Touching the Sky (5 page)

Brandon thought long and hard about the general’s proposal. He had hoped to be free of the army and all that it stood for in a matter of days, but following this order would change all of that. The plan was to still muster him out as far as the public was concerned, but in truth he would delay his complete resignation until after the Lowe situation was concluded. He would continue to answer to General Russell and Major Armstrong, but for all intents and purposes he would be a civilian. Brandon wasn’t convinced that he’d made the right decision in accepting this role, but for the time it seemed the best thing to do. The army was even providing a small cottage in which he could stay and a horse to use as long as he had need.

Picking up his Bible, Brandon settled into his bed and opened the well-read book. His father had given him this gift on the day of Brandon’s baptism. He’d been ten years old and had told his father that it was time he accepted Jesus as his Savior. He had said it so matter-of-factly that he might have been discussing the need for a haircut, but Brandon knew it was the most important decision of his life.

Having a pastor for a father, Brandon had no memory of a life without God at the center of it. He had been taught to memorize Scripture, pray faithfully, and take compassion on the less fortunate. Brandon had also seen firsthand the blessings and woes of being a man of God. He wasn’t deluded. But what he had known were parents who were faithful to their beliefs, and that had given him a great deal of strength.

He started to read, but soon his thoughts strayed to Laura Marquardt. He could still picture her face and its delicate lines. She was far more serious than her playful sister, but he liked that about her. She didn’t display the nonsensical theatrics that he’d witnessed in Carissa Marquardt. Perhaps that was due to her seniority in years—although they couldn’t be many—or maybe Laura was by nature more thoughtful.

Glancing down at the open Bible, Brandon’s gaze fell to the last chapter of Proverbs. The tenth verse caught his eye.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
He thought again of Laura and read on.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

He could see those verses applying to a woman such as Laura. He could sense her strength and passion for life. She displayed a streak of fearlessness but was also quite reserved and obedient. During their encounter on the street she had tried to explain herself, but she had done so with modesty and decorum. He couldn’t find fault in anything she’d said.

Then at the party, he had watched her interact with the guests. She was congenial and sincere to everyone.

He shook his head and glanced heavenward. “Is she your will for me?”

His father had taught him this type of questioning as a youngster.
“When you are presented with decisions and choices, as you are certain to be,”
his father had said,
“you should always stop and ask the Lord if this is His will for your life.”

Brandon had heeded his father’s advice, and it had served him well to seek God’s will before his own. Of course, sometimes the answers weren’t exactly clear.

He looked back at the verses and released a long breath. He needed God’s direction now more than ever. The days ahead would not be easy. He had a job to do and needed to be cautious, as the interest he had in Laura Marquardt overlapped with the duties he had to find evidence against Malcolm Lowe.

A
t the conclusion of Sunday services on July twenty-third, Carissa and Malcolm’s engagement was formally announced. The atmosphere immediately turned to one of revelry and joy as the congregation congratulated the happy couple. Laura tried to brush aside her feelings of unease, but her sister’s immaturity worried her. Carissa couldn’t cook or keep house, and there wouldn’t be money for servants. Unless, of course, Mother and Father stepped in to aid the situation.

And of course, they very well might do just that. After all, they had purchased the little house on the far south side of the town. Laura tried not to be jealous. But she couldn’t deny a sense of disappointment. She always figured she’d marry first—have children first. She supposed it was a silly thought . . . and perhaps prideful, too. Maybe that’s why this was happening. Perhaps God was trying to teach her to deal with her pride.

Stepping outside, Laura decided to wait for her family on the church lawn. It was at least a little cooler here than it had been inside. She was glad she’d chosen to wear her striped silk summer gown. The dress was lighter in weight than most she owned, and instead of being designed to wear with multiple layers of petticoats, the hem had been reinforced with stiffened muslin. This allowed Laura to limit her undergarments and still maintain a proper and fashionable silhouette.

“You look quite lovely today, Miss Marquardt.”

She turned to find Captain Reid resplendent in his army uniform. She smiled at his compliment. “Why, thank you, sir.” She looked around at the people who had gathered in little groups to visit. “I had no idea you were in attendance.”

“I often share services with my men, but since I will muster out this week, I thought it would serve me well to explore my options amongst the civilians.”

Goodness, but he’s handsome,
Laura thought. She immediately felt her cheeks grow hot and hoped most sincerely that Brandon Reid was unable to read her thoughts. Unfortunately, the slight twitch at the corner of his lips did nothing to reassure her, and Laura quickly ducked her head.

After an awkward moment of silence, Brandon spoke. “So your sister is to be married.”

Laura forced herself to look up. Brandon towered over her five-foot-six-inch frame. She felt small and fragile beside this broad-shouldered soldier. “Ah . . . yes. I fear I do not share the same enthusiasm as my family, but I do pray for Carissa’s happiness.”

“Why do you not share the same enthusiasm, if I might ask?”

Carissa and Malcolm were receiving well-wishers as they exited the church. Laura caught sight of her sister’s joyful expression and felt guilty. “I shouldn’t have said that. I do apologize.”

