Brides of Arizona, page 40
Lavette’s hands shook so much, she almost dropped the pan of rolls as she pulled them from the oven. The sweet cinnamon scent that she loved nauseated her this time. What was Mead doing here? What did he really want? The possible answers frightened her so much, she wanted to run.
She took her time putting the cups, coffee, and buns on a tray. The thought of facing Mead again was more than she could bear. Perhaps she could accidentally spill coffee on him and he would have to leave. Lavette shook her head and sighed. The way her hands were shaking, the spilling wouldn’t be hard to imagine.
Picking up the tray, she steeled herself for the ordeal of seeing Mead again. The question of his real reason for calling on Mrs. Sawyer nagged at her as she carried the refreshments into the parlor.
“Ah, here’s Lavette with some of her famous cinnamon buns. This girl is a wonder.” Mrs. Sawyer gave her a lopsided smile, but Lavette could see the tired lines beginning to show around her mouth and eyes. As soon as the pair finished eating, she would suggest that her mistress needed to rest and get Mead out of the house.
Mrs. Sawyer waved away the roll and coffee Lavette offered to serve her. She knew the lady had trouble eating when she began to tire. Although she grew stronger every day, Mrs. Sawyer still didn’t have the stamina for long visits. Lavette forced her face to be void of expression as Mead deliberately caressed her hand as he took the plate from her. She straightened and moved toward the door.
“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Lavette faced her mistress. “You’ll need to rest soon.”
“Let me visit a little longer.” Mrs. Sawyer seemed to wilt more each moment. “This gentleman is telling me about his business prospects. We can talk a few more minutes, then perhaps you can return another day, Mr. Mead.”
Bertrand Mead caught Lavette’s gaze. She hurried from the room. Resting her forehead against the painted wall of the hallway, Lavette let out a slow breath. She hadn’t feared a man this much since she’d gotten away from the plantation. Mead reminded her of Miss Susannah’s father—the way he used to watch her and try to catch her alone. His touch had been as repulsive as Mead’s.
She tried to ignore the low rumble of voices as she fought to get her emotions under control. Whatever Mead had to say about himself, she didn’t want to listen to his lies. Lavette knew he continued to flatter her employer from the number of girlish giggles issuing from a woman who should be old enough to see Mead’s compliments for what they were—lies.
“I really must be on my way.” Mead’s words cut through Lavette’s thoughts. “Before I go, I would like to speak with you about your young servant, Miss Johnson. I had the pleasure of hearing her sing. She has the voice of an angel.”
Lavette wanted to run. She knew she shouldn’t be listening, but her feet seemed rooted to the spot.
“Because my other business ventures are doing so well, I thought I should try to bring some of the sophistication of the eastern cities to our little town.”
“What are you thinking of doing?”
“I would like to start a theater of sorts to present the arts to the citizens of Tucson. I thought perhaps Miss Johnson could sing for us as a regular part of the entertainment.”
Lavette could hear the frown in Mrs. Sawyer’s voice. “I’m not sure I approve of that, but there won’t be a chance, anyway. We leave to return home in a few weeks. Lavette won’t be here to perform.”
“Paul did mention that you would be returning to your home. At first, I thought to offer Miss Johnson the opportunity to remain here when you leave, but Paul says she has a contract to fulfill. I came today to ask you to consider allowing me to purchase her agreement before you leave.”
“Why, I don’t know that I can do that.” Mrs. Sawyer sounded shocked.
“I’m not asking you to give me an answer today, dear lady. I’m only requesting that you consider my offer. You might speak with your daughter and son-in-law too. Now, you look tired. I’ll see myself out, and you get some rest. I’ll be back to visit soon.”
Before Lavette could move, Mead rounded the corner into the hall. His narrow gaze fastened on her. The sneer lifting the corner of his mouth gave him a triumphant appearance. She flattened against the wall as he started past. He stopped. She stared in silent terror as he roughly stroked his thumb over her cheek. “You’ll be mine.” He mouthed the words, gave her a feral smile, stalked to the door, and disappeared.
