Anna: Bride of Alabama (American Mail-Order Bride 22) (6 page)

“Yeah?” Gabriel reached for the cloth covering the basket. “What did she put in these?”

Julia pulled the basket away before he could reach for one of the tarts. “Stop that. Ruth told me to make sure you stayed out of them this time.”

He laughed, then looked at Anna. “Morning.”

“Good morning.” The sight of him in nothing but his trousers flashed in her minds eye and Anna turned away in case she blushed. It had taken her hours to go to sleep the night before. Every touch and soft word he’d spoken replayed in her head on repeat until she’d kicked the blankets away in frustration. Every time his image flashed in her head she was reminded why she’d traveled so far and long.

Gabriel Montgomery was supposed to be hers but here she stood, still unmarried, wanting a man who didn’t want her in return.

She focused her gaze on the older gentleman with Gabriel and smiled. “You must be James.”

He grinned and nodded his head. “Heard all about me, have you?”

“I hear you’re trouble if no one is looking.”

He laughed loudly and slapped a hand on his leg. “They know me well.”

Anna liked him instantly. His hair was white, which made his black skin seem all the more darker. Wrinkles covered his face, he’d lost a few of his teeth but his eyes were as sharp and alert as men half his age.

“Watch yourself around this one, Anna. He’s a shameful womanizer.”

James laughed again. “I’m too old to be a womanizer.” Anna watched them and knew their relationship was one born of friendship many years in the making.

Julia swung her basket in Gabriel’s direction. “You should come with us and help me show Anna around the property. She’s quite interested in how the cotton grows.” She smiled and lowered her head a fraction, looking up at her father through her lashes. “You can explain the workings of the plantation better than I can.”

James looked at Anna and grinned. “That sounds like a fine idea to me. I need a nap anyway.” He started walking away when Gabriel called out to him.

“I thought you wanted to try and fix the gate on the Cyrus’ stall?”

“That old horse ain’t going anywhere. He’ll stay right where he is until you get done showing Miss Anna around.”

James kept walking, never even glancing back at them and Gabriel shook his head as he watched him go. “He works from sun up ’til sun down, every day but Sunday.”

“Maybe he’s just tired,” Julia said.

“No. He’s meddling again.”

“How so?”

Gabriel looked at Anna and tipped the front of his hat up. “It doesn’t matter.” He turned toward the cabins and said, “Well, let’s go, ladies. We have sweet tarts to deliver.”

The tenant cabins were all the same as far as Anna could tell. They weren’t very large but held a quaint hominess that any small family could enjoy. They were lined in rows, each with small vegetable gardens beside them.

Children played in the road and grassy areas just beyond the cabins. When they saw them, they all stood and ran in their direction.

Julia uncovered the basket to the delight of everyone. The sweet tarts were gone in minutes, the faces of those children covered in the remains of sugar drenched cherries and happy smiles.

Anna turned to the cabins, watching an elderly woman sweeping dirt from the porch. “Julia said everyone here was a tenant.”

“They are.” Gabriel moved to her side and crossed his arms over his chest. “These used to be the slave cabins.”

Anna looked up at him. “You owned slaves?”

“I didn’t, but my ancestors did.” He inhaled deeply and looked across the fields. “Once they were freed most left but some of the older families stayed to work in the land in exchange for a share in the crop. By then, most of the families here became more friend than tenants and my father worked out a deal so they could keep their homes even though the cotton crop was paying so little. Its worked that way for a very long time but…”

“But what?”

Gabriel looked toward the field and sighed. “Cotton doesn’t sell like it used to. Its been the livelihood of Laurel Haven since my grandfathers father but it barely pays enough for us to keep going. We’ll be okay for while but the tenants…” He looked toward the children. “I’m not sure how they’ll survive much longer like this.”

Julia walked over to where they stood and handed the basket to Anna, then looked up at her father. “Can I stay here and play?”

Gabriel looked at the faces of the other children and smiled. “Don’t be long and don’t get into any trouble.”

Julia grinned and took off running, the other children right behind her.

“She told me they don’t play with her much.”

“They don’t. Everyone gets along fine but some of the older tenants still remember the way things used to be. They’re stuck in their ways. She’s a reminder to them of how hard their life used to be. How hard it still is and why.”

Long minutes passed with neither of them saying a word. When Gabriel turned and motioned for her to head up the road, she fell into step with him. “Have you thought of growing something else instead of cotton?”

He smiled down at her. “Like what? Vegetables?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. Something everyone else isn’t growing much of, like peanuts.”

