Daughter of the Loom (Bells of Lowell Book #1)

by Tracie Peterson

  “I know you’re right, but going back into that mill is the last thing I want to do, Miss Addie.”

  Once again Addie pulled Lilly into a comforting embrace. “I know, dearie, but there’s nothing to fear. I’m sure the fire was just one of those rare occurrences that won’t ever happen again. As the Judge used to say, you can’t let fear rule your life—you’ve got to get back up on a horse when it throws you.”

  Lilly nodded. The lump in her throat prevented a reply. If Miss Addie knew the cause of the fire, she wouldn’t be so quick to offer kind reassurances, Lilly thought as she walked toward the Appleton. Wrapping her cape tightly against a bracing current of cold air that whipped down the street, Lilly tucked her head down and moved resolutely toward the mill yard. She must find Mr. Arnold and ask if he would permit her to operate Nadene’s frames. Locating Thaddeus Arnold was not difficult. He was rushing about the mill yard with his chest swelled out like a banty rooster as he issued orders to the clustered girls and pointed them toward the stairwell.

  Hurrying toward the distasteful little man, Lilly called out, “Mr. Arnold! May I have a word with you?”

  He peered over the top of his spectacles, his gaze roaming over Lilly’s body in a manner that caused her acute discomfort. He beckoned her forward.

  Keeping her eyes focused downward, Lilly approached him. It required all the humility she could muster to stand before the pompous little man. “Would you permit me to operate Nadene’s frames until she is able to return?”

  His lips formed a malevolent grin. “And my consent would be worth what to you?”

  Lilly could feel the blood pumping, pulsing and coursing its way through her body, pounding upward into her temples. If she didn’t hold her temper in check, she knew she would explode at the pompous excuse of a man standing before her. She lifted her head and met his beady-eyed stare. “Why, Mr. Arnold, I was merely hoping to keep production at full rate—hoping to be of some assistance to you in this difficult time. With Sarah gone home for several months and now Nadene unable to tend her frames, I was certain you would be distraught over their vacancies.” Her voice was sweet and melodious, the very essence of a spring breeze floating through a brisk November morn. Even she was surprised by the gentleness of her reply.

  Mr. Arnold appeared to be overwhelmed by her response. There was a momentary appearance of trust in his gaze. Ever so slightly, she lifted her eyebrows—waiting, anticipating his agreement. His lips turned upward into a smile that revealed his yellowed teeth. “You’re a difficult girl to figure out, Miss Armbruster. I never presumed you would be concerned about production in the spinning room. So you’re offering to operate Nadene’s frames while she’s recovering? Just because you want to help me keep production at full rate?”

  Lilly’s gaze was fixed on his bony fingers as they moved across the growth of stubble along his jaw. “And because I want Nadene to receive her pay. She has her family to support.”

  A spark of recognition shone in his eyes. “Ah, so it isn’t that you want to help me, is it, Miss Armbruster? What you really want to do is help your friend remain on the pay ledger, even though she won’t be working. Isn’t that correct?”

  He was on the attack. “Technically, I wish to help you both, Mr. Arnold,” she replied, her voice resonating with all of the meekness she could muster.

  He folded his arms across his sunken chest. “You realize I can order you to operate Nadene’s frames without additional pay. Operation of the machinery is at my discretion. So once again, Miss Armbruster, I would ask this: what is my agreement worth to you?”

  Lilly met his lustful gaze with an icy glare. “My silence. At least for the present time.”

  Thaddeus’s mask of confusion was quickly replaced by a scowl of recognition. “I’ll permit you to work Nadene’s frames, and you may sign the ledger and collect payment on her behalf. If you betray our agreement, you’ll suffer dearly. Speak to no one of this arrangement,” he added. She remained transfixed, amazed he had so willingly agreed to her request. “Why are you standing there gaping at me? Get back to work!” he hissed before stalking off toward the counting room.

  Lilly rushed toward the steps before he could recant his decision. The disgusting odor of smoke filled her nostrils as she moved up the stairs, but the smell was nothing compared to the vile odor of burnt flesh. For as long as she lived, Lilly would never forget that smell.

