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

by Crawford, Dianna; Laity, Sally

  But as she mounted the steps to the manse, beguiling thoughts of Colin—handsome, charming Colin—slowed her down. Could she truly settle for Geoffrey Scott after him?

  Mariah paused on the top step and gazed longingly down the lane. The trees were barren now, like her dreams, and reached uselessly up at the uncertain sky as if pleading for warmth. Surely Colin would return within the month, and remote as it seemed at this moment, he might still intend to marry her. But in case he’d changed his mind, she needed to have another plan in place, because she certainly would not remain in that house if he cast her aside like an old horse blanket.

  Just then her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t awakened early enough to join the family at breakfast. She headed for the dining room, where the warm glow from wall sconces helped chase away the dreariness of the day.

  Eloise and Lizzie looked up on her approach as they began removing trays of food from the sideboard.

  Mariah held up a hand. “Just a moment, please. Let me fill a plate before you take everything away.”

  “Sho’ ‘nough, missy.” The older slave handed her a clean plate. “Ah reckoned y’all already ate.”

  “I’m sorry, no. I’ve been out bidding the Barclays farewell. By the by, since it’ll just be me here this week, I’ll take my meals in the kitchen with you all. No sense going to extra fuss for one person. That is, if you don’t mind.”

  Eloise smiled her apple-dumpling smile, white teeth bright against her dark brown skin. “Ah be hopin’ you say dat. Dat ways we all can get us a li’l holiday.”

  Mariah returned her smile and gave sweet Lizzie a nod. “Yes, a Valentine’s Day present for us while the family’s away.”

  Sitting down at the table with her plate of food, Mariah realized she’d included herself with the slaves. Not a good way to be thinking if she wanted to better herself. But as she watched Eloise carry out a heavily laden tray, she couldn’t help but sympathize with the older woman. She knew firsthand how hard slaves worked, ever since she’d been forced to help out for a day.

  A couple of hours later, Mariah put a warm shawl around her shoulders and made her way to the stables, having found a scripture verse and put it to memory. She hoped to launch a spirited—and hopefully prolonged—discussion with Mr. Scott. Small puffs of her breath crystallized in the damp air, and she knew the chilly temperature would add a touch of color to her cheeks. She opened the door and stepped inside.

  The sound of tapping drifted from the lamplit tack room, where she found the trainer working alone, hammering a metal brad into a halter.

  “Good morning,” she called out cheerily, appreciating the warmth coming from a round black stove.

  Startled, he turned. “Oh, it’s you, miss. I thought you would’ve left with the family.”

  She shook her head. “No. I no longer feel comfortable accompanying them to social events.”

  His sympathetic nod indicated that he understood. “Did you want me to saddle a horse for you?”

  “No, thank you.” She made an effort to convey a touch of sadness in her smile. “It’s just a treat to be able to take a walk whenever I choose to. Normally my hours are all planned out for me ahead of time.”

  “I thought you enjoyed your work.” Averting his gaze, he picked up the small hammer again. “I’ve noticed quite a nice change in the girls. Heather, especially, has blossomed since you’ve been here.”

  “Hasn’t she, though?” Mariah moved a few steps closer. “That little dear has a true gift for music, and it’s helping her to overcome her shyness. However, I do wish tutoring the girls had been my choice and not a duty pressed on me because of that awful bond.”

  He glanced up at her, his expression serious, and spoke quietly. “Have a seat.” He indicated a nearby stool as he pulled another out from under the workbench for himself. The lamplight cast a golden glow over his coppery hair with his movements.

  An invitation to sit down…a definite bit of progress.

  “A scripture comes to mind that you might find helpful.” He reached for a worn black book lying on the end of the workbench.

  Mariah squelched a sigh and the impulse to roll her eyes. If the worst came to pass, could she really put up with a man who preached at her day after day? Watching him leaf through the pages, she recalled that both Papa and Rose had often quoted scripture, yet she hadn’t loved them any less for it. She propped up a smile and tried to appear interested.

