In His Eyes: A Civil War Romance Page 25

  She clutched the fabric at her throat, unsure how to feel. He offered her safety and protection. With his name in truth, she would be able to have both freedom and respectability. Ella blinked back sudden tears. It solved all of her problems. Why, then, did she ache?

  She swallowed back the burn in her throat. “You are sure you would sacrifice all of that for me? What if you meet a lady that you would want to share your home and life in the manner a marriage is supposed to be?”

  “That will never happen.”

  Hope began to blossom.

  “I have dedicated my life to the military. I never intended to wed. This way, you are protected, and my family lands have someone to inherit them upon my death.”

  Ella glanced away, trying to bring her emotions to heel. A life as an unloved wife with a mansion and plenty to eat was far better than an unwed mother facing scorn and a life filled with scarcity. She drew herself up and squared her shoulders. “And you would make Lee your heir?” Why did this feel like a business arrangement instead of a marriage proposal?

  “I would. He already carries my name. No one ever need know he was not born of a union between us.”

  Ella rubbed her arms, though the day was rather warm. Westley stepped over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She breathed in the earthy scents of him.

  “It’s….” His words trailed off and she looked up at him, seeing as many emotions swirling in his eyes as she guessed flickered in her own. “It’s the best I can do.”

  Because he was an honorable man, a friend who would give much to take care of her. He did not care for her in the way she must acknowledge she cared for him. Perhaps had even begun to feel something deeper…. She set her jaw. She should be grateful. She forced her lips to turn up. “I appreciate your concern for me, Major Remington.”

  Something akin to hurt erupted in his eyes, but he blinked and it was gone.

  “You are sacrificing much for my son and me. I am grateful for your offer and agree to your terms.”

  He reached up and ran the rough pad of his thumb across her jaw, a motion that seemed far too intimate for a man who wanted to wed in name only. Confounding man! He should not toy with her so.

  She took a step back from him. “How do you suppose we have a wedding, when it is already presumed I am your wife? I imagine that shall be rather awkward.”

  He lifted his shoulders. “Perhaps only the Martin women believe that you are already my wife.”

  “No, Sibby referred to me as Mrs. Remington when she went to town, and several people seemed rather curious about me. I wouldn’t doubt that many tongues were wagging over it.”

  They stood there in silence for several moments, the beauty of the day seeming to have dimmed.

  Westley shifted his weight, and Ella just then noticed he’d been moving around without the aid of his cane.

  “I have an army chaplain coming by two days hence.”

  She bobbed her head, not surprised he had known her answer before she gave it. Of course she would accept the offer of security. “So we shall wed the day before you leave for duty.”

  “Yes.”

  Ella pushed aside girlhood fantasies of a fabulous gown and a ceremony with family and friends. Those were things for couples to celebrate love. And such were the imaginings of children not yet seasoned with the ways of the world. In reality, women had very few choices. They could marry well and be provided for, or they could eke out a living from the very few professions available to them. She most certainly would not be the first woman wed to a man who did not love her in order to procure a stable future. “Very well. That should suffice for the vows. I believe, however, we must still have witnesses.”

  “I shall invite the Martins.”

  Panic leapt in her chest. “But then they will know I lied to them.”

  “Perhaps not. We can say that we wished to make our field wedding more official before I returned to duty.”

  Ella inwardly cringed. More lies. She rather liked Opal, and would relish the idea of a neighborly friendship. That would best be done without the untruths. Besides, better the lady shunned her from the truth than befriended her under a shroud of lies. She hoped. “If you are not opposed, I believe it would actually be better if I told them the truth.”

  “As you wish.”

  “That settles it, then.” She stepped around him and scooped Lee up from the ground. “If we are agreed, then, I shall go pen Miss Martin a note requesting a visit with her tomorrow.”

  Westley gestured to the disarray on the ground. “But what of our picnic?”

  “Forgive me, but I find I am without appetite. Would it be too troublesome to ask you to return everything to Sibby for me?”

  Confusion furrowed his forehead, but his words remained infuriatingly conciliatory. “Certainly. I will see you at dinner tonight, then.”

