Read Online Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] by A Tapestry of Hope - Free Book Online

endured so much sorrow.
    Where is she now?’’
    ‘‘Philadelphia. Taylor and Bella have gone to fetch her home.
    Her husband died from a bout of yellow fever.’’
    Alice nodded knowingly. ‘‘I had heard that many areas suffered horribly with the fever this year. Did Elinor take the sickness?’’
    ‘‘No, amazingly enough, she didn’t. But it only served to deepen her sorrow.’’
    ‘‘When she returns, she would probably benefit from spending time with others,’’ Alice said. ‘‘Perhaps the shopping trip to Boston would be a bit taxing, but we could promise her time in her own interests.’’
    ‘‘I think it would definitely do her good,’’ Lilly said, finishing her tea. ‘‘When she lost her first husband at eighteen, I know she thought she would never love again. Poor man drowned in an accident at the mill,’’ Lilly added, as though it were important.
    ‘‘Then when she met Daniel Brighton at church, I know she was quite apprehensive about giving her heart. They seemed such a good match. He was the nephew of dear friends and had a good business in Philadelphia. He courted Elinor fervently, coming to Lowell whenever he could spare the time. I think he finally wore her down.’’ Lilly smiled. ‘‘But don’t take that to mean Elinor didn’t love him. She did. I was so happy to see her find true love a second time . . . and now this.’’
    ‘‘God alone knows why these things happen,’’ Alice commented in a motherly tone. ‘‘We must trust that He knows better than we do.’’
    Lilly nodded. ‘‘And that He has better things ahead for Elinor.’’
    ‘‘Exactly!’’ Alice agreed. ‘‘Hopefully between the two of us, we can take Elinor under our wing and see her heart mended in time. Meanwhile, I do suppose we should turn our efforts toward planning the charity events for the upcoming year.’’
    Laughing, Lilly rose to her feet. ‘‘This is probably why I suffer through with limited assistance from others. I am easily distracted.
    Come, I’ll show you my list of tasks.’’
    Jasmine swirled into her grandmother’s bedroom and made an exaggerated pirouette. Her silk gown cascaded in a sea of pink ripples as she seated herself on the brocade fainting couch and waited for her grandmother’s assessment.
    ‘‘You look absolutely beautiful, my dear. However, I do believe my diamond-and-pearl necklace would add the perfect touch to your ensemble.’’ Alice opened her jewelry case and lifted a velvet pouch from the depths of the box. With a practiced ease, she placed the necklace around Jasmine’s neck and fastened the clasp.
    Alice stepped back to appraise the effect. ‘‘Stunning! There won’t be another young lady who will compare.’’
    Jasmine smiled in return, wishing the aura of self-confidence she’d exhibited for her grandmother moments earlier were genuine. ‘‘Will attendance be sizable, do you think?’’
    Alice stared into the mirror, her attention focused upon the cameo pin she was clipping to a wide ribbon she’d fastened around her neck only moments earlier. ‘‘I’m not certain. Do you like the cameo on this ribbon? Or shall I wear my topaz necklace?’’
    ‘‘The cameo.’’ Jasmine blotted her face with a lace-edged handkerchief. ‘‘Will there be more guests than attend the balls at Hampton House or The Willows?’’
    ‘‘Why are you so curious about the number of guests?’’ Alice turned to face Jasmine. ‘‘Oh, child! You’re white as a sheet. Are you ill?’’ Without a moment’s hesitation, Alice moved to her granddaughter’s side and placed a hand alongside her cheek. ‘‘No fever.’’
    ‘‘I’m not ill, at least not in the way you’re talking about.’’
    ‘‘In what way, then?’’
    ‘‘Attending a party where I won’t know anyone except you and Father makes me extremely uncomfortable. You won’t leave my side, will you?’’
    Alice patted Jasmine’s hand. ‘‘You might have difficulty dancing