Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01]

by A Tapestry of Hope

  But she had hardened her heart against God. Even when Jasmine had read Bible verses to her, she’d turned away, not wanting to hear the truth of what God would tell her.

  ‘‘Please don’t cry, Kiara. All is forgiven and you’re going to be fine,’’ Jasmine said, obviously confused that Kiara’s tears had not yet subsided.

  ‘‘I’m thinkin’ I’d like to be askin’ God’s forgiveness fer turning away from Him. Would ya be willin’ to pray with me?’’

  Jasmine grasped Kiara’s hands firmly in her own. ‘‘Nothing would please me more, dear friend.’’

  ‘‘Kiara, could you come to the parlor? I need some help with Spencer,’’ Jasmine called.

  Kiara hurried down the hallway while wiping her hands on the tail of her worn cotton apron, wondering what possible help Jasmine might need with the wee babe. She stopped short when she reached the parlor doorway. Rogan and Paddy were seated side by side on the settee, and Alice Wainwright was settled in the sewing rocker. Jasmine was holding Spencer, while Nolan Houston sat opposite her.

  Seeing all of them gathered together caused her to clutch the hem of her apron all the more tightly. ‘‘What’s all this about?’’ Her voice warbled unrecognizably in her own ears.

  ‘‘I sent Paddy to fetch Rogan. I thought he should be here for this gathering,’’ Jasmine replied. ‘‘Come sit down and join us.’’ She patted the cushion of a nearby chair.

  Kiara’s gaze darted from person to person as she made her way to the chair. They all smiled at her, yet she wasn’t completely sure she could trust their smiles. There was an ominous feel to such an odd grouping of people. ‘‘And why are we all here?’’ she asked.

  Jasmine handed the baby to Alice and retrieved several sheets of paper from the mahogany side table. ‘‘This is your contract of servitude,’’ she said, showing it to Kiara.

  ‘‘Aye. That it is.’’

  ‘‘And this is Paddy’s, given to me by my father,’’ Jasmine added.

  ‘‘I see,’’ Kiara said, but in truth she did not.

  Jasmine walked to the fireplace and threw the papers into the crackling fire. Kiara watched in awe as the flames licked up around the white pages, charring them as black as night. The fire snapped and ebbed as the burnt paper quickly turned to an ashy residue.

  ‘‘You’re free to go wherever you choose. Nobody owns you; nobody can hold you against your will ever again,’’ Jasmine said.

  ‘‘But I want you to know that it’s my hope that you and Paddy will stay here with me for a time. Grandmother has agreed to move in with me, but if you and Paddy are of a mind to make a decent wage, we could certainly use your help.’’

  Kiara stared at Jasmine, unable to say a word. The woman’s kindness had rendered her completely speechless.

  ‘‘Can we stay, Kiara? Can we?’’ Paddy asked excitedly as he jumped up from the settee and danced about in front of her as though he’d been attacked by a colony of red ants. ‘‘Ya know I do na want to leave the horses. Ya do know that, don’t ya?’’

  ‘‘I can na even think with you hoppin’ from foot to foot in front of me, Padraig. Sit yarself down. I do na know how to thank ya for what ya’re doing fer us, ma’am. As fer stayin’ and helpin’ ya . . .’’

  Rogan got up and stood before Kiara. ‘‘Before ya go makin’ any rash decisions, lass, I’ve got somethin’ to say in this matter. Ya know I’m in love with ya, lass, and I’m wantin’ ta make ya my wife. Will ya marry me, Kiara O’Neill?’’

  Tears rolled freely down Kiara’s cheeks as she nodded her head vigorously.

  Rogan lifted her hand to his lips. ‘‘I do na have a ring ta give ya just yet, but I hope ya know my heart is full of love fer ya,’’ he said. ‘‘I hope ya’re not angry with me, Mrs. Houston.’’

  Jasmine gave him a broad smile. ‘‘I had Paddy bring you here because I knew of your feelings for Kiara. I would never deny her the joy of finding true love. I’ve no doubt you make a fine wage working for Liam Donohue, but it’s still my hope that Kiara and Paddy will make their home with me until you wed. I was even thinking that perhaps the three of you might be comfortable in the small caretaker’s house until you decide where you might want to eventually settle.’’

