Authors: Linda Daly
Michael’s reaction shocked Elise, but before she could respond, her
mother softly said, “Well . . .” Sarah hesitated, looking across the table at
her daughter and then at Joshua sympathetically, before continuing. “Of
course, Michael, dear. But Elise and Joshua do raise a point we should take
into consideration. If it were you, would you want to wait any longer than
necessary? Did we wait?”
Sheepishly, Michael conceded her point. “When you put it that way, I
guess I can’t refuse. But, with just a short time to plan, would it be possible
to still have a celebration that would allow me the opportunity to show off
my lovely new family to old friends?”
Apologetically, Miranda interrupted. “Please, forgive my intrusion into
such a delicate, private matter. Perhaps you would allow me to offer a
suggestion? Having the privilege of getting to know Mrs. Honeycutt over
these past few years, I’m certain if anyone could accommodate both of
your needs, she would be the one. Why not simply explain to her that a
celebration would be wonderful, if it could be done within a few weeks?”
“Splendid idea, Miranda,” Michael eagerly said, turning to Joshua and
Elise. “Don’t you agree?” he said, almost pleading. “A few weeks doesn’t
seem unreasonable, considering both you and Elise have already stated you
wanted to go shopping, and Joshua does need to get reacquainted in the law
firm before you take a wedding trip. This way, Elise can shop for a
complete trousseau--my treat--and Joshua, you can settle back into work.”
Elise looked at Joshua, waiting for him to respond. Seeing the look on
her face and the eager look on Michael’s, he responded firmly. “Fine, a few
weeks, only.”
“Of course. I will tell Mother myself of our agreement.” Raising his
cup, Michael proposed a toast. “To the bride and groom.”
Sarah joined her husband, saying, “Cheers!”
The small dinner party became festive again as Benjamin added his
sentiments. “And may God shine down upon you both.”
With that, they all raised their cups and chimed, “Here, here!”
As they sipped their wine, several men rushed into the establishment
shouting, “President Lincoln’s been shot, at Ford’s Theatre. He’s not
expected to live!”
Gasps filled the small room and between the sounds of women crying,
anguished questions echoed from neighboring tables.
“Oh, God, no!”
“Why would anyone do such a thing?”
Shocked and horrified, Elise looked at Joshua, close to tears herself.
“But that can’t be, we just saw him . . .”
“I know, my darling.” Unable to hide his stunned grief and sense of
loss, he took her into his arms and held her close.
As the room’s anguish heightened, Benjamin placed his linen napkin
on the table, pushed back his chair and stood up.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, if I may have your attention, please.” A hush
fell over the room as everyone looked at the Reverend.
“In this time of terrible sorrow, please join me in a prayer for this great
man, his good wife, and a nation that needs our prayers now, more than
ever before.”
Without hesitation, everyone lowered their head in dazed disbelief.
Clearing his throat, Benjamin bowed his head and began to pray.
“Dear Lord, one of your flock, Abraham Lincoln
. . .
a great man who
led the noble fight for the freedom of our Negro brothers and sisters and
reunited a nation once divided, has fallen victim to a brutal act
. . .
”
Stunned and shocked by the news of President Lincoln having been
shot, it was impossible for those gathered in the Washington eatery, just
blocks away from the Ford Theatre, to finish their meals.
Michael looked at Lucas and seeing a frown on his face, said, “Lucas
old friend. No offense, but I must say your reaction surprises me.”
Raising his hand, Lucas replied thoughtfully. “None taken, friend.
Although I have not always agreed with Lincoln’s politics, being here in
Washington these past few years has provided me the opportunity to
observe him first hand. And I have come to admire the man’s desire to
rebuild the South, instead of punishing it.” Shaking his head sadly, Lucas
slowly stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m sure my old friend Andrew Johnson
will be in need of a friendly face about now.”
“Yes. Of course,” Michael said, standing up along with Lucas as he
made his way over to his daughter.
