Free Distant Dreams by Tracie Peterson, Judith Pella Page A

jacket was dusty and rumpled, the hat crushed pathetically. “ ’Fraid they’re plenty worse for the wear.”
    James looked at his things, which only a few hours ago had been fine and practically new. “They’re beautiful!”

8
    Lace and Locomotives
    “But I simply can’t wear this ghastly thing to the Baldwin party,” Virginia cried, throwing the powdery pink satin to the bed. “It makes me look like a child. Give it to Carolina to wear!” Virginia’s voice betrayed her desperation. At eighteen, she was no longer considered the belle of Falls Church and Washington City. In fact, she was desperately close to being an old maid in the minds of many of her peers.
    “We can’t possibly arrange for another gown by Friday,” Margaret said, thoughtfully considering the discarded dress.
    “But I want to look like a woman, not a child,” Virginia whined. Upon receiving her mother’s reproachful glance, however, she softened her tone. “Whatever do you suggest, Mother?”
    “There is a dress in my wardrobe that’s never been worn. It’s a lovely shade of rose that I believe would complement your complexion. I can have one of the girls in the sewing house take a look at it and remake it for you. A few tucks in the waist and a few more frills and it will be perfect.”
    Virginia’s face broke into a satisfied smile. “I knew you would rescue me from this. Just don’t let that sassy Hester have any chance to get her hands on it. She hates me and always makes my gowns to hang oddly.”
    “Now, now. Don’t worry,” Margaret clucked. “Hester has her hands full with other tasks. I’ll personally see to the adjustments if you see to putting a little lemon juice on those freckled shoulders of yours.” Virginia nodded and hurried to the kitchen for lemons, nearly knocking Carolina and Penny over in her wake as they approached Virginia’s bedroom.
    “Whatever is her hurry?” Carolina asked, to which her little sister only gave a perplexed shrug.
    Penny scampered to her mother’s side and lifted up a small treasure. “See what I found in the garden?” It was a tiny perfect rosebud.
    “How lovely,” Margaret replied. She gave Penny a distracted kiss on the forehead, then turned her attention to her older daughter. “Carolina, have you given thought to what you will wear to the Baldwin party?”
    “Do I really have to go?” Carolina hoped that she could somehow avoid the ordeal. No doubt her mother would put her and Virginia on display. “I haven’t even ‘come out’ yet, Mother. I’m still in short dresses!”
    “Most girls your age would be thrilled to be allowed such a grown-up opportunity. And there will be several eligible young men there. Though, of course, you will only participate in dinner and perhaps just a bit of the dancing,” Margaret said, picking up the pink satin. “This would look lovely on you, and your sister has made it quite clear it isn’t in her taste to keep it.”
    Carolina sighed in complete exasperation. “I’m not even sixteen yet. No one would seriously expect me to have a husband lined up just yet.”
    Margaret smiled, surprising Carolina with her tolerance of the situation. “This is only a dinner dance, not a formal ball. It can’t hurt to show the prospective suitors what they can expect in the future. Marrying well is everything, Carolina.”
    “What about love?” Carolina knew the question was overstepping her bounds, but she truly hoped to be excused from the party and saw no other way but by complete honesty. Her talk with her mother outside Granny’s was still lingering pleasantly in her mind. Perhaps that’s what gave her such boldness now.
    “Love follows,” Margaret assured her. “Now slip into this and let me see if it needs to be adjusted. Miriam! Come help this child change her gown.”
    A mulatto woman appeared at the door. Her starched white apron made a stark contrast to the dark cream color of her skin. “Yes’am,” she replied and