Lily (Song of the River) (43 page)

Tamar took the combs and set them on the dressing table. “They will be perfect with your dress, Miss Lily. You can at least wear them tonight.”

“I suppose so.” Lily didn’t want to hurt Mrs. Thornton’s feelings.

The casement clock on the mantel began to chime the hour. “I will leave you to change your dress.” She whisked her skirt back through the doorway and disappeared.

Tamar picked up Camellia’s hairbrush and used it to part Lily’s hair.

“You and Mrs. Thornton are making too much of this outing. It’s nothing more than the kindness of my business partner in wanting to entertain my sisters and me.”

“And why not?” Tamar brushed her hair until it shone and then began twisting it up. “You have a handsome escort for a fancy night out. Who knows what magic could happen?”A shadowy emotion darkened Tamar’s eyes. Was she envious?

A thrill of anticipation zipped through Lily at the thought of the surprise in store for her maid later this evening. She didn’t know exactly what Jensen planned, but when he had asked for her permission to take Tamar out for the evening, she had given it gladly. Tamar deserved a better life, one that offered all the freedoms Lily and her sisters enjoyed.

In order to keep Jensen’s plans secret, she adopted a casual attitude. “It’s nothing special. I’ve half a mind to tell you to remove the combs and put away the gray dress.”

Tamar’s expression was so serene Lily wondered if she’d imagined the emotion she’d seen earlier. “You can tell yourself that falsehood if you want to, but I’ve seen Mr. Blake make you blush. And his gaze turns to you when he thinks no one else is looking. He’s your beau, all right, or he would be if you’d give him a little encouragement.”

A telltale blush rose toward Lily’s cheeks. Why did she have to be so transparent? She grabbed her fan from the dressing table and swept it back and forth to cool her face.

Tamar sent a knowing look then helped Lily with the gray dress and nodded. “You look very nice.”

Lily turned to the mirror and was surprised by her image. Her hair was pinned by the gray combs above her ears and cascaded in soft waves around her head, giving her a much softer look. Her dress, with its wide skirt and fancy stitched design, accentuated her small waist and looked most fashionable. Lily felt like a fraud. She was no beauty.

Confused by her thoughts, she decided to focus on Tamar. Now that her maid had an opportunity to escape the yoke of slavery, she wanted to make certain nothing stood in her way. She pointed her fan at the maid. “This situation cannot continue.”

“What do you mean? Have I done something wrong?”

“Of course not. You’ve done nothing but care for Camellia, Jasmine, and me as if we were your own children.”

A smile chased away the worried look on Tamar’s face. “I couldn’t love you any more than my own children.”

“I know, Tamar. That’s why I’m going to make certain you gain your freedom. The last time I suggested this, I thought you may have reacted so badly because Mr. Moreau was there.”

Tamar stepped back, her head shaking. “That’s not it at all, Miss Lily. I don’t want him or anyone else to spend good money for me. Besides, if I was freed, I wouldn’t be able to care for you or your sisters.”

Deciding to dispense with the easier issue, she smiled. “Maybe not, but you’d be able to marry Jensen and have children of your own.”

Tears shone in Tamar’s dark-brown eyes. “I don’t need to marry that man.”

“So, it’s fine for Blake to court me, but you don’t deserve to be with the man you love?”

Silence filled the room as they looked at each other. Finally Tamar’s gaze fell to the floor. “Sometimes I just want everything to go back to the way it used to be. Back to the way I felt before I ever met Jensen. But then, when I’m near him—” She twisted her hands in her apron. “He makes me want to have a different future.”

“That’s wonderful.” Lily hugged Tamar, her heart practically bursting with happiness.

At first the older woman resisted, but then she returned Lily’s embrace.

“Don’t you see? You’re in love with Jensen. I knew it! And the two of you are going to have a chance for happiness. You’re going to have children of your own you can love as wonderfully as you’ve loved us for all these years.”

