Glimmers of Change (20 page)

Carrie was gasping for breath after a rousing Virginia reel with her father. “I thought you were supposed to slow down when you got older,” she said. “I could barely keep up with you out there!”

Thomas smiled smugly. “Forty-five is not old, my dear daughter. I prefer to think of myself as mature and wise.”

“And a fabulous dancer,” Abby added, sliding up to his side before she tucked her arm into his. “Did you happen to mention to Carrie that you sat out for three dances to get some rest?” she asked, batting her eyes at him.

Thomas scowled. “I thought a good wife was supposed to keep her husband’s secrets.”

“Then you should have chosen a wife who is not a Yankee women’s rights activist,” she retorted.

Carrie laughed as her father rolled his eyes. As much as he had loved her mother, she had never seen him have such unbridled fun. “Sat out for three dances?” she asked. She held out her hand as the orchestra broke into another reel. “Ready for an encore?” she asked sweetly.

Thomas groaned and shook his head. “Food. I need food.”

Carrie nodded her head, her eyes bright with amusement. “Whatever you say, my mature and wise father. When you’ve had enough
rest
, you’ll know where to find me.”

“Which is with me on the dance floor,” Robert said as he finished a dance with Mrs. Manson and returned to claim Carrie. He nodded his head toward Jeremy. “Who is Jeremy with?”

Carrie turned in surprise and eyed the attractive redhead. “I don’t know,” she admitted.

“Her name is Marietta Anderson,” Abby informed them. “She’s a teacher down in the black quarter.”

“She’s very pretty,” Carrie murmured, somewhat amused by the expression on Jeremy’s face. “My uncle seems rather smitten.”

“He says he is,” Abby agreed. “I just met Marietta, but she seems quite lovely.”

Carrie kept her eyes on Jeremy as Robert led her out onto the dance floor. “I like the idea of Jeremy being smitten,” she said quietly. She decided not to say the rest of what she was thinking.

Carrie was starving when she and Robert finally left the dance floor. “I need food,” she moaned.

“You should after four hours of dancing,” Robert replied playfully.

Carrie’s eyes flew to the ornate grandfather clock in the corner. “Four hours? No wonder I’m so hungry.” She bit back a groan. “That could also explain why my feet are hurting so badly.”

Robert frowned when he looked down at her feet. “It could have something to do with the shoes you are wearing.”

“They are ghastly,” Carrie admitted, “but they are the height of fashion. I considered tossing them aside so I could dance in my stocking feet, but I was afraid people would be appalled.”

“Not that you seem to be bothered by what society thinks!”

Carrie turned as a snide voice broke into their conversation. She blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?”

Staring back at her with cold brown eyes was an elegantly dressed woman, a censoring expression on her lined face. “I said you seem not to care what society thinks, Mrs. Borden,” the woman snapped boldly.

“Do I know you?” Carrie asked carefully, glancing longingly at the table full of food.

“I don’t imagine so,” the lady sniffed. “You seem to have no interest in proper southern women. You certainly have no interest in
being
one.”

Carrie bit back a giggle. She could certainly not argue with the truth of the woman’s statement. She was also certain a giggle would not be appreciated. Obviously, the woman was deeply offended.

“Do you have a problem with my wife, Mrs…?” Robert asked, stepping closer to Carrie’s side.

“Mrs. Phoebe Wallington,” the older lady said primly. “I would say
you
should be the one with a problem with your wife.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Robert said calmly, only his eyes showing his irritation.

“Surely you’re not pleased that your
wife
is leaving you to go north to attend medical school.” Mrs. Wallington snapped. “I suppose her service during the war was admirable, but the war is over. The South will only survive and return to its former glory if southern wives take their proper place in society.”

Carrie fought back another desire to giggle. She was opening her mouth to respond, but Robert answered first.

“My wife’s service during the war was not admirable,” he said smoothly. “It was blatantly heroic. She saved hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives by being willing to go against proper society and use the skills and talents she has been given. As far as how I feel about her going to Philadelphia to medical school, I could not be more proud of her.” His voice tightened. “If you feel you are being a proper southern woman by being cruel and judgmental, then I am completely relieved my wife is choosing something different.”

Mrs. Wallington was rendered speechless for a long moment, her slack mouth gaping open with astonishment. Add in her bulging eyes, and she looked rather like a fish out of water.

