The bright sunshine caught me off guard and I stopped walking for my eyes to adjust. Samuel caught up to me and we quickly found our carriage. One of Simstock’s men helped me to my seat. Samuel settled beside me and started the horses down the road.
“What now?” he asked. “We still have no proof. Why didn’t you ask him to provide testimony to the sheriff?”
I crossed my arms. “He’s a Negro. To help me he’d lose his job and possibly have to move. I can’t ask that of him. Besides, you heard what he said, he didn’t have much proof to offer.” I relaxed and pulled the shawl around my shoulders. “There is still Mr. Pendleman. Do you have the ability to continue today?”
Samuel clenched his jaw. “We shall see this to the end. Dr. Patterson can spare me for a bit longer.”
CHAPTER 29
Samuel let the horses amble down Batavia’s streets for a short time. Once we found ourselves clip-clopping down Main Street, Samuel turned to me and asked, “Where shall we go?”
“Well, we could try Mr. Pendleman’s address,” I offered. When Samuel gave me a quizzical look I explained, “His address was in that clerk’s record book. I doubt he’d make one up. Perhaps we’ll find him there?”
“You are a clever woman, Isabelle.” He gave me an unreadable look.
Not knowing how to reply to that, I told him the address and he guided the horses to turn left and onto a brick walkway.
Off the main thoroughfare and in a residential area, there were far fewer people. Tall trees spread their branches over the street creating a shade from the blazing summer sun. The few people who were sitting on their porches didn’t bother with us. It dawned on me that Samuel and I were alone without even the chaperone of the public to guide us. The thought gave me goose bumps. I wondered if Samuel would think less of me for not insisting on a chaperone.
As if reading my thoughts Samuel cleared his throat. “If you’d like to delay our search until Mrs. Lincoln is well enough to join us, I would understand. I didn’t foresee how improper this would be.”
For a moment I nearly nodded, but forced myself to shake my head. “No, I want to be done with this and with Bellevue. I’ve wasted too much time already.”
Samuel nodded. “You know,” he whispered. “I never believed you to be insane. The first day you arrived, Dr. Patterson gave me your folder to read as he couldn’t make heads or tails of what ailed you. All I saw was a scared woman, not some lunatic who had no other option than to be locked away from her family and friends. And then, when I met you and saw the anger and fear that lay just beneath the surface, I knew with even more clarity that you were special.”
I tried to smile. “You gained my trust through your respect of my silence, and I needed someone to trust. I needed to know all men aren’t monsters. And you, Samuel, are the kindest and most decent man I’ve ever known.” My shawl fell off my shoulders and exposed my neck to the beams of sunlight that flickered between the tree branches.
The horses were clopping slower, for Samuel had all but dropped the reins while he gave me his complete attention. “Your trust is an honor I treasure,” he said in a hushed voice. Then he blinked and took my hands in his.
My heart thudded in my ears from the closeness of his breath and the softness of his hands. He brushed a loose piece of hair off my cheek and tucked it behind my ear, letting his finger graze my cheek as he did so. The reins fell between us and the horses slowed to an easy pace. I leaned in toward his touch.
Samuel didn’t wait a moment longer. He pressed his lips against mine and held my hand to his heart. His lips were soft and gentle and his chest firm. He held me close for an instant before pulling away with a sheepish smile on his face.
He rested his forehead against mine. “Sorry, but you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to kiss you.”
I grinned and laced my fingers through his. “No, I didn’t know, but I’m glad you did.”
Samuel laughed and then glanced around as if remembering we were, in fact, in public. He bent down and retrieved the reins from atop his shoes and nodded. “Right, let’s find this Mr. Pendleman and soon we will be done with Gregory Gallagher forever.”
* * *
Mr. Pendleman’s home was in the middle of a residential block and looked like every other house around it, with a wide porch, whitewashed siding, and dainty lace curtains peeking through the windows. Never would I imagine a scoundrel living here. Yet, that is where Samuel drew our horses in, locked them in place, and escorted me to the front door.
