These Tangled Threads

by Tracie Peterson

  “I think that’s an excellent idea,” Henry replied.

  “Of course you do,” Josiah muttered.

  The measure passed, with Josiah casting the only dissenting vote.

  “I’ll write out instructions to Kirk,” Nathan told Matthew. “Was there anything else you wanted to bring before us?”

  “We are assuming the Corporation will sponsor the Blowing Out Ball as scheduled?”

  “Yes, of course. It’s business—and pleasure—as usual,” Nathan replied.

  Matthew gave a quick nod and took his seat. “Then that’s all I have.”

  “We appreciate your reports, Matthew. Now let’s get on with discussing the railroad. Spring is already upon us, and if the railroad is to progress as scheduled, we need to be prepared.”

  “Good idea, Nathan. I’d like all of you to consider the possibility of opening a machine shop to build locomotives. I believe we have the caliber of men in the Locks and Canals Division who can see this to fruition. We would save money as well as bolster the economy of Lowell and the Corporation,” Tracy Jackson said.

  Josiah sighed and slumped deeper into his chair. “Is there nothing you men won’t think of to bring us into total decline? The last thing we should be doing right now is thinking of expansion. We need to rein ourselves in and pay heed to the financial condition of the company and the country. The banks may well all close their doors after Andrew Jackson’s through with them. On top of that, there’s the fact that steam locomotives are quite untested and unproven as far as I’m concerned. Just because the British are having success with them doesn’t mean the same will be true for us. We need to practice caution, but you all seem to want to rush in on a whim.”

  “It’s hardly a whim, Josiah. We are men of vision,” Tracy replied frankly. “Men of vision are willing to risk the future on untried creations because, like it or not, it is the new inventions and industries that will take us forward in progress. Even if there are problems and failures, the situation will eventually be mastered and life will be better because of it. Mark my words, the railroad will transform this country. Within the next twenty years we’ll see railroads crisscrossing this country as the major form of long-distance transportation.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Josiah protested. “Such machinery and the tracks necessary to move them about will be too costly. And, I might ask, who do you suppose is going to be willing to pay the thousands—no, the millions of dollars that it will cost to finance such inventions?”

  Tracy smiled rather smugly. “Men of vision, Josiah. Men of vision will finance such inventions.”

  “Perhaps, but now is hardly the time for foolish investments.” Josiah’s face reddened as if the strain of the conversation were too much for him. “The mills can ill afford to add this expense. Think of it, gentlemen. We just reduced wages—how can we justify building a locomotive machine shop?”

  Matthew listened intently as the discussion wore on. Kirk would expect extensive details of the meeting—especially Tracy’s viewpoint—since Boott also favored the locomotive project. In fact, he’d heard discussion between the two men several weeks ago when Tracy had visited Lowell immediately after the turnout, so the topic came as no surprise. By the time Josiah finally convinced the men to reconvene at a later date before making a final decision on the machine shop, it was nearing midnight.

  “You planning to remain in Boston for a few days?” Nathan asked as he escorted Matthew to the front door.

  “No. I’ll be leaving in the morning. I must be back in Lowell to make final arrangements for the Blowing Out Ball. I doubt my wife would forgive me if I were the cause of an improperly planned ball,” he replied with a grin.

  Nathan gave him a broad smile. “I understand. Please advise Kirk that most of us plan to be in attendance. I’m holding out hope that Josiah will remain at home.”

  “I heard that remark, Nathan, and I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I plan to attend. I want to have a few words with Kirk. Perhaps he’ll listen to a voice of reason and see that this machine shop idea is pure folly. Besides, I might be able to give him a few pointers for handling those irate farmers.”

  Nathan arched his eyebrows, his lips turning up in a patronizing smile. “You do that, Josiah. I’m sure Kirk will be pleased to have your counsel.”

  CHAPTER 20

  Lowell

  “I wish I hadn’t agreed to attend the ball with Dr. Ketter,” Daughtie lamented while stitching a row of lace along the neckline of her dress.

