Mockingbird's Call (12 page)

“If you're sure you don't mind. . .”

Jared thought for a minute of the article he had promised to have finished by this evening. His editor had asked for a piece applauding the brave men and women who risked life and limb to resist the Confederate takeover of Knoxville. It was complete, but he had planned to go over it once more before sending it to his editor. Yet how could he disappoint Amelia? “I'm at your service. When would you like to leave?”

“It will only take me a few moments to get my wrap.”

Her open appreciation made him feel like a conquering hero. “I will call for the carriage and meet you in the foyer in fifteen minutes.” He followed her out of the library, his feet barely touching the floor as he anticipated the time they would spend together.

❧

“I don't know if the carriage will hold much more.” Jared pointed at the small mountain of boxes lashed to the roof and piled in the boot. “We may have to send Tabitha home separately and then get the coachman to come back after us.”

“Perhaps you're right, but I am not finished.” Amelia reviewed her mental shopping list. She still lacked several items. “There is at least one small purchase I must still make.”

He did not groan or even sigh at her pronouncement. Jared Stuart was obviously a patient man. They had visited five different establishments. He had been polite and attentive at each one, but he had grown noticeably more animated while they were at the bookseller's. He had perused the inventory with great interest and discussed several titles with the proprietor. She was glad he'd been distracted there, as it had allowed her to make a special purchase, but she wondered how many more stops he would allow before rebelling.

“What if we send the carriage home and stop for a luncheon before continuing our raid on the local merchants? I know of a quaint establishment not far from here.”

She smiled and squeezed his arm. “What a wonderful escort you have been. Far better than Benjamin.”

“I have two older sisters who taught me the intricacies of shopping from an early age.” He left her for a moment to instruct the coachman. As the carriage rattled off, he returned to where she stood, a warm smile on his face. She liked his smile. It was strong yet gentle, the look of a man of strong principles. And although Amelia wouldn't admit it to anyone, his smile caused a flutter in the center of her stomach.

There was so much to admire about Jared, not the least of which was his willingness to fall in with her plans. As they joked and laughed the morning away, she learned that they shared many of the same convictions.

Walking with Jared to the restaurant he had mentioned, Amelia noticed the gleam from the storefront of a local jeweler. She inclined her head slightly. “What is in that display window?”

Jared drew her closer so they could both see a beautiful display of ladies' brooches, some encased in gold swirls, others surrounded by silver or pearls. Each oval depicted a different subject, although most were portraits of ladies. But Amelia was drawn to one in particular. Its frame was jet black and shiny, but it was the bird painted on the porcelain center that made her look more closely. It was a slender bird with dark gray wings, a white throat, and a light gray head with a sharp black beak. “Look, it's my mockingbird!”

She felt Jared's arm stiffen and looked away from the brooch to see why. He was looking at her like she had grown a second head or something. She had never seen Jared looking so. . .so disgusted. She had thought his eyes were more brown than green, but the sunlight seemed to catch on the green flecks behind his spectacles. Or maybe that was anger. “What has upset you?”

The green in his eyes faded somewhat. “I. . .it's nothing. . .only a difference of opinion.”

“What? You don't like the mockingbird brooch?”

He shook his head and pulled her away from the window. “Don't you ever feel sorry for the bird caged in your home?”

She pulled her hand away from his arm. “Sorry? Why should I? The bird seems quite content. He is fed regularly and does not have to worry about being attacked by a hawk or another predator.”

Jared sighed. “But does he have the freedom to fly through the forest or watch his nestlings first take wing?”

The question struck her like a runaway carriage. “But if he was so unhappy, would he continue to sing?”

Holding his arm out to her once more, Jared shrugged. “Perhaps he sings to keep his spirits up.”

Amelia allowed him to lead her down the street, her mind chewing on the question Jared had asked. Did she have the right to deny her bird its freedom? Was she as bad as her parents? She accused them of treating others as less important than their own comfort. A small voice whispered in her ear that she was no different. She had caged up one of God's creatures for her own pleasure.

So lost was she in her contemplation that Amelia didn't realize they were being hailed until the Montgomery carriage pulled up beside them. “Whatever is wrong?”

