by GG Shalton
Mrs. Franklin pressed her lips together. “What about your husband?”
Amelia’s face looked pale. “I will speak to him—maybe he will allow her to visit. But I haven’t the time right now. The visitor brought me a letter from a friend who told me she will be in Edinburgh in a few days. She is in a traveling show from Paris. I need to find her.”
Mrs. Franklin asked in a concern way, “Do you think your husband will allow you to go?”
Amelia looked away not able to answer her question. Mrs. Franklin asked, “Amelia, do you think you have time to get to Edinburgh and see your mother and then get back before he comes home again?”
Amelia widened her eyes. “Mrs. Franklin, please listen carefully. I would never ask you to do anything that could cause you problems.”
Mrs. Franklin reached for her hand. “I want to help you as you have helped me.”
Amelia looked down at her hands considering her idea. She took a deep breath, “I will leave in two days. It will take me at least a day and a half to get to Edinburgh. I could take the mail coach and dress as a servant. Once I find my mother, I will convince her to come back to Dundee with me. I should be back within a few travel days. I will need you to take care of Robert. Tell the staff I am in my room or the attic. Andrew waited at least a month the last time he visited. If I leave soon, I shall be back before he returns. I will have to let Mrs. Palmer know the truth.”
Mrs. Franklin shook her head. “I think you should not tell her. I will tell her once you are gone. That way she will be forced to keep your secret and won’t be able to stop you. She won’t like it, but she won’t betray you either.” She reached over and hugged Amelia. Amelia cried in her arms, glad she had someone in her life that would help her.
Chapter 25
Andrew reclined in the chair looking over papers in his study. He had just arrived home from Glasgow. It had brought back a lot of memories from his childhood being in the area. He normally sent his men to conduct business there, but he wanted to stay busy and keep his mind off Amelia and Robert. The baby had her eyes and looking at him was like looking at her. It tore his heart, and he found it more tolerable to stay away.
Brian entered the study. “It’s been a long day and the men want to go to the Tree Lounge. Jean has a new singer performing tonight. The men saw her perform in London and they say she is quite beautiful.”
Andrew grunted. “They think any woman on stage in beautiful if she gives them the time of day.”
Brian smiled. “It won’t hurt to check it out. Perhaps I will get lucky.”
Andrew put the papers on his desk away and put on his coat. The men loaded the carriage and were on their way. Andrew looked out the window thinking about his son. One day he would explain to him why he had to stay away. Perhaps when he got older, he would take him in the summers when he wasn’t in school and teach him about life. He didn’t want his son to take over his business as it was—possibly parts of the legitimate side in shipping and factories. He would send him to Oxford to learn about business from professors instead of criminals.
The carriage slowed to a stop, and the men entered the Tree Lounge. Jean had their usual table ready for them and drinks were served quickly. She winked at Andrew and hugged him. “Good to see you tonight. I will talk to you later as we are very busy. Miss Briar is here, and the place is going mad. I will introduce you after the first show. She is doing two tonight. Greg made a stage in the corner and Katie will play the piano.”
Andrew removed his coat. “It sounds like you have everything under control. Barns will come by tomorrow to collect the profits.” Jean nodded and was distracted by more people coming into the tavern. She left the group to see to some waitresses.
The men enjoyed their drinks as the crowds pushed into the room. Every table was taken, and more chairs were set up along the walls near the stage. The room’s heat was stifling with the smell of body odor and perfume. Miss Briar entered from the back office, and the crowds cheered and whistled. Andrew turned to look at the painted face woman with long white blond hair. She wore most of her hair down with only one side pinned up in a barrette. Her tight-fitting gold gown showed off her voluptuous curves and left little to the imagination. She walked to the stage with an exaggerated sway of her hips attracting nearly every man in the tavern.
The rough, throaty sound of her voice brought chills to the audience as she performed three songs. Her attention was on Andrew’s table in most of her verses. She did play with the audience with a seductive smile and skillful body language. After the set, she returned to the back office as the crowd ordered more drinks waiting for the second set of songs.
