The pattern of her heart, p.31
The Pattern of Her Heart, page 31
“I think the only answer to this entire dilemma is truthfulness. You need to tell McKinley you overheard a portion of his conversation with Rupert. Tell him of your suspicions. Explain that you abhor thinking he could turn against the abolitionist movement and that you have a deep concern that he is planning to sell The Willows without consulting you and perhaps even deal in the sale of the slaves. If you approach him honestly, I believe he will feel obligated to answer you in kind. Your brother is a devout Christian man who has renounced slavery, Jasmine. I can’t believe he would so easily turn against his beliefs.”
Jasmine shrugged, not sure she agreed. “I hope you’re correct. I’ll go to him tomorrow.”
“I’d wait until you’re certain Rupert has departed.”
She nodded. “When we spoke earlier, I failed to mention that Rupert asked about Prissy. From his behavior regarding her, I’ve grown to believe he is Emily’s father.”
Nolan sighed. “It’s true his obsession with her was odd. When we were in Mississippi, I truly feared his interest in her went beyond proper boundaries, and I don’t doubt your assumption. However, with your capable intervention, Prissy has made great strides in accepting the baby, and we don’t want to do anything that would disrupt their bond. No one need know of our suspicions.”
She carefully knotted her thread before meeting Nolan’s gaze. “I agree. I want to honor Prissy’s wishes. It was clear she did not want to name the father, and I now understand why.”
It was midafternoon on Thursday when Jasmine approached the offices that fronted a row of brick textile mills. Nolan had suggested she visit McKinley at his office, thinking it best to keep Violet unaware of any possible problem. And Jasmine knew he was correct. This was a matter that was best resolved on neutral ground, away from friends and family.
Her brother’s name had been printed upon the glass pane in his open office door—bold black letters surrounded with gold, proclaiming that the office belonged to McKinley Wainwright. He glanced up as she approached, and she noted his look of surprise as he motioned her in.
“I hope you don’t mind my calling on you unannounced,” she said.
“No, this is fine. Is there some problem?” he inquired cautiously.
“Actually, there are several. May I?” she asked while pointing at one of the wooden chairs.
He jumped to his feet. “Yes, of course. Please be seated.”
“Let me begin by saying that I have an admission to make.”
He stared at her intently and waited. “Go on,” he urged.
“When I visited you at your home the other day, I had been standing outside the library for a short period of time before I entered.”
“Eavesdropping?”
“Not intentionally—at least not at first. But as I stepped to the door, I heard you discussing a sale and then I recognized Rupert’s voice. The two of you were discussing The Willows—and the slaves,” she added.
“If you remained by the door once you knew we were in private conversation, you were eavesdropping. Not an admirable quality. I’m surprised you would conduct yourself in such a manner,” he said heatedly.
Her eyebrows arched and her jaw went slack. “You’re surprised by my conduct? You’ve entered into the business of selling our inheritance to a man who tried to steal it and then deal in the buying and selling of human flesh, and you’re surprised by my conduct? Come now, McKinley! You can’t believe you’re in good standing to take the offensive in this argument.”
“I believe that I am, dear sister. You know I have been in dire straits, what with my financial losses and the . . .”
“There is no explanation you can provide that will excuse your behavior, McKinley!”
“Will you let me finish at least a sentence before you interrupt?”
Jasmine fastened an unyielding gaze upon him. “I’m listening.”
“As you know, I have been desperate for The Willows to be sold, and that land agent you hired has been of no assistance whatsoever. Even you must admit he’s useless.”
“I will not agree Mr. Turner is useless. I believe he’s made every attempt to sell the plantation, and I’ve notified you each time I’ve received word from him,” Jasmine countered.
“And each time his report is the same. That man will never find a buyer for The Willows. In any event, shortly after you received Mr. Turner’s first letter, Rupert and I began exchanging correspondence. I asked for an explanation of all that had occurred while you and Nolan were in Mississippi.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he motioned for her to remain silent.
“As we corresponded, Rupert explained that there had been misunderstandings on both sides. He never meant to threaten you or cause you to believe he was taking The Willows by force.”
“He’s a liar.”
McKinley shook his head. “Perhaps, but it doesn’t matter now. Other things have happened. Rupert expressed a desire to purchase the property and said he would also be willing to pay me a tidy sum for the slaves—provided I would return Prissy to him. His offer was extremely generous. My share would be more than enough to free me of any financial woes for many years. The offer was tempting, and I admit I wrestled with accepting his offer. However, after much prayer, I knew it was far more important to free our people than secure my finances. I told him I could not accept his offer. So you see, this wasn’t exactly as you thought.”
Jasmine’s features had softened as he spoke. “I am so very proud of you, McKinley, and I’m sorry I ever doubted you. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Yes, of course I forgive you.”
“How do matters now stand between you and Rupert?”
“We’ve reached another agreement. I have agreed to sell the plantation at a reduced cost in exchange for the slaves.”
“And he agreed?”
“Yes, he agreed. He says there may be one or two he cannot locate, but the remainder will be turned over.”