  Ella situated Lee in the crook of her arm and tried to offer him her most pleasant smile. “Yes, of course.”

  She turned toward the house and blinked away tears that stung her eyes, reminding herself that what had just happened was truly a blessing.

  The next afternoon Ella stood in the doorway to the parlor and twisted her hands as Basil opened the front door. Mrs. and Miss Martin bustled in, the hems of their wide hoop skirts sweeping over the floor. Opal removed her bonnet and gave it to Basil before clasping her gloved hands.

  “Ella! How lovely to see you again!”

  Ella smiled and moved closer as the women removed their gloves. “Indeed. I am pleased you agreed to come to call on such late notice.”

  Mrs. Martin arched a thin eyebrow. “We were rather curious, I’m afraid.”

  Opal grasped Ella’s hands. “I am overjoyed at the wonderful news that the baby is well.”

  Ella nodded, bobbing the intricate curls Sibby had worked through her hair. “It was a miracle. He almost died, but then Major Remington prayed over him and….” she lifted her shoulders. “The Lord answered.”

  Opal put her fingers to her lips. “Oh! What a beautiful story.” She looked over the shoulder of her pink gown. “Isn’t it, Mama?”

  “Quite,” the woman said, though she seemed to share none of her daughter’s enthusiasm.

  “If you will join me in the parlor, ladies, tea will be served soon.” Ella gestured toward the room and allowed her guests to pass in front of her.

  Opal made a beeline for the cradle. “There you are sweet one!” She cooed, peering down at Lee. “May I hold him?”

  “Certainly you may.”

  Opal gently lifted the baby and held him against her, speaking in a sugary tone. “Aren’t you just the most handsome little fellow?”

  Mrs. Martin helped herself to a seat, and Ella settled on the settee nearest the cradle. Opal took a chair just as Basil stepped into the room carrying a tea tray. Sibby had been able to get up and hobble around some, but she still needed to take it easy on her ankle.

  Basil plopped down the tea tray and rattled the china, and Mrs. Martin scowled. Ella, however, offered the child a smile. “Thank you, Basil.”

  She grinned. “You’s welcome, Miss Ella. You be needin’ anythin’ else, you just holler for me.”

  Ella waved a hand and the girl hurried off. She served Mrs. Martin, but Opal declined, content to play with Lee instead. Ella smiled. “He seems to like you, Opal.”

  She beamed up at Ella, her pretty features growing pink. “I adore children.”

  “So, Mrs. Remington,” Mrs. Martin interjected, “Did your husband happen to mention anything about supplies?”

  Ella cocked her head. “I beg your pardon? What supplies?”

  Opal groaned, but her mother ignored her. “He promised us several things in exchange for the use of our horse, but was only able to deliver part of the list.”

  “Oh?” Ella smoothed her skirt. “Perhaps I may be able to assist. Major Remington has been called to return back to duty, and I am afraid he has been rather busy these last days in preparation. Unfortunately, i
t may have slipped his mind.”

  Mrs. Martin’s nose twitched. “Oh, well. It is no bother, really.”

  “Please, I wouldn’t mind helping.”

  The older woman lowered the teacup that was partially lifted to her lips, looking resigned. “Well, we just needed a couple of bags of flour and sugar.” She waved her free hand. “You know, things that have been harder and harder to come by.”

  The poor woman obviously didn’t want to admit to her need. “I will see that it is done. I know Major Remington would not wish for his promise to go unfulfilled. That would hardly be appropriate as you have already upheld your side of the exchange.”

  Mrs. Martin seemed to relax and began to sip her tea again.

  Ella smiled. “I am certain Sibby still has some of her stores remaining, so I shall have it for you today.”

  Mrs. Martin’s eyes flashed. “Am I to understand you’re suggesting that your slave…”

  “Freedwoman,” Ella corrected.

  Mrs. Martin narrowed her eyes. “That your freedwoman has stores of supplies on hand?”

  Ella plucked at her cuticles. “It would seem that Sibby had a way of hiding away all of Belmont’s supplies, and she has managed to keep everyone fed.”