Jean took Andrew and a few of his men to the back office to meet Miss Briar. She was sitting in the chair behind the desk and stood when they entered the room. Jean smiled at her. “Miss Briar, I would like to introduce you to the owner of the Tree Lounge, Mr. Baird and his associates.”
She arched her back showing off her plunging neckline and smiled at the men. “Nice to meet all of you. Please call me Vivian.”
Brian took her hand and kissed it. “I am Brian and it’s a pleasure, Vivian.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t you a charmer?”
She looked at Andrew. “I have heard a lot about you, Mr. Baird. The infamous Black Baird. I was hoping to meet you tonight.” She held out her hand to him.
He smiled as he took her hand and kissed it. “Don’t believe everything you hear.”
She stared at him like he was the only man in the room. “Did you enjoy my show?”
He looked at his men. “Did you enjoy her show?”
They all nodded, and Bull spoke up. “You’re a great singer. We saw you in London when you were there.”
She broke her stare from Andrew and looked at the men. “I thought I recognized such handsome men.”
They all blushed as she flirted. She turned her focus back to Andrew. “Mr. Baird, do you mind if I call you Andrew?”
He smiled. “As you wish.”
She licked the top of her teeth not breaking her stare from him. “You know Andrew—you are the reason why I played at the Tree Lounge tonight. You’re a hard man to meet socially. I was hoping after the show we could get to know each other better?”
The men looked at him with a bit of jealousy in their eyes.
Jean’s smile faded as she replied, “The second set should start in just a moment. Perhaps you men should take your seats.”
The men walked out of the room and Vivian reached for Andrew’s arm. “Andrew, please think about having a drink with me tonight.”
He took her hand and kissed it again. “I look forward to hearing you sing again.” He left the room without answering her question.
Brian stared at Andrew as he took his seat. Andrew looked over at him annoyed. “What’s amiss?”
Brian snorted. “Your luck astonishes me.”
Andrew creased his brow. “Why? Because of the singer?”
Brian let out a sigh. “You will be thoroughly entertained. Lucky dog.”
Andrew flipped his hand. “I don’t have time for that type of entertainment. I have a lot of work to do.”
Brian took a drink and shook his head. “What is wrong with you?”
Andrew opened his mouth, leaning his head back. “What makes you ask that?”
Brian rolled his eyes. “Andrew, you have a beautiful, willing woman who is practically giving you an invitation to sleep with her, and you have work to do?”
Andrew stared at him not saying a word.
Brian took another drink. “I know what this is about.” He looked at the men who were engrossed in their own conversations then leaned over and whispered. “It’s a shame you don’t do anything about it and choose to stay miserable.”
Andrew glared at Brian. “You seem to be full of
knowledge tonight. Why don’t you tell me how I should live my life?”
Whistles sounded throughout the room again and a few cheers as Vivian made her way to the stage. She stopped at the table and blew the men a kiss while she walked to the piano. Andrew looked away and took a drink.
Brian stood up. “May I speak to you in private?”
Andrew stood and followed Brian to the back office. Jean noticed the two and Brian gestured that they needed some privacy. She nodded her understanding as the piano music started.
Brian sat down on the chair behind the desk and Andrew sat in the other chair by the door. He looked at Brian. “What is all of this about?”
Brian replied. “It’s about you not trusting me and deceiving yourself.”
Andrew was puzzled by his oldest friend who was closer to him than his own brother. He stared at him. “I don’t understand?”
Brian leaned back in his chair. “You are wasting your life. You’re in love with your wife and can’t see past your own pride to allow yourself to be happy. Yes, she made a mistake. Not a fatal one. You haven’t been with another woman since you met her. Beautiful women throw themselves at you, but you push them away because of her. You are only punishing yourself. You have a blessing of a beautiful son that you never see because you’re mad at your wife. You’re a bad father, Andrew!”
