“But Papa needs to know Manfred is coming home. I can’t have Mr. Elliot escort me tonight.”
Mama’s piercing voice spoke from the doorway. “Yes, you will. You will not go back on your word. Now go in and speak with Mrs. Whiteman. You ran off and left our guest most rudely.”
Mama’s words sent a dagger into Sallie’s heart. Didn’t Mama see that everything had changed with that letter? The set of Mama’s mouth and tightly drawn lips meant no arguing. “Yes, ma’am, I’m sorry. That was thoughtless of me.” Her shoulders drooped as she headed back to the parlor.
Mrs. Whiteman stood in the entryway with Jenny and had been joined by her son Charles. After kindly accepting Sallie’s apology, she said, “I’m sorry there hasn’t been a letter from Manfred. Perhaps one will arrive in a day or so. The postal service has been so sporadic. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw the boys themselves before another letter reached us.”
Sallie said nothing, her heart aching with desire to see or hear from Manfred himself. Until she did, she had no way of knowing if he still cared about her like he’d claimed last year. What if no letter meant his heart had changed?
Mama embraced Mrs. Whiteman. “Jenny will be ready this evening when Charles comes for her.”
Come for Jenny? Sallie jerked her head around to find Jenny behind her with a smile on her face. When had that happened?
Mama closed the door behind Mrs. Whiteman and Charles. “Now, Sallie, you must have something to eat and have a bath before Mrs. Tenney arrives with the dresses.”
Sallie bit her lip. “Yes, Mama.” Her stomach rumbled from having missed breakfast.
“I will join you,” Jenny said.
The two young women headed to the dining room. Lettie brought out tea for Jenny and eggs, bacon, and toast for Sallie. After eating a few bites, Sallie turned to Jenny.
“When did Charles become your escort for this evening?”
“Just now. He brought his mother up so you could read Edwin’s letter and asked your mother about escorting me tonight since you would be going with Benjamin.”
The reminder tightened like a rope around her heart. “Oh, Jenny, I haven’t heard from Manfred. Edwin’s letter says they’re coming home, but why hasn’t Manfred written me himself to tell me? Maybe he doesn’t love me anymore.”
Jenny set down her teacup and grabbed Sallie’s hand. “Sarah Louise Dyer, why fret over the unknown? Enjoy the good news you’ve just received. Manfred is on his way home. Besides, you have a party tonight, and Benjamin is a good escort. Go and have a good time.”
Easy for her to say. Jenny didn’t love anyone with all her heart and soul like Sallie did Manfred. And what of Benjamin? “I don’t want Benjamin to think I’m interested in him. I’ll tell Papa tonight that I can’t see him anymore.”
Jenny said nothing but shook her head and returned to her tea. Joy and fear warred within Sallie. Manfred was coming home. But would he still love her after she told him what she’d done?
CHAPTER 23
* * *
St. Francisville, Louisiana, Saturday, May 20, 1865
AFTER HER LATE breakfast, first Sallie and then Jenny bathed and washed their hair in preparation for the party that evening. As their hair dried, they sat reading quietly in their room. Sallie tried to read, but her thoughts were in a turmoil. What would Papa say when she told him she did not want to see Benjamin anymore? How would she handle Benjamin tonight? What would she say when she first saw Manfred? How would she act?
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting her thoughts, and Mama entered along with Hannah. “Are you girls ready to dress for the party? The gowns are here from Mrs. Tenney.”
Hannah ran to Sallie and grabbed her around the waist. “Please be happy, Sallie. This is a most wonderful day.”
And it was for her sister. Sallie had to think of others and their joy and not let her own doubts and fears color the evening for them. This was her birthday, and she would not spoil it for others.
Lettie and Grandma walked through the door, followed by Mrs. Tenney and Miriam, each carrying a box. Grandma waved toward the bed. “Place them on the bed, and Lettie, please help Sallie with her garment. I’ll take care of Hannah, and Miriam will assist Jenny.” She opened the first box. “Now let’s see how these look.”
Mama retrieved a filmy dress from one box and laid it out on the bed. Sallie gasped at the beauty of the dress. “Oh, it looks even more beautiful than it did at the fitting.”
