Read Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] for Free Online Page A

remain at The Willows is not harmful to my well-being in the least. Please don’t make my unwillingness to accompany you a factor in your decision. And if you want to be back in time for harvest, you must leave immediately.’’
    Malcolm nodded. ‘‘I’ll ride over and talk to Harry and Franklin tomorrow. Hopefully they’ll be able to shed some light on Mother’s possible ailments—or at least add their thoughts as to the obvious ambiguity of her letter.’’
    ‘‘And you’ll ask if they’ll assist with the plantation should you decide to journey to Massachusetts?’’
    ‘‘Yes, dear. I’ll discuss that matter also, but Jasmine need not begin packing her trunks just yet,’’ he warned.
    ‘‘Of course not, Papa,’’ Jasmine agreed. She was barely able to repress the delighted giggle bubbling in her throat. Though difficult to believe, it certainly appeared as if her father would relent.
    If Uncle Harry were reasonably convinced Papa should make the journey, there was no doubt Uncle Franklin would agree also.
    Samuel folded his arms and took a serious stance. ‘‘Should you decide to go visit Grandmother, I hope you will give me the opportunity to actually manage the plantation. It truly isn’t necessary for Uncle Harry or Uncle Franklin to spend time at The Willows. David and I can manage the slaves, and McKinley already maintains the books and accounts for you. Should there be any sort of trouble, you know I would immediately send for one of them.’’
    ‘‘I’m sure you would, Samuel. However, I want to speak with my brothers before making a final decision about any of this,’’ Malcolm replied.
    ‘‘May I please be excused?’’ Jasmine inquired softly. ‘‘This heat has caused me to feel faint, and I’d like to go to my room and lie down.’’ It wasn’t exactly a lie, but truth be told, she wanted to think out her plans for the upcoming trip. Despite what her father said about not packing her trunks, Jasmine felt confident the journey would take place.
    ‘‘By all means,’’ her mother replied. ‘‘I’ll send Tobias to fetch you when supper’s ready.’’
    Mammy was busy mending a cotton chemise when Jasmine reached her bedroom. ‘‘What you doin’ back up here so soon, chile? You feelin’ poorly?’’
    Jasmine twirled around the room and finally fell upon the bed.
    ‘‘Oh, Mammy, I think I’m going to get to go to Massachusetts and see Grandmother!’’ she exclaimed. Rising up to a sitting position, she clasped her hands together. ‘‘Won’t that be wonderful ?’’
    ‘‘Um hum. It surely would be fine. I knows how much yo’ grandma loves you.’’
    ‘‘And how much I love her,’’ Jasmine added. ‘‘It’s been so lonely since she left The Willows.’’
    Mammy nodded her head up and down as she continued jabbing her needle in and out of the white fabric. ‘‘Now tell me, when your pappy gonna take you north?’’
    ‘‘Well, it’s not absolutely positive yet, but he said he was going to talk to Uncle Franklin and Uncle Harry tomorrow. If they agree that it would be wise for Papa to go and check on Grandmother’s health and say they’ll help supervise the work here at The Willows, I think we will leave very soon.’’
    The old woman smiled, and her white teeth shone like a fine row of ivory piano keys. ‘‘What your mama think ’bout all this?’’
    ‘‘She encouraged us to make the journey. All I did was show Papa the letter, and Mama immediately took up the case. It was so perfect, Mammy.’’
    ‘‘Well, I surely will miss you, chile,’’ Mammy replied.
    ‘‘And I’ll miss you too, but I’m certain it’s going to be a grand adventure, Mammy.’’

C HAPTER • 4
    B RADLEY CARRIED the letter into his library, seated himself, and carefully opened the missive, excited to read the contents. He had anxiously checked the mail each day, eager to see if Jasmine would reply. He had begun his letter to her while he and Nolan were