Feckless seemed to understand, twisting his head around to nuzzle his master.
The distant sound of horse’s hooves disturbed the silence.
Luke lifted his head and dropped the curry brush. The last thing he needed was a visitor. He pulled a rag from the plank stall and wiped his face, then squared his shoulders. By the time he’d exited the barn, he could see the rider cresting the hill, coming from town.
There was something odd about the rider. He didn’t sit like a man should, and as the rider reached the far end of the fenced pasture, he could tell why.
It wasn’t a man, but a woman riding sidesaddle.
Molly.
She leaped from the saddle before the horse had fully stopped, and walked the remaining distance to him, tugging her horse by the reins. What was Molly doing out here? She was supposed to be a hundred miles away by now.
Her lovely face was unreadable. They stared into each other’s eyes for an unbearable time. He was too stunned to think of anything to say.
She stepped forward until they were inches apart and reached up with her hand to touch his split lip. “Luke, I’m sorry.”
That was his undoing. “It wasn’t your fault, Molly. I understand your father’s anger. I’d probably have done the same thing in his position.”
“No, I’m not apologizing for my father. There is no excuse for him. I’m sorry I ran off, Luke. I was just…shocked, I suppose. I didn’t want to face Daddy or the people. Or you.” Her hand moved from his face, trailing all the way down his arm to his hand and slipped hers in his.
He wrapped his fingers around hers. “Molly, I didn’t know about your mother. I swear I didn’t. Since you told me you’d refugeed south before Sherman’s army came, I thought she’d naturally have gone with you.”
“Mama had planned to go with me, but at the last moment, she changed her mind. You’d have to have known my mother to understand her thinking, but she considered the slaves to be servants working the land, and she felt responsible for them. When she took me to the train depot, she told me she couldn’t go off and leave ‘our people’ as she called them.”
The first hint of a smile touched her mouth. “And she wanted to have the piano moved to one of the slave cabins because she’d heard the Yankees didn’t burn them.”
Molly dropped her gaze and a quiver came into her voice. “Daddy was called home and he refused to let me leave Macon until after the funeral. It wasn’t until Mammy was preparing to move away that she told me what happened. She said they had just gotten the piano moved when the Union soldiers arrived, and they smelled the smoke from the cotton fields. Most of the cotton had already been harvested so it didn’t make much of a fire.
“I’m sure Mama thought she had plenty of time.” She lifted watery eyes, and his heart ached for her. “Mammy said she ordered them to guard the piano while she went back in the house to get something that her grandmother had given her. Mammy couldn’t remember what. They didn’t know what was happening until they saw the house aflame. She said the soldiers wouldn’t let them go inside to find Mama, and the heat was so great, they couldn’t have anyway.”
“I was way back at the falls before I realized the house was afire. I didn’t know there was a woman—or anyone—in that house, please believe me, Molly. If I had, I’d have gone in there myself, regardless of what the sergeant said.” Despite his efforts to keep his voice under control, it croaked like a pond frog.
She reached a hand around his neck. “I know what kind of man you are, Luke. You’re the man I love, and I hope you’ll still marry me.”
His arms found their way around her and their lips met. He ignored the pain to his injured mouth. It was the most delicious pain he’d ever known. But she seemed to become aware of his bruise and pulled away.
“When, Molly. I’ll agree to whatever you wish just so long as you’ll become my wife.” He waved his hand in a semi-circle. “You can see the farm. It’s not big. I don’t have much to give, but—”
“It’s a beautiful farm, and I don’t need anything but you. Could we get married in the morning, early, before the festivities begin? Just us and Rev. Lawrence and his wife.”
His heart tried to jump from his chest. He was getting married in the morning to the sweetest, most beautiful woman in the world. Thank you, Lord. “That sounds good to me, but what about your father?”
“He knows I love you and I think he’ll come around in time. We’ll pray he does, but I’m not responsible for my father.”
