Mockingbird's Call Read online

  Amelia held her breath until she heard her aunt’s receding footsteps. She turned to Tabitha. “I can finish my hair. You go and help the cook’s son. I won’t need you any more tonight.”

  A slight smile turned up the corners of Tabitha’s mouth. “You’d look a sight for sure. You don’t know anything about fixing hair.”

  The clock on her mantel ticked away the minutes as Tabitha expertly twisted her hair up off Amelia’s neck and fastened it into place with jeweled pins. A few tendrils escaped on either side of her face and at the nape of her neck, giving her a soft but sophisticated look.

  “You look real nice. You’re going to be the prettiest girl at the party.” Tabitha’s words did not match her expression, which was still drawn in a frown.

  “Thank you, Tabitha.” A few days ago Amelia had been so excited about her new gown. It was one of her fanciest, a daring style that bared her arms and nipped in at her waist before expanding outward to form a wide bell that swayed as she moved. Now she was more concerned with the dire straits of the people hidden out back.

  She stood and went to her bureau, thankful she had thought to bring her medicine bag, and pulled out strips of bandaging and forceps. “I don’t know exactly what you may need, but this should help.”

  “Thank you.” Tabitha tucked the forceps into the belt at her waist and dropped the bandaging into her pocket. Then she walked to Amelia’s bed and picked up the Spanish lace shawl she’d laid across it earlier. “You need this.” She arranged the soft material over Amelia’s arms to fall just below her shoulders, then pushed her toward the door. “Go enjoy your party and don’t worry none.”

  “Please be careful.” Concern made Amelia’s throat tighten. She would rather have helped Tabitha than go downstairs and play the part of an empty-headed debutante. “Promise you’ll come get me if you need help.”

  Tabitha nodded and shooed her out of the room.

  Lord, please protect my friend and those poor souls she’s trying to help. Her prayer brought Amelia a feeling of peace as she descended her aunt and uncle’s narrow staircase, but she wished she could do more.

  She took a deep breath and concentrated on the designs on Aunt Laura’s flocked velvet wallpaper. It was a new pattern, forest green in color with small birds perched on wide oak leaves. Aunt Laura had glowed with pleasure when Amelia had complimented it.

  Amelia’s skirts brushed both the polished balustrade and the wallpaper as she descended. Her heart was pumping hard by the time she reached the first-floor landing, and she pinned a wide smile on her face. She pushed her worries about the slaves to the back of her mind. It was very thoughtful of her relatives to have planned this party for her, and she was determined to enjoy it. . .or at least appear to.

  Her aunt and uncle were a sweet couple, both somewhat rounded from their comfortable lifestyle. Uncle Francis, a canny investor with an eye to the future, had made a fortune by purchasing stock in such inventions as a machine for drilling through rocks, boilers for use with the new steam engines, and Elisha Otis’s hoisting apparatus that moved cargo vertically. Uncle Francis had explained to her the uses for such a contraption, but Amelia could not understand his enthusiasm. Whatever its purpose, the device had earned her uncle an ample income, enough so he could spend most of his days enjoying the company of his peers at a gentlemen’s club downtown.

  Aunt Laura was a collector. She loved filling her home with fancy furniture and stylish knickknacks. Nearly every surface held some interesting object that her aunt loved to talk about. She was like one of the birds on her wallpaper, collecting leaves, twigs, and bits of fluff for her nest. Together, her aunt and uncle made a charming couple, quite different from what she expected when Papa banished her. She had thought she’d find herself in a prison-like atmosphere, surrounded by sour jailors who resented her presence. How wrong she had been.

  “There she is.” Uncle Francis’s booming voice was as warm as a summer breeze. He chucked her under the chin. “You’re as pretty as a picture, m’dear.”

  “Thank you, Uncle.” Even though Amelia only stood some three inches above five feet, she was as tall as he, although his girth easily outstripped hers. Dark blue eyes, a Montgomery family trait, twinkled at her above his beard and mustache. He was dressed in a brown cutaway coat with a gold vest underneath, his attire showing that he kept abreast of current fashion. “You’re looking quite handsome yourself.”

