by Jasmine
David wondered when he would ever learn the harsh lesson that he was all alone. Like always. And he always would be. Except for God, of course. He sent a rueful glance toward the sky. “But God, it sure would be nice to have someone down here to care about me.”
Chapter Four
Lily accepted a cup of tea from Anna and balanced it on her knees. “I’m sorry you couldn’t come last night.”
“We appreciated your invitation, didn’t we, Mama Champney?” Anna glanced toward Jean Luc’s mother.
Dressed in unrelieved black, the widow was pale and listless. The elder Mrs. Champney’s attention was not on her guests but on her lap and the lace handkerchief she was twisting into a tight spiral.
Lily’s heart ached for the evidence of the other woman’s grief. She would have to remember to say a special prayer for her.
“What?” Mrs. Champney looked up and glanced around the parlor as though she had no idea where she was.
“I said we appreciated the invitation to the ball at Les Fleurs.”
“Yes.” The older lady’s wistful gaze fastened on Lily’s face. “Dashiell and I used to have such nice parties.”
Unshed tears made Lily clear her throat before answering. “Yes, the whole town talks about the fancy balls and masquerades you’ve hosted. Not to mention your famous galas on one or another of your boats.”
The barest hint of a smile on Mrs. Champney’s lips quivered before disappearing. “You’re sweet to say so.”
The conversation died again as the ladies sipped their tea. Lily glanced around the large parlor that was still swathed in black cloth to mourn Mr. Champney’s death. The mirrors and pictures were hidden, as was the outside. She found herself wishing she could pull back the drapes and open the window to let in some sunlight and fresh air. She would rather have gone to walk the garden with her husband and Jean Luc than remain in this dark, stuffy room.
The door opened, and she looked up, hoping her thought had brought her husband back to the parlor. Instead she saw the familiar face of Aunt Tessie, Anna and Blake’s aunt. She rose as the lady entered the room, putting down her teacup and moving across the room to offer a hug.
Aunt Tessie never seemed to age. The few wrinkles on her face had more to do with smiles than sagging skin, and her light blue eyes were as sharp as ever. The silver streaks in her hair were a bit more numerous than the last time Lily had seen Aunt Tessie, but they were still outnumbered by light brown strands. Perhaps it was her posture—so straight and tall—that gave her the appearance of a younger lady. Whatever the reason, Lily hoped she would age as gracefully as Aunt Tessie.
“You must tell me all about my great-niece and nephews.” Aunt Tessie sat in a chair next to Lily and accepted a cup of tea from Anna. “I imagine Noah has grown several inches since I saw him last.”
“Closer to a foot.” Lily picked up her tea once more. “Magnolia is not far behind him, and even Benjamin is growing like a weed.”
Anna’s face lifted with her smile. “I know what you mean. Achille seems to get taller even while he’s asleep.”
The conversation picked up then as they compared notes and shared stories of their children’s accomplishments. Even Mrs. Champney emerged from her miasma long enough to recount a story of the fine mess of fresh fish Jean Luc and his son had caught for dinner a few days earlier.
Lily countered with a story of the large turtle Noah and Magnolia had discovered in an estuary and sneaked aboard the Water Lily during a recent trip. Of course the reptile had gotten out of their quarters during a meal and caused enough havoc with the crew that their cook, Jensen, had suggested he could make gumbo with the turtle her children had adopted.
Jean Luc and Blake reentered the room as she was describing Jensen’s relief to find that the turtle had “escaped”—with the help of her distressed children—before he had a chance to make good on his threat.
Blake leaned against the fireplace, his gaze darting between his sister and aunt as though he was considering how to broach a difficult topic. He turned down the offer of tea and cookies, patting his flat stomach with a rueful gaze that made even Mrs. Champney smile. “I am most impressed with your son’s understanding of the shipping business, ma’am. You must be proud of him.”
“Yes.” She reached for Jean Luc, who had taken a seat next to her on the sofa, bringing his hand to her cheek. “He’s the best parts of his father and has far exceeded our hopes for him.”
