A Fragile Design (39 page)

‘‘I’ve decided I’m going to remain in Lowell,’’ Daughtie triumphantly announced.

Bella reached around her friend’s shoulder, pulling her into a warm hug. ‘‘I’m so glad. I hope it’s because you truly want to stay and not because you fear Eldress Phoebe.’’

‘‘I must admit that the thought of a confrontation with some of the Sisters was a bit of a deterrent,’’ Daughtie said, giving a nervous giggle. ‘‘I’ve prayed very hard about my decision, Bella, and I believe I’m supposed to stay here. Not that I received a startling revelation like some members of the Society, but I’ve felt a kind of tugging in my heart as I’ve prayed. I don’t seem to receive as much clarity as some of the Sisters, but then, I never did.’’

‘‘That doesn’t mean God isn’t leading you or answering your prayers, Daughtie. I believe He speaks to each of us in different ways.’’

Daughtie gave her a halfhearted smile. ‘‘Do you think the Sisters will treat you awfully?’’ Her voice was a mixture of sadness and fear.

‘‘I doubt they’ll be pleased to see me, but I’ve prayed God will give me the strength to face them so that I may overcome my fears. Besides, Mrs. Cheever needs me, and I can’t bring myself to tell her I won’t help by going with her.’’

Daughtie nodded. ‘‘Will you tell Sister Mercy I send my love to her?’’

‘‘You know I will. She’s the only one I want to see.’’

‘‘What about your father? Will you not make an effort to talk to him?’’

Bella simply shook her head. ‘‘Let’s go downstairs. I promised Miss Addie I’d visit her before I went to bed.’’

The two girls bounded down the stairs, and Bella tapped on the door as they walked into her parlor. The older lady sat at her desk staring intently at a sheet of paper lying before her. She glanced up as Bella and Daughtie entered the room and clapped her hands in obvious delight.

‘‘Oh, good,’’ she exclaimed. ‘‘You’ve saved me from writing a letter. Come sit down,’’ she said, beckoning them farther into the room. ‘‘Are you prepared for your journey? I do wish I were going along.’’

‘‘I wish I could stay here and you could accompany the Cheevers. I dread going back to Canterbury.’’

‘‘You’ll do just fine. Daughtie and I will be praying for you the whole time. You’ll be back in no time at all. It will be a pleasant diversion, especially since Taylor is going along.’’

‘‘What? Why would you ever think such a thing? Taylor has no interest in any of this,’’ Bella replied.

‘‘You haven’t talked to Lilly, have you?’’

Bella shook her head back and forth. ‘‘No.’’

‘‘I called on her today. I wanted to wish her well on the journey,’’ Addie explained. ‘‘While we were having tea, Lilly told me that Matthew has decided to remain in Lowell. It seems he’s had an unexpected problem arise within the Corporation and he can’t leave Lowell at this time. He suggested they wait until after the baby is born and then make the trip, but Lilly wouldn’t hear of it. Finally he agreed to find someone who would drive the carriage and escort you and Lilly to Canterbury.’’

Bella sank back in her chair. She had forgiven Taylor for his improprieties, but she didn’t want him as her escort on the trip to Canterbury. The choice of a young single man accompanying them would certainly create a flurry among the Shakers and give them yet another reason to find fault with her. She found it impossible to concentrate on Miss Addie’s chattering and finally asked to be excused, saying she must get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep, however, did not come easily. When the first bell sounded the next morning, she forced herself out of bed and began preparations for the day. The other girls were already working at the mill when a knock sounded at the front door. Bella’s breath caught in her throat as she walked to the hallway to answer the knock. Perhaps Mr. Cheever’s problem had been solved and when she opened the door he would be standing there to greet her . . . but he wasn’t.

The journey was long and tiring for Lilly, with her condition necessitating frequent stops as they traversed the winding, bumpy roads to Canterbury, yet Taylor remained patient and thoughtful. Even when Lilly insisted they seek lodging for the night by midafternoon, Taylor had pleasantly acquiesced. Throughout the journey, Bella had critically observed his behavior, expecting to see him revert to his caddish manners. At the very least, she had anticipated he would attempt to kiss or embrace her when they were alone, but surprisingly, he had done neither. Instead, he had exhibited the epitome of gentlemanly behavior. Perhaps Taylor’s declaration that he had changed his ways was true. But then again, she decided, perhaps he was merely using this trip to his advantage and would return to his old habits when she least expected it.

