A More Perfect Union: Emily's Vow Part 15

She s.h.i.+ed away from thinking of Frank's reaction as she started after Solomon. The chance to provide a delicious meal to the two men she cared for made her little adventure worthwhile though risky. After the way Frank had kissed her, although beyond decency, she could not discount the fact that she cared about him even if it never developed into more than an intimate friends.h.i.+p. But then again, she didn't want him to be more than a friend. Did she? Certainly, her father wouldn't object. She shook her head in annoyance at her own inconsistency toward the man. Why couldn't she make up her mind one way or the other?

"Who do we have here?"

The low voice rumbled behind her, sending spikes of dismay through her. Closing her eyes briefly, she faced John as he leered at her. Solomon had reached the far edge of the market square, heading home quickly with his burden as she'd directed. Perhaps that was an error. "Major Bradley."

Ignoring the fact that she held Tommy, the turncoat stepped closer, a hand gripping her elbow. "I've missed you, Emily. We had some good times together."

"A long time ago, before-"

"Before what?" His hand caressed her arm, twining the long curl lying on her shoulder around one finger.

When Tommy had done the same thing minutes ago, she had not experienced revulsion. She shuddered. Followed swiftly by fear at John's lecherous stare. She shouldn't have come after all. Her father had been right yet again. She put herself and Tommy in danger. What a fool. But she'd protect him now. She straightened her spine, not willing to show this man fear even as it filled her.

"My father expects me home momentarily. If you'll excuse me." She turned to escape his hot breath on her cheek, but he grabbed her arm, sliding his hand down to hold hers. She stared at the muscular fingers gripping her wrist, pulling her toward him.

"What's the hurry, my sweet?" He pressed his lips to the palm of her hand.

A shudder scurried down her back at his presumption. And in a public place. She looked for help, but everyone seemed to have miraculously vanished. Interesting timing. Had he arranged for this encounter? Another kiss replaced the first one, and she glared at the top of the major's head. Tommy's weight multiplied as she tried to hold on to him and her basket on one arm, while the brute captured her free hand.

"You should not presume so." She tried to joggle Tommy higher on her hip.

Without warning, Tommy reached out and grabbed the major's disheveled wig as his head lowered to Emily's hand.

The major yelped in embarra.s.sment as it slid to one side, and he reared his head back like a snake about to strike. John s.n.a.t.c.hed the child from Emily's arms. Crying in protest at the harsh treatment, the infant squirmed in the tight grip of the angry man.

"Leave him be!" Emily grabbed for Tommy, and John snarled at her.

"This brat won't ever do that again." He took hold of one of Tommy's arms and squeezed until Tommy wailed.

Seeing only a red haze of protective anger, Emily attacked. She swung her basket at him and clawed at his arm, but he shoved her away, tightening his hold on the boy. Grabbing hold of his steely arms, she tried to pry them off her charge. The pain threading through Tommy's cries pierced her soul. Her strength failed to stop the violent man from hurting her nephew. Despite the futility, she continued to pummel him with her fists. Dropping the boy onto the hard-packed sand of the marketplace, he turned on her in a rage.

"You need to learn manners, my dear." Grabbing hold of both her arms, he hauled her to him before slapping her cheek with his full strength.

She gasped at the pain blossoming across her face. Blackness threatened to overcome her senses, but she forced herself back to consciousness. Tommy sobbed at her feet. He needed her to protect him from this madman.

She shook her head to clear the remnants of pain shrouding her mind. Glancing down, she saw Tommy on his back, half-hidden beneath the tables of fresh produce. She must reason with John, make him remember he once cared for her and hope he'd stop this crazy attack. "John, please!"

Another blow to the cheek and she tasted blood. Tommy's cries grew faint as the world spun around her. Brutal hands caught her before she fell, hurting her more. But the fresh pain brought her back to her senses.

She inhaled sharply when a fist suddenly aimed at John's head.

She stumbled when the impact of Frank's apprentice, Sawyer, knocked John's grip loose from her arms. She sat down with a hard thwump on the ground and quickly scrambled to gather up Tommy before the two brawling men crushed him. Across the way, Solomon led several men at a run as they raced toward the skirmish, finally returning to help.

Tommy was safe. Thank goodness! Frank's apprentice, Sawyer, knocked John unconscious with one blow.

When Sawyer turned to her, tremors of remorse shook her. "He'll never let you forget that."

"Miss Emily, you're safe now." The lad lifted Tommy then helped her up. "Let me get you home."

"Miss Emily, you all right?" Solomon stopped beside her, panting. "That man hurt you?"

