‘‘No, amazingly enough, she didn’t. But it only served to deepen her sorrow.’’
‘‘When she returns, she would probably benefit from spending time with others,’’ Alice said. ‘‘Perhaps the shopping trip to Boston would be a bit taxing, but we could promise her time in her own interests.’’
‘‘I think it would definitely do her good,’’ Lilly said, finishing her tea. ‘‘When she lost her first husband at eighteen, I know she thought she would never love again. Poor man drowned in an accident at the mill,’’ Lilly added, as though it were important.
‘‘Then when she met Daniel Brighton at church, I know she was quite apprehensive about giving her heart. They seemed such a good match. He was the nephew of dear friends and had a good business in Philadelphia. He courted Elinor fervently, coming to Lowell whenever he could spare the time. I think he finally wore her down.’’ Lilly smiled. ‘‘But don’t take that to mean Elinor didn’t love him. She did. I was so happy to see her find true love a second time . . . and now this.’’
‘‘God alone knows why these things happen,’’ Alice commented in a motherly tone. ‘‘We must trust that He knows better than we do.’’
Lilly nodded. ‘‘And that He has better things ahead for Elinor.’’
‘‘Exactly!’’ Alice agreed. ‘‘Hopefully between the two of us, we can take Elinor under our wing and see her heart mended in time. Meanwhile, I do suppose we should turn our efforts toward planning the charity events for the upcoming year.’’
Laughing, Lilly rose to her feet. ‘‘This is probably why I suffer through with limited assistance from others. I am easily distracted.
Come, I’ll show you my list of tasks.’’
Jasmine swirled into her grandmother’s bedroom and made an exaggerated pirouette. Her silk gown cascaded in a sea of pink ripples as she seated herself on the brocade fainting couch and waited for her grandmother’s assessment.
‘‘You look absolutely beautiful, my dear. However, I do believe my diamond-and-pearl necklace would add the perfect touch to your ensemble.’’ Alice opened her jewelry case and lifted a velvet pouch from the depths of the box. With a practiced ease, she placed the necklace around Jasmine’s neck and fastened the clasp.
Alice stepped back to appraise the effect. ‘‘Stunning! There won’t be another young lady who will compare.’’
Jasmine smiled in return, wishing the aura of self-confidence she’d exhibited for her grandmother moments earlier were genuine. ‘‘Will attendance be sizable, do you think?’’
Alice stared into the mirror, her attention focused upon the cameo pin she was clipping to a wide ribbon she’d fastened around her neck only moments earlier. ‘‘I’m not certain. Do you like the cameo on this ribbon? Or shall I wear my topaz necklace?’’
‘‘The cameo.’’ Jasmine blotted her face with a lace-edged handkerchief. ‘‘Will there be more guests than attend the balls at Hampton House or The Willows?’’
‘‘Why are you so curious about the number of guests?’’ Alice turned to face Jasmine. ‘‘Oh, child! You’re white as a sheet. Are you ill?’’ Without a moment’s hesitation, Alice moved to her granddaughter’s side and placed a hand alongside her cheek. ‘‘No fever.’’
‘‘I’m not ill, at least not in the way you’re talking about.’’
‘‘In what way, then?’’
‘‘Attending a party where I won’t know anyone except you and Father makes me extremely uncomfortable. You won’t leave my side, will you?’’
Alice patted Jasmine’s hand. ‘‘You might have difficulty dancing if I remain by your side throughout the evening. But I promise to stay with you as long as you need me if that will help conquer your anxiety.’’
Jasmine’s lips curved into a timid smile as she nodded her agreement. ‘‘You think I’m acting like my mother, don’t you?’’
‘‘Absolutely not! And don’t you worry yourself with such thoughts. I want you to attend this party and enjoy yourself.
There’s an exciting world outside of The Willows, and I want you to experience a portion of it—beginning this evening.’’ Alice wrapped a silk shawl around Jasmine’s shoulders and pulled her into a warm embrace. ‘‘Now, set aside your fears, and let’s be on our way. You’re going to meet some fascinating people. By the end of the evening, you’ll look back on this moment and wonder why you ever harbored the slightest concern.’’
