Touching the Sky (7 page)

When the music concluded, Brandon surprised her by suggesting they leave. “I promised that I would have you home by nine. It’s already half past eight.”

Laura nodded, although she felt a tremendous sense of disappointment. “I would imagine we will struggle to disentangle Carissa. She is having a great deal of fun being the center of everyone’s attention.”

But it proved easier than she had thought. Brandon merely stepped in and took Carissa by the arm. With apologies to her companions, he explained that he was honor bound to have the young ladies home by nine. They were halfway to the carriage before Carissa found her tongue.

“I don’t see why we need to leave now,” she declared. “This is, after all, a party for you, Brandon. Surely you don’t want to disappoint your guests.”

“They are the general’s guests and will go on having a wonderful time even in my absence.”

Carissa gave a bit of a pout as Brandon handed her into the carriage. “It hardly seems fair. This is the first party I’ve attended in ages.”

“Be glad that the captain invited us at all,” Laura said, joining Carissa on the leather seat.

“I am that,” Carissa told Brandon as he took the seat opposite them. “I do thank you for the invitation. I haven’t had that much fun in a long, long while.”

“Well, you are most welcome. Soon, however, I would imagine you will have your own celebrations. Perhaps an engagement party?”

“Oh yes! I am already speaking to mother about the plans. I do hope you will attend.”

“I hope I will as well,” he said to Carissa, though his eyes were on Laura.

Laura couldn’t help but wonder at his behavior. She had enjoyed the attentions of several potential suitors prior to the war, but Brandon was a man full grown where the others had simply been boys. At least they’d acted that way.

He appears comfortable with me
, she reasoned in silence. From time to time she would cast a quick glance at the man, but shadows concealed his expression.
Of course, Brandon is from Indiana. He may plan to return there once his duties are completed and his discharge is given. What if I’m merely a diversion until that time?
She let slip a sigh.

“Are you all right, Miss Marquardt?”

His soft voice seemed to fill the carriage, and Laura felt that same delicious shiver go up her spine. “I am quite well, thank you. And thank you for such a wonderful evening. I enjoyed it very much.”

I
do wish Carissa could have joined us.” Laura’s mother fingered a piece of Chantilly lace. “I believe she would want this lace for her veil.”

Laura nodded. “Perhaps Mr. May can set aside the piece for her to inspect tomorrow?” she asked, looking to the portly store owner.

“I most certainly can,” he said without further prompting. “I will keep it in the back, and when Miss Carissa is feeling better you can bring her by.”

Mother released the piece. “Thank you so much. That would be very kind of you. I would hate for such an exquisite piece to get away from us.”

“It came from France, by way of New Orleans.” He carefully wrapped the piece for storage. “I’m told it takes countless hours to make.”

“To be certain,” Mother replied. “Now, what about satins, Mr. May. Have you any white satin?”

Laura watched and listened as her mother inspected one piece of material after another. She held up a beautiful piece of iridescent cloth. The pale pearly pink was some of the nicest Laura had seen since before the war.

“This would make a beautiful gown for you, Laura. It would go well with your complexion.”

“I agree it’s lovely, Mother. However, it is certain to be expensive. Remember what I said before: We do not want to alienate those who are less fortunate by flaunting our wealth.”

“Nonsense. This is a wedding. I will not have my daughters looking shabby. Just because others did not have the foresight to secure their valuables and assets as your father has done, is no reason we must pretend to be as ill prepared.” She turned to Mr. May. “We will take the bolt. Have it delivered to Mrs. Demarist. She is to design and sew the gown.”

“Very good,” Mr. May declared in a voice that clearly showed his excitement over such a sale.

They visited another three stores before finally exhausting their choices. As they were about to leave Mercer’s Mercantile, the owner hurried to stop them.

“Mrs. Marquardt, I have news that you will want to know.” He leaned close so that if anyone was trying to overhear, they would be thwarted. “My brother is bringing up a shipment from Matamoros.”

Although Laura knew her mother was exhausted, Agatha Marquardt was not about to be left out of this news. “Do tell. Will there be flour?”

“I am told,” he said in a barely audible voice, “that he will bring at least six barrels of flour.”

“I will happily pledge to take as much as can be spared,” Mother replied. “At a minimum I shall want to secure half a barrel.”

Mr. Mercer nodded. “I thought as much. There will also be good cane sugar, salt, and coffee, as well. Real coffee,” he added as if she might question him.

“Save us some of each,” Mother instructed. “As much as you dare. I do not wish to be greedy, but I have a good number of people to feed.”

“I will have it brought to you upon its arrival.” The man hurried off to help another customer.

Laura couldn’t help but smile. “It will be wonderful to have flour again. The supplies have been so difficult to get with any regularity.”

