Courting Holly (9 page)

As the sun rose in the east she saw the folly in her quest. If she had simply waited a bit longer she could have asked Catherine or even his family for his address. Instead she’d run on impulse. She directed the horse to stop the gig at the southeast corner of Forsythe Park. “Father God, I seem more impulsive these days. And you seem more distant. I need someone to talk to. In truth, I need Bryce.”

She mumbled her prayer and sat. Birdsong filled the morning air. The creak of the leather harness as the horse came to a complete stop caused her to pause and take in the still surroundings. Some folks were heading to work. Servants into the larger homes that lined the park entered through the rear or side entrances. Men dressed in black suits with white starched shirts exited through the front doors and headed north toward the wharfs, exchange and banks to begin their day. But no sign of Bryce. More than likely he’d be heading from town to his family home in a short while. Perhaps she could catch him there.

Holly eased the horse backward and then pivoted the horse and gig to turn to the right and down a side street.

“Holly Graham, is that you?” a woman’s voice shrieked from off to her left.

She pulled back the reins and guided the horse to a stop.

“Well, I’ll be. Where you comin’ from at this hour? It’s good to see you.”

“Jessie?” She and Jessie had attended school together. Jessie had graduated a year before Holly.

“Sure ’nough. Hey, I heard about your mother, I’m so sorry. How are you? And what has you in town so early in the morning?”

“Couldn’t sleep, and thank you.”

“Ain’t never lost no one close to me but my ma did and she had a difficult time sleeping. So, I suppose you is normal.”

Holly smiled. Jessie never had learned to use grammar and proper speech, even after years in fine schools. She was, however, an upstanding and honest person. “Thank you. I don’t feel normal.”

“I suspect you won’t for a long time. How’s the rest of the family?”

“We’re each dealing with it in our own way. Father is trying to hold everything together, but he is relying on me to help raise the kids.”

“Reckon that would be your job.”

“Is this your home?”

“Goodness, no. Me and my husband have a small place south of here. I’ve been told there is a house for sale and I thought I’d check it out.”

Holly’s heart quickened. “Which house? Who’s the owner?”

“Bryce Jarvis. His sister Catherine and I were in the same grade. You knew her, right?”

“Yes. Where’s the house?” She didn’t want to give the appearance of being overly interested in Bryce.

“Just down here a bit. Bryce said if I came early he’d show me the place. My husband, Jeff Turner, well, he had to go to work and said I should look it over before he does. If it don’t fit my needs, then well, why would he need to waste his time?”

“Do you mind if I join you?”

“Be a pleasure, another set of eyes, you know what I mean. Mr. Bryce, he said he bought the place in disrepair, but Catherine said he fixed it up real nice. Catherine gave me the impression that he purchased the place for himself and a future wife but apparently their relationship didn’t work out. Jeff’s hoping it is within our price range. He’s not one to take advantage of a man down on his luck but he’s not against a bargain, either.”

Holly’s hands started to shake. She wanted to see Bryce but coming with a woman who was inquiring to buy the house he’d purchased for them... She didn’t want to hurt him further. “You know, I probably should get home and make certain my siblings head off to school.”

“Ah, well, know that you’ve been in my prayers.”

“Thank you, Jessie. It means a lot.”

“You’re more than welcome. Give my regards to your family.”

“I will.” Holly jiggled the reins. The horse eased forward.

Jessie walked toward her goal.

A desire to see Bryce and the house grew. She closed her eyes and contemplated stopping again.

“Holly, are you all right?” Jessie’s steps quickened.

Holly pulled back on the reins. “Jessie, would you give Mr. Jarvis a message for me?”

“Sure.”

She licked her lips. Asking Jessie meant letting others know. “Tell him Miss Landers would like to see him.”

“Be happy to.”

Holly gave a weak smile and a wave. “Thank you. Have a blessed day.”

Jessie beamed. “I surely am hoping to.”

Holly headed south; away from the man she would have loved to spend the day with. She was headed home, but the place no longer felt the same. All the comfort of the past was lost with her mother. Comfort and calm were replaced with anxiety and lack of sleep. Did death have to be so exhausting?