Carrie decided there was really nothing she needed to add to Robert’s statement. “If you’ll excuse us,” she said graciously. “We are quite famished after a long evening of dancing.” She smiled up at Robert. “Shall we go now, my darling?”

Robert grinned down at her, his eyes shining with satisfaction. “Lead the way, Mrs. Borden.”

“Well…I never!” Mrs. Wallington finally managed as they turned away.

Carrie made no effort to hide her giggle this time. “That was quite impressive, Mr. Borden.”

Robert smiled broadly. “She should have known better than to mess with a hungry man’s wife.”

Abby was standing by the table, holding out plates to them when they arrived. “Well done, Robert,” she stated, her eyes warm with approval.

Robert reached for the plate eagerly. “Doing battle with arrogance has increased my appetite,” he said.

“I’m sorry,” Abby murmured to Carrie.

“Don’t be,” Carrie replied. “I’d best get used to it.”

“It won’t be so bad in Philadelphia,” Abby replied.

“It’s every bit as bad,” Carrie replied casually. “I get letters from Janie once a week. She and her housemates deal with much worse than rude women. They have been spit on and mocked in the streets. People harangue them when they go into class, and male doctors treat them like they don’t exist.”

“Carrie!” Abby cried.

“It doesn’t matter,” Carrie said earnestly. “I’ve never thought it was going to be easy. You once told me that being a pioneer never is. Wasn’t it you that got spat on outside of an abolition meeting?”

“Yes, but—”

“But nothing,” Carrie said firmly. “Women all over the country are going to have to endure treatment like this to bring about change. I’m just one of many.” She smiled. “At least I’m not alone.”

Abby gazed at her for a moment and returned her smile, linking their arms firmly. “No, my dear, you are not alone.”

“And I find I have even more to admire about this family.”

Carrie turned to identify the strange voice. She smiled at the redhead standing behind her with a plate of food, Jeremy close to her side. “You’re Marietta,” she said warmly. “I’m so happy to meet you.”

Marietta laughed. “News travels fast around here.”

“You’re in the South,” Carrie replied. “We’re known for being nosey and intrusive.”

“As well as strong and resilient,” Marietta added. “You’re going to be a doctor?”

Carrie nodded. “I start medical school in Philadelphia this April.”

“I have two friends in school there,” Marietta revealed. “You’re going to love it.”

Carrie laughed and linked arms with her. She smiled up at Jeremy. “I’m going to steal Marietta for a few minutes,” she informed him. “I have some questions.”

Jeremy shook his head sadly. “And just like that I lose my dinner date.”

“Robert and Matthew will keep you company,” Carrie said blithely, without a hint of remorse in her voice. “Come with me, Marietta. It’s time you got to know the women in this family.”

“Are you sure you want to walk home?” Jeremy asked. “There is enough room in the carriage.”

“Too frigid out here for a southern boy?” Marietta teased. “This is hardly cold compared to a Philadelphia winter.”

Jeremy laughed and held out his arm. “I’ll be escorting Miss Anderson home,” he called to Thomas. The thought of walking back afterwards presented no problem at all. He would do anything to have more time with her.

Lantern light flickered on the sidewalk as they headed south toward Marietta’s boarding house. The wind had died away completely, rendering the surrounding trees into mute statues frozen in place. Candles flickered in a few windows, but the late hour assured most of the dwellings were completely dark and the streets were deserted. Fragrant smoke from fireplaces created a swirling fog for the stars gleaming through.

“It’s such a beautiful night,” Marietta murmured.

“That it is,” Jeremy agreed, his eyes never leaving her face. “Tell me more about yourself.”

“Let me think what I should admit to,” Marietta replied, her eyes dancing. “I am the youngest of five children. The only girl with four brothers.”

Jeremy lifted his eyebrows. “Which means you are either horribly spoiled or very independent.” He cocked his head as he appraised her. “I’m going to go with very independent.”

“Definitely,” she confirmed. “My brothers were good to me, but we grew up out in the country. They had no desire to take care of the weaker sex, so they made sure I wasn’t weaker. I did everything they did. It was expected. I have no patience with women who believe they must have a man to take care of them.” She lifted her chin. “I have been a member of the women’s rights movement since I was eighteen.”

“Is that a warning?” Jeremy asked with amusement.

“Does it
need
to be one?”

Jeremy laughed loudly. “I imagine you and Carrie got along well during dinner. The two of you are very much alike.”

