Marian Quaglino

Silver Doorknobs Marian Quaglino

Wesley Laborde finds love in a brothel, only to discover that his paramour is interracial, but he loves her and nothing matters. He proposes marriage, and not wanting to tempt fate, Mina refuses and later realizes she is pregnant. The brothel has no use for her now, but the heartbeat under her breast belongs to the man she loves, the small fetus must sustain, his child will be hers to cherish, and that's satisfaction enough. She can never have him, she knows that, and with agony in her heart perception governs her head. She forsakes the only love that has ever touched her and leaves the brothel. But unknown roads are many, black heritage is a destructive force, and consciously, she stares into a mirror, tearfully, measuring fate. But aware that her complexion is equal to the color of a ripened peach, and remembering that even Dora couldn't tell, courage determines her podium. To support her child, she becomes a dressmaker in a white world, and after two years associating with wealthy Caucasian women, nimble fingers and proficient sketches that she has mastered become her greatest assets. Venturing into a small enterprise, her designs are recognized, and somehow luck nourishes the fancy. Mina Ledet thrives for six wonderful years, far beyond heritage, little realizing that the arranged impression will eventually lead Wesley Laborde directly to her doorstep.