Chapter 6

6

" W here is that girl?"

Katie could hear her ma's disapproving tone clear across the yard.

She swept through the screen door with a jut to her chin. Her capability to express anger without words was a skill she had honed. Was she not entitled to one last morning alone?

"Where have you been?"

She remained silent.

"You've missed breakfast, and we need enough time to get you ready."

"Ma. Stop." Katie threw her hands in the air. "I couldn't eat if I tried, and you'd be the last one I'd expect to encourage I spend time on the way I look. Before Josiah came on the scene, you spent a lifetime demanding the opposite of me."

The room went silent. Even Gracie stopped the chatter to her doll.

Katie dared a look at Ma. She never cried. Even when the twins died, Ma showed little emotion. But there she stood with tears glistening.

Katie had failed to notice the signs of age creeping up. The years of war had taken their toll. The rounded shoulders from years of hard labour, the speckled gray in her bun, the wrinkles around her mouth, collectively told the story. The pain in her dark eyes sent a wave of regret over Katie. She should have kept quiet, but mulling over her plight had brought the hurt close to the surface.

Ma turned and stumbled out of the door, and Pa followed.

"Out. All of you out. We need a few moments of privacy." Aunt May shooed the kids outside and asked Amelia to watch them. She pulled Katie into her arms.

"There, there child," her Aunt May soothed. "Your ma is as prickly as a hedgehog at times, but she loves you."

Katie pulled out of the hug. "Always with me?—"

"Yes, I know, but there's unhappiness from the past that gets the best of her at times. It's…" She wrung her hands and turned away.

"It's what, Aunt May? What have I done?"

"It's not you, honey, it's not you at all." She closed her eyes as if in prayer and turned aside for a moment, then lifted her head toward Katherine.

"My brother married your ma, who was way above his humble social standing. Their marriage was not accepted by society, nor her family. Truth is, your mother was once a pampered socialite in Richmond high society. She grew up surrounded by a wealthy family with servants at her beck and call. She was educated, primped, and taught the finer graces of life for one purpose only—to marry well. Then…" A troubled light stole into her eyes.

"Then what?"

"The fact she left Richmond and all that finery to farm with your pa in the Shenandoah Valley is nothing short of a true love story. As to the why your ma never talks about her family or has any contact with them, that's your mother's story. You'll have to discuss that with your parents."

"I've tried a hundred times, and neither of them will talk about it."

"Sadly, some things are better left unsaid. However, this one thing I can assure you—they love you very much."

"I would agree Pa does, but not?—"

"Yes, your ma loves you." She placed her hands on Katie's shoulders. "I know she seems overly stern and harsh at times, but trust what I'm saying."

"Am I part of this unhappiness in their past?"

Her aunt's gaze grew wary, then lit up in response. "You were the only part of that sad time that brought joy. But I can't say more." She gave Katie's shoulder one last warm squeeze. "Can you find it in your heart to let your mother treat you special today? She wants so much to give you a nice day. Your disappearance just flustered her well laid plans."

Katie fought back the tears. "Go get her, Aunt May, and tell her I'm sorry."

Her aunt turned to leave, but stopped short of the door and whirled around. "You may not think so, but we all understand and appreciate the sacrifice you're making for your family today. And although you can't see it now, I've been praying up a storm, and, in that deepest part of my soul, I believe you and Josiah will find love."

Katie looked away. She was not about to believe that fairy tale.

The dress Mr. Richardson had dropped off earlier in the week, which Katie had not had the stomach to look at, now hung over Ma's arm. Huge butterflies cartwheeled in Katie's stomach.

Shooing everyone else out of the small bedroom, Ma shut the door firmly behind them. She laid the dress with care on the bed and turned toward Katie.

"Katherine—"

"Ma—"

They both spoke at the same time. Katie waved at her mother to go first.

"I'm sorry for my snappy ways. I love you very much, and want to make this day special." She moved forward and drew Katie into a rare hug. Katie soaked up the warmth.

