Laughter erupted from Edwin, and he handed Lady’s reins to Manfred. “We’ll see who has to stop for rest. I’m even letting you ride first.”
“You’re on, little brother, and it won’t be me begging to stop for the night.” He mounted Lady and snapped the reins. As he rode, he dreamed of Sallie and her sparking green eyes. It won’t be long, dear Sallie. I’ll see you soon.
CHAPTER 21
* * *
St. Francisville, Louisiana, Tuesday, May 16, 1865
GOOD DAY, MR. Brady. Grandma sent me for sugar. She’s planning on baking her buttermilk pound cake.” Sallie greeted the proprietor and plopped a basket on the counter.
“Wouldn’t mind having a piece of that myself.” Mr. Brady turned to a barrel across the aisle and picked up a scoop.
“How’s Miss Jenny doing?” He filled a paper cone with sugar.
“Much better now. Flora’s cooking and Grandma’s nursing have put the color back in her face.”
“Your grandmother’s a special lady. I remember how she helped my Rebecca when our Nathan was born.” He folded in the top of the cone and set it on the scale to weigh it.
“He’s on our invitation list for my birthday. I do hope he will come to my party on Saturday.”
“Sure he will. How thankful we are the war ended before he had to be involved in any more battles.” He pulled a paper from a drawer and wrote a number on it. “Anything else you need?”
“Not now. Mama and Lettie will be in later this week to buy more.” Sallie reached for the basket handle then eyed the sparkling candy jars.
“As much as I like peppermint, I think I want cinnamon candies today.” She dug into the reticule dangling from her wrist and removed a few coins.
“In honor of your Manfred, I presume.” Mr. Brady removed some of the red candies from a container and placed them in a small bag then handed it to Sallie.
“Yes, sir, I feel he’s really getting closer to home. I believe I’ll hear from him any day now.” She plunked the pennies on the counter and hooked her arm through the basket. “Thank you, Mr. Brady.” She popped a cinnamon ball into her mouth and puckered her lips at its spicy flavor. She couldn’t understand why Manfred loved them so. She bade the storekeeper good-bye and hurried back home.
Sallie found Jenny in the parlor when she returned. The young woman’s cheeks glowed and her hair fell loosely on her shoulders. She truly had made remarkable progress since she arrived over two weeks ago.
“It’s so good to see you out and about. How are your feet?” She looped her bonnet on the hall tree peg and handed her purchase to Lettie.
“Much better. I can wear slippers and walk on them now.” Jenny lifted her skirt to reveal her cotton-slipper-clad feet.
Sallie picked up her embroidery basket and joined Jenny on the sofa. “Grandma’s baking her special buttermilk pound cake, so we’ll have a good dessert at supper tonight.”
“Oh, I remember eating it at a party at your house. I look forward to having it again.”
A knock sounded on the front door. Sallie jumped up, but Lettie reached the foyer first. Sallie sat back, but straining her ears and stretching her neck to see who may be coming to call this time of day.
Lettie appeared. “Miss Sallie, Miss Jenny, Mr. Elliot is here to visit.” She stepped back, and Benjamin Elliot entered the room. She’d managed to avoid him while tending to Jenny over the past few weeks, but evidently that excuse had worn itself out.
He held his hat in the crook of his arm and bowed. “Good afternoon, Miss Dyer, Miss Harper.”
Sallie remained seated, but glanced sideways at Jenny. “Mr. Elliot. Nice of you to call on us.”
“I stopped in to see if you would be interested in a ride before dinner.” Benjamin nodded to Sallie.
“Thank you, Mr. Elliott, but I can’t leave Jenny behind.” Sallie grasped her friend’s hand.
“Of course not. I’d be honored to have Miss Harper accompany us. I have the carriage out front with room for you both.”
Sallie turned her pleading gaze to Jenny. “Oh, do come, Jenny. Being out in the fresh air will be good for you.”
Jenny patted Sallie’s hand and smiled at Benjamin. “Thank you for including me, Mr. Elliot. I’d love to have a ride.”
Sallie breathed a sigh of relief. She didn’t really trust herself to be alone with Benjamin. As much as she thought she cared about Manfred, the attention of a man in person did tempt her.
