Doves Migration (35 page)

Paralyzed were she stood, Miranda found it difficult to contain the rush
of emotions that swept over her as she glanced at family and friends
gathered in the Honeycutt’s study after her wedding. Secretly she hoped
someone would realize her whole life had changed, all the while praying
no one would discover her secret and jeopardize Gilbert’s safety.

In a daze, she wondered how was it possible that those in attendance
could chat idly after what she just did. She was now a married woman
aching to share her joy and jubilation with those she loved, yet she was
forced to act as the single most important event of her life had never
happened.

As her eyes rested upon her father, whose laughter rang out above the
rest, immense guilt and sorrow gripped at her heart. Pleadingly she
thought,
Oh Papa, please don’t hate me for hurting you. It wasn’t
intentional.
In her distraught state of mind, Miranda continued to plead her
case, although her father would never hear her words.
Surely, you must
remember what is felt to love another? Such love cannot be denied.

Hearing her own thoughts of denied love, Miranda found her mind
connecting the love she felt for her husband to the love she imagined her
father must have felt for his slave. Shocked by such a revelation, Miranda
stared at her father more intently and wondered,
Was it that way for you
too, Papa? Is that why you continued to have an affair with Elmira all
those years? You couldn’t stop your heart from feeling as it did.

Knowing instinctively the answer to her questions, the resentment and
anger that Miranda had harbored against her father seemed to dissolve.
Surprisingly, Miranda found herself able to understand in part how difficult
it must have been for Lucas to love and lose both women in his life. Such a
revelation made her feel closer to her father than she had ever felt before. A
tender smile crossed her lips as she watched him conversing with his
friend, Michael Honeycutt.

Papa, you don’t know it yet, but I truly am your little girl. Not only am
I strong-willed and a might stubborn at times, I also have a great capacity
for loving, too. Unfortunately, like you, I too have hurt others I love, just as
you hurt Mama. I hope that someday you will come to understand my
actions were not those of an angry child, defying her father, but rather of a
woman trying to protect the man she loves.
Looking up to heaven she
hastily added,
And God willing, a far sight better than Papa was able to
protect Mama and Elmira.

Realizing she had included Elmira in her prayer, and the tragic fate of
both women, Miranda closed her eyes and hastily added,
Dear God, please
let the similarities of my father and I end there. Please don’t let my loved
one perish as Papa’s did.

Unable to think such despairing thoughts, knowing she would burst
into tears, Miranda looked about the crowded room for a distraction.
Glancing at Elise and Joshua, her fears subsided as she watched Joshua
stand tentatively near her friend’s side, his hand resting around her waist as
if it were the most natural thing to do in the world.
My, but you two have
come so far together,
she mused to herself.

Recalling, their turbulent relationship back in Fairfax, and how Joshua
and Elise were able to overcome their vast differences, a sense of hope
filled her.
If they can do it, I just know Gilbert and I can too,
she thought as
Benjamin’s words, echoed in her mind.
As you embark on this new journey,
not as two individuals but rather one, be certain to bring with you the
essentials of a strong union . . . patience, respect and love.

Taking comfort from his words--which took on a deeper meaning-Miranda vowed again that from here on out, not only would she love
Gilbert, but she would learn to be patient and respect his inheritance. Still
puzzled as to why he had reacted so adversely to Benjamin, she became
aware that Elise had motioned her to join them.

Knowing she couldn’t bring herself to join in casual conversation,
Miranda declined with a subtle shaking of her head. Feeling incredible
guilt for not sharing her secret, even now with her dear friend, she silently
prayed.
Oh Elise, please don’t be angry with me for too long when you find
out.

Seeing the concerned look in Elise’s eyes, Miranda smiled reassuringly
back at her, amused that even now after starting a new life of her own, her
dear friend still hovered over her like an old mother hen.
Dear Elise, even
after you have children of your own, I suppose you will keep trying to look
after me.
The thought of Elise mothering her own children sparked the
memory of them growing up together and the pledge they had vowed to
one another. Remembering that pledge, Miranda looked away with stinging
eyes.
I didn’t break my promise Elise. Honest I didn’t! No one else was my
maid of honor.

Chastising herself for becoming so emotional, Miranda tried
desperately to regain composure.
Get mad, Miranda
, she told herself.
Get
good and mad just like Elise taught you to do countless times before.
Almost able to hear her friend’s words, Miranda nodded her head feeling
her tears rescind as she took in a deep breath and put the blame where it
belonged.
This is Tad’s fault. All of it! He cheated you out of your day!

