Love Me Again

by Teresa Greene

  There was nothing friendly in his demeanor. A chill crawled up Abby’s spine because he never took his intense, blue eyes off her. Nerves caused Abby to stutter. “Yes,-- I see-- the resemblance.” Father and son did greatly resemble each other, but James was thinner and a couple of inches shorter.

  James quiet whisper made her shudder. “Is there somewhere we can have some privacy?”

  Abby tore her eyes away from Ian and gazed at James. “Would you like me to go get my Uncle Taylor?”

  Before James could answer, they all turned toward the ominous voice at the top of the stairs. “No need, I’m already here. What is the meaning of disturbing us at this ungodly hour?” Still in his robe, and his hair mused Abby could tell he was not too happy with the interruption this time of morning.

  Ian McDonald’s deep voice vibrated off the walls. “My name is Ian McDonald, and I came to ask the lass a few questions.”

  Taylor descended the stairs quickly and stopped in front of Ian, not intimidated by his height for one second. “I know who you are. Why in the world would you have questions for my niece?”

  Ian gave Taylor an angry look. James stepped between the two men. “We mean her no harm, Mr. Johnson. If you will allow us but a few minutes of your time, I am sure you will understand why we need to speak to Abby.”

  Nervousness quickly turned to worry. Why would they want to talk to her? She only recently met James and didn’t know Mr. McDonald at all. She could not fathom why they would want to speak to her.

  Taylor tucked Abby’s arm into his and escorted her to the parlor while James and Ian followed close behind. Ian shut the door with enough force to cause Abby to jump.

  The room was deathly quiet as Ian slowly moved across the room and halted directly in front of Taylor. Abby noticed he also seemed nervous.

  He held his hands behind him and rocked on his heels before replying, “You said you know me, Mr. Johnson. Then you know my infant daughter was kidnapped nineteen years ago from our home. Even though my wife, Grace, and I paid the ransom, we never saw Ellie again.”

  Hands clenched tightly in front of her, Abby felt terrible for Ian McDonald. What a horrid story, never to know if his daughter is alive or dead. She wondered how anyone could go on with their lives after something so devastating happened. If something happened to Daniel, she knew she would not survive. Her sanity would be lost forever.

  The confusion showing on his face, Taylor replied, “I don’t see how Abby could know anything about something that happened nineteen years ago. She is from Tarboro and has just recently taken up residence with me. I know it was a terrible tragedy to lose your daughter, but Abby knows nothing about her kidnapping.”

  Never taking his eyes off Abby, Ian replied sadly, “I’m not leaving until she answers my questions.”

  “Okay, ask your questions and leave us be, Mr. McDonald.” Taylor gave a shake of his head. Of course he was as confused as Abby over Mr. McDonald’s strange behavior.

  The trepidation showed on her face as Ian stepped toward her. He loomed over her and peered into her eyes. “James seems to believe the lass is Ellie.”

  Her heart began to pound so loudly it throbbed in her ears. The color drained from her face.

  Outraged, Taylor sputtered, “That is an outlandish accusation. Abby was born on a small farm in Tarboro. Her mother, my sister, would never kidnap a child for ransom and then claim it as her own. Martha was the most gentle, sweet, caring person you could ever meet.” Taylor grabbed Ian by the arm. “Look at me when I’m talking to you.” Finally, Ian tore his eyes away from Abby, who felt as if she would faint at any moment. “Do not come in my house and scare my niece! Get out of my house this instant! You are not welcome here.”

  Ian glared at Taylor. “I mean the lass no harm. If she is not Ellie, we’ll not ever bother you again.”

  Her uncle shoved Ian, but it was like pushing at a brick wall. Ian punched Taylor connecting with his cheek sending him to the floor in a heap. Shocked at Ian’s behavior, Abby was by Taylor’s side instantly.

  Her voice rising in anger, Abby shouted, “There is no need for violence, Mr. McDonald! What kind of a man are you coming into someone’s home and accosting them for no good reason? You need to keep your emotions under control.”

  She helped Taylor to the sofa. Already swelling and turning blue, she touched her fingers to his cheek. “I’ll go get some ice.”

