A Fragile Design

by Tracie Peterson

  Liam felt an overwhelming sadness envelop him. ‘‘What I’d be likin’ is for all of us to ’ave the same advantages as the Yanks born in this country without anyone carin’ for whether we were born in Ireland—or any other country, for that matter. I’d like a bit of equality for all of us.’’

  ‘‘Well, I doubt you’ll find that here or anywhere else, my friend. We’re a step above the slaves down South, but the Yanks will make sure we don’t move much higher. It seems as if we get one matter of dissension solved between us and another arises.’’

  ‘‘Like what?’’ Liam inquired.

  ‘‘As I told you earlier, the Yanks feel we’re taking jobs away from them, even though a few years ago they wouldn’t consider dirtying their hands with this kind of work. When there’s a fire anywhere but the Acre, the fire company shows up to fight the blaze. But they don’t come here—they’d prefer the whole Acre burn to the ground. I suppose the most recent agitation with the Yanks is due to the Irish girls that have come up missing. No one seems to care. We can’t even get the police to talk to the families. I tried—even went and talked to the police myself—but they don’t appear to care,’’ Hugh explained.

  Liam stopped outside the church and turned toward Hugh. ‘‘How long have these girls been missin’? Would they be knowin’ each other? Were they all separate incidents?’’

  ‘‘Do you double as a policeman?’’ Hugh inquired with a chuckle.

  ‘‘No, but this is a frightenin’ matter.’’

  ‘‘That it is. All the girls have been of marrying age, but none involved with a fellow; all of them were pretty. The girls knew each other—we all know each other in the Acre. Each one disappeared at a different time and from a different place,’’ Hugh explained. ‘‘I fear the Yanks’ lack of concern will soon cause some of our men to retaliate against them.’’

  Liam shook his head. ‘‘Not against their womenfolk?’’

  ‘‘Let’s hope not. I’ve been talkin’ my heart out to them. Violence returned for violence serves none of us well,’’ Hugh replied.

  CHAPTER 11

  Bella gathered with twelve other girls in the parlor of Miss Addie’s boardinghouse, a stack of books on her lap. She gave the group a tentative smile, uncertain whether the others shared her passion for this idea.

  ‘‘How long will we be?’’ Jennie asked. ‘‘Lucy and I are going to Mr. Whidden’s store; a new shipment of lace arrived this morning,’’ she added, already wiggling in her seat.

  ‘‘I suppose it depends on how interested we are in expanding our minds,’’ Bella replied more curtly than she’d intended.

  Jennie appeared offended. ‘‘You needn’t attempt to make me feel guilty because I want to purchase a piece of lace, Bella.’’

  ‘‘I’m sorry, Jennie. You and Lucy, and any of the rest of you,’’ she said as she looked about the room, ‘‘may leave whenever you choose. The purpose of this gathering was to determine if there’s enough interest for us to form a literary circle. I have a few books Miss Addie has donated for our use until we can perhaps purchase some others.’’

  Lucy straightened in her chair while furrowing her brow. ‘‘I thought you convinced Taylor Manning we should be admitted to the Mechanics Association library. I’d rather use their books.’’

  ‘‘I’m not sure Mr. Manning was able to secure agreement from the membership. And even if he does, it would be laudable if we had some books and offered to donate them to their library, don’t you think?’’ Bella asked.

  ‘‘Perhaps,’’ Lucy replied with little conviction in her voice.

  ‘‘I don’t have money to spend on books. My family needs every cent I can send,’’ Hannah dolefully responded.

  Bella smiled at the girl. ‘‘I realize that for you and several others who must send all of your money home, purchasing books is out of the question. But others of us, the ones who have additional funds to purchase a piece of jewelry or lace, might want to think about using the money for a book instead.’’

  Hannah raised her hand, and Bella nodded toward her. ‘‘If we don’t help purchase books, will we still be permitted to read them and join in with your group?’’

  ‘‘That would certainly be my desire, Hannah. There are many good things we could accomplish as a group—not just for ourselves but for others, as well.’’

  Jennie gave her an apprehensive look. ‘‘Like what?’’

