Miranda went upstairs to unpack from her journey. When Amanda came to tell her Lucas had arrived, Miranda was standing before a long mirror, staring dreamily at her reflection. Amanda knew where her sister's thoughts were and smiled in resignation. Lucas was right; Miranda needed to follow her dream and to settle it.
Miranda was wearing a dress of their mother's, an exquisitely beaded buckskin dress which had been made from an albino deer. The dress had been given to Marie Lawrence by her father, Sun Cloud, chief of the Oglala Sioux in the Dakota Territory. The dress brought forth images of their mother as a young girl, a Sioux princess named Morning Star who had sacrificed everything to marry a handsome adventurer named Joseph Lawrence.
Miranda turned and looked at her teary-eyed sister. "She was very beautiful. How she must have loved Papa to marry him and move here. It must have pained her deeply to forsake her family and people to accept Papa's. She once told me she could never return home because she had dishonored her people by choosinga white man. Can you imagine how hard it was to change from a carefree Indian maiden to a Southern lady? Papa taught her well, Mandy; no one would have guessed her heritage. She loved Papa and was happy with him. But many nights I found her in the garden staring at the moon, as if wondering about her family and all she'd lost. Perhaps she sensed danger closing in; perhaps that's why she wanted to go home one last time. Now it's too late. She's gone, and her family doesn't know. Do you suppose grandfather could sense her ... death?"
"I don't know, Randy. In that dress with your hair braided, you look like she did the last time I saw her wearing it. Where did you find it? Why put it on and torment yourself?" she inquired sadly.
"It was at Morning Star. I went through many of their things, but I didn't move or discard an item. I was going to pack their belongings and store them in the attic, but something stopped me. It was the strangest feeling, Mandy, like they are still alive somewhere. When I found this dress and headband, I could almost hear Mama telling me to take them with me. She was whispering so softly that I couldn't make out where I should take them."
Amanda paled slightly and trembled. "After you talk with Luke, Randy, perhaps you'll understand Mama's message. Yes, it was meant to be," she told herself aloud.
Miranda gazed at her. "What are you talking about, Mandy?"
"Let Luke explain. But I'll agree with your decision."
"What decision? Explain what?" Miranda questioned, baffled.
"A quest for your destiny, dear sister. You must find yours as I've found mine with Reis. Come and listen to Luke," she coaxed, taking Miranda's hand and pulling her downstairs.
When they entered the sitting room, Lucas jumped to his feet and gaped at Miranda. "My God, Randy, you look just like Aunt Marie!" he cried in astonishment. "I knew you favored her, but not this much. Did you tell her, Mandy?"
"No, it's your surprise and her choice. I'll leave you two alone," she stated, closing the door behind her.
It had never been more apparent to Lucas that Amanda had taken after her father in looks and personality, while Miranda was the image of Marie. Marie had gone so far as to teach Miranda the Sioux language and history and customs, inspiring in her daughter a hunger to experience and witness that vanishing way of life. Now, Lucas was in a position to grant his cousin her lifelong fantasy.
"I'm leaving Alexandria Friday, Randy, leaving Virginia and the South," he began slowly, bringinga look of shock to Miranda's face and a staggering jolt to her senses. "I've been given an irresistible assignment, to write an historical account of the exploits of three men: Custer, Sherman, and Sheri dan. The publisher is paying my expenses and a salary of ten thousand dollars. I've accepted the deal."
"You're writing the story of three Yankee destroyers? Why?"
"Because I want the truth published for once, for all time," he declared earnestly, witnessing her distress which would be shortlived.
"But where are you going? What about me and Mandy?"
"All three men are on duty in the same western area, the Dakota Territory. Would you come along as my assistant?" He dropped his news without warning. "I've discussed this with Mandy. She was reluctant at first; now she thinks it's a good idea. She knows what it would mean to you, and this is the perfect opportunity-in many ways," he added, winking at her. "After your charade with Weber, it will get you out of his path with a logical excuse. You and Mandy can have a big quarrel and you can leave home. It should take about three months; then we'll come home to find Weber arrested."
