Thomas nodded. “Yes, we can do so much more as one nation united than as one divided. One big question will be the fate of the former slaves. I’m thankful we set our servants free to go wherever they wanted long before all this started. No man should own another.”
Will fisted one hand and slapped the palm of the other with it. “Then why did we fight this war in the first place?”
Amanda grasped Will’s hand. “Son, the Constitution gave the states rights to set their own laws, and that’s what the South was defending. The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, but when we couldn’t settle our differences peaceably, war broke out.”
Thomas squeezed Amanda’s shoulders. “Trust your mama to put things in their true prospective.”
Amanda hugged her son. Lee had been the strongest and most capable leader of the Confederate troops. Since he surrendered, the general must have realized that more fighting would be useless and only lead to more deaths.
Will mumbled something in return. Amanda heard the words slaves and good for nothing. She gasped. The young man needed a good scolding.
Thomas grabbed his son’s shoulder. “I will not have that kind of talk in this family. Do you understand?”
Will said nothing but shrugged loose and headed for the house. When he reached the door, Sallie grabbed his arm and began scolding him. Trust her headstrong daughter to put her brother in his place. Will pulled loose, and his gaze shot daggers at Sallie before he turned on his heel and ran for the stables. Tom pulled away from the group and ran after him.
Thomas grasped Amanda’s hand. “At least one of our children has good sense. Looks like I need to have a little more discussion with our sons in the days ahead.”
So much violence and heartache in the past four years, and every family in the South had been affected whether a son or husband had gone to war or not. She had her own taste of the war at their home in Woodville, and that had been enough to last her a lifetime.
Grandpa followed Grandma into the house, and Papa went after her brothers to get ready for their journey to Woodville tomorrow. Meanwhile Mama pulled on her gloves, her lips set with new determination. “Now, let’s get on with our business. This news means our young men will be coming home and will make your party a greater celebration.” She grasped Hannah’s hand and walked toward the road.
The three of them made their way down the few blocks to Mrs. Tenney’s shop. Amanda carried a parasol to shield herself from the sun’s warm rays, as did Sallie. With her red hair, Sallie needed more protection for her fair complexion than some of her darker-haired friends. Hannah pulled ahead of them, and even with her uneven gait, she appeared to not have a care in the world, but that could change at any moment with the ups and downs of her age.
Sallie’s own days of mood swings and self-consciousness may be past, but she still longed to be carefree and young. Of course then she wouldn’t be looking forward to Manfred’s return. With the war over, life would get better very soon. It had too.
She blinked the tears from her eyes and took in her surroundings. She ought to be thankful this day. The scent of lilacs and other spring flowers filled the air with the promise of new beginnings. If she could blot out that one terrible afternoon, she would, but God had forsaken her in that awful hour, and she had committed the worst of crimes. The same question haunted her over and over again. How could the Lord forgive her killing another person?
They reached the shop, and a bell tinkled to signal their entrance to the display room filled with forms wearing dresses in various stages of construction. Sallie shoved her dark thoughts to the back of her mind and pasted on a smile to please her mother.
Mrs. Tenney scurried from the sewing room. “Ah, Miss Dyer. Your dress is ready for the first fitting. Yours too, Miss Hannah.” She picked up a mound of yellow fabric and handed it to Sallie. “Go on into the fitting area while I get Hannah’s.”
Sallie held the soft fabric in her arms and buried her face in its folds. It had been awhile since she had a new dress, and this one was supposed to be extra special, but why make such a big fuss about her birthday when a war had been lost? Men would be coming home, but at what price? Mama followed her into the dressing area and chattered away as though it were any ordinary day and not one so full of meaning.
“I’m glad to see you wore your widest hoops and crinolines to make sure the skirt will cover it sufficiently. You may dislike wearing a corset and the hoop, but your dress will be beautiful with them.”
Sallie puffed out her cheeks then blew out the air. “Mama, I don’t plan to wear a corset, and that’s why I don’t have on one today. I simply cannot breathe with one laced up so tight.” At her mother’s gasp Sallie discarded the dress she’d worn into the shop, revealing only the hoop, petticoats, and a chemise as her undergarments.