“Miranda dear, under the circumstances, I’m not sure I will be able to
return with you as planned to New York. If Mr. Lincoln does in fact pass,
then Johnson, as Vice President, will be sworn into office. And if I know
anything about the Republican Senate, then all hell will break loose with a
Southern Democrat at the helm.”
Kissing his daughter lightly on the cheek, he turned to Michael and
Benjamin. “I know this is a lot to ask, but would you please see to it that
Miranda is safely returned to New York?”
Benjamin answered first. “As you know, Lucas, my business is
complete here, so we can leave at any time. Miranda is more than welcome
to join us.”
Joshua, who had been listening to the other patron’s hushed
conversations in the eatery, suddenly stood up and quietly interrupted.
“Excuse the intrusion. If what I just heard is true, then I suggest we leave
immediately while we still can.”
Michael frowned. “What’s wrong, Joshua?”
“It’s being said that a Southern actor by the name of John Wilkes
Booth is responsible for the attempted assassination, and since we are in
the company of Southerners . . .”
“Enough said, I get your point.” Michael looked at Elise and Sarah.
“Ladies, shall we?”
After taking care of the bill, Michael joined the group where they
gathered around the Myles’ coach. Fear shone in everyone’s eyes as
Michael asked, “Son, what do think we need to do?”
Joshua replied calmly. “Leave Washington at once. With the shock so
new, I’m sure no one has thought to block the roads leading out of the city
yet.” Turning his attention directly to Michael, he stated urgently, “There’s
no time to pick up our belongings. Is your tab settled?”
“Don’t worry about that. I can settle up with them tomorrow,” Lucas
offered.
Looking at Joshua, concern showed in his eyes. “Well then, what are
we waiting for, Major? Get these women the hell out of here while you still
can. I have all the faith in the world in your abilities.”
Joshua gripped Lucas’s hand firmly. “Coming from you sir, that means
a lot. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“God speed, Joshua,” Lucas said, patting the man he once detested,
firmly on the back. “I’ll be holding you to that promise.”
Turning to Miranda, Lucas gave his daughter a kiss while the other
men helped their loved ones into the coach. Tenderly Lucas looked at her,
trying to reassure her by saying, “Darling, please understand. New York is
where I can assure your safety. I’ll miss you terribly, but know how much I
love you.”
Close to tears, Miranda hugged her father. “Papa I love you too. Please
be careful.”
After securing Miranda in the coach, Joshua gave directions to the
band of weary travelers in a low steady voice. His demeanor left no doubt
as to why he was such a good officer, and Elise looked adoringly at him.
“From here out, Elise and Mrs. Honeycutt, unless it’s absolutely
impossible to avoid, I do not want you to speak with anyone if we should
be stopped. Your accents are far too noticeable. Mrs. Myles, of all the
women, you speak most like a Northerner. Although, Miss Brown, I’ve
noticed your accent is almost undetectable. Therefore, if we are detained,
you two should be the ones to do the majority of the speaking. Now,
Reverend Myles, this is a lot to ask, but I need you to keep our backs
covered. Just until we make it safely out of Washington and parts of
Maryland. I’ll need you to take a seat as lookout in the back of the rig.”
“Right. Consider it done.”
“Good.” Joshua nodded affirmatively, before continuing. “Michael,
you and I will cover the front and answer any questions that should come
our way. Both hailing from New York, it makes sense that we’re anxious to
return after the war, and are therefore traveling at night. Also Mrs. Myles,
please don’t take offense, but if asked why we travel at night, it’s your
health we are concerned about. You are in the family way. Understood?”
Felicity blushed, but shook her head obligingly.
“Look, I’m sure it will take a few minutes to organize a search party
for the perpetrators of this heinous act. By then we will have plenty of
miles between Washington and us. Any questions?” Joshua asked, urgently
looking at everyone. Hearing none, he said, “Well then, let’s be on our way,
and above all else, appear calm.”
Benjamin took his seat as Michael climbed up to the backboard, and
Joshua, noticing Elise’s frightened look, stopped long enough to poke his
head inside the carriage. “Don’t worry, my darling. Close the curtains and
we’ll be safely out of Washington in no time at all.”
