A Lady of High Regard

by Tracie Peterson

  “Mr. Ferguson, would you please stop and have that woman bring her handiwork to the carriage? Unless, of course, you would allow me to go to her.”

  “No, miss, that would hardly be fitting. Let me see what I can manage.” He maneuvered the carriage closer to the woman’s cart.

  “Missus, my lady would like to see your wares,” Ferguson called down.

  The woman looked up in disbelief. Her mousy brown hair was pinned haphazardly to the back of her head and her clothing was threadbare and mismatched. She picked up several pieces of work and neared the carriage. Approaching with great apprehension, the woman seemed unwilling to get too close until Mia revealed herself.

  “Don’t be afraid,” Mia told her. “I only hoped to see what you were selling. Did you make these yourself?”

  The woman nodded as she held up two handkerchiefs. “I sell whatever I can to feed my children.”

  Mia looked up and smiled. “How many children do you have?”

  “Seven,” the woman said.

  “Well, your work is lovely. This embroidery is quite nice. I’d like to purchase them. How many do you have?”

  The woman’s eyes widened. “I have four. There’s two more on the cart.”

  “I’ll take all four. How much would you like for them?”

  The woman meekly named her price and Mia counted out the coins. The woman retrieved the other two handkerchiefs and returned with the same look of shock. Mia knew the money would provide food for several meals.

  “What’s your name?” Mia asked.

  “My name?” The woman looked suspicious. “Why d’you want my name?”

  “So that I might ask for you again should I need additional handkerchiefs. As I said, your work is quite lovely.”

  The woman seemed to relax. “It’s Sadie. Everyone knows me. I’m always right here unless I’m somewhere else.”

  Mia laughed at this. “I shall keep that in mind. Thank you so very much, Sadie.” The woman backed away from the carriage, a hint of a smile on her weathered and worn face.

  Ferguson lost little time in urging the horses onward. Mia knew he’d been unnerved by the imposition she’d put upon him. That was why when he turned on Spruce to head up away from the river, Mia said nothing.

  Instead,she thought of Sadie and how frightened she’d seemed by Mia’s questions. She wondered if all of the women on the waterfront had been taught to fear strangers—especially wealthy ones. But wealthy ones could buy her wares, Mia reasoned. There should have been no reason for her apprehension.

  With a sigh, Mia realized that it was going to be very difficult to figure out what was going on and who was oppressing the women of the docks. She knew it would be harder than ever to sneak out at night. Garrett would no doubt be watching her every move. Still, she remembered he had offered to accompany them to England. If Mia could just find a way to convince her parents to let her remain in Philadelphia, then perhaps Mia could have her parents and Garrett out of the way at the same time.

  Of course, that would be weeks from now. Her father talked as though they might stay in town until after the big Fourth of July party. Her mother loved the celebration and generally hosted a party of her own. Most of society remained in Philadelphia until after the celebration, then quietly made a mass exit to their retreats in Newport and Saratoga. A few, like her parents, would go abroad to take in the culture and sights. Most, however, would remain close enough to enjoy the cooler temperatures of the country and still be able to return by late August after the threat of sickness had passed.

  There has to be a way for me to meet with the women and not arouse suspicion. She fingered the handkerchiefs and smiled as a sudden thought came to her. What if I convinced Pastor Brunswick to have a sewing circle of sorts at the church? I could send a messenger to Mrs. Smith and have her bring her friends. I could give them free materials for their trouble. The thought stimulated Mia’s mind as she imagined a room full of women she could question. Surely it would work. It would be a charitable activity that even her parents couldn’t refuse.

  Mia felt a surge of hope. This could very well solve all of her problems. Perhaps she could work something out with Pastor Brunswick to make it a regular event. Maybe he would let Mia host a gathering every week. Ideas poured forth as Ferguson made his way back home. Maybe Mia would even bring in some of her friends. They could proclaim the sewing circle a way to help the poor. The church would surely approve, and even the stuffiest member of their social circle would admit that helping the poor was a biblical and just thing to do.

