These Tangled Threads

by Tracie Peterson

  Daughtie nodded. “Yes, Prudence Crandall came and spoke.”

  “And your letter said you had invited Liam Donahue,” Bella continued. “That was an even greater mistake than helping runaways.”

  Shifting on the settee, Daughtie met Bella’s gaze. “Really? Is that how you truly feel, Bella? That if a person was born in Ireland, that makes him less acceptable than someone born in—shall we say—England?”

  “Whether it’s what I believe or not isn’t what matters. People consider the Irish to be less . . .” Bella hesitated, obviously unable to find the right words.

  “Less acceptable?”

  Bella fervently bobbed her head up and down.

  “But they’re not. They’re made of the same flesh and blood as you and me. We all are—the Negroes, the Irish, the English—all of us. Neither the country of our birth nor the color of our skin makes a difference.”

  “Those things don’t matter to you or me, and they shouldn’t matter to others, but they do,” Bella replied.

  “Well, I won’t accept that way of life. I believe we’re equal—all of us—and that’s how I intend to live. I’ll not let others dictate the acceptability of a person based upon dark skin or an Irish brogue. I’m thankful I grew up among people who taught me we’re all created in the image of God. Sister Mary is Irish—and what about Brother Lemuel? He’s black, and he’s also one of the finest men God ever placed upon this earth. You loved both of them, didn’t you?”

  “Your argument isn’t with me, Daughtie. I don’t disagree with you. But this isn’t Canterbury—you’re not living in the secluded Shaker village anymore, and the rest of the world doesn’t hold to Shaker theology. Besides, you left the Shakers because you didn’t agree with their beliefs.”

  “Some of their beliefs—the ones that I couldn’t justify with the Scriptures. However, I continue to embrace those tenets of the Society that are irrefutable, and I believe equality is one of those basic truths that is undeniable.”

  “You know I believe in equality, too, Daughtie, but there are barriers that can’t be crossed when you’re living among the rest of the world.”

  “Nothing will ever change unless we promote an attitude of accepting everyone. We can’t sit back and remain complacent. Someone must lead the way and cross the barriers. How else will slaves be set free? How will Irishmen ever be permitted to live alongside Englishmen? Or how will equality ever truly exist in this country?”

  “Or the Shaker girl be permitted to fall in love and marry an Irishman?” Bella whispered.

  Daughtie silently stared back into her friend’s questioning gaze.

  “You’re in love with Liam Donohue, aren’t you? That’s what all of this is about, isn’t it?”

  “No. That’s not what this is all about. I won’t deny my feelings for Liam. However, the slavery issue and mistreatment of the Irish did not evolve out of my feelings for him. Rather, I grew to care for him because he so passionately desires to help those less fortunate, no matter their color, creed, or native land. He’s a fine man, deserving of a good wife,” she adamantly proclaimed.

  Bella stared at her, mouth agape. “You—you’re going to marry him?” she finally sputtered.

  “No,” Daughtie replied calmly.

  “Oh, Daughtie, for a moment I was so frightened.”

  “He hasn’t asked me,” Daughtie quickly added.

  Bella clutched Daughtie’s hand. “But you wouldn’t accept if he did?”

  “Yes, I believe I would. I’d be proud to call Liam Donohue my husband.”

  Bella leaned against the back of the settee. “I believe I’m going to faint,” she announced, blotting her face with a lace-edged handkerchief.

  Daughtie grabbed the cloth from Bella’s hand and began fanning it back and forth in front of Bella’s face.

  “Dear Bella, please don’t faint. You should be pleased that I’ve grown so independent in your absence. Remember how you used to worry about my inability to make decisions?” “I fear you’ve learned too well,” she said with a weak smile.

  “I’m sorry I’ve upset you first thing upon your return. I’ve so looked forward to having you back, and now look what I’ve done!”

  “It’s not your fault. I insisted you take me into your confidence. Although I fear for your safety and happiness, I’ll never betray you. You will always be my dearest friend,” Bella replied. “If your other plans don’t interfere, will you promise to spend the day with me on Sunday?”

