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

if I remain by your side throughout the evening. But I promise to stay with you as long as you need me if that will help conquer your anxiety.’’
    Jasmine’s lips curved into a timid smile as she nodded her agreement. ‘‘You think I’m acting like my mother, don’t you?’’
    ‘‘Absolutely not! And don’t you worry yourself with such thoughts. I want you to attend this party and enjoy yourself.
    There’s an exciting world outside of The Willows, and I want you to experience a portion of it—beginning this evening.’’ Alice wrapped a silk shawl around Jasmine’s shoulders and pulled her into a warm embrace. ‘‘Now, set aside your fears, and let’s be on our way. You’re going to meet some fascinating people. By the end of the evening, you’ll look back on this moment and wonder why you ever harbored the slightest concern.’’
    Jasmine hoped she was right. She had the utmost respect for her grandmother’s opinions. Still, this was possibly the most frightening event of her life. Jasmine followed her grandmother from the room, wondering what the evening might hold in store. So many of her friends back home had met their mates at just such events. Most had married within the last year.
    Will I meet the man of my dreams? she pondered. I’ve never concerned myself with such things before, but what if . . .
    Malcolm hurried forward to meet the women as they descended the staircase. ‘‘Look at the two of you! I’ll be escorting the prettiest ladies to the party.’’
    ‘‘Thank you, Papa,’’ Jasmine said, her thoughts interrupted by her father’s enthusiasm. She forced a smile. ‘‘Grandmother has loaned me her necklace. Isn’t it beautiful?’’
    Jasmine’s father nodded and glanced toward the tolling clock in the hallway. ‘‘Indeed, it is. We’d best be on our way, or I’d venture to say that we’ll be more than fashionably late to the Cheevers’. I do wish I’d had time to inform Bradley Houston of our arrival. He knew we were making the journey, but he didn’t know exactly when we planned to arrive. He wrote that he’d made a point of meeting you, Mother. What did you think of him?’’
    Alice donned her white lace stole and took hold of her son’s arm. ‘‘He seemed nice enough, I suppose, but he was more interested in discussing cotton and textiles than any matters that were of interest to me. He probably believed my years of living at The
    Willows made me an excellent partner with whom to discuss cotton markets. Little did he realize how I abhor the topic.’’ She gave her son a fleeting apologetic look. ‘‘Now, his brother, Nolan, is another matter entirely. Nolan enjoys theatre, poetry, and literature and can discuss them all quite eloquently. He’s a man after my heart. In fact, I shared one of Jasmine’s poems with him. He confided she hadn’t mentioned her literary abilities when he visited The Willows. Bradley didn’t appear to show much interest, but Nolan was quite impressed. I wouldn’t worry about business this evening. You’ll have ample time for discussions of cotton and textiles later in the week if Mr. Houston isn’t present tonight.’’
    ‘‘Since it’s obvious your health has greatly improved, Mother, I’m certain we won’t be in Lowell for an extended period.’’
    Jasmine stifled a protest. She might fear the events of the evening, but she longed to spend more time in her grandmother’s company. Surely Papa wouldn’t rush her back to The Willows without time for a good long visit.
    A playful smile tugged at Alice’s lips. ‘‘You’re not hiding your agitation very well, Malcolm. Why don’t we spend this evening enjoying each other’s company and the fact that we have a lovely party to attend?’’
    Jasmine watched her father’s expression soften. ‘‘I am enjoying your company, in spite of the false pretenses upon which you forced my arrival.’’
    ‘‘Tut, tut. Tonight is for fun—not admonitions. I am determined