  Ferguson pulled to the front of the house and stopped. He helped Mia from the carriage. “Now not a word to anyone,” Mia reminded him. “I’ll see to it that you get an extra piece of pie tonight.”

  The old man smiled. “I’d like that for sure, if it’s Mrs. Mc-Guire’s custard pie.”

  “I’ll put in the request myself.”

  Mia chuckled to herself as she entered the house. Things were looking up despite her sad resignation at the magazine. She had just removed her bonnet when her mother entered the foyer.

  “Where have you been? Have you been to see that Mrs. Hale again?”

  Her mother appeared vexed, but Mia took it in stride as she placed her bonnet on the table. “I have, but before you chide me, you should know that I offered her my resignation.”

  Her mother’s mouth opened and closed several times before she finally spoke. “You did?” She seemed quite stunned by the news.

  “I did,” Mia said, pulling off her gloves. She kissed her mother’s cheek. “I told Mrs. Hale of your concerns and resigned my position.”

  “I can scarcely believe it.”

  “Why?” Mia looked at her mother curiously. “Am I such a willful daughter that you believed I would not?”

  Her mother toyed with the lace at her wrist. “I knew it was not what you wanted.”

  “No, it wasn’t,” Mia admitted. “However, I didn’t realize it was causing you so much social animosity, nor did I realize we actually cared about such things. Still, I would not see you and Father hurt, even if it means being hurt myself.”

  Her mother looked up at this. “It was not my intention to hurt you. In fact, just the opposite. I believe in time you will find for yourself that it was to your benefit to put such activities behind you.”

  “Perhaps, but either way, ’tis done.” Mia turned to leave but felt her mother’s gentle touch.

  “Thank you, Mia. It means a great deal to me.”

  Mia felt overwhelmed with guilt. She had not realized how important this was to her mother. Neither had she truly considered the embarrassment her mother had borne. And now Mia would risk further consternation for her family should anyone find out what she planned to do in her investigation. For a moment Mia almost decided to put the seamen’s wives completely from her mind. She didn’t want to hurt her mother. But then she remembered the fear in Mrs. Denning’s eyes and the raggedy children at her skirt and knew she couldn’t forget them. She also couldn’t leave them to fend for themselves. Society might condemn her concern and actions, but those children would thank her for risking her elite status in a world they would never know.

  CHAPTER 9

  “These came for you while you were gone,” Ruth announced, bringing a vase of flowers into Mia’s bedroom. “Would you like them in here?”

  “Who sent them?” Mia reached for the card that had been tucked among a variety of blossoms. The arrangement was mostly pink and white roses, but here and there white and yellow daisies and mums could also be seen.

  “They’re from Mr. Wilson,” Mia said in surprise.

  “Aren’t they lovely? He must care for you a great deal.”

  Mia saw the dreamy way Ruth stared at the arrangement. “You may leave them on my desk.” She read the card again. “Sorry for my poor behavior. Please forgive me. Garrett.”

  “Do you suppose he’s in love with you?”

  “Goodness, Ruth. You’re being far too forward now.”


  “I meant no harm. It’s just when a gentleman sends such a magnificent bouquet, it generally implies that he cares.”

  “In this case he does care, but only about the harsh words he had for me. These are flowers of apology.”

  Ruth shrugged. “Call them what you will, but I think he cares more than you believe.”

  Mia pondered her words for several minutes after Ruth took her leave. Silly girl. Her head is full of nonsense. Mia gently touched the petals of a rose. It was a guilty conscience that sent these flowers . . . not a heart full of love.

  Mia was touched nevertheless. Garrett was her best friend in the whole world, and she couldn’t bear to have ill will between them. She knew he must have felt the same way or he’d never have sent the peace offering.

  “Perhaps upon reflection he even understands how important it is to me to see these women receive proper help.” Mia smiled and went to her window, her final thought a hope that he might know how to help the women through the legal system.

