“It must run in the family,” James replied. “Several years ago Alice’s father, Gavin Harrington, offered to assist my father when his business was struggling.” He flicked a glance to Daniel. “But some men don’t believe in being honorable.”
“Yes, I know the story,” Mrs. McAdams added quickly.
“You would equate honor with bad business decisions,” Daniel said, sitting back to let the waiter clear the soup and place a clean plate before him.
“Sometimes honor is more important in the scheme of the world,” James said, his temper rising swiftly.
“Now gentlemen,” Lillie chimed in, “we’re here to celebrate dear Alice’s birthday. Let’s keep it civil.”
The waiters brought a platter of roast beef and mashed potatoes, thick gravy, a dish of fresh corn in melted butter, and a steaming bowl of baked apples. James consumed the meal, all the while aware of Alice beside him as she chatted quietly with Mrs. McAdams.
Once dinner was complete and the table cleared, Lillie stood. “And now it’s time to celebrate Alice’s birthday on this festive Christmas Eve.” She nodded and a waiter signaled for another to enter. A large two-tiered cake covered in ivory frosting and red roses was placed on the table. Everyone stood and clapped.
Alice’s face turned crimson. “Thank you, everyone. I know that circumstances haven’t always been the best, so I appreciate that you all could be here.”
“It’s our pleasure,” Vera replied.
“Yes, Alice, I’m so happy for you,” Edith Harrington said.
Daniel gave a slight nod of acknowledgement. “Happy birthday, Alice.”
James raised his glass of port. “To Alice.” Everyone did the same. He had many more words he wanted to say, but held back.
A round of, “Here, here,” was said.
“Please sit,” Lillie instructed. The waiter took the cake to a side table, cut several slices, and distributed the dessert plates to Alice and her guests.
“Now that we’re nearing the end of this lovely dinner,” Lillie continued, “it’s time for Alice’s gifts. I hope you all won’t mind if I go first. Alice’s mother bequeathed to her an exciting business venture to be acquired on her twenty-first birthday—Alice has inherited ownership of Menhaden Fishing, located in Tiverton.”
James frowned. What the devil?
Why was Lillie involved with this?
“What are you talking about?” Daniel demanded.
“It’s no use denying it or keeping it a secret,” Lillie chided. “Mr. Tavish here has all the particulars.”
“He’s got nothing,” Daniel argued.
“On the contrary, Mr. Endicott,” Henry Tavish rebutted, retrieving a stack of papers from his leather briefcase. “Hazel Harrington Endicott filed the paperwork, which is signed by you, with a city clerk. I’ll admit, it took some searching to locate it, but it’s valid. You must uphold the terms of the agreement or be in breach of contract.” Tavish hurriedly placed spectacles on his nose and scanned the document. “Yes, it’s all right here. Ms. Endicott is now the owner of Menhaden Fishing.”
Daniel stood, his face bulging in anger. “How dare you meddle in my family’s business.”
James bolted to his feet. “You can direct any complaints you have to me. I’m still her husband, and as such, I own the fishery now.”
“The day’s not over yet,” Daniel spat out. “You will sign those divorce papers. It’s what Alice wanted, and as you believe yourself to be so honorable, such a man would abide by the lady’s wishes.”
“I must interrupt.” Lillie’s calm voice belied the order beneath it. “Please sit down, gentlemen.”
Reluctantly James took his chair. Alice, Vera and Edith sat rigid and quiet as if corseted by the heavy tension in the room.
Daniel didn’t hide a sneer as he finally resumed his seat.
“Actually, Menhaden Fishing doesn’t belong to you, James,” Lillie said.
Surprised, he glanced up at her.
“Forgive my bluntness, but your marriage has remained unconsummated, and as such, the union can’t be considered fully legal. Therefore, Alice can take possession of her inheritance directly. Mr. Tavish has prepared the proper documentation on her behalf.”
