Colin felt Mariah inhale deeply and knew she was about to speak.
“Since we took leave of Baltimore, we’ve passed through quite a few farms and plantations surrounded by forest, and a scant number of small villages. Is Alexandria merely another hamlet, or is it, perchance, a city?”
He reveled in her British accent and liked listening to her lyrical voice…almost as much as he enjoyed holding her within his arms. He only wished he’d been able to hold her close during the numerous ferry rides, particularly the last one, across the Potomac. They had arrived in Virginia at last. “Alexandria isn’t a city like Baltimore, but it does boast a fine little string of shops. I’m afraid we won’t be traveling into the town this evening, however. The crossroad just ahead runs alongside the river and edges our plantation.”
“And how much farther do we still have to go?” she asked over her shoulder.
Colin sensed her weariness. A ride on horseback from the port of Baltimore was a challenging distance for even an experienced rider, and added to her ordeal on the auction block and the ensuing parting with her sisters; she’d had a long, trying day. “Less than an hour.” He glanced at the sinking sun. “We should arrive home in time for supper. I’m honored to report that our cook happens to be one of the best in the county.”
A slight tip of her head acknowledged the information.
Much of his uneasiness over having purchased Mariah had dispelled during the hours since leaving the roadside inn in Blandensburg. Now as they turned east onto the river road, he mentally tallied the reasons for his confidence. The young Englishwoman was a perfect fit for his family. Besides the excellence of her education, her every mannerism was grace itself. His sisters could learn a lot about being accomplished young ladies from Mariah. And best of all, she spoke with the cultured accent his mother continually tried to instill in the rest of the family.
He smiled to himself. Coming from a Boston merchant background, his mother considered the more relaxed drawl of a Virginian quite common. “Quite common, indeed,” she’d told them all hundreds of times. He and his pa strove to speak properly whenever they were in her presence. She was certain to appreciate having Mariah around.
Tilting his head a bit, he studied the delicate curve of Mariah’s very tempting neck. Even if it weren’t so tempting, four years’ secretary and tutor service for a paltry forty pounds sterling was an astounding bargain. Besides, he was a grown man. He’d be twenty-five in a few months. High time he stopped allowing Mother to question his every decision.
“If I might ask, how do you plantation folk pass leisure time, living so far from a city?” Mariah asked, the musical lilt in her voice pleasuring him yet again.
Colin recognized that, as a stranger in a strange land, she needed to be put at ease. He gave a light chuckle. “You won’t be bored, I can assure you. We have parties and afternoon teas and do almost everything our more sophisticated town dwellers do. If there happens to be an interesting play or musicale in one of the larger cities, we don’t find the distance overly daunting. We go downriver to the port and catch one of the coastal packets that ply the waters between our cultural centers.” For a moment he envisioned himself having this lovely Englishwoman on his arm wherever an activity might take them, a delightful possibility.
Mariah nodded, then straightened her spine. “There’s a rider coming toward us. I think he’s trying to get your attention.”
Leaning to peer around her, Colin spied Dennis Tucker, his lifelong chum from the neighboring plantation, waving an arm. He groaned inwardly at the bad timing. With the young man’s golden-boy looks and natural charm, the two of them were forever in competition when it came to the local belles, and Tuck would definitely be interested in Mariah.
As his friend rode up to intercept them, Colin raised a reluctant hand in acknowledgment. “I’d hoped to keep you to myself a bit longer,” he said under his breath near Mariah’s ear, “but…”
As expected, Dennis wasted no time in filling his hooded hazel eyes with the sight of the English beauty. “Thought you’d be in Baltimore a few more days, Colin.” His lips quirked into a teasing grin. “I say. Looks like you spent your last farthing, too.” With his focus still on Mariah, he reached up and removed the plantation hat from his sun-streaked blond hair. “Good afternoon, milady. Dennis Tucker at your service. And it appears you are in serious need.”
“What do you mean by that?” Colin interjected before Mariah could respond to the interloper and instruct him in the art of proper introductions.
“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” A smirk added a glint to his eyes as he edged his mount closer. “For someone who set out with a wealth of horses the last time I saw him, you somehow managed to lose all but one. Why else would a damsel with the face of an angel be crowded onto Paladin with a man so unworthy of her undeniable beauty?”
Colin ground his teeth in irritation. “Tuck, allow me to introduce you to Miss Harwood, our houseguest. And now if you’ll excuse us, we’re in a bit of a hurry and must be on our way. You know how Eloise gets in a tizzy whenever a family member is late for supper.”