"I'm sorry, too. This whole thing is..." Katie bit off her words. There was no point.

"Let's get you dressed," Ma said, pulling back. "You'll look as beautiful as that bouquet Jeanette created for you. Aunt May had some late blooming pink and cream roses and you should see what she did. That girl has an eye for arranging."

Clucking in satisfaction, she smoothed her hands over the creamy-white gown. "Why, that Mr. Richardson must have paid a pretty penny for this. I know he made a trip to Harrisonburg for the gown, but with supplies being what they are these days, I'm not sure how he found one so lovely."

Her ma's eyes danced in delight. "Just look at all this crinoline, and the layers of material in this petticoat." She ran her fingers up and down and lifted each piece for inspection. "You even have a new corset."

A faraway look entered her eyes as she held the soft material up to her cheeks. "If there is one thing I truly miss, Katherine, it's the feel of fine silk next to my skin. And I know my fabrics. This one is divine, absolutely divine." Her face beamed, making Katie realize how seldom her ma smiled. She looked twenty years younger. "I've made something for you."

Katie straightened. It was a rare thing to receive a gift from her mother. A slender vine of hope curled around the edges of her hurting heart. Could it be that she was wrong, that her ma cared more than she understood?

Ma turned away. "Don't peek while I lay them out."

Katie closed her eyes. The squeak of the dresser drawer opened, and the rustle of material piqued Katie's interest.

"All right. You can look."

She opened her eyes to a beautiful dressing gown, a camisole, and a set of lace trimmed unmentionables that lay spread out on the bed. "Oh, Ma, when? How? I was so embarrassed at the thought of him seeing the state of my?—"

"A lot of stolen hours here, there, and everywhere, and the fact that you didn't mind the outdoor work helped a lot too. But to find enough material to sew this for you, let me tell you, that was a feat. However, I wasn't going to have my girl in anything less on such a special day." Ma's face lit up. "And I forgot how much fun it was to keep a surprise."

Katie picked up the soft cotton chemise and beautiful drawstring drawers trimmed in lace. She smiled and went behind the dressing screen to change. "What's next?" she asked as she stepped out.

"The crinoline hoop skirt." Ma already had it in her hands. They both laughed as they struggled to manage the huge bell shape in such tight quarters.

"Ma, if this is what the wealthy have to put up with every day, count me out. I much prefer my wrapper and apron."

"This is only for special occasions, and just wait before you make your final decision on the matter. They do make a dress look stunning."

Ma slid the dress over Katie's head, and the silk fell in a soft puddle around the hoop. She secured the many tiny buttons up the back and straightened the bow. Katie ran her hands down her sides to her waist, and, wonder of wonders, it was the perfect fit.

"How would he have known the size?"

"He asked me the day you accepted his proposal. I never saw a man so eager to buy a dress. I guessed about two sizes smaller than you usually wear, as you tend to wear things loose."

Katie held her tongue. There was no point in reminding her ma that long ago she had been the one who insisted on that practice.

"But isn't it the custom for the bride's family to?—?"

"He knew we couldn't afford such a luxury. He insisted. You should've seen his smile when I finally agreed. He asked about your likes and dislikes, and, when I explained that you had not had much opportunity for finery, he took it upon himself to pick this out. Doesn't he have wonderful taste?"

Katie ran her hands over the gorgeous material that flared at the waist. Her fingers couldn't get enough of the softness.

"Look in the mirror."

Katie's breath caught at her reflection. "It's beautiful."

Ma laughed. "But it's you who make it exquisite."

Katie turned from side to side. Her full bosom filled the form-fitting bodice to perfection, the high neckline trimmed in lace, modestly covering what she had tried to hide for years. Intricately embroidered flowers with tiny seed pearls were hand sown onto the gown from the waist, over the bodice and shoulders, and around to a row of delicate buttons that ran down the back. Cinched in on her tiny waist, the skirt cascaded into three lace flounces with fluted ruffles at the bottom. The short-puffed sleeve would be ideal for the warm September day.

