Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] (18 page)

‘‘I can see you realize the truth of my words.’’ He reached out and took hold of her. ‘‘I’m not asking you to lie and say you love me. I know that you do not. I am, however, demanding the respect I am due. If you want to be happy in this union, you will respect me and honor my wishes.’’

Jasmine knew there was little to be gained by agitating Bradley.

She would marry him no matter her desires. ‘‘Very well. I will do as I am bid.’’

Bradley seemed surprised by her response. He stared at her for several moments before saying, ‘‘But?’’

Jasmine shook her head. ‘‘But nothing. I have no say in this.

My father has arranged for the marriage. My husband doesn’t care that I feel nothing for him. My life has been decided for me and I am resigned to acquiesce.’’ The girlish dreams of her childhood faded into oblivion with the realization that nothing she longed for would ever be realized.

Bradley stepped back, dropping his hold. Jasmine thought he almost looked shocked—perhaps stunned by her declaration. But why? Why should he find this surprising? Then again, maybe it bothered him to realize that she was resigned to their union—not happy but no longer angry, merely reconciled. What a horrible revelation. Especially for one with Bradley’s passion for life.

Composing himself once again, Bradley asked, ‘‘And you will no longer put your life at risk for foolish notions?’’

‘‘It wouldn’t really serve any purpose, would it?’’ Jasmine said softly.

A tear trickled down Jasmine’s cheek as Mammy arranged the Honiton lace wedding veil onto her soft, honey-brown curls before carefully fastening it into place. She circled Jasmine, straightening the lace to accentuate the turkey-tail edging and delicate florets. ‘‘You jes’ as well quit that boo-hooin’. You know them tears ain’t gonna change nothing ’cept to make your face all splotchy.’’

Jasmine took the handkerchief Mammy offered and blotted her cheeks. ‘‘None of this is fair.’’ She was trying so hard to remain calm and resigned to her lot, but as the moment of her nuptials came closer, Jasmine found it more difficult. It was as if her heart were rising up in one last charge of emotion—one last moment of hope before her feelings were forever buried deep within.

‘‘Lots of things in life ain’t fair—don’t mean they gonna change. ’Sides, you gonna have Miss Alice livin’ nearby, and that’s a blessin’. She’ll make sure you okay.’’

‘‘Having Grandmother close at hand didn’t stop this wedding,’’ Jasmine curtly replied before patting Mammy’s hand. ‘‘I’m still hoping to take you with me, Mammy. Father hasn’t given me his final answer.’’

‘‘I don’ know iffen I’d be likin’ it up north. People says it’s mighty cold up der. ’Course, it might not be so bad, but I’d still miss da other slaves. Best you don’ be pushin’ at your pappy to send me along, or Mr. Bradley be gettin’ mad.’’

‘‘If Bradley said he had no objection to your coming, you wouldn’t be unhappy or complain, would you?’’

‘‘Complainin’ don’ do no more good than dem tears you was crying a few minutes ago. Jes’ a waste of time and words. Now stand up and let me see you afore I go and tend to your mama.’’

The old slave pressed a palm to her forehead and wiped away the beads of perspiration. ‘‘I’ll likely never get your mama dressed. Last night she tol’ me she was takin’ to her bed and never gettin’ back out.’’ Mammy moved her finger in a circular motion, and Jasmine slowly turned around for inspection. ‘‘You look mighty fine. Now sit down while I go and check on your mama and Miss Alice.’’

The bedroom door opened and Alice Wainwright stepped inside. Her attire was impeccable. A sapphire blue ruching bordered her silk gown and perfectly matched the beaded reticule she carried. ‘‘You take care of Madelaine. I’m ready,’’ she announced.

Her face was painstakingly powdered and rouged. A strand of iridescent pearls dangled from one finger. ‘‘For you, my dear. A wedding gift. Actually, I have another gift awaiting you in Lowell, but the pearls must suffice for now.’’

‘‘They are beautiful, Grandmother. Thank you so much.’’

Alice ran her fingers over the lace veil. ‘‘Not so beautiful as this wedding veil. When Bradley told me his mother’s veil could not be equaled, I questioned his words. But I’ve never seen such beautiful lace—or such a beautiful bride.’’

‘‘I wanted to wear
my
mother’s veil. I didn’t force him to wear clothing that belonged to a member of my family, so why should I be forced to wear
his
mother’s veil?’’

