A Fragile Design

by Tracie Peterson

  ‘‘You look quite beautiful,’’ Daughtie said. ‘‘Keeping Taylor Manning at a distance may prove difficult this evening.’’

  Bella shook her head. ‘‘I’ll stay close to Mrs. Cheever,’’ she said, hastening toward the door as one of the girls called up the stairs that her escort had arrived.

  Taylor stood at the bottom of the stairway, tugging at the sable-brown claw-hammer jacket that topped a frilled white shirt and silk vest. Giving Bella a smile, he leaned down in a courtly bow, causing his hair to fall forward over one eye. ‘‘You look lovely, Miss Newberry,’’ he said, his voice barely a whisper as he straightened.

  ‘‘Thank you, Mr. Manning. I trust that Mr. and Mrs. Cheever are in the carriage?’’

  He appeared momentarily confused by her question. ‘‘Oh yes,’’ he finally replied. ‘‘My uncle and Miss Addie left a short time ago. They’ve promised to save us seats should the lecture hall become overly crowded before our arrival,’’ he added as they walked out the door.

  Bella took his extended hand and stepped up into the carriage. Scooting into the far corner, she gathered the fullness of her dress across the seat. There was barely enough space for Taylor to squeeze in and be seated near the opposite door.

  Lilly Cheever turned and looked over her shoulder. ‘‘I can hardly contain my excitement. Matthew was unusually late coming home, and I feared we would be late,’’ Lilly said, grasping her husband’s arm in an affectionate squeeze.

  ‘‘We have more than sufficient time, my dear. You fret overly.’’

  She gave him a winsome smile before turning back toward Bella and Taylor. ‘‘You two make quite a handsome couple,’’ she complimented.

  ‘‘Thank you, Mrs. Cheever. I was thinking much the same thing,’’ Taylor replied.

  Bella gave him a sidelong glance. ‘‘We’re not really a couple, but I thank you for the kind words.’’

  Taylor leaned his head back and chuckled. ‘‘I don’t think she wants to be associated with me, Mrs. Cheever. I believe Bella finds me crass and arrogant; the only reason she’s willing to be seen in my company is because of her interest in the lecture.’’

  Bella wasn’t certain if what she was feeling was embarrassment or anger—perhaps a combination of both, she decided. ‘‘As I recall, my acceptance of your invitation was forthright, Mr. Manning. You’re aware I’m not interested in your companionship.’’

  ‘‘There you have it, Mrs. Cheever. If there was ever any doubt of Bella’s undying devotion, we know that it’s not directed at me,’’ Taylor said as the carriage came to a halt in front of the lecture hall.

  Bella carefully positioned herself beside Lilly as they entered the lyceum. ‘‘There’s Miss Addie and Mr. Farnsworth. They’re waving us forward to join them. It appears Miss Mintie is with them,’’ Bella added as she and Lilly made their way down the aisle with Taylor and Matthew following behind.

  ‘‘We’ve saved you chairs,’’ John said, stepping into the aisle.

  When the group finally juggled into their seats, Mintie was seated to Bella’s left and Addie to her right. Taylor was sandwiched between John and Matthew. Bella gave a self-satisfied grin as Taylor leaned forward to verify her whereabouts.

  Mintie glanced over the top of her spectacles and clucked her tongue. ‘‘You’ll have a spasm in your neck if you remain in that position much longer, Mr. Manning. Sit up!’’ the older woman commanded, straightening her own spine as she gave the order. She nodded in obvious satisfaction as Taylor wedged himself back between the two other men. ‘‘I’m pleased you’re sitting beside me,’’ Mintie said, patting Bella’s hand. ‘‘Tell me, do you Shakers practice any of these skull readings?’’

  Bella smiled, trying to repress a giggle. She tried to imagine Sister Evangeline or one of the Brothers trying to read the bumps on one of the other Believers’ heads. ‘‘No, at least not in Canterbury, although we’ve read about it—and discussed it at length. It’s very interesting, don’t you think?’’

  Mintie’s eyebrows curved into two half moons. ‘‘Yes, although I find it a bit disconcerting to think someone can evaluate you through touching your head.’’

  ‘‘It’s my understanding that there are employers in England and Scotland who demand a character reference from a phrenologist before they hire a prospective employee,’’ Bella said.

