The Cogan Legend

by R. E. Miller

  As long as the conversation was on something besides herself, Ann seemed willing to listen. When her father finished, Ann agreed. “Father, I don’t want to stay here. I want to go to the lodge with you.”

  Relieved that Ann finally expressed some feelings, he said, “I’ll write to Mary tonight and let her know when to expect us.”

  Ann continued to blame herself for Rachel’s death. She had no interest in leaving the house, writing letters to Phillip, or discussing anything with her father. Charles was deeply concerned about his daughter and desperately hoped her condition would improve before they made the journey to the lodge.

  In what he felt was an attempt to help Ann, Charles decided to have a going away dinner the weekend before the trip. He invited Ted and his wife Marie, and a few close friends and business associates. Charles felt confident in his relationship with Mary and intended to announce at the gathering that he was going to propose to her.

  Before dinner was served, Charles summoned everyone to the music room. “Ann, will you please play for us?”

  “Yes, Ann, please do,” Ted added.

  Reluctantly, she sat down at the piano and began to play. After a few songs, she decided to stop.

  “Thank you, Ann. That was beautiful. You haven’t lost your ear for music.”

  Charles then proceeded with his announcement. “As you know, I have a hunting lodge up north that I travel to often. I enjoy the outdoors and the quiet away from the city. Over the years I’ve met many people in the area including a particular woman, Mary Lentz, whom I’ve known for several years. On this last trip with Ann and Rachel, Mary and I became very close. I must admit, I never thought there would be another woman in my life. Since the tragedy with Rachel, and my return to Philadelphia, we’ve been writing to each other. I must confess, I’ve fallen in love with her, and I think she loves me too. I’ve kept that secret even from Ann. I’m going to ask her to be my wife, if Mary will have me.”

  There was silence for several seconds; then Ted raised his glass, “Let’s propose a toast to Charles and Mary.”

  The announcement actually brought a smile to Ann’s face. “Father, I think it’s wonderful. I know Mary will say yes.”

  The evening remained joyful as the guests discussed the future changes in the Fairchild home. Charles was relieved to see Ann smile and spend the evening with his guests.

  Preparation for the trip made the days pass quickly. Charles spent his time at work taking care of matters prior to their departure. Ann spent her days packing for a long stay. Thoughts of Phillip returned, and she was anxious to see him again. Ann finally decided to write a letter and share her misery and inform him of their return to the lodge.

  The day before they left Ann received a letter from Phillip. She immediately read through it and went to find her father. “Father, I just received a letter from Phillip. It has the news you’ve been waiting for.”

  “Well, Ann, let’s hear it.”

  “Phillip caught the murderer on the last day of their search.”

  Bewildered, Charles asked, “Did he say murderer? Are you sure it wasn’t murderers? Check your letter again?”

  Ann read that portion out loud, ‘On the last day of our search, we found a hollowed area where Poll Soll had been hiding all the time. We finally captured the murderer.’

  “I’m confused. I thought Phillip implied they were looking for two men?”

  “I did too, Father, but he stated he’ll explain the details of the capture when he sees us at the lodge.”

  “Well, I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

  “Phillip sent all the paperwork to Harrisburg requesting a judge and trial date.”

  “That’s the news I wanted to hear before we leave. We could be back in Philadelphia sooner than I thought.”

  “I don’t care if I ever return to Philadelphia again.”

  “Ann, you don’t mean that. This is your home.”

  “I do mean it. I’ve come to hate this city.”

  With that comment, Charles wasn’t sure Ann would ever be herself again.

  “Father, what time will we begin our trip tomorrow?”

  “We want to get to Mrs. Webber’s inn by tomorrow evening, so I want to leave by eight o’clock. We best turn in early tonight.”

  Lewey was up at daybreak to eat breakfast and prepare the coach and team for the trip. Charles tapped on Ann’s door as he made his way downstairs. An hour later, Lewey pulled the coach around to the entrance and started loading the trunks and luggage.