  Ruth stretched out on the bed and wound a loose thread around her finger. “I was hoping the girls who participated in the turnout wouldn’t attend the ball. Instead, they’re fluttering around as though dancing with members of the Corporation is the greatest honor they could ever hope for.”

  “I don’t know about dancing with the Boston Associates, but attending the ball is a treat for most folks—at least for those who work in the mills. You ought not fault the girls for wanting to have an evening of enjoyment.”

  Ruth snorted. “I’ll fault them if I want to. When I told Mrs. Arnold I was thinking of staying home, she said it would be unwise, especially for anyone who participated in the strike. She thinks the supervisors may monitor our behavior for a while.”

  “Mrs. Arnold’s probably correct. If anyone knows how these supervisors think, surely she does. After all, she was married to one,” Daughtie replied. “Besides, I told Dr. Ketter you would be attending with us.”

  “What? I’m not going with the two of you.”

  “Oh, yes, you are. After all, it was you that encouraged him to invite me, and don’t bother denying it. I know you’ve been busy playing the matchmaker almost from the day he arrived. If you won’t attend with us, then I’m going to tell him I must cancel on my commitment because I won’t attend without my dearest friend.”

  Ruth flipped over on the bed like a salmon floundering on the banks of the Pawtucket. “Well, I’ll not dance with those pompous men, I can tell you that much for certain. And should one of them ask, he’d get a firm refusal.”

  “So long as you’re courteous, I doubt whether anyone could fault you for refusing. However, Sarah told me the girls actually line up in order to dance with the men, so I think you need not worry.”

  “Oh, what does Sarah know? She’s never attended a ball,” Ruth argued. “You’d best watch what you’re doing. You’re sewing that lace on crooked.” Her brows furrowed into wavy lines of disapproval.

  Daughtie poked her needle into the fabric and took another stitch. “My sewing is fine, but you’re certainly in foul humor. What are you going to wear to the ball?”

  Ruth scooted upward and leaned against the wooden headboard. “If I must go, I’ll wear the same dress I wear to church on Sundays. If that’s not fancy enough for those self-important men, they can tell me so and I’ll give them an earful. I’ll be quick to tell them that I can’t afford to buy a new dress now that wages have been reduced.”

  “I believe you’d actually enjoy being confronted by one of them.”

  “Indeed I would!”

  “There. I think I’m done,” Daughtie said while inspecting her dress. “What do you think?”

  “I still think the lace is crooked.”

  Daughtie giggled. “The lace is not crooked. I’m going out for a while, but I’ll be back by nine-thirty. Why don’t you go downstairs and visit with Mrs. Arnold and Theona?”

  Ruth swung around on the bed, her shoes thumping as they hit the floor. “Where are you going? You’re not scheduled to work at the library, and you don’t quilt at Mrs. Cheever’s home until next week. Are you going to buy something special for the ball? A new comb or reticule, perhaps? I’ll go with you.”

  “No,” Daughtie replied a tad too quickly.

  Ruth’s eyes darkened a shade as she leveled an accusatory look in Daughtie’s direction. “You’re going to see Liam Donohue! Don’t even try to deny it.”

  Daughtie remained silent as she tucked away the se
wing box and carefully returned her dress to a peg on the wall. Retrieving her cape, she walked toward the bedroom door.

  “You are going to see him!” Ruth’s voice was filled with surprise. “Otherwise, you would have denied my accusation.” Daughtie hastened out the door and down the stairway, with Ruth following close on her heels.

  “What are you thinking?” Ruth hissed. “You can’t keep running off to that Irishman’s house.”

  Peeking into the dining room, Daughtie waved at Theona and Mrs. Arnold. “I’m going out for a while. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Have a pleasant evening, dear,” Mrs. Arnold said before turning her attention toward Ruth. “Are you going, too?” she asked Ruth, who had nearly appended herself to Daughtie’s side.

  “I believe I will,” she said. “What do you think of that?” she asked, giving Daughtie a smug grin.

  Daughtie continued fastening her cloak. “If you’d like to join me, I’d be pleased to have your company. Shall I wait while you get your cape?”

  Ruth furrowed her brows in obvious confusion. “So you’re not going to Liam Donohue’s house?” she whispered.

