by Linda Daly
Linda Daly
© 2008 by Linda Daly All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.
First Edition
Editing by: Nancy Lepri
Formatted by:
Laurie Christopherson
Cover designed by: Sean Dickey ISBN-10: 0-9800733-5-9 ISBN-13: 978-0-9800733-5-5 Published by LSP Digital www.lightswordpublishing.com
Printed in the United States of America
Dearest Meriwether, everyone should be blessed to have a friend that listens with their heart as you do. My life has been truly enriched with your friendshipand love.
Linda Daly wishes to thank all of her friends, family members, and colleagues who have generously offered their support and expertise in helping to keep her dream alive, as she continues the Doves Collect series, book 3 – Doves Migration. Especially:
Marie Fernandez
Sharon Boury
Shawn M.Guideau, MA, LPC, NCC Bonny Kirby
Nancy Lepri
Laurie Coombs
Linda Daly
One
Farewell, Dixieland
April 12th, 1865 “Come on ladies. At this rate, we won’t make it out of town by sunset!” Michael Honeycutt’s pleas to his wife, Sarah, and stepdaughter, Elise Hamilton went unnoticed. Shrugging his shoulders in frustration, Michael shook his head and looked over at his future son-in-law, Joshua Carmidy. “I tried, son.”
In response, Joshua dramatically raised his hands in despair. “By God, this is gonna take some getting used to,” he said, while continuing to place trunks behind the rig they were going to New York in.
“Yes, the fairer sex is definitely non-regimented. Not at all like the military life you have become accustomed to, Major. But I can tell you one thing; they are definitely worth the wait.” Michael grinned devilishly at the Union Major standing before him in his worn and tattered uniform, and handed him another satchel to store securely in the rig.
“Yeah, and they smell better too. That’s for damn sure,” Joshua replied, chuckling in agreement while pulling on a leather strap that held the carpetbag in place at the foot of the carriage.
Hearing the familiar sound of Joshua’s laughter sent waves of emotion through Elise, knowing just how fortunate and blessed she was, and a soft smile crossed her lips. Just as she had done hundreds of times in the past few days, she quickly thanked God for sending the love of her life back for her. Not just because he had fought under Grant for the past three years and lived to tell about it, but more importantly, Joshua knew she was a former Southern Spy and despite this fact, he still loved her.
Following the ringing of the bells this past Monday, signaling the war had finally ended with Lee surrendering to Grant at Appomattox Court House, Elise had waited and prayed Joshua would return to her.
Never had she known such happiness as when he woke her, the following afternoon. With the war behind them, their vast differences resolved, the two of them intended to start a new life in New York where Joshua lived prior to the war.
Their happy reunion was short lived when a few hours later Elise’s former officer friend and comrade threatened to take her life as Joshua stood watching.
Thomas Hastings, a well-known Confederate officer fighting under the Mosby Brigade, had vowed to revenge the death of his fallen men, whom he blamed Elise for, following an ambush that had happened back in ’63 behind Doves Landing. Despite her pleas of innocence for the death of his men and explanations as to why she had stopped spying for the Confederacy, Thomas wouldn’t believe her. In his anger of not being able to win her heart years ago, he believed she had turned traitor because of Joshua.
Elise quivered, remembering the look of hate in Thomas’s eyes when Joshua happened upon them in the back gardens of Doves Landing.
Glancing at Thomas now, while standing beside her mother in front of their homestead, the two of them exchanged friendly smiles. Although everything on the surface appeared normal between them, Elise was certain she would never forget how crazed he had been that day. Convinced she surely would have been a casualty of war herself if it hadn’t been for Joshua’s keen perception and masterful art of persuasion—a quality that in the past she had found most discerning, especially when he had used it against her in her espionage days.
Time seemed to stand still as images of that day and the past four years flooded her mind. Magically before her eyes, Thomas was no longer the embittered, broken man who stood before her now, but that of the confident, Confederate Major she had visited in Manassas back in ’61.
