These Tangled Threads

by Tracie Peterson

  In a few moments Daughtie was staring at the front door of the Farnsworth house. In order to help Liam, she’d have to place her trust in Bella. She knocked, fervently praying Bella would be the one to answer.

  “Daughtie! I told Taylor it would be you,” Bella replied. Her blond curls were held in place with a tortoise-shell comb inlaid with green stones that matched her dress.

  Grasping Bella’s hand, Daughtie pulled her into the parlor, where they couldn’t be heard. “Mr. Arnold is in Litch-field, a small hamlet north of Nashua.”

  “Why are you whispering, and why have you forced me into the parlor?” Bella asked, her pink lips forming a diminutive pout.

  “You must make some excuse for my absence today, both at church and afterward.”

  Bella’s pout intensified. “You’re not going to be here for dinner and visiting this afternoon?”

  “Please don’t be angry. I’ve had a note from Liam requesting I come to the house. He truly must get the girls moved, and I’ve had a brilliant idea. We may even be able to execute the plan today if we begin immediately.”

  “Oh, do tell me all about it,” Bella replied, smiling as she clasped her hands together in excitement.

  “I haven’t time right now. Besides, it’s better if you don’t know. That way you’ll not be forced to tell a lie.”

  Bella’s smile faded, and she began tapping her right foot at a rapid tempo. “You know I can maintain a confidence.”

  “I never questioned your loyalty, but I don’t want to put you at risk or cause you any difficulty. Besides, there’s no time for discussion—I should already be on my way to Liam’s. I must hurry,” she said, giving Bella a quick hug.

  “You know I wish you well. I’ll be praying for you.”

  “Oh, thank you, dear Bella. You are the very best friend I could ever hope for. We’ll need your prayers if the girls are to find safety,” Daughtie replied.

  Bella nodded. “Is there nothing I can do to help?”

  Daughtie hesitated. “Perhaps there is. Would you send word to Mrs. Arnold that I’ve gone to Canterbury? I think I can make good use of this time away from the mill.”

  “Please send me word when you’ve returned. Otherwise, I’ll continue to worry about your safety. And give my love to Sister Mercy.”

  “Sister Mercy? Oh, yes. If I see her I’ll send your regards,” Daughtie replied before making a hasty retreat.

  The drizzle continued, and thunder rumbled above as if drumming out a warning that the threatening dark clouds would soon deluge the town with further pelting rainfall. Daughtie bent her head against the wind, thankful her hooded cloak offered a modicum of protection against the onslaught. The glow from a whale oil lamp shone through the curtained window of Liam’s house, and she quickened her step, anxious to be out of the miserable weather.

  Liam approached in answer to her knock, a look of surprise crossing his face as he pulled open the door. “I didn’t expect ya quite so early. How did ya manage to depart the boardinghouse undetected? Won’t Ruth be expectin’ ya to attend church services?”

  Daughtie rubbed her hands together, the rain leaving her chilled. “She knew I was leaving early in order to deliver a message to Bella. She’s expecting me to attend services with Taylor and Bella. However, I asked Bella to inform Mrs. Arnold that I would be going to Canterbury.”

  He frowned as he led her into the parlor. “Canterbury? What would be takin’ you back to visit the Shakers?” he asked. “I don’t mean to appear single-minded, but I truly need your help with the two slave girls hidin’ upstairs.”

  Daughtie moved in front of the fire, extending her hands toward the warmth. “Not Canterbury, New Hampshire, although that’s where Bella surmised I was going, also,” she explained. “Canterbury, Connecticut.”

  He stared at her, his eyebrows furrowed. “Sit down and tell me what you’re thinkin’, lassie.”

  “The safety of the girls has been in my prayers since I left here the other evening,” she began. “I’ve prayed that another group of runaways would arrive and the problem would be solved, but that obviously hasn’t occurred. However, when I opened my Bible last night, my most recent letter from Prudence Crandall fell to the floor.”

  Liam nodded and leaned forward. “Aye?”