  Mintie lifted a hand to her head as if to ward off any stranger’s hand that might be moving in her direction. ‘‘What ever would make them do such a thing?’’ she asked with a note of incredulity in her voice.

  ‘‘Supposedly, they want to ensure a person is honest and hardworking,’’ Bella replied.

  ‘‘Well, I certainly hope the Corporation doesn’t take up those strange practices,’’ she said. ‘‘Did you hear that, Adelaide? The next thing you know, we’ll have someone running his fingers through our hair before he’ll hire us,’’ she said as she reached across Bella and clutched at her sister’s arm.

  ‘‘Rest easy, Miss Mintie. I doubt the Corporation will agree to pay a phrenologist any time in the near future,’’ John Farnsworth commented.

  Had Bella not recognized the genuine concern etched upon Miss Mintie’s face, she would have giggled at the older woman’s shocked appearance. ‘‘They’re ready to begin,’’ Bella whispered as two men walked onto the stage at the front of the room.

  After an impressive introduction, Lucius Applebaum stepped to the podium and began his oration. It was only after he’d talked for ninety minutes that he scanned the audience and said, ‘‘May I have a volunteer who is willing to have a skull reading join me on the stage?’’

  Taylor immediately stood up and began waving toward the speaker.

  ‘‘Wonderful! We have a willing participant,’’ Mr. Applebaum told the audience as Taylor made his way toward the front of the room.

  Bella was surprised yet privately pleased Taylor had volunteered. She was curious to see exactly how the reading was performed. In fact, she would have gone forward herself had she not been certain a female volunteer would be considered inappropriate. She watched and listened carefully as Mr. Applebaum explained that the bumps on Taylor’s skull told of his honesty, veneration of God, and intelligence—completely confounding Bella. After diligently listening to the presentation, Bella had been growing convinced the readings might be quite scientific. Now, however, her convictions were dashed. To hear Mr. Applebaum assign such noble characteristics to Taylor Manning was preposterous. Taylor didn’t revere or worship God! And he wasn’t brimming with intellect—of that she was certain!

  The lecture concluded and Taylor made his way back toward them as his companions began making their way into the aisle.

  ‘‘So,’’ Taylor said, meeting Bella’s gaze, ‘‘wasn’t that marvelous? It was as if he knew me through and through. Like he’d reached inside my soul and pulled out all the wonderful bits for the world to see.’’

  ‘‘It was very much like he pulled something out, but I wouldn’t call it wonderful bits,’’ Bella muttered.

  Taylor took hold of her elbow as several people jostled past them. Leaning over he whispered, ‘‘The entire lecture hall knows how wonderful I am. Why do you continue to deny it?’’

  Bella stopped in midstep and looked into Taylor’s blue eyes.

  ‘‘You may be the most intelligent, marvelous specimen of humankind,’’ Bella said. ‘‘But if you are, no one knows it better than you do, and that, Mr. Manning, I find most unattractive.’’

  She made her way out without giving Taylor a second glance. Would that she could put him from her mind as easily as she put him from her sight.

  ‘‘Do tell us what it was like, having Mr. Applebaum perform the reading,’’ Lilly insisted as they began the carriage ride home.

  ‘‘The procedure was extremely enlightening. I expected it might be rather painful—that he would push and prod without consideration,’’ Taylor began. ‘‘However, he was quite gentle, merely circulating his fingers upon the
skull in a relaxing manner. I fairly enjoyed the whole thing. Would you like me to demonstrate, Bella?’’ he inquired, giving her a grin.

  Bella scooted farther into the corner. ‘‘Absolutely not!’’ she exclaimed.

  ‘‘I’m sure she’d give me permission were it not for her fancy hairdo,’’ Taylor said, causing Matthew and Lilly to laugh.

  ‘‘I’m not certain I agree with your analysis of her decision, Taylor, but I must say that I admired your willingness to go up on that stage this evening. Did you ever consider the possibility that Mr. Applebaum might have given the audience a report that would have embarrassed you?’’ Matthew inquired.

  Taylor shook his head and laughed. ‘‘How could that ever happen when he had such an excellent subject?’’

  Lilly and Matthew joined in the laughter, but Bella merely gave him a thoughtful glance. It was obvious Taylor held himself in high esteem—a quality she didn’t find endearing.

  ‘‘Shall we wait for you?’’ Matthew asked Taylor when they arrived at the boardinghouse.

