Rebel

by Beverly Jenkins

  “Is that common here?”

  “More and more. The city’s expanding and dry land is needed to fuel that growth.”

  She walked over to view the drawings. “Can you explain what I’m seeing?”

  So for the next few minutes he did—pointing out the pump house’s structure, the boilers and engine it would need, and how the piping would be laid. He found the questions she asked a testament to her intelligence, another facet he admired. She was positioned by his side. Her nearness made him remember their last interlude, the softness of her skin, the feel of her nipples hardening under his tasting tongue, and how hard he’d been when he finally turned her loose. As if reading his mind, her gaze rose from the drawing to his. The contact lengthened, and it took all he had to not reach out and stroke a finger across the lush petal of her bottom lip. Reminding himself he needed to resist the lure she exuded, he said, “I promised to complete these drawings as soon as possible, so I need to finish them.”

  “Of course. My apologies for disturbing you.”

  Her icy exit from the room gave him pause. Since their falling-out, she’d been trying to apologize and his inflated ego had refused her olive branches like a petulant toddler eschewing a nap. Now? He felt a different type of sting. One that said, maybe he should’ve gotten off his high horse when he’d had the chance. If her steely departure was any indication, his lovely hellion was no longer offering peace. Playing the injured male had just widened the rift between them. If he didn’t figure out a way to bridge the divide, she’d dissolve their marriage immediately after her father’s departure, and Raimond would auction off his chair two seconds later. He forced himself to concentrate on the drawings, but Valinda remained on his mind.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Valinda drove onto Drake’s land for the first day of school and past the plowed-over spot where the house once stood. Her disagreement with Drake aside, the sight always tugged at her heartstrings and she guessed it always would, at least until a new house filled the space. She was soon distracted by the throngs of people milling around the boxcars and stopped Penelope and stared agape. Small children and gangly limbed adolescents stood with their parents, along with adult men and women, young, middle-aged, and elderly. Some in the crowd were outfitted in their Sunday best, others in well-worn homespun. In talking with students at her old classroom, she remembered them saying they only wanted three things from Freedom: their families no longer forcibly separated, no more working under the lash, and being allowed to educate themselves and their children.

  Drake rode up and she whispered emotionally, “Oh my goodness! Look at all the people!”

  “They started arriving at first light,” he said. “It’s quite a gathering.”

  It was indeed. The newspapers had been reporting on freedmen flocking to schools all over the South, not only to the few still run by the Freedmen’s Bureau but those being sponsored by churches, Black Civil War veterans, and even groups of former slaves.

  As she urged Penelope forward, a voice called, “Are you the teacher?”

  “Yes!” she called back.

  As soon as she parked and stepped down, she was surrounded by people wanting to shake her hand and learn her name. She was peppered with questioning about where she was from, if she was born free, and if she could really teach them to read. One man even asked if she was married.

  In the end, she gently asked for silence so she could be heard. She gave them her name and asked that everyone form two lines: one for children and their parents, the other for adults.

  As they began sorting themselves, Drake said, “Looks like you’ll need help. What can I do?”

  “Can you handle the adults? I’ll take the parents and children. Write down their names, ages, where they live, if they can read, and what days and times they can attend classes.” She quickly retrieved a writing tablet and pencils from her supplies in the wagon. “You can record everything in here.”

  He headed over to the classroom he’d built for the adults and she sat on the step that led into the one for the children.

  At the end of two hours, they had the names of twenty-five children, fourteen parents, nine adult women, and twelve adult men, including two who offered Valinda marriage proposals. Of the sixty names on the list, three could read. Valinda made a note to get in touch with Eb. She hoped his daughter, Melinda, still needed a position because if everyone in the crowd attended classes with any regularity, the school would need another teacher. And there was no reason to think they wouldn’t. Every person thanked her, some with tears in their eyes. In response, she fought back tears of her own.

  She made a tentative decision to hold classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the day for the children, and evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the adults. If any adults needed to bring their children with them, they’d be allowed.

  Since today was Friday she announced that there’d be no teaching until Monday because she needed to look over the lists of names, ages, and preferred days of attendance to determine how large each class might be. Many people expressed their disappointment. But so as not to send them home with nothing, she and Drake took the time to write everyone’s name on a piece of paper. She asked that when they came to class, they pin the names to the front of their clothing until she learned their faces. Most had never seen their names written down. She watched many of them study the words silently before reverently placing the paper in their pockets.

  After everyone departed, Val and Drake took seats in the grass to catch their breath. “Thank you, Drake. I couldn’t have done this without your help.”

  “You’re welcome. It was exciting. You’re going to be eternally blessed for taking this on, Valinda.”

  She noted that he no longer referred to her as cheri. It was a small thing but pierced her feelings like a thorn just the same. “I hope that blessing comes with a large helping of added strength because this is going to be hard work.” She told him about Eb’s daughter.

  “I’ll take care of her salary, if you need me to,” he said.

  “Some of the parents said they’ll be able to pay. I know they can’t afford much, but I’m hoping to use those funds to pay her. I’ve also been thinking about a fund-raiser?”

  “Such as?”

  “I haven’t decided yet.”

