by Loves Wine
Chapter Five
As she bathed and washed her hair, doing everything desultorily because she wasn’t looking forward to any of this, Holly’s memory tormented her with scenes from parties before the war, when her life was charmed and everyone she loved lived within her charmed circle…her mother, faintly silly at times but kind and beautiful; her strong, wonderful father who seemed to know everything; and her beloved Grandpa, who taught her all the things her parents simply weren’t interested in, things about the swamps and the woods, about hunting and respect for the myriad wildlife abounding in Mississippi.
Holly hadn’t been badgered into parties then, no indeed, there’d been no need. She’d loved being fitted for dresses and, when she turned fifteen, real grown-up gowns. While her appearance didn’t matter to her at other times, she frankly cared to be pretty for parties and she allowed Claudia to fuss over her.
Once she’d gone to a birthday party for her friend Anna Spencer, who was turning fifteen, and been astounded to encounter a boy who wanted to kiss her. John Williams, also fifteen, had been solemn about it, courting her hurriedly under a huge maple tree where the refreshments were laid out. She’d been unable to match his serious mood, assuming he was joking. She would always remember the hurt look on John’s face when he realized she thought he wasn’t serious.
John was the second boy from the Vicksburg area to die in the war, shot off his horse in a battle the Confederate soldiers won, decisively, that same afternoon.
Holly wondered whether any girl had kissed him good-bye when he marched off to war. Then she shoved the memories away and finished rinsing her hair. I’m doing this for Mother. I have to attend this party for her sake…
A couple of hours later, Abby stepped back from the dressing table, smiling at Holly’s image in the mirror. “You’re beautiful, child, a sight to behold. Your mother was so right when she said you’d turn the head of every man at that party.”
Holly gazed at herself in the mirror. The young woman staring back at her was anything but plain. She was a beauty.
What would Scott Colter think if he could see her now? Could he walk away so easily now? That ragamuffin of the swampland hadn’t resembled this other self.
It was best, she told herself firmly, to forget Scott Colter, best to realize he wasn’t for her. His kind didn’t really care about anybody.
Abby touched her bare shoulder. “Are you all right? You’re shivering. I’d better give you my lace shawl.”
“No thank you,” Holly said quickly. “I’m fine. I just want the evening to begin and end so I can go home.”
“Holly, I want you to think of this as your home. Nothing would make me happier than having you stay here with your mother and me.”
Holly smiled, appreciating Abby’s generosity. There was no reason to be unkind to this nice woman.
Abby had styled Holly’s hair, pulling the long tresses up to her crown. Ringlets of curls cascaded from a garland of fresh gardenia blossoms. Her dress was white lace over emerald satin. It had a dipping bodice, but a modest one. Holly liked the small puffed sleeves that dropped to her elbows. The skirt was not as bouffant as skirts had been before the war because no one wore hoops now. Ladies looked better without hoops, Holly decided as she looked at her reflection.
She was touching her neck with the sweet lilac perfume Abby had given her when Claudia breezed into the room, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She was delighted with Holly’s appearance, and she whirled for them several times to show off her own gown of tangerine satin, the neckline most provocative.
Holly gave her mother many compliments, stiffening a little as she endured her mother’s instructions for the evening. “Keep your political views to yourself. It isn’t ladylike to expound. Be nice to everyone, including Yankees. The war is over, everyone believes that. And don’t, for heaven’s sake, talk about your plans for living in the swamps! Smile, dear, and be as lovely as you are.
“And remember,” she went on solemnly, “it’s an honor for us to be invited to Jarvis’s party. There will be a lot of Union officers there. I want you to be civil to them.”
Holly nodded, all the while praying silently, Please, just let the hours pass quickly…
Jarvis Bonham sent a carriage and driver for them, and Claudia and Holly left, Abby standing on her porch waving and calling good wishes. Holly asked why she had not been invited, and her mother explained that Abby had, but declined. “Her husband died less than a year ago, so she doesn’t want to be seen at such a grand party. Not yet.”
