Mr. Morrison lowered his head and shook it from side to side. “Don’t be foolish,” he said with a cough of caustic laughter. “We’ve already got plans, and we’re not going to change them, especially not to loaf with common folk.”
“But those ‘common folk’ are your folk, Father,” Grace snapped back. “They are the people of New York, the people you have taken office to serve.”
Mr. Morrison looked up at his daughter again—and, again, he laughed. “You know nothing about politics, little girl,” he sniggered at Grace, who, though of petite frame, wasn’t really a “little girl” at 20 years old.
“I know that you represent the men and women at that festival,” Grace replied, challenging her father’s words as well as his tone. “So, why not join them? Why not celebrate with them and experience some of the splendors your efforts have helped bring?”
Grace’s argument was a very sensible one, but Mr. Morrison refused to pay it due mind.
“I repeat: You know nothing about politics, little girl,” he said in an even more condescending tone. “And, now is not the time to teach you.”
Mr. Morrison sat up again and took his hand to the carriage window. “Suffice to say, I do represent those men and women,” he added with a coldly. “But, I am not one of them—and, neither are you. We, my dear child, are cut from a different cloth, and we need not drag that cloth through the dirt.
“‘Why not celebrate with those people?’ you ask. I’ll tell you why… As I said, we’ve already got plans. And, those plans are with people of our sort. I certainly won’t change them to mix with that lot.”
Mr. Morrison pulled the curtain on the window shut, and the carriage became half-filled with darkness and half-filled with light, setting an ominous scene. As Mr. Morison sat back in his seat, Grace slouched down in hers. She had a strong will and was what some might call “outspoken,” but she knew better than to press matters here. She wasn’t very close to her father, in a personal sense, but she knew him well enough to know that she’d inherited the aforesaid traits from him. Only he wasn’t just strong-willed and outspoken. He was stubborn and mean, and he hadn’t gotten where he’d gotten in life by caving to anyone. She knew that, if she pushed things with him, she’d never win, and she’d end up being punished, somehow, in the end.
So, Grace sat there, silent, and went along for the ride. Mr. Morrison remained silent as well, though his silence was more confident and proud. The old man was a decorated Union war hero and the mayor of New York, and he’d allowed both titles to go to his head and inflate his ego over the years. He was no longer able to “relate” to the average man and woman… or to his own child.
“I want you to be on your best behavior this evening,” Mr. Morrison finally said, after a half-hour of silence. “This dinner is very important—and, if all goes well, you’ll find out why.”
The carriage began to slow, and Mr. Morrison reached for the curtain and pulled it open again. A burst of dim light rushed in and a large, elaborate estate came into view. Grace quickly examined the place and sighed. As large and elaborate as the house was, it didn’t look very inviting. It looked just as cold and unfriendly as the people who lived inside of it, and Grace was not looking forward to spending time in there with them.
“Wipe that frown from your face,” Mr. Morrison instructed his daughter. “Smile… And, pinch your cheeks a bit, to give them a healthier glow.”
Grace reluctantly patted her cheeks and gave each a small pinch. Then, she forced a smile across her face.
“Good girl,” Mr. Morrison purred as the carriage came to a halt. He’d complimented his daughter, but her real beauty was still lost on him. “Now, keep your posture straight,” he went on. “Hold your chin high, and press your shoulders back.”
Grace’s forced smile sagged a bit. She couldn’t quite understand why her father was directing her to do such things. She felt more like a showpiece than a person, and she didn’t know who she was supposed to impress. The large, elaborate, uninviting estate they’d just arrived at belonged to her father’s vice mayor, New York’s second-in-command, James Jasper, and his wife Isabell, and she’d already met them.