Tavish’s head bobbed in agreement, blushing from Lillie’s bold statement.
Stunned, James swung his gaze to his wife. Alice met his eyes, no sign of meekness or uncertainty present. She’d managed to take Menhaden Fishing from both him and Daniel. While he couldn’t deny the sting from her subterfuge, he couldn’t help but admire her initiative. The woman had gumption, just as he'd suspected all along.
A smile graced his lips. “Well played, Alice.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Buoyed by the look of admiration in James’ eyes, Alice steadied herself. Daniel’s outburst had unnerved her, despite the fact she’d expected it.
She fortified herself and shifted her attention to her stepfather. “I don’t wish to be divorced. I never did. I understand that James married me to satisfy a vendetta against you and to reclaim what he believed belonged to him.” She felt all the eyes at the table on her, but kept her focus. She turned to James. “I’ll stay in the marriage, but only if you agree to my terms.”
She hoped she didn’t misread the look of relief on his face.
“And what would those be?”
“That I will own Menhaden Fishing for the length of our marriage, however long that might be. While I may seek your help in business decisions, my main partner will be Lillie Jenkins.”
James raised an eyebrow and threw a look in Lillie’s direction, not one filled with anger but rather grudging admiration.
“I’m perfectly happy settling in Tiverton and not Newport,” she continued, “but I would like you to stop living in the servant’s quarters.”
“Done.”
Taken aback by his swift response, Alice didn’t know what to say.
“Oh for God sakes!” Daniel stood and threw his napkin onto the table. “You women can’t manage these businesses. You have no idea what you’re doing. You’ll run it all into the ground. Lillie, marry me, and I can take all this worry away from you. And Alice, you’re a young, ignorant girl. Divorce this clodhopper before he makes you any more miserable, and I’ll take care of you. I always said I would.”
“While I appreciate your offer, Daniel,” Lillie said, “I’m not interested in marrying again. I’m prepared to take my chances running Stephen’s interests. And you’ve greatly underestimated Alice. What you call ignorance is simply youth. She’s smart, and I can help her.”
Daniel shook his head. “You can help yourself. You’re taking advantage of her as readily as this man who married her under false pretense.”
Alice stood, fueled by outrage. “You took everything that my father had built, but it was never yours to take. My mother married you because she was afraid she’d lose everything, but she managed to preserve this for me, and I won’t let her down. Or my father. Lillie Jenkins helped me when I had no one else, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. I’m an adult now, Daniel. I no longer require your help.”
He shook his head. “You’re making a terrible mistake, but let’s be clear. When this all falls to pieces, don’t come to me begging for help. You can have that damn Menhaden Fishing. I’m finished with this.” And with that, he left the room.
Mr. Tavish chased after him. “If you’ll just sign a few papers, sir.”
“Don’t worry,” Lillie said. “Tavish’ll get everything in order. He may seem a little nervous, but he’s quite good at what he does.”
Still reeling from her outburst, Alice could hardly believe that it was over. She looked to Vera beside her and saw the elderly woman beaming. “You’ve the look of your father right now.”
Edith came around the table and hugged Alice. “She’s right. I’m so proud of you, Alice. I hope you’ll always let me be here for you.” Her eyes shifted to where James stood behind her. “And your husband.”
“You both will always be welcome in our home,” James said, placing a hand at Alice’s back. “And I promise to bring Alice to Newport as often as she wishes.”
As her nerves slowly dissipated, Alice leaned into her husband, a small bubble of happiness starting to grow in her chest. He’d agreed to her demands. He’d let go of Menhaden Fishing. She felt for the first time that he was willing to make a real marriage, not one based on what he could gain from her.
As James guided Alice into the main dining room, Lillie stepped forward and embraced her. “I’m happy for you both.” She gave James a peck on the cheek.
“I had no idea you felt so strongly about pursuing Stephen’s businesses,” James said to her.
“Sometimes circumstances force you beyond yourself,” Lillie replied. “Alice understands.”
