Mockingbird's Call (11 page)

Mr. Stone returned his grin. “Is there somewhere we can go to talk?”

“I was on my way to the dining hall. Would you care to join me there?”

A shake of his head made Mr. Stone's chin wobble. “We need some privacy.”

Jared was torn. His belly was as empty as a pauper's purse. But he desperately wanted to hear whatever it was Mr. Stone had to say. His stomach protested loud and long, warming his ears.

Mr. Stone clapped him on the shoulder. “It sounds like you do need to eat. Perhaps you will let me take you to a small establishment a few blocks from here.”

They exited the building and walked briskly away from the college. Jared tried to start a conversation, but Mr. Stone was winded from the exercise, so he contented himself with waiting. They reached the restaurant and took off their coats as they were enveloped in warm air and delicious scents. The restaurant was busy, but Mr. Stone managed to procure them a table tucked away in a far corner.

“I recommend the stewed beef with macaroni.” The older man tucked a napkin into the collar of his shirt and beamed at Jared. “Not only is it delicious, it is a prompt meal.”

Jared nodded to the waiter, who complimented them on their selections before marching toward the kitchen.

“Mr. Stuart,” the man began, his voice hushed, “your literature professor forwarded to me a piece you wrote recently.”

“Do you mean my treatise—‘The Pernicious Effects of Enslavement in the United States'? ”

“Yes, it was an outstanding work.” Mr. Stone continued for several minutes. “Almost on the same level as Harriet Beecher Stowe's book.”

Pleasure at the man's compliments filled Jared's chest. “Thank you, sir. My parents have always been avid protectors of the rights of others. They taught me to put myself in the place of those less fortunate. When I began to consider how it would feel to be owned by another human being, the words seemed to flow.”

“If only more people could share your vision.”

The waiter returned with two steaming plates of food and a loaf of dark bread. As soon as Mr. Stone blessed their food, Jared dug in with gusto. Silence reigned at the table while both men satisfied their appetites.

“I'd like to offer you a job.” Mr. Stone held up a hand to stop Jared from responding immediately. “You need to understand exactly what I'm talking about before you make your decision. I'm not talking about the
Tennessee Tribune
.
This is a different paper, one my conscience has prodded me into starting. I have named it
The Voice of Reason
.
It will be distributed throughout the city, and I hope it will garner attention from those who oppose the institution of slavery. The work is sometimes dangerous as it does not support the Confederate mandate. I am too old and unfit for soldiering, so I want to use the strengths God blessed me with to make a difference.”

“I want to do it.” Jared inserted his statement when Mr. Stone stopped to untuck his napkin and lay it next to his plate.

“The pay will be negligible,” Mr. Stone warned. “Probably not even enough for room and board.”

“The university feeds and houses me.”

Mr. Stone smiled. “Ahh, the enthusiasm of youth. It is exactly what my new venture needs. But make no mistake, this is serious business. If we are caught, you will likely be arrested or fined.”

Jared heard the warnings, but his mind was busily crafting a new article for Mr. Stone's newspaper. The opportunities were endless. He wanted to get a message across to the families of Knoxville. His fingers itched for paper and his fountain pen. He could see the title spread across the front page of the newspaper. Like Benjamin Franklin, he would write stories that he prayed would live on long after he died. “I'm your man, Mr. Stone.”

“That's wonderful news, my boy. Can you have something for me next Wednesday? If that's too soon, I can see about delaying the next edition until the following week.”

Jared took a deep breath. “I will have something written by then.”

“Excellent.”

He wrung Mr. Stone's hand with enthusiasm, realizinghe had finally become a man.

Eleven

Bumps and thumps pulled Amelia from her dreams. She tried to ignore the noise, snuggling deeper into the warmth of her quilts and squeezing her eyes shut.

She could make out the sound of Aunt Laura asking someone a question. A deeper voice answered. Then footsteps on the stairs. What was going on?