  The spinning frames remained silent while the girls scrubbed soot from the floors and equipment. One of the mechanics had managed to unseal several of the windows, and cold, fresh air was beginning to waft through the room. Lilly inhaled deeply, grabbed a pail of water, and began cleaning Nadene’s frames. She didn’t know how she could possibly manage four frames, but somehow she would—she must.

  Penance was required, and penance would be given.

  Chapter 21

  The next morning, work in the spinning room returned to normal. For everyone except Lilly and Nadene, that is. Nadene was now ensconced in Addie’s bedroom having her bandages frequently changed, while Lilly was furiously attempting to operate four spinning frames instead of two.

  Shortly after lunch, Kirk Boott came on the floor accompanied by several men. When he recognized Lilly, he paused long enough to inquire as to her health and well-being, then briefly introduced her to William Thurston and Nathan Appleton before moving down the line with Mr. Arnold. Lilly thought Boott scrutinized her for a rather long time, given the situation. He seemed as though he wanted to ask her something but instead turned his attention back to his companions. Lilly felt awash in guilt. Surely he didn’t have some idea of her responsibility for the fire.

  By the time the evening bell rang, announcing the day’s end, Lilly was exhausted. For twelve hours she’d moved back and forth among the frames, dampening her fingers before quickly reaching in and mending the broken strands of roving, replacing empty spindles of roving with full ones, and pulling off each of the full spindles of thread to be replaced by an empty spindle. However, it seemed as if she always had the incorrect spindle in her hand at the improper moment.

  “Managing to keep up with your frames?” Thaddeus snidely inquired as she brushed past him on her way through the narrow doorway.

  “Yes, thank you.” She didn’t want to smile sweetly, but she did.

  His fingers wrapped around her wrist. “If you decide you’d like to make some other arrangements, I’ll try to accommodate. You look quite weary,” he whispered, releasing the hold on her wrist and then patting her backside.

  She slapped at his hand. He winked and gave her a lewd grin that made her shudder as she ran down the winding staircase, out through the mill yard, and down Jackson Street. Pushing open the front door, she pulled off her cape, hung it on the peg, and hurried in to see Nadene. “How are you feeling this evening?” she inquired, her breath coming in short sputters as she leaned against the doorjamb.

  Nadene gave her a smile. “Better than you, it would appear,” Nadene remarked in a cheerful voice. “You look as though you’ve had the longest workday of your life. What’s wrong?”

  Lilly was making excuses about not sleeping well when Prudence pushed open the front door. “Did you hear there’s been another accident?” she called out while slamming the door behind her. “This time at No. 2.”

  Nadene reached out for Prudence as she entered Addie’s bedroom, then stopped when the pain refused to allow her fingers to work. “What kind of accident? Was anyone injured?”

  “Nope, no one injured, praise be to God,” Pru added almost as an afterthought. “Appears work will be at a standstill unless they get things fixed this evening.”

  “What happened?” Lilly persisted. She couldn’t halt the feeling of adulation that swept through her. An accident had occurred; no one was injured; and she hadn’t been involved. It appeared God was taking care of matters on His own. After Nadene’s injury, Lilly had prayed for forgiveness. She had even promised to bow out of the retribution business, telling God sh
e now realized He could handle matters without her intervention. And so He had. This latest accident was affirmation at its finest, she decided.

  “There’s a jam in the waterwheel, or maybe one of the cogs is broken. I’m not sure. But from what I heard, Mr. Moody is mad as a wet hen. He says the men weren’t being careful or some such thing. Anyway, we’re not to report for work tomorrow unless they send someone to fetch us,” she finished with a smile.

  “No work, no pay. Let’s hope things are fixed soon,” Miss Addie remarked, a twinkle in her eye. “If they keep you off work too long, you’ll be forced to make it through the week without buying a new hair ribbon or two.”

  Lilly then fetched a plate of food and brought it to Nadene. “Can you manage to feed yourself?” she asked, looking at her friend’s splayed fingers.

  Nadene gave a deep, racking cough. “No, but I’m not hungry. Why don’t you sit with me and you can eat it,” she said when the coughing finally subsided. “Miss Addie fed me earlier.”

