by Lisa Prysock
“Pepper! You stop it you wretched beast! Stop this very instant! Come back here, Pepper!” The captain bellowed at the little dog. Pepper appeared to be enjoying this game with immense satisfaction. One would not think a small dog could cause such a ruckus to a celebrated war hero such as Captain Brooks.
Leo Tolstoy, perched on his shoulder throughout the recital, repeated, “Pepper! Stop it you wretched beast!”
This caused the children and other guests, accustomed to Dr. Beckham’s unusual pets, to laugh a great deal. Zane glanced at Ms. Milton, but she was laughing, too. Jenny clamped a hand over her mouth to try to hide her giggles, but it was futile. He couldn’t help but join in their laughter. Even General Custer appeared to be laughing as he held his top hat in his hands.
The parrot and the activity going on outside the parlor windows across the hall greatly amused the guests, especially when moments later, a knock on the front door further disrupted the recital. While the student at the keys continued to build to a sublime ending of “Für Elise,” Minnie practically bolted to answer the door. She appeared anxious to tend to the escalated situation. Captain Brooks could be heard to inquire, “I’m sorry to bother you, Minnie. Pardon the interruption to your guests, but do you happen to have any bacon?”
“Bacon?” Minnie sounded positively aghast, as if insult had been added to injury. One could almost hear her unspoken thoughts of indignation. Zane imagined her to be thinking, first the clean linens, and now our bacon! He could not help but chuckle out loud along with the other guests.
The doctor turned his attention back to the lovely southern belle seated on his left. His only response was to smile back at Miss Lindford as she returned his gaze. His darling Jenny seemed amused, highly entertained, and unaffected in any negative way. In fact, she appeared both delighted and dazzled by the merriment. Had he not been sitting in the front row beside such a beautiful flower, he ordinarily would have excused himself and stepped outside to greet the captain and offer his assistance. Brooks had become a good friend in a short amount of time, and his happy marriage to Lottie had influenced and encouraged him to seek Ella’s assistance in the marital department. How the dog had managed to make an escape all the way across town remained beyond his comprehension for the time being.
Zane found himself adoring Miss Lindford more and more the longer he was in her presence, experiencing a kind of joyous rhapsody and bliss. After the last notes sounded at the piano, the student stood up and bowed amidst applause and smiles. Guests gathered around the refreshment table to congratulate the students and Miss Cunningham’s hard work with her musical protégés. The recital had been a little slice of heaven in spite of the few bits of turmoil happening. He could hardly wait until tomorrow evening when he would bring his fiancée to see her future home and dine at his side with Ella and Josiah. Then it occurred to him how blessed he was, for he had also been invited to dine with the Milton household upon that very evening. He would yet enjoy a few more hours in his present state of divine rapture. Surely the good Lord above had smiled down upon him in his low estate. The lovely Miss Lindford was the perfect bride for him. He could only hope she felt the same way.
Chapter 5
But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
JENNY FINISHED WRITING an entry in her journal, returned her pen to the holder beside the inkwell, and then blotted the freshly written lines with a sheet of blotting paper. When she was sure it was dry, she read the lines one more time. There was something about writing that drew her, and she couldn’t deny her love for the way the words looked once they were written. She loved it as much as she loved a fresh, blank page and the way it beckoned for words. She always began her personal journal entries as prayers to the Lord since He, in His omniscient glory, was the only one who could always see her writings.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for Zane. I do believe he and I shall work out just fine; although if You’d have asked me two days ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. I rather thought Ma’s plans were of great risk and leaving far too much to chance. We had a lovely first meeting here at Ella Milton’s home on the outskirts of Pelican Rapids. She has a pleasant two-story farmhouse with a wraparound porch, and had a lavender bedroom waiting for me. Imagine that! I was simply happy to be finished with the train, and arrived intrepid about all awaiting me here.
