by Leanne Tyler
“My foreman. Mr. Paxton and his family live in what once was the overseer’s home. He has three daughters and another child on the way. They’re…they’re praying for a son.”
Rebecca laughed softly. “You don’t sound like you have faith his prayer will be answered.”
Jared shook his head. “Women get a look about them when they’re expecting as if you can tell they’ll have a son or a daughter.”
“You could be wrong.” She stopped under the shade tree.
“The joy would go to Paxton if I am.” He pointed at a stream a few yards ahead. “Let’s take a break from the heat and go wading.”
The idea of taking off her shoes and stockings and pulling up her skirts to mid-calf to go wading tempted greatly. However, the thought of Josephine having another “spell” if she found out made her think twice before she finally answered him.
What harm could a little wading do?
Rebecca closed her parasol and offered him her hand in response. They ran like children, laughing on the way to the stream. Once there, she sat down on a nearby log to unlace her boots.
“Here, let me do that.” He knelt before her on one knee and her heart skipped a beat as she watched him meticulously unlace each. He gently held her calf in his hand as he removed the boot. Tingles of gooseflesh shivered up her leg from the bottom of her foot as his fingers gently brushed along the underside. Her sheer stockings provided little protection from his intimate caress.
Her throat went dry because his actions were highly improper. She should stop him before she found herself enjoying his touch. Her heart fluttered and foreign warmth spread through her. “I—I better do the rest.”
He looked up, his blue eyes darker than she recalled. She quivered at his intense stare and shyly looked away.
“Last one in has to kiss a salamander,” he challenged.
She laughed and hastened to remove her stockings, determined not to kiss a salamander unless it had blue eyes, blond hair and looked like Jared Hollingsworth. She wasn’t sure what had come over her, but if this was living dangerously, she liked it.
To her delight, she reached the water’s edge first. She lifted her skirt and dipped her toe in to test the water when he caught up to her.
“I said in the water, not on the edge,” he teased, grabbing her hand and pulling her along with him into the cool stream.
“Jared!” she shrieked, her feet landing in the icy water, toes sinking into the muddy sludge.
“Jumping in is more fun than dipping a toe.” He kicked the water with childlike abandon.
Cool droplets splattered the front of her already damp dress. “You do not play fair, sir,” she accused with mock indignation. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had as much fun. It had been years since she and Mariah had slipped off to a nearby stream to frolic without Aunt Josephine being the wiser.
A fleeting sadness engulfed her for a moment as she missed those cherished times with her sister. However, Jared’s chuckle brought her back to the merriment at hand.
“Playing fair isn’t fun.” He sidestepped her attempt to splash him with water.
“Is that why you decided to help Ruth?” Rebecca raised her skirt higher than before so it did not drag in the water any more than it already had. Then she carefully stepped on a medium size smooth rock in the middle of the stream. Planting her feet firmly on the rock’s sides, water rushed over her toes and she wiggled them, tipping her head back to enjoy the sun.
“Help?” Confusion evident in his voice, she looked over and saw his brow furrowed as if he didn’t know what she meant.
“Yes. I’m most anxious to help Ruth reach her family. Don’t you share this desire?”
****
Jared frowned. Why did she keep talking about a woman named Ruth? And why should Rebecca want him to join her efforts? They had only just met, but it was clear that whoever Ruth was Rebecca was sincere in her desire to help.
“Exactly what do you have in mind?” he asked.
She puckered her lips. Damn, but she was a vision of loveliness with the sun cascading down around her.
“I would assume you had a plan,” she said slowly.
A plan? Why would he have a plan?
Confound it! He found her talk confusing. But that really didn’t matter because right now he was far too tempted to kiss her when she turned her face from the sun and smiled at him.
“How else will I take her with me?” She slipped her feet from the rock back into the water. “That is, as soon as you tell me where I can find her. Do you have her hidden on your plantation?”