"Take me home." Emily took the boy from Sawyer, refusing to cry in front of the men.

She remained silent as he and the black man escorted her back to the imposing house, the pumpkin cradled in Solomon's capable arms, fully aware of the extent of the danger she'd put Tommy in. All for the whimsical desire to have pumpkin soup. She'd promised herself to never be selfish again but she'd broken that promise and look at the mess as a result. She would do better in future, knowing now that her father and Frank were right to fear for her safety.

As they approached the front steps, Frank rose from a chair positioned to take advantage of the suns.h.i.+ne bathing the porch. Emily's heart sank.

Chapter 14.

"You'll end up having to marry Frank yet, if you're not more careful than that," Amy chided a few days later. She had returned as planned, eager as ever to share in her exploits smuggling the goods through the sentry line.

Emily shrugged and cut an apple in half, offering half to her cousin. She hadn't told anyone other than Frank, who dragged it from her and Sawyer, about the incident at the market. As far as everyone else was concerned, she had cut her cheek when she tripped in the house. What good would come from sharing what John had done? Obviously she should not venture out alone. She understood that now. Frank forbade her adventures, as he called them. He had reminded her of her promise to abide by her father's and his wishes. She'd been stupid to try to circ.u.mvent their rules. Telling others of her stupidity provided no benefit, to her mind.

Amy took the apple and examined it before smiling at Emily. "I knew you would have problems with him while I was away. That's why I thought Samantha planned to visit you more often."

Emily bit into the fruit and wiped the resulting juice from her chin. "You needn't worry. I'll be fine. Besides, she's been awfully busy trying to help people."

And failing? She wondered if other instances of Samantha's failures had escaped her notice. Samantha had come home from Savannah suddenly, without explanation. Perhaps some incident had occurred there as well. Emily shook off her doubts. She wouldn't let Frank's worries impair her friends.h.i.+p.

"I heard she's been requested by more and more folks over the past few weeks. I hope there isn't an illness spreading."

"I don't believe so." Emily cut another slice of apple and popped it into her mouth. She needed to change the subject to divert Amy's poking into areas she didn't want to discuss. Sweet juices spurted against her teeth as she chewed. "Have you heard? Major Benjamin is back in town."

The pinking of Amy's cheeks as she swallowed her bite of fruit made Emily chuckle.

"So, what does that matter to me?" Amy struggled to appear nonchalant.

"He asked about you." Emily winked at her cousin as she took another bite.

"That is neither here nor there." Amy flicked a dismissive wave of her hand. "He is an unfeeling troll and an audacious flirt."

"A flirt, eh?" Emily tilted her head, contemplating the concept. "I found him more egotistical than flirtatious. I guess we'll find out when he comes for the Allhallows Eve dinner."

Amy's blush deepened, and her mouth opened like a daylily receiving the morning sunlight. "You didn't?"

Emily nodded, aware of her cousin's discomfiture. "He said he'd be honored and hoped you'd attend as well."

Amy put her head in her hands, covering her face completely for a moment before spreading delicate fingers to peek through them. "I suppose it would be rude to flee to the plantation and not face him, wouldn't it?"

"Cowardly, too." Emily's suspicions regarding her feelings for Benjamin proved well-founded.

The back door slammed shut, followed by heavy boots on the worn boards. "Emily, where are you?"

Emily's stomach twisted at the heat in her father's tone. She shot a worried glance at Amy. "In the dining room."

The thud of his steps grew louder as he stomped down the hallway and into the room. He nodded grimly at Amy before turning his full attention on Emily. "So, you defied my orders and went into town after all? I'll not have it, I tell you."

"Father, I did-" Emily began, but he silenced her with a glare.

"Frank told me of your little... what did he call it? Oh yes! Your little adventure. And of your meeting with that major." Anger vibrated his ba.s.s voice. Fists on hips, he faced her. "From now on you are expressly forbidden to leave this house. Not even a b.l.o.o.d.y stroll in the garden! No exceptions whatsoever until this b.l.o.o.d.y war is over. Is that clear?"

Emily's mouth dropped open. Surely she'd misheard what her father said. "Excuse me?" She darted a look at Amy, who also sat shocked into silence.

"I will protect you whether you want me to or not. You're my only daughter now. I will not risk you coming to harm because of my lack of foresight and your lack of discipline. Therefore you're to stay inside until further notice."

"Uncle, you cannot do this," Amy ventured quietly. "It's unheard of."

He turned to her with a glare, his face mottled red and purple. "It is necessary, and I'll thank you to mind your own affairs."

