Touching the Sky (6 page)

“What kind of possibilities?” Malcolm inquired.

“Cattle and horses, mainly. I was raised on a horse breeding farm in Indiana. It is something that I’ve thought to go back to. My father is a minister, and the horse breeding was merely a side venture that proved to be quite lucrative. He could use me to run the business.”

Her father nodded. “Our Laura is quite the horsewoman. She is a superb judge of horseflesh. Why, those two matched bays you saw pulling our carriage were chosen by her prior to the war.”

Brandon turned to Laura. “They were exceptional, I must say. How is it that you developed such an eye for horses?”

Laura felt flush under his praise and scrutiny. “I have loved horses since I was old enough to know what they were. I suppose that I have watched and listened as others had detailed their strengths and flaws.”

“She’s also read every book Papa could buy on the topic,” Carissa said with a giggle. “I used to tease her about reading so much that her eyes would fall out.”

“Guilty as charged,” Laura said, looking to Brandon. “I’m afraid that with the war going on and products and money being extremely limited, books were good friends. I probably reread my father’s entire library.”

“I, too, find great pleasure in reading,” Brandon said.

“Never had any time for such things myself.” Malcolm’s voice was edged with anger. “But I suppose that’s the difference between workin’ folks and the well-to-do.”

“My family was hardly well-to-do,” Brandon said, meeting Malcolm’s sneer. “The life of a pastor’s family is one of sacrifice both in time and monetary ease. The horse breeding was a good benefit, but also a lot of work.”

“Did you have slaves?” Carissa asked innocently.

“Not exactly,” Brandon replied. “We had some who had escaped their situations.”

“You took in runaways?” Malcolm asked. “That would have been against the law.”

Brandon considered this for a moment. “My father believed we served a higher calling and that God’s law superseded man’s. We did not go south to help slaves escape, but rather once they had crossed the Ohio River, we offered them a place to stay and work. They would regain their strength with us and then move on. It was one of the most rewarding ministries I’ve ever known.”

“That was no ministry,” Malcolm spat. “You harbored fugitives.”

“We also buried the dead,” Brandon said, narrowing his gaze. “Many of the folks who made it to us weren’t strong enough to continue. They had been severely abused by their masters. Oftentimes they had been starved or beaten. By the time they made it to us, their bodies had simply given out.”

“How sad,” Laura whispered, shaking her head.

“Gentlemen,” Mother said, picking up the bowl of fruit, “that is enough serious talk for one meal. Let us speak of something more lighthearted and merry.”

Malcolm muttered something unintelligible, but Brandon was quick to heed the request. “I would like to invite you all to attend a party that is being given in my honor the day after tomorrow. It’s being hosted by my commanding officer. It will be a most amusing evening I’m assured, with music and food and perhaps even dancing. I know the men would be delighted to see it attended by three such lovely ladies.”

“Oh yes, Papa. May we go?” Carissa begged. She looked to Malcolm. “You would come as my escort, wouldn’t you?”

“I’m afraid not, my dear,” Malcolm said, his gaze never leaving Brandon. “As a former Confederate—a man unable to sign the ironclad oath, I’m certain the captain’s friends would refuse my attendance.”

“Nonsense,” Brandon replied. “It’s my party. I am entitled to invite whom I will. I would be honored to have you there, Mr. Lowe.”

“I think it sounds like a wonderful entertainment.” Mother looked to Father. “What say you, my dear?”

Father nodded. “I believe we could tolerate such a diversion quite easily, Mrs. Marquardt.” Laura saw her mother smile adoringly at her husband, and longed to share the same affection in her own marriage.

If I’m to ever marry.
Somehow her heart wasn’t convinced that this would ever be possible for her.

“And what of you, Miss Marquardt?” Brandon asked, pulling Laura from her thoughts.

“I would be honored. I believe it will be a most enjoyable evening.”

“I am glad to hear you say so.” He turned back to her father. “What say I come here and then I can escort you to the place?”

Father nodded. “That sounds good to me.”