  Abby looked down at the huge hand wrapped around her arm with distaste. “The ice can wait, lass. I came to find out if you are Ellie. Answer my questions and I will leave.”

  James touched his father on the arm. “You are scaring her, Daddy. She knows me and feels comfortable in my company. Why don’t you let me ask the questions?”

  Releasing his hold on Abby, Ian stepped away from her and asked, “What is the date of your birth?”

  Highly insulted, Abby considered refusing to answer any questions, but knew they would not leave until she did. “January 26, 1841, to Jacob and Martha Henley. I have one brother, Nicholas Henley. Our small farm is in Tarboro. My mother died two years ago. It is as Taylor described, my mother and father were devout Christians who would never stoop to kidnapping, let alone ransom. They were honest, hard working farmers. I am their daughter, Abigail Henley. I sympathize with you, James, but I am not your sister, Ellie.”

  As if he didn’t believe a word she said, Ian asked, “Why have you left your home?”

  Face red with anger, she hissed, “That is none of your business. It has nothing to do with you.”

  His tone demanding, Ian stated, “I want to know.”

  Not wanting to divulge her sins to a stranger, she hesitated.

  “It is okay, Abby. Tell him.” James took her hand. “He is not here to judge you.”

  Abby’s voice trembled. “My father and brother found Cord Sutton with a bullet in his chest. We took him in our home and I nursed him back to health. We fell in love. Nick found out we had…” Unable to say the words, silent seconds followed. Her voice almost a whisper, Abby continued, “Nick forced Cord to leave. Later I discovered I was expecting a baby. When I told my father, he was livid. He was going to give my baby away. I left my home to save my child.” With a quick glance at her Uncle Taylor, Abby smiled. “Uncle Taylor took me in and now this is my home.”

  Ian’s eyes narrowed. “James said you and Cord are courting. Why has he not married you?”

  She shut her eyes until her temper was under control. The questions were causing a tremendous headache. She didn’t understand what he hoped to gain asking about something that did not concern him. “Cord just recently found out about his son, Daniel. We are going to be married today. We are leaving for Raleigh the moment he arrives. I have answered your questions and even divulged more than I wanted too, especially to a complete stranger. Now will you please leave?”

  When Abby moved toward the door, intending to open it for them, Ian barricaded her way. “You have proven nothing, lass. Ellie had a small birthmark shaped like a crescent moon on her right thigh. Do you have the same mark?”

  Abby paled. This could not be happening. It had to be a coincidence. She could not answer. She stood there looking as if she would faint at any moment. Ian wrapped his strong, powerful hand around both her wrists to restrain her.

  When she realized his intent, Abby panicked and began to kick and scream. “Let me go! Don’t you dare touch me!”

  Taylor was off the sofa in an instant charging toward Ian. “Get your filthy hands off her! She is Abigail Henley! She is not your daughter!” James wrapped his arms around Taylor’s shoulders restraining him. No matter how much Taylor struggled, James would not release him.

  “Let’s not make this any more difficult than we have too, lass. Raise your gown and let me see if you have the same mark.”

  Abby tried to jerk free, but Ian was much too strong. Her futile attempts only caused her panic to grow stronger. She cried as she struggled to get out of Ian’s grasp, “Please let me go. You can
’t come into my home and treat me this way!”

  Her protests ignored, he lifted her gown to her waist. She could hear Uncle Taylor shouting for Ian to release her, but nothing could sway him. Then the room became deathly quiet and Abby knew they were looking at her birthmark. The same mark described by Ian. Abby gasped in shock when Ian licked his finger and rubbed the dark spot as if he thought it may be fake. He removed his finger only to see the mark was still there. He stared at if for a few seconds as if it would disappear and no longer be there.

  He released his hold on her. Furious after being handled so roughly, she pummeled his chest with her tiny fists. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight until all the fight left her.

  James released Taylor and he plopped down on the sofa his face revealing his shock. Abby started sobbing and blurted through her tears, “This proves nothing! Birthmarks are very common! I am not Ellie!”

