A Fragile Design (37 page)
‘‘Perhaps not that particular situation, but I know what it’s like to lose family, and I’ve almost lost hope of ever finding my brother’s child,’’ Lilly replied.
‘‘Now, dear, you mustn’t upset yourself,’’ Addie said, taking Lilly’s hand in her own. ‘‘Your husband won’t want you inviting us back to visit if he sees our conversation has given you cause for concern.’’
‘‘Matthew knows there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about Lewis’s son. I fear he’s given up on the search. He doesn’t appear to share my longing to find the boy.’’
‘‘Now, Lilly, I’m sure he has overturned every stone. I think it’s likely he doesn’t want you to build false hope. Finding one small child when you have no idea what he looks like or where he might be is a daunting task,’’ Addie replied.
Bella observed the exchange between the two women, intrigued by the topic of the missing little boy. She’d overheard a snippet of conversation between Miss Addie and Lilly during the tea at Lilly’s several months ago, but she had soon forgotten the conversation. It now appeared this would be the perfect opportunity to hear more.
‘‘So your nephew has disappeared?’’ Bella ventured.
‘‘Yes. However, I didn’t even know of the child’s existence until my brother was on his deathbed. Lewis was in dreadful pain and gave only sketchy information about the child. I’ve never seen him and have no idea where he is, although Lewis mentioned the Acre. Matthew and I agree that the boy’s mother is probably Irish.’’
‘‘With the Acre nearby, it seems you’d be able to easily locate the boy,’’ Bella commented, then instantly wished she could snatch back the words as she watched sadness etch itself upon Lilly’s face.
‘‘You would think so, wouldn’t you? However, my husband says he’s expended great effort with no success. I’m not sure he’s been completely forthright,’’ she replied.
Addie wagged her head back and forth. ‘‘Surely you don’t believe Matthew would lie to you, dear. You must keep in mind that the Irish folks keep to themselves. I’m certain the mother wouldn’t want to give up her child, and if she’s gotten wind that someone is looking for him, she’s probably doing her best to keep the boy hidden.’’
‘‘You forget that Lewis said the mother was dead. I have no idea how she might have died, but I believe Lewis told me about the boy so that I could provide him with a better life. I wouldn’t attempt to take him away from his mother’s family, if that’s indeed who is caring for him now. But what if they don’t want him now that Lewis is dead?’’
‘‘You can’t spend your life worrying about ‘what ifs,’ ’’ Addie admonished. ‘‘You’re unduly upsetting yourself, and the child is probably doing remarkably well.’’
‘‘Perhaps,’’ Lilly halfheartedly agreed.
‘‘Did your brother give you any other information?’’ Bella inquired.
Addie leveled a look of disapproval at her. ‘‘I think we should change the subject. Why don’t we go back downstairs and resume our sewing?’’
‘‘Bella isn’t upsetting me, Miss Addie. I want to discuss the boy. It’s Matthew who attempts to squelch any conversation about the child.’’ Lilly turned her gaze toward Bella. ‘‘The boy would be close to four years old now. I have no idea about his appearance except that he has a birthmark in the shape of a mushroom.’’
Bella’s gaze immediately shifted to Daughtie. Her friend was staring back at her, eyes wide and mouth agape.
‘‘Could it possibly be?’’ Daughtie croaked.
Lilly looked back and forth between the girls. ‘‘What? Could what possibly be?’’ Lilly asked in a frantic voice. ‘‘Tell me! Do you know something?’’
Bella glanced toward Miss Addie, who was obviously upset over the turn of events. Bella raised her eyebrows and gave the woman a questioning look.
‘‘It appears you’d best finish what you’ve begun, but I do hope that whatever you have to say won’t cause Lilly pain,’’ Addie chided.
Bella certainly didn’t want to upset Lilly, yet her heart fluttered with excitement at the prospect of offering any valuable information. ‘‘During one of my assignments to work in the office at Canterbury a few years ago, I remember an Irishwoman bringing a little boy and signing him over to the Shakers. She avowed the child was not hers. She related to Eldress Phoebe that the boy had been born out of wedlock to her sister and the sister had met with an untimely death. When Eldress Phoebe asked about the father, the woman said he was a Yank who had no interest in the boy.’’
Lilly gasped and placed her handkerchief over her mouth.
‘‘You don’t suppose?’’
‘‘Don’t get yourself overly excited, Lilly. Those few facts don’t mean that much,’’ Addie replied.