  ‘‘Tutoring lessons for the girls who have difficulty reading, and perhaps classes or topical discussions of foreign languages, literature, or current events. I even hoped we might secure enough funds to host our own speakers from time to time—a poet, perhaps. If we can elicit enough interest, we could charge an admission fee to help defray costs of the speaker, and if we could host the event at St. Anne’s or one of the other churches, it might be successful,’’ Bella enthusiastically offered. ‘‘We could start out with a lending library among the girls in all of the mills, not just the Appleton.’’

  ‘‘I think it’s a wonderful idea,’’ Ruth agreed.

  Addie pulled off her apron as she entered the room. ‘‘Yes, it is. And you girls should use every opportunity available to expand your education. After all, an education is something no one can ever take away from you.’’

  Bella smiled as a murmur of excitement began filling the parlor. ‘‘Perhaps our first step would be to schedule a meeting inviting all of the girls.’’

  Miss Addie nodded. ‘‘If you girls make invitations, I’ll deliver them to each of the boardinghouses and ask the keepers to post them for their girls.’’

  ‘‘That would be wonderful,’’ Bella replied. ‘‘We could work on the invitations tomorrow evening. Oh, but where can we meet? Do you think St. Anne’s would give us permission to meet there?’’ she asked, turning toward Addie.

  ‘‘I’ll go and talk with Reverend Edson tomorrow, and although I’m certain there will be no problem using the church, I think he’ll want to know exactly what day and time you plan to meet. Perhaps you should give me several dates in case there’s a conflict,’’ Addie suggested.

  ‘‘If there’s nothing else,’’ Jennie said, ‘‘Lucy and I want to leave for town.’’

  ‘‘I told you earlier, you’re free to leave whenever you want,’’ Bella said, unable to hide her irritation. ‘‘No one is forcing you to expand your mind, Jennie.’’

  ‘‘There’s no need to scorn me,’’ Jennie replied as a knock sounded at the front door. Turning on her heel, Jennie marched into the hallway and pulled open the front door.

  Bella glanced toward the open door just as John Farnsworth and Taylor Manning entered. ‘‘Good evening, everyone,’’ John greeted the group of ladies in the parlor. ‘‘I hope we’re not disturbing anything,’’ he said, giving Addie a questioning look.

  Before Addie could answer, Jennie sidled up to Taylor. ‘‘I understand the Mechanics Association has refused permission for us to use their library. Rather selfish, I’d say.’’

  ‘‘To be quite frank, I haven’t made a proposal to the association regarding your use of the library just yet.’’

  ‘‘You haven’t?’’ Bella asked, walking closer.

  Jennie gave Bella a triumphant grin. ‘‘Oh my, Bella! It appears as if Mr. Manning didn’t take your request seriously.’’ She turned toward Taylor. ‘‘Now you’ve gone and done it.’’

  Taylor appeared totally confused. ‘‘Done what?’’ he asked.

  ‘‘I believe you may have offended our literary organizer. I doubt whether Bella will want to keep company with the likes of you, Mr. Manning. However,’’ she said resting a hand on his arm, ‘‘I wouldn’t be affronted if you would care to call upon me.’’ She gave him a beguiling smile before flashing Bella a fleeting glance of victory. ‘‘Would you care to accompany Lucy and me into town?’’

  John moved forward, breaking Jennie’s grasp on Taylor’s arm. ‘‘I’m afraid Taylor is with me this evening,’’ he replied on behalf of his nephew.


  ‘‘That’s a shame,’’ Jennie responded, fluttering her eyelashes.

  ‘‘Or perhaps a blessing,’’ John muttered as he and Miss Addie moved into the parlor. ‘‘I didn’t realize you were otherwise occupied this evening,’’ John apologetically remarked.

  Bella followed behind Taylor as he made his way along with John and Miss Addie. She wanted to find out why he hadn’t bothered to talk to the Mechanics Association on her behalf.

  Addie patted his arm. ‘‘There’s no need to concern yourself, John. After all, I knew you were coming to visit this evening. I think the girls have completed their business, and they’ll be scattering into town or up to their rooms. We can go into the dining room if you prefer.’’

  ‘‘No, no, I enjoy the young people.’’

  Addie gave him a bright smile. ‘‘I’m pleased Taylor came along. Perhaps he and Bella will have time to visit about the association’s library. The girls are planning a meeting to form a literary group.’’ She glanced over her shoulder and smiled.

  ‘‘Did I hear my name?’’ Taylor asked as he took the seat beside Miss Addie.

