My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley

by Andrea Boeshaar

  “A pleasure, ma’am.” Mac gave the woman a polite bow.

  “The pleasure’s mine, sirs.” The woman’s cheeks were as round and rosy as the apples in his newly acquired orchard. They appeared pressed into her doughy skin.

  Mac lowered his gaze and grinned inwardly. Extraordinary how he saw food in the ladies this evening. Then, again, not so unusual, given the fact he hadn’t eaten a solid meal since leaving Alexandria. The Stony Inn’s rooms were comfortable enough here in Middletown, but the establishment could not boast of its meals.

  “I’m especially pleased to meet you,” Mrs. Gunther said, “if you’re men who enjoy bowls of hearty mutton stew and thick slices of bread.”

  “My mouth salivates in anticipation, madam.” That was no lie. The smells wafting in from the kitchen had tantalized Mac since he’d walked into the house.

  “And I can eat at least twice as much as the cap’n.” Blake guffawed.

  “Well, then …” Mrs. Gunther rubbed her palms together. “Let’s get to it, shall we?”

  “But Aunt, shouldn’t we wait for Mr. Everett to arrive?”

  Mac tipped his head. “You invited the innkeeper?” Did she intend to protest the sale of land he’d purchased?

  Miss Laughlin’s eyes were wide and innocent … or so they appeared. But what really lurked behind their sky-blue depths? He’d learned more than a decade ago that women all too often harbored secret motivations.

  Except for Mary Hanover. Never was there a sweeter female. Ever since they were children, Mac never had to guess at her intentions.

  He probed Miss Laughlin’s gaze, but no dubious gleam shone from it. He was certain he’d recognize it if it did.

  “Mr. Everett has dined with us every night since my father’s passing. He has been very generous with his attention and care of us.”

  “I see.” Mac wondered if the true motive didn’t lie with the tasteless food Everett’s establishment served. “In that case, Blake and I are more than happy to wait for him, if that’s your wish.”

  “Well, I’m hungry,” young Jonah stated.

  “Me too.” Another boy, this one dark headed, pushed his way into the room.

  Miss Laughlin caught his arm. “Sirs, may I present my youngest brother, Jedediah.”

  “Jed for short,” Jonah whispered to Mac.

  “I’ll remember that,” Mac murmured in reply.

  Young Jed extended his hand and greeted first Blake then Mac.

  “Well, it’s not my wish to keep hungry children and guests waiting,” Mrs. Gunther said. “I say we eat before our supper gets cold.”

  The boys cheered.

  “Very well, Aunt.” Something akin to uncertainty flitted across Miss Laughlin’s lovely face. “Lead the way.”

  Lily entered the dining room and realized at once that there was no place set for Mr. Everett. She sent a frown her aunt’s way, but Aunt Hilda ignored it. She seated the captain and Jonah on one side of the cloth-covered table and Jed and Mr. Blake on the other side. Aunt Hilda and Lily sat at either end.

  “Let’s bless our food, shall we?” Aunt Hilda looked at the captain. “Sir, will you do the honors?”

  “I’d prefer you did, madam. I’m afraid I’m overcome by the delicious smells surrounding me.”

  Aunt Hilda looked pleased. “Of course.”

  Lily bowed her head, and Aunt Hilda gave thanks to the Almighty for their food. Once the prayer was said, the men dug into their meals with a flourish. Lily hid a smile, but Aunt Hilda’s expression of satisfaction could not be concealed. If there was one thing Aunt Hilda respected it was a guest with a voracious appetite, unlike Mr. Everett, who picked at his food and never ate more than a snail’s serving.

  Mr. Blake sat back and belched loudly, causing the boys to giggle. “My compliments to the chef.” He patted his belly. “Delicious stew and salt-rising bread—I ain’t had better.”

  “I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Mr. Blake.” Pride shone on Aunt Hilda’s round face.

  Jed and Jonah attempted to belch as loudly as their guest. Lily let the matter go. Far be it for her to embarrass their guest by pointing out her brothers’ bad manners.

  Captain Albright glanced her way with a spark in his eyes that could only be amusement. The corners of his lips twitched and Lily decided the boys could go on belching if it meant the man would actually smile.