“I often think back to the days before the war when we were more than a little wasteful,” Mother said with a heavy sigh. “I have come to greatly appreciate the comforts of good food, warm fires, and plenty of soap.”

Laura noted that her mother looked rather tired, so she suggested, “I believe it would do us both good to sit for a time and enjoy something cool to drink. Perhaps have some cakes.” She knew her mother’s penchant for sweets and played upon it now.

“That would be most welcome,” Mother replied. “I do find such shopping to be a bit exhausting. When I think of having to return tomorrow with Carissa . . . well, it’s quite overwhelming.”

“Then let me bring her tomorrow,” Laura offered as they made their way to a small restaurant. “I can show her the items you thought appropriate.”

Mother nodded. “Thank you. That would be wonderful. I cannot tell you how much this wears on my nerves.”

They entered the small establishment and were immediately seated by the front window. Laura liked this, for it afforded her a front-row view to watch the townsfolk pass by. Every day since the conclusion of the war, it seemed that Corpus Christi was regaining some of its former glory. New people were moving in while a few of the older, established families were returning to reclaim their homes.

They placed an order for iced tea, chilled shrimp, and iced cakes. The latter seemed to revive Laura’s mother almost immediately as she began to nibble on the sweet treat.

“Agatha?” a veiled woman in black mourning clothes questioned.

Laura turned toward the voice and was able to make out the features of the gaunt and troubled Margaret Meuly. She smiled at the woman, but she didn’t receive one in return.

“I thought that was you, but these days I can’t be certain of even my own name.”

“I never expected to see you here, Margaret,” Laura’s mother said. “Won’t you sit?”

She took the seat beside Laura’s mother. “I cannot stay. My daughter is seeing to the bill.” She wrung her hands. “I am quite distraught.” She lowered her voice and glanced around the room for a moment. “The colored troops ransacked my house.”

“What!” Mother looked at Laura in disbelief. “What are you saying?”

“They came and destroyed my home. Never mind that we faithfully supported the Union. They were drunk, and they carried off most everything that wasn’t nailed down. They took my beloved rosewood piano.”

“No,” Mother gasped. “How can this be?”

The woman leaned in closer and narrowed her eyes. “You have not yet heard the worst of it. They broke into the family vault behind the house. They . . . they . . .” Her voice broke and a sob escaped. “They destroyed Baby’s coffin. They spilled the bones on the ground.”

Laura’s hand went to her mouth while Mother looked as if she actually might swoon. Laura took up her fan and waved it furiously to calm her mother. “Mrs. Meuly, surely you should tell General Russell about this.”

“I did,” the woman said, straightening. “He said nothing could be done. I believe the white officers are afraid of the blacks. If you ask me, I think the Colored Troops are out of control and the white officers can no longer keep order.”

“This is most distressing news,” Mother said, shaking her head. “I cannot believe such a violation would go unpunished. To desecrate the grave . . .” Her words faded as she looked to Laura.

“Is there anything we can do, Mrs. Meuly?” Laura asked.

“No. If my Conrad hadn’t succumbed to yellow fever, he would have never allowed this to happen.”

Laura had heard that Mr. Meuly had died earlier in the month while in Brownsville. For that reason alone, Laura was startled that Mrs. Meuly was even allowing herself to be seen in public, but the times had wreaked havoc with traditions. Especially the customs of mourning.

“We are so sorry, my dear,” Mother finally replied, patting the woman’s black-gloved hand. “Do let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you. These are most troubling days. I suppose it shall take a long time to see order reestablished and for life to return to as it once was.”

“This used to be such a wonderful city.” Mrs. Meuly shook her head. “I must go now.”

“Please accept our condolences once again on Conrad’s passing.” Mother leaned forward to give the woman’s cheek a kiss through the veil. “If you need anything, do let us know. You are always welcome to come and stay with us.”

“You are a good friend, Agatha,” the woman said, turning to her daughter. “But I will be well looked after.”

“I cannot understand why the men in charge of this city fail to keep order,” Mother said as they watched Mrs. Meuly and her daughter depart.

“I wonder if it might help were we to speak to Captain Reid,” Laura said thoughtfully. “He seems an admirable man, and he is good friends with General Russell. Perhaps he could convince the general to do something more for Mrs. Meuly.”

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Mother replied. “I do like Captain Reid, and he seems more than a little sweet on you. Has he given you any indication that he might come to call?”

Laura thought of his comments at the party, but shook her head. “I find him to be attentive, but he hasn’t really shared his thoughts on such matters.”

“Well, I have faith he will. In fact, your father has been approached by several other would-be suitors, but they were not acceptable.”

Laura looked up in surprise. She had been about to eat a shrimp, but instead put the fork down. “What suitors?”