Giving up on slumber, she pushed back the covers and slid her feet into the slippers at the edge of the bed. She pulled her wrapper on and went to the fireplace, reaching for the bellows used to coax heat from the dying embers.

A soft knock on the door was followed by Tabitha's entrance. “I thought all that noise might have woke you up.”

“What's going on?”

“It's Master Benjamin. They say his school has closed on account of the war, and he's come home to stay.”

Amelia's heart dropped as she realized that Tabitha's news likely meant Jared Stuart would be leaving Knoxville. Would he think to stop by and visit before going home? “I have to get dressed right away, Tabitha.”

Tabitha went to one of the clothing trunks and drew out a red and black plaid dress while Amelia bathed her face and hands from the washbowl. The cold water on her cheeks chased away the last remnants of sleep.

It seemed like hours before she was fully dressed from head to toe, but the pendulum clock hanging next to the window indicated only some forty minutes had passed. Finally she was ready, her hair pulled back in a simple knot Tabitha secured with a red ribbon. She checked her collar and cuffs to make sure they were spotless and flew down the steps to the breakfast room. One glance inside, however, and her heart fluttered inside her chest like a startled bird.

He was here! Sitting at the table and partaking of breakfast like a member of the family. Jared must have ridden with Benjamin.

Amelia drew in a deep breath, clasped her hands in front of her, and entered with all the aplomb she could manage. “I see we're entertaining guests this morning.” Amelia addressed her aunt, who was sipping a cup of tea.

“Yes, my dear.” Aunt Laura put the delicate china in its saucer and waved a hand toward Jared and Benjamin.

Uncle Francis emerged from behind his newspaper. “It seems the university ended their semester early because of the war.” He frowned at Benjamin. “Not that I liked your attendance there anyway. The place has turned into a hotbed for Unionist sympathizers and abolitionists.”

“Now, Francis.” Aunt Laura raised an eyebrow. “Don't get yourself upset. The school is closed, and the boys are here safe and sound.”

Amelia sat down opposite Jared and Benjamin. “Hello, cousin, Mr. Stuart.”

Benjamin rolled his eyes, apparently inviting her to share his disdain for his father's pronouncement.

She bit back a giggle and turned her attention to Jared. “How long will you be staying with us before you must return to Nashville, Mr. Stuart?”

“It's likely to be awhile. The trains are not running presently.”

“What?”

Jared glanced to Benjamin, who confirmed his statement with a nod. “Someone burned all the railroad bridges around town. I assume that's the reason for the increased military presence. I hear General Zollicoffer is fit to be tied. He's increased patrols around town. It won't be long before he finds the perpetrators.”

“In the meantime, you're welcome to stay with us.” Aunt Laura inclined her head toward Jared. “I'm sure we will enjoy having some company.”

Uncle Francis nodded his head, but whatever reply he might have made was lost as a house slave entered the dining room.

“Mr. Luke Talbot is asking if you are at home, madam.”

Aunt Laura dabbed at her mouth with a napkin before answering. “Show him in. He must have a compelling reason for visiting this early.”

One of the slaves put a plate in front of Amelia, but too much was happening for her to pay attention to food. First Benjamin and Jared, and now Luke. If any more unexpected guests arrived, they would have to move to the formal dining room to accommodate them.

“Now that's a boy who has his head on straight most of the time.” Uncle Francis pointed a finger at his son. “You would do well to emulate him.”

The door opened once again, and the first thing Amelia noticed was the uniform Luke was wearing. His double-breasted frock coat was belted at the waist and gray in color. A sword was fastened to the belt, and he carried a black hat under his arm. He bowed to the family and took the empty chair next to Amelia. “Thank you for seeing me this morning.” His easy smile encompassed the whole room, but somehow Amelia felt it was directed at her. He shook his head when a slave offered him a plate but accepted a cup of steaming, black coffee.

