Severed Legacies: The Malevolent Trilogy 3

By Carrie Dalby

In the summer of 1917, the world is in turmoil. Ethelwynne Graves sees her fiancé off to war while yearning to stretch her wings within her still-sheltered life.

As the war rages across the sea, Sean Spunner has his sights on a local battle of his own. Running for political office threatens to resurrect his past sins, and dredg

• Language: English
• Publisher: Olive Kent Publishing
• Release date: Jul 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957892078

Carrie Dalby

Carrie Dalby, a Mobile resident since 1996, is known for her detailed historical fiction novels set here in the bay area during the Progressive Era. For adult readers (recommended ages 16+) Carrie's projects are all historical Southern Gothics. In the family saga genre there are The Possession Chronicles and The Malevolent Trilogy. Carrie is currently working on the fourth/final book in the Washington Square Secrets quartet. LOYALTY, the third book in this paranormal series, releases on August 27, 2024. Also available are two novels for readers twelve and older: FORTITUDE (historical) and CORRODED (contemporary.) Carrie has served two terms as president of Mobile Writers Guild, worked as the Mobile area Local Liaison for SCBWI from 2012-2017, and helps coordinate the Mobile Literary Festival.

Book preview

Prologue

Ethelwynne Graves surveyed the parade of Army uniforms under the burning July fifth sun. The strains of Dixie and the shouts from the crowd faded as the sight blurred behind a veil of unshed tears. Nathan Paterson had left weeks ago, a quiet departure compared to this city-wide event. That summer of 1917, over a thousand enlisted men from Mobile were leaving to aid the European allies. With Nathan’s departure a few days after high school graduation, Ethelwynne had been able to cling to her fiancé in a calm train station until the conductor gave the final call, and then shared a deep kiss that would have to appease the months of separation. Her mother had been horrified by the spectacle, but Ethelwynne was beyond caring what her mother thought. If Merritt Graves had given her blessing for a marriage, it wouldn’t have been shocking for them to be entangled in public.

Awash with loneliness in the swaying sea of well-wishers, Ethelwynne turned from the soldiers marching down Dauphin Street and plunged through the crowd of Mobilians in their summer frocks to escape down the nearest side street.

Winnie! The familiar voice reached her above the din of the parade.

Wiping the tears from her cheek, Ethelwynne turned. Brandon Spunner sat atop his father’s shoulders, waving a tiny American flag as he called to her.

Hello, Brandon. She managed a smile as she looked up at him through her wire-rimmed glasses. I can’t talk now, but I’ll see you tomorrow for your piano lesson.

Sean Spunner gently took her by the elbow. Allow me to drive you home so you aren’t walking blindly in the streets.

Ethelwynne sniffed and nodded.

Taking his offered arm, she refused to look at Sean as they walked the next block. His appearance was nothing like Nathan’s, but though twice her age, he often stirred romantic thoughts as he had been the first man to enthrall her young heart.

Brandon bopped her head with his flag. Did you hear the colors of the brass band?

I’m sorry, but I didn’t. The apology was sincere, for she loved the way her pupil’s mind experienced music.

It’s difficult for people to see the music when they’re upset, his father explained.

His flag tapped her again. What’s wrong, Winnie?

Sean opened the passenger door of his automobile, and Ethelwynne sunk to the edge of the seat. Once Brandon stood on the sidewalk before her, she met his earnest gaze.

I miss Nathan, she told the boy. He’s been gone two weeks, and seeing those men in uniform made me realize how much longer it will be before I see him again.

I’ll kiss you while he’s gone! Brandon bounced on his toes and left a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

Laughing, she pulled Brandon onto her lap, swinging her legs into the vehicle. Sean closed her door, and hurried around to the driver’s side. After starting the engine, he turned to her with a look every bit as heartfelt as his son.

You’re going to have days when despair overwhelms you, but don’t be like your mother and hide away. Come to us whenever you need company, Ethelwynne.

She nodded and settled Brandon beside her for the ride.

Would you like to come home with us? Sean asked as he drove west.

Not today, but thank you. I have two students this afternoon.

