The bath was wonderful! Without the fear of someone coming in to bother her, she relaxed enough for the warm water to not only soothe her mood, but her aching body, also. She used the opportunity to send many silent prayers of thanks flying up toward Heaven. The Lord had been good to her thus far, and so had all the people she'd come across on her journey. She prayed the Lord would richly bless each of them for the kindness they'd shown her.
Having relaxed nearly to the point of falling asleep, Tillie decided it was time to head for the room Millie had shown her earlier. The bed looked so inviting she'd been tempted to climb into it right then, but she desperately needed the bath first.
In a matter of moments, she was dried and dressed in the nightclothes the maid had left for her, and climbed the back staircase to the second floor. She'd taken only one step toward her room when she heard an insistent pounding from downstairs. Someone was at the front door, and for a reason she was unable to identify, she was curious who it could be and crept toward the top of the front stairway to peek down.
The pounding came again, and she saw Thomas stride briskly from his office to open the door. The one voice she'd hoped to never hear again boomed throughout the entire house.
"Where is she, Thomas? I know she came here!" Mr. Holland didn't sound happy at all.
Thomas kept his volume conversational. "What are you talking about, George? I have no visitors. Who do you claim has come here?"
"You know who I'm talking about. That little harlot sister of yours."
Then Thomas did something she never thought she'd see him do. He pulled his right arm back and punched Mr. Holland in the face. Blood gushed from the man's nose, forming small pools on the porch at his feet.
"No one says such things about my sister!" There was an undeniable power in Thomas' voice. She had known he would protect her, but hadn't been fully sure until that moment how much her older brother truly loved her.
"Tillie is not here. If she does come, I'll be sure to take her in and insist she stay. I'd never send her back home as long as you're there."
"I promise you'll regret this, Thomas."
"You seem to forget that I'm a lawyer. If you bother me or my sister for one instant, I'll tie up every one of your business dealings in litigation from now until the end of the world. Go back to Atlanta and leave me be."
Then Thomas slammed the door in the man's face. He waited a moment, apparently listening for the sounds of retreating footsteps on the porch. Seeming satisfied, he turned to head back to his office.
Tillie stepped into view at the top of the stairs and gazed at her brother.
"Thomas? Are you okay?" She tried not to speak too loudly.
His head snapped up, and there was a look of shock on his handsome face.
"How long have you been there?"
"I saw and heard everything." She proceeded to descend the stairs. "Thank you for protecting me, Old Brother." She gave him a slight grin.
He seemed ashamed for a brief moment, then matched her smile with one of his own.
"I suppose I'll have to repent for the lie before I retire this evening, but I couldn't let him know you were here. There would have been a terrible scene, and I simply cannot allow you to go back to the abuse he's put you through." He paused and lowered his head. "And I couldn't allow him to say such things about you. My anger took control, and I'm sorry you had to see it come out of me."
By the time he'd finished, she took the final step from the stairs.
"Thomas, I'm glad you did what you felt needed to be done. Men like him need men like you to let them know they're doing wrong."
She held her arms out to him. He stepped over to her and accepted her embrace.
"You're my Baby Sis, and I can't let anything bad happen to you. It's an Old Brother's job to keep the younger ones safe."
Chapter Four
Walking with Thomas back to his home after Sunday services, Tillie found herself wondering if Mr. Holland might return. She didn't want her brother to be bothered by the man, but where else could she go? Even if she did have somewhere to run and hide, it would take money to get there. She didn't want to ask him to pay such an expense for her, but how would she earn enough on her own? Then an idea came to her.
"Thomas, I have ..."
"Tillie, I ..."
Chuckling about talking at the same time, Thomas gestured for her to speak first.
"I was thinking I should probably find somewhere else to go. I don't want that man to come back here bothering you again." She lowered her gaze to the ground. "He might go to the police and have you arrested. I would not want to be the cause of that."
"Similar thoughts had occurred to me." He sounded serious, yet melancholy. "I truly do not wish to hurt the man, but if he comes back and says such things as he did last night, I fear I won't be able to control my temper."
"That is precisely why I think it would be best for me to leave, Thomas. I don't know where I shall go, but I have no money." She glanced up at him and saw the compassion in his eyes. "I wouldn't want you to pay for my journey unless I do something for you in return."
"And what did you have in mind, Baby Sis?"
A tiny smile played with her lips. She was learning to like his pet name for her. "I was thinking I could help Clara and Millie with their chores for a month. You could pay me half what they earn, but hold it for me. Would that be enough for a train ticket out west? I should think Texas would be far enough."
Another brief chortle erupted from him. "It would be plenty, I assure you." He paused for a second. "It won't be necessary, however, because I have something else in mind."
Her heart wanted to be happy, but hesitated. "And what would that be?"
"I have a friend from college who now lives in Hope Springs. His name is Jeb Garrett, and I've been thinking of writing to invite him for a visit. This morning, I noticed he had placed an advertisement in the church bulletin stating he's looking for a wife." Thomas paused. "He owes me a favor, so if you are interested and willing, I think you should write to him."