Then she remembered Jenny’s injured feet. “Oh, dear, Jenny has on slippers. Could you assist her, Mr. Elliot?”
“Of course.” He held out his hand to Jenny. At her grimace on standing, Benjamin said, “If I may be so bold, may I carry you?”
At Jenny’s nod, he gathered her in his arms and strode outside. After seating Jenny, Benjamin stood back and assisted Sallie, who chose to sit beside Jenny. She noted Benjamin’s disappointment when he sat across from them.
After several minutes of exchanging pleasantries, Benjamin addressed Jenny. “I understand your home in Mississippi was heavily damaged.”
Sallie felt Jenny tense as she lowered her gaze to the floor and answered, “Yes, it was.”
“I’m so sorry about that. Our home suffered in the conflict but is livable for us. My condolences on the loss of your father and brother too.”
Benjamin’s quiet, even words seemed to have a soothing effect on Jenny, and Sallie sensed the young woman relaxing in her seat. Benjamin Elliot was a true Southern gentleman through and through, and that impressed Sallie even more than his good looks.
“Thank you, Mr. Elliot. The war has affected so many families and changed our own lives forever.” Jenny raised her eyes to meet his in a steady gaze.
Sallie beamed and listened to them speak of their families. Benjamin couldn’t know all of what had happened to Jenny, but he treated her with kindness and sympathy now.
Sallie noted Jenny’s heightened color and lovely eyes with long lashes framing them. Jealousy reared its head, but only for a moment as Sallie realized how good of a distraction Jenny had proven to be. If Benjamin could become interested in Jenny, that left Sallie free to think only of Manfred. She had no right to meddle, but how nice it would be if Benjamin were to decide to court Jenny instead.
Jenny laughed, and it floated in the air like music. “Are you daydreaming again, Sallie?”
“What? Oh, I apologize for being inattentive. What were you saying?” Sallie fussed with her handkerchief.
“Miss Dyer, I feel you left us there for a few minutes. I asked how the plans were progressing for your party.”
Embarrassment at her lack of attention sent heat waves to Sallie’s face. “Aunt Abigail assures us everything is ready, and Jenny is going too. She’s getting stronger every day.”
Benjamin’s steel blue eyes narrowed as he peered at Jenny. “I can see she is. I must be sure my name is on your dance card, Miss Harper.”
Jenny lowered her head then peered back up at Benjamin. “Thank you, Mr. Elliot. I’d be pleased to have your name there.”
The remainder of the ride Sallie let Benjamin carry the conversation and returned his questions with brief answers. When he escorted them to the door, Jenny excused herself and left Sallie with Benjamin.
Benjamin held the brim of his ivory-colored hat in hand and smiled, his eyes twinkling. “A most delightful afternoon ride, Miss Dyer. I thank you for your company and that of your friend.”
“We thank you, Mr. Elliot, for inviting us. If you’ll excuse me, I must prepare for dinner.”
“Of course, and until I see you again, have a pleasant evening.” He bowed then sauntered down the steps to his carriage.
If only she’d have word from Manfred, she could put an end to Benjamin’s courting. He’d be perfect for Jenny. Just perfect.
Sallie sat up in bed, hands over her ears to drown out the sounds of anger. Her eyes adjusted to the dark, and she realized the noise came from her dreams. She glanced at Jenny now sleeping peacefully
beside her and Hannah’s soft snores filling the night air. A chill skittered down her spine. She lay back against her pillow and shut her eyes. The dream had been so real with shouts of anger and fear, but from where or whom she didn’t know. In a few minutes calm returned, and she drifted back to sleep.
Later in the morning Sallie shared her dream with Jenny in the privacy of the bedroom. “I kept hearing voices in the dark. Men were shouting and yelling in anger, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. It scared me so much I woke up.”
Jenny reached out to embrace her friend. “Oh, Sallie, I once heard voices like that for real. It’s frightening to know men can be so angry with each other.”
“I was afraid something had happened to Manfred.” Sallie returned Jenny’s hug.