Zane (Dr. Beckham asked me to call him that) and I, along with his delightful chimpanzee named General Custer, and his colorful talking parrot named Leo Tolstoy, went for a long walk together in the apple orchard after having tea with Ella in her parlor. He kissed me on the front porch after we raced, and then we had the most amusing time at a recital. I have never seen a chimpanzee take tea before, nor have I seen a chimpanzee or met a talking parrot. It was enchanting.
We have also shared our first kiss! Such a stirring it created within me...
Dinner was lovely. Minnie, Ella’s cook, baked us a meal fit for a king with potato cakes, chicken pie, cranberry applesauce, stewed tomatoes, and pumpkin bread served with orange marmalade. Tonight, Zane (I must become accustomed to calling him by his first name), has invited us to dine at his mansion. I am bursting with excitement to see it. I can hardly believe I shall soon be the mistress of his recently completed beautiful estate, or so Ella tells me it is. He said I shall be able to decorate it as my heart desires.
After he drove away in a nice buggy with an exquisitely matched team of bay mares (Father would most certainly be impressed with those horses), I considered all I have learned of him and could hardly sleep a wink. I cannot tell if he still pines for Rowena, but it does not appear so. Ursula did not wait for him, and Beatrice didn’t want to leave Italy to follow him. Rowena however, neither lived nor committed to unite. Did she give up, or did the disease ravage her body? Did he blame himself for being unable to determine what her illness might have been? Does his family know Christ?
Please do continue to guide me in this matrimonial decision. There is still so much we have to learn about each other. I love you, my dearest Savior,
Jenny
Satisfied in spite of a word she’d neatly drawn a line through, she closed the leather-bound journal after reading her entry, and slid the book into the small writing desk drawer beneath a stack of letters she’d saved from Zane, other family members, and friends. She paced for a while, trying to decide which dress she would wear. Finally, she made her choice and stepped into the garment, wrestling a little with her buttons to finish dressing. The morning had been good for her. She’d been able to rest from her journey and had enjoyed a walk in the fresh air, exploring a little more of Ms. Milton’s pleasant farm.
Seated at the vanity in the lavender bedroom, Jenny dabbed some rose scented perfume at her wrists and behind her ears as she continued the routine of her toilette to prepare for the evening ahead. Reaching for a simple strand of pearls, she considered the previous day’s events with a dreamy, radiant look appearing in her countenance and blue-gray eyes reflecting in the mirror. Zane was everything she’d hoped and more. Since they’d met, they’d mainly laughed and enjoyed each other’s company immensely. She wasn’t in love yet, but for the first time perhaps ever in her twenty-three years, she thought it entirely possible.
She smiled at the vase of red roses he’d had delivered to the Milton household earlier in the morning—a vase now situated on the mantle above her fireplace—and the handwritten note he’d sent requesting the honor of her presence, along with Ella and Josiah as his dinner guests. Can’t wait to see you again, were the words he’d added to the note, signed simply, Zane.
In the afternoon, he’d sent a fragrant bouquet of lavender and purple heather. She’d arranged these in another vase as Minnie echoed from the kitchen some concerns about running out of vases if her fiancée continued to lavish her with these kinds of romantic notions. Jenny had chosen not
to respond. Instead, she quietly smiled as she arranged the flowers while Ella looked on with approval. Some remarks did not need a response, and if a response was offered, might lead to a disagreeable home—or in this case, an unhappy cook. It was obvious to Jenny that Ella also knew the Lord approved of a gentle, quiet spirit. Mama had tried to ingrain it in her daughters. Jenny had already decided her upbringing must’ve been similar to Ella Milton’s since the matchmaker operated with a good deal of graciousness, prayerfulness, and quiet observation.
She rose from the vanity and stood before the full-length oval mirror in the corner to look over her appearance. She’d finally settled on wearing a gown in a shade of coral. The gown featured a square neckline, a small bustle, and a lace overlay skirt in a violet shade which allowed the beautiful coral to peek through. The trimmings for the gown were in violet, too. The best part about this particular ensemble from her trousseau was the pagoda sleeve design. She carefully pinned her hat in place and retrieved the lavender shawl she’d laid out on the bed, praying for the Lord’s wisdom to guide her nearly smitten heart.
