AT SUPPER THAT NIGHT, FATHER informed me we would be leaving at the end of the week for New York. News of a trip was music to my ears.

“Father, can I bring Whitney with me?”

“I think that would be a splendid idea. You could use the company, as I will be fairly tied up while we’re there.” He didn’t divulge exactly what would be taking up his time, but I didn’t waste any time trying to figure it out. My head was spinning with ideas for what Whitney and I could see and do in New York.

“I will speak to Mammy about bringing Mary Grace along to attend you, as well.”

“I think we all would benefit from a change in scenery.” I restrained my desire to run from the room and share the good news with Mary Grace.

Father grinned at my enthusiasm. “I like the dynamics between us, Willow. It’s refreshing to have a mature, polite conversation.”

He meant it as a compliment, but I bristled inside. That was all I’d ever wanted between us, but he was the one with the notions that had created years of unease and tension. Why had it taken a violent attack for him to finally treat me with kindness instead of as a bothersome hindrance? But I refused to mar the mood, and decided to wait to ask my unanswered questions. An adventure was calling to me, and I had no intention of messing that up.

“Yes, Father, this is the way I always envisioned our relationship to be. Hopefully things will continue this way.” I smiled sincerely, raising my wine glass in salute. He followed suit and then we sipped the French burgundy wine.

The dinner started and ended on the same positive note.

Later I waited in my room for Mary Grace to arrive to prepare for bed. I was in my closet going through my dresses, trying to decide which ones I would take with me, when Mary Grace arrived.

“Miss Willow?”

“In here, Mary Grace.”

She peeked inside.

“I have exciting news.” I came out and clasped my hands on her shoulders.

“What is it?”

“Father is taking me to New York at the end of the week. He said I’m allowed to take Whitney—and you.”

Mary Grace’s face split in a wide smile, and a light long dimmed brightened in her eyes. “Truly, Miss Willow?”

“Yes.” I beamed at her reaction.

“I’ve barely been off the plantation, let alone gone on a trip.” Her excitement heightened.

“Things are different in New York than they are here. I think we would all benefit by getting away and forgetting things for the time being. So it’s settled—we will go. Mammy will come to see our side with some convincing, I’m sure.”

“You let me handle Mama.” Mary Grace winked.

“I have no doubt you will.” I chuckled at the determination on her face. “We are off on a grand adventure, my friend. This time we will step out of the book and experience it for real,” I sang out as I whirled through my room in a waltz that ended when I dropped onto my bed.

Mary Grace giggled and came to sit on the bed beside me. “It will be different, and it will take my mind off my predicament.” She looked down at her stomach.

I pulled her down beside me and wrapped my arm around her shoulder as we stared up at the ceiling. “Everything is going to be fine. You’ll see.”

“I hope so, Miss Willow.”

It had to be. We would figure all of this out together.