Northern Star

Chapter 12

Saturday inevitably arrived, to Perry's distress. She hated the thought of running into Wade at the Williamses'. Yet she knew she must go. She liked John and Mary far too much to hurt their feelings by not keeping a luncheon date. Perry dressed with care for her visit, but the fear of Wade hung like a dark cloud over her morning. She told herself again and again that John would never allow Wade to harm her, yet the memory of their carriage ride together kept flashing into her mind.

She hardly noticed the beauty of the warm day as she rode over the fields. Most of the land had gone wild with neglect. Tall grass and bindweed covered the fields. Summer's heat had choked away most of the wild blooms, leaving the landscape painted in different hues of green and brown. But nature's gentle coloring couldn't relieve the feeling of dread mounting in her.

To Perry's surprise, however, there were no other luncheon guests. She dined alone with John and Mary and had a delightful time. They'd received a letter from Hunter, stating that he planned to visit them soon. Mary showed the letter to Perry as if it were of great value.

"Just imagine, Perry, he'll come in a balloon. Won't it be a sight?" Mary said no less than three times during the meal.

Perry didn't mind Mary's repetitive chatter, for her thoughts were the same. Hunter had never left her mind these past weeks. Late at night she could almost feel him beside her. She remembered the warmth of his lips, the way his gray eyes looked into her very soul. He was as solid in her mind as he had been the day she left Philadelphia.

After lunch Perry enjoyed the ride home. There had been no mention in the letter of wedding plans. If Hunter was married, or planned to be in the near future, surely he would have written about it to his grandparents.

In high spirits, she turned up the front drive and saw the familiar old oaks waving gently in the afternoon breeze. The day had been a relaxing change from her usual routine. Knowing that there was a chance she would see Hunter again made her smile. She longed to see him healthy and strong. She wanted to see his face when they finally met in the light. Would he recognize her? Would he remember what they'd shared in the dreamworld after midnight?

As she grew closer to Three Oaks a movement caught her attention. Perry suddenly pulled her horse up short. There, tied in the shade, was Wade's black stallion.

Anger flared within her. Wade had known she would be away most of the day. Why had he paid a visit to her grandfather? As she debated whether to turn and ride away or go in and see what he wanted, he appeared on the porch.

Perry watched as her grandfather and Wade walked out onto the drive. It was obvious they had both been drinking. Wade's uniform coat hung unbuttoned on his slender frame as he leaned against the porch railing. His usually spotless dress was sloppy today, as was his stride. The two men seemed to be visiting like old friends. Their loud, drunken voices shattered the quiet countryside.

"Oh, my fair young lady is home." Wade moved toward her as she reluctantly dismounted.

Perry refused to look at him. She could smell the liquor on his breath.

He moved close behind her and whispered sarcastically, "Do not be angry, my love. I had business with your grandfather today." He let his finger run idly across her shoulder and down her arm. The trail of his touch left an imprint in her velvet jacket. "I'll call when you're home next time."

Perry whispered back in a catlike hiss. "Mr. Williams, you needn't call on me ever." She jerked her arm away from his reach, brushing her sleeve to erase his sinister touch.

Wade laughed. "Ah, the woman finally shows some spirit."

Perry pushed past Wade Williams and ran toward the house. She collided with her unobservant grandfather. He stumbled across the porch and landed harmlessly in an old wicker chair. Glancing over her shoulder to ensure her safety, she then disappeared up the stairs without giving Wade time to say anything else.

Perry didn't have long to wonder what business Wade wanted with her grandfather. At dinner her grandfather seemed in high spirits. Though he'd been drinking all day, he made a great effort to carry his half of the conversation. He even asked about John and Mary, as if they were old and dear friends.

About halfway through dinner her grandfather turned to the topic of his afternoon guest. Had he not been drinking, he might have trod more lightly into the subject.

"Captain Williams is a fine man, don't you think, dear?" Ignoring her lack of response, he continued. "He'd make a fine husband."

Now Perry did respond. First with a gasp of surprise, then, leaning forward, announcing, "No! I don't think he would. I know I wouldn't marry him." She couldn't believe her grandfather, even drunk, could be so blind.

To her surprise her grandfather reacted violently. He slammed his fist on the table, rattling the crystal as he yelled, "You'll marry who I say this time. I know best."