  “As I picked up the letter, I was struck by an idea. The very best place for these girls would be at Prudence Crandall’s school in Connecticut,” she said, somewhat surprised he needed clarification.

  “I see,” he said, rubbing his forehead. “With all the problems Miss Crandall’s had with the townsfolk, do ya think her school is safe? Would it not be less dangerous to take them to the Shaker village, perhaps? You once spoke of the Shakers takin’ in some runaways.”

  “No,” Daughtie replied. “Both Minerva and Nelly have religious convictions that are in opposition to those of the Shakers. To force them into that world would be particularly unfair. Besides, in her latest letter, Miss Crandall was pleased to relate that her difficulties had subsided and there had been no further incidents at the school. In fact, she even mentioned she was going to once again begin seeking new students. Then she went on to say that she believed our prayers were being answered,” Daughtie replied.

  Leaning forward, Liam rested his arms on his thighs and met Daughtie’s intense gaze. “So ya believe this is God’s plan?” he quietly inquired.

  Daughtie nodded her agreement. “Yes, I do. I believe it’s His answer—and now that the mills are closed due to the rains, I can go with you and speak to Miss Crandall on their behalf.”

  “If ya believe God wants us to take them to Miss Crandall’s school in Connecticut, then I think we should comply. It won’t take long to make preparations.”

  She peered into his eyes, hoping to assure herself he wasn’t scoffing. He appeared sincere. “I’m pleasantly surprised at your desire to follow God’s direction. You’ve apparently given additional thought to our recent conversation,” she replied cautiously.

  “Aye. I’ve been spendin’ some time readin’ the Bible and prayin’, but those two girls make quite a proclamation for God, also. Their faith would be an inspiration to any heathen,” he said with a grin. “They don’t waver from what they believe. In fact, they told me their faith in God is what sustains them durin’ difficult times. When she’s havin’ trouble or feeling sorry for herself, Nelly said she thinks how Jesus suffered in order to grant her the gift of eternal life. We’ve talked a great deal since they arrived—mostly about their faith,” he continued. “It appears I’ve been surrounded by devout young women who aren’t afraid to express their belief in God.”

  A smile tugged at Daughtie’s lips. “Seems as though God’s found a way to present His message.”

  Liam smiled in return. “He’s found three ways. I guess He figures a hard-headed Irishman needs to hear things more than once.”

  “I’ve discovered God is more than willing to use any method necessary in order to gain my attention, and it seems He’s doing the same with you.”

  Liam arched his eyebrows, obviously taken aback by her remark. “One thing is certain. I’ve had plenty to mull over the past few days. Now with your idea that the girls should go to Prudence Crandall’s school, it’s become obvious to me that God’s concerned with the future of these girls. We’d best be prayin’ that He remain involved if we’re going to get them safely delivered to Connecticut.”

  “Do you think there’s any possibility we might be stopped along the way?” Daughtie asked.

  “Perhaps. But since we’ll be taking the wagon, I can say I’m going to Connecticut for my stonemasonry business.”

  Daughtie nodded. “I’ll go upstairs and tell the girls we’re leaving. We’ll gather some food while you hitch the wagon.”

  “Good, but don’t be too long. With these rains, I fear we’ll be forced to move slowly. We can hope the weather clears as we move south,” he said while moving toward the door. “I don’t think there’s anyone lurkin’ around, but I’ll
bring the wagon up close to the back o’ the house. The three of you can come out the kitchen door.”

  “We’ll be ready,” Daughtie said, the sound of her shoes echoing as she clattered down the hallway at full tilt.

  CHAPTER 28

  John greeted Matthew Cheever with a warm handshake while entering the foyer of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. “Good to see you, Matthew. I understand that even after being gone all these months, I still won’t be returning to work tomorrow.”

  Matthew nodded. “These spring rains seem to wreak havoc upon us every year. I received word your ship docked earlier this week. Forgive me for not calling upon you and Miss Addie, but the rain has managed to keep all of us indoors more often than not. And now with the water continuing to rise, it’s simply impossible to continue operations until the rain lets up. Needless to say, the Associates are unhappy.”

