A Love Woven True

by Judith Miller

  ‘‘True. Many a planter’s family has been stricken by one of those dreadful diseases, and God alone knows how many slaves have succumbed to one of those maladies. My own mother and beloved mammy might be alive had they not taken the fever,’’ Jasmine said, sorrow thick in her voice. She sighed and reached for the pitcher. ‘‘There are always griefs to bear.’’ She poured lemonade into two glasses, each one etched with a beautifully scripted H. ‘‘Let us speak of happier things.’’

  Violet nodded and picked up one of the glasses and ran her finger over the engraving. ‘‘Wedding gift?’’ she inquired.

  ‘‘Yes—received when Bradley and I married.’’ She put the sorrow behind her and smiled.

  Violet giggled. ‘‘Works out nicely that you may continue to use them.’’

  Memories of her marriage to Bradley momentarily clouded Jasmine’s visage. These thoughts weren’t the happier things she would have pondered, but her marriage had been an important part of her young life. The experience had taught her many things, but best of all, it had given her Spencer. She smiled. ‘‘Yes, it worked out quite nicely. Especially since I’m now able to use them in much happier circumstances.’’

  ‘‘I do hope my marriage to McKinley will prove joyous,’’ Violet said softly.

  Jasmine forced her thoughts back to the present. ‘‘Why, of course it will. McKinley is a wonderful man, and I know he loves you very much. I wish you the happiness Nolan and I have enjoyed since our union. Treat him with respect and he will love you beyond your expectations. Now come sit and tell me of your plans. McKinley mentioned the two of you have set a September date. I must admit that will put a rush to things. I cannot imagine you bringing such a large wedding together in less than a month’s time.’’

  ‘‘Mother has been planning my wedding since I was twelve,’’ Violet said with a laugh. ‘‘Fear not. She has more things already arranged than either of us could imagine. However, she cannot arrange my witness in the ceremony. I came today particularly to ask if you would be willing to stand with me. McKinley has asked Samuel, but since I have no sister, I would be most pleased if you would agree.’’

  ‘‘I’m honored you would ask. I would be delighted. Now, do tell me what plans you’ve made thus far.’’

  ‘‘Several months ago, Mother purchased the finest bolt of satin, and unbeknownst to me, has had Kiara fashioning the lace since last December. Naturally, Mrs. Hepple will be making the gown. Mother says her work far surpasses that of any Boston seamstress, although I’m not certain that’s true.’’

  Jasmine took a sip of her lemonade and wiped the sweating glass with a napkin before placing it on the table. ‘‘I believe your mother is correct. Mrs. Hepple does fine work, and I’m pleased to hear Kiara will be making your lace—a treasure for certain. Your mother was prudent to put her to work so long ago. Making lace is tedious work.’’

  Violet nodded. ‘‘Mrs. Hepple has been working on a sample of the pattern using my measurements. I’m having a fitting this afternoon.’’

  ‘‘And what of the wedding location?’’

  ‘‘We’ll be married at St. Anne’s, of course, and Mother insists upon a gathering at the house afterward. I believe McKinley would prefer to leave immediately on our wedding journey.’’

  ‘‘Yes, I’m certain his preference would be to have you to himself as quickly as possible, but I know your mother to be a woman of great determination.’’

  ‘‘Indeed,’’ Violet said, taking another sip of the lemonade. ‘‘Mother has plans for an orchestra to serenade us as we receive our friends and family. She’s reserved every flower in Lowell, and probably those in Boston as well. I think it will be a great ordeal. The more I hear of her plans, the more overwhelmed I become.’’

  ‘‘With all of that, there seems little I can add.’’ Jasmine smiled and offered to pour Violet another glass of refreshment.

  The girl shook her head. ‘‘You can help me with the invitations. Mother says I must tend to them, but I have no idea what to say, and my penmanship is quite bad. I’ve seen your script and it is so very lovely.’’

  ‘‘I’d be happy to help.’’

  ‘‘I think men get the better part of the arrangement in marriage. They have nothing to do but show up for the wedding.’’

  ‘‘Is my brother not planning a lovely wedding trip?’’

  ‘‘I suppose, but that hardly seems as taxing.’’

  ‘‘Have you determined where you’ll be going? Please say you’re not taking an extended voyage. You’d be gone much too long for my liking if you did that.’’