Carissa clapped her hands. “I’m so excited to have a party to look forward to. I do hope there will be dancing. Malcolm and I have never had a chance to dance together.”

“And we won’t have one now, either.” Malcolm’s voice was terse. “As I said, I won’t be attending.”

Laura met his fixed gaze and smiled. “We shall have to endure the evening without you then.” She could see he wasn’t at all pleased with her words, but the man was smart enough to keep his mouth closed from further protest.

“I shall arrive for you at six.” Brandon looked at Laura. “Now I can look forward to this party. Before, it held little interest.”

Laura couldn’t help but wonder if he was implying that her presence made it worth his interest or if he was simply grateful to have civilian friends present. Either way, she couldn’t deny that the way he looked at her caused her stomach to do somersaults.

B
randon pushed aside his feelings of apprehension as he approached the Marquardt house that Tuesday night. He had spent the day reviewing what little information the army had regarding the murder of six soldiers the previous May. The soldiers had been killed while they slept—a most heinous attack to be sure.

There was clear evidence that the murders had been committed as an act of revenge by Confederate soldiers. Not that there had been any note declaring it such, but the letters
CSA
had been carved into the chest of each of the dead men. The only potential witness wasn’t even all that sure of what he’d seen. It had occurred in the wee hours of the morning, and the light was minimal at best. The man reported seeing two or three men running from the location of the murders and stated that one of the men bore a resemblance to Malcolm Lowe. Not only that, but a leather knife sheath had been found with the initials
ML
carved into the side. The evidence could have been planted, of course. Someone could have a vendetta against Lowe, hoping to see him wrongly accused and convicted. But Brandon seriously doubted that was the case.

He dismounted and tied his gelding to a post before making his way to the Marquardts’ door. He gave a brief but heavy knock and waited for someone to greet him. In a few moments the door was opened by the same elderly butler he’d first met weeks ago.

“Captain Reid,” Mr. Gaston announced as they made their way into the front sitting room.

Laura stood as he entered and said, “Captain, it’s good to see you again.”

“And you, Miss Marquardt.” He gave Laura a slight bow, then turned to Carissa and greeted her much the same way before his gaze went back to rest on Laura’s alluring features.
What a color
, he thought as he studied her eyes.
Like pale maple with glints of gold.

She cleared her throat. “I am sorry to tell you that our parents cannot attend this evening’s festivities. Mother is feeling unwell, and Father has no desire to go without her.”

Brandon forced himself to pull his focus from her eyes and concentrate on her announcement. “I am sorry to hear of your Mother’s illness. I pray it is nothing serious.”

Laura nodded and looked to Carissa. “Thank you. If you are still of a mind to have company, Carissa and I will be happy to join you.”

Brandon wanted to tell her just how pleasurable an evening in her company sounded to him, but he held his tongue. No sense in scaring her off by acting the rogue. “I will most gladly escort you. And might I say you both look lovely.”

Carissa all but danced around the room. She gave a twirl to accentuate the cut of her powder-blue gown. The silk and lace shimmered in the lamplight as she moved. “Thank you, Captain. It has been ever so long since we attended a real party.”

“Well, I cannot account for whether or not this party will meet your standards, but the wives of several officers have been hard at work. I believe it will be satisfactory.”

Carissa laughed. “They could be racing dogs on the beach, and I would find it far more thrilling than any experience I’ve had of late.”

He laughed at this. “Very well. Then I suggest we call for your carriage and be off.”

“You will ride with us, won’t you?” Laura asked. “I mean, there is no sense in you riding your horse and having us go separately in the carriage. Give your mount a rest. You can trust our groom to see to him.”

“That would be very nice,” Brandon replied. “I cannot find fault with that idea.”

“Wonderful. I’ll go instruct him now.”

Laura stepped out and when she returned after several minutes, she held a fan in one gloved hand and a small reticule in the other. “The carriage will be brought around momentarily. Would you care for some refreshment before we go, Captain?”

“Please call me Brandon. I will no longer be a captain after tomorrow.”