Trying to smile reassuringly at him, Elise nodded. “Don’t worry about
me. I’m fine knowing you’re here.”
Winking at her lovingly, Joshua climbed aboard the buggy and the
seven of them left Washington like thieves in the night.
As Joshua held the reins firmly between his thumb and forefingers,
Michael looked at him. “This must be exceedingly difficult for you, son,
considering you fought under Grant’s command. Not exactly the actions
that a fine officer like yourself would expect to be taking only hours after
becoming a civilian, I would imagine.”
“Tonight, I don’t look at our leaving Washington as an act of cowardly
retreat, sir. Rather, this is a tactical diversion, necessary to protect our
loved ones.”
Nodding his head, Michael said, “I agree. So much for a pleasant
evening. Will this madness ever stop?”
Sitting in the coach, Elise grasped her mother’s hand and whispered,
“Don’t fret Mama, what Joshua said makes sense. I’m sure everything is
going to be just fine.”
“Darling, I’m not worried about that. I feel very confident in Joshua’s
ability to lead us to safety. I was just thinking that if that actor fellow did
kill the president, what might the ramifications against the South be? You
said it yourself earlier, Elise. President Lincoln seemed to be a nice man.
What purpose is served by killing him? Hasn’t there been enough pain and
misery in this nation already? Did we need his blood shed, too?”
As the coach eased its way through the streets of Washington at a slow
and an easy pace designed to avoid suspicion, the streets became lined with
people. It was evident the mood of the Capitol had changed drastically
from earlier in the day. The cheers celebrating victory had been replaced by
an eerie stillness as everyone reacted to the rapidly spreading news with
disbelief and shock.
Men and women alike milled about in the streets, waiting to hear the
latest word of the President’s condition. Some wept openly, while others
were already beginning to seethe with anger. The distinctive sound of
men’s raised voices demanding revenge could be heard.
As every moment passed, the four women sat in complete silence
listening to the crowd’s anger and rage increase as the shock began to wear
off, just as Joshua had predicted.
How peculiar
, Felicity thought,
that Major Carmidy had thought her
accent was nearly undetectable and that she should pretend she was
expecting.
Felicity closed her eyes, feeling suddenly emotional.
If only I
were.
In the two years since her marriage to her beloved Ben, the only thing
that lacked in their life was a child of their own. Blocking out that pain,
Felicity focused on her accent, recalling how frightened she had been upon
returning to America and experiencing the hatred of others upon hearing
her Southern accent. She wondered now if it had been a conscious decision
on her part masking her drawl. Recalling that very first night back in
America, how she and poor Aunt Gwen had been nearly accosted by four
hooligans as soldiers in the federal army did nothing to come to their aid
.
My, that seems a lifetime ago, but at the same time, only yesterday.
Forgetting the fear she felt that night, Felicity focused on the years
since and her life with Benjamin. Except for not being blessed with
children, the life Benjamin and she shared was nearly perfect. Not a day
passed that she didn’t thank God for bringing her and Ben together despite
all odds, to experience how love between a man and a woman was meant
to be. She decided her changed accent was surely due to living with her
Ben and hearing him speak so often. Whatever had caused her to lose her
Southern drawl, Felicity was now fervently glad that she had.
As the horse picked up speed, the women breathed a sigh of relief,
realizing they must be out of the city.
“Whew. Being North all this time, I’ve forgotten how frightening this
war business is,” Miranda said.
“Frightening? War business? From the sounds of it, you
have
been
North far too long. Why this isn’t frightening at all,” Elise exclaimed. “A
bit unnerving, perhaps. But surely not frightening. After what we’ve been
through the past four years, the last two being the worst, I can assure you
Miranda, this was nothing. Isn’t that so, Mama?”
Sarah nodded at Elise, saying softly, “Dear, why don’t you fill in
Miranda and Felicity to the hardships we’ve had to endure while I rest for a
spell. Suddenly I find I’ve got a nasty headache and would prefer to rest
my eyes.”
