Doves Migration (38 page)

Across town, Elise, unable to draw the cords of her corset tighter
around her protruding waist, cried out in despair. “Oh fiddlesticks! Megan
please help me, otherwise I’ll never fit into my gown.”

Obligingly, the young maidservant placed the mantel she had just
brushed across the foot of the bed. Turning, the young servant, sheepishly
said, “Mrs. Carmidy, beggin’ your pardon, didn’t Mr. Carmidy instruct me
not to make your corset so tight? You wouldn’t want me to be sacked, now
would ya?”

Entering their bedchamber, hearing the maid’s plea, Joshua
proclaimed, “Why certainly not Megan. That will be all. I’ll tend to my
wife this evening.”

Disgusted that once again Joshua was underfoot, Elise rolled her eyes.
“Mercy sakes, Joshua. Can’t a girl have a moment’s peace without you
lurking about? Might I remind you that you are no longer a Union officer
tracking some Southern spy’s whereabouts?”

Chuckling silently at seeing his wife stand before him, fists planted
firmly on her hips, he walked behind her and tenderly whispered in her ear.
“That may be so, but some things never change. I see you’re still as feisty
as ever.” Nuzzling his cheek next to hers, he tenderly kissed the nape of her
neck.

Feeling her respond to his nearness by leaning closer to him, Elise’s
tone softened. “And you my wonderful husband, still believe I can be
tamed like some wild stallion.”

Kissing her neck again and sliding his arms around her expanding
waist, Joshua huskily whispered, “Not a stallion my dear, a mare.”
Immediately hearing his comment, Elise’s back stiffened and she
slapped Joshua’s arm. “Well how flattering to compare your wife to a
horse!”
Ignoring Joshua’s smirk, looking at her reflection in the mirror, Elise
turned to face Joshua on the verge of tears. “It’s no wonder you think of me
as some horse. Just look at my backside. Why, it’s getting as big as
Maggie’s!” she wailed in despair.
Unable to conceal his amusement in her comparing herself to that of
her horse, Joshua laughed out loud. “Oh Elise, I’ve seen plenty of horse’s
backsides and I can assure you, never once have I ever been aroused by
them as when I look at yours. Now come back over here and let me help
you get into your gown or we’ll be late for our own party.”
Still pouting, Elise shook her head defiantly. “That's the whole
problem. You can’t help me into my gown, because it doesn’t fit me
anymore!”
Because Elise was truly upset, Joshua looked down at the lovely gown
she had worn only a month earlier. Immediately he became concerned,
wondering if it was normal for a woman to already be getting so large so
soon into her pregnancy, but rather than worry her needlessly, Joshua
glanced at Elise reassuringly.
“I never did fancy that gown, if truth be known. Why not pick out
another. Didn’t you just show me a gown you and your mother picked out
the other day?”
Nodding, her lips trembling she said, “I can’t wear that to a party,
Joshua. That’s a gown for expectant mother’s to be.”
“And aren’t you?”
“Yes. However, no one knows it and besides, I won’t wear it. It makes
me look big and fat.”
Walking over to her, Joshua lovingly placed his hand on her rounded
torso and tenderly rubbed it before looking up at her. “When I see our baby
growing inside you, I don’t see someone gaining weight, but rather the
woman I love who is carrying my son or daughter, and it takes my breath
away. Never have I desired you more, so please no more talk about being
fat. You look radiant to me.”
Cupping her arms around his neck, she cooed, “Oh Joshua, you always
could turn my head with your words.”
Several minutes later, after convincing Elise that she looked beautiful
in her new dress without the corset that bound her, Joshua also managed to
convince his wife that tonight would be the perfect time to announce their
joyous news. As they made their way to the Honeycutt’s, earlier than usual
so that Elise could have the chance to share her news with Miranda first,
Joshua made a mental note to speak with his mother regarding Elise’s
condition.