There was no reason to be afraid, yet my hand still shook as I rapped on the door. The knocks seemed to echo through the house. After a moment, someone in a swishing skirt rushed down the hallway and began unlocking nearly half a dozen locks on the other side of the door. When she was done, she opened the door a crack and peered out at us.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“We’d like to speak with Mr. Pendleman,” I explained.
The woman, barely older than a girl, opened the door a bit wider as she picked up a toddler from the floor behind her. “He is away on business,” she explained. “Can I give him your card?”
“Well, it is rather important that I speak with him today,” I said.
“What is this regarding?” The woman bit at the corner of her mouth and glanced over her shoulder back into the room behind her. The baby shoved his fist in his mouth as a string of drool slid down his chin.
“Just some business we need clarification on,” Samuel said, waving his hand as if it were nothing she’d understand. His manner was condescending, until I realized he was using the same games Dr. Patterson used to get what he wanted.
After nodding, I added, “I am willing to pay extra for the time. Do you know where he went?”
The woman, who had stood straighter at the mention of money, bounced her child, who was beginning to fuss. “Yes, he went to Joliet yesterday for the week to do some business with an associate.”
Samuel nodded, but showed no emotion. “Thank you for your time, ma’am. I’ll find him there.”
The woman closed the door, leaving us on the doorstep alone.
CHAPTER 30
“What do you mean we can’t go to Joliet?” I demanded. We’d been discussing this the whole drive back to Bellevue. Now that the building was in view it seemed imperative I make my point. “Katerina said that’s where she knew Gregory from . . . it’s too much to be a coincidence! I feel in my bones that we should follow him.”
Samuel rubbed his eyes. “Isabelle, Joliet is no mere day trip. We are talking about spending at least a night away from Bellevue, which Dr. Patterson will not allow. And even if he did, there is no one to chaperone you. I cannot take you alone, and there isn’t anyone else to be spared.”
“But, Katerina mentioned she grew up in Joliet. Surely the work Mr. Pendleman is doing is for Gregory. Perhaps he’s destroying evidence. Whatever the reason, I have to go. Now. Tomorrow at the latest.”
Samuel rubbed his forehead. “I know you want to go,” he admitted. “I just don’t know how to make it happen. I don’t want to ruin your reputation.”
“Samuel, I’ve spent the last month as an inmate in a sanitarium. I think my reputation is pretty much ruined, especially if Gregory makes good on his threat and spreads the news of where I’ve been living. I have to discover why he killed Katerina, clear my name, and get out of here.”
The horses pulled up to the brick building and stopped dutifully. They knew they were home and were ready for their feed sacks.
The moment I stepped out of the carriage Agatha burst out the front door.
“Dr. Deston, you are wanted straightaway.” She had his doctor bag in her hands. “I’ve never seen Jesminda like this. Dr. Patterson had me give her a sedative, but she is still pulling on her hair and muttering over and over.”
“Where is Dr. Patterson?” Samuel took his jacket off the back of the buggy’s bench and put it on.
“He’s with Mrs. Allan right now. Somehow she
found some drink and has taken quite a spell. Mrs. Patterson is working with Marilla to get food in her. Her weight seems to have plummeted below the required level. It’s been a strange day.” Agatha held out his doctor bag to him. Then she noticed me. “Oh, Isabelle. Pardon me. There is a young woman come to visit you. She’s waiting in the back parlor. I’m sure you’ll find her.” She rushed into the house after Samuel.
Who did I know who’d visit me here? I pulled Samuel’s shawl around my shoulders and walked into the house. It was dark and still on the first floor. From upstairs I could hear footsteps and muffled conversation. I walked to the back parlor and opened the door.
Someone had lit the main lamp so she had not been left in the dark. Lucy paced back and forth in front of the fireplace while wringing her hands around a pink handkerchief. A flowered hat sat tilted upon her head. I rushed to her side and embraced my friend.
“Lucy,” I whispered, pulling back. “But . . . how?”
