Ireland Rose

  Someone, no one knows who, dropped off two new doors at Jamison’s. The others were so rickety varmints could easily squeeze in through the holes. Then another day two men came and tore down the old outhouses, and delivered two newly built ones. Rose suspected Stella and Foster had arranged that. Stella hated those outhouses. She giggled at the thought, a streak of joy running through her. Life meant something these days.

  Bright yellow curtains hung at every window at Jamison’s new location. And new-sewn aprons were dropped off one Saturday afternoon for the younger girls, which helped preserve their thin dresses. Nettie taught the girls to sew and delegated finishing jobs to the dresses she had styled. A box of fabric for projects mysteriously appeared on the front porch about once a month.

  * * *

  With a jolt Rose stood. There were footsteps. Lots of them. On her front porch. Who could it be? She opened the door to a passel of children, faces she knew from Jamison’s -- wishing her happy birthday with a soft-sung song. Tears formed and before she could see each face, they all ran down the stairs, hopped on the cart Emmanuel was driving and quietly drove away waving furiously.

  She watched and waved, knowing they had taken a chance appearing at her door and not wishing to cause trouble had done their deed and run off.

  “Chile ain’t that just sumpin’? I done heared all that singing…and thought Jesus had come.” Portia gathered her apron corner and dabbed at her eye. “Dem kids shore do love you. See you got ‘nuff love to go ‘round and round. Now come on. I got lemon cake and warm lemon puddin’ to put on it and cream too. Special for your birthday.”

  Rose followed feeling like the world was right again. Mrs. Shevington was due today. It was been weeks before they could find the time to meet. The note had seemed rather urgent so Rose enjoyed her birthday cake and hurried above stairs to get ready. She must be careful not to ruin Mrs. Shevington’s stand in the community.

  She put on her newest dress; perfect for a beautiful warm May day. A dove gray gown with white collar and cuffs, special flounces and a wide band of white silk at the waist. She was proud to wear Nettie’s newest creation, which was fast becoming the style of Charleston.

  It was said that even the former Miss Bertram had sent her maid to call Nettie for a fitting at her new home, one of the finest in Charleston.

  Portia had just finished her hair when she heard the knocker. Everytime she did, it sent a shiver up her back. It was a bit early for Mrs. Shevington. Hopefully Mr. Dalton was not calling. “Emmanuel goin’ to the door.” Portia said quietly.

  “Portia, I declare you could hear a mouse run across the floor from way up here.”

  “Miz Rose, I done heard that sound afore…only they was rats, right in the cabin I lived in. Sends waves up and down my spine.” She shivered. “Them little feet scratchin’ across the floor like ‘at.”

  Rose forgot sometimes the life Portia must have lived as a child. Her parents were slaves in the Mississippi Delta.

  “Now der you go. Lookin’ pretty as ever. I hears a man’s voice. Not one I knows. I’ll go on down and see to it. You wait here like a lady.”

  “Thank you Portia.” Rose’s heart beat again as she paced back and forth.

  “Miz Rose, come on down. Hurry on up now.” She added from the bottom of the stairs.

  It was too early for Captain Wyatt, he wasn’t expected for another six weeks. She hurried to the top step and slowly made her way down.

  “Come see here.” Portia drew her to the library. “Look at that.” She pointed. “Oh dear, I done forgot my manners. Mr. John Parker waitin’ in the parlor. I’ll go get him.”

  Portia bustled across the hall and retrieved Mr. Parker. “Sir, dis here Miz Ireland Rose Lovell.” She introduced. “Dis be Reverend Mr. John Parker.” She said and hurried off.

  “It is good to make your acquaintance Mrs. Lovell. Your maid is quite unusual.” He said quietly as he bowed slightly.

  “She is my friend and confidant.” Rose smiled.

  “As I see. I am the new Reverend for the Episcopal Church. I have it from some of the ladies that there are monthly meetings at my church.”

  Rose’s heart thumped. “Yes Reverend there are.”

  “And the work you are all doing is quite remarkable.”

  “It is.” She agreed, waiting to make out what he was trying to say.