He was quiet at her side for a few minutes. “I’ve never really thought of growing anything else but I suppose it can’t hurt at this point. We could probably take the east field and try something new just to see what happens.”

Anna stopped and stepped into the edge of the field. “Is this a cotton plant?”

“Yes.”

“Where does the cotton sprout from?”

Gabriel stepped beside her and reached into one of the plants in the field. “The seeds sprout and grow into these green shrubs. They produce these pink flowers.” He ran his hand over the ones she could see. “Once they flowers are pollinated, they fall off and leave the fruit behind.” He dug into another plant until he found what looked like a large green apple growing. “This, once its ready, will open to reveal the cotton bolls.”

He walked two plants over and picked one of the bulbs from the plant and handed it to her. “It takes all summer for the whole field to produce. By October, we’ll be ready to harvest.”

Anna studied the bud he’d handed her. It wasn’t just one cotton boll but several all clumped together. She rubbed it between her fingers and smiled. “Its wonderful.”

“It is. I just wish it paid more than it does now.”

“You’ll think of something.” She looked up at him, the grim expression on his face showing how worried he was. Was it just the crop and the tenants? She could imagine the stress that came along with running a plantation this size. She didn’t know how many people lived on the property but he was responsible for their livelihood. If the plantation failed to produce money, they all suffered.

“I already have.”

“Already have what?”

“Thought of something else.”

“You don’t sound too happy about it.”

“I’m not but I have little choice in the matter now. I met with some investors in South Carolina. That's why I was on the train. They want to buy the land from me.”

Anna slowed her steps. “Buy the land? You’re going to sell all of this?”

He stopped walking. “I may have no other choice.” He readjusted his hat. “I’ve talked to Julia about the possibility. She isn’t happy but she’s young. She’ll be fine no matter where we end up.”

“And you?”

He looked down at her. “I lost my happy ending a long time ago. For now, I’ll do what I have to to make sure everyone comes out of this with enough to start over.”

They started back to the house and Anna tried to think of something to say. Gabriel was quiet the entire way back and nothing she thought of would make the situation any better.

She stared off into the distance taking in as much of the land as she could. It was such a shame. Laurel Haven was a beautiful place. Gabriel’s predicament made her position here even more precarious. How long would he keep her on as Julia’s governess when he had no plans to stay? Did Julia know what he was planning before she placed that ad for a bride in the paper?

She didn’t have answers to anything but she would find out. Her future depended on these people and if she couldn’t count on them then she’d have to take matters into her own hands, even if she was perfectly happy where she was.

Chapter Six

If there was one thing Anna learned about Julia, it was that the girl was too mature for her age and too smart for her own good.

A week spent trying to get answers from her produced very little as the girl always found a way to change the subject until Anna completely forgot about all the things she wanted to know. It was frustrating.

Anna realized the answers she needed were in front of her all along. Julia’s refusal to acknowledge the questions were proof she knew when she placed that ad that things weren’t going well. It was probably why she placed it. In her mind, if her father were happy, he’d want to stay.

A knock on her door tore her from her thoughts. She turned from the view that lay beyond the balcony  and said, “Its open. Come in.”

Julia came into the room wearing a smile large enough to brighten her entire face. She was dressed in a pale pink dress typical of girls her age. “Good morning, Anna.”

“Good morning.” She shut the double doors and turned back to Julia. “I missed you at breakfast. Is everything all right?”

“Yes. I had to talk to father about a few things, which is why I’m here.”

“Oh?”

“We’re going into town to go dress shopping. I’ll meet you in front of the house in ten minutes.”

She left without another word. Anna stared at the closed bedroom door for long minutes before snapping out of her stupor and making herself presentable enough for a trip into town.

A simple blue skirt and white shirtwaist was paired with her best boots. She picked up her new straw hat and placed it on her head, making sure it was secure with a hat pin and gathered her reticule before heading downstairs.

Julia was waiting by the door and opened it when she saw her. “The carriage is waiting.”

She hurried down the remainder of the steps, pulling the door shut behind her. The red and black Surrey Franklin had picked her up from the train station sat in front of the small carriage platform only this time, Franklin wasn’t holding the horses reins. Gabriel sat in the front seat. He pushed the foot break and wrapped the reins around the lever before hopping to the ground.

“Ladies.” He bowed his head in a formal gesture of greeting. Julia laughed before walking to the platform and holding up her hand to be helped into the Surrey.

