by Betty Bolte
Nathaniel searched her expression, his gaze flicking from her eyes to her mouth and all around her face. "I don't deserve someone as wonderful and beautiful as you."
"Yes, you do." She kissed him, pressing her mouth to his for several moments. "Come, I'll show you the interior of my new home."
She led him inside for a tour all the while thrumming with joy. What a wonderful day! All of her desires had been fulfilled on a gusty day in March. Her home rebuilt and almost ready to occupy. Her son cared for by an intelligent and loving maid. Her handsome yet humble man confessing his love for her. She beamed as they strolled from room to room. Her life was perfect. What could possibly go wrong?
Chapter 27
The coming of April ushered in warmer air, further encouraging the arrival of spring with its flowers and bright blue skies. Evelyn had been living in the house for several weeks, the delight of her new home still fresh. Only once in a while did an echo of unease disturb her, but surely the feeling would pass with time. At least, that's what she reassured herself when the shadow of memory raised specters in her mind. She'd look to the future, to the flow of positivity she intended to surround herself with. Finally on a fine morning in the middle of the month, she cleared her throat to make a long awaited announcement.
"After breakfast, Peggy, it'll be time to gather what we need for our planned three-day visit to my parents." Buttering a corn muffin, Evelyn glanced at her maid before taking a small bite. The warm bread, with its blend of bacon fat and butter complementing the ground corn, tasted better than any other in her experience. Swallowing, she grinned at Peggy. "You're a fabulous cook."
"My ma is an even better one." A shadow passed over the girl's features. "I wonder if I'll ever see her again."
"You're very brave to have ventured so far from all you know and every person you love, to a place you've only read about in the paper." She couldn't imagine never seeing her family or friends. What if her life had meant she had to leave behind every one she cared about? No state of affairs could ever force her to make such a sacrifice. "It must be terribly hard."
"At first, I cried every night." Laying her fork on her plate, Peggy shrugged. Her casual movement belied the sadness haunting her eyes. "I'm fortunate to have landed in this position. You've helped me to make a new start for my life. For the first time in years, I have hope. Thank you."
"I am pleased you're here as well." She laid a hand over Peggy's and squeezed once. "Before long, you'll have worked off the debt and then may choose where you go in this shiny new country."
Peggy nodded and retrieved her fork to pierce a bite of egg. "When do you want to leave for town?"
"This afternoon. We have plenty of time to pull together the few items we'll need for such a short visit." Lifting her cup, she sipped hot tea with honey. "After breakfast, we'll pack what we need, then have an early dinner and be off before midafternoon so we arrive before supper."
"Very well. Will you be wanting Jemma to go along?"
"I don't believe I'll need her talents this time." Evelyn dabbed her napkin on her lips and then laid it on the table. "She can stay and keep an eye on things here."
Later, as the sun began its descent, Evelyn drove the phaeton into the rear yard of her parents' home. The weather had not cooperated during the trip, the wind whipping up into a storm that threatened to inundate them the entire way. As a result, Evelyn's skirts as well as Peggy's dress had become soaked. Little Jim remained safe and secure, if a bit wet, on Peggy's lap. The mares were black with rain, shining in the light of the overcast sky. Two blacks ran out of the barn to care for the team while Evelyn and Peggy with Jim scurried across the yard and into the house.
"My gracious, give me the little one." Lucille hurried down the hall to take Jim into her arms. "You're soaked through. Go on up to your room, and I'll have your trunk brought up immediately."
Evelyn removed her wet cloak and hung it on a peg by the door, water running down the sides to pool on the wood floor. "I'd adore some hot tea to chase away the chill we've endured."
The back door swung open, and one of the black men pushed through carrying the heavy trunk. "Where you want this, Mrs. Abernathy?"
"I'll show you." Evelyn folded her arms around her waist, trying to warm herself. "Peggy, come with us."
"Meet me in the parlor when you've changed. Jim and I are going to see about tea." Lucille sauntered down the hall, talking to her grandson.