  ‘‘I suggested we travel to The Willows since I’ve never visited there, but McKinley said there was time for us to make that journey at a later date. He would like to show me Washington. He enjoyed his time there with your father—particularly his tour of the president’s house. Most of all, he insists we visit White Sulphur Springs in Virginia. He mentioned having fond memories of going there when you were young.’’

  ‘‘Indeed, we did visit and had a lovely time—back when Mother could be coaxed into occasionally leaving the house. I’m certain you’ll have a most enjoyable time at the Springs and Washington. And what of your other plans? Housekeeping and such?’’

  ‘‘Did McKinley tell you Father and Mother purchased us a house as our wedding gift?’’

  Jasmine nodded enthusiastically. ‘‘He did, and I know he was exceedingly astonished by their generosity. I understand the house is quite lovely and not overly far from the mill, which certainly pleased him.’’

  ‘‘I believe that was Father’s doing. He doesn’t admit to it, but I think he’s come to rely more and more upon McKinley and has begun to enjoy having extra time to spend at home with Mother.

  They’ve even begun talking of a voyage to England next year.’’

  ‘‘Well, the house sounds lovely.’’

  ‘‘That’s the other thing I have to ask of you,’’ Violet admitted.

  ‘‘I do not care for Mother’s ideas on decorating, but I’m enchanted by the way you’ve arranged things here. I’m hoping you will help me with my house.’’

  ‘‘I’m flattered.’’ And truly she was. Jasmine had never honestly considered that her home was anything special in a physical sense. Rather it was her family’s enjoyment of it that made it valuable to her.

  The chattering sounds of Moses and Spencer drifted into the parlor, and Jasmine turned her attention toward the doors leading to the small flower garden. She spied one of the boys running toward the rosebushes and quickly jumped to her feet and rushed toward the door.

  ‘‘Spencer! Don’t run near the bushes or you’ll scratch yourself on the thorns,’’ she warned as Kiara rounded the corner with Nevan on her hip and Moses following close behind.

  ‘‘It appears they’ve become a bit unruly. Why don’t we go outdoors and lend Kiara a hand. Do you mind, Violet?’’

  ‘‘No, of course not.’’

  Jasmine moved toward a small bench situated under a cluster of trees as Violet walked along beside her. ‘‘Come over here, boys,’’ Jasmine called.

  The two boys immediately did as she ordered. ‘‘I’m going to make a large circle around this bench, and if either of you goes outside the circle, you must go inside and take a nap. Is that understood?’’ Spencer eyed her for a moment. ‘‘Where’s the circle?’’

  ‘‘In just a moment, I’m going to show you. Wait here.’’

  A few minutes later, Jasmine returned with a large ball of twine. She began unraveling the numerous pieces and tying them together. ‘‘Pieces I’ve accumulated from my purchases in town,’’ she explained to Violet.

  Once she’d tied the bits of twine together, Jasmine circled the bench in a wide loop, dropping the string as she walked. ‘‘You must remain inside the twine,’’ she cautioned.

  The boys smiled, obviously entranced by this new constraint. There was little doubt they immediately considered it a game, going as close to the twine as th
ey dared without stepping over. Jasmine smiled and shook her head. ‘‘I hope one of them doesn’t err in judgment, for I dare not go back on my word.’’

  Kiara smiled as she shifted Nevan to her other hip. ‘‘Aye, but fer the time, they seem to think it great fun.’’

  ‘‘I’ll watch after them, Kiara. I understand you have a new order for Violet’s lace, and I’m certain you have many chores of your own to accomplish.’’

  ‘‘Aye, that I do. If ya’re certain ya won’t be needin’ me. It’s fer sure Nevan could stand to be put down for a nap.’’

  ‘‘Then off with you,’’ Jasmine said. ‘‘The boys will be fine. Besides, I’m expecting Nolan within the hour.’’

  ‘‘Things are ready at the cottage, and I’m sure the new folks will be pleased as punch ta see what all ya’ve done ta make them feel welcome. Will ya send someone ta fetch me when they arrive? I’d like ta welcome them.’’

  ‘‘Of course,’’ Jasmine replied.

  ‘‘You have guests arriving?’’ Violet inquired.