  She turned to her aunt, who was resplendent in a gown of rich puce satin. Tiny pearl buttons decorated the bodice from the collar to her waist. The sleeves were wide at the shoulder and elbow and tapered to a narrow cuff fastened with more pearl buttons. The skirt, made of the same material as the bodice, was full and boasted a deep flounce. “And you are also looking lovely this evening, Aunt Laura.”

  “What a sweet child.” Aunt Laura wrapped her in a perfumed embrace. “Always saying the nicest things to your old aunt and uncle.”

  Amelia emerged laughing. “It’s easy when I am staying with such kind, handsome hosts. How many guests do you expect to have this evening?”

  “Only a small, intimate group for dinner,” her aunt answered. “Our son, Benjamin, will be here, along with some new friends of his from college. And a few friends of mine from around town will be coming, with their sons and daughters.”

  Uncle Francis cleared his throat. “Our dinner table will only accommodate forty guests, so we were quite limited in our selection. But never fear, many more will join us after dinner for the ball.”

  Aunt Laura nodded. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had upwards of two hundred guests.”

  “I see.” Amelia tried to keep the trepidation from her voice. Forty guests for dinner? And many more later? She hoped she could find enough unexceptional subjects to discuss. Growing up on a remote, self-sustaining plantation had not prepared her for fancy parties or witty dinner conversation. She prayed she would not embarrass her hosts by saying or doing something to mark herself as provincial.

  She prayed even more for Tabitha, as she knew what occupied her mind most were those attempting to gain their freedom. . .and her inability to tamp her desire to help.

  ❧

  It was easy to see which house belonged to Benjamin’s parents from the number of carriages lined up in front, waiting to disgorge their passengers onto the brightly lit stoop. An unexpected feeling of homesickness swept over Jared as he was reminded of parties his own parents and great-aunt had hosted for one or the other of his sisters.

  A slave hurried to take their horses. He slid from the saddle, ready to be free of the tired mount he’d rented from a livery stable near the college. His horse had been only slightly faster than walking across town. Benjamin’s sleek roan, a stallion he’d raised from a colt, had fought his rider all the way, trying to move at a gait faster than amble.

  Jared brushed his coat and straightened his cravat. “I was beginning to think we wouldn’t arrive until after the party was over.” When he received no response, he looked up to see that Benjamin was halfway up the front steps. With a sigh, he hurried after his friend.

  At the front door, he had a moment to take in the scene before being introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery. He could see no sign of the cousin who was the guest of honor. His gaze lit on a tall, thin girl with curly brown hair who was standing slightly behind Benjamin’s mother. That must be her. His dreams of renewing his acquaintance with the girl on the train died a quick death. He could feel his smile slipping, but his sympathy was roused by the obvious discomfort on the young lady’s face. He shook hands with Benjamin’s parents when introduced then turned to the poor uncomfortable girl.

  “This must be the sweet cousin I’ve heard so much about.” He smiled down at her, hoping to ease her discomfort. “Hello, I’m Jared Stuart, Benjamin’s roommate at East Tennessee University.”

  The young lady’s mouth dropped open
in shock. He wondered at her surprise. She was the guest of honor, after all. She dropped a stiff curtsy as he bowed.

  She said nothing, so he cast about in his mind for something to say. “I understand that you are also from Nashville, where my family now resides.”

  “N–no, sir.” Her voice was so low he had to bend forward to make out what she was saying. “I. . .my. . .fa–family is fr–from Knoxville.”

  Jared frowned. Had he been mistaken? He looked around for Benjamin and spotted his friend some distance away, standing on the edge of a circle of guests. He turned back to the girl, who looked like she’d rather be anywhere than standing next to him. Her hands picked at the material of her skirt, and her gaze flitted from one place to another in the room.

  “There you are, Faye.” A round-faced woman in a white dress more suited to a debutante than a matron advanced on them. Her brown hair was pulled tightly back from her face and disappeared under a fancy lace kerchief. She turned a smile on Jared, making him feel a little like a rabbit about to become dinner for a mountain lion. “And who is your new friend?”

