“I don’t care about that part. I just want everyone to know I’m not guilty. I want my name and reputation cleared.”
“I’ll see that they are, Rachel; you have my word.”
“What about my brother? Will you find a way to check on Richard and let me know how he is?”
“Just as soon as possible, but I’m sure he’s fine. He’s a good agent.”
“Peter,” a nervous Dan asked, “will you take Starger’s body back to the house? Rachel and I need to have a serious and private talk. There’s something important I have to tell her, a long overdue confession.”
Peter Garrett knew what Dan meant and his feelings were with the man for what was coming. “I’ll head on into town and handle matters there. I’ll postpone my sailing until tomorrow and return to the plantation later.”
Dan helped the agent load Earl’s body on his horse, then the man left. As Peter vanished from sight, the apprehensive sea captain returned to Rachel’s side. “I don’t know how to begin, woman.”
Rachel looked at her lover and said, “You’re right; we need to have a serious talk, Daniel Slade… McCandless. Mac! Don’t you agree?”
Dan gaped at her in astonishment and dread. “You know?” When she nodded, he asked, “How? When?”
Rachel explained about Harry’s letter, then told him about her other discovery. “You’ve lied and deceived me from the start. Why, Dan?”
“I’m sorry, Rachel, and I’m going to be totally honest with you,” he vowed, and was. After he finished his story, he said, “You can believe me and forgive me and we can share a wonderful life together or you can doubt me and reject me, and we’ll both be miserable. I love you, Rachel, with all my heart. And to hell with that ‘deal’ of yours. Even if you can’t have children, I love you and I want to marry you. And not to prove you’re a killer, either. We both know that isn’t true. I’ve trusted you since before you tried to spurn me the last time. I kept putting off telling you the truth because something always came up to stop me—either perils or doubts you had about me or fear you’d turn against me when you needed me most. The timing always seemed wrong for exposing my secret. If you need time to think, I’ll give it to you. Just don’t make a hasty decision while you’re hurt and angry. What else do I need to explain?”
“How did you know where the missing money was hidden? I saw you two recover it, and I heard what you said.” She repeated the words to him.
“This morning I found a notation in the company books about Phillip ordering supplies to repair your front porch steps. When we searched the house and I mentioned that favorite hiding spot of his, you said no work had been done on them recently. But I found a bill indicating work had been done. I realized you hadn’t known about it, so it was suspicious. I didn’t know I was right until Peter and I checked.”
“Phillip must have sent me to visit one of the sharecropper families or into town to shop,” Rachel speculated, “because I didn’t know about it.”
“I believe you didn’t know, and so does Peter.”
“All this time it was right under my feet every time I walked them. If we had looked that night, we wouldn’t have had to go through all this trouble.”
“It’s a blessing in disguise, love,” Dan pointed out. “If we’d found and used the money, we wouldn’t have learned the truth about everything. It was difficult and scary, but things worked out for the best.”
“I guess you’re right,” she conceded. “But why did Phillip send for you? He believed you were long dead, didn’t he?”
“Yes and no. He did for a long time, but he changed his mind. He hired a detective to track me; that’s where part of his savings went. The man found news about a Captain Daniel Slade and sent word to Phillip. My brother hoped and prayed it was me, so he sent a letter to our family lawyer in Charleston. When I docked there, he gave it to me.” Dan reminded her of the letter’s hazy contents he had related earlier. He told her why he had returned home finally to make peace with his father and brother. He told her about the trunk he had picked up with all of Phillip’s personal effects and said she was welcome to go through them. He revealed how the misunderstanding about his “death” had occurred.
“The ammunition company and shipping firm weren’t doing well, but the arms company was in fine shape. Harry just convinced Phillip it wasn’t, to serve his own wicked purposes. When we went to visit the first time, Harry didn’t know Phillip was dead, so he was angry and bitter about him being away on that alleged trip and for holding on to the money. He used those early threats to scare Phillip and you. After he learned Phillip was gone, he was sure you had the money, so he became more threatening.”
