Love Stays True

by Martha Rogers

  The sheriff glanced at Manfred before racing into the cell area. “They’re gone!” He swung around and yelled. “Who let them go?”

  Manfred remained standing with his hands up. “Their partner, Frank, came in and took them. Said he had horses waiting out back.”

  The sheriff stared at Manfred then over at Edwin. “Why didn’t you go with them?” He shoved his gun back into its holster.

  Manfred shrugged. “Didn’t see a need to.” He nodded toward his brother. “We tried to tell you we weren’t with those men in the first place. We’ve done nothing wrong.”

  The man accompanying the sheriff said, “He’s right. These boys weren’t with the others when they stole my horses. Besides, only three of those horses in the stable are mine. I have just one of mine missing now, remember?”

  “Yes, I do, Hank, but where did they find more?” The sheriff wiped dust from his face with a handkerchief and removed his hat. He shrugged. “I suppose that’s a foolish question. If he could steal once, he’d have no problem doing it again.”

  He turned to Manfred. “Now, young man, you said you had proof you own the horses. Let’s see it.”

  Manfred scurried over to his pack. He dug around inside it for a minute then brought out the paper with a triumphant wave of his hand. Sheriff Dobson reached for it and read the document. “Manfred and Edwin Whiteman. You say you were prisoners in Maryland, and Mr. Grayson gave you these horses in return for labor.”

  “Yes, sir, he did.” Manfred wiped his hands on his pants.

  Sheriff Dobson refolded the paper and handed it to Manfred. “Looks in order to me. Get your gear. I’m sorry about the delay, but we can’t be too careful. You’re free to go.”

  Edwin slapped Manfred on the back and whooped, “Yes, sir. Let’s get out of here.” He grabbed up his pack and pushed his hat onto his head and headed out the door.

  Manfred shouldered his load but lingered behind. “Anywhere we could spend the night in this town?”

  “My wife, Mattie, is in charge down at the inn. Miss Maude is her cook. Check with her. She may have a room for you.” Sheriff Dobson stacked a few papers on his desk.

  “Aren’t you going after those men?” Manfred raised an eyebrow.

  The sheriff picked up a pen and handed a paper to Hank. “If Mr. Carswell here wants to send a posse after his missing horse, I will. Right now I need your signature for the ones we found.” He shoved his hat back on his head and shrugged. “If those boys are riding horses from around here, I’ll find out about it and go after them again. Other than that, not much else I can do except maybe put out a few wanted posters around the territory in hopes some other lawmen in other towns will take care of them.”

  Manfred shook his head. “Seems to me they’re getting off mighty easy.”

  “Maybe so, but their kind are all around now the war’s over. Always wanting something for nothing.”

  Hank Carswell slapped on his hat. “My boys and I will go on after them. If we catch them, we’ll bring them back here.”

  The sheriff nodded. “Be careful, Hank. I have a bad feeling about those thieves.” Then his eyes changed as though he’d made a decision. He turned to one of his deputies. “Go with them. I’ll catch up to you soon as I get these boys situated.”

  Heading out the door with the deputy, Mr. Carswell called to his men to saddle up. Manfred walked out with the sheriff and found Edwin waiting on the street holding the reins of their horses. “How did you get the horses?”

  “I left while you were talking with the sheriff. Figured I could save us some time and went on over to the stables and got them.” He pointed down the street. “I see the sign for the inn down yonder.”

  Manfred shook the sheriff’s hand. “You go catch those thieves. We’ll be all right at the inn.”

  The sheriff nodded. “I wouldn’t be going after them at all, but I can’t let Mr. Carswell handle this on his own. You boys take care now.” He headed for his own horse, mounted it, and then took off after Carswell and his men.

  Manfred swung up onto his saddle and turned toward the inn. It was another delay in their journey, but at least they’d be sleeping as free men again tonight, and a hearty meal had given them the strength they’d need for tomorrow.

  God did indeed take care of His children. After Manfred told the innkeeper about their lack of money and a need for a place to sleep, she said she’d give them one night free because she’d heard about their ordeal at the jail.