Amelia looked at Jared when he cleared his throat. “When did you enlist?”

“I purchased my commission this morning.” He glanced down at the uniform he must have ordered several weeks earlier. “But as you can see, I've been planning to join for some time now.”

“Have you received your assignment?” asked Benjamin.

“Yes.” He took a sip of coffee before continuing. “I am to be part of General Zollicoffer's senior staff. Even as we sit here this morning, plans are being made to turn our college into a hospital for the wounded and ill. My squad will be moving the wounded from the battlefield to Knoxville for treatment.”

Concern put a lump in Amelia's throat and made her stomach churn. “That sounds like a dangerous task.”

Luke reached over and patted her hand. “Might I hope your words mean you will be praying for me?”

She pulled her hand away as if it had been burned. Luke was a dear friend, but she had not yet decided if she wanted him to be anything more than that. “I pray daily for all the soldiers—the brothers, sons, and fathers who make up both sides of this dreadful war.”

“Your sentiments do you justice,” Uncle Francis spoke up, redirecting her attention to the head of the table. “But perhaps you should confine your prayers to the Confederacy and pray that we will soon succeed in our quest for independence from Northern tyranny.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Luke and Benjamin nodding their agreement. Jared, however, did not. He took off his spectacles and buffed them against the sleeve of his jacket. By the time he returned them to his nose, the conversation had veered in another direction.

Admiration for him grew stronger within Amelia as their glances collided. Instead of the anger she was expecting to find, given his opposition to slavery, his gaze held a deep sorrow. A sorrow she instinctively understood. It made her think of the sadness Christ had described when He encountered spiritual blindness and ignorance. Regardless of her blood ties, in that moment, she felt closer to Jared than anyone else in the room.

❧

Jared set his Bible down and looked outside. A slight figure in a dark cloak hurried past the library window. Amelia! He wondered what errand had her outside at this early hour. He shook his head. It was not his business to monitor her routine. He had enough to do—like composing riveting articles for Mr. Stone's new paper.

A thrill passed through him as Jared considered God's timing with his new vocation, a vocation that gave him purpose and direction. He had written to his parents to explain why he had not come home now that the school term was over and most of the burned bridges had been repaired. They had encouraged him to keep his job even though he was missed in Nashville. Although Jared missed seeing his family, he was relieved they did not insist on his immediate return since he was not in any hurry to leave Knoxville.

Not only did he love his work for the
The Voice of Reason
, he also enjoyed being in the same household with Amelia. The more he was around her, the more he admired her grace and humility. She was always patient and kind with others and worked hard at such tasks as mending, knitting, and even rolling bandages for wounded soldiers. She never complained even though few social outings for her to attend were held now that the city was under martial law. Her good qualities reminded him of Solomon's description of a good wife in the book of Proverbs. Amelia was, in short, exactly the type of girl he hoped to one day marry.

Jared took a deep breath and turned his attention back to his Bible. In the past weeks, he had formed the habit of starting his day with quiet meditation in his host's library. Generally, Benjamin slept late, the Montgomery ladies went on calls or errands, and Mr. Montgomery left early for his club or work, not to return until the midday meal or even later.

Lord, thank You for watching over this kind family. Help me to show them gratitude and respect for offering me a place to stay during these difficult days. Create in me an encouraging spirit to bring about a softening of their attitudes toward the bondage of other human beings. Help me to speak out for what is right while still respecting their beliefs. Show compassion on the men who have taken up arms for both sides in this war between states. And Lord, please show me how You would use me—should I fight or not? And if You wish for me to bear arms, which side should I champion? Lord, how can I take up arms against my Southern brothers? But I cannot ignore the plight of those enslaved people the Yankees champion. Please give me a clear answer. I want more than anything to follow Your plan for my life. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings in my life. Please watch over my family and protect them from harm. In the name of Christ, Your Son and my Savior, I pray. Amen.