  Lilly plopped down on the small sewing rocker and began forking the food into her mouth. She was ravenous. Although there was little time for manners when eating her breakfast and noonday meals, she usually attempted to eat her evening meal more slowly. However, it seemed impossible to do so this evening.

  “Prudence says your brother has been courting her. They’ve met after dinner twice this week. She tells me Lewis is quite the gentleman. I think she’s smitten with him. I do wish I could find a man who would take an interest in me. That would certainly take care of my worries,” Nadene lamented as Lilly took another bite of lamb stew.

  “Or add to them,” Lilly replied in between bites of ham and green beans. “I wouldn’t wish my brother’s attentions on anyone. Believe me, he’s not the kind of man who treats a woman with any respect. His interest is in money, not Prudence. Money is the only thing that has ever held Lewis’s interest. Perhaps I should talk with Prudence.”

  “Please don’t. She’ll know I’ve told you and never forgive me. Lewis told her you would discourage the relationship. In fact, he said you’d accuse him of being after her money.”

  “And she prefers to believe him? Has he inquired about her funds?”

  Nadene giggled. “Yes, but she fibbed to him. She told Lewis her family is quite wealthy but her father thought working in the mills would give her a better appreciation of money.”

  Lilly sputtered on the piece of biscuit she had shoved in her mouth. “She didn’t!”

  Nadene nodded her head in affirmation. “Prudence said he appeared to believe her. I did mention that lying was a sin, but Pru merely smiled and said it was an ungentlemanly question that didn’t deserve a proper answer.”

  “It would appear as if Lewis has met his match—at least for the time being. I hope Pru doesn’t get hurt. Lewis can be cruel and vindictive, but I’ll not betray your confidence,” Lilly replied as she rose from the rocking chair.

  Nadene struggled to sit up. “Where are you going? I wanted to visit.”

  Lilly gave her a feeble smile. “I’d like nothing better. However, I promised John Farnsworth I’d accompany him into town. He said he needed some help choosing a birthday present for Miss Addie. Don’t breathe a word.”

  “So Mr. Farnsworth is courting Miss Addie. They’ll make a wonderful twosome, don’t you think?”

  Lilly nodded. “If I get back early, I’ll stop in again.”

  “Oh yes, please do. I’ll want to hear what you pick out.”

  Lilly glanced at the clock in the hallway, ran her fingers along each side of her head, hoping the loose strands were tucked into place, then hurried out the door. John Farnsworth was waiting when she arrived at the corner. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long,” she greeted.

  “I just arrived,” he said as he came alongside her and they walked toward town. “I hope you have an idea where we might find a gift. Until now, I’ve only visited the livery stable, the wheelwright, the general store, and Mrs. Clawson’s pastry shop. I’ve not visited any of the other establishments here in Lowell.”

  Lilly turned and gave him a bright smile. “Prudence tells me that Mr. Whidden and Mr. Childs have both recently received new shipments in their stores, everything from crockery to fabrics and lace. Did you have something particular in mind?”

  He gave a hearty laugh. “Well, I certainly don’t want to purchase any crockery or kettles. That would only serve to remind Miss Addie of her daily chores. I think I’d prefer to give her something a bit more personal, though nothing that would cause eyebrows to rise. I had given consideration to some pretty combs for her hair. She has these few wisps of hair on each side that appear to escape and cause her bother. But perhaps a pretty shawl might be a better choice.”

  Lilly pictured the short flying strands of hair that Miss Addie was constantly pushing behind her ears. “I think the combs are a wonderful idea, Mr. Farnsworth. But I’m sure she would be delighted with either item.” Lilly couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. “I believe we could find the combs or a shawl at Mr. Whidden’s store; it’s located on Gorham Street,” she advised as they rounded the corner.

  ****

  Mintie was glad she had chosen to wear her woolen cape. A cold north wind was attacking the few leaves that remained attached to their trees. Those that had already fallen now rustled beneath her feet as she clipped along at a steady pace toward Mrs. Hirman’s house. She didn’t want to be late.

