Tangled Betrayals (38 page)

Chapter
Ninety-Four

James helped Mary down from the carriage and noticed Tad coming towards them with a cookie in his hand, ready to take the reins from him.

“Mother told me I was to take the carriage to the barn and rub down the horses.”

James looked over to Mary with his brows arched. She responded before he was able to say anything.

“Why thank you, Tad. James, don’t look so worried. Tad
’s very good with animals. Aren’t you Tad?”

“Yes
, I am. I can handle a team as fine as these, Mr. Parker. You sure have a fine carriage and pair of horses.”

Mary saw James wince. But before she could change the subject, James
explained to Tad the pair of horses and carriage were not this. She took that time to hurry up the steps before James could stop her.

Then to Mary’s relief, Agnes
was standing on the Veranda opening the door for them.

“Why, Miss Mary, what have you gone and done?” Agnes asked
, checking James Parker out from head to toe. “Might handsome fellow, if you ask me.”

Mary laughed. “Agnes,
you’re certainly right. This is my husband, James Parker.”

“It
’s sure a pleasure to meet you, Sir. Everything’s ready in the dining room, Miss Mary, if you’d kindly follow me.”

James tried to grab Mary’s arm but she was one step ahead of him. “Mary,” James called
out, demanding her to stop. “Mary, exactly what’s going on?”

Mary heard the anger in his voice.
Mary kept right on marching to the dining room as she answered, “Now James, you promised me you’d allow me to explain once we got inside the house, and I’ll be more than glad to, once we’re seated for supper, ” Mary was keeping just far enough ahead of James that he couldn’t yet grab her.

“Seated? Are we eating dinner in this house
? ”“Well, I am, I’m starving! That lunch at the Inn didn’t last very long,” Mary laughingly said. She knew James was hot on her heels and was just about to create a scene when she heard him cussing under his breath.

James thought he might be in a dream. Before him was Thomas, Anna, Jane, John and Constance Webb, Edward Pierce, and
he noticed seating for other people who obviously hadn’t arrived yet. Before he had a chance to say anything, everyone in the dining room started with their congratulations and asking what had taken them so long to get there.

T
hen Andrew, Matilda, Tad and Cynthia entered. Andrew and Matilda began screaming with delight to see the rest of their family there.

Their joy
brought tears to James eyes. He wondered why they’d be eating here, but he couldn’t bring himself to dampen the spirit of the room. What a wonderful surprise, he thought. But where was Mary’s home?

He
then spotted the man who’d attended the auction with a lovely woman he assumed was his wife. What the hell was he doing here? But, before James could confront the young man, Mary was by his side.

“James, m
ay I introduce you to Taylor Hawkins and his wife Lizzie.”

“Hello
, Mr. Parker, nice to see you again.”

James nodded to Taylor but couldn’t find any words to say
that would be civil. James was now quite confused, concerned and agitated. Did Mary somehow have something to do with the auction? Did these people own this plantation-----no, they live in the cottage, didn’t they?

James noted there were five places yet to be filled.
Two were for him and Mary. But before he got a chance to ask Mary who else was coming, he heard footsteps from the staircase landing on the foyer floor and a familiar voice speaking to him.

“James
, darling, we wondered when you’d arrive,” Annabelle said, as she reached up to kiss his cheek.

“Mother,” James said
sternly, as he stared at his father who was grinning from ear to ear. James wondered what his father found to be so happy about when he didn’t have a clue what was happening.

“Hope you had a good trip, son,” Clayton said
, as he patted James on the back.

James hated surprises. At first he was thrilled to see everyone, but now
, he knew he appeared to be the only person in the room who had no knowledge of what was going on.

Edward came over to give Mary a hug. “I take it you had a wonderful time by the glow on your face, daughter.”

While hugging her father, Mary had been careful not to put any pressure on her father’s sling. “It was wonderful. I couldn’t be any happier than I am now. How are you feeling?”

“Fairly well, I
’ve taken some time off work in hopes I’ll heal quicker.”

“Edward, nice to see you,” James shook his father-in-law
’s hand wondering how much he knew.

James looked around the table
once again and noted there was now only one person’s place unaccounted for.

“Mary,
I count one more place setting than people in this room, who else is coming?”