  “Mia resigned her position at Godey’s,” Aldora told her husband as he changed clothes for dinner.

  “Well, of course she did. We demanded it.”

  “I feel guilty for taking that pleasure from her.” Aldora sat on a nearby boot bench and frowned. “She is a good daughter. I sometimes find myself vexed with her, but it’s only because I fear she has chosen poorly for herself.”

  “You needn’t feel guilty about it, Aldora. The position was improper for her. She’ll be happy enough when she finds something new to turn her attention to.”

  “I suppose you’re right. Perhaps England will distract her.”

  “I seriously doubt that. She has no desire to be distracted by England or its people. Aldora, I cannot impose an arranged marriage upon her—not if she’s truly opposed to the man.”

  “But she won’t know until she meets him and has a chance to get to know him. Our marriage was an arrangement, yet we were quite content.”

  “Content because we knew each other long before our parents suggested marriage. I want Mia to marry for love. I fear doing otherwise will stifle all that makes her unique. We have the financial means to not worry about imposing a wealthy suitor upon her.”

  “Yes, but my sisters and their families would benefit greatly socially and economically if Mia were to marry the man they have in mind. I think we should encourage her to at least meet him and see if love cannot be developed for both of them.”

  “I’ll think on it, Aldora. Better yet, I’ll pray about the situation.”

  She nodded. “I’ll pray on it as well.”

  The day of Prudence Brighton’s engagement party arrived with blessedly clear skies and moderate temperatures. Mia was quite excited to attend the party. She had remembered in the dead of the night that the Brightons’ cook, Mrs. Williamson, had a sister who was married to a sailor and lived near the Delaware River. Perhaps Mrs. Williamson could arrange a meeting where her sister could share more insight about the woes of women in her situation.

  Mia fingered the rose-colored silk of her gown. Trimmed in white lace and green cording, the creation seemed just right for a garden party and dinner. Prudence had raved for weeks about how beautiful their flowers were and about the hundreds of additional blossoms her father was bringing in. The number of people invited to the affair was limited due to the Brightons’ uneasiness about taking on a country doctor as son-in-law, but for Mia, all the important people would be there.

  The mirror’s reflection brought a smile to her lips. Mia looked exactly as she’d hoped: small waist, modest neckline, blond hair done up in a fashionable sweep, and a complexion that needed neither powder nor paint. Not that her mother or their society would allow for either one. She twirled to see the lay of the skirt as it might appear while dancing. “Perfect!” she exclaimed.

  “Miss Mia,” Ruth called as she knocked.

  “Come in.” Mia halted her antics. “What is it?”

  “Ah, you do look very fine. I’m sure you’ll have the gentlemen lining up to dance with you. I came to tell you that your father is feeling poorly and has decided to stay home. Your mother wants to stay with him. She hopes that you might go ahead to the party and give their regards.”

  “What seems to be wrong with Father?” Mia asked with a frown.

  “I couldn’t say, miss, but it seems nothing serious.”

  Mia picked up her matching bag. “Very well. Why don’t you go tell Jason to have the carriage brought round?” She raised her brows and gave Ruth a smile.

  “I’ll just go do that right away. We’re hoping that soon you’ll need us to go across town for you again.”

  Mia laughed. “I’m glad to hear that it’s gotten serious.”

  Twenty minutes later, Mia alighted the carriage to stand in front of the Brightons’ three-story brick home. Dozens of people wandered the yard, greeting each other and gathering to talk in small groups. The ladies’ gowns added a rich tapestry of color to the vivid green lawn. They almost looked like flowers themselves in their fashionable bell-shaped skirts. The men were their charming selves in customary black suits that gave them a regal appearance.

  Mia looked quickly for any sign of Garrett before making her way to the garden proper. He had postponed his trip—of that she was certain. He would be here. It was just a matter of locating him and then convincing him to accept an introduction to Josephine Monroe.

