These Tangled Threads

by Tracie Peterson

  “This is just lovely, John. I had no idea it would be such a pretty place,” Addie noted. John reached up to help Bella down before Taylor could protest.

  “It costs a pretty price, so it should be,” John answered, smiling at Bella.

  The front door opened and a dimple-cheeked girl bounded out, her nutmeg brown hair flying loose behind her. Taylor fell backward against the carriage as the girl enveloped him in a tackling embrace. “Elinor,” he said while attempting to gain his footing, “you’ve grown considerably.”

  “Yes,” she agreed. “I’m already taller than Grandmother. Do hurry up—she’s quite anxious to see you.”

  “Though not quite so anxious as you,” he said with a chuckle. “Elinor, this is my wife, Arabella—Bella. She’s been eager to meet you.”

  Elinor gave a quick curtsy. “Pleased to meet you, Bella.”

  Bella graced Elinor with a charming smile. “The pleasure is mine,” she said before turning toward Taylor. “You didn’t tell me she was such a beautiful young lady.”

  Elinor beamed. “That’s because he thinks I’m still a little girl.”

  John strode toward Elinor and pulled her close. “You are a little girl. Now come over here and you can meet my wife. Elinor, this is Adelaide Beecher Farnsworth, and I’m certain she’s going to be delighted to have you address her as Aunt Addie.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Aunt Addie. Grandfather Farnsworth is very anxious to meet you,” Elinor said while dropping into an exaggerated curtsy. “All these weddings,” she mused. “I do wish I could have come to see them. I’m sure they were grand.”

  Addie’s face had visibly paled at the child’s remark, and Bella went quickly to her side. “I’m sure John’s father is anxious to meet you in the very best of ways,” Bella whispered while squeezing the older woman’s hand. “I, too, am feeling a bit nervous over meeting our new relatives.”

  “Are you attempting to frighten my wife into leaving before we’ve even gotten settled, Elinor?” John asked with a chuckle. “See if your brother would like some help.”

  Elinor hurried back to her brother, who was now wrestling a large humpbacked trunk. She eyed him momentarily and then grasped Bella’s hand. “I’ll show you inside,” she offered.

  Though her stomach lurched at the prospect of being scrutinized by Taylor’s family, Bella nodded her agreement and took hold of Elinor’s hand. What if Taylor’s grandmother didn’t like her? She followed the younger girl up the steps and into the house, with Elinor tugging upon her hand each time she attempted to lag behind. Stopping to admire a quaint hand-loomed rug inside the front door, Bella grinned at Elinor before finally surrendering to the child’s insistent yank.

  “Come on. Grandmother Cordelia is in the parlor,” Elinor urged, pulling her forward. “Here she is, Taylor’s wife,” the girl announced with a beaming smile.

  Bella felt as though she were a prize animal placed on display for approval and possible purchase. She glanced back and forth between the older woman and the gentleman who had now risen from his chair, his few wisps of white hair falling forward as he nodded his head into a bow.

  “I’m Jarrow Farnsworth, Taylor’s grandfather on his mother’s side of the family, although I’m sure you’ve already come to that conclusion. And this is your husband’s grandmother on his father’s side, Cordelia Manning. Come have a seat,” he said while directing her to the tapestry-covered settee. “Go on, sit down,” he encouraged. “We’ll not bite.”

  Bella forced herself to smile at the remark and seated herself across from Cordelia Manning. The older woman was obviously appraising her. “The others will be in shortly. Elinor insisted I come ahead,” she stammered, looking to Grandfather Farnsworth as he took a seat once again.

  “Elinor can be very insisting,” Jarrow said with a hint of amusement in his tone.

  “I hope you’re a woman of high moral fiber. Taylor was always drawn to the wrong type of women when he lived in England. Ever since he sailed for the United States, I’ve prayed he’d find a good God-fearing woman who would steer him onto the straight and narrow,” Cordelia said.

  A loud thud, followed by the sound of footsteps, echoed from the hallway. “I wasn’t sure where you wanted me to put the trunks,” Taylor said as he strode into the parlor. Moving directly to his grandmother, he pulled her into a warm embrace and kissed her on the cheek. “You look beautiful, as always,” he flattered.