  “I also understand you attend St. Michael’s.”

  “Yes, I do.” So he was here to persuade her to attend his church.

  “That is quite remarkable as well.” He said.

  “And why is that?” Rose did not understand in the least.

  “That ladies from the two churches are agreeable. I have it on good word that there has been quite a division between the two churches, so I am pleased to hear the ladies have worked together.”

  “I knew nothing about that.” Rose answered. “I have been here three years and only recently involved.”

  Reverend Parker cleared his throat and came to the point. “I am here Mrs. Lovell to learn all I can about the meetings held at my church. I would like to be of service to the good people the ladies are serving.”

  “I see.” Rose said. “May we meet another time Reverend? I am expecting a guest.”

  “Of course. I will be on my way. Will you call on me then?”

  “Yes, of course I will.” Rose agreed and handed the man his hat from the rack. “I should enjoy a visit.”

  He bowed and was gone. “My goodness.” She whispered.

  She found Portia and told her to have tea ready, that Mrs. Shevington said she could not stay long.

  “It’s all hot and ready. I got some o’your lemon cake, too…if she have time to eat some.”

  “Thank you…I’ll go up and get a clean handkerchief….” Rose flew up the stairs.

  “I’ll go.” Portia said breathlessly and ran for the door. “Everybody come at one time ‘round here.”

  Rose heard voices and waited for Portia to come up.

  “She done sittin’ in the parlor and lookin’ like she gonna fly out o’here soon’s she can. You best go on down…I’ll get the tea.”

  Rose carried herself slowly and walked into the library. “Mrs. Shevington, welcome.”

  The woman rose from her seat with a gleam in her eye.

  “Please sit.” Rose offered and waited for her guest to be seated.

  “I’ve wonderful news. I have heard you are acquainted with Mrs. Ava McGuire. She and I are in the same circles of business and have made an attachment. I understand you know her husband is not appreciative of our work.”

  Rose nodded, noting the spark in her eye again.

  “She has found a way to help us. Mrs. McGuire brought the attention of our situation to her friend Mrs. Pinckney after you and she visited her warehouse. I contacted Mrs. Pinckney and she and I have purchased a building for Jamison’s Orphanage. We would have liked to combine Jamison’s with Newgate but the townspeople would not be agreeable to that. We have decided to build for Jamisons, and then according to God’s blessings we will improve Newgate as soon as we have funds.”

  “A building?” Rose made sure she understood.

  “Yes, it is an old iron foundry on the edge of town near the industrial buildings. It boasts three levels and is situated on a corner lot. We bought it for a song.” She declared. “And Mr. Dalton was unaware of what we intended to use the building for. I’m very certain, he was most glad for the sale and forgot to inquire. But the papers are duly signed and sealed. “ She laughed.

  Rose noted her deep voiced laugh and joy filled her heart until it hurt. Thank you Lord.

  “I was unable to mention anything at our first meeting, until all the papers were signed and delivered.”

  “I am overwhelmed.” Rose gushed.

  “We are two widows with money. Now we have a purpose and we intend to make our lives count in our old age.”

  “Oh my.” Rose pulled out the fresh handkerchief and wiped at her eyes.
br />   “Here is the plan and then I must go. We have much to do during these summer months to reconstruct the interior space for the children. We will need beds, a kitchen, and space to play and work.”

  “Does Mrs. Jamison know?”

  “She does indeed. I just came from there.”

  Rose thought of Ava. How she could not place her hand directly on the project, but with her persuasion, caused Mrs. Pinckney to come aboard.

  “What can I do?”

  “That is why I am here. I know Captain Lovell left his small home to Mrs. Jamison and from what I hear it is thriving. Your husband has begun the project and we want to carry it further. We want you to help us design the interior of the new orphanage. Rose -- you, me, Mrs. McGuire and Mrs. Pinckney will meet and discuss how we can best use the space. There is one catch. It must be done soon. Once the plans are drawn up our goal is to have the children moved away from the filth they are living in now as soon as possible.”

  “Mrs. Shevington, you have my complete cooperation.”

  “That is exactly what I came for, Mrs. Lovell.”