She stopped and turned toward him. "That would be wonderful, Thomas. He would never think to look for me there. And if he does find me, I'll be a married woman with a husband to protect and care for me."
Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed his cheek. True, she didn't know this Jeb fellow, but if he was a friend of her brother's, then he must be a good man. With hope she would soon be far away and free from the horrible man her mother married, she found it hard to control her desire to skip the remaining distance.
How was it possible that a month had gone by with such swiftness? Tillie supposed it was likely due to the fact she'd been helping with the daily household chores, even though her brother had told her it was unnecessary. However, she had nothing else to do, and if she were to be married soon, she might need to know how to cook and clean. She didn't want to presume Jeb had the same type of staff at his home, though he probably did since he was a lawyer also.
It seemed Thomas had only sent her letter to his friend the previous week, but he'd just informed her Jeb had replied with a telegram to say he'd be arriving on Monday. That was only three days from now!
Excitement welled up within her, though if she'd been asked she would be at a loss to describe why. Yes, the idea of being married appealed to her for the sake of security, but what about love? It could be possible they might not get along. If that happened, would it be wise to go ahead with the wedding?
Whatever the situation, she wouldn't know until he arrived. It might be best for her sanity to worry about such things as they come. To fret about them now seemed to be a waste of time. But then, they might get along rather well, and that was a thought she'd like to hold onto.
Her mind made up, she pushed all negative thoughts aside. Thomas was standing there waiting for her response to his announcement. Tillie glanced once more at the telegram, then back up into her big brother's eyes.
"I think this is splendid news, Thomas." It was
good to hear the pleasure come through. She truly was happy about Jeb coming to visit and the prospect of marriage, though if she were to be honest, her nerves were singing a different song. "But how can he stay for two weeks? I'm sure he must have to work."
He chuckled. "He works for his father, who also lives here in Savannah. Any time Jeb wishes, he can come for a visit, but he'll stay with his parents on this trip." He gave her a sly grin and a wink. "It wouldn't do to have the neighbors presume something unseemly is going on."
She felt her cheeks become much warmer. "I should hope they'd not think such things!"
His laughter filled the parlor and she was sure it spilled out into the hallway, also. A moment later she understood. All his neighbors were members of the same church, and likely knew him rather well enough to know he wouldn't allow anything inappropriate to take place in his house. Not to mention that shortly after her arrival word had spread quickly about his sister visiting. Realizing this, she found herself giggling along with him.
Chapter Five
Tillie could not help loving her big brother. He'd not only held onto enough money to pay her half the salary he gave to Clara and Millie, but he'd also used it when he took her shopping the next day for a new wardrobe. He purchased dresses, undergarments, and everything she needed. Of course, he'd also been sure to complete the ensemble with seven new pairs of shoes.
She was sure Thomas had spent more than what he'd set aside for her, but he'd explained that she needed her own clothes, especially if she were to be married soon. He'd also purchased something else and had it wrapped in a large box. He refused to tell her what it was, saying only that it was a surprise and she would find out when the proper time arrived.
For church the following day, she'd proudly worn her new cornflower blue dress--with matching beribboned bonnet. However, it was now Monday, and she'd decided to meet Jeb at the train station wearing her pale peach outfit. She felt it highlighted her strawberry blond hair and azure eyes--and it simply made her feel like a beautiful woman. That was something Mr. Holland could never take from her. But she refused to think of that dreadful man now.
"Have I told you how delightful you look?" The pride in her brother's words was also evident in his eyes and smile.
She felt a slight heat warm up her cheeks. "Only seven or eight times." The fan in her left hand moved a bit faster, seemingly of it's own accord.
"I'm sure if Mother were to see you now, she would think she was looking at a younger version of herself." His smile widened.
"Do you honestly think so?" Her eyes opened wide, and he nodded. "Oh, Thomas! That's such a nice thing to hear. I've always thought she was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen."
"Most people feel that way about their parents, though I'm sure many times it is true."
After a moment's thought, she had to agree with him. "I think you're correct. It makes perfect sense to me. And I do believe for us it's the truth."
Before he could respond, the train was arriving with such clamor it likely would have drowned out anything he might have said. However, his grin told her he was of the same opinion.
Tillie's nerves began to sing their song of trepidation, though she tried not to dwell on them. She was overflowing with the excitement of meeting her brother's friend from Hope Springs. It was only natural for her to hope he would be appealing to her eyes, but what concerned her most was the knowledge he was a good man--and Thomas had assured her he was. She truly didn't care if he was short and plain looking, so long as he was a gentleman who knew how to properly treat a lady.
Time seemed to slow down to an unbearable pace. Why was it taking ten minutes for each second to pass? But she already knew the answer. Her excitement, coupled with anxiety, had caused her mind to speed up, along with the rate at which her heart was pounding.
