Bryce nodded.
“What were you doing out with Holly on such a dark night?’
“I was escorting her home.”
“But...”
Bryce shot Chad a glare that warned him not to ask further.
“All right, I won’t ask. She’s asleep in Catherine’s old room. Her dress was all torn. Did that happen from the bandits?”
“No, she did that herself in order to ride home rather than drive her buggy.”
“Ah.” Chad tapped him on the shoulder. “I’ll let you get some more sleep. The sun will be coming up soon. I need to check to see if the storm did any damage.”
Bryce nodded once again as his father walked into the room.
“How you doing, son?”
“Better. Apparently thanks to you, Dad. To hear Chad tell, it you were...incredible. Thank you.”
“You would have done the same. I am going to retire for what is left of the evening. I wanted to stop in and check on you first. Your mother is anxious to see you, as well.”
“Send her in.”
His father nodded and exited the room. His mother’s eyes were red and swollen as she entered and approached the bed, but the smile on her face encouraged him. “I will be all right, Mom.”
“I know you will and I have been thanking the good Lord all night. Holly said it was all her fault for encouraging you to escort her home. Personally, I don’t believe it.”
“It wasn’t her fault. If she hadn’t been there with me there’s no telling if I would be alive right now.”
His mother nodded in agreement. “I’ll reassure her in the morning. At first light, Michael is going to ride over to the Grahams’ and let them know what happened. I hope John has gotten some sleep. More than likely he’s been up all night worried.”
Bryce agreed. Pain gripped him and he let out a moan. “Sorry.”
“The doctor said you will have some pain for a while. What really needs watching, however, is the fever as your body fights off infection.”
“I understand. I will try to be a good patient.”
His mother bent and kissed his forehead. “Try and get some sleep, son. That will help you recover.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Bryce closed his eyes and sleep overtook him until sunlight poured through his bedroom windows. He woke with a start from dark dreams, drenched in sweat beneath the heavy covers in the heat of the new day, and stripped the blankets off.
Holly sprang from a rocking chair in the corner of the room. “Bryce, stop! Bryce, honey, stop!”
Strangely enough, her excited voice calmed him.
“What is happening?”
“You’re running a fever. You have been asleep for a day.” She dipped a cloth in a basin of fresh water, wrung it out and placed it on his forehead. She repeated the process on his throat, shoulders and chest. “You are feverish from the infection.”
“Holly, I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
He lifted his arms and wrapped them around her neck and pulled her down. “Bryce, stop,” she whispered in alarm. “Not now.”
He opened his eyes and realized he wasn’t dreaming. “Sorry. I...I...”
“Shh. You are forgiven.” She glanced over her shoulder and, seeing they were still alone, leaned close to his face and whispered, “I’ll be interested in kissing you later when you are feeling better.”
“Promise?”
Holly’s smile in return touched his heart.
“I promise, Bryce. Remember the night in the barn when I wanted to kiss you?”
He nodded.
“You said you would wait until I knew for certain what kind of love I have for you. I know now. So now I am asking you to wait until you are fully recovered. You said you wanted it to be special, and I do, too.”
He released her. “Absolutely. Until then I shall continue to dream.”
Holly giggled. “And so will I.”
Bryce groaned. “You are sure you want to wait? I wouldn’t mind kissing you right now.”
“But I would!” John Graham’s harsh voice boomed throughout the room.
Chapter 11
H
olly straightened and turned to see her father standing in Bryce’s doorway. “You should have knocked.”
“You are in no position...”
She held up a hand to stop him from going further. “Not now. Bryce needs his rest. Are you here to apply the cool compresses? If so, I could use a break.”
Frustration oozed out of every pore from her father’s face. She was pushing him away and he knew it. Then there was the matter of trying to regain control of her own life.
“I’ll be happy to apply the compresses.”
“I’ll be back after I take care of a few things.” She whispered in his ear, “Father, I still love you.”
Her father nodded, removed his jacket and sat next to the bed.
“Sorry, sir.”
“Bryce, I’m here to apologize for my behavior since Holly left for Tennessee. I can see now she’s determined to make her own choices, and Tennessee was her choice.”
Bryce blinked in acknowledgment.
“Holly told me all about the other night. I am sorry my daughter’s willful behavior caused this.”
“No, sir. If Holly hadn’t been there I might not be alive today.”
John paused. “I hadn’t thought about it that way. She explained the options the two of you faced. And while I wouldn’t have been pleased with her spending the night in your house, even with you not there, it seemed the logical plan to escort her home. In the future, if something like that were to happen again, convince her to stay at your place.”
“Yes, sir. Her honor is safe with me.”
“Does that include kissing?”
Bryce’s face flamed. “Sorry, sir.”
“Promise me you’ll love and respect her as every woman has the right to be cherished.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. You have my blessings.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Now let me see. I’m supposed to refresh this cloth and wring it out before putting it on you, correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
Holly, leaning against the wall in the hallway just outside the door, smiled. It may not have been as formal as Bryce might have liked, but she knew that Father had just given Bryce permission to court her. She eased away and headed down the hall. She did have some necessary chores to attend to.
