by Lynn Wolfe
James’s worry about Ball was now overshadowed by the fear of what news Susannah was about to share. He’d never seen her so serious or upset. He saw the desperation in her eyes and he feared Ball had already made himself known. His heart raced as he waited for Susannah to speak.
“James, please sit with me on the settee and hold me while I speak.”
James did as asked. He slid his arms around Susannah and pulled her close so her back was against his chest. He could feel the tension within her. This couldn’t be about Ball, James thought, this was something else. This was going to be worse than whatever Henry Ball was up to. He just knew it.
“You know what a wonderful life we’ve had with our two beautiful children, don’t you? I’m afraid our dreams of having a long life that would fill our golden years with joy and happiness as we watched our children marry and give us grandchildren has been altered by something much unexpected. I wish I could be with you during those times. But it’s not to be. I’ll soon be heading to the home our Lord prepares, when we leave this earth.
“Susannah, what the hell are you saying–
“Please, James, let me continue, while I have the strength and composure to go on.”
James didn’t want to hear anymore. He leaned his head down to kiss Susannah’s cheek and felt the wetness from the tears that had fallen so quietly. He closed his eyes and took slow even breaths. James felt his own tears welling in his eyes.
“I’ve been ill for some time. I’d hoped I was wrong when I first thought my symptoms were similar to those who have consumption. After you left, I too, went to Baltimore. I went to confirm my worst fears with Dr. Morris. He’s such a kind and good friend. He promises to come to visit here once a week, as the illness progresses, once I’m unable to travel.”
James was holding Susannah tighter than she’d expected. She leaned her face up to his and she could see the tears sliding down his cheeks to match her own. She gently reached up and wiped his tears as he did the same to her.
“Are you positive there’s not been a mistake in your diagnosis?”
“I’m positive. I have consumption, James. I was fairly sure of what I had, but I hoped and prayed my conclusion had been wrong. I recognized the symptoms since Aunt Amy, mother’s youngest sister, died from this terrible disease a few years ago.
“I stopped to tell my parents on the way home from Baltimore. Mother was gracious enough to come home to help with the children. I hope I’ve at least six months to a year, James, so we’ll have time to prepare the children for what’s forthcoming.”
“And who, by God, is going to prepare me? I don’t think I can go on without you, Susannah. You’re everything to me. You make everything meaningful and worth working for. Everything.” James realized his life had just lost all importance. Nothing else mattered. How could it?
“As you are everything to me, James. But we both know tragedy can strike at anytime. Who are we not to have our share of grief? My real regret is not seeing the children grow to be adults and marry. I try not to think of what I shall miss in this life, but to be thankful for every day I have with you and the children. I’ll try to remain brave. And when I’m unable to do so, I’m counting on you to hold me up and give me strength. Promise me, James, you’ll do this for me. Promise.”
“I promise, Susannah, to do whatever I can to help you through this. I shall gain strength from your strength as you will from mine. You’re the most courageous woman I know. We shall live each day thankful for every minute we have. I love you, Susannah. I’d give anything and everything I own to change this.”
“I know, James. I trust that when the time comes, you’ll go on with your life and leave me to rest in peace. Please don’t dwell on what’s in the past, James. We’ve had a wonderful time together. You’ve made me very happy. You must promise to live for the future. You’ll have many years left in your life to give someone else a chance at finding happiness, too.
“Please, don’t live the remainder of your life wishing for something that was lost. Now, James, let’s sit here quietly and enjoy this time of peace until the children return with mother. We must remain stoic, as if all is well, for the sake of the children. Don’t you agree?”
Susannah knew James was trying very hard to remain composed and to adjust to the news she’d given him. She felt his heavy breathing and sensed his anguish as he held her. She now contained her tears and enjoyed this time with the man she’d given her heart and soul. She wondered how difficult things would be when the children learned the truth about her condition.
“Susannah, I had invited my parent’s to stay for a few weeks while I was visiting them not knowing what was happening here. They may actually be a lot of help under the circumstances. But if you disagree with them coming at this time, I can send a messenger to suggest they wait a few weeks.”
James was concerned. He needed his father here to help guard against Ball. He must convince Susannah their visit now would be a blessing. He’d not share about the attack on his life; she had enough to worry about.
“Oh James, I think that would be wonderful. Mother’s been so busy with everything. I notice she’s very tired trying to handle the children and the household duties. I haven’t been much help. Having some extra hands to pitch in would be perfect.”
“I’m glad. They, too, will be heartbroken, when we share the news with them. But we need everyone to help out during this difficult time.” James didn’t dare add, and for their safety, too.
Chapter Fifty-Two
Outside Baltimore
Henry and Chester had slipped away from their misguided attempt on James Parker’s life. They’d found refuge in an abandoned cottage several miles outside of Baltimore deep in the woods. The house was small and very old. From all appearances, the cottage hadn’t been lived in for quite some time. The roof had rotted through in a couple of places, but Henry and Chester repaired what they could in short order. They could hide in this cottage for many months without being discovered, Henry thought.