  “Okay, but I can help if needed. I’d like to contribute in some way.”

  Val wondered if there was a more generous family than the LeVeqs. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

  “You’re welcome. Where are you off to now?”

  “Back to your mother’s for lunch, then to the Quarter to talk with Eb about his daughter.”

  “Mind if I ride with you?”

  She searched his features for evidence of his intent. His assistance had been a godsend, so to deny such a simple request would be mean-spirited and unworthy of her, so she said, “No, I don’t mind.”

  “Thank you, cheri.”

  She froze. Searching his face again, she wondered what he was about. The eyes holding hers appeared innocent enough, but she sensed something had changed. She couldn’t put her finger on it but decided to remain on her side of the fence they’d erected between each other, because her feelings stayed safer that way.

  Julianna joined them in the dining room for lunch. After asking about Val’s day and being amazed by Val’s description, Julianna said, “Val, we don’t have time to have a gown commissioned for your wedding, so I’ve a dressmaker coming tomorrow morning with a few ready-made samples for you to consider.”

  Val froze with her spoon between her bowl of gumbo and her mouth. The look on Julianna’s face was pleasant but also firm, which meant the subject was not up for discussion. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I also need you and Drake to be seen together in the Quarter. As we said, if your father decides to investigate the legitimacy of the marriage, we want people to relate the gossip they’ve heard about how much in love you two are.”

  The still-fro
zen Val glanced at Drake whose eyes told her nothing, but she still wondered if mother and son had formed a conspiracy pact. Seeing no way out, Val took the bait and asked, “And how do you propose to accomplish this?”

  “I thought we’d start with a shopping trip to supplement your wardrobe.”

  “My clothes are fine, Julianna.”

  “No offense, dear, but you’re wearing borrowed brogans that once belonged to Phillipe when he was small.”

  Val cringed at the tart yet gentle rejoinder. A few weeks ago, when her already well-worn slippers became candidates for the trash bin, Julianna offered to buy her a new pair but Val’s pride wouldn’t allow it. So, she was presented with a pair of barely worn, sturdy brogans Phillipe had outgrown. They fit well and she’d been wearing them since.

  “I’ll give you the names of a few of the shops Sable and I patronize.”

  “And what am I purchasing?”

  “Blouses, skirts, stockings, shifts. Whatever catches your eye and enough to fill your armoire. Also, keep in mind that as a teacher you’ll want to look the part. The students will be expecting it.”

  Val didn’t know if she agreed with that. Her students were coming to soak up what she had to offer their minds. She doubted they’d care what she wore during the process, but arguing with Julianna was always an exercise in futility, so she replied, “Yes, ma’am. When do you want this shopping trip to take place?”

  “Didn’t you say you’d planned to drive to the Quarter this afternoon to ask about the young teacher you want to employ?”

  “I did.”

  “Then unless Drake has something pressing?” She looked to him and Val prayed he did.

  “I don’t.”

  She sighed inwardly.

  “Then that settles it,” Julianna said happily.

  But Val had one more very important question. “How am I to pay for the items?”

  “They will be my gift to you,” she replied.

  Drake shook his head. “No, Mama. I’ll take care of the bills. She’ll be my wife after all.”

  Val would rather not be beholden to him for what sounded like an expensive undertaking, but before Valinda could argue the point, Julianna said, “Thank you, son.”

  With that, she pushed back from the table and stood. “Now, I’m going to have Mr. Doolittle run me and Henri to the docks for a meeting with some carpetbaggers who believe this poor, ignorant Colored female is going to say yes to their appallingly low bid for one of our warehouses. Have a good time in the shops.”

  After her exit, Val sighed loudly and looked to Drake who said, “I almost feel sorry for the carpetbaggers.”

  “Do you enjoy shopping?”

  “No.”

  “Neither do I.”

  “Then this should be an interesting adventure.”

  Val had never owned anything store-bought before. “I know absolutely nothing about purchasing clothing. My seamstress grandmother Rose made every piece of clothing my sister and I wore until we were old enough to sew for ourselves.”

  “You sew?”

  “I do. One of my few ladylike skills, but it was a necessity. There aren’t many places to buy ready-made clothing and those that have them are very pricey.”

  “I at least know what goes into it, so we’ll do fine. If Mr. Doolittle is ferrying Mama and Henri, we should take her carriage. Your buggy is a bit snug for me.”

  She nodded.

  “Don’t look so glum, cheri. It will be fun.”

  The last thing Val wanted was for people to say that the esteemed and wealthy Drake LeVeq was marrying a woman so ignorant she didn’t even know how to purchase a blouse.

  After she finished her meal, she changed clothes and joined him for the ride to the Quarter.

  On the drive, Drake glanced her way. He knew her to be a prideful woman and having someone else purchase even a hairpin for her wasn’t something she’d want. Now, facing the idea of him spending money on her, and he planned to spend a costly sum, was undoubtedly distressing. He’d never met a woman who didn’t enjoy shopping, but then again, outside of his sister-in-law, Sable, he’d also never met a woman so determined to make her own way. He ran his eyes over her tightly set face and wanted to soothe away the tension in her jaws and lips. He also knew it was time to make amends because he missed their banter and her sunny smile. “I want to apologize for being so unappreciative of your apology, cheri.”