Wringing a glove around her finger, Lucy stuttered. “I know. But. I-I had to come. You are in an asylum, Izzy.”
I looked around me and shrugged. “Yes, I am. And you left home to marry Patrick. We’ve both had an eventful summer.”
Lucy turned toward the fireplace. “We are not yet wed.”
“What?” I grabbed her hand. “Lucy, why not?”
“Because, I came here.” She spoke simply and met my gaze as if she were daring me to yell at her.
“But . . . the minister . . . you explained it all. I’m fine.”
“Isabelle Larkin, look at yourself. You are living in a sanitarium, your former fiancé is a murderer, and your gown is covered in mud. You are not fine.”
Despite myself I smiled. Lucy was the balm my torn heart needed. “I’m doing my best. What did Patrick say?”
“I didn’t tell him.” Lucy’s ears reddened. “Don’t look at me like that. The train was there, and I had to choose. I left a note with the ticket master. We’ll be married when you are safe and by my side. Someone who loves me should give me away.”
Brushing all my arguments to one side, I chose to accept Lucy’s choice. It was done, and I was glad to have her near.
“Gregory visited last Sunday,” I said, sitting on the chaise longue.
“What?” Lucy dropped beside me. “How did that happen? Who let him come?”
“Mother pulled me out for the morning. We went to church, and he took me for a carriage ride. I told him all I knew.” I rubbed moisture into my eyes. “By now he’s told everyone where I am and ruined me for proper society.”
“Isabelle, no one will believe him.”
“No, it’s all right,” I interrupted. “Oddly, I don’t care anymore. There is more to life than those snooty society ladies. And Lucy, we both know they’ll believe him. He’s handsome and well admired. There’s nothing they like more than spreading gossip.”
Lucy slumped against the cushions. “I suppose I’m ruined as well.”
“You followed your man west and returned unmarried. I think we’re both in the same boat.”
“Yes, I guess so.” Lucy sighed. “But I’d rather this than do my family’s bidding.”
That was the first time I’d heard Lucy speak ill of her family, and it felt good. Our lives were just starting, and we were making decisions for ourselves.
“Enough of this.” Lucy resumed proper posture. “How do we get you out of here?”
“I’ve already begun working on that. I believe the key may be in Joliet.” I explained all that had happened that day. “I have to go. Soon.”
“Let’s go.” Lucy stood up and reached for her traveling bag.
“Now?” I asked. “There are things to do first, papers to get signed and Samuel—”
Lucy stomped her foot. “Forget all of that. You said yourself we are both lost causes. Now, I believe there is a train leaving in an hour, the doctors and everyone are busy, so now is the time to go. I’ve been here for a while and have been listening. They aren’t going to just let you go have a holiday with me, right?”
I smiled, caught up in Lucy’s energy. “I’ve missed you, Lucy.” Within moments we were in my room packing any necessities and the few valuable jewels I had with me in case we needed funds.
“I have some money in my bags, but not much,” I said, tossing the small purse into the carpet bag we were packing. “It should cover our train fare.”
Lucy nodded as she pulled a tan gown from my wardrobe. “I just can’t travel with you looking like that.”
I laughed. She hadn’t lost all her properness out West.
As she unlaced the back of my day dress she asked, “Can I ask one question?”
“You can ask anything.”
“Why didn’t you tell me back in Oak Park? It isn’t as if I didn’t see you before you left. Perhaps if you’d said something, I could have helped. Maybe we could have prevented this.” She gestured around the room.
“He is dangerous. I didn’t want to put you in harm’s way and, well, I . . . I wasn’t positive you’d believe me.”
“Not believe you?” Lucy pulled the laces free. “You are my best friend. I’d have thought you had more faith in me.”
“And even if you had, how could I expose you to such danger? It seemed like Gregory was already following me.”
Lucy grasped my hands. “You are so stubborn, Isabelle Larkin. You don’t have to face everything alone.”
“Well, it is certainly easier with friends,” I said, trying to show my gratitude.
“That it is.” Lucy squeezed my hand. She threw the tan gown over my head and helped me button the bodice.
