Unspoken Love
Page 23
As Jenny looked around the room, she envisioned a new kind of store, one that would have the ladies coming in droves. Although it was practically unheard of for a woman to own a business, she was not discouraged and realized that her dream might actually come true. She and Mary Lewis discussed at length the business of running a shop. After dickering over the value and satisfied each was getting a fair deal, Jenny agreed to buy the building.
While they waited for the papers to be drawn up, Jenny immediately thought of improvements. Once they had finished their business dealings and the store was officially Jenny’s, she set out to find Nakao so that he could help her rearrange things.
They labored for hours, bringing new life to the old furnishings. Eventually, Jenny left Nakao in charge while she sat at the desk and made a list of the items that she hoped to sell. Knowing a good deal of the merchandise would have to be imported, she sent for it immediately.
When evening approached, she and Nakao returned to the inn.
Jenny tended to Aaron and Abigail, leaving Lily free to spend the night with Nakao.
“It’s not right that I should leave you,” Lily said as she took in Jenny’s weary appearance.
“Nonsense, you have been more than helpful, Lily. Now go with Nakao. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Lily did as instructed. Even so, she told Nakao to keep a watchful eye over her. “Jenny’s generosity is above reproach. She paid for our room, in addition to paying us a small wage. We must see to her safety.”
“Jenny will not be far from my sight,” Nakao promised. “She is kind and trusting, demanding very little. She shows great concern for others. I will protect her.”
As Jenny waited for the arrival of new shipments, she cleaned the store and made new signs. With her guidance, Nakao painstakingly hung floral wallpaper, adding a feminine yet elegant touch to the room.
“We will make this shop a delight to everyone’s eyes,” she told Nakao. Her eyes twinkled as an idea came to her. “I’ll name the shop Ladies Delight!”
“A good choice,” Nakao responded, excited to be a part of it all.
Jenny printed leaflets announcing the opening of Ladies Delight and passed them out throughout the city. Finally, the day came when she opened her specialty shop. Serving punch and miniature cakes, she welcomed the customers as they came to browse.
Among the first patrons to arrive was Selma. Her eyes sparkled with recognition when she saw Jenny. “I married a real preacher,” she whispered. “He understands my past and accepts me as I am. He gave me money to buy ribbons to dress my bonnet for worship.”
Jenny smiled warmly. “I am happy for you, Selma. I hope the others fared as well.”
“We separated a long while back,” Selma replied. “I don’t know what they are doing now. I do know they aren’t with Gilbert Johnson.” Selma squeezed Jenny’s hand in friendship. “I mulled over what you told me about Gilbert, then I passed the word to the women. At first, they were like me and didn’t want to accept that Gilbert was taking advantage of them. When we tried to become independent and break away from Gilbert’s possessive ways, we found out how right you were about him.”
“It’s a welcome relief to know the ladies are not with him anymore,” Jenny sighed.
Selma hugged Jenny. “I’ll move on so you can greet the other customers.”
Happy with the turnout, Jenny observed the many patrons. The women loaded their arms with fashionable material and a variety of lace for that extra personal touch. Along with various imported trinkets, they bought satin-covered diaries edged with lace for keeping journals, watercolors and sketchbooks, imported fans, and scented-soap. While the women sorted through an array of colorful ribbons made of velvet and satin draped on a shelf, others admired cultured pearls enclosed in glass attractively displayed on black satin. Some of the ladies examined one of a kind jewelry boxes to store their baubles and elaborately decorated tins to hold their precious treasures. They discreetly purchased delicate undergarments of fine silk trimmed in lace. Fashionable silk gloves and reticules lay in waiting for rich clientele.
Over the next several weeks, Jenny’s business prospered, and much to her delight, the women of Vicksburg flocked to her store.
Men soon drifted to Ladies Delight, wishing to purchase gifts for their beloveds.
Jenny worked long hours, pouring her very soul into her work. Over time, the shop prospered beyond her wildest imagination, and she was able to repay her father’s loan.
As her income rose, she bought a two-story townhouse and stable. Large airy rooms filled the secluded red brick dwelling, and the immaculately kept grounds held an array of fragrant flowers. Ivy grew in abundance and wrapped around the trunks of large oak trees. Weeping willow branches draping elegantly from the trees were spaced several feet from a topiary garden. With Nakao by her side, Jennifer toured the spacious grounds. She stopped abruptly.
“Nakao, you spend many hours at the shop with me, yet we need help here. If you send for Waoota, I’ll hire him to work in the stables. I know you are extremely close and haven’t seen him for a while.”
“My brother would be happy to come to Vicksburg,” Nakao said. “I will send for him immediately.”
Within a few weeks, Waoota arrived to become caretaker and stable hand. Jenny sensed he was proud and honest like Nakao. Glad that she had sent for him, she welcomed him into the circle.
Likewise, Waoota came to know Jenny, the babies, and Lily. In time, they became a second family to him while he strove to take good care of the animals and the garden.
