Promise Me Forever

by Janelle Taylor

  The trolley was moving along the city tracks again. They passed the east-end town market with Fire Engine Company #4 behind it. They went right onto Lincoln, down three blocks in silence, and halted at Telfair.

  Rachel got off while Dan was paying the driver. When he joined her, she began walking toward Elbert Street where George lived in the corner house.

  Dan captured her arm to halt her movement. Something was amiss, and he couldn’t allow his clever groundwork to be destroyed. “Wait a minute, woman. All of a sudden you’re giving me an icy shoulder. Did I hurt your feelings back there? If so, I said I was sorry.”

  His expression and tone seemed so genuine that for a moment she forgot her doubts of him. “I’m the one who’s sorry, Dan, for being so rude. It wasn’t intentional. You see, my father lies buried somewhere in an unmarked grave. With so much fighting going on, all the soldiers could do was dig a hole, drop a body in, then cover it and leave a man resting where he’d fallen. His entire unit was slain before any of them could report where the ones to die first were buried. Sometimes there are good reasons why a man doesn’t have a headstone on his grave. It’s sad, and shouldn’t be that way. When you made your joke, I thought of people walking and laughing and children playing on the earth covering my father without even knowing he was there.”

  Dan gazed into her misty eyes of dark honey and reluctantly concluded she was telling the truth. “I understand, Rachel. That must have been hard to accept.”

  “I don’t think I ever will. That war should never have happened.”

  “I agree. Things should have been settled other ways. I was fourteen when it started and eighteen when it ended. I didn’t do much fighting, but I sneaked through enemy lines many times carrying messages.”

  She gaped at him. “You were a Confederate spy at that age? How could your parents allow you to do something so dangerous?”

  For a brief time, Dan lost his wits as their gazes fused. “My mother had died and my father couldn’t have stopped me, even if he had wanted to or tried. I like to think of it as being a blockade runner on land. I witnessed some pretty awful things, enough to keep me away from fighting as much as possible. I guess I’m as peace-loving as Phillip.”

  Rachel caught how quickly Dan rushed past his first sentence, as if he regretted making that painful confession. This man had suffered during his lifetime, as she had. That similarity and their intimately secret work together on this trip drew her closer to him, even though she failed to grasp that steady weakening. An exchange of smiles caused her to unwillingly lower her guard. “I’m sure Phillip’s father was glad you didn’t take his son along during those adventures. We’d better move on; it’s almost six. This is one adventure and challenge we’ll share, Captain Slade.”

  “The first of many, I hope. Let’s make sure to stay on extra alert tonight.”

  Chapter 5

  Dinner was delicious, and passed in polite conversation between the four people. George told them about Augusta, which Rachel and Dan found interesting.

  While Molly Sue was clearing away the cups after the final coffee service, Rachel asked, “How did Phillip get into the ammunition business with you? With him in Charleston and you here, how did you two meet? I’ve never thought to ask him before, but realized this afternoon I didn’t know.”

  “Harrison Clements introduced us in January of ‘73,” the mild-mannered man replied. “Harry and I both needed an investor to add capital to our businesses. Phillip wanted to get into other interests, so he joined both our companies. He was a good choice, particularly since he was moving to Savannah the next month and could handle our shipping needs. That saves me and Harry money because Phillip gives us a low rate.”

  “How did Phillip meet Harry?” Rachel inquired in a casual tone.

  “I don’t know. I’ve known Harry since the war ended, but we aren’t close. We’ve done joint contracts many times over the years. Phillip joined my company and Harry’s in February of ‘73, and it’s been good for all of us.”

  Rachel watched George as she said, “I’ll have to ask Harry when we reach Athens next week. Dan wants to place an order with him, too.”

  “It’s good to keep the earnings in family businesses,” George replied.

  Rachel concluded the man didn’t appear tense or suspicious about her visit to Harry. She was glad, because she liked George and Molly Sue. Perhaps, she reasoned, George was only supplying ammunition without knowledge of it being illegal. She hoped so. “It’s late, so we should be going,” she said. “It was a marvelous dinner and evening.”