The older woman stared at Bella, her lips set in a tight line and her eyes creased into narrow slits as she waggled her head back and forth.
Bella chose to ignore the warning. This was a matter of enormous importance, she decided. And so she forged ahead. ‘‘The little boy had a birthmark on his arm. I saw Eldress Phoebe examine the mark, and she had me write the information in the boy’s paper work. She told me to write that the boy had a mushroom-shaped birthmark on his arm, the color of an underripe plum.’’
‘‘It must be Lewis’s child!’’ Lilly proclaimed. ‘‘Is he still in Canterbury?’’
In the privacy of the parlor, Bella eyed Taylor with apprehension, not certain whether she should believe his words. She wanted to accept his apology and trust that Miss Addie’s talk had given him pause to consider his unseemly behavior.
‘‘What more can I say that will cause you to give me another chance?’’ Taylor asked in a pleading voice. ‘‘Surely Miss Addie told you of her lecture regarding my behavior,’’ he submitted with a lopsided grin. ‘‘We had a long conversation once she completed her reprimand. She made me see that the behaviors I’ve been exhibiting will not serve me well if I am truly interested in pursing a relationship with a young lady named Bella Newberry.’’
Bella felt the blood rush to her cheeks. Such talk made her more than a little uncomfortable, and she wasn’t certain how to respond.
‘‘Doesn’t the church teach forgiveness?’’ Taylor asked.
Bella felt a twinge of indignation. ‘‘Why is it that people who have no use for God or the church attempt to use them as a weapon against those of us who do?’’
‘‘I never said I didn’t have any use for God or the church,’’ Taylor argued. ‘‘I believe in God. It’s just that . . . well, it embarrasses me to say this, but I enjoyed the life I was living. And I certainly didn’t want to attend church and be confronted with biblical teachings that wouldn’t permit me to continue making those same choices. It wasn’t until Miss Addie explained that if I ever hoped to call upon you again—and if I ever hoped to be right before God—I would have to change my ways.’’
Bella folded her arms across her chest and gave him a sidelong glance. ‘‘And after all these years of enjoying your carousing lifestyle, it took merely a word or two from Miss Addie to cause this dramatic change?’’
‘‘No, Bella. It took meeting you and realizing what I was missing,’’ he replied. ‘‘Miss Addie simply pointed out the reasons why it would be impossible for me to win your love until I made significant changes in my life.’’
Once again she was unsure of herself. ‘‘I’m not certain I can believe you,’’ she simply stated. And even if she did believe him, did she want the relationship he was suggesting? She looked at him standing there, hat in hand, his expression so full of hope.
‘‘I understand,’’ he replied, ‘‘but will you at least give me an opportunity to prove that I’m speaking the truth? That’s all I’m asking for—just a chance. Surely you wouldn’t deny me that.’’
Taylor’s hair had fallen forward across his forehead. If she could look directly into his eyes, it would be much easier to evaluate the truthfulness of his words. Bella longed to reach across the distance between them and push the errant strands away from his face. Of course, she would never presume to do such a thing. Instead, she’d be forced to give him an answer without the benefit of seeing what his eyes might tell her.
‘‘I will give you another chance, but should you do anything to make me regret my decision, I will be loath to forgive you again. Please don’t disappoint me.’’ Her final words were but a whisper—more a supplication than a request.
‘‘Thank you, Bella. I won’t disappoint you,’’ he promised. ‘‘And now I want to share some news I think you will find most pleasing.’’
Bella sighed with relief. She had feared the remainder of the evening would be filled with idle chatter to fill the awkward silences that were certain to follow their earlier discussion. ‘‘What is it?’’
‘‘It has become evident that having women on the selection committee has already proved extremely beneficial. Last night the men voted to have female representatives assist with the lecture series—but only if they decide they’d like to be involved,’’ he hastened to add.
‘‘Of course they’ll want to,’’ she replied. ‘‘How wonderful! And did you play a role in this decision?’’
‘‘I’d like to say it was all my idea, but it wasn’t. I did speak in favor of the proposal, but that’s as much credit as I can take in the matter.’’
‘‘I’m sure your influence helped sway the vote. This is wonderful news. I can hardly wait to tell the other girls,’’ she said, giving him a winsome smile.
‘‘Don’t rush me out the door just yet. I have more to tell you.’’
She could barely contain her enthusiasm. ‘‘I can’t imagine there’s anything else that will excite me any more than what you’ve already shared.’’