  The admiration brought a faint smile to Cordelia’s lips. “You always did have a way with words,” she remarked.

  “At least with the women,” his grandfather interjected.

  “You’re still quick with a rebuttal, Grandfather,” Taylor replied as he grasped his grandfather’s hand in a warm handshake.

  Jarrow winked. “It’s my body that’s the problem, not my mind.”

  As if prompted by his words, Cordelia leaned to the right and tucked the lap robe more tightly around the old man’s legs. “Now, then, tell us about your bride,” she said.

  Taylor smiled at Bella as he dropped down beside her. “Your prayers have been answered, Grandmother. I know Bella will meet your every expectation.”

  Cordelia folded her hands and then rested them in her lap. “We shall see,” she murmured.

  Bella gazed at Cordelia, uncertain what was meant by the older woman’s response. Perhaps Taylor’s grandmother had some personal test in store for her. However, John and Addie’s appearance in the parlor forestalled any immediate discussion of the matter.

  Jarrow’s lips turned upward into a broad smile, and his blue eyes twinkled. “John! It is so good to see you. And this must be Adelaide,” he said. “Very pleased to meet you. I suppose you realize you’ve snagged yourself a fine husband,” he continued with an exaggerated wink.

  “Indeed I do,” Addie replied, returning his smile.

  “I’m the fortunate one in this marriage. Addie has the patience of Job and the kindness of an angel.”

  Jarrow gave a hearty laugh. “I’m certain you’re right on that account, John,” he replied.

  Bella smiled, enjoying the verbal exchange between the Farnsworths. It appeared the elder Mr. Farnsworth was pleased with John’s choice for a wife. She wasn’t, however, so certain about Cordelia Manning’s feelings toward her. Perhaps Mrs. Manning thought her grandson deserved someone prettier or perhaps a woman of higher social standing. Elinor sidled closer and then carefully wedged herself between Bella and the arm of the settee.

  “We’re anxious to hear about life in Massachusetts, but I would guess the ladies would like to freshen up while I make some tea,” Cordelia said. “Jarrow insisted on making arrangements for dinner at the Bloomsbury.”

  “It appears as if we’re going to be treated like royalty our first night home. The restaurant is located in a hotel by the same name. Quite nice—and good food, too,” Taylor explained to Bella and Addie.

  “Hurrumph,” Cordelia snorted. “I told Jarrow you’d probably prefer to relax here at home and have a nice mutton stew. Besides, he ought not be out and about in the cool night air. But, of course, he wouldn’t listen.”

  Jarrow narrowed his eyes and shook his head. “I wanted to celebrate the arrival of our family. They can eat mutton stew tomorrow night, and I’ll feel no worse outdoors than I do sitting inside this house.”

  “Waste of good money, and say what you will, your health will suffer,” Cordelia muttered before turning her attention to her granddaughter. “Elinor, you can show the ladies to their rooms and then promptly return and help me in the kitchen.”

  Elinor wrinkled her nose at the request, her behavior drawing an immediate reprimand from Mrs. Manning.

  “Sorry, Grandmother,” the girl meekly apologized. “Follow me, ladies,” she said, motioning Addie and Bella up the wooden staircase.

  Once Addie had been directed into her room, Elinor led Bella to another bedroom at the end of the hallway. “Don’t permit Grandmother to frighten you. She’s really quite nice, and I think she
likes you. She’ll question you severely once she gets you alone, so you’d best be prepared,” Elinor confided.

  “I’m not nearly as convinced she’s fond of me—and why would she want to question me privately?” Bella inquired.

  Elinor wiggled onto the bed. The child waited until Bella finished pouring water from the china pitcher into the matching bowl before replying. “I’m not supposed to tell. It’s a secret.”

  “Then you ought not tell me,” Bella replied. “I wouldn’t want to be the cause of your breaking a confidence.”

  “It’s not really a confidence because I didn’t give my word not to tell,” she retorted. “I overheard Grandmother say she’s going to see if you and Taylor will take me back to Massachusetts when you leave.”

  The comment rendered Bella momentarily speechless. She stared at the girl, who was now peering back at her in wide-eyed anticipation.

