A Love For Keeps (Truly Yours Digital Editions)

by Janet Lee Barton

  “I’m glad. I’ve wanted to ask you something for several weeks now.”

  “Oh? What is it?” Her heartbeat sped up.

  “Well, you know the Grand Opening Gala at the Crescent is being held next month?”

  “Yes, I know.” She held her breath, waiting to hear what he was going to say next.

  “I was wondering … would you accompany me to it?”

  For a moment, Meagan couldn’t breathe. He was asking her to the biggest event so far in the season. “I—I—”

  “I know it is late notice, with it being only three weeks away, and I apologize for that. If you already have an escort, I understand. But if not, I would be honored if you would be my guest.”

  Meagan felt as if her heart were going to pound right out of her chest. She had assumed he’d be taking Abigail and had never thought that he might ask her … although she couldn’t deny that she’d dreamed about it several times. And much as she wanted to go, she felt she should say no—

  “I would really like you to go with me, Meagan. I never feel quite comfortable at these things, yet I’m expected to go to them. I think it would be so much easier if you were there with me.”

  “Oh, I …” That he felt uncomfortable at something like that touched her. “But I can’t dance. I don’t know how.”

  “It doesn’t matter. We don’t have to dance.” He tilted his head and grinned at her. “Please?”

  Her heart turned to mush. There was just no way she could bring herself to say no. “I would love to go with you, Nate.”

  ten

  Dinner was almost over before Abigail remembered to ask what time Nate would be picking her up for the gala the next week.

  “I’m not escorting you, Abigail,” Nate said. “You aren’t escorting me? Why, you always …” What was he thinking?

  “No, Abigail, I don’t,” Nate said. “We are usually at the same gatherings, but I rarely escort you to them.”

  “Well, I assumed you would be taking me to this. It’s the biggest event of the year! Why aren’t you going?”

  “I am going. I’m sorry, Abigail, but I’ve already invited someone else.”

  “Who?” She could feel a severe headache coming on. This couldn’t be happening. How was she going to find an escort at this late date? It was only a week until the gala.

  “I invited Miss Snow to accompany me.”

  “Meagan Snow? The seamstress?”

  “She is the owner of a dressmaking shop … not just a seamstress, Abigail.”

  Abigail could feel the color rushing to her face. “Well, whatever she is—”

  “Abigail, dear,” her mother interrupted, nodding her head in Natalie’s direction. “Now is not the time to discuss this.”

  Natalie’s eyes were big and round, and she looked as if she were about to cry. Abigail took a deep breath and tried to tamp down her temper as she knew her parents expected. She sighed and nodded. “Very well.”

  If it hadn’t been for her parents stepping in, total silence would have reigned at the table. Abigail didn’t know what the conversation was about, and she let it flow around her. All she could think of was that Nate had chosen Meagan Snow over her.

  The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. How dare Nate not take her? What was he thinking? He should have known she expected him to accompany her. This was the biggest event in Eureka Springs this season, and Nate was aware that she wasn’t being courted by anyone. Of course, it wasn’t for lack of trying on several of her men friends’ parts—particularly Robert Ackerman. He’d made no secret that he was very interested in her. The only man she’d ever been interested in, however, was Nate. Now, instead of taking her to the gala, he was taking a mere seamstress. Why? Perhaps it was to help her business by introducing her to the wealthy women in town. But that was already happening. No. Much as she hated the very thought, Abigail was afraid it was simply because he cared about Meagan Snow and wanted her to go with him. That was not going to do. It just wasn’t going to do at all.

  Nate knew he would remember the Crescent opening for the rest of his life. Meagan was more than lovely in her porcelain blue silk ball gown. Her hair was dressed in a more elaborate style than usual, and her eyes were bright and shining. He was sure it was just in excitement about the gala, and not necessarily because she was going with him, but he was glad he was taking her.

  He’d rented a carriage to take them in style, and it wasn’t dark yet when they started up the hill to Prospect Avenue where the Crescent, built out of limestone, appeared to be almost castlelike, looking down over its village below. When the driver stopped at the entrance to the Crescent, attendants helped Meagan out of the carriage before Nate had a chance to.

  He pulled her hand through his arm, however, and led her up entrance steps into the huge foyer where people were arriving and meeting up with others they knew. He began to introduce her to his friends and some of the bank’s customers but was pleased that she recognized other people whom she felt comfortable around, too.

  Her neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were attending. Mrs. Morrison was wearing the ball gown that Meagan had made for her, and she looked lovely. “I’ve had so many compliments on my gown, and I’m taking the opportunity to tell everyone who asks about your shop, dear. Now that I know you are here, I can send them your way,” Mrs. Morrison said.

  “Oh, thank you!”

  They made their way to the Grand Ballroom. Tables had been set up around the huge room, and they found one that had an opening for Nate and Meagan and the Morrisons. Nate knew several others at the table and made introductions.

