Everlasting Light - A Civil War Romance Novella (5 page)

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong, dear.” Mama’s words belied her grave expression.

“Papa? Why do you seem so troubled?”

“I’m not troubled.” He combed a callused hand through his short, charcoal-gray hair. “It’s just that … well, you’re all growed up, Lainey. You’re not my little girl anymore, are you?”

She frowned in confusion.

After a weighted silence, Papa pushed his chair back and stood. “Braeden talked to your mama and me in private this morning. He asked for your hand in marriage.”

“He did?” Happiness exploded inside of her and she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips.

“I gave him our blessing.”

“Oh, Papa!” Running toward him, she threw her arms around his thick neck. “Thank you. I love Braeden so much.”

“I can see that.” He cleared his throat. “Now, don’t you say a word ’til he proposes, you hear?”

Nodding, Alaina stepped back, gazing up into her father’s weather-worn face. “I won’t. I promise!”

Rebecca and David burst into the house, announcing the arrival of Jennifer Marie. She sashayed into the house and greeted her parents and siblings.

“We must hurry, Alaina.” Her friend urged her toward the door while the driver loaded her bags. “I don’t want to miss the train.”

Climbing aboard the handsome black, convertible, four-passenger buggy, Alaina waved to her family before settling herself into the front seat. Two female servants sat in the back.

“We’re off at last.” Jennifer Marie fanned herself. The temperature had risen remarkably since the morning. Her gaze roamed over Alaina’s attire. “Glory be! You look so prim in that outfit.”

“Thank you.” But judging by Jennifer Marie’s displeased expression it wasn’t a compliment.

Well, so be it. Alaina knew she was no match for Jennifer Marie’s bare-shouldered, billowing, ivory lace gown; however, she’d come to accept her station in life. She was a farmer’s daughter, soon to be a farmer’s wife. Alaina’s heart hammered with dreamy anticipation as she wondered when and where Braeden might propose to her. She could only imagine that it would be somewhere utterly romantic.

“I have a surprise for you.” The excitement in Jennifer Marie’s voice drew Alaina out of her musings. “I had a new dress made just for you. It’s a dark gold silk with black trim, and you’ll positively shine in it.”

Alaina’s hand fluttered to her throat. “You had a dress made for me?”

“Yes … but not to worry,” Jennifer Marie added as if divining Alaina’s troubled thoughts. “I insisted upon a high neckline.”

Alaina couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head in wonder. “How very generous of you, but quite unnecessary.”

“On the contrary, honey. Aunt Sabrina is sure to hold a formal celebration this weekend to show our support for The Cause, and you simply must have something presentable to wear.” Jennifer Marie beamed. “I had actually planned to give you the dress for your eighteenth birthday next month, but I decided the gift couldn’t wait.”

Thank you.” She reached for Jennifer Marie’s hand. “You’re a sweet friend.”

“Well, I do have a favor to ask …”

“Oh?” Alaina lifted a brow.

“Yes, well, I’ve had my eye on my cousin’s best friend, Michael Wheeler, for some time now. My father spoke to Michael’s parents about a possible match between us. Since I’m the only Stokes heir, there’s no one to take over Riverwood once Papa gets old. With Michael’s expertise in farming, he’d be perfect.” Jennifer Marie pouted prettily. “But the Wheelers declined Papa’s offer, citing the fact that they’re Christians and we’re not. I’ve always thought we were Christians—that is, we believe in God, but apparently that’s not enough.

“In any event,” Jennifer Marie babbled on, “I intend to remedy that small problem at once, and I want you to tell me how to be a real Christian so I can capture Michael Wheeler’s heart. I know I’ve caught his eye on numerous occasions. Furthermore, I’ve instructed Braeden to purchase a ticket for me beside Michael today on the train. I intend to talk about Christian things all the way to Charleston. Won’t he be impressed?” She smiled broadly. “Tell me what I should say.”

“I see …”

Contemplating, Alaina worked her lower lip in between her teeth. Braeden mentioned that he’d told Jennifer Marie about Jesus and how the Savior had suffered and died on the cross so that sins could be forgiven. All Jennifer Marie needed to do was ask and accept God’s free gift of salvation. Obviously the explanation hadn’t sunk in. Furthermore, Braeden said his mother shared the gospel with Jennifer Marie’s family numerous times in the past. The answer was always the same. They preferred to trust their own religious views and opinions rather than biblical truth.

