True Nobility

by Lori Bates Wright

  She had not seen him since they’d come to dinner. Zach had sent a note saying they would be traveling to Boston on business for a couple of weeks and poor Aurora had been quite disheartened.

  “I’m positive that Viola Mae Jenkins and her mother sent him an announcement. She’s obvious when it comes to Zach.” Aurora shook open her fan with a flap and smiled mischievously. “We’ll just make sure to see him first, won’t we?”

  Tori returned her cousin’s smile. Aurora was emerging from her bashful cocoon like a rare butterfly.

  Tori had met Viola Mae at the church’s Springtime Bazaar and immediately recognized her type. Flighty and self-centered girls like Viola Mae were easily disarmed. Their sting only hurt if allowed to get under one’s skin.

  The Jenkins girl, taken with the notion of befriending an English heiress, had pushed herself to Tori’s side at every opportunity. But, after Tori’s casual mention that Aurora was going to make Zachery a lovely date for the upcoming soirée, Viola Mae sulked quite unbecomingly.

  At any rate, that particular Jenkins sister was annoying but certainly no menace. Tori had yet to meet the other one.

  “Here comes Mother. I can’t wait to get there.” Aurora clapped and Tori laughed aloud. That’s when she caught a glimpse of the apparatus angled precariously atop her aunt’s red head.

  It was alive.

  Upon closer inspection, Tori found the small bamboo cage housed a tiny yellow bird on a swing. It chirped cheerfully in duet with Aunt Charlotte’s constant chatter.

  “Oh, how I wish Edward would have joined us instead of going on early. He’s the most stubborn man. Percy wasn’t nearly half so pig-headed.” Despite Gabe’s awkward assistance, she struggled to heave herself into the carriage seat opposite her daughter and niece, continuing to babble though quite out of breath. “If I thought for one minute … My heavens, don’t you two look sweet! Aurora, honey, that new dress brightens you up. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you wear anything that peachy before. But you know, it flatters your coloring. It most certainly does.”

  Aurora blushed and pinched at the pleats in her skirt.

  “Now, hold that parasol so the sun can’t get to your face.” Aunt Charlotte turned to her niece. “Good gracious! Are those your mama’s pearls?”

  Tori nodded.

  “My word, they’re the size of marbles! Lean over here, honey. Look, Aurora, there’s sapphires stuck in the midst of it all.”

  “I don’t usually wear them before dinner, but I thought today was a bit special. And they do go with the dress.” Tori was having a hard time staying seated between the jostle of the carriage as it rolled onto the shell lane and Aunt Charlotte pulling her across the seat by the necklace.

  “And earbobs to match?” With a quick release, she hurried on. “Not just anyone could wear that cream color all over, but you’ve got just enough copper in your hair to keep it from overwhelmin’ you. Now you all leave those bonnets on while you’re out of doors, you hear? That horrid sun can turn you redder than a beet and you’ll end up with a rash.”

  Tori watched the little bird swing unsteadily as her aunt jumped from topic to topic. It moved from one side of its perch to the other, as if looking for a place to escape the constant motion.

  Aunt Charlotte turned quickly to wave at a passerby and the little bird was jostled completely off balance, disappearing somewhere in the bottom of the hat.

  “Yes, indeed. The good Lord blessed you both. Straight from the streets of gold. That’s all I have to say on the matter.”

  It wasn’t by any means. The dear lady continued to babble until they reached their destination. The stifling heat and humidity made breathing a challenge, and Tori soon discovered the elaborate fans waving were actually a necessity.

  They were met with music and laughter as a gentleman in a top hat ushered them to a platform covered by a striped canopy. The earl waited for them, seated in a place of honor.

  Beautiful Johnson Square had been transformed into a carnival. Performers were doing acrobatics and magic shows, trained animals entertained the children, and peddlers hawked their trinkets on every corner.

  “By Jove, these colonials know how to throw quite a hullabaloo.” Lord Haverwood came as close to smiling as Tori had seen in months. “Glad to see you’ve finally made it, my dear. Now things can get rolling. Quite a show I’d say.”

