Doves Migration (26 page)

Sitting amongst the guests in attendance for the wedding of Rupert
Robbins and Annabelle Bailey-Smythe were Joshua and Elise Carmidy.
Newlyweds themselves and guests of Anne and Edward Spencer, they were
seated in the front pew where family normally sat. Anne Spencer, a cousin
of Felicity, smiled at Elise.

“Pity our dear Felicity couldn’t make the journey. I know she would
have loved being here today, loving both Rupert and Annabelle so.”
Not certain how she should respond, Elise nodded politely while
tucking her hand in Joshua’s hand. Not recalling Felicity ever mentioning
family members other than her beloved late aunt, or the close relationship
she had with Lavinia’s sister, Annabelle, Elise was more mystified than
ever before. From the day the two of them had docked in Plymouth,
England, Elise and Joshua were made to feel welcomed by the Spencer’s as
well as Felicity’s cousin Rupert and Annabelle, who greeted their ship.
On the trip from Plymouth to the serene countryside of Devonshire,
Felicity’s friends and family listened intently to how she and Benjamin
were getting on, yet oddly enough no one inquired about Lavinia or James.
Only in private did Rupert ask about his future sister-in-law. Being polite,
Elise had replied respectfully, “Mrs. Sterling is a beautiful woman who has
become extremely close with my stepfather’s parents, the Honeycutt’s.”
Right after she had made the comment, she instinctively knew Rupert
understood her not willing to say more on the subject by replying with
equal restraint, “Right. The Honeycutt’s, you know were dear friends of my
late father and Felicity’s dear Aunt Gwendolyn. As it was, many years ago,
I traveled to New York with Father and stayed at their home, as well. How
are they?”
Judging from the look on his face, and how Rupert had chosen not to
question her further regarding Lavinia, Elise responded politely, “The
Honeycutt’s are quite well, thank you. When we return to America, I will
be sure to extend your well wishes to them.”
It was apparent to both Joshua and Elise their hosts were keeping their
distances although they exhibited exemplary kindness and generosity to
them. Joshua observed it must be the differences between their cultures,
while Elise believed it stemmed from Lavinia.
Never did Elise let on that she knew the sordid past of the Myles’, nor
that Lavinia had once been wed to Benjamin. Instead Elise accepted their
warm hospitality and respected their privacy. Although today, attending
Annabelle’s wedding, she found it particularly odd that not only was
Lavinia absent, but that no one spoke of her absence. It was as if Lavinia
didn’t exist.
Following the wedding, a beautiful garden party was scheduled at
Ashwillow. One of the guests in attendance was a Frenchmen, whom Elise
discovered had once been an artist prior to a tragic accident which had left
him partially paralyzed on his right side. As Elise discreetly observed the
man, she was reminded of Thomas by the same haunting troubled look in
his eyes. Much to her surprise, Francois joined her and Joshua.
“Ah, so Anne tells me you are friends with our Felicity, Madame
Carmidy?” Francois asked.
Smiling politely, Elise nodded. “Yes. As children, her family would
visit my dearest friends, the Browns. Recently we were all reacquainted in
New York.”
“Oui, I trust Reverend Myles and Felicity are well?”
“Quite well, Mr. Racine.”
“And are you also familiar with Mr. and Mrs. Sterling?” he asked, his
eyes twinkling.
Apprehensively, Elise said, “Yes, I know of them.”
“Ah, from the curtness in your response am I to assume you are not as
fond of them as you are the Myles’?” By the look on his face, Elise
realized this man enjoyed taunting people.
Amused that he understood she would be flustered by his boldness,
Elise raised her eyebrow and responded coyly, “Why Mr. Racine, I had no
idea I was in the company of such a diversified gentleman who possessed
the abilities of deciphering a complete stranger’s speech patterns.”
Hearing his wife’s comment, Joshua chuckled under his breath while
sipping his champagne, camouflaging it with a cough. Glancing at him
with a devilish grin and a twinkle in her eyes, Elise asked, “Darling, are
you alright?”
“Quite. I was just enjoying our hosts’ hospitality and this fine nectar of
the grapes. After years of tasting gunpowder, what a delightful change to
experience a rounded full-bodied drink on my palate without the hint of
bitterness. Perhaps you should sample some of your champagne, dear,”
Joshua answered, while placing his arm around her waist and squeezing it
slightly as if to let her know he did not approve of her quick tongue.
The couple’s interaction with one another did not go unnoticed by
Francois who smiled at Joshua. “Monsieur Carmidy, it would appear you
are quite a connoisseur. Not only in fine wines, but in your choice of
women, choosing one equally resourceful to her beauty.”
