I HAVE HAD a dreadful cold so I have not written in this book for days. The wind has been blowing sand all over the place outside, and inside the fires are warm and comforting. I especially like it around the big black stove in the kitchen. Opal always has something good cooking there. I wander around the house, taking some pills the doctor left, and then taking some remedies from Opal and her people. I figure between both worlds I should get better. Still, I look terrible and I feel terrible, and I would like to curl up and hibernate like a bear. My hair needs washing and Mama won't let me wash it until my cold is gone, and that makes me feel even worse.
We are all getting ready for Christmas. I'm helping Heppi, bad as I feel, and Daddy has promised us a tree for the front parlor.
Heppi is going to sing in the choir in church and has been practicing. She fancies herself a regular opera singer. If I never hear another Christmas song I will be the happiest person on earth.
Before my cold got bad, Daddy took us in the boat to Beaufort to shop for Christmas presents. Since it's a very long trip and we needed the afternoon to shop, we stayed over at the very elegant Sea Island Hotel, and Daddy had supper with his "girls" in the dining room. What a lark! I bought a journal for Heppi. I think she should be keeping one, as I do. I have saved my money for my presents all on my own, money I got from doing chores around the place. And then Mama surprised me by giving me five whole dollars for all the times I took care of Benjamin for her, when Lilly wasn't able. I felt so rich!
I bought Daddy two books on the history of Beaufort County, and Mama a fringed shawl. I bought Benjamin a play-pretty that spins on the floor when you wind a string around it and let it loose. I can't wait for him to see it.
CHRISTMAS EVE. We all went to church and it was so very cold. I was hoping Daddy would say it was too cold, but we went to hear Heppi sing in the choir. Afterward I saw Josh Denning kissing her in the cloakroom. I think they will become betrothed soon. Heppi's eyes glow these days like Christmas candles. I wonder what it is like to be in love. I wonder if my eyes will ever glow like that. I wonder if a man will ever love me, just because I am me. Can you imagine that?
Mama says Heppi is lucky because she and Daddy approve of Josh, and Heppi loves him. She says most girls our age have arranged marriages, and many times love does not come into it.
CHRISTMAS DAY. Opal came to my room early, carrying a torch of light wood because it was still dark. She lit the fire in the fireplace then came to lean over me, as she did every morning. "Room be warm," she said. "Little girl get up."
I waited a few minutes so the underclothes she laid over the screen in front of the fire would be warm. Then I jumped up and dressed. Oh, warm underclothes are so delicious!
Downstairs, Mama made us drink hot chocolate and have a biscuit before we opened presents. Daddy lit the candles on the tree, and we all opened gifts. Soon we had to put the candles out because Benjamin wanted to grab them. I got new ice skates from Daddy and Mama and three books. Little Benjamin got lots of play-pretties. My family loved the gifts I gave them.
Then we all went into the dining room for a hearty Christmas breakfast. Daddy looked at the outside thermometer and said he never remembered it being so cold. At noontime, in the sun, the thermometer read ten degrees. Icicles are hanging from all the outside buildings in back of the house. I took an apple to my horse, Tom Jones, and I put a special blanket over his back. After Christmas dinner I rode him around the plantation, and steam came out of his nostrils.
We had delicious pound cake and oranges, and I was even allowed a sip of champagne at supper. I felt very grown-up. The cake is the same recipe that Mama and Daddy had for their wedding cake. Mama made it special, and I am going to make it one of these days. Josh Denning came and was in the back parlor with Daddy a long time. I think he was asking for Heppi's hand. He brought presents for all of us, and I wished I had one for him. He gave me a spyglass I have always yearned for. I think he is a lovely catch for Heppi.
THE LAST DAY of 1899. Daddy and Mama had some friends in, and there was much gaiety and gossip. I was allowed to stay up until after midnight and I should be in bed now, but I just had to write down what happened. Mr. Scully, the newspaper editor, told us that he received word today that Sioux Indian chief Spotted Tail died in Paris. He was one of the most famous war chiefs of the Sioux tribe.
Everyone was wondering what the new century will bring. It's very scary. The turn of the century. Mr. and Mrs. Caper came but not Amelia. She had another party. Mr. Caper didn't look at all as if Daddy owed him money.
The Capers brought with them a gentleman friend everyone whispered about, who is very handsome and is supposedly French. He is tall. I'll wager over six feet. And he has broad shoulders and a slim waist. He bears himself with grace. His hair is a mixed brown and blond, as is his mustache, and he has a presence about him. He spoke very precise English, and when Daddy was talking to him, he called me over to introduce me.
I crossed the room, even though I was shaking inside. Just looking at the man made me shaky and excited.
"This is Mr. Dumarest," Daddy said. "He has business in Charleston."
I remembered to curtsy as I've been taught. Daddy seemed very proud of me and anxious to show me off. Mr. Dumarest asked me about our horses. His eyes are so blue you could drown in them. His face is strong. There is nothing about him that isn't sure and strong. His voice is masterful.
The announcement was made tonight. Heppi and Josh will wed on Valentine's Day. Heppi was flustered when Daddy announced it. She even managed to look like a bashful bride. From across the room, I saw Mr. Dumarest watching me, and I felt very uncomfortable.
Later on, when we were getting ready for bed, Heppi came into my room and asked me to be her maid of honor. I couldn't believe it! Then she hugged me and we sat a long time talking on my bed. She told me how she loved Joshua, how his book of Negro music would soon be published and he was going to dedicate it to her. And how they were going to live in a fine house in Beaufort. She said they were looking at the James Rhett house at 303 Federal Street.
For the first time, I felt like we were sisters. Then she told me how Mr. Dumarest had offered Daddy some silk for her wedding dress. "He imports silk," she said. "He's offered silk for your dress, too."
I blushed that he had thought of me and what dress I should wear.
"He's been doing business with Mr. Caper forever. And Daddy has known him for quite a while," Heppi told me.
Then she leaned forward and said quietly, "Rose, it's time you knew. Daddy isn't doing so well financially. I've known it for some while. Don't tell him I told you, but he has debts he can't meet."
The way she said it frightened me. "What has this to do with the silk?" I asked her.
"You've got to marry soon, Rose. When Daddy has two daughters who are well married, things will be easier for him."
"Is that why he showed me off to Mr. Dumarest tonight?" I asked.
She smiled. "Don't tell me you weren't attracted to him."
"That has nothing to do with it. I felt like a horse at an auction."
"You could do worse." And she giggled.
I blushed and thought of his blue eyes, his regal bearing, his confidence. "Don't be silly," I said. "Now go to sleep."