Chapter 9

B
ryce held the door open for Jessie Turner. He hesitated at the thought of potential buyers entering his home. But Catherine had mentioned the house to a friend, and Bryce realized the house had been ready to show for weeks. He’d been holding on to a hope that maybe Holly would change her mind. She’d been home for several weeks and he had not heard one word from her. Whatever hope he’d had diminished a little each day.

“Thank you for coming so early.” Bryce closed the door behind them.

“Pleased to do it. Before I forget, I just saw Holly Graham and she asked me to pass on a message to ya that a Miss Landers would like to see you.”

His pulse quickened. “Thank you. Where did you see Miss Graham?”

“On Park Avenue. She’s havin’ a rough time with the loss of her mother. My, my, the pain she must be sufferin’ from. She’s such a sweet girl, takin’ care of her family. Of course, you know all that. I forget you’re neighbors.”

“Yes, I know the Graham family. So, shall I show you the house?”

He wanted to jump on his horse and run off after Holly and not show his house. Not sleeping, early morning rides alone in the city didn’t bode well for Holly. These were not healthy choices for a young woman to make.

After a brief tour of the house Jessie asked, “I know this might sound strange, Mr. Jarvis, but would it be all right if I’s can stay around for a bit longer, see if I can get a feel for the place? Jeff and I want to start a family and, well, I needs to know if we will feel comfortable here.”

“Normally I would say no. However, since you’re such a good friend of my sister’s, I’d be happy to let you wander around a bit. Sit a spell in the garden, there’s so much more that could be done to that area. I will not be able to stay, I’m sorry to say. There is some business I must attend to right away.”

A smile lit up Jessica’s rosy cheeks. “I understand. Thank you.”

Bryce felt certain he’d made a sale and the heavy yoke around his neck might soon be lifted. Holly’s thinly veiled message, on the other hand, reignited a quivering hope that possibly, just possibly, she still wanted to be a part of his life. He raced to the carriage house and led his horse out, having saddled him earlier for a ride. Spurring the animal into a gallop, he left the house behind in a cloud of dust.

As he approached the turn-off to his family’s plantation he could see Holly riding ahead in the gig. He brought the horse to a halt. Overzealousness had already pushed her away once. Reluctantly he turned the horse toward the plantation, deciding to write a note instead. Perhaps that would help him gain some control over his emotions.

The entire weight of Holly’s anguish began to settle on his heart. How had he not seen this before? In the midst of her grief and confusion he had thrust his plans, his desires and his dreams for their future upon her. Holly needed the security of his friendship, and he had left her feeling manipulated, controlled and alone.

Once at the house he went straight to the den, penned a brief message, sealed it with wax and pressed his ring into the seal. He would give it to one of the hands to deliver to the Graham estate.

His mother’s bright voice fell like sunshine on his heavy mood. “Good morning, son. You’re in early.”

Bryce looked up from his desk to see his mother in the doorway. “I showed Mrs. Turner the house, and she asked to spend some time alone to get a feel for the place.”

His mother cocked her right eyebrow. “That’s unusual.”

Bryce shrugged and pushed himself up from his desk. “Anyone heading to the Grahams’ today?”

“I’ll be going. It seems John will be taking appointments for a housekeeper today.”

“Oh? Isn’t that Holly’s job?”

“It will give Holly a break so she can help with the children.”

Bryce wagged his head from side to side. “Don’t you think the parenting should belong solely on Mr. Graham’s shoulders?”

“Normally I’d agree, but apparently Tiffany has...” Her words trailed off.

He saw the concern and embarrassment in his mother’s face. “Has she been harmed?” he asked, coming to his feet. He’d take care of anyone who took advantage of one of the Graham children.

His mother raised her hand. “She’s fine, more or less. Oh phooey, you might as well know. Tiffany kissed a boy and John is all upset about it. Apparently she wanted to be kissed but the boy made fun of her afterward.”

Bryce’s thoughts raced back to the awkward, sometimes painful experiences with girls during his school years. “Was she looking for a relationship or simply a kiss?”

“Hard to say. John admits he was so beside himself he didn’t hear everything she told him. Thankfully, she’d spoken with Holly first and got some good advice. Holly even sent Tiffany in to confess to her father.”