Pulling her new gloves on, she considered the fact her heart was not usually won over so easily, but she had to trust the Lord. He had known about this marriage arrangement idea her mother had concocted about contacting matchmakers to help several of her five daughters find suitable husbands for longer than she had known herself. She wondered if Carrie had reached Montana after her Boston wedding yet. She laughed to think about how many hats Bianca might have acquired in New York. She doubted Melanie had reached England’s shores, and at the same time, wondered how Laura’s health was faring. Soon, she would write all of them letters.
With her violet parasol and drawstring purse in hand, Jenny stepped out into the hall and glided down the staircase on a cloud of joy. The carriage was leaving at half past three, and she intended to be prompt. Soon they were settled into Ella Milton’s open carriage. She was glad they’d be able to see a little more of the town on their way to Zane’s new home. His home was located near the Pelican River, a short distance toward the east off of Main Street, on acreage heading outside of town.
The mansion, surrounded by a span of green, luscious lawn hedged on three sides by clusters of trees, was visible in the distance from the road. Her curiosity piqued higher at once as they turned onto the long gated drive. The gates had been left open, and this made them feel welcome. The mansion itself was a three-story monstrosity, larger than the great country house at Blue Violet Farm. As the carriage driven by Josiah proceeded along the drive, Jenny noticed part of the lane turned off to the right, leading to some other area. She couldn’t help but wonder where it went. However, Josiah kept the horses on the path leading to the house, straight ahead. When they pulled in beneath the porte de cochère in front of the main entrance, a full staff of servants and Dr. Beckham awaited them, lined up on the terrace porch running the length of the house.
He stepped forward to help them out of the carriage before Josiah could jump down from the driver’s seat. Jenny smoothed her skirts and bit her lip, trying to remain calm, but she was overcome with excitement.
“Welcome, welcome to Orange Blossom Manor,” Zane greeted, appearing happy to see their punctual arrival.
“Zane, this is much larger than I imagined.” Her eyes wide with amazement, Jenny wasn’t surprised when her voice sounded barely above a whisper as she accepted his extended hand. She carefully lifted her skirts with her other hand so as not to step on the hem of her gown while she found her footing down the carriage steps one of Zane’s servants had released.
“I hope it meets with your approval,” the doctor remarked, looking handsome in his dinner jacket. “You look breathtaking this evening.” Then he turned to Josiah and Ella. “I’m so glad you are all here. Please, allow me to introduce you to my staff. You are among my first dinner guests, and I am excited to share Orange Blossom with you.”
Soon they were all traveling along beside him as he introduced the row of servants. Jenny found it hard not to be overwhelmed by the size of his staff. She met a housekeeper named Mrs. Merriweather, and many others whose names she wouldn’t be able to remember for some time. In fact, she hadn’t remembered him mentioning any of them in his letters other than a cook and farm manager. Seeing so many faces, and realizing she would be placed in charge of them as the future mistress of the house, put her in a great deal of shock. Nonetheless, she tilted her chin up and reminded herself that she was from the Kentucky Lindford family of Blue Violet Farm. Her parents had a few servants they’d employed over the years—wanting nothing to do with slavery—but nothing quite like this.
“Are you ready for the tour?” he asked as they followed him inside.
Ella nodded, a look of appreciation in her eyes as they walked through the double doors the butler held open. “We are truly looking forward to it, Dr. Beckham. The last time you invited Josiah and me here, everything was a work in progress, and it was an amazing sight to see then. Now that it is complete, I’m certain we shall marvel.”
The grandeur of the house was another shock to Jenny as Zane led them through each floor of the spacious mansion. The foyer was enormous, the ceiling reaching up to the third floor with windows looking down on them from the second floor, and a chandelier dangling above. Two curving staircases were straight ahead on the right and left, and beyond those, he led them to a long drawing room running parallel to a stunning conservatory. It held potted plants of all kinds and consisted of panels of glass walls, doors, and ceiling.