  “Oh, your majesty.” An ancient lady with an ear horn was trying to get the earl’s attention. “With your permission, we’ll begin.”

  He nodded, though his bushy mustache gave a quick twitch. She in turn nodded to the conductor and the trumpet blared a loud fanfare.

  “Oh, my goodness.” Aurora tugged Tori’s sleeve. “There he is. Look, over there under that cypress tree across the road. In the back.” She pointed with a gloved finger. “Should I wave or something?”

  “I should think so, yes. People are beginning to turn to see what we are gawking at.”

  Aurora waved her program and Zach returned the gesture. Tori noted with odd disappointment that Nicholas was nowhere to be seen.

  The parade began moving down Bay Street, separating them from Zach. He became increasingly difficult to make out, and Aurora squirmed in her seat trying to keep him in her sights. More than once, Tori lightly yanked at Aurora’s skirt to remind her to stay seated.

  With the end of the procession in sight, the crowd gathered noisily around the platform to hear the various speakers and presentations.

  Aurora gasped.

  Tori followed her cousin’s horrified gaze to the culprit. A voluptuous female dressed in torrid red stood next to Zach.

  Tori’s eyes narrowed as the woman grabbed Zachery by the arm and made a show of planting a kiss on his cheek. To his credit, he barely acknowledged her and immediately made his way across the street toward them.

  “Who is that?”

  “That’s the one I’ve been telling you about. Viola Mae’s sister, Felicity Jenkins Duff. The one who has her claws set for Nicholas. She’ll do anything to get him to notice her. Even using Zach to get his attention.”

  The woman turned and disappeared into the crowd.

  “I’d say that one’s intentions run deeper than merely getting Nicholas’s attention.”

  The crowd clapped and cheered, but Tori had no idea why. A sudden heaviness settled in her chest and a lump formed in her throat. It must be the heat.

  “I say! My daughter doesn’t seem to be with us.” The earl was standing at the podium addressing Tori. The gathering of people roared with laughter. “Victoria, my dear, I shall ask you once more. Please stand, so these good citizens might be presented to you.”

  Tori lowered her parasol and glanced about. All eyes were upon her as she slowly rose. Applause and whistles filled the air. From the far-left corner a group of young men made whooping sounds and called out offers of marriage amidst other even less appropriate proposals.

  Tori smiled graciously and waved.

  The rest of the speeches came to a close and the crowd dispersed to the square to enjoy some refreshment. Huge white clouds moved in, and a breeze gave relief from the heat. Delicious whiffs of magnolias and gardenias mingled with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked goods.

  Zach appeared at the edge of the grandstand with a hand to help them down. “Good afternoon, ladies. That was some parade, wasn’t it?”

  “Hi, Zach.” Aurora beamed.

  “Hello, Zachery.” Tori greeted him with a smile. A bright red lip print still blazed on his cheek. “What a lovely shade of red.”

  Aurora handed him a handkerchief and pointed to his cheek.

  Zach blushed profusely. “Felicity’s in town.”

  “You look funny with lip rouge on.” Aurora nudged him with her elbow.

  Tori was pleased to see Aurora effortlessly chatting, not stuttering even once.

  “I’ve spread a blanket for us under that big oak.” Zach pointed to a large tree on the fringe of the activity. “I’ll get us som
e punch and meet you two over there.”

  They watched him head toward the refreshment tables set under the gazebo in the center of the square.

  People strolled past, greeting them with friendly smiles, introducing themselves and welcoming Tori to Savannah. She scanned the square and found her father involved in a lively discussion at the gazebo with some gentlemen from the club. Marveling at his improved condition, she reflected on what a difference this trip had made in him. The lines around his eyes had softened, and he acted years younger. The respite from his responsibilities had been good for him.

  They found the quilted spread and settled down to relax under the shade of the enormous tree. Tori was soon caught up in the jovial spirit of the day. To the delight of a group of children, a tiny dancing monkey on a leash did backward flips while his master turned the crank of a music box. Other children ran behind a rolling hoop, keeping it upright with large sticks.

  “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of an introduction.” A low female voice purred above them.

  Tori shielded her eyes from the sun to see who was speaking. Her eyes widened in recognition.

