Elizabeth Meyette (4 page)

“Joanna, I have been so unsettled of late,” she began.

“Yes, I have observed that,” Joanna laughed softly. “What bothers you, Em? How can I help?”

Emily stepped to the parlor door and peered into the hallway. Closing the door behind her, she approached Joanna and sat beside her on the settee, taking her hand.

“Joanna, I have seen Jonathon!” Emily whispered excitedly. “Andrew brought him to safety … Andrew saved his life … he is very weak … I want to be with him so … Andrew is taking care of him … I cannot tell you where he is … ” Words tumbled over words in a hodgepodge as Emily attempted to organize her jumbled thoughts. Joanna laughed and hugged her causing Will to stir and whimper.

“Emily, I suspected as much when you returned with Andrew. Oh, I am so grateful to Andrew and so glad that Jonathon is alive and safe,” Joanna whispered, tears shimmering in her eyes.

“I am sworn to secrecy as to his whereabouts for fear it could get back to the British. Even the most loyal in our household could inadvertently slip and reveal his location. For his safety, I must keep this secret. But I was able to see him, Joanna! We spent the afternoon just lying together, and it was wonderful. But his injuries are severe, so Andrew has sent for Mr. Gates,” Emily explained.

“Emily, I am so pleased for you — for myself, as well,” she laughed, giddy with gratitude for her brother’s safety.

“I am beside myself waiting for Andrew to return and take me to Jonathon again. Every horse or carriage I hear on the grounds sends me fleeing to a window in hopes it will be my brother. But the longer I wait, the more I am on edge. I am not able to concentrate on any task, or even carry on a civilized conversation.”

Joanna smiled at this, for indeed, conversing with Emily had been rather confusing of late. While beginning on one topic, she would suddenly introduce another or make some unrelated comment. Or she would begin speaking as if picking up the strands of a conversation only she had been hearing. All of this had convinced Joanna that something was troubling Emily, and she had suspected it involved Jonathon.

“Now I will be more sympathetic when your rambling thoughts digress for no apparent reason,” Joanna said, smiling.

Emily laughed. “I suppose I have been rambling when speaking, for God knows my mind has been rambling like a babe lost in the woods! Oh, Joanna, it is a relief to confide in you, for I thought I would burst.”

“I am honored that you trust me so, Emily,” Joanna said sincerely, hugging her.

The parlor door opened and Deidre stepped in noticing the tearful women embracing.

“What causes such a display of emotion?” she asked as she took a seat across from the women.

Releasing Emily, Joanna said as casually as possible, “We are celebrating Emily’s relief of morning sickness.” She blushed at her white lie.

“Oh,” said Deidre noticing Joanna’s discomfort. “Of course.” She rearranged her skirts, hiding a smirk.

Silence fell between them as Joanna and Emily searched for a segue to a safe topic of conversation. Outside the window birds chirped merrily and voices floated in from the garden. The sun streamed through the windows casting a warm rosy glow on the scene. All seemed so normal, yet underlying it a man’s fate hung in the balance.

“Such a beautiful morning,” Joanna finally said. “We should enjoy it with a carriage ride … or rather … ” she stumbled casting an apologetic look at Emily.

Deidre carefully observed the silent communication appearing to pass between the two women. Both seemed uncomfortable and unable to carry on a conversation. Emily had been particularly inarticulate of late, and Deidre had noticed how she often went to the windows to stare down the drive as if expecting someone. Deidre’s suspicions were growing that Emily had been with Jonathon. Noting Deidre’s silence, Emily spoke.

“A stroll would be lovely. Who will join me?” Emily asked.

“I must put Will in his crib,” Joanna replied.

“I would love to join you, Emily, dear,” Deidre said, smiling.

The women rose, Joanna carrying William upstairs, Emily and Deidre proceeding to the door to the gardens. The women paused to don sunbonnets, tying the ribbons beneath their chins, and then stepped out into the morning sunshine. Emily felt lighthearted having unburdened her secret, or at least part of it, to Joanna. Her step was lighter and the crease between her brows that often shadowed her face had vanished. Deidre noticed all of this and her suspicion deepened. Emily breathed deeply inhaling the heady scent of lilac that wafted through the air.

“I love springtime,” she said.

