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Reflection in Glass

By Robin Densmore Fuson

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Reflection in Glass

Province of Maryland
1775

“Prudence, will you give me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Prudence gasped and placed her hand on her throat as Oliver knelt before her.
She flew to his arms with an outcry. “Yes!”
This outburst and demonstration of affection would have given her Aunt Emeline apoplexy. The young couple was completely alone, against propriety, but they were outdoors, after all.
Earlier, her aunt took to bed with a terrible headache and her parents were out. Granny would be dozing in her chair by the window but wouldn’t be able to see them from her vantage point, had she opened her eyes.
Oliver picked her up and swung her in a circle. “That’s my girl.” He set her on her feet and held her at arm’s length. She gazed up into his smiling face as the tears of joy clouded her eyes. Prudence blinked rapidly but the flow was relentless. Oliver released her and she took out her lace handkerchief to dab at the dribble. His grin continued and soon she got control of her tears and joined him in a dazzling smile.
“Shall we sit?” Oliver escorted her to the stone bench. They sat among a variety of roses, which bloomed in red, pink, yellow, and white, carrying a heady scent. “I already asked your father. He gave me his blessing. You had no idea?”
She shook her head. “Father didn’t say a word. Nor did Mother. Had they known you decided to come today, they would not have left us alone. I’m sure Auntie and Granny are unaware, or the excitement of the event could not be kept silent.”
“I ordered a set of gimmal rings to be made, one for each of us and the third, my brother will provide at our wedding. This will complete our set at the speaking of our vows.”
Prudence clasped her hands together. “I can’t wait to see them. When will they be ready?”
“I hope soon. First, I need to measure your finger.” He slipped his hand over hers. “Your fingers are so delicate yet long, slender, and strong and I want the rings to fit perfectly so they don’t slip off.”
Prudence watched him lift her hand to his mouth. The tender kiss felt like a butterfly. A chill ran up her arm. Normally, she would have donned silk, or at the very least linen gloves in his company, but his unexpected visit caught her unsuitably dressed. In the excitement, she had neglected to pull them on. She rather liked his touch on her skin.
“When shall we set the date?”
“We can talk to my parents tonight but it may get a bit tricky. Of course, I want to marry soon, but you know Mother. She will want a long engagement for propriety and to put together my wedding garments. Father will agree. I’m their only child and a daughter to boot. A disagreement shall erupt unless I sway her into my way of thinking.” Prudence bit her lip. “I’ve always wanted a large wedding. Are you terribly disappointed?”
“Ah.” He nodded. “I didn’t know you would need so much time to prepare but I want you to enjoy a huge wedding. Shall we wed this next Christmas?”
“I’ll see if I can talk Mother into it. If not, can we make it a spring wedding?”
“Early spring, say March or April?”
They sat in companionable silence for a moment. Oliver asked, “May I kiss you? After all, we are officially betrothed.”
Prudence felt the heat rise up her cheeks. “Yes.”
The tender kiss lasted a brief time. Too brief. She wanted another and another. She inwardly chided herself for these wanton feelings. Her minister father would be disappointed in her. Her mother might send her to her room, even though she had turned eighteen, and Aunt Emeline would no doubt swoon. She wanted to giggle at the supposed scene she’d cause.
The sound from the front announced the arrival of her parents. Might he sneak another? She raised her face and was rewarded.
She grinned. He winked at her as he stood and moved away four paces.

