Winifred sat in the chair across from Ben and smiled. “You wanted to speak to me?”
“Yes, Miss Winifred. I wanted to let you know that you no longer need to worry about Mr. Pomeroy. His mother arrived this morning with a young woman and the pastor. He agreed to marry the woman, and after the pastor finished, the three went to the hotel to wait for the evening train. Pomeroy will finish his sentence and then return home. He seems quite pleased with the arrangement. I doubt he will ever bother you again.”
Winifred’s hand flew to her chest, “Oh, thank you for telling me. He truly frightened me yesterday. Perhaps now that he is married, he will return home and just enjoy his grandfather’s money. Do you know who he married? His mother is quite insistent. I wonder who agreed to marry him so quickly?”
I heard the ceremony, and the pastor called her Alice Collins.” Ben explained.
Winifred’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no, sheriff. You must save that girl before she leaves town with Mrs. Pomeroy.”
Ben leaned forward. “Tell me why? She seemed agreeable.”
“This Miss Collins, was she young maybe seventeen, blonde, pale skin, blue eyes, rail thin, and timid? Maybe more than timid, could she have been overly tired?”
Ben thought for a minute. Winifred had described the young woman perfectly. Had he missed something.” He nodded.
“You must save her. Do not let Mrs. Pomeroy leave town with her. Alice Collins is the Pomeroy’s scullery maid. Ambrose won her in a Poker game.”
“What?” Ben stammered. “You can’t bet people in Poker games.”
“I know. Ambrose didn’t exactly win Alice, but he won her contract. She was under contract until she was eighteen to a wealthy family in the area. Her employer was losing and running out of cash, so he wagered her contract. Ambrose won and presented the girl to his mother as a gift.” She crossed her arms across her chest and shuddered.
“You are fortunate you didn’t marry into that family.”
“I know now how stupid I was. It is not uncommon for a servant’s contract to be traded or sold. However, Mrs. Pomeroy will never allow Alice to be seen in public on Ambrose’s arm. She is a scullery maid and as such is the lowliest of the house servants and I have a feeling she was promised her freedom in exchange for this fake marriage. Perhaps Mrs. Pomeroy told her she would be free soon with an annulment and some money to begin life somewhere new. I doubt she will make it back to Ohio. Mrs. Pomeroy has the marriage certificate. She can prove Ambrose is married and he will inherit. I imagine she will tell people Ambrose and Alice are on their honeymoon. Ambrose will return home alone with some excuse that his wife became ill and is recovering somewhere. In reality, I am certain she will spend the rest of her life in an asylum. I have heard before that Mrs. Pomeroy added a bit of laudanum to the coffee or drink of a business competitor to convince them to lean to her way of thinking. I thought Ambrose made up that story, but after all, that has happened, I don’t doubt any of it. You must find out if Alice is all right and keep her from leaving town.”
Ben sat staring at Winifred letting all her words sink in. He didn’t like Mrs. Pomeroy from the moment she walked into his office, but it seems she is worse than he thought. If Winifred’s right, he needed to save that young woman. Judge Magarey could annul the marriage immediately if he could prove the woman was forced or drugged. Maybe Doc Winters could tell if someone had given her laudanum. He stood quickly.
“Thank you for the pie and the information. I intend to look into this now before they have time to leave town,” Ben told Winifred and Miranda who sat silently through the conversation. Ben spun on his heel and left the house.
Miranda turned to Winifred. “We need to go to town. I have no doubt Ben will get to the bottom of this, and when he does, that poor woman will need a friend and a place to live. We can offer both.”
The back door slammed, and Becca entered carrying a basket of berries. “Was that Ben I saw riding out of here like the devil was on his tail? Is everything all right?”
“We’ll tell you on the way to town,” Miranda answered.
~ * ~
Ben found Doc Winters having lunch at Callahan’s. “Afternoon, Doc, have a minute?”
“Sure, sit. What can I do for you?” Doc answered while lifting a forkful of beef and potatoes to his mouth.