“The season certainly agrees with you, Emily, for you seem downright carefree today. Spring has certainly lifted your spirits, despite the weighty concerns you carry,” Deidre said.

“Yes, the warmth and flowers are an elixir for me,” Emily replied.

Deidre glanced at her and tried again.

“How do you bear it, day after day, with no word of Jonathon, no idea of his whereabouts or even if he is still alive?” she asked gently, her face a mask of compassion. “Has there been no word sent to you of any hope for his safe return? Why, Emily, how strong you are, how brave to carry on with the ordinary details of life when inside you must carry such worry, such heartbreak. To be separated from your husband, to hope he lives, but not know anything more. I so admire your courage and strength,” Deidre cried.

Emily walked beside her, keeping her head down, feigning interest in the flower beds they passed. Expecting difficulty in keeping this secret, she felt the full effects of dissembling at this moment. Of all the people who must be kept in the dark, Deidre was the person she most mistrusted. Though she had invited the woman to live with them after losing everything to the British, Emily harbored wariness in matters that concerned Deidre. Their relationship had been antagonistic until the moment Deidre arrived at Brentwood Manor seemingly a broken woman.

As if reading her mind, Deidre stopped, reached for Emily’s arm and turned toward her.

“Emily, thank you for your generosity in allowing me to stay at Brentwood Manor. After the way I had behaved toward you since your arrival, it would have been completely understandable for you to turn me away. It is obvious why Jonathon fell in love with you, your kindness, your gentleness — what man could resist such delicate qualities? But I had nowhere else to go, you understand. The Brentwoods are my lifelong friends, and I had nothing left,” Deidre’s voice caught. She wiped at her eyes, and then smiled at Emily. “You are so good, Emily.”

Caught off guard, Emily looked closely at Deidre. Her eyes shone through her tears, and her smile was contagious.

“Deidre, you are most welcome. No one should suffer as you had; why you lost everything. Hopefully this conflict will be resolved soon — and peacefully — and your property restored,” Emily said.

Deidre hugged her warmly and kissed her cheek.

“Yes, hopefully everything will be resolved and we will all have what rightfully belongs to us,” Deidre replied.

• • •

Overcast skies kept Emily inside on an early April morning. Sitting by the front window of the parlor, she was embroidering tiny flowers along the hem of a linen baby dress, when, hearing a carriage approaching, she jumped up to peer through the window. Her pulse raced, for Andrew was the driver and this knowledge sent her heart soaring. Could it be that today she would again see Jonathon? Hear his voice? Kiss his lips? She dropped the dress into the sewing basket and ran to the front entrance of the manor. As the carriage drew up to the door, she dashed down the steps to meet her brother. Noticing a difference in her balance as she hurried, she smiled as the baby moved within her.

“Andrew!” she called in greeting. “How wonderful to see you!”

Grinning, Andrew hopped from the carriage while his eyes swept the windows and grounds. He pulled his sister into an embrace and called loudly, “Em, I have missed you so!” and hugged her tightly.

“Are you feeling up to a carriage ride today?” he whispered in her ear.

“Oh, yes!” she replied happily.

Releasing her, he again took in the scene. Gardeners were trimming hedges and tending flower beds, but no one else seemed within earshot. Just to be safe, he maintained the ruse.

“Emily, I need your sisterly advice and a break from my law books. Come for a ride with me today. I believe another hunting expedition is just what I need,” he laughed.

“I would love to accompany you and dispense my pearls of sisterly wisdom,” she said, smiling back at him. “Let me get my wrap and bonnet.”

Linking arms, they ascended the steps to the front entrance. Emily left in search of Joanna to inform her of their plans while Andrew went in search of Dora in the kitchen house. Finding Joanna in Will’s nursery, Emily went to her and grasped her hands.

“Joanna, Andrew is here to take me to Jonathon!” she whispered excitedly.

Her sister-in-law hugged her.

“Wonderful, Emily. Please give him my love,” Joanna said.

“I cannot do that, Joanna, for no one must know that I have told you anything about this,” Emily replied. “But I shall tell him that you pray for his safety every day, as I know you do, and that we speculate together where he might be. Oh dear, I believe I am becoming entangled in deceit,” Emily sighed. She hugged Joanna, and proceeded to her room to get her wrap and bonnet.

