“SOPHIA? DARLING, THE ship has gone from sight.”
Closing my eyes tightly, I slowly shook my head. “I cannot leave, Irene. Please tell me I am dreaming and I did not just say good-bye to my husband for the next few months.”
Danny’s mother wrapped her arms around me. She was the mother I had always dreamed of having. “Oh, Sophia.” She whispered as she kissed the back of my head. “We will stay so busy, the time will just fly by. I promise.”
Turning, I faced her. I was sure I looked a mess. Irene gave me the sweetest smile as she reached up and wiped my tear soaked face. “Shall we head home for some tea?”
Nodding my head, I followed Danny’s parents. I heard someone call out my name. Looking toward the voice, I saw Devlin. Attempting to smile, I gave him a slight bow of my head as he began to move my way. “Mr. and Mrs. Stowe. How are you this evening?”
Danny’s father smiled and shook Devlin’s hand. “Mr. Covington, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
Devlin chuckled. “Please, call me Devlin.”
Irene nodded her head and smiled politely. Devlin began walking alongside me as Danny’s parents continued to walk ahead of me. Devlin and Chester talked business for a few minutes before Devlin turned his attention to me. “I never did get a chance to congratulate you on your marriage, Sophia.”
Smiling, I dipped my head and said, “Thank you.”
The smile that spread across his face caused me to smile bigger. “I’m glad you are happy. I see your love for Daniel in your eyes, Sophia. I pray someday to have someone look upon me as you look upon Daniel.”
Irene and Chester both turned slightly and looked at Devlin before casting their eyes back ahead. “I love him very much. Daniel and I are to have a child.”
Not looking the least bit surprised, he smiled again. “Now, that is cause to have a party.”
My smile faded. “I am afraid I will not be in the party mood until my husband returns from England.”
“England? Daniel left for England?” Devlin asked.
Looking away, I gazed out toward the water as Chester filled Devlin on everything that was happening to their family business back in London. He told Devlin he thought Danny would be back within four months if not sooner.
Four months. Four long lonely months without my Danny.
“It’s been over two months with no news, Chester. I’m beginning to worry.”
I stood outside Chester’s study. It was rude to eavesdrop, but I knew Irene and Chester were speaking of Danny. No one wanted to say anything in front of me for fear of the baby. My pregnancy thus far had been a hard one. I was always sick and could hardly keep any food down. I could see the worry in Irene’s eyes.
Knocking slightly on the door, I pushed it open when Chester’s voice called out. “Enter, Sophia sweetheart.”
Smiling, I entered the room and made my way over to the sofa as I placed my hand on the small bump that was our baby. Sitting and folded my hands in my lap. “If you are speaking about Daniel, I’d like to be present. Being his wife and the mother of his child, it’s only fair I’m kept informed of things.”
Giving me a smile that reminded me of Danny, his father nodded his head. “You are right, my darling. We worry about you and the child.”
Irene sat down next to me and placed her hand over my mind. “Sophia, we should have heard from Daniel or his uncle by now. It’s just worrisome, that is all.”
Nodding my head, I gave her a weak smile. “Indeed it is, I’m sure it’s just a delay in the post. Danny will probably bring his own letter back to me.”
Irene’s smile faded as she quickly looked at Chester and back to me as she said, “You are probably right, my dear.”
My eyes filled with tears. “He promised me, Irene. He promised me he would come back to me. He promised.”
Sensing my despair, Irene quickly stood. “Fresh air is what we need. Shall we go for a walk, Sophia?”
Standing, I nodded my head. “I suspect you are right.”
It wasn’t long after, Irene and I were walking along the streets of Savannah and the cool wind was blowing in my face. I took in a deep breath and slowly blew it out. I hadn’t wanted to voice the uneasiness I felt in my heart. I had a terrible feeling that something was wrong with Danny. Pushing my fears away, I glanced up and took in my beloved city. The earthquake that struck at the end of August was evident in many locations. Irene and Chester’s house had suffered very little damage, a few things had fallen and broken, but that was the extent of it. My parents’ home saw slightly more damage, but nothing like what others in Charleston had suffered. My hand went to my stomach, as I felt sick just thinking of the d
evastation. Turning to look forward, I saw Devlin walking toward us. Stopping, I nodded my head and smiled as he approached.
“Sophia, your face is covered in the most breathtaking glow. Pregnancy wears well on you.”