The Sun Rises (Southern Legacy Book 4) (9 page)

Furthermore, Andrew had allowed Percival to become his shadow when he was around. For that, Jo was grateful. Percival needed a man’s influence.

This had been the right decision. Jo felt it in her heart. Wade’s spirit lived on within the boundaries of Magnolia Bluff. This was where he would have wanted his family. It was where they belonged.

Here the war did not exist.

Jo reflected on the past and drew strength from what Wade had given her—his love. She would hold on to it and live one day at a time, having faith Wade watched over them.

* * * *

Less than a month after their return, Jo made a request for the family to dress formally for dinner. It had been quite a long time since the family entertained. The days and nights had been consumed by the need to maintain the plantation and keep the family healthy and safe.

Surprisingly, her request had been met with unbridled enthusiasm…at least from the women. Anna and Jenna spent the better half of the afternoon readying for the night, much like they would have before the war. Mother Montgomery even promised to play a few pieces on the piano.

For the night, she took off her mourning and donned a flowing lavender taffeta gown with a dropped V-waist, lined with ruffles up the full skirt. Rosa twisted her hair back in what once had been fashionable. She studied herself in the mirror, remembering the last time she had worn it…at the last dinner party she had attended with Wade.

She wiped back welling tears; this was not a time for sadness. She wanted the family to enjoy the evening. Outside, a reddish glow reflected off the scattered clouds as the ball of orange lowered in the sky.

“Momma, you look pretty.”

Jo turned to find her young man in the doorway. “I thought I had already put you to bed, my love.”

“But I wanna go down with ya.”

“Not tonight.” Jo took his hand and led him back to his room. Tucking him into bed once more, she promised, “I will tell you all about it in the morning.”

When she walked back into her room, she took the letter she received yesterday out of her top drawer. Charlotte had married and wanted Jo to share the news with the family. Charlotte had found comfort with a wounded soldier, George Williams. He owned a general store in Savannah and was the nephew of Aunt Mae on her husband’s side. Moreover, to Jo’s delight, Charlotte was expecting a baby.

Dearest Jo, I wanted you to share in my happiness, but with the war raging around us, I succumbed to George’s desire to marry quickly and quietly. After my first marriage, I was so hesitant to marry again, but George is so different, loving and caring. He is as excited as I am about the baby. I know I should not be talking openly about such a private matter, but it is you, my oldest, most beloved friend.

Jo was certain that Charlotte was apprehensive about how society would take her marriage with the scandal attached to her first union. Perhaps in the past, Charlotte’s worries would have been founded, but not today, not when death could lie beyond the bend. No, life needed to be celebrated each day.

Tonight was an opportunity to live just for the moment. There was no yesterday…no tomorrow, only this moment.

As she descended the staircase and into the dining room, Jo was delighted that everyone had followed suit. Mother Montgomery still wore black, but had changed to a white lace collar pinned with a cameo that her three boys had given her for Christmas many a year ago.

Anna sat next to her mother in a shimmering cream gown trimmed in a deep forest green. Jo was certain it must have been Mother Montgomery’s at one time. Pearls adorned her neck as pearl droplets hung from her ears. The poor dear hadn’t had the opportunity to enjoy dances and parties as had Jenna, not with her poor health and the war. Tonight, though, she shined.

Beaming in her much-worn rose gown, Jenna sat by Derek, who also dressed for the occasion in a borrowed suit that once had been Wade’s. Rosa had altered it, shortening the pants and sleeve of the waistcoat. He looked quite dashing.

Jenna had confided that she longed to dance with her husband. He had been self-conscious of his missing arm, but in the confines of the family’s eyes, Jenna hoped she would finally get her dance.

The table was set with the china that had been handed down from one generation to the other for a hundred years. Mother Montgomery had taken it out of hiding for the occasion. Crystal goblets were filled with wine. A hog had been slaughtered and fresh ham, potatoes, and dinner rolls filled the table. Not the most elaborate of meals, but never had one been more appreciated.

