by Lynn Wolfe
She smiled broadly and ran to hug her brother, not thinking for a second she was angry with him. She was being careful not to awake the child he held. She cried tears of joy as she realized how much she had missed him. She no longer had any bitter feelings toward him because of what had happened in the past. All was forgiven! Her heart leaped with joy!
“Thomas, I’m so happy to see you! How did you ever find me?”
Thomas kissed her check and held back tears in his eyes. “Mary, it was purely by accident, I assure you!
“Anna was admiring the clothes you have in your display window, and so we came in your store. I had no idea you were even in America! It’s so good to see you! Why haven’t you contacted us?”
Mary only half heard his explanation as she admired the bundle in his arms. “Oh Thomas, she’s beautiful.”
“Aye, I couldn’t agree more; meet your niece, Jane.”
Mary bit her lip. “It’s a perfect name. Mother would be so proud. May I hold her? Where’s Anna?” Mary didn’t wait for Thomas to give a reply as she scooped up the little girl and held her close. Mary smelled her hair and stroked her back as Jane snuggled in close, not yet awake.
“Please feel free to take her,” Thomas said, laughingly, when he realized she’d not waited for his answer. “Anna’s in the back trying on some dresses. I’m surprised you didn’t see her. She will be so delighted to see you, Mary.”
“Are you sure, Thomas? Does she know everything that happened in London?” Mary felt cold all of a sudden. Her sister-in-law may not be pleased to meet the woman who’d first fallen in love with James, the man who now was married to her sister.
“Mary, you need to be aware that Anna, Susannah and James all know the entire story. I never meant to break my promise, but I had to. That is, I had to once Anna found your note about the dress and showed it to James, who’d stop by for a visit, while I was out checking our property.
“I truly had no choice but to tell everything. I beg you to forgive me, Mary. I don’t want to be estranged from you any longer.” Thomas feared their wonderful reunion was about to become a disaster. His only hope was Mary had had enough time to let go of her hurt.
Mary smiled as she held Jane. But Jane was starting to become aware a stranger was holding her, so Thomas reached out to relieve Mary of her bundle.
“Thomas, I’m glad and relieved the truth is finally out. I hope you’re right about Anna. I would truly enjoy having a sister. I pray she feels the same.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
A short time later Anna emerged from the dressing room carrying both dresses she’d tried on. She headed straight to the counter to have them held. She had some others in mind to try on next. She then caught sight of Thomas talking to a clerk. She then realized to her delight the clerk was none other than Mary, who was lovingly fussing over Jane. Anna rushed over to join in the reunion.
“I’m so happy to finally meet you, Mary, as Thomas’s sister. You’ve no idea how much this means to both Thomas and me to see you here, in America! What a wonderful surprise.”
“Thank you, Anna. I’m so glad you came into my shop! Your warm welcome means everything to me and Jane is delightful!”
“Your shop?” Anna asked surprised.
“Yes, I own this shop. I used my middle name, Hope, for the name of the shop. That’s what I wanted my life in America to be. Hope–—for a new beginning.”
“And Hope is the name you used when I met you that first time, in London. You’ve chosen a wonderful name for your shop, Mary. The name certainly fits. Maybe, now, we can have the chance to move forward from the past. I truly wish to know you. Thomas has told me so much about you. I think we could become very good friends.”
Mary felt as if a ton of bricks had finally been lifted from her shoulders. She smiled at Anna and nodded. Words were not ready to be said yet. She was too emotional. She bit her lip and tried to think of something to say. But Anna didn’t wait for her response.
“I admire your shop. I’ve found several dresses I wish to try on. If it’s alright with you, Thomas could catch up on your life while I try on the dresses.” Anna was hoping to give Thomas enough time to mend things with Mary. It seemed to Anna that Mary was ready to forgive Thomas, but she felt they still needed time to get through the awkwardness.