Ben described the situation while Doc ate and listened. He ended his explanation with a question. “If that young woman was given laudanum, can you tell by examining her?”
Doc nodded. “I should be able to tell by looking at her eyes. Her speech will also be slower, and she may stumble over her words. How do you expect me to do this?”
“Not sure,” Ben shrugged. “It depends where they are. Care to walk down to the hotel with me? I have a feeling Pomeroy’s mother would seek out comfort.”
“Yeah, let’s go.” Doc dropped money for his meal on the table and followed Ben to the hotel.
Ben stopped outside the hotel and suggested, “Let me go in first. I don’t want them to see us together right away if they are downstairs.”
Doc waited for Ben to stride up to the front desk before he walked in and took a seat in the hotel lobby.
The hotel owner was behind the counter when Ben walked up. “Hey, Karson, I have a question about three of your guests.”
“You know I don’t give out information about anyone who stays here, Ben.”
Ben leaned on the counter. “Karson, I’m the sheriff. Now, tell me did you rent rooms to a Mrs. Pomeroy and two other guests.”
“Yeah, Mrs. Pomeroy paid for two rooms but said they are leaving tonight. They went up for a while but came down maybe thirty minutes ago for lunch. The three are in the dining room.”
“Did she ask for any food delivered to her room?” Ben asked.
“Just coffee and she insisted that we bring up enough sugar. I guess she likes her coffee sweet.”
“Thanks,” Ben replied and walked over to Doc. “Why would someone want a lot of sugar for their coffee beside the fact they like sweet coffee?”
“If your theory is right, the sugar would help hide the fact that someone added laudanum to the coffee. You’ve had it before. Did you forget how bitter it is?”
“I try to forget about the times I’ve needed it,” Ben smiled, “but that would make sense. They are in the dining room. Let’s walk past, and I’ll stop by the table and see if I can engage them in conversation. Pay attention to the young woman.”
Doc slapped Ben on the back. “No worries. I know how to check out a patient.”
Ben nodded and led the way into the dining room. He walked straight up to the table Mrs. Pomeroy, the preacher, and Alice occupied and addressed them. “Nice to see you again, Ma’am. Are you enjoying your day in our fair town?”
Mrs. Pomeroy snorted, “Fair town. This place is no more than a backward town full of ignorant people.”
“Now, Mrs. Pomeroy,” Ben said stepping closer to the table, “I think the residents of Gentle Falls would take exception with your attitude. Everyone here would make you feel welcome.” As he spoke, he accidentally-intentionally bumped the table and pushed a knife onto the floor hoping Alice would immediately try to retrieve it for her employer. He was right.
“Allow me,” Doc Winters said to Alice and stared straight into her eyes when he picked up the knife.
“Thank you,” Alice’s slurred voice answered nearly in a whisper.
Doc nodded and moved to a table across the room and sat with his back to the Pomeroy table. Ben told Mrs. Pomeroy to enjoy her day and trip back home. He joined Doc at the table.
“I can’t say for sure if that young woman took laudanum, but she definitely appears as if she did.”
“I was afraid of that,” Ben said. “As soon as they finish eating and leave, I’ll head to see the judge. Would you mind staying in the lobby to assure they don’t try to leave the hotel? If they do, follow them. They can’t go far since the train won’t be here for a few hours.”
“Of course, I’m worried about that young woman. If Miss Winifred is right, she’s in danger. That woman may have already made arrangements to have the girl committed.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Ben said as he kept a watch on the occupants at Mrs. Pomeroy’s table. “That young woman looks as if she wants to fall asleep at the table. If they keep her drowsy, it would be easy to stop somewhere along the way to have her transferred to an institution. They’re leaving. I’ll head over to see the judge.”
“Make it quick. People who could come up with this type of scheme are capable of anything.” He watched Ben leave and then looked for a spot in the lobby where he could see whoever came down the stairs.
Ben hurried out of the hotel running down the boardwalk toward the judge’s office just as Miranda’s wagon pulled into town. “Ben just left the hotel running. I think it might be a good idea for us to see why he ran,” Miranda said as she pulled the wagon alongside of the livery.
