by Lynn Wolfe
All the plans he’d made to destroy Mary, Thomas and Parker were ruined when Mary slipped away. He had found she’d made arrangements to sail to America by secretly paying her fare and giving enough money to the captain of the ship she boarded, for her to leave undetected or so she thought. If one of his drinking pals hadn’t witnessed her sneaking on the ship, Henry wouldn’t have known where she’d gone.
Unfortunately, his drunken friend didn’t think the news was important enough to inform him before the ship set sail. Mary had timed it to perfection, for the ship had sailed within an hour of her boarding. All Henry knew for certain was the intended destination, the port of Baltimore, in America.
Henry was certain Minnie had played a part in Mary’s escape, but when he confronted her; she denied any knowledge of Mary’s trickery and cried so much that Henry thought Mary had tricked her, too. That wench, he thought, Mary had fooled them both!
If only Jane had lived none of this would have happened, but she didn’t. She’d left him with two children that instead of respecting him for all he’d done to raise them, they had the nerve to up and leave him in England, alone. Now, there wasn’t anyone to tend to his needs as he got older. Then there was Parker. Henry knew neither Thomas nor Mary would have ever left England if Parker had stayed out of their business. Parker would pay for his arrogance and interference, and Thomas and Mary would pay for leaving him.
Jane had been much easier to handle. He remembered the day he first saw her, he was awed and mesmerized by her beauty, for she was like a goddess. He quickly found out her name, Mrs. Edward Pierce, and was told her husband had left her alone in England, while he sailed for America, to find them a better life.
If he hadn’t passed out the mail from America, he wouldn’t have noticed or opened the letter from Edward Pierce. He wouldn’t have had the opportunity to trick Jane into marrying him. All the plans Henry carefully made were ruined when Jane got ill and died, and that left Thomas and Mary in his care.
After all the years he spent taking care of them, they now left him to grow old alone. They owed him! He realized he would have to sail to America to seek his revenge. He would find a new way to settle his score with Mary, Thomas, and Parker. They were going to pay dearly for their betrayals! No one defied Henry Ball. No one!
*****
When Henry arrived in Baltimore, he was surprised it didn’t seem all that different than London. The docks were full of ships from many different countries and cargo was being unloaded and loaded daily. Even the smell was about the same.
He quickly managed to make a few acquaintances that might come in handy. He’d no trouble finding work on the docks and stayed far away from any of the ships owned by the Parker Shipping Company. The last thing he needed was to run into Parker or Thomas before he was ready.
Henry changed his last name to Adler, Jane’s maiden name. He knew no one would recognize that name. He’d now be hiding in plain sight and no one would be the wiser!
Chapter Thirty-Five
The Powell Plantation
Every Sunday Mary was with Agnes and Nettie. This had become their routine. Many times they would play gin. They all loved the game and they seemed to manage to take turns at winning.
“Someday I’ll have someone go through the trunks upstairs,” Netter remarked. “Many of the rooms are filled with trunks and chests Jackson had gotten from his travels to different parts of the world. There’s also a nursery that I’d furnished prior to Jackson’s death.”
“Nettie, I’d gladly help Agnes go through the upstairs if you’d like.” Mary suggested, knowing Agnes was close to fifty-five and was showing signs of stiffness in her joints.
“That’s kind of you, Mary. I’ll give that some thought.”
Agnes then shook her head and smiled. “The truth is, Mary, Nettie’s never opened any of the trunks or chests. Jackson told her that he wanted her to wait until he’d completed his purchases and then they’d open everything together. I think Nettie doesn’t have the desire to see what Jackson had chosen for them because it’ll cause her too much pain. Am I right, Nettie?”
Nettie looked down and nodded. “Aye, Agnes, you are. Yet, someone will have to go through my things, someday. I know that. My time’s getting short, I fear. I’ve not been feeling like myself, of late.”