But perhaps things were changing. Maybe God could use Jennifer Marie’s desire to be a “real Christian,” in spite of her less-than-pure motives.

“All right. You might begin by asking Michael if he’s involved in any activities in his church.”

“Activities?”

“Ministries.”

Jennifer gave her a quizzical look. “Aren’t those the men in long robes who give long, drawn-out sermons on Sunday mornings?”

“No, those are
ministers
.” Alaina sent her a patient smile. The ride into Columbia could very well be a long one.

Chapter 6

“Just look at this beautiful machine.” Braeden walked Alaina past the belching locomotive.

She gave him a curious look before glancing back at the snarling, black engine. “Why, I think an angry bull might be a more accurate description.”

Braeden obviously didn’t hear the quip as he continued his inspection. He seemed enthralled. “She’s one of South Carolina Railroad’s finest. A true Southern Belle.”

After a huff, she sent him her most perfect pout. “I think I’m jealous.”

Braeden’s blond brows raised in surprise. “Jealous? Of a steam engine?”

Alaina bristled at his chuckling and turned on her heel, marching toward the passenger car.

“Oh, now, Laina-honey, don’t be cross with me.” Catching up to her, Braeden grabbed hold of her elbow. He matched her strides easily. “You know I have a penchant for trains.”

“And I suppose you’re going to tell me that there are worse affinities, so I should be grateful.”

“Affinities?” Braeden grinned teasingly. “You’ve been reading that dictionary again, haven’t you? Practicing up for the university.”

“Oh, hush.” Alaina did her best to sound aggravated; however, Braeden’s teasing could always make her smile.

“That’s my girl.” He helped her aboard. Making his way up the narrow aisle, Braeden located their seats, which faced Michael and Jennifer Marie’s. He nodded to the pair as he assisted Alaina onto the bench.

“Did you ever hear the story about the
Best Friend of Charleston
?” He leaned sideways so their shoulders touched.

Alaina enjoyed the close contact. “No, I don’t believe I ever have.”

“Well, the
Friend
was America’s first passenger locomotive, and it made its debut in 1831 in Charleston. But one day, its fireman got tired of hearing the hissing sound of the engine, so he closed the safety valve. A most unfortunate thing to do. The locomotive blew up, killing the fireman.”

“That’s a dreadful tale!” Alaina shifted, moving only inches away from him.

“Agreed. All right, here’s another story—it’s much nicer …”

Michael Wheeler lifted a dark brow. “Why do you insist upon boring that lovely lady?” His brown eyes twinkled with amusement.

“Mind your own business, or I’ll be forced to challenge you to a duel!”

Michael laughed. “May I remind you that you lost the last one?”

“You lost a duel?” Alaina watched a grin spread across Braeden’s face. “And you lived to tell about it? How can that be?”

“It’s a long story, my dear.”

Alaina needlessly arranged her skirt. “I think I’d rather hear that one than another account of trains.”

Michael’s rumbling laughter seemed to fill the passenger car.

“Don’t mind him, Laina,” Braeden whispered.

“All right, I won’t,” she whispered back. “Now, tell me the dueling story.”

Michael was quick to oblige her. “Braeden and I have a history of fighting over women.”

“That’s not entirely true.” Braeden leaned closer to Alaina. “We were twelve years old and scrapping over who Miss Daisy Marshall, our Sunday school teacher, was fonder of—Michael or me.”

She smiled into Braeden’s eyes while across from her, Jennifer Marie giggled daintily from behind her silk fan.

“Miss Marshall liked me best, of course.” Michael put on a pompous air. “But Brae and I decided to do the gentlemanly thing and duel it out—with our slingshots.”

“I was always partial to the biblical account of David and Goliath,” Braeden admitted with a charming grin.

Jennifer Marie waved her gloved hand at them. “Oh, you two!”

“All right, show the ladies your battle wound.”

Braeden frowned. “Must I?”

“You must,” Michael insisted.

Expelling an annoyed breath, Braeden pushed back a thick lock of blond hair from the very top of his forehead. There Alaina saw an almost perfectly round scar.

“Like David, I must be a man after God’s own heart.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Braeden muttered, although it all seemed to be in good fun.

