Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] (38 page)

Father? I’ve had no correspondence for months, and her last letter made little sense to me.’’

Jasmine’s father wagged his head back and forth. ‘‘She has little interest in life. I force her out into the garden from time to time, but she much prefers to sit in her darkened bedroom.’’

‘‘Instruct Mammy to force her outdoors every day,’’ she suggested. ‘‘The sunlight will help cheer her spirits. Shortly after Bradley and I were married, I heard a renowned speaker discuss the effects of sunlight upon patients suffering from melancholy. He said sunlight and exercise were of great benefit. Perhaps you could have McKinley take her on a stroll after he’s completed his book-work each morning. I doubt Mammy would be up to any strenuous exercise.’’

‘‘No harm in trying,’’ he agreed, ‘‘although you know your mother can be difficult to persuade. She borders on hysteria when forced to do anything against her will. I fear she’s slowly slipping away from me. Dr. Borden thinks your mother has already reached the point of insanity. However, I heartily disagree.’’

‘‘No! She merely grows sad over the rigors of daily life. She’s always suffered from this malady, Father. Don’t let Dr. Borden convince you otherwise. Next he’ll be suggesting you place Mother in an asylum. Promise me you’ll never consent to such a thing! Such a commitment would certainly mean an end to her life.’’

‘‘You know I’d never send your mother to an asylum, dear.

Now quit worrying yourself. It’s not good for you. I’ll pass your suggestions along to Mammy. She said to send her love and best wishes. She sent along this little white bonnet she crocheted,’’ he said, handing her a small package. ‘‘I like the idea of having you visit. Perhaps it would help your mother. I’ll urge Bradley to make good on his promise to you.’’

Jasmine examined the bonnet and smiled. ‘‘I’ll pen a letter of thanks to Mammy, and you can take it back when you return.

Have Mother read it to her. Perhaps it will startle her out of her reverie for a few moments.’’

‘‘I’ll be glad to take your letter. And how have you been faring, dear? The letter from your grandmother concerned me, and I must say that Bradley has somewhat disappointed me with his business acumen. I had thought him quite astute. However, his lack of attention over these past months has me greatly disturbed.’’

Jasmine studied her father’s frowning features. ‘‘You know I was sorely disappointed when you chose Bradley as my husband.’’

Her father’s expression took on a look of worry. ‘‘Yes, but I hoped that in time you would learn to love him, just as your mother and I learned to love each other and my parents before that. Perhaps I was as wrong about that as I was his competency in business.’’

‘‘Bradley is a very difficult man to love, Father. He is moody and can be hurtful. I’ve attempted to make the best of my situation, but I must admit there are times when it has been quite distressing. I’m depending upon the Lord to see me through, and I’m hopeful this child is going to build a bridge in our relationship.’’

‘‘You’ve grown up,’’ her father said softly.

Jasmine smiled, realizing the truth of his words. ‘‘When I was still at home, I thought there was no better place to be. The Willows was a haven of love and strength to me.’’

‘‘But not now?’’

Jasmine heard the sorrow in his voice. ‘‘Papa, so many things have come to my attention, and I am afraid that I am not the naïve little girl who left over a year ago. Even so, The Willows will always remain dear to me. It will always be home in my memories.’’ She sighed. ‘‘I cannot say that this place is home. It doesn’t feel that way at all. In fact, Grandmother’s house feels more like home than this house.

‘‘I also cannot say that I am happy being wed to Bradley, but I am trying, as I said. I know that God is my protector and strength.

I have to trust that He will see me through. Spencer will help, no doubt. At least that is my hope.’’

‘‘I hope so too, my dear. Frankly, my concerns over Bradley’s business behavior are disconcerting enough that I’ve made arrangement for a few private appointments.’’

‘‘Truly? With whom?’’ Jasmine inquired.

‘‘I’m going to Boston the day after tomorrow for a meeting with the Associates.’’

‘‘What’s this I hear?’’ Bradley asked as he strode into the room.

‘‘I didn’t know there was to be a meeting of the Associates this week.’’

Jasmine turned toward the doorway. Her husband appeared pale and gaunt, and she wondered if he were ill. Even though her father’s visit had been secretly arranged, she felt somewhat vindicated when she looked at her husband now. Bradley definitely needed time to relax and refresh himself. Having someone else assist with the cotton shipments would surely provide the relief he desperately needed to restore his physical health and allow him time with his family. Sending the letter had been the proper thing to do.