  “Ah yes, here it is.” He glanced up at her then returned his attention to the passage before him. “In the sixth chapter of Ephesians. ‘Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.’ And let me see…” He tilted the Bible closer to the light. “Yes, here it is. ‘Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.’ So you see, in the end, being bond or free matters very little. Most people have to labor at something all their lives, be they master, servant, or slave. We simply must set our hearts and minds on pleasing the Lord, since He gives us so many blessings.”

  Mariah focused on his compelling green eyes. “Now that I see things through that perspective, I feel so much better.” Surely that response would please the man. For goodness’ sake, all one had to do was look at the ragged field slaves living here to see that nothing they had could possibly begin to compare with the Barclays’ wealth. She needed to take control of the conversation. “Speaking of scriptures, I have—”

  Mr. Scott got up rather rudely and crossed to the door, opening it to a rush of cold air. “A roan?” He shook his head. “His father will not be pleased with that one.”

  His father?

  Mariah sprang to her feet and flew to the doorway.

  A horse and rider trotted toward them on the lane.

  The rider snatched off his three-cornered hat and waved it back and forth.

  Colin! He’d come back at last! But remembering how she’d been humiliated while he’d been away, and considering that he’d never bothered to write, Mariah doubted he would still want to marry her.

  Then another sudden realization caused all the breath to leave her lungs and make her knees go weak. The two of them would be in the house together.

  Alone.

  For a whole week.

  “Mariah!” Colin knew she probably couldn’t hear him over the distance separating them, but he waved his hat in a wide arc and heeled Russet Knight into a gallop. No woman he’d seen in all his travels had remotely sparked his interest, not when he had the most beautiful one in the world waiting for him.

  Nearing the stables, he noticed that her welcoming smile wilted, then disappeared as her lips parted and she took some backward steps.

  Her reaction baffled Colin. Throughout his absence, all he’d dreamed of was leaping off his horse, taking Mariah into his arms, and kissing her—her face, her eyes, her mouth. Why did she appear stunned? He reined in directly in front of her and Geoffrey Scott and dismounted.

  The trainer moved close to the animal. “I assume you know your father’s not going to be happy that you brought back a roan.” He ran his hands down the stallion’s foreleg.

  “He’ll change his mind when he sees Russet Knight run. The horse will sire some great champions.” Colin’s eyes gravitated to Mariah. Why was she standing so far away? They were betrothed, were they not?

  Geoffrey continued to study the animal, then gave an assenting nod. “He does have fine lines; I’ll say that.”

  Would the man never stop talking about the blasted horse? Reluctantly, Colin shifted his attention back to the trainer. “He’ll look even better once he’s had a few days’ exercise. He’s just spent the last seven weeks aboard ship.” He looked again at Mariah, who stood frozen in place, then at Scott, and his suspicions came to the fore. The two of them had just been together�
�unchaparoned—for how long? “How’ve you been, my love?”

  Her attempt at a smile fell flat. “Fine. And I assume you met with success in your venture. We didn’t expect you to return for several more weeks.” She flicked a glance toward the mansion.

  “I was successful, yes, and in as short a time as possible. I bypassed the trip to Boston.” He paused, eyeing Mariah. “Isn’t it a rather odd time of day to be visiting the stables?”

  Geoffrey Scott stood and straightened his posture. “I assure you, Colin, nothing is amiss here. Miss Harwood merely came here to ask me a theological question.” He turned his attention to her. “You hardly had time enough to voice it. But never mind. You can ask me another time. Colin’s back.” With what appeared to be a genuine grin, he slapped Colin on the shoulder blades. “Glad to have you home again.”

  Somewhat relieved to have the matter concerning Mariah and the trainer cleared up, Colin cut a glance to her, still puzzled that she seemed so standoffish. He’d find out why once they had some privacy. Offering his elbow, he tucked her arm in his. “Geoff, would you mind seeing to the horse?”

