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

by Tracie Peterson

  Hurrying home, she attempted to remain calm as she ate dinner and waited. With Mr. Arnold living next door, she decided it would be best if she left the house early. She certainly didn’t want to chance an encounter with him before reaching St. Anne’s. Fortunately, Matthew was waiting near the church, his carriage one of several lining the street. “You’ll be warmer in the carriage,” he said, helping her inside.

  She didn’t argue. “Are the elders going to meet us?”

  “They’re waiting in the church vestibule. Mr. Sachs is watching for my signal.”

  “Here comes Mr. Arnold,” Lilly said in a hushed whisper. She slipped out of the carriage, and Matthew quickly signaled toward the church doors.

  Lilly moved from behind the horses and held up her arm, waving it back and forth. Arnold looked in her direction and headed across the street. He stepped close to her and placed his gloved hand on her arm.

  “Thaddeus! So pleased you could make our meeting on such short notice,” Elder Sachs greeted as he, Elder Jones, and Matthew stood waiting inside the iron fence that surrounded the churchyard. “Come in,” he said, holding open the gate.

  “What is going on?” Thaddeus asked under his breath.

  Lilly quickly moved away from Mr. Arnold and through the gate, keeping herself distanced from him as they entered the building. His confusion and discomfort were obvious as they sat down in a small room off the foyer.

  “We understand you’ve been good enough to continue paying wages to Nadene Eckhoff so long as Lilly is able to operate her looms at an adequate output. First, we want to tell you we’re proud that an elder of this church has acted in such a charitable manner,” Elder Sachs stated, his chest puffing out ever so slightly.

  Thaddeus gave Matthew a sidelong glance. “Thank you,” he mumbled.

  “I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that Mr. Cheever has agreed that this arrangement may continue throughout Nadene’s recuperation from her injuries. We thank you for that generosity, Mr. Cheever, as I’m sure Thaddeus may have had some concerns about the company’s attitude about such an agreement. Wouldn’t that be true, Thaddeus?”

  Thaddeus’s head bobbed up and down, his gaze never leaving the mosaic inset beneath his feet.

  Elder Sachs laced his bony fingers together atop the wooden table. “We’re attempting to help all of the girls working in the mill, and Lilly has mentioned several girls on your floor who might need some guidance and counseling, particularly regarding how to handle themselves in difficult situations. We were thinking of having a symposium. Of course, it wouldn’t be for just the mill girls,” he said.

  Lilly straightened in her chair. “Perhaps your wife would like to attend, Mr. Arnold.”

  He met her stare. “She doesn’t enjoy socializing in large groups,” he replied.

  “If she’s reticent to attend, I’m sure the elders would be happy to call at your home and encourage her,” Lilly replied in a firm voice.

  “Absolutely. We would be delighted. And now that we’re discussing your wife, I don’t believe I’ve seen her in church for some time. Has she been ill?” Elder Sachs inquired.

  “I believe she has, hasn’t she, Mr. Arnold? But I’m certain she’s on the road to a complete recovery. Isn’t that correct?” Lilly tilted her head and gave Thaddeus a bright smile.

  His thin lips were set in a tight line. “Yes. She should be well enough to attend church by next week.”

  Lilly realized Arnold was giving his wife enough time to recuperate from the latest beating. But granting him this one concession would be a small price to pay for Mrs. Arnold’s future safety. “And I’m sure Mrs. Arnold would enjoy meeting with the ladies for Bible study. Miss Addie tells me a group of them remain for a quilting bee in the afternoons. I’ll tell Miss Addie to visit with your wife about attending.”

  Elder Jones slapped his knee. “Absolutely. My wife attends, as well. She comes home, prepares lunch, and then returns for an afternoon of sewing. Mrs. Jones always has a wonderful time. I’ll tell her to make a special effort to invite Mrs. Arnold.”

  “How grand!” Lilly said.