  Daughtie smiled. “Of course.”

  CHAPTER 26

  Boston

  William Thurston hurried through the back streets of Boston, his haste causing him to occasionally stumble on an uneven cobblestone or piece of scattered garbage. Undeterred, he continued onward until he chanced upon a seedy tavern along the alleyway he was traversing. Pushing through the door, he welcomed the darkness that shrouded the interior. He knew immediately this would be his hiding place until the sun set.

  He sat down at a rough-hewn table in a rear corner where he had a view of the door. Pushing aside the remnants of an unfinished meal, he ordered a mug of ale and remained silent while the barkeep placed it on the table. He placed a coin on the sticky tabletop before taking a swallow of the brew.

  Drinking slowly, he began to take stock of the circumstances that had sent his clever plans plummeting into disaster. Had it not been for the ineptitude of the thugs he’d hired to detain Farnsworth in England, he would now be considered a champion to Chauncy Fuller and his friends. Instead, he was hiding out in a vermin-infested pub in Boston. However, he reasoned, he couldn’t take the chance of being spotted by one of the Boston Associates. Worse yet, the wife he’d left behind or one of her voluble matron acquaintances might see him should he wander about town.

  The day wore on, and by nightfall, William walked out the door of the tavern, his latest plan firmly in place. He’d spent the day watching and waiting. Now he stood outside the door, pausing until he was certain no one was lurking about. He untied the reins of an agile-looking mare, slipped his foot into the stirrup, and hoisted himself up into the saddle. Waiting until he was only a short distance from the tavern, he then dug his heels deep into the horse’s flanks, pleased when the animal responded and raced off at full gallop.

  The next morning William was knocking at the front door of the Litchfield, New Hampshire, boardinghouse Thaddeus Arnold now called home.

  A thin small-framed woman opened the door. “My rooms are full,” she said before William could speak.

  “I’m not looking for a room. I’m looking for Thaddeus Arnold. I understand he’s one of your boarders.”

  “He is. Come in and sit down,” she ordered, pointing a flour-covered finger toward the parlor. “I’ll go and get him. He hasn’t yet come down for breakfast.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You friend or family?” the woman asked, peering down at him while mounting the steps.

  “Friend.”

  The woman stopped her ascent. “Haven’t seen you around here before. Where do you hail from?”

  “England.”

  The woman appeared impressed only momentarily. “You don’t sound like an Englishman,” she snorted and then continued upward.

  The sound of muffled voices could be heard from above, and then the woman reappeared, stopping outside the parlor door. “Mr. Arnold will be down in a minute. He didn’t seem to be expecting any visitors from England.”

  William ignored the remark, keeping his gaze fixed upon the stairway until he spotted Thaddeus peeking through the banister. “It’s me, Thurston. Get down here and quit acting like a frightened schoolboy,” he ordered.

  Thaddeus hurried into the parlor, patting his hair into place as he rounded the corner. “William! What an unexpected surprise. I couldn’t imagine who might be here. I’ve not given my address to anyone—except you, of course. And I certainly wasn’t expecting you to make an appearance. What brings you back from England?”

  “Sit do
wn and I’ll explain,” William said, attempting to keep his irritation under control.

  Thaddeus did as he was told, appearing spellbound while William related how his plot to be accepted among England’s elite had gone afoul, causing him to now be sitting in New Hampshire instead of the well-appointed drawing room of Chauncy Fuller’s mansion.

  “How did you manage to get off the ship undetected?” Thaddeus asked, his eyes glinting with excitement.

  “I went into steerage and rummaged through the trunk of a buxom woman when she and her husband were on deck, and I found a dress and a bonnet that had a wide brim to help cover my face.”

  Thaddeus appeared shocked. “You disguised yourself as a woman?”

  “Don’t act so appalled. My idea worked, didn’t it? The captain had his whole crew looking for a man. I strolled by them in that woman’s ill-fitting gown, my own clothes tucked underneath, and not one question was asked. Personally, I felt my performance was a stroke of genius.”

