A Fragile Design

by Tracie Peterson

  ‘‘Farfetched as my idea may seem, don’t you think we should explore this matter more deeply? What if Lewis really is the boy’s father? Wouldn’t you want to know?’’

  ‘‘Me? I already know the truth. William Thurston’s the boy’s father, and there ain’t nothin’ ya can dig up that’ll change that fact. I figure I could lie to ya. I might even make meself some money in the tellin’. Who would be the wiser? But the fact is Cullan might end up dead because of it. There ain’t much I wouldn’t do for a few coins, and folks here in the Acre would tell ya that’s a fact. But I won’t break a promise to me dead sister. If ya go and bring that lad back to Lowell, ya best be ready to accept the fact that yar actions will likely kill him. Are you so stubborn that ya’re willing to see the lad die?’’

  ‘‘I’m stubborn enough to want him to have a better life, a life with his true family.’’

  Noreen shook her head back and forth. ‘‘You ain’t his kin, Mrs. Cheever. I don’t know what else I can be sayin’ to convince ya. But I’ll tell ya this much—if ya have a speck of sense, ya’ll leave this house and forget the lad.’’

  Lilly knew she had been dismissed. There was, after all, nothing else to say. Reaching into her reticule, she pulled out several shiny coins and extended them to Noreen.

  ‘‘Keep yar money. Just do as I’ve asked—forget the lad.’’ Noreen’s lips were set in a tight, hard line as she stood and looked down at Lilly. ‘‘Go back to yar fancy house, have a nice healthy baby of yar own, and pretend none of this ever ’appened.’’

  Lilly stood, nodded, and dropped the coins into a metal cup as she slowly walked out of the shack. She remembered little of her journey out of the Acre. If there had been stares or whispered remarks, she’d been unaware. If there had been a yapping dog or an old woman pitching waste, it had gone unnoticed. So focused were her thoughts that she was surprised to find herself walking up the front steps to her home.

  The first step was easy, but the second was halted as pain ripped through her abdomen and spread into her back. Gasping, Lilly put a hand to her stomach and tried to ignore the pain. In a moment it passed and she was able to reach the house. Drawing a deep breath, she knew her time had come. Now she would have to see about reaching Matthew and the doctor before the baby was born without them.

  CHAPTER 37

  Bella coughed, then sputtered, carpet fibers invading her airways as she strained to fill her lungs with fresh air. A voice somewhere in the distance instructed her to breathe slowly and relax. Yet she couldn’t. Her body ached for oxygen. And so she fought for air—in short panicky gasps until her body finally responded and the distant voice became clearer, saying her name and instructing her to remain calm and open her eyes.

  Fingers cradled her head, and she could feel the warmth of someone’s breath on her face. She struggled to open her eyes. They felt heavy, as though a weight had been placed upon them, sealing them tight. Once again she heard someone calling her name in the distance. Her eyelids fluttered momentarily and then languidly opened to reveal a face that was nearly touching her own. Startled, Bella lurched upward and struck Taylor’s forehead with her own. The force of the blow caused her to drop back onto the boat’s deck.

  Taylor moved to her side, his hand now rubbing his forehead. ‘‘Are you all right? I was so worried.’’

  Bella focused upon Taylor’s face and watched as a small bump began to rise on his brow. She gave him a faint smile. ‘‘I believe I’ve injured you.’’

  ‘‘Don’t concern yourself with me. Try to sit up,’’ he encouraged, taking her hand. ‘‘How do you feel?’’

  Loosened strands of hair fell across her face as she lifted herself into a sitting position. Instinctively, she brushed the hair behind one ear. ‘‘I think I’m fine. The other girls, are they injured? Where is Ruth?’’

  Ruth moved closer, with the other girls following her lead. ‘‘I’m right here, Bella.’’

  Bella glanced toward Hilda. ‘‘And you, Hilda, did they hurt you?’’

  Hilda gave her a bright smile. ‘‘I’ll be fine once we get back home.’’

  Turning her gaze to Taylor, Bella said, ‘‘Hilda works at the Hamilton. And poor Ruth, they’ve been holding her longer than any of us. We had given up all hope of being found.’’

  Ruth nodded her head. ‘‘I was certain I’d never see my family again. Several times they said I was being sent to Boston.’’

