Engaged
As Cordia pulled into the drive that led to the barn, she noticed a familiar horse tied outside of the stables. She found it rather odd that Carey Adams would be at their house this early on a Wednesday afternoon. It wasn’t quite super time yet, and though he had been a frequent guest of late, he usually didn’t arrive until much later in the day. She also noticed that her father’s cart was in the barn, which meant that he was also home. At first, her heart caught in her throat, afraid they had some terrible news to tell her. But then she realized that no one had any idea that she was in love with Will. If something happened to him, she would have to find out from Julia or his aunt. Her parents would never think to break such news on her lightly.
Neither would Carey Adams. He would probably be sufficiently delighted to find out that something awful had happened to Will, simply because Carey seemed to be pleased anytime another human being suffered. The thought of entering her own home and being faced with him was enough to make her sick to her stomach.
He had been courting her for months now. She knew her father had approved, and while she had protested several times, her mother always ended up in tears, and Cordia reluctantly gave in. After all, he was always polite, never tried to kiss her or acted inappropriately; he only tried to hold her hand and told her stories about how perfect their life would be someday when they were married. He had visions of a legion of children she would have to birth and care for, and since she was fully aware of how those children would have to come into existence, she quickly changed the subject each time he broached it so as to keep any mental images at bay. Now, as she climbed down from her seat and began to put the horses and wagon away, she saw Frieda coming out of the side door to the house either to help her or move her along. Either way, she knew Frieda’s assistance would allow her to join Mr. Adams inside more readily, so she did her best to dilly-dally.
“Miss Cordia,” Frieda said, marching over as quickly as her short, stocky legs could carry her, “Your father requests your presence inside directly.” She took the reins from Cordia’s hands and proceeded to take over.
“That’s quite all right,” Cordia replied, attempting to usurp her way back into the process. “I don’t need any help.”
Frieda knew exactly what was happening. “Now, Cordia,” she insisted, stopping in her tracks and turning to face her young mistress, “You best just go ahead and make your way in there now. Ain’t no use in prolonging the situation.”
“What does he want this time?” Cordia asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.
Frieda shook her head. Though she didn’t always agree with Cordia’s headstrong ways, she did want the girl to be happy, and she was very much assured that Carey Adams was not the one who could make her so. Nevertheless, she was under strict orders to get Miss Cordia inside as quickly as possible. “Well, darlin’, why don’t you go ahead and make your way into the house and find out already?”
Cordia sighed. She knew that stalling would do her no good in the end. Hanging her head, she slowly turned and made her way inside. She used the same side door that Frieda had exited through and was hoping to have the opportunity to at least freshen her dress and make herself a bit more presentable before announcing her presence. As much as she didn’t care what Carey thought of her appearance, it would give her the opportunity to take a little more time before having to face him. However, her mother heard the door closing and yelled for her to join them in the parlor.
Making her way into the room, Cordia could see that her mother was serving both her father and Carey tea from their best service. “There you are, darling,” she said sitting down the teapot and making her way over to Cordia. She took her gently by the arm and led her over to the duvet where Carey was sitting. “Lt. Adams is here to see us. Isn’t that nice, Cordia?”
Carey nodded politely in her direction, holding a teacup in his hand. Her mother poured a cup for her as well and handed it to her before sitting down in a chair next to her father. He was smoking a cigar, a grin plastered across his face, and Cordia couldn’t help but look from one to the next, wondering what was going on.
“Cordia,” her father began, setting his teacup down on the small table next to his chair. “Carey stopped by to see me this afternoon at work. We had thought about waiting until after church Sunday to share the good news with you, but the more we discussed it, the more I realized, life is short. Why put off until tomorrow what can give us joy today?”
Cordia was confused. She shook her head slowly, indicating to her father that she didn’t understand what he was saying. Carey spoke then, also setting his teacup down. “Cordia, I was sharing with your father how wonderful it has been for me to get to know you again these past several months. You and I have spent quite a bit of time together recently, and you should know how fond I’ve become of you.” He reached for her hand and, though she was bewildered, she offered it to him, unsure as to precisely what he intended to do. “Cordia, you are a remarkable young lady. Beautiful, intelligent, and an important member of the community. Your father and I have spoken, and he agrees that you and I make a fine match.”
A shriek of delight from her mother caught Cordia’s attention for a brief moment, and she turned her head to see her mother was crying. Feeling as if she were in a dream, Cordia glanced at her father, who was also beaming, and then back to Carey. He had a gleam in his eye, as if to say, “I always win.” He let go of her hand for just a moment and began reaching around in the inside pocket of his uniform. “Cordia, darling, will you make me a very happy man by consenting to be my wife?”
Even as he was slipping the ring on her finger, Cordia’s mother was up out of her chair, flying across the room and embracing her. “Oh, Cordia, I’m so thrilled!” she gushed. Her father was standing now, patting Carey on the back and shaking his hand.
Cordia sat on the sofa, frozen, glancing at Carey over her mother’s shoulder. Suddenly, there was a noise at the door, and neighbors began to pour into the living room. Cordia stood, shocked to see so many of her friends and acquaintances. Each of them stopped to hug her and tell them how very happy they were for her. Even Margaret Adams was there, and though it was evident she had been crying, she congratulated Cordia and told her she was so glad she would be a part of their family at last.
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