Touching the Sky (8 page)

Carissa sat up in bed at Laura’s announcement later that night. “Oh, this is wonderful news. I had hoped you might find a beau and now you have. And Brandon is so very dashing.” She clapped her hands together. “And he is to be my brother!”

Laura shook her head. “You’re putting the cart before the horse, Carissa. He has only asked to court me—not to marry me.”

“Oh, pshaw. He’s merely following protocol. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a gentleman. Besides, no one asks to court a woman unless he’s serious.” Carissa sat back against a mound of pillows and sighed. “It would be wonderful if we were to have double wedding. I would love sharing that day with you. Oh, wouldn’t it be grand?”

Laura continued pulling pins from her hair and ignored her sister’s prattling. Carissa was always given to daydreams. It was a part of her girlish spirit. Taking up her brush, Laura began combing through her long, thick hair. It fell below her waist and had never been cut. Over the years, she had sometimes wished her hair had been lighter—more golden like Carissa’s, but now she was completely content with her warm brown tones.

“I’ll bet Mother was beside herself with joy,” Carissa declared. “She has often said that she feared the war would leave us both spinsters and deprive her of grandchildren. Now she will have everything that she desires.”

“As I said, you are getting well ahead of yourself.” Laura put aside the brush and stood to undress. “Are you feeling better? Would you be up to visiting Mr. May’s shop tomorrow? He has some beautiful lace put aside for you. Mother thinks it would make a lovely veil.”

“I should be just fine,” Carissa said, patting her stomach. “The cramping has improved. I should be perfectly well on the morrow.”

Laura nodded. “Then I shall drive you myself. Mother was nearly beside herself from the stress of the day. It didn’t help that Mrs. Meuly shared her awful news. Her house was devastated by some of the colored troops.”

“No! How awful. But why would they do such a thing?”

“It seems there has been much looting and pillaging. When I mentioned it to Brandon, he was more than a little distressed to hear of it. Apparently the army is seeking to find the culprits and stop such madness, but they are limited by how much time they can spend on such matters.”

“Still, that is completely uncalled for. The Meulys were Unionists. They shouldn’t meet with harm by the troops.”

“I agree. My hope is that Brandon can figure out some way to help. It’s a sorry day when widows and orphans have to fear their very protectors.”

S
tand still, you ninny, or Mrs. Demarist will stick a pin in you,” Laura rebuked. Her sister’s wedding dress fitting was turning into something of a circus.

“I want to see how it looks,” Carissa complained, straining to see her reflection in the cheval mirror.

“Wait until she’s done pinning the hem and then you can.”

Laura knew her sister’s impatience was starting to get on the older woman’s nerves. Mrs. Demarist, a determined perfectionist, moved with painstakingly slow attention to detail. Often she would stop and eye the hem of the gown, then redo a section until she had it just right.

“You are going to make a beautiful bride,” Laura said, smiling at Carissa.

“I can hardly believe the wedding is only a month away. Less than that, in fact. Today is the tenth and we will marry on the ninth of September.” Carissa gave a little sigh. “I’m so happy.”

Laura thought perhaps by mentioning the day’s date, Carissa might remember it was in fact Laura’s twenty-second birthday. But there was no forthcoming comment. The girl was clearly consumed by thoughts of her upcoming nuptials. During the war, it was easy to understand forgetting such personal celebrations, but Laura had been surprised when no one had even mentioned her birthday at breakfast. She was trying not to be angry about it; after all, it wasn’t like she expected presents or a lavish party.

Mrs. Demarist finally had the hem pinned in place and stood back, eyeing her creation. “The bodice is a little loose, but I can easily adjust that,” she commented. Pulling up a little pad of paper that hung from her chatelaine, she jotted a note to herself.

Carissa was now in front of the mirror trying to eye her wedding dress from all sides. “It’s everything I had hoped for. I look like a princess.” She giggled and gave a turn and watched herself in the mirror. “I can scarcely wait another month.”

“But you must,” Laura said. “And you should be waiting longer than that. Getting married so quickly will only cause the gossips to talk about you.”

“I don’t mind that. At least they’re thinking about me,” Carissa declared.

Laura shook her head. “Let’s get you out of the dress so that Mrs. Demarist can get back to work.”

The fitting had already taken three hours, and Laura was more than a little anxious to get back home. Brandon had arranged to call on her that afternoon, and she still wanted time to freshen up and change into something more appealing.

