The Lady and the Officer by Mary Ellis

Author:Mary Ellis
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780736950558
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers, Inc.

FOURTEEN

On Christmas Eve, Elliott and Mrs. Howard delivered food baskets to the refugees living on the edge of town. They chatted and sang and listened to the repartee between Eugenia and Major Penrod. That night, neither poverty nor the war intruded on the promise and hope of Christmas.

Elliott spent Christmas Day at home with his father, brother, and a few elderly slaves too old to leave when Lincoln issued his proclamation. Elliott’s home more closely resembled a backwoods farm than the impressive plantation it once had been. But he cared naught about the broken fences, fallow fields, dying apple trees, and empty tobacco curing barns. Huge hogsheads once lined the wharf, awaiting shipment overseas or to other parts of the country. Flavored with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, or honey, Haywood tobacco plugs were the best in the county. A soldier could cut a slice from his plug, rub it to loosen the delicate leaves, and fill his pipe. Considering the quality of army rations, the evening smoke became a man’s sole pleasure.

The Haywood holiday dinner consisted of several rabbits Robert snared along the river, with stringy sweet potatoes, and unpalatable baked apples. But Elliott cared little about food during his three days at home. He dutifully listened to his father’s reminiscences about the past and mediated squabbles between his father and brother. When Elliott returned to Richmond, he felt ambivalent about the family left behind.

Tonight, New Year’s Eve, he would dine and dance at the Duncan mansion, and he would see Mrs. Howard—something that made him happy indeed.

Elliott climbed into the Penrod carriage for the ride to the Duncans’ in a far better mood than he’d been in for days. During the short drive to Forsythia Lane, Joseph entertained him with amusing stories. Apparently, Miss Duncan had made quite an impression on the elder Penrods, and not all of it was beneficial. Yet Joseph was utterly enchanted with the woman. Elliott knew all about attraction exceeding the bounds of practicality or common sense.

The Duncans’ butler, dressed in full livery, met them at the front door. “Good evening, sirs. The family awaits you in the parlor.” Micah bowed and then accepted their overcoats.

“Thank you, my good man.” Major Penrod placed his top hat atop the pile on Micah’s arm and strode through the open double doors.

Elliott paused a moment to take in the scene and was rewarded for his patience. Mrs. Howard stood at the top landing wearing a long gown that accentuated curves only alluded to until now. “By my word,” he said.

“Oh, dear, I told Aunt Clarisa this dress was too much, but she insisted I wear it.” Mrs. Howard came down the stairs resembling a doe ready to bolt at the first sound of gunfire.

Elliott stared with blatant admiration. “You are unquestionably the most beautiful woman in the world.”

She burst out laughing, an unanticipated reaction. “Goodness, Colonel Haywood. If you mean that sincerely, you must broaden your scope of acquaintances.” She accepted his outstretched gloved hand for the final two steps.

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