  “Hmm.” Mrs. Martin tapped her chin. “Odd that those supplies wouldn’t have run out by now.”

  “Now, Mama, you’ve been reading too many novels,” Opal gently chided, lightening the suddenly heavy mood that gathered in the room. She glanced at Ella. “Thank you for your generosity.”

  They settled into the mundane and polite conversation expected of ladies of stature until Ella could no longer stand the tension in her nerves. She set down her now tepid teacup. “Ladies, I fear there is a matter of importance I must discuss with you.”

  “Oh?”

  “Oh?”

  The Martin women spoke in unison, both of them leaning forward in their seats. Whereas Opal looked concerned, her mother practically dripped suspicion. Ella withheld a groan. This wouldn’t be easy.

  “First, I must ask your forgiveness.” Ella took a steadying breath. “My dear ladies, I fear I have lied to you.”

  “Ha!” Mrs. Martin set down her teacup with a clink. “I knew it.”

  “Mama!” Opal scolded. “You are being churlish!”

  Mrs. Martin ignored her. “That boy was conceived out of wedlock, and Mr. Remington sent you here to hide your shame.”

  Ella gaped at her. Good to know what they thought of her. Ella stiffened her spine. “No, Mrs. Martin, that is most assuredly not the case.”

  “Mama!” Opal admonished, her face growing pale.

  The older woman lifted her shoulders, seeming far from apologetic. “What, then?”

  Ella drew a deep breath. No matter how she went about this, any esteem she’d had in their eyes would be gone. How foolish of her to think that she would be able to let them see the real her and she not be scorned. Her temper flared, and she struggled to keep it in check.

  “I am not a harlot, ma’am, nor am I someone’s leman. Certainly not Major Remington’s. Lee’s mother died during his birthing, and I brought him here because I had heard the late Mrs. Remington was known for helping children find orphanages. Of course, at the time, I had no idea that Mr. and Mrs. Remington had passed on.”

  Mrs. Martin scowled and Opal pressed her lips together. Nothing for it but to move forward.

  “When I arrived, there were Federal soldiers demanding that Sibby get the master and lady of the house.” She lifted her palms. “Forgive me, but Sibby seemed so distraught that I pretended to be the lady of Belmont. Everything else…sort of happened after that.”

  “Oh, my!” Opal exclaimed, her eyes bright. “What a tale of intrigue.”

  Mrs. Martin stared at her, but thankfully kept her lips sealed.

  “So you see, we kept up the ruse so that the Federal soldiers wouldn’t confiscate Belmont and Sibby could be a wet nurse for Lee.”

  Silence. Well, except for the sound of her pounding heart and the blood pulsing in her ears. The Martin women stared at her, and Ella could feel her cheeks flaming.

  Then surprisingly, Mrs. Martin chuckled. “Well, that certainly explains why Mr. Remington seemed somewhat confused when we saw him in town and we asked after his wife and son.”

  Ella wrinkled her nose. “I’m sure it came as a shock.”

  Opal leaned forward. “Why do you suppose he didn’t say anything?”

  Ella shrugged. “I think it was because he wanted to see what was happening at Belmont first.” She looked at the patterned rug, a pang of something unwelcome piercing her heart. “But then, after I told him my plight, he let the ruse slide.”

  Mrs. Martin steepled her fingers. “In the times we saw him after that, he never once mentioned you were not really his wife. Why is that, do you suppose?”

  Ella tried to smile. “He was protecting me. Which is what brings me to the next issue.” She clasped her hands in her lap. “Major Remington and I are to speak vows in front of an army chaplain tomorrow, and we would like to ask for the two of you to stand witness.”

  Mrs. Martin clucked her tongue. “My, what an intriguing mess.”

  “Oh, hush, Mama.” Opal beamed at Ella while she rocked Lee. “Isn’t it romantic? He comes home, surprised to find a beautiful woman in his house, they fall in love, and this poor orphan child has a family to call his own.” She sighed wistfully and Ella’s stomach clenched.

  “Nonsense.” Mrs. Martin gave an unladylike snort. “Now who has been reading too many novels? You sound like you are spouting the tale from one of those silly romances you like.”