Jasmine’s father turned as Bradley entered the room. ‘‘Good to see you, my boy. Thought perhaps you had gone into hibernation,’’ he said with a chuckle.

‘‘You mentioned a meeting of the Associates,’’ Bradley persisted. ‘‘Oh, nothing you need concern yourself with. Before my departure from Mississippi, I requested a private meeting with several of the members. This is not a gathering of the general membership.’’ ‘‘May I be so bold as to inquire what you need to discuss with the Associates that you haven’t discussed with me?’’ Bradley asked.

Jasmine startled at her husband’s tone. His eyes had narrowed and taken on a menacing glare. He was angry.

‘‘Excuse me, ma’am,’’ Kiara interrupted. ‘‘I was goin’ to take the wee babe to the nursery unless ya prefer he stay with you.’’

‘‘Thank you, Kiara. I’d appreciate that,’’ Jasmine replied.

‘‘Incidentally, Malcolm, I’ve been meaning to discuss the possibility of having you take one of my indentured servants back to The Willows with you.’’

Jasmine lifted the infant toward Kiara, whose eyes were fastened upon Bradley in an icy stare of loathing and disgust. ‘‘He should sleep for at least an hour,’’ Jasmine said.

‘‘The boy’s been working in the stables, but he hasn’t been meeting my expectations. I really need an older man who has more experience handling horses.’’

Jasmine’s father appeared perplexed but suggested, ‘‘We can talk about it when I return from Boston.’’

‘‘I’ll remain in the nursery with him, ma’am,’’ Kiara said as she exited the room.

Jasmine could feel the tension escalate. Bradley was obviously goading Kiara, and Kiara apparently could not hide her hatred for Bradley. They exchanged glares that were charged with conflict.

Jasmine knew Kiara would be upset over any suggestion that Paddy leave Lowell, but surely Bradley’s offhand remark could not cause such immediate signs of loathing. There was something more at the root of this, and she intended to find out exactly what was going on in her household.

Kiara sat in the nursery watching the baby sleep and contemplating her situation. She had no choice but to get Paddy away from the Houston household before Malcolm Wainwright’s return from Boston. She wasn’t certain why Bradley was once again threatening to send Paddy away, but he was obviously enjoying the pain and discomfort caused by his latest threats. Had he seen her with Rogan? Surely not! More likely it was that she was sleeping in the nursery with the baby.

There had been little doubt of Bradley’s anger over the situation. With Jasmine’s quick recovery from her confinement, he had been livid when Alice suggested Kiara move into the nursery with Spencer. ‘‘Think of the added comfort and rest you’ll be granting your wife,’’ Alice had argued.

Kiara knew he wanted to mount an offensive, but such a move would have met with questioning disapproval. After all, he should want only the best care for the mother of his infant son. And so he had acquiesced. Although she’d been thankful for Alice’s plan, Kiara had not been the one who had broached the subject. Surely he could not hold that chain of events against her.

Later that night after Spencer was asleep in his cradle, she pulled out the leather pouch containing her coins. ‘‘Pitiful,’’ she murmured. ‘‘This isn’t enough to rent a room and support us in Boston until I can find work.’’ It was abundantly obvious her lace-making would not yet provide the two of them with a sufficient living. And even if she remained with the Houstons and gave Paddy all of the money she had saved, how would he fend for himself in a city the size of Boston?

She momentarily thought of sending him to the Acre, but Bradley would certainly find him there. Perhaps Rogan would have an idea. She’d have to find a way to slip away. Perhaps Jasmine would give her permission to visit the Acre when Bradley was away from the house.

Placing the coins back in her pouch, she tucked it into the dresser drawer and snuggled under the covers. The sound of Spencer’s even, quiet breathing lulled her to sleep without further thought of the Acre.

A hand clasped around her arm, shaking her. She was half awake, not certain what she’d been dreaming, when her eyes fluttered open and she realized Bradley’s face was directly above her own. He licked his thin lips, like an animal ready to devour his prey. ‘‘Go upstairs,’’ he commanded.

‘‘Nay! I will na go anywhere with ya. I want ya to leave me alone. Ya’ve done nothin’ but threaten and harm me since the day ya laid eyes on me. I’ve done nothin’ to deserve such treatment. I love Jasmine, and I will na permit ya to continue hurtin’ her in this way. She’s given you a beautiful son, and she’s a gracious lady.

Better than ya deserve! I’ll na be part of this any longer.’’