Her mother shrugged. “Mostly older war veterans returning to start their lives anew. Certainly no one who had come to call before the war.”

“Most of them are dead,” Laura admitted. She remembered sadly reading the casualty lists with her mother and sister and commenting on all the families who had lost someone dear.

“Your father is looking out for your best interests, I will say that. He knows that you are of a particular nature, and it will be his job to find a man who will be well matched with your temperament.”

Laura knew her father to be a fair man. He cared a great deal about her happiness, and she was certain he wouldn’t force her into a marriage of convenience. Across the street several men came into view and Laura was surprised to see her future brother-in-law among them. The men darted down the alley so quickly, almost as if they were being pursued, that Laura had no chance to point him out to Mother.

What in the world was Malcolm doing there in the middle of the day? Laura took a sip of tea. Wasn’t he supposed to be working at the flour mill . . . or at least training at such a job?

“Mother, did Carissa ever say if Malcolm likes his job at the mill?”

“No, she doesn’t talk about anything but the wedding. And can you blame her? There is so much to arrange. Goodness, but it makes me question my sense in pushing for a quick wedding.”

“Well, you know my thoughts on that,” Laura declared. “It isn’t too late to reset the date.”

“Oh, it would be a scandal to change dates now—bad luck, too.” Mother shook her head. “No, we will work together and make this the wedding of the year. No matter how bad things have gotten in Texas, we will show our spirit and put on a good face.”

When they finally headed home, Laura handled the small carriage. She loved the feel of driving the horses. There was a certain thrill at possessing so much power in her hands. Upon their arrival, Laura was more than a little pleased to find Brandon’s mount hitched outside the house.

“Oh, I daresay Captain Reid is here,” Laura murmured. “Perhaps I can speak to him about Mrs. Meuly.”

Mother led the way to the front sitting room, and that was where they found Brandon and Laura’s father enjoying a cup of coffee.

“Ladies, we were just discussing you,” Father announced as he and Brandon got to their feet.

“Captain Reid, it is an honor to see you again.” Mother beamed him a smile. “Will you be able to visit for a while?”

“I’m no longer a captain, ma’am, but rather a simple civilian.” He smiled. “I would be honored if you were to call me Brandon.” He gave a slight bow and straightened. “As for your question, that will depend upon Miss Marquardt.”

Laura looked around the room, and not seeing her sister, put her gloved hand to her chest. “Me?”

“You indeed,” Brandon said.

“Why would I have anything to say over whether you stayed to visit?” She looked to her father, who was now smiling. “Have I missed the joke?”

“Not at all,” Brandon said with a chuckle. “I’ve merely come to speak with your father about a most important matter. I have asked if I might call on you—court you.”

Laura felt her heart beat wildly. She suddenly felt dry-mouthed and unable to speak. She couldn’t look away from Brandon’s piercing gaze.

“Well goodness, Mr. Marquardt. Do not keep us in suspense. What did you say?” Mother asked.

“I told him I would happily allow him to court Laura. He is a decorated war hero and he’s convinced me of his intentions to treat our daughter in an admirable manner. However, I told him the final approval would have to come from Laura herself. I will not have a suitor imposed upon my daughter.”

At this everyone turned in unison to Laura. She saw the question in each person’s eyes and might have laughed had it not been such an important moment. “I would . . . would be glad to receive the captain.”

“Brandon,” he said firmly.

“Brandon.” She murmured the name as if trying it on for size.

“Then let us celebrate,” Father declared. “Call for Esther to serve us under the canopy.”

Mother nodded and hurried from the room, while Father turned to Laura. “I have no doubt you will conduct your courtship in an honorable manner.” He kissed her forehead. “I will see you both outside.”

Once he was gone, Laura was very conscious that she was alone with Brandon. She gazed at him, still not quite believing what had just happened.

“You look as though you’ve just seen a ghost,” Brandon said with a grin. “Have I troubled you?”

“You know you have not,” she answered quickly. “I am surprised, however. I thought you might have . . . well . . . spoken to me about such a matter first. You had no way of knowing if I would agree to such a thing.”

“Didn’t I?” he asked, sounding amused.

Laura felt her face grow hot. Goodness, but this man could fluster her in a way no other had. He seemed to know what she was thinking before she could even rationalize it for herself.

Brandon reached out and took hold of her hands. “Don’t be embarrassed. I love that you wear your feelings so obviously. I find it most refreshing.” He leaned over and kissed the back of her gloved hands before offering her a devilish smile. “I’m also quite captivated by your beauty, Miss Marquardt.”

“Laura,” she whispered. “If I am to call you Brandon, you must call me Laura.”

He nodded. “I would very much like that . . . Laura.”