by Linda Daly
Before Elise could respond to Joshua, Michael enthusiastically interrupted. “Sarah, darling, with you not knowing a soul in New York, why not let Mother help plan Elise and Joshua’s wedding? That is, if there wouldn’t be any objections from your parents, Joshua.”
“I can’t speak for them of course, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.”
“Of course. It is customary for the bride’s family to make the arrangements, isn’t it, dear?” Michael looked at Sarah for confirmation.
“Yes, that’s right,” Sarah said, smiling brightly. Too brightly, Elise thought, noting her mother deliberately avoided answering his first question.
“Well, then if you would like, I’m sure Mother would love to help you. What a wonderful way for you two to become acquainted.”
Sarah smiled weakly at her husband and Elise suspected her mother was indeed, delicately trying to conceal her misgivings about Michael’s suggestion.
“Well, darling, that would be splendid. However, don’t you think it is a bit presumptuous of us to assume that your mother would even want to plan such an affair? It is rather an inconvenience, don’t you think? After all, she doesn’t even know us.”
“Nonsense, if there’s one thing Mother does enjoy, it is planning a grand party. Besides, it will give all of you an opportunity to meet everyone right away.”
“How splendid,” Sarah replied, prompting Michael to hug his wife’s shoulder. “Darling, don’t look so apprehensive. It will be fine.”
“A grand affair? That could take months to plan. I had always thought of a more refined, smaller event.” Joshua interjected cautiously, looking to Elise for agreement. “Isn’t that how you saw it too, Elise?”
By the look on his face, Elise knew he was alarmed by the prospect of waiting several more months to make her his wife.
“Well, I don’t wish to appear ungrateful, Michael, but I agree with Joshua. We have waited so long and really don’t need anything elaborate. A simple ceremony with friends and family is all we want.”
“Nonsense, Elise. I won’t hear of such a thing.” he insisted, vehemently. “You two deserve the best and by God, you two shall have it. Right, Sarah? Only the best for our girl.”
Michael’s reaction shocked Elise, but before she could respond, her mother softly said, “Well …” Sarah hesitated, looking across the table at her daughter and then at Joshua sympathetically, before continuing. “Of course, Michael, dear. But Elise and Joshua do raise a point we should take into consideration. If it were you, would you want to wait any longer than necessary? Did we wait?”
Sheepishly, Michael conceded her point. “When you put it that way, I guess I can’t refuse. But, with just a short time to plan, would it be possible to still have a celebration that would allow me the opportunity to show off my lovely new family to old friends?”
Apologetically, Miranda interrupted. “Please, forgive my intrusion into such a delicate, private matter. Perhaps you would allow me to offer a suggestion? Having the privilege of getting to know Mrs. Honeycutt over these past few years, I’m certain if anyone could accommodate both of your needs, she would be the one. Why not simply explain to her that a celebration would be wonderful, if it could be done within a few weeks?”
“Splendid idea, Miranda,” Michael eagerly said, turning to Joshua and Elise. “Don’t you agree?” he said, almost pleading. “A few weeks doesn’t seem unreasonable, considering both you and Elise have already stated you wanted to go shopping, and Joshua does need to get reacquainted in the law firm before you take a wedding trip. This way, Elise can shop for a complete trousseau—my treat—and Joshua, you can settle back into work.”
Elise looked at Joshua, waiting for him to respond. Seeing the look on her face and the eager look on Michael’s, he responded firmly. “Fine, a few weeks, only.”
“Of course. I will tell Mother myself of our agreement.” Raising his cup, Michael proposed a toast. “To the bride and groom.”
Sarah joined her husband, saying, “Cheers!”
The small dinner party became festive again as Benjamin added his sentiments. “And may God shine down upon you both.”
With that, they all raised their cups and chimed, “Here, here!”
As they sipped their wine, several men rushed into the establishment shouting, “President Lincoln’s been shot, at Ford’s Theatre. He’s not expected to live!”
Gasps filled the small room and between the sounds of women crying, anguished questions echoed from neighboring tables.
“Oh, God, no!”
“Why would anyone do such a thing?”
Shocked and horrified, Elise looked at Joshua, close to tears herself. “But that can’t be, we just saw him …”
“I know, my darling.” Unable to hide his stunned grief and sense of loss, he took her into his arms and held her close.
As the room’s anguish heightened, Benjamin placed his linen napkin on the table, pushed back his chair and stood up.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, if I may have your attention, please.” A hush fell over the room as everyone looked at the Reverend.
“In this time of terrible sorrow, please join me in a prayer for this great man, his good wife, and a nation that needs our prayers now, more than ever before.”
Without hesitation, everyone lowered their head in dazed disbelief.
Clearing his throat, Benjamin bowed his head and began to pray.
“Dear Lord, one of your flock, Abraham Lincoln … a great man who led the noble fight for the freedom of our Negro brothers and sisters and reunited a nation once divided, has fallen victim to a brutal act …”
Three
Thieves in the Night
Stunned and shocked by the news of President Lincoln having been shot, it was impossible for those gathered in the Washington eatery, just blocks away from the Ford Theatre, to finish their meals.
