Diane T. Ashley (5 page)

A noise at the door took his attention away from Marguerite. His heart climbed into his throat as he saw Jasmine standing there. What had she heard? Did she know they’d been discussing her? Had she heard his confession of infatuation? But that would be no surprise to her. Jasmine had to know how much he adored—
had
adored her. Even as he told himself that the attraction between them was a thing of the past, he knew better. He would always love her, even if she had tired of waiting for him.

“Excuse me, I was looking for Miss Deborah.” Her face was frozen, not giving any inkling of her thoughts.

Marguerite stepped between him and the door. “I believe she’s in the back parlor, working with some of the older girls on their needlework.”

Jasmine nodded, but her gaze was still fastened on him. Were her cheeks paler than when he’d seen her last night, or was it his imagination?

David ran a finger around the collar of his shirt. Why had he given in to the temptation of confiding in someone? “I’ve got to go. I have business in town.”

“Feel free to stop by anytime, David.” Marguerite sent a knowing glance his way.

He shook his head. He was not about to confide in Jasmine Anderson. “Tell Miss Deborah I’ll come back this afternoon when she’s not so busy.”

David jammed his bowler on his head and stalked past both women. When would he learn to keep his own counsel? A fine detective he was turning out to be, spilling his guts the first time someone was kind to him. It was a good thing Mr. Bastrup was in Chicago.

David wondered when he would ever learn the harsh lesson that he was all alone. Like always. And he always would be. Except for God, of course. He sent a rueful glance toward the sky. “But God, it sure would be nice to have someone down here to care about me.”

L
ily accepted a cup of tea from Anna and balanced it on her knees. “I’m sorry you couldn’t come last night.”

“We appreciated your invitation, didn’t we, Mama Champney?” Anna glanced toward Jean Luc’s mother.

Dressed in unrelieved black, the widow was pale and listless. The elder Mrs. Champney’s attention was not on her guests but on her lap and the lace handkerchief she was twisting into a tight spiral.

Lily’s heart ached for the evidence of the other woman’s grief. She would have to remember to say a special prayer for her.

“What?” Mrs. Champney looked up and glanced around the parlor as though she had no idea where she was.

“I said we appreciated the invitation to the ball at Les Fleurs.”

“Yes.” The older lady’s wistful gaze fastened on Lily’s face. “Dashiell and I used to have such nice parties.”

Unshed tears made Lily clear her throat before answering. “Yes, the whole town talks about the fancy balls and masquerades you’ve hosted. Not to mention your famous galas on one or another of your boats.”

The barest hint of a smile on Mrs. Champney’s lips quivered before disappearing. “You’re sweet to say so.”

The conversation died again as the ladies sipped their tea. Lily glanced around the large parlor that was still swathed in black cloth to mourn Mr. Champney’s death. The mirrors and pictures were hidden, as was the outside. She found herself wishing she could pull back the drapes and open the window to let in some sunlight and fresh air. She would rather have gone to walk the garden with her husband and Jean Luc than remain in this dark, stuffy room.

The door opened, and she looked up, hoping her thought had brought her husband back to the parlor. Instead she saw the familiar face of Aunt Tessie, Anna and Blake’s aunt. She rose as the lady entered the room, putting down her teacup and moving across the room to offer a hug.

Aunt Tessie never seemed to age. The few wrinkles on her face had more to do with smiles than sagging skin, and her light blue eyes were as sharp as ever. The silver streaks in her hair were a bit more numerous than the last time Lily had seen Aunt Tessie, but they were still outnumbered by light brown strands. Perhaps it was her posture—so straight and tall—that gave her the appearance of a younger lady. Whatever the reason, Lily hoped she would age as gracefully as Aunt Tessie.

“You must tell me all about my great-niece and nephews.” Aunt Tessie sat in a chair next to Lily and accepted a cup of tea from Anna. “I imagine Noah has grown several inches since I saw him last.”

“Closer to a foot.” Lily picked up her tea once more. “Magnolia is not far behind him, and even Benjamin is growing like a weed.”

Anna’s face lifted with her smile. “I know what you mean. Achille seems to get taller even while he’s asleep.”

The conversation picked up then as they compared notes and shared stories of their children’s accomplishments. Even Mrs. Champney emerged from her miasma long enough to recount a story of the fine mess of fresh fish Jean Luc and his son had caught for dinner a few days earlier.

Lily countered with a story of the large turtle Noah and Magnolia had discovered in an estuary and sneaked aboard the
Water Lily
during a recent trip. Of course the reptile had gotten out of their quarters during a meal and caused enough havoc with the crew that their cook, Jensen, had suggested he could make gumbo with the turtle her children had adopted.

Jean Luc and Blake reentered the room as she was describing Jensen’s relief to find that the turtle had “escaped”—with the help of her distressed children—before he had a chance to make good on his threat.

Blake leaned against the fireplace, his gaze darting between his sister and aunt as though he was considering how to broach a difficult topic. He turned down the offer of tea and cookies, patting his flat stomach with a rueful gaze that made even Mrs. Champney smile. “I am most impressed with your son’s understanding of the shipping business, ma’am. You must be proud of him.”

“Yes.” She reached for Jean Luc, who had taken a seat next to her on the sofa, bringing his hand to her cheek. “He’s the best parts of his father and has far exceeded our hopes for him.”

Jean Luc shrugged, but Lily saw a gleam in his eye that might have been a tear. He brushed a hand across his face before sending a smile toward his mother.

“He and I have been discussing a joint venture that we both believe will strengthen Champney Shipping and ensure that it remains in business for years to come—but perhaps with a new name.” Blake pushed away from the mantel and came to stand next to the chair Lily sat in. He put a hand on her shoulder. “A decade ago my wife had the foresight to purchase a boat and chisel out a life for herself and her family on the Mississippi.”