Jasmine hoped she was right. She had the utmost respect for her grandmother’s opinions. Still, this was possibly the most frightening event of her life. Jasmine followed her grandmother from the room, wondering what the evening might hold in store. So many of her friends back home had met their mates at just such events. Most had married within the last year.
Will I meet the man of my dreams? she pondered. I’ve never concerned myself with such things before, but what if . . .
Malcolm hurried forward to meet the women as they descended the staircase. ‘‘Look at the two of you! I’ll be escorting the prettiest ladies to the party.’’
‘‘Thank you, Papa,’’ Jasmine said, her thoughts interrupted by her father’s enthusiasm. She forced a smile. ‘‘Grandmother has loaned me her necklace. Isn’t it beautiful?’’
Jasmine’s father nodded and glanced toward the tolling clock in the hallway. ‘‘Indeed, it is. We’d best be on our way, or I’d venture to say that we’ll be more than fashionably late to the Cheevers’. I do wish I’d had time to inform Bradley Houston of our arrival. He knew we were making the journey, but he didn’t know exactly when we planned to arrive. He wrote that he’d made a point of meeting you, Mother. What did you think of him?’’
Alice donned her white lace stole and took hold of her son’s arm. ‘‘He seemed nice enough, I suppose, but he was more interested in discussing cotton and textiles than any matters that were of interest to me. He probably believed my years of living at The
Willows made me an excellent partner with whom to discuss cotton markets. Little did he realize how I abhor the topic.’’ She gave her son a fleeting apologetic look. ‘‘Now, his brother, Nolan, is another matter entirely. Nolan enjoys theatre, poetry, and literature and can discuss them all quite eloquently. He’s a man after my heart. In fact, I shared one of Jasmine’s poems with him. He confided she hadn’t mentioned her literary abilities when he visited The Willows. Bradley didn’t appear to show much interest, but Nolan was quite impressed. I wouldn’t worry about business this evening. You’ll have ample time for discussions of cotton and textiles later in the week if Mr. Houston isn’t present tonight.’’
‘‘Since it’s obvious your health has greatly improved, Mother, I’m certain we won’t be in Lowell for an extended period.’’
Jasmine stifled a protest. She might fear the events of the evening, but she longed to spend more time in her grandmother’s company. Surely Papa wouldn’t rush her back to The Willows without time for a good long visit.
A playful smile tugged at Alice’s lips. ‘‘You’re not hiding your agitation very well, Malcolm. Why don’t we spend this evening enjoying each other’s company and the fact that we have a lovely party to attend?’’
Jasmine watched her father’s expression soften. ‘‘I am enjoying your company, in spite of the false pretenses upon which you forced my arrival.’’
‘‘Tut, tut. Tonight is for fun—not admonitions. I am determined to show my granddaughter, and perhaps my son, that the Northern states are just as fond of parties and revelry as is the South.’’
‘‘Then let us go among your Northern neighbors,’’ Jasmine’s father said, smiling.
Jasmine relaxed a bit. Her father was clearly not nearly as annoyed with his mother as he let on. She followed her elders to the carriage, watching as her grandmother lovingly placed her gloved hand against her son’s face. Jasmine couldn’t hear what she said, but the look on her grandmother’s face was one of pure love.
The exchange warmed Jasmine and made her forget her fears. At least
momentarily.
By the time they arrived at the Cheevers’, Jasmine’s father appeared to relish the idea of a party, hurrying them out of the carriage and up to the porch with a swiftness that caused Jasmine’s grandmother to tug on his sleeve.
‘‘Do slow down, Malcolm. This isn’t a footrace, and I’m an old woman.’’
Papa winked at Jasmine before turning back toward his mother. ‘‘Since when do you consider yourself old?’’
‘‘When such a comment suits my fancy, of course.’’ She gave her son a smug grin and looped arms with Jasmine. ‘‘Come along, my dear. I’m going to introduce you to some of the most eligible bachelors to be found north of Mississippi.’’
Malcolm immediately sobered. ‘‘Don’t get any ideas, Mother.
As I said on our way here, with your improved health, we’ll be returning to Mississippi very soon. I much prefer to be home in time for picking season.’’
‘‘Don’t discount my medical ailments so quickly, Malcolm.
You assume because I’m able to navigate the streets of Lowell, I am completely well. However, my health hangs in the balance, changing from day to day, much like the weather.’’
