The Sun Rises (Southern Legacy Book 4) (21 page)

Heyward had been one of the main reasons Cullen’s network had worked. He also knew something else bothered Heyward. “Are you going to tell me what else is troubling you?”

“Not sure,” Heyward stated honestly. “I’m used to being dismissed by others, Mr. Cullen. Not you.”

“I am not dismissing what you saw,” Cullen replied. “I would not. Remember it was I who helped you rescue Gillie and saw firsthand the damage the man inflicted. I certainly would not play light with the information if I thought for one minute it wasn’t truly Harry Lee.”

“I suppose I could have been wrong, but I tell ya, something is going on that I don’t like. I can feel it.”

“What are you talking about?”

Heyward nodded to the door. “Miss Elizabeth, there. She’s friends with that devil woman Dr. Andrew was married to?”

“Miss Elizabeth was good friends with Andrew’s wife at one time, but not now, especially after what that woman put my cousin through. Miss Elizabeth told me herself she cut ties with her.”

“You believe that?”

“I have no reason not to.” Cullen’s eyebrows rose. “Do you?”

“I saw ’em, Mr. Cullen, more than once, together. One time walking down Walnut Street arm in arm. Then last week, a carriage drew up at your father’s work. Miss Elizabeth got out, but I saw that woman in the carriage.”

Cullen couldn’t deny that the knowledge disturbed him. He didn’t try. “Tell me again what you saw...in detail.”

* * * *

“Oh, Cullen, I’m so sorry.” Tears spilled down Elizabeth’s cheeks. “I should have told you, but truly I didn’t want to upset you or Josephine.”

“Elizabeth, this is inexcusable.” Cullen shook his head. “Whether intentional or not, you gave information to Kathleen, which she attempted to use against Josephine.”

“I am weak, for in the end I couldn’t tell her no…not in the state she was in,” Elizabeth cried, lifting her head up. Wiping back her tears, she rose from the sofa and gripped Cullen’s sleeve. “She played against my sympathy. I thought she had changed like she claimed. I was foolish to believe her. She was relentless. I told her many times to leave me alone.”

“That is true, Cullen,” Monica intervened. “I witnessed one of Kathleen’s tantrums…here in the drawing room. Why, I had never seen such a display! She pulled at her hair and fell to her knees, weeping and crying she had no one else to turn to for comfort. I heard Elizabeth send her away.”

“Elizabeth, do you comprehend the havoc Kathleen wreaked over Charleston and my cousin? She blatantly carried on numerous affairs, pauperized Andrew, and left her infant daughter behind without blinking an eye.”

“Stop, oh, please stop, Cullen. I didn’t know. She told me that the Montgomerys ripped her daughter from her arms and refused to let her have her. That it was Andrew having the affairs…that she was cast aside because she was a Yankee…but it wasn’t until after her father passed away and news came back that her daughter died that I gave in…” Elizabeth’s voice cracked. Releasing Cullen’s sleeve, she fell back into her mother’s waiting arms. “I’m so ashamed.”

Monica patted the back of her disturbed daughter. She looked over at Cullen. “She is sorry. I will make sure that woman won’t set foot in this house again and Elizabeth will not associate with her anymore. Is that not right, Elizabeth?”

The distracted Elizabeth did not look around, only nodded. Falling back into her mother’s arms, she wept.

Cullen frowned deeply. He had no choice but to accept his stepsister’s apology, but with reluctance. He was disappointed Elizabeth had fallen back under Kathleen’s spell.

In the end, Cullen left Monica to deal with Elizabeth. If she didn’t, he would when he returned. He would not have Kathleen in their lives.

He had to prepare to leave within the hour and wanted to spend the time with his wife and children. He left the room.

Just before dusk, a warm southwesterly breeze sprang up at the exact moment when Josephine exited the carriage. The buffeting wind whipped at her and tore at her bonnet. Hampered by her petticoats, dress, and cloak, she lagged against the force.