He took her face tenderly in his hands. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, Molly, you know that?”
“Not any happier than you have made me. I’d better get on back to Ella’s or they’ll send out a posse looking for me.” She turned and reached for the reins of the faithful horse. “There is one favor I’d like to ask.”
“Anything.” He lifted her into the saddle.
“Would you get some of the men to move the piano to the town picnic area? I promised I’d play for them—the townspeople, and I feel I owe them.”
“We both owe them. I promise to do that.” He’d rather bring his bride home after their vows were said, but the afternoon belonged to the town.
Chapter 20
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! – Psalm 32:11
Molly wore the same blue dress to her wedding as she’d worn stepping off the train when she’d arrived in Pelican Rapids almost a month ago. She’d expected to find her true love here and, praise God, she had.
Ella accompanied her to the church, and if she were disappointed it wouldn’t be the big wedding she and her former brides had planned, she didn’t show it.
Luke’s wagon with Reckless—or was it Feckless—harnessed already, stood in the yard.
When they entered the church, Molly noticed Luke and Rev. Lawrence at the front in almost the same position they’d been standing when she ran out of the building yesterday.
Someone else sat in a back pew in the shadows, and the back of his head looked very familiar. “Daddy.”
All three men looked at her, and Daddy got to his feet to move into the aisle. “Molly, if you’ll allow me, I’d like the honor of giving you away.”
Molly looked toward Luke, then to Ella, then back to Daddy. She hugged him, not knowing why he’d had a change of heart.
Not knowing what to think, she stood searching his face for an answer until he coughed. “If you’ll forgive me for yesterday.”
She hugged him and kissed his cheek. “Of course I do, and I’d love for you to give me away. You have made me very happy, Daddy. You just surprised me, is all.”
“Well,” Ella said, “just wait right here and I’ll get Grace and her violin.”
Daddy actually smiled. “Molly, you deserve an explanation, but let’s not waste this day on me. It belongs to you. Just know that I had a long talk with the preacher and understand the situation a lot better now. I was wrong about Luke Ferrell, and I’m satisfied he’s an honorable man who cares for you.”
“Luke and I will be celebrating the Fourth with the rest of the town today. Won’t you join us?”
“No, my dear, I think not. I’d best catch the train.”
The first notes of Grace’s violin sounded, and Daddy offered her the crook of his arm. Then all of Molly’s attention turned to the man waiting for her. The smile on his handsome face drew her like iron to a magnet.
“Take care of her,” Daddy said as he laid her hand in Luke’s.
“I will, sir.”
She caught the look between the two men. Luke must have been in on the talk between Daddy and the preacher. She’d find out the details later. For now, they had made peace, and that was all that mattered.
Molly and Luke repeated the vows that united them as man and wife, and after their kiss, she looked around for Daddy. But he was gone.
She and Luke exited the church as husband and wife and climbed into Ella’s carriage that would
take them to the festival.
In eighteen-seventy, the Congress of the United States had made July Fourth a federal holiday, and Pelican Rapids was one of many small towns taking advantage of the event.
Main street was lined with booths hawking their wares in honor of the Independence Day Festival, and Luke bought Molly a red, white, and blue ribbon for her hair. They had dropped Ella off at the Ladies’ Quilting booth where the ladies of Pelican Rapids were selling quilts and other home-crafted items to provide for the needy. Molly promised herself to have items to donate next year, or maybe even by the Harvest Festival this year.
There were few things to celebrate after the war in the south, so these activities excited Molly as much as the children who ran from one thing to the other, making it hard for their mothers to keep up with them.
Activities abounded for everyone. Puppet shows and games for the children like the penny toss and hoop races. Horse shoes, horse races, and weight lifting contests for the men. Three-legged races, tug-of-war contests, and guess-how-many-gumdrops-in-the-jar for the whole family.
Luke and Molly strolled, arm-in-arm, toward the picnic ground where a huge big-top tent shaded a ring of horses. “Would you like to play the cavalry game?” he asked.