  Addie nodded and beckoned him closer. ‘‘Indeed you did. I was just telling your uncle that some of the girls are hoping to form a literary group. Bella was under the assumption the men had voted against the girls using their library.’’

  Taylor shook his head. ‘‘Well, it sounds as though Bella is taking my advice and starting her own little reading circle. Besides, I never told Bella any such thing.’’

  Bella seethed. ‘‘No, but you made it clear you didn’t like the idea. I knew you wouldn’t promote the concept of nonmembers using your library, and I was correct. You didn’t even present it for a vote, did you?’’ she challenged.

  Taylor grew wideeyedas Bella marched toward him and then stopped directly in front of his chair. She was on the attack, and it was obvious Taylor was surprised at the confrontation.

  ‘‘Well, did you?’’ she reiterated, her voice rising a decibel.

  Taylor stood up and faced off, toe-to-toe with Bella. She didn’t retreat. Instead, she looked upward into his eyes and leveled an accusatory stare. He looked down, his hair falling forward over one eye, which gave him a mischievous appearance.

  He winked the other eye, gave her a playful grin, and in a velvet-smooth voice replied, ‘‘No, dear Bella, I didn’t. But if you’d care to have a seat here beside me, I’d be happy to explain my egregious behavior.’’

  ‘‘You find this enjoyable, don’t you, Mr. Manning? Withholding something of value to others obviously makes you feel powerful. It’s rather sad that your insecurity causes you to stoop to such a level,’’ she retaliated.

  ‘‘Wh—wh—what?’’ he stammered. Clearly shaken by her comment, Taylor lowered himself into a nearby chair. ‘‘You think I’m insecure?’’

  ‘‘Among other things,’’ Bella said, plopping down on the settee while enjoying his obvious bafflement. ‘‘Why else are you afraid to permit women in your library?’’

  ‘‘It’s not my library,’’ he countered.

  ‘‘Exactly!’’ she retaliated, pointing her finger. ‘‘So why don’t you permit the membership to make the decision rather than withholding it on your own? Why didn’t you present our request?’’

  John leaned forward and gave his nephew a hard stare. ‘‘Yes, Taylor, I’d be interested in your response to her question, also.’’

  Taylor shifted in his chair like a caged animal seeking escape. ‘‘Well, I thought it could wait until our next meeting. We had a full agenda and several other committee meetings afterward. I have every intention of bringing it before the membership next week.’’

  John shook his head back and forth. ‘‘I don’t think that was your decision to make. You should have brought the request before the group and let them determine whether to act upon it or wait until the following meeting, Taylor. The Mechanics Association grants all members equal rights in the decision-making process.’’

  Addie pulled a lace handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her brow as she glanced back and forth between John and Taylor. Clearly, John’s stern lecture to his nephew was causing her discomfort. ‘‘Perhaps Bella and I should prepare some tea,’’ she suggested.

  ‘‘Tea would be nice,’’ Taylor replied, a grateful smile crossing his lips.

  John nodded. ‘‘Yes, that would be fine.’’

  Addie rose from the settee and waited a moment. ‘‘Bella?’’

  ‘‘What?’’ Bella unwillingly turned her gaze away from the unfolding scene between John and Taylor and gave Addie a questioning look. ‘‘Oh, you want me to help in the kitchen?’’ She remained seated and turned back toward Taylor, hoping Miss Addie would permit her to remain behind.

  ‘‘Bella!’’

  No further words were necessary. Bella stood up and dutifully followed Miss Addie out of the room. Truth be known, she longed to remain in the parlor and hear John Farnsworth continue lecturing his nephew. Perhaps if she lagged behind just a little, she could catch a few more words. But it was not to be. Her ability to overhear the conversation was snuffed out by the clattering of dishes in the kitchen.

  ‘‘Eavesdropping is unbecoming, my dear, and I believe young Taylor has already suffered enough embarrassment,’’ Addie chastened.

  Bella whirled around. ‘‘He brought this upon himself, Miss Addie. Surely you don’t condone his behavior,’’ Bella challenged.

  Addie busied herself arranging a plate of biscuits. ‘‘I think Taylor used poor judgment. Clearly he was wrong. However, his uncle is taking him to task for his actions. I take no pleasure in observing his comeuppance.’’