For a few moments she stood silently, blocking out all the pain and misery the war had caused and reminisced of the small community of Fairfax, Virginia, prior to the war. Brief glimpses of Miranda Brown (her oldest and dearest friend), Thomas, Constance Hildebrandt, and Nicholas Wilder danced before her eyes like drawings on a canvas. My, but life was good back then. Why couldn’t I have just enjoyed my life rather than nearly destroy it and also the lives of those I loved, trying to prove how clever and brave I was?
Regretting some of her past actions, Elise frowned slightly and looked across the yard toward the barn. Her eyes fixed on Jesse, their former slave, as he unhitched the weathered wagon from Maggie. Seeing her horse and wagon stirred up old memories of when she had sneaked across town right under the enemy’s nose to pass on vital information to the “cause”. I was brave though … No one can ever take that away from me.
Her frown eased, recalling how exhilarating it had been relaying information to Thomas and spying on the enemy. Her greatest accomplishment had been when the Confederacy had captured a Union Major off guard and confiscated their horses and ammunition from the information she had managed to give to Thomas. Unfortunately that very night, only miles from the safety of her home, she had been stopped by a Union patrol while returning to Doves Landing. There in the dark of night, she had her first encounter with Major Joshua Carmidy. From the onset, it had been clear that this cunning and quick-witted Union Major was not the least bit taken in by her charms, as were the other officers. Smiling inwardly she thought, Well, perhaps he was a little.
Recalling their earlier encounters of bantering back and forth on the steps of her mother’s boardinghouse brought a twinkle to her eye. She nearly chuckled aloud when she remembered how she had even thrown her shoe at him once out of frustration. However, as the memories continued, her smile faded, recalling when Joshua had discovered that she was a Southern Spy and she had nearly lost him forever.
Such disturbing thoughts made Elise’s heart begin to race. Suddenly, without warning, the demons of her past haunted her in a collage of painful images. No matter how Elise tried to stop the mental pictures from forming, there before her flashed Joseph’s slain body lying at her feet. Miranda had hovered over him sobbing irrationally that she was responsible when it was Elise who had actually shot him. Closing her eyes, Elise could not get the sight of blood from her mind, recalling the slain Confederate sniper who had shot her beloved Joshua.
Glancing at him now, she thought, Oh Joshua, how close I was to losing you then … As those painful memories continued rushing into her consciousness, Elise struggled not to let her emotions get the best of her and cry. Especially today, when she had so much to be thankful for, now that Joshua had come back to her, and they were preparing to start a new life together in New York.
For years she had dreamt of this day, and now that it was finally here, she was not going to spoil it by recalling events from her past that should be buried. Scolding herself for being so melancholy, Elise tried
to direct her attention toward her mother and Mr. Wiley’s conversation.
“I must say, I half expected that following the war you and Michael would be going north, but for Miss Elise to hook up with a Yankee…er…”
Verus Wiley, realizing he had called Joshua a Yank in public, coughed and cleared his throat before hastily continuing. “Not to say that I don’t have the fondest regards for Major Carmidy, because I do. It’s just that hearing of their engagement was rather surprising.”
Unable to refrain from commenting at the slip of the tongue from the editor of the Fairfax Gazette, referring to Joshua as a Yankee, Elise chuckled. “Why Mr. Wiley, I find it hard to believe that someone with such a keen sense for the news didn’t know my true intentions regarding one of my favorite Yanks.” Emphasizing the word Yank, Elise’s eyes sparkled over at the older man.
“Why Missy, it’s good to see the war hasn’t snatched away your spirit none,” Versus replied quickly, returning her smile. “Putting all kidding aside Miss Elise, truth be known, you’ve always been a great mystery to me. As I recall, back when the war began, I would have sworn your loyalties were with the Confederates.”
“They were! That never changed,” interrupted Elise, while turning to look at Thomas. “Sometimes we just can’t control our hearts, is all.”