“What’s that?” The image before her reminded Molly of pictures she’d seen of carousels in England or France. She couldn’t remember which. Except those were circles of wooden horses, and these were real—six of them—whose leads were held by a man in the center.
“Diego Alvarez, who owns a ranch about twenty miles out from town, set up the game to collect funds for a library. Mr. Alvarez is a Spanish immigrant. He says cavalry is something they used to play in his home country.”
“Are you sure ladies can play?” One of the boys waiting to mount the horses was a little fellow. The game had to be tamer than its name implied.
“Yes, see. The gray horse has a sidesaddle. The object is to gallop around in the circle and try to grab the ring attached to the pole held by that man who teases the riders by dangling it in front of them as they approach, then snatching it away as they get within reach. The prize is the ring.”
She held out the lovely gold and turquoise ring he’d put on her ring finger just a couple of hours ago. “Why would I, when I have this? And you come with it.” She hugged his side.
He took her hand and kissed the ring. She longed for him to kiss her properly, but that wasn’t done in this public place. “I wish we could ride, and Pelican Rapids needs a library, but people are already spreading out their blankets for the picnic, and I promised to play for them. I hope the piano was brought in.”
“It was. I helped the piano posse last night.”
“The what?”
“That’s what Sheriff Kouch called the men who helped move the piano. He’s never had to call up a real posse, so it was a joke.”
She laughed. “Let’s hope that’s the only type of posse he has to call up.”
“Molly. Luke.” The shout sounded over the noise of the hundreds of people speaking at once.
Molly searched the crowds that had grown the closer to the river they got. That was Mandy’s voice, but where was she?
“Over here.”
Luke pointed toward the dais set up for the speakers. “There.” He slid an arm around her waist to lead her through the crowd until they reached Mandy.
Molly hugged her friend and noticed the tall man with brown curly hair and trim goatee standing behind her.
Mandy followed her gaze and grabbed the man’s hand. “Molly, Luke, this is Thomas Bingham, my fiancé.”
The men shook hands and Molly nodded. “So happy to finally meet you. I’ve heard much about you, Dr. Bingham.”
“And I, you, Mrs. Ferrell. Mandy tells me congratulations are in order.”
“Mama told me you and Luke got married this morning, and I’m over-the-moon with excitement for you. I prayed all night things would work out.”
“What about you two?” Luke asked.
“I took your advice, Molly. When Thomas came in, we sat down with Mama and Papa and invited them to our wedding in August. In New York. Of course Mama whined, but Thomas won her over.” Mandy hugged him to her. “He can win anyone over.”
“Congratulations to the both of you. Molly and I will try to get there for the wedding.”
“Oh, you must. Molly must be my matron of honor. My sisters will be my bridesmaids.”
“So your mother agreed to attend the wedding?”
“She did. She’s even talking about going back with us to help plan the ceremony. I do hope she and my grandparents get along.”
“I’m glad you got your parents blessings, Mandy. Daddy walked me down the aisle, though he disappeared before the end of the service.” She sent a sidelong glance to Luke to see his reaction.
“You were right about your father, sweetheart. He’ll come around in time, and when we invite him back for next year’s celebration, I think he’ll accept.”
“Thomas is going to watch the shooting contest, Luke,” Mandy said. “Do you want to go with him?”
“No, I’ll stay by Molly’s side. I have to turn the pages to her music as she plays and it’s about time for her to start.”
Molly grinned. There was no real need for anyone to turn the pages as most of the music she’d play she knew by heart. But she wouldn’t tell Luke that.
They said their good-byes to Mandy and Dr. Bingham and made their way to the dais. The men had set her piano on the wooden structure, and after the concert it would be moved, hopefully returned to their home today. Then the stage would be given over to the local and state politicians who’d give their speeches before the bonfire and fireworks. She and Luke planned to slip away before then.