Evelyn led the party upstairs and into the bedroom at the back of the house, overlooking the stable yard. In all her life, the space had not seen significant change. Sure, the quilt on the stuffed mattress changed with time and wear, but the bedframe itself had not. The same writing desk and chair, as well as a marble topped table holding an urn and basin. A few small rugs lay by the bed and in front of the rocking chair by the window. Her room had been her haven from the cares of her youth. She and Amy were very fortunate to have the luxury of having individual rooms. Unlike families with many children, like their cousin Emily's, who all piled into one or two bedrooms, often four or five sharing one bed.
"Put it by the window, please." She waved a hand in the direction she intended.
The man did as requested and then, with a nod, left the room to go back to his other duties. After he'd clomped down the stairs, Evelyn pushed the door closed and went to the trunk, unfastening her clothing as she crossed the floor.
"Help me out of this, will you?" Evelyn shivered as she struggled with the soaked laces stubbornly clinging together.
"Of course. I can't wait to get into something dry." Peggy made quick work of helping Evelyn out of her wet things.
Once again in dry attire, Evelyn went downstairs and into the parlor. She'd left Peggy with the task of drying out their travel clothes. Since they'd brought a limited number of gowns, the task became imperative. Lucille sat on the settee with Jim on her lap, a wooden spinning top with red and blue stripes in his hands.
The familiar furnishings and furniture contained in the parlor rushed a feeling of serenity through her as she strode across the room. Cherry wood tables with marble tops displayed a variety of miniature statuary of famous sculptures and sketches of world cities on easels. Ornate wallpaper and heavy drapes at the windows hinted at the social rank her father enjoyed. A sideboard on the far wall glistened with crystal decanters filled with an array of colorful liquors and wines.
"I'm pleased you're here." Lucille caught Evelyn's attention with a smile. "The ball promises to be a grand affair."
"Who will open the ball?" She sank onto a chair by the fireplace, grateful for the orange and red flames snapping and popping as it consumed the logs and worked on removing the chill from her skin. The smell of wood burning evoked a sense of comfort she always associated with home.
"The governor and his wife, I believe. They usually do, in any event." The toy fell out of Jim's hands and he leaned forward to reach for it. Lucille held him firm on her lap as she retrieved the toy.
"Have you decided what you'll wear?" Lifting the porcelain tea pot from the silver tray on the table between them, Evelyn poured the steaming liquid into two cups. As she stirred in a small spoonful of honey, she glanced at her mother. "Your gowns always cause quite a reaction."
"They're jealous of my fabulous taste." Chuckling, Lucille set Jim on the floor with his prize before picking up her beverage. "I'll decide to-morrow, but I am favoring the daffodil yellow with an embroidered stomacher. Will you wear the gown you recently made?"
"Yes. For the first time. Did you see how beautifully Emily adorned the bodice?" Emily had left the finished gown with Lucille, knowing of Evelyn's intent to visit with her parents for the dance. She'd longed to wear the garment for what seemed like a very long span. "Her skill with a needle improved upon my inferior talents."
Lucille waved off Evelyn's attempt at modesty. "I saw the quality of your stitches, so do not try to denigrate your ability."
She chuckled and sipped her tea, resting the cup in the sauc
er as she swallowed. She loved her mother, especially the banter they shared with ease. Peggy's comment about her decision to immigrate to America echoed in her mind. To not see her mother, or her father, let alone Amy, proved unimaginable to her. She fingered her gift from Nathaniel, pondering the emotions Peggy must have experienced as she traveled alone and far from home.
"Where did you get such a beautiful locket?" Her mother leaned closer to view the gold pendant.
"From Nathaniel." She let it fall back to lay against her skin. "It contains his miniature."
"Is he becoming serious?"
She bobbed her head. "We have declared our love for one another, yes."
Lucille sipped her tea and set the cup on the saucer with a clatter. "Perhaps your father should have a chat with him."
"No, please don't send Father to discuss anything with Nat about our relationship. We haven't had the conversation ourselves yet."
