The Sun Rises (Southern Legacy Book 4) (15 page)

“I know the guilt he feels. It rages within me as well. When the war is finally over, it will take a lifetime for the wounds to heal…if at all,” Cullen acknowledged.

“If there is guilt to be felt, it should be with the South’s poor leadership that got them in this mess to begin with,” Jonathan stated firmly. “And their damnable pride. So many lost over what should have never happened.”

“I doubt many Southerners will hold that sentiment.” Cullen tapped ash from his cigar. “Speaking of Andrew, you said that he has said nothing to you about Buck or a possible shooting.”

“No. He only mentioned Buck when he talked of Gavin’s stabbing,” Hugh insisted. “Andrew told me that he would be keeping an eye on Buck. That he was dangerous, but nothing more. I will look into it further. I am to return to Beaufort at the end of the week.”

“There is also Harry Lee. I need to find out where he is at, also. He could present an even larger problem if there is any truth to Percival’s story.”

“Why, though, would Josephine not tell anyone?” Jonathan shook his head.

“I will try to get the information out of Josephine when the time is right. I’m not sure she is in any condition to be pressed at the moment. One minute she is fine, the next weeping.”

“Give her time, son. She has been through a great deal. When I had lunch with her yesterday, she was concerned whether she would get to see Madeline on our return. Why would she question whether she would see her child as though you are holding it over her head?”

“That is what I was saying. She has unreasonable fears…The first night, she thought I wanted her dead!”

Hugh frowned. “I would believe it would be expected. She was in a solitary prison cell for over eight months. Even though other women sympathetic to the Southern cause have been incarcerated at the Old Capitol Prison, such as Rose Greenhow and Belle Boyd, those women chose to walk in the prison yard when given the opportunity. I heard Belle Boyd flaunted herself. Josephine withdrew. She couldn’t even go to the window after hearing God knows what shouted at her from the street.

“When I visited her, she was always on the cot, rocking back and forth. Her mind had to be affected. She is a proud woman. She needs time to regain her dignity.”

Cullen ran his fingers through his hands. “I don’t need to be told,” he said. “I hold enough guilt within me.”

“Hopefully in time,” Jonathan said, turning the conversation back to the war.

Cullen stared at the closed bedroom door. He hoped so.

Josephine had woken this morning in such high hopes. Today, she was traveling by train to Philadelphia. More importantly, by evening she would be reunited with her daughter. Oh, how she had missed her baby! Since the moment she had handed Madeline over to Cullen’s father, there had been a void in her heart.

She had worried so about her little girl. She hadn’t wanted to give her daughter to Mr. Smythe, but at the time, she hadn’t a choice…Madeline had a fever. She couldn’t have kept her. Jo shuddered to think what would have happened if Madeline had stayed with her. No, she had made the right decision, but it had hurt…the last eight months had been so painful.

The joy she felt slowly dissipated over the journey. Across from her, Percival slept in Cullen’s lap. Her young son had left her side to be by Cullen. It was absurd to hold it against Cullen that Percival had taken to him so readily. The child had never had Wade around…the damn war.

She felt like weeping. What was wrong with her? She should be happy she was no longer in that horrible prison. The children were safe and…seemingly quite happy. Why then did it feel like a black cloud descended on her?

No, Jo silently promised herself. This day she would be happy…she would have both of her children back in her arms. Madeline was hers and no one else’s. There had been a bond between mother and daughter since the moment Madeline was born.

She refused to contemplate what Cullen had planned. There had been a time when she would have had her heart’s desire to be his wife, but not like this. He married her for only one reason, Percival, and she married him why? Because she didn’t have another option.

In all, the marriage was nothing more than a sham. He hadn’t come near her since they exchanged vows, said nary a word. She pressed her lips together in thought. She had to accept what was given her…she had to be close to Percival and keep Madeline.

Josephine looked up to find Cullen staring at her. She broke from his gaze and stared out the window until the train slowed at their station.

****

Jo’s frayed nerves could not take much more. She had spent so much time thinking of her children. She had forgotten her in-laws, Cullen’s stepmother and sister. Monica Smythe had been kind to her on her last visit to Philadelphia, but much had happened since that time…moreover the fact that Elizabeth’s best friend had been Kathleen. The closer the carriage came to Cullen’s home, the greater her anxiety mounted.

She could only imagine what Cullen’s family must think of her! She had not had one correspondence from either Cullen’s stepmother or sister during her imprisonment. The only letters she received from anyone had been from Jonathan Smythe.

The carriage pulled to a stop. If not for Percival’s excitement, Jo would have panicked.

“I want you to see my room, Momma,” Percival cried, reaching for his mother’s hand.

“Patience, my boy,” Cullen said sternly. “I want to reiterate with you our conversation. You remember what I told you.”