‘‘Bradley’s mother is dead. This is one way he can include her in his marriage. If the veil were unsightly, I would understand your feelings. However, it is stunning. You should be honored and delighted to wear it, Jasmine.’’

Jasmine sat quietly while her grandmother reached under the veil and arranged the pearls around her neck.

‘‘You don’t appear pleased. Perhaps I should have purchased an emerald. Would you have preferred an emerald? Or perhaps a diamond?’’

‘‘No, Grandmother, the pearls are perfect. Your gift is too generous, especially under these circumstances.’’

‘‘What do you mean,
these
circumstances?’’

‘‘You know this wedding is a farce. I don’t love Bradley Houston, and even though he seems to have convinced you and Father he cares for me, I believe he loves only his money. A man doesn’t barter for a wife and then avow he loves her.’’

‘‘Now, now, my dear. I’ve told you, it’s best you begin to think of your marriage in positive terms. When you wanted a chance to speak to your father on the matter, I completely understood.

However, you gave it your very best and the time for questioning the event is past. In time, I’m certain you’ll learn to care for Bradley. Perhaps you’ll never love him, but these arranged marriages are not so bad as they sometimes seem at first.’’

‘‘Easy enough for you to say. You’re not the one being bartered off to seal a business relationship. And that’s all I am, you know: a commodity they’re using for their own purpose. Why is it my brothers are permitted to choose any young woman they desire, while I am forced into a loveless marriage?’’

‘‘You know your statements aren’t completely true, my dear.

Your brothers will also be expected to make marriages that benefit the family. And even though you don’t want to believe it, I think Bradley is quite smitten with you. He keeps you in his sights like a man who is totally besotted.’’

‘‘Or a man intent upon keeping his prey within striking distance. I want a marriage like you had, one that is based upon love instead of financial gain.’’

Alice’s lips curved into a wry grin. ‘‘As I told you before, Jasmine, my marriage to your grandfather was arranged. Some would say it was almost barbaric. We met only once before our marriage, and our parents monitored the entire conversation during that meeting.’’

‘‘But you appeared to be blissfully happy. Was it all a charade?’’

‘‘Of course not! I
was
happy—though not at first, I admit. In those first months, I was too frightened to be anything but gloomy and depressed. However, as time passed, your grandfather and I fell deeply in love. We became devoted to each other. Ironically, years later, your grandfather confided that he, too, had been terrified when we married. So you see, you may be misjudging Bradley.’’

‘‘Bradley isn’t afraid of anything. He’s a consummate businessman who is used to having his own way.’’

‘‘He may excel in business, my dear, but affairs of the heart tend to intimidate even the most stalwart of men.’’

Jasmine wanted to hear no defense of Bradley Houston. ‘‘Still, my marriage is different. Bradley schemed with Father to arrange our marriage, while Grandfather was innocent of such behavior.

I’d truly like to believe you’re correct, but I’ve found nothing to like in either Bradley’s beliefs or his behavior. I know you consider Father a good judge of character, but he’s missed the mark this time. Unfortunately, I’ll be the one to pay for his mistake.’’

Alice cupped Jasmine’s quivering chin in her hand. ‘‘Have faith, Jasmine. Faith that even if your father has made a mistake, your heavenly Father will sustain you. Your mother is distraught over this entire turn of events and blames me. And I suppose she’s right. If you hadn’t come north to visit me . . .’’

Her grandmother’s voice trailed off into a deafening silence.

Jasmine reached up and took her grandmother’s hand tenderly in her own. ‘‘Don’t blame yourself, Grandmother. I don’t regret coming to visit you. We had a wonderful time together. My father could have denied Bradley’s request. If Mother wishes to place blame, she has only to look at her husband—he’s the one holding the ultimate power.’’

‘‘I do regret the role I’ve played in creating your unhappiness, but now there’s nothing we can do to change things except maintain our faith. We best go and see how your mother is faring. It will soon be time for the nuptials to begin.’’

The two women walked hand in hand down the hallway. Jasmine could hear her mother’s soulful weeping mingled with Mammy’s soothing voice as they neared the bedroom door. She glanced at her grandmother.

Alice gave her a reassuring smile. ‘‘Your mother will be fine.

She doesn’t think so right now, but she will. If only she would release herself from her self-imposed confinement here at the plantation, her life would be more enjoyable.’’

‘‘I think it’s too late for her to change her ways, Grandmother.

She’s become so emotionally frail, I fear that one day she won’t rebound from her depression. Her condition seems to worsen as she grows older.’’