  Once again they would sleep between clean sheets. As they settled down for the night, Edwin leaned on his elbow. “I won’t question your judgment anymore, Manfred. You know what’s best for us.”

  Manfred blew out the oil lamp and chuckled. They’d have to wait and see about that. Edwin meant well, but more often than not he let his mouth get ahead of his brain. At least this adventure turned out well. Mrs. Dobson had even offered to add breakfast and food for the road along with a room for the night. With only a few coins in hand that Mrs. Grayson had slipped into their knapsack, he appreciated every gesture like the good innkeeper’s.

  They hadn’t covered as many miles as he’d hoped in the time they’d been gone, but having the horses would help in making up the time lost by their stop in Virginia. If things continued in the fashion of the past week, this wouldn’t be the last delay or adventure before getting to Louisiana.

  He reached for his journal to record the day’s happenings and crept over to the window to write in moonlight streaming through. After writing a few pages, he stowed it away and opened the Bible he carried in his backpack. God’s Word and the hope of seeing Sallie in a few weeks brought peace to his heart.

  CHAPTER 14

  * * *

  St. Francisville, Louisiana, Thursday, April 20, 1865

  AFTER SALLIE HAD prayed with Mama, cold and fear for Manfred plagued Sallie all night, making for a restless sleep. Would God listen to Mama’s pleas? Sallie couldn’t trust God to answer her own.

  Now in the light of day the fear and dread disappeared. After dressing for breakfast with Lettie’s help, Sallie drifted down to the dining room for breakfast, where Mama and Grandma sat discussing the day’s duties. “Where’s Grandpa?” Sallie asked.

  Grandma adjusted her round, wire-frame spectacles. “He went into town very early this morning. Your mother and I have decided we don’t need heavy meals at noontime with your father and brothers gone. We were planning what we might have instead.”

  Sallie made no comment but ladled oatmeal into a bowl. Lettie would bring her eggs and ham if asked, but a big breakfast held no appeal this morning. Flora did bring in a glass of milk and a bowl of early strawberries from the patch in back of the house. Mama and Grandma left to take care of their duties.

  After sitting alone for a few minutes, Sallie shoved her half-eaten bowl away, drained her milk glass, and pushed back from the table. She had plenty of time now to read and write in her journal, but the hours dragged by.

  By late afternoon she’d tired of writing and even reading her latest novel. She entered the parlor and ran her fingers over the keys of the piano. Grandma had given her a new piece to practice, but Sallie had forgotten all about it.

  Maybe she could play a few minutes and concentrate on the beauty of the music rather than the ugliness of the past. But before she touched the keys, Grandpa entered the room accompanied by Benjamin Elliot.

  When had Grandpa come home, and when had Benjamin Elliot arrived? Neither of them had made their presence known before this minute. Sallie clasped her hands in her lap and smiled. “Good afternoon, Grandpa, I didn’t realize you’d come back from town. It’s nice to see you, Mr. Elliot.” She hadn’t seen him in two years, but she had no trouble remembering him. How handsome he looked in his deep gray coat and pants and white shirt.

  He bowed and said, “I came to speak to your grandfather since your father is not here.”

  Grandpa nodded. “Yes. I told him your father would be back the end of the week, but it seems he
is anxious to take care of this matter as quickly as possible. Mr. Elliot has come to ask our permission to be your escort for his party on Saturday. I told him you’d be honored to join him.”

  Sallie gasped and pressed her fingers against her lips. The invitation had come only yesterday, and she hadn’t even decided whether she’d go to the party or not, much less be escorted by Benjamin Elliot. How could Grandpa even think of accepting an invitation like that?

  “Now, Sallie, I know you’re surprised, but this is a chance for you to attend the celebration and give him a charming companion too.”

  Pushing back the disappointment rising in her, Sallie bowed her head and gave in to the respect she held for Grandpa. “Yes, Grandpa. I understand.” She didn’t, but this was not the time for disagreement. She stood and curtsied and held out her hand to Mr. Elliot. “I’d be honored to accompany you.”