‘‘Or to suit your circumstances?’’ he inquired as they reached the front door.
Alice ignored his question, stepping forward to greet Lilly Cheever. ‘‘Lilly, Matthew. May I introduce my son Malcolm Wainwright and my dear granddaughter Jasmine?’’
Matthew grasped Malcolm’s hand in a warm handshake. ‘‘I believe Bradley Houston mentioned your name to me only this morning. He said he had visited your plantation and that you and your brothers have some of the finest cotton fields to be found in the South.’’
Malcolm nodded. ‘‘I’m pleased to hear he was so favorably impressed with our cotton. Bradley appears to be quite a shrewd businessman. In fact, we’ve corresponded since his departure.’’
‘‘We’re pleased to welcome you to our home. I believe Bradley is expected tonight, isn’t he, my dear?’’
Lilly nodded. ‘‘Yes. Actually, Bradley’s already here, though Nolan hasn’t yet arrived. He’s coming from Cambridge with Henry Longfellow.’’ She lowered her voice and leaned close as though she were sharing some privileged piece of information.
‘‘They’ve both agreed to read poetry for us later this evening.’’
Alice clapped her hands together in obvious delight. ‘‘How enchanting! I know we’ll all enjoy hearing them,’’ Alice said before stepping aside to permit the other guests entry.
The three Wainwrights walked down the hallway toward the drawing room, and Malcolm gave his mother a smug grin. ‘‘It sounds as though Mrs. Cheever’s entertainment will provide me with ample opportunity to talk to Bradley Houston this evening.’’
‘‘Listening to something other than the price of cotton would expand your mind,’’ Alice gently chided.
When her father gave no retort, Jasmine looked upward and followed his gaze. Bradley Houston was wending his way through the crowd. He plainly stared at her as he approached where they now stood. He looked quite dashing dressed in gray and black. His rigid features gave him a hard but handsome appearance.
‘‘I didn’t know you had arrived in Lowell. I thought you would send word,’’ he said. She couldn’t discern if he was angry or merely surprised by her appearance. He took hold of her gloved hand and bent over it, refraining from touching his lips to the cloth. When he looked back up to meet her face, Jasmine thought his expression suggested that he expected some sort of explanation.
‘‘There wasn’t sufficient time, what with preparations for the evening and visiting with Grandmother,’’ she replied. ‘‘I’m sorry.’’
‘‘You’re young.’’ He straightened, his gaze boring past any facades of bravery Jasmine might have put in place. ‘‘You are forgiven. In time you’ll learn where to direct your time and attention.’’
He then smiled with the warmth of a summer day. Yet something in his voice caused her to shiver.
CHAPTER • 6
JASMINE KNOCKED on her grandmother’s bedroom door and then stepped inside when Alice bid her enter. ‘‘Good morning, Grandmother. I trust last evening’s dinner at the Merrimack House didn’t tire you overly much.’’
She smiled and motioned Jasmine forward. ‘‘On the contrary, I’m fine.’’
‘‘I’m so glad. I thought perhaps the activities of the last week might have wearied you.’’
‘‘You mustn’t fret about me. I’m aging to be sure, but I’m still very capable. I’ve been meaning to ask if you enjoyed the Cheevers’ party last week. We’ve scarcely had a chance to speak of it.’’
Jasmine considered that evening, and Bradley Houston immediately came to mind. ‘‘I’m not sure what to think about that night. I thought the party itself was lovely. Mrs. Cheever is very gracious. Mother would say she has the grace and manners of a perfect Southern lady. Although as I understand, she’s very much of New England background.’’
‘‘That she is. She was born and reared right here in Lowell,’’ Grandmother replied. ‘‘But let us speak about you, my dear. What seems to trouble you about that evening?’’
Jasmine shrugged. ‘‘I’m not sure I would say that the evening troubles me; rather, I’m not sure what it all meant.’’
Grandmother tilted her head to one side as if to study her for a moment. Jasmine felt silly for having even brought up the matter.
‘‘I suppose it was nothing,’’ she murmured, looking away from her grandmother’s prying gaze.
‘‘Nonsense. You seemed completely perplexed. Tell me what this is about.’’
Jasmine turned, trying hard to put her thoughts into words.
