“You’re wanting to know if I’m involved in that disastrous event? Word about town has it that there could be any number of suspects. I’m certainly not among the numbered few being discussed, but I have a feeling there’s ample evidence to assure that our Mr. O’Malley is involved in this crime, along with several of his Irish comrades. I do believe that once O’Malley is found responsible for the assault on Boott and the incident at the Appleton, the Associates will be convinced of Boott’s incompetence as a leader. Of course, the death of Kathryn and the child will further demonstrate the incivility of the Irish. All things considered, it appears as if matters aren’t boding well for the savages. If events don’t move in the direction I’m planning, I’ll have another assignment for you in the near future,” Thurston said as he smiled back at his own image in the mirror.
Lewis felt his heart begin to palpitate rapidly. He didn’t want another assignment. All he wanted was to disassociate from this web of horror in which he was now trapped. He watched as William began counting out his money.
“Give up the idea of South America, Lewis. At least for now,” Thurston said as he turned and pointed toward the gold lying on the table. “Attempting to remove yourself from my plans could prove—shall we say—fatal? I have eyes and ears everywhere, even along the docks, should you attempt to depart the country against my wishes. Men who enjoy trading information for a few coins. Make no mistake about me, Lewis. If I was unwilling to tolerate Kathryn’s demands, I’ll not tolerate yours. Do I make myself clear?”
Lewis nodded. “Abundantly,” he said. “However, I wasn’t attempting to make demands, but I have no desire to run these mills or live in Lowell. My genuine desire is to live in a larger city. Perhaps we could strike an agreement that I’ll complete one last assignment for you—then we’ll forget we ever knew each other?”
William gave him a thoughtful look. “You have my word.”
Lewis gave a nod of affirmation as they shook hands. “I believe I’ll go and have an ale before calling it a night. Enjoy your engagement,” he called over his shoulder.
Inhaling a deep breath of the cold night air, Lewis knew it was going to take more than one ale for him to forget Kathryn O’Hanrahan and her child. For several hours he sat at Nichol’s Tavern, quickly downing one tankard after another, while a conscience he had never before known gnawed at him, prohibiting him from shaking a vision of the woman and child from his mind. Finally weary of attempting to blot out the squalid event, Lewis threw a coin on the table and left. He began walking and then suddenly turned back toward the Acre. He couldn’t seem to stop himself; he had to know if someone had rescued the child.
Growing closer, he could hear an increasing commotion as he neared the house. A wagon rumbled by and came to a halt in front of Kathryn’s shanty. Moving closer, he stood watching from across the narrow street as a woman pulled herself up into the wagon and then held out her arms toward a child. Permitting the ale to give him false courage, Lewis stepped out in front of the wagon as it began to turn.
“Watch yer step!” the woman cried out, pulling her team of horses to an abrupt halt.
Lewis tipped his hat. “Sorry. I was wondering about all the turmoil and didn’t realize you were going to make such a sharp turn. Do you know what’s going on over there?” he asked, hoping the woman would take a moment to reply.
Wiping tears from her face with the dirty hem of her dress, she met his gaze. “Me sister’s died in her sleep, leavin’ this poor child without a ma or pa to love him.”
“Truly, died in her sleep, eh?” Lewis said hoping that no one ever suspected the death to be anything else.
“Where are you rushing off to with the child? Must you not see to a proper burial for his mother?” Lewis inquired.
The woman pulled the child close. “I must see to the child’s safety. Ya can’t be havin’ a babe in the midst of death. For sure it’ll be causin’ a curse upon him. Once I care for the boy, then I’ll bury me sister.”
Lewis stood watching until the wagon rolled out of the Acre before making his way home to fight the demons who visited him in his sleep that night. The woman had no way of knowing it was too late. The boy already had a curse upon him.
****
“This had better be important,” Nathan Appleton muttered to Tracy Jackson as they waited for the remainder of their colleagues to arrive. “Making a trip to Lowell in the dead of winter is not my idea of pleasure.”
“Nor mine,” Jackson agreed. “However, William sent word it was urgent, and although the man tends to exaggerate at times, we can’t ignore his warning, especially with Kirk still recuperating.”