  She turned.

  “You’ve offered me peace more than once and I swatted it away. If you can’t forgive me right at this moment, would you consider it sometime in the near future? If you give up on me, I’ll have to live with it. But I miss you a great deal,” he said sincerely.

  She remained silent for what seemed to be so long, he didn’t think she’d reply, but she did. “That couldn’t have been easy for you to say,” she said softly.

  He gave her a ghost of a smile. “Admitting wrong is always hard for a pirate, but for you? I’d do it a hundred times.”

  “That’s a very sweet thing to say, Drake.”

  It was the truth. He wanted to ask her to stay with him until the end of time, but the decision was hers alone. Forcing her to answer before she was ready would only reopen the hole they’d fallen into and he didn’t want that to happen again.

  She said then, “Can I say that I’d like to pick up where we left off, and that I miss you, too?”

  The bricks he’d built around his heart shattered into a thousand pieces and he felt alive once more.

  “One last thing?”

  He looked away from the road. “Yes?”

  “I’d enjoy staying married to you after we send my father back to New York, if you still want me to.”

  He stared with wide questioning eyes.

  “I would.”

  He stopped the buggy and studied her silently. He didn’t know whether to jump up and down, or weep like a small child. “I’m honored, cheri.”

  He reached over and gently lifted her clear of the seat and onto his lap. Holding her close against him, he whispered, “Very honored.”

  Raising her chin, he leaned down and the kiss that followed was sweet, tender, and brimming with what they both felt inside. When they finally and reluctantly parted, he paused and filled with wonder, viewed her small, perfect face like the pirate’s gold he felt her to be. “Is it okay for me to tell you I love you?”

  She cupped his jaw and kissed him softly. “Only if I’m allowed to tell you the same.”

  His joyful roar startled the birds in the trees into panicked flight.

  She chuckled. “Whatever am I going to do with you?”

  He ran a finger over her lush bottom lip. “Many scandalous things, I guarantee.”

  “Drive, pirate man. We have clothes to buy.”

  “Clothes you’ll not be wearing for long or very often when I’m around, that’s a guarantee, too.”

  “Good,” she said, holding his eyes. She left his lap and they continued on their way.

  Eb hadn’t had time to find a new classroom, so he was excited to hear about Val’s school. His daughter was still searching for a position, so to Val’s delight, he promised to bring her with him on Monday so they could discuss her becoming the assistant teacher.

  Next stop was the first shop on Julianna’s list. The little bell above the door announced their arrival with a bright tinkle. The air inside was scented with a beautiful perfume. Mannequins dressed in the latest fashion were tastefully stationed in various spots to showcase the shop’s offerings. On the counters and in glass display cases were stockings made of everything from silk and lisle to common black cotton. She viewed precisely folded stacks of expensive shifts sporting delicately embroidered necklines and hems, next to gossamer-thin nightgowns. One case was lined with lovely sensual corsets in a variety of style and colors. She gave them only a cursory glance because she’d never worn the uncomfortable, binding garments and had no intention of doing so. There was a small number of women dressed in well-made gown
s, pert hats, and expensive-looking tignons perusing the merchandise. They discreetly eyed her in her serviceable skirt, blouse, and worn-thin black leather slippers—some disapprovingly, but their smiles showed unfettered approval of the well-attired Drake in his white shirt and pressed trousers.

  A beautiful dark-skinned woman crowned by an elegantly tied red tignon that matched her red, loose-fitting gown approached them with a smile. “Drake LeVeq. How are you? And this lovely lady is?”

  “Hello, Oya. This is my intended, Valinda Lacy. Val, Oya Marie. She’s the owner here.”

  Val saw more than one of the eavesdropping shoppers freeze and stare their way in response to the introduction. Let the gossip begin, Val sarcastically announced inwardly.

  Oya showed a hint of surprise as well, but the smile remained warm. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Lacy.”

  “Pleased to meet you as well.”

  One of the women, whose light skin could’ve passed for White, walked up and interrupted the conversation, saying, “Drake, I thought that was you. How’s your lovely mother?”

  He eyed her coolly and in a matching tone, replied, “She’s fine. How are you, Mrs. Renay?”

  Val noted all the other women watching and listening. Oya shot Val a slightly raised eyebrow.

  Mrs. Renay, hair hidden beneath a well-tied blue silk tignon, was Amazon-tall and big-boned. Her blue silk gown screamed wealth. She turned to Val. “I’m Blanche Renay, and you are?”

  “Valinda Lacy.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Valinda,” she said in a voice that lacked pleasure but held lots of haughty disapproval. “So, you’re marrying our Drake.”

  “I’m marrying my Drake, yes.”

  Blanche drew back. A small smile crossed Oya’s lips before quickly disappearing.

  Blanche looked Val up and down critically. “I must say, Julianna’s sons seem determined to disappoint the well-raised marriageable young women of New Orleans. First Raimond graces us with a slave and now—”

  Val asked quietly, “Are you always this rude?”

  Oya coughed. Someone in the store cackled wildly.