Mary looked over at Agnes with great concern. Certainly, Nettie was not being serious. Mary couldn’t lose her now after already losing so much in her life. Yet, Mary knew Nettie was several years older than Agnes, and looking back, Nettie seemed to tire more easily than when Mary first met her. Where had the last couple of years gone?
“I think it’s time you tell us, Mary, why you come to America? What made you leave England? I think you know you can tell Agnes and me anything.” Nettie stated kindly hoping she wasn’t making Mary feel as if she was being demanding.
Mary knew Nettie and Agnes had been curious about her past. Mary looked down at her hands. So many times she envisioned the emerald ring on her finger. She bit her lip and wasn’t sure where to begin. Yet, Mary had been told so many stories by Nettie and Agnes she knew it was her turn to share her heartbreak. Maybe she would feel better by talking. Maybe.
“My story’s a sad one. It’s not easy for me to talk about what happened. I’d been engaged to a wonderful man. He was actually from America. His family owns a large shipping company out of Baltimore. He’d been best friends with my brother, Thomas and that’s how I met him. Through his many visits to our home, he and I had fallen in love. In fairness, he was the only man I had come to know personally, besides my father and brother, so it was easy for me to fall so deeply in love.
“I trusted him right away. He was very good looking, did I mention that? He’d been coming to England about four times a year. He stayed three to four weeks, depending on when he could fill his orders of items needed in America. That had been the most glorious time in my life, meeting James.
“I’d lost my mother when I was eight. My father soon became a drunk after she died. He still managed to work on the docks, but he’d lost interest in my brother, Thomas and me. So when James entered my life when I was fifteen, I quickly fell in love.
“Thomas had always wanted to raise horses, ever since he was a small lad that was all he talked about. James talked to Thomas about raising and breeding horses. Of course, we assumed Thomas would be fulfilling his dream in England. But then James told him he would work out a deal so Thomas could purchase some land from him, near Baltimore. He would sell Thomas the land for a reasonable cost, after he worked for Parker Shipping as a clerk, and saved some money for a down payment. It was a wonderful opportunity for Thomas.
Thomas left England to join James in America. At that time, I was seventeen. James then asked me to marry him and wait for him one more year until he returned and I readily agreed. I was so happy and excited to think I, too, would be living in America.
“I felt with Thomas being in America, that it would be easier for me to leave England. Our father, however, didn’t see things the same way. While I was spending my time working on my wedding dress, my father plotted against me and wrote James a letter telling him I’d run off with a member of London’s elite.
“He didn’t!” Nettie said, shocked at such a cruel deed.
“Aye, he did. The time came for James to return and for me to receive my ring. Not knowing anything was amiss, I went to meet the ship and found James attending to a woman who was obviously with child, his wife from America. He’d quickly found someone to replace me.
“Needless to say, I was devastated. I guess that pretty much sums things up. I’ve disowned my father, and I’ve not been ready to forgive my brother who believed such a lie about me, and I’m unable to give my heart to anyone else.
“To make matters worse, at the same time James returned, Thomas returned to find out who I’d married and how to reach me. When Thomas found me still working as a seamstress, he scolded me with so much hate I was truly in shock. Not until I convinc
ed him I hadn’t married, did he listen to the truth.
“Mary, I’m so sorry. I don’t have the words to tell you how awful a man your father is. Your fiancé should have known you wouldn’t have stopped loving him,” Nettie said.
“Yes, he should have. But being a man, he chose to believe the worst, as did my brother. When my brother confronted me, he assumed I’d been married and then sent packing back home for whatever reason. When I convinced him of the truth, he was ashamed for his actions.
“As well he should be!” Nettie said angrily.
Mary half smiled. She could see the anger in both Nettie and Agnes. “I begged Thomas never to tell James the truth, for I knew James would only pity me. As far as I know, James still believes I deserted him. So now you know my story. I’ve yet to contact Thomas. He and Anna may even have children by this time. Someday soon, I believe I’ll reach out to him. That’s the story of how I came to America and why.”