Work is good, but don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Even with his poetic soul, Nathan’s not sitting around pining after you. He’s training long hours, and when a bunch of young men do that, they like to blow off steam. Your fellow will be going out whenever they get a few hours’ leave. It doesn’t mean he loves you less, it just means he’s living.

Sean’s words left bricks of doubt within her soul for weeks. Pouring over each letter that arrived, Ethelwynne searched for clues that her fiancé was living, not brooding. But Nathan wrote of being the only one in his bunkhouse to stay behind when they were given their first evening’s leave. He was teased about not going to the saloon, but he didn’t drink alcohol or enjoy boisterous parties. Nathan had used the quiet time to pen the loveliest poem recapturing the winter night they’d sat in Washington Square holding hands and watching the moon. Sean wasn’t like that as a young man and didn’t understand the level of forthrightness Nathan possessed at eighteen—but Ethelwynne did.

At the beginning of August, the news she’d been waiting for came. As soon as Ethelwynne read the letter, she ran to her mother. Merritt chopped vegetables for supper, the knife through the carrots striking the wooden board with deafening blows. She paused when she saw her daughter’s face.

September twelfth, Mama! Nathan has five days off beginning September twelfth. I need to be north by then.

Merritt grimaced. Let your father know.

***

Sean Spunner puffed on his pipe as he looked at Bartholomew Graves in the chair across the veranda from him. Bartholomew was only six years Sean’s senior but he looked gray, lined, and weary. Bart smoked a cigarette and finished telling of his daughter’s need to get to New York City in September.

You visited New York on your honeymoon. Will you help me figure out where to stay?

Melissa Davenport grew up there and would be more of a help, but Hattie and I are putting Winnie up in The Plaza the whole time. It will be our wedding gift to the lovebirds.

Bartholomew stared at the lawyer. The Plaza! I couldn’t accept that.

"You don’t have to. It’s for Winnie and Nathan. Wherever you stay with the rest of the family is on your dime."

The shopkeeper laughed. I sure as hell can’t put out for five nights there without dipping into my retirement savings.

When did we get so old?

Speak for yourself, Spunner.

You talk of retirement savings and have a daughter about to get married. I hate to break it to you, but that’s old age.

Perhaps. Bartholomew leaned back and exhaled a plume of smoke that drifted in the evening breeze.

You’ll need to send Winnie to Mademoiselle Bisset for dresses. Nathan deserves his girl to look her finest in the short time they have together. And see that she gets the appropriate lingerie as well. I’ll have Hattie meet her there if needed, though a discreet word to Mademoiselle Bisset would do the trick.

Bartholomew shook his head and grinned. I’ll see to it, Spunner. Merritt would be mortified to think you had anything to do with her daughter’s underclothes—Winnie too, for that matter.

Hattie exited the front door with a baby in one arm. Sean knocked his pipe into the ashtray.

Hattie looked to their visitor. Hello, Bart. I’ve heard the good news. Winnie is beyond excited to have a date to plan for.

Sean just told me of your gift for her. She’ll adore that. Thank you both.

I wish we could be there, but Eileen is young and the trains aren’t what they used to be with all the troops moving about right now.

That’s completely understandable. Is all well with you and Eileen?

Everything is good and I’m back to my old-self. She slipped the four-month-old into her husband’s arms. I’m going to shower before supper.

Sean brought his daughter to his chest, kissing her silky fringe of brunette hair. Your mother, Eileen Violet, will never be back to her old-self. You’ve made her even more spectacular.

Hattie paused in the doorway and smiled back at Sean a moment before going inside.

She’s glowing, Bartholomew remarked. How do you keep her so well?

Sean wanted to make a crude remark, but saw the seriousness on his friend’s face. Is Merri slipping again?

I’m afraid the stress of Winnie’s engagement upset her more than she’s saying. She doesn’t want Winnie to marry until after the war, in case Nathan doesn’t make it back, though fiancé or husband, losing either would be traumatic to the girl.

Sean shifted Eileen to his shoulder and rubbed her back. Winnie reports Nathan was accepted for specialized telegraph and radio training with the Army Signal Corps.

Bartholomew nodded. Hopefully it will keep him off the battlefields. He’s a swell young man, but not what I’d call assertive.