  “Felicity Jenkins Duff. And you are?”

  “Felicity meet Lady Victoria Haverwood,” Zach joined them with drinks in his hands. “Of course, you already know Aurora.”

  Felicity moved to stand in front of Tori and made a show of looking the younger woman over. A feline grin curled her painted lips.

  “How do you do?” Tori adopted a guarded tone out of sheer instinct.

  “I do exceptionally well, thank you. I’ve certainly never had any complaints, anyway.” She turned her whole body toward Zach. “Darling, where is your brother? He promised to see me later.”

  Tori gritted her teeth. Something about the woman set her on edge.

  “I can’t say, Felicity. But if I know Nicholas, he’s probably gone up to the offices for a while.” He tipped his head toward the building on Commerce Row. “We got back from business in Boston yesterday, so I imagine he’s catching up on a few things.”

  “Well, he and I have a few things to catch up on as well.” Felicity fluttered her eyes over to Tori. “I hear you’ve just arrived from overseas somewhere.” She tilted her head to the side and looked at Tori through slanted eyes, untying the thick red ribbons of her sun hat. “Did you make the trip aboard a Saberton vessel?”

  Felicity more than likely knew they had come over under Nicholas’s escort. Until it became clearer why she was asking, Tori chose to exercise caution.

  “We did indeed.”

  “I must speak to Nicholas about taking on passengers. Once we are married I intend to see the entire fleet is limited to cargo only. Much more money to be made than having to cater to a bunch of spoiled world travelers. No offense to you, of course.”

  “Am I missing something?” A tall, attractive woman stepped up to join the group. “I wasn’t aware Nicholas had asked you to marry him.”

  Felicity, obviously taken by surprise, drew in a sharp breath that threatened to spill the contents of her strained bodice.

  “As a matter of fact, I wasn’t aware that he had any serious intentions toward you at all.” The lady directed a look at Felicity who mumbled something incoherent then turned to leave.

  Tori’s admiration for the new arrival soared. She wasn’t used to witnessing a lady speak her mind and in such a pleasant tone, as if they’d been simply discussing the weather. True finesse.

  “I’m glad you’re here.” Zach slipped an arm around the lady’s shoulder. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Tori saw the resemblance between them immediately.

  Before Zach could make the introduction, the lady offered her hand to Tori with a genuine smile. “Hello, I’m Zach’s mother. Dottie Saberton.”

  “Lady Victoria Haverwood.” Taking her hand, Tori was impressed by the butter-soft kid gloves that stretched over her fingers. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  “Hello, Aurora. How’s Charlotte?” Dottie Saberton knelt next to Aurora and folded her parasol. “Zach, would you mind getting me something to drink, love? The ride down left me completely parched.”

  “Mama is fine.” Aurora scanned the grounds for some sign of the birdcage. “She’s around here somewhere.”

  “No doubt sporting some hideous millinery creation as usual.” Dottie Saberton wore a half smile that was so very familiar.

  Aurora clapped her hands together with glee. “She is, Mrs. Dottie. But you’re the only one I know who can get away with saying that to her. Mother adores you.”

  “It’s mutual I assure you. Charlotte and I took our lessons together as girls, longer ago than either of us care to remember.”

  “Did you happen to know my father?” Tori asked. “He visited Savannah when Uncle Percy and Aunt Charlotte were married.”

  “We met. Must have been some twenty years ago.”

  “Twenty-five,” Aurora provided.

  “It seems he was quite taken with Savannah. I can’t imagine why he’s waited so long to come back to visit.” Tori moved over to make room for Zach returning with his mother’s punch.

  “Perhaps the memory was too painful. Thank you, Zach.” Mrs. Saberton took the glass and brought it to her lips.

  Too painful?

  There was more Mrs. Saberton wasn’t saying, but Tori resisted the urge to ply her with questions. Perhaps she could find out more when they became better acquainted.

  I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

  ~ Louisa May Alcott

  Ten

  As the afternoon progressed, Tori was taken with the easy way Dottie Saberton handled herself. Though she was the epitome of elegance, she said and did exactly as she pleased. And everyone seemed to love her for it.