“Indeed I am, Mr. Racine. But please call me Joshua.”
“Only if you will honor me by addressing me as Francois.” He bowed
politely then turning his attention back to Elise, he asked, “And I do hope
you too shall honor me the same, Madame Carmidy.”
Nodding her response, Elise took a sip of her champagne, glanced at
the newlyweds, and commented, “My, Mrs. Robbins glows of happiness.
Wouldn’t you agree Francois?” Much to her surprise, the twinkle in
Francois’ eyes dimmed as he glanced at her.
“Oui, Annabelle always has though, in my eyes, Madame.” Then as if
he were aware of Elise’s watchful eye, he added hastily, “She may not be
the striking beauty of her sister, but there’s much to be said for a woman of
such tenderness.”
“Oh please call me Elise, otherwise it hardly seems fair since I’ve
already addressed you by your Christian name. As for Mrs. Robbins,
although I’ve only known her for a short while, I would agree that she is
indeed a tender and loving woman. No wonder she and Felicity were such
good friends. In many ways they are very similar, wouldn’t you agree?”
she asked smiling, watching his reaction intently, mindful that Joshua was
still holding her snugly.
“Again we agree, Elise. Yet am I mistaken or did you once again avoid
commenting on Mrs. Sterling?” Francois said coyly, openly toying with
her, which infuriated Elise.
Luckily though, they were joined by Elspeth Haversham who jokingly
said, “Oh Francois, you naughty man, are you badgering Elise over Lavinia
and James?”
“Badgering?” he asked, seemingly enjoying playing the part of the
victim, while continuing playfully. “Why Elspeth, you know me better than
that. Although I have been known to be perhaps persuasive from time to
time, never would I be so vulgar as to badger information from a worthy
opponent.”
Elise, hearing him refer to her as a worthy opponent, smiled over the
rim of her glass while sipping more of her champagne.
“Now be truthful dearest Elspeth, you are equally curious to know how
James and Lavinia are getting on in New York, but are far too timid in
asking. While I, on the other hand . . .”
Unexpectedly, Anne approaching from behind Francois, finished his
sentence for him. “I should think ‘scandalous’ would be appropriate
Francois. That topic of conversation is hardly appropriate, Francois, and
you of all people should know that. Have you no compassion for
Annabelle, after everything she has done for you? Now I absolutely forbid
you from badgering Mr. and Mrs. Carmidy further regarding that woman.
Understood?”
From Anne’s tone--although her voice remained just above a whisper-it was clear that she had a great influence on Francois and Elspeth.
Apologetically, Elspeth said, “Of course you’re right, dear Anne. How
foolish of me to even encourage Francois.”
The tension was so thick that Elise nervously glanced at Joshua who
winked back at her before saying, “Are Mr. and Mrs. Robbins intending to
go on a honeymoon trip as my bride and I have done?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure . . .” Anne glanced toward the newlyweds as they
approached. “Let's ask them, shall we Joshua?”
Hearing Anne’s comment, Rupert said, “Ask us what, pray tell?”
“Joshua and I were wondering if you and Annabelle were intending to
take a trip to celebrate your nuptials as he and Elise have.”
“It’s such a shame you hadn’t thought of traveling back to America
with Joshua and Elise. I’m sure your bride--never seeing the colonies-might have found it rather enjoyable, old boy,” Francois replied snidely.
Seeing the uncomfortable glance between Annabelle and Rupert,
Joshua hastily added, “As enjoyable as your company would be on the
return voyage, I fear you would be terribly disappointed. I love New York,
but since the war I must admit, my fair city hasn’t weathered the storm too
well.”
“Precisely why Annabelle and I chose not to visit the colonies,” Rupert
said smiling appreciatively back at Joshua.
“Oh dear, I had no idea New York was so dreadful,” Anne said with
concern in her voice. “I do hope our cousin isn’t in any danger, Rupert.”
“New York isn’t dangerous, Anne,” Elise gushed enthusiastically. “It’s
lovely! You can’t imagine all the shops and brick buildings all together.
Why, the streets are filled with people milling about, in all their fancy
wares looking just as carefree as birds chirping. There are vendors on every
street corner and did I mention the shops? Millinery, tailors, why they even
have this one store that has just about everything anyone could possibly
want. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it in all my life.”
“It sounds as if you enjoyed yourself shopping in New York, Elise. Is
that where you purchased your lovely gown?” Annabelle asked sweetly.
Blushing Elise said, “Why yes, as a matter of fact, as part of my
wedding trousseau, compliments of my dear stepfather, Michael
Honeycutt. Actually, it was Felicity and our mutual friend Miranda who
helped me choose this very gown.”