“She is a remarkable woman.”

His mother smiled. “Why did you ask?”

Bryce thought back on the myriad occasions he and Holly had had conversations over the years about male-female relationships—what was proper, what was not... “Ask? Ask what?”

“You asked if someone was going to the Grahams’.”

“Oh, sorry. This news about Tiffany startled me. I have a note for Holly, if you wouldn’t mind taking it over.”

“I don’t believe John will give you any further trouble, Bryce. I’m sure he’s forgiven you by now.”

How could he explain to his mother? “That isn’t the problem. The message is best delivered this way.”

“All right, if you say so. If you want my opinion, though, you need to see her and speak with her personally. You cannot keep blaming yourself for her reactions following the death of her mother.”

“I know. But she sent word that she would like me to contact her, so I’m simply replying.”

“By a note rather than in person?”

“It’s appropriate, Mother.”

“Fine. I’ll step away and let you handle your own affairs. You’ve been doing that for quite some time now.”

“You’re not still upset that I moved out, are you?”

“No, dear. It was time. I just wish... Oh, I don’t know what I wish. You purchased a house without our knowledge—not that you had to tell us, of course... But why the secret?”

“As I told you and Father before, it was a foolish desire to surprise Holly. I won’t be making that mistake again.”

“And why the active social life, all of a sudden?”

“Mother, please.”

“Oh, all right. But you are making a mistake. You are not going to find the woman you are looking for when you already know who she is. Be patient, son. That is all I’m suggesting.”

Bryce sighed. “Patience is the reason for this note.”

“See, that wasn’t that hard to admit, was it?”

Bryce chuckled. “Touché.”

His mother came over and embraced him in a bear hug. “I love you, son.”

“I know. And I love you, too.”

She parted with a tap on his shoulder. “I shall deliver your note.”

Bryce nodded. He had moved out on his own, at least in part, to create some distance from his parents’ meddling in his life. He realized now that such a time would never come, not unless he moved away from Savannah. While that was not a real option, of course, it did offer the benefit of no longer confronting his lost love.

But what about the message from Mrs. Turner? Knowing now what he’d learned about Tiffany, perhaps that was all Holly wanted to talk with him about. Bryce sucked in a deep breath, bracing himself for the inevitable encounter that would amount to nothing more than offering brotherly advice. “Why didn’t I tell her how I really felt about her back in college?” he muttered out loud.

“Tell who what?” Chad asked as he sauntered into the office.

* * *

“Holly, my dear!” Cynthia Jarvis called out as she entered the kitchen. “How are you?”

“Fine, thank you, and you?”

“Fine. Oh, before I forget.” She pulled an envelope out from her skirt pocket. “Bryce asked me to give you this.”

Holly reached out to receive the proffered note. “Thank you. How is he?”

“He’s doing well.” Cynthia grabbed an apron from its wall hook and tied it on. “Your father has asked me to help interview potential housekeepers. Will you be involved with the interviews, as well?”

“Father hasn’t asked for my input.” Holly traced the wax imprint made from Bryce’s ring. “Will you excuse me for a moment?”

“Certainly.” Cynthia Jarvis went to the stove. “Rabbit stew?”

“Yes, Calvin insisted again. He likes his hunting, but I’m tired of the rabbit stew and I know his brothers are, too.”

“He probably finds comfort in the hunting. Something to put his mind on rather than thinking about missing his mother.”

“Yes, I believe you are right but... It doesn’t matter. We’ll eat the stew.”

Cynthia smiled and picked up where she’d left off the last time she was in the kitchen, drying herbs and preparing the household for winter. Holly didn’t mind. It was one less thing she needed to concern herself with. A few short months ago her life seemed so carefree. Now... Holly fingered the letter and headed up to her room. She broke the seal and read.

Dear Holly,

Jessie Turner said she’d run into you and asked that I get in touch with you. As you are well aware, I have moved into the city. I reside on the corners of Broadway and East Park Ave. You can send your correspondence there. I am at your service in whatever capacity you need me to be.