"If you're certain?" She lifted one brow as she selected a tea cake from the plate next to the tea pot.
"I am. But there's something else I'd like to talk over with you." Evelyn rested her cup and saucer on her lap.
Lucille swallowed as she peered at her. "I'm listening."
"My maid shared how much she misses her homeland and her parents." Setting the cup and saucer on the table, she relaxed against the chair, relishing the warmth in her stomach. "I do not think I'd be brave enough to leave for a place so far away that I'd not be able to visit with my family and friends."
"You're a strong woman, Evelyn." Setting her cup on the table, Lucille gathered the boy onto her lap. "I believe you'd do what you had to if presented with a situation requiring such extreme measures."
"Thank you for your confidence in me." Evelyn leaned forward to pin her gaze on her mother. "I harbor only a small amount, but enough to adhere to my plan."
"What you must remember is plans can change, and often do." Her mother bounced her grandson on her lap, cooing at him for a few seconds. Returning her attention to Evelyn, she raised both brows and pressed her lips together. "Don't make the mistake of thinking we have absolute control over what befalls us. Sometimes events happen in such a way as to modify our view of the world and our role in it."
Evelyn drew in a deep breath and slowly let it escape. "I don't want my plans changed. I like the direction I'm heading."
"That's well and good, but be prepared for whatever comes next." Lucille smiled at her, all her love and experience in life shining on Evelyn.
She pasted a smile on her face. "With you and Amy here to support and encourage me, I am ready to face whatever may come." At least, she hoped so.
Chapter 28
The fiddler struck up a merry tune, accompanied by a flute player, as the couples performed a reel. Nathaniel stayed out of their way, a cup of punch in hand. His eyes drifted to the door yet again. Where was Evelyn? She had not been ready when the time came for him to meet his friends at the ball, so she'd urged him to go without her and she'd follow with the rest of the ladies. Half an hour had passed and still no sign of her.
All around him, people laughed and conversed. The dancers spun and turned, bowing and curtsying at the appropriate moment. The Spring Ball was in full swing. The celebration brought out the best in everyone as the first festivities after the city had regained its autonomy. Cloth covered tables stood in the corners of the upstairs meeting room in the Exchange, the traditional place for town dances and gatherings.
He turned away from observing the dancers to gaze out the window overlooking Broad Street. The sun had set, the sky a deep blue fading to black beyond the buildings of the town. Carriages drawn by teams of horses paused at the steps of the Exchange to disgorge elegantly dressed passengers. A group of ladies emerged from the latest conveyance to stop in the street. He peered closer as they alighted. No, not her. Damnation.
"There you are, my friend."
Nathaniel turned to find Benjamin, resplendent in his evening attire, grinning at him. "Have you been seeking me out for a purpose?"
"Indeed." Benjamin folded his arms and regarded Nathaniel for a moment. "Amy asked me to tell you Evelyn has been detained but should arrive soon, along with her parents."
"I see." Another delay in her appearance at the dance. "But where is your lovely wife?"
Benjamin glanced over his shoulder toward the long buffet table loaded with tempting treats and confections. "She stopped to speak with Emily about ruffles and buttons or some other such feminine talk."
Following the direction of his gaze, Nathaniel espied the pair in a lively conversation. "Whatever they are discussing appears quite animating to them. I do hope Lyn arrives before much longer so she'll have time to spend with her friends."
Benjamin chuckled and peered at Nathaniel. "Have you been pining for her over here by yourself?"
Yes, but he wouldn't admit such. He had tried to set aside his feelings, to dampen the desire he experienced at the thought of her, but to no avail. He glanced at the door as another couple arrived. Stifling a sigh, he addressed his friend and lifted his cup in salute. "I'm enjoying the refreshments and the music."
"Come join the gentlemen over by the punch bowl." Benjamin waved in the general direction of the immense fireplace, cold on this mild spring night. "We're having quite a debate."
"Regarding?" Nathaniel followed Benjamin around the edge of the space allocated for dancing, wending toward the group of men in question.
"Yazoo lands."