Agnes couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Mary. “What happened to James and his family, Mary?”
“I’ve no idea. I assume they probably have another child or two by now. I try not to think upon James.”
“Mary, if your mother had lived, she’d be very proud of the woman you have become. I’m glad we’re friends,” Nettie stated.
“I’m glad, too, Nettie,” Mary replied with tears in her eyes. But the tears in Mary’s eyes were not because of the story she’d shared with Nettie and Agnes, but because she was now convinced of how ill Nettie appeared. Mary hadn’t noticed until now how gray her skin was and how tired she appeared.
Mary felt a sense of dread. What would happen when she lost Nettie, who’d become her very good friend? Mary hoped this was a passing phase and Nettie would rebound shortly. She prayed for a quick healing, for she loved Nettie dearly.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Powell Plantation
Mary noticed with each month passing Nettie seemed a little weaker. Then word came to Mary to come to the plantation immediately. It was a cold and rainy November day and Mary dreaded what she would find awaiting her.
Mary knew there was only one reason she’d be summoned so quickly. She had to put on a brave front knowing Agnes would never have sent for her unless Nettie had gotten gravely ill or worse.
As she arrived at the plantation, Agnes greeted her at the door and took her coat and gloves. Mary saw the Hawkins’ family was waiting in the parlor. Everyone appeared quite somber as Mary was led to Nettie’s room. Mary sat down on the side of Nettie’s bed and felt very scared.
“Mary dearest, don’t look so sad. I’ve had a grand life. I requested to see you, before I go to meet Jackson.”
With those words, all Mary’s resolve was lost. The tears streamed down her face. She wasn’t able to say anything. She carefully held Nettie’s hand trying not to look at her. She couldn’t even look at Nettie’s Doctor who was sitting in a chair by the window, in case he was needed.
“Mary, I don’t have much time, so please heed to my wishes. You wouldn’t disappoint an old lady now, would you? I’ve met with my lawyer and finalized my will. I wish for everything to be done as I’ve requested. I’m counting on you to make sure that will happen. Would you do that for me, please, Mary?”
“How could I not do as you request, Nettie. You know I’ll try my best to follow your wishes, if I can. What exactly do you wish for me to do?”
“You’ll know once the will’s read. Thank you, Mary. Now, I feel much better about things. Please go fetch Agnes for me, I need her.”
Mary kissed Nettie’s cheek and went to fetch Agnes. Mary saw just talking with Nettie was taking a toll. She quickly found Agnes and joined the others in the parlor.
*****
“Agnes, my time’s come. My energy’s slipping away. Please be sure to fix enough food for everyone. They must eat. I’ve made provisions for you. I’ve taken care of Mary, also, but she’ll need your help to complete my requests. I’ve included Taylor and Lizzie in my will, too. We’ve had such a good life, don’t you think?
“Yet, for Mary, I feel badly she’s no one to look after her. I fear she’ll take my passing with much difficulty. Help her, Agnes, the best you can. Help her through her sadness.”
Agnes could only nod. She looked over to the Doctor who’d sat quietly through the parade of people that had come to say their goodbyes. Agnes had thought the hardest thing for Nettie was when she’d said goodbye to the children, but after seeing the tears Nettie had shed once Mary left the room, Agnes knew it was Mary, who’d kept Nettie pushing to savor life one more day, one more Sunday. Now, there would be no more Sundays.
Agnes wiped the tears from Nettie’s face one more time and squeezed her hand so Nettie knew she acknowledged her. There were no more words left to say. Nettie laid with her eyes closed breathing shallow breaths. Agnes nodded to the Doctor once she was sure Nettie was asleep and left to fix everyone some food, knowing this would be the last time she’d see her good friend alive.
Agnes was glad the Doctor had spent most of the day with Nettie so he could be a witness as Nettie spoke her words to everyone and how they would be taken care of. Nettie never said precisely what was in the will, only that they would understand her wishes when the will was read.
