Tangled Betrayals (31 page)

Chapter
Seventy-Six

Parker Plantation

When Thomas pulled the carriage close to the Parker Plantation house
that Friday, he was surprised to see some of the men already cleaning out the barn for the auction. He observed not all the men were present who should be as he noted there were a few items from the house scattered on the veranda. He realized James wasn’t wasting any time.

“Thomas, I see you have come to help, I
’ll------Mary, what a surprise to see you.” James said, not very earnestly. He realized how stupid he must have sounded. Why couldn’t Thomas have given him notice that Mary was visiting. Mary looked more beautiful than James thought possible. Something about her seemed different, more mature and elegant.

Andrew and Matilda
raced out of the house and stopped abruptly at the sight of this beautiful woman in front of them.

“Hello, my name is Mary
. I’m a sister to your Uncle Thomas. I brought some gifts that I thought you might like.”

“Thank you,” Andrew and Matilda said in unison as they
each excitedly opened their present.

“Golly, it
’s a compass! Thank you. I can’t wait to use it!” Andrew exclaimed with glee. He decided he really liked this lady who came visiting bearing gifts.

“A new doll!” Matilda screamed and
admired the doll with blond hair and a green dress. “Thank you, but it isn’t my birthday,” Matilda said with a slight frown.

Mary giggled. “Sometimes, people give presents
just because they wish to, especially for two lovely and delightful children.”

“
Look, I have a doll just like yours except she has brown hair and a pretty pink dress,” Jane said excitedly.

“Jane, come see how big Lightning and Star have gotten! You won’t believe it!” Andrew called out
as he went racing to the barn with the two girls running after him.

Mary laughed.
“They are delightful.”

“Thank you, Mary.
You needn’t have brought them presents. I wonder if you’ll think they’re delightful after they nag you at supper with more questions than you’ll find time to answer.” James responded, still aloof.

He
knew his parents had come out of the house to greet Thomas and Anna. He took a deep sigh knowing he’d have to make introductions. They’d never met Mary, but they certainly did know about her.

“Mother, Father, this is
Miss Mary Ball.” James couldn’t help but wonder what his parents were thinking as they exchanged pleasantries.

“I
’ve heard so much about you, Mary. I’m happy to finally meet you,” Annabelle said, never missing a beat. She tried to be nonchalant as she looked upon Mary. So this was the woman James had first lost his heart to.

“I, too, am glad to meet you, Mary
,” Clayton stated kindly. “Your brother has spoken often of you. We’re happy you’re able to join us. I’m looking forward to hearing about your voyage to America and I understand you’ve opened a dress shop in Washington.”

“
I’m pleased to meet both of you.” Mary said, as she looked at James’s parents wondering what they must be thinking and hoping she could avoid discussing her shop, if possible, since she hadn’t told Thomas and Anna she’d sold it.

Mary
wondered what James was thinking. Was he angry she came unannounced? Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea to surprise him in this way. Mary could tell James was embarrassed at his present circumstances by the way he avoided eye contact with her. She only hoped he couldn’t see the disappointment she felt for never getting the chance to belong to this loving family. Her heart ached as she admired the parents that could have been her in-laws. She couldn’t help but notice Andrew looked just like James, and Matilda was the spitting image of Susannah, just in a smaller size.

“Mary, Anna, please come join me inside while
the men talk business. I’ve some freshly made coffee, or tea, if you prefer, Mary.”

“A glass of water would be fine with me,” Mary said
, as she again noticed how lovely and elegant Mrs. Parker was. Mary sighed and bit her lip, maybe she should have stayed home. How would she ever last through dinner thinking about everything that could have been hers. The plantation was exactly as she’d pictured it, maybe even prettier.

“Here is your water, Mary. Are you alright, you look a little peaked
.”

“I
’m fine, thank you, Mrs. Parker. I think I’m just a little tired.” She prayed Mrs. Parker couldn’t tell what was actually going through her mind.

“And you should be after helping me all week
long with my cleaning, cooking and laundry. Honestly, Annabelle, this woman worked circles around me.”

Mary couldn’t help but
laugh, “Only because you’re with child. Gosh Anna, I should be working circles around you, silly!”

*****

T
he women were laughing so loud that the men all looked at one another and smiled as they shrugged their shoulders and resumed talking on the Veranda.

“Thomas, how long has Mary been staying with you?” James asked
, a little too curtly.

“She arrived last Sunday. She
’d written a letter requesting a visit, and I couldn’t turn her down. I think after she found out Edward was her father; she wanted to discuss, in person, how I felt about what had happened in the past.

“
I must tell you, she basically told Edward, when she first met him, she thought he might be some type of con-artist.”

Clayton Parker doubled over in laughter
while James stood grinning and shaking his head. Thomas thought this might be the first time James found something that held some humor, since the fire.

“
Of course, I feel Jane was also a big part of the reason for the visit. Mary had only gotten to spend a short time with Jane when we were in Washington. The way Mary loves children, I was fairly certain she’d be wishing to see Jane again. Then, when she arrived, we announced the news that Anna is again expecting this spring. Needless to say, Mary was very pleased.”

