“Fair enough. What is going on is that I have found me a wife, just like I said I would.”
“But you do not even know this girl,” Lambert protested.
“I ken enough,” answered Ballard. “I will have plenty of time to learn the rest later.”
“And just how much can you possibly learn after only an hour?”
“Enough, I told ye. She is a lady, just like Sarah is. Clover has all the same learning and polish.”
“I dinnae ken what ye want that for,” grumbled Shelton.
“Then ye have nae been listening close, brother. We are nae going to be set firm where we are now for the rest of our lives. We are doing fine and we are going to do even better. Aye, until we are equal to the folks who buy our goods. I amnottalking about turning our backs on where we sprung from, but of learning how to be a part of both worlds. I want us to be able to go to a barn dance with the Mahoneys one day and then to tea with Mr. Potsdam the next and to feel at ease in both places.
“Now, tell the truth, lads, didnae ye feel a might awkward when Mr. Potsdam had us in his fine rich house for a wee drink after we sold him those horses last month?” He smiled when they reluctantly nodded. “Aye, so did I. That was when I got to thinking that having a highborn, refined lady for a wife could help us. She can teach us some of them pretty manners.”
“Weel, I reckon I can see the sense of that right enough, but it still isnae a good reason to marry the lass.”
“It isnae the only reason, Shelton. Ye have to admit she is a bonnie wee lass. She also has a powerful need of a husband. It seems her pa made some bad investments, lost all their money, and shot himself a fortnight ago.” Ballard nodded when Lambert’s and Shelton’s faces were briefly transformed by shock. “Then her beau up and jilted her because she has no more money. She is also responsible for her twowee brothers and her mother. The only kin she has willnae help and they all have to be out of this house in about two weeks. Aye, that wee lass is in sore need of help.”
“I feel powerful sorry for her, Ballard, but are ye sure ye can take on the care of four more folk?”
“I am sure. Aye, it could mean that our progress slows a wee bit, but I will have me a wife and one who chose to wed me, who picked me out because she is in real need. That can only be a good thing.”
“I reckon. Weel, she seems a nice enough lass and if ye areverracertain—”
“Verra certain, Shelton. I have a real need for a wife.” He winked and the two youths laughed. “I also have a real hankering to start my family. Hellfire, most men my age have a bairn or two made already. Aye, the more I think on this, the better I like it.”
“Weel, if ye are that sure, I reckon ‘tis fine with me,” Shelton said, and Lambert nodded.
Clover tensed slightly as the three men moved back toward her. The whole situation was a little mad and it would not surprise her at all if Ballard’s kinsmen had been diligently talking him out of it. If they had been, she fervently prayed they had failed.
Ballard stopped in front of her, saw the hint of fear in her eyes, and smiled. “Do ye think I ought to meet your kinfolk before I go and speak to the preacher?”
“Are we still to be married then?” she asked, unable to conceal her relief.
“Aye, lass. Do ye have any objections to it being done quickly?”
“No, none at all. If that is what you wish, then it is all right with me.”
“Weel then, do we meet with your kin now or later?”
“Now, I suppose,” Clover murmured as she wondered how she was going to break the news to her mother. “Do you need any furniture, Mr. MacGregor?” she asked as she stood and picked up her cloak.
“We dinnae have verra much and that is a fact.” He collected their glasses. “We have to be careful what we try to take with us though. It will have to be toted a fair long way, downriver and over some verra poor roads.”
“Ah, of course. I had not given that any thought. Will I have time to sell off the pieces you do not want?”
“Ye willnae be giving them to your sister, eh?” He grinned in response to her look of mild disgust.
“I think not.” Clover opened the door, silently giving thanks that someone had remembered to unbolt it after Alice had stomped off. “I suppose I will inform dear Alice that the furniture is up for sale if she feels inclined to buy some.”
Ballard looked around as Clover led him into the front hall, then signaled that he and the others should follow her. The signs of past wealth were clear to see in the rich warm woods, the remaining pieces of elegant furniture, and even the heavy wallpaper. When the Sherwoods had fallen, they had fallen far. Ballard could not help but wonder how the family would adapt to the life he offered them in Kentucky.
Then he inwardly shrugged. The Sherwoods may have possessed a great deal, but now they had nothing, and he was sure Clover had fully accepted her fate. He was certain she was of a mind to be glad of what he could offer. What he could not even beginto guess, however, was how her mother and little brothers were going to react.
They had all stepped into the front parlor. Ballard studied Clover’s family as she introduced everybody. Agnes Sherwood was still very attractive, although plumper than he liked, and her blond hair and smooth complexion showed few signs of age. The twins appeared to be a lively, bright pair of lads, and Ballard felt his qualms about them ease. Copperhaired and blue-eyed, the boys showed a hint of deviltry, but Ballard sensed that they were essentially good boys.
Clover was so filled with dread that she had to clear her throat before she could speak. “Mama, Mr. MacGregor and I have been talking outside all this time.”
Agnes frowned a little. “Does this have to do with the plan the boys said you had devised?”
“Yes, Mama.” Clover decided it would be best to speak bluntly. “Mr. MacGregor came to Langleyville looking for a wife, and my plan was to get him to choose me. He has. We are to be married as soon as possible, and all of us will travel with him to his home in Kentucky.”
