In His Eyes(81)

“No, Sibby referred to me as Mrs. Remington when she went to town, and several people seemed rather curious about me. I wouldn’t doubt that many tongues were wagging over it.”

They stood there in silence for several moments, the beauty of the day seeming to have dimmed.

Westley shifted his weight, and Ella just then noticed he’d been moving around without the aid of his cane.

“I have an army chaplain coming by two days hence.”

She bobbed her head, not surprised he had known her answer before she gave it. Of course she would accept the offer of security. “So we shall wed the day before you leave for duty.”

“Yes.”

Ella pushed aside girlhood fantasies of a fabulous gown and a ceremony with family and friends. Those were things for couples to celebrate love. And such were the imaginings of children not yet seasoned with the ways of the world. In reality, women had very few choices. They could marry well and be provided for, or they could eke out a living from the very few professions available to them. She most certainly would not be the first woman wed to a man who did not love her in order to procure a stable future. “Very well. That should suffice for the vows. I believe, however, we must still have witnesses.”

“I shall invite the Martins.”

Panic leapt in her chest. “But then they will know I lied to them.”

“Perhaps not. We can say that we wished to make our field wedding more official before I returned to duty.”

Ella inwardly cringed. More lies. She rather liked Opal, and would relish the idea of a neighborly friendship. That would best be done without the untruths. Besides, better the lady shunned her from the truth than befriended her under a shroud of lies. She hoped. “If you are not opposed, I believe it would actually be better if I told them the truth.”

“As you wish.”

“That settles it, then.” She stepped around him and scooped Lee up from the ground. “If we are agreed, then, I shall go pen Miss Martin a note requesting a visit with her tomorrow.”

Westley gestured to the disarray on the ground. “But what of our picnic?”

“Forgive me, but I find I am without appetite. Would it be too troublesome to ask you to return everything to Sibby for me?”

Confusion furrowed his forehead, but his words remained infuriatingly conciliatory. “Certainly. I will see you at dinner tonight, then.”

Ella situated Lee in the crook of her arm and tried to offer him her most pleasant smile. “Yes, of course.”

She turned toward the house and blinked away tears that stung her eyes, reminding herself that what had just happened was truly a blessing.



The next afternoon Ella stood in the doorway to the parlor and twisted her hands as Basil opened the front door. Mrs. and Miss Martin bustled in, the hems of their wide hoop skirts sweeping over the floor. Opal removed her bonnet and gave it to Basil before clasping her gloved hands.

“Ella! How lovely to see you again!”

Ella smiled and moved closer as the women removed their gloves. “Indeed. I am pleased you agreed to come to call on such late notice.”

Mrs. Martin arched a thin eyebrow. “We were rather curious, I’m afraid.”

Opal grasped Ella’s hands. “I am overjoyed at the wonderful news that the baby is well.”

Ella nodded, bobbing the intricate curls Sibby had worked through her hair. “It was a miracle. He almost died, but then Major Remington prayed over him and….” she lifted her shoulders. “The Lord answered.”

Opal put her fingers to her lips. “Oh! What a beautiful story.” She looked over the shoulder of her pink gown. “Isn’t it, Mama?”

“Quite,” the woman said, though she seemed to share none of her daughter’s enthusiasm.

“If you will join me in the parlor, ladies, tea will be served soon.” Ella gestured toward the room and allowed her guests to pass in front of her.

Opal made a beeline for the cradle. “There you are sweet one!” She cooed, peering down at Lee. “May I hold him?”

“Certainly you may.”

Opal gently lifted the baby and held him against her, speaking in a sugary tone. “Aren’t you just the most handsome little fellow?”

Mrs. Martin helped herself to a seat, and Ella settled on the settee nearest the cradle. Opal took a chair just as Basil stepped into the room carrying a tea tray. Sibby had been able to get up and hobble around some, but she still needed to take it easy on her ankle.

Basil plopped down the tea tray and rattled the china, and Mrs. Martin scowled. Ella, however, offered the child a smile. “Thank you, Basil.”

She grinned. “You’s welcome, Miss Ella. You be needin’ anythin’ else, you just holler for me.”

Ella waved a hand and the girl hurried off. She served Mrs. Martin, but Opal declined, content to play with Lee instead. Ella smiled. “He seems to like you, Opal.”

She beamed up at Ella, her pretty features growing pink. “I adore children.”

“So, Mrs. Remington,” Mrs. Martin interjected, “Did your husband happen to mention anything about supplies?”

Ella cocked her head. “I beg your pardon? What supplies?”

Opal groaned, but her mother ignored her. “He promised us several things in exchange for the use of our horse, but was only able to deliver part of the list.”