Affectionately,

Bryce

Holly read the short missive one more time. What was she hoping to find? She had only asked that he get in touch with her, and he had. Did she expect him to declare his love for her? At least he stated he would be available. “What do you want from him?” she chided herself and began to pace in her room. She wanted more. She wanted him, his friendship, their long conversations about everything and nothing at all.

“Dear God, help me.”

Holly collapsed into the reading chair and looked out the window. The river flowed eternally by, bright and peaceful. Her thoughts drifted away in its hypnotic current until the tree-studded banks turned into a canal in Venice, Italy. She could feel the misty breeze on her face as her gondola glided along, the gondolier at the stern with his long paddle, and Bryce reclined beside her. A sigh of longing passed over her parted lips with the realization that she loved him. She had always loved him, wanted him, even envied him. The mystical canal swirled back to the river she knew so well, and to the present. An overwhelming sense of determination swelled up within her. She had loved Bryce for as long as she could remember. She would do whatever it took to get him back in her life.

Holly stood, went to her dressing table and straightened her hair. She would meet Tiffany at school and take her shopping, then bring her home. After that she would follow her heart and try to establish a relationship with Bryce once again.

Holly left her room for the carriage house, prepared the Jenny Lind buggy and set off to take care of her responsibilities with Tiffany. She then proceeded on her mission to find Bryce at his home on the corner of Broadway and East Park Avenue. What she didn’t expect to find was Jessie and Jeff Turner examining his house.

“Holly, twice in one day,” Jessie called out.

“Hello again, Jessie. So, you liked the house?”

“Yes ’em. He did a mighty fine job restoring the old place. Most of the houses here are fairly new, but this one has been around for nearly eighty years. It has a larger piece of property and, well, you must know all about it.”

“No, I haven’t visited here before.” Holly suddenly realized her missed opportunity. “Is Mr. Jarvis home?”

“No, I’m afraid not. I brought Jeff here right from work.” Jessie tugged on her husband’s sleeve and introduced him. “Jeff, this is Holly Graham. Holly, this here is my husband, Jeff Turner. He’s not from around here. He’s actually a Yank, but I don’t hold it against him.”

Jeff chuckled, and Holly smiled. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Turner.” She extended her hand. He received it with refinement.

“Pleasure is all mine, Miss Graham.”

“Actually, my name is Landers. I’m going by my given name these days.”

“Landers? Given name? Do tell?” Jessie came closer to the buggy.

“Nothing much to tell. My mother was married before she met John Graham. We used Graham so as not to confuse teachers, the other children and so on.”

“So your father died?” Jessie asked.

“Jessica,” Jeff chided.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to...well, actually, I did. What happened, if you don’t mind me knowing?”

“It isn’t a secret.” Holly briefly and matter-of-factly explained about her mother’s first marriage.

“Well, goodness me! I never would have guessed such a thing.”

And Holly never thought she’d be explaining all this. However, if she wasn’t going to continue the secret, she knew she would be explaining the story again and again. No one needed to know that it had been a shock to her, as well.

“Oh, wait, you had me pass on a message to Bryce this morning from a Miss Landers. So that would be you?”

“Yes.” Holly secured the reins and eased out of the buggy. Jeff Turner extended a hand to help balance her.

“Do ya know if Mr. Jarvis will be returning soon?” Jessie asked. “I was hoping to show Jeff the house with Bryce here.”

“I honestly don’t know.” Holly walked around to the rear of the buggy and lifted the basket of prepared food she had brought for her and Bryce.

Jeff took his wife’s hand. “It appears Mr. Jarvis will be having company this evening. We can return again.”

The sound of a galloping horse caught everyone’s attention. Holly smiled at the sight of Bryce. He stiffened noticeably in his saddle when he recognized her. “Hello,” he called out. His glance shifted to the basket and back to her and then to Jessie and Jeff. “Is there an evening affair at the park tonight?”

“No.” Jessie smiled. “Jeff and I were wondering if we could see the house. And Holly...well, she has some other kind of plans I’d say.”

Holly felt the heat rise on her cheeks.

“The wife and I will take our leave, Mr. Jarvis. She is very excited about your home. Shall we plan another time for a closer inspection?”

“That would be fine, Mr. Turner.” Bryce and Jeff shook hands and the couple headed toward the park.