Doves Migration

by Linda Daly

  established again. So for the time being, we, I mean Joshua and I thought,

  this would be wisest.”

  “Yes. Well it does seem well thought out. Your husband is a fine man.

  I’m certain in no time you and he will have a home of your own.” “Thank you, sir. There was one more thing I wanted to ask, that is if

  you wouldn’t mind another inconvenience? Would you find me terribly

  rude, sir, if I asked to be excused from dinner tonight? It’s not that we both don’t appreciate everything you’ve done, because we do. It’s just that we

  have such a long ride ahead of us and all …”

  Alfred smiled at her. “My dear, am I to assume you’ve not asked my

  wife or even your husband about this proposal of yours yet?” Blushing at his candor and at being so astute, Elise said hesitantly,

  “Not exactly, sir. Perhaps I spoke too hastily. Please forgive me if I’ve said

  something to offend you. It truly was not my intention. It’s just that Joshua

  and I have been through so much and since we hardly know anyone …” “Dear Elise, in the past week, it has become abundantly clear just why

  my son fell so hopelessly in love with you and your dear mother. I too find

  I can’t refuse you anything, so don’t worry your pretty little head about

  another thing. If you will give me a few minutes, I’ll announce to everyone

  that your leaving early is my idea, being the most sensible thing to do. Will

  that please you, granddaughter?”

  Without thinking, she hugged him tightly. “Oh thank you so much. You

  really are such a dear man, just like Michael.”

  By then Joshua had joined them and jokingly said, “As much as I

  admire you, sir, I’ll not stand by idle while you steal this lovely creature

  from me without a fight. It took too long to capture her heart.” Chuckling, Alfred said, “Well Joshua, if I were some thirty years

  younger, I might have given you a little competition where this charming

  woman is concerned. I was just telling your lovely bride here that I think it

  unwise to prolong your trip any further. You two have a long ride ahead of

  you, so why don’t I toast the bride and groom and send you off to that

  honeymoon Elise was telling me about.”

  Joshua looked suspiciously at Elise then grasped Alfred’s hand. “I

  don’t know what just went on here Mr. Honeycutt, but hell, I could hug

  you myself. Thank you!”

  “My pleasure, Joshua. But since you’re part of the family, please call

  me Alfred.”

  Joshua, still shaking his hand, said, “Alfred it is. Thank you very

  much.”

  With that, Alfred cleared his throat, and with Joshua and Elise beaming

  by his side, got everyone’s attention. After toasting the couple, he

  announced that after careful consideration, he felt it wise if the newlyweds

  started on their journey without delay.

  Michael and Sarah who had been conversing with the Carmidys looked

  shocked and immediately went to their children’s side, asking to see them

  both before they left. Then Joshua and Elise, after thanking their guests for sharing such an important day with them, said a special goodbye to other

  friends and family who had gathered close to them.

  As Elise hugged Lucas, her eyes smarted as she whispered in his ear,

  “Thank you Mr. Brown for everything. Not just for leaving Washington to

  make it to my wedding, but for being a surrogate father to me as a child.

  Perhaps that’s why I chose someone like Joshua to share a life with.” Startled by such a comment, he looked puzzled at her. “Frankly Elise, I

  never thought the day would come that you could surprise me, knowing

  you as I do. Yet again, you’ve managed to bowl me over with such a

  comment. Not that I disapprove of your choice mind you, but clearly given

  the vast difference between your Joshua and me, I hardly see any

  similarities.”

  “Oh I wouldn’t say that. Aren’t you both equally stubborn, and true to

  your convictions?” she replied coyly.

  Lucas’s robust laughter filled the room. “Well come to think on it, I

  guess we do have some similarities after all,” Lucas said, smiling fondly at

  her and then over at Joshua.

  “Not to mention the fact that we both admire a certain young lady’s

  spunk!” Joshua chimed in.

  “Yes indeed. It would appear we do agree on some things after all.” Again Elise kissed Lucas softly on the cheek, before being led into

  Alfred’s study where Joshua’s and her parents were already waiting for

  them. As they approached the doorway, as if forgetting something, Elise

  stopped and whispered to Joshua, “Hold on one second, darling.” Turning, she ran back to Alfred and tenderly kissed him on the cheek.

  “Thank you so much. I’ll never forget this, Grandfather.”

  Since Vivian was watching her husband closely with disapproving

  eyes, Alfred cleared his throat. “Now run along dear. We’ll talk more when

  you return.”

  “Yes, Grandfather.” Smiling fondly at him, Elise scurried back to

  Joshua, who had been watching her and was now shaking his head

  adoringly at her.

  “Now why is it I find it hard to believe that Mr. Honeycutt’s sudden

  concern for our traveling arrangements was not all his own idea?” “Why Joshua Carmidy, whatever are you implying? I can see already

  you are going to plum wear me out with that suspicious mind of yours.” Michael, overhearing her, said, “Well my dear, I tend to agree with

  your husband. Father is a staunch believer in following tradition, and the

  bride and groom leaving before dinner is anything but traditional. I don’t know what you said to him, but perhaps your new daughter in-law might

  be useful at your law firm, William.”

