Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] by A Tapestry of Hope Read Free Book Online

than shipping their crops to England.’’
    Bradley fingered his thinning hair and met his brother’s accusations with an unwavering gaze. ‘‘A marriage that combines both love and business is a match most men long for, Nolan. At least those of us who aren’t enmeshed in your world of poetry and literature and must actually perform productive work.’’
    ‘‘Ah, Bradley, you know that power and control are your aspirations in life. You would never choose to live in the literary world. Competition and power are your aphrodisiacs, not music and poetry. However, I, too, was drawn to Jasmine. She seemed a sweet girl—sheltered from the outside by her family. How do you propose to win her hand? Better still, how do you plan to fit her into your ambitious world?’’
    ‘‘Truly you can be a bother,’’ Bradley said, shaking his head.
    ‘‘How often does the average wife fit into the ambitions of her husband’s world? Women are necessary for the procreation of the race. A man wants a son to carry his name—to take the helm of the empire he builds as a legacy.’’
    ‘‘Have you talked with her father?’’
    ‘‘I’ve been communicating with both Jasmine and her father.
    In fact, I had a letter from Jasmine today telling me that she and her father are coming to Lowell for a visit with her grandmother.
    From the content of her letter, I doubt it was mailed much before they sailed. I’m guessing they’ll arrive any day. I plan to speak with her father while they’re in Lowell. If things go well, the marriage could take place when we go south for the harvest.’’
    Nolan shook his head back and forth. ‘‘I can’t believe you’ve plotted out this entire scheme. Have you considered her youth and the fact that she’d prefer a marriage based upon affection? Doubtless, in the beginning, she’ll mistake your attention for love and later be disappointed. Surely you can barter an arrangement for the cotton without compromising the future of a young girl.’’
    ‘‘Just like your friends, you think there are idyllic solutions to all of life’s situations. Well, dear brother, that occurs only in your make-believe world of poetry and prose. Should Malcolm agree to the marriage, and I think he will, rest assured that I will treat Jasmine well.’’
    ‘‘You’ll treat her well so long as she adheres to your parameters,’’ Nolan said.
    Bradley arched his eyebrows. ‘‘Rules are made to be followed.
    As you’ve pointed out, she’s young and will need guidance in what is expected of a proper wife. However, I’m confident that her mother has probably already seen to much of her training. You have to understand that in the South, especially among genteel families such as the Wainwrights, daughters are brought into the world with no other purpose but to make a prosperous match.
    Marriage to me would prosper that family in more ways than I can illuminate for you at this moment. Once she realizes how this match will benefit her, Jasmine Wainwright will be happy and content.’’ Bradley pulled his watch from his vest pocket and glanced at the time. ‘‘Though I’m completely enjoying our conversation, I really must be on my way. The meeting tonight is important and I dare not be tardy. The Associates are considering me as their primary buyer. I’ll present my proposal for expansion this evening. We can discuss this matter further tomorrow and perhaps have supper at that time as well.’’
    Bradley leaned against the stone fireplace and surveyed the room, hoping to exude an air of confidence. He nodded to James Morgan and Leonard Montrose when they entered the doorway and then shifted his full attention to Nathan Appleton and Matthew Cheever. His fingers tapped nervously along the highly polished wood of the mahogany mantel as he waited for the meeting to commence. There was little doubt the members of the Boston Associates would follow the lead of Appleton and Cheever this evening. Consequently,