  “Of course Mrs. McGuire cannot come to meetings but she is going to tour the foundry and suggest design and colors. But she will be a silent participant.”

  “Ava has excellent taste.” Rose smiled as she stood.

  “Now I must be about the business immediately. We must not waste time and I have my own place to run. You will hear from me.”

  Before Rose could process the information, Mrs. Shevington was out the door and climbing into her carriage. To make her birthday even more memorable, she had one more visit to make before the day was over.

  Chapter 40

  Rose’s mind began to work. Three levels. She must have a look and engaged Emmanuel to take her out for a long drive on this most beautiful day. The warm winds of late afternoon were already upon them. It was Tuesday and she had the rest of the week to sketch a plan if she could just see the building.

  Thirty minutes later she was viewing it from the carriage. Indeed there were three floors, windows marched along all four walls on all three levels. Very unusual for a foundry she mused. There would be plenty of light for the children. She invited Emmanuel to walk the perimeter and he tied the horses to the post and joined her.

  “What do you think? Will the windows need to be replaced?”

  “Window glass can be changed for the few that are broken.”

  “One of the levels could be used for a sewing factory or somesuch idea.” Rose’s fingertip rested on her lips. “What do you think Emmanuel?”

  “I be thinkin’ Miz Rose that you best keep that sewing factory on the bottom level so’s folks could get out if’n there’s a fire.”

  “There are fire escapes at the ready. This must have been part of the offices.”

  “’Dat be true…the foundry is over there.” He pointed. “Where them smoke stacks are. I be thinking dis is where they had storage or offices or somesuch thing.”

  “I see. Then we have the best building don’t we?”

  “Shore do, the way I see it. It was built newest.” Emmanuel laughed. “God’s doin’.”

  “Indeed it is.” Rose looked upward. “The building does have newer brick, now that you mention it.”

  Without another word Rose and Emmanuel headed back home. Emmanuel put the carriage away and she went straight to her husband’s office to sketch, excited to view the inside.

  For the next few hours, she wrote down ideas. Beds and tables on the top floor. Kitchen on the bottom floor along with the sewing rooms. But the middle floor, she had no idea what they could use that for. A school perhaps.

  Matilda Jane came walking through the house a bit slower than usual, Rose noted.

  “Are you feeling well?” She stepped to the doorway and invited her to sit.

  “Just a bit tired is all.” She admitted.

  “Do you think it wise to take a short nap perhaps?”

  “Thank you, but all I do is think when I lay down. And I . . .”

  Rose saw the tears form in her eyes. “Well, then, shall we go out and while away the afternoon in the gardens?”

  “I should say.” Matilda Jane stood up quick-like.

  Rose had to turn her back to keep the smile on her face from showing. That girl had more energy.

  “I shall go up and change and we will get our hands very dirty.” She laughed. “You just rest for a few minutes. I warn you I’m going to work you…”

  Rose stopped and gave her a look. She had thick blonde hair and beautiful green eyes, a lovely girl to look at. And she worked hard. Rose wondered what her story was, how she found herself at the orphanage. If it hadn’t been for Captain Lovell, she may have found herself there, too. Or back in Ireland. While they were working, she would gently bring up a question or two.

  Within minutes, Rose had tossed off her heavy dress and chose a soft cotton one. The warm sultry summer winds were upon them already. It was time to nip the buds so new blooms would be fresh and full this year.

  Matilda Jane would have to endure some of the hot days of summer before her child was born. Hopefully Captain Wyatt would be here in time.

  As Rose was coming down the stairs, Lily came walking around the corner. Not running. Walking. What was this?

  “Lily, my but you look grown up today.”

  “Thank you Miz Rose. Matilda Jane been teaching me how to be a lady and I’m learnin’ mathematics, too.”

  “She has?” Rose was pleased. “And a good job she’s done of it I say. Aye, ye’re a lady if I’ve ever seen one!” She used her Irish brogue.

  Matilda Jane had joined them and they all laughed together.

  “Would you like to work with us in the garden today, Lily?”

  Rose knew she would.