  “I’m glad we’ve had this meeting,” Elder Sachs replied. “I want to do what I can to ensure living in Lowell is a positive experience for these young farm girls. I believe the elders of this church have a duty to them. Their parents have entrusted them to our community, and we must honor their confidence that no harm will come to any of them. Don’t you agree, Thaddeus?”

  The room was cool, yet a small line of perspiration beaded across Arnold’s upper lip. His voice trembled slightly as he said, “Yes, of course. If that’s all, gentlemen?” There was a note of hopefulness that they were through for the evening. He leaned forward and rose from his chair.

  “I believe so,” Elder Jones said, glancing about the table. The meeting quickly adjourned, and Thaddeus made a hasty retreat back in the direction from which he had arrived.

  “Did our meeting accomplish everything you had hoped for?” Elder Sachs asked Matthew as they walked from the church.

  Matthew nodded and shook hands with both of the men. “I believe everything has been satisfactorily resolved. And I appreciate the trust you’ve exhibited in me.”

  Once the men had departed and Matthew assisted her into the carriage, Lilly turned and faced him. “You didn’t tell them about his behavior with the girls, did you?”

  “No. I merely explained my fear that the behavior of some men in the community toward the girls could become a problem. I told the elders I thought it would be beneficial for them to meet with one or two key supervisors who are members of St. Anne’s and reinforce the church’s position. It’s more likely that the Arnolds’ marriage will heal if there isn’t gossip about town regarding his immoral behavior.”

  Lilly furrowed her brow and gave him a pensive look. “I’m surprised you thought about such a thing.”

  “We humans tend to worry about what other people think about us. In fact, I think half the time folks make decisions based solely upon what others may think and the other half based upon their own selfish desires. It’s too bad we don’t worry more about God’s perception of our behaviors and His desires instead. After all, that’s the true test, isn’t it?”

  She was startled by the acuity of his observation, convicted by his words.

  ****

  Lilly didn’t permit herself to look in Mr. Arnold’s direction as she entered the spinning room the next morning. He made his way up and down the aisles several times, much as he always did. She watched from beneath hooded lids, not wanting him to notice as she observed his movements. This morning his hands remained to himself; there were no unseemly touches or pats, no leaning over and whispering into an ear—only the necessary supervision of an overseer checking production. She relaxed a bit, the tedium of the work calming her roiling emotions. It appeared as if last night’s meeting produced the desired effect.

  The breakfast bell tolled in the distance, and Lilly slapped the loom handles, the metal foursome shuttering into silence as the buzzing bobbins ceased their whirling. Thaddeus stood in the aisle blocking her departure. She remained frozen in place, unable to speak.

  He sneered at her. “My wife would like to attend the symposium. Would you ask Miss Beecher if she would be so kind as to pass along the particulars to Mrs. Arnold once they become available?”

  Lilly bobbed her head up and down. “Yes—yes,” she stammered. “I’m sure Miss Addie will be most pleased to meet your wife.”

  He stepped aside, careful there was ample room for Lilly to pass by. She continued staring at him as she inched her way around him, waiting, expecting, certain he would reach out and grasp her.

  He didn’t. Instead he said, “This isn’t over, Miss Armbruster, but I know how to mind my business and bide my time. You’ll pay for this.”

  She chilled and looked into his face. “If you don’t cooperate . . .”

  “I never said a word about not cooperating. Like I said, I know how to bide
my time.” He walked away at that, leaving Lilly shaken. Perhaps she’d only made matters worse.

  Matthew met Lilly halfway up the stairs. “Are you all right? I was waiting in the mill yard. When I didn’t see you come out, I was concerned.” He grabbed her by the hand. “Come on, I’ll walk you over to the boardinghouse.”

  “Everything’s . . . well . . . Mr. Arnold confronted me a few minutes ago, and I must admit my faith wavered.”

  “He confronted you?” Matthew pulled her to a halt.

  “He blocked my exit in order to make a request.”

  “What?” Matthew’s indignation was obvious.

  “He asked if I would have Miss Addie call upon his wife regarding the time and date of the symposium.”

  Matthew exhaled and loosened his grip on her arm. “That shows cooperation.”

