Because of Rebecca(10)

“I’m afraid all I have that will fit you is a simple cotton day dress. Will you mind wearing that until your clothes dry?”

“Not at all. I appreciate your kindness,” Rebecca assured her taking the dress. “When are you due?”

“In about a month or so. The mid-wife says this one could come sooner than later since it’s my fourth.”

“Mr. Hollingsworth said you are hoping for a son.” She stepped behind a small dressing screen and began removing her wet garments.

“Aye. Paxton wants a son. But I’ve learned you take what you’re given. It doesn’t matter what we may want in life. We just make do with what we have,” Isabella said. “I know nothing about boys. And after having three girls I suppose the change would be good. But I won’t be sad if we have another daughter. The main concern I have is that the baby comes into the world healthy and whole.”

“I’ll pray you have a safe delivery,” Rebecca assured.

“Thank you,” Isabella replied. “It’s nice to see Mr. Hollingsworth keeping company again. He’s been alone since Charisse died.”

Rebecca stepped from behind the screen, tying the belt in the back. She draped her wet dress over the screen for it to dry. “Losing a loved one is tragic.”

“Yes it is. And I know he has to feel alone living in that big house without family around. Mary tries her best to make it comfortable for him, but I know it isn’t the same as having loved ones with you.”

“It sounds as if Jared has a champion,” Rebecca remarked as they headed back to the kitchen.”

“That he does.”





Chapter Five

“You’re very quiet this morning,” Josephine said over coffee. “How was your outing?”

Rebecca studied her aunt. Something was different, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what. She’d expected the inquisition this morning over her soiled dress. Yet, Josephine hadn’t said a word.

“It was pleasant and most enjoyable. I wish you could have come along.”

“I’d have only been in the way.” Josephine spread a generous amount of butter over her biscuit.

If you only knew.

“Perhaps if I’m invited to visit Oak Hill again you’ll come with me?” she said.

“Perhaps.” Her aunt picked up her coffee cup and sipped.

“You sound as if you are feeling better. No headache this morning?”

“No headache.” She stared off into the distance and remained silent for a few minutes before she sat her cup down and announced. “I think I’ll do some shopping this morning. Do you have plans?”

Rebecca nodded. “I have a few errands to run for Elizabeth, but I should be finished before noon. Shall we plan on lunch?”

“Elizabeth? The girl is on her wedding tour. What could she possibly need your help with?” Josephine asked.

“She’s having her first tea as a married woman when she returns next month,” Rebecca said. “I’m seeing to the invitations.”

“Doesn’t she have a mother or sisters who could do this for her?”

Rebecca hid her smile. This was the Aunt Josephine she knew so well. “She’s married now. She wants to do this on her own. It’s important to her.”

“It sounds to me as if she’s foisting the job on you.”

“Think what you wish. I’m happy to do it since I couldn’t help her before the wedding,” she said. “What about lunch?”

Josephine shook her head. “There’s a midday Mass at the church. I thought I’d drop in on the ladies auxiliary afterward to see if I could be of service while we are here.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” If her aunt found something to occupy her time, then she’d have more time to see to her own business without making excuses.

“Well, it’s either find something to do or stay in this suite, as you put it yesterday,” Josephine said. “I found I didn’t like being here alone while you were away, even if I wasn’t feeling well.”

She pushed her chair back from the table and stood, her blond hair tumbled from the loose chignon that had replaced her usual bun. She absently patted it and said, “I’d better go change and redo my hair.”

“I’ll see you this afternoon.” Rebecca carried her coffee over to the small secretary.

Sitting down, she took out her stationary and wrote a letter to Isabella, thanking her for her hospitality. Then she struggled with one to Mr. Hollingsworth in regards to their mission. Their conversation about Ruth yesterday had ended abruptly and she needed to know where they stood. She felt antsy about completing her assignment. The longer it took, the more she feared for Ruth’s safety. Yet she also feared for Lucas and what might happen to him if she were caught transporting Ruth to Memphis.

Her hand trembled and she considered her words carefully.

Dear Mr. Hollingsworth,

It is with utmost haste that I write regarding our association. I must speak with you again on the matter at the first opportune time. We must settle it quickly.

Miss Davis

Putting thoughts of danger out of her mind, she folded the letter and sealed the envelope before going to check on Lucas. Charlotte was almost finished bathing him and he splashed the water with his hands.

“Now Luc,” Charlotte scolded, causing the child to laugh.

“He’s feisty this morning,” Rebecca observed.

“A little too much to complete his bath.”

“Here, let me help you.” Rebecca picked up a towel, scooped Lucas up and carried him over to the bed. “I’ll dress him. It’ll give me a little time with him before I go out for the morning.”

“Yes, miss.” The maid took the tub of water out of the room.

The child cackled as Rebecca played peek-a-boo with him and dried him. She sprinkled a sweet smelling powder on his body and rubbed it on him so he wouldn’t chafe from the heat. Jackson was definitely much warmer in June than Memphis.

“Oh Lucas, what would I do without you?” she asked and kissed the top of his head, his chubby cheeks and the tip of his nose.

In response he blew spit bubbles at her as she dressed him for the day. Overcome with thoughts of a failed mission to get Ruth to safety, she cradled him against her body, enjoying the warmth.

“M—m—m,” he cooed, stuffing his fist into his toothless mouth.

She smiled, laying him back down and continued to play with him until Charlotte returned with his bottle.

Rebecca scooped him up and handed him to the maid.

“I should be back by lunch,” she called, disappearing behind the dressing screen to quickly change into a fresh day dress before she left.

The first stop on her to do list was the post office, then the engravers to place Elizabeth’s order for invitations. While there she also ordered new calling cards for her friend. Coming out of the store she was startled to see her aunt leaving the dress shop across the street in a dress and hat she had never seen before. Rebecca watched as the woman headed toward St. Anna’s.

First, she’d had a new hairstyle and now a new ensemble. What had gotten into Josephine?

Rebecca headed toward the dress shop determined to see what the latest styles offered in Jackson. Her aunt did not make hasty purchases unless they were haute couture. It was her one vanity.

****

Beneath her gloves, Josephine’s palms were damp as she entered the church. She spotted the confessional and it beckoned to her to repent, because she was there on a carnal mission rather than to reverently worship God. She felt sinful in her actions, but she couldn’t stop herself.

In a chance conversation with the hotel clerk she’d learned that Doctor Gordon attended midday services regularly. He also worked with the ladies’ auxiliary, putting them in touch with families in need. Two factors that appealed to her faith and charitable work, and gave her reason to speak with him.

Taking a deep breath, she took her rosary from her purse and genuflected, crossing herself before sliding into a pew among the other parishioners. She knelt and nervously adjusted the collar of her new dress and touched the chignon underneath the short lace veil to make sure it was still in place. She prayed her efforts would not go unnoticed by the good doctor and he’d be pleased to see she’d taken his advice.

Before the service began, she saw him slip into a pew near the front, on the opposite side of the sanctuary.

Oh dear Lord, forgive me, but he’s better looking than I remembered, she silently prayed, clutching her rosary to her breast. His dove gray suit stretched across his broad shoulders, but looked rumpled as if he’d slept in it.

He’d been rude to her. Yet she couldn’t put him out of her mind. She abhorred his profession, believing his kind were nothing more than charlatans. So why did she want to learn more about him? Who was the man behind his rough exterior? And why did her heart beat so rapidly when he was near?