  ‘‘Not guests. The slave couple Father agreed to free and send north to care for Moses. Nolan went to Boston to meet their ship and accompany them to Lowell. He thought they might feel more welcomed if someone met the ship and escorted them for the remainder of their journey. I’m certain that they’re frightened and unsure about what awaits them.’’

  ‘‘I do admire your willingness to heed your father’s lead in this matter. I know you thought McKinley and I had turned on you and were unduly harsh when we sided with your father and Samuel. And, in retrospect, perhaps we were. But I believe what you are now doing is best for all concerned.’’

  Jasmine gazed toward the two boys, who were busily playing with the small hand-carved wagons Obadiah had whittled for them. ‘‘So do I. However, I must admit that when you and McKinley took your stand against me, I wondered if either of you were truly dedicated to the antislavery movement. For a time I thought perhaps you were merely paying lip service to the cause.

  However, through Father’s counseling, I’ve come to realize we all spoke in the heat of the moment. Although we all felt justified in our stand, none of us was completely correct.’’

  ‘‘You’re right. I fear that when you moved too far in one direction, the rest of us immediately attempted to pull you back into alignment. However, we yanked a bit too hard in the process. I can now see how you would question our integrity.’’

  ‘‘In any case, there’s no doubt that God has been faithful throughout. He has given us the wisdom to find a path that will restore our family as well as provide a good and loving home for Moses. I cling to the thought that Obadiah and Naomi may one day return and their family be completely restored again. But if not, I’m trusting these new parents God has provided will supply a supportive and loving home.’’

  Violet smiled as Moses dumped a pile of dirt into Spencer’s wagon. ‘‘And the boys will continue to have the company of one another.’’

  ‘‘Yes. And of this new babe I now am carrying.’’

  ‘‘What? You’re expecting another child? Jasmine, how simply wonderful! You and Nolan must be delighted beyond compare.’’

  ‘‘Indeed. Of course, I’m hoping for a healthy little girl, but we’ll also be most pleased to have a little brother for Spencer.’’

  ‘‘Oh, but when will the baby come? The wedding is next month. Will that be too taxing on you?’’

  ‘‘Not at all,’’ Jasmine assured. ‘‘I am told the baby will come in spring.’’

  ‘‘What a wonder. I’m so happy for you.’’ Clicking open the small watch pinned to her bodice, Violet’s face lined with disappointment. ‘‘Oh, I fear I must be returning home. Mrs. Hepple is due shortly for my fitting. I wish I could stay and visit with Nolan upon his return.’’

  ‘‘You mustn’t be late or your mother will be concerned. Come back tomorrow if you like, and you can meet our new arrivals— Simon and Maisie.’’

  ‘‘I’ll plan to do just that. You remain with the boys. I can see myself to my carriage.’’

  ‘‘No, we’ll accompany you. Come along, boys,’’ Jasmine instructed, extending her arms to take them by the hand.

  The three of them stood on the front porch and watched until Violet’s carriage pulled away from the house. ‘‘All right, my little men,’’ Jasmine said as she turned them toward the front door. They’d not yet entered the house when Spencer tugged his hand free and pointed at the driveway.

  ‘‘Daddy! Daddy!’’

  Jasmine glanced over her shoulder. ‘‘You’re right; it is. No need to go inside,’’ she said as they stood waiting on the front steps.

  ‘‘What’s this? A welcoming committee come to meet us?’’

  Nolan asked as he jumped down from the buggy. He kissed Jasmine and then swooped the boys into his arms. ‘‘And how are my fine fellows?’’

  Moses immediately began to wiggle in his arms, apparently anxious to get back on the ground. Jasmine watched as the child’s eyes filled with recognition of someone from his past as Simon heaved his large-framed body from inside the buggy. Hesitating for only a moment, Moses ran to Simon and held open his arms, appearing to sense a connection to his own father.

  Simon leaned down and raised the boy high in the air. ‘‘You’s a nice big boy. Is you Moses?’’

  Moses bobbed his head up and down and gave Simon a toothy smile. ‘‘You knowed me. I be Moses.’’

  ‘‘Well, so you is. We’s gonna have us some good times,’’ he said, giving a hearty chuckle.

  ‘‘Mama?’’ Moses looked beyond Simon to the woman behind him. The look on his face told Jasmine he was confused. She wondered if she should intercede, but Simon had it all under control.