“That’s about it.” I locked my bag.
“Time to go,” Lucy agreed. Her voice wavered. “Will the doors be locked?”
I shook my head. “Only at night. They are busy with the patients and dinner. If we are going to go, it needs to be now.”
A wave of unexpected guilt hit me. Samuel. He’d know where we went the moment he saw we were gone. Did I owe him an explanation?
“Come on, Isabelle,” Lucy insisted.
She opened my door and jumped back. Mrs. Lincoln stood in the hallway, glaring at us. “What on earth are you girls doing?”
Her hair was disheveled and her eyes were swollen. She clung to the wall for support, but her very presence demanded an answer.
Lucy was shocked into silence. I forgot to tell her about my neighbor. There wasn’t time now to elaborate.
“Mrs. Lincoln, Mary, you have to go back to bed.” I took her arm and started the short walk back to her room.
“If you don’t tell me what you are doing, I will call the doctor.” Her voice held all the vigor her body had lost.
“Very well, but it is of the utmost secret nature.” Once she nodded her understanding, I spoke quietly. “We are going after Gregory.”
“Oh!” she gasped. “So your day today was productive.”
I nodded.
“Is Samuel going with you?”
“No, I am.” Lucy stepped forward, finally finding her tongue.
“Oh, I see.” Mrs. Lincoln sat back on her bed. “You leave me no choice, Isabelle.”
“What?”
“Give me my jewelry box.” She pointed at the box on her dresser.
Lucy brought it over to us on the bed. In her other hand she clasped both our bags in case we had to run quickly. Mrs. Lincoln opened the box and lifted out the insert. With a quick gesture she pulled out a stack of bills. She handed them to me.
“Robert doesn’t know about this,” she said. “I couldn’t prevent him visiting or anything that followed, but I can give you the means to do what you have to do.” She shook the money in her hand. “Take it. Please.”
“We shouldn’t,” Lucy said at the same moment I took the money and said, “Thank you.”
“Get going then. I’ll do what I can to conceal your escape.” She deflated with fatigue. We had worn her out.
I helped her lie down and covered her with a
blanket. “If you see Samuel, explain for me?”
She nodded and waved us away.
With that Lucy and I ran down the stairs and out of the house.
CHAPTER 31
Two young women with little luggage was hardly something to gawk at, yet I continually felt as if someone should recognize me. Batavia was not a large town; someone could be on the train who was on the river walk and heard Gregory’s shouts about my well-being. They could see Lucy and me and demand to have us sent back to Bellevue Place.
“Excuse me?” Lucy said to the ticket agent. “When is the next train to Joliet?”
The man looked up at us and then checked a large schedule on the wall beside him. “You’ll have to change trains in Chicago. Train for Joliet doesn’t leave Chicago until tomorrow morning.”
“Is there a train to Chicago tonight?” I asked.
The man nodded. “In about twenty minutes.” He paused and looked at us carefully. “You ladies have accommodations in Chicago?”
Lucy bristled at his question. “We can take care of ourselves. Thank you, sir.” She handed over the money and we waited for the train to arrive.
There were few people around the station, but I clung to Lucy’s arm. Any moment Mrs. Patterson would discover that we were gone and send someone out after us. It wasn’t until we were seated by ourselves and the train lurched into motion that I actually relaxed. The car was full enough that we spoke little on the trip to Chicago. And we were careful to be in the middle of the group to disembark once we arrived in Chicago.
“Well, now what do we do? The train for Joliet doesn’t leave for another twelve hours.” Lucy looked around us.
“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I don’t know if we dare spend money on a hotel room. We may need it later.”
“Agreed.” Lucy’s voice was firm, but she looked overwhelmed in the crowded station.
An elderly man jostled past us.
“What did you do when you went to Patrick?”
An instant blush rose on Lucy’s cheeks. “It isn’t proper, but I slept in the station waiting room when I had to wait for a train. Well, slept might be an overstatement.”
House of Silence Page 20