Though Perry was shocked, she felt a deep sadness, for she knew he was lost somewhere between the past and the present. Her words were softer than they might have been. "Grandfather, you can't mean you would make me marry a man I don't love. I don't even like Wade Williams."

The old man sobered somewhat, and a degree of reality touched his watery eyes. "Love! What has love got to do with anything? Your mother loved, and what did it get her? What did it get me?" His voice softened. "I will not hurry you, but in the end you will marry Wade."

"But, why, Grandfather?" Perry asked, horrified and astounded by his determination. She didn't believe for one minute that anyone could make her marry someone she detested so.

Her grandfather emptied his glass of wine, and his reply was slurred. "It would be advantageous to all. Wade has great plans to run this area and someday plans to be governor. He'll have the power. If he had a Southern wife, he'd gain the support of the people. You'd be the governor's wife someday. Also, I owe a great deal of taxes. Wade promised to take care of that for me, and in exchange the two of you would inherit this place when I die."

"If it's money, Grandfather, we can get money," Perry pleaded. However, in her mind, she wondered where she could locate any cash. Her mother's pouch, with jewelry tucked between the folds of family papers, was hidden in a barn Perry would never be able to locate again. The only thing of any value she had was Ravenwood, and it belonged to her brother too. It would be unthinkable to sell their home just as Andrew returned.

"No, it's not the money. He also made me another promise I value more than this place." He stood somewhat unsteadily and cupped her face in his hands. "You have to understand; I've buried a wife and a daughter, both dying during childbirth. He promised me there will be no children from your marriage."

"How can a man promise such?" Perry' asked, her cheeks reddening.

"Never mind, Perry. Just take your time. You'll realize I'm right about Wade. The South we know is dead. Here's your chance to survive. I plan to see that you get this chance." His eyes clouded over, and Perry knew he could no longer hear her. He picked up a half-empty bottle and disappeared into the study, as he did every night.

Perry walked to the window and stared out. The three oak trees made dark shadows on the front lawn. She watched their mournful swaying. She was angry at her grandfather for trying to manipulate her life. But he was an old man whose logic was clouded by drink. Wade was a different problem. The arrogance of his bargaining with her grandfather for her hand overwhelmed her. She walked slowly to her room, chin held high with pride and determination. Wade Williams would find he had more to reckon with than an old man if he continued with this insane scheme.

The next three weeks were a nightmare for Perry. Wade came to the house almost daily. Each time her hatred of him grew. He smiled at her and made polite conversation in front of her grandfather. However, when alone, he took great pleasure in trying to aggravate her. She thought this a strange way to try to win her heart, but it seemed in keeping with his personality.

Pondering Wade's actions for the hundredth time, she slowly dressed for a dinner party. This was the first dinner at Three Oaks in over twenty years but Perry had no wish to attend it. Wade arranged every detail of the evening with her grandfather. He even hired a girl to help with the cooking. Though Perry would serve as hostess, she felt very much like a guest. Noma was so excited about the party that Perry wished she could share some of her enthusiasm. Noma had spent hours cleaning the formal dining room. Invitations went out to four local couples, including John and Mary Williams. Normally the idea of a dinner part would have thrilled Perry. Only tonight she faced it with dread, due to Wade's presence. Noma thought her criticism of Wade unjust and kept laughing about sparks of anger igniting love.

Perry tried again and again to understand exactly what it was about Wade that fired such hatred in her. She even tried to tell herself that he'd been doing his job when he'd kidnapped her. Perhaps he was even unaware of how greatly he was hurting her in the carriage? But she'd been there, she'd seen his cruelty firsthand. In the final analysis she knew, more than anything else, that her repulsion was rooted in the air of evil she felt when close to him. She disliked his way of manipulating people, but she hated the look in his eyes when he watched her. It reminded her of a wild animal watching his prey. Now, tonight, she would have to spend an entire evening across the table from him.

Noma broke into Perry's thoughts with her chatter. "It's time to go down. Now, no more nonsense about Mr. Wade. I will not hear another bad word about the man. Didn't he send extra kitchen help for Sarah and three stable boys to help out back? No man that considerate would make a bad husband. Besides, it's time you learned that every man has his good and bad side. A woman just has to live with one in order to get the benefit of the other."

