Doves Migration Read Free Page A

loading Sarah and Elise’s belongings into
the rig, Joshua was leaning up against the carriage watching his fiancées
every move. As soon as their eyes met, Elise’s heart began beating faster,
admiring his rugged, manly appearance. My, oh my, but you are a
devilishly, good-looking man, Major Carmidy! Recalling how they had
almost consummated their love the day of their reunion, she blushed. It
took some time, but he ’s definitely captivated by my charms now! She
thought, as a smile crossed her lips.
Lost in her own thoughts, Elise hadn’t realized Joshua had joined her.
Standing to the side of her, he leaned inward and placed his arm around her
waist, whispering huskily, “Any regrets?”
Elise closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath while enjoying the feel of
him so near to her. She replied earnestly, “None.” Placing her hand over
his, she rubbed it gently and leaned up against him. Turning to nuzzle
closer she moaned in a soft seductive voice, “Well, come to think of it,
maybe just one.”
“Hmm, and what would that be . . .” Joshua said, nudging her shoulder
with his. “As if I didn’t know, you shameless hussy. Behave yourself! What
will people think?”
“Oh pish-posh! Who gives a hoot?” Elise scoffed.
Chuckling, he squeezed her tighter. “Why, Elise Hamilton. I do believe
that a serious discussion with your mother and father regarding the virtues
of a proper, upstanding, Southern Belle is in order.”
Certain that no one could overhear them, she whispered, “Is that right?
Well, as I recall, you certainly didn’t object to me practically throwing
myself at you the other day, Major Carmidy.” Elise’s smile was radiant as
she gazed up at him. Grateful that although the war had kept them apart for
so long, once reunited, they were able to resume their bantering with each
other as if nothing had ever separated them.
Nuzzling close to her, he rubbed his clean-shaven face up against her
delicate ivory skin.
“You, know I was just thinking about that, and I’ve decided I reacted in
haste the other day. Surely you would agree I wasn’t thinking clearly
considering the fact that I was exhausted from riding all night straight
through from Appomattox Court House, and therefore, I deserve a second
chance. And since today being clear-headed, clean-shaven, well rested, and
having a keen desire that won’t wait much longer, surely you might grant
me a few moments to indulge myself with your charms.”
Taking a breath and winking at Elise devilishly, Joshua continued.
“Could it be that in your haste of packing, you’ve forgotten something we
could fetch together?” he whispered suggestively.
Laughing gently at his proposal, she lifted her gloved index finger,
shaking it lovingly.
“Absolutely not! You had your chance Major Carmidy. And since it
was your choice-- not mine--to wait until we were wed . . . which, I might
add, I’ve not yet decided if I should forgive you for, or not. You, my dear,
will simply have to wait until you make an honest woman of me.”
In a husky voice he growled, “Just as long as it’s not too long.”
“It won’t be much longer,” Elise said dreamily, feeling Joshua’s strong
arms wrap tighter around her waist. “Darling, look at Mama and Michael.
Do you think she will be happy in New York? All she has ever known is
Doves Landing and the life she built here in Fairfax with her dear friends.”
“Your mother is a strong woman who loves her husband very much.
She will be fine, wherever, Michael is.”
“Yes, I know how she feels . . .” She cooed up at him, her voice trailed
off, as she watched Sarah conversing with Irma and Charles Mason. My,
how they have aged since Tricia’s death!
Her smile faded as the immense guilt stirred inside her again,
remembering Tricia Mason’s death. If only I hadn’t stolen the piece of
paper off Mr. Brown’s desk that disclosed how each man had voted
regarding secession, and had not passed it on to