Their coachman, a young man whose shoulders were not nearly as wide as his uniform, looked scared. “They stopped me just up the road, miss.”

“Who stopped you?” Jared pushed at his spectacles and glanced back the way the carriage had come.

Amelia looked inside the carriage to make certain Tabitha was not hurt, but it was empty. “Where is Miss Tabitha?”

The coachman raised his arm and pointed behind him. “They said she had no papers—” His voice cracked. “They said she was a wanted woman and they was taking her back to her master in Georgia.”

Panic-laced energy flooded Amelia, making her light-headed. “We must rescue Tabitha. She is not an escaped slave.” She gripped Jared's arm. “Please, we have to do something.”

“Don't worry.” Jared's face had turned white, but he managed a quick smile. “No one is going to take her.” He helped her into the coach, but instead of joining her on the inside,he climbed up next to the coachman. “Let's find Miss Tabitha.”

The coach sped through the crowded street. Amelia grabbed the hanging straps to keep her seat as they bounced through mud holes and swerved to miss oncoming traffic.
Please keep Tabitha safe, Lord. Help us reach her in time.
The two phrases echoed over and over again as they searched for the men who had abducted her friend. Stories persisted of bounty hunters who searched for runaway slaves in free states and returned them home to their masters. But Tennessee was not a free state, and Tabitha was not a runaway. If she'd had any idea that bounty hunters were a problem, Amelia would have insisted that Tabitha carry papers of identification on her. But this was the first she'd heard of such an incident. Of course, advertisements for missing slaves were placed in the newspaper on a daily basis, but no one ever seemed to pay them much heed. Especially lately. With the increased military presence, it was terribly ironic that personal safety had lessened.

The pedestrians passed as a blur, but still Amelia searched for Tabitha's face. The cloak she'd worn today was an old one of Amelia's, dark blue in color, with black braiding and large buttons. Amelia's eyes searched frantically. More soldiers than civilians occupied the street, but she still could not spot Tabitha's cloak.

A cry from above alerted her. She prayed one of them had found Tabitha. The carriage lurched to a sudden halt and rocked as Jared leapt from it.

Amelia pushed open the door of the carriage and climbed out clumsily since no one was there to help her alight. She rushed forward to catch up with Jared, her breath coming in gasps.

Two burly men held a frightened Tabitha between them. One was well over six feet tall with bulky arms and a thick chest. The other's weight was almost all contained in his round belly. Both had long, scraggly beards that hid most of their facial features.

“She is not a runaway.” Jared was speaking to the taller man. “She belongs to a friend of mine.”

“Well, and ain't that lucky.” The shorter man spat on the ground and gripped Tabitha's arm more tightly.

“Let go of her!” Amelia flung herself at him and raised her leg to kick him, but she was pulled back by a strong arm. She hit Jared's chest hard enough to see stars.

“You'd better hold on to your little missy.” The taller man pulled on his beard with one hand and stared at them. “I wonder how much your wife thinks this gal is worth.”

Amelia opened her mouth to correct him but was forestalled when Jared somehow moved her back behind hisright shoulder. “Tabitha belongs to this lady.”

“I see.” The taller one shook Tabitha's arm. “Ya got papers to prove it, missy?”

“My word is good enough, and you know it.” Jared's voice was a low growl. “You will release her to me, or we will go to General Zollicoffer and see if he can sort this out.”

All the bluster went out of the tall man. He tossed a look at his companion. “I guess we was mistook, Orin. This gal must not be the one we's lookin' fer.”

Orin scratched his beard before nodding. He let go of Tabitha's arm.

She pulled away from the taller man and stepped toward them, nearly falling into Amelia's embrace.

“Can you walk, dearest?” Amelia forced the words past the lump in her throat.

A nod answered her.

Then Jared's arm came around both of them, and he guided them back to the carriage. He put Tabitha in first before giving a hand to Amelia. “I'll ride up front and let you two have some privacy.”

Amelia touched his cheek with a gloved hand. “Thank you. I don't know what we would have done if not for your fast thinking.” She smiled as his face reddened. He was such a good man—kindhearted, strong, smart. If only he had any interest in her. . .