Jean Luc shrugged, but Lily saw a gleam in his eye that might have been a tear. He brushed a hand across his face before sending a smile toward his mother.
“He and I have been discussing a joint venture that we both believe will strengthen Champney Shipping and ensure that it remains in business for years to come—but perhaps with a new name.” Blake pushed away from the mantel and came to stand next to the chair Lily sat in. He put a hand on her shoulder. “A decade ago my wife had the foresight to purchase a boat and chisel out a life for herself and her family on the Mississippi.”
Lily looked up at him, her heart nearly exploding with joy. “It was a joint venture.”
“Exactly. Partnerships are often successful because one person’s strengths can fill gaps made by the other’s weaknesses.” The look in his blue eyes bathed her in so much approval Lily hardly minded the way he had manipulated her.
“Blake and I have been talking about a partnership I believe would be equally beneficial for both of our families.” Jean Luc sat forward, his handsome face eager. His excitement seemed to invade the dark room, holding grief at bay if only for a short time. “The United States is growing by leaps and bounds. Now that the scars of war are healing, people are anxious to make up for lost time. They’re building homes and businesses in what used to be uninhabited frontier. Whole new towns are springing up, and with them comes the need for everything from nails to barber chairs.”
Lily could feel her stomach turn over as she looked at her husband. Words they had spoken on the way over here flooded into her mind. But perhaps she was jumping to conclusions. She would withhold judgment until she understood exactly what the two men were proposing. “You want us to invest in Champney Shipping?”
Blake shook his head. “We thought it would be better to create a new company—one that will focus on rail transportation instead of the river.”
“Rail?” Anna looked confused, her gaze seeking comfort from her husband’s face.
Lily put a hand to her chest to calm the pounding of her heart. “Isn’t this rather sudden?”
“How long did it take you to decide to purchase the Hattie Belle?” Blake’s eyes danced as he reminded her of the early days when they had first discovered they each owned part of a large riverboat.
This was different! she wanted to protest, but the words stuck in her throat. She swallowed hard and considered how to answer her husband. “Not … long.” She didn’t want to make the admission, but honesty compelled her to be truthful. “But I knew—”
Jean Luc raised a hand and stopped her sputtering. “The way my father told it, you didn’t even know you had a partner until after you bought him out.”
“I think it’s a splendid idea.” Aunt Tessie joined the conversation, making Lily feel like she was the only one resisting the notion. “I’ve been worried about all of you for years. The river is a harsh place with so many dangers—snags, floods, and storms to name a few. Lily, you and Blake have children who rely on you to care for them. Maybe it’s time for you to settle down somewhere and make a permanent home for them. I’m not talking about Les Fleurs. While I’m certain Camellia welcomes your company, you should have an estate of your own.”
Lily sat back and nearly overset her teacup. Catching it with one hand, she considered what Aunt Tessie had said. The idea of selling their boat—their home—pained her. She had been raised at Les Fleurs, but she had claimed her adulthood on the riverboat. Besides that, what would her father do? She couldn’t imagine him giving up his life on the river. Would she have
to choose between her father and her husband?
“Why don’t we all give the matter some thought?” Anna’s voice was calm and matter-of-fact. She set her teacup on the tray.
Blake nodded. “You’re right, Sister. I think it’s an option to consider, but we don’t have to decide anything today. We have enough business to keep us afloat for some time. In fact, we’ll be leaving for New Orleans by the end of the week.”
The conversation around her grew more general, but Lily’s mind was focused on the idea of buying or building a home. She had no idea where she would even want to live if they sold the Water Lily. Natchez might be a place Camellia loved, but for Lily it had been a relief to leave the self-important planters behind. New Orleans? While there was much to commend that city, she didn’t relish the idea. Blake’s father had settled near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, but Blake had never been interested in living there.
The sound of Anna clapping her hands drew Lily back to the conversation. “You should go with my brother and Lily.”