Emily sagged against the table, the forgotten apple lying on the bench beside her where she'd dropped it. He'd finally done it. Made her a prisoner in her own home.

Her soul recoiled. Not even a walk in the garden until the war ended. Who knew how long that might be? Months? If the treaty wasn't signed, how long then? Tears leaked from her closed eyes. Amy's gaze weighed on her but she did not move. She could not.

"But Uncle, surely you jest," Amy pressed. "She must at least be able to work in the garden. You'll permit her that at least?"

"It won't be her, especially after recent events," he replied sharply. He ran a hand down his smooth jaw and glared at the two women. "She will obey me in this. I know of what I speak."

"Of course, sir, but please be reasonable. She has obligations to this town, the sewing circle and the ladies who rely on her weaving the cloth for s.h.i.+rts for our men. Surely you'll agree she should continue to support the war effort."

Emily peered at her father to gauge his response. He frowned at Amy. A sadness settled on her shoulders at his stubborn expression.

"She's done her part. They'll have to manage from now on without her slaving for them."

"I'm not their slave." Ire bubbled to the surface and forced itself from her. How dare he suggest such a thing? "I give of my time freely."

"No more, you don't. Not after what Frank relayed to me." He crossed his arms over his ma.s.sive chest and considered her. "I cannot bear to lose you, too. You will stay here. Understood?"

Determination mingled with the underlying fear in his eyes. He'd lost his wife and his daughter, and nearly his grandson. She wiped at the drying trail of tears on her cheeks. She could not be the one to bring more loss, more grief to her father. Despite the difficulty before her-and she could only imagine how to rein in her rebellious nature for the duration-she must be strong for him, as he had been for her throughout her entire life. She had promised to do better and now she must. Sadness darkened her soul, but she would try.

Slowly, she nodded.

"Uncle Joshua, I must protest on Emily's behalf. She must go to church for her own spiritual growth. You must see that, don't you?"

"Church she will attend with the entire family, so permissible. But nothing more."

Amy stood and wiped her hands on the napkin before pacing to where her uncle stood, feet planted firmly as though bracing for a rolling s.h.i.+p's deck during stormy seas. "What if Frank and I both escort her to the sewing circle? Will that rea.s.sure you she will be protected?" Amy searched her uncle's dark expression. "Being confined in this house for months will only break her fine, loving spirit."

Emily gazed hopefully on her father's worried countenance. The sadness lightened as he considered Amy's words. He sighed heavily and shook his head.

"I'll agree to this on one condition. Frank must be with her the entire time she goes to church and the ladies' circle. If he's not available, then you, my darling daughter, will not be going. If you dishonor me by not following my instructions, I'll lock you in your room with a guard at the door until the blasted British have left this town. Understood?" He frowned deeper as Amy clasped her hands together. "Do not push me, young lady."

"Aye, Captain." Amy smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Uncle."

Emily, feeling as though she'd dodged a terrible ordeal, rose from her seat and raced to her father, gripping one of his strong hands. "Thank you, Father. You won't regret this, I promise."

"See that I don't, my dear. I want you to be well and healthy when your brothers finally return."

"You've had word from them?" Emily grasped his arm. No letter had arrived from them in months, and she dreaded their involvement in some b.l.o.o.d.y battle and subsequent injury. Or worse.

"None. Have faith. They'll come home in one piece, if I know my boys." He turned with a nod and left the room.

But would they come home on horseback or in a box? Emily did not want to voice her fears, for by saying the words it may make them come true. She didn't want to lend the words the power speaking them could yield.

"Emily, we must talk to Frank about Uncle's demands."

Emily wrinkled her nose at the idea. "Yes, I suppose we must. But can't we delay for a day or two?"

"Emily, we promised. We'll inform Frank immediately." Amy laid a cautionary hand on her arm and tugged her into a brief hug. "I know you hate this, but it will make him feel better knowing you're protected. We'll take this one step at a time, and he will soon relent even more. He's worried. He'll ease those restrictions over time."

"I hope you're right, Cousin, because otherwise I may have to take matters into my own hands. And you know that only leads to trouble."

Chapter 15.

The final strains of the hymn died away as the rector climbed the stairs to the elevated pulpit to deliver his sermon. The richly carved furniture boasted inlaid woods ranging from pine to oak to mahogany, and was a work of art unbefitting its occupant, to her mind. His position, towering high above the congregation's heads, not only ensured everyone could hear his message, but also forced her to look up at him until her neck hurt. Emily chastised herself for detesting this portion of the service, but to no avail.