  The young man grasped her hand in his. “To be sure, it will be my pleasure to be your escort on Saturday evening, Miss Sallie.” He bowed again, released her hand, and turned to Grandpa. “Thank you, sir. I will speak to Mr. Dyer about the other matter when he returns.”

  “Of course, my boy. He’ll be more than happy to talk with you.”

  Grandpa’s words squeezed all joy from her heart. She fought back the tears as Grandpa walked with Benjamin Elliot out to the porch. When the door closed behind them, Sallie raced up the stairs and flung herself on her bed. She pounded the thick down comforter with her fist and muttered, “Oh, Grandpa. You don’t understand. I don’t want to go anywhere with Benjamin.”

  Hannah jumped up on the bed and put her arms around Sallie. “What’s wrong, Sallie? Why are you so upset? Is it Manfred?”

  “No, it’s . . . it’s . . . oh, Grandpa.” Her muffled words caused Hannah to jump down and run from the room. Sallie heard her call for Mama to come.

  A few moments later footsteps and voices told her of their entrance.

  Mama sat on the bed and tapped Sallie on the shoulder. “My dear, what’s the matter? I thought something had happened to you when Hannah came running to my room telling me to come see you.”

  Sallie sat up and brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Grandpa gave Benjamin Elliot permission to be my escort for his party. I don’t want to go with anyone, but Grandpa gave his word.”

  “Why, that’s wonderful, my dear, you should feel honored. I can fix up that blue dress for you. It’ll be perfect.” She jumped up and headed to the wardrobe in the corner.

  “Please wait, Mama.” Sallie blinked her eyes and held out a hand to her mother.

  She sat back on the bed and cradled Sallie in her arms. “What is it, dear?”

  “Why did Grandpa do this? Do I have to go with Benjamin?”

  “He’s only doing what he thinks is best for you. He believes the party and going with Benjamin will help get your mind off Manfred, and time will pass more quickly.” She laid her cheek on Sallie’s head. “Sometimes men don’t understand. Until Manfred is home and asks Papa about courting you, this is the way it has to be.”

  “I don’t want to go against Grandpa. I love him very much, but I want to wait for Manfred.” Sallie sat back and searched Mama’s face for understanding. Why did Benjamin need her to be on his arm for the evening anyway?

  “Of course you want to wait for him, but it wouldn’t be proper for you to turn down such a nice invitation from Benjamin. You know Grandpa won’t go back on his word either. Besides, you also have to face facts. It’s been months since you heard from Manfred. Until you do, you’ll have to be sociable with the other young men returning from war. To do otherwise would be impolite.” Mama grasped both Sallie’s hands in hers.

  Disappointment clogged Sallie’s throat. Why couldn’t any of them understand? Maybe she could feign illness and not go to the party at all.

  Grandma entered and sat on the other side of Sallie and hugged her. “I’m so sorry, my dear. Grandpa means well. I don’t believe he realizes how much you love Manfred or what it means for him to make decisions for you.”

  “Well, I don’t think it’s fair. I’m almost nineteen and perfectly capable of making decisions for myself. Why do we always have to do what the men think we should? I do have a brain.”

  Mama sighed. “Oh, my sweet child, the Bible tells me I must love and honor my husband, and you must do the same for your parents and grandparents. It’s our way of showing respect.”

  “I understand, but I love Manfred, and in my heart I know he’s coming home.” Sallie sat up and squared her shoulders. Too much had happened for him not to come back.

  Mama stood. “Remember, one party doesn’t tie you to Benjamin. You can go and have a grand time. Perhaps it will help you remember the good times we had before the war.”

  She and Grandma left the room. Hannah tiptoed to the bed and put her arms around her sister’s waist. “Oh, Sallie. You gave me such a scare. I thought something had happened to Grandpa.”

  Sallie pulled Hannah close. “I’m sorry, sweetie. He upset me, and I guess I was angry with him. It’s all right now.”

  Amanda rushed down the stairs to find her father in his study. She stopped and smoothed down her skirt before knocking on the doorframe.