“Thank you, good Sir. We’ll be heading into town today. Please don’t dawdle.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Gabriel kissed the back of Julia’s hand the same way he’d done her the day they met in the parlor. The smile on Julia’s face was one of pure delight. Apparently this was a game they played often.

When Julia took a seat in the back of the Surrey, she situated her skirt and folded her hands in her lap. She looked her way and said, “Are you coming?”

“Yes. I’ve wanted to explore town since I arrived.” She walked to the platform where Gabriel was waiting and gave him her hand so he could help her up. Unlike he’d done for Julia, he didn’t kiss her hand, but he smiled and that was good enough for her.

He helped her up and she slid into the seat beside Julia, situated her skirt and folded her hands into her lap as Gabriel climbed in. They were moving within minutes.

The trip into town was made mostly in silence. The day was warm but it was early enough that it was still comfortable out. Julia pointed out where their neighbors were, even though all you could see were roads leading to their property.

The center of town was bustling with carriages and people. Anna had never been fond of the city and this town was just as busy as Lawrence.

Shops lined the street on both sides of the road and Gabriel navigated the Surrey to a row of buildings near the end of the street. Stopping along the wooden sidewalk, he secured the break and hopped to the ground, then turned and held up a hand to her.

“Thank you,” she said, as she let him help her down. The windows of the shops were full of colorful dresses and hats of every kind imaginable. Simple every day dresses in muted colors took up most every window she saw but one stood out from all the others. Its window displayed gowns that would make the poorest pauper look like a queen.

Once Gabriel helped Julia down from the Surrey he said, “I have to see Mr. Bower over at the bank. I’ll meet you in the dress shop when I’m finished.”

“Don’t be long, papa.”

“I won’t be.”

Julia took her arm and led her down the street. Anna looked into the windows, wishing they could go inside every shop but Julia kept walking. “So, what are we shopping for?”

“A new dress.”

“Do you have anything in particular in mind?”

“Oh yes. I know exactly what I’m looking for.”

They stopped in front of the shop with the colorful gowns in the window. Julia went inside and motioned for her to follow. They were greeted by two ladies whose eyes lit up when they saw them.

“Well, if it isn’t Miss Julia Montgomery.” The older of the two woman wore a plain dress in brown and beige. Her hair was nearly white but she didn’t look old enough to have so much gray. “You’re growing too fast, dear.”

The other woman crossed the room to a large red velvet settee and picked up a few dresses that were slung across the back. “Come, Miss Julia. Come rest yourself and tell us what we can do for you.”

Julia nodded her head and started across the room. “Thank you, Mrs. Elliott. I’d like you to meet Anna Davis. She’s a guest in our home.”

“Its a pleasure to meet you, Miss Davis, but please call me Edith.” She turned and motioned to the other woman in the room. “And that is my sister, Edwina Elliott.”

“Its a pleasure to meet you both.” Anna sat on the edge of the settee and looked around the dressmakers shop. She’d seen dresses like these before but there weren’t anything she would ever be able to afford. They were made from the finest silk and velvet fabrics, intricate pieces of lace and hats with large feather plums in every color imaginable. 

Edith came to stand near the settee. “So, what can we do for you Miss Julia?”

“I’m in need of a dress. The Grants are holding a ball in three weeks. I wish for a gown to make every woman there envious to the point they’re seeing green for months.”

Mrs. Elliott smiled and looked toward Edwina. “The blue?”

The other woman nodded. “I knew we were saving that for something special.” She turned and hurried into the back of the store to return a few moments later with a bolt of cloth. It was silk in a blue the color of a cloudless sky. A design ran through the material, a dark royal blue creating a scrolling garden of roses and vines. “This just came in from France. No one in town has seen it.”

Julia nodded and ran her hand over the material. “Its lovely. What style of dress do you suggest for this material?”

Edith searched through a rack of dresses, pulling several down and showing them to Julia. We can do a number of different things. Which do you like?”

“I’ll have to see them on to decide.”

Edwina shot a look to Edith. “I’m sorry, Miss Julia. We don’t have anything pre-made in your size.”

“Oh, the dress isn’t for me.” Julia looked her way and smiled. “The dress is for Anna.”

Anna’s sat back, surprised. “Me?”

“Of course. You can’t wear those plain dresses you have to the Grants summer party. Now come, let’s try on these dresses and see which one suits you best.”

* * * *

The dress shop was his least favorite place to be but Gabriel would do whatever it took to make Julia happy. If he had to sit there all day while she picked out a dress for the Grants big party, then he’d do it.