  Lilly nodded. “Yes, but he also said this wasn’t over. That he knows how to mind his business and bide his time.”

  “You’ve wounded his pride, Lilly. It’s going to take him time to deal with that. Men don’t handle wounded pride very well. I know that firsthand.”

  She looked up at him, her breath catching in her throat. “I know about wounded pride, as well.”

  “Time heals all wounds,” Matthew replied, his loving gaze upon her.

  Lilly struggled with her emotions. Putting on a smile she didn’t feel, she said, “Could we move along now? Breakfast will be over before I reach home, and I’m fairly famished.”

  He laughed as the two of them broke into a run. “I wouldn’t want to be accused of causing you to miss a meal, Miss Armbruster.”

  Chapter 27

  Christmas morning dawned bright and clear with a fresh covering of snow to make everything look pristine and white. Lilly awakened, not to the sound of the work bell but rather to the sound of merriment. The other girls were giggling and preparing for the day. Some were making short trips home. Others, whose families lived too far for a day’s journey, were making plans to celebrate together.

  Lilly had been invited to join the Cheevers for Christmas dinner, but her heart wasn’t really in it. She thought of this being the first Christmas without her beloved father, and depression washed over her in waves. It had been so hard to lose her mother, but at least there had been the comfort of her father’s love. Now there was no one.

  “Come on, sleepyhead,” Pru teased. “Miss Addie has promised a gay Christmas Day. I’ll see you downstairs.” She hurried from the room, leaving Lilly alone.

  “I’m coming,” Lilly murmured, throwing back the covers. The chill of the room nearly made her change her mind and pull the covers tight again. Nevertheless, Lilly forced herself to get up. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she yawned and stretched.

  Draped over her trunk was a beautiful gauze-over-satin gown, compliments of Julia Cheever. The woman had arrived the night before with her husband, laden with packages. Christmas gifts for Lilly.

  Lilly had tried to refuse them, for after all, she had no gift for the Cheevers. Julia would hear nothing of it. She’d had these gifts specially made, and they would suit no one else. Besides, she told Lilly, it would simply break her heart if Lilly were to refuse.

  Hurrying through her morning rituals, Lilly took up the new petticoat and added its warmth to her freezing frame. She’d heard that many women were actually taking to wearing more than one petticoat in order to make their skirts stand full. Lilly thought it rather nonsensical, but she had to admit the material warmed her quite nicely. Two petticoats would probably be even better.

  Pulling on the gown of white trimmed in pink, Lilly struggled to do up the buttons before tying the pink waist sash. She would be the height of fashion today, there was no denying that. The gown even boasted the popular puffed gigot sleeves, although Lilly gratefully noted they weren’t nearly as full as some she’d seen.

  The gown fell to several inches above the floor, trimmed in three rows of pale pink ruffles. No woman in Boston, not even Boott’s niece, Isabelle, could boast being more fashionable or up-to-date than Lilly Armbruster.

  Taking up the accompanying new bonnet and gloves, Lilly made her way downstairs.

  “Oh, your gown is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen,” gushed Marmi. “I wish I were your size—I would beg to borrow it.”

  Lilly laughed. “And I would let you, of course.”

  Miss Addie appeared and nodded enthusiastically. “Oh yes. Yes, it’s perfect. How positively delightful. Mrs. Cheever has impeccable taste.”

  Lilly smiled and nodded. “I cannot complain about her taste or the fashion. I do wish she’d saved her money, however. I have nothing to give in return.”

  Addie leaned in close enough for only Lilly to hear. “It would make quite the gift if you were to marry their son.”

  Lilly stepped away and waggled her finger. “Miss Addie, you would do well to plan your own wedding.”

  The girls fussed over Lilly’s gown, marveling at the bonnet and expressing their desire to have one made just like it. Even Nadene thought the gown to be most incredible, although she wasn’t feeling all that well. Her cough had kept her awake for a good portion of the night, and her burns were still far from healed.

