A small, dark corner of Thomas’s mind kept turning over the sobering events of recent days. According to the papers, many Southern newspapers advocated secession when it became clear Lincoln was the frontrunner. When Lincoln refused to alleviate the South’s fear of having slavery restricted, alarm bells rang in Thomas’s mind. He felt Follet’s appearance at his office indicated how far the North would go in controlling Southern discontent. Despite his decision to accept the contracts, his conscience remained troubled.
With spaces under the trees nearly filled, Leroy Spelding had squeezed his blanket close to Emily and now sat with his bony legs bent like twin arches. Grinning as he spied Amanda, his smile faded when he saw Reagan walking beside her.
“Good morning, Emily.” Thomas paused politely as Amanda offered her mother her belongings.
An unsettled look passed over Emily’s face before being replaced with her usual brittleness. “Hello, Thomas,” she said, slapping open her fan. “You’re looking well.”
“Amanda’s a delight,” Thomas continued, “and as beautiful as I remember you at her age.”
“That she was,” George said, giving Emily a peck on the cheek before sitting beside her.
Amanda sat down, ignoring Leroy’s stare as Reagan and Thomas joined Katherine on a nearby blanket. Closing her eyes against light filtering through the trees, Amanda felt the sun suddenly blocked.
Peering upward, she became startled at seeing a green-eyed stranger standing over her.
“Derrick. Why you scoundrel. You came after all.” George burst skyward, rapidly pumping the man’s arm. “Heavens, I had no idea you’d come this soon. But no matter, you’re here. Emily, this is Derrick Banning whom I met while doing business in New York. The moment I arrived, he introduced himself as my escort, assigned by my investment firm. While there, Derrick showed me the sights as well as superb places to dine. In return, I offered him our hospitality.”
Emily assessed the nattily dressed man from his stylishly thin mustache to his fashionable suit. She recalled George’s venture had culminated in an alliance between the Bruester Bank and Trust and the renowned Bank of New York. Extending her hand, Emily gave her most charming smile. “How do you do, Mr. Banning? Won’t you join us?”
“I’d be honored,” he said, glancing at Amanda.
With his attention directed at her daughter, Emily made introductions before resuming the conversation. “Tell us, Mr. Banning. What brings you to visit us now? Isn’t this the busy season for lending and real estate investors?”
“Why, you’re correct, Mrs. Bruester. You prove my theory that behind every successful man is an intelligent woman.” Sitting straighter, Emily beamed while he took a seat. “I was due a vacation when Mr. Bruester extended his invitation, so I didn’t wait long to visit. Arriving in Cantonsville, I found only your servants at home. They informed me of your quaint summer ritual.” He paused as he looked at Amanda. “I hope I’m not intruding and my apologies if I startled your daughter. But, Mr. Bruester described her so enchantingly, I knew I could find you by looking for her.”
“You’re too kind, Mr. Banning. I’m afraid papa has a mote in his eye when it comes to me,” Amanda said.
“Now Amanda, you’re my heart’s pride. I’m sure Derrick agrees with my right to speak highly of you.”
“Of course,” Derrick said. “If only I were married, I could boast as well. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find a wife.”
Emily’s face brightened. “Do you have relatives west of Pennsylvania, Mr. Banning? If you do, then perhaps you could visit us more than just this once.”
“I’m afraid my family hasn’t ventured beyond New York. Which is a shame, now that I see how pleasant a small town can be.”
“Our city may be smaller than grand New York,” Emily said, the tempo of her fan increasing. “But Cantonsville has all the amenities.”
“That’s true,” George affirmed. “We have theaters, dining halls and so forth.” He licked his lips in sudden thirst. “Amanda, break out the tea. It’s hotter than…”
“George!” Emily looked horrified.
“Well, darling, it is. And, I didn’t get my sarsaparilla this morning, either.”
Opening the hamper, Amanda poured drinks from the iced pitcher while Emily continued. “Perhaps your family would consider a holiday here as well,” she suggested. “We’d love to meet them to get better acquainted.”
“I’ll pass on the invitation. Although my father rarely travels, I could try persuading him.”
“Life’s too short to never pause and smell the roses,” George said, smacking his lips. “I never believed in working oneself to an early grave.”
“I agree.” Derrick stroked his lip, his gaze passing over Amanda. “I pause to admire beauty whenever I happen across it.”