“I swear to you, James. I haven’t a clue. I think maybe Agnes miscounted the
number of settings needed tonight. Let me check with her.”

But before she got the chance to
look for Agnes, Edward, who’d overheard Mary and James talking, decided the time was now to bring out the surprise guest.

“Mary, I added a guest to your dinner.
I hope you don’t mind.”

Mary was confused.
She had no idea who her father would bring on this special night. That wasn’t like him. She thought they’d agreed it was only going to be family and close friends at their dinner party.

“Excuse me, Mary
, James and guests; may I introduce to you, Miss Minnie Baker, from England.” 

Mary screamed in delight. “Minnie, Minnie is that truly you standing there!” Mary ran to Minnie and hugged her tightly
and cried with joy.

“There child, please stop crying. I didn’t mean to shock you. I truly didn’t. Edward wanted
to surprise you.”

“When did you arrive
?” Mary asked looking at her father. “And how did you ever get Minnie to come to America?”

“I wish I could say I had something to do with
her arrival. When I went to England to see Miss Minnie, I suggested she make a trip to visit here, but she assured me that wasn’t in her plans. Then, a letter arrived a few weeks ago, asking me about accommodations in America, if she should come for a surprise visit. I wrote back and the plan for the surprise fit perfect with tonight’s gathering.”

Thomas and Anna also came over to hug Miss Minnie and share in the sheer pleasure of having her present
.

“This, Mary, was my surprise to
you; I didn’t think you’d mind an additional guest tonight. Am I right?” Edward inquired beaming.

“
Oh yes,” Mary said, and started to introduce Minnie. “Everyone, this is-------but her father interrupted her.

“Mary, I
’ve already introduced her to everyone, in your excitement I think you’ve forgotten.” Edward said, laughing at his befuddled daughter.

“
Let’s eat! Miss Minnie and I are hungry” Thomas said loudly, grinning and winking at Mary as everyone gathered around the table.

Mary stopped her father and Minnie
before taking her seat. “Father, I can’t thank you enough for bringing Minnie with you tonight. It’s a wonderful surprise. In fact, it’s the best gift you could have ever given me.”

“
How are you holding up? Have you told James everything, yet?” Edward asked, wondering if the confession was yet to come.

“No, actually, I haven’t told James much at all. He
’s rather perplexed with me. But as soon as I finish eating, I’ll tell James everything while I have my family and friends here to support me. I’m afraid I’m taking the coward’s way out.”

“
Good luck, Mary, but I do feel we’ll be forgiven,” Edward said, reassuringly.

“Forgiven for what?” Minnie whispered to Mary.

“You’ll see soon enough. I just hope father’s right.”

Edward smiled as he watched his daughter take her seat besides James. Minnie had asked him numerous times about Mary’s home and what was going on
in her life, but he’d carefully put her off.

This was
Mary’s time to explain, to everyone, exactly what had been going on and why. He planned to be ready to support her if things turned ugly. But the way things were unfolding, he felt fairly certain all would be well in the end.

Chapter
Ninety-Five

Everyone was nearly finished eating, except for Mary. She’d only taken a few bites as she continued to move her food around her plate. She knew James had glanced at her several times but said nothing. She kept taking deep breaths in hopes to calm her nerves.

James
, after finishing his meal, leaned over to Mary. “I think you’ve put me off long enough. I deserve some answers. I know you’re very nervous about something, since you keep biting you lip. Since you’re not eating, you might as well be talking. Now!” James said, in a whisper that commanded her to come clean.

Mary
stood and everyone at the table immediately became silent. Even the children sensed something important was about to take place.

Mary looked to her father and slowly inhaled before speaking.
“James has reminded me I owe him some answers about this home. A few of you present know what’s going on. Some of you have no knowledge of what transpired over the last several months. If I were a braver person, I’d speak to my husband alone.

“Today, I don’t feel that brave. As much as I love you
, James, I feel certain it will be better I confess my sins in front of our family and friends, in hopes that you’ll hold your temper until you’ve had some time to consider my words.

First, I
’d like to make mention that the only ones missing from our celebration today are Luther and Jacob, James’s brothers, who I’ve yet to meet, but I know they’re with us tonight, at least in our hearts.”

So far so good, Mary thought
, as she reminded herself to get this over with quickly and not to look at James.