  It was very relaxing to be at a different table than the one Abigail and her friends were at. He’d spotted her across the room, and if her expression was anything to go by—and it usually was—she still wasn’t happy with him. He didn’t want to upset her, but she’d become much too possessive of him, and it was time she realized he wasn’t her property. He turned his attention to Meagan and the people at his table.

  Mr. Powell Clayton, the president of the railway and one of the town’s outstanding citizens with the Eureka Springs Improvement Company and various other endeavors, stopped by the table with his wife. Nate was somewhat surprised when Mr. Clayton began talking to Meagan about her father.

  “He was a good railroad man, your papa,” Mr. Clayton said. “We’ve missed him greatly. I was honored to have known him.”

  Nate saw tears well up in Meagan’s eyes, but she got them under control and smiled. “Thank you. That means so much to me.”

  “I’ve heard that you have gone into business for yourself?”

  “Yes, sir, I am a seamstress and—”

  “She is not just a seamstress,” Mrs. Morrison said. “She also designs some of her creations. She is a dressmaker whose name will always mean quality workmanship and exquisite design.”

  Nate smiled and added his opinion, even though it wasn’t needed. “Miss Snow has quite a talent. I don’t think there is anything she can’t make. And whether her own design or from a fashion plate, the end result is always better than expected.”

  “I take it you made the gown you have on?” Mrs. Clayton asked.

  “She made mine, also. It is one of her original designs,” Mrs. Morrison said before Meagan could answer.

  “You made both of them?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I did,” Meagan answered modestly.

  “I’ll be in to see you next week.”

  “I’d love that. The dress you have on is very lovely.”

  “Yes, well, it’s seen its best day. I think it is time I have a new ball gown, don’t you, Powell, dear?”

  “Anything you want to have Miss Snow make for you is fine with me, dear.”

  One of the other men at the table laughed. “Spoken like a smart husband.”

  “I take it I’ll get the same answer if I order something from Miss Snow?” his wife asked.

  “Of course you will,” he answered.

  More laughter fo
llowed the Claytons as they rushed to their table for the first course of oysters in half shells, which was just arriving. Nate could see that Meagan was having a good time, and he let himself relax and enjoy the evening, too.

  Mock turtle soup arrived next, followed by lobster farci and then fillet of beef with mushroom sauce. Nate lost count of the side dishes but enjoyed the lemon pie.

  Once they finished the meal, Reverend McElwee gave the invocation and then Mr. Clayton took to the podium to introduce the guest of honor, the Honorable James G. Blaine, the Republican presidential nominee of 1884. After he spoke, there would be a brief break while the tables were cleared, and then the popular Harry Barton and his orchestra would begin the night’s entertainment.

  Nate took that opportunity to take Meagan around and introduce her to some of the people he knew. First, they went to a table across the room, and he introduced her to Mr. and Mrs. Connors. They were very gracious to her.

  “I’ve been hearing good things about the dress shop you’ve opened, Miss Snow. Connors Bank is glad to have had the chance to be a part of it.”

  “Thank you, sir. I can’t thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to go into business.”

  “The credit isn’t mine. Nate saw the possibilities. He’s also a great asset to Connors Bank. I wish you much success.”

  “Thank you,” Meagan said once more before Nate led her away.

  “I have to do this or I’ll not have any friends left,” he said as he led her over to the table where Abigail and his friends sat. As he introduced Meagan, he realized that most of the people he socialized with were Abigail’s friends … and he wasn’t all that fond of most of them.

  But they were all very nice to Meagan, and for that he was grateful. He would have hated for them to snub her or treat her with disdain because of Abigail’s attitude.

  Abigail spoke but was very cool. Meagan didn’t seem to let it bother her. She was polite to her and the others, and when several of the women asked about her shop, he knew that fashion had triumphed over loyalty to Abigail.

  As they were on their way back to their table, Meagan excused herself to go to the ladies’ room.

  It was then that Abigail cornered him.

  “Why didn’t you sit at our table tonight, Nate? Were you embarrassed by your companion?”

  “Not at all! I thought she might be more comfortable with people she knew. If I were embarrassed, I wouldn’t have introduced her to everyone. They seem to like her.”

  “Yes, well I’m sure she’ll fit right in,” Abigail said a bit sarcastically. “I still can’t understand why you brought her.”

  “You don’t have to, Abigail.”

  “Well! You don’t have to be rude!”

  Nate sighed. “Abigail, I’m sorry you are upset with me. I’m not trying to be rude. But who I choose to bring is really none of your business.”

  “I’m family, Nate.”

  “That doesn’t mean you have to approve of whom I choose to keep company with.”

  Saying nothing, Abigail swept her skirts around and flounced off in a huff in the direction of the ladies’ room. Nate had a feeling she wanted to stomp her feet. He could only hope that Meagan wasn’t still there.