Miranda stood up and paced the room as this information was digested. "But what about Mandy, Luke? We can't leave her alone here with that demon," she fretted nervously. "Reis is leaving too."
"Reis won't be gone but a week or ten days. By the time we leave, she'll have plenty of excuses to refuse his attentions, to play the injured female, to stall for time until Reis can arrest him. In fact, it will be easier for her to fool Web if you're gone. So what do you say?" he asked.
"You aren't teasing me?" she probed before accepting. He shook his head, smiling at her. "When do we leave?"
"Friday, so get packed and ready. I'll get Mandy so we can tell her our plans." When Lucas left the room, Miranda danced around the furniture, humming and dreaming until they returned to join her.
Miranda and Amanda talked and planned far into the night. After two months of anguish, their lives were changing drastically and happily. Knowing that Reis was aware of Miranda's return, Amanda knew he would not make a nocturnal call on her tonight. Not since they were twelve had the twins curled up in the same bed and chatted the night away until slumber captured them.
To aid their plans, the twins told Alice Reed she could be off until Friday. They told her to rest, to work at her home, and to spend time with her husband. The older woman was appreciative of their generosity, but the girls had always been kind and sweet to her. Mrs. Thomas Reed left their home praying that the bright Miranda could talk some sense into her confused sister, for she felt Amanda had to be foolish to marry that rake, Weber Richardson. Many times lately Alice had bitten her tongue to keep it from running loose to her young mistress. If only Amanda learned a few of the earcurling tales about that cruel and malicious man, she would flee in terror!
At four o'clock, Lucas delivered a huge crate to the back door and told Miranda to answer the front door and seat the man standing there in the parlor. Miranda did as he instructed, studying the suit-clad gentleman inquisitively. He smiled warmly but didn't state his business. Miranda left him to question Lucas's weird behavior.
Lucas was forcing open the crate when she returned to his side. He chuckled as he told her to inform Miss Amanda Lawrence that the minister and her sweetheart were here and preparing for their marriage! Speechless, Miranda watched as Reis Harrison stepped from the crate and dusted off his clothes. "Fetch the bride, cousin," Luke commanded, filling the room with hearty laughter.
Miranda raced upstairs. "Mandy, you're not going to believe this, but you're getting married in a few minutes. Reis, Luke, and the minister are waiting for you downstairs."
"What-what did you say?" she stammered.
Miranda laughingly revealed the crafty preparations going on downstairs. "Well? Do you want to become Mrs. Reis Harrison today?"
"But I don't have a wedding gown! Look at me," she panted. "I'm a mess. I can't get married like this. What will people say?"
"Nothing, dear sister; it's a secret ceremony, remember? How about that azure-blue satin gown? I'll get it while you undress."
"How do I look?" Amanda inquired nervously when she was finished dressing. Miranda laid aside the hairbrush and hugged her tightly.
When they entered the parlor together, Reis's blue eyes were for Amanda alone. A look of pride and love flamed upon his handsome face, bringing a flush of passion and pleasure to his cheeks. He looked so elegant in his tailored, wine-colored garments. Amanda's heart fluttered wildly as she stared at him. Never had he looked more handsome.
Her gown rustled softly as sh
e walked into his embrace. "I take it your answer is yes?" he teased her.
"You might have given me some warning, Mister Harrison. I didn't think this ceremony would be such a deep, dark secret," she replied merrily.
"It is," he casually responded. "During the night, the groom can sneak out and none will be the wiser. As for the Reverend Simons here, he knows of our dilemma and will protect our secrets. He is also a doctor and you're supposedly ill; so he has kindly visited his patient today. I'm afraid I couldn't leave on that trip until you were mine, love," he confessed roguishly. "Well?"
"What are we waiting for, my love?" she teased.
With Miranda beside her sister and Lucas beside Reis as witnesses, Reis Harrison and Amanda Lawrence became husband and wife within ten minutes on a lovely Tuesday in mid-May of 1873. The documents were signed and given to Amanda for safekeeping. After Simons's departure, a celebration began.
Lucas teased the couple, "I would take Randy out for the evening, but that would look strange to our observer. After all, if Amanda's sick in bed, she shouldn't be left alone."