“Yes, I understand. I think I’ll acquiesce and let you take control of tonight’s meeting, Tracy. Since Thurston contacted you directly, it just seems more appropriate.”
The remainder of the men finally arrived and one by one filed into the offices at the Merrimack. When the sound of scraping chairs and murmuring voices had finally quieted, Tracy stood. “Good evening, gentlemen. I thank you for your cooperation and willingness to travel to Lowell for this meeting. Hopefully, we will find resolution to several issues that have been brought to my attention by one of our members, William Thurston.” Tracy watched as William’s chest visibly swelled when the men turned in his direction and acknowledged him. Clearing his throat, Tracy continued. “Rather than attempt to explain the issues, I think it would be most expedient to read William’s missive, which I received earlier this week.”
The men listened attentively as Tracy read the allegations, all of which pointed toward Kirk Boott’s inability to properly handle the ongoing problems within the community and, in particular, his disinclination to tackle the Irish problem and bring the papists to heel. Murmurs once again filled the room until Tracy finally tapped on the desk in order to regain control of the meeting.
William rose from his chair. “If you have no objection, Tracy, I would be most willing to entertain any questions. But first let me reiterate that I feel Boott has been useless with his sweet talk and promises of a church for the papists. I believe we must make an example of the culprit who committed the shooting. Once that has been done, I believe we must impose severe restrictions and curfews on the Irish. If we force them to use identification passes, cease permitting them to settle in the Paddy camps, and cut their wages, we can keep them from further infiltrating the town. I believe we should hire Americans, even if it requires higher wages and a decrease in our profit. Now, any questions?”
Paul Moody lifted his cigar in the air. “I have one. Is Kirk not attending because he wasn’t invited or because he’s unable to be here due to his injury? It seems he should have the opportunity to answer these allegations.”
“I have presented all of my evidence to Mr. Boott; he is well aware of the involvement of the Irish in all of these incidents. And I would think you, of all people, Mr. Moody, would want these Irish thugs punished. It was one of your most valuable employees who died at the Appleton.”
Paul glowered at Thurston. “I don’t need you to tell me I’ve lost a valued employee, William. There’s nobody who wants the guilty party punished more than I do. However, when punishment is meted out, I want it to be upon the guilty person.”
“You sound like Boott. How much more evidence do you want? It’s obviously the Irish, and in fact, I’ve given you the name of the man who shot Boott and participated in the incident at the Appleton. I’ve reason to believe he and his cohorts have been involved in all of the mishaps that have been occurring at the mills. This Irish faction needs to be brought under control.”
All heads turned at the sound of a closing door and shuffling feet entering the building. “I am deeply touched, William, that you are so doggedly pursuing the criminal who attacked me,” Kirk Boott said as he limped into the room. He removed his beaver hat and placed it in Tracy’s extended hand. “Thank you, Tracy,” he said before continuing. “William is correct. He did send me what he purported was evidence that would convict
Johnny O’Malley of shooting me. As some of you know, Johnny is a fine Irish man who is closely associated with Hugh Cummiskey. He carries a great deal of influence among his countrymen. In fact, he’s been vital in securing additional workers from Boston when we needed them for new canal construction.”
The men nodded in agreement, all of them having seen the detailed reports Kirk had submitted to the Associates as their projects in Lowell progressed.
“For that very reason, I found William’s allegation against Johnny disquieting. After he left, Matthew Cheever and I thoroughly dissected the so-called evidence produced by William. It is all a lie. Had Johnny been located where William purports, it would have been impossible to shoot my right leg.”
William jumped to his feet. “Perhaps I misunderstood the exact location, but you can’t deny the piece of fabric from O’Malley’s coat.”
Kirk’s resolve was obvious as he pointed his cane toward William. “O’Malley tells me that coat came up missing several days before the shooting, and—”
“And you believe that?” William yelled. “Surely you men can see what I’ve been saying all along. He’s not fit to run this operation.”
“Sit down, William,” Tracy ordered from between clenched teeth. “You’ll have an opportunity to speak when Kirk has finished. Continue, Kirk,” Tracy said.
