Daughters of Harwood House Trilogy : Three Romances Tell the Saga of Sisters Sold into Indentured Service (9781630586140)

by Crawford, Dianna; Laity, Sally

  Aha. So this must be the plan Colin had hinted at. Mariah reached for a slice of cake. This was getting interesting.

  “What about me, Mother?” Heather jumped into the fray. “If Tori gets a new frock, I should have one, too.”

  Mercy me, a fly in the ointment.

  An unexpected smile moved across Mistress Barclay’s lips. “You’re quite right. And Amy shall go as well. You shall all have new party frocks for the event.” She plucked a raspberry from her plate and placed it in her mouth as she switched her attention to Mariah. “In fact, I would like you, Mariah, to have Mistress Henderson make you at least two new dresses. Plain ones. There’s no need for you to walk about looking like a fashion plate while you’re tutoring the girls.” She paused, narrowing her dark brown eyes in added contemplation as she tapped her index finger against her bottom lip. “I think black would be too austere. Perhaps gray would be more suitable. Yes, gray will do admirably well. And have her send two mobcaps along. Those lovely curls need protection from the summer sun.”

  The cake turned to sawdust in Mariah’s mouth. The message was clear.

  Amy, however, folded her arms and pouted. “I don’t wanna waste a whole day bein’ fitted for no new day gown. I have enough dresses.”

  “Being fitted for any new day gown,” Mariah heard herself blurt out, the tutor in her rising to the occasion despite the growing ache in her heart.

  The child leveled a glare at her. “And being corrected all the way to town and back again, no doubt.” She shook her head.

  At that, a round of laughter erupted, lightening the moment. But Mariah couldn’t help noticing Colin’s deflated expression at having his plan go awry. Her heart went out to him…even though the sad turn of events was probably for the best. There was still time. Four years of time. Nothing had to work out just yet. She averted her gaze to the tall oaks lining the drive and watched the lush branches swaying on the summer wind, trying to envision herself looking bland as a turtledove.

  Mistress Barclay’s voice brought her back to the moment as she caught her daughter’s hand in hers. “Amy, dear, how about this? Colin will take all of you girls with him when he leaves for Alexandria early Monday morning. By the time you’ve all been fitted for new gowns, your brother should have concluded his business affairs. Then you can return home for a quick lunch, after which you can all ride up to visit the falls and spend the rest of the afternoon there. Make a whole day of it. Wouldn’t that be jolly fun?”

  Amy’s bottom lip made an appearance, and her forehead crinkled with a frown. “But why can’t I just wait at home for the rest of them to get back from town? Why do I have to go there at all?”

  “Because that is the only way I will permit you to go to the falls. That is my decision.”

  The child mulled the concept over in her mind then, accepting her fate, stood from her chair and flung her arms around her mother’s neck. “Oh well. At least I’ll have a whole day with no lessons.”

  Mariah saw disturbed glances pass between Colin and Victoria, and she took another sip from her tall glass. Another of Colin’s plans to get her alone may have been squashed. More’s the pity. But it played right into Mariah’s own scheme—keeping her desirable self always dangling before him but just out of reach…even if she would look a bit on the plain side most of the time. That little Amy surely did come in handy.

  With any luck at all, years from now, when she and Colin were wed with children of their own, Mariah would be sure to thank both his ever-watchful mother and the snitch for the excellent maneuvers that would help two people in love get together. Properly.

  No matter how many obstacles were thrown in the path.

  Chapter 10

  On her first Day of Rest in the new land, Mariah rode in a gleaming black landau carriage, a completely new experience for her. In this luxurious conveyance, she and the wealthy Barclay family could see and be seen by everyone they passed. She smiled on a wave of pleasure. Her pious sisters, Rose and Lily, must be keeping her in their daily prayers, because Providence had definitely smiled upon her.

  The open carriage had room for only six passengers, so Colin sat up top with the immaculately dressed driver, who guided a matched set of beautiful white-stocking bays at a sedate pace. Facing the rear in the deeply cushioned leather seat with Victoria and Heather, Mariah sensed Colin’s presence behind her on the box bench…so close. Yet with her parasol shading her, there was no way he could view her.