As soon as the front door opened to the Honeycutt home, Elise headed
directly to Miranda’s bedchamber rather than having her mantel placed in
the cloakroom. Joshua went in search of Alfred, having been told they were
the first to arrive. Standing outside Miranda’s room, Elise paused a
moment when she felt a fluttering in her stomach. Startled, she gasped and
her hand went immediately inside her mantel to rub her protruding
abdomen over her silk skirt.

“Mercy sakes, what was that?” she whispered. In that fleeting moment
her maternal instincts came alive and she spoke softly to the child growing
inside her.

“Hello little one. Was that you?” Wanting to run to Joshua in hopes
what she had felt was the baby, but certain she wasn’t far enough along to
feel movement, she stood silently and rubbed her stomach in wonderment.
Hearing noises coming from behind the closed door, Elise quietly knocked
and smiled when Miranda opened it.

Ignoring the surprised look on her friend’s face, Elise rushed past her
and squealed, “Oh Miranda, I’m so glad you’re alone. Can we please chat
for a spell before the party begins? I must tell you something before
anyone else finds out.”

Shutting the door behind her and glancing about the room to make sure
there was nothing left about that would draw suspicions from her curious
friend, Miranda smiled at Elise. “My, this must be some news if you didn’t
have your mantel checked. Shall I take it for you?” Miranda asked,
stretching out her arms ready to take her friend’s wrap.

Instead, Elise herself ran to Miranda and hugged her tightly. “Oh
Miranda, it’s so good to see you. Ever since you took ill I wanted to check
on you, really I did. But Joshua and Mama thought it unwise.”

“Oh don’t fret none about that, Elise. I’m sure getting accustomed to
your new surroundings and home was far more pressing than to nursemaid
an old friend. Besides, there wasn’t anything you could have done for me. I
just needed rest. And as you can see, I’m as fit as a fiddle now.”

Pulling slightly away from her friend still holding onto her waist, she
smiled warmly. “That you are, my dear friend, that you are. I mean this,
Miranda, I’ve never seen you look so beautiful.”

Lowering her head embarrassed, Miranda still noticing Elise was
wearing her mantel, asked again, “Are you chilled, Elise? It’s hotter than
blazes this evening and you’ve still got your mantel on. Maybe you’re
coming down with something?”

Snickering, realizing her friend was right, she stepped back and begun
pulling on her drawstring. “It is a might close in here, tonight. But I didn’t
want anyone else to see my gown until you did.”