“I rendered him unconscious for a whole five minutes,” Michael told Alaina and Jennifer Marie. “But I thought I’d killed my best friend. I was devastated. I knelt down on the ground beside Braeden, crying and pleading with God to bring him back to life. I even went so far as to promise Brae he could have all of Miss Marshall’s affections, which at twelve years old consisted of one of her smiles or, if we were especially fortunate, a verbal greeting.” He chuckled. “Then much to my astonishment, Braeden awoke. I was ecstatic, and for years, I thought I’d witnessed a miraculous event.”

“A duel …” Jennifer Marie crooned, casting a long gaze at Michael and batting her lashes ever so delicately. “How utterly romantic.”

“I have sworn off women ever since.” Michael returned her stare.

Jennifer Marie brought her chin back, looking horrified. “Say it’s not true.”

Michael glanced at Braeden, and Alaina saw that mischievous shimmer in his eyes again. She soon decided he was more of a rascal than Braeden, but they definitely fueled each other’s antics. Alaina made a mental note to mind her p’s and q’s around those two!

******

“I declare! I never thought we’d get here!” Jennifer Marie’s voice dripped with weariness as she watched the staff carry the last of their belongings into the upstairs bedroom that she and Alaina would share for the entire weekend. “I never saw so many people in my life.” She flounced on the wide, canopy bed. “And that train ride!” Peeking at Alaina from beneath her feathery lashes, she confessed, “I don’t believe I care to travel in that fashion. My backside is positively numb from those awful, hard benches!”

“Mine as well.” Alaina collapsed into a nearby armchair. “Now why can’t trains be as posh as this?” She ran her hand along the blue velvet upholstered armrest.

“That would be a sight better, wouldn’t it?”

Alaina nodded.

“Well, I suppose we should make ourselves presentable.” Jennifer Marie stood. “The party has already started on Aunt Sabrina’s rooftop. Why, I heard men shouting encouragements seaward, toward Fort Sumter.” She smiled. “Isn’t this exciting?”

“Extremely.” Alaina got to her feet and pulled out her favorite frock, a simple blue-and-white stripe dress, having a stiff white lacy collar that hugged her throat in a flattering way. But what she truly adored was its fashionable, puffy sleeves.

“I never did get to talk to Michael about anything of significance on the way here,” Jennifer Marie stated with a pout as her maid helped her into a crimson silk gown with a V-shaped neckline. “Did you see him looking at me during the journey?”

“I … I don’t recall,” Alaina stammered. The real truth was, Michael Wheeler didn’t seem very interested in Jennifer Marie. He acknowledged her only when propriety dictated, but how to convince her starry-eyed friend of that was a dilemma. Perhaps Braeden could discuss the matter with her. Alaina smiled at one of the maids who offered to button up the back of her dress.

“No matter. His head will turn tonight,” Jennifer Marie announced, assessing herself in the looking glass. She ran a hand down the fitted bodice. “If Michael Wheeler is any kind of man, he’ll notice me in this gown.” She whirled around, facing Alaina, the sound of her crinoline and dress brushing the carpeted floor. “But I don’t suppose I’ll capture his attention until after this silly battle is over. Why, I declare! Men these days are positively consumed with war talk.”

Alaina agreed. It was all her father, William, and Braeden spoke about lately. As they made their way to the door, she glimpsed her modest reflection in the mirror and surmised that no marriage proposal would likely be forthcoming, either, until the Confederates blew Fort Sumter out of the Atlantic.

As it happened, the fort remained intact and there were no casualties on either side. But the sight was spectacular. Cannon fire exploded like fireworks on Independence Day, entertaining all of Charleston. Mrs. Sabrina Stokes’s house was a popular place. High-ranking guests mingled about the rooftop and around the lavishly decorated ballroom, which overlooked the harbor.

Finally on Saturday, after two days of fighting, Major Robert Anderson surrendered Fort Sumter to General Pierre Beauregard. The Confederates had tasted their first victory! To celebrate, Mrs. Stokes threw a grand party, just as Jennifer Marie had predicted.

“Here is the dress I promised you.” She held the lovely golden gown out to Alaina.

A wave of awe swept through Alaina as she touched the fabric. She swallowed hard. “I’ve never had such a splendid gift.”

“I’m glad you like it. Let’s just hope it elicits a marriage proposal … from Braeden, that is.”

Alaina laughed. “Of course from Braeden. Who else?”

“Indeed.” Jennifer Marie stepped closer to her. She tipped her blonde head curiously. “I’ve noticed Michael has been keeping you company quite often this weekend.”