A flutter of nerves took flight in Alice’s abdomen. She was about to embark into uncharted waters, and not just with a new company to run. She anticipated that tonight would be, at long last, her true wedding night.
“Thank you, Lillie,” Alice said sincerely. “You’ve been a genuine friend.”
Lillie smiled. “I’ll secure carriages for Vera and Edith, and I’ll have Tavish wait for you both in the lobby. I think it’s best to have everything signed and sealed before you both enjoy your first Christmas as a married couple. Oh, one other thing. Local authorities have determined that William Evans was responsible for bribing that vagrant to push Alice into the harbor. He’s been arrested, so he shouldn’t bother you anymore.” She left them.
“It’s a good thing he’s in jail,” James muttered.
“Yes. I’d hate for you two to get in a scuffle again.” Alice glanced to James and saw a glint in his gaze that stole her breath and set her heart to pounding.
“I only get into scuffles for you.” He leaned down and tenderly kissed her. She closed her eyes and delighted in the feel of his mouth upon hers, not even caring that they were in public.
Remaining close, his voice low so that no one else could hear, he said, “I have to admit that I didn’t have high hopes for this outcome, but I’m eternally grateful that you’ve given me a second chance. I’ll spend the rest of my life making certain you don’t regret it. I’m sorry I lied to you. I love you, Alice.”
Alice’s heart swelled, and she couldn’t help herself—she threw her arms around him and buried her face into his neck. “I love you too, James. I believe that I always did, maybe as far back as our first meeting at the train station.”
He wrapped her into his arms. “Am I really that irresistible?”
“Yes,” she replied, her thoughts scattered. “You said that one day, I’d beg you to come to my bed,” she whispered. “Well, this is me begging.”
“We best get upstairs before you make a spectacle of the both of us.”
She nodded, standing back, feeling slightly embarrassed.
With his lips at her ear, he said, “But once we’re behind closed doors, Mrs. Martel, you can behave any way you like.”
A shiver rippled through her.
Alice couldn’t wait to get her husband all to herself.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
When Alice awoke, James already had breakfast waiting at the oval sitting table before the window, a blustery wind blowing outside. The gray skies, however, couldn’t dampen her happiness.
“Good morning.” He came to her.
His shirt hung loose, and his hair was still mussed; Alice thought he’d never looked more handsome. Wearing nothing but her chemise, she sat upright, a blaze in the fireplace warming her. But then, so did the man in the room.
He sat on the edge of the bed. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes.” She smiled, remembering the loving and passionate embrace of her husband throughout the night.
“I’m glad. But before I let you eat something, I wanted to give you this.” He presented a velvet box upon his large palm. “It is Christmas morning, after all.”
“Oh James, I don’t have anything for you.”
“On the contrary. You’ve given me the best present I could ask for—you.”
He kissed her then handed the gift to her. She opened the box—inside lay a round locket. Carefully inscribed on the top was a quotation from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
The dawn is not distant, nor is the night starless; love is eternal.
Tears welled in her eyes. “You remembered that he’s my favorite poet,” she whispered.
He swiped the stray tears from her cheeks. “I recall all the things that are special about you. I thought maybe you could put a photo of your mother and father inside.”
She sniffled and laughed. “Or maybe pictures of our children.”
“Or that,” he agreed.
“Thank you, James.” She became serious. “You’re not upset about Menhaden Fishing?”
He watched her. “No. I suppose I was so single-minded in my goal to get it back that I didn’t consider others. It’ll be in a good hands with you.” He grinned. “I think.”
She pushed at him in mock derision.
“God help me,” he continued, laughing, “I’m going to have to go head to head with you and Lillie.”
“Perhaps we can work something out since I believe our fleet is larger than yours.”
He pushed her back onto the bed. “Is there a way I might garner favor with the new owner.”
“It might be possible to work out some type of exchange.”
James nuzzled her neck and any further conversation was impossible.