“Sarah Louise Dyer, how could you? Well, it’s too late now. Put on the dress.”
The silky lawn fabric slipped easily over Sallie’s head and shoulders then settled over the hoop petticoat.
“See, Mama, it’s going to be beautiful. I don’t need all that extra boning.” She twirled in front of the mirror to get a better view of the back.
“I have to admit you do look quite stunning. I don’t think I really realized how tiny your waist is by nature.” Mama knit her brows and fussed with the folds of the skirt. Then she turned to Hannah. “Hannah, dear. You need to undress. Mrs. Tenney is bringing your new gown for a fitting too.”
Mrs. Tenney entered the room with Hannah’s dress and a box of pins. She smiled at the sight of Sallie. “Now let’s see how it fits.” She pulled a pinch of fabric around the waist and secured a pleat with one of the pins. “You’re right. You don’t need boning and laces.”
Sallie glanced at Mama and grinned. “We were just now discussing that very thing. I have always loathed corsets and having them laced so tight I can’t breathe. I don’t see how Mama and Grandma can move around in theirs, much less breathe. Such agony just to have a waistline.” She held her arms out to her sides as the seamstress continued to tuck and pin.
In the mirror Sallie spotted Hannah’s reflection behind her. Hannah had donned her new dress and was examining it, fussing with the skirt. “It’s longer than my other skirts, so it’ll hide my ugly boot. Don’t you think so?”
“Yes, my dear, it does look lovely and will hide your boot.” Mama drew her younger daughter to her side. “And so you won’t have to wear pantaloons with this one.”
“Oh, Mama, really?” She turned one way and then the other in front of the mirror. The shiny blue fabric of her skirts swirled around her ankles, making the boot barely noticeable.
Sallie raised her eyebrow. “So you won’t mind dressing up in this party dress?”
Hannah’s face turned red. “I guess not. It’s the prettiest dress I’ve ever had.” She brushed her hands over the fabric and fingered the lace trimming the skirt.
“Oh, my little girl is growing up.” Mama beamed and hugged Hannah. Sallie noted a tear sliding down her cheek. With Hannah growing up, Mama would have no more little ones around her.
The bell tinkled again, and Mrs. Tenney rushed to check on the new customer. Amanda unfastened Sallie’s garment then pushed it down over the crinoline and let it fall about her feet. Sallie carefully stepped out of it and draped the mound of fabric on a chair.
A familiar voice hailed Amanda from the display room. “Amanda, it’s Abigail. I’ve come to see my niece in her new dress.”
She entered closely followed by Peggy, who stopped short and planted her hands on her hips. “Sallie, you’ve already taken off your dress. I was hoping to see it on you before I try on mine.”
Sallie pushed her arms into her other dress. “I’m sorry, Peggy. I didn’t know you were coming too.” She picked up the yellow creation and held it up for Peggy to see.
“Oh, it’s beautiful. Mine is pink with a darker pink sash and trim on the bodice.”
Aunt Abigail fanned herself with an i
vory and green silk fan. A dark green silk dress covered her plump body and red curls peeked from her bonnet. “You’re certainly looking well, my dear Amanda.” She turned to finger Sallie’s curls. “Your hair is so lovely. Mine once looked like that.”
Sallie grinned. “That’s what Mama tells me. She says I should’ve been your daughter.”
“That I wouldn’t mind. Peggy and I need another female influence in our house of men. Thank God, they’re all safe. We just heard the news in town. Isn’t it wonderful that our men will be coming home? We also had a letter from Joshua and Jacob. They will be home in a few weeks, in time for your party. And that’s what I want to talk to you about.”
Mama tilted her head. “Oh? Has here been a change in plans?”
Abigail drew her shoulders back and tilted her head. “No, of course not, but with more young men coming home, you’ll have to expand your guest list. That won’t be a problem as we have plenty of room for such a gala.”