Families had grouped on the lawn, finding what shade they could. The heat of the day had every lady fanning their colorful fans, and the gentlemen loosening their collars.
Without fanfare, Molly took her place at the piano and tenderly touched the keys. It was like greeting an old friend. Yes, she’d played Ella’s smaller piano, but it wasn’t the same. Luke stood by her side, smiling his encouragement. He was the only thing that had been missing in her life. Now her happiness was complete and it showed in her music.
She played a litany of classics, ending with Santa Maria. Ella, along with her brides, Lottie, Rebecca, and Marni, rushed forward under the cover of the applause. “That was simply beautiful, dear. It had me weeping, I do declare,” Ella said.
“You two haven’t eaten, have you?” Lottie asked. “We could bring you plates from our basket.”
Her stomach was so full of emotion, she couldn’t eat a thing, but she looked at Luke. He might be hungry, but he shook his head. “We got some popcorn and a jar of lemonade earlier. That filled us up.”
“I’m afraid the wedding supper we laid out at your house last night is spoiled, but fortunately, there will be plenty left here, and you’re welcome to eat with all of us,” Rebecca said.
How thoughtful these new friends were. “Thank you. Yes, I think we’ll wait to sample the picnic fare. Besides, I want to play some patriotic songs for the crowd, plus I have written a verse for my new home.” She laughed. “I can’t write music, you understand, but my ditty will follow the Foster song, Way Down Upon the Swanee River and use the same tune. When you hear it, I want you all to know you are the ones who inspired it.”
As the crowd finished their meal, they began to crouch in closer. When Luke turned the page to Camp Town Ladies, Molly said, “I’m going into a lot of the tunes everyone knows. Ask everybody to join me in singing.”
Luke held up his hands and made the announcement. The music began with the people singing and even dancing to the livelier ones. Then she played the slower ballads and civil war songs, both North and South.
Her fingers were beginning to tire, and she deemed it time to play her finale. The haunting strains of her favorite Stephen Foster song filled the soft, summer air. Then after the final verse,
she played a chord and added her version.
Way up upon the Pelican River. This is now my song.
This is where I’ll stay forever. This is where I belong.
All the world is God’s creation. No longer need I roam
Way up upon the Pelican River. My love and I will make our home.
After the thunderous applause died down, everyone came forward with their fulsome compliments and to congratulate Molly and Luke on their wedding.
Molly glanced at her husband and saw tears in his eyes. He was proud of her. Suddenly overcome with emotion, she felt her own tears flowing down her cheeks and hid her face in her hands. But only for a moment. She slid off the piano bench and into Luke’s arms. Regardless of who watched, they kissed. To more loud applause.
Ella insisted they take the time to eat a bite before leaving. “Better take her up on the invite folks,” Sheriff Kouch said. “It’ll take the piano posse at least an hour to get the piano back to its home.”
They all laughed and the newly married couple followed Ella to her picnic site. Not a long distance, and Molly finally felt she could eat. Luke also had found his appetite, which was a blessing since this was one night she didn’t want to have to cook in a strange kitchen.
“Are you ready to go home, Mrs. Ferrell, or do you want to listen to the mayor tell us why we should reelect him next election.”
“At the risk of insulting the mayor, I’d rather go home.” How good that sounded to her ears.
He hooked her by the arm and they strode to the wagon where the impatient Reckless pawed the ground and shook his head. Luke circled her waist with his strong hands and lifted her into the seat. When he’d climbed into the driver’s side, she patted his knee. “Minnie says after a couple is married, the husband forgets the little courtesies. I could have managed to get in the wagon by myself.”
“Really. Well, you tell Minnie she’s wrong, sweetheart. In fact, your feet may never hit the ground again.”
She laughed as he got Reckless underway. “Let’s make ole Reckless trot. I can’t wait to see the inside of my beautiful new home.”
Molly's New Song (Brides 0f Pelican Rapids Book 5) Page 11