  Somewhere behind her a man cleared his throat. Lily froze. She didn’t have to turn around to see who it was. Mr. Everett. She winced. Why hadn’t she heard his horses and eerie, black box carriage approach? No doubt she’d been sufficiently distracted by her dinner guests, and now Mr. Everett had caught her being lenient with her brothers. The matter would no doubt spark a conversation about boarding school again.

  Slowly she rose and met their frequent guest and benefactor. Despite the summer heat, he wore his usual black frockcoat, waistcoat, and breeches. A white flouncy cravat encircled his throat, and white stockings encased his legs from the knee down.

  “Mr. Everett.” Lily welcomed him with a small curtsy. “We didn’t think you were coming tonight.”

  He stared down his long nose at her. “Why wouldn’t I come? Have I not taken my evening supper with you for nearly a year?”

  “Yes, you have.” Humiliation simmered in Lily’s cheeks, but she remembered her manners and indicated the people at the table. “I believe you’re acquainted with our guests, Mr. Everett. They are lodging at the Stony Inn.”

  “Yes, we’ve met.” A polite smile wormed its way across his face then vanished when his gaze landed on Lily. Well-manicured brows, graying slightly, met above his beak-like nose in a heavy frown. It was then Lily remembered that there was no place set at the table for him.

  She sprang into action and collected Jonah and Jed’s dishes. “Follow me, boys.” She led them through the swinging wooden door and into the kitchen. Setting their plates on the table, she swung around and faced them. “Your chores are waiting. When you’re finished with them, you may have your dessert.”

  “But, Lily—” Jonah’s hands fisted at his side. “I’ve never known you to be so cruel. Here a sea captain sits at our supper table and you refuse me the chance to speak with him.”

  “He is our new neighbor, Jonah.” Lily hoped her voice sounded both firm and kind. “You will have ample time to speak with him, as he will reside next door. Meanwhile, your chores are waiting because you chose to play in a cornfield all day.”

  The boys grumbled, but neither argued. They started toward the back door, dragging their booted feet with each step.

  “Oh, but you must change your clothes first. Chores cannot be accomplished while one is wearing his Sunday best.”

  “Aw, Lily …” Jed kicked the corner of the wall. “I already changed once today.”

  “And now you must change again.” Lily collected a plate, a water goblet, silverware, and a napkin for Mr. Everett. “Perhaps this inconvenience will teach you both to do your chores before playtime.”

  Leaving her brothers to their tasks, she reentered the dining room. She found Mr. Everett sitting in her chair at the head of the table. Papa used to sit there and, ever since his passing, Lily had filled his vacancy at the table. As she neared, she noticed Mr. Everett had pushed her plate off to the side, where Jed had been seated beside Mr. Blake. Aunt Hilda’s frown was as heavy as her favorite iron skillet. Lily tried to ignore her aunt’s displeasure as she arranged the place setting in front of Mr. Everett. Then she passed the bowl of stew his way. The captain was kind enough to hand her the bread board, and Lily sent him a grateful smile.

  Lowering herself into Jed’s vacated chair, Lily noticed the boy had spilled gravy on the white linen tablecloth. She discreetly covered it with her plate.

  “As I was saying, gentlemen …” Mr. Everett helped himself to one piece of stew meat, a small slice of potato, one carrot, and two slivers of onion. If the man wasn’t careful, he’d likely blow away on a gust from North Mountain. “We have expert crafts
men here in Middletown who will be more than happy to discuss your building endeavors.”

  “Good to know. Thank you.” Captain Albright sat back in his chair. “The first thing I need is a barn and stable along with corrals and pens. My livestock will be arriving in spring.”

  “Pray, what sort of livestock?” Lily sipped water from her goblet.

  “A flock of sheep, a herd of cattle, a pair of goats, a drift of pigs, a team of mules, and two fine geldings. I will, however, require mules as soon as I can make the sale.”

  “Surely going from sea captain to farmer will be quite a leap.” Mr. Everett cut his portions into nibbles.

  “A farmer and investor. I plan to sell commodities such as wool, various cheeses, barrels of apples, goat’s milk soaps, produce, tobacco, and cotton to my family’s company. They’ll be sold and shipped overseas. Wool and goat’s milk soap are quite popular in England.”

