Touching the Sky (20 page)

“What kind of business?” Father asked.

“Freighting,” Malcolm replied without so much as a pause. “We’ve been bringing stuff up from Matamoros and Brownsville. That’s why I was gone so long. I hadn’t figured to be one of the drivers. I thought I’d be keepin’ the books and arrangin’ the jobs for the other men. But I was needed to drive.”

Laura wanted to scream. How could this man lie so easily? How could he act as if he were innocent of the horrible things he’d done . . . and likely still planned to do?

Just then Mother and Carissa came into the room. Laura didn’t know why her sister had bothered to join them. If she’d had any sense, she would have remained in her room and refused to see him. But of course, then she would have to reveal the truth to her parents, and she’d already made it clear that that wasn’t going to happen.

“Carissa!” Malcolm exclaimed like a jubilant boy. “I just heard the news about the baby. I couldn’t be prouder.” He went to her and took her in his arms.

Laura watched her sister smile prettily and murmur something. The entire scene sickened her, and she no longer wanted to continue the game.

“If you’ll excuse me,” she said, getting to her feet, “I believe I’m beginning to feel ill.”

“Oh, I do hope you aren’t coming down with the grippe,” Mother said, looking worried. “So many illnesses are going around since the weather turned chilly.”

“I don’t believe it is the grippe that afflicts me,” Laura replied. “I only know that I must seek the solace of my room.”

“I do hope you’ll feel better by tomorrow,” Father called out as she turned to go. “We have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner planned and many guests who will join us. I know Brandon would be sorely disappointed should he not be able to see you.”

Laura paused in the doorway and glanced over her shoulder. “I really have no thought past the moment, Father, but I will do my best to recover before tomorrow.”

O
n Thanksgiving Day Laura refused to join the others for the celebratory dinner. She remained in her room accepting well-wishes and a tray of food that as of yet remained untouched. She hadn’t really given thought to fasting and prayer, but found herself doing exactly that. In fact, she had never prayed harder in her life.

When Carissa’s soft knock fell upon her door, Laura allowed her sister admission. Carissa came into the room and waited for Laura to close and relock the door before speaking. “I know you are unhappy with me, but no more so than I am with myself.”

“I’m not unhappy with you,” Laura told her. “I’m furious with your husband. If I have to sit across the table from him, I am almost certain I could not refrain from throwing my knife into his heart.”

Carissa took a seat and motioned to Laura. “Please come over here so we might not be overheard.”

“Secrecy isn’t resolving anything,” Laura said, though doing as her sister asked. “He will just go on hurting you. You do know that—don’t you?”

“He promised he wouldn’t,” Carissa explained. “Now that I’m expecting a baby, he realizes his mistakes.”

“Mistakes? You had to get in a family way for him to realize that it was wrong to beat you half to death? Please. Please do not excuse that man’s behavior or I will be sick.”

“Laura, you don’t understand. He’s my husband. I’m not happy that he’s done these things, but I cannot shame the family by leaving him.”

“So you’ll just allow his abuses to continue? I pray not!” Laura declared, raising her voice.

Carissa frowned and leaned forward. “Please lower your voice. I don’t want Carlita or anyone else to overhear us.”

Laura folded her arms and fixed Carissa with a stern expression. “You are so naïve. You don’t even know this man. He is . . .” Laura let the words trail off. How could she explain to Carissa that her husband was suspected of murder?

“I know that I cannot leave him. Mother would be mortified. And how would I explain it?” she asked, sadly shaking her head. “You alone are the only one who knows what’s happened.”

“And I would happily bear witness to all that I know. I would not leave you to face this on your own.” Laura squared her shoulders. “I would do everything in my power to keep you safe. Do you not know that?”

She smiled. “I do. You have always been like that. I remember when we were much younger and your actions kept me from harm.” She sobered. “But, Laura, you can’t keep me safe anymore. No one can.”

“No, I will not accept that,” Laura replied. “I’ve been praying for an answer. I know God will help us. I just don’t know how.”

“I don’t think God cares in particular,” Carissa said, her voice heavy with sorrow. “I have spent a lifetime ignoring Him, and I think now He is doing likewise.”

“God doesn’t work that way,” Laura said, reaching forward to take hold of Carissa’s hand. “You cannot assign human pettiness to Him. God does care, and He is willing to intercede. I just know it. We have to have faith. We have to keep hoping.” The words were meant for herself as much as her sister.