Despite her confusion and dissatisfaction, however, Grace did as her father had directed. She poised her body according to his design and followed him off of the carriage—and, as soon as her feet hit the ground, she felt an uneasiness overcome her. At that exact moment, Mr. and Mrs. Jasper stepped out of their front door… and they were not alone. There was a young, 20-something man with them. He was tall, thin, beady-eyed, and impeccably dressed. He was obviously Mr. and Mrs. Jasper’s son—and, it was obvious that he was who she was meant to impress.
TWO
“Jim just finished an apprenticeship with a lawyer in Boston,” James Jasper, Sr. said, patting his son on the shoulder. “He’s set to open his own law office here in New York in less than six months’ time, and, in a few years, he’s bound to assume some public office. And then, from there…”
Mr. Jasper stopped speaking, arched his eyebrows, and wriggled them at Mr. Morrison. The two older men smiled at each other, cocked their heads to the side, and nodded. There was something about the way they looked at each other that Grace didn’t like, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. She could, however, put her finger on what she didn’t like about Jim Jasper, and she could put it in a few different places.
The Morrisons and Jaspers had only been inside the Jasper home, seated in the Jasper’s posh living room, for all of 20 minutes. But, in that short time, James Jasper, Jr.—or, “Jim,” as his father had just called him—had already said and done more than enough to give Grace the impression that he was boring, stuck-up, and self-centered. He held his chin up and pressed his shoulders back, but he did so out of arrogance and feelings of entitlement.
“From there,” Mr. Morrison picked up, completing his colleague’s sentence, “New York will be in the right hands, and control of her will remain in our family.”
Grace snapped her head to the side and looked at her father curiously. She was confused. As far as she knew, she and her father weren’t related to the Jaspers, and she couldn’t understand why he’d used the word “our,” which implied some type of familial connection.
Oh no, she thought to herself. She felt an uneasiness overcome her again, and it made her belly churn. Surely he isn’t suggesting what I think he’s suggesting!
“Shall we?” Mr. Morison asked, interrupting his daughter’s inner thoughts.
“Yes, let’s,” Mr. Jasper replied in a squeaky nasal voice that his son, unfortunately, had inherited.
Grace was still gazing at her father, but now with dread. “Mr. Jasper and I are going to go to his study to discuss business,” he said, bringing his eyes to meet hers. “We’ll see you in the dining room, when it’s time for dinner.”
Without more, the older men left the room, leaving Mrs. Jasper, Jim, and Grace to themselves. Grace was still confused, and a bit worried, but she did her best to maintain her composure.
“Jim was in Boston for two years,” Mrs. Jasper said, trying to stir conversation. “He studied under a very accomplished, renowned attorney.”
Mrs. Jasper gestured her head towards Jim, encouraging him to comment. But, Jim didn’t pick up on her clue or perhaps, chose not to acknowledge it. He just took a deep breath and nodded. Then he stared at Grace and looked her over in a way that made her feel uncomfortable.
“He also made a lot of other powerful connections,” Mrs. Jasper went on. “He knows several politicians and war heroes, as well as important men in the fishing industry.”
“And the boat industry, Mother,” Jim added. “I know important men in the boat industry too.”
Grace felt an unexpected peak of interest and, for the first time since arriving at the Jaspers’s house, she spoke up and addressed Jim.
“The boat industry?” she asked. “I’ve never been on a boat, but I’ve heard—”
“I’ve never been
on a boat either,” Jim interrupted with a burst of laughter. It was the first real display of emotion he’d made that evening, but the emotions he displayed weren’t flattering.
“The men I know in the boat industry make boats,” he clarified with a smirk.
“Oh,” Grace replied, deflated. She bowed her head in disappointment and embarrassment.
“I stayed away from the boats,” Jim went on. “And, I stayed away from the ocean. I kept to the city; to the business offices, my room at the boarding house, and the homes of my associates. I was there to learn and get experience in the field of law, not waste my time with useless endeavors.”
As deflated as Grace felt a moment earlier, she now felt it tenfold. She couldn’t believe that Jim had been somewhere and not “explored” it. She, herself, had a hungry mind and adventurous spirit. She wanted to learn new things, go to new places, and experience new experiences. If she’d been in a place like Boston, she wouldn’t have kept mainly to the city.
