“And she’s your brightest future.” At Everett’s quizzical frown, Mac added, “What I mean is, Miss Laughlin possesses many charms, especially in the area of hospitality.” He could think of a few more categories, but deemed it best to hold his tongue. “I will say this, however. My purchase of Laughlin property came as quite a shock to her.”
“Lily will get over her surprise.” Everett set down his pipe and patted the pocket of his waistcoat. “I just remembered. I brought Lily a book on etiquette. It was given to me by an upstanding Englishwoman who stopped at my inn to wait for the next stagecoach to Winchester. I must give it to Lily immediately so she can study it.”
Mac took another draw on his cigar.
Everett emptied his pipe in the flower garden. “Do you play chess, Captain Albright?”
“I do, although I’m far from an expert at the game.”
“What say you to a match?”
Mac pursed his lips and nodded. “Let’s play.”
Mac dropped his cigar and ground it out beneath his boot before following Everett into the house. Miss Laughlin sat in an upholstered chair, sipping amber liquid from a goblet. The boys had returned, wearing stained shirts and tattered trousers, and they along with Mrs. Gunther listened to Blake play a mournful tune on his squeeze-box.
“Look what I’ve procured for you, Lily.” Everett thrust the book at her. “You must read it at once.”
“Oh …” She gazed at the title.
Everett tapped its cover. “Proper Etiquette for Young Ladies.”
“Yes, I can read for myself.”
“Then see that you do. It will help you become a true lady.”
Two red spots appeared on her cheeks. “Thank you, Mr. Everett.”
“And, pray, what are you drinking?”
“Why, apple cider, sir.” Her voice sounded strained. “Would you care for a glass?”
“No, no, I still have my wine to drink.”
Lifting her chin, Miss Laughlin returned her attention to Blake’s music. Mac sensed her humiliation, and his heart ached for her. Perhaps there was a volume on gentlemanly manners somewhere that Everett could make use of.
The innkeeper sidled up to the gaming table in the corner of the room. “Run along now, Lily and Mrs. Gunther. I’m sure there are pots and pans to scrub.” He lifted a chess piece and turned it in his palm. “Oh, and take your brothers. The captain and I are going to play a game of chess.”
“We’re not concerned with pan scrubbing tonight, Mr. Everett,” the older woman said. “I’m enjoying the music and Mr. Blake’s good company.”
“So are we,” piped up Jonah.
Jed nodded.
Everett frowned.
“What’s more, I play a mean game of chess myself.” Miss Laughlin set her goblet on the table beside the chair and stood. “So I hereby challenge the winner of the first game to a second match.”
“I must object!” Everett’s voice rose above the squeeze-box and Blake stopped playing. “A lady must not engage in such behavior as challenging a man to a chess game … or challenging a man. Period.”
“But this is my home, not some public gaming room. My challenge is quite appropriate.” Her gaze lit on Mac. “Am I correct, Captain?”
“I’ve known my mother and sisters to join in games of fellowship with guests in our home, so yes, I’d say you are correct, Miss Laughlin.”
Her blue eyes glimmered triumphantly. “So you see, Mr. Everett. All is well. My challenge stands.”
Everett’s face reddened and a muscle worked in his jaw. Mac was sure that, as angry as he seemed, smoke would billow from his ears.
Even so, Mac couldn’t subdue his grin. A greater incentive to win a game—or lose it—he couldn’t recall. “I hereby accept your challenge, Miss Laughlin.”
Lily sat at the game table behind her chess pieces. She eyed the captain and grinned at the confidence shining in his dark eyes. Papa had taught her how to play and she could put the best of opponents in checkmate in only four moves, if they moved their pawns the way she hoped the captain would.
“Watch out. She’s as slippery as an eel when it comes to chess.”
“Jonah!” Lily sat up a bit straighter, a smirk tugging at her lips. “How do you know whether an eel is slippery?”
“I read about it.” He leaned on Captain Albright’s shoulder as if they were the best of friends.
“You should be rooting for me.” Lily pushed out a purposeful pout.
“Sorry, sissy, but us seafarers gotta stick together.”
Jed put his arm around Lily’s shoulders. He smelled like fresh air and dried grass. “I’m on your side, sissy.”