“Mama, are you sure you’re all right?”
“Nothing that a few winks won’t cure. Now you three get reacquainted
while I rest.”
After everyone wished Sarah a good sleep, Elise described at length
and in detail their experiences during the past four years. Miranda shared
her memories from the first year of the war, when she had still been in the
South. Felicity sat in utter shock, unable to fathom living through such
hardships for so long a time.
Elise held nothing back, telling Felicity of her involvement as a spy,
including meeting Joshua and their turbulent relationship until they had
fallen in love. How she had nearly lost him and how unbearable it had
been, not knowing if he was alive or dead for three years. Then she
expanded upon how those three years had been a living nightmare. Not just
due to constant worry for Joshua’s safety, but never knowing from one day
to the next where their next meal would come from. She spoke of how they
had been raided countless times, all their food and valuables being taken
from them, and of the attack she sustained at the hands of her one time
friend, Thomas Hastings.
Leaning closer to her mother, to be certain Sarah was in fact asleep,
Elise cautiously raised her skirts and pantaloons. Seeing the jagged scar on
her thigh, Felicity and Miranda gasped.
Not really asleep, only pretending to be, Sarah wanted desperately to
see her daughter’s scar and ask Elise why she hadn’t shared her horrific
ordeal with them, but she refrained. Sarah realized her daughter was indeed
a woman, just as Michael had said to her many times. Certainly, Elise had
earned the right to keep secrets from her mother if she felt she must. So
instead, Sarah continued to lean on the window of the coach listening to the
chatter of these young women and pretend to sleep.
“Oh Elise, how could you have kept such a wound from your mother
and Mammy Tess? Surely you were in excruciating pain,” Miranda
whispered.
“I was indeed and believe me it wasn’t easy. However, how was I
supposed to explain that by my own foolish actions I was nearly raped, or
worse, could have been killed trying to help someone who I believed to be
a friend? Besides, if Thomas’ men accused me of ambushing them, the less
Mama and Michael knew the better. Don’t you see? By telling them, I
would be putting their lives in danger, too. No, I had gotten myself into that
pickle and I had to get myself out.”
Felicity smiled warmly at Elise, saying, “Well, it would appear you
have been through a lot. How did you ever handle it all?”
“Hope and a whole lot of praying,” Elise stated, sincerely.
“Hope,” Miranda whispered nostalgically. “Oh Elise, I remember the
day when you convinced me that hope was what was needed if we were to
carry on. How wonderful that you never wavered and kept believing,
despite everything you endured.”
“Oh, I didn’t say that.” Elise chuckled softly. “There were plenty of
times I nearly gave up. But it was Joshua’s love and Michael’s unselfish
devotion that kept me strong. Without Michael, I honestly don’t know if
Mama and I would have made it. I still can’t believe how he stayed with
us, when he could have lived in comfort. But he made a promise and he
followed through and I shall never forget what he sacrificed for both Mama
and me. Why, I couldn’t love him more if he were my real father,” Elise
exclaimed.
As Sarah pretended to sleep, a tear rolled down her cheek as she heard
her daughter speak of Michael with such endearment. At the same time,
Joshua looked at Michael, as the two of them listened to the women
chattering inside.
“Just in case I haven’t told you, Michael, thank you! If anything should
have happened to that woman, hell, I don’t know what might have become
of me.”
“We both did what we had to do. Hell, I had it easy compared to what
you went through. I had Sarah by my side everyday,” he replied humbly.
“I’m just glad it’s almost over.”
“The sooner we’re in New York, the sooner we’ll both breathe easier.”
From inside the coach, Felicity said softly, “Mr. Honeycutt seems like
a wonderful man. Truly, you have been blessed. Not only did you find a
father, but you also found the love of a wonderful man, who obviously
loves you completely. Yes, Elise. I would definitely say you have indeed
been one of the fortunate souls who will take with them something of value
out of all this madness.”