Dan paused, then went on. “Phillip used a lot of money to locate me, and he wasted a lot on gambling. He left a letter with the money to me. He said he was in terrible financial straits and accepted the arms contract to get back on his feet. He said he’d sworn off gambling, but he owed several bets. He did use two hundred thousand of the Cuban’s money to try to win big, but he didn’t. After he learned the United States Government was involved, he panicked. He didn’t have any way to replace the cash he’d lost. He was afraid if he turned the shorted amount over to Harry, the bastard would kill him and keep it, and claim Phillip had lost it all gambling. He hoped I would get his other letter and come help you if anyone caused you trouble. He loved you and trusted you, Rachel. If he had been lucid the morning he died, he would have told you where the money was hidden.”
“I’m sure he would have; he was a good and kind man. I’m sorry he got himself entangled in such problems. If he’d confided in me, maybe I could have helped him.”
“Maybe some of it was my fault. If he’d known I was alive, maybe he wouldn’t have punished himself with guilt and anguish.”
“You can’t blame yourself for Phillip’s weaknesses.”
“Just as you can’t blame yourself for what Starger did to get you.”
“If it hadn’t been for his lust over me, they would all be alive.”
“It isn’t your fault he craved you. He was mad and evil, Rachel.”
“But I kept giving him obstacles to remove.”
“But you didn’t know that.”
“I know, but—”
He pressed a forefinger to her lips to halt her from punishing herself for something beyond her control. “No buts, woman. Just as Phillip chose his ill-fated course, so did Earl Starger. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth sooner. But there were times when you were reluctant or afraid to tell me things,” he reminded. “We’ve gotten close over the last few months, love, so we can’t let this come between us.”
“How are things going at the shipping firm?”
That wasn’t the response Dan expected or wanted, but he didn’t press her. “Fine,” he answered “We should have everything straightened out and divided in the next few days. I think Milton Baldwin is basically a decent and honest man. He just got caught up in a desperate ploy to end his troubles. He was aggravated with Phillip for creating problems for them with his gambling and moody behavior at work. When you, as his new partner, came under another dark cloud, things got worse. Harry offered him a way out, and he grabbed it without thinking. You’ll have McCandless Shipping back this week. Do you remember enough from working for Phillip to run it?”
“You told Milton it was being moved back to Charleston.”
“That was when I thought you’d marry me and move there to live.”
“Do you think anyone here would trade with me, the Black Widow?”
“Why not? Everyone will know the truth soon.”
“Even if they believe the report, they’d be too embarrassed to deal with me. Do as you promised Milton; move your family’s company home.”
Her words dismayed him, but her tone wasn’t accusatory or bitter. “I don’t want to take the company from you, love. I don’t want to take away anything Phillip left you. He loved you; you’re his widow and heir.”
“That’s because h
e thought you were dead. He would have left the firm to you if he had known you were alive. I think you should have it.”
“Why, Rachel?”
“Because you’ll need it to support a wife and hopefully a family.”
Dan trembled with anticipation. “Does that mean….”
“That I love you and want to marry you? Yes,” she said with a smile.
“You understand and forgive me?”
“Yes, Captain McCandless, if your offer is still open to acceptance.”
Dan swept her into his arms and hugged her tightly. “It is, love.”
Their gazes met and they kissed, washing away the pain and doubts of their pasts. Their love was too strong and special to allow a mistake to destroy it. Their lips meshed many times until they were breathless.
“We have to stop this, sir. Peter will come looking for us soon.”
“Only if you’ll agree to marry me this week.”
“How about Friday afternoon?” she suggested.
“Why so long?” he asked, putting on a painful but humorous look.
“We have matters to settle first: the firm, telling my mother about Earl, a talk with Lula Mae, and plans for a wedding. I don’t care what people say or think, I want this last one to be done right and proper.”