  When Ann walked out the front door, she was surprised. “Father, you didn’t tell me you got a new coach.”

  “The other coach had too many bad memories. I wanted this trip to have a fresh start.”

  The trip began in silence with Charles’ thoughts on his proposal and whether Mary would accept and return to Philadelphia with him. Ann’s only thoughts were on her guilt in Rachel’s murder.

  Occasionally, Charles tried to begin conversation, but Ann wasn’t responsive.

  Late afternoon they arrived at Mrs. Webber’s inn. Once in her room, Ann remembered how Rachel undressed in front of her for the first time and how they couldn’t stop laughing. She laughed to herself as it brought back such fond memories of her friend.

  During dinner Ann asked her father, “Will we stay at the same place as on our last trip?”

  “No, we’re going to travel a little further. Since we didn’t like that establishment, I’ve chosen a different inn.”

  Ann didn’t sleep well; Mrs. Miller’s hurtful words flowed through her mind all night. The trip began early in the morning and like the previous day; they both sat in silence.

  After several hours Charles desperately wanted to strike up a conversation with his daughter and wondered if this was the proper time to discuss her future. He was torn between sending Ann to finishing school or allowing her to marry Phillip. “Ann, in addition to the prospect of my marriage to Mary, I’ve been giving much thought about your future. In your current state of mind, I’m not sure marrying Phillip would be a good idea. Perhaps it would be best for you to return to school.”

  The topic suddenly distressed Ann. “For weeks I’ve been thinking about Rachel’s murder and my guilt. I even went as far to think that Rachel had forgiven me, but Carrie’s outburst forced me to examine myself. I admit, I’ve been selfish in many ways, but Phillip is the one positive in my life. He loves me, and his patience and love helped me survive that first week after Rachel’s death.”

  “I have no doubt that Phillip is in love with you, but at this time you’re not in any condition to accept a marriage proposal.”

  Angered by these words, she finally confronted her father. “I’m going to tell you something that may pain you, and you may not want to hear. If you had allowed me to have friends and even callers, I probably would never have met Phillip. I wouldn’t have had to sneak out against your wishes. Rachel warned me plenty of times not to disobey my father’s wishes, but I didn’t take her advice. I was rebelling against you and had no feelings for any of those men. I probably would’ve gone to school without your urging.”

  Charles was stunned at her outburst, and he sat quiet for several moments. His first thoughts were to reprimand her, but he realized she was right. “I never looked at it from your point of view. I only felt guilt for allowing you and Rachel to run around the countryside, but I just now recognize if I had allowed you friends and callers, there would’ve been no need for punishment, and Rachel would be alive.”

  “Father, I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you.”

  “You’re just like your mother; she always put things in perspective, and always made it logical and sensible. I’m glad we’ve had this discussion.”

  Charles decided not to push Ann any further, and since she spoke openly he had hope that her condition was improving. Ann slept better that night than she had in weeks, and soon they were back on the road.

  Ann sensed nervous excitement in her father’s behavior as th
e miles clicked down and the day wore on. Suddenly, Charles asked, “Ann, what do you think Mary will say when I ask her to marry me?”

  “I’m pretty sure she’ll accept. Rachel and I talked about the looks you and Mary shared, and we joked often about your eagerness to help in the kitchen.”

  Charles smiled at her comment. He knew it wouldn’t be much further as they passed through Gratztown.

  CHAPTER 21

  Mary heard the wheels of the arriving coach and felt her heart lift. She hurried to the door, wiping her hands on a dish towel. At the door, she realized she was wearing her apron and hurried back to the kitchen to hang it on the back of the door. She checked her appearance and, although not completely satisfied, she returned to the door.

  Mary observed as Charles got out of the coach and helped Ann step down. Mary was surprised at the girl’s appearance. She looked frail and withdrawn. Mary stepped out onto the porch to greet them and was surprised when Charles strode over to her and held his arms open. He hugged and kissed her and then, stepping back, said, “Mary, you look beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Mary replied and felt her face redden.