Turning, she reached up and gripped her bonnet tightly. Abruptly, she halted. There in the shadows between the houses was a strange man with his hat brim pulled down low over his eyebrows. He wore a large brown overcoat and his beard hung down to his chest. Even from the distance between them, she felt his eyes burn into her.

Catching hold of her skirt, she looked back. He had vanished, lost in the shadows. Good gracious! She had gone and let her fanciful imagination get the better of her.

Entering the house, Penniford, the Smythes’ butler, was at the door and took her cloak, along with her bonnet. Immediately, she forgot the storm brewing outside as she was greeted to the sound of her children laughing in the drawing room.

Josephine walked in and smiled at her son playing with his sister. Elizabeth and Mrs. Smythe sat on the sofa, enjoying the sight themselves.

“I told you they would be content.” Elizabeth’s voice was soft and reassuring. “How was your visit with your friend?”

“Quite enjoyable,” Jo acknowledged, patting her unruly hair back down. “Diana was quite hospitable. She invited over her two sisters as well. It was a lovely tea.” Jo didn’t add that it was a nice gesture on the part of Diana to include her, making her feel welcome in her new surroundings.

“I’m glad you are beginning to start calling on friends. I was thinking I would like for you to accompany me over to the Jancys’ next week.” Mrs. Smythe met Jo’s gaze.

Touched by the invitation, Jo quickly agreed. “I would love to go.”

“Then it is set.” Her mother-in-law displayed no emotion at her acceptance, not even a small smile. “Penniford just announced supper would be in half an hour if you need to freshen up.”

“Thank you. I believe I do.” Jo glanced over at her children, who hadn’t even looked up at her entrance. “I believe they are happy. You seem to have a way with them, Elizabeth.”

“It is mutual,” Elizabeth murmured, handing Percival one of his men that Madeline had thrown. “I truly enjoy them both.”

Jo studied Elizabeth for a brief moment. She had to admit Elizabeth had gone out of her way to make Jo feel more at home since the episode over Kathleen. It would not come as a shock if it had been Elizabeth who suggested her mother invite Jo to the Jancys’.

Moreover, Elizabeth seemed at ease with the children. Her face lit up when they came into a room. Although never could she be considered a beauty, her appearance had greatly improved over the last few days.

She didn’t know whether it was confidence or maybe she had found the happiness she sought in the children.
She needs children of her own. When Cullen comes home, perhaps I can set her up with one of his friends
.

“My dear.” Mrs. Smythe halted Jo’s progress out of the room. “In the foyer, you will find a small package Cullen sent.”

“Thank you.” Jo hurried out. On the table, as her mother-in-law had stated, sat a small package. She opened it quickly. It was a book from Cullen with a note.

Thought you might find this of interest. I know I heard you talk of the author, Charles Dickens. One of the wives of a fellow officer recommended this book, A Tale of Two Cities. I thought it might help pass the time until I return. Be patient. I have only to take care of a couple of more issues and then, my darling, you will find me constantly by your side. I miss you and the children, but will return as quickly as I can. Yours forever, Cullen

Languorously, Josephine walked up the stairs with the book in hand. Two weeks had passed since Cullen had left for Washington. Her nervousness in his departure had diminished, although she missed him dearly. She hoped his apprehensions about her had eased. He had almost canceled his trip because of his fear for her.

“Go, my love. Have no doubt I will be well looked after. There will never be a perfect time for you to go. There will always be one thing or the other. We can’t live our lives in fear of what might be.”

Cullen had gone with the greatest reluctance. She missed him so, but she had survived with the knowledge that soon he would return.

* * * *

The early morning sunlight filtered into the dining room. Sitting across from Elizabeth, Jo noticed her sister-in-law had scarcely touched her breakfast.

“Are you certain?” Elizabeth wrung her hands.

At first, Jo thought Elizabeth had been startled by the news, but now she swore Elizabeth was displeased. Holding the telegram in her hand, Jo made light of her confusion. “This is the best news, with Cullen returning earlier than he thought. I would have assumed you would have been delighted since you have devoted so much time with the children and myself.”