Andrew’s mouth widened, and he glared at Brian.
Brian held up his hand, his face turning red. He loosened his cravat. “I never thought I would say that. But it’s been too long and she has suffered enough. I don’t think she would make the same mistake ever again. Your home is wherever your family is. I can handle things. I helped you build this business. You don’t trust me to run it in your absence? Go home.”
Andrew’s chest hurt at the emotions he felt. No one dare spoke to him that way. Only Brian had the guts and he did it with apprehension.
A few seconds of awkward silence came over the room. He finally stood up, “You’re wrong. I do trust you, Brian. It’s just difficult for me to talk about Amelia.” He rubbed his forehead with his hand. “I don’t know if I have the strength to forgive her. Perhaps that is a weakness of mine.”
Brian looked up at him shocked by his vulnerability. “I have known you most my life. You are a different person when you are around her. She has brought out your human side.” He chuckled as he stood up and walked over to him. “Forgiving her doesn’t make what she did right. It gives you a chance to be happy as a husband and father. Hating her is only making you miserable. Besides, I know you’re in love with her even though you try to stay away. I have never heard you use the word, but it’s obvious to me.”
Andrew looked down as he straightened his jacket. “If you will excuse me, I will call it a night. I have to get home and pack as I will be leaving early tomorrow morning.” He winked and patted Brian on the back. “I will tell the men you are in charge. I want to take a few weeks off.”
Brian cracked a smile. “I have one more favor to ask of you.”
Andrew raised his brow and Brian opened the door letting the music soar into the room. He whispered, “Perhaps you could be a little rude to our Miss Briar when you say goodbye? That way I can console her after you leave as being the blackguard that you are.”
Andrew laughed out loud as they walked out of the room.
Amelia took a few pounds she had hidden and sewed them into her petticoat. That would be enough to get the stagecoach tickets back to Dundee and a few nights at the inn. She didn’t want to carry it in her reticule just in case she was robbed on the stagecoach. It wasn’t unheard of to be a part of highway robberies. Mrs. Franklin had brought her an old gown to wear. It was gray and a little worn around the collar. She gave her a dark bonnet and old shoes to fit the part of a servant.
“You’re naturally beautiful, Amelia. My suggestion is to hide it as much as possible.” She helped Amelia tie her hair up in a tight bun hidden under the bonnet. She gave her an old worn cloak with a hood that could obscure some of Amelia’s face.
“I purchased the ticket yesterday to Edinburgh with the money you had left from Mr. Baird this month. Mrs. Palmer left the money in a bowl in her room. I told her you requested some supplies and I was going to town. Not exactly a lie. I will pack you a few snacks, and I think you should bring a piece of jewelry in case you need to sell it.”
Amelia nodded and took a bracelet Andrew had given her. She put it in her cloak pocket. “Thank you, Mrs. Franklin. I don’t know what I would do without your help. I feel horrible leaving Robert.”
Mrs. Franklin touched her arm. “He will be fine. I will spend lots of time with him. You will be home within a few days. Now we must go before Mrs. Palmer returns. She is at Mrs. Burton’s purchasing kitchen supplies. I can stall her for a while after she returns. That should give you plenty of time to get to the coach. My husband is waiting for you with our cart on the corner of Birch Street. He will take you where you need to be.”
Amelia nodded and kissed Robert goodbye. She took her bag and went to meet Mrs. Franklin’s husband. He was a short man with black hair and a crooked front tooth. Amelia was hesitant, but he was friendly and took her to the coach. Amelia tried to pay him, but he refused and instead wished her well on her journey.
The stagecoach was packed full. Amelia sat by the window so she could look outside. A young woman sat beside her with an older man next to her. Amelia couldn’t figure out if they were married or father and daughter. Across from her was a middle-aged man dressed as a soldier. Amelia wondered why he didn’t have his own horse but kept her opinions to herself. Beside him were two older men who introduced themselves as blacksmiths.