As anger and rage replaced her guilt, she observed the man who had
caused her so much pain, enter the room. Hatred mounted in her heart as
she watched Tad being introduced to the Robbins’ by Vivian, as if he were
royalty or someone equally fine. Unlike those who gathered around him,
Miranda was no longer impressed with Tad’s striking good looks and
polished mannerisms. What she saw as she glared at him from across the
crowded room was a depraved bastard, whom she now loathed.

So engrossed in watching his every move with contempt in her eyes
and in her heart, Miranda hadn’t realized that Alfred, seeing her react so
adversely to Tad’s presence, had come to her side. Lovingly placing his
hand on her shoulder, Miranda jumped and turned toward him.

“Oh Mr. Honeycutt . . .” She gasped, pausing to catch her breath, her
heart pounding in her chest. “You gave me such a start!”
“I'm sorry, dearest. By the look on your face I thought you needed
rescuing.”
Blushing, suddenly ashamed of her behavior, Miranda smiled at the
man she had truly began to think of as a second father. “Was I that
transparent?” she asked sheepishly.
Nodding his response, he said, “Hell has no fury like a woman’s scorn,
they say. And if a woman ever looked at me, as you just did my grandson, I
would run from the room for protection.”
“I can’t help it. I hate him . . . I hate him for what he’s done to Gilbert.
For ruining what was supposed to be the happiest day of my life. I mean it,
sir. No matter how much I try not to, I can’t stop myself. I hate him!” Her
voice became louder with every declaration of her immense loathing of his
grandson.
“Shh,” Alfred whispered discretely. “You must get a hold of yourself,
my dear. Otherwise, everyone will become suspicious.”
On the verge of hysteria, Miranda looked pleadingly at Alfred. “I’m
trying too . . . honest I am. But the pain is so strong.”
“Do it for that fine husband of yours, Mrs. O’Flaherty,” Alfred
whispered softly, smiling tenderly at her.
Hearing him refer to Gilbert as a fine man and calling her by her new
name, Miranda nodded her head obediently. “He is a fine man, isn’t he?”
she asked timidly, desperately needing his approval.
“Indeed he is, dear one. I never say anything I don’t mean and I’m
telling you, despite his temper, I like your husband very much. He has a
fine character and obviously loves you. And that my dear, is what I admire
most in him. When a man loves as he loves you, everything is bound to
work out.”
Tenderly he patted her cheek, than looking solemnly to avoid being
seen showing too much emotion, Alfred continued in a soft whisper, “All
you need to do now, is try to keep this charade up for a few more moments.
Afterwards, I will see to it that for the next several days, you and Mr.
O’Flaherty will not be disturbed.”
Confused by his last comment, Miranda frowned. Seeing him nod in
the direction of the door, Miranda’s eyes followed his. There she saw
Montgomery standing proudly at the entrance and discreetly grinning at
her.
“My dear, it would appear you are about to have a dreadful relapse of
your mysterious illness of last week, and for precautionary measures mind
you, I must insist that you be quarantined to the third floor.”
Puzzled, she asked, “Relapse . . . Quarantined? Whatever do you
mean?”
“What I mean is, you and your husband need time alone together. No
two people so much in love should be separated from one another,
especially on their wedding day.”
Seeing her eyes start to well up with tears, he leaned closer and
whispered sternly, “Now don’t you dare cry on me, Miranda! Or you’ll
spoil everything I’ve taken great care to plan out.”
Seeing the merriment in his eyes, she nodded and tried desperately to
oblige by fanning herself, hanging onto his every word, feeling suddenly
giddy as a schoolgirl.
“Montgomery has just successfully moved all your personal effects,
along with the few things you’ve manage to purchase for Mr. . . . for
Gilbert, to the third level. It’s my private suite as you know, and I have the
only key, or should I say Gilbert has the only key now. He’s there waiting
for you, my dear. Before you go to him though, I must discuss a few things
with you. So please hear me out.”
Seeing the seriousness of his look, Miranda leaned closer to him. “I’m
listening.”
“As much as I approve of your choice in men. I do not approve of your
plan. So . . . I’ve taken the liberty of altering it some.” Raising his hand to
silent any objection she might try to give him, Alfred hastily added. “There
is no point in arguing, my dear. The matter is finished. Beside, we have
only a few more moments.”
“Go on,” she whispered, trying not to appear to anxious, knowing that
others may see her and come to find out why before Alfred had finished.
“First off, Montgomery will be accompanying you and your husband to
California. This was his choice, not mine. Although I will miss him
terribly, I know he will serve you well. Secondly, after this week, your
husband’s sister, Margaret-Anne, will no longer be a servant. If I know