Mama gasped, as did Sallie. Sallie hugged her aunt. “Auntie, thank you so much.”
“I know we should not be so glad since our men surrendered, but at least the fighting is over and our men will be coming home.” Mama helped Hannah get out of her dress.
“Colonel Bradford and I are delighted to offer our home for such an occasion. You and I will begin making plans immediately for a larger gathering.”
Mrs. Tenney brought in Peggy’s dress. While Peggy tried on her dress, Sallie pictured her aunt’s plantation home a little north of town. The lacy wrought-iron railings wrapping around the veranda on three sides offered a romantic setting for a dinner and dance. The large rooms and elegant furnishings would make this party the most special one Sallie could ever have.
Peggy whispered something, and Sallie jerked her head around. “What did you say?”
“I said that with the war being over, maybe Manfred and Edwin will be home soon.”
“I hope so.” She hugged her cousin, then stood back to admire her new dress. “You look beautiful. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they came home in time for the party? I could ask for no better birthday present.”
The tinkling bell signaled another customer entering the store. “I have to run and see to our new customer.” Mrs. Tenney scurried through the curtains back to the front.
Mama motioned to Sallie and Hannah. “It’s time for us to go, girls. Mrs. Tenney is much too busy for us to stand around and visit.”
When they entered the main room, Mrs. Tenney handed Mama her parcel. “These lace gloves will be a nice addition to your costume, Mrs. Dyer. Excuse me, I must get Mrs. Clark’s dress for her.” The dressmaker once again disappeared through a curtain to the back of the shop.
Aunt Abigail stepped from the dressing area and called to Mama. “Now, Amanda, be sure you have any additional invitations ready for those who come home. And remember, Sunday dinner will be at Magnolia Hall this week.” She waved her hand and ducked back behind the curtain.
All the way home Mama chattered about the party. “I’m so glad all the invitations haven’t been written. I must have Flora and Abigail’s cook get together and work out who will do what with the menu. I have some new ideas I’d like Flora to try.”
Sallie walked beside Hannah and listened in silence. Her mother’s excitement warmed Sallie’s heart. Mama had needed something to fill her mind and keep her busy so she didn’t have time to fret about her home back in Woodville. Sallie breathed a deep sigh. If only she could blot out her fears that easily.
The future did look brighter today than it had in a long while, but the past would not go away. If she told Manfred what she had done, would he still love her? Why tell him at all? He had enough other things to think about without her worries too. Besides, her whole family seemed to act as if the killing had never happened or was of no importance at all.
Sallie chewed her lip. Mama and Papa may be able to blot out the past, but they hadn’t pulled the trigger. And if she was going to marry Manfred, she wanted him to know who she was and what she had done. A secret like that could eat into her conscience and ruin the relationship.
In other times she’d be praying for Manfred right now, but lately prayer hadn’t been the comfort it used to be. The gap between her and God grew larger each day she didn’t communicate, and if she didn’t let Him have her fears, the chasm would only grow deeper and wider.
CHAPTER 12
* * *
Virginia, Wednesday, April 19, 1865
MANFRED SAT WITH Edwin under the shade of a massive elm tree and shared the food prepared for them earlier by Mrs. Grayson. He ate the last of his cornbread and washed it down with water from his canteen.
Mrs. Grayson had shed tears as she told them good-bye the day before. The family had gathered in the yard and had prayed for their safety before the boys departed. Manfred closed his eyes, thankful again for the kindness of the Grayson family. The supplies given would last until they reached Hanover and maybe beyond, now that they had horses.
Edwin voiced his brother’s thoughts. “We sure were lucky to find a family like the Graysons to take care of us.” He mopped up his plate with a bit of cornbread and popped it into his mouth.
“’Twasn’t luck, little brother. ’Twas the good Lord looking out for us. Proves what the Bible tells us about giving. When you do things for others without expecting anything in return, you get more than you need.” He rose and began gathering the leftovers and utensils. He believed God’s promises with all his heart. The past week had been proof of how the Father takes care of His children.