Claudia chattered constantly, nervously, during the ride. Jarvis, she explained, hated having to host his party in the hotel ballroom, but until he had his own home, there was no choice. The hotel was old and run down, not the kind of place Jarvis was accustomed to. He had traveled, Claudia said, all over Europe. And he’d found exquisite pieces of furniture in Europe and bought them in preparation for the time when he would build a mansion. He had a shipping business, a factory in Illinois, and Claudia wasn’t even sure what-all else.
Holly asked whether Mr. Bonham had completed the transaction for the purchase of Magnolia Hall, and her mother fidgeted, mumbled that he had, then quickly changed the subject. “He’s had chefs busy for days preparing all the food for tonight! Goodness, I’m going to be so fat! And there’s an orchestra, all the way from Boston. Maybe I can dance all the food away.” She giggled nervously, eyes pleading with her daughter not to say anything further about Magnolia Hall, not to be hurtful. Please, Holly, I am doing what I must.
Holly remarked, “He went to a lot of trouble for this party. He must want to show off his wealth.”
Claudia was quick to defend Jarvis. “No, he doesn’t. Jarvis isn’t like that. And this isn’t just an ordinary party. I told you, he’s giving this party to welcome the new commander of the troops.” Holly sniffed, and her mother watched her eyes darken and hurried on. “The new commander is a hero. Jarvis wanted to give him the respect he’s earned.”
“Hero?” Holly laughed, incredulous. “Hero to whom? Did he collect more Southern scalps than the average Yankee?”
Claudia would not apologize. “No more! You are going to put your personal feelings aside and behave as a lady should. Do you understand me, Holly?” She turned away and they rode the rest of the way in silence.
When they arrived at the hotel, a doorman helped them alight. They were barely inside the lobby when a man rushed toward them, all smiles as he embraced Claudia and kissed both cheeks. Then he stood back to look at Holly. “You are every bit as lovely as your mother said you were, my dear.” He bowed and kissed the hand she coolly extended.
Claudia flushed, terribly pleased with her daughter as she introduced Holly to Jarvis Bonham.
Holly’s gaze raked him, scrutinizing closely, suspicious. He wore an expensive maroon velvet coat with white satin lapels and a dark red cravat. His trousers were black, and she saw the tips of expensive, shiny leather boots. He was, she decided grudgingly, not displeasing to look at. His dark hair was flecked with silver, and his narrow mustache was neatly trimmed. She noted, however, that while his eyes were blue and twinkled amiably, there was the glimmer of shrewdness there.
He led them inside to where he had managed to turn the plain ballroom into a world of enchantment. Bunting of silver and blue overshadowed the drab wallpaper. Hundreds of candles flickered in delicate crystal globes. Large nets, filled with fragrant gardenias, roses, and lilacs, hung from the ceiling. Their scent filled the room.
The orchestra was playing soft music from a flower-bedecked stand in the corner. The musicians wore red satin coats and white trousers.
“You must have some punch,” Jarvis was saying as he walked between Holly and Claudia. Gently he took their arms in his, linking the three of them. “Champagne imported from the best region in France, where the grapes are the sweetest. And fresh strawberries, sweet and cold.”
Holly took the crystal cup from him. Taking a sip, she told him politely how delicious
it was. There were platters of fried chicken smothered in pineapple; sliced ham basted in a honey and brown sugar glaze; colorful salads; fancy pastries adorned with candy flowers. There were even silver dishes filled with delectable chocolates, which Jarvis had imported all the way from Switzerland.
“Perhaps one day you’ll go there with me,” he said amiably to Holly.
Had she heard him correctly? “You are inviting me to go to Switzerland with you?”
He nodded, pleased with himself. “You and your mother. I have a chalet near Zurich. Such a beautiful country. The snows make the mountains look like giant clouds. And in the summer, the wildflowers are glorious.” She had no idea what to say. “I have a house in Jamaica, also, near Ocho Rios,” he went on. “The house isn’t all that luxurious, but the view of the bay is breathtaking. I own a large banana plantation there.”
“Jamaica?” Claudia interjected brightly. “Oh, I’ve always wanted to go there. I’ve heard the water is like glass.”