Kirk nodded. “As I was saying, the piece of cloth was found in the clump of trees where William alleges the shooter was located. If he’s now changing his mind about where the assassin was hiding, the piece of fabric is of no consequence, is it, William?”
William’s face had turned bright red. “Possibly not, but that doesn’t nullify the information regarding the incident at the Appleton. I told you I have men who will testify that O’Malley’s responsible for the death of Simeon Jones.”
“And I have evidence that Johnny O’Malley wasn’t even in town on the date of the accident,” Kirk rebutted. “Evidence that wasn’t bought and paid for.”
“What are you saying? That I concocted this whole thing? That’s absurd and you know it, Kirk. You put your evidence before these men, and I’ll do the same. We’ll see what’s been bought and paid for,” William challenged.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” Tracy called out, “let’s call a halt to this inappropriate behavior right now. We’re all gathered here to resolve this matter. Let’s do it in a civilized manner. William, you may present whatever evidence you have to prove your allegations that Kirk is unfit to continue as manager for the Corporation. Kirk, you may then defend your position.”
The group recessed while the two men sent for various witnesses to substantiate their allegations. It was growing late when Tracy finally called for a vote. “What say you, gentlemen? Let me have a show of hands. All those in favor of retaining Mr. Boott as manager of the Corporation? Those opposed?” Tracy nodded. “It appears you’re the only member opposed to Kirk’s retention, William.”
The group sat in stunned silence as William pointed his finger at the group. “You’ve not heard the last of this. You’ve made a grievous error.”
Chapter 30
Lilly watched as Miss Addie glanced across the street toward her sister’s boardinghouse. She wondered if the two sisters would ever resolve their differences. The waterwheel incident at the Appleton was still fresh when Mintie’s sharp tongue had lashed out against John Farnsworth. Unwilling to abide Mintie’s harsh attitude any longer, John had rebuked her for a lack of civility. Offended by his reproach, Mintie had unleashed her wrath upon him before finally accusing him of being a traitor. John had immediately packed his trunk and taken up residence at the Wareham House.
Had it not been for Lilly’s intervention, Matthew, now in charge of the boardinghouse keepers, would have immediately fired Miss Mintie as the keeper at number 7 Jackson Street. And had it not been for Miss Addie, Lilly would have bid Miss Mintie a fond farewell. But Addie’s despair over the situation had been heartwrenching. “It’s her upbringing that makes her act in such a manner,” she’d argued on her sister’s behalf. “If she loses her position, she’s likely to end up in a poorhouse, what with the Corporation unwilling to give her a reference,” Addie had wept. “I can’t bear to see her brought to ruin.”
When Lilly could listen to no more, she had gone and spoken to John, telling him of Addie’s anguish. John, in turn, had spoken to Matthew. And Matthew had told Mintie that had it not been for the kindness of John Farnsworth, she would have been sent packing.
In the weeks that followed, very little was seen of Miss Mintie. She remained tucked away in her house, caring for her boarders but doing little else. It appeared, however, that she hadn’t entirely given up her snooping. On occasion, she could still be seen peeking out from behind the heavy draperies at the front window.
“You’ve been very quiet of late, Miss Addie. What’s wrong?” Lilly questioned as she walked alongside the older woman while they headed toward town.
“I’ve been worried about Mintie. She’s not socializing at all. I hear she hasn’t attended her temperance meetings, and she hasn’t been at the sewing bees at the church. In fact, she appears to be sending Lucy to do most of her shopping nowadays. I fear she’s becoming a recluse. I’m hoping that once spring arrives, she’ll venture out a bit.”
Lilly patted Miss Addie’s hand. “I fear it may take more than a bit of warm weather to thaw Miss Mintie’s heart.”
“Most likely, you’re correct. She’s a proud woman, but deep down, she’s a good person, Lilly. I know that may be difficult for others to believe, but it’s her spirit that’s wounded. She feels unloved and unlovable.”