  “Funny you should say that, I was thinking the same thing,” William

  Carmidy said, smiling fondly at Elise.

  Closing the office door to his father’s study, Michael listened as Joshua

  responded, “By God, are you trying to ruin my career before I even get it

  back on track? There’s a reason why women aren’t lawyers; I’d never win

  a case up against her.”

  After they all had a good laugh at Joshua’s comment, Michael nodded

  at William Carmidy who looked seriously at Elise and Joshua. “Well, before you two leave, Michael, Sarah, and your mother and I

  have a little surprise for you both. Now I know you both said that you

  wanted to go to Niagara Falls for your honeymoon, but we all agreed after

  everything that you two have been through, you deserved something more.

  Precisely why we’ve arranged passage for you to travel to England. Your

  luggage has been packed, your boarding passes bought, even traveling

  expenses have been obtained thanks to the generous gift of Alfred

  Honeycutt, who opened a special account in your name just for this special

  occasion.”

  Dumbfounded by such news, Elise and Joshua both gasped as William

  reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope with documents

  tucked neatly inside. Taking the tickets, Joshua looked at Elise in

  hesitation. As much as she wanted Joshua to say yes, seeing the look in his

  eyes, Elise knew this was out of the question, so she smiled and nodded

  reassuringly at him.

  Before Joshua had a chance to refuse, Michael and William told them

/>   how his career was well on track now that the Myles’ along with Alfred

  Honeycutt had requested that upon returning from his honeymoon, Joshua

  should be in charge of overseeing their holdings and business matters from

  here out. In complete shock, Joshua didn’t know what to say.

  Rapidly Michael added, “We’ve tried to think of everything, to assure

  both of you begin your new lives together as man and wife should. Even

  your living accommodations once you return have been arranged. You see,

  Lucas has decided it was time he found his own home here in New York,

  so my home off Bloomindale Boulevard will be vacant. So when you

  return, perhaps you will do me the honor of accepting this home as a gift

  from your mother and me, since we both have found another in which to

  begin our new life here in New York.”

  The couple stood in complete shock, unable to speak. Not only had

  they just been offered a trip to England; they had discovered Joshua’s law practice was well on the road to recovery with influential clients, along

  with the fact they now had their own home.

  “Speaking for both Elise and myself, I … er … We’re speechless.

  And as well meaning as your thoughtful gifts were intended, I’m afraid we,

  simply can’t …”

  “Son.” William Carmidy interrupted. “Before you try to refuse, please

  consider what I’m about to say. All of us here in this room, along with

  those whom we have mentioned, look at you two as a symbol of hope for

  this grieving nation. When we look at you and your bride, our daughter,”

  William paused to look over at Elise before continuing, “we see how

  extremely, strongwilled, fine people, despite their differences, managed to

  find some happiness in all this madness. Don’t you see, just seeing you two

  together renews our hope that we can rebuild and somehow come to terms

  with our differences and put the past four years behind us. So please, son,

  allow us to offer these gifts as a token of our appreciation and well wishes

  for a new life for you and your bride. A life that both of you have earned

  and deserve.”

  Solemnly, Joshua looked between his parents, Michael and Sarah, and

  finally Elise before answering. “Well father, I just have one question. When

  do we leave?”

  Hearing his response Elise squealed in delight and wrapped her arms

  around his neck tightly. “Oh thank you, Joshua.”

  Rushing to her mother excitedly she said, “I can’t believe this is

  happening! How did you ever manage to keep something like this from us?

  When did you pack our clothes? When did Mr. Brown decide not to rent

  Michael’s home any longer? Oh Mama, thank you so much.” Sarah looked at Mary smiling. “Oh you’d be surprised what can be

  accomplished when two mothers put their heads together.”

  Turning to Mary Carmidy, Elise’s lips started quivering. Running to

  Joshua’s mother, who was on the verge of tears herself, Elise hugged her

  tightly. “Oh thank you so much, Mother Carmidy.”

  “No it’s I who thank you my dear, for making my son so happy. Just go

  and enjoy yourselves.”

  For several minutes, the six of them chattered about, as Elise and

  Joshua repeatedly thanked them and went over the particulars of their

  generous gifts.

  ~

  As arranged by their friends and family, Joshua and Elise left their wedding reception to begin married life at their new home on Bloomindale Boulevard. As the carriage pulled up in front of the three-story, brick federal dwelling, Montgomery, the Honeycutt’s chauffeur stepped down and politely addressed Joshua. “Sir, I’ve been instructed by Mr. Honeycutt to return tomorrow in the event you and your Missus will be requiring anything.”

  “Yes, Montgomery. Not too early, make it past noon, good man.” Turning his attention to Elise, Joshua offered his hand. “Ready to start our new life?”

  Accepting his help, Elise smiled at him and nodded. “More than you could ever know.”

  After opening the door, Joshua turned to Elise and scooped her into his arms and carried her over the threshold. Giggling, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, her pulse quickening and she whispered, “What if someone is watching?”