Jarvis gave her his full attention. “When the sun is high, the water looks like blue silk from horizon to horizon. It’s always warm there, too. I’m sure you’d love it.”
Claudia smiled demurely and fluttered her eyelashes. “You plan to export bananas?” she pressed him, hanging on his every word, every nod.
“That isn’t the only promising crop, either. I expect to get involved in coffee, sugarcane, and coconuts, as well.”
Claudia laughed. “Well, when you decide to visit Jamaica again, Holly and I would love to be invited.”
Holly could restrain herself no longer. “Mother!”
Claudia giggled. “You didn’t inherit my adventurous spirit, I guess.”
“Come along.” Jarvis escorted them toward the other guests. “I want to speak to everyone and introduce you to anyone you don’t already know.”
It was mostly the renewal of old acquaintances. Most of the guests were people who had attended lavish balls at Magnolia Hall before the war. Encountering them at a social event hosted by a Yankee was ironic and sad, and she found herself becoming incensed again and again. She told herself sternly that it would all be over in a few more hours, and she could leave Vicksburg.
She was well aware of the admiring glances she received from the many young Union officers, but she did nothing to encourage any of them. Maintaining a cool demeanor, she managed to maneuver away from them without appearing rude.
She was standing alone to the side, having escaped her mother and Jarvis, when Roger Bonham suddenly appeared. He did, she acknowledged, look quite handsome in his white suit.
He bowed, kissed her hand, and said truthfully, “I’ve been looking for you. Will you honor me with a dance?”
Holly shook her head. “I believe you brought someone with you, and I doubt she would like me taking any of your time.”
He laughed and leaned over to whisper, “May I be honest with you, Holly?”
“Of course,” she said.
“It wasn’t my idea to escort her. Her father asked me.”
Holly shrugged. “Well, she considers herself yours for the evening.” She couldn’t resist adding, “It wasn’t my idea to come this evening at all. My mother asked me.”
Roger roared with laughter and she laughed along with him. “You are a delight, Holly. I would like so much to get to know you better. May I call on you? Please?”
Holly was about to tell him no when Lisa Lou Pollock sailed into view. Her bright blue silk gown set off her golden hair, which hung about her face in ringlets. There was an angry fire in her eyes. “So this is where you are being detained, Roger. Did you forget that you are my escort?”
She whirled on Holly. “My dear, when one comes alone to a party, she should be dignified enough not to throw herself at other girls’ escorts.”
A spoiled girl, used to having her own way, Lisa Lou never cared who she hurt. The urge to angrily respond was strong, but Holly held herself in check. “Excuse me. I’ll leave you two to enjoy yourselves,” she said, knowing Roger would understand the gentle irony.
Roger protested quickly, “No, don’t go. I’d like to dance with you.”
Lisa Lou stomped a foot in exasperation. “Roger Bonham, how dare you humiliate me this way? How dare you ask this”—her eyes flicked over Holly contemptuously—“swamp rat, to dance!”
Holly stood her ground and eyed Lisa Lou for a moment. Enough was enough. Then she turned and walked away, leaving the two of them to argue without her.
Jarvis found her moments later. He had in tow an anxiously smiling young man wearing the full-dress uniform of a Union officer. Tall, slender, with dark blond hair and happy blue eyes, he might have been attractive had he been dressed in Confederate gray. A single row of brass buttons ran down the front of his coat. Gold epaulets adorned his broad shoulders. His collar was high, and his wide shiny belt was trimmed with red cording. A red-fringed sash hung at his waist beneath an ornate scabbard and gold sword. The trousers were a shade of blue lighter than the coat. He looked handsome, professional—and Northern.
When Jarvis introduced her to Captain Neil Davis, the officer held out a white-gloved hand, clasping hers and bestowing the obligatory kiss on her fingertips.
With unsuppressed enthusiasm, he admitted, “Like every man here, I’m captivated by your beauty. I insisted Mr. Bonham introduce us. You’d make me very happy if you would honor me with a dance.”