  ‘‘No need,’’ Taylor quickly replied. ‘‘I don’t want to detain you. Thank you for permitting us to accompany you this evening.’’

  With a sweet smile, Bella expressed her genuine thanks before descending the carriage.

  ‘‘I hope to see you again very soon, Bella,’’ Lilly replied. ‘‘And don’t be too harsh with Taylor,’’ she added in a whisper. ‘‘I think he means well.’’

  Bella nodded and gave Lilly a faint smile as she walked alongside Taylor to the front door. Once inside, she turned toward the parlor and began to unfasten her cape. Yet her hand remained suspended in midair, her mouth agape as she stared at Jesse Harwood sitting beside Daughtie on the velvet-covered settee.

  ‘‘Jesse.’’ His name spilled from Bella’s lips with an ease that belied the wave of nausea sweeping over her. Her knees began to tremble and dizziness washed over her in waves. Jesse, dressed in his dark blue Shaker surtout and straw hat, moved toward her.

  ‘‘Bella,’’ he greeted warmly, taking long strides across the room. Lightly grasping her shoulders, he held her at arm’s length, his gaze traveling up and down the length of her body before finally looking into her eyes. ‘‘You are even more beautiful than I remember. And the color of that dress is perfect on you,’’ he said, pulling her into an embrace.

  The rasping sound of Taylor clearing his throat startled Bella. Pushing away from Jesse, she moved to his side and glanced toward Taylor. ‘‘Jesse, I would like to introduce you to Taylor Manning. He furnished me with a ticket to the phrenology lecture at the lyceum this evening.’’

  ‘‘And escorted her,’’ Taylor added, giving Bella a sidelong glance before extending his hand toward Jesse. ‘‘Bella has mentioned you,’’ he said while pumping Jesse’s hand up and down.

  Jesse beamed a smile in Bella’s direction. ‘‘That’s good to hear.’’

  ‘‘You’re the one who pledged your love and then left her in the woods to fend for herself, aren’t you?’’ Taylor inquired.

  Bella wanted to stomp on Taylor’s foot. How dare he interfere? Poor Jesse looked as though he’d taken a strong fist in his midsection.

  ‘‘You told him that I left you to fend for yourself?’’ Jesse gave her a baffled look.

  ‘‘You didn’t appear. Daughtie and I finally left Canterbury, certain you weren’t coming. Isn’t that right, Daughtie?’’ Bella asked, hoping Daughtie would affirm her reply. However, Daughtie had apparently fled the room unnoticed, as the settee was now unoccupied.

  Jesse’s forehead creased into deep lines. ‘‘You believe I would willingly abandon you?’’

  ‘‘What else was I to believe? Daughtie and I waited. You didn’t arrive. Now you suddenly appear and rebuke me for saying you broke your promise.’’

  ‘‘It wasn’t intentional. I couldn’t leave that night without . . .’’ He hesitated and glanced at Taylor and then back at Bella. ‘‘Could we possibly have this conversation alone—without him?’’ Jesse asked as he pointed a thumb in Taylor’s direction.

  Bella moved toward the door. ‘‘Taylor, I’ll see you out,’’ she said, turning the doorknob.

  ‘‘I’m not anxious to leave. It’s still early,’’ he said, remaining in place.

  ‘‘It would please me if you would exhibit your fine English manners and leave Jesse and me to discuss this matter in private. Thank you for permitting me the opportunity to attend the lecture,’’ she said while holding the door ajar.

  Taylor turned to face her, leaned down close to her ear, and said, ‘‘I’ll bid you good-night if you promise to see me again in the very near future, dear Bella.’’

  ‘‘I won’t bargain with you, Mr. Manning,’’ she whispered firmly.

  Taylor smiled. ‘‘That’s fine. I’ll be happy to remain here with the two of you,’’ he said, beginning to push the door closed.

  Bella seethed inwardly as she pulled back on the door. ‘‘Very well. I’ll agree—just leave.’’

  Taylor nodded. ‘‘Good! I feared we were going to ruin Miss Addie’s door by shoving it back and forth,’’ he said, emitting a chuckle. ‘‘Nice to meet you, Jesse,’’ he said, tossing a mock salute in Jesse’s direction. ‘‘And you,’’ he said, turning back toward Bella, ‘‘I’ll be calling on you soon,’’ he said loudly enough for Jesse to hear.