Aunt Tessie’s gaze bumped into her own. Lily scrambled for a proper response. She thought they had been talking about the upcoming trip south, hadn’t they? “Have you ever been to New Orleans?”
“No.” Aunt Tessie lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I’ve always wanted to travel, but I never have found the time.”
“Do you have room to take on a passenger?” Jean Luc asked.
Lily thought it was a great idea. “Of course we have room for such a pleasant companion, don’t we, Blake.”
“I don’t know.” Aunt Tessie glanced toward her niece. “Anna probably needs me to stay here and help with the baby.”
“Don’t be silly.” Anna looked at her husband for confirmation before continuing. “Mama Champney, Jean Luc, and I can handle matters here. You go have a wonderful time.”
“We’d love for you to come with us.” Blake winked at his aunt. “But don’t be surprised if you find yourself washing dishes or setting tables.”
“Ignore your nephew.” Lily’s glare should have burned him to a crisp. She didn’t want his aunt to get the wrong idea. “We’d love to have you with us. I won’t let him put you to work.”
“I wouldn’t mind that a bit.” Aunt Tessie’s eyes were bright with excitement. “I might even get to spend some extra time with my great-nephews and great-niece.”
Lily need not have worried that Aunt Tessie would misunderstand her nephew’s teasing words. She could feel her irritation draining away.
Jean Luc stood and brushed a hand across his wife’s shoulder. “It’s settled then. As long as you’ll be okay, Aunt Tessie will go with Blake and Lily at the end of the week.” He shot a speaking glance toward Blake. “You and I can get together again once you return.”
As she and Blake gathered their things and took their leave of the Champneys, Lily couldn’t stop her mind from considering once more the idea of giving up life on the river. Could she do it? Should she? What would she really be giving up? While she enjoyed the challenges of life on the river, did she owe it to her children to give them a more normal childhood? The questions swirled inside her mind like an eddying current on the river.
She knew she’d have to spend some time talking to God about what to do. He had led her this far. He would certainly be there to guide her in the future.
“I’m worried about your future, Jasmine.” Lily watched as her youngest sister picked up a doll she used to play with—one of Magnolia’s favorites now—and placed it on a shelf.
The children were playing outside under Camellia’s watchful eye, except for Benjamin, who was napping nearby while Lily and Jasmine straightened the nursery.
“By the time I was your age—”
“I know. You were already a successful businesswoman with a boat and crew to manage.” Jasmine picked up the toy soldiers that belonged to Noah. “And Camellia was choosing amongst her numerous suitors for the best possible match.”
Silence filled the spacious room as Lily considered what to say next. She didn’t know how to talk to Jasmine anymore. A part of her longed for bygone days when her sister was a happy-go-lucky girl with a penchant for adventure. “What do you want from me?”
“I want to go to Chicago, or New York, or even San Francisco—anywhere that I can act on a real stage in front of a real audience.” A wistful sigh and downcast eyes accompanied Jasmine’s answer.
Lily had thought it difficult when Camellia wanted to attend a finishing school in New Orleans during the thorny days preceding the war. That was nothing compared to the idea of sending Jasmine to some far-off city. Nightmare scenarios filled her imagination. “I thought you were happy with the Shakespearean play you and the other young people are putting on for the community. It was your idea. And I am so proud of you for wanting to help the orphanage by donating the proceeds to them. Miss Deborah told me she hopes to purchase a new stove and pay for several other repairs.”
Jasmine meandered to the window. “It’s fine, but I want to be as famous as ‘The Divine Sarah.’ And that’s not likely to happen here in Natchez, performing in a homemade production to benefit the orphanage.”
“I’d say she is more infamous than famous.” Lily walked up behind her sister and looked out over the plantation grounds. “What would Aunt Dahlia have to say about a niece who performs on the stage and has the reputation of a Sarah Bernhardt? The poor thing is liable to have a fit of apoplexy.”