An hour later, Lavette eased the back door closed behind her. She still couldn’t believe the control she’d shown as she prepared Mrs. Sawyer for her nap and finished putting the bread in the pans to rise. Any thoughts of Mead and his threats and conversation with her mistress were blocked for the moment. She’d floated through the hour in an air of unreality, feeling like she watched herself at work, rather than doing the chores in person. Now, the truth began to seep inside. Her stomach knotted, fear replacing the calm.
She wondered if she could run away. Maybe the little bit of money she’d saved over the years would be enough to purchase a ticket for the stage. Hope sank as she realized her funds weren’t enough to get home to her family, and anywhere else she went would leave her vulnerable to other types like Mead. Who would hire an unknown girl with no visible means and no references?
Hurrying across the backyard, Lavette began to wander the quiet side streets. Walking always helped her think, and right now she had to come up with a plan to escape before Mead figured a way to make her his. Despair clutched at her with painful fingers. Oh, Papa, I need you. I don’t know what to do. You wouldn’t let him hurt me. Was I wrong to become a bondservant when you didn’t want me to? Is this the cost of disobedience?
Tears blinded her. She hurried on, her head lowered, not watching where she was going. Dashing a hand across her watering eyes, Lavette did her best to stop the panic welling up inside.
“Well, well, what have we here?” Mead’s question stopped her cold. He stood beside a tree, his hands resting on top of his cane. His eyes raked over her in a way that made her want to hide. She felt like a rabbit caught in a snare, with no strength to run.
In two strides, Mead stood beside her, close enough that she could smell alcohol on his breath. She tried to turn away to avoid the unpleasant smell. Mead’s well-manicured fingers grasped her arm, forcing her to face him. Her heart pounded.
“Looking for me, were you?” He chuckled, a predatory rumble that held no mirth. “You must be eager to begin working for me. I know your singing will please the crowds, but I’ll train you in other areas too.”
Lavette gasped. Jerking back, she tried to break free. His hold didn’t loosen. Why did this street have to be so deserted right now? Why hadn’t she gone where there would be other people? Did it matter? They would probably refuse to help her anyway.
“Oh, no, my sweet. I’m thinking I should give you an early trial. Why don’t you accompany me? My Jackrabbit Saloon isn’t too far. You can give the boys a song or two.” He slipped his cane under his arm and began to run his fingers down her forearm to her wrist. “Maybe you can even give me a little private entertainment.” He began to pull her close.
Pure panic swept over her. Lavette jerked back. She kicked, and her foot met his shin. Mead grimaced. His grip tightened. She bent forward, trying to ease the ache in her arm.
“Let me go.” She couldn’t look at him. She already knew what she would see in his eyes. “I need to get back before Mrs. Sawyer wakes up. She’ll expect me to be there.”
“Oh, we won’t keep you all that long, my dear. I simply want to give the men who visit my establishment a taste of what’s to come.” He took a firm hold of her upper arm, propelling her down the street. “This way when I convince your mistress to sell me your contract, the men will be waiting and eager. Word will spread about your wonderful voice and beauty.”
She wanted to shout at him. She wanted to yell, I can’t sing for you. I won’t. Years of slavery and beatings when she refused to follow her master’s orders left her unable to find the courage to say the words. Instead, the clench of foreboding made her too afraid to keep pace. Despite his tight hold on her arm, her steps flagged enough that he too began to slow. A few men passed by, but rather than help her, they averted their faces.
“If you think going at the pace of an ant will give you time, you’re wrong.” Alcohol fumes made her wrinkle her nose as he tugged her close. “I’m going to get hold of you and never let you go.”
Lavette stumbled as Mead released her. His arm swept around her back, yanking her against him again. Like an iron band, he held her tight. She couldn’t breathe. He began to lower his mouth. Lavette tried to kick and squirm to no avail. She turned her head. His lips brushed her cheek. Mead cursed.
“Let her go, Mead.”
At the soft-spoken command, Mead looked up. His grip eased, but Lavette still couldn’t get away.
“Why, Deputy, we’re only having a little discussion. There’s no need to interrupt.”
“Let the lady go.”