“Anyone here?” Miranda called.
Tony, the ten-year-old son of the livery owner, ran out. “I am, Mrs. Greiner. Can I help ya?”
“Yes, Tony, take care of my wagon and horses until I get back?” Miranda smiled at the energetic boy.
“Yes, Ma’am,” he answered while running around the side of the building to do her bidding.
Miranda, Becca, and Winifred walked into the hotel and saw Doc Winters sitting in one of the large lobby chairs.
“Nice to see you,” Miranda said. “Are you taking a break from doctoring today?”
“No,” he spoke quietly. “Ben asked me to accompany him when he checked into Miss Winifred’s worries over the new bride.”
Their conversation was broken when a large commotion was heard from the back of the hotel, and Aunt Tess came running out. “Mr. Karson, call the doctor. One of your guests just fell down the back steps.”
“I’m here,” Doc Winters said striding over to the kitchen door and the distraught Aunt Tess.
“Thank goodness, please follow me,” she said and rushed back through the kitchen to the back stairway.
Doc walked up just as Mrs. Pomeroy yelled at the preacher. “Get that stupid girl off the floor. We need to leave now. Carry her out back and then rent us a buggy. The sheriff is too curious. We need to get her away from this town.”
Doc walked up and introduced himself. He dropped to his knees next to an unconscious Alice and looked at Mrs. Pomeroy. “This young woman is unable to travel anywhere.”
Mrs. Pomeroy began to splutter, but Doc ignored her and asked Mr. Karson, “Can we use your office. I’d like to make sure she isn’t seriously injured.”
“Certainly,” Mr. Karson answered and led the way down the back hall to his office.
The preacher lifted Alice and carried her to the office and laid her on the sofa. Doc looked over the shoulders of Mrs. Pomeroy and Mr. Karson happy to see Miranda, Becca, and Winifred standing in the hall.
“Miranda, would you assist me in my examination? The rest of you, please wait in the lobby or dining room.” He shut the door firmly.
Mrs. Pomeroy huffed and turned to retreat down the back hall only to see Winifred and Becca standing in her way. She hissed, “You?” at Winifred and then turned and walked down the hall toward the lobby.
Chapter Nineteen
Doc Winters examined Alice and determined she didn’t break any bones and only had a small bump on her head. “If she were given another dose of laudanum just before trying to walk down the stairs, that could account for her fall. The bump coupled with the drug is the reason she’s out cold.” Alice moaned a bit. “She’ll come around soon.”
Miranda whispered, “You don’t suppose that old woman pushed her down the stairs hoping to have witnesses here to her injuries so she could leave her at some hospital. Winifred believes that woman wants Alice committed.”
Doc shook his head. “To prove the legality of this marriage, Alice and Ambrose have to spend at least some time alone. His mother would need to explain that the marriage was consummated to prove her son was married and no one here would believe it. She could have arrangements somewhere along the way home with an unscrupulous doctor who would confirm their union if paid enough and possibly even a lost pregnancy to account for the reason the girl had to be committed for hysteria and healing. Her death would, of course, follow in due time.”
A gasp from Alice drew their attention back to the young woman lying on the sofa. Her hands covered her face and tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “What happened to me?”
“You don’t remember,” asked Doc.
Alice shook her head.
“Tell me, Alice,” Doc said quietly. “Did you drink coffee or tea shortly before you fell?”
“Yes, I had a cup of Mrs. Pomeroy’s special sweet coffee?”
“Sweet coffee?” Miranda asked.
“Yes, Mrs. Pomeroy said she read an article that coffee is good for you but in order for the bitterness not to upset digestion, it must be heavily sweetened. She adds two heaping spoons of sugar each time she hands me a cup and insists I drink it all.” Alice sniffed wiping tears from her eyes.
“When did you first start drinking this coffee?” Doc inquired.