Jenny soon realized the house had three wings built around the conservatory. She couldn’t stop peering up at the high glass ceiling panels. Each wing had a few rooms which looked out onto the conservatory and the courtyard terrace, just beyond and parallel to it. The library, gentleman’s parlor, the room which would be her private sitting room, the dining room, butler’s hall, pantry room, kitchen, and two guest rooms were located on the first floor. A laundry house and ice house were situated beyond the kitchen.
The second floor included a ball room, music room, ladies’ parlor, two nurseries, and two bedrooms. The third floor contained a school room, servant’s quarters, a great hall, and two more guest rooms or bedrooms. A magnificent rose garden with an octagonal gazebo and swings were located off the stone courtyard terrace in the rear of the house. Many of the rooms contained mahogany, marble, walnut, and cherrywood furniture, but there were still many rooms sitting empty, waiting for décor decisions to be made. The rooms along the front of the house had drapes, but many of the other rooms did not.
“Zane, I think I could easily become lost in this house,” Jenny remarked when they entered the last room to tour.
“Then the doctor can rescue you,” Josiah pointed out with a grin as he winked at them both, causing them to chuckle.
After they’d finished the tour, Zane led them to the dining room where the butler and several liveried footmen served a four course meal, beginning with bowls of oyster chowder and offering a silver tray piled high with cheese biscuits. She soon learned the butler’s name was Mr. Merriweather, apparently married to the housekeeper.
This was followed by spring garden greens topped with peas, carrots, celery, and cucumbers served with a vinaigrette dressing. She was a little disappointed to see Zane had forgotten to pray at the beginning of the elaborate affair, but Ella saved them by asking Josiah to pray. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, she decided perhaps her fiancé was not accustomed to entertaining at his mansion yet. In all honesty, he had an enormous undertaking before him. Without a wife at his side, he was likely distracted by numerous things to be done to complete the appearance of the interior.
The third and main course included roast beef, brown gravy, boiled potatoes, pickled eggs, and creamed asparagus. The final course offered included pecan rolls, brown soda bread, fresh fruit, a selection of European cheeses, and mincemeat pastries. Jenny did her best to taste a few bites of everything. She thought her corset would burst if she ate another b
ite by the end of the meal.
The conversation during dinner seemed to flow smoothly enough, but she found herself using every skill she’d been taught at finishing school about the art of table conversation since the mood had changed from yesterday’s laughter to a slightly more serious tone.
“Where are you hiding Leo Tolstoy and General Custer this evening?” Jenny inquired when the first course had been served and a silence had settled on them. “The children of Pelican Rapids are so taken with your unusual pets.”
She had spoken too soon. The double doors to the dining room opened and a footman appeared with Leo perched on his shoulder as he held hands with Custer. The servant led General Custer to the table, waiting for him to take what appeared to be his customary seat. Then, he did a most extraordinary action by spreading a napkin in Custer’s lap and pushing his chair up closer to the table. Her mouth dropped open. This was taking things too far, and she wished she hadn’t brought up the topic. Had Zane been waiting for her to do so and perhaps discreetly signaled his staff to grant the animals entrance into the dining room?
Ella nearly choked on her oyster chowder, going into a coughing fit. Her son stopped eating his altogether, watching this turn of events with avid interest. It was one thing to have tea with the adorable chimpanzee, but quite another to invite them to the table for a meal. Jenny did not find it amusing when the chimp began toying with the fork at his place setting, after which he commenced waving it about in the air while waiting for something to be served. Once, General Custer lifted the fork to his nose, and then he sniffed it as if to make certain it was as yet empty.
This all took place as they observed the footman lean his shoulder toward a brass bird swing hanging from a brass pole adjacent to Zane’s seat at the head of the table. Leo Tolstoy hopped right onto the bird swing from the footman’s shoulder while another footman offered the chimpanzee a few of the cheese biscuits.