  “Of course. It’ll give Red and me a chance to get acquainted.”

  Leading Mariah away from the stable, Colin started up the pathway toward the house. Strange that the rest of the family hadn’t noticed his return. He guided her toward the gazebo so they could speak privately before going inside. He needed some answers.

  “Why are we going to the gazebo, Colin?” Mariah felt fully aware of his suspicions about her and Mr. Scott, and since they were entirely correct, she wondered what she could say in her defense. There were no slaves out working in the dreary weather, but she didn’t want to take a chance on one of them overhearing the conversation and bandying it hither and yon. She pulled her shawl closer. “ ’Tis quite cold out here. Shouldn’t we—”

  He continued walking. “I want a moment alone with you before we go inside.”

  She huffed out a vapory breath. She might as well tell him, he’d find out in a few minutes anyway. “Your family is not at home. They left this morning for a wedding at the Spencers’. Your cousin Susan is getting married.”

  “You don’t say.” His dark eyes gravitated to the house as a slow smile spread from ear to ear. He changed direction so quickly, Mariah nearly lost her balance.

  “ ’Tis true. And I can see your reaction to the situation is far different from mine. What will people say when they learn we’ve spent the week by ourselves in the house, with none of your family around?”

  “Is that why you haven’t given me a proper greeting?” His steps never slowed.

  “Colin. You’re not taking this seriously.”

  He cut her a half smile. “You are so wrong, my dear Mariah. I can’t imagine a more perfect homecoming. Do stop balking, or I won’t tell you about my visit with your family.”

  He had actually gone to Bath, just as he’d promised! He must still want to marry her! Exuberant beyond words, she pulled free. “Race you to the house!” Hiking her skirts, she sprinted away.

  With a burst of laughter, he started after her. He reached her just as she got to the porch steps and caught her around the waist, twirling her around.

  Mariah squealed with delight and threw her arms around him as he scooped her up into his arms and bounded up the steps. Once inside, he lowered her to the tiled floor, all humor gone from his eyes.

  His ardent gaze drew her to him, and he captured her lips in a breathtakingly sweet kiss she never wanted to end. Her heart sang. Colin had come back to her, and he really and truly was hers.

  “Ahem.” A heartbeat of silence. “Ahem!”

  Mariah dragged her lips from Colin’s, and they both turned to see Eloise glaring at them, her fists planted on her wide hips.

  “Why, Mammy Eloise,” Colin gushed. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” He tucked Mariah close to his side and tugged her along as he went to wrap his other arm around the slave’s generous girth. He gave her a peck on the cheek. “I missed you and your delicious meals so much. By any chance, have you got a little somethin’ to tide me over until mealtime?”

  Not cracking a smile, she arched her scant brows. “I does iff ‘n you unwraps yo’self from dat chil’.”

  Colin laughed and stepped a small pace away from Mariah. “I was just showin’ her how much I missed her—missed all of you.”

  Staring hard at him, Eloise smirked. “Well, now dat we got da happy homecomin’ outta da way, keep yo hands to yo’self.”

  He held up the guilty culprits without erasing his grin. “Now can I have somethin’ to eat?”

  “Go set yo’self down in da dinin’ room. Ah’ll bring y’all out somethin’ directly.”

  The cook’s interruption had brought both disappointment and relief to Mariah. She’d truly enjoyed being so thoroughly kissed. Her lips still tingled, wanting more. “May I have a cup of tea, as well?” she called after the slave.

  Colin seated Mariah near the head of the table and bent to tickle her neck with the brush of his lips, sending yet another delicious chill through her. Then he sighed and took his father’s chair. He took her hand and raised it to his mouth, kissing her palm.

  Her heart drummed a staccato beat. It was so good to have her Colin back. She leaned closer to him.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” he murmured, his gaze holding hers. “You were all I thought about all the time I was away.”