Jenny sent a letter to her father, inviting him to live with her in Vicksburg. Politely, he declined, saying the plantation was more to his liking but said he might visit her someday. His promise to keep the letters coming assuaged her somewhat.
At the plantation, Nicholas and Thomas lounged on the veranda and discussed Jenny.
“Jenny took off with our babies,” Nicholas lamented. “Not knowing where she is living, I can’t even visit them.”
“I know where Jenny is. She keeps in touch with me.”
Nicholas sat upright in his chair. “Tell me where she is, and I’ll go to her right now.”
Thomas shook his head. “It might take a while for Jenny to come to her senses.
Showing up on her doorstep won’t make it better.” He leaned forward. “Pardon my meddling, Nicholas, but you’ve been a bit crabby with the help since Jenny left. I know you’re missing her and the twins, but it’s unfair to those around you.”
“Perhaps I have been a little on edge,” Nicholas volunteered. “I just want my children back at Small Timbers.”
Thomas heaved himself out of the chair. “I reckon I can tell you where Jenny is, but you have to promise not to interfere with her life.”
Nicholas jumped to his feet and patted Thomas on the shoulder. When Thomas told him what he wanted to know, he said, “It will remain our secret,” and he clasped his hand, sealing their agreement.
One day, a woman bustled into the shop and demanded Jenny’s attention.
“I have heard others raving about your store,” she exclaimed. “I just had to find out for myself.” Dressed in a black satin gown, she carried a matching parasol and small purse. Long raven hair cascaded down her back, a bright red ribbon keeping the wavy locks in place. Her green eyes twinkled as she strolled about the shop, amused at all the fine gifts. She fixed her eyes on a colorful tin decorated in precious stone. “I must have this trinket box,” she exclaimed. She collected needles, thread, and a red velvet-covered pincushion and placed them on the counter. “And these, too,” she said, reaching for a pair of silver scissors.
“Ah, you like to sew,” Jenny said, engaging in friendly banter.
The woman shot her a stinging look. “I’m not going to use this stuff,” she said haughtily. “B
ut my fiancé will think he’s getting a skilled wife. Mending is not one of my accomplishments.”
Jenny declined to comment as she totaled her bill. The lady didn’t flinch at the costly items. Instead, she waved her hand in the air and commanded, “Send the bill to Blake Preston.”
“Blake Preston?” Jenny gasped.
“Yes, haven’t you heard of him, Darling? He’s the talk of Vicksburg, and soon we are going to be wed.” The woman leaned toward Jennifer as if to share a secret. “He is very rich, you know.” She commented arrogantly, “How silly of me, how could you know? You are only a merchant.” She moved even closer and whispered, “Blake owns several properties scattered throughout Mississippi, and I, Cora Andrews, expect to own them all once we’re married.”
Jenny nearly choked on her words.
“Oh, don’t be such a prude,” Cora admonished. “A woman has to look out for herself, you know.” Unabashed, she openly spoke of her plight to Jenny, despite the fact that Jenny was a stranger. “My parents fell on hard times by gambling on one too many business ventures. They had to give up our palatial home and move into a modest house. I took up residence with a rich cousin on Nob Hill. Vowing not to live in poverty, I’ve set out to snare myself a rich husband.”
Shocked at Cora’s blatant disclosure, Jenny fought to keep from giving her a sound tongue-lashing. How dare she treat Blake with such disrespect? Forcing herself to be calm, she resumed the task at hand. Carefully, she folded each garment into a neat pile, then wrapped Cora’s miscellaneous purchases.
“Have them loaded into the carriage for me,” Cora ordered, slipping on a pair of fashionable gloves.
“Yes, Miss Andrews,” Jenny answered. She called for Nakao.
Nakao came from the back room.
“Please take these packages to the carriage for Miss Andrews.”
Nakao nodded. Loading his arms with parcels, he did as Jenny bade him.
“My, what a handsome Indian,” Cora cooed seductively as she followed him out of the store.
Jenny was appalled at Cora’s behavior. Only moments ago, she had spoken of Blake, her betrothed, and now was flirting openly with Nakao. Reflecting on her shameless conduct, Jenny was glad that she had not told Cora that she and Blake were friends.
Jenny stood at the entrance unnoticed as Cora continued to rake her eyes over Nakao. Perturbed by Cora’s display, she went back inside to replenish the stock.
As she was admiring the workmanship of some Chinese vases, Nakao returned from his errand.
“So, Blake Preston is in Vicksburg,” he stated.
“Yes,” Jenny answered as she continued with her task.
“Cora Andrews is a selfish woman. Blake Preston should not marry her.”
“Perhaps he doesn’t know her real worth,” Jenny said pensively. “I don’t wish the viper on Blake. Yet, if I intervene, Blake may think I have an interest in him. Still, I can’t imagine Blake choosing her for his bride. Surely, he can see she is only interested in his wealth.”
“You and Cora bear a striking resemblance, Jenny.”