  The girl swallowed twice and shook her head.

  Irritation was evident on her mother’s face, but she pushed it back and smiled at him. “Hello, I am Beatrice Downing. I see you’ve already met my daughter.”

  So this was not Benjamin’s cousin. Jared introduced himself again and made his escape as quickly as possible without appearing rude. As the orchestra began tuning up in preparation for the dancing, he strolled over to the knot of people to find Benjamin. Why had his roommate deserted him amongst all these strangers?

  The thought was swept away when he saw the person Benjamin was talking to. It was Amelia, his Amelia, the girl who’d captured his imagination and appeared in his dreams with regularity. The girl who’d intrigued him from the first moment he saw her. She was standing at the very center of the group, which he now realized consisted only of young men. These men were acting like idiots, vying for her attention, offering her outrageous compliments, and begging her to dance with them.

  Benjamin elbowed his way past a few of them. “I’m afraid I must claim precedence.” He bowed over her hand. “It’s nice to see you again, Cousin Amelia.”

  Several of her admirers groaned, and one of them complained loudly that Benjamin was not giving the rest of them a sporting chance.

  Her laughing blue eyes made Jared catch his breath. She was adorable. It was no wonder all the young men crowded around her. Even now, he could see a blush of innocence cresting her cheeks. She turned to the young man who had complained. “I am sorry, sir.” Her voice held a note of sincerity. “You and your friends have been very kind, but I must give precedence to my family.”

  “May I call on you tomorrow morning?” The young man’s disappointment of a moment ago seemed to have disappeared. “I have a nice carriage. Perhaps I can take you for a ride in the park.”

  “I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Castlewhite, but I already have another commitment.”

  A chorus of groans came from the others standing near her, but before they could begin to importune the young lady, Benjamin put her hand on his arm and pulled her away.

  “I have a very special friend I’d like you to meet, cousin.” He pulled her toward Jared. “Jared Stuart, please meet my cousin, Amelia Montgomery.”

  “It’s you.” Her eyes, so deep, so mysterious, shone in the light of the candles. “I never got to say good-bye.”

  “You two know each other?” Benjamin’s shocked gaze met Jared’s sheepish one. “Have you been keeping secrets from me?”

  “We rode the train together, but we were never properly introduced.” Jared raised his spectacles to the bridge of his nose. “Luke Talbot made sure of that.”

  Benjamin’s laughter turned heads in the room. “So that is the reason for—”

  “Did you finish A Tale of Two Cities?” Jared interrupted Benjamin.

  “Yes. I found it very thought provoking.”

  “Oh no. Spare me.” Benjamin looked from one to the other. He rolled his eyes. “Please tell me you are not as bookish as Jared.”

  “I hesitate to disappoint you, cousin.” She answered Benjamin’s question, but Jared could feel her gaze on him. “I must confess that Mr. Stuart and I share a love of Charles Dickens.”

  Jared felt as invincible as a conqueror. “If you’re not going to dance with Miss Montgomery, perhaps you will allowme to?”

  Amelia glanced at her cousin, a question in her gaze. Benjamin’s lips curled slightly. “It doesn’t look like I have much choice.” He bowed and left them standing on the edge of the ballroom floor.

  Jared was finally thankful for the dancing lessons his parents had insisted on. He could partner Miss Montgomery without fear of appearing gauche. He placed one hand at her waist and held out the other for her to grasp before sweeping her into the midst of the other dancers. The feeling of holding her close was heady, but it also caused him to lose the ability to converse. He could feel tension tightening his shoulders as he searched his empty mind for something to say to her. Should he compliment her gracefulness on the dance floor? Or her pretty dress?

  “Have you found time to read Mr. Dickens’s book, Mr. Stuart?”

  “Yes, it was one of my first purchases when I reached Knoxville.” Jared felt his tension easing. He could discuss books all day long. “Tell me, were you as horrified as I by the marquis’ brutal treatment of those in his power?”

  “Yes.” Amelia shuddered. “I was not at all disappointed by his demise.”