Tamar shooed Lily out of the room. “Get on downstairs before Mr. Blake comes looking for you.”

“I will, but only if you promise to give Jensen a chance.” Lily waited for Tamar’s nod before she skipped down the staircase. She found her sisters and their escorts in the front parlor. Jasmine was talking nonstop to Mr. and Mrs. Thornton about the evening ahead. Camellia sat on the sofa, her arms crossed and a pout on her face. One look at the disinterested expression on Jonah Thornton’s face told Lily why. Camellia was not used to being ignored. Lily struggled to keep a straight face.

Blake leaned against the fireplace mantel, his tall black hat dangling from one hand. She had never seen him looking so elegant. The brass buttons of his striped waistcoat gleamed in the candlelight. His black boots had been polished to a mirror finish. Suddenly Lily was glad she’d worn her gray dress, especially when she saw the light of appreciation in Blake’s eyes.

“The carriage is ready.” Blake bowed and walked toward her.

Lily wanted to say something witty, but nothing came to mind. “You look very nice this evening.”

His lips curled in a tender smile. “Thank you. So do you. You’ve done something different to your hair, haven’t you?”

He had noticed. Lily touched a hand to one of the combs. “Mrs. Thornton loaned these to me for the evening.”

Blake nodded. “Are you ready to depart?”

She smiled and placed her hand on his proffered arm. Not sure whether she was walking or floating, she passed through the doorway and into the foyer.

Tamar had been right. This was going to be a very special evening.

F
reedom.
The word had been an idea without substance to Tamar. At best it was a scary word, yet she found herself increasingly drawn to it.

She picked up Jasmine’s pinafore and smoothed it with a gentle touch. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a family of her own? But what would the Anderson sisters do without someone to watch over them?

Shaking her head, Tamar folded the pinafore and put it in Jasmine’s trunk. She checked the room one last time to make sure everything had been put away before going down the narrow staircase used by the slaves.

The housekeeper met her at the back door. “You have a visitor.”

Her heart leaped. “Is it Mr. Moreau?”

The older woman winked and nodded. “He’s dressed up awful pretty, too. I’d say he’s got courting on his mind.”

Tamar ducked her head. If Jensen was dressed up, she didn’t want to be wearing her apron. She grabbed at the strings holding it to her waist and wrestled with them.

“Let me help you.” The housekeeper turned her around and untied the strings. “I’ll put this in your room. You go on out to the kitchen and meet your young man.”

Putting a hand on her hammering heart, Tamar walked through the garden and stepped into the bright, warm kitchen where most of the servants gathered in the evenings. Tonight was no exception. Two maids, the butler, and the cook were sitting around a large table. But the only person Tamar saw was standing next to the hearth.

He stepped forward, his brown eyes shining with love. “I’ve got plans for the evening.”

She cocked her head to one side. “You do?”

“Yes.”

Tamar raised her hand toward his hair. “I think your head may still be broken.”

Jensen captured her hand and placed it on his arm like she was a real lady. “I’m good as new. You didn’t have nothing else planned, did you?”

She couldn’t stop the giggle that slipped out. “What kind of plans could I have?”

“Good.” Pulling her out of the kitchen, away from the prying eyes and ears of the Thorntons’ staff, he escorted her to the outer entrance.

Her eyes stretched wide when she realized a hired cab awaited them. “Wait. I can’t leave. I don’t have permission.”

“Yes, you do. I talked with Miss Lily earlier. She said you could.”

She was free. For the evening at least.

Tamar let Jensen hand her into the cab. He climbed in and sat beside her, his closeness threatening her breath. “I can’t believe you did this. Lily didn’t say a word about it.”

“I asked her not to so’s I could surprise you.” He put his hat on his lap. “Are you surprised?”

Another giggle filled the air. “Of course. But are you sure?”

“I never been surer, Tamar.” His gaze caressed her. “I love you.”

