“Now, now,” Randolph chided. “It’s not as though we had planned for Matthew to join us. He had every right to join Mr. Boott and his family.”
The horses slowed as Mr. Cheever directed them down Merrimack Street, then on toward Jackson. He pulled to a stop in front of number 5 and assisted Lilly from the carriage. It was then that she spied three men huddled together. It sounded as though they were having an argument, their voices ringing loud in the crisp autumn air.
She stepped behind the carriage and squinted her eyes to see them in the shadows. The men raised their heads and looked in her direction. Two of them were men she had never seen. She strained to distinguish the features of the third man, the taller one, who had pulled his jacket collar tight about his neck. He looked directly toward her, then hurried off. Lilly had a sudden rush of recognition. It was Miss Addie’s escort from earlier that afternoon; it was Miss Mintie’s imaginary English spy; it was John Farnsworth.
****
Matthew knew he had angered his mother, and he’d had every intention of stopping at his parents’ house upon his return to Lowell. Boott, however, had other plans, insisting there were matters he wished to discuss with Matthew tonight. And so he acquiesced without further argument, accompanying the group back to the Boott mansion. The only bright spot since their return to Lowell had been the fact that Kirk had rejected the ladies’ invitation to join them for lemonade. He had insisted there was pressing business that required their attention.
“I trust you found the magic show enjoyable,” Kirk said as they entered his office. He poured himself a glass of port and nodded toward another glass. “Care for something a bit stronger than lemonade?”
Matthew shook his head. “No, nothing, thank you. I’m anxious to know what urgent matter you need to discuss before morning.”
Kirk seated himself in his leather chair and pulled a fat cigar from the humidor sitting atop his desk. Giving the cigar his undivided attention, he moved it back and forth beneath his nose several times, inhaling the pungent aroma before carefully snipping off the end. “I think we may have the beginning of some problems at the Appleton. I want you to investigate—secretly, of course. A number of incidents have occurred in the spinning room since Thaddeus Arnold became supervisor. Apparently he believes that an operative has intentionally caused a couple of mishaps within the last few weeks. Personally, I doubt his suspicions, but I have an obligation to investigate.”
“Was there any major damage?”
Boott lit the end of his cigar and puffed several times until the ash turned bright red. “No. They were minor mishaps. You know we have frequent accidents.”
Matthew leaned forward, resting his arms across his thighs. “I guess I don’t understand why Mr. Arnold would even think one of the girls was involved, unless he had some reason for his suspicion. It makes no sense. The girls don’t get paid if they miss work. Why would they want to do anything to jeopardize the operation of the spinning room?”
“Exactly! I agree with you, Matthew, but I need to show the Associates I’m on top of things. I wouldn’t want it to be said that I’m not checking out information that comes to me. Perform a minimal investigation; talk to a few people. I told Arnold’s supervisor I’d get back with them in a few days. If I tell him it’s my opinion there’s no need for alarm, he’ll let it rest, and I can report that the matter has been investigated and has no merit. Fair enough?”
Matthew rose from his chair, “I suppose so. I’ll get to it first thing in the morning. However, I don’t see how I can be too discreet about the matter. It’s going to require talking to some of the people working in the spinning room, isn’t it?”
Boott nodded. “Try to find someone you can trust, someone that won’t tell the other girls about the investigation. Perhaps Arnold can advise you if there’s a girl who can be trusted. I doubt you’ll have difficulty. None of them want to lose their position. After all, they’ve become dependent upon their monthly pay.”
Matthew began to move toward to the door. “Was there anything else we needed to discuss?”
Kirk leaned back in his chair and took another draw on his cigar. “There’s no need to rush off, Matthew. If nothing else, we can discuss your future with Isabelle.”
Chapter 15
The morning dawned cool and gray, much like Matthew’s spirits. He bent his head against the early morning chill and walked toward the Appleton Mill. Lawrence Gault was in the counting room writing in a leather-bound ledger when he entered. Matthew liked the older man; he had a firm handshake, honest eyes, and a quick smile.