“Thank you, Anna. I would really love to have a sister in my life.” Mary watched Anna go over to pick out a few more dresses. Now, she was feeling guilty. “I should have tried to find you, Thomas, when I first arrived. I’m sorry I’ve taken so long to handle the problem between us. I’ve been here almost three years.
“Jane’s lovely, I’m so happy for you. I’d been wondering if you had children. She’s adorable. I’m so proud you named her Jane, after mother.”
“Aye, but you may not be so pleased with this little one once you’ve heard the lungs on her when she doesn’t get her way. She’s going to be a bossy one.”
Mary laughed. A few moments ago she’d been thinking about the funeral tomorrow and the loss of Nettie. Now, she was confronted with a chance to have her brother and his family back into her life. Maybe things did have a way of working out. Mary knew she had little time to talk to Thomas alone about what she wanted to learn about James. She didn’t want to ask any questions in front of Anna if it could be helped. And she needed to update him about their father.
“Tell me, Thomas, about James. How many children do they have now?” Mary could see Thomas tense. She wasn’t trying to make him uncomfortable. So much time had passed and she wondered if James was happy. She truly hoped he was. One of them needed to be. She and Thomas might as well get this part of their lives talked about, so they could go on to other things.
“James and Susanna had Andrew shortly after we returned from London. They had their daughter, Matilda Lydia, a few weeks before Jane Marie was born. They’re doing well.
“James, as you can imagine, felt horrible, after he found out what father had done to break the two of you apart. He wanted to contact you and tell you how much he regretted what had transpired and why. But once I explained why it was best to allow things to remain as they were, he reluctantly agreed. He understood your request, but I fear he, too, lives with much guilt over what happened. He knows how badly you were hurt.”
Mary nodded. She was glad James was happy. She realized it was silly to think James and Susannah would not have the perfect marriage. Mary knew she needed more time before she could come face to face with James and his family, much more time.
“That part of my life is done and over with. You’ve answered my questions and I’m happy for all of you. You’ve no idea how delighted I am that we’ve been reunited. I’m not sure I’d have gotten in touch with you for some time yet, if you hadn’t appeared in my shop. But now I know I’m ready to move on with my life. Whenever you, Anna and Jane come to Washington, I hope we’ll be able to get together. I’ll look forward to those visits.”
Neither Thomas nor Mary had heard Anna approach. “Thomas, maybe Mary could join us tonight for supper, at the hotel? Then I’d have a chance to get to know you better, Mary. I think we both might want to clear things between us. You’ve no idea how I felt once I realized it was your wedding dress I’d worn.”
Mary didn’t want Anna to feel any guilt about wearing the dress she’d made. Anna had nothing to do with what had happened to her and James. “Anna, you looked beautiful in the dress. We’re built very similar. My only regret was I wasn’t able to see you wed. Now that we have discussed this, let’s bury this subject once and for all. I can’t wait to hear about your home and how wonderful my niece is!”
“But first, some unpleasant news needs to be addressed. When I left London, I had to sneak away from father. He’s consumed with hate. Hate for James, for you, Thomas, and now, I fear, for me. I told him I could never forgive him for what he’d done. I think he’s unstable. If it wasn’t for Minnie, I’d have never been able to make it to America. Father had become very secretive the las
t few months I was there, and I felt certain he was monitoring my every move, especially the last week before I left. I had an uneasy feeling, like I might have been in danger. I know that sounds silly, but just the same I was relieved to escape from him when I did.”
“Interesting, I agree with you, Mary, father is probably a little off in the head. No man could do what he’s done and be of a normal mind. I’m glad you found your way here; I shall never allow anything to come between us again, Mary. Never!”
“Nor will I, Thomas. Nor will I.”
“Mary, can you possibly meet us around seven for dinner at the hotel? Anna and I would enjoy your company. We plan to put Jane down for the night before we dine. The hotel has a lady available to stay in our room to watch over Jane for a small fee. We could then have a meal without being interrupted by our wonderful daughter. We haven’t had much peace at meal time since she arrived!”
