Because of Rebecca - By Leanne Tyler Page 0,3
head. “I’m so tired of being trapped out in the country, never seeing anyone. I feel we’re constantly in hiding. Josephine keeps us there for fear gossip might start about Lucas and damage her stellar reputation among the parish women. I believe she’s told them I’m traveling and she’s living at the cottage alone.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I remember you telling me about your prim aunt when we were at seminary. It doesn’t sound as if it has been easy on you raising Mariah’s child as your own.”
“No. She won’t let me forget what I gave up by taking Lucas as my own. But I wouldn’t change one single day. I love him more than I could ever imagine possible. I’m so glad that scoundrel Delaney never knew he got Mariah with child during their brief farce of a marriage. I don’t know what I’d do if he tried to take my boy from me.”
“I can’t wait to have a child.” Elizabeth looked wistful for a moment. “But not right away. I want to enjoy my husband first.”
“Don’t be enjoying him too much or you’ll be starting a family sooner than you think,” Rebecca warned.
Her friend blushed and looked away as a knock sounded at the door. The mulatto servant peeked inside.
“Missy, your Mama be lookin’ for ya. Says it’s bout time and you ain’t got your veil on yet. She’s a waitin’ for ya. Now’s hurry up.”
“Thank you, Tilda.” Elizabeth stood with Rebecca’s help. “I love the pale green of your dress. I wish I could wear that color, but it makes me look ill.”
She smiled. “It’s one of the few colors that work well with my hair. Besides, it’s gay and alive. I’m so sick of black bombazine that I’ve had to wear every day for the last six months.”
“I detest black and having to wear it when Grand Mama passed away.” Her friend scrunched up her nose for a second but perked up again. “I’d better go or Papa will be walking the floor. He nearly wore a hole in the carpet when Hélène got married because she wasn’t ready on time.”
“All right. I’ll see you after the ceremony.”
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Elizabeth stopped near the door and turned back around. “Mitchell has arranged for you to have an escort for the afternoon. His name is Jared Hollingsworth. He’s a very nice man, though not very active in the social circles. I’ve never met him so I asked Mama about him, but she couldn’t tell me very much either. He owns his own plantation and runs it without slave labor.”
Rebecca took note of that last tidbit and smiled. “Mitchell didn’t have to go to any trouble on my account.”
“Nonsense. You don’t know anyone here, and I didn’t want you to feel lonely. I want you to have a good time. Besides, I’ll be able to enjoy myself knowing you’re in good hands.”
“If it’ll make you feel better.”
“Excellent. My older brother, Josiah, will introduce you. He’ll be waiting for you downstairs. Wish me luck!”
“The best of it.” She hugged her friend, careful not to crush her beaded gown. Then she watched Elizabeth move as swiftly as she could down the hallway.
Stepping back inside the room, she closed the door and quickly pulled the folded note she’d received at the post office the day before from her reticule.
Dear Miss Davis,
Thank you for agreeing to help me in this matter. Our mutual acquaintance has assured me you will be very discreet. I will contact you shortly after your arrival. You will recognize me by the yellow rose bud in my lapel.
Your devoted servant,
Hollingsworth
When Elizabeth said the name, Rebecca had known it sounded familiar. Could her escort for today be the same Mr. Hollingsworth?
Heart fluttering, she refolded the note and tucked it securely back into the hidden pocket she’d made in the lining of her purse. She’d been so frightened taking her first road assignment from the Vigilante Committee, especially now that she had Lucas. The thought of being caught and the consequences of the crime left her weak in the knees. Nevertheless, they’d chosen her for this important job and she vowed to see it through.
She poured a small amount of water from the pitcher into the washbowl and dipped a portion of a hand towel in it. She ran the damp towel over the back of her neck to calm her nerves and closed her eyes. When her pulse settled, she took a deep breath, picked up her elbow