The Pattern of Her Heart (45 page)

Late October 1858

J
ASMINE OPENED
the door as her brother bounded up the front steps.

“You must have been watching for me. Am I late?”

“No. You’re exactly on time,” she replied. “I have tea prepared and waiting in the parlor.”

“Good! It’s turned colder since I left home this morning, and I noticed the skies have taken on a somewhat ominous appearance. We could be in for a snowstorm later today.”

She shivered. “I know a deep layer of snow would delight the children, but I don’t look forward to the biting chill created by these Massachusetts winter storms.”

McKinley laughed. “It’s our Southern blood. I don’t think it’s ever going to thicken enough to guard us against this cold weather.”

“Perhaps you’re correct,” she said as she hung his hat on a peg.

“I do hope you’ve developed a plan. I fear I’ve had little time to concentrate on the problem of housing the former slaves.”

“I told you I would take responsibility for those issues. You’re the one who insisted upon remaining involved.”

“I know, I know. However, if Rupert questions me, I want to be prepared with accurate answers. I don’t want him to suspect you’ve been involved in our business dealings.”

Jasmine sighed. “That’s just it, McKinley. I haven’t been involved in the business dealings, and Rupert isn’t going to care in the least whether we’ve made adequate arrangements for the former slaves once he gives them over to your care.”

“I’m certain you’re right on that account. But I’ll be more comfortable in my dealings with him if I’m aware of all aspects.”

“As you wish,” she replied.

McKinley poured a dollop of cream into his tea and then took a sip. “Now, tell me of your idea.”

“Actually, it’s more than an idea. I’ve already set to work, so at this point there’s no room for objection on your part.”

“Why am I not surprised?” he asked.

She shrugged and flashed a sheepish grin. “After reviewing the number of people we could adequately care for here on the farm, I began making inquiries among our abolitionist friends and the colored people already settled in this area. All have agreed to take in at least three and some many more. From the ledger Nolan and I maintained when we freed the slaves, it appears Rupert should deliver nearly one hundred. I’ve made up a list of where they will be housed until they make final decisions regarding their future.”

McKinley shook his head. “There is no stopping you once you’ve been presented with a challenge.”

“It wasn’t a difficult assignment. Even in this time of economic depression, the good people of Lowell have opened their hearts and their homes. Nolan and I have agreed to give financial aid to those families who so willingly offered space in their homes but do not possess the adequate financial resources to feed additional mouths. When the former slaves finally arrive here at the farm, we will know exactly where each one will be housed and cared for.”

McKinley downed the remainder of his tea. “How could I possibly find fault with such a plan? It seems you’ve thought of everything.”

“We’re ready to receive them if Rupert will merely agree upon an exact date for the transfer to take place. That, dear brother, is the task you must complete—and quickly,” she added.

He placed his cup and saucer on the tray and rose to his feet. “Let’s pray I’ll be as successful as you have been.”

The servants buzzed about the house, cleaning and polishing while Jasmine and Kiara once again reviewed the list of wedding guests.

“Ya’ve become quite the hostess these last couple of months,” Kiara commented. “First the party for Pastor and Mrs. Chamberlain, and now this lovely reception ya’ve been planning for Paddy and Mary Margaret. Do ya truly think ya want all this work—not to mention the expense?”

Jasmine laughed. “Nolan and I would have it no other way, Kiara. I don’t know what we would have done had Paddy not been here to take care of the farm while we were away. He’s grown into such a fine young man, and I know you’re very proud of him.”

“Aye, that I am, and had it na been for the famine, we’d still be struggling in Ireland. ’Tis strange the twists and turns life takes. I’m still amazed how God takes the tragedy in our lives and turns it into something good. Ya know, when our ma and da died, I thought for sure God had deserted me, but then He saved me and Paddy and we came to this wonderful country. And then when things was so bad between me and your first husband, again I thought God had turned His back on me. Them was hard times for all of us, but God took those terrible things and brought good from them. We have truly been blessed to have the good Lord lift us out of such tragedy and restore our joy.”

Jasmine’s eyes clouded as she remembered those days when Kiara and Paddy had first arrived in Lowell and the heartbreak that soon followed. She, too, had suffered at Bradley Houston’s hands; she, too, had wondered if God had deserted her. Yet God had victoriously delivered them through their circumstances. Now she prayed their former slaves would taste that same victory and be delivered from Rupert’s evil hold.

The touch of Kiara’s hand caused Jasmine to startle. “Ya look so far away suddenly, Jasmine. Are ya na feeling well?”

“I’m fine. I was merely lost in my own thoughts for a moment. Now what were you saying about the food preparations?”

“Mary Margaret has enlisted Bridgett to take charge of preparin’ some special Irish fare, and Maisie and Prissy asked if they could help. Henrietta ’as agreed to keep the younger children in the nursery. I completed Mary Margaret’s gown last evening—stitched on the final lace and had her try it on. She looked lovely with that gorgeous red hair and creamy complexion. Paddy’s going ta be speechless when he sees her in that gown.”

