As Love Blooms (26 page)

She pinned her suffrage banner in place, put on one of her favorite hats, and hurried down to join Aunt Sam. Following the Memorial Day parade, where Hannah and Charlotte would join her and Aunt Sam to walk with the suffragists, she planned to meet Edward at the capitol steps to hear Senator Ferrell make a speech.

By the time they arrived, band members had begun warming up their trumpets, flutes, and tubas. The infantry and cavalry units
would follow the military band, and the suffragists, who’d not truly been invited to march, planned to follow them all.

Tessa searched the crowd of banner-clad women for her sisters, but it was Aunt Sam who spotted them first. Together she and Aunt Sam zigzagged their way through the ladies to reach them. After a few minutes, the military band struck up a song and the parade began.

They’d gone only a short distance when Tessa glanced at Hannah to see how she was handling this early morning exertion. Perspiration beaded on Hannah’s upper lip, but she dabbed it away with a handkerchief.

Tessa leaned close. “You okay?”

“Shh.” Hannah scowled. “I’m fine.”

The crowds cheered as they passed. At least most of the people cheered. A few people who’d yet to step into the twentieth century expressed their lack of support with rather ugly catcalls. Unfortunately, from her position on the outside edge of the group, she heard every jeer.

“Tessa!”

She turned toward the male voice calling out to her and spotted Reese. Warmth spread from her head to her toes. Giving him a wide smile, she waved back.

Aunt Sam linked an arm with hers. “Was that your young fellow?”

“Yes, I can’t believe he even found me.”

“I can.”

Tessa glanced over her shoulder to get a final glimpse of him. Perhaps she could find him after the parade and before he left for his afternoon with Mr. Nussbaumer. Stealing a moment together was better than nothing.

By the time the parade concluded at the capitol, a crowd had gathered at the foot of the stairs to listen to James’s speech. Sam
noticed a podium had been set up with a few chairs behind it for the speakers, who had not yet arrived.

Edward, Lincoln, and Joel spotted them and motioned her and the ladies to the front to stand with them.

After they exchanged greetings, Edward touched the banner on Tessa’s shoulder. “Why does this not surprise me?”

“The world is changing, Edward, and I intend to be in the forefront.”

He chuckled. “That doesn’t surprise me either.”

James and three other men stepped from the capitol and took their seats behind the podium. He scanned the crowd and his gaze fell on Sam. A flicker of excitement seemed to be quickly replaced by a scowl. Was it her sash he disliked? Or was she reading his expression wrong?

The military band began to play “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” Then, after a lengthy introduction, James walked to the podium. He explained how the first Memorial Day was held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the fallen soldiers, and he spoke about the high cost of freedom. The longer he spoke, the louder he became.

“The men”—his gaze locked on Sam—“who fought so bravely to preserve the freedom of this great nation deserve more than to have flowers strewn across their graves. They deserve to be remembered with a deep sense of gratitude.” His strong baritone struck a chord with the audience, and he was rewarded with applause.

Sam’s heart swelled with pride. Unlike with so many politicians, every word James had said seemed heartfelt. As he was a veteran himself, Sam knew how much he truly wanted the fallen soldiers honored for their sacrifice.

After another speech by the mayor, a minister offered a prayer of thanksgiving. The crowd began to disperse to the final march played by the military band.

James descended the stairs to shake the hands of onlookers,
but instead of making his way in their direction, he took a turn to his left.

“I think he’ll join us in a few minutes,” Edward told the group. “At least that’s what he told me earlier.”

“Where are your parents today, Edward?” Charlotte tucked a strand of windblown hair behind her ear.

“They’re in Chicago for a week.” He craned his neck. “I believe my grandfather is coming now.”

Sam smiled at the approaching senator, but he scarcely gave her notice. As the group walked away, he chose to fall in line beside Lincoln rather than her.

This did not seem like the same man who’d taken her to a matinee yesterday. Had she angered him somehow, or was he simply trying to honor her wishes of keeping their relationship a secret?

If he was, he was doing an excellent job. Today no one would ever guess he had feelings for her.

To Tessa’s surprise, Edward whisked her away soon after the conclusion of his grandfather’s speech, and they arrived at the Noyeses’ mansion on Virginia Avenue before most of the other guests.

Edward made no move to exit his motorcar. “I wanted to be able to point out who’s who as they arrive, so you’ll know which person to be sure to speak to.”

“Thank you for helping me even though things didn’t turn out how you hoped.”

He hiked a shoulder. “It was an inconsiderate plan, but once I teach you to ride that motorcycle—”

“I know. I know. I’ll owe you.”

He chuckled. “You sure will.”

Tessa glanced at the impressive colonial-style house. Painted buff with white trim, it sported a wrought-iron fence and columned porches. She could only imagine what its gardens looked like.

“You probably already know that Charles and Emily Noyes have made a trip around the world and have returned to the West Indies several times. That’s a good place to strike up a conversation with either of them. He’s also a coin collector and is interested in archeology and history. Know much about any of those things?”

“No, but I can act like I do.”

“I bet you can.” As the couples filed in, Edward provided her with names and other information that would help her speak with each influential person. After a short while, he came around and opened Tessa’s car door. “Remember, once the park commission passes the plans, they will have to acquire funding through a bond issue, so all the support you can garner is important.”

She stepped out and smoothed her skirt. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The Noyeses’ home opened to a large backyard complete with a rose-covered trellis. Paths curled amid flowering shrubs, and heathers and petunias bordered the croquet court. At the center of the lawn, a dance floor had been constructed and draped with oak boughs. As lovely as it was, the gardens lacked a cohesiveness that would make it stunning, and Tessa mentally began imagining it with a few changes.