  “You mustn’t tell anyone—not even Taylor. And when Grandmother brings up the topic, you’ll appear surprised, won’t you? She doesn’t think I know a thing about her plan, and she’ll think I was eavesdropping on her conversation.”

  “Weren’t you?”

  “Not really. I happened home early and she was talking to Grandfather. They didn’t hear me come in the house.”

  Bella arched her eyebrows. “Once you realized they were discussing a matter that wasn’t meant for your ears, did you announce your presence?”

  Elinor wagged her head back and forth.

  “Then you were eavesdropping.”

  “Well, I suppose just a little. But please act surprised. And I do hope you’ll agree to her request. I truly want to go to America, and even though Taylor would probably consider me a nuisance, I’m hopeful you’d find my presence to your liking.”

  Elinor’s words had rushed out like a torrent of rain, and Bella couldn’t help but smile. “All of this is quite a surprise. Right now I think you’d best hurry down and help your grandmother with tea. Otherwise, she may be required to come looking for you.”

  Elinor jumped down from the bed. “You won’t tell, will you?”

  “I won’t volunteer any information, but I won’t lie, either. If I’m asked a direct question, I must tell the truth. That’s the very most I can promise.”

  “That will do just fine. Thank you,” Elinor said, flashing Bella a bright smile before scurrying off.

  Bella stared at her reflection in the oval mirror above the walnut commode. The thought of a nine-year-old girl returning home with them was daunting. Yet how could she possibly deny the request? She considered the consequences of Elinor making her home with them until her head ached. I’m borrowing trouble. No need to worry until I actually know there’s a problem, she decided, rubbing away the furrows that now creased her brow.

  Barlow Kent turned and watched as the Farnsworths and Mannings were escorted to an oval table in the main section of the restaurant. Surely his eyes deceived him. He stood just outside the doorway and waited.

  “A moment, sir,” he said as the waiter returned. “Those people you seated—did they have a reservation?”

  The man pursed his lips and sniffed. “Yes, of course,” the man replied.

  Barlow leaned in close to the waiter. “I believe I recognized one of the men, an old friend named John Farnsworth.”

  “Yes, Farnsworth,” he agreed. Seeing that the man clearly knew the party in question, he became rather talkative. “Mr. Jarrow Farnsworth made the reservation. He said he wanted to have a surprise dinner reunion when his relatives arrived from America with their new wives. Perhaps you’d care to join them for a glass of wine?” he suggested.

  Barlow grasped the waiter’s arm. “No, absolutely not. I wouldn’t want to disrupt their reunion. If I could beg your indulgence, I’d prefer you not tell John I inquired. I’d like to surprise him at a later date.”

  “Yes, of course. I enjoy a good surprise myself. Your secret is safe with me.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Litchfield, New Hampshire

  Late October

  Thaddeus Arnold reached inside the breast pocket of his greatcoat and retrieved the missive he’d placed there earlier in the day. He wanted an opportunity to relax and read the letter without interruption. Downing a mug of ale, he waited while the alcohol spread its warmth through his chilled body and then pulled the flickering candle closer. Although the tavern was noisy, Thaddeus had strategically chosen a table in a rear corner where he could ignore the din.

  He scanned the letter for any urgent message it might contain and then began to read it more carefully. It appeared William Thurston was enjoying himself in England, living on all the money he’d managed to accumulate while selling girls into the slave market and appropriating goods manufactured in the mills for sale to other unscrupulous marketers. Thaddeus imagined Thurston dining in a stylish English hotel, mingling among socially noteworthy people, and imbibing in the finest epicurean delights while Thaddeus remained in New England drinking ale in a seedy tavern. After all, William had committed crimes that far exceeded his own, yet William was enjoying life to its fullest. Thaddeus slumped down in his chair. Nothing had changed—life always treated him unfairly.

  “Another mug?” the barkeep inquired.

  Thaddeus nodded.

  “The men at the table across the room wondered if you might want to join them for a few hands of poker.”

  Thaddeus leaned to one side in order to gain a better view. “You know any of them?”

  “Two of them are locals. Don’t know the other one.”

  “Are they any good at cards?”