“Of course. Of course.” Elizabeth nodded. “It is only...I shouldn’t say anything...but I had hopes of surprising the two of you. It is disappointing after all the careful planning to hear that my brother is returning early. Tomorrow you say.”

“Surprising us? Oh, Elizabeth, what have you done?”

“If I told you, it would completely ruin the surprise,” she said with a look that told she was at odds with herself on how to proceed. The chimes of the grandfather clock in the foyer rang eight times. She clasped her hands. “Oh, my! It is getting late. If Cullen is returning, then I have so much to do.” She pushed back her chair and rose. “I might be able to pull it off, yet. We’ll see.”

“Elizabeth, you haven’t eaten. I hope you aren’t—”

“Don’t worry, Josephine, I will make it perfect for you.” Elizabeth strolled over to the door. Muttering to herself, she went on. “Yes, yes. I believe I can still have everything set.”

Jo frowned. Although she appreciated Elizabeth’s effort in trying to rectify her mistake in confiding family secrets to Kathleen, she had no desire to have a party in her honor, which was what she assumed Elizabeth had been rambling on about.

She appreciated everything Elizabeth had done. Truly, she had, but she was in no mood for a celebration, nor did she want to hurt Elizabeth’s feelings. Oh, she missed Cullen terribly.

****

The golden sun tinged a reddish glow and loomed over the horizon. The day was done. The children had bathed and prepared for sleep. Jo had promised them an extra half hour of playtime before she put them to bed. Mrs. Finnegan watched over the children while Jo sat in front of the fire in the bedchamber and read
A
Tale of Two Cities
.

She was almost done with the book and looked forward to finishing tonight. She had placed the mantel clock on the table in front of her. If she didn’t, she would lose track of time and the children would be up after their bedtime.

Sensing a presence in her room, Jo looked up and saw Elizabeth in the doorway, wearing her cloak and gloves. She gestured for Jo to follow her. “It’s been prepared.”

“What?”

“My surprise,” Elizabeth said, ill-concealing her excitement. She walked over and took Jo’s hand, urging her upward. “You have to come with me now, though. Yes, you need to come with me. I have to show you.”

“Elizabeth, it is late and I need to put the children to bed. Can it not wait until morning?”

“No!” Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “No, no, no. You have to come now. I have the carriage waiting out back.”

“Carriage?” Jo rose slowly, placing her book carefully in her seat. “Elizabeth, I’m not going out tonight. I’m sorry—”

“But you must. You must,” Elizabeth repeated. “I have already checked in with Mrs. Finnegan. She will put the children to bed.”

“I have to protest. I always tuck the children in at night—”

“It is Kathleen!” Elizabeth brusquely announced. “You need to come and see what I have done for you.”

“Kathleen?” Jo stared at Elizabeth in confusion. Her sister-in-law scared her with her intensity. “Elizabeth, you need to calm down. Tell me what you have done.”

“No,” Elizabeth stated firmly, seemingly outraged at Jo’s refusal. “You will ruin the surprise. You have to see it for yourself.”

Jo gently put her hand on Elizabeth’s arm. “Let’s go see your mother…”

Elizabeth jerked her arm back. Her demeanor manner suddenly changed. She stated in a flat, dry tone, “It is you who doesn’t understand the magnitude of Kathleen’s hatred toward you. She is crazed. She told me she is going after your mammy. She intends to do her harm.”

“Miss Hazel? Kathleen may be vindictive, but to harm another?”

“Kathleen plans to go to the authorities in the morning and accuse Miss Hazel of stealing a necklace of hers. You know as well as I that at the least she will be arrested. Jail won’t bode well for a woman of her age. It is why I have the carriage readied. We must go and warn her. I would go myself, but I doubt she would believe me,” Elizabeth urged.

“We have to tell your father.” Jo spoke her thoughts out loud. “I need to check on the children, get my cloak.”