  The scent of the flowers assaulted her immediately as she entered the back garden. It was a glorious wealth of aromas, not to mention a stunning visual effect to behold. The Brightons had long been known for their prize-winning roses, and everywhere there was an abundance of flowering beds quartered off and trimmed with crushed white stone.

  “Mia, you came. I’m so very glad,” Prudence said, pulling her aside. The bride-to-be looked very nervous.

  “Are you all right?” Mia questioned. She could see that Prudence was shaking.

  “Father is speaking to Noah at this moment. I do not know why he chose today of all days, but he’s trying to entice Noah to leave his practice and work for Brighton and Sons.”

  “In the boot factory?”

  Prudence nodded. “I’ve told Father many times over that Noah loves working to heal people. Of course, Father and Mother think his position lowly and worry that I will never have my needs met properly. I do wish they would stop tormenting us both.”

  “I’m sure they simply care what happens to you, Pru. They don’t want you suffering. My mother and father insisted I quit writing for Godey’s for that very reason. They care about my reputation, and I guess there have been many comments about my working.”

  “You didn’t quit, did you?”

  “What else was I going to do? My father insisted.”

  “Oh, Mia, I am sorry.” Prudence took hold of her hand. “We are a fine pair today, are we not?”

  “Well, we must keep up appearances and be cheerful. After all, your Noah loves you very much. That’s really all that matters.”

  “I just fear that he’ll refuse Father and Father will withdraw his blessing.”

  Mia patted Prudence’s arm. “Now stop fretting. It would be an embarrassment for your father to do such a thing.”

  “That’s true—and Father would never risk social condemnation.”

  “Stop now with your worrying or your face will flush and turn blotchy.”

  Prudence put her hands to her face. “Oh, I forgot. Is it as bad as last time?”

  Mia shook her head and remembered when Prudence had first announced to her family that she’d fallen in love with a doctor. It was at a private dinner to which Mia had been invited. Prudence was just back from visiting her grandmother in the country, where she’d met the acquaintance of Dr. Noah Hayes. Throughout the evening Prudence’s face had seemed mottled in a swirl of peach, pink, and red, all due to her unsettled nerves.

  “It’s not yet that bad. You are merely flushed at this point. Now put aside your concerns and enjoy your party
.”

  “Congratulations, Miss Brighton,” Garrett exclaimed, coming up from behind Mia.

  “Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I’m so glad you could come. If you’ll excuse me, I need to attend to something.”

  “That is quite all right, Pru. I need to speak with Mr. Wilson anyway,” Mia said, waving her on. Once Prudence had gone, Mia turned to Garrett. “Did you get my note?”

  “I did. I’m glad you liked the flowers.”

  Mia smiled, remembering Ruth’s comments. “Well, you caused a stir with my maid. She thought perhaps I was receiving a proposal.”

  Garrett’s eyes widened a bit. “She thought I was proposing— to you?”

  “Yes, isn’t it silly? I set her straight and encouraged her to put her attention on her own affairs of the heart. She is completely besotted with our groomsman. Oh look. There’s Josephine. Come along, and I’ll introduce you.”

  She took hold of Garrett’s arm and urged him along. He seemed reluctant, but Mia was sure once he met Josephine, he was bound to relax and enjoy the party.

  “Miss Monroe,” Mia said rather ceremonially, “I’d like you to meet Mr. Wilson. He is a dear friend and our closest neighbor.” Josephine curtsied as Garrett bowed. Mia hadn’t bothered to tell Josephine about her plan, so there was no preconceived notion on the part of the dark-haired young woman.

  “I have met Mr. Wilson prior to this,”Josephine announced. “But it was some time ago and I wouldn’t expect him to remember.”

  As they regarded each other, Mia relaxed. Garrett seemed genuinely taken in by Jo’s grace and style, and it didn’t hurt that Jo looked lovelier than Mia could ever remember.

  “Father thinks quite highly of your family,” Josephine continued.

  “I share the same regard for your family, Miss Monroe.”