Neither of the Elliott sisters were up front when he entered. Neither were Julia and Anna. He made himself comfortable on the settee and waited. Ten minutes later movement behind the curtain at the back of the store drew his attention, He heard voices, a few giggles and the Elliott sisters emerged, followed by Julia. 

He straightened as the curtain moved again and Anna came out in a pale green gown in a simple style that was in fashion.

Edith gasped and raised a hand to her chest. “Its perfect. I told you this style would suit you.”

Anna walked fully into the shop and turned to the set of mirrors in one corner of the store. She didn’t say anything as she stared at her reflection but turned in each direction a few times before looking down at Julia. “What do you think?”

Julia tapped one finger on her chin and walked around Anna, inspecting the gown. “I don’t know. Its pretty but I’m not sure its the right one.”

“We have others,” Edith said. “You don’t have to decide just yet. Let’s go see what else we have you might like.”

Anna turned to follow Edith but stopped when she saw him. She blushed a rosy pink before ducking behind the curtain. Julia smiled and joined him on the settee.

“I thought you wanted a dress for yourself.”

Julia shrugged her shoulders. “I have more dresses than I need. Anna has nothing to wear for a party as fancy as the ones the Grants have so, she needs something suitable.”

Anna reemerged in a pink dress with so many ruffles you could barely see her for all the frippery.

“No, definitely not,” Julia said. “Try something else, Anna.”

She hesitated a moment before heading back behind the curtain. When she came back out, Gabriel smiled. This dress was cut just low enough in the front to make a man wish it was cut a little bit lower. The material hugged her waist and hips and Gabriel nodded. “That’s the one, Mrs. Elliott.”

Anna met his gaze, an uneasy look on her face. “I think maybe the first one is more suitable.”

“Not for the Grants party,” Julia said. “I agree with father. That gown is perfect.”

Anna ran her hands down the front of the dress and let out a breath before looking back up. “Its quite lovely but…”

“But what?”

“Its very expensive.”

Gabriel laughed. “Everything in this store is expensive.”

Edwina raised her chin a notch. “Only because we have the finest materials in town.”

“I’m don’t doubt you do,” Gabriel said. “I was merely stating a fact.”

Edith made an unladylike snort and turned to her sister, talking quietly under her breath a moment before both of them moved to a rack of silk fabrics.

Gabriel stood and started for the door. He looked at Julia before going outside. “I’ll be waiting by the Surrey. Just sign the work order and tell Mrs. Elliott to send me the bill.” He locked eyes with Anna for a brief moment before heading back out to the sidewalk. 

His plan to ignore her wasn’t working the way he hoped it would. He rose early every morning so he would be out with James before Anna came downstairs. He took his midday meal later than he liked to avoid her and stayed out past dusk for the same reason. Regardless of how often he tried to steer clear of her, he saw her daily.

Sitting on the balcony at night and staring at the moon he’d hear her humming and rise from his chair to peek around the corner. She liked to sit on the balcony railing and brush her hair and he’d never admit to another soul how much he liked to watch her run that brush through all those lush curls.

More than once he tried to convince himself he was ready to give his heart to someone else but every time he did the humiliation Evelyn bestowed upon them burned anew. As lovely as Anna was, he just wasn’t ready. Not yet.

He heard Julia’s tinkling laughter and turned to find her and Anna walking his way. He tried not to stare but failed miserably. When she met his gaze and smiled he cursed himself for the fool he was. Would it be so awful to marry her? No, but if she followed in Evelyn’s footsteps he wasn’t sure he’d survive.

“Father, did you hear me?”

He blinked and looked down at his daughter. She was staring at him wide-eyed. “What was that?”

“I asked if we could picnic by the river? We could pick up a basket at the hotel restaurant like we used to.”

He could see Anna out of the corner of his eye and wanted to say no just to avoid spending time with her but the look on Julia’s face did him in. “It has been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Is that a yes?”

He grabbed her around the waist and lifted her into the Surrey. “That's a yes.”

She clapped happily and bounced into her seat. “You’ll love the river, Anna. Just wait until you see it.”

Gabriel turned and held out his hand. Anna took it but wouldn’t meet his gaze. She looked uncomfortable. Had something been said inside the shop he wasn’t aware of?

She slid into the seat beside Julia and busied herself straightening her skirts and avoided eye contact. He wasn’t sure what was wrong but he didn’t like the look on her face. He preferred her happy and smiling, that dimple in her cheek greeting his hungry gaze. This worried look on her face would never do. He had to find out what was wrong and fix it any way he could.