“The night before we left. Oh, that would be last night. This morning she explained I needed to marry her son but in name only. Then she would return my contract and give me money to move away. She has my contract in her reticule and told me if I didn’t obey her, she could sell it to someone who would enjoy my work in more rooms than the kitchen. I heard what you said. Do you believe she wants me dead?” Alice visibly shuddered and wrapped her arms around her thin body.
“Winifred Broadmoor believes she does. Do you know her?” Miranda asked.
“Yes, she was engaged to Master Ambrose. My mistress did not like the woman and forced Master Ambrose to cancel the wedding only two days before it was to take place. A few days later, they had an enormous argument. The entire house heard it. My mistress was angry that Master Ambrose hadn’t found a suitable wife and he was upset she forced him to give up Miss Winifred. He left the house saying he would find her. There was talk in the house that he sent a telegram that he was in this town but locked in jail. We left on the next morning’s train. Whatever will I do?” She dissolved into tears once more.
Doc turned to Miranda, “I will tell everyone that she is ill and keep her at my office until she is well. It should give Ben and the judge time to find an answer.”
Miranda shook her head. “You live alone. I wouldn’t put it past that woman to send for help, the kind of help you don’t want to have near your home. Let me take her home to recover. She’ll be safe at the farm. Our men keep watch at night. If they find out where she is, they will never get past the guards and certainly not into the house. I learned long ago to shoot first and ask questions later if someone breaks into my home especially at night.”
Miranda’s steely gaze convinced Doc. “That is a good plan.” Turning to Alice, he asked, “Do you have anything you must have in your valise or can we get you out the back before Mrs. Pomeroy knows you left?”
Alice shrugged, “My valise is empty. I only own work uniforms and one Sunday dress for the one Sunday a month I am allowed to attend church. This dress,” she pulled at the bodice of her gown, “belonged to Master Ambrose’s deceased sister.”
Miranda patted her hand. “Don’t worry, we have clothes for you, and you’ll stay with us until you wish to leave.”
“I have a sister in Texas. I was saving my money for a ticket to go to her once my contract was fulfilled.”
“Does Mrs. Pomeroy know about your sister?” Miranda asked the frightened girl.
“No, I told no one. The pastor at my church receives my mail and sends letters for me,” Alice explained.
“Not the preacher that accompanied you here?” Doc frowned.
“No, I never saw him before. Mrs. Pomeroy would never set foot in the small church I attend. She doesn’t know where it is. I always wa
lk a different way to and from church services. I worried she might have me followed and ruin the only place I feel safe and loved.” Alice tried not to cry again, but couldn’t stop the tears. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I never cry this way.”
Doc explained, “You have had a terrible shock, and an injury not to mention the drug in your system is meant to kill pain and make a person sleepy. It stands to reason you would be overly emotional. Don’t worry any longer, you are safe now. You have my promise.”
Alice jumped when she heard a knock at the door. Doc opened the door, and Ben slipped inside.
“Joseph is watching the woman and the preacher in the dining room. He won’t allow them to leave. Judge Magarey said he would like to speak to the young lady tomorrow after she has time to sleep and for the drug to dissipate in her system. If her story is anywhere near what Winifred feared, the judge will issue an annulment immediately.”
Doc nodded toward the corner of the room and Ben followed. “Her story is worse. From what I can gather, she’s been drugged since last night when the old woman decided to come here. She doesn’t even have a change of clothing. She’s wearing a dead girl’s dress. I don’t believe that old woman ever intended to return that girl to her home.”
“Do you think the preacher is involved? Did the girl say anything?”
“She doesn’t know him. I think you should find out if he’s an actual preacher. Miranda is going to take Alice out to her place, but I will tell the old woman that she’ll be at my office. She might try and harm the girl further.” Doc explained.
“Good plan. You go speak with Mrs. Pomeroy and the preacher while I help Alice leave with Miranda. I’ll come back to the dining room as soon as I can.” Sheriff Clay said as he turned to Miranda to inquire how she planned on getting Alice out of town.
“Winifred, Becca, and I came to town in my wagon. If we can get a couple of blankets from the hotel, Alice could hide in the back until we are far enough away from town to be safe.”
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