  When he bade her to enter, she stepped through the door and composed her face to hide the concern welling in her heart. “I just spoke with Sallie. She tells me you gave permission for Benjamin Elliot to escort her to his party.”

  A wide grin creased her father’s face. “I did, and when Thomas returns, the young man will be asking to court Sallie all proper like.”

  Amanda’s heart plummeted to her stomach. “I’ve come from Sallie’s room, and she’s quite distraught.”

  Her father raised his eyebrows but gave no comment.

  “I know it isn’t necessary, but under the circumstances it might have been better to ask her first.”

  “And what circumstances are those, my dear Amanda?”

  How to explain to him the thinking of a young woman’s mind would not be easy, but she must try. She searched for the right words again. At least he knew Manfred and liked the boy. It wasn’t as though she talked about a stranger.

  “It’s Manfred. Sallie is in love with him. Her only thoughts have been of him.”

  Her father frowned slightly. “I see, but we don’t even know where the boy is or if he’s even alive.”

  “I know, but he is important to her. So much has happened to her in the past few months that I fear for her future happiness.”

  Her father wrapped his arm about her shoulder. “I understand. You’ve all been under a great strain these past weeks after the ordeal of fleeing your home. That is precisely why I gave my consent. Sallie needs this party to take her mind off what happened in Woodville. If young Manfred comes home anytime soon, I’m sure Thomas can explain the circumstances to Benjamin.”

  Amanda said nothing. Her father had no idea of the delicacy of a young woman’s heart, and it would be fruitless to discuss it further.

  Someone pounded the brass knocker on the door. Her father rushed to open it before Flora could appear. A young man stood on the threshold, twisting his hat in his hands.

  “What is it, young man? It’s rather late to be calling.”

  “We’ve had awful news, sir. President Lincoln was shot and killed. Someone shot him at a theater in Washington.”

  Amanda’s knees buckled, and she grabbed the stair railing for support. Lincoln dead? How could that be? She pressed her hand to her chest, praying it would halt the racing of her heart.

  “This is most certainly disturbing news. When did it happen?”

  “Good Friday. He was shot at a theater in Washington and died Saturday morning. That’s all I know, sir.”

  The young man squashed his hat back on his head and ran up the sidewalk toward the road. Her father closed the door and leaned against it. Her mother stood near Flora in the entryway. “What is this going to mean now with the war over?”

  “I don’t know, but it can�
��t bode well. I may not have agreed with some of his policies, but to kill the man is unthinkable.”

  Amanda closed her eyes against the tears forming there. Even with the war over, violence still reared its ugly head. Would sanity and safety ever return to her beloved country?

  CHAPTER 15

  * * *

  St. Francisville, Louisiana, Friday, April 21, 1865

  DESPITE THE TRAGIC news of Lincoln’s death, Amanda decided that planning for Sallie’s birthday party should continue without interruption. He had been president, and her family would properly mourn for him, but life would go on as usual here in Louisiana. So she gladly accepted her sister’s invitation to lunch at Magnolia Hall, followed by an afternoon of planning for the party.

  After a light luncheon of cold meats and salad, Amanda followed her sister through the spacious Bradford home as her sister explained plans for the party. Abigail spread her hands. “Now here in the foyer I plan to have urns and vases of fresh spring flowers, and the balustrade will have garlands of flowers and ivy also.”

  “It will look lovely. You’re so fortunate to have your beautiful home restored to such beauty as before the war.” Only a little damage remained on the stately home nestled among the beautiful creamy white magnolia trees that gave the home its name.

  Abigail linked arms with her. “I’m so sorry for the damage to your beautiful house in Woodville. All of us in St. Francisville are thankful the fighting came no closer than Port Hudson and the little skirmish down on the river. If those renegades hadn’t set fire to our home, we wouldn’t have had any damage at all. I’m thankful our men were able to extinguish it before really major destruction occurred.”

  Amanda patted her sister’s hand. “Don’t worry about our home. It will be restored. Things that were in it don’t count. Our lives are more important.” She turned to gaze straight at Sallie, who noticeably shuddered under scrutiny. She had to do everything possible to help her daughter forget that dreadful day.