Diane T. Ashley

by Jasmine

  “No.” Jasmine could not meet her sister’s gaze. “You’re probably right. I’ll never see him again.”

  Silence enveloped them. Jasmine wanted to look up, but she didn’t dare. Lily might not know everything, but she had an uncanny knack for discerning untruths. Not that Jasmine believed Vance would come to Les Fleurs without an invitation. He didn’t need to. She was going to go to him, get a job on the Ophelia, and reach for her dreams.

  “I’m sorry.” Lily’s hand covered her own. “I’ve been thinking about that trip to Chicago. The one you and I discussed back at Les Fleurs.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that.” Jasmine pulled her hand free. “I don’t know if I even want to go to Chicago anymore.”

  “Really? I thought that was your heart’s desire. What’s happened to change your mind?”

  Jasmine wished her sister would go away. “Nothing. I just realized that the big city is not as romantic as I’d once thought.”

  “Is it that man?” Lily grabbed her shoulders and pulled Jasmine around to face her. Her brown eyes were full of fire. “Did he hurt you?”

  “Of course not.” Exasperation lent sincerity to her words. At least she could be truthful about this. “Vance was a perfect gentleman.”

  Lily continued to search her face. “Something happened. You’ve been pining for the chance to move to Chicago for more than a year. You couldn’t have changed so completely in less than a week.” An odd look entered her eyes, driving out the anger and replacing it with sympathy. “Is it David? I know that you care about him, Jasmine, in spite of what you tell me. It’s written all over your face.”

  David? Lily thought she was heartbroken because David was not returning with them? She opened her mouth to correct her sister’s misunderstanding but snapped it closed again as she realized this might be the perfect way to avoid Lily’s interference. Drawing on her experience playing the misunderstood daughter of King Lear, she hung her head. “I—he is nothing to me at all.”

  “Oh, dear.” Lily drew her close and rubbed her back. “I’m so sorry, Jasmine.”

  As she stood within the circle of her sister’s arms, Jasmine ignored the prick of her conscience. It was Lily’s fault that she was driven to deception. If she told her sister the truth, Lily would drag her off to Memphis or some other bleak, depressing location and never let her out of her sight.

  Her way would be better for both of them. For everyone in the family. She would disappear from their lives until one day when they would learn of her stunning success in the theatrical world. Then they would understand why she had left home in the first place.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The hired carriage rocked as it hit a rough spot on the dirt road leading out of Natchez. With practiced ease, Jasmine grabbed the hand loop above her head to keep from being jostled about.

  Lily swayed with the movement, her arm around her drowsy youngest son. “I’m glad Papa took Aunt Tessie home.”

  “Mommy, Noah’s touching me.” Magnolia pushed at her brother’s arm as she made the complaint.

  Jasmine hid a grin as she listened to Lily dispensing justice to her nephew and niece. Had she ever been that young? She didn’t remember arguing with David in the same way. Of course, Lily wasn’t her mother … and he certainly wasn’t her brother.

  She felt a greater kinship with Benjamin, wondering if he would chafe against being the youngest. Jasmine knew firsthand how it felt. She was ready to be treated like a grown woman, receiving respect from her family even if they couldn’t give her enthusiastic support. If everything proceeded according to plan, they would have to respect her. They wouldn’t have any other choice. She would be out in the world, making her own way and excelling in her chosen profession.

  A thrill of anticipation swelled within her. Maybe she would marry the handsome Vance Hargrove … if no one better came along. After all, once she became a famous actress, dozens of men would want her by their sides … maybe hundreds. She could choose a husband from among them.

  The carriage slowed and turned off the road.

  Jasmine leaned forward for a glimpse of Les Fleurs, her breath catching at the unexpected sight. “Look, there’s been a fire!”

  Her exclamation stopped the children’s squabbling, and they leaned forward to see the blackened field. She heard hoofbeats as Blake, who was escorting them on horseback, spurred his mount forward.

  Lily held Benjamin’s head as she surveyed the damage. “I wonder what happened. Can you see the house?”