  Paddy moved close to Rogan’s side. ‘‘I told her ya loved Kiara and wanted to buy a big farm out West when ya saved enough money.’’

  Rogan tousled the boy’s mop of black curls. ‘‘Aye, ’tis true enough.’’

  ‘‘If we stayed here, I could help with the housework and the babe while we saved our money to buy a farm,’’ Kiara said. ‘‘Do ya think that would work?’’ She searched Rogan’s eyes for any sign of objection.

  ‘‘I think ya may have a good idea, lass. One that would work well for all of us.’’

  ‘‘And I want you to keep making your lace, Kiara,’’ Alice said, holding up a piece of handwork from Kiara’s basket. ‘‘There are plenty of women who are willing to pay a good price for it.’’

  ‘‘I think we’ve got a plan, but perhaps it should be sealed with a kiss,’’ Rogan said, pulling Kiara to her feet. ‘‘If ya will excuse us, I think we’ll step outside fer a wee bit.’’

  Paddy hurried to join them, but Alice quickly interceded.

  ‘‘I’m going to take Spencer up to the nursery for his mother. Why don’t you come along and help me, Paddy? Do you remember an Irish song you could sing to Spencer while I rock him to sleep?’’

  ‘‘Aye, that I do. Before the famine, me mum and Kiara sang all the time. I’ll sing him the lullaby Kiara used to sing to me.’’

  ‘‘And I’m certain he’ll enjoy every note,’’ Alice said while lifting the baby out of Jasmine’s arms. Paddy tagged along at her heels like a duckling following in parade formation.

  ‘‘Thank ya,’’ Kiara whispered to the older woman.

  Alice winked and smiled. ‘‘Go on, now, before Rogan decides you’re not interested.’’

  The fire burned low. Only Jasmine and Nolan remained in the room. ‘‘I understand you’ve been seeing Velma Buthorne. She’s a lovely young lady,’’ Jasmine observed.

  ‘‘Yes. She enjoys literature, and we have many acquaintances in common. I’m not certain she shares my strong abolition beliefs, but at least she voices a distaste for slavery.’’

  ‘‘Her father is a member of the Associates, is he not?’’

  ‘‘I understand he recently invested quite heavily in order to become a member of the group. Prior to that, he owned a small group of mills in New Hampshire, along with a small shipping business. He controlled much of his own operation. I would assume he grew weary of shouldering the entire burden and viewed an investment with the Associates as a way of remaining in a business he knew while increasing his stature and wealth.’’

  ‘‘Similar to Bradley,’’ she mused. ‘‘Of course, Bradley was primarily enamored with the power he hoped would come his way once he became aligned with the Associates.’’

  Resting his elbow on the arm of the chair, Nolan cupped his chin on one hand and looked at Jasmine. ‘‘I’m truly sorry for all the unhappiness you experienced in your marriage to Bradley.’’

  ‘‘Yet had it not been for my marriage to Bradley, I wouldn’t have Spencer, nor would I have developed a closer relationship to God. And my father and I have also learned some difficult lessons— he about his priorities and I about forgiveness. So, you see, there is good that can come out of even the most difficult situations,’’ she said. ‘‘Of course, I must admit that while I was going through my trying circumstances, I didn’t see anything but the desperation of my situation. It took God’s strength to help me through each day, and now I can say I know I’ve become a better person because of all that’s occurred in my life.’’

  Nolan’s eyes shone with admiration. ‘‘You’re an amazing woman, Jasmine. I’m hoping that once Spencer is a little older and your life has settled, you’ll give consideration to joining those of us who are growing bolder in our stand against slavery.
I know your ability to work with the movement was thwarted by your marriage to Bradley as well as Spencer’s impending birth, but I also know when we visited Mississippi, your heart was heavy when you saw the conditions on your father’s plantation. And, as I told you, most plantations are even worse than The Willows.’’

  ‘‘I don’t know how much I’ll be able to help, but you know you can count on my support wherever and however I can be used, Nolan. Grandmother has remained active in the antislavery movement here in Lowell, and now I’ll be able to attend meetings with her once again. I’ve been told there’s an even stronger movement here in Lowell than I had thought, and that pleases me.’’

  ‘‘True. We’ve received both financial and verbal support, but it’s dedicated workers who are willing to accept the risk and actually help more of our brothers and sisters find their way to freedom that make us truly blessed.’’

