Guilt flooded back at the mention of the wedding. She felt her face burn from her chest to her hair. “I am, Gus. More than you know.”
“It’s just too bad your ma couldn’t be here, Hannah.” Bessie’s expression turned to one of horror when Maddie’s eye filled with tears and spilled over. “Oh, Hannah, I’m plumb sorry to bring up something like that. Sometimes this old mouth of mine opens before common sense can take hold.”
Maddie’s lips had trembled as she smiled at the older woman. “Please don’t apologize, Bessie. I’m just feeling a little emotional and I wish, with all my heart, my ma could be here.
She remembered walking Samuel and Lizzy to the buckboard so they could start for home. Lizzy had yawned and hugged Maddie. “Tomorrow you will be my real mama and I won’t have to pretend.”
“Yes I will, sweet girl.”
Samuel swung his daughter up onto the seat, then turned to Maddie. “And tomorrow, you will be my real wife and I won’t have to pretend either.”
“We won’t have to pretend,” she’d put her arms around his neck and brought his lips to meet hers. Samuel pulled her in close. She remembered her heart pounding so hard, she was sure he had felt it beating against his chest. Maddie was breathless when she stepped back.
He had whispered in her ear before climbing up on the wagon to start for home. “We will finish this tomorrow.” As he drove away, Maddie had a yearning she had never felt before.
She moaned, covering her face with her hands and leaned back in the chair. Her only solace was in thinking that once she was married and nobody was the wiser, these dreams and fears of being discovered would disappear, and hopefully, along with it, the guilt she was carrying around.
A hand on her shoulder made Maddie sit bolt upright in her chair. “Oh, Hannah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you but you didn’t answer my knock.”
“Maddie’s hand flew to her chest. “No, no, Kate, I’m fine. You just startled me.”
Kate looked down at her with an understanding smile. “Before wedding jitters? Did you not sleep well?”
“I did seem to roll around a bit.”
Kate put her hands out and helped Maddie out of the chair. “Breakfast will be ready soon. Why don’t you wash up and join us when you’re done.”
“Thank you, Kate. I’ll be down shortly.” The spare bedroom was tiny but clean, bright and inviting. The small bed had a quilt of light blue, yellow, and white squares and the window had yellow ruffled curtains. A white dresser and side table, both edged in gold trim, were the only furnishings, other than the rocking chair which sat by the window.
They were to be married at eleven o’clock that morning. Maddie started to tremble and her stomach did flip flops. She spotted a large china bowl with pink baby roses painted along the rim, a matching pitcher sat beside it, filled with water. With shaking hands, Maddie poured some water into the bowl, praying she wouldn’t drop it.
She scooped some out to wash her face. Breathe, just breathe. When Maddie was calmer, she dressed in the same skirt and blouse she’d worn yesterday and slowly went downstairs to face the people who would soon be her in-laws.
Bessie’s smile disappeared and, replaced with concern. She walked over and took Maddie’s hand. “Are you alright, dear? You look pale.”
Maddie tried to give her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, really. I didn’t sleep well. Must be a little nervous.”
“Of course,” Bessie said, relief flooding the older woman’s face, “completely natural for a new bride. I was so nervous on my wedding day I almost didn’t go through with it.”
“Now there’s a bunch a hooey. She could hardly wait to become missus Augustus Morrison. It was me who was ready to run for the hills,” Gus told her, winking.
“Hogwash,” Bessie said, taking Maddie to the table and sitting her down. In front of her was a breakfast feast that would feed the entire town. Mounds of fluffy scrambled eggs, thick slices of ham, a large bowl of grits, flapjacks, and biscuits with creamy butter and honey.
Maddie’s stomach rebelled at the sight, clenching. “This all looks wonderful, but I’m afraid, until after I’m married, it can only be coffee this morning.” Maddie noticed the worried look Kate threw at her mother. “Please don’t be worried. I’ll be perfectly fine after the ceremony.”