  She’d chosen her prettiest gown for the occasion, tiered lavender silk accented with delicate snowy lace, and taken extra care styling her hair. The upstairs maids, Lizzie and Celie, had done wonders with the girls, and in their summer pastels, each one could pass for an exquisite doll, as could their elegant mother. Even the men—and Colin, in particular—drew attention in their brocade waistcoats and vests and tall silk hats. Surely the assemblage looked like royalty as they rolled smartly along the graveled road in the cool of the morning.

  Sitting across from her with his wife and Amy, Mr. Barclay tipped his head at Mariah. “You’re most fortunate on your first Sabbath with us to have a formal church service to attend.”

  Her brows dipped in question. “I don’t understand.”

  “Our Reverend Mr. Hopkins shepherds two other flocks in Truro Parish. He must travel to a different one each week. But because our prospering port is gaining in population, he hopes to remain in Alexandria permanently in the not too distant future.”

  “I see.” The information came as a surprise. So this village they were heading to lacked a full-time minister. Obviously Colin had exaggerated the town’s attributes.

  The distinguished Barclay patriarch turned to his wife with an affectionate smile. “On the other Sundays, Cora selects scripture readings for us, and we have private family worship at home.”

  The mistress eyed Mariah. “If you’d care to, we should like you to choose the section to read sometime. Next week, perhaps. And jot down a few questions for us to discuss, as well. It’s important for the girls not only to know the scriptures but to understand their meaning and purpose also, so it can be applied to life.”

  Me? Prepare a Bible lesson? Mariah hoped she didn’t betray her shock. On the other hand, she’d sat through innumerable tiresome sermons throughout her life. Surely she could dredge a bit of one of them from the recesses of her mind. “As you wish.” Would the woman never stop testing her?

  Mr. Barclay, seemingly unaware of the undercurrent, chuckled. “You’ll soon learn, child, that my lady was not raised in the less demanding Church of England. She’s a Massachusetts Puritan, a Congregationalist. And a particular follower of the famous Reverend Jonathan Edwards.”

  Having never heard of the man, Mariah leaned forward. “I’m afraid I must admit I’m not familiar with the name.”

  “I’m sure you wouldn’t have heard of him,” Mistress Barclay said in her husband’s stead. “He’s one of New England’s more impressive ministers. Through his preaching and writings, he’s garnered quite a dedicated following in the colonies. They call themselves ‘New Lights.’”

  “New Lights.” Mariah cocked her bonneted head back and forth beneath her parasol. “That does sound rather interesting.” Hopefully that would placate the woman.

  “I’m glad you feel that way.” The mistress brightened. “Then I shall loan you a copy or two of his writings to study. And later we shall discuss them.”

  “I should like that, madam.” Aware she’d just spoken an untruth on the Sabbath, of all days, Mariah deftly switched the topic. “Mr. Barclay, I’ve noticed how very lush the fields of tobacco appear. They’re quite different from plantings in southern England. The other day, I watched as your workers cut leaves and stacked them with utmost care. Why is that?” She already knew the answer but wanted a diversion from the previous, less than welcome topic.

  It did the trick. The rest of the drive to Alexandria, the plantation owner expounded at length about tobacco and the other crops and workings of hi
s vast enterprise. On Mariah’s either side, his daughters emitted occasional sighs of boredom. Once, however, as they passed a lane leading to a manse that appeared as large as the Barclays’, Victoria jabbed her gently in the ribs. “Tuck’s place,” she whispered. Mariah surveyed the attractive grounds and smiled.

  Soon homes and trades shops began to appear along the road. After passing a few cross streets, the driver guided the landau onto one just ahead. The street lacked any hint of prosperity, so Mariah couldn’t help but wonder if the main part of the town spread in some other direction, especially when the red-spoked carriage pulled onto a dirt lot. Peering down the road, she decided it looked even less settled and turned quietly to Victoria. “Is this the center of Alexandria?”

  The girl smiled and wagged her head, sending honey-gold ringlets dancing before and behind her slim shoulders. “Not at all. The market square is farther down the Royal Road, and there’s also a lot of business down on the quay.”

