Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] (7 page)

Alice glanced at the mantel clock. ‘‘You’re absolutely correct.

We’ll begin preparations as soon as I return home. For now, you can take my breakfast tray, and if you would ask Martin to bring the carriage around, I’d be most appreciative.’’

Alice was hard-pressed to believe her good fortune. If she’d known Malcolm could be so easily convinced to come visiting, she would have hinted she was ailing long ago. She smiled into the mirror while adjusting the lavender feathers that were quivering above the wide brim of her champagne-colored bonnet.

She then descended the stairs, barely able to contain her delight. By this time next week Jasmine no doubt would be here.

They would have such fun exploring Lowell, and perhaps Malcolm would escort them to Boston. She hoped Jasmine would find the house to her liking. It was, after all, very different from The Willows. Instead of a sprawling, pillared mansion, Alice had purchased a house much like herself: sturdy and dependable. She enjoyed its every nuance, and the fact that the home was situated on a small plot of land within the town of Lowell had been an added bonus.

Tall and rigid, Martha stood at the front door, resembling a soldier guarding the castle gate as Alice approached. ‘‘We’ll begin our list when I return, Martha,’’ she instructed before leaving the house.

Outside, Martin offered his hand and assisted Alice into the leather-clad interior of her small carriage. Alice was sprightly for her seventy years, and they both realized she was capable of lifting herself into the cab without help. But, of course, civility required a woman of her social standing to exercise decorum in such matters. Once she was ensconced in the carriage, Alice’s thoughts immediately returned to Jasmine’s letter. What perfect timing! If there were no problems on their voyage, Malcolm and Jasmine should arrive in time for the Cheevers’ summer social. Once Malcolm visited Lowell and accepted the fact that refined people did reside in Massachusetts, she hoped to convince him that Jasmine should remain with her there—at least for the remainder of the summer and early fall. The matriarch of the Wainwright family crossed her arms and leaned back in the carriage. At this moment, Alice Wainwright was the personification of smug satisfaction. She had a plan!

Lilly Cheever stood at her front door in a daffodil-yellow morning dress embroidered with tiny white flowers bordering the scalloped flounces.

‘‘Yellow becomes you, my dear. You should wear it more often. I adore yellow but, alas, it causes me to appear sallow,’’ Alice said. She followed Lilly into the parlor, admiring the younger woman’s graceful carriage.

‘‘It is always a pleasure to have you visit, Mrs. Wainwright. I was delighted when you agreed to help with the charity ball.

There’s never a shortage of requests for the funds we amass but always a shortage of workers for the actual event. Do sit down.’’

Alice chose one of the overstuffed blue-and-gold brocade chairs where she had an unobstructed view of the rose garden.

‘‘Personally, I enjoy keeping busy, preferably with those of you who are youthful—it keeps me young at heart.’’

Lilly laughed and settled into a matching chair opposite Alice and began pouring tea. ‘‘I wouldn’t call myself youthful. My two children think of me as old and decrepit.’’

‘‘Tut, tut. What do children know of old age? They think anyone a few years their senior is ancient. Why, I remember a time when I thought twenty and five to be positively doddering. Time has a way of altering your perspective.’’

Lilly’s lips curved into a winsome smile as she nodded in agreement. ‘‘You’re certainly correct on that account.’’ She handed a cup of tea on a saucer to Alice.

‘‘And speaking of young people, I received word earlier today that my son and granddaughter will be arriving in Lowell for a visit.’’

‘‘That’s wonderful news. Will they arrive in time for my summer social?’’

Alice smiled. ‘‘Indeed, they will. In fact, when I opened Jasmine’s letter and discovered she was coming to visit, your social was one of the first items that crossed my mind. It will be a perfect opportunity for her to meet a few people her own age. And I’m certain she’ll enjoy Violet, even if she is a few years younger.’’

‘‘Where does Jasmine attend finishing school?’’

‘‘Jasmine has received her entire education at home. Made-laine, that’s my daughter-in-law, insisted on having a tutor rather than sending Jasmine to a finishing school. In my opinion, the isolation has stilted Jasmine’s level of maturity. She’s a dear girl, very sweet, but I fear she’s rather naïve for a young lady of eighteen years. However, having her at home all those years permitted me the opportunity to develop a closer relationship with her while I was living at the plantation. I must admit I’ve missed her terribly.

In fact, I’m hoping to convince my son to allow her to remain with me until the Christmas holidays, or at least until fall. I’d like Jasmine to experience life away from her mother and the confines of The Willows.’’