“Captain Davis has been in charge, pending the arrival of the new commander,” Jarvis explained. “I must say, he has been quite effective.”
“And most anxious to relinquish command,” Captain Davis promptly informed him. Then he addressed Holly again, his eyes pleading. “If you refuse me, I will hound you all evening. You won’t be able to get rid of me.”
Holly laughed. “Very well, Captain Davis, but if I step on your toes, remember that you forced me into dancing with you.”
He rolled his eyes in mock surprise. “I don’t believe it. The goddess has consented to dance with me, though she turned down every other man. I am truly blessed tonight.”
Enjoying his foolishness, Holly was led onto the dance floor. They began to waltz, and immediately he began to talk. “Were you born in Mississippi?”
She nodded, aware of the envious stares of the other young women. “And you, sir?”
“Pennsylvania.”
He went on, “I must admit I came to this assignment with trepidation. Being part of the Reconstruction Army makes me uneasy. I feel as though I’m surrounded by the enemy.”
“You are,” Holly said flatly.
So, she thought, not all of her neighbors were welcoming the Yankees with open arms. “A defeated people don’t welcome the presence of the conquerors,” he informed her. “The war’s over. We’re one nation now, and everyone has to work together to rebuild. We must put resentments aside. Don’t you agree?”
Why did we have to start a conversation like this one? “No,” she said, “I don’t. I’ll never see that war as anything but a war of Northern aggression. I’ll always be bitter.”
He gave a low whistle. “The lady has spirit. I like that. You have a right to your opinion.” A moment later, he asked, “May I call you by your first name? I’d like to be your friend. You’ll see that not all of us Union soldiers are monsters.”
Smiling, Holly said, “Showing me that would take more time than either of us has, Captain Davis. Yes, you may call me Holly.”
“And you call me Neil. But,” he said with a frown, “what’s this about time? Don’t tell me you’re leaving Vicksburg.”
He was so easy to be with that Holly found herself telling him her plans.
Frankly amazed, he exclaimed, “That’s admirable. I’m afraid I’ve suffered under the delusion that Southern women are raised to be delicate fluff, and here you are talking of farming, starting your own small fishing fleet. I’m impressed. You’re quite a woman, Holly. Perhaps you’d allow me to call on you. I’m fascinated with the river and the land around it. I
s it far from here?”
“An hour by carriage. Less on horseback, if you know the shortcuts through the woods.”
“You’ll allow me to call on you?” he persisted.
Attempting to make her voice gentle, so as not to hurt him, she began, “I really see no purpose—”
“I honestly just want you to show me around,” he interrupted. “I don’t have any ulterior motives.” He winked mischievously. “At least, not right now. Can you refuse to be hospitable to a lonely soldier far from home?”
“Perhaps when I’m more settled,” Holly hedged. “I’ve got a lot to do. I have no free time just yet.”
“All right then, I’ll make a pest out of myself. I’ll keep after you, I promise.”
He led her from the dance floor and offered, “I’ll get some champagne. You wait right here for me. I don’t intend to let you out of my sight. I can see there’s not a minute to lose if I’m to convince you I’m irresistible.”
He disappeared in the crowd. Yankee or not, he was enjoyable company, a very nice man. She liked his sense of humor. She had probably smiled more in the past five minutes than in the past year.
Roger found her. “I really hated that scene, Holly. The young lady is…difficult. Please tell me you aren’t angry with me.”
Holly shook her head. “I’ve no reason to be upset with you, Roger, and you can’t tell me anything about Lisa Lou’s disposition that I don’t already know. Don’t worry about it.”
Captain Davis returned, and the two men regarded each other warily until, after a moment had passed uncomfortably, Roger gave him a curt nod, bowed to Holly, and left.
“Can’t leave you alone for a minute, can I?” Neil teased as he handed her a cup of champagne. “I better take you into my protective custody. I’ll start by escorting you home when the party is over.”
Holly stared at him. “I really don’t know about that.”
“By the time the evening is over, you’ll be so smitten by me that you won’t be able to refuse.” He glanced around. “I wonder where our new commander is. Probably waiting to make a grand entrance.”