Breakfast seemed to go on forever and Maddie’s body clenched with nerves. When the dishes had been cleared, Kate refilled Maddie’s coffee cup. “It sure is warm in here,” Maddie commented.
“We are filling the bathing tub for you.” Kate opened the door to a small room off the kitchen. Inside was a tub, made of tin, almost full of steaming water. It was about five feet long and two feet deep. At the end was a drain with a plug in it.
Maddie was amazed by the contraption. “How do you drain the water?”
Kate pointed to a board at the bottom of the wall. “There is a hole behind this board that goes to the outside. Frank took a branch and hollowed it out. When we’re done, we take the plug out and fit the wood over the drain and it runs outside.”
“I’ve never seen anything like that. We’d always have to drag a tub into the house then drain it and drag it back out.”
“We’ve only had this a year. Frank built on this room, so the kitchen can keep this room warm while we bathe.”
On the walls were big hooks. On one hung a fluffy robe. “Here’s a robe for you to put on when you’re done. I’ve put some lavender soap in here for you to use and a brush and comb. When your hair is drying, if you like, I will help you with putting it up.”
She took Kate’s hand. “I just don’t know how to thank you. I…I don’t deserve this.”
“Of course you do. Every new bride deserves to be pampered.” Kate kissed her cheek. “We will all leave the kitchen so you can start your bath.”
Maddie eased herself into the hot water. The steam that rose seemed to take some of the tension from her body. The soap smelled heavenly. She was able to bend her knees and completely submerge her hair in the tub. It felt good to massage the soap through her hair and then dunk down under the water to rinse it all out.
She stayed in the tub until the water turned chilly. After drying herself off, Maddie put on the robe and went into the warm kitchen where she struggled to comb out the tangles in her hair. Her hair started to curl as it dried.
She walked over to a window to look out into the side yard. There were six chairs set out in a semi-circle under a huge oak tree. That was obviously where everyone was to sit to watch her and Samuel become husband and wife.
Behind the chairs were two long tables with white tablecloths. Lunch would be served and the couple would go home to consummate their marriage. It all started as a lie and it would end as a lie. How could she go through with this? There was no choice. She had let it go on for too long. Maddie hoped, for the hundredth time, her secret would never be found out.
“Everybody will be arriving soon.” Kate’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “It’s time to get ready to start your new life.”
Maddie nodded and followed Kate up the stairs as dread settled in her stomach.
Chapter TWELVE
She had almost forgotten how beautiful the lavender gown was. Kate had put in a few darts in the bust area and the dress now fit to perfection. Maddie’s light brown hair shimmered as Kate pulled up the sides, using white ribbon to hold them in place. Ribbon and curls cascaded down her back.
Kate stood back and clasped her hands together. “You look beautiful, Hannah.”
“Do I really, Kate?”
“You surely do.” Both turned at the sound of Bessie’s voice.
“My son is such a lucky man.” Bessie looked at her daughter. “Everybody is here and I just saw Pastor Stevens arrive. Could you go down and make sure everything is ready. I’d like to speak to Hannah for just a second.”
Without a word, Kate took Maddie’s hand, squeezed it, and left the room. “I have something I would like for you to have if you’ll ac
cept it.” In her hand was a necklace — a single amethyst encircled by a row of diamonds on a delicate gold chain.
Maddie gasped. She’d never had anything so exquisite. “I couldn’t take something so beautiful, Bessie.”
“Of course you can.” Bessie waved away her objections and turned her around.
“Bessie, this needs to go to Kate.”
The older woman clasped the necklace and turned her back around. “I came from a family with a lot of money, Hannah. When my ma died, I was her only daughter and all her jewelry came to me. Kate has many pieces of jewelry and now,” her voice cracked with emotion, “I have a new daughter to give to.”
There was a knock at the door. Maddie heaved a silent sigh of relief, thankful she wouldn’t have to answer. She couldn’t if she wanted to. Gus poked his head in. “Everybody’s seated and ready. Let’s get this going.”