Jenny pushed back from Sallie and gazed at her. “Everything’s going to be all right. How many times have you told me that?”
“Too many times to count, I guess. Oh, Jenny, you always find a way to make me smile.” Having her friend here, even under the circumstances that had brought her, helped her deal with the somber moods that overtook her now and then.
Still, Jenny knew her too well, and soon her good friend was pressing her to tell her what really was wrong. Before she knew it, Sallie was spilling out her own story. Of the terror of that day. The horror of killing someone. The guilt that never left her.
Tears glistened in Jenny’s eyes as she listened. “I’m so sorry, Sallie. We have both seen such awful things. But we have to remember that God has been so very good to us despite all the horrors and pain.”
When Sallie didn’t respond to her words, Jenny wrapped her arms around Sallie’s shoulders. “Sallie,” she said gently, “since I’ve been here, I’ve sensed that you have not been close to God, and now I know the reason. Things in our lives will never be the way they were before. We’ve seen and done things we should never have experienced, but because of them, I believe we’ll be stronger women. God did not promise us we would never have trouble in this world, but He did promise to strengthen our character and bring us hope even in the midst of our sufferings.”
Could it be possible? Jenny spoke with such assurance that Sallie wanted to believe it could be true. Jenny possessed the same strength seen in Papa and Mama and her grandparents. Sallie would draw on that strength in the days ahead, and perhaps soon it could be her own.
CHAPTER 22
* * *
St. Francisville, Louisiana, Saturday, May 20, 1865
AFTER ANOTHER NIGHT of dreams about the past and of Manfred in a prisoner camp somewhere, Sallie awoke exhausted, every bone in her body aching for sleep. She pulled the covers over her head and turned on her side.
Moments later something pounced onto the bed beside her and began shaking her. “Wake up, Sallie. It’s your birthday!”
Her sister’s cheerful voice grated on her nerves, causing them to shred even more than they already were. “Go away, Hannah, I don’t want to get up. I need to sleep.”
“Let her sleep. She had a restless night again and didn’t get much rest.” Jenny’s whispered comment must have appeased Hannah because the weight lifted from the mattress.
In a moment their footsteps padded to the hallway. Then the door closed and Sallie squeezed a pillow to her chest. Her eyelids, heavy as lead, drifted closed, and she returned to blessed sleep.
When she opened her eyes again, sunlight streamed through the window. Sallie threw back the covers and pushed her feet to the floor. What time was it? She hoped Lettie had saved her something for breakfast.
The nightgown she’d been wearing billowed at her feet as she dropped it to don her petticoats and camisole. As she tied the strings of her petticoat, the door opened and Lettie poked her head around the edge.
“Oh, you are up. I thought I heard you moving about.” She scurried to Sallie and picked up the dress laid out across a chair. “Here, let me help you finish dressing. Your family finished breakfast hours ago, but my mammy saved you back a plate.”
Sallie didn’t resist Lettie’s help. The restless night had left her listless and not caring one way or the other about getting dressed.
“Now, Miss Sallie, Miss Jenny said you didn’t sleep well at all last night. I’m sorry to hear that, but with tonight being your birthday ball, you will need to rest again this afternoon so’s you can look your best this evening.”
Sallie gasped and stepped away from Lettie. How could she have forgotten today was her big party? All thoughts of celebration had vacated her mind in the aftermath of her dreams. Partying was the last thing on her mind and heart. “Oh, Lettie, I completely forgot about it.”
“That’s all right. We’ll get you all prettied up for it, and Mr. Elliot will think you’re the most beautiful girl there.” She picked up a brush and motioned for Sallie to sit.
“I don’t feel like a party, but Mama and Aunt Abigail have gone to so much trouble.” Perhaps with a rest this afternoon she might be more inclined to look ahead to the evening with anticipation rather than dread. She sat still and allowed Lettie to use the brush on the tangles and snarls caused by tossing and turning during the night.
God certainly liked to play cruel jokes on people. He’d allowed her to have nightmares when she should awaken happy and ready for a fun-filled day. That wasn’t the God of love who wanted only the best for His children like she’d been taught all her life. No, He was more of an enemy who haunted her nights with horrible memories.