“Morning, Mr. Cheever,” Lawrence said, pushing away from the desk. “Dreary morning out there, but the sun’s shining in here,” the older man continued, pointing to his heart.
Matthew smiled. “What’s making it shine?”
“Jesus, of course. A man can’t have the doldrums too long when he thinks about having a Savior who was willing to die for him. Make sense?”
Matthew nodded. “Couldn’t argue that point, Mr. Gault. I was hoping you could help me. I need to speak to Thaddeus Arnold.”
“You want me to go get him for you? Be glad to do that.”
“No need. Directions will be fine.”
Mr. Gault appeared relieved when Matthew didn’t take him up on the offer to fetch Thaddeus. Matthew now understood why. The walk across the yard and up the winding stairway would have been difficult for a man of Gault’s size and age. Matthew hesitated a moment and took several short breaths before entering the spinning room. The humidity in the mills never ceased to overwhelm him. Kirk had explained that the operatives became accustomed to the heavier air, their lungs adjusting to the moisture after a few weeks. Matthew wasn’t sure if Boott’s assessment was correct, but it made sense that the body could adjust.
Thaddeus Arnold was near the rear of the room talking with one of the operatives. Matthew moved toward where they stood, the machinery pounding out a vibrating cadence that deadened the sound of his footsteps.
Arnold jumped away from the girl at the touch of Matthew’s hand upon his shoulder. The supervisor’s face reddened, and he stammered a quick welcome into the deafening noise that permeated the room. Matthew pointed toward the door, and Thaddeus began threading his way toward the entrance as Matthew followed behind. When he looked up, Lilly was staring at him. Damp ringlets clung to her forehead. He smiled, but she didn’t acknowledge him. Thaddeus stood anxiously waiting by the door and moved into the stairwell at Matthew’s nod. The level of noise diminished only slightly, so Matthew pointed toward the steps.
When they reached the mill yard, Thaddeus quickly turned and looked up at Matthew. “I wasn’t doing anything to that girl. She gives me trouble from time to time, and I’m required to reprimand her,” he sputtered.
Matthew rubbed his forehead; his head was throbbing. “I’m here to inquire about a couple of accidents. You made some accusations regarding those incidents.”
Thaddeus dipped his head up and down several times. “Yes, I’m glad Mr. Boott took my allegations seriously. We’ve had a number of accidents of late. I have reason to believe one, or perhaps several, of the operatives may be causing these problems.”
Now that Mr. Arnold was on the offensive, he appeared more relaxed. Matthew noted that Arnold’s stammering had ceased as he made his declarations against the girls. Completing his account, Thaddeus squared his shoulders, obviously proud of himself.
“Can you give me any reason why it would be beneficial for one of these girls to cause problems with the machinery, Mr. Arnold?”
Thaddeus appeared perplexed by the question.
Matthew took him by the arm and began to walk back toward the stairwell. “You see, Mr. Arnold, it is to the girls’ disadvantage to have machinery inoperative. They don’t get paid unless they are working. That is why I’ve asked if you can furnish some plausible reason why you think an operative would create such mischief. Otherwise, it would seem that the incidents are purely accidental. There
are occasional accidents on all of the floors, both here and at the Merrimack. Unfortunate as it is, people sometimes don’t pay attention, and accidents soon follow that inattentiveness. Perhaps there is some problem on your floor, among the girls themselves—or with you?” Matthew ventured.
Thaddeus paled at the remark. “The operatives might have a problem among themselves—I’m not sure,” he stammered. “I have no problem with the girls. Well, I am obligated to reprimand them when they’re not working up to the requirements—like today when you came into the room,” he hastily added. “You may be correct. I may have been borrowing trouble, assuming there was a problem where there is none.”
“I can continue to investigate the matter.” Matthew left the offer dangling, wondering if Thaddeus would snatch the bone or run off with his tail between his legs.
“You’re probably right, Mr. Cheever. I’m new at this position and want to do well. Most likely I’ve overreacted. I was only trying to look out for the Corporation. I don’t want anything to interfere with your profit.”