She used to love to sing the hymns, her favorite part of church. The organist played the Snelzer organ renowned for its superior quality, its harmonious tones filling the air as the clerk led the "lining" of the psalms, singing the line from the church's lone hymnal which the congregation then echoed back to him. The grand sound within the high-ceilinged church inspired feelings of piety and peace. Of singing directly to G.o.d for his ultimate enjoyment. Perhaps one day the church could afford to buy hymnals for all and everyone could sing together, but for now the price of books soared too high. Her feelings about attending church had changed for the worse when Reverend Edward Jenkins sailed in from Savannah with the British occupation forces to promote the loyalist sentiments. Perhaps in other times his sermons would be more welcome. But not now. She longed for their kindly, patriotic preacher Reverend Charles Moreau. She feared she may never see him again.

She let her eyes stray to the white plaster ceiling with its intricately carved border known as the Wall of Troy, with its four double roses centered on each of four sides of the rectangle above her. She tried projecting the piety of the other women surrounding her though she only wanted to move, to be outside in the suns.h.i.+ne, to dissipate the energy agitating her. The nave felt cool in the dim light. The sun shone through the Palladian gla.s.s window at the rear of the chancel, situated some twenty feet behind the pulpit, and brightened the dark blue walls as well as the four brown Corinthian pilaster columns. The half dome above was blue to represent the firmament with white clouds floating on it and a "glory" at the peak, a golden sun with radiating beams spreading across the dome. Two tablets hung on either side of the window containing the words of the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer and the Apostles Creed in gilt lettering in gilded frames with a golden cherub's head and wings at the top. She appreciated the simple elegance of the chancel, but today she had no patience. None.

Outside, the sun shone warmly on the churchyard with its tombstones covered by fallen leaves, and she imagined birds hopped among them searching for dinner. But she remained trapped inside yet again, albeit in a different place.

Emily sat between Frank and Father on the hard bench in their boxed pew with the half door to her left. Amy's burgundy skirts showed beyond Father's bulk, her hands folded serenely. Emily's left knee bounced twice before she overruled her impatience and quelled the movement. Reverend Jenkins droned on with his British pearls of biblical wisdom. She smothered the sigh fighting to escape. She refrained from doing anything that might force a lecture from her father after the service if she did not maintain the decorum he expected during this pious torture.

Frank must have sensed her agitation, for he pressed his leg against hers. She stilled, not because she wanted any less to leave, but because the intimate gesture stirred her latent desires into smoldering embers. His body heat branded her through the layers of fabric, and she s.h.i.+fted away as casually as she could so as not to alert her father to her movement. How would she explain her restlessness? Frank's look pressed on her, but she kept her eyes on the rector, praying for calm. Flexing her fingers on her velvet purse, the welcome movement did little to ease the growing tension coiling in the pit of her stomach.

"And peace descended from heaven to answer the prayers of the many who called upon the Lord for help. Amen." Reverend Jenkins closed his Bible and surveyed the congregation. The rector frowned when he saw Benjamin dozing at the end of the pew in front of Emily. Leave it to men to presume such outrageous disdain for society's expectations and then insist women adhere to a different, more restrictive standard. Emily's agitation quickened. The reverend's pointed glare prompted Frank, who sat behind Benjamin, to tap his head to awaken him. Benjamin yawned and stretched as he came to, inclining his head in a manner suggesting the rector continue with the service. As if the rector needed his permission, of all things.

Still frowning, the rector said, "Let us pray."

That makes sense; wake him up so he can close his eyes again. She folded her hands in prayer, head bowed, but her eyes refused to close. She stared at the tips of her shoes, praying for the guidance and strength to be the person she wanted instead of what others dictated. Who gave them the right to tell her what she could and could not do with her own life, her destiny? She had thoughts and pa.s.sions to explore, revel in, and share when so moved.

Her fondness for Frank increased the more time she spent with him, but that did not mean she wished to marry him or anyone else. Where did the Bible say Adam and Eve married before they started reproducing? G.o.d blessed their union because of the rib Adam shared with Eve without his consent. Without his consent. Two people should not be coerced into marrying merely because society demanded such a bondage.

This line of thinking only inflamed her annoyance and verged on sacrilege to boot. Her father might insist on the marriage. She s.h.i.+vered. Could she say no to her father even if she detested the proposed beau? Her father had always provided for her, ensuring her aunt took proper care of her and gave the necessary instructions. She owed him everything.

"Amen. G.o.d be with you," Reverend Jenkins finally intoned.