  Nicholas’s mother reminded Tori of country gentry she’d known in England, highborn yet approachable. From the way the townspeople strolled by to greet her, all with open respect and admiration, it was apparent they held her in high esteem.

  “You two must come up to Brechenridge sometime to have a look at our new Arabians.” Mrs. Saberton had removed her wide-brimmed hat and Tori admired the healthy pink in her cheeks. Obviously she wasn’t as concerned about the ill effects of the sun as Aunt Charlotte.

  “Mama’s acquired an impressive stable.” Zach lay stretched out on his side, tossing blades of grass at Aurora. “And we have the tastiest Peach Buckle this side of Atlanta.”

  “I’d like that very much.” The thought of visiting Nicholas’s childhood home was intriguing. “So, your estate is named for your great uncle? Quite a gallant name, indeed.”

  “Oh you should see it, Tori.” Aurora swept a blade of grass from her skirt as Zach tossed another in its place. “Twice the size of Hermitage plantation. And there’s a gazebo with a white swing looking out over the most beautiful lake.

  “It sounds lovely.” Tori nodded toward a white mare tethered to a tree. “Is that one of your Arabians, by chance?”

  “Yes, indeed. Her name’s Liberty. I recently picked her up from out near Richmond.” Mrs. Saberton spoke with obvious pride. “Would you like to have a closer look?”

  “She’s magnificent.” Tori rose easily to her feet and brushed at her skirt. “I’ve missed my own mare terribly while we’ve been away.”

  “Have you a large stable?” Mrs. Saberton took purposeful strides.

  “Not overly. Three geldings, and two mares. One is my personal mount.”

  Nearing the beautiful creature, Tori picked up her pace. The horse was not at all skittish and held her head high. “There, now. That’s a good girl.” Tori stroked the white horse, speaking to her in a soft voice. Liberty nudged her hand as Tori stroked her forelock. “Hungry, eh? Let’s see if we can’t find you a nice treat.”

  Mrs. Saberton handed Tori an apple from her skirt pocket, and patted the mare’s flank. Tori felt the elder lady watching her closely, seemingly taking in every feature.

  “She trusts
you, Victoria. She doesn’t take to just anyone.” Mrs. Saberton’s gaze didn’t waiver.

  “I’d like to think she understands my appreciation for her. She is exquisite.” Tori laughed when the horse nodded in apparent agreement. “Ah, and she’s modest as well. Yes, you are.”

  “Good.” The lady smiled kindly. “Then I’ll speak to my son and have him make plans to bring you riding in the near future. I’m proud of our horses.” Mrs. Saberton had a pleasant Georgian lilt in her voice. “Would you enjoy a day spent riding her?”

  “That would be glorious.” Riding was one activity Tori dearly missed.

  “Good, you can plan on spending the weekend. I’ll have Nicholas contact you as to which weekend would be most convenient.”

  “Nicholas?”

  “Is that a problem?” Mrs. Saberton asked lifting a brow.

  A fluttering sensation washed over Tori just thinking about spending a weekend in the country with Nicholas. “Well, no, not exactly. That is, I rather expect that Nicholas is far too busy for such an outing. Perhaps Zachery could find the time.”

  “Nonsense. Nicholas is due a visit. Besides, if Nicholas comes, Zach will come, too.” Mrs. Saberton placed a gloved hand over Tori’s. “Whatever it is he’s done to offend you, dear, I’m sure he didn’t do it intentionally.”

  “I’m afraid I must disagree.” Tori was shocked at the surge of emotion brought on by the mere mention of him. “Nicholas is quite intentional when it comes to provoking me. I’m certain he’s made a sport of it.”

  Embarrassment finally caught up with her and she nibbled her lip. Perhaps she’d spoken too freely.

  Mrs. Saberton tilted her head. “Most young ladies are more than happy to overlook a little teasing now and then, just to have the chance to be with him. I’m glad to see you aren’t one of them.”

  “I most certainly am not,” Tori said with conviction, then sighed after giving it more thought. “Truthfully, Nicholas baffles me. I don’t understand him most of the time.”

  “He doesn’t want to be understood.” Mrs. Saberton replied flatly.