Lettie helped Sallie remove her dress then secured the crinoline about her waist. The frothy fabric of the dress now slipped over Sallie’s head. She smoothed the skirt over her petticoats. Mrs. Tenney was a genius. It looked just like the dress in the Godey book.
The seamstress straightened the tiny puff sleeves. “You have such a lovely figure, it was a pleasure fitting you.”
Miriam held a second box in her hands. “Mama has a knack for knowing just what details to add to a dress to make it special.” She opened the box and held up a heap of lavender silk. “This is for you, Jenny.”
Sallie held her breath as the seamstress spread the garment before Jenny. At the sound of Jenny’s sharp intake of breath, Sallie relaxed.
“Oh my, I expected to see the peach one of yours we picked to alter. I don’t know what to say.” Jenny’s eyes glistened with tears, and she fingered the delicate fabric.
Mama placed her arm across Jenny’s shoulder. “It’s our gift to you, my dear.” Mama grinned and nodded at Miriam. “Time to see how it looks on her.”
Sallie noted Jenny’s shaking hands and reached over to hold them as Miriam fastened a crinoline petticoat around Jenny’s waist. “Mama and I thought it would be a grand surprise for you. And many people had a part in it because we all love you.” The pure joy radiating from Jenny’s face was worth every minute they’d spent planning. To see it there now gave Sallie a new determination to make the evening as memorable as possible for everyone. After all the sorrow and suffering of the last few years, people needed a time to celebrate.
With Miriam’s and Lettie’s assistance, Jenny slipped the dress over her head. Sallie stood back and clasped her hands to her chest. “Oh, Jenny, it’s perfect with your eyes. They look positively violet.”
The mass of lavender fell to settle at the waist and hips. Jenny’s hand went to one of the fabric rosettes at the neckline. Tears sparkled in her eyes. “It’s gorgeous. I can’t begin to thank you enough, Mrs. Dyer. You’ve been more than generous with me these past weeks.”
Mama spread the skirt to get the full effect of the deep purple trim around the hem. “No need for a thank-you. All we want now is for you to have a grand time tonight.”
Then it was time for Hannah’s dress. When Mama had secured the sash and straightened the lace at the neck, she turned Hannah toward the mirror. “What do you think, my sweet girl?”
“I . . . I love it, Mama. Thank you.” Hannah hugged her mother then twisted back and forth to get a better look at her reflection.
The smile on her sister’s face brought joy to Sallie’s heart. She pulled a box from under the bed. “And here’s an extra surprise for you to wear with it.”
When opened, the box revealed a pair of white shoes nestled in paper. “Grandpa had them made special for tonight.”
Trembling hands gathered up the shoes, and Hannah held them to her chest. “They’re beautiful, even with the extra inches on the sole.” She plopped on a chair, her crinoline flying up. Hannah giggled. “I’ll have to learn how to sit properly in these.”
With Mama’s help the shoes were in place in a matter of seconds. Hannah stood and took a few steps. “They’re perfect. I feel like a princess.”
Tears filled Sallie’s eyes as she wrapped her arms about Hannah’s shoulders. “You are a princess, and don’t you forget it.” Gone were all the doubts and fears about tonight. With family and friends around her, it would be a glorious time.
Once every hair lay in place and every bit of grooming completed
, Lettie left to go downstairs to greet Benjamin and Charles when they arrived. Hannah pirouetted in her blue frock. “Look at me. I hardly limp at all.”
“I do believe Jeremiah will have a hard time keeping his eyes off you this evening.” Sallie hugged her sister. “With your bouncy curls and ribbons, you’ll outshine me.”
Hannah beamed with pride. “Do you think Mr. Elliot might ask me for a dance?”
Jenny smoothed lace gloves over her fingers. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. He’s a gentleman and most certainly would pay attention to the guest of honor’s sister.”
Sallie’s patience would be tested many times in the days ahead until she had a letter from Manfred in hand. Tonight she’d be courteous with Benjamin, but with news of Manfred’s impending return, it was time to end the courtship. She’d have to tell Papa first of course, and she’d do that before the evening ended.
