by Dara Girard
Janet stared at Valerie perplexed. "You can't really believe that."
"How many love matches have lasted for not just years but decades? How many times have you seen love turn to disdain? Feelings change. Rationality is constant."
"Yes, maybe," Janet said with some hesitancy. "but you don't go about marriage as though it were some business transaction."
"I'm only suggesting that one use one's head in these matters instead of one's heart. Think of the words from Jeremiah: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Emotions have betrayed human beings for centuries, which is why we turn to God and if Mother Shea is to be believed, this union has His blessing." She lowered her voice. "Be careful Janet on how you persuade your sister. There's a lot more at stake than you realize."
"Yes, I can see that." Janet suddenly groaned. "Oh no Dee-dee is looking at me again. She's probably wondering why I'm not talking to Jeffrey."
"My mother has already resigned herself to be disappointed, but she wants me to play the piano later." Valerie glanced away then said, "Your mother isn't the only person watching you. Durand has been staring at you since you arrived."
Janet bristled. "I don't know why. He probably finds something immodest about my dress. Perhaps he expects me to strip down and assault him."
"Janet!" Valerie said scandalized.
"He's so intimidating. I bet he wants to belittle me by making his disgust clear."
Valerie glanced at Frederick, suddenly thoughtful. "Actually, I think he likes you."
Janet gently patted her friend's cheek. "Poor Valerie, you've just lost your mind." She took her hand. "Quick, let's go to the piano before my mother separates us. I'll play and you can sing something. And we'll walk past Durand and ignore him."
Janet would have accomplished her goal had Valerie's father, Brother Williams, not stopped her just as she was to pass Durand. "Where are you both dashing off to?"
Janet anxiously pointed to the piano. "We're just—"
"I noticed you brought your sketch pad. That must mean you're going to do some portraits."
"Yes," Janet said trying to inch away. "Later."
"She's very talented Durand," Brother Williams said addressing the quiet young man. "You should be one of the first in line."
Frederick didn't smile, but his face softened. "I just might."
"I'd hate for you to waste your time. I'm sure you have better things to do," Janet said, then looked at Brother Williams. "He's likely traveled the world and has seen many fine artists. I doubt he'll find my little sketches interesting."
"You're wrong. I'd like a portrait," he said.
Janet sent him a cool look. "I couldn't do your face justice. Excuse me." She nodded then walked over to the piano.
"Janet," Valerie scolded as she led her away. "At least be gracious if not tactful. He's Jeffrey's friend."
"I don't know why."
"It's not for you to judge."
Janet sat at the piano and lifted the lid. "I would rather break all my pencils than ever sketch a line of his face. I'll never draw it. Ever." She flexed her fingers over the piano keys. "Now what should I start with?"
They made a selection from the song book that was available, then began. Valerie had a beautiful, melodious voice. The room hushed to hear her. Although Janet's playing was far from spectacular, it complimented her friend's singing.
Frederick watched her, intrigued. He'd had no intention of enjoying himself when he'd first arrived. He'd planned to come and endure as he had the last time, but this time was different. This time his gaze kept falling on Janet Barnett. He didn't intend to but he couldn't seem to help himself. She wasn't in blue this time, but a cream yellow that complimented the red undertone of her lovely brown skin. And although her dress was conservative, her figure—slender, with enough curves to keep a man interested—made it seem a little less so. Her laughter was the first thing to catch his attention. It was surprisingly free and genuine. From the moment he heard it, he found himself studying her and questioning his first assessment. After further thought her drawings weren't that obscene—he'd seen most of them upside down—and though bold they weren't indecent.
He'd met many women in his life and in his travels and here in some backwards community was a woman who was like no other woman he'd ever met before. Her smile was quick and without pretense; she was innocent yet her gaze was sharp—nothing escaped the scrutiny of those bright brown eyes. He'd been disappointed that he hadn't been able to engage her in conversation, but not bothered. Watching from a distance was much more entertaining.
Frederick wasn't easily offended. He'd come from a line of conquerors. A powerful family descended from royal patronage, who'd only gained dominance under the threat of slavery and colonialism. By the use of cunning and mastery, they'd increased their prestige and wealth. He knew nothing of oppression. His family had assimilated to the ways of the West without fracturing their pride in their culture.
Hamsford and its culture fascinated him. This time he watched the church members and didn't find them strange but amusing in the fierce ways they held onto their beliefs, while the world around them changed. And one woman made all the difference. She held him in a strange rapture. His guarded heart responded to her light and slipped past his defenses. He didn't know what it was, but he knew he'd never be the same.
Chapter 12
The audience applauded when Janet and Valerie completed their duet. Before anyone could make another request, Francine raced over to them and announced, "I have a poem that I've set to music."
"Why doesn't she just call it a song?" Valerie whispered to Janet as Francine settled at the piano.
"Because Francine won't use one word when she can use many."