your husband, he would prefer she too begin a new life and so I’ve given
her a small, but adequate dowry so she can begin a new life for herself.
Finally, when you arrive in San Francisco, you are to go to your new home.
Montgomery knows the address. It’s a modest home, but should do you
both nicely as you begin a new life together.”
Stunned, her head reeling, Miranda desperately wanted to burst into
tears and hug this wonderful man who truly had thought of everything.
Rather than try to think of the right words to describe her gratitude
Miranda softly said, “I love you. Thank you for caring for me as if I were
your own.”
Smiling at her, and obviously touched by her words of endearment,
Alfred’s voice cracked as he said, “As far as I’m concerned, you are, my
dear.” Then glancing up and noticing Tad approach he hastily added, “Now
wipe that smile off your face and look as if you are going to faint, because
Tad is on his way over here.”
Turning to see her nemesis, Miranda’s smile faded with no further
prompting from Alfred. Feeling suddenly nauseous and lightheaded,
Miranda managed to turn and face Alfred while feeling the room spin
around her. Mumbling incoherently, Miranda said before slumping into
Alfred’s arms, “No need to pretend . . . I truly am not feeling
well
.”
Stunned, Alfred reacted by motioning for Montgomery, while
protectively wrapping his arms tightly around Miranda, preventing Tad
from lifting her into his own arms. Sternly, Alfred said, “Tad, let
Montgomery tend to Miranda.” Giving no explanation for his sudden
outburst to his grandson, Alfred turned his attention to the others that had
gathered around them, seeing Miranda faint.
Motioning to his guests, he hastily said, “Stand back, please. Give her
some air.”
By then Montgomery had arrived to assist Miranda. Alfred, seeing
Felicity, politely asked, “Mrs. Myles, would you be kind enough to assist
Montgomery in making Miranda comfortable?”
Nodding and without hesitation, Felicity obligingly said, “Yes, of
course.”
“Good God, is she alright?” Lucas bellowed as he rushed to his
daughter’s side, holding her hand. Turning to Alfred, he demanded an
explanation.
“What in tarnation, happened Alfred?”
Just then Vivian pushed through the crowd of people, looked at her
husband, raised her eyebrow and said, “Yes indeed. What has happened to
our dear, Miranda?”
“We were talking and she swooned. Fear not though, I’m sure she will
be fine in no time at all. Thanks to the keen observation of Mrs. Myles-who informed me earlier that she feared Miranda was still under the
weather--I took the liberty of having her things moved to my private suite
on the upper floor. After she is settled in, I’ll send for the doctor straight
away.”
“Thank you, Alfred,” Lucas called out as Montgomery carried her
toward the entrance, all the while scolding the servant with every step he
took. “Be careful with her. Damn it man, must you walk so fast?”
“Sir, Margaret-Anne is already upstairs fixing up her new room. I’m
sure she and Mrs. Myles will take good care of Miss Miranda, right
nicely.”
Lucas nodded in agreement, paused allowing the servant to proceed,
while Elise rushed past Lucas to be at her friend’s side. Following closely
behind Elise and Montgomery, concerned for his wife’s well being was
Joshua, who managed to catch up with her.
“Darling, do you think that’s wise?” he asked, tenderly placing his
hand on Elise’s shoulder. “After all, you don’t know the extent of
Miranda’s illness and you have to think of your own heath, especially
now.”
Pausing, Elise turned and looked at him pleadingly. “She needs me!
Miranda’s like a sister to me.”
“I know, sweetheart,” he whispered soothingly. “But our baby needs a
healthy mother too.”
Nodding, Elise begrudgingly allowed Joshua to escort her back inside
to the parlor. Upon reaching both of their mothers, Joshua shook his head
disapprovingly and jokingly said, “Keep a close eye on her while I find
anchors to weigh her down. She’s as fast as lightning.”
As both mothers consoled Elise, Joshua stepped over to Michael and
his father. “Damn, I thought keeping track of a platoon was tough! That
was easy compared to my little spit-fire.” Chuckling amongst themselves,
Joshua glanced at Elise and winked as she pouted while her mother
continued to fuss over her.
Alfred, amused hearing his granddaughter’s husband’s comment,
smiled while extending his arm to Lucas. “Let’s you and I crack open a
bottle of some aged brandy, old friend, and let Mrs. Myles tend to our
Miranda.”
“Good idea,” Lucas exclaimed, pulling out his handkerchief and
wiping the perspiration from his brow. “When I saw her swoon . . . Hell,
I’m not too proud to admit it. I felt as helpless as the day I found out her
mother had left us.”
Knowing what Lucas meant, Alfred patted him on the shoulder and
said reassuringly, “There’s nothing wrong with Miranda that a few days of
rest won’t cure.”
Glancing at the staircase, Lucas nodded. “God, I hope you’re right.
She’s all I have left.”