“Don’t say those things.” She turned away and watched the passing scenery.

“I have to. Else my heart would explode. There’s lots I want to say to you, Tamar. But the most important is that I love you enough to buy your freedom.”

That brought her head back around. “You don’t have to do that. Lily promised to make sure I’m given my freedom.”

He rubbed his knuckle against her jaw. “I love you with all my heart. As soon as you’re free, I want to marry you.”

“Don’t say that. There are so many reasons we can’t get married.” Tamar tried to pull back, but he trapped her chin with long fingers.

“We belong together.”

“I’m too old and too dark.”

“I’ll leave off my hat. The sun should help me look both older and darker.” His grin was infectious.

Tamar found herself smiling at him. “I can’t marry a man who’s not a Christian.”

“I have given my heart to Him.” He waggled his brows at her. “I don’t always do what I should. I just need a good woman to help keep me in line.”

Infected by his jolly attitude, she summoned a fierce frown. “Well, if you want to be married to me, you’ll have to change some. I’ll not have anyone say I married a heathen.”

He laughed out loud. Raising his other hand, he cupped her face. “I love you.” He pressed a soft kiss on her lips.

Tamar felt like she was floating on a cloud.
So this is what the Bible meant about a man and a woman becoming one.
She could almost feel the joining of their souls.

The cab stopped, and Jensen let her go. “Are you ready?” He helped her out of the carriage and paid the driver.

They walked hand in hand down Gravier Street until they came to the St. Charles Theater. Her mouth dropped open at the size of the building. It could probably hold most of the citizens of New Orleans. Jensen led her past the line of carriages at the front entrance, walking toward the east side of the building. Part of her wished they could go inside, but Tamar knew that was impossible for a slave.

Refusing to let her thoughts spoil the evening, she looked toward the open doorway. The performance must have already started. She could hear someone singing. Dozens of people crowded around the door, jostling against each other to get a better position. They must have a view of the stage.

Jensen pointed to an empty bench a few feet away. “Why don’t we sit over there?”

Tamar nodded. If they were very quiet, they would be able to hear almost every word. She couldn’t think of any better way to spend the evening than sitting next to the man she loved.

Thankfulness filled her as she realized the truth. She loved Jensen Moreau. His arm encircled her waist and drew her close. If freedom offered other such delights, she would embrace it with a joyful heart.

Blake was a fool. All the gilded arches and velvet curtains of the theater were lost on him. He barely noticed the sparkling chandeliers or the crowds of tiara-crowned, bejeweled women. The only thing on his mind was that he was falling in love with a girl who was all wrong for him.

He glanced at her. Lily was leaning slightly forward, so caught up in the action on the stage that she had forgotten he was sitting next to her. Yes, he was an idiot.

Nothing about Lily should appeal to him. She was stubborn, idealistic, and a prude to boot. Never mind that she came with a ready-made family who would always be a big part of her life. Lily had a caring heart and a mind that worked at the speed of lightning, but those things shouldn’t appeal to a man. He glanced at her again, his gaze caressing the fullness of her mouth and the jut of her determined chin. Funny how over the past months his idea of feminine beauty had changed.

A whisper from Jasmine at the front of the box drew his attention. She was seated next to Camellia and the Thorntons’ son Jonah, while he and Lily were directly behind them. It was the perfect arrangement for chaperones.

When had he grown so old? And why was he spending his days surrounded by this motley crew of a family when he should be wining and dining lovely women from one end of the Mississippi River to the other?

Yet he found himself reluctant to sell his portion of the
Hattie Belle
to Lily. Although opportunities to open a gambling boat abounded, the thrill of gambling had faded to a distant fantasy. Blake had discovered he enjoyed the variety of alarms and challenges that chased Lily and her family.

Part of him even enjoyed listening to her father talk about his beliefs. Not that he would attend any more sermons in the dining room. But he did like asking Captain Henrick questions about faith in the modern world.