Year of Jubilee

by Peggy Trotter

  * * *

  “Rafe? Rafe Tanner? Rafe Uriah Tanner, I knew you’d be back.”

  Her husband stiffened beside her as he turned toward the woman’s silky voice. Jubilee shifted as well. The beautiful woman from the sinking day steamer strode straight toward them. Behind her, a man skipped along to catch up, calling her name softly. The man’s face became bland and his walk slowed when he caught sight of Rafe.

  The stranger cut quite a figure in his black suit and topper. There was no denying he was handsome. He was dark-haired and olive-skinned with a dimple in his chin, but he lacked Rafe’s height and had to tip his head back to look him eye to eye.

  “Yes,” the woman stepped up to Rafe, her gaze coy, and ran her fingers under his lapels, “people said you were gone for good, Rafe Tanner. But I knew better. You can’t stay away for long.”

  Rafe cleared his throat before removing her hands from his suit coat. “Hello, Rosemary.”

  A giggle tinkled through the air. “Now, Rafe, dear. Are you pretending you don’t know an old friend? Here I’ve just been rescued from the cold waters of the Ohio, and you’ve no comfort for me?”

  The handsome stranger next to Rosemary stepped up and held out his hand. Rafe hesitated only a moment before clasping it in his own. “Dale.”

  The man nodded, but the skin around his lips whitened.

  “Oh, Rafe. Who knew our day excursion would join us up with you? What luck.” She linked her arm with his and tugged at him. “Let’s sit and chat, shall we? We’ll catch up on old times.”

  Rafe pulled from her grasp.

  “Actually, I’m here with my spouse.” Rafe sidestepped her and reached back for Jubilee. “This is Jubilee, my wife.”

  The woman’s beautiful porcelain face became ice. Her head turned stiffly on her starched neck, and Jubilee worked hard not to cringe.

  “Married?” The ice princess’s answer spun to a higher pitch.

  Rafe nodded and firmly affixed Jubilee’s fingers around his forearm. “That’s right.”

  At the hard note in his voice, Jubilee glanced toward him. His jaw was clenched and his face seemed a bit flushed.

  Rosemary sniffed. “I see.”

  The stranger next to Rosemary smiled and slapped Rafe on the shoulder. “You old fox, you.”

  Rafe’s body swelled as he took a deep breath. “Yep, there’s an old fox here, that’s for sure.”

  Jubilee’s eyes went from one man’s face to the other. The stranger dropped his gaze to the river, and Rafe’s nose flared.

  “Forgive me, Jubilee,” Rafe said. “This is Dale Harper. He and I went through the schoolhouse together.” He gave a broad exaggerated sweep of his hand. “And this is Rosemary Harper. His wife.”

  The man locked glances with Jubilee. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Mr. Harper.” She nodded. She glanced at Rosemary, who perused her with a frosty gaze. “Mrs. Harper.”

  “We had a lot of good times.” Rafe’s tones indicated otherwise.

  Dale lifted his head with a dash of regret in his eyes. “Yes, we did.”

  Rosemary snapped her face toward Rafe’s, her gaze melting to pleasure. “We simply must dine together. Father will be here shortly. Getting rid of a ship’s captain is such nasty business.”

  “I’m not sure I follow you.” Rafe’s voice was cool.

  She gestured back in the direction of the small craft, now beyond the wake of the huge steamer. “Father won’t continue to employ such an incompetent man as Captain Gains. We just christened the new ‘Rosemary Marie’ two weeks ago. And I’m sure his crew is finished as well.” She clapped her hands gracefully and gave a sly smile. “Perhaps he’ll listen to me now and commission a full-size steamer. After all, he does own the company.”

  Jubilee’s gaze flicked to Rafe’s. His face grew stiffer and his eyes narrowed.

  “I’m afraid we’ve already eaten and it’s rather late. Terribly nice to meet you both again, but we’re ready to retire to our cabins.” And, with that, Rafe bid them farewell over Rosemary’s complaints and escorted Jubilee toward the women’s section.

  * * *

  Jubilee said goodnight to Rafe as he made a hasty exit to the gentlemen’s quarters. She should be exhausted from all the excitement, yet restlessness filled her. Her cabin was small, almost claustrophobic. The bed lay against the wall, which provided more walking room. Once she pulled it down, there’d be little space. A tiny built-in dresser with a small mirror hung near the door. Her satchel rested on the floor next to the wall under a petite round window. No other chair or other amenities graced the area.