  “Yes, it was,” Dan concurred. In fact, he had enjoyed himself too much! This skilled woman had a hazardous way, regardless of how hard he fought it, of making him relax and respond to her. This weakness was a threat to what he must do. He couldn’t allow himself to forget who and what she was for a single moment. He didn’t comprehend why it was so difficult to remember that at all times. Perhaps because this creature seemed to have an awesome power to beguile him. He must toughen his resolve and chill his heart to ensure she became his victim, not he, hers.

  “I’ll bring the carriage around front and take you to the hotel. The trolley has stopped running, and it’s too late to catch a phaeton or walk back in the dark. This area is safe, but no need to take chances.”

  While he was fetching the carriage, Molly Sue said, “George has wonderful plans for you this week,” and related them. “I hope it’s all right with you that he’s filled up your time here. He so enjoys doing things like this.”

  “It sounds wonderful. You will join us as much as possible, I hope?”

  “Of course. It’s like a holiday without leaving town. I’m so glad you came to visit, Rachel, and brought this nice cousin of yours.”

  “You and George are most kind and hospitable. Thank you.”

  “I’ve never had a better meal, Mrs. Leathers,” Dan complimented. “I hope that when I find a wife, she can cook only half as well as you.”

  Molly Sue blushed with pride. “A real southern gentleman. We don’t see enough of them anymore. Stay this way, Captain Slade. Some lucky woman will thank heaven for a good man like you.”

  “You’re most kind and generous,” Dan replied with a broad smile.

  Everyone said good night, then Rachel and Dan departed.

  “It was fun, wasn’t it?” Rachel said at her door.

  He lazed against the frame and murmured, “Yes, it was. I could get used to living on land if it were like this all the time.”

  “Divorce your wife and leave the sea?” she jested.

  “That would depend on my finding a better one to replace her.”

  Rachel studied Dan. “You haven’t searched very hard. I’m sure plenty of women would leap at the chance to become Mrs. Daniel Slade. I’ll bet you have females in every port around the world pining over you.”

  Dan kept his gaze on hers. “Pining over me isn’t the problem. I have to find one I pine over.”

  “That does make all the difference, doesn’t it?”

  “Absolutely. Trouble is, every time I see one that might suit me, she’s taken. I don’t think it would be wise or safe to snatch another man’s love. It’s a shame you aren’t available, Rachel. You and I seem much alike and we get along well. That’s rare for a man and woman.”

  Rachel felt a warm flush cover her body and rose her cheeks. “Thank you for the compliment, Dan, but you don’t know me that well yet. I could be a terrible person masquerading as a proper lady.”

  Dan sent forth a chuckle, but was intrigued by her reaction. “I’ve met plenty of women around the world, Rachel, and I know a real lady when I see one. You’re just too modest and nice to agree with me.”

  She looked at the muscular man leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed over a broad chest. He was so alluring and special, if he was genuine. “I do try to be a lady, Dan,” she joked, “but it’s hard sometimes.”

  Dan laughed and straightened himself. Stars above, she was
tempting and dangerous! Cool your loins and clear your head, old boy. She’s only your target, not an ordinary woman to dally with or pursue. “Probably as hard as it is to be a gentleman at all times.”

  Beneath his smoldering blue gaze, Rachel became apprehensive. His husky voice was trailing over her flesh like a gentle caress. His masculine smell was attacking her senses. His nearness was tantalizingly perilous. “It’s late,” she said in a strained tone. “We’d better say good night. I’ll meet you for breakfast at eight before our first tour.”

  “Good night, Rachel. Thanks for including this lonesome old seadog in your lively existence for a while.”

  She was confused and touched by his last remark. “You don’t seem to be a man who would ever have reason to be lonesome.”

  “That’s because I’m masquerading as a carefree bachelor.”