He laughed at her prattle until her last statement sank in. “Hidden here? Why on earth would I do that?”
She shrugged. “I suppose that would be risking your livelihood to bring her here. I pray she is safe awaiting my introduction.”
Their conversation became more peculiar by the moment as if he should know more about Ruth than he did.
“I’m afraid—” A burst of laughter interrupted him as his foreman’s daughters came running from the tall grass and into the water.
“Can we join you, Mr. Jared?” the oldest of the three girls asked.
“Plee-eaze,” the two younger ones chimed, kicking up water around them.
He smiled. “Just don’t get Miss Davis wet,” he warned, but it was too late. In an attempt to side step the girls’ frolic, Rebecca stumbled over the rock she’d previously stood on and fell back, sending up a splash of water.
The girls began to squeal with laughter.
“Rebecca!” Jared sloshed through the water as quickly as possible to help her to her feet. “Are you all right?”
“I’m—I’m fine. I’m fine.” She laughed accepting his help up. “Just wounded pride and some damp clothing. I’m sure I’ll survive.”
“Harmony. Eliza. Sue Ellen.” George Paxton’s booming voice sent the girls scrambling out of the water.
“Ah I should have known.” Paxton scowled, planting his fisted hands at his hips. “How many times have I told you to stay out of the water? Especially, when neither ya ma nor me is around?”
“They weren’t exactly alone, Paxton,” Jared said, drawing attention away from the girls to himself and his wet companion.
“Ah, Mr. Hollingsworth, I didn’t see you, sir,” Paxton’s features relaxed slightly. “I hope my girls haven’t been a bother to ya or caused any harm.”
“Don’t be too hard on them. They were having a little fun is all,” he replied, helping Rebecca out of the water. “Miss Davis, this is George Paxton my foreman. Paxton, this is Miss Rebecca Davis, a friend.”
“It’s a pleasure, ma’am,” Paxton said.
“Nice to meet you, sir,” Rebecca said. “You have three precious daughters.”
“Thank you, ma’am. Their ma and me are right proud of them.” He shifted his weight awkwardly. “Why don’t you both come back to the house and have some tea? Isabella was putting on a pot when the girls left. It will give Miss Davis a chance to dry off.”
Jared looked at Rebecca and she nodded her consent.
“Thank you, Mr. Paxton for the offer. I’m afraid I’m quite clumsy at times,” Rebecca said.
“So my girls didn’t cause your fall?” Paxton asked.
“No, sir,” she assured him.
Jared gathered their shoes and her parasol then offered her his arm as they walked barefoot through the field toward Paxton’s house. He hadn’t paid a visit to them in a while. In fact, he rarely saw his foreman’s family except on holidays or special occasions these days. He could already see Miss Davis had a life altering effect on him in the short time he’d known her.
A brown spotted mongrel greeted them as they approached the small yard with a stone path and a rose trellis at the entrance by the door.
“I didn’t know you had a dog,” Jared said as the girls ran ahead to play with the pup.
“Simpson found him a few weeks back wandering the road and brought him to the girls. I recko
n’ someone had tried to drown a litter and he got away. Mind you, I didn’t take a fancy to him at first, but he grows on ya,” Paxton said, grinning.
“A pet is good. I had a little chick when I was young,” Rebecca said.
“A chick? Now that would be an odd pet. Did ya get your hand pecked?”
She nodded. “All the time. That’s why I didn’t cry when it was big enough for my father to kill for Sunday dinner.”
Paxton guffawed. When he sobered, he beckoned, “Come on in and meet Isabella.”
Jared allowed Rebecca to go ahead of him into the house. Down the hallway, he spotted Isabella by the stove in the kitchen, pouring steaming water into a china pot.
“I’m back,” Paxton called.
“Did ya find them?” she asked, not looking up.
“Aye. Down at the stream,” he replied. “I brought some guests for tea.”
Isabella glanced their way and smiled.