Reaching for Mariah’s hand, Dennis swept it up and brought it to his mouth. “Miss Harwood. The pleasure is all mine.”
Colin reined his mount away, forcing his friend to release his hold.
“Till we meet again, miss,” Dennis said with a gallant tip of his head. Replacing his hat, he shifted his gaze to Colin. “Before you rush off, I was wondering if you’d heard anything significant regarding that business up north—about those French soldiers heading down into the Ohio Valley. You’d think Governor Clinton in New York would assume his duty and do something to stop them.” His attention drifted back to Mariah. “After all, we have our womenfolk to think of…especially our very loveliest ones.”
Mariah swiveled toward Colin with a puzzled expression. “Are the French on the verge of an invasion? We had no word of this in England.”
“It’s nothing to trouble yourself about. Dennis is referring to some turmoil brewing hundreds of miles from here over trading rights with the Indian tribes.”
She relaxed and turned forward again.
Dennis flashed a sheepish smile. “I must apologize, miss. I wouldn’t dream of causing such a lovely lady a second’s distress. In fact—”
“In fact,” Colin interrupted, taking a firmer grip on Paladin’s reins, “any more delay and we’ll surely be late for supper. We must press on. No doubt you have an appointment to keep yourself, since you’re headin’ toward town.”
“Indeed. I was on my way to the Pattersons’ for dinner and cards. Lexie and Mary Ann invited me yesterday after church.” He continued to ogle Mariah. “I’d venture to say they’d be pleased if you two would join us. You know the Pattersons always put on a generous spread.”
“Another time, Tuck.” Colin nudged his mount into motion. “We’re expected at home.”
“I’ll drop by tomorrow, then, to hear the latest from Baltimore,” his friend persisted.
Colin suppressed a groan and spurred Paladin to a faster pace.
The setting sun had turned the river into a glorious amber ribbon by the time the horse veered onto a rambling lane shaded by towering oak trees. Observing the sprawling fields on either side, Mariah studied the large, brownish-green leaves of the crop Colin had told her was tobacco. Until this moment, the only tobacco she’d seen had been in small pouches Papa had used to fill his pipe.
As her gaze drifted ahead, she saw a magnificent, two-story white house with black shutters, sitting like a jewel amid stately trees and gardens. Pristine round columns fronted a porch that extended across the anterior. Her heart swelled with joy. This beautifully situated mansion was to be her new home!
Colin had spoken only the truth. He had not lied about his name or where he lived. This incredibly handsome man truly was her Prince Charming…everything a girl could want. And he was attracted to her.
As the horse picked up its pace, obviously eager to reach the stable, Mariah couldn’t help but smile. The animal was no more eager than she was.
“We’re almost there,” Colin announced, taking a firmer hold on the reins to keep Paladin from breaking into a trot. “I do hope my home pleases you.”
“It does. Very much. It is breathtakingly lovely.” But even as she uttered the words, a disturbing thought spoiled the moment. As an indentured servant, how much of the grace and comforts of this elegant home would she be permitted to enjoy? Thus far, Colin had treated her like an honored guest, not a bonded worker. Dear Father in heaven, she finally remembered to pray, I quite forgot to place myself in Your care. Please make my dearest dream come true. Amen. With a twinge of guilt, she imagined Rose would view such a prayer as a selfish request. But surely the Lord wanted good things for His children, didn’t He?
Mariah filled her eyes with the splendor of the flower-bedecked fountain gracing the center of the circle drive as they neared the mansion.
On their approach, a young girl sprang up from one of the chairs on the veranda and ran through the open doorway. “Mother! Poppy! Come and look! Colin’s back, and he’s bringin’ a woman with him!”
Behind Mariah, Colin emptied his lungs with a grunt. “That was Amy, our little snitch. I vow, she’s worse than a town crier.”
Before Mariah could respond, people started pouring out of the house. A tall, distinguished, bearded man and two girls—one who appeared about Lily’s age and one a bit younger. The threesome stood staring in surprise from the edge of the porch.
Surprised, but not dismayed, Mariah hoped with bated breath.
Then a slender, gracefully elegant, and handsome woman attired in rich turquoise brocade stepped outside. Mariah knew immediately where Colin had inherited his good looks, from his raven hair to his dark brown eyes. Truly the woman would have been the belle of the ball in her younger years—the belle of any ball.
As the girl Colin called Amy came alongside her mother, Mariah realized that all three daughters had inherited their father’s complexion. Each of them had varying shades of golden blond hair, while his held a smattering of silver among the strands.