The inn they chose was small but clean. Lilly gave Taylor money and had him arrange for two rooms. When he returned to help with the luggage, Lilly told them both she intended to lie down for an hour or two. Taylor agreed it was a good idea, but Bella thought otherwise. She would be sharing a room with Lilly and she wasn’t in the leastwise prepared to nap. That meant that other than sitting quietly in the room, Bella would have to find some other diversion for herself while Lilly slept.

Deciding a walk might be in order, Bella saw to Lilly but then decided this might be an excellent opportunity to broach the subject of Thaddeus Arnold.

‘‘If it wouldn’t overly tax you, Mrs. Cheever, I was wondering if I might discuss a matter with you. I promise to be brief,’’ Bella quickly added.

Lilly lowered herself onto the bed. ‘‘If you don’t mind if I lie down while you talk; my back is aching,’’ she said while massaging her lower back in small circular motions.

Bella plumped one of the pillows. ‘‘Of course not. Please make yourself comfortable.’’

Lilly leaned back. ‘‘Ah, this feels much better.’’ She closed her eyes. ‘‘I won’t fall asleep until you finish talking. Sit down here on the side of the bed and tell me what concerns you.’’

Bella found it a bit discomfiting to talk to someone whose eyes were closed but decided she’d best seize this chance. It might be a long time before another opportunity would present itself. ‘‘Well, you may recall my friend Ruth, the one who is missing?’’

‘‘Mm-hmm,’’ Lilly murmured. ‘‘I’m hoping she’ll be safe and sound by the time we get home.’’

‘‘As am I,’’ Bella replied. ‘‘Anyway, the night Ruth disappeared I awakened. I thought I was having a nightmare, and although I couldn’t remember what occurred in the dream, I remembered hearing noises. As it turned out, it was those noises and not my dreams that awakened me. The noises were coming from next door—at the Arnolds’.’’

Lilly’s eyes opened wide. ‘‘What kind of noises?’’ she inquired, her full attention now riveted upon Bella.

‘‘Thumping, slapping, and the sounds of a woman crying. Then I heard the muffled sounds of a man’s voice telling the woman to be quiet. I’m quite sure it was Mr. Arnold. However, Ruth’s disappearance drew my attention away from the happen- ings next door. But I felt I had to do something to help Mrs. Arnold before she or the little girl suffered injury.’’

Lilly nodded in agreement. ‘‘I’m glad you’ve told me. I thought this matter was resolved a couple of years ago. It appears that Mr. Arnold may have returned to his old habits.’’

‘‘Do you think there’s some other possibility? Perhaps I’ve jumped to conclusions because of Virginia’s comment, but I certainly would never forgive myself if something happened to Mrs. Arnold or that sweet little girl,’’ Bella said, her words tumbling forth in a flurry.

Lilly took Bella’s hand and patted it. ‘‘Don’t give this matter another thought, Bella. You’ve done the proper thing by telling me. I’ll take care of it, and Mr. Arnold will be none the wiser as to how I’ve once again unearthed his despicable behavior.’’ She gave Bella a sleepy-eyed gaze. ‘‘Even after hearing this unsavory news, I can’t seem to keep my eyes open. I’m sorry, Bella, but I fear I must take a nap.’’

Bella nodded her head and rose from the side of the bed, hoping she’d done the proper thing. She then headed for the door. ‘‘I think I’ll take a walk while you sleep,’’ she offered. ‘‘I won’t go far, so don’t worry.’’

Lilly yawned and nodded. ‘‘I’m too tired to worry.’’

Bella slipped from the room and headed for the stairs just as Taylor came from his room.

‘‘Running away, Bella?’’ he asked with a smile.

‘‘I wasn’t tired—at least not tired in the sense of wanting a nap. I’m a bit sore and road weary, so I thought a walk would do me good.’’

‘‘May I join you?’’

This was a different side of Taylor Manning. Asking instead of demanding. Bella shrugged. ‘‘If you must.’’ Besides, having Taylor’s company would keep her from dwelling on her conversation with Lilly Cheever.

He laughed and followed her down the stairs. ‘‘We haven’t really had a chance to talk since coming on this journey. I suppose you were surprised to see me in Mr. Cheever’s stead.’’

‘‘Yes, I suppose I was.’’

‘‘I was secretly glad Mr. Cheever couldn’t accompany you,’’ Taylor said, taking hold of her elbow as they exited the inn. ‘‘I’m glad for any extra time I can have to convince you of my sincerity.’’

Bella considered his words for a moment, then paused under a large chestnut tree. ‘‘Taylor, you mentioned not having much to do with God because He would get in the way of your lifestyle. Has that changed?’’