“What can I do to assist? While I dislike the idea of Rupert owning the land, if it means freeing our people, I must relent. Do you want Nolan and me to travel south and escort them back here? Or perhaps I can write to Rupert and express my thanks and offer to send clothing and supplies for the journey north,” she suggested.
“No, Jasmine. What you must do is remain completely uninvolved in this process. Rupert and I have a history that goes back to our childhood days. I can deal with him much more easily on my own. You will only complicate matters. There is far too much animosity between you and Rupert.”
“But I want to help!” she proclaimed insistently.
“What is more important, sister? That you be involved or that our people regain their freedom?”
“You’re right. I’ll stay out so long as you promise to advise me if there is any way I can lend assistance.”
“I promise.”
“One other thing: since your inheritance will be greatly diminished by the bargain you’ve made with Rupert, I’m going to insist you retain all of the money from the sale. Nolan and I have been most fortunate in our business dealings, and I can well afford to give up my portion of the inheritance. It is the very least I can do.”
McKinley shook his head. “No, I won’t consider such charity. Father intended for you to have a portion of the inheritance.”
“I admire the sacrifice you are making by selling the plantation at a reduced price, McKinley, and I want to help you. Remember that the Bible tells us we are to bear one another’s burdens. You don’t want to defy any of God’s directives, do you?” she asked.
He leaned back in his chair and laughed. “You have always been good to me, Jasmine.”
“We have been good to each other—that’s why God created families: to love and support one another in the good times as well as the bad.”
“And I’m very thankful for you,” he said.
Elinor took one last look in the mirror. The pale peach cashmere dress was truly lovely, and she was genuinely pleased Reggie had suggested it.
She turned toward the door leading to the hallway and clasped a hand to her chest. “Helen! You startled me. I didn’t hear you come down the stairs.”
“I’m sorry. I truly didn’t mean to alarm you.”
“It’s all right, Helen. Are you finished packing?”
The girl gave a sad nod. “Your dress is lovely, Mrs. Brighton. I came down to see if you needed any assistance preparing for the wedding.”
There was such expectancy in her face that Elinor motioned Helen into the small sitting room. “If you could fasten this around my neck, I’d be most appreciative.” Elinor handed her a wide velvet ribbon she’d embroidered with peach and green flowers to match the dress. Helen carefully fastened the ribbon with a small gold brooch that had belonged to Elinor’s grandmother.
“Will your brother and his wife be attending the wedding?” Helen inquired.
“No, though I know they wish they could be here. I sent a telegram advising them of my plans. I received their regrets—their children are in school and there was insufficient time to make proper plans. However, they invited us to come visit at our earliest opportunity. I believe we’ll wait until school is out next summer,” Elinor explained. “I think Reggie would enjoy meeting all of my nieces and nephews.”
“That will be nice. I wanted to tell you that I appreciate your kindness since I’ve been in your house, and I’m sorry to leave here. However, I’m very happy for you. I do hope Reggie knows how fortunate she is to gain you as a mother.”
“Why, thank you, Helen. I’ve enjoyed having you as a part of my boardinghouse family. You are planning to attend the reception, aren’t you?”
The girl’s face glowed. “Oh yes! I wouldn’t miss it. Mary Margaret said Paddy is coming to fetch all of your former boarders who live here in town and want to attend.” At the sound of an approaching buggy, Helen hurried to the window in Elinor’s room. “It’s Pastor Chamberlain,” she announced excitedly.
“Thank you, Helen. I’ll look forward to seeing you at the reception later this evening,” Elinor said as she lightly kissed Helen’s cheek. The young woman scampered toward the stairs as Elinor checked her appearance once more before going to the front door.
She opened the door to Justin, who was holding his tall silk hat in one hand and a nosegay in the other. “Reggie insisted that you have flowers,” he said, handing her the cluster of ivory mums mixed with an assortment of greenery.
Elinor was mesmerized as he stood before her in his black double-breasted wool morning suit. The points of his heavily starched white collar perfectly accented the wide gray-and-blue striped cravat he had chosen to wear.
“May I come in?” he finally asked.
“Yes, yes, of course,” she said, regaining her voice.
“You look lovely, Elinor. That color becomes you.”
She felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “Thank you. And may I say you look most handsome yourself.”
He grinned at the compliment. “Reggie says we must hurry or we’ll not arrive in Billerica by seven o’clock. I couldn’t even convince her to come in—she said there was no time.”
Elinor picked up her cape and reticule. “Then we had best be on our way. We ought not keep the preacher waiting—or Reggie.”
“Absolutely not!”
Glancing over her shoulder, Elinor caught sight of Helen standing on the stairway. “We’ll see you after the wedding, Helen.”
The young woman brightened and waved as they walked toward the carriage.
Reggie giggled as Elinor settled beside her in the buggy. “In only a short time I can call you Mama instead of Mrs. Brighton, can’t I?”
“If that’s what you’d like to call me, I would be honored.” Elinor was thrilled by the child’s desire to immediately use the endearing term.
Reggie glanced up at her father. “The dress is very pretty, don’t you think?”
Justin nodded his agreement. “The dress is lovely, but not nearly so lovely as the lady wearing it.”