As the sun set and painted the clouds with hues of orange and purple, Sallie and Benjamin arrived at Magnolia Manor. Aunt Abigail and Colonel Bradford stood positioned in the front entry to greet the arriving guests.
Aunt Abigail kissed Sallie on each cheek. “You’ll stand here with us until all the guests arrive. We want everyone to grant best wishes and to see how lovely you look.”
“Yes, Aunt Abigail.” Sallie whispered to Jenny, “Go ahead. I’ll see you in a little while.”
Jenny and Charles disappeared into the ballroom, but Benjamin stood by Sallie’s side. Aunt Abigail held her fan to her mouth and whispered to Sallie.
“I must say Jenny Harper looks more ravishing than ever. With all that happened to her, I would never . . . ” Her voice trailed off as the first guest arrived.
Sallie shuddered. If her aunt knew about the disaster in Woodville, no telling what she might say about her own niece.
As the line progressed, the smile became pasted on her face and her jaws ached from being pleasant with each guest as they offered congratulations. Not only that, the new slippers pinched her toes. Who knew a reception line could be so long. How had that many people come to be invited? Finally the last of the guests greeted her, and Benjamin escorted her to the ballroom.
There she spotted Hannah seated against the wall drinking punch with Jeremiah. Jenny and Charles stood nearby deep in conversation. Sallie headed for the nearest chair and eased down with a sigh. How would she ever manage to dance this evening with her feet hurting so? She should have known better than to wear new shoes to a dance.
“May I bring you some refreshment, Miss Dyer?”
She glanced up at Benjamin. “Yes, Mr. Elliot. I’d most appreciate a cup of punch.”
He departed, and from across the room Peggy waved before rushing over to Sallie, her eyes shining with joy. “A letter from Edwin Whiteman arrived today. He didn’t say outright, but I think he’s going to ask Father if he can call on me.”
So Peggy had a letter from Edwin, but nothing had come from Manfred. Worry again reared its head. “I’m happy for you, Peggy. And according to one to his mother, Edwin said they should be here soon.”
Peggy’s mouth curved downward in a frown. “You didn’t get one from Manfred?”
Sallie shook her head. “I’m . . . I’m so afraid he doesn’t love me anymore, and that’s why he hasn’t written.”
“Oh, fiddlesticks, I don’t think that for a minute.”
Papa appeared at her side at the same time Benjamin returned. “Good evening, Mr. Dyer.” He handed Sallie a cup of pink liquid. “Here’s your punch, Miss Dyer.”
Sallie smiled and accepted the cup, but her father reached for her other hand. “If you don’t mind, Mr. Elliot, I’d like the honor of the first dance with my beautiful daughter.”
“Of course, Papa.” She set her cup on the nearby table and followed her father to the dance floor as Colonel Bradford signaled the musicians to begin the festivities. Papa’s love beamed from his eyes as they kept time to the music. He thought nothing less of her for killing that poor soldier, so why couldn’t she forgive herself?
From the gossip Sallie overheard from conversations throughout the evening, many people believed more had happened to Jenny than she had told. What would they think if they knew Sallie herself had killed a man? A shudder ran through her. Then those sly looks and sneers would be directed at her, and they would be well deserved.
During a break Sallie beckoned Jenny to her side. From the glow on her face, Sallie could see the gossip had not affected Jenny’s evening. “You do look like you’re having a grand time.”
Jenny clasped her ivory and lavender fan to her chest. “Oh, I am, I am. Your friends have been polite and so nice to me. And Charles Whiteman is a true gentleman.”
Sallie slipped her arms around Jenny. “I’m so happy for you.” She pulled back and grinned. “Look, I do believe Mr. Elliot is asking Hannah for the next dance.”
Across the room the young girl gazed into the eyes of her partner with pure rapture. “Look at her, Jenny. I do believe she has a crush on Benjamin.”
Mama tapped her shoulder, a smile curving her mouth. “Sallie, did you ask Mr. Elliot to do that?”
Sallie tilted her head. “No, Mama. I think he did it on his own. Hannah does look quite grown up in the longer dress.” And indeed she did. Her little sister was growing into a very pretty young lady. She had to give Benjamin credit. He knew how to charm women. Too bad his charms were wasted on her.