“I daresay you will go on being thought of in that manner for years to come. However, it would hardly be appropriate for us to presume a familiarity with you.”

“Oh, pshaw!” Carissa declared. “He has asked us to call him by his Christian name, and I for one intend to do so. You can have your social formalities if you like, Laura, but I would rather avoid them.”

“Sometimes social formalities keep us safe,” Laura countered.

Brandon could see that she wasn’t happy with her sister’s flippant attitude and he certainly didn’t want to see a family feud break out. “Either way, ladies, do use whatever name makes you most comfortable.”

They stepped outside, and Brandon noted that the warmth of summer had faded somewhat with the setting sun. The twilight left a golden hue on the western horizon, while the skies over the Gulf were a darkening shade of blue. Brandon remembered this time of evening in Indiana with fondness. There was a sense of comfort and ease that came with the night—especially after a day of hard work.

“You seem to be deep in thought.”

Brandon looked at Laura and smiled. “I suppose I am. I was just remembering my home.”

“Do you miss it a great deal?” she asked.

“I do. It’s been a long time since I’ve been home. Battles and war do not exactly concern themselves with one’s nostalgia and longing.”

“Were you . . . well . . . in a great many battles?” Laura’s hesitation was apparent. Perhaps she thought her question too personal.

“We were in quite a few,” he replied. “Too many, if you ask me. Nevertheless, we did our duty.”

“Oh, please let us not speak of the war tonight,” Carissa interjected. “I want to have fun and to enjoy myself without remembering all that has gone on. Please.”

Brandon jumped in before Laura could chide her outburst. “I believe you are quite right, Miss Marquardt. It would be to our benefit to put aside such gloomy topics.”

“You should call me Carissa, and I will of course call you Brandon,” she said, batting her lashes. “I think we will be great friends.”

Brandon noted that Laura stiffened at her sister’s statement. He wondered if she was uncomfortable with the attention Carissa showed him. That thought made him smile.

Upon arriving at the party, however, Carissa soon forgot about Brandon and her sister. She moved through the gathering speaking to first one person and then another with ease.

“It would seem your sister is already familiar with most of the people here,” Brandon commented.

Laura frowned and snapped her fan into place. “Her actions are quite inappropriate at times.”

“Perhaps it’s her youth.”

“I have thought as much myself,” Laura admitted, “but at times I fear no amount of time will mature her.”

“It matured you.”

She gave him a most serious expression. “I was never that immature . . . even as a child. Mother said I was always serious.”

He could easily imagine her as a studious and obedient little girl. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Perhaps you’ve just never had the right person to show you how to enjoy life.”

Before he could hear her response, they were interrupted. “Ah, here’s the man of the hour,” Justin Armstrong said as he came to greet Brandon and Laura. “And leave it to you to have the prettiest gal of all on your arm.”

Brandon glanced to Laura. “Miss Marquardt, may I introduce Major Justin Armstrong, my commanding officer.”

“Major Armstrong, I believe I have heard my father speak of you. It is an honor to meet you.”

“And I am pleased to meet you, Miss Marquardt. Your father is Stanley Marquardt, I presume.”

“Yes. He has long been a Union supporter, although it has not always benefited him.”

Armstrong chuckled. “Well, I believe he will find it a benefit to him now. Many of the men who refused to bear arms against the Union are finding it so.”

“I understand that this is the house where the men come to take the loyalty oath,” Laura said.

“It is indeed,” Brandon interjected. “General Charles Russell stands just over there. We are friends from a long way back. His wife and daughters are good friends with my folks.”

“I have met the general on several occasions,” Laura said. “He seems a good and fair man.”

“He is,” Armstrong confirmed. He motioned to her delicate fan. “That’s a lovely piece. Do you know where I might purchase something similar for my wife?”

She seemed to consider this for a moment. “This fan was brought to me by way of Mexico. You might be able to find another if you were to search some of the shops where such goods are sold. I can direct you to a few of them if you are unfamiliar.”