“They’re coming! They’re coming!” Spencer shouted as he rode Larkspur to the front of the house. He delivered his message to Alice Ann, who immediately raced into the house, nearly tumbling into one of the servants carrying a beautiful cut glass punch bowl.

“Mama, Spencer says Paddy and his bride are here,” she shouted as she rushed into the parlor.

“Thank you for the message, but please cease running through the house. If you don’t, there’s bound to be an accident,” Jasmine warned.

Alice danced from foot to foot. “Can I help, Mama, can I?”

Jasmine smiled at her daughter. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do.”

The child’s lips began to quiver as Prissy walked into the parlor.

“It would be a mighty big hep if someone could hand folks their napkins,” Prissy said. “I jes’ can’t seem to make enough room for dem on the table, Miz Jasmine. Can you think of someone who could do dat for me?”

“I could, I could!” Alice Ann squealed in delight.

Prissy grinned at Jasmine and then gave the child an appraising look. “I don’ know . . . you sho’ you’d be careful to make sure
each
guest gets a napkin?” she asked.

Alice Ann’s chestnut brown curls danced up and down as she bobbed her head. “I promise,” she said. “I did that for Mrs. Brighton . . . I mean Mrs. Chamberlain’s party.”

“All right, then. Come along with me and git into place afore them people get in here,” she said, taking Alice Ann by the hand. “They’s bound to be hungry, so you best be having dem napkins ready.”

“Thank you, Prissy,” Jasmine said gratefully.

Prissy nodded. “When she gits tired of handin’ out napkins, I’ll send her upstairs to Henrietta.”

The rooms soon filled with an array of guests, and the small group of Irish musicians began to play their fiddles while the guests filled their plates with a variety of tasty treats. Paddy and Mary Margaret briefly visited with their guests before Paddy took her in his arms and they circled the room in a wedding dance. Moments later, the fiddlers scratched their bows in rapid motion, plucking out an Irish jig while the guests clapped in time to the music.

The music went on for hours and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. Jasmine watched the Irish celebration and found it all to her liking. She knew there had been a time in her life when her path would have never crossed with these people, but she was glad changes had come.

“A bit weary?” McKinley asked when he found Jasmine resting in the parlor.

“One dance too many, I fear,” she told him. “These Irish dances take more physical exertion than I had imagined.”

He laughed. “I tried one of the jigs, but I don’t believe my feet will move that quickly. I think unless you’ve grown up performing those dances, you’ll not learn as an adult.”

She unfolded her silk fan and began to stir the air as she flipped it back and forth in rapid motion. “I must admit I had fun trying. Where is Violet?”

“She went upstairs to check on the children. She’d rather be in the nursery than dancing.” He nodded toward her hand. “I was thinking that your fan reminds me of Toby and how he used to swing that big feather fan over the dining room table at The Willows.”

“That seems a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, so it does. Strange how some things seem to have happened only yesterday while at the same time so far in the past.”

A faint smile curved her lips as she nodded. “And speaking of Toby, what do you hear from Rupert? It seems he’s done nothing but make excuses. Do you believe he intends to keep his word?”

“He continues to change the date when he’s going to send the slaves, but I remain optimistic. His last missive stated there were another five that he had located and he was in the process of making proper arrangements. It seems that each time we agree upon a date, he locates another slave or two. I want to believe the delay is because he’s taking pains to locate as many as possible rather than merely prolonging the entire process.”

“I truly do not trust him,” Jasmine expressed.

“I know he doesn’t share our beliefs, but I want to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe he’s doing the proper thing. He’s agreed they should arrive before year’s end.”

“Year’s end? That’s two months away. Surely he can do better. Perhaps if I telegraphed him and—”

“Jasmine! You agreed I would handle the negotiations without interference. Rather than helping matters, a telegram from you could possibly ruin the progress I’ve made.”

She folded her fan and placed it on the side table with a purposeful thwack. “I grow weary of tiptoeing around Rupert and his detestable behavior. However, I will keep my word. Has he mentioned Toby? You tell him that I expect to see Toby leading the group when they arrive!”

“Your demanding tone is exactly why I don’t want you dealing with Rupert. But in answer to your question, I asked for the names of those currently in his possession, and Toby is listed among the group. Now, enough of this talk. The musicians are finally playing something I can actually dance to, so let’s not miss the opportunity,” he said as he offered his sister his hand.

Waving a telegram, Nolan strode into the parlor. “Telegram from your cousin Levi,” he said, handing the message to his wife.

Jasmine looked up from her sewing. “This is quite unexpected; I hope he hasn’t taken ill. But perhaps he’s planning a visit. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he’d come to Lowell and spend the Christmas season with us? In my last letter, I asked him to consider the possibility. Perhaps he’s decided to accept my offer,” she eagerly speculated.