  But she wasn’t ready for bed. Instead, she paced. Her stomach churned from the awkward meeting with the Harpers. The encounter reminded her of when the Orphan board reprimanded one of the children. Everyone would be called to the large downstairs foyer where the offense was plainly outlined for all viewers, and the offender caned severely. Jubilee hugged herself and shuddered.

  More puzzling still was the transformation of Rafe. On the farm he appeared so informal and at ease. Even his speech had a tint of a lazy southern drawl. Tonight his words had been clipped and formal, nothing like the man she’d come to know in the last few weeks.

  Rafe. She stopped pacing and looked around the small wooden space. A few short weeks back she’d possessed only a complete and utter fear of the man. Now, bereft of his presence, she missed the man’s bulk and comfort.

  Sighing loudly to herself, she realized the idiocy of her thoughts. Do I trust him or not? Maybe it was just pity. Yes, that was surely what she was feeling. And perhaps a dash of resentment toward the Harpers for ruining the evening.

  She pulled the bed down with a bit more force than necessary. At least the linens appeared clean. The cabin was now completely ensconced in darkness, and she saw no sense in searching for a lantern. She undressed quickly and lay on the hard, narrow bunk. It’d take a long time to fall asleep, she was sure, with Rafe’s granite face swimming before her eyes.

  Tomorrow will be better. The steamer would creep along all night, and they’d arrive at New Albany sometime in the morning. The Harpers would be nothing but a memory after they stepped upon the dock. Then she and Rafe would only have to deal with his family. She yawned. She and Rafe? Drifting off to sleep, she pondered the slip in her thoughts.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Rafe opened his eyes and brought his hands up to rub his face. He groaned. Rosemary. On this steamer. He threw off the covers and swung his legs to the floor but made no effort to get up. Avoiding the Harpers became the main goal today. They’d be pulling into the dock at New Albany soon, so it was possible.

  He lifted his head to stare at the wall. Rosemary’s beauty hadn’t waned a bit. No way around it, she appeared as gorgeous as he remembered. Blonde hair, blue eyes, flawless porcelain skin, the slight pout to her full mouth, and an eyebrow that had a tendency to lift as she twirled her lacy parasol. She wasn’t a short person, maybe medium build, with a tiny waist and that haughty way of carrying herself with her chin elevated.

  Clad in the height of fashion, usually pastels, she displayed the manners of a high society lady. Rafe’s stomach tightened, as did his jaw. He still craved the sight of her, still cared for her, and at the same time detested her. He gritted his teeth. She was now married to Dale. Someone else’s wife.

  Jubilee. What in the world had she thought about the Harpers? Particularly Rosemary, with her hands on his lapels. He ran a hand through his mussed hair. He and Jubilee had agreed to appear as a normal couple. Rosemary’s presence, however, would make that a difficult task.

  He rose and dressed. No sense in making Jubilee wait. He steeled his innards against the inevitable meeting with the Harpers. Jubilee’s innocent eyes came to his mind. He knew Rosemary could eat Jubilee in one gulp. He had to protect her and himself. His best defense was his marriage.

  Jubilee seemed subdued as they made their way to the Salon for breakfast. The rumor circulated that they’d be docking around
ten o’clock. Rafe took a deep breath. The sooner the better.

  They were seated without encountering hide nor hair of the Harpers, and Rafe relaxed a bit. He smiled at Jubilee, taking note of the fullness in her cheeks now. His gaze flicked to her dark hair, which shone like crystal. Never had he seen anyone with such shiny locks.

  Many people frowned at her sun-darkened skin and sun-splashed hair, but he thought it gave her a healthy look. Her best feature, though, were those dark eyes, now looking quite puzzled as they gazed back at him. She differed so much from…his heart skipped a beat when he realized he was thinking of Rosemary.

  “Is everything all right?” Jubilee’s brows drew together, and her lips pursed.

  “Right as rain.”

  Breakfast arrived with greasy gravy slung over hard biscuits, but they managed to polish off most of the meal and left the Salon in record pace. Rafe led Jubilee to the hurricane deck, hoping she wouldn’t mind the sun, given the early hour. They were the only ones on the top. He escorted her to a bench that would afford a wonderful panorama of New Albany once they came abreast of the curve.