Poets and other desk types aren’t typically combative, but don’t forget Davenport. He was ruthless in the boxing ring and will be leading troops to battle soon despite being an accountant.

They were both silent a minute, remembering their younger neighbors who had marched off to war.

Would you like me to talk to Melissa about New York for you? Sean finally asked.

If you don’t mind. I hardly know her but have nothing but respect for the Davenport family. Bartholomew leaned forward and put his cigarette in the ashtray. I better get home before Merritt has to hold supper for me.

Give her a hug and tell her I’ll see her Saturday. And Bart? Sean paused. Kiss her thoroughly and love her. You know, before you’re too old to enjoy it.

Bartholomew laughed as Sean stood with his daughter still on his shoulder. Girls change a father’s world. In a dozen years, that little one will be driving you out of your mind with worry. And you know what?

What?

You’ll be a heap older than I am right now when you have to deal with beaus and a wedding.

***

Three members of the Graves family arrived in New York City midday on September twelfth. Stepping into the dazzling lobby of The Plaza with her father and brother, Ethelwynne’s gaze immediately fell upon the blond man in an Army uniform. Nathan Paterson looked at least a year older until a smile lit his face. Then it was the same Nathan she’d kissed goodbye in June. She shoved her handbag at her younger brother, Andrew, and rushed toward her fiancé.

Nathan’s arms around her were stronger than she remembered. Winnie, I’m finally whole.

I love you, Nathan. She squeezed him as she gazed at his face, tanned from training in the summer sun, though a smattering of freckles still showed through.

Bartholomew gripped her shoulder. Let’s get you checked in, Winnie. You’ll need time to change before we leave.

Yes, Papa.

She kept hold of Nathan’s arm as she turned around. Her brother was ready with her purse.

Good to see you, Drew, Nathan said as he offered his hand to his future brother-in-law. You’ve shot up this summer.

Thirteen-year-olds tend to do that, Bartholomew remarked as he shook Nathan’s hand. You look like you’ve done some growing as well.

Yes, sir. And thank you for escorting Winnie here.

At the front desk, Ethelwynne signed the guest book.

The bellhop has your bags and will show you to your room. Your taxi will be ready when you are, the clerk said with a smile.

Drew, Bartholomew said to his son, go with your sister and wait for her while she freshens up.

Ethelwynne kissed Nathan once more and then went to the elevator with her escorts. Andrew gawked over the gilt trim on everything as they went down the hallway on the upper floor.

When the bellhop set down one of the suitcases to open the door, he stepped back and swept an arm into the room. Your suite, Miss Graves.

Is there a mistake? The Spunners told me they had a room reserved for us.

No mistake, Miss. I’ll show you in.

On the table in the cream and gold sitting room was a huge bouquet of pink roses, along with an envelope addressed to her. She picked up the letter and followed the bellhop through the next door. He set the luggage on a rack beside a matching one that held a leather suitcase belonging to Nathan.

The telephone will put you through downstairs. The operator can connect you to anywhere in the hotel or an outside line. The bathroom is through there, Miss. He motioned to the ornate door on the other wall. Do you require anything else?

No, thank you. She retrieved a dollar from her handbag her father had given her for the tip and received her room key from him. When he was gone, she looked to Andrew staring out the window.

I’ve never been so high before!

Enjoy the view. I’ll be a few minutes.

Ethelwynne went for the bedroom. Before undressing, she opened the envelope.

Our Dearest Winnie,

You know we would be there for your wedding if we could, but please accept this suite of rooms as a substitute. Anything you request while staying will be provided for by us. Take all your meals in if you would like, for I know there will be much to occupy yourselves with within those walls. The food is exquisite, both in the dining hall and through room service. Don’t be shy with your appetites—adventure and passion awaits!

Love and Best Wishes,

Sean, Hattie, Brandon, and Eileen

Sean’s handwritten words stung with their kindness juxtaposed against the emptiness her absent mother created. Merritt Graves could have been there. Ethelwynne promised herself she would no longer cry over her mother’s coldness. She’d spent the first twenty-four hours on the train doing so, and an absentee mother deserved no attention on the most important day of her life. Ethelwynne knew her father was probably explaining his wife’s neglect, as well as threatening Nathan with violence if he mistreated his bride. Not wanting to keep her fiancé in that awkward situation, she refocused.