Henry found an old axe and had Chester chop some firewood while he cleaned out what he could in the cottage. He managed to salvage two beds, a table and two chairs. They’d have to go to the nearest village for a lantern, oil, food and clothing. They stashed their cache of gold under some rotted floor boards in a back bedroom. Henry felt certain no one had been in the area for months, if not years. Certainly, no one would be looking for any gold in such a place.
“I can’t believe Parker managed to roll out from under those horses’ hooves, Henry. Those horses must have sensed his presence and slowed enough that Parker had time to get past them. I wouldn’t have thought he could have been that quick, for as large as he is.”
“Aye, it sickens me to think he lived, that bastard, especially after all my careful planning. He hasn’t seen the last of me! We’ll lie low for a couple of months before we try my next plan. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.
“I’ll wait long enough for him to get careless before we strike again. He’s going to pay for interfering in my life. He’d no right to entice Thomas and Mary to come to America the way he did. No right at all! I warned him not to interfere!
He knew Parker would not be so easily fooled the next time. But now, not only did Parker know of his being in America, so did Mr. Parker and worse yet, Edward Pierce!
How ironic to run into Pierce after so many years. In time, to Henry’s dismay, he was sure Edward would put together the fact he’d lied to him so many years ago, if he hadn’t done so already. Henry wasn’t sure what to think about Edward. He’d other problems to deal with, like not getting caught. But if Edward Pierce decides to get in the way of his plans, he too, might have to disappear.
Henry sent Chester into town for supplies. What they needed most, in Henry’s opinion, was a couple bottles of whiskey. Henry was depressed and angry. He knew he’d not rest until James Parker was dead! He needed a drink!
In a few weeks it would be safe to travel into Washington w
here there’d be little chance of running into someone they knew. He and Chester could visit the ladies parlors every so often to help pass the time and Henry might even allow Chester to start a fire or two.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Parker Plantation
Clayton and Annabelle recovered as best one could after hearing the terrible news about Susannah’s illness. Annabelle relieved Constance of the household duties so she could spend time with her ailing daughter.
“James, have you mentioned to Susannah what happened in Baltimore with Henry Ball?” Clayton inquired.
“No, Father, and I’m praying she never finds out. She has enough to worry about without knowing the entire families lives are at risk.
“I’ve spoken with the men and they’re doing checks on the property every two hours. I feel fairly comfortable we can stop Ball of any further wrongdoing. At least, I pray so.”
“As do I, James.”
“I did ride over to see Thomas.” James continued. “He was in disbelief when I told him his father was not only in Baltimore, but he tried to murder me. Yet, it didn’t take him long to surmise that he, too, would be on Henry’s list to be punished. Thomas had no idea he was in America. His first concern, other than for those around him, was for his sister Mary.
“He told me he was sad to admit he wasn’t completely surprised his father attempted to hurt me, for his father was always bragging about how he got revenge on anyone he felt crossed him. But attempting to murder me, well, that had rattled him to the core. Thomas also shared he had located Mary, quite by accident, living in Washington, when he and Anna had made their trip in November. She’d been living there for the last two years but never tried to contact him. She has established herself and is making a fair living running her shop named, Miss Hope’s Dress Shop. Anna, as luck would have it, happened to like the dresses she saw in that particular shop window. I think the reason Thomas hadn’t told me about Mary earlier is because he wanted to spare me any discomfort regarding her. Edward will find out about Mary once he speaks with Minnie Baker.
“She has then forgiven, Thomas?” Clayton asked.
“I don’t know if she has totally, but Thomas said having Jane with them made things a lot easier to have a reunion. Mary was thrilled to find out she had a niece. Thomas and Anna had asked her to come for a visit but she’d said she was not ready to let her shop be run by another just yet, even for a few days. She did say she would love to have them make a return trip to Washington and visit her again. At least they’re speaking.
“I asked Thomas if he thought Mary might be happy now and doing well since she settled in America. Father, if anyone deserves to find some happiness in this life, it’s Mary.”
“Aye, you’ll get no argument from me, James. But, back to Henry, do you think Mary could be in danger from her father at the present time?”
“No, Thomas is sure Henry has no idea where Mary is. But for the rest of us, I fear that’s another matter. I’ll let my men know to take extra precautions for anything out of the ordinary. I’m not sure how Thomas will handle his father, if he should confront him. But I’ll do what I must to protect what is mine. I let Thomas know my feelings on his father and what would happen if I should ever confront him.”
“Whatever you do, James, if you should see Ball, be sure you strike before he does. I think he’s hell bent on revenge. You may be at the top of his list, but Thomas is sure to be number two.”
“While we spoke I did suggest Thomas bring Anna over for a visit. The sooner the better, for I fear Susannah is slipping away faster than the Doctor thought. She’s trying to put up a strong front. She’s much braver than I could ever be, Father.”
“I’ve learned the Webb’s are a strong family, James. They’ll survive this. And you must remain strong. Your mother and I will do whatever we can to help.”