"I'm not acquainted with them." He'd never heard the word before. It sounded foreign and intriguing. For the first time in days, perhaps weeks, his curiosity was piqued.
Benjamin guffawed at Nathaniel as they joined the discussion. "It's more rumor than fact at this point, but what a great opportunity for those willing to take the risks involved."
Frank and Captain Sullivan were in deep conversation with several other men Nathaniel had not had the pleasure of meeting. Their attire suggested they worked as merchants and artisans, much like Benjamin and himself. An influx of new residents had come along with the ending of the town's occupation by the enemy. As a result, many new faces appeared among the crowded ballroom.
"The Treaty of Paris guarantees the new western border." Captain Sullivan spoke with confidence ringing through his bass voice.
"But it has not been signed by all parties, and thus cannot be counted on." Frank sipped from a crystal glass containing dark red wine.
Benjamin shrugged and then crossed his arms, regarding each man in turn. "In the event, until the treaties are ratified between the Americans and the British, as well as the French and Spanish with the British, it's all smoke easily dissipated."
"Tell me about the Yazoo lands." Nathaniel glanced from one countenance to the next. "Where are they?"
Benjamin dropped his arms to his sides. "The proposed western border of Georgia is the Mississippi river."
"The Yazoo are a tribe of Indians who live on the river of the same name." The captain shifted his weight to one leg. "Beyond America's current border with the territory Spain claimed from Britain in recent years."
A thrill of pleasure and anticipation raced through Nathaniel. New lands to be settled by adventurous men such as him. His small savings to date would not afford him his dream. He'd have to work harder to earn the money needed to move west when the time arrived.
"The problem, of course," Frank said, "is that while the British are granting the area to us the Spanish claim possession of it."
Nathaniel frowned. "How can the Britons cede land to us they don't own?"
"Indeed." Benjamin glanced behind Nathaniel and smiled. "Your lady has arrived."
Another thrill slipped through Nathaniel as he looked in the direction Benjamin had indicated and spied Evelyn. She paused at the threshold of the ball room, her gaze skimming over the crowd. He'd never seen a more beautiful woman in his life, and she'd declared her love for him. She wore an elegant azure gown with silver threads that winked and sparkled with each strid
e. Gold glinted at her earlobes and the locket hung from her graceful neck. When she spotted him, she smiled and started around the dancing couples to join him.
"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," Nathaniel said, already stepping away from the group.
"Go." Frank chuckled behind him. "We know your priorities."
The path to his lady became obstructed by a dancing couple, so he sidled to the right to avoid a collision. Then Dr. Trent and Samantha walked up to him, blocking his way. While he'd prefer to move on, manners prevented him from immediately continuing his journey.
"You're looking fine this evening," Samantha said. "Your suit is very becoming."
Inclining his head, Nathaniel smiled. "Your compliment is much appreciated. If you'll please excuse me, Lyn has only this moment arrived, and I am anxious to speak with her."
"We understand entirely." Trent took Samantha's arm, preparing to step aside. "We shall speak with you later then. Enjoy the dance."
"I intend to." Nathaniel smiled after them as the couple strolled away to mingle with the other guests.
"Good evening, Nathaniel." Evelyn stopped in front of him. "You are very handsome this evening."
He inclined his head in appreciation of the comment. He'd toiled longer than normal on ensuring he did not embarrass his love. "Not nearly as beautiful as you are, my sweet."
A blush rose up her neck to stain her cheeks. "You're too kind."
"I can be nothing but kind to the lady I love." The heavens above knew how much he loved the woman standing before him.
But could he ever claim her as his? The problem, or rather dilemma, he faced could not be resolved in a single decision. Nay, he had to take steps toward his final choice. Steps which seemed to require his sacrifice of his love for her. The more he considered the matter, the more he dreaded having to let her go. But it would not happen tonight, however. He'd enjoy every remaining moment with her.
"Would you care to dance?" He'd pay money to dance with her and breathe in her scent. His palms turned clammy and he rubbed them together to dry them.