“I’ve been busy.” Derrick Banning transformed into Orville Farnsworth released his grip and guided Molly into the saloon. “I’m going to be around for awhile, but I don’t wish to be recognized. That’s why I look this way,” he said, indicating his clothes.
“Are you a spy?” Molly whispered as they took a seat in a corner.
“Yes,” Derrick murmured. “I’m an informant for the government. Nobody must know I’m in town.”
Chapter Sixty-Three
Elizabeth Hampton had spent many weeks planning her strategy by the time Reagan returned from camp. Recalling his words about his interest with anyone involved with the lumber trade, she formed an idea. She suggested to her father that his influence would spread if he formed an alliance between Ohio and the war effort. She devised a scheme that included inviting her father’s cousin, Bertram Hayes, who worked for the Secretary of War, for a visit. If Bertram could turn the eyes of the government to industries in Cantonsville, her father, being the mayor, would gain an incredible boost of power.
Her influence would increase as well, she thought. Reagan would surely be grateful once he realized how beneficial her intercession could be. Elizabeth spent many hours fantasizing how she, not Amanda, should’ve been Reagan’s wife. After all, she was the one who knew how to make connections in circles of power. Hadn’t Reagan, on the day of his wedding hinted that he could further his business contacts with her help?
Elizabeth penned her invitation with a brief description of its purpose, then scrolled Reagan’s name and address on the envelope. Pinning on her hat, she looked in the mirror and smoothed her collar. “I’m off to post a letter, Daddy!” she called. “I’ll be back in a little while.” Before he could answer, she was out the door.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Reagan awakened to the sound of someone calling his name. Squinting through the morning light, he could just make out his mother standing in the doorway.
“Reagan, is that you?” Clearly confused why her son slept in the guest room, Katherine stepped inside. She noticed that his shirt appeared to be the same one he had worn the day before. Also, his vest and jacket were thrown over a chair. “Were you ill last night?” she asked.
Reagan swung his legs over the mattress. “No. I went to the mill last night. It was late when I returned. I sometimes sleep here so Amanda’s not disturbed by my late hours.”
Katherine sat in a wing chair and folded her hands. She wasn’t oblivious to the changes in her son’s behavior. “Is-is there something amiss, Reagan?” she asked.
“No, Ma,” Reagan cut in, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll wash and shave, then be down for some coffee.” He peeled off his shirt then turned to the washstand.
Katherine looked at her son, recalling when a much younger Reagan had begged to shave like his father. Thomas had laughed as he allowed the boy to cover his cheeks with soapsuds before handing him a dull butter knife. She remembered how Reagan’s back had been boyishly narrow. Now, a strongly muscled man stood before her performing the routine matter of shaving. She felt apprehension because he seemed nonchalant about the developing estrangement between himself and Amanda. She had long ago ceased to be a confidant when it came to her son’s private life and it pained her to see his troubles increasing.
“I just came upstairs to tell you breakfast is almost ready.” Katherine rose, forcing a cheerful tone. “And don’t bother with straightening up,” she said indicating the disheveled bed. “I’ll send Sarah to tidy the room later.”
Chapter Sixty-Five
Thomas Burnsfield paid little attention to the whine of circular saws as he sat in his office and finished his daily report. He glanced at his watch, noting it was almost quitting time when Reagan entered and handed him a neatly written roster. “Here’s the list of new hires,” he said. “The accountant will need to add them to the payroll by Saturday.”
Thomas ignored the paper. “Your mother’s informed me you’re using one of the guest rooMs. Is there something awry between you and Amanda?” He braced himself, already sure of the answer.
Reagan stood by the window, avoiding his father’s eyes. “Oh, a minor inconvenience in the scope of things,” he said. “Amanda happened upon a damning bit of paperwork while tidying my desk.” He shrugged as he thrust his hands into pockets. “Nothing that I hadn’t expected eventually.”
Thomas sighed. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’d hoped that misfortune could somehow be avoided.”