  Opal’s lip poked out. “Say what you will. I still think it’s beautiful.”

  Mrs. Martin rolled her eyes. “They probably agreed to wed so that Mr. Remington could have someone tend Belmont while he is away and care for him in wifely ways when he’s home, and so that she will have the only security afforded to a woman of her situation.”

  Ella’s heart constricted. Mrs. Martin had managed to pluck exactly the right chord. The part about wifely duties struck her. She hadn’t even considered such a thing! Though Westley had said in name only….

  “That is simply terrible, Mama,” Opal stated, seeming a bit miffed.

  Mrs. Martin cocked her head and looked at Ella expectantly.

  Ella grimaced. “I’m afraid your mother is a bit closer to the truth.”

  Opal groaned.

  “Major Remington and I will wed so that I will have a home and so he will have someone to pass his lands on to should something happen to him in the western territories.”

  “The western territories?” Opal fanned herself with her free hand. “Oh, the horror of it.”

  Lee began to fuss, likely because the lady held him too tightly. Ella reached for him and Opal handed him over, still looking a bit dazed.

  Mrs. Martin plucked her teacup from where she’d left it on the tray and poured herself a fresh cup. “I say that you are very lucky. Why, I dare say that the odds this turned out so well for you were mighty slim indeed.”

  Ella nodded, unable to deny the truth of the statement.

  Opal’s lips turned down. “Well, there is still a wedding to consider.” She brightened. “Do you have a gown?”

  Mrs. Martin scoffed. “What a silly question, child.”

  Opal’s cheeks flamed and Ella offered her a smile. “Major Remington was kind enough to have a new dress fashioned for me. It won’t be a wedding gown, of course, because that would hardly be practical, but Sibby said they ordered a functional dress that would compliment me. Major Remington is to pick it up from a seamstress today.”

  Opal smiled, but her eyes seemed sad. Ella tried not to dwell on that and turned back to the dowager. “I am terribly sorry for deceiving you. It was not my intention to become an imposter, it just sort of…happened.”

  To her surprise, Mrs. Martin grinned. “Think nothing of it, dear. It was right clever of you outwitting those Yanks. And I am glad
you have been able to find a means of security for you and the child. Opal and I will be happy to provide witness so that you may legalize your vows.”

  It all seemed rather impersonal, these wedding guests agreeing to perform a function at a wedding service that was more the signing of a business agreement. Throughout the remainder of the visit, Ella had to force herself to keep up polite conversation, and when Opal swept her into a tight hug on her way out the door some time later, tears stung her eyes.

  “Don’t you worry. I’ll come by and you and I will have a lovely time to pass some of the days after he leaves.”

  Ella squeezed her new friend and stepped back. “That would be exceedingly kind of you.” She would delight in a bit of diversion from the emotions that would be certain to plague her.

  Basil loaded up two sacks each of flour and sugar, plus a few jars of preserves and a loaf of Sibby’s bread into the ladies’ carriage. Then the women took their leave and Ella closed the door behind them, somehow feeling much emptier than when the day began.

  Ella stared at herself in the mirror, wondering just exactly where this woman had come from. Gone was the ragged looking waif that scrubbed the dishes in the Buckhorn Inn, and in her place stood what appeared to be a refined lady.

  She turned, letting the hems of the wide skirt twist around her slippered feet. Westley had managed to order a fine gown, and Sibby’s measurements meant that it fit her every curve perfectly.

  She eyed her reflection, admiring the dress’s green hoop skirt with ruffled black trim and the fitted jacket with silk edging and delicate stitching. The blouse underneath clasped at the base of her throat, and as Ella reached up to feel the edges of her lapel, she smiled. She appeared modest yet stylish, elegant yet practical. It would seem the man did well in choosing attire fitting for the mistress of Belmont.

  Even the garment’s colors complemented her complexion, and the deep green accentuated the fiery tints of her hair. Yes, it would seem her future husband had thought of everything. Ella turned away from the mirror, taking her place in her dressing chair just as Sibby opened the door from the nursery.