“And I appreciated your services while doing business in New York,” praised George, remembering. “Why, Derrick never left my side, dropping me at the bank then picking me up each day.”
“Your generosity exceeded mine,” Derrick said. “For I merely gave direction, but you insisted on paying for all engagements.”
“Bah, t’was nothing. The venture was exceedingly successful. I spent a pittance of what I profited by my investments.”
“It seems your picnic is about to start,” Derrick said. He stood and touched his hat. “If you’d excuse me, I need to refresh myself. I left my bags with one of your servants and I’d like to get settled.”
“You may stay as long as you wish,” Emily said. “Please inform Wills, our butler, you’re to occupy the guest rooms.”
Derrick raised Amanda’s hand to his lips. “Until this evening.”
After he left, Emily fluttered her fan. “He’s such a nice gentleman. I hope he finds his stay agreeable. Don’t you agree, George?”
“Certainly, dear, I’ll do my best to see he has a pleasant stay.”
“We must all do our part. After all, he’s used to the highest accommodations,” Emily said, looking pointedly at her daughter. “Amanda, this’ll be a golden opportunity to employ all the graces you’ve learned at school.”
Though it remained unspoken, Amanda believed she’d just been assigned the first of many grown-up duties she was now expected to perform.
Chapter Eight
Reagan spent the day after the picnic in the study. On the desk before him were lists of expenditures lying next to a map.
“Hello, Reagan,” Thomas said as he entered then leaned over his son’s shoulder. Spying the figures, he plucked up two sheets. “What’s this?” he asked, scanning the first page.
“Those are supplies I’m taking to New York.”
“And this?” Thomas raised the second sheet.
“That’s the new equipment I’m ordering since we’ve none to spare from our other camps.”
“But son, you’ve already exceeded the original budget. Bradley’s to receive one fourth the land anyway, so why so much equipment?”
Reagan took a deep breath. “Because, I purchased Bradley’s share.”
“You did what?”
“I bought his portion with my money. I am however, using company money for all the rest.”
Thomas stared at his son. “I can’t believe you’d spend the camps allotment without even discussing it with me!” he said, choking. “Did you forget our agreement?”
“I can explain-”
“You’re damn right you will!”
“There’s something I should’ve told you months ago,” Reagan said, leaning back. “The deal I made with The Marine Dock Company fell through. I tried finding another buyer, but it seems no one else needs lumber right now. If it weren’t for the government contracts, we would’ve run short of revenue.”
“I don’t understand. That lumber was transported last month. If the contract fell through, then where did it go?”
“I found an exchange broker from Chicago who was willing to take the lumber. At a substantial loss, however.”
Thomas
’s stunned expression prompted Reagan to continue. “I went to the Bruester Bank and Trust and took out a loan to cover expenses. It’s been deposited into our account. I’m sorry. I thought I could fix my mistake before it went this far. It’ll never happen again.”
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Perhaps, we could’ve found a solution by now,” Thomas said, tossing the papers. “With the country in turmoil, now isn’t the time for added expenses.”
“Our solution is to produce more lumber,” Reagan said. “With Bradley’s cut we can set up one major camp and several smaller camps farther inland. Once we sell the extra lumber, I’ll be able to repay the loan and replace the lost revenue.” He touched his father’s arm. “I intended to tell you once everything was in place.
“That’s all well and good, but how will more lumber help if we don’t have a buyer?”
“Because Follet’s last missive promised additional contracts if we had more lumber to sell,” Reagan said.
Crossing his arms, Thomas sat on the desk. “The mill is running continuously now. Come spring, the added logs will bog the river and rot before they’re processed. How do you propose we mill the timber before it molders?”
Reagan smiled. “We’re going to build another mill.”
Thomas blinked, almost falling off his perch. “Another mill? Good Lord! Building another mill would drain our finances and if war came, our operations would slow right along with the economy.”
“I believe it’ll be the best investment we ever made. The amount of lumber Follet wants should keep us busy for a year, even with both mills running. After that, we could well afford a break in production.”
“You know Reagan, without these contracts you wouldn’t have considered a second mill. What’ll we do with the other mill once the demand ends?”
“Once the war is over, I expect there’ll be future contracts for rebuilding whatever gets destroyed. By then, we’ll be solvent enough to sell our pine at the lowest price.”
“That’s possible,” Thomas said. “However, even that won’t last forever. The demand is bound to fall off.”