“How’s Bryce?” Catherine asked as they approached one another on the stairs. “He’s awake. My father is with him now.”
“I will relieve him. Why don’t you take a break, eat something, take a nap? Mom said you have been at his side all day.”
“I’m fine. But I am going to take a break. Thank you.”
* * *
John Graham walked into the parlor and gave a light knock on the doorjamb. “Holly, may I have a word with you?”
“Yes, Father, give me a moment.” Holly put down the sandwich she was eating and covered it with a cloth. “What do you need?”
He took a seat opposite her on the sofa. “Time with my daughter.”
“Forgive me, Father, but Bryce needs me.”
“I know, and I am glad that the two of you are finding your way. I do miss our personal conversations, however. They were few, I admit that, but...”
“Ever since I left and returned from Tennessee I’ve been distant?”
He nodded.
“I know, Father, and I’m working on it. I do love you. But you have to understand—the decisions you and Mother made on my behalf were extreme. I should have been told at a much younger age. I have decided to tell the truth about this to folks when they ask. I limit the information to ‘Mother was married before she married you.’ Folks who attended your wedding certainly knew the story. I am just surprised I never heard it in this town after all this time. And with regard to my last name, I tell people that it was easier for me to be known in school as a Graham rather than create confusion for my siblings. I have no intention of dishonoring you or my mother.”
“I appreciate that, as would your mother.” He exhaled heavily. “I do miss my daughter. You haven’t been home for nearly three days.”
“I know. I’ll be home as soon as the fever breaks. How is Tiffany?” she asked, redirecting the conversation.
“Most of the time she is doing well, admitting to her shortcomings. There are moments, though, when I think she’s ready to just bolt out the door. On the good side, the run-in with the bandits has everyone staying close to home until those men are caught.”
“Good. Let her know I miss our sister talks.”
“I shall.” Her father stood, came over and took her by the hands, helping her up, as well. He pulled her into an embrace. “I love you, sweetheart. Don’t ever forget it. I’ve always tried to do what was best for you.”
“Thank you, Daddy. I love you, too.”
“You called me ‘Daddy’!” John beamed. “I haven’t heard that since you were five.”
Holly winked. “I love you. I’ll keep ‘Daddy’ for special occasions.”
“I like that. Now, please come home and spend the night in your own bed and make certain Chadwick or Ryan escort you.”
“I’ll try, but don’t wait up for me.”
John Graham nodded his goodbye and exited the Jarvises’ home.
Holly felt more content and at peace than she had since...
when?
As far back as she could remember she had never called John “Daddy.” Apparently something had changed when she was five years old.
It was the one piece of the puzzle of her past that she couldn’t quite figure out. Her siblings called John “Papa.” She had never used that name. Instead she’d called him “Father” since she was five. Why?
A fuzzy image, thick as that horrible night’s fog, tried to form in her mind but vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Holly closed her eyes and tried to retrieve it. Nothing. She groaned and tossed a pillow to the other end of the sofa. “Why can’t I remember?”
* * *
A few days later, feeling stronger but still incredibly weak, Bryce had had enough. He refused to stay in bed another day. He dressed and worked his way down the stairs. Exhausted, he sat in the parlor and mentally retraced his steps. Going back up again would take even more energy.
“Bryce, what are you doing down here?” His mother scurried to his side.
“I couldn’t stay in my room for another minute.”
“Very well.” She huffed with displeasure. “What can I do for you?”
“I am fine. I just need to rest.”
“You are pale as a ghost. I imagine it took a fair amount of effort to dress as well as make it down the stairs in one piece.”
Bryce smiled. “Thank you, Mom.” He scanned the room. “Where’s Holly?”
“Home sleeping, I hope. That girl has been running herself ragged taking care of you and still keeping up her family responsibilities. Thank the good Lord John hired someone to do the cooking and cleaning for the family.”
“Who?”
“Widow Sullivan. She’s a fine woman and understands what they are going through.”
“Yes, I am sure she would be sensitive to their pain.”
“May I ask you something, Bryce?”
“Of course.” His mother was not one to ask permission to speak. Bryce braced himself for a potentially pointed question.
She wrung the dry towel in her hands. “The night you were attacked, you and Holly had been...”
“Alone at my place, yes. We had a very private conversation about what has transpired between us. A conversation that could not have happened as easily if we were in either one of our families’ homes.”
“And your honor?”
“Is still intact. We haven’t even kissed yet.” Bryce thought back to the moment a couple of days ago when they almost had.
“Very well. I trust you and I trust Holly. I just know how temptation can spiral out of control if there are no safeguards in place. And to be in the house you planned on living in as man and wife...”
“I know. And yes, there is temptation, but I will not dishonor Holly or our love for one another. I shall require a short engagement period though.”
His mother’s smile broadened. “Thank you. I know I am prying but...”
“Relax, Mother. I appreciate your influence in making me a man of integrity. You taught me well.”
The front door banged open and Chad barged in, stomping his feet.
“Chadwick Jarvis, what on earth is the matter?”
“Sorry, Mom. I need to speak with... Oh, there you are. Feeling better?”
“Considerably,” Bryce replied. “What do you need?”