  “I shore would.” Lily started to run, stopped and slowed her pace, calling over her shoulder, “I’m going to change Miz Rose and meet you out there.”

  “I see you and Lily have become friends, Matilda Jane. I am very pleased. You are very kind to teach Lily mathematics.”

  “I am?”

  “Why, yes, of course you are. You are a fine young lady.”

  The girl’s face turned three shades of red as she stared at her feet. Rose was instantly aware that the girl did not see herself that way.

  “Sometimes things happen, Matilda Jane. We have to make the best of the situations we find ourselves in. Come now, I’ll get you some gloves. By the time dinner is ready we will have topped off all the old buds, raked out the leaves and trash from the plants and have a much nicer garden.”

  * * *

  Later Rose found herself up in the attic looking for furniture suitable for a tiny child. There was a cradle under an eave. She had seen it but gave no thought never intending to use it. Down it came before the days got hotter. Thomas came for it and Rose sent down a small chest and a child’s trunk. Matilda Rose had her own room and there would be plenty of space for the tiny infant.

  She wondered at how her life had changed, gazing out the colored glass, watching the river across the way as the sun danced along the smooth surface sending shards of light sharp as diamonds into her eyes. Truth, she was excited to have a wee babe in the house. Captain Lovell would have liked it, she mused. She found her way to the blue boxes. The letters. Somehow she could not part with them.

  Darby and W.

  Sighing, she came down the ladder, excited to set up a nursery. By the time her feet hit the floor she was gasping for breath. It was hot today, sultry in fact. Good sailing weather. The Carolina Yacht Club held their annual sailing and regatta contest this weekend. There would be many people coming down to White Point Garden to view the races. Which meant there would be lots of noise. Having a house on The Battery was highly desirable, but it also meant there were always people about, walking past, talking, shouting, and making merry.

  Climbing the steps slowly, she wiped perspiration from her forehead and tucked a blond curl behind her ear. She heard voi
ces down the hall. Lily and Matilda Jane were talking. She didn’t want to interrupt, so stepping to her room she lifted the tiny infant clothing she’d made. Whether from the heat or a sudden realization, she felt tears spring to her eyes. Life here was lonely knowing her husband would not be coming back. It felt strange. Brace yourself and do your duty, Ireland Rose. There is always time for musing later.

  Her mother’s voice.

  She turned her ear. No more voices. Perhaps the girls were done talking. She made her way down the hall and entered Matilda Jane’s room.

  The two were sitting on the floor playing a game of tic tac toe on paper. Rose smiled.

  “Shall we prepare the cradle?”

  Matilda Jane looked up but didn’t move. Lily didn’t either. Rose realized at that moment. Matilda Jane was not ready to be a mother. Why hadn’t she seen it before? The child barely out of the orphanage, who knows what brought her there and now growing large with child. Her heart skipped a beat. Captain Wyatt was a rake. Instantly she knew she was going to have a word with him. How dare he leave this young girl without marriage and a home. Well enough that he possessed the income to protect her. And why wasn’t he? She intended to find out the moment he set foot in this house.

  Down the stairs in a huff, she went to Portia and told her that when Captain Wyatt came to the door, she was to direct him to her office immediately.

  Chapter 41

  Before long it was the first week of June. The nursery had been prepared, but Matilda Jane and Lily took no notice. The two had become inseparable.

  “Dat girl o’mine get her work done fast nowdays. She git done so’s she and Miss Matilda Jane can go do ‘dem mathematics and write ‘dem words.” Hands on her hips. “And what the two o’em talk about I got no idea.”

  “I’ve noticed.” Do you think Lily is too young to be around an unmarried girl with child?”

  “Noooo…dat be part o’life. She may as well know all the hard times now, ‘stead of learnin’ em later. I been trying to teach her better ‘n I did her mama. I done spoiled that chile o’mine; she done had two babies and left ‘em here with me. And then off with a rich white man, all ‘cause he had money.” Portia’s hands were flying in the air. “Now look at all she miss, and dem kids don’t know a bit where their mama is. And neither do I.” She swatted at the flies with that stick of hers, mashing a few of them.