"It is perfect." But the words caught in her throat.

"Why do you say it like that?"

"I just wish he had put as much effort into getting to know me as he did in buying this dress."

"He did visit."

"A few visits hardly develop a relationship ready for marriage."

Ma's eyes clouded over. "Come, let's do your hair," she said with a forced gaiety in her voice. "When Josiah dropped off the dress, he asked if your hair could be left down. Hope that's all right with you."

"Don't much care." Katie tried to keep the despondency from her voice. He was already making demands.

Ma just kept talking. "The others will be going crazy waiting to see you, but I want to finish so they get the full effect."

A trickle of sweat ran down Katie's spine. She cared about only one question, but having never been close to her ma, it would not be easy to ask. Ma was almost done working with her thick tresses and still she had not voiced her concern. Better to ask Ma rather than leave it up to him.

"Your hair is so full. It looks so beautiful cascading down. And look at the pearls in the crown of this veil. I'm sure they're real." Ma stood back after putting the veil in place. "Oh my, you look so lovely. Mr. Richardson is going to absolutely love?—"

"What do I do…you know…tonight?" Heat swallowed her face as she blurted out the words. "He's not even kissed me yet, and I'm…"

Ma's hands stilled upon her head. A weighted silence filled the room.

"Don't worry, Katherine, he'll know. After all, he's been married before. Now don't concern yourself too much, it's just one of those wifely duties we women endure to procreate."

"Endure?" A quiver of panic edged up her throat. How bad would it be?

Ma moved from behind and looked into Katie's eyes. A softness radiated. "To be honest, I was repeating what was told to me. Truly, it's as natural as breathing. You'll learn together and, well, it will even be quite enjoyable." A grin tickled her ma's mouth.

"Really?"

"There, there." She patted Katie's shoulders. "I'm going to turn fifty shades of red if we keep discussing this, and so are you."

They both laughed, and Katie allowed some of her nervous tension out.

"Come." Ma pulled Katie to her feet. The hoop skirt made it difficult to move in the tight quarters, but she turned Katie toward the mirror with care.

"You look breathtaking, my girl, as every bride should. Do you like your hair?"

Katie gasped at what she saw. A total stranger stared back. Who was this lovely creature, so cultured and beautiful? She wore dainty matching gloves that covered her small work-worn hands and a form-fitting dress that accented her every curve.

She turned from side to side. The white veil stood out against the thick black hair twisted into elegant curls, kissing the side of her face. It cascaded free and wavy down her back. How different from the tight bun she typically wore.

"Are you pleased?"

"Ma, it's beautiful, but it's not me."

"Yes, Katherine, it is you. I've done you a great disservice to never let you see this side of who you are." Sadness stole into Ma's eyes. She sniffed and shook it off. "Let's go show the family."

Katie allowed Ma to lead her into the kitchen, where the family waited.

Gasps filled the room as they stepped through the doorway.

Gracie was the first to speak. "Katie's a princess, Mama."

"Yes, she is," Ma said.

Pa's eyes filled with tears as he walked over to engulf Katie in a warm hug. "My beautiful daughter."

Katie fought back the sting of tears and blinked hard.

"Now, Jeb," Aunt May scolded. "You can't make the bride cry after all the work Doris has done to get her ready. We have an hour ride to the church and forty-five minutes to make it on time." She broke up the hug and propelled Katie toward the door.

Katie usually loved the small town of Lacey Spring, but not today. News had traveled fast that Mr. Richardson had invited the whole community to the wedding and an outdoor picnic after. Word was that most everyone was up for a celebration after so much sadness during the war. Sure enough, as Katie and her family rolled up to the church, the area brimmed with hitched horses and buggies. Organ music floated out from the wide-open doors. Her family filed in, except for Pa, who waited outside with her.

Katie set her mind on not focusing. When her cue came, she held her head high and walked down the aisle on Pa's arm. With a deep breath, she looked straight past the large man in a suit smiling her way, past the preacher with his Bible in hand, and toward the stained-glass cross behind them both. She kept her eyes fixed there until the preacher said, "The ring please."