“That would work perfect for me. I shall see you then. But I must say, I’m disappointed Jane will not be with you.” Mary gave Jane, who was still half asleep, a goodbye kiss and hugged Thomas and Anna.
“Trust me when I say dinner will be much more pleasurable without Jane attending,” Thomas said as he, too, laughed and hugged Mary one more time.
Mary smiled brightly as she watched Thomas and Anna take Jane and head back to their hotel. Tonight she’d tell them all about her friend Nettie and her passing. Mary knew Nettie would be pleased her brother had come back into her life.
Then, it occurred to Mary that maybe Nettie somehow found a way to maneuver this reunion between her and Thomas, if one believed in such miracles. And Mary was beginning to.
*****
Mary arrived in the lobby wearing a dark blue dress. It had long sleeves and a high neck. Her hair was pulled up at the sides and fastened on each side with matching gold barrettes.
She noticed Thomas had chosen a brown suit that was obviously tailored for him. Anna had picked a peach colored dress trimmed in white lace at the collar and the bottom of the tapered sleeves. Her blond hair was pulled up and twisted in the back with curls left dangling framing her face. She was wearing a beautiful diamond necklace. As usual, she looked beautiful.
Once seated, they all decided on having steak, mashed potatoes drenched in gravy, green beans, bread and strawberry jam, and last but not least, bread pudding for dessert. Mary had never been treated to such a grand meal in such an elegant place. She thanked Thomas several times for buying her dinner.
“I can’t eat another bite!” Mary exclaimed trying to hold back a burp she felt forming in her chest.
“Me, either,” Anna echoed.
“I’m certain I could have had seconds on that delicious bread pudding, but if I did, my pants might not fit me tomorrow. They’re snug enough, now,” added Thomas.
They managed to talk about the weather, Jane’s birth and her accomplishments so far, the horse farm, and then of Mary’s travel to America and opening her new shop.
Mary realized the table had grown very quiet. She knew what subject needed to be brought up and she should be the one to do so. She swallowed hard and looked right at Anna as she spoke, “How is your sister, Susannah and James doing?”
“They’re well. Andrew and Matilda are growing like weeds and are totally spoiled. We’re fortunate that we can see each other often. Our parents drop in to visit at least once every month or so. It was kind of you to ask.”
Kindness had nothing to do with her question. She didn’t really want to ask Anna a question about the status of James and his family, but if she hadn’t, it would have been obvious that she hadn’t been able to move on with her life. She’d accomplished much since her ordeal with James, but the truth was evident to Mary, the pain was still raw inside anytime she thought about him.
If she didn’t pretend she was doing well considering what had transpired, Thomas would still blame himself for her sadness. So Mary knew she was doing what she did best, put others feelings before her own. No one could ease the pain she still had, but she could allow Thomas and James to think she’d recovered from her heartbreak. She prayed her acting tonight fooled both Anna and Thomas.
Thomas watched Mary closely; he still felt things were strained between them. He noticed the sadness in her eyes, no matter how hard she tried to hide her emotions. “Mary, is everything going well for you? You still seem distant. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“I’m very sad, Thomas. I didn’t want to mention this until the end of our conversation. I’ve unpleasant news. Yesterday, I lost my dearest friend here in Washington.
“She was my first customer. Her name was Nettie Powell and she’d been a widow from a very young age. She’d only been married a few years when her husband died at sea. Not long after he died, Nettie had a riding accident. For the remainder of her life she was confined to a chair, due to being crippled by her fall. The accident happened many years ago, yet Nettie had lived to be sixty-six.
“Over time, as I sewed for Nettie, we became very close. I also became a friend to, Agnes. Nettie had taken seriously ill the last few months and passed away yesterday. Her funeral is tomorrow and as much as I want to be there, I dread attending. So, I have to admit, when I saw you and Anna in my store, I felt our reconciliation was meant to be.
“I should have written sooner, Thomas. Forgive me. Family is what’s important. I don’t want anything to come between us, again. I hope you and Anna bless me with many more nieces and nephews!”