“The winters up there are a bit rougher than they are here,” Jim went on. “So, during the winters, I spent a lot of time in the boarding house… But, luckily, I had plenty of books with me.”
Again, Grace felt relieved and interested; and again, she spoke up. “I love reading,” she said. “I have a few favorite books of poems that I read over and over, and I have read the fiction of—”
“The books I read were law books; history books; and books related to civics, politics, and business,” Jim interrupted with a smaller, but more mocking, burst of laughter. “My free time is too precious for fanciful things like fiction and poetry.”
Mrs. Jasper shifted in her seat. She could sense the tension in the room, and it made her uncomfortable.
“Jim also has powerful connections here in New York,” Mrs. Jasper said, trying to smooth things out a little and advance the conversation. “He is good friends with the Chief of Police.”
“Indeed, I am,” Jim said proudly. “In fact, I met with him earlier today, just a short while before you and your father arrived. I sent word for him and had him called here… so that I could tell him about the disturbance going on down the road.”
“The disturbance?” Grace asked, intrigued.
“There is an ordinance in New York,” Jim explained, “that prohibits people from having public events or celebrations within a certain distance of this residential area during certain days and hours. A group of people were having some sort of event today, about a half-hour down the road from here. Their event is in violation of the ordinance… so, I sent word and had my friend, the sheriff called here.”
Grace’s belly churned again. Jim had called for the sheriff to stop the celebration she’d wanted to attend. He’d sent his friend to ruin innocent people’s good time.
Grace’s fists clenched and she was about to say something. But, before she could get a single word out, the Jaspers’s housemaid stepped into the living room and announced that dinner was ready.
THREE
“Things went very well this evening,” Mr. Morrison exclaimed, smiling. Both the tone of his voice and his posture were relaxed, and he looked quite comfortable sitting in the confines of his carriage.
“Jim and James were quite impressed by you,” he went on. Grace rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She couldn’t see how either of the men could have been “impressed” by her. She’d barely said a word during dinner. The elders—Mr. Morrison and Mr. and Mrs. Jasper—talked most of the time, and they mostly talked about Jim, his accomplishments, and his connections. It was a boring, dry conversation, but Grace remained patient and polite during it. And, perhaps it was patience and politeness that impressed Jim and James.
Mr. Morrison leaned forward and looked directly at his daughter. “Our families are ready to move forward,” he said. “Jim will be opening his law office in six months. He’s sure to get clients based on his name and experience. But, he’s sure to get even more—and make and even bigger name for himself—if he starts his business as a family man, rather than a bachelor. People have more faith and confidence in men who are married. They see married men as being trustworthy and committed, as being motivated and having purpose.”
The delicious meal that the Jasper’s housemaid had prepared turned over in Grace’s stomach. Her suspicions—her worst fears—were being confirmed.
“Jim has a great future ahead of him,” Mr. Morrison continued. “And, he needs to step toward that future with firm footing. With you at his side, as his wife, he’ll be more ‘stable’ and go farther.”
Grace opened her mouth to speak, just like she’d done back at the Jasper’s house. But, before she could get a word out, her father went on.
“Our dinner this evening was no casual one,” he explained. “And, the business I discussed with James, and later with Jim, did not pertain to my office… Our families came together this evening so that you and Jim could meet. Now that Jim has met you, and is impressed by you, he has agreed to marry you. The two of you will be wed in three months.”
Grace’s belly was still churning, and, now, her head was spinning.
It was worse that she’d feared. She’d merely thought her father was trying to set them up for a courtship, and, here, he’d already gone ahead and arranged for her marriage. She didn’t even bother opening her mouth to speak, for she was speechless.
