Innes looked up, knife and fork suspended. “I’ll secure horses for when that time comes.”
“First there’s Forrest Bend.”
“I’ll arrange for a bateau upriver then. Due warning, though. The Ravenals will want to entertain you in true Virginia style till Twelfth Night.”
“January?” Leith looked down at his burgeoning plate. He’d hardly put a dent in it. By January he’d be too heavy to mount a horse.
He wasn’t here to eat or be entertained, though if he didn’t take time for the latter, how would any courtshipcommence? Nay, courtship wasn’t the right word. More business arrangement.
The miniature rested in his waistcoat pocket, hidden but never out of mind. And now that he’d just seen the object of his affection—hisscheme—his determination doubled ... though perhaps a more biddable lass would be best.
Juliet bade farewell to the pug-nosed Mrs. Campbell and left her lodgings to return to Royal Vale the next day, ruminating on the meeting all the way. The agreed-upon tobacco price was fair, and she’d felt a small triumph sparring with the tobacco lords and their minions. She knew none of them personally nor wanted to. Year to year their presence varied, though their finely tailored, flashy garments never did.
No sooner had Juliet and Lilith disembarked from the bateau on Royal Vale’s landing than Loveday hastened down the hill from the house, her skirts ballooning in the cool wind. “You’re just in time.” She tucked her arm through Juliet’s as they walked up the hill. “We’ll enjoy some hot chocolate on the piazza as our days outside are numbered.”
“I have much news and a few fripperies from town to help adorn your gown for the winter season.” Juliet gestured to the portmanteau Lilith carried. “’Tis the loveliest shade of velvet seafoam, newly arrived from Three Angels millinery in London. Also a new lace cap for you—and Rilla and Lilith too.”
“You are ever so mindful of us at home. I suppose you got Father some new daybooks at the printers?” At Juliet’s nod, Loveday continued. “Well, he’s roused himself in what seems a recovery and has ridden to Williamsburg. He could have gone to the bookbindery himself.”
“When did he depart?”
“In the forenoon. He didn’t say when he’d return.”
“How I wish I’d tarried in town.” Juliet gave a wry smile. “I did walk by the residence of the lady in question but saw nothing and no one.”
Loveday gave a little laugh. “Well, we shall meet her at the ball, this mysterious Englishwoman with the poetic name.”
“Don’t remind me.” Juliet nearly groaned. “The ball, I mean, not Widow Payne.”
“But all is in order, is it not? You equal Mama in that regard. Her hospitality lives on in your impeccable planning.”
“And in your hostessing. It takes the two of us, truly.”
“I look forward to the festivities even if you don’t.” Loveday smiled brightly. “We’ve not entertained since we came out of mourning.”
They sat down at the linen-clad table as Lilith went inside. Mahala brought the tray, the George I silver chocolate pot that had been their parents’ wedding present foremost. It hadn’t lost its luster after almost thirty years, reminding Juliet that Father hadn’t either if he was courting again.
“So, tell me about the meeting at the Raleigh.” Loveday poured the fragrant chocolate with such a practiced hand that nary a drop went awry. “I suppose it was frightfully crowded, as usual.”
“More tobacco lords this time from Glasgow, including one wearing an enigmatic eye patch, though I didn’t get a good look at him given the rumpus.”
“Was our soon-to-be guest among them—Mr. Buchanan?”
“I don’t know. The proceedings moved along with such fervor and confusion I didn’t give it much thought. I heard the Glasgow merchants are a bit curious as to all the noise the colonies are making since Boston’s tea debacle.”
“Hard to believe three hundred forty-two chests were tossed overboard. A tidy tea party, though. Those masqueradingas Indians even swept the decks clean before they left. Father said the stuff was old, hardly the quality of the smuggled Dutch tea many are drinking.”
“’Tis a warning, that tea dumping.” Juliet had spent the last evening reading copies of Virginia’s papers in her tavern room. “A sign Americans won’t take tyranny and taxes any longer. The Sons of Liberty, at least.”
“Yet Colonel Washington condemned it and Mr. Franklin said he’d personally pay the tea back.” Loveday sighed. “Most colonists still see themselves as British subjects. I do too. Though we’re American born, we were schooled overseas, at least. I miss Bridelee Boarding School and the Siddons sisters.”
“I’ve always hoped to return to England but doubt that will ever happen, especially if there’s war.” Juliet sipped her chocolate. At least Parliament couldn’t levy a tax on cows and cream. “London is unlike any other place on earth, though Edinburgh is said to rival it.”
They lapsed into a thoughtful silence before Loveday reached into her pocket and took out a letter, then slid it across the table to Juliet. “An express from Philadelphia. Our travelers have arrived there safely, Aunt Damarus writes.”
Jacob and Armistead? Juliet pocketed the letter to pore over it later. “Truly, that is the best news I could have on my homecoming.”
“Indeed.” With a smile, Loveday took a second tea cake. “Now, let’s talk seafoam ribbon and lace caps.”