Prudence gazed around the table at her loved ones as they all tried to talk at once. Excitement of the upcoming nuptials rushed through the room like a zephyr. She smiled. They were intoxicated by the thoughts and plans as if they had drunk a dark brew. Oliver met her eyes and lifted an eyebrow.
She held in a giggle as she raised her water glass to her lips. What must he be thinking? Did he love her enough to step into this crazy family? As if reading her mind, he nodded. She breathed deeply and exhaled, letting the tension fall away. They had always been friends who loved each other. He was already part of her life and family.
His family’s plantation bordered hers to the north, but with a combined 1600 acres, one did not walk, one rode a horse or drove a buggy, to call. Since long before her birth each plantation had grown tobacco, but the prices had plummeted a while back and the fields now produced wheat, corn, a variety of vegetables, and had parcels for grazing cattle. His father also produced incredible horses—muscle bound and fast as lightning. His steed munched on hay in the barn and stood three hands taller than her gelding.
Laughter interrupted her musings. She found all eyes on her. “What, pray tell, is so amusing?”
“The silly look on your face.” Aunt Emeline smirked.
Prudence knew her aunt loved her and didn’t take offense. “I was thinking of our plantation. Father, do you suppose we should try our hand at cotton?”
“Dear, what gave you that idea? The southern colonies grow that particular crop well. We made our transition and are quite satisfied with the profits. My father, and his, prided themselves in the green fields of tobacco and we now grow corn and wheat. Those white blossoms of cotton are just not the same.”
She shrugged. “I only speculated, dear Father.”
“Extra hands would be needed to pick and additional sleeping and cooking buildings to be built. A few dozen more slaves. I believe we do well to keep what we know works. Don’t you agree, Oliver?”
Oliver winked at her before turning to her father. “Sir, in my humble opinion, new ideas are always welcome. A keen mind to go with a beautiful face is a blessing. Our land as well is producing a bumper crop, but I’m always open to discussion and investigation. They may lead to an even brighter future.”
Prudence smiled as her heart soared. Oliver seemed to say the right thing, to take her side, and yet not offend her parents. A diplomat to say the least. She was a blessed woman indeed.
As the dessert dishes were taken away, the conversation drifted to the date of the wedding. Mother said, “We need much more time to put on a decent wedding. I assume you want the spring thaw to be over so mud will not interfere with the buggy wheels and create havoc with your gown and satin slippers. I propose a June wedding.”
“I love the snow and cold, how about January or February?” Prudence asked.
“Too soon.”
Her father said, “Beulah, we should compromise. This is her wedding after all.”
“Yes, dear.” Her mother looked through the window for a moment while drumming her fingers on the table. “How about early May? or I suppose April would be a fine time.”
“April it is! Oliver, is that a good time for you?”
His eyes held hers. “I cast my vote for tomorrow.” He turned toward her parents. “But April is a pretty month. Spring it is.”
Prudence smiled to herself. She had won a round without causing a scene and Mother thought it her idea.
“Hoofbeats. Someone is approaching at a gallop.” Oliver stood.
Her father wiped his mouth on his napkin and rose at the sound of swift footfalls up the front porch steps. Oliver and her father rushed to the dining room’s double doors. Oliver took hold of one knob and her father the other. The front door banged open and stomps could be heard on the hardwood floor approaching their location.
Prudence ran around the table to stand beside Mother, Auntie, and Granny. Her father nodded to Oliver and in one accord, they opened the double doors. The intruder sprawled onto the floor. Her father placed his foot onto the man’s back. “Move a muscle and I’ll let my future son-in-law run you through.” At that moment Silas, their butler, handed Oliver a saber. To make their point, Oliver let the man feel the tip of the saber. His other hand held a dagger.
Prudence knew he carried an extra strapped to his calf but had not seen him retrieve the deadly looking thing.
“Now Mr. Cox, you may rise slowly and state your business in a gentlemanly manner and remember, we have ladies present.” Her father said.
Their neighbor rose at a much calmer pace than he had entered. Her father pulled over a chair. “Sit.”
He dropped into the chair. “Your cattle have roamed into my fields. I swear, I’ll shoot one and have him to feed my family come winter.”
“See how easy it is to speak in a proper manner?” He turned. “Silas, please send Boon and a passel of men to catch the animals and right the fence.”
“Yes sir.” He nodded and left.
“Would you like some coffee, Mr. Cox?” Prudence’s mother asked.
He glanced her way. “No thank you.”
“I’m sorry there isn’t any pie. Had you come calling earlier, you might have enjoyed some nice cherry.”
Prudence clamped her lips tight to contain the grin.
Her father said, “You may take your leave. Unless there is something else on your mind?”
Mr. Cox shook his head.
“Be aware, we will not tolerate an entrance in that manner again. With all the unrest in the colonies you’re lucky we didn’t shoot and ask questions after. Am I clear? You can knock and let Silas answer just like everyone else. My men do my bidding and better not be molested in any way.”
Mr. Cox stood and turned to Oliver. “Future son-in-law. Humph.” He took hold of the tip of the saber and moved it out of his way and proceeded out the door.
No one moved until the sound of horse hooves died out.
“What did he think would happen?” Auntie asked.
“Why didn’t you run him through?” asked Granny.
Prudence said, “Oh Granny, I love you.” She kissed the wrinkled cheek.
“I suggest we load up on arms and put them in strategic places around the house. His actions today cemented what I’ve been thinking.”
“Where do his loyalties lie?” asked Oliver.
“He’s loyal to the crown, I’m afraid. He may become a real threat. Ladies, it is time again to sharpen your marksmanship skills.” He held up his hand. “Mother, I know you can shoot a bug off the oak across the river but everyone should practice.”
Prudence lifted her eyebrow. This should be entertaining.
 

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