Like an arrow aiming for the bull’s-eye, Edward directed Tessa toward Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Oldham. “We can hit them both at the same time.”

Since these two women both competed in the annual chrysanthemum show, it didn’t take long for Tessa to work her way into their conversation and turn it to the subject of flowers and parks. When she brought up the subject of the conservatory, the women were both more than willing to encourage their husbands to support Mr. Nussbaumer in the endeavor.

“You were amazing.” Edward offered her his arm, and together they walked toward Mrs. Brokaw, the last specific person to cross off her list. “With the ability to manipulate a conversation like that,
maybe you should have been the attorney and not your sister. I’m not sure I trust you now. Are you manipulating me?”

“Manipulating?” She frowned. “I’d never do that. I was simply acting for a good cause.”

Edward chuckled. “Come on. I’ll introduce you. Mrs. Brokaw will be a great person for you to connect with. If you ask her about her children, you’ll be an instant friend forever, and she’ll probably introduce you to everyone she knows. I’ll excuse myself, but when you need to be rescued, nod at me.” He took two glasses of lemonade from a waiter’s tray and passed one to Tessa.

“If it isn’t two of my favorite ladies.” Edward flashed a sparkling smile at the middle-aged women dressed in fine frocks. “Mrs. Brokaw, Mrs. Goddard, may I introduce my friend Tessa Gregory? She’s the niece of Mrs. Phillips.”

“Is she now?” Mrs. Brokaw raised her eyebrows.

“How is your aunt, dear?” Mrs. Goddard sipped from a glass of lemonade. “I heard she suffered an apoplexy.”

“Quite some time ago, but she’s recovered remarkably well.” Tessa noticed Edward begin to step away.

“If you ladies will excuse me, I see someone with whom I need to speak.” He patted Tessa’s hand. “Enjoy yourself. I’ll return shortly.”

She fought the urge to tug him back. No, she could do this on her own.

Tessa caught a whiff of lilacs on the breeze, and it reminded her of why this was so important. Not only did she need for this conservatory to go through, the city needed it. Aesthetically pleasing cities, according to the City Beautiful Movement, possessed “civic virtue.” Tessa tended to agree with the idea. When people were able to stay connected with nature, their world was bigger, brighter, and better in every way. Naturally, that would spill over into the residents’ behaviors, so it was good for the people all the way around.

And the only way to enjoy nature all year long in Minnesota
was by having a conservatory, so after the project passed the park commission, she’d reveal her hand in making it happen.

She smiled. “Mrs. Brokaw, Edward was telling me about your exceptional children. What are they up to now?”

The floodgates broke, and Mrs. Brokaw spilled forth all manner of boasting. If Tessa didn’t know better, Mrs. Brokaw’s four children would single-handedly save the world from famine, pestilence, and scourge, and do it with aplomb.

But by acting impressed by Mrs. Brokaw’s offspring, Tessa seemed to gain the woman’s favor. When Mrs. Goddard excused herself to speak to a friend who’d just arrived, Mrs. Brokaw suggested she and Tessa sit down at one of the garden tables to chat. “I think my son Gilbert would have found you fascinating, Miss Gregory, but alas, he’s engaged now to Miss Justine Wilshire. Why didn’t we see you among the girls coming out this season or last?”

“I’m attending college. I’m studying horticulture.”

Mrs. Brokaw frowned. “Plants?”

“Yes, ma’am, and garden design.”

“Is that so? I guess young ladies are into all sorts of things nowadays.” Mrs. Brokaw sipped from her lemonade. “Speaking of parks, I’m sure you’re aware Saint Paul has a wonderful park system. Did you know my husband is on the park board?”

Tessa cheered inside. “Is he? It must be fascinating work.”

“To hear him tell it, it’s not, but he says a city without parks isn’t keeping up with the times. It’s bad for commerce to not be on the cutting edge.”

“He’s right. Most of the big cities have invested extensively in their park systems.” Tessa glanced at Edward, who offered her an encouraging smile. “So he must be supporting Mr. Nussbaumer’s plans for the new conservatory?”

Mrs. Brokaw waved her hand dismissively. “They can play music in the bandstand, dear. They’ve no need for one of those.”

“A botanical conservatory, ma’am. It’s a rather fancy greenhouse.”
Tessa leaned forward. “It will be a divine location for all sorts of gatherings—perhaps even weddings.”

“Weddings?” The woman’s eyes lit up.

“A one-of-a-kind venue. You could suggest it to your son and his fiancée.” Tessa leaned back and sighed. “That is, if Mr. Nussbaumer’s plan passes.”

“I’ll speak with my husband regarding it. We can’t fall behind the other large cities, now can we?”

“No, ma’am. We wouldn’t want to do that.” She tipped her head in a slight nod, a signal to Edward she was done here. He appeared on cue and told Mrs. Brokaw he’d come to claim Tessa for the first dance of the afternoon.

Edward motioned toward the dance floor, and they walked toward it. Off to the left, a small group of musicians began warming up. “How did it go?”

“Splendidly.” Tessa smiled up at him. “You were right about her children. She loves to talk about them.”

“Talk or brag?” He chuckled. “But what about the conservatory?”

“I think I can honestly say we have her wholehearted support.”

“I won’t even ask how you managed that.”

Several couples took their places on the dance floor as the band struck up a lively two-step. Edward turned to her. “Shall we?”