Clayton
, wanting to keep the conversation light chimed in. “Your sister’s very lovely, Thomas. I’m glad to finally meet her. Time seems to have been good to her. But I have to say, she doesn’t appear to be the type of woman, to call someone a fake. I can’t wait to see Edward again. He won’t live that down for many years to come, if I’ve any say in the matter,”

Thomas
, not picking up on Clayton’s idea of keeping the conversation light, decided to get to the question that bothered him since he’d arrived. “James, I couldn’t help but notice there are only a few hands working the place, where is everyone?”

“Many left when they realized I
wouldn’t be able to afford to pay them much longer. The few that have stayed have done so out of loyalty. I can’t even pay full wages, yet they’ve stayed on anyway, out of loyalty and respect, they tell me. They deserve so much more than I’m able to give.

“That
’s one thing I wanted to speak with you about, Thomas. Is there any way you could take on one or two of my hands? I know they’d be as loyal to you as they’ve been to me. But only take them if you truly need them and can afford to pay them. I know I’m asking a lot, and I don’t want to put you in a tight spot.”

“Your timing couldn’t be better, James. I
’m in need of a couple more hands. I’m running short of men trying to cover the checks we’re making on the property, thanks to that bastard Henry. Please send two of your men over in the morning and I’ll gladly sign them on.”

“
Thanks, Thomas, I hate to let any of them go, but soon they’ll be out of a job, anyway. Some are planning to head for Ohio, and the others will check with plantations around the area. I’m sure they’ll be able to find work. I plan to give each of them a fine recommendation.”

Thomas couldn’t help but hear the sadness in James’ voice
and his face showed how pained he was. “James, I beg you, let me purchase Lightning and Star. Andrew and Matilda need them. Certainly, you can see that.”

“I
’ll not now or ever accept charity. Please don’t continue to bring this subject up. I really don’t wish to discuss Andrew and Matilda with you, or anyone else, but how bout talking about something that I’d like to discuss, Thomas. I wish you’d have spoken to me about Mary being at your place. It was quite the shock to see her. I suppose she feels like everyone else about my situation, pity and sorrow. I don’t need her feeling sorry for me, especially after what I’d done so many years ago.”

“James
Parker,” his father barked out, “Thomas owes you no explanation. He’s been a good friend and has only tried to help, if you could only get that through your thick skull. You must stop being so prideful. I don’t like it!

“Neither Thomas nor I would think less of you
, James, for accepting help. While your mother and I have raised you to stand on your own, at no time did we mean not to accept help if it was truly needed! We all need help at sometime, James. And if there was anyone who needed a helping hand at the moment besides you, please tell me who that might be! But you, son, continually refuse our offers.”

“
We’ve been over this a hundred times. I’ll not take charity. The children will learn a good lesson from this, whether you believe me or not. I know what I’m doing, so please allow me to do it!” James angrily said.

Chapter Seventy-
Seven

After arguing with his father, James stomped off to the barn. He needed to look over the items set out for auction as he tried to cool his temper. Walking away was the only thing he could do, unless he wanted to say hurtful things to his father and Thomas. James knew they meant well, but he sure wished they’d mind their own business. He’d enough to worry about besides arguing with them over every decision he made. To top things off, he’d not needed to see Mary during this difficult time. She was just another reminder of his poor decision making and how he seemed to hurt everyone he came close to.

He
needed to make room for the things placed on the veranda. There were still some rooms left to go through in the house and the attic was waiting to be unloaded. He hoped the remainder of the work could be done quickly.

He was having everything removed
from the upstairs bedrooms except for the beds being used and what furniture was still in the children’s rooms. He’d continued to refuse his mother’s suggestion to keep the Webb’s family china and other family heirlooms given to them, from both families, when he and Susannah wed.

***
**

“Clayton, he
’s just being bull-headed.” Thomas whispered angrily, as they watched James walk away. “Can’t he see what he’s doing? Andrew and Matilda will be so distraught when they learn he’s selling Lightning and Star. I plain don’t understand him.”

“
I fear he’s punishing himself, Thomas, for allowing Ball to gain access to his property, and setting the fires in the barn and stable. We’d underestimated him. James has had horrific nightmares ever since. Several times he’d awakened Annabelle and me.

“
But we never speak of it; he has enough on his plate. I fear he thinks by selling everything he owns it might cleanse his soul. He’s angry over many things, what happened with Mary, losing Susannah, the horses destroyed in the fire and now the realization he’ll lose his plantation. I think he feels he must make a clean sweep of his losses and punish himself to boot.”

Thomas shook his head
in sadness. “I pray he comes to his senses before the auction. Has he set a date yet, Clayton? I’ll gladly bring some men to help,” Thomas said, knowing it would take everyone pitching in to get everything ready to be sold in one day.

“One month from tomorrow. Constance and John are coming in the next few days to help
. Between watching the children and sorting through everything for the auction, we’ll be lucky to be ready on time.”

“Is he going to keep anything
, Clayton?”

“
Maybe one horse and some clothes for himself and the children, I believe that’s all he’s planning to take, if that. He should have enough money left to find a place to stay until he finds work.”