The women hugged and Bessie hurried from the room. Gus took Maddie’s hands and held them out wide. His nose reddened and his old eyes watered. He cleared his throat before trying to talk. “I am just so dang happy you are becoming part of our family. Not only is my boy getting a wife, and our Lizzy getting a mama, but me and Bess are getting us another daughter.”
“Oh, Gus—”
“Nope. No more Gus and Bessie. After today it’s Ma and Pa.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Let’s go down and get this done.”
As they walked down the steps, panic began to build. Maddie’s chest heaved. Her lungs couldn’t get enough air.
Gus was talking but Maddie couldn’t hear the words for the pounding of her heart. As if in slow motion, she watched Gus’s hand reach for the door knob. It slowly turned and then light filtered in from the outdoors.
The people she had come to love, rose to their feet. Frank had his arm around Kate as she dabbed her eyes with a hankie. Bessie, whose smile was as bright as sunshine, was holding Lizzy’s hand while the little girl jumped up and down and called to her mama. The good Dr. Charles Page was also there, standing with his hands behind his back, happy for his friend.
Her vision trained on the man who was to become her husband. Samuel’s dark hair glistened in the sun. He wore a pair of dark brown pants with a white shirt and a tan jacket. His smile was genuine and his translucent eyes radiated love. How could she continue this farce with a man who loved and trusted her with not only his own life but with that of his daughter’s?
Gus placed Maddie’s hand into Samuel’s. He winked at her before sitting down by his wife.
“You are a breath of spring on a winter’s day,” Samuel whispered in Maddie’s ear. He grasped her hand tight and turned to face Pastor Stevens, a tall, thin man with spectacles hanging on the very end of a pointy nose. His blue eyes crinkled and his smile was gentle as he looked at the couple.
“Morning everyone. We sure enough have a beautiful day to celebrate the marriage of Samuel Morrison and Hannah Brown. I’ve know the Morrison’s for a lot of years and I must say it does this old heart good to see Samuel has found such a wonderful woman to…” He trailed off when Maddie raised her hand.
“Hannah, what is it?” Samuel’s smile disappeared when he saw tears streaming down her cheeks.
She put her hands to her chest and looked to the ground trying to swallow the lump in her throat.
“Hannah, sweet, you are scaring me.”
“I’m…I’m not Hannah, Samuel.” His eyes widened. She looked to the rest of the family and a sob bubbled up from her throat. “My name is Maddie Peters.”
“This can’t be. You replied to my letter. You were at the train depot in Iowa City.”
Pastor Stevens handed Maddie a handkerchief. “No, I didn’t answer your letter. My mother died and there was nobody else. She wanted me to go stay with cousins somewhere in Pennsylvania.” The tears kept falling. “I met Hannah Brown at the train station in Jamestown, New York. I’m sorry Samuel but she never wanted to be a farmer’s wife. She met somebody on the train and decided to go to New Orleans with him. She gave me the ticket and I pretended to be her.”
Lizzy leaped out of the chair and ran to Maddie, hugging her legs. “Mama, why are you crying?”
“So this has been a lie? All of it?” Samuel’s voice raised in anger.
Lizzy started crying. “Daddy, stop.”
Sobbing, Maddie bent to hug the girl. She kissed her on the cheek. “I’m sorry. I had every intention of telling you sooner but I found I was falling in love with you, Lizzy, and your family. I was…I was afraid I’d lose you if you found out.”
Samuel shook his head. “I don’t know who you are.”
She brought the handkerchief to her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I hope all of you can forgive me.” Blinded by tears, Maddie ran to the house and up the stairs.
She slammed the bedroom door and leaned against it, letting the tears fall unchecked. Everything she ever wanted had just slipped through her fingers. Maddie could hear her pa’s voice, “No good ever came from tip-toeing around the truth.” You were so right, Pa.
She pushed herself from the door and wiped her eyes. She needed to decide what to do, but first in order was to change her clothes and leave this house where she was no longer welcome.