The moment Francine hit her first note it pierced the air like a chicken being strangled. Janet folded her arms, although she wanted to cover her ears. She looked around the room embarrassed by the look of pain on people's faces. She caught Tanya's wince and Karen's smug grin then glanced away. Thankfully, she was soon dragged away to do people's portraits and Valerie was asked to organize a game of charades. Within minutes Francine's audience had disappeared except for three young children who knew her from Sunday school and applauded loudly when she finished. Their enthusiastic applause however, was enough to encourage her to share another poem set to music, but before she could, Mr. Barnett whispered something in her ear forcing her to leave.
* * *
"I wish Francine Barnett didn't think she could sing," Karen said in the backseat of her brother's car.
"I know," Tanya said beside her. "My ears are still ringing."
Karen leaned forward and touched Frederick's shoulder. "And what do you have to say about this evening?"
"I enjoyed myself," he said.
Stunned silence followed his statement then Jeffrey slapped the steering wheel and laughed. "I knew you would once you gave everyone a chance! What did you like the most?"
"I liked Janet's duet with her friend."
Tanya lowered her window a crack, letting the cool night air seep into the car. "Yes, that was nice."
"It was okay," Karen said.
Jeffrey glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "I also enjoyed it. Valerie is one of the best singers around."
Karen sighed. "But Janet isn't one of the best pianists."
"No," Frederick agreed. "But she makes up for it with passion and vigor. A true music lover."
"Artists always seem to be full of some strange passion," Karen said annoyed by the topic of conversation.
"Not all artists," Frederick said with subtle warning.
Karen quickly said, "I didn't mean her... I just... well it just takes getting used to being around them again. I've attended many grand events and have heard truly gifted concert pianists. Since Dad's death you know we haven't attended any of these small events."
"I think it was fun," Jeffrey said.
Tanya rolled her eyes. "Quelle surprise."
> "We only attended because of you," Karen said. "By the way, why did you buy that property east of town? Everyone's whispering about it."
"I know," he said.
When he didn't say more, Tanya said, "Janet did my sketch. It's very good. She said I had the perfect nose." Tanya traced the slope with her finger. "I put the drawing in the trunk because I didn't want it to get wrinkled."
Frederick tapped his knee. "She's very talented."
Karen raised her brows in soft mockery. "High praise again. My, my, has someone developed a crush?"
He met her gaze in the rearview mirror, the night lights highlighting his dark eyes.
His cold look sent chills through her. Karen folded her arms then turned to her sister. "Put up the window. I'm freezing."
The temperature in the car hadn't changed much, but Tanya was used to Karen's moods and did as requested. "They've changed don't you think?" she said.
"Who?" Jeffrey asked when no one else did.
"The Barnetts. It's been a while since I've seen them."
"I don't think they've changed much," Karen said. "Beverly is still beautiful."
"Yes, I like her. She was always so sweet and kind."
"I'd like to invite them for dinner," Jeffrey said.
His sisters glanced at each other as though he'd lost his mind then Karen said, "The entire family?"
"We used to be friends."
"Yes, but why have them all over?"
"As a special congratulations for Beverly's engagement."
Frederick tugged on the cuff of his jacket. "I think you've offered her plenty of congratulations."
Jeffrey frowned. "What does that mean?"
"You spent most of the evening 'congratulating' her."
Jeffrey gripped the steering wheel. "We were talking about old times."
Frederick sent him a cool look. "You must have a long history."
"We do," Jeffrey said in a terse voice.
Karen tapped her chin. "I remember when we were young and Beverly used to come with us to the lake house."
"Wouldn't that be nice?" Tanya said.
Jeffrey furrowed his brows. "What?"
"Inviting Beverly to come with us to the lake house."
"Yes," Karen agreed. "We're going next weekend let's invite her. She's always been good company."
"I think it's a perfect idea," Tanya said before he could reply.
Karen nodded. "We've made up our minds and it's settled. I'll call her tomorrow."
"Janet used to come with us too," Jeffrey said.
His sisters shared a look then Tanya said, "Yes, she can be pleasant too."
"Sometimes," Karen added.
Jeffrey drove up the driveway and parked the car. "Invite them both. It'll be fun." He got out of the car and looked at Frederick over the hood. "Don't you think?"
He nodded. "I think it will be interesting."
"Great." Jeffrey closed the car door then pointed at Karen. "Call them." He turned before he could see his sister's scowl.
* * *
Beverly hung up the phone then stared at it as if it threatened to turn into a live creature.
"Well?" her mother demanded.
She turned to her mother and four sisters who all sat in the living room staring at her. Private phone calls didn't exist and people rarely called to speak to Beverly. "The Farmers have invited Janet and me to spend the weekend at their lake house. They're going to plan a picnic as well."
Mrs. Barnett jumped up as though the Holy Spirit had seized her. She bounced around for a bit then patted Janet on the cheek. "I knew you'd made an impression on him. Didn't I say that necklace would work? And you performing with Valerie to get noticed was an excellent idea."
Janet stared at her mother horrified. "I didn't play so that Jeffrey—"
"The reason doesn't really matter. He's interested."