“Thank you.” She sent Jonah a look she hoped was as severe as any of their father’s expressions.
At the other end of the sitting room, Mr. Blake played another tune on his squeeze-box, a treasure he claimed to take with him on sea and land.
“A wager, miss?” The captain arched a brow while a challenge shone in his dark gaze.
“Well—”
“Absolutely not!” Mr. Everett jumped up from his seat near the window. “I forbid it. Gambling is a grievous sin, and I’ll not have Miss Laughlin be morally corrupted for your amusement.”
“And yet, you offer a gaming room at the Stony Inn.” The captain sent a wink to Lily.
“That’s different. I only allow men to play.”
“And become morally corrupted?”
“Bah!” Mr. Everett’s face swelled, then reddened, indicating his fluster.
Lily sent a look toward the plaster ceiling. Why hadn’t she noticed Mr. Everett’s hypocritical philosophies before now? He’d embarrassed her in front of their new neighbor and his friend, and then expressed concern over her moral welfare. Such nonsense.
She regarded the captain through lowered lashes. What must he think of her, considering the circumstances of their meeting this afternoon and Mr. Everett’s gift of a book on etiquette? Why Captain Albright must think she was a common shrew.
Mr. Everett clasped his hands behind his back. “She has no money with which to bet, Captain.” He neared the game table and Lily shrank. “She’s penniless, which is why I was forced to sell some of her deceased father’s property. Besides which—” His arms made a swoop about the room. “I own the house and everything in it.”
Lily gasped. Haus am Bach—gone?
A knot of shame tightened in Lily’s chest and she fought to contain her emotions. So it was true. Aunt Hilda had been correct in her earlier assumptions. And if she wanted to remain in her beloved home, she would, no doubt, pay dearly.
Marriage to Mr. Everett.
Bile rose in her throat. Never! But then … how?
“Money isn’t always the best prize.” The rich timbre of Captain Albright’s voice commanded Lily’s attention. “For instance, if I win, Miss Laughlin, I shall dine at your table every night until my home is built and adequately staffed.”
Lily’s gaze sought Aunt Hilda’s. Seated across the room, the older woman gave a slight nod before returning to her needlework. Lily couldn’t see the harm in it. For now they had plenty of food.
“I accept the terms.” Lily tipped her head as a gentle summer wind swirled in through an open window and cooled her nape. “And if I win?”
The captain stretched and locked his hands behind his head, but his onyx eyes never wavered from Lily’s face. “If you win, I will give you three-fourths of this year’s crops.”
“Three-fourths?” A seed of hope sprang up in Lily. They could harvest as usual, and if Shona and his fellow tribesmen came this way, they would be willing to help. They had in the past. Lily and her family would not be penniless. They might even have … options!
“That’s a generous wager.”
The captain shrugged broad shoulders. “I’m not giving it away, Miss Laughlin. You must win it.” He swept his hand over the chessboard. “Ladies first, so you’ll be white.” He turned around the chessboard. “Your move.”
<
br /> Lily quickly strategized. This game meant everything. Lord, please … that this game would end in my favor …
She slid the pawn above her king piece two spaces forward.
Captain Albright moved his knight diagonally, jumping his row of pawns.
Nibbling her bottom lip, Lily slid her bishop forward diagonally and positioned him a space away from her pawn.
The captain moved his far left-hand pawn forward two spaces.
Lily was motionless, hardly daring to breathe. It might happen!
“Have you fallen asleep, Miss Laughlin?”
“Hardly.” She gave him a sharp look and moved her queen diagonally to the forefront.
“A bold move. Personally, I’ve found it’s wise to protect royalty.” He moved his pawn to lie in wait for her bishop.
Lily grinned. “Sir, you are a true patriot.” She slid her queen all the way down the board. “Like any good American, you left royalty wide open for capture.” A laugh erupted. “Checkmate!”
Captain Albright’s smug expression vanished. He studied the board with a furrowed brow. Even Mr. Blake halted his music to cross the room and view the results.
“She’s got you sure as I stand here, Cap’n.” Mr. Blake laughed hard enough to shake his shoulders. “In only four moves!”