Miranda giggled as she watched her sister blush from hairline to the bodice of her gown. Although Amanda hadn't confessed the prior intimacy between her and her love, Miranda sensed it was there. But Lucas was right. She couldn't leave the house this evening.
The four drank champagne which Lucas had thoughtfully furnished for this joyous occasion. Miranda said, "I'm afraid the best Luke and I can do for you two is for him to leave and for me to get lost in my room. You can have dinner and ... talk privately. I do have to pack."
Neither Amanda nor Reis protested Miranda's suggestion. Lucas congratulated them again, shaking Reis's hand and hugging Amanda. He told Miranda he would come by tomorrow afternoon to finalize their departure plans. Just before opening the door, an outside sound halted his action. He cautiously peered through a slit in the curtains near the doorway. He stiffened as he watched Weber get out of his carriage and unlatch the gate to head up the long walkway.
He rushed into the parlor and warned Reis and Amanda to flee to her bedroom. Lucas and Miranda quickly concealed the evidence of their party, then she rushed to her own room. Lucas abruptly opened the door just as Weber raised his hand to knock, startling him.
"What the hell!" he shouted, glaring at Lucas.
"What are you doing here?" Lucas asked in vivid annoyance.
"Get out of my way, Reardon. I'm here to see my fiancee," he boldly announced, ready to brush past Lucas.
"Hold on, Richardson. The doctor just left. Amanda's in bed. You can't disturb her today," he informed the surly man, amusing himself by telling the truth in such a beguiling manner.
The man whom his spy, Jim, had reported seeing entering and leaving was a doctor? "How is she feeling?" Weber asked, pretending to calm down at the distressing news.
"How do you think since the doctor had to visit?" Lucas scoffed, implying she was very ill.
"Where's Miranda?" Weber inquired, eager to take advantage of Amanda's indisposition to have a pleasant reunion with her sister.
"She's upstairs. Where else would she be?" he sneered sarcastically. "I was just leaving. This isn't a place for visitors today."
"If you don't mind, I'd like Amanda to know I came by," Weber snapped at the infuriating man who was provoking him.
"Wait here," Lucas ordered tersely then went to the base of the steps and called out for Miranda. When she leaned over the railing and responded, he passed along Weber's message, then told her good-by. At the door, he insisted that Weber leave with him.
Convinced of Amanda's illness, Weber left hur riedly. He chided himself for being so skeptical of Amanda, since she really wasn't smart enough to deceive him. But he had feared the stranger was a messenger from that devious and calculating Reis Harrison. At least his foe hadn't made any attempt to get to Amandal And Lucas was leaving this week.
As Weber drove away in his carriage, he congratulated himself for his cunning and wits. He admitted that Lucas was a good writer, perfect to do the expose on his despised enemies, the expose he was supporting financially. But it was a stroke of genius to use that mutual dream to be rid of himl Weber wasn't sure if he was mistaken about Reis's purpose for being in Alexandria, but it wouldn't matter soon. He had picked up hints around the docks that Harrison was leaving town this very day. Weber conceitedly believed that nobody was as smart as he was, for he had covered his tracks skillfully. Before anyone was the wiser, Amanda and her properties would be in his control.
Amanda Lawrence, he sneered to himself, was one bag of trouble, perhaps more than she was worth. But Amanda had things he wanted, needed. It would be a pleasure to conquer that haughty bitch. She would pay for stalling him for two months. He would take and use everything she possessed, including her delicious body. Whe he tired of her, he would arrange a neat accident. Then perhaps he would have a taste of sweet Miranda ... Miranda ... yes, she would be vulnerable and pliable with Amanda and Lucas out of the way. She was mysterious and exotic, but so wary and timid. Doubtlessly she possessed more fiery passion in one finger than the arrogant Amanda had in her entire body! The idea of dining greedily on Amanda's treats, then feasting ravenously on Miranda's was wildly intoxicating. It was too bad he couldn't have both at once! Both were beautiful and different. How wickedly erotic to savor two ravishing women. Weber had no way of knowing that the wily twins would use his wanton lust against him.. .