  Jasmine nodded. ‘‘Placing yourself or others in peril is always a difficult choice. Now that I have a son, I can certainly understand the dilemma. I would give little thought to placing myself in jeopardy, while I would give grave consideration to such a notion should Spencer become endangered.’’

  Nolan pulled his chair closer. ‘‘I know this may be an awkward time, but there is another matter on which we must speak.’’

  Jasmine raised a brow. ‘‘Pray speak of it, then.’’

  Nolan took a deep breath. ‘‘It has come to my attention through our family solicitor that Bradley has left his holdings to me.’’

  Jasmine inhaled sharply. ‘‘I . . . what does this mean?’’ She knew that if she were left penniless her grandmother and father would see to her and Spencer’s welfare, but that wasn’t the way she wanted it.

  ‘‘I don’t want you to worry,’’ Nolan said, his expression revealing deep concern. ‘‘I’ve already spoken to the solicitor and transferred everything to you, including this property. I do not want Bradley’s holdings, neither do I wish to deny his wife and child their rightful inheritance. I have no understanding of why my brother did this. Perhaps he honestly never thought to change his will. Perhaps he did. But it doesn’t matter at this point. Quite frankly, I’m surprised he left anything to me at all. The only thing he ever gave me in our adult life was his disapproval. But no matter— I’ve made it right.’’

  Jasmine felt a deep tenderness for Nolan, for his gesture went beyond expectations. No one would have faulted the man had he maintained the inheritance left to him by his brother. After all, the shipping company had been in their family for many years. ‘‘I’m deeply touched you would do this,’’ Jasmine said, lowering her face. She felt tears form in her eyes and willed them not to fall.

  ‘‘You have shown me nothing but honor and kindness throughout my marriage—even before that. Thank you for this.’’

  ‘‘You needn’t thank me for doing what should never have needed to be done. I do want to add that I have arranged for a man of good repute to handle the business affairs on your behalf.

  He will send you a monthly report and I myself will review his bookkeeping on a quarterly basis. I have directed him to deposit your funds here in Lowell when he comes to bring you the accounting of your affairs.’’

  ‘‘I trust that you know best, Nolan. I have no reason to doubt you have seen to things in the very best of ways.’’ She wiped at her eyes and looked up to meet his smiling face.

  ‘‘I’m glad we’ve had opportunity for this chat. As you know, I must be leaving in the morning, but I want you to remember I am at your bidding—you need only send word. I want to be of assistance however I’m needed. Most importantly, I want to spend time with my nephew.’’

  ‘‘And that is my desire also. I’m thankful for the time you’ve been able to spend with us, but I know you have matters needing your attention in Boston.’’

  ‘‘What’s this I hear?’’ Alice asked as she fluttered into the room. ‘‘You’re leaving us?’’

  ‘‘I’m afraid so, but I’ve told Jasmine I’ll be returning soon. I leave her in your capable hands,’’ he said.

  Jasmine’s grandmother gave him a sly grin. ‘‘I think she’d be much better off in your warm embrace than my capable hands.’’

  ‘‘Grandmother!’’ Jasmine felt her cheeks flush. ‘‘Nolan is courting Velma Buthorne. He doesn’t need you playing the matchmaker. And you need remember I’m in mourning for his brother.’’

  ‘‘Oh, pshaw! More likely you and Nolan are mourning the fact that Bradley didn’t turn from his malevolent ways before his death.

  I know society has its code of etiquette and we’re expected to hold fast to those rules, but—’’ Jasmine held up her hand and silenced her grandmother.

  ‘‘Enough of this talk. I believe we all need to get some rest. Nolan has an early departure in the morning.’’

  ‘‘You will come back for Christmas, won’t you, Mr. Houston?’’ Jasmine looked first to her grandmother and then to Nolan.

  ‘‘Please say you will,’’ she encouraged.

  ‘‘I would be honored. You are, after all, my only family. I will return with gifts and food and we shall have a festive time, despite Bradley and his passing.’’

  ‘‘He was your brother; I do not expect you to forgo mourning his death,’’ Jasmine said softly. She looked to Nolan, hoping he understood that she wanted very much to celebrate the Lord’s birth but would put it aside for the sake of Nolan’s feelings.