  Ann and Lewey each gave her a hug, and then Lewey started to unload the trunks and bags.

  Tom’s appearance surprised them as he came from the house and down the steps to offer his assistance to Lewey. “Tom! What a surprise! I thought you’d be in Sunbury with Phillip guarding the prisoner,” Charles said.

  “How are you, Mr. Fairchild?”

  Charles shook his hand. “Let’s go inside. It’s still cold out here.”

  Charles took Mary’s elbow to help her up the steps. Tom held out his hand for Ann to take, and he leaned forward and said, “Gee, Ann. You look terrible!”

  Ann favored him with a glare and then grinned. “Blunt as usual Tom.” She took his hand to show that she had no hard feelings. Tom guided her up the steps.

  When he released her, Ann stepped over to Mary. “I’m so glad to be here. The trip was so long.”

  Mary put her arm around Ann’s waist. “Come inside. Dinner’s ready, but I’ll keep it warm if you want to freshen up first.”

  Charles glanced at Ann. Her face was pale. “Maybe you should go lie down for awhile before we eat.”

  Ann nodded gratefully. “I think I will, Father.” It was the first time Mary saw her smile, although it was tight-lipped at best.

  After Ann left the room, Mary turned to Charles. “What’s wrong with her? She looks like she did when you left. You told me she had improved.”

  Charles, busy with unpacking, stopped and took Mary’s hand. “I’m not exactly sure it’s easy to explain. After dinner, I’ll try.”

  When Ann entered her room, she looked around and noticed that Mary had redecorated. It was painted a different color, and Rachel’s bed was removed in an effort to ease the memory, but thoughts of Rachel still came to mind.

  Tom knocked. “Ann, I have your trunks.” Tom pushed the door open and entered. “Ann, I’ve never seen you like this. What’s wrong?”

  Ann shuddered as she looked at Tom. He was the one far more injured than the neighbor, yet he hadn’t berated her. She suspected that he too harbored the same feelings that Mrs. Miller expressed. How could he not? Rachel loved him with all her heart, and she was anxious to start her life with him. The only reason she’d gone along with Ann’s mad scheme was to make enough money so that they could be married. She’d ruined it for both of them. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  Tom reached in his pocket for a handkerchief and sat with her. “I want you to tell me what’s wrong. I’m not leaving until I get an answer.”

  She looked at Tom teary eyed. “Several weeks ago, I went to visit Carrie. She has so much resentment toward me she never wants to see me again. It took Carrie and a neighbor to chide me before I realized my selfishness killed Rachel. It’s my fault she’s dead.”

  Tom nodded thoughtfully. He took the handkerchief Ann returned to him and folded it before replying. “Carrie also blames me. She told me directly ‘if anything happens to Rachel, I will blame you.’ So it’s not just you she blames. Right now Carrie is mad at the world, and I guess I can’t blame her. Like us, she’ll never accept Rachel’s death. As for selfishness, both Rachel and I were selfish.” Tom thought a little humor might help, “Actually, I was more selfish than Rachel.”

  Ann twisted her hands in her lap. “I was far more selfish, I think.”

  “I agree you were selfish, but we both saw it as a chance to get what we wanted, too. We both wanted things. I wanted the best I could give her, and to do that we had to twist your father’s arm because I wanted the money. No one could ever predict what was to happen. Rachel or I or your father, or you would never have gone if we knew what was to come. I blame the murderers, and one of them will hang for killing Rachel. The other is already dead. That won’t bring her back, but it will allow me to feel justice has been served, and I’ll be stronger for it.”

  “It’s hard for me to talk to Father like this. Tom, you’ve made me feel a little better, thank you.”

  Still sitting on the bed, Tom looked around the room. “Mary told me Rachel and you shared this room. Every night when I’m here, I come in and sit on the bed hoping she will appear. I miss her so much; she’s all I think about. I never realized how much she meant to me.”

