A Tapestry of Hope by Tracie Peterson

Author:Tracie Peterson [Peterson, Tracie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2004-04-30T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER • 13

March 1847

JASMINE SAT opposite Bradley at the breakfast table, her gaze fixed upon the pristine white china plate. She traced her finger around the gold edging while contemplating the most effective way to approach her husband. She peeked at him from under hooded eyelids to see if he was looking in her direction. But Bradley’s attention was focused upon serving himself hearty portions of scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, and gravy.

She continued to secretly watch him, her emotions muddled with uncertainty. Bradley’s behavior remained perplexing. One day he was kind and generous, while the next he was angry and overbearing. Throughout the past three months she had attempted to be a good wife, hoping her grandmother was correct—that in time she would learn to love Bradley. But thus far she had not developed any feelings of love. Sometimes she intensely disliked him; sometimes she merely tolerated him; yet, on some occasions, when he was kind, she took pleasure in his company. However, she was never certain of his mood, and this morning was no exception.

While spreading one last spoonful of jam onto his biscuit, Bradley glanced in her direction. ‘‘I’m certain you’ll be pleased to know I have business in Boston. I’ll be leaving tomorrow and will be gone for several days. Please have one of the servants see to my baggage.’’

‘‘Of course. Business for the mills or with your shipping business?’’ He dipped his fork into the sausage and gravy before looking up from his plate. ‘‘How unusual. You sound genuinely interested.’’ Sarcasm dripped from his voice like the gravy dribbling off his fork.

‘‘I do take interest in your work, Bradley. I’ve tried my very best to assist in every way possible. In fact, I’m hosting a group of your Associates’ wives this afternoon, just as I have on several previous occasions. I’m doing my best to become acquainted and entertain on your behalf. However, it seems as if you inevitably find fault with all my efforts.’’

‘‘Your tea parties seem to garner me little aid. I asked you to entertain these women and learn about the mills. Thus far they’ve shared nothing but recipes and needlepoint designs. Tell them you have an interest in hearing what goes on in the mills so that you may intelligently converse with your husband about his work.’’

‘‘When I broached the subject of the mills at our previous socials, the ladies quickly turned the conversation to other topics.

Since I want to represent myself as a suitable hostess, I granted them the courtesy of discussing issues they found of interest. However, I will do as you suggest. I’m sure it will prove successful, and when you return this evening, I’ll have much to tell you.’’

He stared across the table as though memorizing her features.

‘‘We’ll see.’’

She twirled a ringlet of hair around her index finger and smiled. ‘‘If I am successful, will it please you very much?’’

‘‘Yes, it will please me.’’

‘‘Enough that I might ask a special favor?’’

He motioned to the servant and pointed to his coffee cup.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.