Then she beheld a man stepping from the train. He was tall, like Thomas, with hair the rich color of mahogany, and eyes that reminded her of the deep hue of storm clouds. The color of his suit was a perfect match to those entrancing eyes, and appeared to be well tailored to fit him perfectly. He looked in her direction, and a wide smile brightened the face that must have been lovingly chiseled by Angels. Was this the man she came to greet? She certainly hoped so.
Tillie watched the man come toward her and Thomas with heightened interest. He moved at a pace that was surreal and almost painful to observe. Her mind and heart were rushing at an alarming speed, and she was unsure how long she would be able to withstand it. Would this dreamlike trance ever end?
Then he was standing before her, and the world righted itself. She swore she heard a whoosh of air, as if time itself had finally caught up to her. He held out his hand in greeting, and her right hand rose as if by mere instinct. The moment he grasped it, a smile somehow found it's way to her lips.
"You must be Tom's sister, Tillie." His voice was a rich, velvety baritone. She imagined him in a courtroom arguing a case, his booming tone enrapturing all in attendance, and a chill trickled straight down the center of her back.
The only response she found herself able to give was a small nod.
"Jeb Garrett, ma'am. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He bent at the waist, kissed the back of her hand as though she were royalty, then stood straight again. His exceptional stormy eyes glinted, reflecting his charming smile.
Thomas cleared his throat. "I'm here also, Jeb." She could tell he was teasing his friend.
"Ah! There you are, old friend. My apologies, but it seems your sister's radiance has overshadowed you."
Thomas grinned at his friend, then gave him a smack on the shoulder. "I'm glad you could take some time to visit. It's good to see you again."
"I didn't have anything important requiring my attention. Charles can handle the few cases we have right now." He paused, gazing at Tillie once again. "This trip seemed to hold more interest than what I was working on."
Heat crept up into her face. "I thank you kindly for the compliment, Mr. Garrett." She was happy to hear the politeness come through as she'd intended.
His left eyebrow lifted up, apparently with appreciation at hearing her speak.
"How wonderful it is to hear such a lovely voice." His smile told her his words were honest. "But please, I insist you call me Jeb."
The warmth in her cheeks rose a degree or two. She could only reply with a bashful smile.
Thomas seemed to discern her dilemma with speech at the moment, and came to her rescue.
"Come, Jeb. Let us gather your bags. Then we shall go back to my house."
"Splendid idea, old chum. It is rather hot and humid out here, isn't it?" He glanced at Tillie with a bright smile. "I hope you will be more comfortable at home. I would truly adore having a conversation with you."
She could only return his smile and nod. Why was she suddenly so shy when he was near? It made no sense to her at all. Sending up a silent prayer that the Lord would give her the words to speak, she watched as Thomas helped him collect his luggage, then followed both of them to the carriage.
Chapter Six
Because she'd been helping Millie with the household chores, Tillie and the housekeeper both had time on their hands. To fill the few spare hours each day, Millie had been teaching her how to knit. At first, she wasn't sure this was something she would enjoy, but the maid had insisted on repaying her in some way for taking on some of the workload.
After a month of lessons, however, she decided it was something she truly took pleasure in. Aside from being a relaxing handicraft, she could make useful items for herself or anyone who would benefit from them.
Having insisted her brother spend some time with his friend, she sat in the parlor now, knitting what she planned to be a scarf for Thomas to use in the winter. Dinner would be served soon, and she'd have time to become more acquainted with Jeb then. To be fully truthful, she also needed these few hours to send some prayers up to Heaven. She required a little confidence that she was doing what the Lord wanted for her.
"Whatever that is, it smells divine!" Tillie's stomach reminded her in an instant how long it had been since lunchtime.
Clara removed the deep pot from the oven, then set it on a sideboard. "We have a nice roast of beef for dinner tonight." Her delight was obvious.
"May I help with something?"
"Yes. Thank you." She took a moment to wipe her forehead. "Would you be kind enough to make the gravy?"
Tillie gave her a questioning glance. "Do you truly want me to do that? I'm sure you remember the last time I made gravy."
The women shared a chuckle. "We all make small mistakes, dear. I trust you've learned from the last one, am I correct?" The cook seemed to have faith in her.
"I suppose we shall find out, won't we?"
She set about gathering the flour and other items she would need. Clara grabbed a ladle and busied herself with scooping some of the drippings from the roasting pan into a smaller pot on the top of the stove. When her flour mixture was ready, Tillie slowly added it to the pot, stirring with a fork as swift as she was able. She was determined not to have any lumps this time.
Continuing to whip the concoction once all ingredients had come to a light boil, she was delighted to see a near perfect result.
"I did it! I can't believe I truly did it!" Her exuberant declaration brought Clara over to inspect.
"Yes, you surely did. I knew you could." There was a bit of pride in the older woman's words. "Do you see now what you can accomplish with a bit of confidence in yourself?"
Throughout dinner, she thought about what Clara had said to her in the kitchen. Why had she never realized this? It made perfect sense now that it had been told to her. The more she pondered on it, the more apparent it became that Mr. Holland was to blame for destroying her self-assurance. He'd also robbed her of the self-respect she used to possess.
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