“Contrary to what you think, father, I still don’t consider my marriage a failure. It’s allowed us to expand our business,” he said, pointing to the list of new employees. “These men have jobs, their children will be fed, and their wives can purchase a new bonnet by month’s end. Merchants will sell more wares and banks will loan the additional revenues to new clients. Over all, I’d say it was a very good deal.”
“I wasn’t thinking of the profits,” Thomas replied with a frown, “but of the losses…”
“Look, father, I can’t go back and undo what I’ve done,” Reagan said. “Besides, I’d do it all over again. Somebody was going to marry Amanda. It may as well be someone who’d know what to do with all that money.”
“You could at least try to mend the harm you’ve caused by behaving like a husband,” Thomas reasoned. “There’s much a man can do to woo back his wife. For starters, don’t cause the servants to gossip with your taking up residence in another bedroom. It won’t take long for that kind of thing to get beyond our walls. That’s only going to add to Amanda’s shame.”
“I’m only doing that--”
“I heard that cockamamie tale you told your mother!” Thomas said, growing impatient. “Despite what Amanda knows, you need to be a man and try to make amends. For God’s sake, Reagan, she’s going to be the mother of your children someday. You cannot treat her like a pariah! I won’t have it!”
Reagan’s brow darkened as his father’s words struck a nerve. He knew only too well that his bedroom had become a torture chamber of his own making. If he couldn’t absent himself from Amanda’s presence, he’d grow mad with lust for her. “I have my reasons,” he said, crossing his arms.
“Then Reagan, at least make sure you’re home at a decent hour. It’s becoming painful to see Amanda sitting beside an empty chair every night at dinner.”
Having grown surlier by the moment, Reagan turned away from his father and reached for the door.
“Where are you going?” Thomas asked. “I’m not finished yet.”
“I’m going to get a suite at the Rochester Hotel,” he growled over his shoulder. “Where I’ll stay until my parents quit meddling in my affairs.”
Reagan paused outside of Thomas’s office and pulled an envelope from his pocket. He had intended to give Thomas the invitation from Mayor Hampton to have dinner with the mayor’s cousin, Bertram Hayes. But when the conversation had taken an unexpected turn, Reagan had quickly forgotten about the invitation. Still furious at his parents’ prying, he decided he could handle dinner on his own.
A bearded mill worker watched with interest as Reagan paused outside Thomas’s office. Flexing hands sore from unaccustomed work, the man continued to watch until Reagan left the mill. Though he detested the sawdust and unrelenting shriek of saws, the man mostly detested Reagan.
Vowing revenge upon the one who had thwarted his plans, Derrick had plotted his next course of action. He’d had no trouble getting a job at the old lumber mill. Once he became familiar with the place, he returned one night to break into Thomas’s office to steal anything of value. He broke open the safe where he found contracts from the United States Government as well as letters from suppliers demanding payment for past due receipts.
The dates of the contracts intrigued Derrick, because they were signed just before construction of the new mill. That was about the time Reagan had begun courting Amanda.
That wily bastard! he thought. He’s doing business with money that should’ve been mine. Derrick felt murderous r
age that he didn’t realize Reagan’s plan sooner. He could’ve warned George. Well, he might have been bested, but he wouldn’t stay defeated. Derrick took a few contracts and placed them in his pocket before returning to his hotel. At first, he thought to present his evidence to George, but that wouldn’t be enough to financially ruin the lumberman.
He decided to wait for the opportune moment to pay Reagan a visit. It would be the first of many visits that would prove profitable enough for him to return to a grander lifestyle. Then, when he tired of the game, he’d still turn over to George the evidence of Reagan’s treachery. At the very least, it would ruin his sham of a marriage. Only then, would Derrick feel as if he’d repaid Reagan for his trickery in marrying Amanda.