Lily looked up at him, her heart nearly exploding with joy. “It was a joint venture.”

“Exactly. Partnerships are often successful because one person’s strengths can fill gaps made by the other’s weaknesses.” The look in his blue eyes bathed her in so much approval Lily hardly minded the way he had manipulated her.

“Blake and I have been talking about a partnership I believe would be equally beneficial for both of our families.” Jean Luc sat forward, his handsome face eager. His excitement seemed to invade the dark room, holding grief at bay if only for a short time. “The United States is growing by leaps and bounds. Now that the scars of war are healing, people are anxious to make up for lost time. They’re building homes and businesses in what used to be uninhabited frontier. Whole new towns are springing up, and with them comes the need for everything from nails to barber chairs.”

Lily could feel her stomach turn over as she looked at her husband. Words they had spoken on the way over here flooded into her mind. But perhaps she was jumping to conclusions. She would withhold judgment until she understood exactly what the two men were proposing. “You want us to invest in Champney Shipping?”

Blake shook his head. “We thought it would be better to create a new company—one that will focus on rail transportation instead of the river.”

“Rail?” Anna looked confused, her gaze seeking comfort from her husband’s face.

Lily put a hand to her chest to calm the pounding of her heart. “Isn’t this rather sudden?”

“How long did it take you to decide to purchase the
Hattie Belle
?” Blake’s eyes danced as he reminded her of the early days when they had first discovered they each owned part of a large riverboat.

This was different!
she wanted to protest, but the words stuck in her throat. She swallowed hard and considered how to answer her husband. “Not … long.” She didn’t want to make the admission, but honesty compelled her to be truthful. “But I knew—”

Jean Luc raised a hand and stopped her sputtering. “The way my father told it, you didn’t even know you had a partner until after you bought him out.”

“I think it’s a splendid idea.” Aunt Tessie joined the conversation, making Lily feel like she was the only one resisting the notion. “I’ve been worried about all of you for years. The river is a harsh place with so many dangers—snags, floods, and storms to name a few. Lily, you and Blake have children who rely on you to care for them. Maybe it’s time for you to settle down somewhere and make a permanent home for them. I’m not talking about Les Fleurs. While I’m certain Camellia welcomes your company, you should have an estate of your own.”

Lily sat back and nearly overset her teacup. Catching it with one hand, she considered what Aunt Tessie had said. The idea of selling their boat—their home—pained her. She had been raised at Les Fleurs, but she had claimed her adulthood on the riverboat. Besides that, what would her father do? She couldn’t imagine him giving up his life on the river. Would she have to choose between her father and her husband?

“Why don’t we all give the matter some thought?” Anna’s voice was calm and matter-of-fact. She set her teacup on the tray.

Blake nodded. “You’re right, Sister. I think it’s an option to consider, but we don’t have to decide anything today. We have enough business to keep us afloat for some time. In fact, we’ll be leaving for New Orleans by the end of the week.”

The conversation around her grew more general, but Lily’s mind was focused on the idea of buying or building a home. She had no idea where she would even want to live if they sold the
Water Lily
. Natchez might be a place Camellia loved, but for Lily it had been a relief to leave the self-important planters behind. New Orleans? While there was much to commend that city, she didn’t relish the idea. Blake’s father had settled near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, but Blake had never been interested in living there.

The sound of Anna clapping her hands drew Lily back to the conversation. “You should go with my brother and Lily.”

Aunt Tessie’s gaze bumped into her own. Lily scrambled for a proper response. She thought they had been talking about the upcoming trip south, hadn’t they? “Have you ever been to New Orleans?”

“No.” Aunt Tessie lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “I’ve always wanted to travel, but I never have found the time.”

“Do you have room to take on a passenger?” Jean Luc asked.

Lily thought it was a great idea. “Of course we have room for such a pleasant companion, don’t we, Blake.”

“I don’t know.” Aunt Tessie glanced toward her niece. “Anna probably needs me to stay here and help with the baby.”

“Don’t be silly.” Anna looked at her husband for confirmation before continuing. “Mama Champney, Jean Luc, and I can handle matters here. You go have a wonderful time.”

“We’d love for you to come with us.” Blake winked at his aunt. “But don’t be surprised if you find yourself washing dishes or setting tables.”

“Ignore your nephew.” Lily’s glare should have burned him to a crisp. She didn’t want his aunt to get the wrong idea. “We’d love to have you with us. I won’t let him put you to work.”

“I wouldn’t mind that a bit.” Aunt Tessie’s eyes were bright with excitement. “I might even get to spend some extra time with my great-nephews and great-niece.”

Lily need not have worried that Aunt Tessie would misunderstand her nephew’s teasing words. She could feel her irritation draining away.

Jean Luc stood and brushed a hand across his wife’s shoulder. “It’s settled then. As long as you’ll be okay, Aunt Tessie will go with Blake and Lily at the end of the week.” He shot a speaking glance toward Blake. “You and I can get together again once you return.”

As she and Blake gathered their things and took their leave of the Champneys, Lily couldn’t stop her mind from considering once more the idea of giving up life on the river. Could she do it? Should she? What would she really be giving up? While she enjoyed the challenges of life on the river, did she owe it to her children to give them a more normal childhood? The questions swirled inside her mind like an eddying current on the river.

She knew she’d have to spend some time talking to God about what to do. He had led her this far. He would certainly be there to guide her in the future.

“I’m worried about your future, Jasmine.” Lily watched as her youngest sister picked up a doll she used to play with—one of Magnolia’s favorites now—and placed it on a shelf.

The children were playing outside under Camellia’s watchful eye, except for Benjamin, who was napping nearby while Lily and Jasmine straightened the nursery.