  “And when the Associates are unhappy, Kirk Boott is very unhappy,” John added. “There’s no doubt this troublesome weather places an additional burden upon you. Production stoppage isn’t good for any of us.”

  Addie tugged at John’s arm. “That’s enough talk of the mills for now. Services are about to begin. Did John extend an invitation to join us for dinner?” she asked with a cheery smile.

  John’s eyes widened. “It appears you’ve taken care of the assignment for me,” he teased.

  “John!” A playful look of recrimination was etched upon Addie’s face. She took hold of John’s arm before turning her attention toward Matthew. “Would you and Lilly consider joining us for dinner after church services—if you don’t have other plans? We’d enjoy the opportunity to visit, and I’m certain John wants to hear what’s been happening at the mills since our departure.”

  John moved closer to Matthew. “There’s a matter of importance I must discuss with you as soon as possible,” he confided.

  Matthew beckoned to Lilly, who stood visiting with Bella and Taylor. “Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth have invited us to join them for dinner this afternoon,” he said with mock formality. “I didn’t know if you’d be feeling up to it. Have you made prior arrangements?” he questioned.

  Lilly Cheever, clearly expecting, patted her rounding stomach. “I made no plans for this afternoon. Your mother has offered to take Violet home for the day. I think dinner and visiting with our dear friends will ease the gloom of this frightful weather and be a delightful way to spend our free time. We would love to come,” Lilly replied happily.

  Addie’s lips turned upward in a broad smile. “Good! Now I think we had best get to our pews, or Reverend Edson may be forced to conduct the services out here in the foyer.”

  John smiled at his wife while leading her down the aisle of the church. “I believe your sister is glowering at us,” he murmured, catching Mintie’s poignant frown.

  “She doesn’t approve of making a late entrance,” Addie whispered in reply.

  “Obviously she believes it’s perfectly acceptable to crane her neck and stare down her nose at those of us breaching her rules of etiquette,” he mused.

  “I’ve likely hurt her feelings by not rushing to her side as soon as we arrived this morning. She becomes easily wounded by my thoughtless behavior.”

  “Goodness, Addie. How did Mintie succeed in convincing you you’re thoughtless? There isn’t an inconsiderate bone in your body.”

  Mintie pushed open the pew door and gazed up at her sister and brother-in-law. “You’re late,” she charged, thumping the tip of her umbrella on the hardwood floor for emphasis.

  “We’re not late, Mintie. Services haven’t even begun,” John curtly replied. “We were in the vestibule.”

  Mintie arched her thin eyebrows high above the wire-rimmed glasses perched on her beaklike nose. “Visiting, no doubt!” she accused.

  “Extending dinner invitations,” John brusquely replied while seating himself at the end of the pew.

  Leaning across Addie’s portly figure, Mintie extended her long neck and leveled a thin-lipped look of disapproval at John. “I don’t believe I received a dinner invitation.”

  John gazed into his sister-in-law’s stern brown eyes. “Where’s Lawrence this morning?” he asked, hoping to soften her a bit.

  Mintie glanced to the left as though she momentarily thought Lawrence was beside her. “He’s gone to Rhode Island. He decided a short visit with his sister might be in order since the mills will be closed for several days. He left by coach early this morning. I told him the coach would likely be hindered by mud before reaching the outskirts of town, but he thought otherwise.”

  “He was probably anxious for quietude and pleasant company,” John murmured, flinching as Addie’s elbow jabbed into his side.

  “What?” Mintie asked, cupping one ear. “I couldn’t hear you over those chattering girls.”

  Addie bent toward her sister. “He said Lawrence’s sister is probably anxious for some pleasant company.”

  Mintie gave a curt nod. “I’m certain she is. Lawrence tells me the poor woman is married to a disagreeable sort— rigid and difficult to please.”

  “Sounds as though she’s describing herself,” John whispered mischievously.

  Addie turned and grinned. “Stop, John,” she muttered genially.

  “So you’re having a dinner party?” Mintie asked.

