“Perfectly.” Kizzie ran her free palm over the cloth at her stomach. “And I'd like to buy a few more once you have time to make them. Maybe something in green? Or pink?”
Nella's eyes lit. “Both good colors on you too, but you're about one of the prettiest women I've ever seen, Kizzie. Any color will do.”
It wasn't the first time someone had noted her appearance. In fact, before Charles, she'd basked in the idea of being one of the prettiest girls on the mountain. But it was her looks, even in servants’ clothes, that caught Charles’ attention and led to her being swept away by his attention. Of course, God made her the way He made her, but she was determined to be influenced by wisdom more than charm in the future.
“What did Mr. Charles say about your plans?”
“I ain't told him. He's been gone, and I reckon he won't be back for another week yet. I wrote him a letter though and thought I'd take it over.”
“He got back a full three days ago. Ain't he been by to see you?”
Kizzie's gaze shot to Nella's. “What?”
“Sure enough. Three days ago.” Nella's eyes narrowed, and she took her time answering. “Joshua said there's a whole host of folks comin’ to his house tonight for a belated New Year's party.”
Three days, and no sight of him. Kizzie drew in a breath, the realization only confirming her plans all the more. Whatever feelings Charles had for her and Charlie, they weren't enough to spend time waiting for him to honorably act on them or for his mama to become more desperate with her attacks. No. It was time to leave.
“Would you watch Charlie for me?”
Nella's attention shifted from Kizzie to the baby in her arms. “’Course.”
“I won't be long.” Kizzie relinquished her hold on a cooing Charlie. “I'll deliver my letter through the back door to one of the servants. I'd feel better knowing I did it myself.”
Nella's gaze trailed down Kizzie, her lips tipping a little. “Then I'm sure glad you're dressed like a fine lady, because if Mr. Charles does catch sight of you, he'll get a good view of what he's letting go.”
“I don't mean no offense to your sewing skills, but if a dress and hat makes him take on some courage all of a sudden, I ain't sure he's ready for a lifetime of lovin’ through the hard and ugly.”
Nella gave Kizzie's cheek a gentle pat like a mama would to her young'un. “Does sound like you're gainin’ some wisdom, for sure. Though the right clothes for a gal never hurt none.” Nella's expression sobered. “Be careful, Kizzie. With the way Mrs. Morgan meant to scare you and the fact there'll be a whole host of guests arrivin’ at the big house, I'd get there and back quick as a wink. Evenifyou look like you belong.”
Chapter 9
CARRIAGES DOTTED THE LAWN OUTSIDEthe Morgan house as sunset approached over the mountains. Kizzie gave the house a wide berth and pulled the buggy to a stop along the driveway, turning it so she could make a quick exit if she needed to.
If the Morgans were hosting a party, there was a good chance Cole would be among the guests, so at least she wouldn't have to worry about him. But the Petersons? Mrs. Morgan wouldn't be seen near them, let alone have them in her house.
And with a house party, Mrs. Morgan would ensure their housekeeper, Mrs. Pool, answered the door, in order to show off the Morgan wealth even more.
Kizzie drew in a deep breath and stared at the house. She'd talked herself into going right up to the front door on the drive over. She could easily give her letter to a servant or to Mrs. Pool and be on her way.
Whether he'd refused to come see her when he first arrived or his mama's needs prevented him, Charles’ hesitation only drove Kizzie's choice deeper. He may care about her and Charlie, but spending her life on a man's hesitant, ashamed, or leftover love wasn't what she wanted.
Especially when her heart caught a glimpse of a much greater and more beautiful type of love. God wanted better for her too.Hisway. Even if that way meant her and little Charlie living without his father.
With a deep breath and letter in hand, she approached the porch she'd visited only a few weeks before. The sound of laughter filtered from inside along with a piano rendition of “Deck the Halls.” Kizzie mounted the steps, her nicest boots making a quiet click against the wood. On tiptoe, she approached the nearest window and peered around the frame into the large front sitting room that was designed specifically for socializing, with its grand piano, fancy furnishings, and glossy floor.
A lovely woman with golden hair sat at the piano, her attention fixed on the music in front of her. Wasn't she Charles’ cousin, Theodora, or something like that? To her right stood an older gentleman, and if Kizzie remembered right, he was the “ailing uncle” Charles and his mother had gone to visit. Judging from the grin on his face and the way his foot tapped to the music, he'd recovered awful quick from his near-death sickness.
Kizzie rolled her gaze heavenward and made to step back when her attention landed on a couple at one corner of the room. Dressed in high-class evening attire, looking every bit the gentleman, stood Charles Morgan with a raven-haired beauty on his arm. Had Kizzie seen her before too? Theodora's friend, wasn't she? Kizzie steadied herself with a palm to the window frame, nausea rising through her. This was Charles’ life. The fancy clothes and parties. The care for rich friends and society.
Charles leaned close and whispered something to the woman. Her trill laugh resounded loudly enough for Kizzie to hear through the window.
Kizzie looked down at her gown and her delicate gloves. All doubt fled.
New clothes or more proper actions wouldn't make her fit into his world any better, no matter how long she waited.
Fancy parties, fancy dinners—she scanned the folks in the room—fancy people? No, her best memories and most comfortable moments nestled among common folks like the Chappells and Berrys, even her own family. Her gaze found Charles again. Oh, but he was a handsome man! She'd been on the receiving end of that smile and realized now that she didn't regret how he made her feel so special, and that maybe … maybe knowing him and all the hard things she'd learned over the past few months led her to understand what she really wanted.
Was that even possible?