“Does that bother you?” Marietta asked, watching him closely.

Jeremy stopped and turned Marietta to face him. “Let’s get this out of the way, Miss Anderson. I grew up in the South, but I’ve never been what you would call a traditional southerner. My father made sure of that. I believe women can do anything men can do, and I believe they should have the right to vote. I will continue to fight for civil rights for blacks, and for the freedom for them to have the vote.” He paused, not free to reveal his activities with the secret societies. “Does that cover the most important things for the moment?”

Marietta smiled at him warmly. “I believe it does, Mr. Anthony.”

Jeremy opened his mouth again, but then hesitated.

“Mr. Anthony?”

Jeremy stared over her head into the deep shadows beyond the cast of the lanterns, feeling that he was moving into an area of conversation he had no light to navigate. He had just met Marietta. There was no need to tell her any more than he already had.

“Is something wrong?” Marietta pressed.

Jeremy’s thoughts raced as he pondered how much to reveal. On the one hand, they barely knew each other. On the other hand, he was already sure Marietta could be very special to him. Was it fair to move forward without full disclosure?

“Why did you choose to be a teacher?” he asked, hoping her answer would give him time to decide what he was willing to say.

Marietta gazed at him. Her expression said she knew he was stalling, but she played along. “I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was a child,” she revealed. “My mother pushed me to learn as much as I could. She didn’t have the opportunity for education until she came north with my father. She had been taught how to read, but the rest of her education had been on the things considered essential to being a gracious southern woman,” she said wryly. “When she was exposed to my father’s library, she couldn’t get enough of knowledge. She taught me from a very early age to treasure knowledge and learning. I became a teacher four years ago, as soon as I finished school.” She paused. “My father became an abolitionist at the beginning of the movement in the Thirties. He fought for years for the slaves to be freed. When the war ended, he supported my desire to teach in the south. The Missionary Society asked me if I would come to Richmond to teach. Here I am.”

Jeremy gazed into her kind, expressive eyes for a long moment. He made his decision. “My twin sister is a teacher,” he said quietly.

“You have a twin sister? And she is a teacher?” Marietta asked with surprise. “Where?”

“She started a school out at Cromwell Plantation for the black children in the area,” Jeremy asked, trying to feel his way. He hated that he felt the need to speak so carefully, but he was aware of prejudices that even open-minded people still grappled with.

“That’s wonderful!” Marietta exclaimed. Then she looked at him sharply. “You seemed hesitant to tell me about her. Why?”

“My twin is black,” Jeremy replied. Marietta stared at him blankly as his words hung in the cold air. The quiet, deserted streets captured the announcement and flung it back at him.

“Perhaps you should explain,” Marietta finally replied.

Jeremy saw no censure or judgment in her eyes, only curiosity. He could find no fault in that. His announcement of a black twin sister would certainly create curiosity and a desire to know the whole story. He found it rather odd that his history was being revealed on the streets of Richmond on a frigidly raw dark night, but he was suddenly eager to have the truth known. He already knew Marietta was too important to play games with. He was certain the attraction between them was mutual. It was not fair to let it go further if his heritage was going to be a problem.

“My mother was a slave on Cromwell Plantation. My biological father was Thomas Cromwell’s father…” Jeremy began, telling her the entire story.

Marietta listened quietly.

“I found out the truth after I had already become friends with Thomas. Carrie had already discovered the existence of Rose’s twin, but then she unearthed an image of her grandfather that looked just like me. She had only met me once, when she was working at the hospital, but the resemblance hit her immediately. My father admitted the truth when she confronted him, but begged her to keep the secret.”

“That must have been so difficult,” Marietta murmured.

“It was,” Jeremy agreed. He continued on with the story. “I met Rose just two weeks after Richmond fell.” He smiled. “She is an astonishing woman. I could not be more proud of her.”

Marietta stared at him for a long moment. “This is a very personal story,” she finally said. “We have just met. Why are you choosing to tell me?”

Jeremy opted for honesty. He saw no reason to stop now. “Because I believe our relationship could turn into something much more than an acquaintance,” he replied promptly. “I knew I wanted to know you the moment I saw you. I don’t believe I’m imagining that our attraction is mutual.” He looked to her for confirmation.

“You’re not,” she agreed, her eyes steady. “But…”

“I don’t want to begin a relationship that has no chance of moving forward,” Jeremy said bluntly.