“A real wedding, eh?”
“Yes, for once, for a last time, forever.”
Two days later, Richard Fleming arrived at Moss Haven. His shoulder was still bandaged and in a sling, but he was fine. He, Rachel, Dan, and Peter spent hours talking about their adventures. Her brother was delighted and relieved to learn Peter had shipped the rest of the arms last week, and they should have reached Ramón today. Richard was returning to Cuba after he was healed, but only for a short time. He had a big surprise for Rachel and their mother: he had located his twin sister.
“I’ve already sent Rosemary a telegram and told her to come here Thursday. With your good news, my request and arrival are perfect timing.”
“Did Dan tell you the other good news?” Peter asked Rachel.
“About me keeping the arms money?” After the agent nodded, she said, “Yes, and that’s wonderful. I can use it to settle the companies’ debts in Athens and Augusta. I’ll repay Dan his investment, then give any left over to Molly Sue Leathers. Harry’s wife has the profit coming from the sale of the arms company and has other holdings for support, and Harry’s family doesn’t have a right to his share after what he did. Molly Sue lost everything except George’s insurance, so she deserves his share: George was a good and honest man, and he did his part. Since my husband gambled away his share, it isn’t fair for me to take any of what’s left after the debts are paid.”
“You used your insurance money on the deal and lost your share of the profit, so you’re out a big sum of money. Phillip was my brother, so you don’t need to repay me. The men who lost their jobs and earnings at the ammunition company need any remaining cash more than I do.”
Rachel smiled at him. “That’s very kind and generous, Dan. Molly Sue will take care of that part for us. I did receive a cable from that buyer in Athens; the sale for the company and store in town is being handled this week, as soon as those outstanding debts are cleared, which weren’t as large as Harry claimed. At least the out-of-town matters will be resolved and I will make a little profit on that sale. Peter, what about problems with that illegal use of the arms’ patents?”
“Those faked licenses have been destroyed, and the arms made by them are out of the country. We’ll drop that issue. As soon as Harry’s tried in court, he’ll never get out of prison.”
A special dinner was prepared and served by a relieved and happy Lula Mae Morris. The housekeeper, who was moving to Charleston to tend the couple’s new home, hummed as she worked. Her frown lines had softened, as had her mood. With a heavy burden lifted off her shoulders, she was a changed woman, and a trustworthy one. She was ashamed of how she had been duped by Earl Starger, but everyone understood how it had happened and forgave her. Never again would she doubt or be disloyal to the mistress she loved as her own child.
Thursday, Catherine Fleming Starger arrived for the wedding of her youngest daughter. She was contrite over her mistakes, but she found it difficult to grieve over the deceitful and wicked man she had married. It would take time to get her life and emotions back under control, but she knew she could do it. As with Lula Mae, the still beautiful blonde was elated over not being blamed for her past mistakes.
That afternoon, Rosemary Fleming Sims and her husband reached the plantation from their small farm in Macon. She told her sister and mother how she had met her husband and where she had been living for five years in central Georgia. The couple had two children, both boys, who were staying with her husband’s sister. She promised to bring them to get to know their grandmother, aunt, and two uncles soon at White Cloud and in Charleston. She said she hadn’t contacted them since leaving because she didn’t want the mean Earl Starger to know where to find her.
Rachel and her family had a wonderful and tearful reunion, together again in happiness for the first time since the war. They talked for hours, telling each other what had transpired for them over the years.
Later in private, Rosemary confided to Rachel, “I couldn’t write or visit Mama because I wanted Earl out of my life forever. He was always pawing at me and I knew it would get worse if I didn’t leave home. I was afraid to tell Mama about his wicked behavior because I feared he would hurt her. I saw him once and he threatened to hurt both of you if I ever saw or spoke to you again. I knew you had married and left, too, but I didn’t know where to find you. He was vile and dangerous, Rachel; I think he killed Randall, but I don’t want Mama to know; it would hurt her too deeply.”