Lilly listened, her mind churning for some way she might encourage her friend. “I’ll try to come up with an idea to get her out of the house,” she promised, wondering how she could possibly make a chink in Miss Mintie’s armor.
“I believed the letter I wrote explaining John’s loyalty to this country, as well as the Corporation, would soften her. I even invited her to tea, but she didn’t respond,” Addie lamented.
“I must admit—I had my own concerns about Mr. Farnsworth at one time,” Lilly sheepishly admitted.
Addie gave her an astonished look. “Really? What made you question John?”
Lilly smiled. “One night when Matthew’s father was escorting me home, I saw John and several men huddled together in a seemingly clandestine meeting; they appeared to be arguing. When Mr. Cheever and I came into view, they rushed off. After listening to Miss Mintie’s accusations that Mr. Farnsworth was an English spy, I wondered if she was correct.”
Addie shifted her shopping basket to her left arm and smiled. “And what changed your mind?”
“Some time later, when Matthew and I were together, he mentioned Farnsworth and his loyalty to the Associates. I mentioned the meeting and my concerns. He laughed, telling me it was quite the opposite.”
Addie leaned in a bit closer, obviously intent on not missing a word.
“He explained that Mr. Farnsworth was unjustly fired from his position in England because the mill owners thought he had been bribed to help Mr. Lowell sneak plans for the looms out of England.”
“Did Matthew tell you that John escorted Mr. Lowell through the English mills? It was because of those tours that they accused him of commiserating with Mr. Lowell.”
“Their treatment of Mr. Farnsworth was reprehensible!” Lilly declared. “Matthew said that Mr. Farnsworth was so angered by his employer’s shoddy behavior that he decided he would come to the United States and help make the mills in New England better than those in the old country. Before he left, he formed an alliance with several of his friends who were being treated poorly. Mr. Farnsworth agreed to pay their passage if, upon their arrival, they brought him additional information concerning the machinery and operation of the mills where they worked in England. They arranged their meetings prior to the men being employed by the Corporation so no one would know of their association with Mr. Farnsworth.”
Addie
nodded. “That’s what John explained to me, also. John feared there might be retribution against the men’s families if any word leaked out they knew him. He didn’t want the men who were assisting him to face accusations of being spies. So instead of working against American industrialization, John and all of those men were aiding the industrialization in New England. I clearly explained those facts to Mintie when I wrote her, but obviously she has chosen to disregard the truth.”
“I imagine she’s embarrassed, especially since Mr. Farnsworth has proven to be a strong ally rather than a traitor. And since Miss Mintie’s so proud, it’s easier to seclude herself than face possible ridicule by others.”
They continued walking, stopping for a moment to glance in a window along the way. “I can understand Mintie’s hesitation to place herself in a position of public ridicule, but I’m her sister. It’s almost as if she’s unwilling to face the fact that she is wrong.”
Lilly thought about Addie’s words. “Admitting you’re wrong is difficult. I’ve wrestled with that issue myself. Perhaps we need to concentrate our prayers upon Miss Mintie. What do you think? If we can’t soften her, perhaps the Lord will.”
A glimmer shone in Miss Addie’s eyes. “Is that what helped change your attitude toward the mills?”
“A lot of prayer and several long talks with Matthew Cheever,” Lilly replied. “Even if Matthew and I never restore our relationship, he managed to show me that industrialization is a necessity. We can’t remain reliant upon England if we’re to be a free country. I continue to dislike the fact that East Chelmsford was the chosen spot, but I now accept that the mills are something I can’t change. I’m still praying about forgiveness toward those who wronged me. I believe I’ve come a long way in that regard, but when a day or two passes and I haven’t prayed about forgiveness, that same resentment creeps back into my mind. I think it will be an ongoing project for me.”
The women entered Whidden’s, stopping for a moment to examine a display of newly arrived lace. “Every one of us is an ongoing project that needs God’s forgiveness. You’ve matured in your faith right before my eyes, Lilly. If we can pray Mintie into that degree of maturity, perhaps we can mend our family ties. As for your relationship with Matthew, I believe you two are well on the way to restoration.”
Daughter of the Loom (Bells of Lowell Book #1) Page 32