  Thaddeus bobbed his head in agreement. “So it was. You truly are brilliant.”

  “I’m certain you realize my unexpected departure from England has left me financially embarrassed. My funds are in England, and I’m going to need money to book a return passage. That’s where you come in, my friend. I need to borrow enough money for passage and a little extra to take care of my needs until I sail. Of course, I knew you would be the one person I could count on for such a loan.”

  “Your request comes at a bad time, William. I was at the gaming tables yesterday and find myself without funds to assist you,” Thaddeus replied, his voice a hoarse whisper.

  William stiffened, and his gaze narrowed into what he hoped was an icy stare. “Then you need to determine how you’re going to get your hands on enough money to help me.”

  Thaddeus squirmed in his chair for several moments and then slapped his leg, obviously pleased with himself. “I know where I can get the money. Naomi! She was always tight with her money. I’m certain she’s tucked away every cent the Corporation has paid her. After all, Naomi expects me to leave her a few coins every time I stop to see Theona. I’ve always complied because I didn’t want her to stop me from visiting,” he said. “The visits give me a reason to be in Lowell without questions being asked,” he explained.

  “Your former wife will loan you the money?”

  “No, of course not. I’ll steal it from her. If you can pass yourself off as a woman, surely I should be able to pilfer the money from the home of my former wife,” he said with a coarse laugh.

  “She doesn’t keep her money in the bank?”

  “Naomi was never one to use the bank. Unless one of those mill girls has recently convinced her to begin using the Thrift Savings where they keep all of their earnings, I’m certain I’ll find her money hidden away in the bedroom. The blanket chest was always her favorite hiding place. I’ll call on her tomorrow,” Thaddeus said.

  “Thank you, my friend. Of course, you’ll be handsomely rewarded once I return to England.”

  A sign on the front door advised patients to walk in and be seated. Although Thaddeus wasn’t a patient, he walked in the front door and down the hallway of what now served as both Naomi’s boardinghouse and Dr. Ketter’s office.

  “Hello, Naomi,” he said, enjoying the opportunity to make a surprise visit upon his wife. He knew she despised having him appear, but that fact made his visit even more appealing.

  She whirled around, the apple she was peeling suddenly falling to the floor. “Thaddeus! What are you doing here?”

  Picking up the apple, Naomi rinsed it in a pan of water and sliced it into thin pieces before handing it to Theona.

  “Paying a visit to my daughter,” he said in an even tone.

  The wide-eyed child remained partially hidden behind Naomi’s skirt, her round rosy cheeks moving up and down as she chewed the apple. “You were here only days ago. Usually it’s at least several weeks between your visits,” she replied while giving him a hasty once-over. “I’m merely surprised your visits with Theona are so stimulating that you’d make the journey twice in one week. Are you certain you’re not in some kind of trouble?”

  Thaddeus beckoned to the child. “Quite the contrary, my dear,” he amicably replied before lifting Theona to his lap. “I see you’ve water boiling over the fire. Would it trouble you too much to prepare a cup of tea?” he asked in his most pleasant tone.

  She eyed him suspiciously. “I suppose a cup of tea wouldn’t be out of order.”

  Naomi’s wary attitude didn’t surprise him. After all, his amiable behavior toward her was utterly out of character, but he needed time if he was going to find a way to get into the blanket chest in her bedroom. Watching as she brewed the tea, he bounced Theona on his knee, hoping to appear the doting father.

  Naomi placed his tea on the table beside him. “Won’t you join me?” he asked.

  She pushed a stray wisp of hair behind one ear. “No, I have laundry to hang,” she responded.

  “Surely you can take a few minutes,” he urged.

  She hesitated and then sat down. “You talked as though things are going well for you. Have you found new employment?” she inquired.

  “A new business venture,” he replied, finding pleasure in divulging the information. He continually hoped to make her regret the fact that they were no longer married.

  “Business venture? That sounds risky. I hope it’s a sensible investment,” she impulsively responded.