‘‘I ought to flog you for your insolent behavior. You’ll do as you’re told! You need not put on a pretense of virtue; I saw you in the Acre hanging on to the neck of that filthy Irishman. I know you enjoy being with men,’’ he hissed, leaning close to her ear.

His utterance spewed at her like venom from a poisonous snake.

Suddenly she understood why his threats had resurfaced. He had followed her the night she’d gone to the Acre, seen her with Rogan, and now planned to punish her by sending Paddy to Mississippi. This was her fault. If only she’d remained at home that evening.

He yanked on her arm. ‘‘I said get upstairs.’’

‘‘I will na go,’’ she shot back. Before she could argue any further, Spencer began to whimper and then burst forth with a lusty cry. ‘‘It’s time for the babe to eat. If I do na take him to the mistress, she’ll come to fetch him.’’

Bradley stalked to the door and then turned back to face her.

His eyes were filled with a mixture of lust and hatred. ‘‘Don’t think this matter’s been concluded,’’ he warned before leaving the room.

Kiara hurried to the door and turned the key before tending to the crying infant. ‘‘There, there,’’ she cooed. ‘‘Just let me change yar wet nappie and I’ll take ya to yar mother.’’ The baby quickly settled, and once he was dry, she wrapped him in a warm blanket. ‘‘Thar ya are. Snug as a bug,’’ she whispered. ‘‘Now let’s go see yar mother.’’

Jasmine met her in the doorway that joined her bedroom and the nursery. ‘‘I’m sorry ya had to get out of yar bed, ma’am. It took me a wee bit longer to change his nappie.’’

‘‘No need to apologize, Kiara. You’ve done nothing wrong.’’

She reached for the infant. ‘‘Go back to bed. I’ll keep Spencer with me after he’s finished nursing,’’ she said. ‘‘I’m sure you need some sleep. I can rest tomorrow while Father and Bradley are gone to Boston.’’

‘‘The gentlemen are off on a short trip, are they?’’

‘‘Only for the day. Father told me this evening he’s going to have Bradley join him, but say nothing, as Bradley doesn’t know yet.’’

Kiara nodded her head. ‘‘A surprise, is it? Well, ya can trust me not to be sayin’ anything to Mr. Houston.’’ She returned to her room, her heart dancing with delight. She’d try to get word to Rogan tomorrow.

Bradley joined Malcolm at the breakfast table and signaled Sarah to pour his coffee. ‘‘I see no reason for you to travel to

Boston, Malcolm. I’m certain I can handle any matters needing attention if you’ll merely take me into your confidence.’’

‘‘I’ve already made arrangements for the meeting. No need to change them now.’’

‘‘But it seems a shame to cut into the little time you have with Jasmine in order to conduct business outside of Lowell.’’

Malcolm forked a piece of sausage onto his plate and helped himself to a steaming bowl of scrambled eggs. ‘‘No grits?’’ he asked, looking in Sarah’s direction.

‘‘No, sir. Would you care for some fried potatoes instead?’’

‘‘If that’s my only choice,’’ he replied, helping himself. ‘‘You Northerners should begin serving grits. I’m surprised neither Jasmine nor Alice has begun the practice.’’

Sarah smiled at Malcolm. ‘‘They tell me they’re not fond of grits.’’

‘‘Hurrumph! They never told
me
such a thing.’’

Bradley found Malcolm’s preoccupation annoying. Who really cared what was served for breakfast so long as there was good strong coffee? ‘‘Getting back to the topic at hand, Malcolm, wouldn’t you prefer to spend your time with Jasmine?’’

Malcolm looked up from his plate. ‘‘Why don’t you come with me? Jasmine doesn’t mind in the least that I’m going to be gone to Boston. She learned long ago that men require time to conduct their business if they are going to properly support their families.

We’d have time to visit on the train, and you can give me a tour of your shipping business.’’

Bradley didn’t want to show Malcolm his shipping business or anything else for that matter, but if he was going to find out what this meeting was about, he had little alternative. He needed to retain control. Of course, the best way to do that was to keep Malcolm in Lowell, but since that wasn’t going to be possible, he’d attend the meeting and hope to bypass a visit to the shipping office. Hopefully Malcolm would decide to make an early departure for Mississippi.

‘‘Thank you, Malcolm. If you insist on attending the meeting, I’d be pleased to accompany you.’’

Kiara watched from an upstairs window until the carriage pulled away from the house before entering Jasmine’s room. ‘‘Sarah was needin’ some things from town, ma’am. Would ya be mindin’ if I took care of that burden fer her?’’