They were eating the food Agnes and Lizzie had prepared when the Doctor came to tell them Nettie passed away peacefully.
Agnes announced Nettie was to be buried in two days and the will was to be read immediately after the funeral luncheon. Two days was enough time for Agnes to help Lizzie fix the food and give Mary time to make sure things were handled at her shop while she’d be gone.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Baltimore
Not quite a month after blond haired, chubby cheeked Matilda Lydia was born to James and Susannah Parker, a dark haired, blue-eyed baby girl, named Jane Marie, was born to Thomas and Anna Ball. All seemed to be going well.
During the last couple of years, things for the Parkers and the Balls had consisted of growing their stock of horses, raising beef and a few crops and large family get-to-gathers during the holidays.
Unbeknownst to Thomas or James, Mary was residing in Washington.
The other secret hidden from all, Henry Ball, now Henry Adler, had managed to find his way to America. As he slowly saved his money, and stole what he could, he was trying to learn the lay of the land in and around Baltimore. He was careful not to draw undue attention to himself and so far, had not made too many inquiries of the Parkers, Thomas or Mary.
Henry was aware Parker spent little time in Baltimore but instead mainly remained on his plantation somewhere outside of Baltimore. He and Thomas apparently stayed close to home. He’d yet to find where they lived, but he would. He found no trace of Mary, she could be anywhere. In time, he’d locate them, he see that his revenge was complete. They’d all pay once he found them.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Trip to Washington
Thomas and Anna had decided to take a trip to Washington, neither Thomas nor Anna had ever been there. They all needed a chance to get away.
Anna hadn’t asked Thomas for a new dress or actually any new items for their home since they’d been married. All the money they’d earned had been spent on wages for the men, horses, cattle, feed, and all the other things necessary to finally get the horse farm up and running. Anna never once complained that she felt slighted. But Thomas was aware she longed for a shopping trip and he felt she deserved one. Their profits were marginal, but enough so that they could afford this trip and whatever she wished to purchase.
It had taken much longer than Thomas had thought to make this trip to Washington. It was a cold fall this year but so far the snow had yet to begin. Thomas prayed they would avoid a winter storm during their time away.
Once in the city of Washington, Thomas knew better than to complain about the amount of time Anna took as she casually walked along the storefronts and admired the clothes shown in the shop windows. Yet, she hadn’t stepped int
o one store. Jane was excited with the sights and sounds of this nice big city.
“I’d no idea how much time women spent just looking and admiring things, Anna. Men, we tend to walk into a store and purchase what we need in a matter of minutes. You do realize if you don’t find a store for you to shop in soon, Jane is going to awake from her nap. Plus, she is quite heavy to hold.” Thomas said teasingly, yet, there was truth to what he’d said.
Anna smiled and then again stopped and looked into another shop window. This time, she saw a dress she admired. The lovely day dress seemed to be exactly what she’d been looking for.
“Thomas, you’re right, I need to start getting serious about finding something new to wear. This shop looks perfect. I shall try my luck here, at Hope’s Dress Shop.”
Thomas felt relieved. Now, if only she can make up her mind without taking another hour or so to decide on a purchase, he thought. The shop reminded him of Miss Minnie’s, back in London. He immediately thought of Mary.
As he turned his attention to the lady carrying several dresses out of the back room, he inhaled a deep breath and found himself shocked beyond words. The clerk following the lady was Mary. How could that be, he was just thinking about her and she appears out of nowhere. It was a miracle that Anna had chosen this store to enter. His mind then registered that Hope was Mary’s middle name.
He overheard Mary say to the customer that she was attending a funeral the next day for a very dear friend. He couldn’t help but wonder who she’d gotten to know well enough to be attending their funeral. How long had she been in America and why hadn’t she contacted him?
Mary felt someone was staring at her and she began to feel uneasy. She looked to see a man–—not any man Mary realized–—the man was Thomas!