“I first met Nettie Powell
, the former owner of this wonderful plantation, when I became her seamstress. During our time together, we became good friends. In cultivating our friendship, I also became close to Agnes and the Hawkins’s family.

“When Nettie passed, she left
the bulk of her estate to me. But she had some conditions I have to live by. One was, if I should ever marry, my husband and I must live in this plantation house. There were other conditions of her will, all within reason, and agreed upon by Agnes, and Taylor and his family, who reside here in the lovely cottage.

I
’m telling you this so you’ll know how much I love these people who are part of this plantation. They became my family when I was very much alone. More than anything, Nettie wanted me to find happiness. If she only knew how her wish has come true.” Mary paused to wipe her tears.

“Forgive me, I didn’t mean to get so emotional. Now
, getting to the part James has waited all evening to hear. I know many of you recognized Taylor. He came to the auction at my request, James.

“
Edward explained your unfortunate circumstances, when I first learned he was my father. I also understood from your family and Thomas that you’d made it quite clear they were not to do any bidding the day of the auction or to interfere with any of your decisions.

“
However, when I arrived to help, you made no such request of me. In fact, if you remember, you barely acknowledged me. So I carefully listened and wrote down what I could remember of the items that had a special meaning to you, your families and the children. That’s why Taylor purchased Matilda’s and Andrew’s dressers and the set of dishes that had been in the Webb family for years.

“
But the best purchase Taylor made that day was Lightning and Star. Andrew and Matilda have been asking often how they are doing, so I can now tell you they’re just fine.”

James stopped her.
“That can’t be, Mary. The colt and pony went to the new owner of the plantation. Edward told me so himself.” James said, looking for Edward to support him and angry with Mary for leading the children to believe she had their animals. He was now glaring at his new wife. The room went deadly quiet.

Mary’s heart was pounding.
She quickly blurted out, “We’re the new owners, James.”

The look of shock on James faced
matched everyone’s, but Edwards.

“Edward,
you’ve some explaining to do. Did you out and out lie?” James asked in disbelief. Edward was the most honest man James had ever known, besides his father.

“I
merely tried to skirt the truth, James. Mary and I planned this because I knew my hands were tied. But Mary’s, well, you never told her she couldn’t bid at the auction.”

James took a
long, deep breath before he harshly spoke. “I was there, at no time did Mary bid on one damn thing. So please tell me how in the hell this could have happened? How could Mary outbid the others, without bidding at all?”

Edward smiled
and was pleased as he could be. He knew James was about to explode, especially with the thought anyone would dare deceive him. “Well, James, Mary’s bid was for a dollar more than any bid received. I already knew she’d own the plantation. We just didn’t know the price.”

James
again glared at Mary. This wasn’t the Mary he knew so many years ago. She tricked him! “Mary, -----

But Mary cut him off.
“James, you promised me you would hear me out. I can tell you’re miffed at the moment, but I’m not quite through.”

“Miffed, what the hell kind of word is miffed? I am
downright furious!”

“Yes,
dear, we can all see that, now please let me continue so you may save your anger for one big explosion.” Mary noticed a few chuckles among the group; she then looked at her father for reassurance. She was relieved when she saw he was grinning and not one bit phased by the outburst James had just given. She knew this would upset James even more. He wasn’t in the mood to be laughed at.

“Let me see,
Oh I remember what I wanted to say next, Andrew, Matilda, I think you might like to know, contrary to what your father thought, that Lightning and Star are behind the barn in the small corral. This is my gift to you for being such wonderful children, who I love very much.”

Andrew
couldn’t wait any longer. He jumped up and ran to Mary. He cried and thanked her over and over. Little Matilda was right behind trying to push her way in between them. She cried tears of joy and couldn’t even speak.

Mary leaned down and hugged them tightly.
“Since you’re through with dinner, I think this would be a fine time to go see how your animals are doing. They’ve missed you. But, Tad and Cynthia have taken wonderful care of them. They’ll take you to see them.”

Andrew and Matilda were out of the dining room before anyone could tell them congratulations on their
wonderful gifts. And Andrew and Matilda were not the only ones who shed some tears over Mary’s news. 

“Miss Mary, Lizzie and I will tag along and keep an eye on things,” Taylor offered.