“And you believe your heritage could be a problem for me?” Marietta asked. “Even with all you know about me?”

Jeremy took a deep breath. “I look white, but I am mulatto. Though the chances are not high, if I have children they have a chance of being black, or at least looking much more colored than I do.”

Marietta managed a smile. “This is truly an odd conversation to be having with a man I just met, but I find the candor — especially from a southern gentleman — quite refreshing.”

Jeremy waited quietly while he watched different feelings and emotions flicker through Marietta’s eyes. He knew what he had revealed was a lot for anyone to comprehend and absorb. “You need time to think about this,” he finally said. “I simply needed for you to know the truth.”

Marietta nodded. “The best way to show appreciation for your candor is to be equally candid in return,” she finally said. “While my life is devoted to black children, I’ve never imagined the possibility of me having one of my own. And I will admit I had not yet gotten to the point where I had considered having children with you,” she said frankly.

Jeremy’s lips twitched, but he remained silent.

“I like you, Mr. Anthony. You did not imagine the mutual attraction. In all honesty, I cannot give you a response as to my thoughts about having a mulatto baby, but I am quite certain I would like to spend more time with you and get to know you better. Can that be enough?”

“More than enough,” Jeremy replied quickly, relief almost making him breathless. He knew their relationship could still end, but at least not because the truth had been hidden.

“Thank you,” Marietta said.

Jeremy lifted his eyebrows.

“Thank you for trusting me with your story. I can assure you it will not go beyond this conversation. I am well aware of the Black Codes, and the meaning for mulattoes. Whatever comes from our relationship, I will do nothing that might cause harm to you or to your family.”

Jeremy smiled, suddenly aware he had been certain of that before he began to speak. “Thank you,” he replied, reaching down to take one of her hands.

“Will I get the chance to meet your sister?” Marietta asked. “I would love to talk with her about her experiences in the contraband camp.”

Jeremy grinned, his heart light. “I’m sure your opportunity will come,” he assured her. “But for right now, I need to get you home before your reputation is destroyed by being out so late with a strange man.”

Marietta laughed gaily as she tucked her hand into his arm. “I’m quite sure you have figured out by now that I don’t give a fig what people think about me!”

“Another one of the things I like about you,” Jeremy agreed. “Abby pulled me aside before we left and asked me to invite you for dinner on Wednesday. Are you free to join us? I can come by from the factory to pick you up.”

“Absolutely. I shall look forward to it.”

“We’re almost there!” Amber cried, bouncing on the carriage seat. Suddenly she frowned. “I need a new name.”

“A new name?” Opal asked, forcing herself to breathe evenly as the plantation grew closer. She knew it had to be done, but she couldn’t imagine looking into Annie’s eyes and telling her that her baby was gone.

“Yes,” Amber insisted. “Sadie Lou got a new name so everyone wouldn’t confuse her with Sadie. I bet Amber and Clint are still there with their mama and daddy. So I need a new name, too.”

This was as good a distraction as anything. Opal managed a smile. “You got one in mind?”

“Do you have one in mind?” Amber corrected.

Opal blinked at her.

“Susie said education is real important,” Amber said earnestly. “She told me I would have more opportunities in the world if I spoke correctly.”

“So that’s why you’ve been working so hard in school?” Eddie asked gently.

Amber nodded. “I’m thirteen, just about to turn fourteen. I’m your only daughter now.” Tears filled her eyes. “I want you to be proud of me.”

Eddie pulled her close. “Honey, I’m already so proud of you I could burst. I’m real happy you be learning to speak right, but it won’t make me any more proud of you.”

Amber sat a little straighter as her lips trembled into a smile.

“We called you Sunny to tell you apart from little Amber before we left,” Opal said. “Do you like that?”

“Not really,” Amber said seriously. “It sounds like a little girl’s name.”

“Amber Lou,” Carl blurted out. “Then you’ll think of Sadie every time someone says your name. That way you can’t never forget her.”

Opal caught Eddie’s eyes. She wasn’t sure it was a good thing to force Amber to remember her sister every time someone called her name, but she was also quite sure Sadie would never be far from Amber’s thoughts anyway. Their years on the plantation after their mother’s death had knit them closer together than sisters. It was almost as if their souls had entwined as they walked together through those dark, sorrowful years. There had not been one night that Amber hadn’t cried herself to sleep since Sadie’s death, either Opal or Eddie holding her until she finally drifted off.