Under the Tulip Poplar

by Diane Ashley

  “Has God answered your prayers?” Rebekah asked.

  “Indeed, I believe so.” A smile of delight wreathed his face. “I think we were called to this area to found a school for the Indians. I understand an Indian couple has bought a farm about fifteen miles away. Una and I are planning a trip to visit them next week.”

  Rebekah listened as the pastor and his wife expounded on their ideas, but inside she felt they were taking on a task too great for two people. It would take more than one earnest couple to help the different Indian tribes adapt.

  Her mind wandered to a recent newspaper article describing General Jackson’s position on the Indian problem. His argument against the Indians seemed based on his belief that they could not live inside the sovereign territory of the United States. He proposed that those Indians who did not wish to become subject to American law should be moved to land outside the United States, land on the far side of the Mississippi River.

  While she admired the general’s bravery and military accomplishments and dearly loved his placid wife, she was appalled at his stance on the subject of Indians. It was too easy to put herself in the place of the Indians. Would she want to be told to leave her home just because someone with different beliefs had moved into the area?

  “. . .near your family, Rebekah. Would you like to join us?”

  Rebekah’s head jerked up. “I beg your pardon.”

  A frown from Aunt Dolly made Rebekah cringe inwardly. “I’m sure my niece would relish the chance to visit her family.”

  For the first time that afternoon, Rebekah felt a genuine spark of happiness. How wonderful it would be to see her family. “May I?”

  Pastor Miller winked at her before turning to Aunt Dolly. “We’d love to have both of you join us.”

  “No, thank you.” Aunt Dolly shuddered. “I find the country singularly depressing.”

  “If everyone thought as you and I, Nashville would be a very crowded place.” Mrs. Miller laughed and rose to her feet, and her husband followed suit.

  Rebekah practically bounced to her feet and trailed her aunt and their guests to the door. She could almost see her parents and siblings as they were reunited. Maybe she and Eleanor could even have a picnic under the shady leaves of the tulip poplar.

  Pastor Miller adjusted his hat. “I will let you know the details in a day or two.”

  As soon as they closed the door on the Millers, Rebekah threw her arms around her aunt.

  “My goodness. It seems someone is yearning for home.” Aunt Dolly laughed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were unhappy here.”

  “Not at all. You are the sweetest aunt any girl could imagine, but I do miss home.”

  “I’m flattered.” Aunt Dolly patted her cheek. “In the meantime, I will need your help with our ball.”

  All of Rebekah’s excitement melted away like an early frost. She looked at her aunt in horror. “You’re going to host a ball?”

  ❧

  “Please, Lord, heal Asher’s heart.” Hot tears seared Rebekah’s cheeks. She gripped her hands more tightly together and rested her aching head against the side of her bed. “You know how much I love him, but something seems to be terribly wrong between us. Should I stay here and wait for Asher to change into the man I once loved? Do I remain patient with him and pray for him? Or should I give up and go back home? Lord, it was so much better back then. Maybe if I go back home, we can rediscover the love we once had. Please, Lord, show me what to do.”

  Rebekah ended her prayer and climbed into bed. She was not looking forward to tomorrow evening’s ball. But once it was over, there would be no real reason for her to stay in Nashville. Aunt Dolly no longer needed her assistance. In fact, she had very little to do with herself during the day, especially since she had convinced Aunt Dolly to cancel her music lessons.

  Every day, she hoped Asher would come by and tell her he’d been out to ask Pa for her hand in marriage. Every time the knocker sounded on the front door, her hopes had risen along with her heartbeat—and every time, she was disappointed. The only time she saw Asher was a social occasion. Never alone.

  She turned over and sighed. She no longer paid much attention to the sounds of the city outside her window, but she would gladly exchange them for the melodic song of crickets and bullfrogs. More tears slipped free of her eyes and dampened the pillow beneath her head. What if God didn’t send her an answer she could understand?

  Rebekah closed her eyes, but sleep would not come. She slipped out of bed once again and returned to her knees. No words formed in her mind as she tried to pray, but a feeling of love and comfort enveloped her. The tears stopped, and she could feel a smile turning up the corners of her mouth. This was the touch of the Lord. She knew it deep in her heart. No matter how things worked out with Asher, Jesus would always love her.

  Eleven

  “But I don’t want to be a teller.” Asher’s voice had risen in volume as he tried to explain to his pa why he wanted to continue working for the militia. His parents were frustrated with his refusal to change his mind, but he was equally frustrated with their inability to grasp his desire to launch a challenging, interesting career that would keep him in close contact with General Jackson. They wanted him to embrace a boring future with a steady income that offered no chance for fame or fortune. They did not understand the importance of what he was involved in.

  “It makes a lot more sense than hanging around that braggart, Colonel Lewis.” His pa took a deep breath and released it with a grunt. “You are letting that man draw you into questionable schemes without a thought to the consequences.”

  “It’s not like that, Pa.”

  “Then tell me what it is like.” Pa’s eyes narrowed. Asher could almost feel the flashes of lightning coming from them.

  He hated arguing with his pa, but this was too important an issue. The way to convince his parents was through calm and rational discussion. He tamped down his anger. “I cannot. I’ve sworn an oath.”