  He was out the door before Bella could object to his boorish behavior. Had Jesse not been watching and waiting, she would have chased him down the street and insisted upon an apology! Instead, she took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and closed the door with a resounding thud before smiling at Jesse.

  ‘‘Shall we sit in the parlor?’’ she inquired in what she hoped was her calmest voice.

  Jesse followed close at her heels and seated himself beside her. Bella folded her hands, placed them in her lap, and gave him her full attention. ‘‘Well? I’m awaiting your explanation.’’

  ‘‘I was prepared to meet you. My belongings were packed; I was certain the other Brothers were asleep. But I was wrong. I rose from my bed and went down the stairs. However, when I went to the barn where I had stored my belongings and some food, I couldn’t find them. I searched for what seemed an eternity, knowing I was late to meet you. When I finally realized someone must have found my satchel, I hurried from the barn and ran headlong into Brother Ernest. He grabbed me by the ear and pulled me back into the barn, demanding I explain my conduct. I told him I was leaving, that I could no longer adhere to the beliefs of the Society. He asked why I was sneaking off like a thief in the night when I could have gone before the Elders and told them of my decision. He wondered why I would choose to leave the Society without at least a modicum of dignity and enough money for a few meals and a room. I fumbled for words, knowing anything I said would make no sense to them.’’

  Bella sat transfixed as she listened to Jesse’s words. ‘‘So what did you tell him?’’

  ‘‘I decided I could either tell him I was planning to run off with you, which would have immediately explained why I didn’t go before the Elders, or tell him I decided to sneak off because I lacked the courage to face the Elders. However, I knew I would be caught in my lie if they discovered you missing the next morning. So I told him the truth.’’

  ‘‘That we were leaving together?’’

  Jesse nodded his head.

  ‘‘Well, then, I’m even more pleased I didn’t remain behind. Just think what might have happened if I had returned to my room—the wrath of the Elders would have poured down upon us,’’ Bella observed.

  He gave her a tentative smile. ‘‘It did pour down—upon me. Until I finally took a firm stand and told them I was leaving.’’

  Bella ran a finger down a deep fold in the rose-colored dress, her gaze fixed upon the painting of the New England countryside hanging on the far wall. ‘‘My father—’’ she haltingly began—‘‘did he appear concerned or distraught that I was gone?’’

  ‘‘He said he would b
e praying for your swift return to the Society, adding that you’d surely lost control of your senses. He was angry that you’d broken your vows,’’ Jesse replied in a plaintive tone. ‘‘Of course, his words of recrimination were directed toward me. He said it was my behavior that rekindled your desire to live in the world and gave you the courage to make such a foolhardy decision.’’

  Bella shook her head in anger. ‘‘How can he call himself a good Shaker when he speaks falsely? He knows that I never adjusted to life among the Shakers and my desire to leave the Society always remained firm. Had you been the catalyst for my departure, I wouldn’t have left without you. I think it should have been obvious to all of them that you were not to blame.’’

  ‘‘I’m not sure who or what they believe. I departed two days after you and Daughtie, before their meetings and discussions had ended. I’m sure they knew I was coming to find you. Sister Mercy requested I give you her love and best wishes. I agreed to do so, not realizing so much time would pass before we would reunite. Most likely, they all believe we are married by now,’’ he said, taking her hand.

  Bella lifted her hand from his and wriggled into the far corner of the settee. ‘‘Where have you been for all this time, Jesse?’’

  He appeared taken aback by her question. ‘‘In Concord. That’s what we planned,’’ he replied. ‘‘I attempted to locate your relatives, but I didn’t know where to begin looking.’’

  Bella nodded. ‘‘I should have given you the address,’’ she agreed.

  ‘‘Or at least a last name. All you ever told me was that your Aunt Ida and Uncle Arthur lived in Concord. Of course, I thought we would be traveling together, so I never asked. When I arrived in Concord, I wasn’t sure what to do. Thinking you might still be there, I didn’t want to leave, yet I worried you might not be there. My decision was difficult. However, the innkeeper mentioned a local cooper was in need of an assistant. When the cooper hired me, I decided it was providence that I remain and look for you. What if I had headed off for Lowell while you were waiting for me in Concord? Besides, I didn’t think you and Daughtie would venture to Lowell on your own. I wanted to believe you were anxiously awaiting me, ready to become my wife.’’