Chapter Sixty-Six
With her return to Cantonsville, Amanda had been invited to many afternoon teas. What first seemed a respite from her troubles turned sour as conversations invariably centered on her daring journey. She learned to respond to inquiries with a curtness that soon dissuaded their curiosity. Though it didn’t keep people from wondering, few dared gossip about the unladylike behavior since as some pointed out, she merely acted like any foolish bride missing her spouse. But darker rumors also circulated. A hint of marital discontent percolated as servants passed the goings-on between Reagan and Amanda to friends and family, who then passed them to others.
Yet, even a marriage gone awry couldn’t hold the attention above news splashed across the front pages of daily papers. By early May, every parlor was filled with talk of the Confederate Congress declaring war on the United States. As more states left the Union by issuing letters of marque and reprisal, troops were amassed on both sides and skirmishes broke out.
Amanda found shopping a good way to ignore the headlines and together with Amy, wandered the boardwalks. For hours they enjoyed perusing merchandise as each found things to buy.
One morning as Amy went inside the dry goods store to look for stationary, Amanda stopped at an outdoor table to sift through wares. She didn’t notice the man coming near until his hand ensnared her wrist. Amanda turned in indignation, but was abruptly startled as she recognized the emerald eyes.
“Derrick!”
“Good morning, my dear,” his gaze swept her form. “Enjoying the fresh air?”
“I thought you’d gone home,” Amanda said. “I mean, Papa hadn’t mentioned that you were still in town.”
“That’s quite understandable, seeing as I’ve not called on your father in some time,” he said, rubbing his fingers across his jaw. When he spied Amanda, he had rushed back to his room and hastily shaved. He hoped his razor hadn’t resulted in a telltale rash.
“So, how’ve you been?” Amanda asked politely.
“I’ve been busy with many projects.” He stepped closer, eager to change the subject. “But, pray tell my dear, it doesn’t appear as if marital bliss has found a place in your heart. Is something amiss? Perhaps I could be of some assistance.”
Amanda dropped her eyes as she turned over a spice box, pretending to inspect its finish. “Tis nothing. Perhaps I’ve overtaxed my energy this morning.”
“You’re as beautiful as ever,” he crooned near her ear. “But even I know when you’re troubled.” He lifted her fingers, pressing them to his lips. “You can confide in me, Amanda,” he insisted. “Surely, you can speak freely to a friend.”
Amanda searched his face. Could he be aware of her circumstances? She remembered Derrick’s dislike of Reagan even before the horrifying incident with the bounty hunters. She recalled his visit at her wedding and how disturbed he’d been to find the vows already spoken. Though she never considered him a confidante, she fought the urge to unburden herself.
“I fear I was simply ill-prepared for changes in my life,” she said, forcing a laugh. “I had notions of an easy transition, but it’s taking me a little more time to adjust.” Amanda became alarmed at his suddenly fervid look. “Is something wrong?” she asked.
“Fear not, Amanda,” he said, reclaiming her hand. “I know what you’ve suffered and I want to help. There are ways to make Reagan pay for what he’s done.”
“What’ve you heard?” she gasped.
“It’s not what I’ve heard, Amanda, but what I know.” He turned over her hand, caressing her skin. “I know Reagan married you for his gain,” he said, staring into her eyes. “I must see you in private. Meet me next week under the willows, where we first met.”
Shaken by Derrick’s words, Amanda could only wonder at how he had come by this information. Over his shoulder she saw Amy approaching with several packages in her arMs. “I must go,” she said, trying to brush past him.
“Promise you’ll meet me,” he pressed, refusing to release her hand.
“I promise!” she hissed. “Now please, I must go.”
Derrick stared after the women, his mind churning with cunning ways he could use the situation to his advantage.
Chapter Sixty-Seven
Reagan went alone to the dinner Mayor Hampton hosted for his cousin, Bertram Hayes. Still annoyed with his father for needling him about Amanda, he never told Thomas of the meeting. During dinner, Reagan informed Hayes that a quantity of lumber had already been supplied at the Government’s request and suggested he was now ready to double his quota. Bertram promised the offer would be forwarded to Simon Cameron, the Secretary of War, and should more lumber be needed, a contract would be forthcoming.