“Help. There’s a problem with the seed order and I am having trouble with the mare. She won’t let the stud come near her. We need more stock. At least, I think we do. But if we order more stock there is additional cost in feed. I need you to help me understand what you have in mind here and how you see us making a profit.”
Bryce chuckled. “Have a seat. Actually, first go into my desk and pull out the folder that says ‘Ten Year Plan,’ upper left drawer.”
Chad hustled off to Bryce’s office.
“I’ll let you two work. Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“I will be fine, Mother. Besides, I will need to regain my strength to get back up those stairs.”
“Chad can always give you a piggyback ride.”
“Not on your life,” Chad said, coming back with the folder in hand. “I intend to keep my back healthy for a long while.”
Bryce chuckled. “Glad to see you have your priorities straight. Let’s take a look at the overall picture I have mapped out for the plantation. We are in year three according to this graph.” Bryce went on to explain his overall plan and how the slow but steady growth would continue to increase the total profit of the plantation.
“I marvel at your thoroughness, brother. But we are losing money during your third year.”
“True. But the profits from the previous year and the larger profit in the fourth year make up for the loss this year.”
“But what if we have a bad year, a flood or something like that, and lose the crops? Aren’t we risking too much?”
“Not really, look here...” Bryce leaned over, forgetting the pain throbbing in his back. It was good to work again, even if it was limited.
* * *
With Bryce’s recovery going well, Holly decided to spend more time with her own family. Her absence seemed to have accentuated the loss of their mother for Tiffany and the boys. And on occasion, like today, she even found some time for herself. She took advantage of the peace and quiet to get some sewing done in the sitting room. Until a few days ago she’d been planning on making a tablecloth. Now she thought in terms of a wedding dress. The lacework for the dress would take many days and hours. She pulled out her bag of Irish lace, grateful for her mother and grandmother’s love for their Irish heritage. First she had to make all the motifs, then the assembly. For this piece she chose simple white flowers.
“Holly, are you home?” The door slammed.
“In the sitting room, Daniel.” She placed the motif she was working on in her lap. “Is there a problem?”
He plopped himself down on the chair beside her. “Not really. Calvin plans on hunting again today and I’ve had my fill of rabbit stew. Can you convince him to change his mind? Please.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you.” Daniel stood.
Holly patted the chair. “Sit, and tell me what’s been happening in school.”
He obliged. “Not too much. I’ve had to threaten a few boys, though. Some of the older boys were saying bad things about Tiffany. It’s a good thing I’m bigger than most of them, because it seems they’ve backed off.”
“Is it really difficult for Tiff?”
“Hard to say. Seems she gets plenty of attention, good and bad, I suppose. Me, I’m not inclined to ruin a gal’s reputation for a simple kiss.”
Holly smiled. “You’re an honorable young man, Daniel.”
“Holly, can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Tiff says you never kissed a man, as a boyfriend. She thinks you won’t be getting married because you’ve waited too long. Is she right?”
Holly sighed. She still hadn’t gotten through to Tiffany. “No, she isn’t right. I believe my husband will be pleased that I waited for him.”
“Are you and Bryce going to get married?”
“I don’t know. I like him and he likes me, but with Momma’s passing I...” She paused.
“I understand. Life is so different without Momma. The house feels different. I’m different. Everything has changed and yet everything is still the same. It’s like the colors aren’t as bright and the music isn’t as clear or beautiful.”
“You’re absolutely right. I know I am doing better now than the first months after Mother passed away. I felt numb.”
“Yeah. Papa cries at night. He doesn’t think anyone can hear him. But my room is above his and, well, the sound carries. He cries out to God for strength and help—sometimes about you. You hurt him, Holly.”
“I know. I didn’t mean to. He misses Momma.”
“It was a mistake that you were lied to all those years. But Papa loves you.”
“And I love him, too. He will always be my father. He and I had a good talk the other day.”
“Yeah, I figured that. I heard him thank God for giving you back to him. Losing Momma is not the same for us as it is for Papa. He lost his best friend. Can you imagine losing Bryce?”
“Unfortunately, I can. I’m very thankful he’s still here.”
“Yeah, I suppose you can. Have they caught the men who ambushed you?”
“Not yet. We didn’t get a good look at the others, only the one man who jumped out in front of us.”
The door banged open and Calvin announced, “I’m home.”
“Calvin,” Holly called, “would you come here, please?”
“Sure.” She heard a plop of his books on the floor followed by the patter of his shoes. He came in and eyed Daniel. “You told her, didn’t you?”
Holly gave Daniel a nod. “Would you excuse us for a moment, please?”
“Sure.” Daniel stood and offered his seat to Calvin.
Daniel left, and Holly picked up the sewing again.
“Why the need to hunt so often, Calvin?”
“Because I like it.” Calvin grinned.
“What is it about hunting that you enjoy so much?”
“I’m helping the family by being a provider, like Momma said. She said I was a good hunter and provider.”
“Ah, I think I understand. Do you know that Momma was pleased by many of the things you did? Like how well you do in your schooling and how well you clean your room.”
“I know. But she said I was a really good hunter.”