“Should you not have said it because it wasn’t true?”

Laura looked back to Brandon and shook her head. “No, those are my feelings. However, I shouldn’t have spoken about them publicly. I love my sister dearly. I only want her happiness, and if this marriage will bring that . . . well . . . I’m content.”

“But you don’t believe it will.”

The statement was given matter-of-factly. Laura could see that Captain Reid was giving her his undivided attention, so this wasn’t simply small talk. He truly seemed to care.

“They haven’t known each other long,” Laura admitted. “I believe marriage should be based on something more than sentiment.”

“I quite agree. I have often cautioned my men on the dangers of such relationships. Sentiment and emotion are easily extinguished in the face of hardship and trial.”

“Exactly,” she said, nodding. “That was my point. Carissa is so naïve and vulnerable. She isn’t ready to be a wife; she knows very little of how to care for a house and even less about men.”

Brandon chuckled at this, and Laura felt a delicious shiver run down her spine. “You speak as one who knows,” he said, his voice low.

Laura shrugged. “I’ve paid close attention to my father and his associates. My mother taught me early on that there was a wealth of information to be learned by simply watching and listening to others. I have found that to serve me well.”

“But did your sister not receive the same training?” he asked, his brow raised ever so slightly.

“To some extent. My mother tried to train Carissa, but she’s something of a . . . free spirit.”

“Ah. Well perhaps during the long months of her engagement, you can help to tutor her.”

“I’m afraid there’s not going to be a long engagement. My mother and sister believe that a wedding—particularly a wedding between a Unionist’s daughter and a former Confederate soldier—will do much to reunite the hearts and minds of the people of Corpus Christi.”

“And how will this be?”

She shook her head. “I cannot possibly imagine. Mother has never been one for political matters, and while I understand her weariness of the war and all that it did to family and friendships, I believe her rather ignorant of the true hearts and minds of those who lost this war. The anger felt by so many of the local families will not be abated while dancing at a wedding party.”

“That is true enough.”

Laura saw her father and mother coming toward them. She immediately put on a smile. “Mother, see who I found.”

Her father extended his hand. “Captain Reid. Did you enjoy the service?”

Brandon shook hands and smiled. “I did indeed. I find it a wonderful way to start the week.”

“I simply despise the stuffiness of the church in the summer,” Mother said, fanning herself. She was dressed much too richly in her layers of finery. Laura had mentioned this at home in regard to the temperature, but Mother had ignored her.

“Captain Reid, would you care to join us for dinner?” Father asked. “We’re planning a nice meal on the lawn. It should prove to be much cooler than dining inside.”

Brandon looked at Laura. She smiled and gave a nod. “It really is quite pleasant,” she told him. “Father arranged to have a lovely canopy put up under the trees.”

“I am most grateful for the invitation and would be happy to attend.”

Mother tapped Father’s arm. “Do save further conversation for home. I am quite overcome by this heat.”

“Of course.” Father took hold of her arm. “Do you have a mount, Captain?”

“I do. Shall I follow your carriage to the house? Or would you prefer that I come at a later time?”

“No, by all means accompany us. The food will be ready and waiting. I’m certain the ladies will wish to change their clothes. Perhaps you and I might rid ourselves of our coats, as well. After all, it will be a most informal luncheon.”

“I think that would suit me quite well.”

Laura felt a rush of pleasure at the thought of spending the afternoon with the captain. When they arrived home, Laura hurried to change to a casual pink and white gingham dress. She had always liked this gown, especially for its detachable sleeves. She also liked the way the basque waist and snug bodice showed off her slender frame. Laura glanced quickly in the mirror to check her hair. Perhaps something wonderful would come about from their misunderstanding in the alleyway. Wouldn’t that be a wondrous story to tell their children?

“Your father and I met when he thought I was being hostile toward his troops.” She giggled and made her way downstairs as Carissa was making her way up.

“What’s so funny?” she asked. Then with an inspecting glance she threw Laura a questioning look. “You are dressed rather fine for Sunday luncheon. Could it be due to our visitor?”

Laura laughed. “It might be, but I would hardly call this gown fine. It’s four years old and wearing fast.”

“Even so, you are quite pretty, sister dear.” Carissa leaned over and kissed Laura’s cheek. “I’m glad Malcolm isn’t here. Otherwise he might be tempted to rescind his proposal and pursue you instead.”

“Hardly. Malcolm only has eyes for you,” Laura assured her, although she wasn’t at all convinced that was true. “Will he join us later?”

“If he can,” Carissa said, her tone betraying her disappointment.

“Let us hope so. Perhaps we can get up a game of croquet.”

“I am sorry . . . for the way I’ve acted.”

Surprised by her sister’s sudden declaration, Laura turned. “What are you talking about?”

Carissa gave a sigh. “I have been rather insensitive toward you, and it wasn’t kind. You are my dearest friend in all the world, and I do not want anything to come between us—especially my marriage.”