“I have your cloak.” Elizabeth grasped Jo’s hand. “I have already told Father. He has sent for Heyward, but I thought we could go and collect your mammy. She can stay in the servant quarters until the matter is settled.”

“But, of course,” Jo agreed and followed Elizabeth. In the hall, the children’s laughter echoed. She hesitated. “The children.”

“Are fine,” Elizabeth answered without hesitation. “It will only upset them if you tell them you are going out. Mrs. Finnegan will care for them. Come. We won’t be long.”

Trepidation filled Jo. Something wasn’t right. Suddenly, she wished desperately Cullen was here. Sighing heavily, she realized logically she should wait until Mr. Smythe and Heyward responded to the threat, but she would never get any sleep if Miss Hazel was thrown into jail.

Josephine nodded. “I’m ready.”

As she pulled back the curtain of the carriage, Jo saw the sun waned in the distance. It would be dark soon.

Turning back to Elizabeth, Jo asked, “Whose carriage is this?”

“I borrowed Kathleen’s,” Elizabeth said with pride in her voice. “Is it not the most ingenious move? Now, Kathleen can’t go out.”

“Kathleen’s? Oh, Elizabeth, it will only serve to infuriate her more,” Jo admonished. “Perhaps it will be best if you go back. We can use our carriage. There is no need to be so secretive. I would feel more comfortable.”

Elizabeth sat back and said nothing. Jo stared at her sister-in-law. Elizabeth acted oddly, more so than usual. She had been so happy when she first came into her room with the news…

“Elizabeth.” Jo broke the silence. “What was the surprise you prepared for me?”

The carriage slowly drew to a halt. Glancing out the window, Jo pressed harder, “Where have you taken me, Elizabeth? This isn’t Miss Hazel’s.”

“No, it isn’t.” Pulling the hood of her cloak over her head, she had her hand on the handle of the door. She paused. “You trust me. Don’t you, Josephine?”

A sudden overwhelming sense of foreboding swept through Jo. Slowly, she eased down the steps to the sidewalk. When she looked one way and then the other, Elizabeth had disappeared.

“Elizabeth!”

She stood in the middle of the street lined with homes of prosperous men. The mansions were impressive, sitting side by side with scalloped gables, latticed dormers, and terra cotta angel faces. Most presented brick façades with bow-front windows and secured with a high scrolled wrought-iron fence.

Where am I?
 Jo turned to call out to the coachman, but froze. The man leaped off his perch in front of her. Recognition sent goading spurs of terror cascading through her…blinding all reason.

Laughing, the man took his hat off. His face was thinner; his hair longer with a disheveled, unkempt beard. His eyes had not changed and they stared straight into hers. Death had no hold on him. He had walked out of hell for his revenge.

Good Lord, save me!
 It was Harry Lee!

Harry Lee raised his right hand to doff his hat, while his dark eyes took in her troubled state. His face hardened imperceptibly with a sneering smile.

Pale and shaken, Jo whirled around and stumbled backward. He reached for her; her knees buckled beneath her and she collapsed. Bending down, he pulled her to her feet.

“It will do you no good, my dear cousin, to fight this. A lot of time and hard work has been spent for this moment to occur.”

His hand clenched tightly on her forearm. She fought back, wrenching from one side to the other.

“You just have to struggle. Don’t you?”

She screamed, but the sound of her voice was muffled by his hand clamping down over it with a cloth. Suddenly, everything went black.

* * * *

Exhausted, Cullen was happy when he finally arrived back home. It had been a long day. After he had sent the telegram to tell Josephine he would arrive tomorrow, he had decided to forego the last official dinner. He had had enough of ceremony and war discussions. He had taken the last train back to Philadelphia.

The meeting with Welles had been productive. Magnolia Bluff had survived. Andrew had set up the sign as a hospital in front of the main house, saying the plantation had a typhoid epidemic. The excuse had worked. Speculation was bound to circulate, but nothing could ever be proved. Now, all that needed to be done was to corner General Robert E. Lee and end this damn war.