by Lynn Wolfe
“But he explained that wasn’t Mary’s nature. She was never as hot headed as I am. Of course, he said those words lovingly! He said she was kind and spirited, but never one to put anyone in a compromising position, if she could help it. He said she behaved exactly as he would have predicted under the circumstances, partly, because the English pride themselves on being proper.
“James made sure I knew how much he loved me, though. I never doubted his love, Anna. But I know James well enough to know he regretted his hasty judgment regarding Mary. I feel he spoke the truth when he made the statement that you can’t change history. What happened was something to learn from and to regret but not to dwell on. In the future, he said he will never rush to hasty judgments again.”
“Oh Susannah, even having this in the open, Thomas still feels very guilty. He just won’t forgive himself. I don’t think he can until Mary has forgiven him. I thought she might have written him by now, since he says she is so kind hearted, but so far we have heard nothing,” Anna said misty eyed.
“Yet, as hurt as she was by both of them, I understand it may take her a very long time to accept what happened, if she ever does. It must be awful having to live a life that was shattered by those she held so dear,” Susannah added.
“Was Thomas upset you opened the bill that let the cat out of the bag?” Susannah asked wondering if Anna wasn’t feeling some guilt of her own.
“He told me right away he wasn’t upset about me snooping. He said it was understandable since he knew I’d be curious about what the dress cost. He said it was for the best everything was out in the open, for he knew it had to come out sometime. Now he can discuss his feelings about Mary openly.”
“Anna, I think we should change the subject in case they come to join us. I know they’re aware we’re talking about this, but I’d rather they not think it’s been an issue we can’t come to terms with,” Susannah said quietly.
Anna nodded. “Tell me, has James heard anything from Luther or Jacob?”
“Not a word. But I don’t think he’s expecting to hear anything until spring. He says that neither of them are letter writers. But if they do hear, it’ll probably be from Jacob. Only because he knows if their mother doesn’t get some type of information on them in six months, she’d probably arrange to have someone go and locate them, so she can know they’re safe.”
Anna laughed. She was trying to picture how Jacob would respond to some man stating he was sent by his mother to see how they fared. Although she wouldn’t put it past Annabelle Parker to do just that!
*****
Once James had closed the door to the den Thomas was the first to speak, “How did Susannah handle the news about Mary?” Thomas didn’t want any more problems to arise with Mary put in the middle.
“Susannah was great about everything, Thomas. I knew she’d accept the news with understanding. She cried, but not for herself. She cried for Mary. She said she couldn’t have done what Mary had allowing Anna to wear the wedding dress.
“But I told her if she’d known Mary, she wouldn’t have been surprised by her actions and generosity. Mary would always think of someone else, first. I can’t believe I’d been such a fortunate man who had had the privilege of finding two wonderful women in my lifetime to love. It’s a shame I had to hurt one in the process only because I wasn’t loyal enough to believe in her. I will always regret my stupidity, Thomas, and the heartbreak I caused Mary.”
“As will I, James. It’ll be much easier for me now, though, since I don’t have to hide my feelings about Mary. You know all my secrets, now.
“I swear, I think of Mary at the most unusual times. I never know what triggers my memories. It seems even worse when I reflect upon my mother. I know how disappointed she would have been if she were alive to have witnessed this ordeal. That, I think, hurts me the most. Knowing how disappointed my mother would have been with my actions and words to Mary.”
“You mustn’t think like that, Thomas. Your mother would have forgiven you a long time ago. Now you must learn to forgive yourself.”
“Anna tells me the same thing. I just wish I could.”
Chapter Thirty
Baltimore
James had been kept busy between horse auctions, meeting with other horse breeders and trying to spend time with Susannah and Andrew.
He was surprised when Susannah announced she was expecting another child. He knew both sets of parents would be thrilled to have another grandchild on the way. However, Andrew would not quite be one when the new baby arrives. They’ll certainly have their hands full.