  “I don’t see what difference it makes. Are you coming or not? I really need to be on my way,” Daughtie replied.

  “I suppose I’ll stay home since you won’t divulge where you’re going.”

  Daughtie nodded and walked out the door. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. Taking Ruth along would have ended in catastrophe. Not that Liam would have been inhospitable, but Ruth—well, no doubt she would have acted boorish and aloof.

  Daughtie dabbed her nose with an embroidered linen handkerchief. “I believe I’m coming down with something. My throat feels scratchy, and I’ve had the sniffles for two days.”

  “It’s nothing but the fibers in the air at work. You’re not fooling me, Daughtie. You’d best get dressed. Dr. Ketter said we would leave for the ball in less than an hour. I’m still disappointed you didn’t accept his invitation to have supper at the Merrimack House.”

  “If you had your way, I’d spend every free moment with Dr. Ketter. Why would I want to go to supper with him? After all, we dine together twice a day, occasionally three times if he manages to get out of bed early enough for breakfast. Going out to supper with him would be a wasteful expense.”

  Ruth wagged her head back and forth. “Well, it is his money, and if he wants to take you to a nice restaurant for supper, you should accept. He asked you to accompany him to see The Heir at Law when the professional players appeared in Lowell, but I understand you refused that invitation, also.”

  “And how would you know? Are you and Dr. Ketter conspiring? Have you been acting as his advisor and confidante?” Daughtie asked while fashioning her hair into a pile of cascading curls.

  Ruth plopped down on the bed and gave a quick nod. “How do you manage to fix your hair without a mirror?”

  “The Shakers believe that staring into a looking glass fosters vanity. There was only one small mirror for use by all of the Sisters, and if you were caught staring into it, you were reprimanded. Accordingly, I grew up styling my hair without a mirror. Of course, we didn’t wear our hair in fashionable styles. I’ve discovered it takes more time to create curls, but I don’t find it requires a mirror,” she said. “You didn’t answer my question. Have you been urging Dr. Ketter to pursue me?”

  “I wouldn’t say I’ve urged him.”

  “Just what would you say?”

  Ruth tapped her index finger on the bedpost as though the matter took deep contemplation. “Encouraged! I’ve encouraged him.”

  Daughtie gave her a sidelong glance. “Well, I’d appreciate it if you’d cease your encouragement. I’m not interested in Dr. Ketter, and he should spend his energy wooing another.”

  “After tonight, you may change your mind. He has quite an evening planned,” Ruth replied with a secretive grin.

  Dr. Ketter stood waiting at the foot of the stairs. “You ladies look absolutely lovely,” he said, his gaze fixed upon Daughtie. He took her hand in his own and placed a fleeting kiss upon her extended fingers.

  Daughtie flinched at his familiarity, but his grip tightened as she attempted to pull away.

  “Shall we?” he inquired, pulling open the front door with his free hand while still holding on to Daughtie. Ruth giggled, obviously amused by Daughtie’s noticeable discomfort. Dr. Ketter carefully looped Daughtie’s arm through his own as though she were his prized possession. “I attempted to hire a carriage, but there were none available when I checked at the livery. However, Ruth tells me you enjoy walking, so I hope you won’t mind since it’s such a lovely starlit evening.”

  “Walking is fine,” Daughtie replied. “I’m unaccustomed to riding in a carriage.”

  “Ruth tells me you have quite a talent for sewing and decorating,” he said. “Perhaps you could assist me with my living quarters.”

  “I’m rather busy right now. I’ve committed to the library and several other matters, and I doubt I’d have adequate time. But Ruth has quite an eye for design herself. Since you two have become such close friends, perhaps she could help you.”

  “You would be a much better choice,” Ruth insisted, leveling a glare in Daughtie’s direction.

  “Daughtie! Ruth!” Amanda Corbett called out. “Wait for us!” A group of six girls, with Amanda in the lead, came scurrying down the street in their best attire, with hair coifed to perfection and cheeks blushing with anticipation. “Isn’t this exciting? I can hardly wait to begin dancing,” she said, her blond tresses bouncing up and down as she expressed her delight. “And aren’t you the most fortunate one of all, Daughtie. You’ll be able to dance all of the dances with Dr. Ketter.”