“You look lovely.” Andrew rose and pulled back a chair for her. “Thank you for suggesting this night.
It is a much-needed relief. Tell me, though, how long are you going to tease us? What news have you promised to share?”

“I see no reason to delay.” Jo glanced over the faces of her family. Unfolding the letter, she began, “I want to say that the last few years have been trying…We all have lost loved ones…those will never be forgotten.

“Saying that, I know that my dearest husband would not want us to mourn forever. I feel Wade is with us now and always. So let us smile tonight.” She sniffled, trying desperately not to cry. The emotions weighed heavier on her than she imagined. “Family meant everything to Wade…he loved you all. Family shares in the sorrow, but over the last year, we have had the good also.

“Jenna married and we added a new family member.” Jo smiled over at Derek, who raised his glass to her. “We have had children to add to the nursery. Each a blessing…and yesterday I received news from Charlotte she wanted me to share. She has married George—”

“Momma.”

Chuckles emerged, for behind Jo, Percival stood dressed in his Sunday clothes. Half buttoned, his shirt hung loosely over his pants. He wore only one shoe, but his hair was gelled backed and combed the best he could to the side.

“Percival, I told you…”

Andrew stepped to Percival’s rescue. “I think for tonight we could add a chair for the young man…”

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves, thudding as swiftly as a frightened rabbit, resonated throughout the room. Everyone’s eyes met. Immediately, chairs were pushed back and everyone rushed toward the parlor’s front windows.

No news was ever good that was carried that swiftly. Neither was this.

Two riders rode hard onto the lawn. Galloping madly, one drew in the reins just in time to swerve from barreling into the front steps. Laughing, he slid off his mount and stumbled toward the entrance.

“Josephine Buchanan Wright! I’ve come to settle the score.”

God help me! It’s Buck!
Frightened, Jo stood frozen with Percival clinging to her skirt.

Upon getting no response, Buck leaned down and picked up the biggest rock he could find. He threw it through the window. Glass shattered and screams emerged.

Instinctively, Jo covered Percival with her body. Ignoring Buck’s taunts, she inspected her son closely. She could find no marks on him. Picking him up swiftly, she handed him to Mother Montgomery. The men had already stepped outside.

“Take him upstairs,” she ordered hurriedly. Not waiting for an answer, Jo rushed out the door and ignored the cries of the women to stop.

She couldn’t.

Buck had come for her…she had to get rid of the menace.

“What brings you here?” Jo demanded. Ignoring Andrew’s attempt to push her back into the house, she moved forward. “You aren’t welcome here. Leave and take your friend with you.”

“Paying a call long overdue, dear cousin. I came to see you,” Buck slurred and staggered up the steps. Tripping, he grasped hold of his buddy for support.

Jo recognized Buck’s companion. One of the boys who hung out with Harry Lee—old man Harrison’s boy, Gus. No-good varmint from all accounts, which explained his presence with Buck.

Buck reeked of liquor. His cheeks were reddened. He pointed a filthy finger at Jo. “We have business to discuss. Ain’t going until you hear me out.”

“I owe you nothing and I can assure you I don’t want to hear a thing you have to say.”

His head tilted back, his eyebrows rose. He pressed his lips together firmly and shook his head. “Now…now why did I think you would say that?” Holding up his finger for a moment, he reached behind his back and pulled out a pistol. He aimed it straight at Jo. “Now, like I said. Let’s talk.”

“Put that gun away, for God’s sakes, man,” Andrew demanded. “There are women and children here.”

“Shut up.” Buck turned and pointed at him. “Or I will make you shut up.”

Derek raised the rifle he had grabbed before he rushed out of the door.

“Put that down, mister,” Gus countered, holding his gun straight at the group. “Don’t make me use this.”

“What is wrong with you, Buck? Have you done gone and lost all your good sense?” Jo rushed forward.

“Ain’t me, it’s you. Want to know why I’m here…because I got no home. No home because of you! Grandpa Henry passed away last week and you know what I got. Nothing! Nothing…. ’cause it all went to you and all these Montgomerys.”