“Yes, I can see that,” Captain Albright growled.
Lily silently praised God for her good fortune even though she knew the evils of gambling. However, she hadn’t been the one to make the wager. Regardless, in just over a month, they would have their harvest—three-quarters of it anyway!
“I told you she’s slippery.” Jonah wagged his head.
Jed dissolved into laughter and did a victory cheer.
The captain narrowed his gaze. “Next time, I shall heed your warning, Master Jonah.”
“Well, sir, never let it be said that I’m not generous.” Lily straightened the board. “Captain Albright, you are welcome to dine with us any time.”
A grunt was his only reply. He rubbed his jaw as if he couldn’t believe he’d lost—and so quickly.
“You’ve inherited your father’s love for gaming, Lily,” Mr. Everett announced. “I see I will have to keep my eyes on you at all times.”
“That’s unnecessary, sir.” She dreaded the thought and imagined answering to Mr. Everett would be like a jail sentence. “Unlike my father, I know when to quit. But I’m afraid I’ve grown ever so tired.” She feigned a yawn. “Night is falling fast since autumn will soon be upon us.”
The captain stood. “As much as I’ve enjoyed the food and company, and even the game-playing …” His dark eyes locked onto Lily’s. “I’m afraid we must be off. We’ve planned for an early morning tomorrow.” He turned to Mr. Everett. “I don’t suppose I can talk you into giving us a ride back to town in your carriage.”
“The invitation is open to you, sir. You are staying at my inn, after all.”
“Thank you.” The captain’s gaze returned to Lily’s. “We walked here this morning filled with a sense of exploration. However, I’m afraid my friend won’t make the two-mile journey back without toppling to the side of the road.”
Mr. Blake snorted. “Blame it on Mrs. Gunther’s peach whiskey.” He sent a wink Aunt Hilda’s way. The older woman waved off the remark and—
Lily tilted her head. Was that a blush brightening Aunt Hilda’s cheeks?
The men gathered their frockcoats and filed out of the parlor. Lily shooed her brothers upstairs. She breathed a sigh of relief to see Mr. Everett was the first man out of the house. She wouldn’t have to endure one of his long and admonishing farewells. Lily particularly disliked it when he drooled over her hand. Thank God she’d been spared such a parting tonight.
Aunt Hilda and Mr. Blake exited the house next, leaving Captain Albright in the reception hall.
He turned to face her. “Thank you for inviting Blake and me tonight, Miss Laughlin. I enjoyed myself.”
“You are most welcome, sir, and I meant what I said minutes ago. You and Mr. Blake may take a seat at our supper table any time.”
“I will likely take you up on your offer.”
As etiquette dictated—and, yes, she was familiar with etiquette, despite Mr. Everett’s opinion—Lily offered her hand. The captain took it and brought it toward his lips, but then hesitated, peering up at her.
“You won’t wipe off my regard on your skirt, will you?”
Lily’s face warmed. So he’d seen her reaction to Mr. Everett’s kiss tonight. She narrowed her gaze. “You won’t slobber all over my hand, will you?”
“Definitely not.”
His gaze looked aflame in the final glow of the setting sun. He brought her hand to his lips, but turned it at the last moment. His kiss landed on the inside of her wrist, sending a current up her arm.
“I suppose you wish to hear that I shall never wash this spot again.” They were words Lily had spoken to Oliver Ashton before he joined the volunteers who defended Virginia’s shoreline along the Potomac River. Little did she know Oliver had received similar reactions from all of Middletown’s maidens—and he’d made the same promises to them as he had to her. The cad!
She tugged her hand from Captain Albright’s grasp. He seemed an equally practiced charmer, if not more so than Oliver. But at least Lily recognized it now. She wouldn’t be fooled again.
“Never wash your wrist?” The captain leaned toward Lily’s ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down her neck. “On the contrary. I wish to hear you say that you’ll bathe frequently, particularly if it means you’ll be visiting your swimming hole of this afternoon.”
An indignant cry left Lily’s lips. She had a mind to slap his face. Instead she gave him a shove that barely budged him. How dare he mention the incident like it was some joke! Did he not realize the power it had to ruin her good name in Middletown?