“Silly goose,” Laura replied, seeing the sincerity in her sister’s expression, “nothing will ever separate us. We are sisters, and as such we cannot ever be parted.”

She left Carissa and hurried down the steps. Perhaps her little sister was finally growing up. Laura smiled at the thought and rejoined Captain Reid and her father.

“The attack in 1862 caused many of the undecided families to clearly choose allegiance with the Confederacy,” her father was stating. Both men had discarded their jackets and now looked much more relaxed in the shade of a chittamwood tree. The small white flowers of the tree had nearly run their course, but their fragrance lingered in the air and they occasionally drifted down like snowflakes.

The men turned to greet her, pausing only a moment to nod in acknowledgment. Laura didn’t mind that they went quickly back to their discussion; she rather enjoyed listening.

“Of course, there were those who remained completely loyal to the Union. I was certainly not the only one who felt that secession was wrong.”

Brandon nodded. “I’ve heard there was a stronghold of Unionists in Corpus Christi.”

“It’s true,” Father said. “But there were also a great many who hated us. I lost many a good friend over this war.”

“Yet you continued to support the Union,” Brandon offered almost casually.

“It’s true,” Laura’s father replied. “I felt strongly that America should remain united. I felt that differences should be worked through on a state-by-state basis, with the good of the whole in mind. I have never truly favored slavery, although I cannot admit to fighting against it, per se. It seemed . . . well, it seemed a necessary evil. Even now, I know of friends who have lost the ability to continue farming without the help of slave labor.”

“Perhaps then they should never have begun in the first place,” Brandon countered.

Laura didn’t know what her father’s reaction would be, but she thought it a good place to jump in. “I suppose that the lure of profit was too strong. However, I am glad to see that we have done away with the institution of slavery. I’m certain that people will find ways to adapt. Perhaps their profits will suffer if they pay for their labor, but then again, perhaps they won’t.”

“Not if they pass along the cost to the consumer,” Father replied. “And they will. They will have no choice. The price of cotton has already risen dramatically both from shortages and anticipated labor costs. I doubt the Northern textile mills will be quite so enthusiastic about the emancipation of slaves when they see what it will do to their production costs.”

“Be that as it may,” Brandon said, “slavery should have no place among civilized, God-fearing people. I do not believe God ever intended us to enslave one another.”

“I suppose I could be wrong, but the Bible does speak of slavery,” Malcolm Lowe declared as he joined the trio.

“I see you were able to join us after all,” Laura said, giving him a nod.

“Yes, well it’s hard to pass up an afternoon with the woman you love.” He grinned. “I do apologize for interrupting your conversation.”

“That’s quite all right,” Brandon said. “You are correct in saying that the Bible speaks of slavery. However, I would point out that those were different times and even different kinds of slavery.” Brandon met Malcolm’s hard expression, then smiled. “I’m Captain Brandon Reid, by the way. Congratulations on your engagement.”

Laura took Brandon’s cue to change the topic as she spied her mother and sister arriving. “Why don’t we sit? Malcolm, you can tell us about your plans for the new house. I understand from Carissa that you have ideas for adding on.”

“I do indeed,” he said.

“Oh, you were able to come,” Carissa said, moving quickly to take her place at Malcolm’s side.

He patted her arm as though she were his favorite pet. “Of course, my dear. I long only to be in your presence.”

Laura thought his words sounded forced and untrue. She couldn’t help but wonder at this man her family hardly knew. What was it about him that made her feel so uneasy?

They made their way under the canopy to the table where Esther was placing a large bowl. The mélange of fruit looked cool and inviting, as did the platter of sliced cheeses and vegetables.

“I’ll bring da fish shortly,” Esther told Laura’s mother.

Mother nodded and awaited her husband’s assistance before sitting. Brandon helped Laura with her chair, while Malcolm took Carissa to sit on the opposite side of the table beside him. To Laura’s delight, that left Brandon at her side.

Father offered a brief prayer of thanks before instructing everyone to eat. Laura handed a basket of cornbread squares and biscuits to Brandon.

“You will find these to be some of the best in the city,” she told him.

Brandon took one of each. “I’m betting it’s better than army food.”

Malcolm gave a harsh laugh. “At least you Yanks had food to eat. Our boys often went hungry.”

“If you don’t mind, Malcolm, could we please not speak of the war?” Mother asked. “I would much rather focus on the pleasant topic of your marriage to Carissa.”

Carissa nodded with great enthusiasm at this. “Oh yes, let’s talk about the wedding. I want to go shopping tomorrow and see what new fabrics are available.”

The conversation continued with Mother and Carissa mostly chattering about wedding gown fashions and the guest list. It seemed to Laura that Carissa would invite the entire town with exception of the black troops.

“And what of you, Captain Reid?” Father asked after taking a long sip of lemonade. “Will you make the army your life’s work?”

“No. In fact, I muster out this week,” he replied.

Father considered this for a moment as he chewed. “Then will you head back north?”

“Not immediately. I’m not certain that I will return. I would like to check into some possibilities here in Texas.”