‘‘Perhaps not, but I know how interested you’ve been in the new schools. It seems that in spite of the fact that Mr. Boott has withdrawn himself from membership at St. Anne’s, construction will soon begin on the first of the new graded schools.’’
‘‘So Reverend Edson refuses to give in to Mr. Boott’s threats? I admire the good man’s tenacity. It’s truly sad that Mr. Boott would use his position in the church in an attempt to force Reverend Edson to change his stance on the school issue. Let’s hope his actions haven’t created a cause for his termination.’’
‘‘Since Mr. Boott has left the church, I doubt there will be a problem. The majority of the membership appeared to be in favor of the new schools.’’
Bella knew what Taylor said was true, but she also knew that people could become fickle when matters took an unexpected turn—especially when that unexpected turn wasn’t advantageous to them.
‘‘Yes, but since Mr. Boott has promised to withhold all of the money both he and the Corporation had been contributing to the church, some of those church members may change their minds,’’ she rebutted.
Leaning back into the cushioned settee, Taylor gave her a grin. ‘‘And what good does all this worrying accomplish?’’
‘‘You’re right. I’ll stop,’’ she agreed.
Several loud knocks sounded at the front door. Miss Addie bustled from the kitchen at full tilt, calling out, ‘‘I’ll answer the door.’’
Bella heard the scraping of wood and then listened to Miss Addie warmly greet Matthew Cheever. She looked toward Taylor. ‘‘I wonder why Mr. Cheever has come calling,’’ she said as Addie and Matthew walked into the room.
‘‘Mr. Cheever would have a word with you, Bella,’’ Miss Addie said. ‘‘Why don’t you accompany me to the kitchen, Taylor? You can help me prepare some tea. If we’re extremely fortunate, I may find some apple cake to serve you.’’
Miss Addie led the way, and Bella momentarily watched Taylor follow along behind the older woman. She then turned her attention to Mr. Cheever.
‘‘Your wife is doing well?’’ Bella inquired as Matthew seated himself in a chair opposite the settee.
‘‘Yes, quite well, thank you. In fact, we’re preparing for a short journey. That’s why I’m here.’’
Bella’s eyes widened at the remark. ‘‘Oh?’’ She didn’t know how to respond to his statement.
‘‘It seems you know of a child in the Shaker village that bears a birthmark similar to the one described by Mrs. Cheever’s late brother.’’
‘‘Yes,’’ Bella tentatively agreed. ‘‘I did mention such a child to your wife. Are you angry?’’ she hastened to ask.
‘‘No, not angry—concerned. Lilly is insisting upon journeying to Canterbury to find the little boy. I have concern about Lilly traveling. The doctor says she’s in good health but he’d rather not see her travel this late into her pregnancy. Added to that, I’m apprehensive about the outcome of the visit. Even if the boy is the one we’re seeking, there’s no way of being certain he is Lewis Armbruster’s child.’’
‘‘Perhaps you’ll find there’s a family resemblance,’’ Bella suggested.
‘‘Perhaps, but I think making the journey is folly. Lilly believes she’s going to locate the boy and bring him home. She’s already decided the boy is Lewis’s child. I’m not as convinced of that fact. However, she is determined to go to New Hampshire, and that is what brings me here. We plan to leave for Canterbury the day after tomorrow, and quite frankly, we need you to accompany us. I doubt we’d be able to secure any information without you.’’
‘‘No! I don’t want to go,’’ she blurted without thinking how her words would sound. Mr. Cheever appeared stunned by her pronouncement.
‘‘I’ve already made arrangements for your absence from work, and I’ll reimburse you for your lost wages. It is imperative that you make the journey, Miss Newberry. You’re the one who told Lilly about the child. I implore you to reconsider your answer.’’
How could she face Eldress Phoebe and the other Sisters? Mr. Cheever didn’t realize she had run away from the Society under the darkness of night and that she would be less than welcome.
‘‘Let me explain, Mr. Cheever,’’ she said.
When she had at last revealed the circumstances of her departure, Bella gave him a beseeching look. ‘‘And so you can now understand why I can’t return.’’
He nodded. ‘‘I understand that returning to the Shakers will be uncomfortable for you. However, I beseech you to join us—for Lilly’s sake.’’
Matthew’s earnest plea on behalf of his wife touched Bella’s heart, and she knew she could not reject his request. Like it or not, the time had come to face her fears. Her stomach churned as she met his gaze and whispered, ‘‘If you believe my presence is absolutely necessary, then I’ll go.’’