  “And I you,” she managed to whisper. “I was so worried you’d find someone more appealing.”

  “That’s not possible.” He cupped her face in his hand. “You are everything I—”

  “Masta Colin! I said keep yo’ hands to yo’self.” Eloise paused in the doorway.

  Chuckling, he straightened. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Mariah giggled behind her hand and turned to the cook as the woman neared the table. “From now on, we promise to be good.”

  “I don’t know, Mammy.” Colin wagged his head soberly. “That’s gonna be a hard promise to keep.”

  The cook slammed a tray down between them, rattling the dishes. “Jes’ don’t yo forget who be da mammy aroun’ here.” She placed the food pointedly before him, then set out a cup for each of them. She stared him squarely in the eye. “Ah will be back…with da tea.”

  As the slave stormed out with a huff, Colin tilted his head at Mariah. “You’ll have to excuse her. She’s been motherin’ me for as long as I can remember.”

  “You don’t need to explain. I personally know what a fine woman she is. Why, if it hadn’t been for her, I don’t know how I would have—” Realizing she’d said too much already, Mariah clamped her lips together.

  His grin disappeared. “What do you mean?”

  Inhaling a shuddering breath, she released it in a whoosh of air. “I hadn’t planned to go into that just yet. We were having such a lovely time. But I suppose you’ll find out soon enough.”

  He leaned back in his chair with a frown while Mariah spoke in a rush.

  “The house slaves came down with the measles the day of the phaeton races, so I was pressed into service. I had to help Eloise prepare and serve food and refreshments to the guests throughout that day. Thank goodness your friend Tuck sent two of their slaves over to relieve me the next morning.”

  Colin’s expression turned granite hard. “Mother was responsible for this. She deliberately humiliated you.”

  Reaching for his fisted hand, Mariah smoothed her palm over it. “What’s done is done, dearest. My question for you is, since all your neighbors and business associates saw me in that shameful position, is it possible you would still want to marry me?”

  A muscle worked in his jaw as he gazed steadily at her. “So that’s why you didn’t accompany the family to Baltimore. Mother saw to it that you were no longer considered fit for gentle society.”

  He now fully understood the extent of the damage his devious mother had done. Mariah held her breath.

  He reached over and caressed her cheek wit
h the backs of his fingers as his demeanor softened, then took a brighter turn. “Perhaps Mother did me a favor without knowing it. She single-handedly kept all my competition away while I was gone.”

  Mariah relaxed and leaned into his comforting touch. “You were gone such a long time. But if you missed me so much, why did you not write to me?”

  “Write!” He hiked a brow. “You knew where I was going and what I was doing. There was nothing to report until I went to see your father. And by that time, I knew I’d beat any post home.”

  “Papa! You did go to see him!” Mariah swept up from her seat and planted a kiss on his cheek.

  Colin caught her to him with an eager laugh.

  Mariah realized her mistake. Eloise would return with the tea at any second. She eased away and retook her seat.

  It took several seconds for him to glance from her to the chicken and dumplings on his plate. Finally he picked up his fork and took a sample.

  “How did Papa look?”

  Swallowing his mouthful, he nodded. “Fine. He sends his love to you and your sisters. I found him most welcoming and liked him at once. That younger brother of yours, though, is a corker. He’d make a good match for our little Amy. He managed to wheedle a pony out of me.”

  “Surely not!”

  “It’s quite true.” Colin chuckled. “I almost felt like I was home again. And the little beast did make a fine Christmas gift for him.

  “A gift for the rascal, and not even a Christmas greeting to me?”

  Colin’s humor died. “I’m so sorry. That was terribly thoughtless of me.” A guilty smile curved his lips, and he changed the subject. “By the way, I was able to persuade your father to seek a barrister’s assistance regarding that financial problem. Both he and your father were hesitant to take an influential aristocrat to court, but I convinced them it was quite proper to do so.”