Puzzled by such a comment, Miranda asked, “Is your dress the
important news you wanted to share with me?”
“Well, not exactly . . .” Elise said coyly, dramatically turning around
and taking off her mantel, letting it drop to her feet. Turning slowly back to
face her friend, in anticipation, she stood there beaming as Miranda’s eyes
scanned Elise’s new dress. Immediately her hands went to her mouth in
shock and began to squeal in delight.
“Oh Elise, how wonderful. You’re going to have a baby!” Immediately
the two women hugged one another as Elise nodded her head
enthusiastically.
“Can you believe it? I’m going to be a mama.”
“Does your Mama know?”
Planting her hand squarely on her hip, she scuffed, “Why, I didn’t even
get off the boat before both she and Mother Carmidy had guessed. I swear
it was the most peculiar thing. There I was, trying to be so secretive, but
they both knew. I guess, just like I knew the moment I saw you in Alfred’s
study the other day, that you had found true love.”
Desperately wanting to share her news with Elise, but knowing it was
too risky, Miranda shook her head. “I swear Elise, when you get something
in your head you’re as stubborn as an old mule. Can’t we just please take a
few minutes to share in your joy?”
Raising her eyebrow, Elise cocked her head and looked at her friend.
“No sense in trying to get me all riled up by calling me names, Miranda.
This old stubborn mule ain’t budging, until you tell me who the lucky man
is.” Then tapping her foot, she looked at Miranda just as she had countless
times before when she expected an answer.
Breaking out in a giggle, Miranda said, “Just look at you. Standing
there tapping your foot like you’re going to give me a whoppin’ or
something. You old bossy thing, you really are going to be a great mother.”
Hearing Miranda referring to her in such a way, Elise’s attention was
diverted and she asked, “Do you really think so?”
The thought crossed Miranda’s mind that this may be the last time she
would share one of these heartfelt chats with her oldest and dearest friend,
and tears welled up in her eyes. “Take it from someone who knows, you
always looked after me as a mother would. That little baby is going to be
the luckiest child alive.”
Needing no prompting, both women rushed to each other and again
hugged tightly. Just then a knock at the door alerted them that their few
minutes alone together had come to an end. Wiping a tear from her eye,
Miranda softly said, “Come in.” Seeing it was Montgomery, she smiled
fondly at him.
“Miss Miranda, Mr. Honeycutt wishes to see you in his private suite.”
“Thank you, Montgomery. I’ll be there in just a few moments.”
Bowing politely, the chauffeur turned and left. Miranda looked at Elise
solemnly.
“Tomorrow, after the party is behind us, I promise all your questions
regarding the love of my life will be answered. However, I can’t discuss
anything right now since I’m expected to see Alfred, and you--my dear-shall be announcing that you are to be a mama. Just please know I love
you.”
Smiling triumphantly, Elise raised her brow. “Ah so you are in love.
Just tell me one thing before you dash off, does he deserve such a
wonderful woman as you?”
“Oh Elise, it is I who find myself wondering how lucky I am to have
found such a man as my Gilbert. He’s handsome and strong willed, but
mostly he is a man of honor and integrity who loves me. I’m certain my
Gilbert, genuinely loves me. Now don’t you dare breathe a word of this to
anyone, hear me?”
Crossing her index finger with her middle finger and placing it over
her heart, just as she and Miranda had done as children, Elise whispered
earnestly to her friend, “I cross my heart. Just promise you’ll tell me
everything by morning or I’ll surely burst!”
As Miranda left her room, she wondered if she should have confided in
Elise as much as she had. Knowing her friend as she did, and knowing by
her in confiding as little information as she had, Elise’s appetite of finding
out more about Miranda would be quenched for the time being.
Climbing the steps to the third floor, and knowing Alfred was with
Gilbert, she wondered why he had called for her. Especially since they all
had agreed she wasn’t to go to the room again. Suddenly fear gripped at
her heart that something was gravely wrong.
As she entered the room she and Gilbert had called theirs for the past
several days, Miranda was stunned to see Alfred standing by the window
obviously upset, while Gilbert sat with his head in his hands.
Glancing at Alfred and then to Gilbert, she closed the door and went to
her husband. “Darling, what is it?”
“Mandy, all the weeks ya cared for me, tending to me wounds, I saw in
yer eyes a love I had no right to. Every day then as I have these past few