The rake. The scoundrel. And just how much of her bath had he seen anyway?
He chuckled, a sound resembling the distant thunder of a blessed rainstorm. In seconds it drowned her anger until she succumbed to a smile.
“You, sir, are a rapscallion.”
He bowed. “Guilty as charged.”
Lily found it difficult to muster even a little displeasure when the captain’s jesting reminded her of Jonah and Jed’s silly pranks.
However, it wasn’t the least bit amusing to imagine a sullied reputation. “You won’t tell anyone of our accidental meeting this afternoon, will you?”
“I will not.”
“And Mr. Blake?”
“I can assure you that he will also hold his tongue regarding the matter.” The captain’s expression lost all evidence of mirth. “Miss Laughlin, even rapscallions live by a code of honor, as it were. Thus, I shall never betray you. Tease you, perhaps. Betray you, never.”
Lily believed him, although it made no logical sense to do so. But the lines around his eyes had softened and sincerity swam in his dark gaze.
Besides, she had no choice but to trust him.
“And on that promise, I shall bid you a good night.”
“Good night, Captain.” She gave him a slight curtsy.
He placed his top hat on his head. His broad shoulders blotted out the last of the daylight until he stepped outside. Leaning on the doorframe, she watched his long strides down the walkway. The heels of his boots clapped against the bricks with each step he took. All too soon, he was swallowed into Mr. Everett’s box-like carriage.
Mr. Blake was the last one inside. As Aunt Hilda waved her white hankie, harnesses jangled and wooden wheels scraped against the earth, and the conveyance rolled toward town.
The awkward silence inside the coach thickened like pea soup as the carriage made its way toward the Stony Inn. Mac could think of only two reasons for it. Either Mr. Everett was miffed about the chess game and wager between Mac and Miss Laughlin or he was simply too tired for amiable chitchat.
The latter was what held Mac’s tongue and likely Blake’s too. It had been a
long day, albeit a very good one. Mac was pleased with his investment—extremely pleased. Tomorrow he’d plot out where he’d build the barn and stable and, of course, his new home.
“Captain Albright”—Everett began, jerking Mac from his thoughts—“forgive my interference, but I hope you don’t mean to have Lily—that is, Miss Laughlin—”
“Have her?” Mac shook his head. The man had nothing to fear from him. The news of Mary’s death had caused something in his heart to die as well. He’d never love again.
“Yes, have Lily do fieldwork in order to obtain her winnings of the chess match.”
A sudden inferno erupted in Mac’s face and spread down his neck. Blake’s grunted laugh only fanned the flames.
“Ah, yes, the harvest.” Mac loosened his necktie. “The reason I offered it as a prize was because Blake and I will have no time to bring it in. It’s a shame to let the fruit in the orchard and the grains in the field rot when they could be staples for Miss Laughlin’s family.”
“True, but I would prefer that Lily behave less like her devious brothers and more like the lady of the manor.”
“So I heard you say earlier this evening.” Shadows rose and fell across Everett’s face as moonlight danced between lush treetops.
“After her behavior tonight, I’m sure you’d agree that it’s time she corralled her energy and focused on more genteel duties inside her home.”
“Pardon me if I speak out of turn, sir,” Mac began, “but I saw nothing in Miss Laughlin today that hinted at a young boy’s behavior. Rather, she was decidedly female.”
“Decidedly.” Blake rammed his elbow into Mac’s ribcage. “And if she can cook as well as her aunt, she’ll make some young swain a fine wife. Ain’t that right, Cap’n?”
“Yes, we ate an excellent supper, and a lot of it.” Mac glared at his friend then faced Everett again. He tried to gauge the man’s reaction to the “young swain” remark, but couldn’t decipher his tight-lipped expression in the murky darkness.
More silence filled the carriage as it rolled past homes and barns along the road. Finally they arrived in Middletown proper, which was no more than a fifty-acre settlement. Mac had done his research before selecting the area. According to the latest census, one hundred forty-four free folks and twelve slaves made their homes here. Quite a contrast to Alexandria and its more than eight thousand residents. But Middletown had its own claim to fame, as some of the best precision instruments were manufactured here along with fine clocks and watches.
My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley Page 4