  That news came as a relief, particularly when their carriage came to a stop beside two others equally grand. A quick glance of assessment revealed that, although the other carriages were pretentious, the church building itself was far from it. Only Mrs. Barclay’s gift for veiled assaults kept Mariah from commenting on the meagerness of the simple clapboard structure.

  She and the older girls waited politely for the elder Barclays and Amy to exit the vehicle. Then Mariah and the two budding maidens rose, filling the interior of the carriage with their bevy of ruffled skirts. Mariah waited for the girls to precede her, hoping that if Colin helped her last, he would naturally escort her into the chapel. After all, how much safer and more proper could she be in his company than while they were attending service in church?

  “Milady.” Looking up at her with an expectant grin dancing in his eyes, the handsome son and heir extended a gloved hand.

  She tilted her parasol to shield her face from his parents’ view, then gifted him with a slightly mischievous smile of her own.

  As they strolled toward the entrance, Victoria slowed ahead of them and waited while Mariah and Colin came up beside her, then tipped her head slightly with a flick of the eyes toward the church.

  Mariah shot a glance forward and saw Dennis Tucker on the top landing, watching them approach.

  A tiny frown on Victoria’s smooth brow reminded Mariah of the promise she’d made the previous evening, that should Tuck happen to be at church this morning, she would invite the young man to come on tomorrow’s outing. The promise wouldn’t exactly further her own pursuit of Colin, at least not at this moment. Nevertheless, a promise was a promise. She suppressed a huff of disappointment and thought of a way to snag the young man’s attention.

  Walking alongside Colin, Mariah came to an abrupt stop. “Oh, la. I’ve a stone in my slipper.” She bent to remove the shoe, surmising that Colin would lean down to assist her. When he did, she whispered into his ear. “Your sister Victoria is quite smitten with Dennis. Ask him to join us tomorrow.”

  “But—” He frowned.

  “Please. We need her allegiance.” Straightening, she spoke in a louder voice. “There, the stone is out. Thank you, kind sir.”

  “You’re most welcome.” Though offered politely, the remark lacked his usual jovial grin. He did, however, give her a meaningful nod as he took her hand and placed it within his arm. “Shall we go greet my friend Tuck?”

  The sun was high in the sky when the landau rolled to a stop at the rear of the Barclays’ home.

  “Hurry, girls.” The mistress shooed her daughters out of the carriage with an impatient wave of her hand. “Go fetch the food and drink from the springhouse. And don’t get yourselves dirty. The Reverend Hopkins and his family will be here shortly.”

  Watching her charges clamber to the ground without waiting for assistance, Mariah frowned, wondering why they were being asked to do servants’ work.

  Mistress Barclay directed her attention to Mariah. “We keep the Sabbath as best we can. Once our house slaves have completed their necessary morning duties, they are free to spend the rest of the day as they wish.”

  “How very gracious of you. If there’s anything I can do to assist with the meal, I’m happy to do so.” It never hurt to act helpful, even if Sunday was supposed to be her free day after service as well. Mariah waited for the older woman to precede her down to Colin’s waiting hand.

  “Thank you, child. But Reverend Hopkins assured me he and his good wife are quite interested in becoming better acquainted with you. I’d appreciate it if you’d entertain them until dinner is served.”

  Mariah halted on the bottom carriage step. Entertain the minister? Her? And be asked all sorts of questions?

  Waiting below for her to step down, Colin took her hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze, then turned to his mother. “And of course there’ll be no mention of the fact we hold Mariah’s indenturement papers.” He spoke with finality.

  “Of course not, dear.” She gave him a small smile, but there was no accompanying sparkle in the woman’s eyes. She took her husband’s arm and started toward the house.

  Not today, anyway. Mariah stared after the haughty woman. She then gave Colin a half smile and mouthed her thanks as her foot reached the gravel drive.

  “It’s been some time since the good reverend and his wife honored us with a visit.” He tucked Mariah’s arm in his. “Let’s wait on the veranda for their arrival.”

  His mother turned back. Her forced smile had vanished.