weeks, I’ve etched every detail of ya firmly in me mind, so years from now
I would still have the memory of yer smile, yer scent, and yer laughter to
remember.”
Miranda gasped and glanced at Alfred. Returning her attention to
Gilbert she said, “Remember? For heaven sakes why . . . I’ll be with you.”
“That seems to be the problem. Mr. O’Flaherty seems to believe that
you should remain here while I send him back to Ireland rather than to San
Francisco as arranged.”
“What?” Miranda felt dizzy and glanced back at Gilbert, leaning in
front of him. “Why would you ask such a thing? How could you hurt us
like this . . . Has everything that has happened been a lie?”
Apparently not the least embarrassed at discussing something so
private in front of Alfred, he said, “Christ a’ mighty, am I the only one who
understands the life I have to offer ya is not deserving of someone as fine
as ya? Don’t ya understand, until that evening ya overheard Mr. Honeycutt
and I discus his job offer and ya . . .”
Pausing, not willing to discuss that portion of the evening in front of
Alfred, Gilbert hastily continued. “Durin’ all those weeks of ya carin’ for
me, never had I allowed meself to even dream that someone like yer could
ever be mine. However, from that first night . . . to this, I have come to
know what God intended when he created man and woman, through yer
love. Such a love, I never dreamed existed, let alone that I would find.
Every time ya have looked at me, yer eyes have shown the love I had no
right too, but selfishly I took it, prayin’ to God that ya would never regret
lovin’ me. And until tonight, I believed ya had no regrets. That was until
earlier when ya were writin’ yer letters to yer father and yer friend Elise.
And when I saw the regret in yer eyes, I knew ya would be better here with
yer kind.”
Miranda, saying not a word, stood up and asked Alfred for a moment
alone with Gilbert. Alfred immediately stepped inside the bedroom area of
the suite and as the door closed, Miranda glared at her husband, her hands
planted firmly on her hips.
“My kind? How dare you Gilbert O’Flaherty speak to me of love in
one breath and insult me in the next. Well I’ll have you know, not only are
you pig-headed, but by insisting you know what’s better for me and my
kind, you are sentencing not only me but your child to a life of
unbelievable shame and ridicule.”
Stunned by her words, he stood up and clenched her arms. “Me child?
What are ya sayin’?”
“What I am saying is I think I’m going to have a baby, and now I
discover my baby’s father doesn’t want us!”
Dazed, Gilbert’s eyes locked onto hers. “How . . . We’ve been only
together a short while . . . Surely ya are mistaken?”
“Over a fortnight is more than ample time to make a baby Gilbert, and
I can assure you, a woman knows these things. As sure as I’m standing
here, I can tell you I’m with child. So, go ahead, run off to your precious
Ireland. All the while wallowing in your self-pity and degradation
believing that you are being chivalrous for my sake, and I’ll see to it that
your child is raised with more confidence in women then apparently you
have in me.”
Judging by the look on Gilbert’s face, he didn’t know what to say or do
as he gazed at her. Unrelenting, Miranda raised her brow. “You do realize, I
can’t stop you from going to wherever it is you want to go. However, just
keep one thing in mind Gilbert O’Flaherty. As God is my witness, I will not
ever deny your child his inheritance. And although I will forbid you from
ever setting eyes on our child or me if should leave tonight without us,
know this--our baby will be raised to know just how lucky he or she is to
be Irish-American.”
Not waiting for a response, she walked to the door of where she was
certain Alfred was eavesdropping and swung it open. As she suspected,
Alfred nearly fell into the room. Not commenting or giving him a chance to
explain, Miranda hastily said, “Mr. Honeycutt, thank you for alerting me to
what my husband has intended to do. Please be so kind and inform me
what his final decision is, while I attend to
your
guests who are surely
arriving as we speak.”
Turning her attention back to glance at Gilbert, she said, softly, “I love
you Gilbert O’Flaherty and I always will.”
Then hastily before she lost her nerve, she stormed out of the room
leaving both Gilbert and Alfred in stunned disbelief. Closing the door
behind her, she held her breath and trembled.
Dear God, let him choose
me!
Within moments, Miranda was cordially kissing Elise as she and
Joshua were walking up the stairs leading to the third floor.
“Sorry Miranda, but we’ve come to look for someone to greet the
guests who are arriving. Where is everyone hiding? Poor Benjamin went in