  Dismay still showing on his face, Taylor stated calmly. “She is right. Just because she has the same birthmark does not mean she is your daughter. You want her to be your daughter so you are not thinking rationally.” Taylor rubbed his hands over his face. “I know it must be devastating not knowing what happened to your daughter, but there is no way my niece is her. Nothing you say will convince me otherwise.”

  A gentle touch to her arm brought her out of the black cloud surrounding her. She looked into dark blue eyes sparkling from excitement. “You are Ellie. I felt the connection the first time I met you. I knew you were my sister. Not because of the color of your hair or the blue of your eyes. Yes, hair as dark and rich as ours is rare, but still proves nothing. Your actions, your movements, you are a McDonald. Ask father, I never felt it with the others. I never accepted them as my sister.”

  Abby sniffed loudly as she began to wiggle to get out of Ian’s embrace. With obvious reluctance he released her. Reaching into his pocket, he brought out a handkerchief. She wiped away her tears and asked through her snubs, “What others, James. What do you mean?”

  “Young ladies have been showing up on our doorstep claiming to be Ellie for many years, women with russet hair and blue eyes only after money. Do you have any idea how devastated mother and daddy are to find out later they are not Ellie? When I told father I thought you were Ellie, he would not listen. I had to demand he come and see for himself. He thought you were a hoax like the rest.”

  Abby let out a deep breath. “I am not convinced. In fact nothing you say could convince me I am your daughter. You know yourself it could all be coincidental.”

  Ian replied adamantly, “Pack your things we are going to Tarboro to see the man you call father. Now you have to prove to me you are not Ellie.”

  Abby looked at Ian as if he were crazy. Her blue eyes wide, she exclaimed, “I have a child. I am not going anywhere with you. I answered your questions, now leave. Besides, I am getting married today.”

  “I have to have peace, lass. I will not rest until I talk with Jacob Henley. You say he would never kidnap a child, or ask for a ransom. I insist on hearing him swear to God you are Abigail Henley.” She knew Ian didn’t believe Jacob Henley was her father. The man had already decided she was his daughter. The hair and eyes, so much like his, the birthmark, nothing could sway him now.

  “I will bring you back tomorrow and then you can be married. You can come on your own accord or tied and gagged. Either way you are going.”

  Abby clenched her fists and screamed in rage. “I will not go!”

  Loud laughter vibrated in the room. “See daddy, I told you she is a McDonald. She looks just like you when she is angry.” James took Abby by the hand, and touched his fingers to her face. “Please, Abby. Don’t you want to know for sure yourself? You must have doubts. Talk to Jacob. Ask him if you are Ellie. What will it hurt?”

  Pity for Ian and James coursed through her. They had been through so much pain and turmoil. She faced Ian and asked, “If I do this, will you leave me alone? If my father looks you in the eye and tells you I am his daughter, Abigail Henley, will you stop this nonsense?”

  Ian put his hand over his heart and replied calmly, “I will never darken your door again.”

  Jumping to his feet, hands on his hips, Taylor snapped, “Abby, you can’t leave with this man. He is mad. Can’t you see it in his eyes?”

  Abby crossed the room, stopped mere inches from her uncle, and took his hand. “It is not madness you see in his eyes, it is grief. I have no other choice, Uncle Taylor. I know for a fact Mr. McDonald is wrong. Neither of my parents would do what he has suggested. They would never do something as heinous as kidnapping. We will talk to my father and by the time we return tomorrow he will know I am Abigail Henley.” After she did what he asked, she hoped the man could go on with his life. If she had to prove to him she was not his daughter, then so be it.

  Abby faced Ian and squared her shoulders. “I hope you are prepared for more grief, Mr. McDonald. You are not going to like what my father tells you.”

  “There is one more thing, lass.” Abby cringed worried what that one more thing could be. “You have to convince Cord Sutton you left Taylor’s home on your own accord. If he suspects for one moment what transpired here today, he will not hesitate to come after us. You must convince him you were called to Tarboro for something important. I do not want bloodshed over this, his or mine.”