  “Not yet.” Out of the corner of her eye, Jasmine saw Magnolia reach for her brother’s hand. The sight warmed her heart, reminding her once again of the close relationship she, Lily, and Camellia had once enjoyed. A part of her missed those days. They rarely—if ever—saw eye to eye anymore.

  Blake returned, leaning down to report what he’d seen. “It looks like the only damage was to a couple of the cabins on the other side of the fields.”

  Benjamin woke and pulled on his mother’s shoulder. Lily returned her attention to him.

  Jasmine, along with Noah and Magnolia, continued peering out of the window. She hoped no one had been hurt.

  Camellia and Aunt Dahlia stood on the front porch, waving their handkerchiefs. They must have heard the carriage coming.

  Blake dismounted to open the door for them. Noah and Magnolia tumbled out first and went running up the steps to be welcomed by the two ladies as Blake took Benjamin. He set his youngest child on the ground and watched him run, as only a toddler can, toward the steps before helping Lily and Jasmine alight.

  As she climbed the stairs ahead of Lily and Blake, Jasmine looked for any signs of strain in Camellia’s face, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw none. In spite of the damage they had seen on the drive to the plantation, everything must be under control.

  “Why don’t you go inside and see if the cook has any treats left from our tea this morning?” Camellia held the door open and watched as Noah, Magnolia, and Benjamin ran to do her bidding.

  “What happened?” Blake asked the question as soon as the children were out of sight.

  “We were all nearly burned alive.” Aunt Dahlia dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief, even though Jasmine couldn’t see any evidence of tears. “I thank the good Lord we weren’t killed while we slept.”

  “Aunt Dahlia, you know the fire started well after we were up and about.” Camellia hugged Jasmine first and then Lily. “Besides, the house was never in any danger.”

  Aunt Dahlia heaved a loud sigh. “I blame Jonah for bringing this on us.”

  Jasmine could not believe what her aunt was saying. Aunt Dahlia had never liked Jonah because he fought with the North during the war, but surely she could not believe he would purposely try to burn down their home.

  “Aunt Dahlia,” Lily and Camellia admonished in unison.

  “Well, I do.” Aunt Dahlia sniffed and turned to go inside. “You young people don’t know as much as you think. Whenever someone tries to change the natural order of things, we all have to suffer the consequences.”

  Blake shook his head and turned to face Camellia. “Tell us what happened.”

  “I know you remember Jasper Calhoun.” She waited for Blake’s nod. “He set fire to the woods out of spite when Jonah didn’t choose him as overseer.”

  “Why don’t you sit down and tell us all about it? Don’t leave out any details.” Lily moved to one of three rockers to the right of the front door, arranging her skirts as she settled against the wooden seat.

  Blake glanced toward the front door. “Where’s Jonah?”

  Camellia waved her hand toward the burned woods. “He and a few of the others are finishing up the repairs to the schoolhouse. It received the most damage, but I hope to hold class there again tomorrow.”

  Camellia and Jasmine sat in the empty rockers as Blake went in search of his brother-in-law. As succinctly as she could, Camellia described the fire and how narrowly she and the children had avoided the danger
. “Besides minor scrapes and cuts, only one man was seriously injured. The doctor came to help treat him, and I’m thankful to say he is already back on his feet.”

  “Praise God no one was killed.” Reverence filled Lily’s words.

  Camellia nodded. “Yes, He was definitely watching out for our welfare.”

  Jasmine was thankful to hear that the damage had been no worse, but she thought her sisters should also recognize the hard work of the men, women, and children who had risked their lives to fight the flames. Not that God had not been with them, but without the others, the plantation might have burned to the ground. But now was not the time to express her thoughts. She forced her lips into an agreeable smile.

  “Let’s talk about something else.” Camellia looked at her. “Did you and David settle your differences, or are you still spatting?”

  Lily cleared her throat and shook her head. “Blake and I were planning to make a trip up to Memphis right away, but I think we’d better stick around a few days to help you out.”

  While she was thankful to Lily for intervening, irritation pressed Jasmine’s lips into a straight line. Why was everyone so interested in her relationship with David? He was her past. The theater was her future.

