A Fragile Design (28 page)
Finally, Lilly rose. ‘‘Matthew, there is absolutely nobody left in this church except Reverend Edson and the two of us,’’ she said, moving toward where the men stood. ‘‘I’m exhausted. May we please leave?’’
‘‘Yes, of course, my dear,’’ he said. ‘‘Thank you for your time, Reverend Edson.’’
‘‘Of course, Matthew. Anytime you want to visit further, please stop by,’’ Reverend Edson replied, escorting them to the front door of the church. ‘‘Good night,’’ he called out from the doorway when they finally reached their carriage.
‘‘After the way you acted tonight, I’m surprised that Reverend Edson is still speaking to you,’’ Lilly commented as Matthew assisted her into their carriage.
‘‘He’s a man of the cloth: he’s supposed to forgive. Besides, he knows I wasn’t attacking him personally. I was merely doing my job.’’
Matthew walked around the carriage, hoisted himself up, and dropped onto the seat. He flicked the reins and set the horses into motion as a refreshing breeze began to stir the air. Shimmering stars illuminated the distant sky, and a hazy full moon hung overhead. Although it was a beautiful evening for a carriage ride, Lilly found it impossible to savor their surroundings.
‘‘I find it repugnant that you’re taking sides with the Corporation on this issue. Surely you don’t truly believe what Mr. Boott said this evening.’’
‘‘Lilly, I think the new schools and the graded system would be best for Lowell, but I will not go against the Corporation on this. I would lose my job, and we can’t afford for that to happen, especially with a baby on the way.’’
‘‘How can you believe one thing and argue for another? Don’t you find such behavior immoral?’’
‘‘Immoral? We’re not talking about depraved conduct, Lilly. I’m doing my job.’’
‘‘You’re living a lie,’’ she replied.
‘‘What would you have me do, Lilly?’’
Lilly leveled a look of exasperation in his direction. ‘‘What I want is for you to admit you’ve acted improperly. The fact is, Matthew, making me feel better is not the issue. You’re the one compromising your standards and beliefs. You’ve shown Mr. Boott that you’re willing to do whatever is necessary to protect your job and the Corporation.’’
Matthew’s eyes blazed with anger. ‘‘That’s completely unfair, Lilly. The people at that meeting knew I was speaking on behalf of the Corporation. Kirk told them I was doing just that prior to his departure. I’m not living a lie, but you are speaking in anger. I suggest we move on to another topic. I don’t want to argue with you, Lilly.’’
‘‘What did you and Reverend Edson discuss?’’ she asked.
‘‘His future at St. Anne’s,’’ Matthew answered simply.
Stunned by Matthew’s reply, Lilly remained silent, waiting to revisit the subject until they were preparing for bed.
‘‘What did you mean earlier when you mentioned Reverend Edson’s future at St. Anne’s?’’
‘‘It seems that Kirk told him that if he went against the Corporation and continued fighting for the graded system and new schools, there would be no further monetary assistance for the church.’’
‘‘From the Corporation, you mean?’’ Lilly inquired.
‘‘From the Corporation or from Kirk personally. He’s threatened to leave the church and withdraw his substantial weekly gifts as well as donations by the Corporation. It could prove devastating to the future of the church.’’
Lilly stared at Matthew, a look of skepticism etched on her face. ‘‘Reverend Edson was Mr. Boott’s personal selection as rector of St. Anne’s. He brought Reverend Edson to Lowell,’’ she argued. ‘‘Why, the church is named after Anne Boott,’’ Lilly continued weakly.
‘‘I know, I know,’’ Matthew replied. ‘‘None of it makes any sense, but Kirk is determined to prove his power will withstand this school movement. I think he almost views it as a personal affront that the town would oppose his point of view.’’
Lilly unfastened her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders. ‘‘We can’t afford for him to win, Matthew. I want our children living at home with us—not off in some boarding school growing up without our love and the comfort of their own home. And what of Lewis’s son? When we find him, he’s going to need all the love and comfort of a family, too. Sending him off would be devastating. You’ve got to find some way to convince Mr. Boott he’s wrong on this issue.’’
‘‘I think the vote this evening has already proven that he’s wrong—at least in the eyes of the community. I doubt whether he’ll find any way he can stave off the new schools now that the vote has passed, and I don’t intend to take up the banner of convincing him he should gracefully accept the decision.’’
Lilly turned and faced Matthew. ‘‘You could assist in making this matter go more smoothly if you truly embraced the idea.’’
‘‘Don’t start . . .’’
Lilly’s eyes widened as loud knocking sounded at the front door. ‘‘Who can that be at this hour?’’