  “To whom? The United States Army or to that New Orleans fop?”

  “Pa, I’ve never heard you cast such aspersions. Colonel Lewis is a respected officer in General Jackson’s militia.”

  “Isn’t he the one you report to? Or do you have another reason for spending so much time at the Lewis home?”

  Asher could feel his anger building again. First Rebekah and now his own family. Didn’t anyone trust him anymore? “What kind of son do you think you raised?” He turned away and looked out the window.

  After a moment, he felt Pa’s hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Your ma and I raised you to be an honest, God-fearing man. We have to allow you to make your own decisions.”

  Asher wanted to turn around, but he could not. It was time for his family to realize that he was fully grown. Maybe when he and Rebekah got married. . .as soon as he asked Mr. Taylor for permission to propose. And why was he taking so long to do that?

  Somewhere along their journey from New Orleans, Rebekah had changed. He hardly knew her anymore. At first he’d thought she was worried about her aunt or maybe overtired from the hardships of traveling, but they’d been back in Nashville for nearly a month and there had been plenty of time for her to recover. Mrs. Quinn seemed to be thriving, so that wasn’t the problem.

  He was beginning to think Rebekah didn’t love him anymore. She was distant and cold the one time he called on her. Of course, the reason he hadn’t been by more often was because he was busy preparing for their future. But had she understood that? No. Instead of being glad to see him, she seemed to be waiting for him to make some confession of wrongdoing. Asher never knew what to say anymore to bring a smile to her face. It was impossible to talk to her about anything other than the weather or her aunt’s health. What had happened to the sweet girl he’d fallen in love with?

  He felt Pa’s hand fall away and listened as retreating footsteps indicated that he had given up.

  Asher wanted to bridge the gap between them, but he
had no idea how to do that. At one time he would have talked to Rebekah about his quandary, but now that option seemed out of the question. His sister was available to listen, but he didn’t want to draw her into the middle of this. She would feel torn between her loyalty to her parents and her love for her big brother.

  He pulled his watch from the front pocket of his waistcoat and popped it open. It was nearly time to leave for tonight’s ball. He had promised Alexandra he would attend to help ease her introduction to local society. . .even though he doubted she would have any trouble. But perhaps she could give him some sage advice. Women always seemed to understand these things better than men.

  ❧

  Rebekah put a hand on the balustrade and slowly descended the staircase. How different things looked since that long-ago afternoon when she and Pa had first arrived at Aunt Dolly’s house. Gone were the grime and disarray that had greeted them that day. The whole house literally sparkled this evening, with dozens of candles lending a warm glow to the staircase and entry hall. Harriet and the maids had done an impeccable job getting the house ready for tonight’s ball.

  The afternoon Rebekah had learned Aunt Dolly planned a soiree in her niece’s honor, she had been appalled. She felt so uncomfortable in social settings. All of those parties in New Orleans had been difficult because she had so little in common with most of the people who attended. And then the debacle at Tanner Plantation. . . It was enough to make a person want to avoid society for the next twenty years or so.

  After her initial response, however, Rebekah had been unable to withstand her aunt’s obvious desire to throw a party. And she had to admit the planning had been fun—the invitations, menus, and decorating. But now, half the city would be coming to judge whether or not she was a worthy relative of her dashing aunt.

  Something smelled delicious. The new cook Aunt Dolly had hired was outdoing herself for tonight’s event. The aromas of roasted meat and zesty sauces made her mouth water.

  “You look absolutely stunning.” Aunt Dolly’s voice floated up from the foot of the stairs. Rebekah thought her aunt was the one who looked stunning in a brand-new aqua gown that enhanced her natural beauty.

  “You’re the real reason everyone’s coming. All of your friends are anxious to see you again now that you’ve fully recovered your health. I doubt anyone will even notice me, which is a perfectly acceptable state of affairs.”

  Aunt Dolly wagged her finger at Rebekah. “You’ll be turning heads and collecting compliments from all of the eligible men. Especially a certain dashing young captain.”

  Rebekah felt her smile fading away. If only that were true. But Asher had been so distant since they’d returned. Was he regretting his promise to her? Did he yearn for a more sophisticated wife? Someone with all the accomplishments of a lady? Someone named Alexandra?

  She shook her head in an attempt to silence the needling suggestion. But the evidence was overwhelming. Whenever she tried to find out why Asher was distracted, he pushed away her concern. Something elemental had changed in him. He was as charming as ever but. . .

  Tears stung her eyes. Rebekah missed those quiet afternoons back home, sitting under the shade of “their” tulip poplar while they made endless plans for a future together. A future that seemed more distant now than ever before.

  Rebekah had wondered if she should stay in Nashville and wait for Asher to reaffirm he still wished to marry her as he had promised that night at Tanner Plantation. How well she remembered his assurance that he would approach her pa the very first day they returned. Yet the first day had become the first week. And then two weeks. Now it was nearly a month since their return, but Asher had made absolutely no mention of asking for her hand in marriage.