  “Are they now?” At the captain’s nod, Lily continued. “Do you plan to make your own soap and cheese?”

  “No, I’ll hire craftsmen.”

  “Or purchase slaves.” Mr. Everett ran his tongue over his lips. “I’ve grown so annoyed with employees quitting at my inn that I’m determined to own some slaves.”

  “But that’s morally wrong.” Lily couldn’t hold her tongue. She’d been raised to regard all human beings as equal despite their differences in skin color or language. “Surely you wouldn’t buy human beings like you’d purchase cattle.”

  “I would indeed.” His gaze narrowed and one corner of his mouth twitched. “And it is not for you to tell me what I should or shouldn’t do.”

  “Of course. My apologies, sir.”

  “When guests are present, ladies should be seen and not heard at the supper table.”

  Lily clenched her jaw to keep from arguing the point. Keep silent, indeed! Who made up that silly rule? No doubt Mr. Everett did, for she’d never encountered it before.

  And she refused to keep quiet in her own home. “We kept sheep and other animals until my mother died.”

  “A very unfortunate time,” Mr. Everett said. “I remember it well.”

  Lily did too. Thank goodness the boys were too young to remember how their mother had suffered with her illness.

  She shook off the sad thoughts. “How will your animals be arriving, Captain?” Her heart skipped a beat when his dark eyes settled on her.

  “They’ll be coming down the pike from towns located in the upper Shenandoah Valley.”

  “Why, Captain Albright, you should have told me of your need for a barnyard of critters.” Mr. Everett pressed his napkin against the corners of his lips. “I could have brokered a good price for you.”

  “Thank you, sir, and with all due respect, I brokered a fine deal for myself.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.” Mr. Blake chuckled. “No one dickers better than the cap’n.”

  Were the seller a female, Lily imagined she’d succumb to Captain Albright’s charm and give him whatever price he wanted.

  “And, like you, Miss Laughlin, I don’t believe owning slaves is a decent practice.” His eyes moved to Mr. Everett. “It’s merely my opinion, of course, but there you have it.”

  The conversation continued with Aunt Hilda and Mr. Blake tossing their thoughts into the mix. All the while Lily watched the captain. His movements were smooth and confident, from the way he held his fork and set down his utensils, to the way he raised his goblet to his lips.

  Mr. Everett cleared his throat loudly, causing Lily to realize she’d been staring. She dragged her gaze away from the captain. “Did you say something, sir?”

  The older man’s eyes narrowed and he appeared almost angry. “I asked if there’s a swallow or two left of red berry wine. My palate requires it in order to digest this overly rich meal.”

  “Hmmph!” Aunt Hilda stood, as did the men, but only she marched off toward the kitchen.

  As long as the men were on their feet, Lily took the opportunity to rise from her place at the table. “In answer to your question, Mr. Everett, there is more than a swallow of wine left.” There was an entire root cellar filled with various wines and ciders made from fruit from trees which now belonged to Captain Albright. “If you’ll excuse me, I will fetch it.”

  “Of course.” Mr. Everett bowed slightly.

  Their guests reclaimed their seats, but Mr. Everett remained standing and caught Lily’s hand as she passed him, halting her steps. He brought her fingers to his lips and placed a sloppy, wet kiss on the backs of them. “My dear, you’re as heavenly as an angel.”

  “Such flattery, sir.” She tugged her hand from his grasp and stepped beyond his reach in case he had a mind to surprise her further. Mr. Everett had never expressed such devotion before. She was well aware of his intent and didn’t want his public display of affection.

  On the way to the kitchen, she rubbed the back of her hand against the skirt of her muslin gown. God forbid he pay her any special attention in private.

  After dinner, the men traversed from the dining room to the parlor where they engaged in small talk—or rather Silas Everett babbled on about his accomplishments. While pretending to listen, Mac took note of the teal walls and complementary sea-green woodwork. He admired several of the framed oil paintings hanging in an attractive cluster on one wall and depicting various landscapes. It was quite clear to him that the Laughlins were not typical farmers or tradesmen for Middletown, Virginia. Their home and furnishings spoke of their wealth.