‘‘The Willows?’’

Alice nodded and took a sip of tea. ‘‘Yes, The Willows is a cotton plantation that has been in the Wainwright family for generations. But certainly not an enterprise that was ever near or dear to
my
heart. However, from all appearances, my sons and grandsons will follow in their ancestral footsteps. Having been reared in Massachusetts and not having lived in the South until after my marriage, I never really embraced plantation life. Of course, my sons thought me daft. When I decided to move back North after my beloved husband’s death, my entire family opposed my decision. They thought me completely foolish.’’ She leaned forward and lowered her voice to a whisper. ‘‘I’m certain my sons don’t believe it, but I’ve been more content since my return to Massachusetts than any time since my husband’s death.’’

Lilly patted Alice’s hand. ‘‘I’m pleased to hear you’re satisfied, and I’m looking forward to meeting Jasmine. Perhaps we can journey to Boston for a day of shopping while she’s here. I’m certain Violet would enjoy the diversion. And Matthew has mentioned the possibility of spending some time near the ocean in August— perhaps Rhode Island. You might want to give that idea consideration.’’

‘‘I have to admit I had similar ideas in mind. At least with thoughts of Boston and shopping,’’ Alice said, smiling.

‘‘I only wish Elinor were here,’’ Lilly said absentmindedly.

‘‘Elinor who? Have I met her?’’

‘‘She’s Taylor Manning’s younger sister. She’s . . . well . . . I believe she’s twenty-two. A smart woman, with a head for book-work, believe it or not.’’ Lilly smiled. ‘‘She’s been married twice and unfortunately widowed twice. Poor girl. Taylor’s wife, Bella, tells me she believes herself cursed with misfortune.’’

‘‘She does seem quite young to have endured so much sorrow.

Where is she now?’’

‘‘Philadelphia. Taylor and Bella have gone to fetch her home.

Her husband died from a bout of yellow fever.’’

Alice nodded knowingly. ‘‘I had heard that many areas suffered horribly with the fever this year. Did Elinor take the sickness?’’

‘‘No, amazingly enough, she didn’t. But it only served to deepen her sorrow.’’

‘‘When she returns, she would probably benefit from spending time with others,’’ Alice said. ‘‘Perhaps the shopping trip to Boston would be a bit taxing, but we could promise her time in her own interests.’’

‘‘I think it would definitely do her good,’’ Lilly said, finishing her tea. ‘‘When she lost her first husband at eighteen, I know she thought she would never love again. Poor man drowned in an accident at the mill,’’ Lilly added, as though it were important.

‘‘Then when she met Daniel Brighton at church, I know she was quite apprehensive about giving her heart. They seemed such a good match. He was the nephew of dear friends and had a good business in Philadelphia. He courted Elinor fervently, coming to Lowell whenever he could spare the time. I think he finally wore her down.’’ Lilly smiled. ‘‘But don’t take that to mean Elinor didn’t love him. She did. I was so happy to see her find true love a second time . . . and now this.’’

‘‘God alone knows why these things happen,’’ Alice commented in a motherly tone. ‘‘We must trust that He knows better than we do.’’

Lilly nodded. ‘‘And that He has better things ahead for Elinor.’’

‘‘Exactly!’’ Alice agreed. ‘‘Hopefully between the two of us, we can take Elinor under our wing and see her heart mended in time. Meanwhile, I do suppose we should turn our efforts toward planning the charity events for the upcoming year.’’

Laughing, Lilly rose to her feet. ‘‘This is probably why I suffer through with limited assistance from others. I am easily distracted.

Come, I’ll show you my list of tasks.’’

Jasmine swirled into her grandmother’s bedroom and made an exaggerated pirouette. Her silk gown cascaded in a sea of pink ripples as she seated herself on the brocade fainting couch and waited for her grandmother’s assessment.

‘‘You look absolutely beautiful, my dear. However, I do believe my diamond-and-pearl necklace would add the perfect touch to your ensemble.’’ Alice opened her jewelry case and lifted a velvet pouch from the depths of the box. With a practiced ease, she placed the necklace around Jasmine’s neck and fastened the clasp.

Alice stepped back to appraise the effect. ‘‘Stunning! There won’t be another young lady who will compare.’’

Jasmine smiled in return, wishing the aura of self-confidence she’d exhibited for her grandmother moments earlier were genuine. ‘‘Will attendance be sizable, do you think?’’