“That would be good. My wife is fond of fans, and the hand painting on that one is beautiful. Is it true that you can learn to speak an entire language with a fan?”

Brandon would have laughed at his commanding officer’s comments regarding ladies’ fans, but he presumed the major was just trying to make conversation.

“It is true, Major.” Laura placed the open fan to cover her left ear. “This requests, ‘Do not betray our secret.’ ” She opened and closed the fan several times. “This suggests that you are being cruel and I am quite vexed with you.” She smiled. “But of course, I am not.”

“For that I am glad,” the major replied.

Just then Laura dropped the fan and let it dangle on her wrist. “This says, ‘We will be friends.’ And that is my wish, Major.”

He laughed. “Not only beautiful, but charming, as well. I would be happy to be your friend, Miss Marquardt. But for now, I have other duties. I hope you will enjoy yourself this evening.”

“Thank you, Major. I believe I will.”

Brandon waited until Justin had moved off to discuss something with another of the officers before turning to Laura. “You are quite impressive with your secret language and all.”

“Well, of course it only works if the gentleman in question also speaks the language. Or should I say, reads the language. My mother says that a couple can conduct an entire courtship without words if they both know the secrets of the fan.”

He laughed and took hold of her arm. “You will have to teach me then.”

“Are you planning a courtship, Captain?” she asked innocently.

He raised a brow. “Are you proposing one?”

She blushed as he had expected and looked lost for words. Taking her fan in hand, she opened it fully and held it in her right hand.

“And what does that mean?” he asked, unable to resist.

She smiled in a coy fashion. “It means, ‘You are too willing.’ ”

He roared with laughter, causing several people—including Carissa—to take note. Brandon couldn’t help himself and offered no explanation. He liked this young woman. Liked her spunk and wit. Perhaps it was time he learned more about fans.

Laura listened with interest as the general shared Brandon’s accomplishments. Apparently Brandon Reid was a strong leader. She was impressed with his heroic measures, as well. It seemed he had risked his life on multiple occasions to rescue fallen comrades.

Once the speeches were completed, a little band assembled and the room was cleared for dancing. Laura watched her sister move from partner to partner, flirting openly as she went. Carissa seemed to have no awareness of her actions. Laura didn’t want to put an end to her sister’s good time, but gracious, the girl had just announced her engagement!

“Might I have a word with you?” Laura asked as the music concluded and Carissa came to a stop not but two feet away.

“I suppose if you must,” her sister replied. “I have promised the next dance, however.”

Laura took Carissa by the arm and led her to the corner of the room. “You are making quite a spectacle of yourself. Would Malcolm approve of your actions?”

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” she protested. “I’m not yet a married woman. Besides, I’m only being nice to the officers. They are far from home and they miss their wives and sweethearts. I’m simply trying to cheer their spirits.”

“Well, perhaps you should do less cheering,” Laura suggested.

Brandon joined them just then and gave Laura a sweeping bow. “I wonder if I might have the next dance?”

She’d been surprised that he hadn’t asked before then. There had already been half a dozen dances, and while Laura hadn’t wanted for a partner, she couldn’t help but wonder why Brandon had not attempted to be one of them.

She let her fan rest on her right cheek and smiled. “This means yes.”

He laughed and took hold of her arm. “Come along, then. They are playing a waltz.”

Pulling her into his arms, Brandon carefully maneuvered her around the other couples. The house was not designed for large crowds of dancers, leaving the pairs in close proximity.

“Are you having a good time?” he asked. “I saw that the general’s entire staff had gathered in your corner.”

She shook her head. “They were there to see Carissa, I assure you.”

“Hardly. You outshine your sister like the sun to the moon.”

“Are you toying with my affections, Captain?” She asked the question quite casually but found she longed to know his true feelings on the matter.

“Madam, I would never stoop to such behavior. I assure you, I am quite honorable.”

She wondered at his statement. Honorable? About what? Was he testing her feelings? If so, to what purpose? A million questions flooded her mind, but few answers came to light.