“That’s a lovely blanket. Do you need more wool? I’m sure I could procure some.”
“Jasper,” I say, turning from the table, the empty sack in my hands. “You don’t need to do that.”
He looks from me to my mother. “I wouldn’t mind.”
“Why is it you are helping us?” my mother asks slowly.
Ah, heavens.
Jasper’s brow creases for only a moment. “Because Abraham has become a dear friend. He’s a good man, and by extension, I know you must be good, too, by virtue of how he speaks of you. I don’t pretend to be a savior. But, ma’am, surely you must know I have more than I need. I do not mind parting with it. Not if it eases even a little of that tension beside Abraham’s eyes.”
I close my eyes tight, stars dancing in my vision.
“And if your mother finds out? Your father?”
Jasper answers my mother steadily. “Then they will chastise me for my excess. Nothing more. I will not tell them the truth of it.”
I open my eyes to find my mother regarding Jasper. He’s far too transparent. Innocent. I should not have brought him here.
“A red, perhaps, or yellow would make a fine border for this blanket,” my mother says at last.
Jasper looks thrilled. “I will see to it.”
My heart squeezes as he turns his grin my way, so very pleased. I offer a smile, not able to deny him such.
Jasper stays for near an hour before he must go. I check outside first, and then we walk to the edge of the trees, my pulse calming only once we’re within their protection. We move in silence for some time, until Jasper breaks the quiet.
“Thank you, Abraham. I’m glad to have met your family.”
I pull Jasper’s hand into mine and kiss his soft skin, my chest so very tight.
When we reach the creek, Jasper stands on tiptoe to brush his lips against mine. “Be it swiftly.”
It’s our most treasured farewell, as it’s not a farewell at all. Only a promise of meeting again.
“Swiftly,” I agree, hoping for it with everything I am.
Once Jasper disappears over the hill, I turn for home, a rock beside my heart. My mother hasn’t moved in the time I’ve been gone, although her knitting is set aside.
“Abraham,” she says, voice low.
I pull in a breath, waiting. She knows. I’m sure of it.
“You must be careful. Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“Mama…”
“I can’t lose you,” she says, her voice cracking over the words. “I cannot lose you, Abraham. My heart couldn’t take it.”
I reach her side quickly, curling my hand around hers. She squeezes me tight, fear in her eyes. Fear and acceptance of what she knows to be true.
“I will, Mama. I promise. I’ll be careful.”
Chapter 7
Jasper
I waffle between the yellow and red wool before deciding on a hefty dose of the red. It’s such a nice shade.