She glanced down at her simple gown of dark blue. The skirt had been cut down a bit to draw it in and lessen the fullness. The style seemed to be changing from hoops and crinolines to bustles and stiffened hems, and those with the means were busy having gowns altered whenever possible. Mrs. Demarist’s talent for remaking a gown was quite well-known, and Laura had her to thank for the perfectly fitted walking dress.

Once the girls returned home, Laura quickly made her way upstairs and had Carlita fill the small copper bathing tub with tepid water. Laura would have liked to have stayed in the water for a long soak if the fitting had not taken so long. Instead, she hurriedly bathed and allowed Carlita to help her dress.

“This gown is good for you,” Carlita said, easing the sprigged cotton dress over Laura’s head. “It make you look so beautiful.” She smoothed the folds of material into place, and then did up the buttons in back.

“Thank you for suggesting it,” Laura replied, “and for your compliment. I’m quite a nervous wreck today. I suppose that given the fact that I’m about to embark on a new adventure with Captain—I mean Mr. Reid, it is to be expected. Nevertheless, I really want to enjoy myself. Instead, I feel like a hundred butterflies are flittering about in my stomach.”

Carlita giggled. “My sister would say she have cats fighting inside. But you no look nervous at all.” She finished with the buttons and Laura turned.

“What shall we do with my hair?”

The little Mexican maid considered this question for a moment, then said, “I get a hot iron, and we make beautiful curls. We pin them to fall down your back.” When Carlita hurried from the room, Laura took a moment to really study herself in the mirror.

Despite her birthday having been forgotten, Laura had to admit she looked happy. “Perhaps because I am,” she told her reflection.

She took a seat at the vanity and picked up her fan. The day was miserably warm, and they were in desperate need of rain. What few storms they’d had that summer had been brief and had done little to resolve the drought they were suffering.

“Here we are,” Carlita declared, holding up the iron in one hand.

It was only then that it dawned on Laura that they would need to lay a fire if they were to use the iron.

“Oh bother,” she said, looking to Carlita. “Let’s forget about it. I have no desire to suffer a heatstroke, but if we start a fire, I most certainly will.”

Carlita frowned. “I did not think.” She shrugged and put the iron aside. “I will make for you a special style.” She picked up the brush and immediately set to work.

Laura had no idea what Carlita had in mind, but once the little maid stepped back, Laura gasped in pleasure. “It’s perfect. Thank you!”

She touched her hand to the small braided coil atop her head. From this a wave of hair bounded down from the center to the middle of her back. “It looks very German,” she told Carlita. “They often use braiding to decorate their hair.”

The chiming of the clock let Laura know it was time for Brandon’s arrival. She got to her feet and snapped shut her fan. She had just opened her bedroom door when she heard voices coming from somewhere downstairs. It was Brandon speaking with the butler.

“He’s already here!” Her heart skipped a beat as it picked up its pace. This was to be their first official outing, and Laura could only pray that it would be as wonderful as she had already imagined it.

Brandon was seated in the front parlor to await Laura’s arrival. He had borrowed a small phaeton with the idea of taking a leisurely drive with her. With the top down, the couple would be visible for all to see and hopefully there would be no need for an accompanying chaperone. Of course, the vehicle was often considered quite dangerous and rather risky due to its large wheels and ability for speed, but Brandon felt confident he could handle the spirited team.

Laura entered the room with a radiant smile. She was wearing a white dress with touches of green and pink, where the patterns of leaves and flowers were clustered. She looked so small and delicate that when she extended her gloved hand, Brandon worried about gripping her too hard as he claimed her fingers.

“Miss Marquardt, you do look most beautiful.”

She blushed. “Thank you. You are most kind.”

Brandon released her hand. “I thought a drive might be fun. Do you suppose your parents would object? I have already put the hood back on the phaeton, and we will be quite visible.”

“I do not believe they would refuse us. My mother and sister are making calls, but my father is in his office. Why don’t we ask him to make certain?”

Brandon nodded. “I would be glad to do so.”

He allowed Laura to lead the way. Mr. Marquardt sat behind a large oak desk, poring over several charts that appeared to be of the Corpus Christi Bay.

“Mr. Reid. How good to see you again.”