• • •

Andrew was returning from the kitchen house, his arms loaded with a picnic lunch from Dora when Deidre appeared and stood before him halting his progress to the front of the manor.

“Well, Andrew, what a pleasant surprise. I do hope you will be spending a few days with us,” she said sweetly. She walked toward him and stood close enough that he caught the musky scent of her perfume. Looking deeply into his eyes, she placed her hand on his forearm. “I do so miss your company, Andrew,” she lowered her eyes, and then peered at him from beneath thick lashes.

Taken off guard, Andrew blushed furiously and stammered a few unintelligible syllables. Finally, able to speak he began, but his voice cracked and caught in his throat.

“I am here to take Emily for an outing, but we will be back in time for dinner,” he finally managed.

“What a considerate brother you are, Andrew,” she purred. “Emily is in desperate need of distraction what with Jonathon missing and she not knowing if he has even survived.”

The mention of Jonathon’s name brought Andrew back to his senses. He moved away from Deidre and cleared his voice.

“Yes, indeed. Well, I had best load up the carriage so we can be on our way,” he said.

“My, you have quite a bit of food there, enough for several people,” Deidre said taking in the large rucksack he carried.

“Dora fears we will die of starvation if she does not provide a feast,” he laughed.

“True,” Deidre said. “I hope to see you at supper tonight, Andrew.” She smiled invitingly and turned to walk back down the hall. For a moment, Andrew was riveted by the swaying of her hips. Shaking his head, he continued to the front foyer.

Emily was anxiously awaiting him when he arrived, and she laughed when she realized what he carried.

“You visited Dora, I see,” she smiled.

“Of all the things I miss about Brentwood Manor, Dora’s cooking is the main thing,” he said.

“I shall try not to be offended,” she laughed.

“Oh, I meant after you, of course,” he teased, helping her into the carriage.

Laughing and teasing, they rode down the drive unaware of hazel eyes that followed them, noting the direction they turned at the end of the drive.

Shortly after they left the manor, Deidre entered the stables. Choosing Shadow, Emily’s horse known for his swiftness, she urged the horse into a gallop and followed the path of the carriage.

• • •

Emily could barely contain herself as they rode toward the cabin. Andrew kept up a continual monologue of his experiences at William and Mary College in an attempt to distract her, but Emily’s focus was unyielding. He smiled indulgently as he glanced at his sister. Her face glowed with anticipation, and her eyes, bright with happiness, mirrored the deep blue ribbons on her bonnet. She glanced back at him and laughed realizing that she had not been attending to his stories.

“Andrew, forgive me for my inattention, but I have waited so long to see Jonathon again. My mind is full only of him right now,” she apologized.

“No need to apologize, Em, for I know how you love him. I hope that someday I will be blessed with a wife who loves me so,” he said gently. She smiled at him gratefully.

The ride seemed interminable for Emily, though Andrew urged the horse along at its full pace. Finally, when the sun, hidden by the overcast clouds, reached its peak in the sky, they arrived at the cabin. Emily could hardly bear to wait for Andrew to alight and circle the carriage to help her down. She raced to the door and flung it open, then flew to the bed and into Jonathon’s arms.

His arms encircled her, and he kissed her forehead, her cheeks, her eyes, and finally his mouth found hers and he kissed her long and full.

Laughing and crying simultaneously, Emily murmured, “Jonathon, oh Jonathon, my love.” Tears streamed down her face as she traced her fingers along his jawline, across his lips and eyebrows. They embraced again unable to remain apart.

Eyes averted and blushing with embarrassment at the passion he was witnessing, Andrew finally spoke.

“I shall take some of Dora’s delicious feast and be on my way,” he said.

Emily went over to her brother and hugged him.

“Thank you, Andrew,” she said through tears of joy. “Thank you.”

Andrew kissed her forehead and left the cabin.

Emily turned back to her husband and returned to the bed. He was sitting propped on the pillows, but still appeared weak. Studying him, she saw that the bruises on his face, though still shades of yellow and purple, were fading. His eyes were clearer and his face not as drawn. He was still gaunt, and the muscles in his shoulders and chest had weakened considerably, but his vitality was returning and the glint of humor sparked in his eyes.