Jenny burst into the room and caught Sallie’s hands in hers. “It’s your birthday, and we have much to do. Think of it. Benjamin Elliot will be here this evening to escort you to the ball, and he’s a fine gentleman. You are so lucky.” She whirled around, her skirts billowing out around her. “And look, I’m wearing shoes and there’s barely any pain.” She stopped to grasp Sallie’s hands again.
Sallie yanked her hands away. “I’m too—” She clamped her mouth shut. No need to take her frustration and anger out on her dear friend. She reached for Jenny’s arm.
“I’m sorry. I’m out of sorts this morning. I shouldn’t take my foul mood out on you.”
Jenny knelt beside Sallie. “I heard you last night, moaning in your sleep. It was those dreams again, wasn’t it?”
Sallie nodded. Jenny understood the pain in Sallie’s heart, but nothing could erase the memories or replace the images in her mind.
The door opened again, and Mama entered with a smile that outshone the sun. “Mrs. Whiteman is downstairs with a letter from Edwin she wants to share with you.”
Sallie sprang up and brushed past Mama and Jenny. Edwin! A letter from Edwin would be almost as good as having one from Manfred. Maybe he would have news of his brother. She hurried downstairs.
Seated in the parlor, Mrs. Whiteman looked up when Sallie entered. Her blue eyes sparkling with joy, she removed a folded sheet of paper from her reticule and handed it to Sallie. “I think you will be pleased with what you read.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Whiteman. Shall I read it aloud?” Sallie sat beside the older woman and unfolded the sheet of paper.
Mrs. Whiteman removed her lace gloves. “Just the part I indicated. I think it will be of greatest interest.”
Sallie’s gaze scanned the page then stopped when she spotted the star by a paragraph. She read the passage aloud. “‘Manfred and I are in good spirits. Everywhere we’ve been, we’ve found good people who have taken care of us. Manfred is strong as he ever was, and I’ve completely recovered from my wounds. We’re making good time, and Manfred figures we’ll be home by early June. We’re slowed down some because Manfred and I want to help people. Manfred said it was the least we could do to return the kindnesses shown us along the way. Manfred sends his love to all. Please tell Peggy I’m thinking about her and would like to see her upon my return.’”
Sallie laughed and clasped the paper to her chest before handing it back to Mrs. Whiteman. “Oh, Mrs. Whiteman, that is the best news I’ve heard in months. What a wonderful birthday present!”<
br />
Mrs. Whiteman smiled and patted her hand. “I knew I had to share it just as soon as I could.”
Sallie beamed. The nightmares of last night disappeared as mist in the sun. Her birthday would be a wonderful day after all.
Her gaze caught her mother’s, and she jumped up. “Mama, Manfred is coming home. I have to tell Papa.” She raced from the room. Papa and her brothers had returned from their work in Woodville yesterday. He should be out in the stables.
At the back door Sallie tripped and stumbled. Lettie appeared from nowhere and reached out to catch her.
“Careful there, Miss Sallie. I know you is excited, but you don’t want to meet Mr. Manfred with a broken leg.”
“Oh, Lettie. Isn’t it wonderful? They’ll be home in a few weeks!” She wrapped her arms around her friend and twirled her around. “I have to find Papa. Is he in the stables?”
“He’s . . . at . . . Magnolia Manor with your aunt and uncle.” Lettie shoved on Sallie’s arms. “Stop spinning . . . so’s I can breathe.”
Sallie stood still. “I’m sorry, Lettie. I’m so excited. You said Papa is at Magnolia Manor?”
“Yes, Miss Sallie. He’s over helpin’ your uncle get things ready for tonight.”
Sallie chewed her lip and brushed a wayward wisp of hair from her eyes. Of course he would be, but she must talk to him now. “Then I’ll ride over there and find him.” She started in the direction of the stables to find George to take her to Magnolia Hall.
Lettie grabbed her hand. “Miss Sallie. Your party is tonight, and Mrs. Tenney will be here with your dresses. You can see your papa after he gets back. You must eat something now and then rest so you’ll be ready when it’s time to dress for your party.”
Love Stays True Page 19