But the best surprise had been when Thomas and Anna announced they would be having a child a month after them. Anna had peppered Susannah with all kinds of questions about child birth but Thomas had said nothing regarding that subject. James knew Thomas thought he already knew what to expect after watching him go through the birth of Andrew.
James chuckled to himself thinking Thomas had no idea what feelings he would be going through once Anna started her labor. He knew he was going to enjoy being the one doing the teasing this time around, yes indeed!!
For the next few months everything seemed perfect for the families of James and Thomas, even though they had heard nothing about Mary.
Chapter Thirty-One
America—Mary’s Arrival
Spring 1832 Baltimore
Mary took a long, deep breath as she stepped on the land called America. It had taken her a little less than two years to save her fare. She’d managed to pay her passage and with Minnie’s help, have enough left for a down payment towards a dress shop, at least she hoped so.
Minnie had told her repeatedly how happy she’d be if Mary would accept her off of giving her money. Mary loved Minnie as deeply as she’d loved her own mother and was grateful for her generosity, although it was made clear this money would be just a loan. For Mary, the hardest part of leaving England was the knowledge she’d never see Minnie again. They both cried when they said their last goodbye, and Mary continued to cry the first few days at sea.
Once she left England, her father would no longer be a part of her life and Mary was relieved. She didn’t care if he lived or died after his evil treachery. Although, she was sad to think her mother was buried in England and she would be buried in her new country, America. But deep down, Mary knew she’d see her mother again, in the after-life, at least she hoped so.
After much thought during her voyage, Mary decided she’d make her way to the city of Washington. It would be there, she hoped, to open her dress shop, once she found a suitable place and received a note from the bank to get her started.
She felt certain she wouldn’t run into the Parkers or the Balls, at least she hoped not. She knew she wasn’t ready to see Thomas, and she certainly didn’t wish to run into James or his family, ever again.
Mary wondered if James and his wife had more than one child. Gosh, Mary thought, Thomas and Anna might even have a child of their own. She would then be an Aunt! All of a sudden, Mary felt better. She realized she’d love to have a niece or nephew to spoil. Someone to treasure and be able to leave any wealth she might accumulate, after she repays Minnie.
She smiled thinking she wouldn’t have much to leave any heirs, but maybe enough to help them get a start in life and make things a little easier for them as Minnie had done for her.
*****
Six months had passed since Mary arrived in Washington and she couldn’t believe how much she’d accomplished. She’d quickly found a reasonable place to rent that offered living quarters above the shop. The arrangement was almost identical to the layout Minnie had in London. The shop was located on a side street close to the better shops in Washington. It was the perfect location.
Mary knew she could price her dresses lower than the elite shops, yet, offer the same or better quality of gowns and still make a nice profit. Once she got some customers into her shop, she was hoping to have many referrals. She planned to open in the next couple of months. She needed
to hire a seamstress to help make the dresses and gowns she needed to start with.
She was able to get a small loan from the bank on the opposite corner where her shop was located. The banker had promised he’d have his wife be one of her first customers. If she liked her store, he was sure she’d give Mary a high recommendation.
A few days after Mary hired Bitty Mayfield, a woman in her twenties raising two small children alone, they were interrupted in their sewing by a pounding on the shop door. Mary looked out to see a well-rounded woman who appeared to be a servant. Her gray hair was in a bun with a white cap adorning her head. She thought she might be about fifty and wondered why she came to her door when the sign stated clearly the shop wasn’t to be open for a few weeks.
Mary slowly peaked outside. “Hello, may I help you?”
“Pardon my intrusion, my name is Agnes. My mistress, Mrs. Nettie Powell, noticed Hope’s Dress shop was to open in a few weeks and she has sent me with a request. Would you be willing to pay her a visit? She has a plantation just outside of Washington. She’s confined to a chair and it’s difficult for her to get around, whenever you find time to break free from your work would be fine.”