With an above-the-ankle length, sleeveless white dress covering her new lingerie, Ethelwynne slipped into low-heeled shoes over her sheer tights. She brushed through her hair and changed her earrings to the drop pearls her father had given her last Christmas. There was no veil—that would be too pretentious for City Hall—but a wreath of white silk roses sat elegantly atop her shiny bobbed hair. A chic gray capelet to keep her warm, white gloves that reached her elbows, and a silver handbag completed her wedding ensemble.

As soon as Ethelwynne stepped off the elevator in the lobby, Nathan was by her side.

You’re prettier than ever, Winnie.

And right on time, her father added. You have all the necessary papers, Nathan?

Yes, and my parents are already at City Hall.

When the taxi stopped before the massive building, Nathan helped Ethelwynne from the vehicle. His brass buttons caught the afternoon sun. She couldn’t help fingering the Signal Corps insignia on his collar.

I’m proud of you, Nathan. No matter where or how you serve, you’re doing your part.

Inside, Mrs. Paterson insisted on taking a few photographs of the bride and groom before the ceremony.

After the flash went off, everything was a blur to Ethelwynne.

Standing before a judge while grasping Nathan’s hand, saying I do, a kiss, signatures, more photographs, and a taxi ride to The Plaza, where they had a family supper in the dining hall on gold-encrusted china under the crystal chandeliers. The food was delicious, but Ethelwynne could barely eat when her mind kept thinking of finally spending a night with Nathan. They had shared intimate moments over the past year of courtship, but they were waiting for their wedding night for the ultimate.

I’ll see you Sunday, Winnie, her father said as he stood from the table after dessert. I won’t bother you two, but contact me if you need anything before then.

Thank you, Papa. She kissed his cheek and turned to Andrew. Enjoy the Yankees games, Drew.

Three games in as many days. The fellows back home will be jealous!

Once the Graves men were gone, Mrs. Paterson took Ethelwynne’s hand. I know you keep busy with your piano lessons, but I hope you’ll visit me from time to time, Winnie.

I will, Mrs. Paterson.

I won’t have another Mrs. Paterson calling me by the same name. Call me Gertrude or Mom, like Nathan does. She hugged Ethelwynne when they stood, then held her arm for the walk to the lobby. Be sure to bring the photographs to me when you get back to town, after you and Nathan claim copies, of course. And take a few for your parents.

The concierge assures me the prints will be delivered to our room Friday. I’ll take good care of them for you.

I know you will, Winnie. She looked to her son with a challenging eye as she passed Ethelwynne’s hand to him. Be good to her, Nathan.

I will, Mom. He kissed her cheek and then shook his father’s hand. Enjoy your trip home. You’ll hear from me in a week or two.

Congratulations, Private and Mrs. Paterson, the elevator operator said as he pushed the button for their floor.

Ethelwynne pretended not to see the knowing wink he gave Nathan.

At their room, Nathan fished the key from his pocket and opened the door. Ethelwynne gave a little shriek when he scooped her into his arms and carried her into the sitting room.

It’s beautiful, isn’t it? she asked.

Nathan’s blue eyes never left her face. You’re beautiful. I love you, my enchantress.

His lips were firm on her mouth, his tongue questing as he carried her to the plush sofa. He lowered her gently, and then pressed in for a few more kisses before straightening. He saw to the door lock and turned back, loosening his tie as he approached her.

Ethelwynne stood to meet him, dropping her gloves onto the table beside the roses. Shall we go to the bedroom?

Wherever you wish, Winnie. He took her around the waist and tugged her against him. You’re not scared, are you?

She shook her head. I’ve asked a lot of questions.

He clicked on the bedroom light. The bed had been turned down, exposing shining pale sheets. It’s a fine suite. The Spunners really love you.

And you, Nathan. They’ve seen how much we mean to each other. If Eileen was a little older, they would have made the trip. I’m glad your parents came. Her lower lip tried to tremble, so she bit it and looked to the pattern on the carpet.