Matthew had guessed correctly. He had suspected Arnold would let the matter drop. He was sure the man was hiding something. Perhaps Lilly knew what it was. “Should you decide that you want me to investigate further, you can tell Mr. Gault to contact me personally. No need to bother Mr. Boott with these matters, Mr. Arnold. I had best not keep you away from your work any longer.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cheever. I appreciate your time. I’ll do as you said.”
Matthew watched as Arnold scampered away, his shoulders stooped over as he rushed back to the stairwell. Something about Thaddeus Arnold bothered him.
Chapter 16
Prudence twirled about the room in her forest green silk. “I knew you’d change your mind and come. What made you decide? Was it Marmi’s description of all the fun or the anticipation of dancing with Kirk Boott?”
Marmi giggled at the remark. “He is quite an excellent dance partner. I had the privilege of two dances with him at the Blowing Out Ball last spring.”
Lilly smiled at the girls. She dared not tell them that Thaddeus Arnold had promised he would find a reason for her termination if she didn’t attend this evening. Instead she replied, “I think it might be unwise to remain at home and permit you to have all the fun, Prudence. Besides, I don’t think Nadene would forgive me if I didn’t go along.”
Nadene offered a smile. “That’s true. I dislike these required functions. They make me uncomfortable, while Pru and Marmi have loads of fun.”
“I wager I’ll have more fun than Pru,” Marmi replied. “She’s too picky about her dance partners. Not me. If someone invites me to dance, I’m going out on the floor and having a whirl.”
The four of them made their way downstairs, where Miss Addie stood waiting in a sapphire blue creation. Lilly knew the gown had come from the collection of things Addie brought from Boston. Lilly had helped her touch up the gown, refreshing the style with a bit of lace and trim. She’d also taken out the waistline when Addie wasn’t looking. Lilly’s reward was her choice of gowns from Miss Addie’s collection. Of course, the dress had to be completely remade to accommodate Lilly’s slender frame, but it was better than having to wear one of her childish, well-worn pieces from the past. Besides, nothing that Lilly owned was worthy of a ball.
“Oh, just look at you girls. I can’t decide which one of you is the prettiest,” Addie exclaimed as they paraded single file through the hallway for her approval. “The other girls left a few minutes ago, and we must stop for Mintie. Hurry, now—we don’t want to be late.”
“Just wait until John Farnsworth sees you in that dress. He’ll be coming to call every evening,” Lilly whispered as they walked out the front door.
Addie blushed. “I’ve been so excited by the prospect that I’ve hardly been able to eat. Why, just look, the waist on this gown is much looser.”
Lilly smiled and nodded. “Indeed, I was going to comment that you looked quite trim.” No sense bursting the woman’s bubble of enthusiasm.
“Oh, thank you for helping me with this dress. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“Nor I without you,” Lilly commented, gently lifting the edge of her silk skirt for emphasis.
“That burgundy really is your color,” Addie replied. “And you’ve made it over in such a delightful manner. The way you’ve cut the neckline is modest yet completely youthful. And your waist, why, it’s so very tiny, and that black cording only emphasizes it.”
Lilly felt her cheeks grow hot. She hadn’t worn anything this lovely in a very long time. Memories rushed in of a time when her mother had waived the rules and allowed her to accompany her parents to a party at the Cheevers. Lilly had worn a very grown-up gown of pale pink. Her mother had even helped her to arrange her hair, pinning part of it up and leaving the rest to hang in ringlets around her face and shoulders. Lilly had felt very special that night, and Matthew’s reaction to her had left her feeling weak in the knees.
As if reading her mind, Addie whispered, “I’ll bet Mr. Cheever won’t be able to even look at another woman tonight. You’ll simply take his breath away.”
Glancing up, Lilly caught sight of Mintie peering out the front window. The moment the group began to walk across the street, the door flew open, and she marched out the door to meet them. “It’s obvious you’ve been absent from polite society much too long,” Mintie greeted. “We are going to be late! Apparently you’ve forgotten that proper ladies do not enjoy making a spectacle of themselves. You are supposed to be setting a proper example for your young charges, Adelaide. Tsk, tsk,” she chastised through pursed lips while casting a look of disdain in Addie’s direction.