Matthew quickly donned his trousers and rushed down the steps while Lilly stood in the bedroom doorway. She heard Matthew open the door and then heard another man’s voice. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she repetitively pulled a silver hairbrush through her long, thick mane until she finally grew weary and slipped under the bedcovers.
‘‘I almost fell asleep,’’ she said when Matthew finally returned. ‘‘Who was that?’’
‘‘Mr. Cummiskey,’’ he replied, removing his trousers. ‘‘Problems in the Paddy camp. Another girl has disappeared, and the Irish are up in arms.’’
Lilly bolted upright in the bed. ‘‘Not another one,’’ she said in a choked whisper.
‘‘How stupid of me! I shouldn’t have said anything. I don’t want you upsetting yourself, Lilly.’’
‘‘Then tell me what has been occurring,’’ she insisted.
He sat down on the bed and took her hand. ‘‘At first we thought perhaps the girls had run off with their beaux or just run away from home. However, it appears that’s not the case. At least the families say none of the girls had reason to run off and none of them had a steady fellow. Hugh has given the police a great deal of information regarding each of the girls, but it seems that the police aren’t doing much. Folks in the Paddy camp think the police don’t care because the girls are Irish.’’
‘‘Do you think that’s true?’’ Lilly asked.
‘‘Possibly. If the girls were Yankees, I imagine the matter would receive more attention. Most townsfolk haven’t given the disappearances much thought, although the mill girls appear concerned. I think they worry such a thing could happen to one of them.’’
‘‘Oh, Matthew. How terrible!’’ She clutched the coverlet into her fist and drew the knotted fabric to her chest. ‘‘I know how my heart aches with longing to be united with Lewis’s son. The girls’ parents must be suffering intolerable anguish. Surely there’s some way to help them,’’ she pleaded.
He pulled her into an embrace, stroking her hair. ‘‘I’ve promised Hugh that I’ll do all in my power to help. I’m going to talk to the police tomorrow, but I want you to promise that you’ll not overly worry yourself.’’
She tilted her head back and looked into his eyes. ‘‘I promise, Matthew. And while you’re with the police, would you talk to them about Lewis’s boy again? See if there’s anything to report?’’
‘‘Yes, dear, I’ll inquire. Now I want you to get some sleep.’’
Slumber came, followed by dreams—visions of a little boy, a miniature Lewis, lost in a dark abyss, stretching a tiny hand toward hers. She grasped her hand around the pudgy fist, pulling, pulling, until she awakened—exhausted and aching. Aching for Lewis’s child but beginning to lose hope that he would be found.
A sharp rapping sounded at the front door, interrupting Addie and Bella’s conversation.
‘‘Sit still, Miss Addie, I’ll go. It’s probably another suitor come to call on one of the girls,’’ Bella said, rising from the settee. ‘‘I think Daughtie should be joining us soon. She wanted to finish her laundry first,’’ Bella continued, glancing over her shoulder as she moved toward the front door. There were several girls gathered around the dining room table, and four more were entertaining young men in the parlor. The quietude of Miss Addie’s rooms was a pleasant reprieve from the deafening noise of the weaving room and the chattering of the girls and their beaux.
Bella’s smile disappeared when she opened the door. ‘‘Taylor! Were you expected this evening?’’
‘‘No, but I thought perhaps I’d find you at home,’’ he said, still standing on the step. ‘‘May I come in?’’
Bella hesitated for a moment, then moved aside. ‘‘I suppose, but I can’t be long. I’m visiting with Miss Addie in her parlor.’’
‘‘Oh, good. I was hoping to see Miss Addie. Shall I join the two of you?’’ He didn’t wait for an answer. Instead he moved toward Miss Addie’s living quarters.
Bella stood staring after him as he waited just inside the parlor door.
‘‘Taylor, do come in. What a pleasant surprise,’’ Addie greeted. ‘‘What brings you calling this evening—and what’s happened to Bella?’’
Bella walked to the doorway. ‘‘I’m right here, Miss Addie.’’
Miss Addie patted the settee cushion. ‘‘Come sit down. I thought you’d deserted me.’’
Taylor was leaning against the mantel, oozing charm as he smiled down at Miss Addie.
‘‘Why don’t I leave the two of you to visit? I’m sure you’d both enjoy an opportunity for some private conversation,’’ Bella suggested.
Taylor immediately moved away from the fireplace. ‘‘I think our conversation would be much livelier if you remained. Don’t you agree, Miss Addie?’’
‘‘Of course. We have nothing to say that you can’t hear. Now come sit down,’’ Addie insisted.