  “Average—never known ’em to cheat. You want your ale delivered here or over there?” he asked with obvious impatience to move on.

  “May as well join them. Perhaps my luck will change,” Thaddeus replied, pushing back from the table.

  Wending his way through the tavern, Thaddeus moved toward the far table, assessing the men as he approached. He’d never seen any of them before and wondered what could have precipitated their invitation. He nodded before extending his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Thaddeus Arnold.”

  “Right. I’m James Wooner. This here’s my brother, Sam, and that’s Michael Sidley,” James replied while nodding at the men surrounding the table.

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance. Any particular reason you asked me to join you?”

  James glanced at the others before looking back at Thaddeus. “You were the only person alone in the place,” he stated simply.

  Thaddeus relaxed and seated himself in the empty chair. He hoped the cards would fall in his favor; he could use a few extra coins to tide him over. Unfortunately, William Thurston’s letter hadn’t mentioned any money coming his way in the near future. He picked up his cards and absently fanned them apart while his thoughts returned to the last time he’d met William Thurston. It had been in this very pub. The only piece of good fortune to have come his way in years, Thaddeus decided.

  “You in?” the man named Michael asked.

  Thaddeus looked at the hand one final time before snapping the cards together and placing them face down on the table. “Not with this hand.” Like it or not, he’d have to play cautiously. He couldn’t afford to lose any money.

  The men continued their game, but Thaddeus quickly lost interest. What was it William had said when they’d met in the tavern? “The gods must be smiling on both of us.” Yes, that was it, and the statement had held some truth. Had it not been for that meeting, Thaddeus would have been forced into some sort of manual labor. He loathed the very idea. Working as the supervisor of all those lovely young girls in the spinning room had been idyllic. Had it not been for Lilly Cheever and a few other girls who couldn’t keep their mouths shut, he’d still be enjoying his position. There were days when he’d been required to help with machine repairs, but overall, he had enjoyed his time watching the girls as they moved about the room. And they had proved to be such easy prey, most of them afraid t
o say a word when he’d make advances. In fact, some of them had been more than willing to cooperate when given special privileges. Instinctively, he wet his lips.

  Sam slapped his hand on the table. “You don’t act like a man wanting to play cards.”

  Thaddeus startled at the interruption. “I apologize. My thoughts were elsewhere.”

  “That was mighty obvious,” James replied. “Where you hail from, Mr. Arnold? Don’t think I’ve seen you afore.”

  “I was in Lowell before coming here.”

  Michael shuffled the deck of cards and began to deal. “Lowell? I hear there’s some high-paying wages for womenfolk in that town. I gave a few minutes thought to going down there myself. I figure if they’re paying them girls such good wages, I might find me a high-paying job. What you think, Mr. Arnold? S’pose there’s work for the likes of me in Lowell? What kind of work was you doing?”

  Thaddeus couldn’t restrain his pride. “I was the supervisor of the spinning room in the Appleton Mill.”

  “Spinnin’ room, huh? That don’t sound too hard. Bet I could do that. What’d they pay you?”

  Thaddeus took a drink of ale and wiped the back of his hand across his upper lip. “I doubt you would qualify, Mr. Sidley. A thorough knowledge of the machinery is required, not to mention the ability to supervise forty or fifty girls.”

  Michael emitted a boisterous laugh. “I might not be able to handle the machinery, but I sure could handle the women. How ’bout it, James? You think you could supervise a roomful of women?”

  “What’re you talking about, Michael? You can’t even handle your own wife,” James replied before turning toward Thaddeus. “How come you left such a good position, Mr. Arnold? I wouldn’t think a man would soon give up a job like that.”

  Thaddeus pretended to be concentrating on his cards while he silently chastised himself. He should have kept his mouth shut. “I had other opportunities,” he replied. “Your bid, Sam.”

  “What opportunity could possibly be better here in Litchfield?”

  Obviously, Michael wasn’t going to be deterred. “A confidential business venture. Until we’re operational, I can’t discuss it,” Thaddeus replied while pulling out his pocket watch. “I didn’t realize it was so late. I’m sorry to pull out of the game so early on, gentlemen, but I really must be on my way.”