“How lovely . . .” Annabelle said dreamily. “I recall when Felicity and
I picked out our gowns for her introduction party. What a time we had
together. I know I’ve asked before, but how are they truly? Does Felicity
help out at the orphanage?”
Enthusiastically Elise answered, “Help out? Why I honestly don’t
know what Benjamin would do without her. She wakes up at the crack of
dawn to help feed all the children then schools them during the day, and if
that wasn’t enough, she tends to the wee ones before they go down for the
night. I admire her devotion to the children and her husband’s work.”
Seeing the concerned look on Rupert’s face, Elise quickly added, “Perhaps
in my haste of admiration, I’ve overstated Felicity's activities . . .”
“Fear not Elise, you have said nothing we haven’t all suspected.
Perhaps following our celebration you and Joshua would consider
remaining so that we might have an opportunity to discuss a proposition
my bride . . .” Rupert said, smiling at Annabelle lovingly. “. . . and I have
for you both.”
Although his question was directed toward Elise and Joshua, Rupert’s
eyes never swayed from Annabelle who blushed at her husband’s display
of affection toward her in public. After Joshua agreed, the newlyweds
excused themselves to mingle with their other guests while Anne seized the
opportunity and took Elise by the hand.
“My dear, I don’t believe you’ve had the opportunity of viewing
Ashwillow gardens, have you? Why don’t you and I take a stroll? That is if
you wouldn’t mind, Joshua?”
From her mannerism, it was clear the invitation was only for Elise, so
Elspeth excused herself leaving Francois and Joshua conversing while she
and Elise made their way past the small groups of guests. Once outdoors
and past the stoned patio, Anne looked at Elise and smiled nervously.
Never one to be shy, Elise whispered, “It’s always been my way of
thinking just to say what’s on your mind. And so, I hope you won’t be
offended if I tell you that Felicity has shared with me, her and Reverend
Myles’ history.”
Relief spread across Anne’s face. “Oh I do love how you Americans
can come right to the point,” she exclaimed.
“Yes well, others may not share in your opinion, I dare say. Yet at times
like this, it does cut through the muck now, doesn’t it?” Elise smiled
triumphantly.
“Indeed it does.” Anne agreed, chuckling slightly as the two of them
walked farther along the path. Allowing the other woman time to gather her
thoughts, Elise said not a word, enjoying the lovely English gardens.
“It’s uncanny I suppose some might say, but the day Aunt Gwendolyn
announced she and Felicity were traveling to America--call it woman’s
intuition--I felt uneasy about their trip. So much so that I asked Felicity if
we would ever see her again. Now it appears my fears have become a
reality. With Felicity married and starting a new life with Benjamin, I
suppose it’s best . . .”
“Pardon me for asking Anne, but why is that precisely? I mean, I know
that Reverend Myles’ work at the orphanage is important to him and all,
yet it has crossed my mind that perhaps he and Felicity feel they would not
be welcomed back to England. Don’t misunderstand, nothing was said, nor
even implied, but it was my impression or perhaps woman’s intuition that
led me to believe this. Which, if you don’t mind me saying, is darn-right
silly considering the fact that when they met up in New York, both of them
were free to marry whomever they chose. Especially since in the eyes of
God, Benjamin’s short-lived relationship to Mrs. Sterling was annulled,
therefore never existed. Isn’t that how you see it, Anne?”
“My but you are frank, Elise,” Anne said solemnly.
Concerned that she had offended her hostess, Elise immediately
apologized. “Yes, it’s a gift and a curse sometimes. Please forgive me for
butting my nose in where it obviously doesn’t belong.”
Smiling warmly at Elise, Anne said, “Nonsense. You obviously care
about Felicity and your question is one I’ve asked myself over again.
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. You see, after the scandal that
Lavinia and her late father began, accusing Benjamin of lusting over
Felicity at the ball . . .”
“Felicity told me everything of that incident, but surely after everyone
discovered who actually committed the attack on her, they must have
realized Benjamin was innocent?”
“Forgive me for interrupting you, Elise. With them marrying as they
did, surely you can see how it could be viewed that although Benjamin had
not committed the attack, perhaps there was some truth to Lavinia’s claims
of them lusting over one another. In fact, after it was discovered that
Felicity and Benjamin were married, you cannot imagine the gossip that
ensued. Mind you, never in my presence, but it was clear our set had their
doubts on both Reverend Myles and my cousin’s integrity. And as happy as
I am for Felicity that she has found love, I still can’t believe that Aunt
Gwendolyn, being such a staunch believer in tradition, brought them
together, knowing full-well the ramifications of such a union.”