Concealing Grace (The Grace Series Book 1) (6 page)

The entire experience still haunted him. Sitting back and doing nothing was not an option.

Sebastian knew before he came to Tennessee that his mission would not be an easy one. In addition to his many other responsibilities, he badly wanted to help dispel the deeply-seated ignorance of the white people in the community. Daily he prayed for the wisdom to do so. He recognized they were all products of their environment, brainwashed in beliefs passed down from generation to generation. They were all victims of the war and its many injustices, and they were all merely trying to survive in this world of so much hardship. It was human nature to assign blame for ones’ troubles. He understood their misguided naivety. He could almost understand, even though he vehemently disagreed with their tactics and their violence, what drove the Ku Klux Klan. Desperately he wished to alter views, to make people see how wrong they were, and to find a way to help the two races co-exist without so much hatred between them. The one thing he did do, for which he had to ask God’s forgiveness, was that he inferred to the congregation the charity he collected was for poor
white
people.

It didn’t take him long to drive his wagon to Shanty Town. As they had the first time, the impoverished residents of the awful place hid from him. This time, however, no one came out to confront him. It was just as well. Sebastian unloaded the wagon, setting out the Emerson’s crate alongside everything else. Before he departed, he stood back to admire the pile. It was quite a sight. His parishioners were more generous than he’d thought they would be. Their donations included everything from clothes and shoes to buckets and brooms. There were blankets and dishes, draperies and pots and pans. There were baby dolls for little girls, and balls and tops for boys. Someone had given a hand painted, model train with several cars to it.

In driving away, Sebastian went slowly, giving himself plenty of time to repeatedly check back. Finally, he saw a hesitant crowd begin to gather. One woman poked at the pile of clothing with a stick. Another bent over and peered into Jessica Emerson’s crate. A little boy, scrambling on his knees, reached out to grab the red caboose from the model train.

Sebastian clucked to his horse to pick up the pace, but he didn’t shout out his glee until he was inside the parsonage. No one would hear him making a fool of himself there. Then, more soberly, while staring at the portrait he’d hung above the parlor fireplace, he said, “This is a very good day, my love.”

* * *

Luther Emerson was in his study going over his books when the front doorbell sounded. Normally he would have let one of his children answer it, but Trent was plowing, and Jessica was undoubtedly busy with some household chore. She didn’t much like answering the door anyway. Growling at the interruption, Luther rose to find out who was on his porch. He wasn’t in the best of moods, but the minute he swung the door wide, his financial burdens and the many other things that were weighing on his mind of late, instantly disappeared. Captain Jonathan Kinsley had come to call.

“I apologize for the unannounced visit, sir,” the captain said, “but I would like to have a word with you. I’m on my way to town for an appointment, so I promise not to take much of your time.”

Happy to oblige, Luther led the debonair captain to his study and gestured to the chairs opposite his desk. Only then, while viewing the disorderly piles of paper lying around and the scuffs and scratches on his old furniture from his guest’s perspective, did he become embarrassed. Before the war his home hadn’t been nearly so shabby. “Please make yourself comfortable,” he said. “May I offer you some whiskey?”

“I would enjoy a glass. Thank you.”

While he poured, Luther remarked, “As you see, our home is not nearly as grand as yours. Please accept my apology for the mess.”

“Not at all. I totally understand.” The captain smiled as Luther handed him the drink, and he said, “I was fortunate to have come into a recent inheritance. It is the only reason I am where I am today. I think your home is charming.”

“Ah!” Luther chortled as he slipped in behind his desk and took his seat. “I didn’t want to pry, but I was wondering how you would have the money needed to do what you’ve done with Bent Oak Manor. I don’t mean to sound impertinent, Captain, but a captain’s salary isn’t generally—” Realizing his
faux pas
, Luther stopped short. “I hope I haven’t offended.”

“Do not worry, sir. You are correct. I wouldn’t be able to afford any of what I have today with my military compensation. My father had substantial land holdings in Virginia that I sold. And please, call me Jon.”

Substantial land holdings indicated a wealthy background, too. Still fidgeting, Luther asked, “So, what can I do for you this fine day?”

“I’m not quite sure how to go about this, sir, so I hope you will bear with me. I find your daughter very beautiful. I would like to court her and thought it would be prudent for me to ask your permission first.”

Luther knew it! He’d been right all along about the admirable captain’s interest in Jessie. “I couldn’t be more pleased!” With a conspiring wink, he added, “I think Jessie is quite taken with you, too.”

The captain looked away, and Luther was somewhat placated to notice the man did have dents in his otherwise spotless armor. It didn’t take long, however, for his guest’s momentary lapse of confidence to rectify itself.

“Now that I’m retired from the army and have decided to settle down, I’ve been considering taking a wife,” he said. “Of all of the women in this community, there are none as enchanting as your daughter.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more!” Luther could barely suppress his thrill.

The captain went on, “As you know, my horses are my primary concern and what I hope will yield the most profit for the manor. Just this morning, I was able to secure a contract with the army. The income will be considerable, but the demand on my time will be significant. I am desperate for someone to help manage the house.”

“Oh, quite right! You need a wife. It is critical for a gentleman as busy as you to have a wife to keep a house in order.” This was getting better by the second.
An army contract
…
considerable income
…
!
Luther’s little girl would be set for life! Still maintaining his decorum, he said, “Do you mind if I ask how many servants you have?”

“Eighteen in all. Too many to keep track of. Too many to pay. But they are necessary for all the work that needs to be done.”

“They must be costing you a pretty penny.”

“They are, but I’ve hired only colored. They’re cheaper.”