  “We all miss her. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be down in a few minutes after I freshen up.”

  He nodded and left.

  Everyone was at the table waiting for Ann.

  “Tom, I want to hear all about the capture,” Charles said. “And, I insist you call me Charles. We’re not in Philadelphia now, son.”

  Tom smiled and nodded. “Okay.” As they ate, Tom related the details of the capture, and explained to Charles why only one murder was awaiting trial.

  Tom turned to Ann. “Phillip is hoping you can testify at the trial. He’s sure your testimony would make it an open and shut case. The guy’s guilty as sin, but we still have to prove it.”

  Tom looked at Ann who seemed to be somewhere else. “Ann, are you alright? Ann, did you hear me?”

  Ann looked up.

  “Do you remember what happened that day?” Tom asked.

  Ann looked at him. “I’ve tried to remember but very little has come back. I’m sorry, Tom.”

  “That’s okay; I thought perhaps you might.”

  Lewey, who seldom spoke, said, “I heard Rachel say something to Ann, but her voice was so faint I couldn’t hear.”

  Tom looked at Ann. “Maybe someday you’ll remember.”

  They finished eating in silence. Ann’s yawn broke the spell. She stood. “I’m sorry, but I’m exhausted. Will you please excuse me? It’s been a long day.”

  “Certainly, Ann, we understand,” Mary said.

  Lewey was right behind her. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m exhausted too.”

  After Lewey departed, Tom asked Charles, “I’d like to talk to you about my old job.”

  “What about your job?”

  “Since the trial will not start for several weeks, I’ve decided to go back to Philadelphia. I want to see how Carrie is holding up. I know she has good neighbors, but I also know Rachel’s death has been very hard on her. I just hope she will forgive me.”

  “Well, I’m not sure she is in a forgiving mood. Ann went to visit her several weeks ago, and she slammed the door in her face.”

  “Perhaps news of the capture will help ease her pain.”

  “I don’t think she’ll ever get over her loss.”

  “When I go back I thought I would go to work, but I wasn’t sure it would be as a foreman.”

  “Tom, I promised you at the funeral you could have your job back. Mary, do you have a pen and paper handy? I’ll write a note to Ted and when you’re ready to go to work it will explain everything. Is there anything else you want to discuss, Tom?”

  “No, that’s really all I wanted to know. I appreciate it. I almost forgot; will it be alrigh
t if I go to the trial?” Tom added. “Phillip will let me know when it starts. I don’t want to miss it.”

  “Of course. I don’t want you to miss it either. Just tell Ted before you leave Philadelphia.”

  “When do you plan to leave the lodge, Tom?” Mary asked.

  “I’ve decided to leave in the morning. I just want to express my gratitude to you, Mary, for all the hospitality you’ve shown me.”

  “You’ve pretty much earned your keep,” she said.

  “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if Lewey’s in my bed,” Tom said and went up the stairs.

  Finally, Mary was able to speak to Charles alone. “Charles, tell me what’s wrong with Ann.” Mary anxiously awaited a response.

  “For weeks Ann was doing so much better after the funeral. Then recently she went to visit Rachel’s mother. Ann was scorned by Mrs. Miller and her neighbors, and she hasn’t been the same since. They said hurtful and horrible things to her, and she now totally blames herself for Rachel’s death.”

  “Oh, that’s terrible. I know what she’s going through. I went through a deep depression years ago. I hate seeing her in this state. Maybe I can help her.”

  “That would be great, Mary. It would be wonderful if you could help me get her out of her current state.”

  Charles stifled a yawn but had no desire to go to bed; he wanted to spend private time with Mary. He was nervous as he began to speak. “Mary, before we left Philadelphia I had a few friends and acquaintances over for dinner and I told them I was having a relationship with a wonderful woman. The entire trip I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” Charles then took her hand, looked directly in her eyes and asked, “Mary, will you marry me?”

  She hesitated for only a few seconds then smiled. “Yes Charles, I’ll marry you.”