Carissa got to her feet. “Please say nothing, Laura. I want to give Malcolm a chance to prove himself. I think he deserves that much.”

“He deserves nothing,” Laura said. “But I will not further your pain by speaking out.”

“Thank you. Oh, and you should know that Malcolm has agreed that I might hold a dinner party for my birthday. I do hope you’ll be there. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Laura shuddered at the thought of an evening in the lion’s den. Nevertheless, she would not let Carissa face this alone. “I’ll be there. I promise.”

The night of November thirtieth was colder than anyone had anticipated. The drive over to the Lowe house chilled them with crisp sea breezes. Mother and Laura huddled under warm blankets while Father sat opposite them, doing his best to keep warm on his own.

At Carissa’s small house, Laura was surprised to see new furnishings. Her prior visits had revealed very little in the way of accommodations, but now there was a new dining room table and eight matching mahogany chairs. There also appeared to be new china laid for the party.

“Malcolm was able to get this lovely set from someone who planned to move to Europe,” Carissa explained, bringing in another chair so that they could accommodate their seven guests. “I positively love it, don’t you?”

Mother fawned over the furnishings, telling Carissa they were of the highest quality. Laura, meanwhile, stepped back and tried her best to bury the feelings of hatred she felt. Malcolm looked quite smug as he stood talking to the other men, including Father. She had always thought her father an astute man—a good judge of character—but seeing him laugh with Malcolm made her question that judgment.

Before supper Laura didn’t have an opportunity to speak with Carissa alone. When Malcolm wasn’t holding her at his side, their mother was possessively clinging to her younger child. Carissa appeared happy, however, and this set Laura’s mind momentarily at ease.

I mustn’t allow my own bitter feelings to ruin things for Carissa. This is her birthday,
Laura chided herself.

The dinner progressed in good order. There were two other couples present besides Carissa’s family members. Laura was introduced to each husband and wife as friends of Malcolm.

“We absolutely adore, Carissa,” Mrs. Parker said to Laura’s parents. “She is such a sweet young thing.” The woman was probably a dozen years Carissa’s senior. “We have all become dear friends.”

The other woman, a Mrs. Beech, nodded in agreement but said nothing. Mother smiled and looked to Carissa. “The girls have always had many friends. I would not expect it to be otherwise.”

Esther was on loan to help with the party and had done a wonderful job of serving. Cook had prepared the foods ahead of time, but left prior to the party so Esther had charge of the kitchen, as well. Laura breathed a sigh of relief that the party had turned out so well.

It was nearing the time for them to share in dessert when she heard her sister say something in response to someone’s question. Laura braced herself for Malcolm’s reaction.

“Malcolm doesn’t share about his work,” Carissa explained. “I honestly have no idea of what he does.”

“It seems to me a wife should have an understanding of her husband’s business,” Father interjected.

“It’s my belief that the woman of the house should refrain from interfering with such things,” Malcolm countered. “Carissa knows full well this is my desire.”

Father looked at his son-in-law oddly for a moment. “Is it necessary to such a point that she doesn’t even know where you work or what you do?”

Malcolm’s eyes narrowed. “In my house, we do things my way.” He got to his feet. “I will see to it that more coffee is prepared.” He went into the kitchen, and a moment later Esther hurried in to finish gathering plates from the table.

Carissa was frowning, but in such a way that others might have believed her only deep in thought. Fear bubbled up inside Laura, however. Fear that once they all left the party and went their separate ways, Malcolm would punish Carissa for her comment.

“I’ll see if I can help,” Laura said, getting to her feet. Carissa looked as if she were about to say something, but Laura ignored her and continued to the kitchen.

Once inside, Laura found Malcolm putting wood in the stove. He glanced up but only threw her a quizzical glance before returning his attention to the fire. Laura tried to steady her rapid breathing.

“What do you need?” Malcolm asked as he finally straightened.

Laura took three determined steps to where he stood. “I need,” she whispered, “for you to stop hurting my sister.”

He looked at her for a moment and shook his head innocently. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You know very well. You and I both know my sister did not fall down the stairs.”

“Is that what Carissa told you?”

“She didn’t need to say a word for me to know that you’re hurting her. I’ve seen the marks.”

He shrugged. “She’s clumsy, that’s all.”

“She is not.”

Just then Esther entered the kitchen with a stack of dishes. They halted their discussion until the woman returned to the dining room. Laura leaned in and pointed her finger at Malcolm.