Percival pouted. “Not even for tonight? Momma will be lonely.”

“Your mother will be fine,” Cullen said. “Big boys sleep by themselves. Go now. I’m certain your mother is eager to see your sister.”

Jo stared intently at Cullen. How dare he tell her son he could not sleep in her bed! Percival had slept in her bed while they had been in Washington! Cullen had not even discussed his decision with her.

Cullen met her stare. “It is best not to start a habit that will be harder to break later on. He doesn’t need to be babied any longer.”

A protest lay on her lips, but Percival pulled at her hand. “Come on, Momma.”

She could not help but smile at his eagerness and walked into the grand home holding his hand. Jo expected her daughter to greet her, but Madeline was nowhere to be seen.

Monica Smythe greeted the travelers. She had changed little since the last time Jo laid eyes on her. The woman looked exquisite. She wore a dark green gown buttoned up to the collar, which was adorned by a cameo. Her skirt was hooped but dainty, not flaring out as had once been the fashion. Emerald earrings dangled from her ears. Her hair was pulled back fashionably in a net.

Cullen made his way to her side and kissed her gently on each cheek. She embraced him readily enough.

“It is good to have you home, Cullen. You have been sorely missed.” Tears welled in her eyes. “You must tell us all your adventures.”

Jonathan walked over and took his wife’s arm. “Monica, you must not forget our son has a wife now.”

“Of course, I have not forgotten.” Monica turned to face Jo. The warmth in her voice faded to a still coolness. “Josephine, it has been awhile.”

Awkwardly, Jo stood in the middle of the marbled foyer. Forcing a smile, Jo said, “It is nice to see you once more, Mrs. Smythe. You have my heartfelt thanks for the kindness you have extended to my children.”

Monica raked her eyes over Jo. “Percival has been a dear and of course, we were not going to let that poor darling, Madeline, go homeless,” she said haughtily. “While her mother was in—”

“Monica,” Jonathan lightly reprimanded. “Jo has looked so forward to reuniting with her daughter. Let’s not go there.”

Jo felt her chest heave. She comprehended well she had been insulted. Gone was the woman who had only shown her warmth and kindness. That was before Jo had married Cullen’s cousin…before Percival had been born…before the war.

“No, let her finish.” Jo flung her hand derisively. “I was in prison. There is no use denying it.” Her voice rose higher than she intended. Immediately sensing his mother’s distress, Percival pulled at her skirt.

“Momma,” he cried. “What is prison? Is that where they kept us in that cold room without food? Is that where you were? They wouldn’t tell me. Did they hurt you? Why did they…?”

The look exchanged between Cullen and his father did not go unnoticed. Quickly, Jo fell onto her knees. Percival hugged her tightly. “Oh, precious, I’m here now and that’s all that matters,” she said, calmer than she felt. “Why don’t you show me—”

“Why doesn’t Percival tell his grandmother what he did on his trip? What of the ship I took you upon?” Cullen said crisply. His frown was fierce. Not giving his son a chance to respond, he picked up Percival and handed him to his father.

Percival glanced back at her. Jo forced a smile, which dissipated quickly when she faced Cullen.

“I believe we need to talk.” He gripped her arm tightly. Not giving her an option, he dragged her down the hall and into the study. Slamming the door, he released her.

“You hurt me.”

He ignored her. “What was that supposed to mean back there? Why would you say something in front of Percival that would obviously upset him? Don’t you know that he had dreams and nightmares when he first came here? Do you want to bring them back?”

Jo stiffened. Any confusion she held about their marriage was clarified in that moment.
Lord, what have I done! He hates me.

She made no response. There was nothing she could say that would soothe his feelings toward her. It hadn’t been her intention to cause her son any anxiety. Holding her aching arm, she walked toward the door.

Cullen would have none of it. He whirled Jo around. “Answer me.”

“Let go of me and never touch me again.” She jerked her arm free and took a step back. “Explain to me why it is acceptable to insult me in front of my son, but not for me to state the truth. Maybe you should have thought this marriage through before you said your vows.

“I warned you that there would be consequences to marrying me. Tell me, Cullen, exactly what do you expect of me? Do you want me to hang my head and speak only when spoken to? I’m not sure I understand your rules.” She swung her head back in a defiant manner. “Where, should I ask, is my room or do I even have a room? Tell me because obviously I’ve missed what my position is in this house!”

His eyes bore into her so intently she feared he could see into her soul. She could take no more. Her emotions were on the verge of unraveling. She had a strong need to see her daughter. Once more, she started toward the door.

“No,” he said.

She paused and glanced back at him.

Cullen shook his head. “No, I don’t expect you to hang your head down. I apologize. This father thing is new to me. I reacted to his needs. I was insensitive to yours. Mother was out of line, but we have to be prepared for such a reaction. It will be worse when we leave this house.”