The tension between them was evident, and again Mr. Wiley cleared his throat, while nervously fidgeting in his pocket looking for his pipe.
“No, I suppose we can’t,” Thomas said shyly. Looking warmly at Elise before turning his attention to Mr. Wiley, he jovially added, “But hell, I know what ya mean though, Verus. A Yankee and a Southern Spy getting hitched … Don’t that just rot your socks!”
As the two of them chuckled between themselves, Elise, never having been publicly called a spy before, glanced away to avoid any further commenting regarding her involvement in the war. In front of the rig, she noticed Michael standing alone puffing on his pipe, looking miserable, and she tugged at her mother’s sleeve. “Look Mama,” Elise whispered, “Michael, looks like a lost puppy.”
“I know,” Sarah snickered. “Isn’t it sweet? Michael’s become such a part of the Southern way of life, struggling right alongside us through the destruction and losses of war instead of returning to the safety of New York, as he could have. He’s going to miss our friends, just as we are.”
“Yes … I suppose he will,” Elise said, absentmindedly, seeing him come toward them. As he drew nearer, her mind wandered back in time once more.
Shortly after the Union soldiers had encamped in their small community in 1861, Michael Honeycutt, a war correspondent had become a frequent guest of Doves Landing. After the first battle, Elise realized that his interest had become much more than to capture a story; he had in fact, captured the heart of her mother, Sarah Hamilton.
At first Elise had disliked him intensely, especially when she had discovered he and her mother intended to wed. However, gradually over time, Elise came to realize that this quiet, studious man was more than a friend and confidant to her, but he had become a friend to those in their small community as well.
Michael chose not to sit out the war in New York, where he could have lived in luxury, unscathed by the daily heartaches of war, which was primarily fought in the South. Instead, he had remained at Doves Landing by choice, determined to protect his beloved Sarah from those made so desperate by the ravages of war that they preyed on others, especially the many Southern women and children who were left alone with no men folk to protect them. Michael revealed to no one, not even Sarah, that he came from a family of great wealth. Knowing if his wealth were known to others, people so desperate for food and money might look to him for gold, or worse, vent their hatred and frustration for the Yankees by lashing out at Sarah and Elise. To avoid placing his newfound family in any further jeopardy than they already were in simply by being in the South, Michael remained silent.
Michael truly has been a Godsend, Elise thought, knowing that if it had not been for Michael’s swift action by securing passage for the Browns’, Miranda and Lucas’s lives would have been in jeopardy if they had remained in Virginia. Especially since Lucas had taken such an active role for Virginia to secede from the Union.
On the night following the first battle of Manassas, he helped brave the searing flames of a horrible fire that ended up taking the Mason’s house and young daughter’s life. Even today, as busy and excited as he was to be returning home, his generosity continued by offering Thomas Hastings a job at Doves Landing.
Smiling warmly at the man she was proud to call father, she moved aside so he could stand beside Sarah. My, what would we have done without him? Elise wondered. Looking among her friends, one by one recalling how Michael had truly made a difference in all of their lives, she thought, Thank heavens, we will never have to find out.
Then suddenly realizing she may never see any of these people again, Elise began to etch the images of their faces into her memory, to assure she would never forget them. When her eyes rested on the round, full face of Mammy Tess, their former slave, a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Since childhood, Mammy Tess, and her son, Jesse had played vital roles in Elise’s family. Almost as if she had stepped back in time, bittersweet images of her past unfolded in Elise’s mind …
The day was no different from countless others in the kitchen of Doves Landing as the slave lovingly prepared the meals for the hungry travelers passing through. Kneading bread in a floured, stained apron Mammy Tess would hum softly while allowing Elise and her dear friend Miranda ample time to snatch a warm biscuit straight out of the oven. Playfully, Mammy Tess then would snap a linen towel in the direction of the girls, shooing them from her kitchen. Squeals of delight echoed throughout the boardinghouse as the girls juggled the hot biscuits in their hands while running up the back stairs. Hearing their laughter, Mammy Tess, with a broad smile across her lips would resume preparing the traveler’s meals, humming softly again.