“If you ever lay a hand on her again, I will expose you to Mother and Father. I will do everything in my power, in fact, to see that you never see Carissa again.”

He laughed. “You would come between a husband and wife? You would put asunder what God has joined? When did you acquire such authority?”

“I love my sister, and I will protect her,” Laura calmly stated. “Touch her and you’ll pay.”

“Get in my way and you’ll pay,” Malcolm replied, leaning forward. “Do you understand?”

“You’re threatening to hit me next?”

“Hardly. I don’t need to hit a woman to control her.” He smiled, and it chilled Laura to the bone. “I happen to know that you’re teaching blacks to read and write. My spies tell me, in fact, that you go every Saturday to be with the Negroes, while telling your mother and father that you’re doing Ladies Aid work. If you don’t want me to reveal your secrets, then I suggest you rethink your words.”

Laura could hardly believe he was attempting to threaten her. He was correct in saying she hadn’t yet told her parents of her deeds, but it wasn’t for a lack of desire. Laura wanted more than anything to get her father’s financial support, especially now that five other adults had requested lessons.

She realized that if she yielded to Malcolm’s threats, he would always find ways to control her. Laura shook her head. “Touch her, Malcolm, and you will be sorry.”

Without another word, Laura gathered her skirts and headed back into the dining room. Carissa and the others looked at her for a moment, and she smiled. “I hope you don’t mind,” Laura said, looking to Carissa, “but I’d like to make a little announcement.”

Malcolm came in behind her and made his way to his chair. “I’ve already spoken about this with my brother-in-law,” she said, smiling. Malcolm frowned and took his seat.

“Well, do go on,” Mr. Beech encouraged. “You now have our undivided attention.”

Laura smiled. “Thank you. I know this may sound unusual, but I am soliciting support for what I perceive to be a most important endeavor. Esther, please wait a moment before you go.”

The older woman looked at Laura with a worried expression. Laura motioned Esther to join her. “Several weeks ago,” Laura announced, “I began teaching Esther to read and write. Not long after we started, she asked if I might help her two boys to learn, as well, and so I did. Now there are six women and four children learning to read and write. We meet once a week.”

Laura looked to her father and mother. “I hadn’t spoken of this because I knew you both would have worried over my safety. However, now that the plan is in place and going along so well, I’m hoping you might assist me. Obviously supplies are needed. Slates, chalk, books, paper, and ink pens. So many small items that we take for granted.” She turned to Esther. “Thank you for allowing me to detain you.”

Esther nodded and hurried back to the kitchen as if embarrassed. Laura looked to the faces of the people at the table and smiled. “Now that the war is over and the slaves have been freed, I believe it is our responsibility to help educate them. Without an education, the colored people lack the skills to better themselves and their families.”

“I think it is an idea with merit,” Mr. Beech said, nodding. He was closer to her father’s age than Malcolm’s, and if Laura understood correctly, he had been Malcolm’s superior in the army. “However, my concern is that this will cause the Negroes to desire more than their station in life will allow for.”

“Such as?” Laura asked.

He considered the question for a moment. “Well, if we teach them to read and write, they will soon come to expect jobs of greater pay. Perhaps they will even press to attend universities.”

“And why not?” Laura countered. “There are already colleges in the North that allow for this. Why would it not be fitting to encourage learning?”

“Knowledge can be very dangerous,” Malcolm replied before anyone else. “I have to agree with the sarge. The darkies will soon be demanding admission to every job imaginable if we allow them more education.”

“I hardly see that as a problem,” Laura replied. “But nevertheless, the simple ability to read and write should be a right for all mankind—no matter the shade of one’s skin. I have helped to teach Mexicans to read and write, and in turn have learned to speak their language. It has only served to benefit me.”

“Well, while this conversation is quite interesting,” Father said to Laura’s surprise, “we want to remember that it is your sister’s birthday, and that is the reason we are here.” He looked to Carissa and smiled. “And what a happy day it is! Not only are you more radiant and lovely than ever, but God has blessed you with a child.”

Carissa blushed and Laura could see that her mother was most uncomfortable with Father bringing up such a delicate matter. But no one rebuked him and soon everyone was busy eating cake and laughing.

Laura met Malcolm’s gaze only once. He lifted his wineglass as if in salute to her bold declaration. Laura shook her head ever so slightly and turned away. The man was a threat to them all, and she would do whatever it took to assist Brandon so that Malcolm Lowe might be hanged.