Doves Migration Read Free Page B

Thomas Hastings.
Perhaps then that innocent, young girl might still be alive. Such thoughts
sent immediate shivers up her spine.
Joshua leaned closer and asked, “Are you all right, darling?”
“Yes, just got a chill, is all,” Elise said, trying to sound convincing, not
wanting to alarm him. Nonchalantly she began rubbing his hand, still
wrapped tightly around her, still troubled by her thoughts, knowing for as
long as she lived, she would never forgive herself for the role she played in
Tricia’s death, or for shooting Joseph when he tried to run. The lifeless
eyes starring up at her was a sight that still haunted her till this day.
Looking down at Joshua’s hand she closed her eyes, desperately trying
to block out all the pain she had caused. Immense guilt filled her at being
able to feel safe from harm with the arms of the man she loved wrapped
around her, knowing all that she had done. Her guilt-ridden mind couldn’t
seem to forget--much less forgive--her past actions and suddenly tears from
her inner anguish streamed down her cheeks.
Knowingly, Joshua whispered reassuringly in her ear. “Elise, don’t do
this to yourself. Put it behind us darling, if not for you and me, but for
them. We were at war, but now we must try to rebuild a life. One that will
be of peace.”
Speaking not a word, Elise listened to his soothing words, needing to
make some sense of all the tragedies of war that not only she had
committed, but that others had also.
“There is not a soul in this grieving nation, who has not done
something of which they are not particularly proud of, north and south
alike. War has brought out the best, and the worst, in us all. I look at
Hastings over there and I honestly sympathize with that poor bastard. That
shell of the man standing there could just as easily be me.”
Just then Thomas glanced at them and nodded politely. Returning his
nod, Joshua quickly continued. “Don’t you think it troubles me that I can
go home and step back into my life in the North with only my personal
demons and nightmares to remind me of all that has occurred? What does
he and others just like him do? With no family, no home to come back to?
Where does a man like him, with so much rage inside him, even begin to
build a new life?”
“Oh Joshua,” she whispered lovingly. “Is it any wonder why I love you
so?” Feeling a tug around her waist, she softly whispered, “As far as
Thomas goes, don’t worry about him. Michael has offered him a position
as overseer of Doves Landing, as well as helping at Glenbrook. I told you
that Glenbrook has been converted to an orphanage for girls, didn’t I?”
“Yes. I recall you saying that when you explained how Mr. Brown and
Miranda found their way to Washington and New York too. Wasn’t it?
Lucas Brown in New York? By God, now that’s something I cannot
imagine.”
“Well it’s true. Miranda and her father are in Washington right now,
actually. From what I understand, Miranda travels from Washington to
New York quite regularly. Seems Mr. Brown is quite active with old
colleagues of his. I believe they call them the War Democrats. So we will
join them for a visit . . . that is, if it’s alright with you darlin’.”
“That works out perfectly, since I have business to attend to in
Washington myself. That is, if we ever get on the road today!”
Elise turned to face Joshua, hearing the frustration in his voice. “Don’t
fret dear, I’ll go and see if I can move Mama along. Now wait here, I’ll be
just a minute . . .” Before he had a chance to stop her, Elise was off, her
hoop skirts swaying back and forth. “Mama.” Her voice trailed in the wind.
“Please do try and hurry, it’s getting quite late.”
Hearing Elise, Noah and Gweneth Crenshaw looked over at Joshua and
smiled. Then turning back to Elise, Noah said, “God has indeed blessed
you, Miss Elise.”
“Yes, sir. He certainly has,” she replied, politely.
Realizing Joshua was