Perry refused to comment. Noma carefully checked each curl of Perry's ebony hair, now pulled high in a crown atop her head. Perry stared at her reflection in the triple mirrors, feeling very much alone. Her ray of hope remained with her brother, Andrew. He would stop this insane courtship when he returned home. More men were returning every day. It was just a matter of time. He would protect her from Wade's scheming.

As Perry moved down the hall she remembered her grandfather saying he wouldn't rush her into marriage.

Maybe tins obsession of Wade's would play out in time. If she could keep her grandfather from getting too upset, she could stall for time indefinitely.

With stubborn determination Perry lifted her head. She would enjoy the evening, regardless of Wade Williams. There were guests waiting downstairs, and this was her first real dinner party. She and Noma had worked all morning remaking one of her mother's dresses. The dark blue silk was now draped in flowing clouds from her tiny waist. The rich material pulled snug across her breast, broken only by the snow-white lace at the collar and bell-shaped cuffs. She wished Hunter was the one waiting downstairs and not his cousin, but Hunter had become more a dream each day.

As Perry descended the stairs she noticed that three of the four couples had already arrived, leaving only John and Mary Williams. She stood politely as her grandfather introduced her to each of their guests. They were all older, influential people in the area. Perry made polite conversation as she watched the door for the last couple.

Wade circled the room, refilling drinks and talking. He smiled each time he passed Perry, yet said nothing. His wiry grin made her flesh crawl.

To Perry's relief the Williamses arrived just as dinner was being announced. Wade hurried to greet them, as if it were his party and his home. Mary Williams said hello to her nephew, but her usual bubbling warmth was absent. John apologized for being late, explaining he had been busy helping his grandson ready a flying balloon for liftoff.

The guests turned all conversation to John as he explained Hunter's landing a day earlier not more than ten miles to the south.

Enjoying the center stage, John elaborately described Hunter's landing in a field between his farm and the old church. Everyone could see the pride John had in his grandson as he explained that the lift-off would be in sight of the church, about mid-morning tomorrow. At Mary's suggestion, he invited all for a drink of her lemonade afterward.

Everyone was interested and amazed, except Wade, who sulked quietly by the window. Perry watched him force a smile and knew Wade resented Hunter's name intruding.

Perry felt sure that people would come from miles around to see the balloon lift off. She turned to her grandfather. "May we go watch?" she asked as they strolled a few feet away from the other guests. She could feel Wade following close at their heels and hoped he wouldn't invite himself along.

Wade stepped between her and her grandfather. "Of course I'll take you, Perry. It will be right on the way to church."

Perry noticed that he addressed her informally, but she made no comment. She resented the intrusion into her conversation. Her voice was cold as she whispered, "I hadn't planned on attending church, Mr. Williams. Tomorrow is Saturday, I believe."

Wade seemed not the least discouraged. He continued as if she hadn't spoken. "Yes, dear," he whispered back, "what better day for a wedding? Your grandfather and I have been talking, and we decided a short engagement would be in order.'' His lips disappeared into a thin smile that framed his teeth. Clasping his hands behind his back, he rocked forward off his heels in arrogant victory.

Anger clouded Perry's vision as she fought for control. How dare he be so presumptuous! Her hands balled into fists as she fought the urge to grab his throat and choke the smug smile from his face. "I'll not marry you tomorrow-or any other day, Mr. Williams! Do I make myself clear?"

Wade grinned like an animal who'd just trapped his prey. "It's been arranged, Perry. You might as well sit back and enjoy your engagement party, for tomorrow will be your wedding day." A fire danced in his dark eyes as his smile distorted his face into an evil mask. Perry watched the small scar above his eye and wished Hunter were there to help her as he'd once helped Abram, for she felt she was about to be trampled by Wade.

Perry looked to her grandfather for support. He was just finishing his third glass of wine. She knew he could be stubborn once he’d made up his mind and had a few drinks to fortify his determination. Well, she was just as stubborn, and she was not going to marry this man. She knew women had little more rights than slaves, but she also knew she was a fighter. Wade must be out of his mind to think she would marry him-she'd see them both dead first.

The other guests were watching her. She slowly forced her hands to relax at her side. She had to control herself and think. Maybe later, when her grandfather was sober, she could talk to him. If he knew how Wade had harmed her in Philadelphia, he would change his mind. As she took her grandfather's arm and proceeded to the dinner table, her mind raced for a way out of Wade Williams's clutches.