  “One day that will change. Don’t rush into any relationship until you’re certain it’s the right one for you though,” she advised in a serious tone.

  “How does one know when and if it’s the right one, Rachel?”

  She lowered her gaze, lost her smile, and replied, “I don’t know the answer to that, Dan. I just know that misjudgments can be painful and costly. When you choose, make certain you aren’t wrong.”

  “That sounds like the voice of experience talking. Why?”

  Rachel forced a smile to her lips, met his probing gaze, and said, “I was referring to my mother. She made a terrible choice for a second husband. After Papa died and things were so bad, she was frightened and alone, so she rushed into marriage with an awful man. It was wrong for her and her family. It’s caused us a lot of anguish, and we’re all paying for it.”

  Dan perceived that she was being only half honest, that part of her words included her own experiences. But which ones?

  She berated herself for that disclosure. “That’s enough reminiscing tonight. It solves nothing and keeps pain from healing. I’ll see—”

  Dan caught her cold hands in his warm ones. He realized with annoyance that his heart was racing and that he didn’t want to leave her. “I understand. I had a hard time growing up myself. We can’t change the past, but we have to find a way to keep it from hurting us the rest of our lives.”

  She made the mistake of gazing into his blue eyes and was engulfed by their flames. “What way did you find, Dan?”

  “I haven’t yet, but I’m still looking and trying,” he admitted.

  “Maybe we’ll both succeed this year.”

  “I hope so, Rachel, for both our sakes. It’s never too late to try.”

  Is it too late for me this time to keep from being destroyed unjustly? Rachel wondered. Too late to find a man like this who would—“Good night, Dan. Thank you.”

  Dan released her hands and moved a few steps away. “Sleep well, Rachel McCandless. I’ll be waiting for you in the morning.”

  Rachel entered her room. She walked to her bed and sat on its edge. If only you would truly be waiting for me in the morning, she thought, then let her tears flow. She wept for the loved ones she had lost, for the unhappy changes in her life, for what might have been, for Phillip, and for what she knew could never be with Daniel Slade—the first man to reach her “deepest heart,” in Lula Mae’s words, and the first to enflame her passions. She knew she couldn’t pursue him. Even if he were for real, he was married to his ship and the sea. Even if he were attracted to her, she couldn’t win him, not with her black past and with the lies she’d told him. Except for the loyal Lula Mae, she was alone again, with more malicious gossip and another vile investigation looming before her. She yearned for her lost parents and siblings. She craved peace of mind, safety, and happiness. She hoped she had not misjudged Phillip, as she had Craig. She hungered soul deep for Captain Daniel Slade.

  Dan stood at the secret entrance to her room and listened. The desk clerk had told him about the hidden doorway between the two rooms, concealed by the movable chests. He had unlatched his and pushed it aside to see if she said anything enlightening, as she had that night in her home, but so far she hadn’t. He was relieved the freshly oiled hinges didn’t squeak. He was baffled by her loss of restraint. An evil and dangerous woman should be colder and have more self-control….

  Dan heard the bed squeak as she stood to undress. With caution, he pushed the chest in place and relatched the hinges. The truth eluded him, taunted him, and tormented him.

  Rachel was satisfied with what she saw in the mirror. She felt better after purging her pent-up emotions last night and was relieved her eyes were not red and puffy from it, thanks to a restful sleep. She had slipped a note under Dan’s door, changing their breakfast from eight to nine to give them less time together before their appointment with George at ten-thirty. Until her troubles were solved, she had decided to keep their relationship in check, limit it to friendship and proper behavior. All she should concentrate on was carrying out her reason for this trip. She must not flirt with Dan again, or allow him to flirt with her, as they had done last night at her doorway. It was too dangerous, too soon…

  Rachel joined him in the lobby. Dan rose from the chair where he was sitting with a newspaper in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. She smiled and said, “I hope you aren’t starving. I needed more time this morning to make myself presentable after our late night.”

  “You always look more than presentable, Rachel. Are you ready to eat?”