Mary was startled by such a request. She wasn’t sure how she should respond. It seemed more like a command than a request, she thought. If she said she’d make this special visit, how much time would that cost her when she desperately needed to be working on dresses for sale and display for her opening. However, if she refused, she could lose not only a potential customer, but also a referral.
“My name is Mary Ball, I’m the owner. I’m afraid we aren’t quite ready to open. I’d be willing to see Mrs. Powell if she could wait for three to four weeks. My assistant and I need time to have our dresses and gowns finished. Would she mind?” Mary asked, but already had her answer when saw the frown on Agnes and could tell she was perturbed.
“Well, she won’t be happy about it, but I’ll explain your situation the best I can. She can be rather grumpy about things. She has an abundant amount of money and enough power to intimidate most folks around here. But, trust me, she’s a good person. If she wasn’t, I wouldn’t be working for her. Could I check back with you in about three weeks to set a time for your visit?”
Mary took her time to ponder that last request. She knew she was being pushed into a visit to see Nettie Powell and she didn’t like it. Yet, she couldn’t afford to upset someone of Mrs. Powell’s standing.
“That would be fine. We can choose a date then, I’m sorry I’m too busy at the moment to see her.”
“I understand, believe me. I’ll make sure Mrs. Powell understands, too. Thank you for your time. If the quality of the clothes you make is anything like what you’re wearing, I think things will work out well for you.”
“Why, thank you. Goodbye, Agnes.” Mary said. She thought over that last comment. She was wearing a simple mint green dress she had made for her trip over. Yet, she’d added a few extra touches like the lace trim on the sleeves and neckline, and the pockets she placed on the skirt.
Thinking over what had transpired, Mary realized Mrs. Powell couldn’t be any worse than some of the women she encountered at Miss Minnie’s. She thought it odd the servant seemed quite attached to her employer. But, from her short stay in the colonies so far, she found Americans had their own ideas of how to treat their staff.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Nettie Powell
Mary soon learned how fortunate she was when she hired her assistant, Bitty Mayfield, when she turned out to be an excellent seamstress and a pleasant woman. Bitty was raising two young children alone while her husband was spending time in prison, charged with stealing. Bitty was on the plump side with mousy brown hair and a round face that held hazel eyes. She kept her hair pulled back in a long braid that hung down to her waist.
Mary liked the fact Bitty listened closely to instructions and did exactly as told. But when Mary told Bitty she was going to pay a visit to Mrs. Nettie Powell, Mary saw her look of concern.
“Mary, Mrs. Powell is a woman few people like. I’ve always heard she was a nasty old woman who’d been that way since the death of her husband. Yet, she does wield a lot of power in Washington, plainly due to her wealth. She’s been crippled for many years.”
“What happened to her?” Mary asked.
“Don’t know. Never did hear the story of how it happened. It was some kind of accident shortly after her husband died at sea.”
Mary nodded. She needed to have this consultation, especially now, after hearing how influential she was in the community.
Then, the day arrived when Agnes returned. “Hello, Agnes. I can’t believe three weeks have passed already!” Mary said, as she noticed Agnes was looking around at the numerous dresses hanging on the racks. Mary and Bitty had completed two ball gowns, six everyday dresses, two riding outfits, and a wedding gown.
“My, you’ve been busy! What lovely work. Mrs. Powell is anxious to meet you. She was hoping you might be free tomorrow, being Sunday and all, and said noon would be fine for her. She thought you might like to stay for lunch.”
Mary smiled and bit her lip as she carefully answered. “Noon would be fine.”
“Great! I’ve drawn you a map. You’ll find the plantation when you turn down the first lane you come to, once you leave Washington. It’s the main road towards Baltimore. There’s a marker that says Powell Plantation and you’ll see a long line of oak trees on each side of the lane. You can’t miss it.