  After a delicious breakfast that included a dense cake filled with dried fruits and nuts, which Miss Addie had labored over the day before, Lilly made her excuses and went to take up her cloak. The shabby thing seemed an inappropriate covering while wearing such a rich gown, but Lilly had no choice. She couldn’t afford to be wasteful with her money, and the old cloak was still serviceable.

  Tying her bonnet securely, Lilly made her way outside. Thankfully, the snow had been shoveled from the walkway. The town was nearly silent, almost as if it were napping. The mills were quiet, and everyone was tucked safely in their homes to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

  Lilly walked slowly, considering her mission. She had not gone back to her father’s grave since the day of his funeral. For some reason, it seemed very important to go there today. She opened the iron gate to the small cemetery and slipped inside. Making her way through the rows of headstones, she came to the one bearing the name ARMBRUSTER.

  This was the final earthly resting place of her parents. Bending down, Lilly pushed the snow from the top of the stone, then stepped back. “I miss you both,” she whispered. “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without you.” She paused, feeling rather silly for talking to the headstone. She knew her parents were in heaven, but somehow being here made her feel closer to them.

  “I don’t know what to do,” she continued. “I thought I knew what was right. I had a purpose, and that purpose was to cause as much grief for the Associates and their horrible mills as I could, but now it’s different. What little I did do ended up hurting Nadene, and she was already so fragile and sickly. I’ve only made it worse.

  “I know many people here feel just as I do—they hate the mills and the fact that the beauty of the land has been forever spoiled. They feel just as duped as we did. But there are others who see the change as good. The Cheevers have accepted this change and have thrived. Matthew seems very happy.” She sighed and shivered against the cold.

  “I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel lost and confused. I’m so uncertain of the future and what direction to take.”

  “Seek the Lord in all things. He will guide your steps.” She could almost hear her mother’s words.

  “I haven’t been very good about seeking Him or His will for my life. I’ve been too preoccupied with what I wanted and how I thought it was what God wanted, as well. After all, even though I discontinued my attacks against the mill, the mishaps continued. It surely must have been the hand of God.” Yet even as she spoke the words, Lilly wasn’t sure she believed them.

  “I want to do whatever you want, Lord. I just need some direction.” Looking heavenward to the crystal blue skies, Lilly sought her answers. “What is it you want for me? What am I to do?”

  “You’ll get a stiff neck that way.”

 
Lilly startled as she looked in the direction of the voice. Mintie Beecher stood on the other side of the iron gate.

  “Merry Christmas, Miss Beecher,” Lilly said, leaving her parents’ graves.

  “What were you craning your neck to see, child?” The old woman seemed so small snuggled down in her heavy wool coat and bonnet.

  Lilly smiled. “The face of God. I thought maybe I could hear Him better if I could see Him. Soul-searching comes in all forms.”

  The woman’s face wrinkled as she pursed her lips in consideration. “Stuff and nonsense, child. It’s cold out here, and you’ll catch your death in such a thin cloak.”

  “Why are you out here, Miss Beecher?”

  “That’s really none of your concern,” she snapped.

  Lilly shrugged. “I was just being sociable. I meant nothing by it.” She thought of the sour woman and how hard it had been for her to deal with her sister’s romantic situation.

  Mintie softened her expression. “I’m just taking a walk. Nothing more.”

  “I understand,” Lilly said softly. She came through the gate and closed it behind her ever so gently. “I suppose I must get back to the house. Will you be joining us? I know Miss Addie extended you an invitation.”

  “I’m considering it,” Mintie replied, then her voice took on a strained sound. “Although with that John Farnsworth present, she’ll hardly notice whether I’m there or not. She doesn’t listen to me when he’s around.”

  “Maybe you have your own soul searching to do,” Lilly replied gently. “Good day, Miss Beecher. I truly hope you can make it.”

  * * *

  Mintie watched the young girl walk away. Her footprints in the snow seemed so small, yet there was a wealth of strength in Lilly Armbruster. There was a great deal of strength in Adelaide, as well. Mintie’s shoulders slumped forward, something she never allowed to happen. She felt a sense of defeat wash over her.