Taylor let go of his hold on her and paced back and forth alongside her. With his hands clasped behind his back, Bella thought he looked more like a great orator about to speak than a young man making confessions of faith.

‘‘I have to say that certain things Miss Addie shared have profoundly affected my soul. She told me every man and woman would be called to reckon for his actions. I remember my mother saying the same thing when I was a boy. I didn’t take it very seriously,’’ he said, pausing to meet her gaze, ‘‘but now I do.’’

‘‘Because of what Miss Addie said?’’ Bella questioned softly. She was suddenly humbled by his declaration. Miss Addie had shared the Gospel with Taylor and had called him to account. Bella had only argued with Taylor. She hadn’t concerned herself at all with the condition of his soul.

‘‘Partly because of Miss Addie, but also because of you.’’

‘‘Me? Why me?’’

Taylor straightened and unclasped his hands. ‘‘You are unlike other girls. You didn’t pursue me—you would scarcely even talk to me.’’ He grinned. ‘‘I saw in you a gentle spirit yet a bold and courageous one. Miss Addie told me of your deep religious convictions shortly after I first met you. She told me about the Shakers and their strict beliefs.’’

‘‘But I don’t believe as they believe,’’ Bella replied. ‘‘That’s part of the reason I wish I weren’t making this journey.’’ She was astounded by the open manner in which she’d just spoken. Even so, it felt so very right.

‘‘Are you afraid they’ll hurt you—demand you return? I won’t let anyone harm you—you must believe that.’’

‘‘They can’t hurt me physically,’’ Bella replied, ‘‘but there are worse pains than those delivered by physical blows.’’

Taylor came to her and took hold of her gloved hands. ‘‘Bella, I promise you, they won’t harm you. I won’t let them.’’

Bella smiled at his sincerity. Maybe God
had
begun a good work in Taylor’s heart. Yet it was so hard to trust—to believe. Not only that, but Taylor had no idea of the manner in which the Shakers could heap on guilt and punishment without ever raising a hand. This trip was going to test everything she’d come to understand. There was no hope that Taylor could comprehend that. ‘‘Thank you,’’ she finally said, pulling her hands away from his. ‘‘I’m sure you’ll do your best.’’

By the time they reached Concord, Bella’s stomach was churning. She gave a fleeting thought of a brief stop at her Aunt Ida’s, but Lilly was anxious to reach their destination, so she withheld the suggestion. Besides, Aunt Ida would most likely be embarrassed to entertain unknown guests in the dilapidated rented rooms on Franklin Street.

‘‘The closer we get, the more excited I become. I hope there will be no problems and we can bring the boy home with us. You said the Shakers named him David?’’

Bella nodded.

‘‘I wonder what his mother and Lewis named him,’’ Lilly commented.

‘‘I don’t remember, but it is common practice for names to be changed when children are left at the Village. The Sisters pick a name they think more suitable.’’

Lilly’s brows furrowed. ‘‘Really? It seems that would be confusing to children, especially when they’ve already been placed in unfamiliar surroundings without their parents. Was your name changed, Bella?’’

‘‘No, but both my parents remained at the Village with me. My mother wouldn’t permit a name change.’’

Bella gave Taylor directions as the coach rolled onto the road leading to the Trustees’ Building. ‘‘We’ll stop at the large stone building on your right, Taylor,’’ she said, the words tumbling out as her stomach continued churning. She wondered if she might faint.

Taylor held out his hand to assist her down from the coach. She stared at him, willing herself to move, yet she could not. Her body remained frozen in the seat.

‘‘Bella?’’

She heard him say her name. His voice seemed to echo in the distance; then she felt his arms lifting her out of the carriage and her feet touching the ground—ground that belonged to the Believers. She shivered and heard Taylor’s voice asking if she was ill. She looked up into his sapphire blue eyes and saw his apprehension.

‘‘I’ll be fine. It’s just this place—seeing the people, knowing they’ll be judging me, and knowing I must listen to their recriminating words. I can’t explain how difficult it is for me to be here,’’ she whispered. ‘‘I told Mr. Cheever I didn’t want to come back, but he wouldn’t listen,’’ she said, her voice cracking with emotion.

Taylor lifted her chin with one finger, forcing her to look into his eyes. ‘‘Remember what I said. I’ll not let anything happen to you, Bella. If they speak ill of you, they’ll suffer my wrath.

You’ve done nothing wrong, and you have nothing to fear. We’ll go in there, make our inquiries, hopefully gain control of the little boy, and be on our way home. Do you believe me?’’

She nodded her head. ‘‘Yes,’’ she whispered.