Thomas was so relieved that Mary’s sadness had nothing to do with what had happened in London, he let out a huge sigh. He hadn’t been aware he’d been holding his breath until then. “I’m sorry about Nettie, Mary. She must have been a fine lady.”
“She was Thomas. I’m going to miss her very much. But I’ll still have Agnes and the Hawkins’ family to visit, who also worked for Nettie. They’ll help me through this. I’ve become close to them, too.
“Although, I’m not sure what will happen to everyone since Nettie passed. I didn’t want to bring up any questions about the future for those I just mentioned, until after the funeral. I can only handle one issue at a time.”
“I wish we were going to be in Washington longer, Mary, but we must get back to tend to things. Maybe in a few months, we can make another trip to see you. Maybe, you could manage to come see us?”
“I fear I’ll not have the time for a trip any time soon, but I’d love to see you when you return to Washington. When will you be leaving?”
“Very early the day after tomorrow, you did say you thought the dresses would be done in a couple of days. I thought, once we picked up our purchases, we’d head back home.”
“That reminds me, after you left the shop, Bitty volunteered to make Jane a couple of dresses to match the ones you purchased, Anna, out of the leftover material.”
“Oh, how sweet of her! That would be wonderful!”
Thomas rolled his eyes. “Women! Why do women get so excited about their wardrobes? You don’t hear men telling each other how nice they look in their pants or how the color of their shirts match their hair beautifully,” Thomas said dramatically imitating a women with rather good skill.
Mary and Anna burst out laughing.
Then Mary pretended to scold him. “Thomas Ball, you’d better learn to get use to how women talk and act, you have two women in your household now. If little Jane is anything like you as a child, you’ll have your hands full!”
“I already do, Mary, haven’t you noticed all the gray hair I’ve gotten in the past few years?”
“Don’t blame Jane or I for any gray hairs on that head of yours, Thomas, they’re probably from all those cigars you smoke with James, Clayton, and my father.”
After they left the dining room, Mary kept her composure as they said goodbye. She doubted she’d be in the shop when they picked up their purchases, due to Nettie’s funeral and what might come after. She smiled brightly and didn’t allow her tears to fall until she was safely in the carriage heading
home.
No matter how hard she tried to keep James out of her thoughts, she couldn’t help but feel cheated. Here she was, in America, with Thomas, Anna, and Jane, but not with James. James was happily married with two lovely children and a wife he deeply loved. She rubbed her hand over her stomach, where a child would never be.
Mary sobbed knowing part of her emotional state was her sorrow from losing Nettie. As happy as she was to find Thomas again, she would have given everything she owned to have Nettie back for one more Sunday.
Chapter Forty
Baltimore Docks
After two years of living in Baltimore, Henry Ball, now known as Henry Adler, had managed to stay fairly sober. He knew he had to remain alert for any signs of Parker or Thomas. He wasn’t sure if they even came to the docks, but he couldn’t afford to take any chances. He had too much at stake to mess up now.
He was surprised and angered at the fact that the Parker Shipping Company was well respected among everyone he spoke with and managed to hide his displeasure of that knowledge. He worked for a company that didn’t pay as well, but gave him steady employment. He knew he had to be very careful so his plans for revenge were not foiled again, for all would be ruined if either Parker or Thomas spotted him.
He’d been made aware of Clayton Parker’s presence on the docks every so often. He soon realized Clayton Parker inspected the state of his ships on a regular basis. He was a distinguished looking man who seemed friendly to everyone. James looked much like his father, Henry thought. Even though Clayton Parker would not have any reason to recognize him, Henry always remained a safe distance away.
Henry never did like anyone who had lots of friends or was well respected. He felt they tended to look down on people like him, ones who were less fortunate but worked harder than most. He knew his worth even if others didn’t and he knew he’d fooled many a man by hiding his superior intelligence. Someday soon, he’d show all of them, but now was not the time to show his hand.