“You’re right, Rosemary; we can’t ever tell her. I suspected the same thing, and we all know now he was capable of murder. Thank God, he’s out of our lives. I’ve missed you so much. I’m happy you’re here.”
“So am I, little sister. Tomorrow will be a glorious day for us.”
That evening the Fleming family and Dan read the newspaper, and enjoyed the feature story by none other than Harold Seymour about Rachel’s incredible experience as an alleged Black Widow. At last she was exonerated of all suspicions and allegations, and her name was cleared. They also noticed an article about a move north by Miss Camellia Jones. That was another secret Rachel wouldn’t burden her mother with: Earl’s affair and his intention to leave her for the flaming-haired vixen.
Rachel knew the police chief was sending a copy to Craig’s brother so Paul would know who had murdered his brother. She was glad he would learn the truth, and hopefully it would make him feel guilty over his past mistreatment of her.
Friday at five o’clock on June twenty-fifth, friends and family gathered in the church outside of Savannah to watch Rachel Fleming Barlow Newman McCandless marry Daniel Slade McCandless, her former brother-in-law. Dan’s ship hadn’t sailed for Africa, so Luke Conner could be his best man and his faithful and genial crew could attend.
Nor had Peter Garrett sailed, so he, too, could be at the ceremony. Molly Sue Leathers came from Augusta to share in the happy event. Milton Baldwin and his wife were also present. Burke Wells and his wife wouldn’t have missed the joyful moment for anything and Lula Mae Morris, as with Catherine, wept tears of happiness. Also present to witness the occasion were lawyer Frank Henley and his wife, jeweler Adam Meigs and his wife, reporter Harold Seymour—who hadn’t been invited, but who wanted to write one final story, the happy ending—and most of Rachel’s sharecroppers.
The smiling couple stood before the preacher who was ready to begin the ceremony. Rosemary, her matron-of-honor, and the groom’s best friend and first mate were positioned on either side of them. Richard had retaken his seat beside his mother after giving away the radiant bride.
“Rachel and Dan, friends and family,” the pastor began, “we are gathered here today under the eyes of God and these witnesses to join this couple in holy ma
trimony.” He read several Scriptures relating to marriage and their duties to each other, then asked them to repeat their vows.
In a soft voice, the bride in a lovely pale-blue dress responded, “I, Rachel, take you, Dan, to be my lawful husband, to love and to honor, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, for richer or poorer, and until death us do part.”
After his instructions, the groom, handsome in a dark-blue suit, responded, “I, Dan, take you, Rachel, to be my lawful wife, to love and to cherish, to support and protect, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, for richer or poorer, and until death us do part.”
After some words from the preacher, Dan slipped a gold band on her finger and said, “With this ring, I thee wed.” He smiled and added, “Forever.”
Rachel gazed into his adoring blue eyes and repeated, “Forever.”
The pastor placed a hand above and below their clasped ones and said, “By the power given to me by God and this state, I pronounce you man and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. I wish you much joy in your blessed union. You may kiss your wife, Captain McCandless.”
Dan and Rachel faced each other. For a moment, they exchanged smiles and gazes, then kissed briefly. As they embraced, each whispered, “I love you” into the other’s ear.
While they did so, the pastor announced that the guests would be dismissed to the grounds for a party where they could speak with the happy couple.
When they parted, certain people couldn’t wait that long to give their congratulations and affections. Rachel was embraced by her older sister, and Dan was hugged by Luke Connor. Richard, Catherine, Lula Mae, and Burke joined them to do the same.
The newlyweds were guided outside to a location shaded by live oaks with lacy moss and set up with wooden tables and chairs. An assortment of food and sweets had been prepared by Catherine, Rosemary, and Lula Mae. Champagne had been furnished as a gift from Milton Baldwin.
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