“I have come to inquire if you have any objection to my taking Miss Marquardt on a summer drive. I have borrowed a phaeton and am quite capable with the team. I have already positioned the top down to make us visible to anyone.”

Mr. Marquardt smiled. “You have my approval for such an adventure.”

Brandon turned to Laura. “If you are ready, m’lady, your carriage awaits.”

Laura laughed, and Brandon grinned in response. There wasn’t much about her that he didn’t find appealing.

“Do be back in time for supper,” Mr. Marquardt called after them. “Mrs. Marquardt is planning quite an affair, and I’m to extend an invitation to you, Mr. Reid. It’s a special occasion.”

Brandon saw Laura’s face light up, and her father continued. “This is something of an engagement dinner. The happy couple will be present as well as several other couples. We would be honored if you would agree to stay, Mr. Reid.” Laura’s expression changed and she quickly ducked her head.

Concerned, Brandon nevertheless gave Mr. Marquardt an answer. “I would never pass up the opportunity for a delicious meal with such a beautiful young lady.” He would have to ask her later what the problem was.

“Wonderful. I’ll let Agatha know, and she can add your name to the list.”

With that, Stanley Marquardt directed his attention to the work before him and Brandon took hold of Laura’s elbow. “The day is quite lovely. I thought we might drive near the water and enjoy the breeze off the Gulf.”

Laura seemed pleased with his suggestion. Outside, he stopped beside the phaeton. “It’s awfully high and I do apologize, but if you will allow me to help you, I believe we will master it easily.” She nodded and took his lead without question. In a flash she was seated and he had joined her.

The carriage was designed to seat two close to each other. Brandon folded his large frame into the small area and found his broad shoulders all but pinned Laura in place. He tried to adjust, but it didn’t help all that much.

“You needn’t worry,” she told him. “I am perfectly fine.”

He picked up the reins and started the horses. “I should have borrowed a different conveyance.”

“No,” she assured him, snapping open her parasol, “it is fine.”

They drove in silence for several minutes. Brandon wanted to ask her about her change of emotions, but he didn’t know how to broach the subject. Laura appeared happy just to watch the world go by, so he decided to enjoy the quiet. She was unlike most women he’d known, who felt the need to keep a constant conversation going.

By the time they reached a wonderful Gulf view road, however, Brandon felt almost a sense of urgency to speak. “You . . . That is, I am glad you could accept my invitation today. In fact, you are probably quite busy with the engagement party. You looked rather upset when your father extended an invitation to me. I won’t attend if you would prefer I not.”

Laura looked at him oddly. “I have no objection to your being present.” She looked away. “I’m sorry if I gave you reason to think otherwise.”

Brandon found a place where he could park the team. There was a lovely view of the water from there, and the rhythmic crashing of the waves on shore was most relaxing.

“Would you care to tell me what upset you then?” he asked.

She shrugged. “It’s prideful and silly. I’m ashamed to even mention it.”

“Don’t be.” She looked at him, and he was surprised to find tears in her eyes. “What is it, Laura?”

“I thought perhaps . . . the special occasion was for me. It’s my birthday.” She shook her head and forced a smile. “I told you it was silly.”

“Not at all. I think it entirely appropriate that you would expect a celebration. A birthday is a very important occasion.”

“Well, they always have been in our family,” Laura admitted. “At least until this one. Still, I understand Mother’s enthusiasm to see Carissa’s engagement properly celebrated.” She paused and seemed to fight for words. “It’s . . . just . . . well, no one has even acknowledged that it is my birthday.” A single tear slipped down her cheek. “Oh, I feel so foolish. Please forgive me. I’m ruining our first outing.”

Brandon handed her a folded white handkerchief. “There is no need for forgiveness, and you are not ruining anything.”

Laura shifted the parasol to her right hand and took the handkerchief with her left. She dabbed her eyes and handed him back the cloth. “Thank you.”

“I assure you,” he promised, “that I will not forget your birthday. What say we go have some refreshments to celebrate your day?”

“Oh, that isn’t necessary. I truly didn’t mean to make such a fuss.” She seemed a little less burdened. “Besides, I think this lovely drive is a wonderful way to spend the day. I am quite content.”

“As you wish.” He released the brake and snapped the reins lightly. “Let us see what trouble we can get into.” With that, she laughed and Brandon couldn’t help but add, “And Laura, happy birthday.”