“Not after I saw you looking at it longingly, nay.” With a knowing smile, he went to a small trunk and unlocked it. “Nothing on earth could induce me to part with it, so it has remained hidden. ’Tis yours, Selah.”
The fabric was even more beautiful than she remembered. And soft, so soft. Eyes damp, she embraced both the chintz and him. “I hope to make a pretty frock for Watseka and myself to go to Rose-n-Vale.”
“Ah, the frolic. Of course. But I doubt there’s cloth enough for two gowns. Perhaps this printed cotton would be suitable for Watseka’s new dress?” He pulled a lovely lemon-huedfabric from another hiding place. “What do you think, child? Shall you dress up like the sun? Twirl about like a yellow butterfly?”
“Keshowse.Sun.” Setting down Kentke, Watseka fingered the soft fabric and smiled her approval.
Selah bit her lip. Squeezed for time, could she fashion two frocks? She was an able seamstress but no mantua-maker or milliner. None existed, not even in James Towne. Heaven forbid she arrive looking like a seed sack. “We must run all the way home and start sewing.”
“Not until you have a pocket of sugared almonds, surely.” Ustis went to a stone jar where he kept such, Watseka by his side.
Pockets full, Selah and Watseka were off again, half running in the unclouded joy of expectation. Selah had not had a new gown in many months and none so fine as this fabric.
Once home, she set to work, assembling scissors and sewing notions, nearly scowling at the tick of the clock.
“I shall sew Watseka’s,” Candace told her, examining the cloth with a practiced eye. “Such a lovely lilac ground, and all those tiny trailing vines and leaves in ivory. Dreamlike, truly, while Watseka’s is brilliant like the sunbeam she is.”
“Father said the same.”
“Where is she?”
A sudden rasping from outside gave the answer. Busy with her shells beneath the arbor.
Candace went to the open doorway to better see her. “What on earth might she intend for them?”
Selah smiled and began rummaging for a brass thimble and linen thread. “Perhaps she means to wear a bit of jewelry with her new dress.”
The portico was finished. All but sawdust and a few misplaced nails remained in the trampled grass at its edges. His aunt swept her broom across the expanse of new boards with relish, heels making a little tap at every turn. Xander walked the length and breadth of the long porch, examining the finished work with a critical eye.
“I’ve a mind to add the same to the front of the house in time.” He’d already talked to the master carpenter. “A great many lessons were learned with this one. But we shall save any future construction for cooler weather.”
“The craftsmen did admirably. I’m glad you rewarded them handsomely too.” She came to stand nearer him. “How are the ailing men in quarters?”
“Mistress Hopewell’s tonics seem to be of help.”
“That and prayer.” She rested her hands atop the broom. “Thankfully the governor saw fit to release your newest arrivals from quarantine since none showed signs of contagion after all.”
“Aye.” Xander wouldn’t say what Laurent’s misdiagnosing and dallying had cost him. “Hopefully all the workers will be on their feet for the coming frolic. Have you enough hands in the kitchen ahead of Saturday?”
“I believe so. Cook has nearly trained the new kitchen girl, and some of the indentures’ wives will help. I also asked Selah her ideas for banqueting dishes.” Her casual air did nothing to hide her intent. “She is quite a hand with such things.”
“Oh aye, no doubt.”
“Not to mention the copy ofThe Country Housewife’s Gardenyou gave me last Christmastide.”
He’d completely forgotten.
“And I do hope you’ll trim that beard of yours,” she scolded lightly. “We can’t have you mistaken for one of your indentures.”
He ran a hand across his scratchy jaw. “Careful, you might turn me foppish.”
“You? Never! I do take pride in having the handsomest nephew in all Virginia. You can’t begrudge me for wanting you to look your best. Now I must bid you good night. We’ve much left to do. Saturday is but day after tomorrow.”
With that, she disappeared into the house with her broom, leaving him alone on the portico save Ruby and Jett, who were sniffing at the addition as if debating its merits. Was he half mad to consider a frolic? Though he considered himself equal to most tasks, becoming reacquainted with Oceanus, navigating his nurse, and familiarizing McCaskey with the workings of Rose-n-Vale exceeded the day’s hours.
He returned to the hall, carried out a chair, and sat down. All he lacked was a pipe, but in truth, he was too spent to cross to the summer kitchen for a spark with which to light it. Besides, thoughts of his beloved didn’t need clouding with smoke. In his mind’s eye Selah was still sitting in his parlor, looking all the world like she owned it, trying her best to make conversation with a fractious nurse and a flirtatious factor amid two rambunctious children. Then hazarding a surprising half kiss before she flew away like a bird eluding his net.
If he’d only gathered his wits and kissed her back.