Nathan hugged her and kissed her forehead. Winnie, it’s inexcusable your mother used her dog as a reason not to attend your wedding, but remember our marriage is the beginning of a new family unit. You don’t need to give her any thought from this day forward unless you want to. Do you need a few minutes to cry while—

Her lips were on his, hands grasping across his firm shoulders. Nathan’s echoing touch smoothed down the back of her dress and his lips roamed her jaw.

Let’s make love, Nathan. I’ve wanted to for ages.

How long? His grin was playful.

Since the winter dance last December.

You wore that ruffled silk dress I wanted to explore under. His hands teased her hips.

You may learn every inch of me now, and I want that privilege too.

They were soon both naked and on the bed. With so much to see and feel, they didn’t rush to consummation. Savoring each taste and movement, they showered each other with quiet affection until Ethelwynne could no longer tolerate the emptiness. When Nathan hesitated, she grabbed a pillow and tucked it under her hips. His tender gaze turned lusty as she settled on her back before him.

Do you see everything? she whispered.

Every beautiful inch of you. Nathan kissed each thigh. Tell me if you need me to stop, Winnie. I don’t wish to hurt you.

You won’t. Make me a woman—and your wife.

When they both lay stunned during their descent from heaven, Ethelwynne noticed the way their bodies connected—the feel of skin on skin as they breathed. She’d never felt as alive as she did in the aftermath of their lovemaking.

I love you more than ever, Nathan.

Blue eyes looking down on her, he traced her cheek with a finger. You were always my enchantress, but now I’m under your spell forevermore.

They rolled off the support pillow and spooned together on their sides. He kissed her shoulder and nuzzled her hair as they whispered about the sensations they’d felt, the magic joining of their souls with their first act of procreation.

A pattern established itself after the next coupling: sex, followed by discussion and cuddling, always new positions and topics. They rang for breakfast at four in the morning, showering while they waited for room service. After dining, they went to sleep in each other’s arms, sated in more ways than one.

***

After three attempts at a telephone conversation with Merritt, Sean arrived at her doorstep Sunday afternoon.

Velvet exited when the front door opened, and licked his hand.

Merritt looked from the visitor to the crowd of Sunday regulars across the street in Washington Square. How dare you arrive without Hattie when you know my family is out of town?

Sean smirked and crossed his arms. We’ve been alone in this house plenty of times, Merri. Will you let me in?

Absolutely not!

Laughing, Sean took her arm and escorted her under the satsuma trees and the bottles hanging there.

If you don’t let go of me, Sean Spunner, I’ll scream, Merritt fumed under her breath as they continued across the yard.

And have all your neighbors run over? I doubt that. Sit with me, Merri. I’m only asking for five minutes of your day.

Settled on the old iron bench beneath the oak, Sean pushed aside the memory of his first love as he looked at her cousin.

Merritt Graves, I’m going to tell you what I’m sure your heart already knows, but it needs to be said. He took her hand into his and gave her a mournful look. You’ve lost the confidence of your only daughter. Winnie knows as well as anyone that you could have left Velvet with me to go to New York for the wedding. You need to mend this rift before it’s too late.

I had no desire to see her wed and throw away her carefully guarded innocence to a soldier she might never see again while her seducer plays hero.

Winnie and Nathan aren’t impulsive lovers, Merri. They’ve known each other since before they started school and have been courting over a year. He pointed to Velvet who was stretched out in the grass at Merritt’s feet. The dog isn’t far along in her pregnancy and there has never been complications with her. You would have been better off speaking honestly than placing your affections for the animal above your own daughter.

But what of Winnie? She could be carrying Nathan’s baby right now—a war bride, mother, and widow all over a few days of freedom because she refused to listen to my advice.

You know she had to have been a glowing bride. She’ll be a glowing mother-to-be as well, should she ever be blessed with that opportunity. Celebrate with her. Share her joys while you can. God forbid, if that girl ever has heartaches, she’ll need the happy memories and family connections more than ever.

Merritt shook her head, but her tight bun didn’t move an inch. If she had listened to me, she’d be spared.

What a load of blarney! Sean took her by the shoulders. "Married or not, any loss would shatter her. Winnie and Nathan’s hearts have