  Lately Abigail had an edge to her that he didn’t like. He wasn’t sure she was a good influence on his daughter, either. Abigail had become quite snobbish through the years. Or had she always been that way? Perhaps he should think about limiting the time Natalie spent with her aunt.

  Meagan had never had an evening such as this one. She felt like a princess. She’d met many of Eureka Springs’s most prominent citizens and was especially impressed with Mr. and Mrs. Connors and the Claytons. She’d been stopped on the way to the ladies’ room by first one lady and then another to ask if she was the one who made Mrs. Morrison’s gown.

  By the time she got to the ladies’ room and to the mirror, she found there was no need to pinch her cheeks to put a little color to them. Her face was flushed with the sheer excitement of the evening. She’d had two women ask if they could come in on Monday, and another asked the same for Tuesday.

  She was just turning to leave when Abigail Connors entered the room. Meagan’s heart seemed to stop beating at the look in the woman’s eyes. She nodded and tried to smile, but Miss Connors was not smiling. She barely nodded as she swept past Meagan. That she was angry was obvious, and Meagan was sure the fact that she’d come with Nate was the reason. She was thankful other women were milling around—she felt that might be the only reason Abigail hadn’t told her just what she thought of her being here with Nate.

  Meagan rushed back to her table as fast as possible. She wanted to get as far away from Abigail Connors as she could.

  Nate looked at her closely when she got back to their table, but she smiled and took her seat without mentioning Abigail. She hoped that she hadn’t made life harder for Nate by coming with him. Even if he never asked her anywhere else, she would be thankful to him for this evening.

  The orchestra added to the enchantment of the evening, and Meagan began to tap her foot in time to the music.

  “Would you like to learn to dance?” Nate leaned near and asked. “I could teach you a few steps.”

  At the very thought of being held in Nate’s arms, Meagan’s heart began to beat so fast it was hard to speak. All she could manage was, “You could?”

  “Certainly. I would love to teach you.”

  “I would love to learn,” Meagan admitted. She looked around the room at the couples who seemed to be floating across the floor. “But not here in front of everyone.” She shook her head. “Maybe another time?”

  Nate scooted back his chair and stood. “Perhaps we can get some air, then.” He pulled out her chair. “Come with me.”

  Meagan felt his hand at her elbow as he steered her toward one of the double doors leading out of the ballroom. Then he led her down the stairs to an outside terrace where several other couples had decided to get some fresh air, too. They could still hear the orchestra in the quiet of the evening.

  “Oh, it’s lovely here,” Meagan said. The fragrance of blooming flowers lent sweetness to the night air, and the lights from residences up and down the hillside made her realize just how far up they were.

  “It is, isn’t it? Not near as lovely as you, though,” Nate said.

  Meagan caught her breath at his words. She wasn’t sure what to say, except, “Thank you.”

  Following a lull in the music, the orchestra began to play again, and Nate turned to her. “A waltz. Perfect. Won’t you let me show you some steps now?”

  “I—yes, please,” Meagan said. How thoughtful of him to get her away from any chance of ridicule for her clumsiness.

  He bowed and slipped his right arm around her waist, holding out his left hand for hers. Meagan slipped her hand into his, and he drew her nearer. “One, two, three,” Nate began to count as he showed her the steps. “One, two, three.” The pressure from his hand told her when to turn. “One, two, three. You’re getting it. One, two, three.”

  Meagan found it quite easy to follow his lead, the slight pressure on her back telling her when and in what direction he wanted her to turn. She lost track of time and was quite disappointed when the music ended. Nate sighed and kept his arm around her for a moment before letting her go. “You are an excellent student. Would you like to go in and dance around the ballroom floor now?”

  “Oh … I’m not sure I’m ready for that—to dance in front of everyone. But thank you for the lesson. I enjoyed—”

  “Another waltz,” Nate interrupted as the music began again. “Let me have one more dance out here, then.” He looked down into her eyes and smiled. Reaching out and tucking an errant curl behind her ear, he whispered, “Please.”

  He was asking her to do the very thing she wanted—to step into his arms again. “All right.”

  Nate’s arm encircled her once more and pulled her close. Meagan’s heart began to pound in time to the music as they float
ed around the limestone terrace. She wished the evening would never come to an end.

  eleven

  Nate hated to see the evening end—he hated to part company with Meagan. Even Abigail’s bad mood hadn’t put a damper on his evening. All he need do was look at Meagan, and all thoughts of Abigail’s anger disappeared.

  “Oh, what a lovely evening,” Meagan said as he helped her into the carriage.

  It was beautiful. The moon was huge, and the stars bright and numerous. The air was balmy and fragrant.

  “It is, isn’t it?” Nate took his place beside her and motioned for the driver to take off. “Lovely as it is, though, the night sky really doesn’t compare to how you look tonight, Meagan,” he complimented her once more.