  ‘‘Where have you been all this time, Ruth?’’

  ‘‘I wish I could tell you, but I truly don’t know. They blindfolded me and put me in the back of a wagon. I have no idea where we went, but I think it was somewhere out of town. I was kept in one room with no windows, and then they brought the other girls, one by one,’’ Ruth explained, her gaze now shifting to Hilda and the Irish girls. ‘‘But they never brought Bella. We didn’t see her until they moved us to the warehouse here at the millpond. Of course, we didn’t know it was the millpond, but we could hear water and boats. We knew we were near water and that we were going to be shipped off somewhere.’’

  Bella glanced toward Matthew and Liam. Both of them appeared to be listening intently as Ruth related her story. The two men in charge of the boat shifted about, obviously growing more and more uncomfortable as Matthew glared down at them. ‘‘I’m not going to waste much time on the two of you,’’ Matthew growled. ‘‘You know we’ve already sent for the police. If you have any hopes of leniency, I suggest you cooperate and tell us everything you know about this illegal business you’re conducting. Otherwise, I’m going to tell the police you both deserve as much punishment as can possibly be meted out by the judge.’’

  ‘‘Now, wait a minute,’’ one of them objected, ‘‘this wasn’t our idea. We’re being paid to haul cargo to Boston—nothing more.’’

  Matthew grunted. ‘‘Don’t lie to me. You two men kidnapped these girls and knew what was going to happen to them.’’

  The other man stroked the bristly stubble along his jawline. ‘‘Well, yeah, that there is true, but we was following orders. It was them or us. If we didn’t do what we was told, we’d find ourselves taking a bullet or floating in the river. I’m too young to die.’’

  ‘‘Then you’d best tell us who put you up to this whole thing. I want names—all of them, starting with yours.’’

  The two men exchanged a look before the second one continued. ‘‘My name is Jake Wilson and this here’s Rafe Walton. But you ain’t gonna believe me when I tell you who set this up.’’

  ‘‘Try me. You may be surprised what I’ll believe.’’

  ‘‘William Thurston’s the one in charge. Him and J. P. Green. They put us up to this whole thing, and they’re the ones getting rich, not us. But I doubt you want to hear it’s some of your fancy Associates dealing in human flesh. You don’t believe me, do ya?’’

  ‘‘Unfortunately, I do. Have you left out any names? Is there anybody else involved?’’

  Rafe slowly moved his head back and forth. ‘‘If there is, they never told us. Thurston and Green are the only ones we ever met with, and I doubt they wanted to share their profits with anyone else.’’

  ‘‘Me too. They wasn’t paying us hardly anything,’’ Jake said before turning his attention to the girls on the other side of the boat. ‘‘You tell ’em we never did you any harm.’’

  Taylor jumped to his feet and took three long strides to where Jake was sitting and glared into the man’s face. ‘‘What do you mean you didn’t do them any harm? You tore them away from their homes against their will, kept them as prisoners—and you almost killed her,’’ he shouted while pointing toward Bella.

  ‘‘And if we hadn’t stopped you, they would be bound for the slave market in New Orleans. I’d say you did plenty of harm.’’

  Bella gasped. ‘‘Slave market? They were going to sell us as slaves? Is that what you’ve discovered, Taylor?’’

  Her words brought him back to her side. ‘‘It’s a long story, but Matthew discover
ed these men have gotten into the business of abducting girls when they are out alone at night. It appears as if they were waiting until they had a goodly number of you before making the journey to Boston.’’

  The words struck fear in her heart. Foolish pride had nearly caused her ruin. She didn’t want to imagine what would have happened had Taylor and the other men not arrived. Bella looked across the boat to where Matthew and Liam had now secured Rafe and Jake. ‘‘One of them said they were taking us to Boston and from there we would be taken south; he mentioned New Orleans. He said there was no need for concern—that we’d have lovely new homes. I inquired why he didn’t advertise for girls to work in these homes if these were desirable positions, pointing out the fact that the Corporation advertises in the newspaper for mill girls. He quickly told me to shut up and labeled me a troublemaker. But the thought of slavery never entered my mind.’’

  Taking her hands in his own, Taylor gently warmed her cold fingers. ‘‘It’s best you don’t dwell on what might have happened, Bella. You’re safe and that’s what really matters.’’