Michael looked at Lucas and seeing a frown on his face, said, “Lucas old friend. No offense, but I must say your reaction surprises me.”
Raising his hand, Lucas replied thoughtfully. “None taken, friend. Although I have not always agreed with Lincoln’s politics, being here in Washington these past few years has provided me the opportunity to observe him first hand. And I have come to admire the man’s desire to rebuild the South, instead of punishing it.” Shaking his head sadly, Lucas slowly stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m sure my old friend Andrew Johnson will be in need of a friendly face about now.”
“Yes. Of course,” Michael said, standing up along with Lucas as he made his way over to his daughter.
“Miranda dear, under the circumstances, I’m not sure I will be able to return with you as planned to New York. If Mr. Lincoln does in fact pass, then Johnson, as Vice President, will be sworn into office. And if I know anything about the Republican Senate, then all hell will break loose with a Southern Democrat at the helm.”
Kissing his daughter lightly on the cheek, he turned to Michael and Benjamin. “I know this is a lot to ask, but would you please see to it that Miranda is safely returned to New York?”
Benjamin answered first. “As you know, Lucas, my business is complete here, so we can leave at any time. Miranda is more than welcome to join us.”
Joshua, who had been listening to the other patron’s hushed conversations in the eatery, suddenly stood up and quietly interrupted. “Excuse the intrusion. If what I just heard is true, then I suggest we leave immediately while we still can.”
Michael frowned. “What’s wrong, Joshua?”
“It’s being said that a Southern actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth is responsible for the attempted assassination, and since we are in the company of Southerners …”
“Enough said, I get your point.” Michael looked at Elise and Sarah. “Ladies, shall we?”
After taking care of the bill, Michael joined the group where they gathered around the Myles’ coach. Fear shone in everyone’s eyes as Michael asked, “Son, what do think we need to do?”
“Don’t worry about that. I can settle up with them tomorrow,” Lucas offered.
Looking at Joshua, concern showed in his eyes. “Well then, what are we waiting for, Major? Get these women the hell out of here while you still can. I have all the faith in the world in your abilities.”
Joshua gripped Lucas’s hand firmly. “Coming from you sir, that means a lot. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“God speed, Joshua,” Lucas said, patting the man he once detested, firmly on the back. “I’ll be holding you to that promise.”
Turning to Miranda, Lucas gave his daughter a kiss while the other men helped their loved ones into the coach. Tenderly Lucas looked at her, trying to reassure her by saying, “Darling, please understand. New York is where I can assure your safety. I’ll miss you terribly, but know how much I love you.”
Close to tears, Miranda hugged her father. “Papa I love you too. Please be careful.”
After securing Miranda in the coach, Joshua gave directions to the band of weary travelers in a low steady voice. His demeanor left no doubt as to why he was such a good officer, and Elise looked adoringly at him.
“From here out, Elise and Mrs. Honeycutt, unless it’s absolutely impossible to avoid, I do not want you to speak with anyone if we should be stopped. Your accents are far too noticeable. Mrs. Myles, of all the women, you speak most like a Northerner. Although, Miss Brown, I’ve noticed your accent is almost undetectable. Therefore, if we are detained, you two should be the ones to do the majority of the speaking. Now, Reverend Myles, this is a lot to ask, but I need you to keep our backs covered. Just until we make it safely out of Washington and parts of Maryland. I’ll need you to take a seat as lookout in the back of the rig.”
“Right. Consider it done.”
“Good.” Joshua nodded affirmatively, before continuing. “Michael, you and I will cover the front and answer any questions that should come our way. Both hailing from New York, it makes sense that we’re anxious to return after the war, and are therefore traveling at night. Also Mrs. Myles, please don’t take offense, but if asked why we travel at night, it’s your health we are concerned about. You are in the family way. Understood?”
Felicity blushed, but shook her head obligingly.
“Look, I’m sure it will take a few minutes to organize a search party for the perpetrators of this heinous act. By then we will have plenty of miles between Washington and us. Any questions?” Joshua asked, urgently looking at everyone. Hearing none, he said, “Well then, let’s be on our way, and above all else, appear calm.”
Benjamin took his seat as Michael climbed up to the backboard, and Joshua, noticing Elise’s frightened look, stopped long enough to poke his head inside the carriage. “Don’t worry, my darling. Close the curtains and we’ll be safely out of Washington in no time at all.”
Trying to smile reassuringly at him, Elise nodded. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine knowing you’re here.”
Winking at her lovingly, Joshua climbed aboard the buggy and the seven of them left Washington like thieves in the night.
As Joshua held the reins firmly between his thumb and forefingers, Michael looked at him. “This must be exceedingly difficult for you, son, considering you fought under Grant’s command. Not exactly the actions that a fine officer like yourself would expect to be taking only hours after becoming a civilian, I would imagine.”
“Tonight, I don’t look at our leaving Washington as an act of cowardly retreat, sir. Rather, this is a tactical diversion, necessary to protect our loved ones.”
Nodding his head, Michael said, “I agree. So much for a pleasant evening. Will this madness ever stop?”