God's peace saturated the very air around him. Jared breathed deep, awe and love filling him. These moments were so special, and he treasured them. He might have sat still in worship for a minute, an hour, or a day. Time had no meaning.

Voices in the hallway were an intrusion, indicating his private time had come to an end. With a reluctant sigh, he left the special corner he had come to consider his own and walked toward the hall. Before he could reach it, the carved door swung toward him and Amelia Montgomery, divested ofher cloak, stepped inside.

“Oh, excuse me.” Her hand went to her mouth when she saw him in the library. Her beauty nearly overwhelmed him. She was wearing a forest green dress with a wide skirt that swayed gently even after she stopped walking. “I was looking for Benjamin. Have you seen him?”

Jared took out his pocket watch and glanced at it. “At this time of the morning, I would guess he's still abed.”

A frown wrinkled her brow. “You're probably right. Perhaps I'll borrow something to read and wait for him to make an appearance.”

“Mr. Montgomery has an excellent selection.” Jared dragged his gaze from her and glanced over his shoulder at the floor-to-ceiling shelves that lined three walls of the room. They were full of an impressive collection of books—from furniture making to lyrical poetry.

“Yes, this is my favorite room in the whole house.” She clasped her hands in front of her and looked down demurely, her whole posture one of sweet innocence. “But I don't get to spend as much time here as I'd like.”

Jared nodded, but his mind was more occupied by her beauty than her comment. Amelia's golden hair reflected the sunshine streaming through the library window. If she'd been dressed in white, she would probably have been mistaken for an angel.

Her blue eyes, sparkling with the depth and beauty of a perfect diamond, bathed him in appreciation. He felt like a bird soaring above the earth. He reined in his emotions with an effort. “Were you looking for anything in particular?”

She shook her head. “Do you have a suggestion?”

It was no wonder Amelia was so popular. Who could resist her beauty and grace? And she seemed to value his opinion.

The door to the library had been slightly ajar, but now it swung open farther, and Benjamin entered. He was dressed for an outing in a brown suit, his pants tucked into his boots and a low-crowned felt hat in his hand. “Good morning, Amelia. Have you seen Jared this morning?”

“Yes.” She made a quarter turn and swept her hand back toward where Jared stood near the bookshelves. “You have found him.”

Benjamin's eyebrows climbed toward his hair as he looked from Amelia to Jared. “Am I interrupting?”

Jared's face warmed in response to the speculative glance. “No. In fact your cousin was searching for you and found me instead.”

“I see.” Benjamin bowed to Amelia. “Did you have an errand for me?”

She dropped a curtsy. “I was wondering if you would escort Tabitha and me to a few stores in town.”

His smile disappeared, and Benjamin's brows drew together. “I'm afraid not. I have a pressing appointment that will keep me busy for most of the day. Perhaps tomorrow.”

Now it was Amelia's turn to frown. “Or maybe we'll just go alone and not wait for someone to accompany us.”

“That's not a good idea.” Jared's heart thumped as he stepped between the cousins. Since the burning of the rail bridges, the Confederate Army had increased its presence in the city. “There have been stories in the newspaper of confrontations between soldiers and ordinary citizens. Even the promenades in the park have been halted.”

“I will avoid the park.” She raised her chin in defiance and continued before either man could remonstrate. “I need to purchase several items for Christmas gifts and decorations. Aunt Laura doesn't feel well, Uncle Francis is at work, and if you are not available, I don't see another choice.”

Jared glanced at Benjamin, whose chin was as high as his cousin's. It was easy to see the family resemblance. They both had stubborn streaks as wide as the Tennessee River. “I would be happy to escort you, Miss Montgomery.”

Her pert nose lowered a smidgen. “But you are a guest in my uncle's home. I would not presume to impose on you.”

“It's the perfect answer.” Benjamin grinned at them. “Jared will see you come to no harm, and you can buy all the gewgaws you want.” He jammed his hat on his head and hurried out the door.