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I won’t hear of such a thing. Jonah and I have everything in hand. Please don’t change your plans. As you pointed out, we have so much to be thankful for.”

  Jasmine thought it would be good to add a little reinforcement. If Lily and Blake didn’t leave, it might wreck her plans. Besides that, Lily needed to get past the idea that her sisters were helpless. Jasmine had no doubt Jonah and Camellia would do fine without Lily directing the repairs. “Didn’t you say you need to talk to Eli Thornton about the railroad business?”

  “That’s true. He and Renée will know all the pitfalls of changing over from river to rail transportation. Now that so many people are moving westward, it seems we’re going to have to consider the possibility of leaving the river.” Lily stopped and frowned. “But family is more important than business.”

  “I agree, Sister. And if it were necessary, I would beg you and Blake to remain here a few days. But we’re coping. You should go.”

  Jasmine held her breath as she watched the emotions crossing Lily’s face.

  “Are you going, too, Jasmine?”

  Grateful for the chance to put her plans in motion, Jasmine stretched out her arms and yawned. “I don’t think so.” She looked at Lily, summoning all the pathos she could manage. “I’m really tired. Would you mind if I stayed here with Camellia?”

  Lily shot her a concerned look. “Are you sick?”

  “Not at all. Sarah was such a whirlwind of activity. I need a little time to recover from all that gadding about. I love staying with her, but it does wear me out.”

  “I know what you mean.” Lily’s expression turned to one of sympathy.

  “So it’s settled.” Camellia headed for the door. “Jasmine is staying, and everyone else is leaving in the morning.”

  “I suppose so.” Lily’s nod eased the tension in Jasmine’s shoulders. “Did you leave anything on the Water Lily that we need to send back before we leave?”

  Without hesitation, Jasmine shook her head. “I have plenty of clothes here.”

  Camellia stopped and turned to her sister. “Are you planning to stop in Vicksburg?”

  Jasmine’s heartbeat tripled. Why would Camellia ask about Vicksburg?

  “No, why? Do you need something from there?”

  “Oh no. It’s nothing. I was going to send a reply to a letter from Jane Baxter, but it can wait.”

  Jasmine’s shoulders tensed again. She didn’t want Lily and Blake to stop in the port that was her destination. If they saw her in Vicksburg, her bid for freedom would end before it began.

  “It wouldn’t be any trouble to stop.” Lily stood. “We could send it by messenger to that bank where her husband works.”

  “Don’t worry about it, Lily. I probably need more than one evening to write the letter anyway. I want to tell her all about the fire and that wicked Jasper Calhoun.” Camellia shook her head. “Now that I think about it, I’m sure it wouldn’t work.”

  Jasmine breathed a sigh of relief as she followed her sisters inside. For a moment she’d thought she would have to wait another day to avoid running into her oldest sister on the dock at Vicksburg. She also didn’t want Lily to see either the Ophelia or Vance. Her sister didn’t need any clues about her possible whereabouts.

  Camellia was leaving for the schoolhouse when Jasmine finally made her appearance in the front parlor. “You really must be exhausted. Do you feel all right?”

  “Yes.” The dark circles under Jasmine’s eyes belied her answer.

  “Are you sure you’re not sick?”

  “I—am—certain,” Jasmine stated emphatically. “Don’t try to act like Lily. One of the main reasons I didn’t want to go with them to Memphis is because she’s always hovering. I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself.”

  “I’m sorry.” Camellia could hear the exasperation in her own voice and knew some of it was directed at herself. It wasn’t that long ago she’d felt the same way Jasmine did. Was she becoming as domineering as their older sister was at times? “I’ll try to do better.”

  Jasmine looked contrite. “I’m sorry, too. I didn’t sleep well.”

  “I was going to ask if you wanted to go with me to the schoolhouse, but maybe it would be better if you stay here and try to get some rest instead.” Did she still sound like she was trying to manage Jasmine’s life? “Or whatever you want to do.”