*****
Susannah found she was becoming easily tired and could no longer fool anyone regarding her exhaustive state. Even Andrew and Matilda mentioned she wasn’t playing with them like she used to.
She smiled thinking about her children. They were two very precious gifts God had given her. If only she could stay until they were grown. Yet, she knew they’d be left in good hands with their father. James would raise them to become fine adults. She had no doubt.
She pleaded constantly with James to be sure Matilda was raised like a lady. Even though her father had taught her how to handle a gun, she preferred Matilda to skip that lesson in life. She hoped Matilda would not only learn how to behave like a lady, but also be raised with the knowledge of how to run the plantation home.
As for Andrew, Susannah was sure James would teach him how to handle guns, run a plantation and have the manners of a gentleman. She just knew he’d end up being like his father. Susannah also felt strongly that if James neglected any of his duties, for any reason, her parents or his parents would be there to step in. She was pleased to know she could leave this earth knowing her children would be raised as she wished.
She tried hard not to think of the future too much. It only upset her to think about the children growing up and marrying and to have families of their own and her not able to be a part of their lives. She tried to think of present day issues. One day at a time, she continually reminded herself.
Yet, she hurt inside knowing she’d never witness a marriage or be able to hold a grandchild. On the brighter side, she’d not have the burden of seeing her parents pass on before her. She hated the thought of losing her parents, as much as she knew they hated the thought of losing her. This was the way of life and no one ever said it was fair.
Traveling to London had been the highlight of her life, up until the children being born. Susannah knew she’d much to be thankful for. Some people never traveled out of the area they were born to, let alone across the sea. Some people lost their children to accidents or disease. So far, they’d been blessed with healthy little ones.
Susannah thought of the people who’d come before them to settle the land where they now lived. They must have suffered something awful according to the stories her grandparents had told. She never had to worry about an Indian war party or living in a covered wagon. She had never had to bury a child. Susannah thought back on her mother wanting to trade places with her, when she told her of her illness. She’d have felt the same way, if this illness had come to Andrew or Matilda. Thank God it hadn’t. She realized Annabelle and Clayton knew all too well what it was like to bury a child, when they had lost their young daughter.
Susannah fell asleep that night dreaming of the days of the past and not worrying for once about what was coming sooner than she’d hoped.
*****
James stopped by to visit with Susannah in the bedroom and realized she was sound asleep. He couldn’t help but notice the dried tears on her cheeks. He wondered what she’d been thinking. If only he had the power to change the outcome that awaited her.
Chapter Fifty-Four
“Susannah, are you still feeling poorly?” James asked the next morning. “I stopped by to visit with you last night but you were fast asleep.”
“I was feeling poorly, James. The coughing spells seem to come more often. I think my time might be sooner than expected. Please try to keep the children away as much as possible. I don’t wish for them to remember me as someone who couldn’t get out of bed or converse with them. I want them to remember the wonderful times we’ve had together, when I was well.”
“I shall try my best. You know Susannah, I’d not change anything in my life except this illness that you’re suffering from, don’t you?” With that being said, James sat on the bed and pulled Susannah into his arms, saying nothing but holding her tight.
“What about Mary, James? Would you not change what happened to her? By marrying me, you’ll be left alone to raise two children.”
“If I’d known the truth, I wouldn’t have ever met you. No, Susannah, I’m very happy and blessed having found you, even if our time has been shor
tened.”
“I’ve often thought of Mary, James. I wonder whatever happened to her.”
Before James could say Mary was living in Washington, Susannah had fallen asleep.
Chapter Fifty-Five
London
Edward Pierce wasted no time locating, Miss Minnie’s Dress Emporium, once he arrived in London. As he walked into the shop he found himself greeted by a lovely red-haired older lady looking at him with a strange expression. Did he all of a sudden grow two heads? He looked behind him. No one was there. Hmmmm, he wondered.
As he turned back around he saw the lady was now smiling. “I’m at a loss for words. You seem to be confused to find me in your shop.”
“Please accept my apology, but I don’t usually find an American entering my shop unaccompanied. Somehow, you coming here alone struck me as odd. You are an American, are you not?”
“Aye, I am. How did you know?”
“By your clothes,” Minnie confided with a twinkle in her eye. Your hat gave you away since most Londoners now wear the beaver high top hats. Your hat has been out of style for the last couple of years.
“I see,” said Edward, amused at her astute ability to sum him up so easily. The reason I’m alone is because I’ve no female to accompany me, for I’m not looking to purchase anything. Rather, I’m here to locate a Miss Minnie Baker, who I understand owns this shop.”
Minnie was surprised by his answer. Why would this very handsome man be searching for her? “I’m Miss Minnie, what can I help you with?”
“Do you have a place we could speak in private? What I have to say, I wish to be kept confidential. I prefer no one interrupts us.”
Minnie was confused. Even though no one else was in the store, this gentleman didn’t wish to speak with her in the open. Yet, she was not comfortable with the idea of speaking in the back room where no one could come to assist her if she did indeed need help. At least in the main shop area, someone passing might hear her scream, if it came to that.