Mr. Richardson reached for her hand and pulled her to face him. They stood sideways, with the church packed to capacity looking on. Her heart raced, and her cheeks blazed hot. Everything within her wanted to run, run, run.

He lifted her trembling hand and did the oddest thing. Instead of slipping only her ring finger from the glove through the secret opening made for that purpose, he slowly, methodically, removed the dainty glove. Her first reaction was to pull away, to hide the rough skin that didn't match her pretty covering. But he held on with a firm, yet tender, grasp. He removed the ring from his pocket and slipped it on her bare finger. Then, he turned her palm upward and, with the light touch of his lips, he kissed each calloused finger.

A fluttery sensation bubbled in the pit of her stomach as he bent low so that only she could hear his words. "I never want anything to come between us, Katherine, not even a dainty white glove."

She couldn't stop her eyes from rounding, but she had no idea how to respond.

"Katherine, your ring," the pastor gently prodded.

She turned to take the plain band from her pa, then fumbled to push the ring on Josiah's finger. Heat flooded in and burnt her cheeks. His hands were large, warm, and too intimate. Her fingers took on a tremble. He came to her rescue, pushed the ring the rest of the way onto his finger, and placed his hands over hers as if to pray.

"Now, that's a great way to start a marriage, folks. I was going to leave the prayer to the end, but I think the couple is ready."

Everyone chuckled and bowed their heads.

The pastor droned on as if loving the sound of his own voice, but it gave Katie a much-needed moment to collect her wits. Until Mr. Richardson reached down and picked up her hands in his. The warmth of his skin penetrated the ice cold of hers, and, when the preacher was done praying, Mr. Richardson stepped closer.

"You may kiss the bride."

A shudder ran down Katie's spine, despite her best effort to remain stoic.

He gathered her in his arms and slowly pivoted his large back toward the crowd. He lowered his head toward her but at the last moment dropped the kiss on her cheek. The congregation hooped and hollered, none the wiser that the kiss had not met its mark. He turned to face the joyous group, keeping an arm planted around her waist. "I present to you my wife, Mrs. Katherine Richardson."

Whistles and claps filled the room and bounced off the rafters.

When he lifted his hand to the crowd, they stilled. "We invite you to stay for some good food and music, but please don't be disappointed when I whisk my beautiful bride away. We won't be staying long."

He whispered into her ear. "Smile. I won't drag this out. The least we can do is give the community a day of celebration."

She fisted her hands until her fingernails bit into the flesh. "I'll do it for my family, like I've done everything else so far today. Just don't leave me to deal with the crowds."

The creases in his forehead bunched, but he said nothing. His arm around her waist nudged her down the aisle and into the late afternoon sun.

Like a true gentleman, he stayed at her side. With a hand on the small of her back, he guided her from group to group and did most of the talking. She did most of the smiling. She worked hard to pretend all was right in her world, but not for much longer.

She didn't know how much longer she could keep the smile pasted in place when Josiah leaned down and said, "We're going to leave soon. Would you like to eat anything before we go? The church ladies put on quite the spread."

Katie looked at the long table laden with food in the shade of the sprawling oak. The people gathered around had plates piled high. Her stomach lurched. She shook her head. "You go ahead. I need to find Ma and Aunt May."

When she returned with her wedding dress minus the hoop skirt, he raised one brow and smiled. He didn't say a word, but popped the last forkful of apple pie into his mouth with a twitch to his lips.

Was he laughing at her?

She lifted her head with her nose to the sky. "A girl has to be comfortable, and the ride to the church with all this paraphernalia was torture. Glad I've been as poor as a church mouse if this is what the rich have to put up with."

He laughed full out, so loudly heads turned toward them.

A heated flush filled her cheeks. "Can we go?"

His lips curved into a wide grin, and he lifted his eyebrows. "I thought you'd never ask."