On the way home, Amelia held Tabitha close and stroked her back as she cried into a handkerchief. It was time to send Tabitha north. Jared's words about Amelia's mockingbird came back. Tears came to her own eyes as she considered losing touch with her friend. But it was time to do the right thing. She would make contact with Mrs. Downing and arrange for Tabitha to leave as soon as possible.

Perhaps this was the reason God had let her become embroiled in the Underground Railroad in the first place. Once Tabitha was gone, the Mockingbird would disappear. She would stick to her role as a vapid debutante and sever all ties with the abolitionists.

Twelve

Jared dressed carefully for the Christmas celebration. With all the time and energy the ladies had put into it, he had no doubt the evening ahead would be a memorable occasion. A glance in the mirror told him his cravat was straight. He slipped his arms into the navy blue frock coat and tucked a small package into the pocket of his blue silk waistcoat. Satisfied with his clothing, he brushed his hair toward his face, using a bit of pomade to hold it in place. Then he retrieved his spectacles, carefully wiped them clean on a damp cloth, and placed them on his face.

A sigh left his mouth as his reflection became clearer. He would never be as handsome as Luke Talbot or as charming as Benjamin Montgomery. His only talent seemed to lie in writing strong articles. Another sigh filled him. Not a talent to overwhelm the ladies. But perhaps that was best. He had the feeling he would soon be forced to choose a side in the war, and then there would be no time for romance.

Jared left his room and headed down the hall. Anticipation made his steps light. Did Amelia have a gift for him? But why would she? His inability to resist purchasing something special for her did not mean she would have anything to give him.

“Come on down, man.” Benjamin beckoned him with an impatient gesture. “We are anxious to see what Amelia and my mother have wrought in the parlor.”

Jared hurried down the stairs. “I'm sorry to keep everyone waiting.” A quick glance took in Amelia's ruby red gown. White lace fell from her shoulders to her elbows in three scal
loped layers, caught up in the center with a silk carnation. She was standing close to Luke Talbot and conversing with him.

Jared wished he could draw her attention away from Luke. He longed to hold her close and protect her from harm. He remembered how terrified he'd been the day Tabitha had been abducted. If any harm had come to Amelia, he would never have forgiven himself. But even in the tense situation when he'd stopped her foolhardy attack on the bounty hunter, a part of his mind had registered and memorized the feel of her in his arms.

He wondered if she remembered it at all. Sometimes he believed she was warming to him, but then Luke would drop by in his eye-catching uniform and whisk her away to an outing or party. When did the man find time to serve the Confederacy? His eyes narrowed as Luke put a proprietary hand at her waist. Had things progressed so far between them?

Jared grimaced and caught a surprised look on Mrs. Montgomery's face. He stretched his mouth into a smile and bowed in her direction. “Happy Christmas.”

She inclined her head. “Happy Christmas, indeed.”

“Shall we go in?” Mr. Montgomery offered his hand to his wife.

Jared wished he could escort Amelia into the parlor, but at least Luke had to take his hand away from her waist to offer her his arm. It was small comfort for Jared's envious heart, but his displeasure faded as he and Benjamin followed the two couples into the parlor. The room was awash in the golden glow of candles and the fresh smell of pine. His gaze went to the tall tree that took up the front corner of the room. The angel perched on top of the tree nearly scraped the ceiling. He stepped closer, captivated by the ribbons, candles, and fruit garlands that decorated it.

“Do you like it?”

Jared nodded and turned to Amelia. Her eyes twinkled in the candlelight. “Beautiful.” Did she realize he was not only referring to the decorations?

“Yes, indeed.” Luke's voice was an unwelcome intrusion. “But I'm not surprised. Your talents have always included making a home cozy.”

“It was Aunt Laura's idea.” Her voice chided Luke gently, and Jared hid a smile behind a hand.

Mrs. Montgomery joined them beside the tree. “Your modesty becomes you, Amelia, but you are hiding your light under a bushel.” She smiled at Luke and Jared. “My niece was the designer. I could never have achieved all of this without her.”