  “You’ll love the view from here,” Rafe said, almost convincing himself they weren’t simply hiding. It went down his gullet easier.

  * * *

  Jubilee opened her eyes and rubbed them with her fingers, taking a slow breath of air to awaken herself. She raised her head and realized they were still on the hurricane deck on the same bench. The sun’s rays shone bright, and her face grew warm. As she stretched her neck, something dawned on her. She’d been lying against his shoulder—asleep. Her eyes grew wide, and she covered her mouth with her hands. Glancing at him, she found him smiling and the sunlight caught the green in his hazel eyes.

  “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

  Rafe grinned. “Didn’t inconvenience me none. Look.”

  He motioned ahead of them, and she noticed the steamer had slowed. Shielding her eyes with her hand, she saw the docks and scanned the houses and businesses along the banks.

  “We’d better collect our satchels and get below.” He rose and assisted her. “The horn will soon go off and we don’t wanna be here when it does.”

  They took the stairway and collected their baggage from their quarters. Rafe carried both of them in his right hand while she gripped his left, maneuvering through the crowd. The whistle blasted and Jubilee cringed, thankful not to be on the hurricane deck.

  The captain skillfully slowed the huge ship to ease into the slope at the bank of the river, where several other steamers were beached. Excited chatter twittered all around and the throng pressed in from every side. By now, the heat had become oppressive. It took time to disembark on the dirt bank and climb to the wooden walk. Rafe hailed someone Jubilee couldn’t see and a shiver of apprehension shot through her.

  A few moments later, the crowd parted and they were surrounded by a puddle of family, all talking, smiling, and hugging. Jubilee blinked and caught her breath, still not entirely awake. There were so many. Rafe pulled her toward two older people, the lady wiping her eyes and grinning at her already.

  “This is my mother and father, Jennie and William Tanner.” Rafe introduced them. “And this is my wife, Jubilee.”

  She smiled and was pulled into a hug by Rafe’s mother. “Oh, what a beautiful girl you are.”

  Jubilee blinked. Beautiful? Then Rafe’s father embraced her, his height an obvious clue as to where Rafe had inherited his stature. Then the names began to fly, Everett, his wife Addie, with way too many kids, Forrest and Mollie, more kid names, then Anna and Amos, Phoebe, Isaac, Benjamin, Evanga-something and so many children running, jumping, and being held that Jubilee grew dizzy.

  Then grandparents, Henry and Blanche Tanner, and Grandma Louisa, Jennie’s mother, leaning heavily on a cane. Jubilee moved to the edge of the crowd, her hand gripped in her skirt. Rafe pulled himself free from his father’s embrace and stepped to her, wrapping his arm around her back while he continued to talk. She hated to admit it, but his presence added a measure of security.

  “We’ve brought our luggage, so maybe it’s best if we head to the house. I’m sure meeting everyone is a bit overwhelming for Jubilee.” Rafe chuckled.

  “Oh, of course, dear. We are a bit much, I suppose. We’re so sorry.” Rafe’s mother wrapped her in another hug.

  Jubilee breathed a sigh of relief as they moved off the busy platform. Horse-drawn buggies crisscrossed everywhere, but the Tanners wove confidently through the crowd, laughing and jostling the children.

  She clung to Rafe, marveling at the easy atmosphere of the family. Grandpa Will swung one of the many smaller girls up in his big arms, thundering a laugh at her pouty expression.

  “Never gonna get cherry pie with a face like that!” he teased before tickling the little girl. She burst into giggles and wiggles. Rafe seemed engrossed in full conversation on the state of his new farm with the eldest brother…Everett? Jubilee wasn’t totally sure. Sarah skipped to Jubilee’s left, eyes alight at every word Rafe spoke, punching in questions about his new place when she could. Jubilee swung her gaze around and noticed how tall the men were, and that most of the women were taller than she. Even Sarah towered half a head above her, and Jubilee remembered she was only sixteen.

  Reaching the wagons, Jubilee learned they’d brought four. She and Rafe ended up in the driver’s seat of his mom and dad’s wagon, while they occupied the backseat. Sarah and a couple of the older children got in the back on a colorful quilt and made themselves comfortable, chatting and singing.