  He inwardly bristled at her comment, wanting to launch into a verbal assault upon her. How would she possibly know anything about business? Her only concern was his ability to pass along a few coins for Theona’s care. Forcing himself to remain calm, he gave her an affable smile. “I believe this particular activity will prove extremely beneficial. In fact, one of the primary partners in the venture has been visiting from England only this week. He came specifically to see me and encourage my participation in the undertaking,” he boasted.

  She leveled a look of skepticism toward him. “An unknown man came all the way from England to talk to you about entering into a business enterprise?”

  “I didn’t say he was unknown,” Thaddeus countered.

  “Whom do you know in England?” she quizzed.

  Without thinking, he blurted out William Thurston’s name. Too late, he caught himself, realizing he ought not be speaking of William’s whereabouts.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard you speak of him,” she replied.

  Thaddeus breathed a sigh of relief, pleased that while they were married he’d managed to keep his wife at home, well away from the gossip that circulated about Lowell. She’d likely never heard of William Thurston or his involvement in the kidnappings that occurred three years ago. Perhaps she would forget the name as quickly as she’d heard it.

  “I must get to my laundry. Theona, stay here with your father while I go outside,” she instructed. “I won’t be too long,” she called over her shoulder while exiting the rear door.

  “Take your time. I’ll just have another cup of tea,” he replied, listening until the door closed and then lifting Theona off his lap. “I’ll be right back, Theona. You stay here and finish your apple.”

  Assuring himself the doctor and his patients would not see him, Thaddeus hurried down the hallway and up the stairs to Naomi’s bedroom. Spotting the blanket chest, he moved quietly across the floor, uncertain if sounds from above would alert the doctor. The hinges on the chest squealed in protest as he lifted the lid. He waited a moment—his heart hammering wildly as he listened for the sound of footsteps. Only the sound of murmuring in the office below could be heard. He exhaled deeply as he began rifling through the stored coverlets, pleased when his fingers finally touched upon what he knew was Naomi’s leather pouch. Circling his hand around the supple doeskin, he pulled it from between the folded blankets and momentarily savored his victory.

  “Theona!”

  The child stood in the doorway watching him, her blue eye
s wide and unyielding.

  “What you doing?” she innocently inquired.

  He didn’t respond to her question. Instead, he took her by the hand and led her out of the room. “Come along, let’s go back downstairs.”

  “Mr. Arnold! What are you doing upstairs?”

  Thaddeus startled at the voice and immediately turned his gaze to the downstairs hallway, where Dr. Ketter stood staring up at him.

  Pointing toward his daughter, Thaddeus gave the doctor a cautious smile and nodded. “Just retrieving Theona. I didn’t want her falling down the steps,” he replied. Taking the child’s hand, he descended the stairs and hurried back to the kitchen.

  “Come along, Theona,” he said to the child, pulling her along toward the rear door.

  Pulling open the door, he glanced about, finally spotting Naomi’s feet beneath a sheet she was hanging on the line. “I’ve some business to attend to, Naomi. I really must be going. Shall I send Theona out with you?”

  She pulled the sheet aside and gave him a questioning look. “You’re leaving already?”

  “Yes, I had forgotten a matter that needs my immediate attention,” he said.

  “Come along, Theona,” she said.

  With his back toward Naomi, Thaddeus leaned down and placed a kiss upon the child’s cheek. “It isn’t safe for you to be going upstairs by yourself. You might fall,” he said, making certain his words were loud enough to be heard by Naomi.

  The child gave him a confused look. Narrowing his eyes, he leveled a menacing glare at Theona. “Yeth, thir,” she obediently replied.

  He tousled her dark hair. “That’s a good girl.”

  Daughtie placed her cape on the peg inside the front door and then greeted Theona, who stood in the doorway of the kitchen. “Did you have a fine day, Theona?” she asked, walking down the hall.

  Theona bobbed her head up and down, her bow-shaped lips turning up in a sweet smile. “Papa come,” she said as Daughtie drew nearer.

  Daughtie turned and gazed toward Naomi. “Was Mr. Arnold here again today?”