Reggie covered her mouth and giggled, and Elinor pulled the child close, almost afraid to believe the goodness God had showered upon her. She would have not only a wonderful husband with whom to share her life, but also this delightful child whom she had already grown to love and cherish. She released Reggie and leaned back into the cushion, offering a prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving that God had sent them both into her life.
The wedding ceremony was simple, but much to Elinor’s liking. And to her great delight, after Justin vowed to take her as his wife, Reggie also stated her desire to have Elinor as her mother.
When Reverend Foster asked if she would take Justin as her husband, Elinor promptly replied, “I do, and I take Reggie for my daughter as well.”
A short time later they arrived at the Houston farm, where buggies lined the driveway. Two servants stood waiting to greet them. “Go tell Miss Jasmine they’ve arrived,” the man ordered as the other servant immediately raced into the house.
The trio followed the servant up the steps and into the foyer, where a maid quickly took their wraps. “Please follow me,” the woman said, motioning them forward.
They moved to the doorway of the large sitting room, where the guests awaited their arrival. “Reverend and Mrs. Justin Chamberlain and daughter, Reggie Chamberlain,” he announced in a resounding voice.
The applause was deafening as they stepped into the room. “Thank you all for attending,” Justin called out loudly as he motioned the crowd to stop clapping.
Nolan signaled for the music to begin and then he and his wife turned their attention to the new family. “Can we assume all went well with the marriage ceremony?” Nolan asked Justin.
“Absolutely. Reverend Foster did a fine job, though his part in all of this was much less difficult than the lovely party you have arranged,” he said, taking in the elaborate decorations about the room. “You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.”
“It was our pleasure,” Jasmine replied. “We would have it no other way. Spencer and Moses are upstairs if you care to join them, Reggie. In fact, you may tell them they can come downstairs with you if they promise to be on their best behavior.”
“I’ll tell them,” she said before hurrying out of the room.
“You’ll be pleased to see many of your church members as well as girls from the boardinghouse among the crowd,” Jasmine told them. “Now, do come fix a plate of food so that the others can begin to eat.”
Elinor and Justin followed her to the dining table. Alice Ann was holding a stack of perfectly folded white linen napkins while three maids hovered nearby, prepared to refill the trays with an array of wondrous treats.
“It’s abundantly obvious you have outdone yourself,” Justin commented as he began to fill his plate with several sweet delicacies. “It’s going to be difficult making my choices.”
“Then you must come back until you’ve tried some of everything,” Jasmine suggested before turning her attention to the bride. “Do have one of my raspberry tarts, Elinor. I prepared them especially for you. As I was planning what to serve, I suddenly remembered they’re one of your favorites.”
Elinor placed two of the small tarts on her plate. “Seems the church ladies have gathered for a private conclave,” she whispered to Justin.
He winked at her and when he had filled his plate, he strode to the cluster of women. “We’re pleased to see so many of our church members in attendance. Do help yourselves to some of this fine food, ladies. There are many selections to please your palate.”
Reggie, Spencer, and Moses positioned themselves in a small nook where the heavy parlor drapes hid them from view yet provided them with an excellent vantage point. They had come down the stairs and circled through the dining room in order to secure the perfect spot. It wasn’t until the church ladies gathered in front of the draperies that their view of the guests became somewhat obscured.
“I wish they would move. Now I can’t see my mama.” Reggie said the last word tentatively, as though she were trying it on to see how it fit.
Martha Emory poked Nancy Sanders in the arm. “Just look at her smiling like the cat that caught the canary. I told you from the beginning that she was out to snag him. Didn’t I, Caroline?” she asked, now looking at her daughter.
“Yes, Mama,” Caroline answered meekly.
“And didn’t I tell you that if you’d just assert yourself, you’d have yourself a husband?”
Caroline bobbed her head up and down. “Yes, Mama.”
“I believe he was interested in my Sarah until Elinor set her cap for him,” Nancy told Martha. “Of course, my Sarah is too much of a lady to throw herself at a man. Unlike Elinor, she could never behave in an unladylike fashion in order to gain a man’s attention. Surely you all remember how Elinor marched into that parsonage and took charge— ordering everyone around, just like she owned the place.”
Cecile Turnvall was focusing on Jasmine Houston. “For the life of me, I cannot understand why this reception is being hosted by the Houstons. It’s as though they didn’t think the ladies of the Congregational church could provide them with a reception that would meet their standards. The Houstons are Episcopalians!”
“Episcopalian or not, any reception we would have hosted would pale in comparison to this,” Winifred Mason remarked. “I imagine it’s Elinor who wanted this fancy party—Pastor Chamberlain isn’t one to put on airs.” She leaned closer to the other women. “Of course, unlike the rest of us, the Houstons appear to lead a charmed life. Even the economic problems don’t seem to have affected them.”
“I think it’s a wonderful party,” Caroline offered. “The food is excellent, and I particularly like the music.”
A slap of her mother’s fan caused Caroline to flinch. “You see! That’s exactly why you’re going to spend your life as a spinster! Instead of evaluating why you aren’t on the arm of Pastor Chamberlain, you’re enjoying his wedding reception.”
“Sorry, Mama,” Caroline said, casting her eyes downward.