  Rafe took a hold of the reins and gave a gentle slap on the backs of two fine black horses and they began rolling north. The road was busy with the docking of the steamer, and she surveyed the businesses that lined the main street while the Tanners talked.

  Jubilee glanced at her husband, and he flashed an encouraging smile. Rafe’s father, Will, seemed abuzz about his son’s new farm, and Rafe’s eyes sparkled as he told him of the improvements he’d made since his arrival.

  “The barn is one amazing building. You should see it, Dad. It’s one of the biggest I’ve seen. And it’s well built, all pegged together. I’ll have no problems getting the hay and feed stored for the winter. I’ll be able to house the cows and the young livestock on the coldest of days.”

  Rafe continued talking about crops with his father for several minutes until his mother interrupted. “Now all this farm talk can wait, Rafe. I want to hear all about your sweet wife. Why, she’s hardly spoken a word, poor dear. Don’t you ever give her a chance to speak?” Jennie chuckled.

  Jubilee turned wide eyes on him and he, taking pity on her, smiled and answered. “Well, Mom, she was just thrown in with about thirty strangers all loaded with questions and such, so I’m thinking she needs some time to warm up.”

  “You must’ve had a whirlwind courtship, being as you were only gone from home a few months, Rafe. You left here so besotted with Rosemary, and the next thing we know you’re married.”

  Rafe’s body stiffened. Ah, Rosemary. That explained a lot.

  “Now, Jennie,” Will began, “no need stirring the pot before we even get them home. They’ll tell us when they’re ready.”

  “Oh, Jubilee, don’t think I’m not thankful you’re here. I’m pleased as punch. Why that ole’ Rosemary…”

  “Jennie,” Will’s voice rumbled.

  This, however, did not put the woman off one bit. She leaned forward and patted Jubilee on the back.

  “Oh, I’m sure it’s this way when you go home, Jubilee. We’re just all full of curiosity. I bet your folks are as curious about Rafe as we are about you.”

  Rafe cleared his throat to speak, but in cut Jubilee’s quiet voice.

  “Actually, I grew up in an orphanage in Pennsylvania. I don’t really know who my parents were.”

  The silence thickened. Then Jennie answered softly. “Oh, I wasn’t aware. I’m truly sorry for butting in. Please forgive me.” She paused before continuing, “Well, I want you to
know you’ve got a family now. If you ever need anything, you just ask.”

  Jubilee’s hand buried itself in her skirt and began a nervous circle. This was going to be harder than she’d thought. Her mind rolled around as the rest of them conversed. They left the busy city behind as farmland surrounded them on both sides of the wagon. When they finally pulled into a long driveway, Jubilee noted a modest white house with a large porch, shutters at the windows and a nice-sized barn to the left, painted red.

  They unloaded and everyone went their separate ways while Jennie chatted. She led them upstairs to a doorway on the right side of the hall.

  “Now this was Rafe’s old room…well, the boys’ old room,” she amended. “You two can freshen up. We’ve got a big meal planned under the maples in the side yard. I guess I better get down there and help. We’ll give you both a couple of minutes.” She started for the door and suddenly stopped. “Oh. And a few people from the church may be stopping by toward evening. They all know you’re coming, so I thought I’d let you know.” She turned to them, gave a big smile, and dabbed her eyes. “I’m so pleased you’re here.”

  She stepped from the room and snapped the door shut. Jubilee turned startled eyes on her business partner. Rafe seemed much larger in the confines of a small room. His face puckered in thoughtfulness.

  “Well,” he brushed a big hand down his slightly bristled jaw. “I guess I didn’t think all this through.”

  She glanced around the room. The bed to the left was large, with a trunk at the foot. Straight in front of them stood a dresser under the open window. A bedside table and a new chaise lounge to the right completed the furniture in the room. Jubilee froze. Good gracious, what now?

  * * *

  Rafe was all too aware Jubilee had become like a statue. His face grew warm. What must Jubilee be thinking? She couldn’t possibly think he’d planned this.

  “I’m sorry, Jubilee. I honestly never gave much thought on the accommodations. I’d really rather not reveal the true state of our marriage if possible. That leaves us with sharing this room. I…” He picked up the satchels and set them on the settee and slid his hands into his pockets.