  The man spoke the truth; Cord would come after her. The last thing she wanted was for someone to get hurt. All three men watched as she moved to the desk and sat down. Taking pen and paper in hand, she chewed her bottom lip trying to think of the perfect words. What in the world would she say to Cord to keep him from coming after her?

  Chapter Twelve

  Watching out the window of the train, Abby thought she was going to be sick as they left Durham. It was hard to fathom that an hour ago she was to marry Cord, and now here she was with a total stranger who believed he was her father. Just when everything seemed to be going her way, Ian McDonald showed up on her doorstep to ruin her happiness. She turned and stared at him holding Daniel.

  Daniel, the traitor, giggled and cooed as Ian bounced him on his knee. Maybe Daniel would spit his breakfast all over the big lout. James kept asking if he could hold him, but the annoying man would not relinquish his hold on her son. Not until Daniel became tired and fussy did Ian hand him over to James.

  “He’s so big, takes after his grandfather.”

  Teeth clenched in anger, Abby snapped, “He takes after his father. Cord may not be as big as you, but he is a large man.”

  With pride in his eyes, Ian stated, “I can’t wait for your mother, Grace, to see him.”

  Almost at her wits end, Abby hissed, “She won’t be seeing him. Daniel is not your grandson and I’m not Ellie!”

  Undaunted, Ian replied, “Tell me about your childhood. Was it pleasant?”

  The man was incorrigible. The last thing Abby wanted to do was talk to Ian. He had caused so much turmoil and doubt in her mind. She had to tamp down the urge to tell him she hated him for disrupting her life.

  With a loud sigh, Abby thought about her parents. “Yes, my life has been pleasant. I have had to work hard on the farm, but idle hands are the devil’s workshop. My parents were madly in love and that loved poured over to us. Even though we barely got by, we had each other. Nick, my brother, is a great man. He has always protected me. I worry what he will do when you ask my father if I am his daughter. I don’t think you’ll get a very warm welcome from Nick.”

  “Don’t you worry how Jacob will react?”

  Abby stiffened her shoulders. She didn’t want to speak too harshly about her father. “No, he is slow to anger. The only time I have seen him angry is when he found out about Cord and me. He said horrid things to me. It was the first time he laid a hand on me in anger.” She touched the palm of her hand to her cheek. “He slapped me. But it was what I deserved. He was so disappointed with my behavior. I was promised to our neighbor Andrew Matthews and I ruined everything my father planned by h
aving a child without benefit of marriage.”

  Abby could tell it infuriated Ian to no end that Jacob had slapped her. His demeanor changed quickly. “You were taken advantage of, lass. Cord Sutton has seduced many a woman. The man is a skirt chaser. You were just one of a string of women he has bedded.”

  The memory of catching Cord in bed with the whore surfaced, and Abby felt the color leave her face. What if he was still a skirt chaser?

  “I am also responsible. I wasn’t too good at saying no.” Abby wondered just how many women there had been before her. Could she be wrong and the only reason Cord asked her to marry him was because of Daniel? Maybe he did not really love her.

  Obviously, Ian didn’t want to discuss Cord because he changed the subject. “Has there ever been a time in your life you felt you didn’t belong?”

  Grief replaced her anger when she remembered her father stating, “She is no daughter of mine.” Surely, he didn’t mean it literally. He was just upset because she had shamed him.

  “What is it, lass? Are you remembering something?”

  She tried to smile but it did not reach her eyes. “No, there is nothing. Everything was perfect until my mother died and my father was devastated. I seemed to be the one that caused his anger. Maybe I reminded him of mother.”

  “Do you look like Martha did?” By his confident expression, he knew the answer before he asked the question.

  “No, I look nothing like either of my parents. My mother said I got my auburn hair and blue eyes from her grandmother.” When he got that I told you so smirk on his face, Abby pointed her finger at him. “But I have the same mannerisms as my mother possessed.” But then Abby remembered Taylor saying he knew of no grandmother with russet hair and blue eyes. More doubts.

  ****

  The front door of the home she grew up in squeaked loudly when Abby opened it and peered inside. Her first thought was someone needed to take time to oil it.