Recalling such happy times and the thought of living her life without Mammy Tess, whom she thought of as a second mother, became more than she could bear and Elise struggled against the urge to cry. My, but we were happy … no fear of starving, or being raided, or killings …
As if knowing what Elise was thinking, Mammy Tess stretched out her arms and called to her, “Sugar, come give yer Mammy Tess some lovins.”
“Oh Mammy Tess …” Elise whimpered as she eagerly ran to her, taking comfort in the arms of the robust Negro woman. Rocking her gently from side to side, Mammy Tess squeezed her tightly while patting her lovingly on the back.
“Now don’t be makin’ a fuss, Missy. You need to be strong fo’ Miz Sarah. This is goin’s to be real hard on her.”
Pulling away slightly, Elise dutifully nodded up at her. “I promise.”
“That’s my girl.” The older woman lovingly cupped her hands around Elise’s face and wiped away her tears with her rough, callused thumb. “I love you, child. Now you go on over to that man of yer’s, and make me proud. Be a good wife to him and mind yer manners with his folks, or I’ll come up there and take a switch to ya.”
Chuckling slightly, Elise kissed Tess softly on the cheek. “I love you too, Mammy Tess. There’s so much I want to say …”
Mammy Tess shook her head and pressed her lips together firmly. “Shh, child, no needs to say nothin’ now. I already knows that no matters where you be, yer my little girl …”
Trying to hold back her own tears, Tess stopped in mid-sentence and Elise watched as Mammy Tess took the corner of her apron and wiped her tear-swollen eyes. “Now jest look what ya gone an done … got me blubberin’ like some old fool.” She scolded, as only Tess could, pretending to be sterner than she actually was.
“Oh Mammy Tess, I’m going to miss you so much,” Elise whispered, through the lump in her throat that was the size of a peach pit.
Smiling knowingly at Elise, Tess nodded her head, than wagged her finger as she gently scolded her again.
“Now go on and get yourself over where you belong. Before that good lookin’ major changes his mind.”
Without saying a word, Elise tenderly kissed her one last time and turned searching for the reason she was leaving her childhood memories, her beloved homeland, and the friends that she loved. Finally, her eyes settled on Joshua and her heart skipped a beat, just as it did every time she looked at him.
Having finished the task of loading Sarah and Elise’s belongings into the rig, Joshua was leaning up against the carriage watching his fiancées every move. As soon as their eyes met, Elise’s heart began beating faster, admiring his rugged, manly appearance. My, oh my, but you are a devilishly, good-looking man, Major Carmidy! Recalling how they had almost consummated their love the day of their reunion, she blushed. It took some time, but he’s definitely captivated by my charms now! She thought, as a smile crossed her lips.
Lost in her own thoughts, Elise hadn’t realized Joshua had joined her. Standing to the side of her, he leaned inward and placed his arm around her waist, whispering huskily, “Any regrets?”
Elise closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath while enjoying the feel of him so near to her. She replied earnestly, “None.” Placing her hand over his, she rubbed it gently and leaned up against him. Turning to nuzzle closer she moaned in a soft seductive voice, “Well, come to think of it, maybe just one.”
“Hmm, and what would that be …” Joshua said, nudging her shoulder with his. “As if I didn’t know, you shameless hussy. Behave yourself! What will people think?”
“Oh pish-posh! Who gives a hoot?” Elise scoffed.
Chuckling, he squeezed her tighter. “Why, Elise Hamilton. I do believe that a serious discussion with your mother and father regarding the virtues of a proper, upstanding, Southern Belle is in order.”
Certain that no one could overhear them, she whispered, “Is that right? Well, as I recall, you certainly didn’t object to me practically throwing myself at you the other day, Major Carmidy.” Elise’s smile was radiant as she gazed up at him. Grateful that although the war had kept them apart for so long, once reunited, they were able to resume their bantering with each other as if nothing had ever separated them.