  She couldn’t believe his kindness. ‘‘After the way I acted, I’m surprised you would even bother to look for me.’’

  ‘‘Don’t be foolish. A few misspoken words can’t drive me away from you, Bella. I realize my behavior last night upset you—and rightfully so. I should have told you I needed to remain for another meeting. I must admit I was surprised when I realized you’d left for home, but it wasn’t until very early this morning that I discovered you had never arrived back at the boardinghouse. Miss Addie sent Daughtie to inquire about your whereabouts, and that’s when our search began,’’ he explained. ‘‘I would have never stopped looking for you, Bella. I love you . . . and I never want to lose you again. It’s my desire that one day you’ll feel the same way. I can’t make you trust me, but I hope you’ll come to believe that I will never abandon you.’’

  His words were filled with warmth and compassion. She wanted desperately to believe him, to once again feel the safety of another’s love and protection. Yet dare she let him into her heart? Could she withstand rejection if he should one day decide she was no longer worthy of his love? Bella wasn’t certain, yet she knew Taylor deserved a reply. Before she could form a response, Dr. Fontaine jumped onto the boat, his medical bag swinging from one hand.

  ‘‘John tells me someone down here needs a doctor.’’

  ‘‘Over here,’’ Taylor called out. ‘‘Bella was having difficulty breathing. However, I believe she’s much better now that she’s gotten some fresh air.’’

  Dr. Fontaine quickly moved to her side. ‘‘Let’s take a look, young lady.’’

  Bella held up a hand in protest. ‘‘I don’t need a doctor. I’m fine. They’ve brought you down here unnecessarily.’’

  The doctor gave her a paternal smile. ‘‘Since I’m the one with medical training, why don’t you let me decide whether you need me or not?’’

  There was no sense in arguing; it was obvious she wouldn’t win. ‘‘As you choose, but I’m certain you’ll find me a healthy specimen.’’

  All of them turned to look as a rider came galloping toward the dock, shouting and waving in their direction. ‘‘Doc, you’re needed at the Cheever house. You’d best be coming, too, Matthew. I’ve been told your wife’s about to have her baby.’’ The rider jumped down from his horse. ‘‘You can take my horse, Doc,’’ the man offered.

  Matthew looked helplessly from Liam to Taylor. ‘‘I’ve got to go. John should be back with the police soon. Can you handle this?’’

  ‘‘For sure we can. Ya be gettin’ yarself home,’’ Liam said, giving Matthew a hearty laugh. ‘‘I’ve no doubt that yar wife might not be too forgivin’ if ya don’t get home to her right now.’’

  ‘‘I’ll return your horse once Uncle John gets back,’’ Taylor promised as Matthew stepped out of the boat.

  Matthew waved and called out over his shoulder, ‘‘And by that time, I hope to have a son or daughter to introduce.’’

  Matthew’s words brought a smile to Bella’s face. ‘‘I pray that this baby will fill the void in Mrs. Cheever’s life. I’m certain she’s been distraught since hearing that the child in Canterbury isn’t her nephew. I know this baby won’t replace her parents or brother—or even the place she’d set aside for little Cullan—but certainly a new life will bring affirmation that her family lives on through the baby. Family is very important to her.’’

  Taylor gazed into her eyes. ‘‘And to you, I believe.’’

  A faint smile played upon Bella’s lips as she stared into Taylor’s intense blue eyes. ‘‘Yes, family is very important.’’ At the sound of pounding horses’ hooves, they both turned toward the road. ‘‘It appears your uncle John has arrived with the police.’’

  ‘‘It seems to me that every time I’m able to engage you in a serious conversation, someone interrupts us,’’ Taylor lamented. ‘‘Once we finally have this kidnapping issue resolved, I want time alone to discuss our future.’’

  ‘‘Our future?’’

  Taylor put his arms around Bella and helped her to her feet.

  ‘‘Yes, our future . . . as Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Manning.’’

  ‘‘I’m not sure—’’

  He placed a finger to her lips. ‘‘Wait until we have time to talk before you say anything more.’’

  ‘‘Lilly!’’ Matthew called to his wife as he took the front porch steps two at a time. He knew the doctor would be on his heels and left the front door wide open as he bounded into the house. ‘‘Lilly!’’