‘‘I’ll speak to your father. Perhaps if he encouraged her to invite some of the ladies for tea or to attend a few social functions, it would help. And with both of us living in Lowell, we’ll work toward having her come and visit us.’’

Jasmine brightened. ‘‘Yes, that’s a wonderful idea. If need be, I’ll come back and escort her. We just will not permit her to refuse our invitation.’’

Alice pulled Jasmine into an embrace. ‘‘Exactly! Now chin up and take courage in the Lord. You are not facing this alone.

Remember what the first chapter of Joshua says: ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ ’’

The words touched Jasmine deeply.
I am not alone . . . God is
with me
. ‘‘I’m not alone,’’ she whispered.

Bradley Houston straightened his cravat, tucked his watch into the pocket of his vest, and walked to the gallery. He surveyed the willow-lined road that led in and out of the Wainwright plantation, certain fate had delivered him to this point in his life. He was destined for greatness—he knew it. Indeed, these past months had been heady. His new position with the Boston Associates, coupled with his engagement to a beautiful Southern belle, had placed him in an enviable situation. His ability to align himself as the only buyer of Wainwright cotton was hailed as a major coup by the Boston Associates. They’d promised a bonus with each delivery of raw cotton that exceeded projections, which was something he was anxious to discuss with his future father-in-law.

‘‘Ah, Bradley, there you are.’’

He turned to see Malcolm Wainwright walking toward him and reached forward to grasp his future father-in-law’s hand in a hearty handshake. ‘‘Not much longer until I’m a married man,’’ Bradley said victoriously.

Malcolm patted him on the shoulder and gave a deep chuckle.

‘‘I trust you’re not reconsidering your decision.’’

‘‘That thought hasn’t once crossed my mind, Mr.Wainwright.’’

‘‘I believe it’s time you called me Malcolm,’’ the older man declared.

Bradley smiled. ‘‘If that’s your wish, Malcolm. I was anxious to meet with you before we leave for the church.’’

‘‘Sounds serious.’’

‘‘I met with Matthew Cheever and Nathan Appleton the day before departing Lowell. As you know, they are pleased with your agreement to supply the mills with your cotton crop. They wanted me to inform you that they were delighted when you convinced your brother Franklin to market his cotton with us as well. Should you convince your other brother, Harry, to join us, they will reward you. In fact, they said that any shipments above what was previously agreed upon will entitle you to a substantial bonus.’’

‘‘That’s quite generous, isn’t it?’’

‘‘Indeed. I thought you would be in high spirits. Their offer gives you ample reason to move your production to maximum levels.’’

‘‘We’re already at maximum production.’’

‘‘You can’t tell me that a heavy hand on the whip won’t cause those slaves to increase your production.’’

‘‘I’ve found the whip to be a hindrance—except for runaways.

It creates resentment.’’

‘‘Perhaps you might find some innovative measures that could be taken. Isn’t Samuel in charge of production? Surely he could think of some method to increase production.’’

Wainwright’s lips tightened and his brows furrowed into wiry lines of disapproval. ‘‘Samuel does a fine job on production.’’

Bradley knew he’d overstepped his bounds by inadvertently insulting Malcolm’s eldest son. He pulled out his watch and clicked open the silver casing. ‘‘I suppose we should be leaving soon. I’m certain Jasmine won’t forgive me if we’re late.’’

Malcolm’s eyebrows arched. ‘‘Then she’s finally content with the marital arrangement?’’

The question startled Bradley. ‘‘Has she expressed dissatisfaction regarding the marriage since our arrival in Mississippi?’’

‘‘Yes, of course. I’ve listened to a myriad of complaints, but women have no idea what they want or need when they’re young, especially those like Jasmine, who have led protected and sheltered lives,’’ Wainwright replied. He gave his future son-in-law a shrewd wink. ‘‘I’m certain she’ll come around.’’

Bradley’s face flushed with the humiliation of knowing Jasmine had continued to express dissatisfaction over their marriage to her father. Although Bradley had exerted time and energy on their relationship, it was apparent Jasmine had not intended to yield, even with their wedding close at hand. It seemed as if his kindness and indulgence would pass without reward. If she continued down this path, his attempts to win her over would cease. When Jasmine had cajoled and wept, he had begrudgingly conceded to a church wedding, although he would have much preferred the ceremony be held at The Willows. But he would no longer tolerate her childish behavior. He had neither the time nor the need to cater to her whims once she was his wife.