  Camellia’s mouth dropped open as her sister darted across the parlor and threw her arms around her. She wanted to ask what was wrong now, but she was afraid to. Afraid she’d be accused of hovering. She returned Jasmine’s hug. “I love you.”

  Was that a sniff? Was Jasmine crying? When Camellia pulled back, her sister’s violet eyes were dry, so she decided it must have been her imagination. She searched Jasmine’s face for some hint of what had her acting so oddly. “I got a new copy of Godey’s last week. Would you like to read it?” It was the only thing she could think of to offer.

  “No, thank you. I think I’m going to visit Miss Deborah at the orphanage, and I also plan to stop by to see Jean Luc and Anna.” Jasmine’s smile didn’t seem as perky as usual, but Camellia put it down to her sleepless night.

  “I could hardly believe it when Lily told me about Tessie and Papa.”

  “Are you upset?”

  Camellia shook her head. “Of course not. Tessie’s a wonderful woman. She taught me everything I know about medicine and healing. If not for her, I might never have learned how to be a proper nurse. If Papa’s happy, I am, too.”

  “It seems a little odd to me.” Jasmine wrinkled her nose. “They’re so old.”

  Laughter bubbled up from Camellia. “Did you think romance was limited to the young?”

  “Of course not. I was just surprised because it’s Papa. I guess I thought he was still in love with Mama.”

  Camellia picked up her bonnet and walked to the window. “Mama will always have a special place in Papa’s heart. But he has a right to seize happiness if he can find it with Aunt Tessie.”

  “I suppose.”

  Tying a large bow under her chin, Camellia glanced in the window to check her appearance. “Maybe we’ll have a wedding for Christmas.” Jasmine shrugged.

  Camellia supposed her sister was still trying to get used to the idea of “old people” falling in love. “I have to go, dearest. I’m taking a lunch to share with the children since it’s going to be a long day.” She turned to find Jasmine studying the newspaper. “I’ll see you sometime this afternoon.”

  “Don’t worry if I’m not back when you return.” Jasmine glanced up. “I may stay in town for a while.”

  Camellia pointed a finger at her. “If you go shopping without me, my feelings are going to be hurt.” The laugh her comment brought eased Camelli
a’s concern. She breezed out of the room with a kiss and a wave.

  She enjoyed the walk to the schoolhouse in spite of the scorched ground from last week’s fire. Wondering which of the children would be in attendance this morning, she opened the front door and sniffed. The mint she’d gathered yesterday morning and left inside had done the trick, replacing the pungent smells with freshness. No hint of smoke remained inside the room. Thanking God once more that Jasper Calhoun had not done any more damage, she checked the children’s slates while she waited for her students to arrive.

  The morning was a busy one as always. Camellia loved the bright eyes and eager minds of her pupils. Their week-long separation made the day even more special than normal. The hours flew by, and by the time she sent them to their homes, the shadows outside were beginning to lengthen.

  Arriving home, Camellia pulled off her bonnet and let it dangle from one hand as she went in search of her aunt and her sister. Because it was the first room off the main entrance, she stopped to see if they were in the library. “Jasmine? Aunt Dahlia?” No one answered, which was not surprising. Jasmine had already read most everything inside, and their aunt probably never would. Moving to the parlor, she checked for the two women, growing a little concerned when she found the room empty.

  They weren’t on the porch or she would have seen them coming in. Had they gone to the dining room? Concern prickled across her skin when they didn’t turn up there either. Before she could descend into a full panic, however, footsteps descending the main stairwell brought her into the foyer.

  Aunt Dahlia steadied herself on the handrail as she negotiated the stairs. “Did you call me?”

  Nodding, Camellia smiled. “Is Jasmine upstairs?” Her sister must have returned to her bedroom for a nap before dinner.

  “I haven’t seen her at all today.” Aunt Dahlia reached the bottom step before continuing. “Didn’t she leave with Lily and Blake?”

  Camellia’s heart clenched before she remembered that Jasmine had warned her she might not be back on time. She glanced out the window. It would grow dark soon. “No, she didn’t go with them. She had some errands to run. I’m sure she’ll be back soon.”