“Colin, my dear,” the woman said as she started down the wide gray steps, “we didn’t expect you home for several more days.” Her gaze then centered on Mariah, and she offered a decidedly practiced smile, more polite than warm.
The extra tension Mariah felt in Colin’s arms as he assisted her to the ground added to her renewed trepidation. She hurriedly smoothed down her hopelessly wrinkled skirt. Undoubtedly it smelled of horse. She swallowed as Colin dismounted.
As the rest of the family continued to watch from atop the stairs, Mistress Barclay reached the landing and stepped toward Mariah with a hand outstretched in a gesture of greeting. “Welcome, my dear. This is a pleasant surprise.”
Mariah curtsied the best she could, considering her wobbly, saddle-weary legs. “Thank you, madam. ’Tis my pleasure.”
The older woman tilted her intricately coifed head in question. “I do not believe you are one of our local gentry, are you?”
“No, Mistress Barclay. I was born in Bath, England. I’ve only just arrived in the colonies.”
“How delightful.” Her smile widened. She turned to her family as they came to join them. “I should like you to meet my husband, Eldon. And these are our lovely daughters, Victoria, Heather, and our youngest, Amanda.” Each of the girls bobbed a curtsy in turn.
“I’m very pleased to meet all of you,” Mariah said, offering a smile.
“But everyone calls me Amy,” the youngest drawled, crowding in front of the others.
“Or Brat,” Victoria, the oldest, added, rolling her eyes.
As Amy pursed her lips and turned to retort, Mariah interceded. “Which do you prefer, Amy or Amanda?”
The youngster looked up at her. “The way it sounds when you say it, either would be real fine.”
“Really fine,” her mother corrected.
The girl flicked a swift, irritated glance in her mother’s direction. “Either name is splendidly fine.” She fluttered a hand in a theatrical flare.
Mariah had to admit the child was a bit of an imp.
Colin moved alongside her just then. “Mother, Father, I’d like to present Miss Mariah Harwood. She and her family are recent arrivals to our fair land.”
“Harwood.” Mistress Barclay turned to her husband. “My dear, I don’t believe you’ve mentioned a new family in the neighborhood by that name.”
Mariah moistened her lips, intending to clear up the misunderstanding, but an African slave stepped out of the front door just then. Her dark head, swathed in red calico, nodded to Colin’s mother. “Mistress Barclay,” she announced in a drawl more pronounced than Amy’s, “suppa’ is served.”
“Thank you, Pansy. And we’ll be needing two more place settings.”
“Yessum.” She switched her expressive dusky gaze to Colin. “Welcome home, Masta Colin. We wasn’t ‘spectin’ y’all back so soon.”
As the servant returned inside, Colin’s father kneaded his trim Van Dyke beard and addressed him. “That’s true, son. We weren’t. Did the transfer go as planned?”
“Yes, sir.”
“We’ll have no business talk for now.” Colin’s mother threaded her arm through Mariah’s and started for the steps. “I should like to get further acquainted with our lovely guest.”
Mariah gulped in dismay. Guest! They had no idea she was actually purchased help. This would not do at all. “Mistress Barclay, I don’t think I should—”
“Miss Harwood is concerned that she smells a touch horsey,” Colin piped in, speaking over her.
His mother chuckled softly. “I’m afraid she’ll find that’s quite normal around here. We can, however, remedy the situation.” Releasing her hold on Mariah, she turned back to her oldest daughter. “Victoria, dear, would you please show our guest upstairs so she can freshen up a bit? We’ll delay dinner a few minutes. And Colin, you don’t exactly smell like a rose, yourself.”
He laughed and ushered Mariah and his sister inside.
Entering the marble-floored foyer and noting the exquisite crystal chandelier overhead as they approached a grand, graceful walnut staircase, Mariah turned and shot him a meaningful look. Wasn’t he ever going to tell his family what she truly was? To her dismay, he and Victoria ignored her and exchanged casual comments while mounting the stairs.
As she reached the top landing, Mariah forgot everything except what lay before her eyes. These people were wealthy beyond all expectation. A delightful sitting area overlooked the tastefully appointed foyer below, where huge urns of fragrant summer flowers topped mahogany pedestals situated between gilt-framed family portraits. Her assessment of the splendor was interrupted as Colin took his leave and strode into one of the rooms down the hall.
“This way,” Victoria said pleasantly and led her into a bedroom easily twice the size as the one Mariah and Lily had shared back home.
Mariah barely concealed her awe as she beheld the utterly feminine bedchamber obviously belonging to the two older sisters. Matching brass beds with frilly canopies, one done up in pale pink, the other in soft lavender, were separated by a carved washstand. A pair of armoires faced each other across the expanse of the room, dark spots against the floral wallpaper.