  Miss Laughlin entered the parlor balancing a silver coffee service and two plates containing thick slices of cake. Mac quickly took the large tray from her and set it on the sideboard, which stood against the far wall like a stately old soldier.

  “Thank you, Captain.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Her blue eyes briefly met his gaze before sinking to the coffee service. She poured him a cup. “Sugar or sweet cream?”

  “Neither. Thank you.”

  Miss Laughlin began serving the sweet treats, although Mr. Everett waved off both the coffee and cake. He seemed content with his wine.

  But Mac had every intention of indulging.

  “For you, Captain?”

  “Absolutely.” He smiled his thanks, which seemed to put Miss Laughlin in some sort of trance. It took her several seconds to recover.

  “I believe that’s the first time I’ve seen you smile, Captain Albright.”

  “Really?” He leaned his elbow on the sideboard. Hadn’t he smiled at her numerous times since their meeting this afternoon? Apparently not. He leaned close to her. “Perhaps my frowns were due to my starving for delicious food and good company, both of which I have found in your home.”

  “Is that all it takes?” Her luscious lips curved upward, displaying a hint of a dimple in her cheek. “Then you’re welcome to smile in this house often.”

  “I can hardly refuse such an invitation.”

  Mr. Everett cleared his throat. “Lily, be a dear and fetch my pipe and tobacco. I believe I left them in your father’s study.”

  “Of course.”

  After dipping a quick curtsy, she stepped around Mac. Her delicate scent of honeysuckle and mint stirred something deep inside of him. He envisioned the lovely sea nymph of this afternoon, swimming in the creek and singing as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Yet Lily Laughlin clearly shouldered the enormous weight of her family’s welfare, and Everett seemed to only add to it. From what Mac had witnessed so far this evening, the man’s arrogance alone deserved dressing down. If Miss Laughlin didn’t do it, Mac might be tempted.

  She returned with the requested items and then offered Mac a thick cigar. He couldn’t resist and took one.

  “We grow fine tobacco here in the Shenandoah Valley.” Her proud expression slowly fell. “That is, you’ve got a fine crop of tobacco. Typical harvest is late September or early October if the weather holds.”

  “I’ll remember that.” Mac took a swallow of coffee.

 
“My brothers and I are willing to help if you need it.”

  “That’s very generous of you. I may take you up on your offer.”

  “Captain”—Everett’s voice shredded the easy conversation—“shall we step outside with our smokes?”

  “Indeed.” It would be terribly rude to light up in front of a lady.

  He followed Mr. Everett’s lead out the side door of the parlor. It opened to a brick lanai. The day’s heat had cooled and a tepid breeze wafted over Mac. An enjoyable evening all around.

  They lit their tobacco.

  “Captain, I’m afraid I must forbid you from employing Lily’s—er, Miss Laughlin’s help with your harvest.” Everett puffed on his pipe. “I would prefer that she dedicate herself to becoming the lady of the manor. Her brothers, those wayward brats, need to be in boarding school.”

  “I see.” Mac drew on his cigar. Whatever plans were in place, they weren’t any of his business, although, to be honest, he felt a measure of pity for Miss Laughlin.

  “I’ve known Lily since she was a newborn babe.” A cloud of bluish smoke issued from Everett’s mouth when he spoke. “The apple of her papa’s eye, she was, and he spoiled her rotten.”

  “So you’ve determined to undo the spoiling?”

  “It’s my duty, I’m afraid.”

  “You’re the Laughlins’ guardian then?”

  “I’m more than that, Captain Albright.” He leaned closer to Mac. “I have plans for Lily … when she proves she can be a lady of the manor, of course.”

  “Of course.” The fop probably intended to marry her, but it wasn’t any of Mac’s concern. Old men married young ladies all the time, especially when they sensed their time to beget an heir was rapidly ticking by.

  “I warned Reginald—Lily’s father—that he would be sorry he didn’t send her to finishing school abroad. But then war broke out and Reggie had every excuse not to send her. So now she will turn twenty soon and has no prospects whatsoever.”

  “Ah, so you’ll deign to marry the poor girl.” Mac meant it half in jest, but Everett didn’t look a mite amused.

  “I’m her last hope, I’m afraid.”