“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Paxton,” Jared called in greeting, noticing her normally trim figure swollen with child. “This is my friend Miss Rebecca Davis.” He realized he’d referred to her twice as his friend. Perhaps that was the best way to describe their current relationship.
“It’s a pleasure, Mrs. Paxton,” Rebecca said.
“Call me Isabella. Everyone does.” She placed a supportive hand to her back and collected two more cups from the cupboard.
“Let me get that tray for ya,” Paxton said, then carried the tea service to the table. “I’ll call the girls.”
“No. Let them play so we can have some quiet,” Isabella said, stopping and staring at Rebecca’s dress. “Goodness! You’re soaked.”
“I had a little accident down at the stream,” Rebecca explained. “The walk here took care of the dripping. I’m almost dry.”
“But you could catch a chill,” Isabella sounded concerned. “Tea can wait a few more minutes. You must come with me and change into something dry. Mr. Hollingsworth, I’m surprised you didn’t see to it the moment you arrived. And Mr. Paxton, is this anyway to treat our guest?”
Jared grinned as he watched Isabella usher Rebecca away from the kitchen.
“We’re in the dog house now,” Paxton grunted.
Jared nodded, and realized he still held Rebecca’s shoes and stockings with his own. He laid them in the seat of a nearby rocking chair, then donned his socks and shoes.
****
“You have very pretty hair, Miss Davis,” Isabella said, opening up a chifforobe.
“Thank you.” Rebecca patted at the back of her hair, wondering what it must look like in its damp state. She moved closer to a mirror hanging on the wall of the bedroom to take a look. A few hairpins had come loose, and she easily rectified that. Using her fingers, she reshaped the few ringlets around her face hoping Aunt Josephine did not notice her mussed state when she returned to the hotel.
“I’m afraid all I have that will fit you is a simple cotton day dress. Will you mind wearing that until your clothes dry?”
“Not at all. I appreciate your kindness,” Rebecca assured her taking the dress. “When are you due?”
“In about a month or so. The mid-wife says this one could come sooner than later since it’s my fourth.”
“Mr. Hollingsworth said you are hoping for a son.” She stepped behind a small dressing screen and began removing her wet garments.
“Aye. Paxton wants a son. But I’ve learned you take what you’re given. It doesn’t matter what we may want in life. We just make do with what we have,” Isabella said. “I know nothing about boys. And after having three girls I suppose the change would be good. But I won’t be sad if we have another daughter. The main concern I have is that the baby comes into the world healthy and whole.”
“I’ll pray you have a safe delivery,” Rebecca assured.
“Thank you,” Isabella replied. “It’s nice to see Mr. Hollingsworth keeping company again. He’s been alone since Charisse died.”
Rebecca stepped from behind the screen, tying the belt in the back. She draped her wet dress over the screen for it to dry. “Losing a loved one is tragic.”
“Yes it is. And I know he has to feel alone living in that big house without family around. Mary tries her best to make it comfortable for him, but I know it isn’t the same as having loved ones with you.”
“It sounds as if Jared has a champion,” Rebecca remarked as they headed back to the kitchen.”
“That he does.”
Chapter Five
“You’re very quiet this morning,” Josephine said over coffee. “How was your outing?”
Rebecca studied her aunt. Something was different, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. She’d expected the inquisition this morning over her soiled dress. Yet, Josephine hadn’t said a word.
“It was pleasant and most enjoyable. I wish you could have come along.”
“I’d have only been in the way.” Josephine spread a generous amount of butter over her biscuit.
If you only knew.
“Perhaps if I’m invited to visit Oak Hill again you’ll come with me?” she said.
“Perhaps.” Her aunt picked up her coffee cup and sipped.
“You sound as if you are feeling better. No headache this morning?”
“No headache.” She stared off into the distance and remained silent for a few minutes before she sat her cup down and announced. “I think I’ll do some shopping this morning. Do you have plans?”