“And your gown is once again inappropriate. The style is much too youthful. You’re a woman of forty and five and should dress in accordance.”
“Speaking of gowns, I thought you had discarded that dress several years ago, sister. Isn’t that the frock the Judge described as frumpy?” Addie inquired.
The girls giggled and Mintie gasped, smoothing down the dull brown gown. “For a woman of my years, this dress is most assuredly better than that which you’ve chosen for yourself.”
Lilly could see that Addie hadn’t meant to make her sister feel bad. Unfortunately, Miss Mintie just seemed to bring out the worst in people.
“I’m sorry, Mintie. That was a most insensitive remark,” Addie said. Mintie failed to accept or reject the apology. Neither did she offer an apology for her own biting remark only minutes earlier.
If Addie noticed, she gave no evidence. Instead, she joined in with Prudence and Marmi’s infectious laughter, forgetting the caustic beginning to their evening. Even Mintie began adding to the animated conversation as they approached the Old Stone House on Pawtucket Street.
“The balls are not nearly as grand as what we held in Boston, but they do their best to charm the Lowell society,” Mintie stated rather casually.
Lilly found it amusing that Mintie would actually allow herself to be momentarily caught up in the revelry. Lilly had never seen her this way. It made Mintie more accessible—more human.
“I’ve never gone to a ball in Boston,” Marmi commented, “but I simply adore the parties we have. I shall dance all night.”
“No doubt you’ll need a hefty supply of salts for soaking tired feet,” Mintie told Addie. “If you need extra, I might have some to share.”
Lilly found Mintie’s generosity out of character. Perhaps the party spirit had found its way into the old woman’s heart after all.
“Right this way, ladies,” Phineas Whiting welcomed as their small group entered the slate stone edifice. He appeared to enjoy nothing more than having his establishment filled with patrons determined to have a good time. He tugged at his graying beard and smiled at the near-capacity crowd. “There’s punch if you’ve a thirst and food if you’ve a hunger, courtesy of the Associates, of course,” he announced, waving his arm in a welcoming gesture, “and music for your entertai
nment.”
“Indeed there is.” Someone pressed his hand into the small of Lilly’s back. “After searching the room and not seeing you, I was afraid you hadn’t taken me at my word,” Thaddeus Arnold whispered in her ear. “I believe this is my dance.” His fusty warm breath caused her to shiver. His hand clenched around her waist. “Don’t refuse me,” he hissed from between his yellowed teeth.
Mr. Arnold’s fingers dug deeply into the flesh around her waist. “I wouldn’t want to deny your wife the privilege of being your partner,” Lilly replied, searching the crowd, hoping to see his wife’s familiar face. Yet she could not escape his grip. Even worse, John Farnsworth was escorting Miss Addie toward the dance floor, leaving Lilly alone to fend off Arnold’s advances. There was no escape as he pulled her forward onto the dance floor and pushed firmly against her. Lilly wished the orchestra was playing anything but a waltz.
Bracing her hand against his left shoulder, Lilly pushed until there was a small space between them. “You need not hold me so tightly. I’m sure your superiors would find such behavior unseemly, especially for a married man.”
“You’ll learn to enjoy having me close to you,” he replied, his eyes now alight with wickedness.
Lilly glared in return. “I don’t know how any women could bear to have you close at hand, but hear me well, Mr. Arnold. I will never permit you to take advantage of me.”
He tightened his grasp and twirled her around. “You may change your mind. There are certain advantages to be gained when you’re nice to me, Miss Armbruster.” The words slid from his mouth with practiced ease. “You should talk to Mary Caruff. She can tell you the privileges that flow to those who enjoy spending a little extra time in my company.”
He had Lilly’s attention. She had assumed all of his advances toward the girls were unwelcome. Was she to believe there were girls who were willing to permit his advances in exchange for favors? That concept was even more disturbing than the thought that he would take unfair advantage of an employee.
Daughter of the Loom (Bells of Lowell Book #1) Page 16