Jared shook his head. “Your home is too beautiful and welcoming for me to believe you were not both equally responsible.”

“I agree.” Amelia linked arms with her aunt. “It took all of our talents to complete this.”

Mr. Montgomery poked at the fire and soon had a cheerful blaze going. “Shall we pass out the gifts?”

“Yes, dear.” Mrs. Montgomery settled herself on the sofa and patted the space next to her. “Jared, why don't you sit here and tell me about your family's traditions. I'm sure you must miss them very much.”

Benjamin and Amelia began sorting the gifts that were piled under the tree and handed them out to the occupants. Everyone had at least one thing to unwrap, even Luke. Jared fingered the sharp corners of the box in his pocket. Would Amelia like his gift? Was it too personal?

“Here is a little something for you.” Amelia held a rectangular package in her hand.

Jared stood up to accept the gift. It was obviously a book. He unwrapped it with a flourish and gasped. It was a first-edition copy of
A Christmas Carol
.

“Do you like it?” Her voice was hesitant.

“Yes, very much.” He opened it, his eyes widening when he saw Mr. Dickens's signature. It took him back to the day he'd first met Amelia. “I will treasure it always. It is the perfect present.”

“I'm glad.” Her stunning eyes twinkled like one of the trinkets on the Christmas tree. “I purchased it that day you took me shopping.”

“I have something for you, too.” He drew out the small box he'd been carrying and offered it to her.

Her mouth formed an O of surprise as she accepted the box. “What is it?”

“Why don't you sit down and open it?”

He watched a blush rise up to her cheeks. She sat down and carefully pried loose a corner of the brown paper wrapping. Anticipation quickened his pulse. It seemed to take forever, but finally she lifted the top of the velvet box.

“Oooh.” Her eyes widened and she looked upward, a wide smile on her face. “Thank you.”

Mrs. Montgomery bent toward her. “What do you have, dear?”

“It's a mockingbird brooch.” She held the box so her aunt could see it. “One I admired last week when Jared took me shopping.”

Luke elbowed him out of the way and bent over Amelia. “I have a Christmas gift I think you'll like.” He handed her a large box.

Amelia put the box in her lap while she fastened her new brooch to the collar of her dress. “Thank you, Jared.”

Jared felt ten feet tall. He had pleased her. The soft glow in her blue eyes made them appear deeper than ever. He could fall into their depths—so warm, so mysterious. Then she turned her attention to Luke Talbot. She opened her gift, a furry muff, and thanked him sweetly. Jared tried to gauge her pleasure with the second gift. He thought she liked the brooch more.

Soon the other gifts were all opened. He had received socks, a muffler, and a special cleaning solution for his spectacles. He was grateful for the Montgomerys' generosity, but nothing could compare to the book Amelia had given him.

Mrs. Montgomery clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. “Why don't we sing some Christmas carols?”

Her husband grumbled a little, but soon they were all gathered around the large piano. Mrs. Montgomery played, Benjamin turned the pages for her, and the rest of them sang. As his tenor melded with Amelia's soprano, Jared thought maybe this was the best evening of his life.

❧

Luke stood directly behind Amelia, but he was not singing with the rest of them. What was wrong? The other men were singing, although she had to acknowledge the Montgomery men could not carry a tune very well. She wished Luke would relax and enjoy the family entertainment. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jared singing his heart out. What a difference between the two men.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt when Luke tapped her on the shoulder. He inclined his head toward the door and sent her a look. She wondered what he wished to say to her in private. When the song ended, he drew her away with a laughing promise to return her to the festivities after a few moments.

He sandwiched one of her hands with his own. “I am concerned about the closeness growing between you and Stuart.”

Amelia's mouth dropped open. He had brought her out here for a lecture? “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Amelia”—his frown was terrible to behold—“he gave you jewelry. And you accepted it.”

She fingered the brooch. “My aunt and uncle didn't seem to find the gift improper.”

“I'm sure your father would not be as tolerant.” He paced the hall with long strides before returning to her side. “I'm not even certain he would approve of Jared staying here with all of you. He's practically branded himself a traitor.”