Rebecca nodded. “I have a few errands to run for Elizabeth, but I should be finished before noon. Shall we plan on lunch?”
“Elizabeth? The girl is on her wedding tour. What could she possibly need your help with?” Josephine asked.
“She’s having her first tea as a married woman when she returns next month,” Rebecca said. “I’m seeing to the invitations.”
“Doesn’t she have a mother or sisters who could do this for her?”
Rebecca hid her smile. This was the Aunt Josephine she knew so well. “She’s married now. She wants to do this on her own. It’s important to her.”
“It sounds to me as if she’s foisting the job on you.”
“Think what you wish. I’m happy to do it since I couldn’t help her before the wedding,” she said. “What about lunch?”
Josephine shook her head. “There’s a midday Mass at the church. I thought I’d drop in on the ladies auxiliary afterward to see if I could be of service while we are here.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” If her aunt found something to occupy her time, then she’d have more time to see to her own business without making excuses.
“Well, it’s either find something to do or stay in this suite, as you put it yesterday,” Josephine said. “I found I didn’t like being here alone while you were away, even if I wasn’t feeling well.”
She pushed her chair back from the table and stood, her blond hair tumbled from the loose chignon that had replaced her usual bun. She absently patted it and said, “I’d better go change and redo my hair.”
“I’ll see you this afternoon.” Rebecca carried her coffee over to the small secretary.
Sitting down, she took out her stationary and wrote a letter to Isabella, thanking her for her hospitality. Then she struggled with one to Mr. Hollingsworth in regards to their mission. Their conversation about Ruth yesterday had ended abruptly and she needed to know where they stood. She felt antsy about completing her assignment. The longer it took, the more she feared for Ruth’s safety. Yet she also feared for Lucas and what might happen to him if she were caught transporting Ruth to Memphis.
Her hand trembled and she considered her words carefully.
Dear Mr. Hollingsworth,
It is with utmost haste that I write regarding our association. I must speak with you again on the matter at the first opportune time. We must settle it quickly.
Miss Davis
Putting thoughts of danger out of her mind, she folded the letter and sealed the envelope
before going to check on Lucas. Charlotte was almost finished bathing him and he splashed the water with his hands.
“Now Luc,” Charlotte scolded, causing the child to laugh.
“He’s feisty this morning,” Rebecca observed.
“A little too much to complete his bath.”
“Here, let me help you.” Rebecca picked up a towel, scooped Lucas up and carried him over to the bed. “I’ll dress him. It’ll give me a little time with him before I go out for the morning.”
“Yes, miss.” The maid took the tub of water out of the room.
The child cackled as Rebecca played peek-a-boo with him and dried him. She sprinkled a sweet smelling powder on his body and rubbed it on him so he wouldn’t chafe from the heat. Jackson was definitely much warmer in June than Memphis.
“Oh Lucas, what would I do without you?” she asked and kissed the top of his head, his chubby cheeks and the tip of his nose.
In response he blew spit bubbles at her as she dressed him for the day. Overcome with thoughts of a failed mission to get Ruth to safety, she cradled him against her body, enjoying the warmth.
“M—m—m,” he cooed, stuffing his fist into his toothless mouth.
She smiled, laying him back down and continued to play with him until Charlotte returned with his bottle.
Rebecca scooped him up and handed him to the maid.
“I should be back by lunch,” she called, disappearing behind the dressing screen to quickly change into a fresh day dress before she left.
The first stop on her to do list was the post office, then the engravers to place Elizabeth’s order for invitations. While there she also ordered new calling cards for her friend. Coming out of the store she was startled to see her aunt leaving the dress shop across the street in a dress and hat she had never seen before. Rebecca watched as the woman headed toward St. Anna’s.
First, she’d had a new hairstyle and now a new ensemble. What had gotten into Josephine?
Rebecca headed toward the dress shop determined to see what the latest styles offered in Jackson. Her aunt did not make hasty purchases unless they were haute couture. It was her one vanity.
****