Luther watched the captain take a sip of his whiskey. Thoughtfully, he said, “As you know my dear wife, Eva passed many years ago. Jessica has been taking care of our home for years. I think it would be helpful to mention that we did, at one time, have several slaves. As young as she was, Jessica kept them in line quite well. I assure you she will be up to the task of managing the house at Bent Oak Manor.”

“I can’t tell you what a relief it is to hear you say that,” the captain said.

“What you said about hiring colored folk makes good sense,” Luther went on. “I’ve thought about taking on a hand or two myself. To help Trent, you see. It’s been difficult for him without the arm. Unfortunately, since the war, the farm hasn’t been as profitable as I hoped. But if a colored hand costs less, I might be able to reconsider. To be honest, I hadn’t thought of looking in that direction. How, may I ask, did you go about finding the ones you have?”

The captain shrugged dismissively. “I was advised to go to the railroad tracks along the river. I was told many of them live there in shacks.”

Luther sat up so fast, the feet of his desk chair grated harshly against the flooring. “My God, man, you didn’t go to Shanty Town by yourself I hope! They’re like savages there. It’s not safe for a gentleman alone!”

The captain smiled. “No, I didn’t go there myself. Believe it or not, one of them came to me. Quite an insolent cur, I should tell you. The nigger had the audacity to come right up onto my lawn! He said he was looking for work, so I sent him to the railroad tracks and told him to bring me more.”

Exceeding relieved, Luther slumped back in his chair. “That was wise of you.”

“Perhaps,” the captain said, “but not picking them myself has been a disadvantage. The field hands I ended up with are so damnably stupid and lazy, they can do nothing unless I’m there overseeing them. And the house niggers are worse. As soon as I come through the door, they run around pretending they were working. I can’t tell you how frustrating it’s been. In the event I need to hire more, which is probable now that I have this contract with the army, I would prefer to sum them up before I take them on. I might have to go to this Shanty Town place after all. Is it truly as bad as you say?”

“Oh, it is!” Luther was firm. “Let me put it this way, captain, colored folk can’t take care of themselves. That’s what the Yankee government doesn’t understand. They gave them their freedom, but left them here for us to deal with. On their own, they are not civilized. Now that they’re free, they’ve turned into villains, and they’re bombarding our peaceful Southern streets with their illicit activity. The situation has become intolerable.”

The captain shook his head. There was no mistaking his disgust. “I agree with you. Our mighty leaders in Washington are ignorant of the facts. They leave us, their good citizens, to suffer. Niggers are much better off in an environment where they can be kept and monitored. Slavery is what they were bred for, and slaves they should remain.”

Luther had never heard it put quite that way, but he nodded in agreement.

“As I’m sure you know,” the captain went on, “niggers don’t have the mental capacity to learn anything in a reasonable amount of time. In my case, under our
new
laws, while I’ve been spending my days training the dogs to do their jobs adequately, I must
pay
them. It’s ludicrous!”

“I hear you, Jon,” Luther commiserated. “It’s bad enough Washington has given them the right to vote! They have no idea what they’re doing. But alas, we could spend weeks discussing the mess our society has become with colored folk running amuck. I know you can’t stay long today and I don’t want to keep you. We’ll have plenty of time to talk about this again soon enough, I’m sure.” Grinning, he added, “Right now you’re here for a more pleasant purpose. When do you think you would like to call upon my girl?”

“Will tomorrow be too soon? About this same time in the afternoon?”

“Tomorrow will be just fine!” Luther beamed.

He was still beaming, as he escorted his unexpected, but very welcomed guest to the door. From the window he watched the captain mount his horse—a quite impressive piece of horseflesh, too—and ride off. Then he spun around and hollered loudly, “Jessie! Jessie! Where are you, girl?”

Within seconds she came running down the hallway. Luther hadn’t meant to alarm her, but it was evident by her expression that he had.

“What is it, Papa?”

Grinning widely, Luther buzzed, “Jessie, this is our lucky day! Captain Kinsley was just here. He said he thinks you are one of the prettiest women he’s ever met. No, no, how did he say it? Enchanting and beautiful were the words he used. He wants to court you! He even hinted at the possibility of marriage. I knew it! I knew it!” Clapping his hands, and doing a little jig, he chanted, “My girl is going to be rich! My girl is going to be rich!”

Righting himself, Luther lowered his voice. “Oh dear, but we’ve got to get you ready! We need to do some shopping. Get your wardrobe in shape. He wants to call on you tomorrow already! Can you believe it? He truly must be smitten. Oh, but how could he not be? He’s right, you know. You are the prettiest girl in all of Tennessee. Just like your momma.”

* * *

Jessica was ready for her date with Captain Jonathan Kinsley with thirty minutes to spare. She was wearing the last of her good dresses. It was emerald green, and her father recommended it because he said it brought out the color of her eyes. That morning, he took her to town and ordered three more. They would be delivered within the week.

Her hands were shaking as she set down her hair brush and rose from the vanity stool. Groaning aloud, she glanced at her clock. It was barely one minute past the last time she looked at it. Her nervousness was overwhelming to the point she felt ill. Parading in circles helped, but nothing could fully subdue the anxiety.

She was still pacing when her father called her name. Taking a deep, fortifying breath, she headed toward the staircase. It was important to descend slowly so she wouldn’t trip and make a fool of herself.

Step by downward step the captain came into view. He was wearing a neat, black suit with a navy brocade vest and pristine white shirt. His black boots were so well polished they shone. His stance was casual with his hands behind his back. He was smiling at her, too, but Jessica was unable to maintain eye contact. Like he had when they were at his home, he took her hand, kissed the back of it, leaned close and in little more than a whisper, said, “You are lovely.”

Her father grinned at them both. “Well, I have paperwork to do. I shall leave you two to yourselves. Have a good time.” He winked at Jessica and quietly disappeared, closing the study door behind him.