The Reluctant Bridegroom. Shannon Farrington

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СКАЧАТЬ he said. “We are here to discuss matters of life...”

      Henry swallowed. Life... My life is now devoted to raising those two little girls. They are dependent on me. Marianne depended on me. I can’t let her down.

      “This marriage will serve as a positive example,” Van der Geld insisted. “The future of our state depends upon such goodwill...”

      Future... What future will Grace and Kathleen have if their uncle is convicted as an accomplice to the murder of the president?

      Henry couldn’t stand the thought of them being shunned or scorned, unable to be placed in a proper home. He might not be the father they deserved, and he might not know how to care for them as wisely as he should, but Henry was determined those little girls would be protected.

      “We’ve had our disagreements, for certain,” Van der Geld said, “but I know you to be a man of your word. I know you will take good care of my daughter.”

      His daughter... Surely this man is as concerned for her security and happiness as I am for Grace’s and Kathleen’s. He wouldn’t wish to see her husband carted off to jail.

      “I have it on good authority that the president’s funeral train will pass through our city in a few days. Thousands will attend. I think that would be the perfect opportunity for you and Rebekah to be seen together in public. Then, when our beloved president is finally laid to rest, we will conduct the marriage ceremony.” The man stuck out his hand. “What say you?”

      Images of moldy holding cells and interrogation rooms at Fort McHenry flashed through Henry’s mind. Marriage to a woman he did not love would be a prison all to itself but surely more bearable than the former, especially when he thought of Kathleen’s and Grace’s tear-stained faces. His heart told him not to give in to such fears. He was a man of faith, and up until now, he had done nothing wrong. Shouldn’t he trust that God would work all of this out? Shouldn’t he believe Kathleen and Grace would be all right?

      But Henry found he had not the courage to pray. Before he even realized what he was doing, he was shaking Theodore Van der Geld’s hand.

      * * *

      Rebekah waited nervously in Councilman Nash’s parlor while her father visited with the man. The news of President Lincoln’s death had barely had a chance to register before her father summoned her to his own study and told her to make herself ready. In light of the national tragedy, they would pay a call on Henry Nash. Her father was apparently convinced her marriage to the man would ensure the continuation of the Union.

      How that was, she could not say. Henry Nash was no great supporter of the president. He was no war hero. Rebekah had no respect for men who had shirked their responsibility to the nation. The only men she despised more were those who had owned slaves.

      And remnants of such a loathsome past remain in this house!

      A Negro manservant had taken her coat and bonnet when she had arrived. A young maid then followed, bringing tea and scones. Rebekah couldn’t help but feel for them. What must they have endured?

      But her thoughts then quickly turned to herself. What must I now endure?

      Unable to swallow any refreshment, Rebekah left her tea and walked to the window. Beyond the glass lay a world of green, lush vegetation kissed by the April dew. As she stared out at the garden, the idea of escape again crossed her mind. If I could find the back gate, I could run away...away from my father, away from Councilman Nash...away from everything...

      But she wasn’t given the opportunity to flee. At that moment, the two men stepped into the room. Rebekah turned to see the familiar look of smug confidence on her father’s face. Obviously he had secured another political victory. She dared look then into the face of her father’s newest ally.

      He looked scared.

      For one irrational second, she flattered herself with the idea that he was frightened of her. In reality, however, she knew it was probably more that he feared she would reject his proposal, and then whatever contract he had secured with her father would be null and void. Anger welled up inside her. Rebekah wanted to tell the councilman she was not a commodity to be bought and sold, but indeed, she knew she was exactly that.

      She remembered her father’s instructions. She was to accept this man’s proposal with eagerness. Or else.

      He nodded to her in a most formal matter. “Good day, Miss Van der Geld,” he said.

      She responded in kind. “Good day, Councilman Nash. Thank you for the tea.”

      He nodded again, cleared his throat. He was definitely unsettled, but whether that had to do with the proposal he was about to make or the fact that her father obviously intended to listen to it, she was not certain. Theodore stood guard, ready to offer Rebekah a disapproving glare or stern rebuke should the opportunity warrant one.

      She swallowed hard, stole one more glance at the beckoning garden. Evidently her suitor noticed.

      “The garden belonged to my mother,” he said. “Would you care to take a turn in it?”

      Would she? While escape might not be possible, she could at least flee her father’s demanding presence for a few moments. “Yes,” she said, “I would enjoy seeing the garden. Thank you.”

      Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father nod. It was the closest thing to affirmation she had ever received from him, yet she felt no joy. Councilman Nash offered his arm. Rebekah dutifully accepted. Together they stepped outside.

      The garden was a good size, with gravel paths and wrought iron benches. English ivy covered stately brick walls. They were beautiful, but they were walls nonetheless, meant to contain. From one prison to another, she thought again. Immediately she let go of her soon-to-be fiancé’s arm.

      The man took to pointing out the various flowers. “There is forsythia, and here are several varieties of daffodil, I believe.”

      When he made reference to the jonquils, Rebekah nervously blurted out, “They need dividing. Without room to grow, they will not bloom.”

      The moment the words were out of her mouth, she cringed. What made me say such a thing? He did not ask for my opinion. How will he respond to such impertinence?

      “You are right,” he said. “In fact, the entire plot needs tending, but I am afraid I haven’t the time or the skill to make it what it once was. Have you much interest in horticulture?”

      The question as well as the conciliatory tone shocked her. They also intrigued her. The councilman appeared genuinely interested in her answer. “Yes,” she said guardedly. “I do.”

      He offered her just the hint of a smile. While Rebekah would not call him exactly handsome, he was at least pleasant in appearance. Nut-brown hair framed an angular face. His eyes were sky blue. “Then no doubt you could tell me to which class and order each plant belongs,” he said.

      “Only a few of them,” she admitted. “Though I have wished to know more, I have not had much time to study such.” Father won’t allow it. He thinks the pursuit frivolous.

      He nodded as if he understood. “There are many things that we may wish to do but that our present duties won’t allow.”

      Rebekah immediately took СКАЧАТЬ