Alice stared into the mirror, her attention focused upon the cameo pin she was clipping to a wide ribbon she’d fastened around her neck only moments earlier. ‘‘I’m not certain. Do you like the cameo on this ribbon? Or shall I wear my topaz necklace?’’

‘‘The cameo.’’ Jasmine blotted her face with a lace-edged handkerchief. ‘‘Will there be more guests than attend the balls at Hampton House or The Willows?’’

‘‘Why are you so curious about the number of guests?’’ Alice turned to face Jasmine. ‘‘Oh, child! You’re white as a sheet. Are you ill?’’ Without a moment’s hesitation, Alice moved to her granddaughter’s side and placed a hand alongside her cheek. ‘‘No fever.’’

‘‘I’m not ill, at least not in the way you’re talking about.’’

‘‘In what way, then?’’

‘‘Attending a party where I won’t know anyone except you and Father makes me extremely uncomfortable. You won’t leave my side, will you?’’

Alice patted Jasmine’s hand. ‘‘You might have difficulty dancing if I remain by your side throughout the evening. But I promise to stay with you as long as you need me if that will help conquer your anxiety.’’

Jasmine’s lips curved into a timid smile as she nodded her agreement. ‘‘You think I’m acting like my mother, don’t you?’’

‘‘Absolutely not! And don’t you worry yourself with such thoughts. I want you to attend this party and enjoy yourself.

There’s an exciting world outside of The Willows, and I want you to experience a portion of it—beginning this evening.’’ Alice wrapped a silk shawl around Jasmine’s shoulders and pulled her into a warm embrace. ‘‘Now, set aside your fears, and let’s be on our way. You’re going to meet some fascinating people. By the end of the evening, you’ll look back on this moment and wonder why you ever harbored the slightest concern.’’

Jasmine hoped she was right. She had the utmost respect for her grandmother’s opinions. Still, this was possibly the most frightening event of her life. Jasmine followed her grandmother from the room, wondering what the evening might hold in store. So many of her friends back home had met their mates at just such events. Most had married within the last year.

Will I meet the man of my dreams?
she pondered.
I’ve never concerned
myself with such things before, but what if . . .

Malcolm hurried forward to meet the women as they descended the staircase. ‘‘Look at the two of you! I’ll be escorting the prettiest ladies to the party.’’

‘‘Thank you, Papa,’’ Jasmine said, her thoughts interrupted by her father’s enthusiasm. She forced a smile. ‘‘Grandmother has loaned me her necklace. Isn’t it beautiful?’’

Jasmine’s father nodded and glanced toward the tolling clock in the hallway. ‘‘Indeed, it is. We’d best be on our way, or I’d venture to say that we’ll be more than fashionably late to the Cheevers’. I do wish I’d had time to inform Bradley Houston of our arrival. He knew we were making the journey, but he didn’t know exactly when we planned to arrive. He wrote that he’d made a point of meeting you, Mother. What did you think of him?’’

Alice donned her white lace stole and took hold of her son’s arm. ‘‘He seemed nice enough, I suppose, but he was more interested in discussing cotton and textiles than any matters that were of interest to me. He probably believed my years of living at The

Willows made me an excellent partner with whom to discuss cotton markets. Little did he realize how I abhor the topic.’’ She gave her son a fleeting apologetic look. ‘‘Now, his brother, Nolan, is another matter entirely. Nolan enjoys theatre, poetry, and literature and can discuss them all quite eloquently. He’s a man after my heart. In fact, I shared one of Jasmine’s poems with him. He confided she hadn’t mentioned her literary abilities when he visited The Willows. Bradley didn’t appear to show much interest, but Nolan was quite impressed. I wouldn’t worry about business this evening. You’ll have ample time for discussions of cotton and textiles later in the week if Mr. Houston isn’t present tonight.’’

‘‘Since it’s obvious your health has greatly improved, Mother, I’m certain we won’t be in Lowell for an extended period.’’

Jasmine stifled a protest. She might fear the events of the evening, but she longed to spend more time in her grandmother’s company. Surely Papa wouldn’t rush her back to The Willows without time for a good long visit.

A playful smile tugged at Alice’s lips. ‘‘You’re not hiding your agitation very well, Malcolm. Why don’t we spend this evening enjoying each other’s company and the fact that we have a lovely party to attend?’’

Jasmine watched her father’s expression soften. ‘‘I am enjoying your company, in spite of the false pretenses upon which you forced my arrival.’’

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