Chapter Seventy-Eight

Supper was as uncomfortable as Mary
had feared. The children wanted to know all about her trip to America and why she wasn’t married. Only the adults felt the tension as Mary stumbled through her answers. No matter how hard Mary tried to engage James in some form of conversation, he gave only one word answers and never once spoke directly to her, unless she addressed him with a question.

Mary was glad
the time came to clear the table. The men had gone outside to smoke and Mary felt nothing but relief as she took another load to the kitchen.

“Mary, I
’m sorry James hasn’t been himself, lately. Don’t blame yourself for failing at your effort to engage him in conversation. He’s been the same with Clayton and me. I’m sure he’s glad to see you. I know I’m very glad to finally meet you. You’re a remarkable, young lady.”

Mary blushed. She didn’t feel remarkable. “
I appreciate you kindness. I fear I should have used my good judgment and remained at Thomas’s home today. I didn’t mean to make James uncomfortable. I only wish I could help him in some way.”

“Believe it or not, I think you already have. I watched
him very closely. When he thought no one was looking, I caught him staring at you, Mary. Lord knows what he might be thinking, but if I were in his shoes, I’d be wondering if you had any feelings remaining for him.”

“Mrs. Parker, I don’t know what to say. Certainly this would not be the time for James to be wondering about me
or my feelings.”

Annabelle Parker smiled
. If there was one thing she knew about men, she knew they couldn’t help themselves when their feelings about women were involved. “Mary, I know this isn’t a good time for anyone to be thinking about what happened to you and James so many years ago, but I see no reason that life shouldn’t go on. Susanna was a lovely and wonderful person, but she’s gone now. She spoke to me often before her passing, Mary, wishing you and James would have another chance. She hoped there was some love left, buried deep down in your hearts, just waiting to resurface.

“
She talked often of how gracious you were when they met you in London. She admired you, Mary, for being so generous as to give your dress to Anna for her wedding; She often said you must be one of the strongest women she ever met. Her only regret had been she’d have liked an opportunity to have known you. But that wasn’t possible.”

Mary thought back to that awful day
in London. “I wish I could say I felt noble. I knew I’d never wear the wedding dress. When I saw Anna in the store, I felt I had to allow her the choice to wear the dress or not. I was honored she loved the dress as much as I did. I was confident she’d found no other dress that compared.”

Anna felt tears forming
and tried to blink them back. “Mary, in the past, you and I were very careful avoiding any conversation about Susannah. But we need to get our feelings out in the open. Neither, I, or my parents, would have any hard feelings should you and James find love again. Susannah’s gone. She had a wonderful life. And Mary, she’d want more than anything for James and the children to be happy. She knew how much you must have loved James for the mere fact of how much she’d loved him.

“
My parents and I have spoken of this possibility. Susannah said she wants and expects James to marry again. She’d be very happy if James should choose you, honestly, those were her words.”

Mary
felt her tears falling. She tried desperately to wipe them.  “Please, we must stop this conversation. This isn’t right to be talking about such things. Not now.”

Annabelle knew she needed to speak now and firmly.
“When, pray tell, Mary, do you think would be a good time? I know my son. He still has feelings for you. If you have any feelings at all for James, let him know. I don’t mean tonight, but there are four weeks left before the auction. Please, Mary, find out if you still care for my son. I know in his heart, he still cares for you. But the question that needs answered is there enough love left between you and James to make a marriage?”

“I don’t know what to
say or think. The kindness and understanding you’ve both shone tonight is more than I could have hoped for. I’d be lying if I said I no longer had feelings for James. But, I’d never want James to consider having me as his wife out of pity. I’m sure he’d feel the same way.

“I
’ll gladly come and help until and during the auction. If James and I get a chance to speak now and then, maybe we’ll find there is a spark of love left, or maybe we’ll find you can never go back and start over.”

Annabelle nodded.
“All we’re asking, Mary, is that you keep an open mind. As his mother, I feel the two of you would make a lovely couple, but more importantly, I feel you’d also make a wonderful mother for Andrew and Matilda.”

Thomas
came wondering into the kitchen oblivious to their conversation, “Well, ladies, I believe we need to head for home. I, for one, am tired thinking about all the work that is yet needed before the auction.

“I
want you to know I tried, Mrs. Parker, to talk James out of having the auction so soon. He acted as if he didn’t hear me. When I mentioned keeping some of the family heirlooms, he flat out refused and made it clear our conversation had ended.”

“
I’m so sorry, Thomas. Clayton says he doesn’t understand why James is being so bull-headed, but I know that Clayton would have done many of the things James is doing, if this had happened to him. Clayton, too, has too much pride. I pray some miracle might happen to change everything James has planned, but it’s in God’s hands now. Thanks for trying. You’ve been a wonderful friend. He’s lucky he has any friends left after the way he’s been acting.”

“Once this is over,
I think James will be fine. He has to be,” Thomas said, as he escorted Anna and Mary to the carriage. Jane was already seated and looked as if she’d fall asleep any second.

Mary
quickly glanced around but James was nowhere to be seen. Was he angry she’d come? She hoped not, for she was planning to come daily. She’d take notes as to what was important to keep. James may not want her help, but he was going to get it!