  “No, not a dinner party. I must discuss some business matters with Matthew, and since the mills are closed, I thought it expedient to invite the Cheevers to dinner after church services. We knew you’d be busy preparing dinner for your boarders or we would have included you,” John replied. “However, if you’d like to come over later in the afternoon for tea, I’ll send a carriage,” he offered.

  “Well, let me think.” She hesitated, her forehead crinkled into deep ridges. “I believe I could fit tea into my schedule,” she finally replied. “You may send your carriage at three o’clock.”

  John nodded, leaned back against the pew, and grinned at Addie.

  “Thank you, John. That was very kind,” she whispered.

  “You’re welcome, my dear. So long as you realize that I invited her only so she wouldn’t press you.”

  “Ssshhhh!” Mintie hissed, extending her umbrella menacingly in John’s direction.

  “You keep that umbrella under control, Mintie, or you’ll not be joining your sister for tea this afternoon,” he warned.

  Mintie jerked the umbrella away from his leg and pointed a thin finger toward the pulpit. “Quiet! Church has begun.”

  John leaned close to Addie’s ear. “That woman insists upon having the final word. No wonder Lawrence went to Rhode Island,” he muttered.

  With dinner completed and the women off to the parlor, John led the way into the small library adjacent to the dining room, where he offered Matthew a cigar.

  “No, thank you, John,” Matthew said, seating himself on one of the tapestry-covered overstuffed chairs opposite Taylor. “I’m glad both of you have returned, and of course, I’m anxious to hear about your journey. Any new designs or innovative ideas to report?” he inquired.

  “There are a few new concepts I’d like to see incorporated, and I believe Taylor has a few ideas to report, also. However, those matters can wait.”

  Matthew appeared surprised. “Really? I thought that’s why you’d invited us to dinner.”

  “No. What we must discuss is of grave concern and will require your immediate involvement.”

  Matthew sat up in his chair and tugged at his waistcoat. “You’re acting terribly mysterious, John. Is there anything illegal or immoral involved in this situation you wish to discuss?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “Thurston—William Thurston. He’s returned to the United States.”

  Matthew jumped to his feet. “You’re certain? Where is he? How long have you known?”

  “Sit down. It’s a lengthy story,” he said, waiting until Matthew had settled himself before relating the tale of his own kidnapping and escape in London, William’s appearance on the ship, an
d the information recently divulged by Thaddeus Arnold. “So you see,” he concluded, “there’s every reason to believe William Thurston may be hiding out somewhere in close proximity to Thaddeus Arnold.”

  Matthew nodded. “And if not, I’d wager Thaddeus must know how to make contact with Thurston.”

  “If he’s still in the country,” Taylor remarked.

  Matthew appeared confused. “I’m surprised he didn’t immediately board the first ship sailing back to England. Why would he remain in Massachusetts when he knows his only future is in jail?”

  “Or worse yet, having the fury of his outraged wife vented upon him,” Taylor replied in a jesting tone.

  “I imagine Mrs. Thurston would be one of the first to contact the police. In addition to all his other crimes, word has it that William made off with some of her family’s gold and jewelry before departing the country.”

  “I don’t doubt it,” John replied firmly. “I don’t believe that man has a shred of moral fiber in his whole body. So what do you say, Matthew? Shall we head out for New Hampshire in the morning and pay Thaddeus Arnold a visit?”

  “I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do. If you have no objection, I’d like to pass this information along to Mr. Boott. He may want to accompany us.”

  “Whatever you decide is fine with me,” John replied.

  A spindly woman answered the door, strands of wiry hair poking out from beneath a white mobcap. She wiped her hands on a stained cotton apron that partially covered her worn print dress. Pointing a thumb toward a wooden sign with faded letters announcing rooms for rent, she wagged her head back and forth. “I’m full up. Never take the sign down—just in case one of my boarders leaves unexpectedly.”

  “We’re not looking for a room. The tavern owner told us Thaddeus Arnold is one of your boarders,” John said. “We’ve come to call on him.”

  “You friends of his from down in Lowell?” she asked.

  John nodded. “We worked at the same mill.”