“I didn’t even know Grandpa Henry died.”

“Don’t care neither, by the looks of things. What do you have going on here? A party? And didn’t even invite me!” Buck waved the pistol around. “Wonder what your family would say if they knew the truth about ya. Didn’t think I would figure it out. Thought you were too smart for me…for all of us.”

“Too smart for you? What on earth do you mean?”

“That you are a Yankee sympathizer. Yeah, it all fell into place. You sitting here pretty as you please. I know this is the place that Yankee spy came. Can’t fool me. You, Josephine Buchanan Wright Montgomery, are no better than Yankee scum. You have betrayed everyone and I’m gonna make sure everyone knows!”

“You lie! You drunken fool! I would never betray the South…my home…my family.”

“I’m done listening to you. It’s time for all you to listen to me. Right now it’s just me and Gus, but I’m going into Charleston and fetch McCoy. He’ll see to things…right after I take what’s mine. I need a home and this one will suit me just fine.”

“Don’t, Buck,” Jo pleaded. “Don’t do this. Go away. Sober up.”

“Nah.” Buck shook his head. “Want to show Harry Lee I am man enough. I’ll show him when he gets home that I handled things just fine. You should be happy, Jo, ’cause I’m not gonna make you suffer like Harry Lee would. It will be short and quick…”

From the corner of her eye, Jo saw Amos come out of nowhere. He lunged at Gus, sending him sprawling on the ground in one direction, his pistol in the other. A gun blasted and Amos fell.

Clambering down the steps, Jo fell down beside the big man. “You shot him!”

“Ain’t nothin’ but a God damn nigger. Now get up, Jo! Ya gonna rue the day you took us on. Ain’t got Wade to protect ya no more.”

“Okay…okay, Buck. There’s no need to get upset. You want a room for the night…food. Come on in. We’ll take care of you,” Andrew said in a soft, calming voice. He edged closer to Buck. “We were about to have dinner.”

“I told ya to shut up,” Buck snorted, raising the barrel up.

Then, suddenly, Buck paused. To Jo’s horror, she saw the reason.

Percival ran out the door. Frantically looking around, he saw her. With outstretched arms, he bolted for her.

Too late, she cried, “Don’t. Stay there!”

Buck grabbed hold of Percival by his shirt collar and lifted him off the ground. “Looky what I have here. Who’s your daddy, boy?”

“Major Wade…Montgomery,” Percival stuttered, confusion and fright riddled in his voice. He called out, “Momma!”

“Don’t look at ya momma, boy! She ain’t gonna help you now…not now…not ever!”

Buck’s eyes grew dark as his hand encircled Percival’s neck. Andrew lunged and slammed Buck back. Immediately, Derek snatched up Percival and headed toward the door. Tumbling down the steps, Buck and Andrew landed on the driveway.

Staggering up, Buck gripped tight his pistol. Enraged, he slurred, “Yeah, come on. Let’s see what you can do, n—”

A shot rang out. Buck stepped once, then twice and fell face first on the ground. The entire back of his shirt oozed blood left by the shot that killed him.

Smoke curled slowly in the air. Jo lowered the gun. She couldn’t breathe, but felt everyone’s eyes upon her. Behind her, she heard a horse race down the lane. For a timeless moment, she stood there, unable to move.

Andrew crawled over to the motionless body and confirmed, “He’s dead.”

Befuddled, her mind painstakingly comprehended her actions. She had done the only thing she could to protect her son. She had killed a man…snatched up the fallen gun off the ground and fired at Buck…shot him in the back.

“Jo, let go. Percival is safe.” Andrew untangled her fingers from the handle. “Rosa, come over and take Miss Josephine up to her room.”

Somewhere in the distance, she heard Percival scream for her. The girls’ voices…shrill, frightened voices…resonated around her.

Walking into the foyer, she saw her son crying against his grandmother. Hurried steps ran to her. Her eyes once more shone with a flash of clarity. She bent down and took her son in her arms.