  “Tardiness is an excuse for laziness”—at least that is what the Judge had always told his daughters. Not that Adelaide had listened to half of what the Judge had dutifully attempted to teach them in their formative years. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her,” Mintie muttered, still upset that Adelaide had refused to attend the formation meeting of the Ladies’ Temperance Society. After all, what would Mrs. Hirman and the other good women of Lowell think of her sister’s absence? No doubt she would be forced into making excuses for Adelaide. And what would she say? That her sister had little interest in fighting for temperance?

  Mintie slowed her pace a bit, allowing herself to remain behind a group of girls who were obviously walking to the shops in town, anxious to spend their earnings. “Just like Adelaide! Off to purchase a piece of silk or lace, not frugal enough to save for a rainy day,” she mused, watching as the girls crossed Gorham Street and entered Mr. Whidden’s store. She stopped momentarily when she heard a man’s familiar voice as a couple left the store. She squinted her eyes and peered across the street. The two were laughing as the man handed a brown-paper-wrapped package to the girl he was with. Mintie’s lips screwed into a tight little pucker and her eyes widened. John Farnsworth and Lilly Armbruster. She moved behind the trunk of a giant maple tree, even though they would probably not notice her in the dark, unable to tear her gaze away from the sight. Farnsworth extended his arm, and Mintie watched in horror as Lilly leaned in, said something, then looped her arm through John’s. She continued staring after them as they sauntered down the street, slowing in front of the shop windows, pointing at one item or another, their laughter echoing through the thin night air.

  When they were finally out of sight, Mintie peeled herself away from the tree and stood staring after them as they continued arm in arm down the street. “I wonder what Adelaide will think about this!” she muttered before turning on her heel and proceeding toward Mrs. Hirman’s house on John Street.

  The turnout for the meeting was greater than anticipated, and Mintie found herself squeezed into a tiny space at the rear of the parlor, where it was difficult both to see and hear what was being said. Her mind continued to wander back to earlier events of the evening. Perhaps it was a good thing Adelaide had chosen to remain home tonight. What if she had been forced to deal with the sight of John and Lilly? Mintie immediately decided she would stop and visit with Adelaide on her way home.

  Mrs. Hirman interrupted Mintie’s thoughts when introducing Mr. Thorndyke, who promptly passed pamphlets out, enumerating the necessary steps for organizin
g an effective temperance union. The illustrious speaker, as Mrs. Hirman had described him, proceeded to discuss each step in minute detail. Just when Mintie thought the meeting could go on no longer, Mr. Thorndyke opened the meeting for questions.

  Mintie squirmed in her seat until Mrs. Hirman finally announced that refreshments were being served in the dining room. Making her excuses for an early exit, Mintie offered perfunctory thanks, rushed out the door, and headed toward home.

  She was on a mission to save her sister from the English scoundrel who was undoubtedly seeking favors from the young Miss Armbruster. Mintie’s feet couldn’t carry her quickly enough. Adelaide needed to accept the fact that John Farnsworth was a scallywag through and through. And as for Lilly—well, she was obviously intent on finding a way out of the mills, and John Farnsworth was her answer! “That young woman is getting more than she bargained for. Just wait until she discovers John Farnsworth is a traitor. I’d say that Lilly Armbruster and John Farnsworth are quite a match,” Mintie muttered as she scurried toward Jackson Street. Yes indeed, the sooner Adelaide knew of this liaison, the better.

  ****

  An insistent rapping at the front door caused Addie to shift uncomfortably in order to get to her feet.

  Lilly scurried from Addie’s bedroom calling over her shoulder, “You sit still, Miss Addie. I’ll find out who it is.”

  The knocking continued nonstop, and Addie couldn’t imagine what must be wrong. She looked to Nadene and shrugged. “Someone certainly sounds urgent.”

  Before Nadene could reply they heard Lilly question, “Miss Beecher, is something wrong?”

  Mintie’s determined voice demanded answers. “Where’s my sister?”

  Nadene began to cough, causing Addie to reach for a glass of water. “I wish she’d stayed home,” Addie whispered as she offered Nadene the drink.