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

to show my granddaughter, and perhaps my son, that the Northern states are just as fond of parties and revelry as is the South.’’
    ‘‘Then let us go among your Northern neighbors,’’ Jasmine’s father said, smiling.
    Jasmine relaxed a bit. Her father was clearly not nearly as annoyed with his mother as he let on. She followed her elders to the carriage, watching as her grandmother lovingly placed her gloved hand against her son’s face. Jasmine couldn’t hear what she said, but the look on her grandmother’s face was one of pure love.
    The exchange warmed Jasmine and made her forget her fears. At least momentarily.
    By the time they arrived at the Cheevers’, Jasmine’s father appeared to relish the idea of a party, hurrying them out of the carriage and up to the porch with a swiftness that caused Jasmine’s grandmother to tug on his sleeve.
    ‘‘Do slow down, Malcolm. This isn’t a footrace, and I’m an old woman.’’
    Papa winked at Jasmine before turning back toward his mother. ‘‘Since when do you consider yourself old?’’
    ‘‘When such a comment suits my fancy, of course.’’ She gave her son a smug grin and looped arms with Jasmine. ‘‘Come along, my dear. I’m going to introduce you to some of the most eligible bachelors to be found north of Mississippi.’’
    Malcolm immediately sobered. ‘‘Don’t get any ideas, Mother.
    As I said on our way here, with your improved health, we’ll be returning to Mississippi very soon. I much prefer to be home in time for picking season.’’
    ‘‘Don’t discount my medical ailments so quickly, Malcolm.
    You assume because I’m able to navigate the streets of Lowell, I am completely well. However, my health hangs in the balance, changing from day to day, much like the weather.’’
    ‘‘Or to suit your circumstances?’’ he inquired as they reached the front door.
    Alice ignored his question, stepping forward to greet Lilly Cheever. ‘‘Lilly, Matthew. May I introduce my son Malcolm Wainwright and my dear granddaughter Jasmine?’’
    Matthew grasped Malcolm’s hand in a warm handshake. ‘‘I believe Bradley Houston mentioned your name to me only this morning. He said he had visited your plantation and that you and your brothers have some of the finest cotton fields to be found in the South.’’
    Malcolm nodded. ‘‘I’m pleased to hear he was so favorably impressed with our cotton. Bradley appears to be quite a shrewd businessman. In fact, we’ve corresponded since his departure.’’
    ‘‘We’re pleased to welcome you to our home. I believe Bradley is expected tonight, isn’t he, my dear?’’
    Lilly nodded. ‘‘Yes. Actually, Bradley’s already here, though Nolan hasn’t yet arrived. He’s coming from Cambridge with Henry Longfellow.’’ She lowered her voice and leaned close as though she were sharing some privileged piece of information.
    ‘‘They’ve both agreed to read poetry for us later this evening.’’
    Alice clapped her hands together in obvious delight. ‘‘How enchanting! I know we’ll all enjoy hearing them,’’ Alice said before stepping aside to permit the other guests entry.
    The three Wainwrights walked down the hallway toward the drawing room, and Malcolm gave his mother a smug grin. ‘‘It sounds as though Mrs. Cheever’s entertainment will provide me with ample opportunity to talk to Bradley Houston this evening.’’
    ‘‘Listening to something other than the price of cotton would expand your mind,’’ Alice gently chided.
    When her father gave no retort, Jasmine looked upward and followed his gaze. Bradley Houston was wending his way through the crowd. He plainly stared at her as he approached where they now stood. He looked quite dashing dressed in gray and black. His rigid features gave him a hard but handsome appearance.
    ‘‘I didn’t know you had arrived in Lowell. I thought you would send word,’’ he said. She couldn’t discern if he was angry or merely