That night, Miranda awakened several times to the sound of soft laughter from her sister's room. How she longed to find a love such as her lucky sister had discovered. But Amanda and Reis's relationship was special, more than physical. The looks which had passed between them almost made her envious. How sad to never experience such wonderful and wild feelings. No one deserved such happiness more than Amanda.
Each time Amanda couldn't suppress her joyful laughter, Reis would cover her lips with his to muffle it, then mischievously seek another sensitive or ticklish spot. Their first union had been swift and savage, their passions starving to be fed. Later, they had made love slowly and tenderly, savoring each touch and movement. But, inevitably, the new day signaled its approach.
"I'll return as quickly as I can, my love," Reis promised between kisses and playful fondles.
"Just be careful, Reis," she urged anxiously.
"You, too," he murmured in her ear before initiating one last joining of their bodies and spirits.
At the back door, Amanda hugged him a final time and vowed, "I do love you something fierce, Mister Harrison, you sly Yankee. If you don't come back safe and sound, you'll answer to me."
Reis trapped her slender and shapely frame next to his hard and smooth body. "If I don't find you safe and sound upon my return home, Mrs. Harrison, you shall do more than answer to me. I love you, woman."
With a parting kiss, they released each other. Reis grinned and winked, then slipped into the gloomy, predawn light. Amanda sighed heavily then returned to her room to sleep until nine.
All morning the twins anticipated and plotted Weber's downfall. According to Weber's habits, they felt he would appear in the afternoon or early evening. Just in case Weber varied his schedule, the girls had an alternative plan.
While they ate a midday snack, Amanda and her sister talked about Reis. Neither mentioned that Reis had slipped out before dawn to catch a ship which was leaving with the morning tide carrying cargo which should unravel Web's evil operation. Nor did the twins discuss Miranda's and Lucas's impending trek west. But both were very much aware of the fleeting time before Friday morning. They had decided to pack Miranda's clothes and possessions for the summer-long journey on Thursday. Lucas came over around three to play his part in their reckless scheme.
If any male besides Lucas had been present, Miranda would have been crimson-faced with embarrassment at the sensual kimono she was wearing. Her courage would be greatly tested when it was Weber standing in this room alone with her! But these trying times called for daring measures. The si
lky garment in sultry red had two daring slits-one from throat to waist and one from hem to thigh-and provocatively enhanced Miranda's exotic aura. The appealing garment had been sent to Joe Lawrence from Japan by a mischievous friend who was a retired sea captain as a gift for his wife.
Suddenly at four, Lucas warned, "Get ready, cousins; he just arrived. Good luck!" he stated quickly before rushing out, leaving the door ajar as planned. Halfway down the walkway, he halted Weber to exchange taunts and to allow the girls time to settle their nerves.
When Weber approached the front door, he didn't knock when he found it unlocked. He grinned as he decided to surprise either or both girls; he could always say Lucas let him inside before leaving. He eased the door open, sneaked inside, and cautiously closed it. Hearing muffled voices from the sitting room, he furtively made his way to the half-opened door, flattening himself against the wall to listen.
Miranda had been spying on Weber's movements from the narrow slit between the door hinges. As he made his stealthy way toward the parlor, Miranda signaled her sister to begin their charade, one in which she would speak only the truth. She had to be convincing, or else Weber could come after her!
"Tell me the truth, Randy! That's why you ran off to Boston, isn't it! Did you want to hide and sulk or make some plan to get your way? My own sister ... How could you be so cruel and wicked?" Amanda shrieked at her, wringing her hands as if nervous. "And at a time like this when I'm at death's door," she added pathetically.
"Stop this foolishness, Mandy. I told you I went to see friends and to give you some privacy to think. I'm sorry if you're ill, but you mustn't be so irritable. Whatever's wrong with you lately?"
"You're saying it's only my imagination?" Amanda sneered sarcastically. "I'm neither blind nor a fool, dear sister. I've seen how you watch himactually drool over him. Always asking questions about my Web, pretending you don't like him. You ran off because I told you I was going to accept his proposal soon. You want to break us apart, don't you? Look me in the eye, Miranda Lawrence, and swear you aren't hanging around like some vulture waiting for Weber's love for me to die!"
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