* * * *
December 25, 1890
My Dear Leora,
I’m writing to you on Christmas Day, and it’s a most wonderful holiday for me. I can only hope the same is true for you and that you’ve found happiness with your pastor. I’m happy to report that my marriage to James Martel, Frank’s brother, has taken a turn for the better. While it began under a false pretense, and there was much concern as to his motives, I now rest assured in his high regard and love. I was forced to engage with my stepfather despite my every effort in believing that I wouldn’t have to, but you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve inherited a fishing company, thanks to the foresight of my mother. I come to my marriage an equal partner, and I can continue the legacy of not only my father, but James’ as well.
I miss you and the other girls dearly, and I pray that each of you has found joy and prosperity in your new situations.
Yours Affectionately,
Alice
Epilogue
May 1891
Alice waited eagerly as the Old Colony train pulled into the Tiverton station. As passengers disembarked, she stood on her tiptoes.
“You said she looks like you,” James said, standing beside her. “That should make her easy to spot.”
Alice laughed. “I hope they weren’t delayed.”
At that moment, Beth Mitchell Montgomery exited a passenger car, a gentleman behind her.
Alice grabbed James’ hand and dragged him along as she pushed forward through the crowd.
Beth grinned upon noticing her and ran the last few steps, then embraced her.
“I’m so thrilled you’ve come,” Alice said, facing her friend once again.
Beth took hold of a tall, dark-haired man’s arm. “I want you to meet my husband, George Montgomery.”
“It’s a pleasure.” Alice shook his hand. “And this is my husband, James Martel.”
With greetings exchanged, James ushered all of them into a waiting carriage.
Settled across from Beth, Alice couldn’t contain her curiosity. “Tell me about the children. How are they?” Beth had written to her of becoming a stepmother to two girls.
“Harriet, who goes by Harry, is six now and is a bundle of energy. She’s so curious about everything and loves to climb trees. Genevieve—we call her Genny—is eight and is much more serious. She’s always got her nose in a book.”
“Sounds like Alice,” James remarked. His hand clasped hers.
/> “Yes,” Beth replied, “I remember Alice always had a book of poetry by Longfellow tucked into her skirt pocket when we worked at the factory.”
“You had time to read?” George asked. “I heard you ladies were worked to the bone.”
“We were,” Alice said. “But I’d read snippets on the short breaks. Where are Harry and Genny now?”
Beth smiled at her husband. “We have a lovely housekeeper in Lawrence named Mandy, who is watching them.”
They arrived at the Martel home, and Alice welcomed Beth into the parlor while their husbands dispatched the luggage.
Alice shed her bonnet, and Beth did the same. “I’ll just make some tea, and we can visit.”
“Alice, good grief. You’re not to wait on me. Show me where the kitchen is.”
Beth followed her down the hallway. Alice put a kettle of water onto the stove and stoked the fire while Beth retrieved teacups, sugar and cream.
“Let’s sit while we wait for the water to boil,” Alice said. “I’m so glad you’ve come to visit. Tell me about your Mr. Montgomery.”
“It didn’t begin as a love match, but I’m happy to say it is now.”
“I’m so relieved.”
“How are you and James?” Beth asked.
“Well, I have news I’ve not yet told anyone.” Alice couldn’t keep the grin from her face. “We’re to have a baby.”
“Oh Alice, that’s wonderful.” Beth reached across the small wooden table and squeezed her hand. “I’m hoping soon to have such news as well. Is it really true that you run a fishing company?”
Alice nodded. “James has even given me space at his office down at the wharf so that I can accompany him to work each day. Although, once the baby arrives, I’ll do so less. We haven’t quite worked out all the pieces, but James is very supportive.” Alice dropped a hand to her abdomen and the blessed bundle growing inside, then gazed at her friend. “I’ve been thinking. If the fire hadn’t occurred, then we would never have become mail-order brides. We would never have met our dear husbands.”
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