Victoria led her to the commode, bearing a hand-painted pitcher and bowl. Lace-edged white cloths for washing and drying hung on either side of a large oval looking glass. “I’ll help you out of that gown so you can refresh yourself.”
“Thank you.” Mariah observed Colin’s sister’s reflection as the girl gently undid the lacing in the back of her gown. Such sweet features housed those enormous azure eyes. A yellow ribbon that matched her flounced day gown held thick golden curls off her face as she met Mariah’s gaze in the glass.
“I must say, your gown is quite stylish,” Victoria admitted. “Is it what they’re wearing in England this season?”
Mariah nodded. “It’s one of my newer frocks. But I’m afraid that for now a good brushing will have to disburse all the travel dust. My trunks won’t arrive until later this evening.”
“Not at all. You can wear something of mine—that is, if you don’t mind wearing one not quite so up to date.”
“How kind of you, Victoria. I’m sure whatever you loan me will do nicely.”
Dipping one of the washing cloths into the bowl, Mariah squeezed out most of the water and placed the cool dampness to her throat.
“Do people really go to Bath just to take baths?” a childlike voice asked.
Mariah caught reflections of the two younger girls in the mirror. They had come in without her notice. She grinned at them, then continued her ablutions. “The baths are large indoor pools where a number of people can benefit from them all at one time. The waters come hot out of the ground and contain healing minerals that attract older folk with aching joints. In season, the city is filled with music and dramas, and young maidens stroll about with their friends, hoping to catch the eye of dashing young gentlemen who will then invite them to dance at the evening ball.”
Heather, the middle daughter, scrunched up her face. “That sounds a bit silly, if you ask me.” She flicked a strand of nearly straight blond hair out of her face.
“Well, I don’t think it sounds silly at all,” Victoria breathed, her beautiful eyes gleaming as she looked over Mariah’s shoulder. “You children will understand when you’re older, I’m sure.”
Heather snorted. “You’re scarcely two-and-a-half years older than me, you know.”
“A very important two-and-a-half years,” her older sister said, arching her brows. She began working on the corset that had been one of the causes of Mariah’s discomfort that day. “Heather, would you fetch my lavender gown out of my armoire? I think that would look nice on Miss Harwood.”
“You may call me Mariah, if you wish.” She felt someone tug on her arm.
“Are all those people naked in the baths?” Amy wanted to know. Questions filled the blue eyes in her heart-shaped face.
Victoria and Heather both gasped, but Mariah burst out laughing. This was like being with sisters back at home in her own room. She swung around and gave Amy a hug. “No, little one. They wear bathing costumes. It’s all perfectly respectable.”
A thought came to her as she stepped out of the dress pooled at her feet. How delightful it would be if she were a real guest in this happy and wealthy home…or perhaps, someday in the future, the mistress….
Colin washed, changed, and brushed his hair before rushing out of his room and down the hall, the envelope of money in his pocket. He needed to speak to his family before Mariah came down.
As he reached the stairs, he slowed. What exactly would he say? Lord, please give me the right words. You know how much I want her to stay. With a last glance at the room where the girls had taken Mariah, he descended the steps at a deliberately slow pace. If he did not appear calm, how could he expect his parents to be?
Voices drifted from the parlor, so he joined them there.
“You look much better,” Mother said with a smile as she looked up from her embroidery. “I’ve been wondering, Colin, dear, where exactly it was that you met the lovely Miss Harwood. How did you happen to bring her home unannounced?” She set the needlework aside on the lamp table next to her Queen Anne chair.
Not even a moment’s grace? He swallowed.
His father rose from the brocade couch. “Cora, my love, do allow us to take care of the horse business before you start the inquisition.”
With a slight frown, she opened her mouth to protest, then sighed. “As you wish. First business, then the inquisition.”
“Did Lindsay try to get away with paying less than we agreed upon?” Father asked, as he and Colin strode past the massive unlit fireplace to an open window overlooking the flower garden.
Colin smiled. “He tried, but once he examined the animals, he stopped attempting to negotiate.” Removing the envelope containing the contract and banknotes, he felt his heart pounding. “Pa, I’m afraid you’ll find it forty pounds shy.”
His father frowned. “But you said—”
Giving the older man’s arm a squeeze, Colin edged him farther away from Mother.
Too late. She tossed aside the hooped material she’d resumed working on and came to her feet. “What did I just hear? Forty pounds is missing? What on earth have you been up to?”