  ‘‘I will mourn Bradley’s passing in my own way,’’ Nolan admitted, ‘‘but I will not forsake Christmas in order to do so. What say I come back the Saturday before? We’ll go to church together— you too, Mrs. Wainwright. Then we’ll have the whole week to make merry and decorate and find a tree. Would you like that?’’

  He looked to Jasmine, his expression hopeful.

  Jasmine nodded, knowing in her heart that nothing would please her more, unless it would be having the rest of her family with her for the occasion.

  Nolan grinned. ‘‘Then it’s settled. I’ll be here.’’

  CHAPTER • 31

  JASMINE FOUND that as Christmas neared, she could hardly wait for Nolan’s return. Grandmother said it was because Jasmine’s feelings for Nolan were stronger and more important than she gave them credit for, but Jasmine said it was because of the holidays.

  She had never looked at Christmas in the way she did this year.

  Before it had always been a happy celebration of family and friends, gifts and food. This year, however, with the birth of Spencer, she found herself caught up in the Christmas story. How wondrous that God would send His Son to earth as a babe. So tiny and helpless, just like Spencer. Jasmine thought of Mary and how hard it must have been to know the truth of the situation. Her son would also be her Savior. The very thought was marvelous and overwhelming to Jasmine.

  When Saturday arrived and Nolan’s appearance became reality, Jasmine knew there had been some truth in Grandmother’s words.

  She was happy to see Nolan again; he made her feel safe and content . . . and there was much to be had in those feelings.

  ‘‘I’m so glad the snow didn’t stop you,’’ Jasmine exclaimed as Nolan gave his coat and hat to Sarah.

  ‘‘I do not think anything could stop those monstrous contraptions of iron,’’ he declared. ‘‘The locomotive is truly an amazing beast.’’

  ‘‘Smelly and loud, if you ask me,’’ Grandmother said, eyeing Nolan. ‘‘Have you eaten lately? You look half starved.’’

  ‘‘I will admit that a meal would suit me fine just now.’’

  Jasmine smiled. ‘‘Then it is a good thing we are nearly ready to sit to supper. Would you like to wash up?’’

  ‘‘Thank you, I would.’’

  ‘‘I’ve got the bags,’’ Paddy announced proudly as he came struggling through the front door.

  ‘‘And so I see,’’ Nolan replied as he took the largest of the three. ‘‘If you know the way to my room, why don’t you lead me on?’’ He leaned down c
onspiratorially and added, ‘‘I’m supposed to wash up.’’

  Paddy scowled. ‘‘The lasses are always makin’ us wash up.’’

  Nolan’s face grew serious as he nodded. ‘‘ ’Tis the truth of it, my good man. ’Tis the truth.’’

  Jasmine giggled as the men made their way upstairs. She and Grandmother exchanged a humored look and headed into the parlor to wait.

  ‘‘You seem quite pleased to have him here,’’ her grandmother said with a knowing nod.

  ‘‘Stop trying to match us,’’ Jasmine protested, but only halfheartedly. Nolan’s absence and her reaction to it had given her much to ponder. ‘‘He has great virtues, but I’ll not shame my family by acting the disrespectful widow.’’

  ‘‘Pshaw! You never loved Bradley. You were forced from the start to marry him. If tongues wag because you take up with his brother, then they will have to wag. If you let true love get away from you, you’ll always regret it.’’

  Jasmine sobered. ‘‘But I don’t know that it is true love. I may simply be longing for that which I’ve never known. I would like to give it time, Grandmother. Please honor my wishes. Nolan is a fine man. I wouldn’t want to hurt him.’’

  Grandmother sat by Jasmine and took hold of her hands. ‘‘I promise to mind my ways. I just want to see you happy. I feel I had a part in your misery with Bradley, in that I didn’t try hard enough to intercede on your behalf. For that I’m truly sorry.’’

  ‘‘And you are forgiven,’’ Jasmine said with a grin. ‘‘For you have blessed me far more than any harm you perceive done. I thank God for you.’’

  ‘‘And I for you, my sweet Jasmine.’’

  Christmas week was delightful for all in the Houston household. Throughout the week they attended parties, and on Thursday, Nolan went deep into the woods and brought back the most perfect of trees.

  ‘‘I think this is simply the most marvelous of traditions,’’ Jasmine declared. ‘‘It makes the entire house smell wonderful. And I love the snow. This is only my second Christmas with snow.’’