The ride was mostly in silence before they stopped at the inn. It was already their third stop and Amelia realized that riding in a stagecoach took a lot longer than a private carriage. She rented a room for the night. Not wanting to spend any more money, she had some bread in her bag that she ate for dinner.
The inn was loud in the middle of the night. She could hear the piano and tables moving across the floor. The noise reminded Amelia of her trip from London when she first married Andrew. A smile came across her face at the way he looked at her. Always strong in front of his men yet so gentle with her behind closed doors. If people only knew how long they waited to consummate their marriage due to her nervousness. What other man did she know that would have waited to exercise their husbandly rights? Her chest burned with the loss of his favor. Andrew could be a good man although she didn’t want to see it in the beginning. His words and actions could be harsh, yet she understood him.
Her thoughts turned to Robert—she missed him terribly and hoped Mrs. Franklin was taking care of him the way that she would. Would he be crying for her? Tears escaped her eyes as she fell asleep dreaming of her baby.
Andrew arrived in Dundee early in the morning. He was anxious to speak to Amelia. There was much to say and he was finally ready to have a conversation. The house was quiet when he entered the front door. It was unlocked and no one came as he stood in the doorway. He could hear some movement in the kitchen and entered to inquire the staff about his wife.
Mrs. Palmer grabbed her chest. “Mr. Baird, you startled me!”
He crinkled his brow. “Yes, Mrs. Palmer. I came this morning to see my wife and son. Are they well? I just wanted to get a glass of water first. I am parched from my journey. I have a few guards in the stable. If you could prepare some food for us, that would be much appreciated.”
Mrs. Palmer’s turned white. She stood mesmerized by his words unable to speak. He looked at her peculiarly. “Are you well? You look ill.”
Mrs. Franklin entered the kitchen carrying Robert. When she saw Andrew, she gasped loudly. “Mr. Baird?”
He looked at her and a smile came across his face. “He is huge. I have been away too long.” He walked over and took Robert out of
her arms. Holding him close, he kissed him on the forehead. “I missed you, my son.”
Both women looked at each other and back at Andrew. He put his face in his son’s neck and laughed. “Where is Amelia? I wish to speak to her.” He headed toward the servant staircase assuming Amelia was upstairs.
Mrs. Palmer let out a breath. “Forgive us, Mr. Baird.”
Andrew looked at both of them still holding Robert in his arms. “For what?”
She looked at Mrs. Franklin who looked like she was going to faint. “Um… She is away from the house.”
Andrew shrugged his shoulders not understanding. “Where is she?”
Mrs. Franklin rubbed her lips together. “Mrs. Baird said she would be back in a few days. She hated leaving Robert, but it was regarding a family member. She left yesterday.”
Andrew’s face turned red as he tried to keep his temper under control. “Mrs. Franklin, do you like working in my home?”
She nodded her head as she fidgeted with the baby blanket she was holding.
Andrew looked at Mrs. Palmer. “Do you enjoy working for me?”
She bit the inside of her cheek. “Yes, sir.”
He adjusted Robert in his arms. “Then stop talking in circles and tell me what is going on with my wife or both of you will be dismissed today with no references.”
Mrs. Palmer started speaking first. “Mrs. Baird received a letter about her mother and read it to Mrs. Franklin. I was away from the home shopping when they planned her trip. I found out after Amelia was gone.”
“What about the guards? They didn’t see her leave?” He was growing impatient and the tone of his voice reflected his annoyance.
Mrs. Franklin’s voice caught in her throat. “No, Mr. Baird. I didn’t tell them she left. Mrs. Baird didn’t want to leave Robert. I volunteered to watch him and she was only to be gone for a few days. Her mother was found in Edinburgh at a small playhouse. The play was called Blue Birds. She found out her mother changed her name to Mary Brady. She was only going to be in Edinburgh for one day. It was her only chance to find out it if her mother was really alive.”