You’ll come to a lovely stone cottage as you enter, from there you can see her plantation home on the hill. In fact, you’ll see the plantation house from quite a distance before you spot the lane where you turn onto her property.”
“It sounds lovely. Thank you for the directions. I’ll try to arrive at noon sharp.”
“See you then.”
Mary watched as Agnes got into the carriage and noticed it was being driven by a young man. Mary wondered if he, too, worked for Mrs. Nettie Powell.
*****
Mary took great care in what she wore to see Mrs. Powell. She chose a blue skirt that was fitted at the waist and flared out at the bottom. She wore a white blouse with pearl buttons and a jacket that matched her skirt that came just to her waist.
She also wore a pair of black boots, since she would be taking a rented buggy from the livery stable. She wanted to be prepared for anything she might encounter along the way. She wore a simple white bonnet to protect her face from the sun. Mary was thankful Bitty had taken the time to show her how to drive a buggy the last couple of days. She found she was enjoying this outing alone very much, especially once she learned how to handle the horses.
As Mary turned to go down the tree-lined lane to the plantation, she was shocked at the sight of Mrs. Powell’s home. The cottage Agnes described was not a small cottage, but a large lovely stone home that was larger than any of the cottages Mary had seen in England. It had lovely flowers blooming out front and a hitching post close to the walk going to the door. There was laundry hanging on the line to the side of the home that included some clothes for a young boy and girl. Mary smiled. How nice it must be to live in such a lovely home.
Mary struggled with the fact she’d never have a husband or children. She realized she was just feeling sorry for herself and quickly turned her thoughts to the business at hand. She knew she must save those moments of self pity for night, when she was in bed alone and could cry herself to sleep.
She thought the plantation house was beautiful. There was a second story with verandas on the front and back of the home. The house stood three stories tall with a widow’s walk on top, which seemed odd to Mary, since there was no ocean in sight. The verandas made her think about the home James had once described. They had to be similar, she thought sadly.
The barns and other buildings on the property were immaculate. She couldn’t help but wonder what she’d gotten herself into as she went up the steps to the largest home she’d ever seen and found Agnes
waiting to greet her.
Mary felt out of place. She’d never been inside a home that held so much elegance. Looking back, she realized she’d never minded waiting on the ladies who came to Miss Minnie’s shop, for she felt at ease being surrounded by the dresses she’d help make. She knew she was capable of making any alterations needed or to choose the correct color or style to please Minnie’s customers.
But now, she was out of her element. She had no business entering a home that was far above her station in society. Yet, she was excited to see this home of grandeur. This was her first time to see how the wealthy lived so she decided she’d make the most out of this opportunity.
“Good Afternoon, Miss Ball. Mrs. Powell is pleased you’re able to attend her needs this day. She’s waiting for you in the library. Please follow me.”
As Mary entered the foyer, she knew her eyes were wide with wonder as she studied the lovely art that decorated the walls. One particular picture that caught her eye was that of a lovely woman seated on a chair with a dashing man standing behind her, with his hand upon her shoulder. She wondered if this was Mrs. Powell and her late husband. She knew this was larger than any painting she had ever seen. She was mesmerized by it.
Expensive vases adorned the small mahogany tables placed along the foyer walls. Mary felt uneasy. She wondered what made her think she could please such a wealthy woman. She was now sure she’d made a mistake on accepting her invitation. Mary realized how very, very wealthy Mrs. Powell actually was.
But Mary couldn’t help but admire this beautiful, elegant home. She wanted to see everything possible since she felt her chances of returning were slim. It was obvious this woman only shopped at the elite places of Washington. Mrs. Powell was just trying to see what Mary would be offering in her shop.
Mary was surprised at the size of the library. The shelves were full of books stuffed from top to bottom on three of the walls. The fourth wall, which faced the front of her home, was taken up by a huge fireplace with floor to ceiling windows on each side. Mary knew that later this night she would write Minnie a long letter, giving her all the details of today’s adventure.