‘‘Have you heard from Uncle John?’’ Taylor inquired as Bella seated herself.
‘‘I received a short letter yesterday. He said the journey was tiring and he had hoped for a few days’ rest before beginning his meetings, but that wasn’t the case. He fears his meetings thus far haven’t gone as well as he had hoped. I got the impression he’s very tired and hasn’t had much time to himself. I’m concerned about his health,’’ Addie replied.
Bella moved closer and took Miss Addie’s hand in her own. ‘‘Perhaps the best thing we could do right now is pray for Mr. Farnsworth.’’
Taylor jumped up from his chair as though he’d been jabbed by Miss Mintie’s pointed parasol. ‘‘I’m not much on praying. I’ll wait in the other room until you’ve finished,’’ he said, attempting to make a hasty retreat.
‘‘Sit down, Taylor,’’ Miss Addie instructed. ‘‘Bella and I will pray after we’ve concluded our visit.’’ The words were spoken in a chiding tone, followed by an unmistakable frown leveled in Bella’s direction.
Why was Miss Addie upset with her? After all, she was offering to help. Taylor was the one ready to flee from the room without praying for his own uncle. Dismayed, Bella watched Taylor seat himself on the brocade-covered chair close to the door—obviously preparing to bolt and run should Bella once again mention prayer or God. She now wished she had insisted upon leaving when Taylor first arrived. Instead, she was trapped in this room, feeling very much the fool.
Bella’s gaze was fixed upon her folded hands, half listening as Miss Addie and Taylor discussed Mr. Farnsworth’s whereabouts and the contents of his recent letter.
‘‘I was wondering if you’d be interested in a carriage ride tomorrow.’’
‘‘Bella?’’
Miss Addie’s voice drifted through her hazy thoughts, drawing her gaze upward. ‘‘Yes, ma’am?’’
Miss Addie’s forehead was creased into thin ridges, her eyebrows arched in an upsurge of expectation. ‘‘Were you going to answer Taylor?’’
Befuddled, she glanced back and forth between Taylor and Miss Addie. ‘‘I’m sorry. Answer what? Apparently I wasn’t listening,’’ she apologized.
‘‘Perhaps you should repeat your question, Taylor,’’ Miss Addie prompted.
‘‘I was wondering if you would like to accompany me on a carriage ride tomorrow,’’ he said.
‘‘After church?’’ She glanced toward Miss Addie. ‘‘I suppose if Miss Addie would like me to accompany her on an outing with you, I’d be willing to come along,’’ she replied.
Now they were both giving her a dumbfounded look. ‘‘I believe Taylor was inviting you, Bella,’’ Miss Addie replied.
‘‘Oh! I don’t think . . .’’ she stammered. ‘‘Unless you’d care to join us, Miss Addie, I don’t believe it would be appropriate for me to accompany Mr. Manning on a carriage ride without a chaperone.’’
Addie gave her a look of surprise. ‘‘All of the girls go on unaccompanied outings—especially during the daytime hours. And it’s not as though Taylor were a stranger.’’
‘‘Exactly right, Miss Addie. Why, in the near future, Miss Addie and I will likely be related. At least I’m sure that’s Uncle John’s desire,’’ he said, giving her a charming smile.
Miss Addie’s cheeks immediately tinged pink at the comment. ‘‘I think a carriage ride would be a wonderful escape from your daily routine, Bella.’’
Bella didn’t want to encourage Taylor Manning’s attention. In fact, she preferred to avoid his company completely, but from all appearances, Miss Addie was of a different mindset—and Bella didn’t want to argue.
‘‘We can leave immediately after church services. That way I can be home in ample time to complete some unfinished tasks,’’ Bella replied as she glanced toward Miss Addie for a sign of approval.
Bella sighed in relief as the older woman nodded and smiled her affirmation.
‘‘I was thinking later in the day would be more suitable. I have some business for the Mechanics Association and had already made plans to meet with several other members tomorrow afternoon,’’ Taylor replied.
‘‘I have an idea,’’ Miss Addie said, her face glowing with excitement. ‘‘Why don’t you pack a light picnic supper, Bella. A picnic near the falls, or some other lovely spot you locate while on your ride, would be restful, and it will be much cooler in the evening.’’
Taylor appeared to be delighted with the idea, his head bobbing up and down in agreement. ‘‘Yes, and that would permit you time to complete your tasks before we leave for our carriage ride.’’
‘‘Right!’’ Miss Addie agreed. ‘‘It’s much more relaxing to have your work completed beforehand.’’
Bella felt as though she were being sucked into a swirling black whirlpool. She could barely breathe, and there was no doubt she had lost control of this conversation.