  “Let ’em! You’re mine now.” Closing the door behind him with his foot, still carrying Elise, Joshua made his way up the stairs leading to the second floor, heading in the direction to the only room where the door had been left ajar.

  “Where are you taking me, darling?” She asked, acting as if she didn’t know.

  “To settle some unfinished business,” he said huskily, while bending down to kiss her eager lips passionately.

  Stepping into the room, while still locked in their embrace, Joshua tenderly released Elise. As her feet touched the floor, her arms still holding his neck, Joshua wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her petite frame snuggly against him. Feeling their bodies so close to one another, the urgency in their desires intensified, and Joshua slid his tongue into her mouth, which Elise eagerly accepted, moaning and pulling him even closer. As their breathing increased, Joshua pulled slightly away from her to gaze into her eyes. Tenderly his hand slid to the small of her back. “Perhaps we should see where we are?”

  Chuckling nervously, Elise nodded, and the two of them looked about the small but quaint bedroom where a poster bed nestled up along a wall, with two matching mahogany night stands on each side. Six feet to the left of the bed, under a window, was a table and two tapestry-padded chairs. On the table stood a silver ice bucket with an unopened bottle of champagne wrapped in linen, and there were two glasses set next to a vase of fresh-cut lilacs. Directly across from the bed was a fireplace, and to the right of the room was a small sitting area with a settee, small round end table and Queen Anne chair.

  “Oh Joshua, it’s perfect!” she exclaimed. “Absolutely perfect.” “You’re perfect.”

  Taking her hand in his, they walked over to the table holding the champagne, and Joshua pulled out the bottle and smiled, while Elise sat on the edge of the bed, hoping their first time together would not be disappointing for him, since she was inexperienced in lovemaking.

  Admiring how skillfully Joshua opened the bottle and poured the contents into the two glasses, she said, “They thought of everything didn’t they?”

  Accepting the champagne from him, Elise took a small sip, and wrinkled her nose as the bubbles tickled it. “I wonder if any of our clothes were left unpacked in the wardrobe over there?”

  Not responding with words, Joshua’s eyes sparkled as he drew closer to her and gently took the glass from her hand and placed in on the nightstand. Turning back, he whispered tenderly, “I don’t think we’ll be needing a change of clothes this evening, darling.”

  From his look, Elise knew precisely what was on his mind and her heart raced. What if I don’t please him, she thought nervously.

  Kneeling in front of her, Joshua cupped his hands around her face. “Do you?” he asked, huskily, showering her with tender short kisses trailing down her cheek and neck. Feeling his touch, her concerns started to vanish and she moaned his name as her breathing increased.

  “Will you let me help you slip out of your wedding dress, darling?”

  “If you would like,” Elise said shyly, hoping her voice didn’t sound as nervous as she felt.

  Tracing her face with his fingertips, Joshua started to unlace her shoes. Removing them, his fingers suggestively began inching up her calf as he caressed her leg while he tenderly removed her stockings. Hearing her breathing increase, he seductively asked, “Did Mammy Tess undress you like this, darling?”


  “Not quite, like this …” she whispered, her voice trailing off, feeling his hands caress her frame until it reached the first pearl button of her lace gown. Feeling his breath on her cheek, as he bent forward releasing the loop around the button, her heartbeat soared. Never had she imagined a man’s touch could be so inviting and gentle as his.

  Gazing into her eyes, Joshua jokingly said, “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear this gown was picked out deliberately to keep me from you.”

  “Shall I help?” Elise asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “No. Please, darling let me. Unless it makes you uncomfortable.”

  Hearing no complaints from Elise, Joshua slowly unfastened each of the buttons that trailed from her neck to her midriff. His tenderness aroused her, and as he delicately opened her blouse fully exposing her ivory-white neck and chest, it rose up and down with every intake of her quickened breath. Saying not a word, he gingerly slid his fingers across her bare skin and gasped at the feel of her.

  “Your skin feels like silk,” he huskily whispered.

  She closed her eyes, allowing herself to fully enjoy his touch, which sent immediate waves of desires through her. Elise moaned softly, “Oh Joshua …”

  Gliding her blouse fully from her arms, he discarded it near his feet then delicately traced the length of her arms across her shoulder until he reached her corset. Feeling his fingers slide inside the rigid garment between her bosoms, she gasped as his fingers found the drawstrings, nestled between her pert breasts. Masterfully, he untied them and gently loosened the tight hold of the garment around Elise’s torso.

  After unfastening the cord from every hole, the corset was also discarded.

  Never could Elise imagine such tenderness existed between a man and a woman, which only caused her to desire Joshua more. As his fingers caressed the tops of her breasts, Elise’s breathing increased and she moaned in delight. Then tenderly, his hands lifted her arms over her head, as he stood directly in front of her and removed her camisole.

  Taking her hands in his, Joshua helped Elise to her feet. His eyes traced her nakedness, while his breathing increased. As their eyes met, she saw the depth of his love, and her hands trailed up his arms to his shoulders while losing any inhibitions by his sensual touch. Slowly and deliberately, Joshua unfastened the buttons of her skirt one-by-one until the creamcolored garment, free from restraints, fell around her feet.