by Lynn Wolfe
He’d wait to do any physical harm until he was sure of his escape route. Thomas and Mary would be next. He had to be sure he’d never be held responsible for their downfall or demise.
He’d been fortunate to have met and made a friend in Chester Hartley when he first arrived in Baltimore. Chester apparently had no true friends until Henry came along. It didn’t take Henry long to realize it was due to Chester’s mean and savage behavior. The only reason Chester kept his job at the docks was he had a strong work ethic and Henry vouched for him when necessary. Henry always did admire a man who worked hard.
But what Henry admired more than Chester’s work ethic, was his ability to see no wrong in harming others. There was a reason Chester had been put on this earth, Henry thought, he was to be his partner in crime! Already, they’d stolen many small items from the ships they had unloaded and hadn’t even been suspected of stealing, yet. There loot, so far, comprised mostly of wine, ale, and a few coins.
Chester also had a reputation of having put a few men in their graves. He’d never been charged with murder, although, suspicion regarding his involvement in those crimes was heavy. For reasons even Henry could not explain, he had no fear of Chester.
Maybe because Chester had said on more than one occasion that Henry was his first and only friend and he’d do anything Henry asked. So Henry took him up on his offer and had him start a few fires on the docks just to test the time it took to discover and handle the fire, now they had their answer.
Fire was the one thing that was feared by anyone working the docks due to the massive amount of wood and combustible cargo close to or on the ships. A fire out of control could easily take out several ships and ruin a small shipping company, not to mention destroying the entire docking system. That suited Henry fine.
When Henry realized that Chester was willing to take part in any and all plans he had discussed regarding James Parker, Thomas and Mary, he was elated. Many times men backed off when the plans came to harming women and children.
Not Chester, he almost relished the idea. Henry knew with his clever mind and the help of Chester, who’s mind worked different than most, he might accomplish his revenge in the next few months. All he needed, now, was for Parker to come to Baltimore.
Henry felt excited he was close to not only having his revenge, but with the knowledge he could get away clean and hopefully not be a suspect. He didn’t believe anyone would ever feel Chester or he capable of such an awful deed. He now felt he had the power to destroy those who betrayed him and be able to live long after to brag about it.
Yet, Henry knew he must remain patient. He’d waited this long for his revenge, so a few more weeks couldn’t matter. Henry still needed time to learn of his surroundings outside of Baltimore. He rarely got a day off and that left him little time to explore the countryside.
Chapter Forty-One
Nettie’s Funeral
Mary entered the parlor of Nettie’s home with a horrible sense of dread. She’d chosen a black skirt, black silk blouse, black jacket and a long black coat to go along with her black boots. She noticed Agnes was wearing a simple black dress and her face was flushed from crying. Lizzie and Taylor both had on their best dark clothing and the children were wearing their everyday clothes which, for the Taylors, would be the best they had to wear this day. Mary knew Nettie wouldn’t care what anyone wore to bid her farewell.
There were two men in the parlor Mary had yet to meet. One was the minister, Reverend Pike, who was a tall man with receding dark hair. Mary guessed him to be around forty. The other man was short, bald, and wearing a long handlebar mustache. Mary guessed him to be about sixty. She knew he was Nettie’s lawyer, for she had described him many times always admiring his mustache.
Once Mary was introduced to Mr. Hudson and Reverend Pike, everyone bundled up and walked the short distance to the small family cemetery where Nettie would be placed by her beloved Jackson. Waiting at the gravesite were several neighbors and a few people from Washington that Mary did not recognize, but knew were acquaintances of Nettie’s.
Nettie’s funeral was over in ten minutes. Mary couldn’t help but wonder if that was all one’s life was worth? A few minutes, then your buried and forgotten. Yet, Mary knew Nettie was better off now. In fact, Nettie had waited many years to lie once again beside Jackson. Mary knew as long as she lived, she’d never forget Nettie Powell.
Mary felt a shiver go through her. Someday, she thought, when her time came, she’d be buried somewhere alone, with no one to care for her grave, unless Thomas or someone in his family were still living. She then looked over to Agnes and smiled meekly; knowing Agnes was left alone, also.
With the service over, Mary was taken by surprise when Mr. Hudson said he wished for Agnes, Taylor, and Mary to come to the library for the reading of Nettie’s will, as soon as they returned to the house. Even though she vaguely remembered Nettie mentioned she wanted to have her will read after the funeral, she hadn’t remembered the will was to be read prior to the luncheon. Mary hadn’t eaten much and found she was quite hungry, she hoped once she witnessed the reading of the will, lunch would be ready.
Mr. Hudson explained that Lizzie would be watching over the children and Reverend Pike and his wife would handle what was left of the meal preparations with the help of a few neighbors.
Once Mary heard Mr. Hudson’s deep, soothing voice, she knew he’d been the perfect lawyer for Nettie. He was direct and yet had a kindness about him. She wasn’t sure why Nettie had wanted her present for the reading of her will and felt uncomfortable being there. Mr. Hudson patiently waited until she, Agnes and Taylor were seated, to close the door.