  They spent the rest of the waltz discussing the themes of sacrifice and justice explored by Charles Dickens in his novels. So lost was he in their discussion that Jared was surprised when the orchestra stopped playing. He escorted her from the floor, reluctant to give her over to one of her other admirers.

  “Good evening, Miss Montgomery.”

  The deep voice brought Jared’s head up. He nearly groaned as he recognized Luke Talbot. He should have known the man would be here.

  Talbot’s dark eyes were fixed on Amelia. Jared doubted the man had even noticed him. “It’s such a pleasure to see you tonight, Amelia.”

  “Hello, Luke. I’m glad you were able to come.” She took her hand from Jared’s arm and held it out to Talbot. “You remember Mr. Stuart, whom we met on the train.”

  “Ah, if it’s not the midnight wanderer.” Luke’s voice was full of mockery. “Where is your nefarious partner?”

  Jared could feel heat rising to his cheeks. His ears grew so hot he thought steam might be rising from them. “Mr. Talbot.”

  Amelia’s brow wrinkled. “Must you talk in riddles, Luke?”

  “I’m referring to a small matter that occurred at the college last week.” Luke’s confident smile was turned to Amelia. “It’s nothing to concern your pretty head about.”

  Somehow, Luke had managed to once again place himself between Jared and Amelia. Jared watched helplessly as the self-assured man skillfully drew her away from those who were vying for her attention and led her to a corner of the ballroom next to a large plant.

  The next hour passed slowly. Jared partnered several young women, but they all seemed shallow and grasping in contrast to Amelia. He was relieved when Mr. Montgomery sent the orchestra on a break and announced it was time for his niece to receive her special birthday gift.

  It took two servants to bring in the tall, sheet-draped gift. They put their burden on the floor at Amelia’s feet.

  She tugged the covering off to reveal a gilded birdcage hung from an ornate stand. A small tree had been wound around the bars of the cage on one side, its branches providing a perch for the small, black-tailed, gray bird inside.

  “It’s a mockingbird,” explained Amelia’s aunt. “We thought you would enjoy hearing its songs. It is quite the mimic, you know, and should
fill your room with the most delightful sounds.”

  Jared watched Amelia’s expression as she cooed to the frightened bird. Did she feel as sad as he did to see the poor thing trapped in a cage? She seemed satisfied with the gift. But maybe she was only being polite. He knew politeness was bred in young ladies from an early age. Amelia would never be ungracious about a gift.

  Yes, he nodded to himself. That must be the explanation. A wonderful idea came to him. He would come to visit her tomorrow and offer to set the poor bird free for her. Together they could come up with an acceptable excuse to appease her aunt and uncle. He would ask her tonight about visiting and perhaps even hint at his plan. He would have to be careful, but Jared felt he could summon the requisite amount of delicacy and depend on Amelia’s astuteness to grasp his intent.

  Six

  Amelia laughed, but the sound seemed brittle to her ears. The brightest spot in her evening had been meeting Jared Stuart once again. He was such a fascinating young man. She would like to know him better and wondered if he would come by to visit. Probably not. University students did not have much free time.

  But even meeting the interesting Mr. Stuart could not completely turn her mind from the drama occurring in her relatives’ stable. She was worried about Tabitha and wondered if she could escape the party for a few minutes to check on her. But the orchestra was still playing, and she still had to dance with one callow boy after another.

  Her current partner, Reginald something or other, reeked of pomade and citrus cologne. He had the beginnings of a mustache that unfortunately emphasized his overlong nose and did nothing to hide a mouthful of crooked teeth. He had asked her about the weather and was currently going into great detail about winter and his hopes for an early spring planting.

  She wanted to pull away from the poor fellow and escape, especially when she saw Luke Talbot taking his leave of her aunt and uncle. She would have liked to spend more time with him and find out what he’d meant by calling Jared Stuart a midnight wanderer. But it looked as if even that would be denied her. As Reginald pulled her around the floor, she saw Luke’s tall form exiting the ballroom. Finally, the dance came to an end, and she escaped her partner.