessee, I pronounce this couple husband and wife."

  Slipping his hands around Esme's waist, Cleav pulled her close and leaned down to capture her lips with his own.

  "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder."

  Chapter Eleven

  There were congratulations and slaps on the back as the young couple stepped out in the churchyard for a cup of punch. Cleav had engaged Sarah Mayfield and her daughter-in-law to manage the refreshments: pink lemonade punch and white layer cake decorated with burnt sugar on the icing. Cleav had told Mrs. Mayfield to spare no expense, and the congregation considered these treats luxurious. Esme Crabb might be a simple hill girl, but her wedding would be remembered as a lavish affair.

  Unfortunately, Esme had hardly had time to take stock of her surroundings when Armon Hightower separated her from her new husband. He grabbed her around the waist and forcefully pulled her from the party.

  "What are you doing?" she asked, more startled than annoyed.

  Armon's grin was wicked. "Miz Rhy, I suspect you'd call it being 'kidnapped.'"

  Esme only allowed a second for the meaning of his words to sink in. "Cleavis!" she screamed.

  "What's going on there?" Cleav called angrily as he watched in shock as Armon Hightower hoisted Esme on his shoulder and began to head toward the mountain.

  "Hightower! Come back here!" he hollered.

  His reaction earned him some derisive laughter from Armon's fellow kidnappers. "You can buy her back for three dollars' worth of sorghum and a jug of moonshine!" one of the Roscoe brothers called to him as he followed Armon and the squealing bride.

  "What are you talking about?"

  "We're talking about a shivaree ransom," Will Gambridge called back with a laugh.

  "Three dollars' worth of sorghu
m would be about a whole barrel," Cleav said incredulously.

  "Rolling a barrel up the mountain with a jug of whiskey in one hand will be a trick worth any bridegroom's price," Gambridge taunted.

  "Yahoo!" the Roscoe brothers called as they hurried after Hightower.

  "Shivaree!" Will added as he rushed past the spectators, now over their surprise and laughing in alliance with the kidnappers.

  Cleav stood staring after them, rooted to the spot. With the unusual and hurried circumstances of the wedding, the last thing he'd considered was a shivaree. Yo Crabb, his new father-in-law, hurried up behind him.

  "Good Lord, son," he said. "Go after her."

  Cleav started after them, but the culprits divided up as soon as they reached the cover of trees.

  Wandering around without picking up a trail for the better part of an hour, Cleav decided that striking a bargain was his best chance of getting his wife back before morning.

  Hurrying back to the General Merchandise, he found Mort Riggly, the local moonshiner, waiting for him on the porch of the store.

  "Evenin', Cleavis," Mort greeted him amiably. "Was it a nice weddin'? Sorry I missed it."

  "It was fine," Cleav answered distractedly. "How'd you know to be here?"

  "Armon tole me you'd be needing another jug for the ransom when he bought his."

  Cleav's eyes widened in concern. "They already have one whole jug?"

  Mort heard the worry in his tone and waved it off. "Don't get yourself in a dither," Mort told him. "I admit that, drunk or sober, Will and those Roscoe boys could throw all their good sense together and wouldn't have enough to make change." Mort chuckled at his own little joke. "But Armon's up there with her. He's wild, but he ain't stupid. And he's got feelings for the gal anyway."

  "Feelings?" Cleav felt the inexplicable rise of jealousy, and his question was harsher than he intended. "What do you mean by that?"

  Mort found Cleav's agitation downright amusing. "I sure don't mean what you think I'm meaning," the whiskey seller assured him. "He's been courting those twins now for nigh on a half year. I suspect he's thinking your gal is practically his in-law." Mort laughed out loud. "Now, that's something I never woulda thought to see. You and Armon being practically relation."