As the door clicked closed, Mary’s body jerked in response to the noise. To her, the door closing sounded as though it had been slammed shut. But Mary knew Mr. Hudson had gently pulled the door closed. Mr. Hudson locked the door and the room became totally quiet other than the footsteps of Mr. Hudson walking towards Nettie’s desk.
Once seated, Mr. Hudson opened a folder containing the papers regarding the will. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat as he looked at each of them as if he were deciding how to proceed.
“Let me start by saying this will is written exactly as Nettie had requested. The first part pertains to the Hawkins’s family:
“It’s my wish and desire that the Taylor Hawkins family will continue on with their duties at the plantation. They are to own the house where they now reside, if they meet the following conditions: First, they must live in the house for a total of ten years and in doing so, they will retain their current salary, along with an increase each year deemed appropriate, by the owner of the plantation.
Second, if after ten years they decide to sell their home, the home will first be offered to the owner of the plantation house, for a fair purchase price.
Third, their children, now, and any born in the future, are to be hired as workers, once they reach the age of sixteen, if they so chose to stay on the plantation. As the children marry, they are to be offered a portion of land on which to build a home.
“The second part of the will reads: In regards to Agnes Mulberry, she is to be allowed to live in the plantation house for the remainder of her years, if she so desires. She is to work and maintain her salary with increases yearly as deemed appropriate, by the plantation owner. The owner of the plantations house is to see to her needs once she is unable to work. She is to be buried in the cemetery beside me if she so desires. It is my sincere wish to have her laid to rest with Jackson and me.”
Mary couldn’t help but cry with happiness for Agnes. How sweet and ever so generous of Nettie, Mary thought, and what wonderful gifts she has given to Taylor and his family.
“Please,” Mr. Hudson interjected, “let me assure you that Nettie has indeed left enough money for all the mentioned items to be taken care of, for many years to come.
“Now, for the final part of the reading: I will the remainder of my estate, including the plantation house and all
its contents, the land and livestock, and all the money in my accounts at the bank in Washington, to be left to Miss Mary Ball, to see that all the above wishes are carried out and for her to live the remainder of her life in the plantation house, in comfort.”
“What?” Mary said out loud as she sat up straight in her chair stunned. She heard murmurs of excitement from Taylor and Agnes. But Mary was in denial.
Even though Mary knew how close she and Nettie had become, they were not related and she’d not known her for more than a few years. Yes, they’d become dear friends, yet–
Mr. Hudson looked directly at Mary before he continued, “Mary, you must agree to move into the plantation house within the next ten days so you may oversee, first hand, the estate business and make sure the estate stays in good repair and remains prosperous. You’re to use your good judgment in the operations of the plantation.
“The will further states: if you should marry in the future, you and your spouse must remain living on the plantation and in this house or you must find an agreeable replacement for yourself to follow the wishes of this will. Should you chose not to abide by these conditions, Mr. Hudson will help locate your replacement and give you a lump sum of money to accommodate you for the remainder of your life. However, I don’t believe there’ll be any need to do so.
“If you marry and remain here, your children will be the heirs of this plantation abiding by the above terms listed. Again, if you chose not to accept the terms included in this will, Mr. Hudson will help find another party to adhere to my request. I believe in my heart, Mary, you’ll abide by my wishes, I pray you will.
“The will further states: Mr. Hudson will be compensated for his work throughout his time as executor of the will by a fee that has already been established. He will assign another lawyer to follow through with my wishes, when the time comes for him to retire or is unable to continue in his present capacity. Mr. Hudson’s fees have already been set aside at the bank in Washington to cover his expenses.
“Nettie ends with the following: I hope each of you have as wonderful a life, as I was so fortunate to have lived. I loved you all dearly, and I wish for this request to take place within ten days of the reading. I could not think of anyone I would rather leave my estate to except the people I wish to thank for being such dear friends. The same people, I’ve grown to love over the last several years. You enriched my life more than you could possibly know. May God bless you always, your friend, Nettie Powell.”
The room was silent except for a few muffled sobs and Taylor blowing his nose. Mary felt like all the air had been taken away from her. She knew the others, like her, had been overwhelmed with the generosity of what Nettie had done for each of them.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Mary finally got out.
Mr. Hudson smiled and nodded in agreement. “Nettie was truly an amazing woman. She was also a smart business woman. Not everyone is in a position to do good for someone else. And many of those that are in that position are much too greedy to help out their fellow man. What each of you decides to do with this opportunity is entirely your decision. But my hope is that every one of you will honor Nettie, by accepting this reading of the will and what it entails.
“I’m going to assume, after you have given this some thought, that each of you will agree with the terms given. I’ll meet with each of you in the next day or so for your answer. Please enjoy the remainder of this day, as Nettie would have wanted you to do, and I look forward to seeing you soon.”
Mr. Hudson slowly rose and handed each of them a copy of the will. He left the room and Mary, Agnes and Taylor were sitting together dumbstruck. Each lost in their own thoughts until Tad and Cynthia flew into the room.
“Papa, we can’t eat until you, Agnes and Miss Mary come out. The food really smells good!” Tad said hoping to get them moving.
“We’re just finishing up, Tad. Tell them to start, we’ll be right along.”
