Whirlwind
The next few hours were a whirlwind of gifts and baked goods, congratulator hugs, followed by a meal, piano playing, and dancing. Cordia was obligated to dance with her new fiancé though it was awkward to say the least, not just because of his missing arm but more so because she could not stand to be held so closely to him. Everyone clapped and cheered, some insisting that the new couple kiss, to which Cordia was able to draw the line, based on her own modesty.
At the end of the evening, the visitors slowly started to file out. Cordia had found her way out to the porch swing, where she was sitting with Susannah, who was going on and on about how unfair it was that Cordia’s husband would never have to go off to fight again. Cordia was lost in her own thoughts and barely noticed exactly who was stopping by to tell her they were leaving until Susannah finally stood and hugged her goodbye, her little ones pulling on her skirts as they made their way down the porch steps.
Carey slowly sauntered over and took a seat next to her on the swing. He said nothing at first, giving her a moment to gather her thoughts. When she did not acknowledge him, he finally said, “Well, I hope you understand that this is for the best.”
She could not help but chuckle. “Whatever do you mean? I didn’t even say yes.”
“Well, of course you did,” he replied smartly. “All of those people think you did anyway. Now, what are you going to do? Call off the wedding and break your poor mother’s heart? Don’t be ridiculous.”
Cordia said nothing. All she could think about all evening was how she was going to find a way to get out of this sham. She also knew it was imperative that she write to Will immediately, in case word got to him that she was engaged to Carey. She needed to make sure he understood precisely what had happened so that he was not at all confused or concerned. “I’ve got to hand it to you, Lt. Adams,” she said indignantly. “You sure did find a way to manipulate this situation into your favor.”
Carey smiled and nodded. “I always win, Cordia,” he replied smartly.
Her immediate response was, “Tell that to the Union soldier who took your arm,” but she did not say it aloud. There was no point. Instead she said quietly, “I’m going off to bed. If I don’t see you again for quite some time, that will be all right with me.”
He chuckled softly, knowing she would be seeing a lot of him for the rest of her life. “Have a lovely evening, darling,” he replied. Then, standing quickly and grabbing her arm, he pulled her in closely and said, “I look forward to the day when we shall retire to the bedroom together.”
Cordia yanked her arm away in disgust. Again, holding her tongue, she turned sharply and made her way inside. Her mother was standing nearby, arms open wide, ready to congratulate her again. Cordia only glanced in her direction before climbing up the stairs and slamming her bedroom door.
“Must have had a lover’s quarrel,” her father supposed, patting his wife on the shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll get over it. You know our Cordy.”
Though she was disappointed and a bit concerned, Jane nodded and went about helping Frieda clean up, completely oblivious to the tears her daughter was shedding upstairs.
Cordia did everything she could to keep from completely saturating the paper with the teardrops that were streaming from her face as she began to write to Will. She knew his enlistment was almost up, and she had been praying desperately for months, for years even, that he would return home once he was free to do so. She knew that it would be difficult for him to walk away from the men he had been fighting alongside for years, but she could see no other way to escape Carey’s clutches without breaking her poor mother’s heart and disappointing so many people.
Dearest Will,
I hope this letter finds you safe and well. While I am generally inclined to keep my correspondence light and positive, there is a situation I must relay to you, and I hope that it neither finds you offended or dismayed. It is difficult to explain precisely the events that have led to the current situation, but I will do my best to elucidate the occurrences as they have transpired. Some months ago, Carey Adams asked my father for permission to court me. He has fooled many a soul by portraying himself as an outstanding member of the community, and my parents were thrilled at the opportunity he provided me to finally find a replacement for dear Jaris. Reluctantly, I gave my consent, not because I find him any less repulsive now than I ever have, but because I knew that, should I decline, my poor mother’s heart would break. So, I have been doing my due diligence, allowing him to accompany me on strolls and carriage rides, that sort of thing, for several months. I assure you that there has been no romantic sentiment exchanged whatsoever. I have had (and still do have) every intention of confessing our relationship to my parents upon your return. However, I have said nothing to them or to anyone else, as we have discussed. Your dear sister and I have hardly spoken since this charade has begun, and I am not sure if she is even aware that Carey believes that I am his betrothed. Nevertheless, this evening, Mr. Adams found a way to ask me for my hand and persuade the entire town that I had said yes, when in fact, I never answered at all. There was a party with singing and dancing and all sort of celebration. And there I sat, with this hideous ring upon my finger knowing full well I had never consented—nor shall I ever consent—to be his wife. I shall put off coming clean until you return unless you decide to re-enlist, at which time, I will be forced to speak the truth so as to avoid becoming the wife of Lt. Carey Adams. I hope that you will forgive me for not carrying our secret, though I’m certain you can understand why. Please, my love, write back soon so that I know my actions have not upset you and that you understand why I have done the things that I have done. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and I pray that your heart will lead you home directly so that we may begin our life together.
All my love,
Cordia
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