‘‘Mr. Houston said several things to me—things that confused me.’’
‘‘Did he try to take liberties with you, child?’’
‘‘Oh no,’’ Jasmine assured. ‘‘It’s just that he spoke to me in a very familiar way, as if he’d known me for a long time. It confused me.’’
‘‘Did he speak of love?’’
Jasmine grew warm around the lace of her collar. ‘‘No, not exactly. He spoke of obedience and helpfulness. He talked of my learning where best to direct my attention. I’m not at all certain what he wanted me to understand, but he seemed quite intent with his words.’’
‘‘Well, child, you are of a marriageable age, and you’re quite beautiful. The man probably fancies thoughts of you for his wife.’’
Jasmine shook her head. ‘‘Bradley Houston is too old for me, and he’s a Northerner, after all. He would never understand our ways, and no doubt Papa would never consider him as a suitor for me.’’
‘‘Yes, but what of you, Jasmine? Would you consider him?’’
Jasmine couldn’t give her grandmother an answer. Truth be told, she hadn’t really considered anything so farfetched as a marriage proposal from Bradley Houston.
As if understanding Jasmine’s bewilderment, her grandmother motioned to the chair. ‘‘Sharing these last few days with you has been wonderful. Sit down and have breakfast with me. Martha tells me your father is meeting with Mr. Houston again this morning, so perhaps the mysteries will be explained.’’ She smiled with reassurance. ‘‘But even better, we shall have the day to ourselves. I thought perhaps we might go to some of the shops and see about a small gift for your mother, something your father could take home that might cheer her.’’
‘‘Perhaps a book of poetry,’’ Jasmine suggested, pushing aside her troubled thoughts.
‘‘An excellent idea. Nolan Houston is quite eloquent, is he not? His reading was impeccable the other night.’’
Jasmine placed a linen napkin across her lap. ‘‘It’s a shame he doesn’t have a published book of poems we could purchase for Mother. It would be great fun to give her a book written by someone she’s actually entertained in her home, even if he didn’t read any of his writings for us.’’
‘‘I doubt your father would have encouraged h
im. And Bradley doesn’t appear to lend much support either. I was rather horrified when the two of them got up and went outdoors during Mr. Longfellow’s reading at the Cheevers’, although I suppose I shouldn’t have been. Your father told me he planned to utilize the time to discuss business. He’s convinced my health doesn’t require his presence in Lowell, and I’m certain he’ll soon book passage for your return to The Willows. He thinks the first picking won’t occur without him.’’
‘‘Oh, Grandmother, do try to convince him we should remain awhile longer. We’ve only just arrived, and I don’t think I could bear to leave you so quickly.’’
Grandmother Wainwright’s face seemed to suddenly come alive with excitement. ‘‘What if I could convince him to allow you to remain until the end of November? I could then accompany you home and spend the holidays with all of the family.’’ The animation in her tone confirmed she was quite delighted with her new idea.
Jasmine pulled her grandmother into a tight embrace. ‘‘What a perfect plan! Surely Papa will agree, especially if it means you’ll be at The Willows for Christmas.’’
‘‘I doubt he’ll be quite as enthusiastic as you. He’ll immediately worry about your mother’s reaction to your absence. She’ll be distraught when you don’t come home and will surely take to her bed.’’
Jasmine pulled back, carefully contemplating her words before she spoke. ‘‘I do want to stay, Grandmother, but Mama’s health is fragile at times. I wouldn’t want to cause her distress. However, she was most supportive of our journey, even telling Father he had an obligation to come north and personally check on you. And she encouraged him to bring me along to see you.’’
Alice patted Jasmine on the cheek. ‘‘Then we’ll leave it to your father and abide by his decision. In the meantime, let’s get ready for our shopping trip. I saw some of the loveliest velvet at Paxton’s Mercantile in town. I think it might make a very fetching Christmas gown.’’
Jasmine smiled and turned her attention back to the breakfast tea. ‘‘I’m certain to be impressed if it caught your attention.’’ Jasmine pushed aside her anxieties and the pending question of whether her father would allow her to remain in Lowell and concentrated on the joy of the moment. Tomorrow would surely see her troubles smoothed over and her mind at peace.
Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] Page 6