  There was no getting around it. After the tearful hours she had spent last night on her knees talking to God about her dreams, hopes, and fears, Rebekah felt she could not ignore the tug on her heart. There was only one thing to do. She loved Asher more than life itself, and she did not want him to feel trapped by the promise he obviously regretted making.

  Tonight she would release him. She was determined to do the right thing and tell Asher he was free to pursue others. His feelings for her must have faded. He would be happier if she told him he was free to move on without her.

  A knock on the door indicated the arrival of the first guests. As predicted, they laughed and chatted with Aunt Dolly and paid Rebekah very little attention before moving to the ballroom. Soon the steady stream of townspeople made it clear the ball was going to be a success—in sheer numbers of attendees if nothing else.

  Alexandra and her parents arrived, gushing over Aunt Dolly’s house and complimenting her on the large number of people attending her party.

  Rebekah breathed a sigh of relief when they moved on.

  The next group entering brought a genuine smile to her face as they included some of her favorite people in Nashville—Rachel Jackson, Pastor and Mrs. Miller, and Mr. and Mrs. Landon, Asher’s parents. Asher, however, was conspicuously absent in spite of the fact he had accepted Aunt Dolly’s invitation.

  Rebekah stood beside her aunt and greeted the arriving townspeople for two more hours and wondered why she had ever agreed to a party. She had smiled for so long that her mouth actually hurt. And her feet. She should have worn her sensible day shoes. But they would not have complemented her new periwinkle blue gown, so she had sacrificed comfort for appearance. But what good would her sacrifice do if she were crippled from wearing the high-heeled brocade shoes dyed to match her dress?

  “You’re the most beautiful girl in the whole of Nashville.” Asher’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

  Her heart fluttered when she looked up and saw his face. He was the man she would always love. “Asher.” Her heart raced so that she barely forced the word out.

  He bowed over her hand and straightened. “I’ve missed you so much. It’s hard not getting to see you every day. I almost wish we were back on the Natchez Road so I could talk to you all day long.”

  She studied his face. Was it her imagination, or did Asher look tired this evening? There were dark circles under his eyes and lines on either side of his mouth. It made her want to draw his head down and stroke his hair until he was rested.

  “I would like to see you alone before the evening is over, Rebekah. There’s something very exciting I want to tell you about.”

  She searched his face for a hint of what he meant. Had he been out to the farm as he’d promised? Was all of her soul-searching for naught? And if he had secured her parents’ blessing, was that enough proof that he truly loved her and only her?

  But what if she was jumping to conclusions again? Wasn’t this exactly what Asher had said to her the day he’d announced he was going to war? That he had “something” to tell her? Why should she assume that his idea of good news would match hers? It certainly had not all those months ago. Besides, she had already made her decision, hadn’t she?

  “Just a moment.” Rebekah turned to her aunt and hesitated. She was very aware of Asher watching her, so she chose her words with care. “Would it be permissible if I step away for a few minutes?”

  “Go on, Rebekah.” Aunt Dolly took Rebekah’s hand and placed it on Asher’s arm. “I’ll stay here and greet any late guests. You two can stand right down there at the door to the parlor. That way you can have some privacy and still satisfy propriety.”

  Rebekah allowed Asher to draw her away from the entry hall. “What do you have to tell me?”

  “It’s the best of good fortune! Pa has been trying to coerce me into taking a job at the bank, but I cannot see myself working in a dingy office for the rest of my life. Now that the war is over, Colonel Lewis has secured me a position working directly for General Jackson. His popularity has only continued to grow since the victory in New Orleans. I believe he’s a man destined for great things, and as a key member of his staff, I will have the chance to be part of them.”

  She looked at the crisp coat of his uniform.
No words would form in her mind.

  “Don’t you understand what this means? I’ll soon be making enough money to buy us a home. We’ll finally be able to make our dreams come true.”

  Rebekah could not bear to hear any more excuses from him. “I’m going home.”

  “What! What do you mean?”

  “Pastor and Mrs. Miller are going out to the country to visit, and I’m going with them.” She looked at the wall behind his shoulder. “I may not come back.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Rebekah wanted to pour out her heart to him, but she could not. He was not the same man who had once shared her dreams and helped her solve her problems. He had become a stranger. She closed her eyes for a moment and sent a prayer heavenward for the right words. “I think we need some time apart.”

  Asher shook his head slowly. “Haven’t we had enough time apart?”

  “I. . .Asher, I don’t know what to say or think. You seem reluctant to speak to—”

  “I’m not reluctant. I’ve been busy. A lot has happened since we got back from New Orleans.”

  Rebekah sighed. She was so tired of hearing his empty excuses.

  “What do you want me to do?” His brows drew together. “Do you want me to resign from the militia and take a job in the bank like my pa?”

  “I don’t care what profession you choose.”

  His frown eased a little. “I’m glad to hear that. Please be patient, Rebekah. Soon you’ll have the whole city at your feet.”

  He still didn’t understand her. A tear escaped from the corner of her eye. “I don’t want the whole city.”

  “Exactly what do you want then?”

  She looked at him, longing to touch him. “I want a man who is eager to marry me, not one who feels trapped by a promise he made when he was an idealistic youngster.”

  He put his hands on her shoulders. “Rebekah, don’t be preposterous.”