“Thank you, Taylor.” Mary glanced down at James. She saw the tears in his eyes. But she also saw his jaw was clenched. Was that to control his emotions of happiness or anger? She couldn’t tell. She decided it would be best to continue.

“James, I knew you
’d never accept any help because of your pride. Pride can be a good thing. But too much pride can be harmful, to you and to those who love you. My thought of buying your plantation was that Thomas and Anna might consider changing their living quarters to overseer our second plantation. The details of this offer can be worked out at a later time.”

Thomas, who had been trying to take in every
thing Mary was confessing, shook his head in disbelief. “Mary, I don’t know what to say,” he muttered.

“You can thank me later once
we see how things work out.” Mary said, with a wink. She was pleased she could do something for Thomas and Anna.

James was trying to put his thoughts in order. He pulled Mary down to her seat
as he stood to take his turn to address the remaining people at the table. The room became instantly quiet the minute he stood. He saw the look of concern on everyone’s face but Edwards. Edward was sitting quite comfortably in his chair just smiling at him. James smiled back and nodded to Edward, but he wanted to wipe that smile off of Edward’s face. Yet, deep down, he knew everything Mary and Edward had done was out of love for him, his children and his parents.

“As much as I
’d like to throttle my wife, your daughter, Edward, I’m too overwhelmed at the moment by her wonderful generosity. I’m very grateful and thankful to have someone like her in my life.

“
However, in the future, let it be known to all who are seated here tonight, that I’ll certainly take notice every time I see my wife and her father speaking alone in the future.”

Everyone broke out in applause
and laughter as Mary came to tears knowing James had accepted, rather graciously, what she and Edward had done.

Once things got quiet, James
continued. “I take it, Mary, that you’ll allow me to have some say on the plantation business?”

Everyone again laughed
. Mary noticed the whole room was now in a festive mood and drinks were flowing.

James grabbed Mary’s hand and kissed it. “Mary, I hope you
’re done with your surprises and secrets.”

Mary smiled
and whispered so only James could hear, “I’ve one more secret, but that will be for later, when we’re alone.”

James was puzzled. What on earth could Mary be keeping
from him, after all of this. But he knew it would do him no good to press her. One thing he’d found out about his new wife, she had a stubborn streak and could be very determined about having things her way.

“Mary, I
’m assuming, by the size of this house, that we have more than one bedroom?” Again, laughter erupted and continued for some time.

Mary
was glad and relieved to see James teasing her. “Why, James, there are six bedrooms upstairs, plus Agnes has her bedroom downstairs. You must be made aware; I’ve invited everyone to spend the night, that is, if you don’t object.

James shook his head and laughed
, for he knew it wouldn’t do any good, even if he had.

It was now Clayton who wanted to speak.
“How did Lightning and Star get to Washington? That’s the question I want answered, Annabelle and I were the last to leave the plantation the day of the auction. Edward, you left right before us. Thomas was to look after the animals until the new owner arrived. I noticed, tonight, that Thomas was as surprised as the rest of us that the colt and pony were here.”

“I can answer that,” Edward offered.
“I waited until you and Annabelle was out of sight, then I returned to bring Lightning and Star to Washington. I’d told Thomas; right after the auction, that I was moving the animals to his neighbor’s who lived to the south of him. I explained they had offered to watch them until the new owner moved in. That way, Thomas didn’t have to go twice a day to take care of them. I was counting on Thomas being too busy to check on them.”

“Edward, you
do know that no one in this room will trust you again, don’t you?” Clayton teasingly asked.

“Sometimes, you have to do things one wouldn’t normally do
, to help out a friend.” Edward responded, looking at James.

Mary smiled. Every
thing was going perfectly. “Minnie, I hope you understand that you’ll be staying the night with us,” Mary chimed in, trying to change the topic. “I’ve so much I wish to tell you.”

“Miss Mary,” Agnes answered before Minnie could, “I
have her room taken care of. Minnie and I’ve become fast friends since you’ve been gone. She’s spent much of her time here, with your father.”

Mary and Thomas both glanced at
Edward, who appeared as if nothing unusual had been said.

“I see,” Mary remarked
, as she smiled at Minnie. She couldn’t help but think, how perfect it would be, if Minnie and her father ended up together. Mary would have to see what she could do about that.