Mead’s eyes flashed. His lips thinned. Lavette felt his hold loosen a bit more, and she began to push away. Mead released her. She stumbled back and would have fallen if not for the hands that caught her. She could see the star pinned to the man’s chest.
“Now get on back to the hole you crawled out of, Mead.” Anger gave the deputy’s voice a menacing quality. “One of these days, you’ll make a mistake, and I’ll be waiting. I want you to leave this young lady alone. Understand?”
“Why, I had no intention of hurting Miss Johnson.” Mead smirked. “I was acting the gentleman and showing her around. Good day.” He tipped his hat and strolled away, the silver of his walking cane sparkling in the sunlight.
“Miss Johnson, is it?”
Lavette nodded. The deputy had a kind voice when he wasn’t talking to Mead. She still didn’t dare look up.
“I believe my wife met you the other day. I’m Deputy Quinn Kirby. My wife is Kathleen. She said she and Glorianna Sullivan dropped by to see you.”
“Yes, Suh, they did.”
“Are you all right? Mead didn’t hurt you, did he?”
Rubbing her arm, Lavette knew she would have bruises. Those would heal. The hurt Mead intended to inflict wouldn’t mend easily.
“I’m fine.” That wasn’t true, but Lavette didn’t want to say more to the deputy. The realization that she was safe sank in. Her knees began to quake. She wasn’t sure she could even walk. A lump lodged in her throat. Tears burned in her eyes. She knew she had to get out of here before she began to cry. The strain from the afternoon’s events proved too much. A lone tear trickled down her cheek and dripped onto her dress. She turned her head away, hoping the deputy hadn’t noticed.
Deputy Kirby picked up her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. “Why don’t you come with me?” He acted as if he didn’t know she was crying, yet he must have noticed. “I left home a few minutes ago. Kathleen and Glorianna were having a visit. If I’m not mistaken, you could use a lady to talk to about now.”
She’d gone off without her hanky. Lavette sniffed, wishing the tears would stop. They came harder. She bit her lip. Deputy Kirby opened a door and ushered her into a kitchen that smelled of fresh-baked bread and roasting meat. She wanted to turn and run the other way.
“Why, look who’s come for a visit, Kathleen.”
From the corner of her eye, Lavette could see Glorianna’s red hair as the small woman swept toward her.
“Welcome to my house, Lavette. I’m glad you could come over.” Kathleen stopped by Lavette, stretched up, and kissed her husband on the cheek. Lavette heard the door close behind her. A dam broke. Sobs began to rack her body. She barely felt the arms that hugged her close, giving her the comfort she desperately needed.
Chapter 11
Lavette, what’s wrong?” Kathleen’s voice was soothing. Her hand rubbed circles on Lavette’s back, seeming to understand the ache she had there. “Come on in and sit down.”
Sobs still shook her body as the two women led the way to the kitchen table. Lavette could see that Kathleen had been the one holding onto her. Glorianna thrust a hanky into Lavette’s curled fist. Mopping the tears and wiping her dripping nose, Lavette wished she could crawl under the table. She didn’t even know these women well. How could she have behaved this way? Her mother would never understand.
“Would you like a glass of water or a cup of coffee?” Kathleen sat close, her hand still stroking Lavette’s shoulder.
Cool water sounded so good, Lavette almost groaned at the thought. How could she ask this woman to wait on her, though? She was the servant. A white woman didn’t bring something to a black person. She shook her head, then held her breath, trying to stop the hiccups that always seemed to follow crying. If she could only get hold of her emotions, she would be able to thank Kathleen and Glorianna and leave.
“Did we mention the other day that we’re friends of Josiah’s?” Glorianna pulled a chair close on the other side of Lavette. “He told us you haven’t seen your family in a number of years. I would imagine that’s pretty hard, not being able to talk with any family. Then you come out here to Tucson, where you don’t know a soul.”
“Lavette, we’d like to be your friends.” Kathleen’s voice had a soothing quality that reminded Lavette of her mother. “I don’t know what happened, but something upset you a lot. Is Mrs. Sawyer all right?”
Lavette nodded.
“Are you having trouble working for her?”