“He's done no such thing.” The words rushed out of her mouth in Jared's defense. “You can't believe he's a traitor just because he disagrees with you. He is expressing his beliefs, which I must say come closer to my own than to those of the slave hunters. Don't we have the same freedom of speech as we enjoyed when we were part of the Union?”

Luke spread out his hands, palms up. “I didn't mean to upset you, Amelia. I wanted to warn you to be a little more circumspect.”

He wanted what? “My father gave you the responsibility of escorting me to Knoxville, but he didn't give you the right to dictate my behavior.”

Instead of answering her right away, Luke reached into his pocket. “Please don't be so angry. I only have your best interests at heart. And to prove it, I have something I want to give you.”

With a sense of impending doom, Amelia watched as he dropped to one knee in front of her. He took her hand in his and pressed a warm kiss on it. She had read about such gestures and knew they should cause a tingle in her spine, or at least in her stomach, but she felt nothing. Nothing but apprehension.

She tried to listen to what Luke was saying. He had an earnest look on his face, and he was going on about his feelings and his duty. “Please say you will agree to marry me before I leave. You'll make me the happiest man in the Confederacy.” He stopped talking and lifted the lid on the velvet box.

How she wished it might have been another brooch or a hatpin. . .anything but an engagement ring. But there it was, a golden circle topped by a lovely blue sapphire. “I don't know—” Amelia swallowed hard. Her mind raced around like a mad bee, unable to light on the appropriate response. She knew what her father and mother would say. It was what they'd hoped would be the outcome of her stay with Uncle Francis and Aunt Laura—marriage to someone of Luke's caliber. But could she agree out of a sense of duty? Could she bind herself by oath to a man she did not love?

Or was love something that formed after the wedding? What if she was looking for some giddy happiness that was only a myth? And she had to consider the man kneeling before her. If she didn't agree to marry Luke, would he pine away for her? Hadn't she just heard him say he was leaving? What if she turned him down and he got himself killed for lack of her love? She couldn't bear the thought of being the cause of his death. She found herself nodding her head.

“Really?” Luke pulled the ring from its box and placed it on her finger. “I hope you like the ring. It reminded me of your beautiful eyes.”

He stood and pulled her into his arms. Feeling numb, Amelia allowed the embrace. But when she felt him plant a soft kiss on her forehead, she pushed him away. Luke frowned for a moment before relenting. “Let's go in and tell your family.”

Her heart thumped unpleasantly in her chest. Did they have to disrupt the festive evening? But delaying the inevitable was senseless. She took a deep breath and nodded.

Luke threw open the parlor doors and pulled her inside. “Excuse us, everyone, but I have an important announcement to make.”

Amelia wished she could match his wide smile, but all she could manage was a feeble imitation.

“Amelia has agreed to become my wife.”

Aunt Laura squealed and pushed away from the piano. “What wonderful news!” She clapped her hands. “And on Christmas Eve. The two of you will always remember the occasion of your engagement.”

Uncle Francis moved forward and slapped Luke on the back. “Well done, my boy. Well done. You've chosen a lovely bride and a good family.”

Benjamin echoed his father's sentiments and enveloped Amelia in a brief hug. “You will make a handsome couple.”

When she emerged from his hug, Amelia glanced toward Jared. He wasn't saying anything at all. Was his face pale? And what was the flicker of emotion she saw in his eyes before he looked down at the floor. Surely it had not been pain. What did he expect of her? To turn down Luke's offer?

She could not do it. It was fine for Jared to seek a rebellious path—he was a man. She had to live within society's strictures. Her parents had taught her that when they banished her to Knoxville. She was determined to be a dutiful daughter and please them. They had her best interests at heart. Besides, it was not like anyone else appeared interested. For all the men who visited her, Luke was the only one who had asked for her hand in marriage.

Amelia raised her chin and managed to form a slightly more enthusiastic smile. If a certain fastidious student thought she was making a mistake, she would prove him wrong. What did he know about such things, anyway? She would live her life as she thought best.

Her hand reached up to caress the brooch. She was free to make her own decisions.

A small voice whispered a warning in her mind.
You also have the freedom to regret your decisions for the rest of your life.