What were her options? She still had most of the money she’d come with. That would get her lodging until she could find work. Maybe there was something for her in West Liberty. If she worked there, she might even still be able to see Samuel and Lizzy from time to time, but the thought of seeing them and not being a part of their lives brought about a whole new torrent of tears.
* * * *
When Maddie first ran into the house all she could hear was Lizzy crying, but now, she heard something else. It was the sound of everyone talking at once. She could make out snippets of conversation:
“Where was she from?”
“How had she met the other, real Hannah?”
“Who died?”
“That poor girl!”
“Poor Girl!” Samuel said, “I don’t even know who that person up there is? How in blazes do I know if what she said this time is even the truth?” Samuel ranted, pacing back and forth. “She took me, no, she took us all for fools!”
Bessie marched up to her son and jabbed a finger into his chest. “Did the pain that girl was going through escape your notice?” Samuel took a step back. “She didn’t have to tell you any of this. Anybody with a lick of sense could see the lying was eating away at her.” The old woman crossed her arms. “You are stubborn, just like your pa, but if you let her go,” Bessie quieted down and put her hand on her son’s arm, “son, you will be sorry.”
“Now just hold on a minute.” Dr. Charles Page walked over and put his hand on Samuel’s shoulder. “I agree with my friend here and I think Sam has every right to be upset. Let’s all take a step back and look at this. Here’s a girl that came out of nowhere and purposely deceived us all. She took advantage of Sam’s innocence and need for a wife and mother for his daughter. It’s surely not his fault she knew how to worm her way into his heart. And how did our poor Sam know she would be devilish enough to get Lizzy to love her and want her for a mother? It was definitely a well thought out plan from a person with ulterior motives.”
The doctor put his hand to his chin as if pondering what to say next. He snapped his fingers together. “You know what I think? I could take her on as my assistant. Though there’s a good possibility she’s in cahoots with Satan himself, I’m willing to take that chance as I could really use the help. She would be perfect. We’ve all seen how caring she can be, even though it’s probably just a clever disguise. I mean when Sam here was sick and she was so worried and did all she could to nurse him back to health, while taking care of Lizzy and doing the chores.” Charles shook his head. “How devious.”
Somebody snickered while others covered their mouths and looked away. “I even have an extra room at my house where she can stay.” Charles looked at everybody, his expression the picture of innocence. “Of course the
relationship will be on a completely professional basis.”
He slapped Samuel on the back, not intimidated at all by the scowl on his friend’s face. “I think I’ll just go and see what she thinks of the whole idea.”
Samuel’s hand clamped onto the doctor’s arm. “You’re going nowhere. I get your subtle point.”
* * * *
Maddie was changed and on her way back down the stairs, praying she wouldn’t run into anybody. But her luck ran out when Bessie came through the door. With a sigh, Maddie put her bag down then she took Bessie’s hand and dropped the necklace into it. “I would have loved to have been your daughter.”
Bessie started to answer, but Maddie stopped her. “Please don’t say anything, Bessie. I thank you for all you, Gus, and Kate have done for me. I’ve got to go.” She picked the bag up and hurried passed her. Flinging the door open, Maddie ran square into Samuel.
He grabbed her arms to steady her then took the bag from her and dropped it on Kate’s kitchen floor. Without a word, he took her hand and pulled her behind him to the side of the house so they could have some privacy. Letting her go he got right to it. “Was this some sort of trick? If so, what did you think to gain?”
“It was no trick. It was exactly what I told you.” Her bottom lip trembled. “Please, Samuel, just let me go. I’m so humiliated and—”
“Do you love me?”
The abrupt question startled Maddie. “I do love you, Samuel, more than you could possibly know, but you need to hear the whole story, every bit of it.” She told him the story about her father dying and Jeb marrying her mother. About Jeb attacking her and his death at the hands of her mother. “I buried my ma next to my pa and then burned down our house. I drug Jeb’s body for miles and shoved it in the Connewango River and didn’t give it a second thought. I met Hannah in Jamestown and she gave me the ticket.” She looked at the ground. “You know the rest.”
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