In a few minutes the horses were again packed with gear and ready to ride. The early spring sun continued to beam down, although clouds covered them occasionally to bring a little respite.
Neither young man said much. Manfred figured Edwin thought about home and Peggy Bradford as much as his own thoughts were filled with Sallie.
Suddenly Edwin nudged his arm. “Look, some men are coming yonder.” He pointed toward a group of men approaching on horseback from the west. They also wore Confederate uniforms.
One of them called out. “Hey, you boys from around here? I see you’ve been in the war too.”
Manfred stopped his horse and waited until the group drew closer. “We’re just out of prison at Point Lookout. We’re on our way to Louisiana.”
The lead man leaned on his saddle horn and peered at Manfred and Edwin. “Well, I say now. We were fighting north of here and are on our way home to Alabama. My name is Frank. These fellows are Jesse, Clem, and Al.” He indicated the other three riders.
Manfred noted their scruffy clothes and scraggly beards. They looked worse than he and Edwin had a few days ago. “I’m Manfred, and this here’s my brother Edwin. We’re headed to Hanover for the night.”
Frank laughed. “How ’bout that. So are we. Mind if we ride along with you?”
Manfred’s first instinct led him to say no, but Edwin spoke up first. “Would be nice to have company. What do you say?” He turned to Manfred and cocked his head.
Manfred leaned to whisper to Edwin. “I don’t like their looks. Frank’s eyes are full of meanness, and their uniforms don’t look right. I’m not even sure they’re really soldiers.”
Edwin pleaded, “Oh, come on, Manfred. We looked like that a few days ago. Remember?”
“Hey, you two. We gonna ride together or not?” Frank hollered and pulled his horse to stand sideways, blocking the path.
Frank’s position gave Manfred no choice in the matter now. Clearly the man would not let them pass to go on their way alone. “Suppose so, since we’re all going to the same place.” Manfred gave a warning look to Edwin before trotting his horse over to the four men. He didn’t like the looks of the band or the way Frank wanted to be in control.
Manfred rode beside Al and took note of how he continually glanced back at the trail. Jesse and Frank hung back from the group, and when Manfred turned, he saw them in deep conversation. He glanced at Edwin, who only shrugged and lifted his eyeb
rows. The hairs on Manfred’s neck bristled with warning. Something wasn’t right with the men. He had the same sensation last week before the news of the surrender came, only this time foreboding of disaster rather than good news permeated his bones. He made plans to separate from the group as soon as possible.
When Manfred once again turned to look back, he realized Frank had disappeared. Jesse now rode alone. Clem still manned the front of the group with Al beside Manfred and Edwin. A dust cloud appeared, and then a group of men on horseback thundered toward them.
Manfred reached over for Edwin’s horse’s bridle and stopped him. Clem, Al, and Jesse kicked their mounts and disappeared into the woods. Manfred didn’t like the looks of the men headed their way until he saw the badges. Relief filled him. At last they could be rid of the others.
Two men pulled their horses up beside Manfred and Edwin while the remainder chased the other three.
The lawmen pulled their guns and hemmed in Manfred and Edwin. “Where you boys headed?” the older of the two asked.
Manfred swallowed hard. “We’re on our way home to Louisiana from the war.” Somehow this didn’t look like the rescue he’d anticipated.
“I see. And where did you get your horses?” He spat a stream of brown liquid toward the ground and peered at Manfred.
“We . . . they were given—” The return of the others with Clem, Al, and Jesse interrupted Manfred’s explanation.
The lawmen cradled their weapons. The leader shoved his hat back on his head. “Looks like we caught ourselves a band of horse thieves.”
Manfred protested. “Wait a minute. We’re not horse thieves. We own our horses and have a paper to prove it.” He reached toward his saddle pack, but the lawman stopped him with the barrel of his gun.
“Hold it right there. We’re taking you in to the jail at Hanover. You can tell your story there. Tie ’em up.” He waved his shotgun in the air.
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