  Mariah gulped. “Perhaps I should help your mother prepare a tray of cool drinks for our guests, this being such a warm day.”

  To her relief, the woman’s smile returned. “Yes. I would appreciate that.”

  Now her son’s congenial expression faded.

  Mercy me, but this endeavoring to keep everybody happy is proving to be very trying, indeed.

  To Colin’s relief, the Hopkins family took longer than expected to arrive, so Mariah was spared the minister’s inquisition before the meal. And when everyone finally sat down at the table, Colin and his eager sisters made certain the conversation focused on the upcoming race day, rather than on Mariah and how she happened to become part of the household. Still, from the blatant stares he’d caught from thin-as-a-rail and bespectacled Reverend Hopkins and his short, plump wife, Colin could tell the pair were desperate to question her.

  After the meal of cold meats and crisp salad reached its conclusion, Colin, his father, and besieged Mariah accompanied the couple out on the veranda while Victoria and Heather remained inside to help their mother clear the table. Amy wasted no time at all in taking off for the stables with the minister’s daughter, Hannah Grace, and her younger brother, Jamie. Colin knew the man of the cloth would suspend his curiosity no longer…nor would his wife.

  “You were right. It is much cooler out here,” Reverend Hopkins declared. Removing his somber ministerial frock coat, he hooked it over one of the cushioned wicker chairs, then seated his wife and took the empty chair next to her. “You folks have a fine home and plantation.”

  “Thank you.” Father followed his guest’s suit and gestured to Colin, and they both shed their heavy outerwear, then took seats on either side of Mariah. “We rather enjoy our life here.”

  “Miss Harwood.” The thin-faced man swung his attention to her before she’d even settled her skirts about her. “My good wife tells me you hail from Bath, England.”

  “That is correct, sir.”

  “Marvelous. I attended college at Oxford and spent several holidays in your fair city. By the by, which church did you attend?”

  Colin sat back in his chair, surprised how quickly the clergyman moved from small talk to the inquest.

  Mariah appeared relaxed as she met the man’s gaze. “All of my family are members of Vicar Nielson’s congregation. Perhaps you yourself attended St. John’s while visiting Bath.”

  “My, yes. A fine church that is. Handsome building, as well.”

  “Indeed. We’ve a
lways enjoyed it.” She hiked her chin a notch, adding to her air of dignity.

  Mistress Hopkins pursed her full lips, plumping out the apple-dumpling cheeks beneath her salt-and-pepper upsweep. “How is it that you happened to take leave of such a popular resort to travel across the water for a position as tutoress?”

  Leaning forward, Colin answered the nosy woman. “Miss Harwood came here to be close to family.”

  “You don’t say.” Nudging his spectacles a bit higher on his nose, the minister cut her a shrewd glance, then slid it to Colin. “What family might that be? Perhaps I’m acquainted with them, since I shepherd three separate flocks in the area.”

  “Her older sister is with an associate of the Virginia and Ohio Fur Company. I’ll be inquiring after them on the morrow, when I conduct some business in town.”

  The minister’s wife arched a skeptical brow. “With an associate, you say.”

  Colin was swiftly growing irritated with the presumptive biddy and fought to keep his tone even. “As Miss Harwood is in our employ, her sister is also respectably employed.”

  “But of course,” the woman demurred. “There is no shame in honest labor.”

  No shame, but no honor either. Colin noted the woman’s satisfied smirk. How dare she come here seeking fodder for Alexandria’s gossip mill, when all one had to do was take one look at Mariah to realize she was a gentlewoman caught in an embarrassing but temporary circumstance.

  His father finally entered the fray. “Miss Harwood comes to us as a highly qualified tutoress as well as a gifted musician. We are most fortunate to have her in our household, and our daughters have already benefited from her accomplishments.” He turned to her. “Perhaps later we might impose upon you to entertain us on the harpsichord with a musical rendition or two.”

  She gave him a grateful smile.

  “I’m sure that would be most enjoyable.” The minister peered across the table again at Mariah. “Still, as tutoress, I would hope you are including spiritual matters in the Barclay girls’ education, as well, child.”