Across the room, seeing the concerned look exchanged between Rupert
and Annabelle, Vivian rushed to their side. “Let me assure you, your rooms
are far removed from Miranda’s. You have nothing to be fearful of.”
Obviously offended by her comment, Rupert said curtly, “Mrs.
Honeycutt, I assure
you
, our concern was not for our welfare, but rather
that of Felicity’s friend. Now if you'll excuse us.”
Taking his wife’s arm, Rupert promptly escorted Annabelle where the
Carmidy’s and Honeycutt’s were gathered. Humiliated, Vivian’s cheeks
turned crimson and she latched onto her grandson’s sleeve as he started for
the stairwell.
In a strained whisper, Vivian said, “Don’t you dare leave my side Tad!
Or so help me, I’ll never give you another red cent.”
Raising his eyebrow and then cordially smiling at her, Tad snarled in a
hushed whisper, “Now grandmother dear, that wouldn’t be a threat, would
it?”
Returning the same fraudulent smile, she said coldly, “Why Tad. I
wouldn’t dream of ever doing such a treacherous act as blackmailing my
own grandson.”
Hearing the word blackmail, Tad’s smile faded. “Grandmother, I’m
warning you. If you do anything, and I do mean anything for Grandfather
to discover . . .”
Raising her hand slightly and pointing her index finger in front of him,
she said, “Careful, dear boy. When someone, such as yourself needs funds
to pay off a hefty ransom, it clearly isn’t wise to offend the one who has
been footing the bill with blood money, now is it, dear Tad?”
As the two of them actively engaged in conversation they, along with
everyone else in the room, were being monitored closely by Lavinia.
Perched like a Persian cat on the window-seat that looked out to the
gardens, she smiled sheepishly.
Well, well, well
, she mused to herself.
Seems little Miranda has been far more craftier than I gave her credit for.
There’s much to be said for being an observer
.
You do find out the most
intriguing things . . .
Glancing to where the Carmidy’s and Honeycutt’s were gathered, it
was obvious to Lavinia by the way everyone congregated around Joshua
and Elise and paying special attention to Elise, that she must be expecting.
Not the least bit interested in such news, other than amused that before
long she was going to become fat, Lavinia thought,
How droll!
Then
Lavinia paused
,
as she witnessed her sister and Rupert join them. Judging
by how Annabelle was reacting, it was clear to Lavinia that the Robbins’
were in on their little secret, too.
A quick glance at Vivian, Lavinia surmised her hostess knew nothing
of the joyous event or otherwise she would have already made a big
announcement. Snickering to herself, she thought,
Poor Viv, too busy with
that no-count grandson of hers to notice this would have been her first
opportunity to connect with that boring husband of my sister.
Looking back at Annabelle, she smiled grimacing,
Little will-robber,
enjoying being brought in on that back wood, no-account secret, are we?
Well, when I’m through with you, I’ll wipe that smug smile right off that
amusing face of yours!
Feeling eyes on her, her focus drifted to Rupert.
You traitorous bastard,
she thought cordially extending a smile back to him.
You might have outfoxed me back in England, and even won my sister’s heart but I’ll be
damned if you’ll ever spend a cent of Father’s money that is rightfully
mine!
Seeing him glance away made her feel victorious.
Rupert Robbins, if
it takes me a lifetime, I will make you pay for betraying Father and me for
the likes of Benjamin Myles!
Thinking of her ex-husband, her eyes trailed to where he and James
were huddled close together. Surprised, she wondered,
What possibly could
James have to say that would interest that dull, do-gooder?
Observing the
knowing nod James and Alfred exchanged between them, she surmised
Alfred was in on it too and Lavinia frowned
.
Hmm, what possibly could the three of them have in common?
she
wondered. Then recalling Miranda’s dramatic scene moments earlier and
how she had witnessed her fainting spell brought on by seeing Tad--rather
than an illness as Alfred had tried to convey to everyone, Lavinia’s mind
began to race. Looking about the room for any noticeable clues, her eyes
rested on Vivian. Judging by Tad’s expression, it was obvious Vivian was
holding something over his head.
But what?
she asked herself.
Unable to piece the puzzle together, she glanced back at her husband.
No wonder you’ve been leaving me alone, you’ve been too busy plotting
with Alfred.
Knowing James as she did, and realizing he only did things that would
benefit him in the end, she concluded that somehow all of this had
something to do with Felicity, too. Scanning the room quickly to see if
Felicity had returned, and seeing so sign of her, Lavinia’s attention returned
to James. While hastily thinking what information she was certain of, and
how it could benefit her, a plan started to form in her mind. Gingerly
sliding off the cushioned bench, Lavinia slowly approached the
unsuspecting James, all the while her mind raced.