  ‘‘I’m right here, dear,’’ she said softly.

  He found her sitting in the front room. ‘‘Why are you here? Why aren’t you in bed?’’

  ‘‘I didn’t feel like going to bed. Not yet, anyway. I sent for the doctor.’’

  Matthew nodded. ‘‘I know. He was with me when the rider came.’’

  ‘‘Why was the doctor with you?’’ she asked curiously.

  ‘‘It’s a long story. But it has a happy ending. We found many of the missing girls, Lilly. I’ll tell you all about it after I help you to bed. The doctor should be here any minute.’’ He knelt beside her and lifted her skirt slightly. ‘‘Here, let me take off your shoes. I’m sure—’’ He stopped in midsentence. ‘‘Your shoes are caked in mud . . . manure, too, from the smell of them. Where have you been?’’

  She gave him a weak smile. ‘‘I’ve been to see Noreen Gallagher.’’

  Matthew momentarily forgot about his wife’s labor and barely controlled his anger. ‘‘You went to the Acre?’’ He stared in silence for a moment before regaining his composure. ‘‘Surely my wife would not do such a thing. Tell me this is an ill-thought-out hoax, Lilly. Please.’’

  ‘‘I’m sorry, Matthew, but it’s true. I needed to talk with her, to somehow be convinced that the boy in Canterbury is not Lewis’s child.’’

  ‘‘And did you see her?’’

  Lilly nodded her head.

  ‘‘And were you convinced?’’

  ‘‘Well . . .’’

  ‘‘I knew it!’’ he exclaimed. ‘‘What will it take to convince you, Lilly? Lewis is dead. The boy’s mother is dead. Who is left that can make you see the truth?’’

  ‘‘I don’t know.’’

  ‘‘Obviously there is no one. You’re even willing to bring on the premature birth of our child in this futile effort to convince yourself the boy is somehow related to you.’’

  ‘‘That’s not true. I would never harm our child. The baby may be coming a bit sooner than we expected, but that happens to a lot of women.’’

  Matthew stopped pacing and leveled his gaze her way. ‘‘Lilly, you placed both yourself and our child in jeopardy the minute you walked into the Acre. I’m surprised you weren’t knocked down and robbed. You certainly extended an invitation, dressed in fur and velvet and, if my guess is right, carrying a reticule in plain sight.’’

  ‘‘How was I to know?’’<
br />
  ‘‘That’s exactly my point, Lilly.’’

  ‘‘I knew you’d refuse me. Every time I attempt to talk about the boy, you change the subject.’’

  ‘‘Don’t make this my fault, Lilly. I would have permitted a talk with Noreen. In fact, I had already mentioned the possibility to Liam Donohue. But I certainly wouldn’t have sent you to the Acre. I would have brought Noreen here, to our home, where the possibility of danger would have been nonexistent.’’

  Lilly lowered her head. ‘‘Nothing happened. We’re both safe. I promise I’ll not go back there again. Am I forgiven?’’ Her voice was little more than a whisper.

  Matthew lowered himself into the chair opposite her and took her delicate hands into his own. ‘‘Of course you’re forgiven, Lilly. I love you more than you can possibly imagine. It grieves me to know how deeply affected you’ve been by the boy and yet you believed I was unapproachable. Because I believed without doubt that the child was William Thurston’s, I assumed that you, too, would be convinced. I was wrong.’’

  ‘‘In my heart I know you’re right. And even if I still harbored hope, Noreen has convinced me the boy’s life would be in danger were he returned to Lowell. I can’t take such a risk. I could never live with myself if he came to harm because of my selfish actions. Yet I maintain this deep longing for a continuation of my family.’’

  He lifted her chin until their eyes met. ‘‘You do have a continuation of your family—the baby and me. God has blessed us, Lilly, and although your parents and brother are gone, they’ll live on through you and our child.’’

  ‘‘I know you’re right, Matthew, but it’s difficult letting go of the hope.’’

  ‘‘You must never lose hope, Lilly. I’d never ask such a thing, but perhaps you could redirect your hope—reassign those dreams to the future of our child and our family.’’

  She smiled up at him and whispered, ‘‘Perhaps I could.’’ Her smile faded as she doubled in pain. ‘‘The baby!’’ she gasped.