The festivities began to wind down, and soon guests said their good-nights and left. Sallie had completely forgotten her worries and aching feet in the fun of the evening. She searched for Papa and Mama, but Jenny told her they had left to take Hannah home. Jenny herself soon left on the arm of Charles.
Sallie bit her lip. She hadn’t had the opportunity to say anything to Papa about not wanting to be courted by Benjamin any longer. Now she’d have to be polite for the remainder of the evening and keep quiet for another day.
By the time she and Benjamin left, all the other guests had also departed. On the ride home with Benjamin she tried to carry on intelligent conversation, but words stuck in her throat. Finally he said, “You don’t need to talk. You’ve grown tired, so rest, and we’ll be at your home in a few minutes.”
Grateful for his consideration, she could only smile then turn her eyes straight ahead to her home coming into view. When the carriage rolled to a stop at the front steps, Benjamin hopped down then came around to help her alight. He held her hand and walked with her up the steps to the door.
He bent his head and kissed her hand then said, “Thank you for another lovely evening, Miss Dyer. May this be the first of many birthdays we’ll celebrate.”
Sallie’s mouth dropped open. What did he mean by that? Before she could reply, he had bowed and bounded down the steps to the carriage. Speaking to her father now became even more imperative.
When the door clicked shut behind her, voices floated from the parlor. Mama and Papa were still up. This would be the perfect time to talk with them about Manfred. She reached for the doorknob, but Papa’s voice stayed her hand.
“Amanda, I say we can’t wait around any longer. Benjamin Elliot has asked permission to seek Sallie’s hand in marriage, and I have a mind to give it to him. He’s been courting her a few weeks now and he’s a fine young man. It’s time for Sallie to face reality. Manfred may not be coming home to her.”
Those words stabbed with a pain like none other she’d ever experienced. It went straight from her heart to every bone and muscle in her body. Hadn’t Mama told him about the letter from Edwin? She pressed her fist against the sobs rising in her throat and raced up the stairs and into her room.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she undressed. Leaving her clothes in a heap on the floor, she pulled on her nightgown and crawled into bed, being careful not to disturb Jenny. Sallie buried her face in her pillow and let it soak up her tears.
Moments later a hand reached over and touched her shoulder. Jenny’s soft voice spoke close to Sallie’s ear. “What happen
ed? Are you hurt?”
How could she explain to Jenny the betrayal that permeated her soul? Papa had ruined everything.
CHAPTER 24
* * *
Alabama, Monday, May 22, 1865
SINCE LEAVING THE Jordan farm, Manfred and Edwin had traveled long and hard. The lure of home was upon them, and the closer they came, the faster and longer they traveled. On Friday they had arrived in Birmingham and stocked up with provisions. When the store owner saw they were returning prisoners of war, he didn’t charge them for the food. To Manfred it was another example of the goodness of the people of the South and God’s provision for their needs.
They had come through Tuscaloosa earlier today but had decided they had enough daylight for more miles west. Now they prepared to hunker down for the night. Tomorrow they’d be on their way to Meridian. If his calculations were correct, that would take about three days. Each night they collapsed exhausted but with more determination to press on the next morning.
Deep into the darkest hours of the night, Manfred awakened with a start, a hand squeezing his arm. “What?”
“Shh, listen. Hear that?” Edwin whispered.
Manfred lifted his head, but he heard only crickets at first, before picking up the sound of horses and riders nearby. The murmur of their voices penetrated, but no words came clear. He lay still with Edwin’s hand still gripping his arm, warning him into silence.
The murmurs now became shouts laced with hatred and anger. A chill swept across Manfred, and his heart pounded. Sitting up, he gestured to Edwin to keep low. He crawled across the clearing on his belly and peered through the trees. He spotted a glow through the brush. Fire! Now the fear rose with a bitter taste of bile. That was no ordinary fire.
Edwin inched up behind him. “What’s going on out there?”
“I don’t know. Let’s get a closer look.” Manfred scooted along the ground with Edwin at his side. The voices became harsher, the emotion more intense.
Love Stays True Page 20