The mayor fairly preened throughout the meal as he poured wine, nodding jovially when Bertram reminded him to keep their talks confidential. His cheeks became flushed as he considered what deals were taking place at his very own table. At the conclusion of the evening, he had insisted that any correspondence be sent to his home to ensure privacy for all parties. Secretly, he didn’t want to lose his significance in bringing about the possible arrangement. If the Burnsfield’s had to go through him, surely they’d show gratitude in ways he had yet to consider.
It was one week later that Sam sent a message to Reagan inviting him for after-dinner cordials. He had received a letter from Bertram. In his message, the Mayor expressed his intent to share with Reagan the contents of Bertram’s letter.
The day of the appointed meeting stretched endlessly for Elizabeth. She had managed to wheedle the information from her father the moment she noticed his excitement while reading the mail. She was especially eager herself, because the rumors of Reagan and Amanda’s estrangement hadn’t escaped her ears. She had heard it whispered that the couple no longer shared a bedroom and Reagan spent his evenings at the Rochester Hotel. So she secretly went to the hotel and bribed a chambermaid to pilfer a duplicate key.
The key, hidden in her bosom was a reminder of her plan and fortified with that knowledge, she decided that tonight she would offer herself to the lumberman.
Elizabeth studied her reflection in the mirror. She had arranged her hair over one shoulder to direct Reagan’s attention to her daringly exposed bosom. The man would have to be a eunuch to overlook such a promising sight. For her final weapon, she opened a bottle of rose scent and liberally sprinkled her skin.
Soon after, she stationed herself at the top of the stairs to await his arrival. She didn’t have long to wait. A quick rapping at the door sent shivers of anticipation up her spine and when a servant entered the hallway, Elizabeth began descending the stairs.
“Good evening, Mr. Burnsfield,” the maid said. “Please come in. Mr. Hampton is waiting in the study.” As Reagan stepped inside he noticed a movement on the stairway and looking up, saw Elizabeth draw near.
“Why, Reagan,” she said. “Are you coming to see Papa? If I had known, I could’ve changed my plans. As you can see, I’m going out.” Elizabeth deliberately delayed in wrapping herself in a lacy shawl, allowing a long glimpse of her bosom.
Reagan averted his eyes but not before a rush of arousal stirred his senses. It had been months since he and Amanda had truly been man and wife, and it took no small effort to ignore Elizabeth’s charMs. “I
’m only here for a short time, my dear,” he said. “So there’s no need to trouble yourself.” He smiled politely, offering his arm. “Although, it’d be an honor if you’d escort me as far as the study.”
“Why, of course I’ll escort you,” she said before glancing at the maid. “You’re excused Tilly. I’ll make sure Mr. Burnsfield gets safely to Papa.” She took small, slow steps as she headed down the hall. “Now tell me, what are you two up to? First, you have dinner with cousin Bertram, and now you’re back no doubt to discuss business with my father.” She tilted her head sideways. “Seems to me, you’ve realized much can be gained through Papa and his contacts.”
“I’m always grateful for those who are on the same side of business as I,” Reagan said, patting her hand.
“Would it surprise you to know that I was the one who suggested we bring cousin Bertram to meet you?”
“You? Why, my dear, I had no idea you could be so clever! I’m at a loss as what to say.”
Elizabeth basked in his attention and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “There are many things about me you’ve yet to learn,” she purred. “Someday, if it pleases me, I’ll reveal them to you.”
She left Reagan wondering at her words as she stopped at the study. “Here we are,” she said, rapping on the door. “Let’s see if Papa’s here.” She gave him a saucy look. “If not, dare I wait with you until he returns?”
Before he could answer, the mayor opened the door. “Reagan, my boy, do come in. Elizabeth,” Sam appeared surprised. “I thought you were going out this evening.”
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