Sitting in the coach, Elise grasped her mother’s hand and whispered, “Don’t fret Mama, what Joshua said makes sense. I’m sure everything is going to be just fine.”
“Darling, I’m not worried about that. I feel very confident in Joshua’s ability to lead us to safety. I was just thinking that if that actor fellow did kill the president, what might the ramifications against the South be? You said it yourself earlier, Elise. President Lincoln seemed to be a nice man. What purpose is served by killing him? Hasn’t there been enough pain and misery in this nation already? Did we need his blood shed, too?”
As the coach eased its way through the streets of Washington at a slow and an easy pace designed to avoid suspicion, the streets became lined with people. It was evident the mood of the Capitol had changed drastically from earlier in the day. The cheers celebrating victory had been replaced by an eerie stillness as everyone reacted to the rapidly spreading news with disbelief and shock.
Men and women alike milled about in the streets, waiting to hear the latest word of the President’s condition. Some wept openly, while others were already beginning to seethe with anger. The distinctive sound of men’s raised voices demanding revenge could be heard.
As every moment passed, the four women sat in complete silence listening to the crowd’s anger and rage increase as the shock began to wear off, just as Joshua had predicted.
How peculiar, Felicity thought, that Major Carmidy had thought her accent was nearly undetectable and that she should pretend she was expecting. Felicity closed her eyes, feeling suddenly emotional. If only I were.
In the two years since her marriage to her beloved Ben, the only thing that lacked in their life was a child of their own. Blocking out that pain, Felicity focused on her accent, recalling how frightened she had been upon returning to America and experiencing the hatred of others upon hearing her Southern accent. She wondered now if it had been a conscious decision on her part masking her drawl. Recalling that very first night back in America, how she and poor Aunt Gwen had been nearly accosted by four hooligans as soldiers in the federal army did nothing to come to their aid. My, that seems a lifetime ago, but at the same time, only yesterday.
Forgetting the fear she felt that night, Felicity focused on the years since and her life with Benjamin. Except for not being blessed with children, the life Benjamin and she shared was nearly perfect. Not a day passed that she didn’t thank God for bringing her and Ben together despite all odds, to experience how love between a man and a woman was meant to be. She decided her changed accent was surely due to living with her Ben and hearing him speak so often. Whatever had caused her to lose her Southern drawl, Felicity was now fervently glad that she had.
As the horse picked up speed, the women breathed a sigh of relief, realizing they must be out of the city.
“Whew. Being North all this time, I’ve forgotten how frightening this war business is,” Miranda said.
“Frightening? War business? From the sounds of it, you have been North far too long. Why this isn’t frightening at all,” Elise exclaimed. “A bit unnerving, perhaps. But surely not frightening. After what we’ve been through the past four years, the last two being the worst, I can assure you Miranda, this was nothing. Isn’t that so, Mama?”
Sarah nodded at Elise, saying softly, “Dear, why don’t you fill in Miranda and Felicity to the hardships we’ve had to endure while I rest for a spell. Suddenly I find I’ve got a nasty headache and would prefer to rest my eyes.”
“Mama, are you sure you’re all right?”
“Nothing that a few winks won’t cure. Now you three get reacquainted while I rest.”
After everyone wished Sarah a good sleep, Elise described at length and in detail their experiences during the past four years. Miranda shared her memories from the first year of the war, when she had still been in the South. Felicity sat in utter shock, unable to fathom living through such hardships for so long a time.
Elise held nothing back, telling Felicity of her involvement as a spy, including meeting Joshua and the
ir turbulent relationship until they had fallen in love. How she had nearly lost him and how unbearable it had been, not knowing if he was alive or dead for three years. Then she expanded upon how those three years had been a living nightmare. Not just due to constant worry for Joshua’s safety, but never knowing from one day to the next where their next meal would come from. She spoke of how they had been raided countless times, all their food and valuables being taken from them, and of the attack she sustained at the hands of her one time friend, Thomas Hastings.
Leaning closer to her mother, to be certain Sarah was in fact asleep, Elise cautiously raised her skirts and pantaloons. Seeing the jagged scar on her thigh, Felicity and Miranda gasped.
Not really asleep, only pretending to be, Sarah wanted desperately to see her daughter’s scar and ask Elise why she hadn’t shared her horrific ordeal with them, but she refrained. Sarah realized her daughter was indeed a woman, just as Michael had said to her many times. Certainly, Elise had earned the right to keep secrets from her mother if she felt she must. So instead, Sarah continued to lean on the window of the coach listening to the chatter of these young women and pretend to sleep.
“Oh Elise, how could you have kept such a wound from your mother and Mammy Tess? Surely you were in excruciating pain,” Miranda whispered.
“I was indeed and believe me it wasn’t easy. However, how was I supposed to explain that by my own foolish actions I was nearly raped, or worse, could have been killed trying to help someone who I believed to be a friend? Besides, if Thomas’ men accused me of ambushing them, the less Mama and Michael knew the better. Don’t you see? By telling them, I would be putting their lives in danger, too. No, I had gotten myself into that pickle and I had to get myself out.”
Felicity smiled warmly at Elise, saying, “Well, it would appear you have been through a lot. How did you ever handle it all?”