  ‘‘I be Papa Simon, and this here be Mama Maisie. We be hep-pin’ you mama and papa.’’

  ‘‘Papa Simon,’’ Moses said, slapping his hands twice on the big man’s shoulders. Simon laughed and tossed him in the air.

  ‘‘That be right. Now come see Mama Maisie.’’

  ‘‘Let me help you down,’’ Nolan said, extending a hand to Maisie.

  The woman was obviously stunned by Nolan’s kindness but accepted his hand nonetheless. ‘‘Thank you,’’ she whispered.

  Maisie came to her husband and smiled up at Moses. ‘‘Moses, I be Mama Maisie.’’

  ‘‘Mama May-see,’’ Moses repeated. He looked hesitant, as if he were trying to understand the situation. ‘‘You help me—help my mama. My mama went away.’’

  Maisie gently stroked the boy’s cheek. ‘‘You be a right fine boy.’’

  Moses reached up and touched Simon’s face and then leaned down to touch Maisie’s face in turn. ‘‘You be like me.’’

  Jasmine felt her breath catch in the back of her throat. The boy clearly saw unity in Simon and Maisie because they were black.

  Black like him. Only his skin was so pale that Jasmine could hardly believe he understood they were the same race. Could everyone have been right in believing that even at this tender age, Moses knew that he was not white?

  Nolan seemed to understand the discomfort of the moment. He cleared his throat. ‘‘This is my wife and my son, Jasmine and Spencer Houston. Why don’t we go and see your new home,’’ he offered. ‘‘We can see to your belongings in a bit.’’ He motioned them toward the path that led to the house.

  Moses wiggled in Simon’s arms. ‘‘Come on. Come wif me. I show you my house.’’

  ‘‘That’d be mighty fine,’’ Simon said, putting the boy down. Moses reached for his hand and then Maisie’s. The two exchanged a smile with the boy and allowed themselves to be led.

  ‘‘You’ve done a good thing here, my love,’’ Nolan said as he lifted Spencer. They followed behind the trio in slow steps to give them time together.

  ‘‘Do you think they’ll be happy?’’ Jasmine whispered as Moses led them into the house. He hadn’t stopped talking since pulling the couple along with him.

  ‘‘T
hey are a wonderful young couple, and I think Moses will be most content with them. Did you see how he rushed to Simon?’’

  ‘‘There’s such a striking resemblance to Obadiah that it nearly took my breath away when Simon stepped out of the buggy.’’

  ‘‘I thought the same thing when I met them in Boston. For the briefest of moments, I thought Obadiah had returned.’’

  ‘‘It’s as if God’s hand has guided them to us and He’s restoring us to bearable circumstances. Surely the future will hold good tidings for all of us.’’

  ‘‘I wanna go too,’’ Spencer said, growing weary of being held back by Nolan.

  Putting his son to the ground, Nolan gave his permission. ‘‘Go ahead then. Join your friend.’’

  Spencer laughed. ‘‘Moses is my friend. I love him.’’ He ran off to the house, leaving Jasmine and Nolan to stare after him.

  Jasmine breathed in deeply. ‘‘It’s so hard to let Moses go with Simon and Maisie, even though I know it’s for the best. You see, I love him too.’’

  Nolan lifted her face to meet his. He tenderly stroked her jaw. ‘‘As do I. The boy will no doubt need all of our love as the future plays itself out. Perhaps in time, Maisie and Simon will give him a brother or sister to play with.’’

  Jasmine smiled, knowing the time had come to share her secret. ‘‘As we will give Spencer . . . come spring.’’

  His eyes widened in surprise. ‘‘A baby?’’

  She laughed, feeling freer and happier than she’d ever been before. ‘‘Yes. A baby.’’

  Nolan lifted her in the air and twirled her around until Jasmine was quite dizzy. The strands of faith that had once threatened to break under the strains of an unhappy union, the kidnapping of her son, and the threat of her family ties dissolving had thickened into a solid cord of hope. Grandmother had once said that faith had to grow, just like a fine tapestry being woven line after line. It didn’t look like much when there were only a few rows, but with time and effort . . . and love, the beauty and strength of the piece was soon discovered in the whole.

  Jasmine nuzzled the neck of her husband and sighed. And that is what I am, she thought. I am whole.