Janet shook her head. "No, I don't—"
"Why else would he invite you? He invited Beverly to come too so that he wouldn't look over eager." Mrs. Barnett clasped her hands together thrilled. "You'll wear your pink two-piece outfit and the necklace, I mean the chocker—"
"Choker," Francine corrected.
"Yes, that. The one I gave you the other night."
"But Daddy—"
Mrs. Barnett pressed her finger against Janet's mouth. "Won't be there to see you. Once you're married it won't matter what your father says." She turned to her eldest daughter. "Beverly you'll wear the drop-waist purple dress I bought you and those nice heels your Aunt Bernice sent you."
"Heels?" Janet said. "This is a picnic not a dance. Those shoes won't be sensible."
"She's a fine lady now and she must dress the part. The Farmer girls almost always wear heels."
"But that's them," Janet protested. "Beverly isn't accustomed to walking all over the place in heels."
"She'll grow accustomed."
"I'll wear them," Beverly said before Janet could argue further.
"Good." Mrs. Barnett gazed at her daughters with tears brimming in her eyes. "At this moment I'm the happiest woman alive." She kissed them both on the cheek. "Praise be to God."
Later that evening, Janet sat on her bed hugging her knees to her chest. She stared at her sister who rested against the bed post. "They don't really need me to come, you know. I'm just a spare."
"That's not true," Beverly said. "They wouldn't have invited both of us if they didn't want you. Dee-dee thinks you made an impression on Jeffrey."
Janet raised a sly brow. "Someone in this room made an impression, but it wasn't me."
Beverly blushed.
"You like him."
"I've always liked him." She lowered her gaze. "But let's not have this conversation."
Janet rested her chin on her knees and groaned. "Too bad his sisters will be there."
"They are very nice."
"You think everyone is nice."
"At the core every human being has something decent about them."
"Perhaps," Janet said unconvinced. She straightened her legs and stared at her feet. "I suppose the problem with me is that I don't like people as much as I should."
Beverly grabbed her sister's hands and said in an urgent voice. "To truly love God you must love man. Just understand that everyone is a child of God and made in His image."
Janet grinned to ease her sister's worry. "Yes, but some more than others."
* * *
Janet didn't expect to enjoy the journey to the lake house and she certainly didn't expect the seventh traveler who joined them. Beverly and Janet stared at him not sure what to make of it. However, he smiled back at them unconcerned as he sat content in his cage.
"His name is Milton," Jeffrey said loading their suitcases into the trunk of his SUV. "He belongs to Frederick."
Beverly leaned forward and the dog's smile seemed to widen as he pressed a paw against the cage. "What is he?"
"A border collie."
"He seems very friendly."
"He is." Jeffrey closed the trunk. "Once he's out of his cage he'll be all over you. He's one of the friendliest dogs I know."
"Perhaps he could teach his owner a lesson or two," Janet mumbled.
Beverly pinched Janet hard then got in the car.
After a two hour drive they reached the lake house. It was a beautiful brick structure situated on a pristine landscaped property only a few feet away from a natural lake surrounded by evergreens and lush foliage. Boats zipped across its surface and in the distance a couple fished.
The front door flew open and Les and Abigail Horowitz, the caretakers, rushed down the steps to greet them.
"It's been ages," Abigail said crushing Janet to her large frame. She smelled like cinnamon muffins and had her dark braids twisted in a bun on her head. She stood back and looked at her. "You haven't changed one bit."
"They've both gotten prettier," Les said with a wink, stroking the white streak in his beard.
"Later you must tell us what you've been up to."<
br />
"Beverly's getting married," Karen said pushing past them to walk up the stairs.
Abigail widened her hazel eyes surprised and pleased. "Really? Who's the lucky man?"
Beverly hesitated. "You don't know him."
"But he's a good man and you love him very much, right?"
Beverly avoided her gaze. "Yes, he's a good man."
Abigail opened her mouth, but Janet interrupted her. "Could you show us our rooms?"
Abigail closed her mouth and did.
Chapter 13
The evidence of the Horowitz's attention to detail showed throughout the house. From the gleaming hardwood floors, glistening double paned windows and fresh bed linens. Once everyone was settled in their rooms, Abigail stayed behind to help Janet unpack. "What's going on?" she asked.
Janet opened a drawer. "I don't know what you mean."
"Your sister didn't seem too keen to talk about her upcoming wedding. Usually young women can't stop talking about their special day."
Janet picked up a blouse. "You know how it is with us."
"Yes." Abigail sat on the bed then let out a heavy sigh. "Your parent's are involved?"
"When aren't they?"
"You know that my family had to break from the Orthodox traditions of my grandfather and it was very painful. Until the day he died my father felt guilty. I know how important it is to want to honor your parents but sometimes you cannot please them. My choice did not make my father happy at first, but he grew to understand."
"I wish it were that simple."
"But if Beverly doesn't feel right about it, she may have to go against your father."
"No," Janet said adamant. "We could never go against him. Ever." She remembered the rage and anguish she'd seen on the face of Ramani's father and couldn't imagine doing that to her own. No, it was an impossible choice.
"Maybe, but you never know what you can do until you're forced to."