“You’re wrong.” Jo met his gaze. “It couldn’t be any worse. I see it in your eyes. You’re ashamed of me. You have your son and obviously your father and mother assume he’s yours to only further sully my reputation.”

She reached for the door handle. This time he made no effort to stop her. She wanted him to stop her…tell her he wasn’t ashamed of her…that he would protect her from whatever she faced. He did nothing.

Picking up her skirt, Jo raced up the stairs to find her daughter. In the corridor, she heard giggles and laughter. Slowly, she walked toward the merriment. Halting in the doorway, her heart fluttered at the sight.

The room was bright and airy. Painted pink with white trim, the matching curtains were pulled back, letting in the bright sun. A white crib with pink covers lay against the wall. Toys littered the floor. Two china dolls sat on white bookshelves above a large doll house next to a rocking horse.

Sitting on the floor, Elizabeth played with a toddler with a headful of dark blonde curls. Jo couldn’t take her eyes off her daughter. Tears blurred her vision. She had been so worried about her little one.

Oh, my, how she had grown!
She is so lovely
! Madeline walked around in a circle, laughing. Elizabeth hid her face behind her hands and said, “Peekaboo.”

Giggling, Madeline’s eyes sparkled; wobbling, she fell back on the floor. Startled, she began to cry. Instinct took over and Jo rushed inside, but Elizabeth was closer. She picked up Madeline and soothed her. Jo’s heart faltered hearing Madeline cry, “Momma, Momma.”

“Now, now, everything is just fine. You silly goose,” Elizabeth said and had Madeline laughing within seconds.

Jo bent down on one knee. “Oh, Madeline! It’s Momma. I’ve come back for you.”

Madeline screamed. Jo wrapped her arms around her; Madeline screamed louder and pushed back frantically against her. Picking her daughter up in her arms, Jo desperately tried to soothe her, but the toddler would have nothing of it. She went limp in Jo’s arms.

“Now, now, Madeline.” Elizabeth pried Madeline out of Jo’s grip. “You are fine.”

Feeling as if her heart had been ripped from her chest, Jo watched her daughter calm in Elizabeth’s embrace. The little one hid her face in Elizabeth’s shoulder and refused to look at her mother.

“I’m sorry, Josephine. Madeline has formed quite an attachment to me since she arrived. She was so…so sick. I’m sure it will comfort you to know, I didn’t leave her side and have cared for her as if she was my own.”

The softness of her words did little to ease Jo’s frustration. She wanted her daughter back in
her
arms…she wanted to comfort
her
daughter. Jo raised her chin, chagrined at the circumstance she now found herself.

“Words cannot fully express my feelings. My children are my life and I am eternally grateful for the wonderful care they have received, but I am their mother. I do know how to take care of my own children.”

“Josephine, this is Mrs. Finnegan. She is Madeline’s nanny.” Elizabeth handed Madeline over to an older woman dressed in a gray gown with a white apron and cap who had hurried into the room.

The heavyset woman smiled tenderly at Madeline, who made no resistance to the exchange. Mrs. Finnegan patted Madeline’s back and asked, “What would you like me to do, Miss Elizabeth? I was under the impression it was going to be a slow introduction back to her mother.”

“I’m her mother. She does not need to be slowly introduced to me!” Jo’s voice rose. “Now hand her to me!”

Mrs. Finnegan looked over to Elizabeth, who gave a small nod, but without another word, left the room more than a little miffed. Jo’s triumph did not last long.

Over the course of the next hour, things went from bad to worse. Madeline stubbornly refused to allow her mother to come near her no matter what Jo tried. Mrs. Finnegan seemed confused on how to handle the situation. Madeline quickly realized that her crying disturbed her mother and screeched louder. Exhausted, Jo sat down, defeated, on the floor.

Mrs. Finnegan walked over and picked up Madeline. “If ya don’t mind me saying so, don’t worry yourself none, Mrs. Montgomery. The little one loves you. I’ve seen it before. She’s mad with ya, that’s all. Mark my word, it will pass and she’ll come around. But it may be best if you gave her a little space and start things first thing in the morning.”

Jo stared at the woman in disbelief. Her own child was mad at her! Madeline acted as if she hated her…hated her for abandoning her. What had she expected? Madeline had been ripped apart from her. What kind of mother was she!

Elizabeth walked back into the room. Looking at Jo with eyes filled with pity, she took Madeline back in her arms. “Again, I apologize, Josephine. Mother and I had discussed the best way to handle your return. It seems it wasn’t communicated to Cullen. This whole scene could have been avoided. Mrs. Finnegan is correct, though. Perhaps it is best we begin again in the morning.”