Lavette shook her head. The hiccups and sobs stopped, but she still trembled, remembering the way Mead had looked at her and touched her.
Glorianna brushed a lock of Lavette’s hair back from her face. “Did you fall or do something to hurt yourself?”
Once more, Lavette shook her head. These women seemed so kind, but she couldn’t bring herself to talk to them. She hadn’t wanted her mama this badly since she was a young child, and she wasn’t sure her mother would know what to do about Mead.
Kathleen patted her shoulder once more and rose. “I’d like a cup of coffee. Would you like one, Glory?”
Still smoothing Lavette’s hair in a gesture so calming, Lavette thought she might start purring if she were a cat, Glorianna said, “That sounds good. I might like a little water too.”
Dishes clinked as Kathleen busied herself near the stove and the water bucket. Before long, she set two cups of water on the table in front of Lavette and Glorianna, returning moments later with coffee for each of them. From the aroma, Lavette knew the coffee must be freshly brewed. Kathleen made one more trip, bringing back the same drinks for herself. Lavette knew they were doing this to make her feel comfortable. She marveled that they would consider waiting on her like this.
“Thank you.” The whispered words came from her. She picked up the water and took a long sip. The cool liquid soothed the ache in her throat. She swallowed some more before placing the glass back on the table.
“Lavette, can you look at me?” Kathleen took Lavette’s hand in hers as she spoke. Lavette glanced up. The gold and green of Kathleen’s eyes mesmerized her. She’d never seen anyone with that color of eyes before. Of course, she rarely looked at a white person. She knew better.
“My husband told me when Josiah first met you, Bertrand Mead happened by.” Kathleen’s hands squeezed as a chill raced through Lavette. “Has he been bothering you again?” Kathleen’s soft question pricked Lavette. Could these women understand?
“I need to get back home before Mrs. Sawyer wakes up from her nap. She’ll be expecting me.” Lavette began to quake at the thought of walking home alone. Even though it wasn’t far, Mead could be anywhere. She forced herself to stand. “Thank you so much.” Her voice shook.
Glorianna stood and stretched. “I hate to say this, Kathleen, but I’d best get home too. The twins are probably awake, and Alicia will need help with them.” She touched Lavette on the arm. “My house isn’t far from yours. Shall we walk together?”
Gratitude made Lavette’s knees weak. “That’d be fine.” She couldn’t keep the relief out of her tone.
As they made their way down the dusty streets, Glorianna kept up a light chatter. She talked about her husband and the new fort. They would be moving there soon. He’d wanted to live there already, but Glorianna had begged him to wait until after Kathleen had her baby. They were cousins, and Glorianna wanted to stay close for now.
She talked about her twins, Andrew and Angelina, and the trials and blessings of having babies. Lavette learned more about Glorianna and Conlon than she would have thought possible in such a short time. Although she hadn’t said a word, Lavette felt warmed by Glorianna’s offer of friendship. This wasn’t the type of companion Miss Susannah wanted. Glorianna seemed to care about knowing Lavette, something Lavette had never had from a white woman.
They reached the door of Mrs. Sawyer’s house. Without looking at Glorianna, Lavette spoke. “Thank you. I baked some pies and rolls today. Would you like some to take home to your family? We have more than we can eat with just the two of us.”
“Why, I do believe I’d love that. I doubt if Alicia’s gotten much done today in the way of baking. She’s had her hands full while I was at Kathleen’s.”
Not wanting to disturb Mrs. Sawyer if she still slept, Glorianna insisted on staying outside. Lavette brought out a pie and rolls wrapped in a cloth to keep the flies and dust from getting on them. “Thank you for walking me home.”
Balancing the sweets on one hand, Glorianna gave Lavette’s fingers a gentle squeeze. “We’ll talk again soon. Before I go, I do want to invite you over to my house this Sunday morning.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you. We don’t have a church here in Tucson that we can attend. Some of us get together on Sunday. We sing, share Bible verses, and pray. Then we all eat together.” Lavette could hear the smile in Glorianna’s voice.
“I don’t usually attend church.”
“Well, this is more like friends getting together. Please come.”