“I’ll tell Reverend Pike,” Cynthia said and scampered out of the room ahead of Tad.
“He told me to tell them,” Tad called out running after his sister.
Agnes, Mary and Taylor burst out laughing.
“Leave it to children to get things moving,” Agnes said. “Nettie probably sent them in herself, somehow.”
“What a generous gift she’s given to me and my family. This is so much more than I could have ever hoped to have if I worked a lifetime,” Taylor said with deep gratitude.
“Aye, and for me, too,” Agnes added. “I now won’t have to worry about what will become of me. Mary, you’ll accept her offer, won’t you? We need you to take care of things. Nettie trusted you completely and she knew you’d see that things would be done correctly, the way she would have wanted. We trust you, don’t we, Taylor. It wouldn’t be right to go on living here without you being a part of this, Mary.”
“Yes, Mary. We all admire you. Please come and live here. That way, we can take care of each other. I’ll work as hard for you as I did for Nettie. I won’t let you down,” Taylor added.
“I need to have some time to think this over. I don’t know a thing about running a plantation. Besides, I have my shop to consider.”
“I can help you with most of the questions you might have concerning the plantation itself, except for the running of the inside of the home. But Agnes could answer those questions, Mary. You have business sense, from your shop. Certainly, someone would buy you out.” Taylor said hoping to convince her.
“My shop is far different than a plantation, Taylor,”
“We can learn how to work this out together. Please, Mary, the place wouldn’t be the same without you, and Lizzie and the children would be delighted to have you living so close.”
Mary nodded with tears forming in her eyes. They all needed her as much as she needed them. Who would have thought she could come to America with barely enough for her passage and a loan to start a dress shop, and end up a plantation owner. She’ll never have to worry about money or a place to live. And when her time comes, she could be buried here, with Nettie and Agnes. Mary knew she’d found her home. She couldn’t wait to talk to Mr. Hudson to see exactly what she had to work with and how she should handle the funds. She knew what she’d do first. She’d sit down and write to Minnie and tell her how her life had found new meaning and opportunities. Mary knew she’d be a fool not to accept Nettie’s offer. She’d be able to send Minnie the money she had so generously loaned her, with interest!
Taylor, Agnes and Mary entered the dining room with the knowledge their lives had changed forever with the reading of the will. Now, they’d pay homage and reminisce about their dear friend, Nettie Powell. They needed to share with others how much Nettie had been loved and how she enriched their lives.
Chapter Forty-Two
Mary was amazed at the turn of events that had changed her life. Nettie had given her more than she’d ever given a thought to owning in her wildest dreams. Mary knew she needed to talk to Bitty about taking over the shop. Since Nettie had been so gracious to her, Mary was delighted she could do a good deed for Bitty, someone who like her, had no expectations of having more than just enough to live on.
“Bitty, please come to the back room. I wish to speak to you for a moment.”
“Miss Mary, is everything alright?” Bitty asked cautiously.
“Everything is wonderful, Bitty. Please have a seat. I have a business proposition for you.”
“A business proposition? I know very little about business, Miss Mary.”
“Truly, you underestimate yourself, you’ve been with me from the beginning. You have handled the books when I’ve been busy with alterations and customers and you’ve done a wonderful job doing so. I need to share with you that I’ve been blessed with receiving an inheritance from Nettie that entitles me to a home and some money. Since I’ve been blessed in such a wonderful way, I wish to pass my good fortune onto you.”
“To me? What do you mean? I’ve done nothing to earn special favors.
”
“Aye, but you have. You’ve worked hard and are in a difficult time in your life. I was once like you, employed in a dress shop with a very uncertain future. But Bitty, I’m willing to sell you this shop, over a ten year period. I’ll make the amount of the payment due each month to be reasonable enough that you can live very comfortably and still be able to pay for two hired workers to help you. In fact, you and the children can live upstairs, once I move out in the next few days.
“If you do as well as I think you will, I believe you can expand the store, if you should wish and also accumulate a nice savings. That way, when your husband is able to return home from his confinement, he’ll have some time to chose where he wishes to find employment.”
“Oh, Miss Mary, words are not coming to mind to express the feelings of gratitude I have for such a wonderful offer.”
“You don’t need words for me except to say yes, you’ll accept.”
“I’ve always dreamed of having a shop, yet, I was accepting of the fact it would take a miracle for that to happen. Now, you’ve given me this miracle. Thank you, Miss Mary, I won’t let you down.”
“I know that, Bitty. I’ll be one of your very best customers! I’ve already made arrangements at the bank to have your name placed on a note to complete the deal. All you have to do is sign the agreement, which I feel you’ll find acceptable, and we’re in business, rather, you’re in business.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Later in the day Mary went to the plantation to begin preparing a bedroom for her meager belongings. Clothes were one thing she had plenty of, furnishings were another story. However, she knew there’d be plenty of furnishings to choose from. Now, all she had to decide was what to keep and what to do with the furniture she didn’t plan to use.
Agnes greeted her at the door with a big hug. Mary could see she’d been doing some cleaning due to the dirt on her apron, sleeves and even on her nose!