  “Ravenous,” she said, then gave a merry laugh.

  Dan offered his arm and guided her toward the dining room. The yellow dress flattered her olive skin and dark-brown hair. She seemed calm and cheerful, which surprised him after what he’d heard last night. She was so unpredictable and as enigmatic as the mystery that brought them here. “We’ve a busy day ahead, so it’s good you got plenty of rest.”

  “I feel much better this glorious morning. No more depressing talk like we had last night. We’re supposed to be having fun while we work.”

  “Reprimand noted, Mrs. McCandless, and I fully agree. Being drawn into the dark past is no fun at all. We’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

  “Good,” she remarked as they were seated at a window table. She glanced outside. “Isn’t it a lovely day? Not a cloud in the sky.”

  Dan’s eyes scanned the horizon. “Looks like smooth sailing to me.”

  “There’s our guide approaching in his carriage,” Rachel said.

  They joined George and rode west on Broad Street with Rachel in the front seat, a yellow parasol held over her head, and Dan in the back one. Their host pointed out sites and talked about them as they journeyed toward their first destination miles away.

  George halted the carriage. “There’s a major part of our heritage—the old Confederate powderworks,” he related. “During the war, it was the largest gunpowder factory of the South, actually one of the largest in the world.” As he told them about it and pointed out various structures, Rachel and Dan gazed at the enormous span of buildings whose architecture reminded both of a Norman fortress.

  “Since Sherman didn’t raze Augusta and we had the canal and plenty of mills, we were able to recover quickly from the war. I suppose he didn’t think he needed to destroy us after he sliced the Confederacy in half and cut us off from our supply center. Most of our employees worked here during the war. That’s why they are so skilled and experienced.”

  “That’s good news,” Rachel said. “After you told me how explosive and sensitive gunpowder is, you know, I was concerned about fires and safety.”

  “No need to be worried. Augusta has fifteen fire stations, underground water pipes, and pumps around town. Let’s head on; there’s a lot to see.”

  Rachel saw Dan out of the corner of her eye when she faced George to talk. She quelled the desire to turn and look at him. It was good they were not sitting together, so she could almost keep her mind off him, off the question of whether or not he was a physical, as well as emotional, threat to her.

  At the toll house for
the planked Summerville Road, George halted and paid the charge. They went right and rode into a verdant hill section which slowed the team and carriage. “Many of these houses were built in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s by rich folks as retreats from the summer heat, floods, and insects downtown,” George informed them. “Some of them belong to inland planters or rich northerners who spend their winters here. If you look behind us, you can see a grand view of our beloved city.”

  Rachel and Dan simultaneously twisted in their seats. Although three miles away, Augusta was in full and splendid view on the flatland. As Dan turned frontward before Rachel did, their gazes met, locked for a moment, then were broken as she, too hurriedly, he noticed, faced forward once more.

  George halted the carriage at a long road to their left and said, “This is the Augusta arsenal. Most of it was shut down after the war. You could say it ended for us on May third of ‘65 when the arsenal surrendered.” He reveled in telling them all the details.

  George guided his team up that roadway toward the structure with architecture similar to that of the Confederate powderworks. The parade ground still showed traces of past use. Trees were planted along both sides and every so often there were pyramids of old cannon balls.

  “There were four major arsenals in the South, and three of them were in Georgia. We had the supplies, power, rails, river, and ocean to make our state crucial to the Confederacy. Even when the Yankees blockaded our coastline, our ships still got in and out of Savannah. That’s why it was so important to Sherman. After he destroyed our rail center in Atlanta and took control of Savannah, the back of our nation was broken. I don’t know why he left those vital cities intact: Augusta with her powderworks and arsenal, and Athens with her manufacturing of arms, but I’m sure glad of it.”

  “Didn’t Harry say that private arms were made here at one time?” Rachel asked.

  “Yes, by Leech & Rigdon, then Rigdon-Ansley. Ah, there it is, your surprise for today,” George announced with a cheerful grin.