  “I’m not fond of dancing, so I’m certain Dr. Ketter will be happy to sign all of your dance cards,” Daughtie offered as they reached Phineas Whiting’s establishment.

  “Oh, would you, Dr. Ketter? That would be so kind. I understand the girls always outnumber the gentlemen by at least six or seven to one.” Amanda thrust her card into Dr. Ketter’s hand.

  Before Dr. Ketter could assist Daughtie with her cape, he was surrounded by a group of chattering girls, each one vying for his signature. “Could we each have two dances with you?” one of the girls pleaded.

  Dr. Ketter handed the cards back and reached around Daughtie’s shoulders to assist with her cloak. “I’ve promised each of you a dance and two dances to Ruth. Surely you wouldn’t want me to ignore Daughtie. She’ll never agree to accompany me again if I don’t designate most of my time to her.”

  “Oh, I don’t want to be selfish. I’m more than willing to share your time and attention,” Daughtie replied.

  “Dr. Ketter’s correct. We’re already taking advantage of his time. Let’s don’t be greedy,” Ruth admonished.

  Daughtie met Ruth’s steely glare with a smug grin. “I see a table that will accommodate all of us,” she said, pointing to the left side of the room and leading the way. The others fell in step behind her, and as they settled themselves at the table, Amanda strategically placed herself at Dr. Ketter’s left while Daughtie sat to his right.

  The musicians were seated along the north wall, and the sound of their stringed instruments filled the room with soft music. Daughtie kept her gaze focused upon the feet of the dancers as they waltzed to the melody. “This is nothing like Shaker dancing. I’m not certain I could dance like that,” she whispered to Ruth.

  “It’s really quite simple. I’m certain you’d be willing to try if Liam Donohue was asking to be your partner,” Ruth snidely replied.

  Daughtie stared at Ruth momentarily and then turned away. The remark didn’t deserve a reply, she decided.

  “Oh, look! Mr. and Mrs. Cheever have arrived,” Amanda said while pointing toward the door. “Doesn’t she look exquisite?”

  Matthew Cheever led Lilly onto the dance floor as Daughtie turned in their direction. “Indeed!” she replied, unable to think of adequate words to describe Mrs.
Cheever’s stunning appearance. Lilly Cheever’s pale yellow gown was lined with satin the shade of summer daffodils and embellished with sheer ivory lace. Tiny yellow flowers that perfectly matched the dress surrounded her intricately arranged curls. There was little doubt anyone would outshine Mrs. Cheever this evening; she was the epitome of loveliness.

  “Did you know they’re to have a baby?” Amanda questioned. “I heard it talked about just the other day.”

  Daughtie nodded, having known for some time that Lilly would give birth to another Cheever heir in July. She noted the woman’s beautiful attire and slim figure that was only now starting to thicken at the waist. It was hard to believe Lilly was even expecting.

  “I love babies,” another of the girls added. “I would love to be a nanny instead of a mill girl.”

  “Oh, they look so wonderful together,” Amanda said with a sigh.

  Dr. Ketter leaned toward Daughtie. “I would enjoy the pleasure of this dance,” he whispered into her ear. “I think we might look wonderful together, as well.”

  Daughtie stiffened. “As I explained when you invited me, I’m not accustomed to this type of dancing. Why don’t you dance with one of the other girls, and I’ll watch until I’m more familiar with the steps.”

  His lips tightened into a thin line, but he finally nodded in agreement. He moved to the other side of the table and held out his hand to Ruth with a smile on his face. She rose and he escorted her onto the dance floor. As promised, Daughtie watched the couples and attempted to memorize their movements as they twirled around the room. Each time Dr. Ketter returned and gazed in her direction, she signaled to wait just a little longer. After fulfilling his dance card obligations to most of the doting girls who had accompanied them into the hall, Daughtie finally succumbed to his request.

  Ivan pulled her into his arms, his lips curved into a broad smile as he began to lead her to the steps of a waltz.