Jenny flicked her head up, surprised by his comment.
“Now that you brought it to my attention, I believe you are right. Surely, you don’t think Blake is courting Miss Andrews because she looks like me?”
“I do,” Nakao answered and then returned to the back room to unpack a new shipment.
On many occasions, Lily brought Aaron and Abigail to the shop. Lily kept a watchful eye on them as Jenny patiently explained the buying and selling process to her.
Lily gazed at Jenny with admiration. “I admire your skills,” she said. “And I love this quaint store.”
The crying of the twins ended their conversation and Jenny moved to the back room to feed them.
As time passed, Nakao too, learned many aspects of being a merchant and was dedicated to Jenny and her shop. He organized the stockroom, sorting the diverse items so Jenny could display them in an attractive setting and catch the customers’ eyes.
One day while working at the store Jenny had her back to the door as she rearranged books of poetry and stationary etched with roses. Engrossed in her work, she didn’t hear anybody enter the store.
“Cora, I’ve been waiting for you at the seamstress so you can be fitted for a new gown for the ball.”
Jenny spun around at the sound of Blake’s voice.
A look of surprise crossed both of their faces.
“Jennifer! What a pleasure to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too, Blake.”
Eloquently, Blake touched her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.
“How have you been?” Jenny asked.
“Missing you,” Blake answered. “Have lunch with me today.”
“I can’t leave the shop, but thank you. Perhaps another time.”
“The loss is mine. Now tell me, you own Ladies Delight?”
“Yes.”
“And Nicholas? Has he given up Small Timbers for Vicksburg?”
“No. Nicholas and I parted company some time ago.” The pain was evident in her voice.
“Do you still love him, Jenny?’
“Deeply.”
“Then why do you run from him?”
“It’s of little consequence now,” she answered, brushing the issue aside. She changed the subject. “I thought your business was in Natchez.”
“I’m expanding throughout Mississippi. It’s been a lucrative opportunity for me.”
After some casual conversation, Jenny asked, “What can I do for you, Blake?”
“I want to purchase a gift for someone, perhaps a piece of jewelry.”
“For Cora?”
“You know?”
“Yes, she recently made several purchases here, but I can assure you that she has no knowledge of our friendship.”
“Did she tell you we are betrothed?”
“Yes, and overstepping my bounds, I beg you to reconsider.”
“Does that mean there’s a chance for us? Can we at last be together?”
“Please don’t misunderstand, Blake. You are a very special friend, but my love for Nicholas outweighs any I could ever have for another.”
“I know I can’t compete with Nicholas,” Blake responded. “Therefore, I’ll accept you as my dear friend.” Being proud and perhaps a bit obstinate, he added, “I won’t break my engagement to Cora.” He chose a necklace, then drew out his pocket watch and noted the time. “I must return to the shipyard. We’ll meet again soon, Jenny.”
As he left, his tall frame and strong build caused Jenny to think of Nicholas. Her heart was heavy as she reminisced.
Chapter 21
Nicholas pondered how Jenny was faring. He’d thought of little else since she had left him. Life wasn’t the same without her. He recalled the day he married her and how he felt saddled to save her reputation. He never anticipated falling in love with her, but that’s exactly what happened. He ached to have her back in his life again. The torment in which he lived was horrendous, and he knew only Jenny could fix his broken heart. But he had given his word to Thomas to not go to her. Now all he could do was wait and hope she would come home. He regretted his accusations and jealousy. He truly didn’t mean to chase her away. If only he could get her back, he’d make it up a thousand ways. Meanwhile he had a plantation to run, and he knew that work was the best thing for his troubled mind.
Gilbert Johnson sat at the Pier Tavern conversing with Jake Parsons. “We will kidnap Cora Andrews and hold her for ransom. Blake Preston will pay a hefty sum for her safe return. Their wedding day approaches, and I’m sure Mr. Preston would not like to be standing alone at the altar.” His eyes flickered with amusement as he said, “He would be the laughingstock of Mississippi!”
Gilbert had cause to reflect on the past as Jake described the very house where he and his women had stayed months ago. He recalled Jennifer and her Indian friend. The humiliation they caused him was staggering, and he vowed vengeance if they ever crossed his path again. He had seen Jennifer on the Marylou, but she had departed the ship before he could learn her destination.
Jake’s voice drummed in his ears, dissolving his wicked thoughts of Jennifer.
“Miss Andrews won’t escape me,” Jake said. “After I secure her, you can contact Blake and demand the ransom.”
Gilbert glanced around the room and made sure no one was listening. “We’ll divide the winnings, then get out of town for a while.” With their plan agreed upon, they parted company, convinced they would soon be very rich men.
The next morning, Cora Andrews stepped into Ladies’ Delight.
“I do declare, Jennifer, you have the most superb items.” She pointed to the glass enclosure. “I want to see that shiny bracelet. I’ve come to buy more ribbons and gloves, too. I must look my best for Blake when he gives the ball next week.”