“Their marriage.”
“You saw her very little after her captivity and even less after they wed, other than the times she came to the store.”
“And when I did, I sensed a sadness about her. Even after Oceanus was born, she seemed a bit melancholy. I’m ashamed to say I laid the blame at Xander’s door. His overwork. His ambition.”
Candace shook her head. “Mattachanna parted with a great many beloved things before she became mistress of Rose-n-Vale, which was likely the root of any mournfulness. Under the reverend’s care, she became so homesick for her people that her sisters were sent for, even before she married Xander.”
“I shall never forgive Helion Laurent and Captain Kersey and those officials who did her harm.” Ire made her eyes burn. She stared down at the chintz that was no more than a purple puddle. “Such men deserve naught but Hades as punishment.”
“God shall be their judge.” Candace reached for Selah’s needle and thread. “Let me finish this for you. Step outside and walk about. Breathe the fresh air. I believe you are not just overtaxing your eyes and fingers but your mind.”
Glad to relinquish the task, Selah did as she bid and sought a seat in the arbor’s shade facing west. Though she couldn’t see Rose-n-Vale through the forest and fields separating them, she craved a glimpse.
Forgive me, Xander. Perhaps I don’t deserve you, thinking such things.
Forgive me, Lord. Not even You threw a stone, though You had every right.
Closing her eyes, she rested them and dwelt on a verse she’d taken to heart but seldom put into practice.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true...
Xander cared for her. And she loved him.
Whatsoever things are honest...
Xander had declared his intent as an honorable man would.
Whatsoever things are just...
Xander honored his indentures and the terms of their contracts. He opposed slaveholding. His fair dealings with the tribes were second to none.
Whatsoever things are pure...
Xander had asked her to join him in holy matrimony as his bride.
Whatsoever things are lovely...
Rose-n-Vale was surely one of the loveliest spots on earth.
Whatsoever things are of good report...
Xander was known far and wide as an honest, God-fearing, albeit driven man.
If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think onthese things.
The evening was young, unspooling before Xander with endless possibilities. Their fevered preparations had dwindled to the tuning of a fiddle and the rearranging of benches on the portico. All bespoke guests to come. He doubted he’d sit down once the festivities were under way. Servants ran from house to summer kitchen, laying out a table the likes ofwhich Rose-n-Vale had never seen. Pitch-pine torches dipped in pennyroyal blazed here and there, casting light and scattering insects. His aunt had prayed for no rain but clouds, a curious order that got her exactly that, as if Providence was the first guest to arrive and orchestrated the weather as requested.
“Alexander, can you imagine what would ensue if the heavens opened and there came a thunderstorm? The house would be stuffed to the gills!” She sighed as she tied on a new apron. “I cannot help but recall Governor Harvey’s last entertainment when such a calamity occurred. Someone even made off with the silver and no one was the wiser!”
Stepping off the portico, Xander glanced at the attic dormer. No sign of Nurse Lineboro, nor McCaskey in his quarters. The expanding lane to the dependencies beyond the summer kitchen was yet another reminder more housing needed to be built. Two housemaids and another kitchen maid were coming on the next supply ship at his aunt’s request.
“Sir?”
He turned around to see his farm manager approaching. “Welcome, Sterrett.”
“Indeed, sir. Most of the workers will be joining us. There are but three still ailing and abed. The rest consider it a special privilege to be invited up to the house.”
“There are no airs or social distinctions here,” Xander replied. “Unlike Britain or even James Towne.”