  A blush stained Bella’s cheeks. ‘‘Unfortunately, I do, Miss Addie—my imperfection revealing itself. Sister Eunice enjoyed telling me my flawed character rose up as regularly as cream floating to the top of the milk.’’ She frowned and thought maybe there was no hope for her character. She tried to be of a more generous nature—tried to offer forgiveness, knowing there would certainly be times when she needed it.

  Miss Addie lovingly hugged Bella. ‘‘Oh, dear me. It doesn’t sound as though Sister Eunice was a very charitable woman. You’re a sweet girl, Bella, with many, many fine attributes. Any parent would be proud to have a fine daughter such as you. Why, you’re bright and industrious and generally very kindhearted,’’ she said with a bright smile.

  A tear trickled down Bella’s face and fell upon her bodice, the wetness creating a black splotch on the gray fabric.

  ‘‘What is it, Bella? Why are you crying?’’ Addie’s voice was filled with distress as she pulled Bella into another embrace. ‘‘I truly believe Taylor acted improperly, too,’’ she said, obviously searching for a clue to the girl’s tears.

  ‘‘It’s not Taylor,’’ Bella sniffed, searching for her handkerchief. ‘‘It’s what you said about any parent being proud to have me as a daughter,’’ she continued in a warbly voice. ‘‘My father didn’t feel that way about me. He chose life among the Shakers rather than living with his wife and daughter.’’ The pain of her thoughts caused Bella to realize the source of so much bitterness. Her father had walked away from her as though she were nothing more than a spare dog.

  ‘‘Oh, Bella,’’ Addie lamented as she pulled the girl into a tighter embrace. ‘‘Sometimes we’re not meant to understand—at least not at the time a particular happenstance occurs. Perhaps one day you and your father can discuss his decision and you’ll have a clearer understanding of his motives. I know it’s painful to feel rejected by your father. But you must remember that our heavenly Father is the only one who is perfect. We humans are flawed. Unfortunately, we tend to hurt those people we love the most. Possibly because we think they’ll continue to love us in spite of our behavior, though I’m not sure that’s always true,’’ she added.

  Bella leaned back and stared into Miss Addie’s clear blue eyes. ‘‘Did your father love you?’’

  A faraway look clouded t
he older woman’s eyes. ‘‘The Judge? Yes, he loved me—in his own way.’’

  ‘‘What does that mean, ‘in his own way’?’’ Bella asked.

  Miss Addie removed the boiling water from the fire before she spoke. ‘‘He loved Mintie and me differently, but he loved us both. Equally, I believe. Mintie and I have very different personalities, so beyond his affectionate peck on the cheek each evening, the Judge exhibited his love uniquely to each of us. He would sit and discuss business matters with Mintie. He realized that doing so exhibited the fact that he valued Mintie’s opinions; it expressed his love for her. With me, he would comment on my pretty dresses or ask me to accompany him to social events. He knew I enjoyed being in the company of others. He expressed his love for me by acting as my escort. However, he didn’t tell us he loved us, and I truly wish he had. I’m not even sure whether he enjoyed those discussions with Mintie or attending dinner parties with me. But the time he spent with each of us was an expression of his love. And whether you choose to believe it or not, Bella, I’m certain your father loves you in his own way.’’

  ‘‘I find it hard to believe my father loves me, Miss Addie, but I thank you for your kind words. I suppose we’d best get this tea into the parlor or Taylor and Mr. Farnsworth will think we’ve deserted them,’’ Bella said, tucking her linen handkerchief into the pocket of her dress. ‘‘Of course, Taylor is most likely hoping I won’t return,’’ she added with a nervous giggle.

  Addie chuckled. ‘‘I doubt that. I think Taylor has taken an interest in you,’’ Addie remarked as she bustled off with one of the trays. ‘‘Bring the other tray, please,’’ she said, walking out of the kitchen.

  Bella stood staring after her. Taylor interested in her? Preposterous! The only person Taylor Manning cared about was himself.

  Long after his evening with Bella and Miss Addie had concluded, Taylor Manning continued to think of their gathering. Bella saw nothing wrong in speaking her opinion. He liked that in some ways but in others he found it annoying. She was certainly unlike any other young woman he’d had a chance to know. Usually all he had to do was smile or throw a girl a wink and she was his. Bella was clearly not going to be that easily conquered. Perhaps that was why Taylor found her all the more intriguing.