Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] by A Tapestry of Hope Page A

of his father-in-law rather than working to support himself.’’
    ‘‘His writing is his work,’’ she protested.
    ‘‘It will never come to anything,’’ Bradley asserted dryly. ‘‘He’ll no doubt disappear into oblivion when his father-in-law’s fortune and good intentions are gone.’’
    ‘‘I think not,’’ Jasmine declared. ‘‘Obviously Mr. Appleton can appreciate the fact that something other than textile production is of value to the world.’’
    Bradley stroked his fingers down her arm softly. ‘‘There are one or two things I value more than textile production also.’’
    Jasmine recoiled from his touch. ‘‘You forget yourself, sir,’’ she said, her drawl quite pronounced.
    Bradley shook his head. ‘‘I’m well aware of what I’m suggesting. I just wonder if you understand it as well.’’

C HAPTER • 8
    A LICE TAPPED her fingers on the table beside her chair and contemplated the wisdom of her decision. If Malcolm should find out, he would be upset. No—he would be furious. She had given her consent to Jasmine in haste, and now she couldn’t go back on her word. ‘‘And what of Bradley?’’ she muttered.
    ‘‘Excuse me, ma’am?’’ Martha drew closer. ‘‘I didn’t hear your question.’’ The tall, stern-faced woman watched her employer with some interest.
    ‘‘Oh, Martha, I didn’t know you had come into the room. I’m talking to myself. I fear I’ve made a muddle of things,’’ she confided.
    Martha began arranging an armful of flowers from the garden.
    ‘‘I’ve never known you to possess anything but the soundest of judgments. How could you have possibly muddled any matter?’’
    ‘‘When Jasmine and I were at the library yesterday, we happened to see Lilly Cheever. She reminded me of the antislavery meeting that’s taking place on Wednesday. Of course, Jasmine heard the conversation and immediately asked if she could attend.’’
    Martha put her hand to her neck in surprise. ‘‘Oh, Mrs.Wainwright! You didn’t agree?’’
    ‘‘Yes, I’m afraid I did.’’
    ‘‘Whatever will her father think?’’
    Alice appreciated her housekeeper’s frankness. They had always shared more of a friendship than a relationship of employee and employer. ‘‘That’s my concern. I know Malcolm will be angry and likely never permit Jasmine to visit again. My only hope is that he won’t find out. After all, it’s only one meeting, and if I tell Jasmine never to discuss her attendance with anyone, perhaps Malcolm will remain unaware. Quite frankly, I’m more concerned with the possibility of someone mentioning her attendance to Bradley Houston. Should he find out, there is little doubt he’d tell Malcolm.’’
    Martha trimmed the stems on several crimson roses before placing them in the vase. ‘‘I thought Mr. Houston was active in the antislavery movement.’’
    ‘‘Nolan Houston is active, but I’ve never seen Bradley at any of the meetings or heard him profess his beliefs one way or the other. However, with his involvement in the textile mills, I think he would frown upon any active participation in the antislavery movement. And now that he’s professed a romantic interest in Jasmine, I’m certain he won’t want her exposed to the ever-growing antislavery sentiments.’’
    ‘‘Have you considered telling the child you’ve reconsidered and believe your decision was ill-advised?’’
    ‘‘I could, but a part of me believes Jasmine needs to hear the truth about slavery. She’s never given any thought to the fact that the Wainwrights actually own human beings.’’
    Martha gave her mistress a shrewd grin while pushing a scarlet-red rose deep into the vase. ‘‘Well, if you change your mind, you could always be forced to remain at home due to a stomach ailment— or perhaps a headache.’’
    Alice returned the smile. ‘‘I’ll keep your suggestion in mind, but I’m thinking that if the need arises, I can always tell Malcolm