search of someone in the gardens leaving Felicity, who looks dreadful I
may add, in Alfred’s study, and I haven’t seen Mama or Michael.”
It was obvious Elise was confused, so Miranda calmly said, “Well, I
suppose everyone is getting their last instructions from Vivian before being
announced formally. Let’s you and I sneak inside Alfred’s study and check
on Felicity and then wait to see how the night unfolds. I’m sure it will be
anything but dull.”
“What a strange thing for you to say, Miranda. Are you alright? Why
you’re trembling.”
Before Miranda could explain, Joshua urged Elise to take a stroll with
him in the gardens as well. Glancing at him perturbed, she flatly refused.
“Oh fiddlesticks, Joshua. Felicity isn’t ill, she’s drunk for goodness
sakes. Now you go find your parents and I’m going with Miranda.” She
spat indignantly. “I promise I’ll be careful.”
Seeing the fire in her eyes, Miranda pressed a smile to her lips all the
while glancing up the stairs to the third floor wondering what Alfred and
Gilbert were discussing. Joshua kissed his wife tenderly on the cheek then
Elise and Miranda made it down the stairs and quickly dashed into Alfred’s
study unnoticed by arriving guests.
Seeing Miranda and Elise come into the study, Felicity, feeling a
sudden flash of heat rush through her veins from all the liquor she had
consumed, started waving a fan in front of her face. “Don’t worry about me
Miranda. I’m just fine. My, but it is warm in here, isn’t it?” All the while
praying,
Dear Lord, please don’t let me faint. It’s not time yet.
The smell of brandy filled the air, and Elise and Miranda, recognizing
the scent having smelled it on Catherine Brown’s breath countless times in
their youth, glanced at the other. And Elise smirked at her friend as if
saying I told you so.
Never being shy, Elise knelt down beside Felicity and whispered,
“Why Mrs. Myles, I do believe you are tipsy.”
“Oh dear, you can tell? I needed a bit to steady my nerves.” Felicity,
bringing her hand to her lips apologetically, glanced at Miranda. “I was so
nervous about introducing Rupert to New York society with Lavinia here
and recalling my own introduction party . . .” Felicity cleverly added as to
mask her real reason for being so nervous.
Elise and Miranda immediately comforted her by patting her on the
shoulder as Felicity looked pleadingly at them. “Please don’t let Rupert or
Annabelle see me in such a state. Why I’ll die of embarrassment.”
“Don’t fret Felicity, we will tend to getting you something to nibble
on,” Miranda said as Elise called for a servant.
“Bring us some coffee at once.”
Hearing Elise’s comment as James entered Alfred’s study, Miranda
rushed to his side, as if to spare Felicity any embarrassment. “Oh James, I
was just this very minute on my way to find you. Could you please be a
dear, and go fetch Alfred from his private suite and explain to him, his
guests are arriving and that Mrs. Myles is not herself this evening?”
James, looking at Felicity, and seeing the glazed look in her eyes,
smiled and whispered, “Oh dear, poor Felicity looks intoxicated.”
“She is, but please go upstairs and see if Gilbert is alright. I don’t have
time to explain. but I’ve just left him and I can assure you he is far from
being ready to follow through with our arrangements.”
A look of concern filled James’ eyes. At once he left the study and
went directly up the stairs while Miranda returned to Felicity and Elise who
was pouring Felicity a cup of coffee.
Without showing any interest in where her husband had gone in such a
hurry, Lavinia skillfully managed to her make her way into Alfred’s study
without anyone noticing.
Silently she watched as Felicity whispered to Miranda, “Don’t worry
dearest, the bird will escape from the nest unscathed, even though the cat is
prowling about.”
“Bird?” Elise said, glancing at Miranda. “What on earth is she babbling
about?” Then bringing the cup of coffee to Felicity, Elise said, “Please
Felicity, drink this.”
Felicity smiled at Elise then pointed to the doorway where Lavinia
stood. At once Miranda stood and greeted Lavinia, knowing full well what
Felicity had meant.
“Well hello, Mrs. Sterling. It appears poor Felicity, after taking such
good care of me, has become ill herself, so perhaps it wouldn’t be wise of
you to come any closer.”
“Nonsense! I never get sick. I have a constitution as strong as a horse.”
Seeing Elise stand up and noticing her attire, a smile crossed her lips.
“Ah well, Elise dear, I see you are with child. How lovely for you and
Joshua, which reminds me--where is that devilishly handsome man of
yours? Perhaps I should go and find him and tell him you’re attending to a
sick woman in your delicate condition.”