November 1, 1864
“You may kiss your bride.”
When Reverend Perry said those words, David did not hesitate. Lifting Elizabeth’s veil, he planted a kiss on her lips, all to the cheers of their family and friends.
Sam and Julia Ward had returned from Philadelphia in time for the ceremony, and David’s parents, sister and brother-in-law had come from Boston. The staff of the Free American was on hand, as well. When David led his wife down the aisle, he received a fair share of back slapping from his fellow newspapermen.
“You’ll now have new stories to tell,” Peter said.
David couldn’t help but grin. Indeed, he thought. He and Elizabeth had covered a host of events in the preceding months. Many of which had been a test of faith.
After the failed invasion, the rebel army had retreated to Virginia. Elizabeth’s brother had been transferred to a prison camp in southern Maryland, and the city had slowly shifted its focus from defense back to politics. The state convention had reconvened. David returned to Annapolis, and Elizabeth churned out sketches based on his wires. The Unconditionals had succeeded in drafting a new constitution that would immediately emancipate all slaves in Maryland, but the document prohibited all those with less than impeccable loyalty from voting in future elections.
When the complete proposal was brought before the people, it passed by the narrowest of margins. David didn’t know what the future would bring for Maryland and her people with divided loyalties, but at long last, the slaves were finally free. The new constitution had taken effect today.
How fitting that we are beginning our new life together on the very day when the former slaves are beginning theirs.
Elizabeth squeezed his hand, as if she knew what he was thinking. The light in her eyes nearly stole his breath.
“Peter is going to have to issue you a new press card,” David told her.
She let out a laugh. It was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. “He already has.”
“He has?”
“I asked him to bring it over to the house this morning.”
“You did?”
She nodded. “I was eager to see Elizabeth J. Wainwright printed out for myself. Besides, it might come in handy on our honeymoon.”
David blinked, curiously. “You think we might run into a story while visiting art galleries in New York City?”
“You never know.” She smiled, mischievously. “After all, we are partners.”
“Partners, you say?”
“In work and in life.”
David grinned, pulled her close. “That’s my girl.”
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from FRONTIER ENGAGEMENT by Regina Scott.