A choked giggle from Jasmine brought her some hope. If she could get her sister laughing, maybe they could work together to find a compromise to satisfy Jasmine’s need for recognition while keeping her safe from harm.
Lily snapped her fingers as a new idea occurred to her. “What if we plan a trip to Chicago this winter?”
“Do you mean it?” Jasmine swung around, her violet eyes practically glowing with excitement.
“Yes.” Lily’s excitement built as her vague idea began to take form. “We could ask Camellia and Tamar to go with us, too. We could spend at least a week, maybe even two there.”
The excitement disappeared from Jasmine’s expressive eyes. “Unless you plan on leaving me behind, that wouldn’t be enough time to accomplish anything.”
“I’m afraid anything longer is out of the question.” Lily frowned at the windowpane. “Maybe we could have David escort us. He would be the perfect one to make sure you were safe if we did have to leave.”
“Don’t be silly. David Foster doesn’t want to be saddled with someone like me.”
Lily was surprised at the venom in Jasmine’s voice. “What do you mean? That boy has worshipped the ground you walk on since both of you were children. He’s pulled you out of more scrapes than I can count.”
“Maybe so.” Jasmine pulled at the material of her cuff. “But I have it on the best authority that he has no interest in me anymore.”
“Who told you that? Some jealous debutante? You should know better than to listen to gossip.”
A deep sadness came over Jasmine, and she sighed. “I wasn’t listening to gossip, Sissy. He said it himself.”
It had been a decade since Jasmine used her pet name for Lily. Aunt Dahlia had forbidden it in public, and Lily thought her sister had outgrown it. Protectiveness was her first response, followed swiftly by betrayal and anger. “I can hardly believe his ingratitude. David has always been welcome in this house and in our lives. For him to say such a mean thing to you is inexcusable. The next time I see him, I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.”
Jasmine’s eyes widened. “Please don’t.”
“He deserves much worse. Wait until Blake hears about this.”
“You can’t say anything to David. He didn’t mean to hurt my feelings. He didn’t know I was in the room when he said it.” Jasmine’s chin quivered. “Besides all that, he has a right to his opinion. Everyone has that right. If he has outgrown his feelings for me, I’d rather know it.”
Lily pulled her sister into a hug. Jasmine’s arms went around her, and the
poor thing began crying like her heart was breaking. She rubbed her sister’s back in a comforting motion while she wondered how she could have been so wrong.
It had to be a misunderstanding. She had watched David grow up. That man loved Jasmine more than he loved his own life. Sure he’d been away from Natchez for a time, but no one changed that much. And at the ball the other night, he had made a beeline for Jasmine. “Don’t worry, sweetheart.”
The tears ceased a little later. Jasmine pulled away, sniffed, and began fishing for something.
“What’s the matter?”
Jasmine shook her head. “I need a handkerchief.”
“Here, use mine.” Lily pulled a rumpled square of cloth from her skirt pocket and watched as Jasmine mopped her face with it.
“Thanks.” Jasmine tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve. “I’m sorry I fell apart. It was just a shock to hear David describe me as nothing more than a childish infatuation. He said it with such contempt. Like he wished he’d never met me.”
Lily brushed a strand of hair back from Jasmine’s temple. “The more you tell me, the more I’m inclined to believe something else is going on here. David may be going through something we know nothing about.”
“I’ll bet Marguerite Trahan knows about it, whatever it is. That’s who he was confiding in.”
Patting her sister on the shoulder, Lily shook her head. “If you don’t want me to talk to him about what he said, I hope you will. He probably has a reasonable explanation. Maybe he’s trying to make you jealous. You were a bit cool to him the other night during the ball.” The more she thought about it, the more convinced Lily became that David was either put out by Jasmine’s refusal to dance or trying to draw her attention.
“I don’t think I can.”
Lily raised an eyebrow. “If you don’t, I will.”
That brought Jasmine’s chin up. Good. She hoped her sister would confront David. And Lily would be there to comfort her if David really was falling in love with someone else.