“This union is a good move for both of our families,” Mr. Morrison added. “Your mother, God rest her soul, wasn’t able to give me a son. But, at least my legacy will live on with you, when Jim ascends to the role of mayor, with you as his wife.”
The carriage went over a bump and swayed a bit. But, Grace wasn’t as disturbed by the movement as she was by the thought of marrying Jim. They had nothing in common.
“I can’t,” Grace said, recovering for the bump. “I can’t marry him.”
“You can,” Mr. Morrison replied immediately. “And, you will.”
“But, I don’t love him,” Grace said. Her eyes were filled with tears. “I don’t even know him.”
“You have the rest of your life to get to know him,” Mr. Morrison retorted. “You may come to love him, or you may not. But, in either case, you will be his wife, and you will bear him children.”
“I… I… I can’t,” Grace stuttered.
Mr. Morrison chuckled, and his laugh reminded Grace of Jim’s laughter. “You’ll do as I say, little girl,” Mr. Morrison said firmly. “You will marry Jim Jasper… And, if you try to refuse, you’ll pay for your decision. I’ll force you out of my house with nothing but the clothes on your back.”
“You wouldn’t?” Grace gasped.
“Just try me,” Mr. Morrison responded.
Grace bowed her head and brought her hands to her face. She held back her tears, closed her eyes, and prayed to her Heavenly Father. She asked Him for guidance, strength, and courage, and to help her figure out what she should do as per this proposed loveless marriage—and, sure enough, her prayers were answered the very next day.
FOUR
“Grace? Grace Morrison, is that you?” someone shouted from across the road.
Grace was just about to step into the general store, but she turned abruptly to see who was addressing her. It took her a moment, but, eventually, she recognized the face of the other young woman.
“Rose Williams!” Grace exclaimed with a broad smile. She walked away from the store and rushed toward her childhood friend. The two women embraced each other and wept happy tears.
“I haven’t seen you in six years,” Grace said, pulling away from the hug.
“It’s been seven, actually,” Rose corrected. “And, a lot has happened in that time.”
Rose gestured toward a man some distance away, and, a moment later, that man walked over and joined them.
“This is my husband, Henry Porter,” Rose said by way of introduction. “And, Henry Porter, this is Grace Morrison. My mother used to clean her father’s house, when we were young children, and we
were good friends for several years, until Mother died and Father sent me and my sister to live with our Aunt Carol.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Henry said, tipping his head at Grace.
“Likewise,” Grace replied. She looked to Rose again. “So, what brings you back to New York?” she asked. “I hope all is well with your father.”
“All is very well with him,” Rose laughed. “Or, at least it is now… We came back here to give him some money and settle his debts. Henry and I are quite wealthy, you know. We live out West, in the state of Montana, and we make our living as prospectors. We’ve gone on several very successful expeditions over the past few years and collected a great deal of gold.”
“How wonderful,” Grace said in amazement. “I’m glad you’ve found love, fortune, and adventure.”
Rose smiled and nodded. “Thank you,” she said. “And, what about you? How is your life going?”
For a brief moment, Grace considered telling Rose about her looming engagement to Jim Jasper. But, she quickly decided against it. She didn’t want to spoil their happy reunion with what she considered unfortunate news.
“Things are pretty much the same with me,” Grace answered honestly, without being entirely truthful. “I’m not married. And, I haven’t found any gold or been on any great adventures.”
“Well, your life is bound to take shape soon,” Rose responded kindly. “As I remember, you always had grand dreams and great ambition.”
Grace looked at Rose curiously. It had been years since she’d thought about her childhood, and she couldn’t even remember the dreams, or ambition, her friend had just mentioned.
Another man walked toward the group. He called Henry aside and started talking to him.
“That’s one of the agents from the bank,” Rose explained. “We still have a few matters to take care of with him… So, unfortunately, we’ve got to get going. But, it was wonderful seeing you after all these years. I only wish we had more time to catch up.
New Beginnings Spring 20 Book Box Set Page 15