“When that happens, we’ll shut down whatever lines are no longer needed. It’ll be no different than our existing mill. So, what do you think? Can I wire Follet and tell him we’ll accept more contracts?”
Rubbing his lip, Thomas mulled over the idea. “I’ll give my consent on two conditions,” he said finally. “One, you send me the blueprints and await my approval. And two, you stop this flagrant spending. You may have taken out a loan, but we produce lumber, not currency.”
Reagan grinned. “The blueprints will be ready next week. We should be able to break ground this fall.”
Thomas sorted through the scattered papers. “I’ll approve the additional monies once I’ve reviewed it on paper.” He tapped a finger on the desk. “From now on, I’ll expect a written proposal before you take any more liberties with the company’s future.” With that final admonishment Thomas left with an uneasy feeling about the enormity of the deeds taking place.
Chapter Nine
As September waned, the early morning chill often preceded midday heat, making it a difficult choice between wearing a thin frock or heavy cloak. Even more problematic to the citizens of Cantonsville were speeches of traveling orators who spoke in support of their presidential candidates. Crowds cheered if in agreement, but just as frequently disagreements broke out moments before fists found their marks against boisterous jaws. Whether the nation moved toward war or peace depended on the four-way contest of the presidential elections. Mindful of his heavy investment, Reagan judged that his fortune would be guaranteed with a Lincoln victory. He determined that when the time came, he would cast his ballot for the backwoods Kentucky lawyer.
The same day Reagan received a shipment of building materials, hired workers laid cobblestones from the road to the new mill site. The plans called for the site to be farther from town than the old mill but close enough for short travel between the two mills. As news of the construction spread, Reagan found that paying his accounts off before the required dates kept prying questions at bay. Soon, money flowed out as fast as it came in.
A few weeks later, Thomas sat down to review the latest invoices. Within minutes he had angrily left his desk to seek out his son. He found him on a knoll overlooking the mill site. For a few moments neither spoke as they observed the work in progress.
“It’s cold,” Thomas said, frowning. “Too chilly for this time of year.”
“I take it you didn’t come to see the mill,” Reagan said.
“I went over the budget this morning.”
“Oh. Yes, well I can explain that.”
“Can you?” he bit out. “I distinctly asked you not to squander our money. Yet you disregarded my wishes. I happen to know your personal funds are nearly gone. The business allotment is completely empty, and what I loaned you is surely spent by now! Is it your purpose to run our business into the ground? Because personally, I don’t know where you’re going to get the coin to finish this project. Furthermore, I don’t find this the place to discuss the issue, but since you’re just as scarce at home as the office, I’m forced to seek you out!”
“I planned to go over the figures with you today,” Reagan answered calmly.
“Then let’s retire to a place more private.”
“There’s something I must do first. When I return, I promise to go over everything with you.”
Thomas labored to restrain his fury. “I don’t care what damnable plans you’ve made! I want an explanation. If not in the privacy of my office, then here, now.”
“First of all, I’ve no intention of ruining the company,” Reagan said, glancing at his father. “In fact, I’ll have all the money we need by Christmas.”
“How? Our coffers are nearly empty!”
“By marrying it.”
Had Reagan suddenly sprouted horns, Thomas couldn’t have looked more shocked. “You-you’re what?” he said, lifting his hands. “Your mother keeps dinner warm every night because you haven’t the courtesy to show up. You’ve abandoned all other work save this mill, and now you’re telling me you’re getting married? Reagan, what’s gotten into you?”
“That’s the business I have to tend. You see, I’m going to marry Amanda Bruester. Once we’re wed, I’ll be able to tap into her dowry. And, if that proves inadequate, as George’s son-in-law, I’ll obtain additional loans from the Bruester Bank and Trust.” He raised a brow. “Are you satisfied now?”
“Marry by Christmas? Hell, Reagan, you haven’t even begun courting the girl, and it’s now October. Furthermore, it seems Mrs. Bruester has other plans for her daughter. Have you forgotten their guest, Derrick Banning? He’s being introduced to all their friends and seems firmly wedged in Emily’s good graces. How do you hope to woo and then wed Amanda in the space of two months?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll find a way,” Reagan said as he mounted his horse. He then rode away, leaving Thomas more exasperated than ever.
Chapter Ten
Crisp leaves whirled around Reagan’s feet as he sounded the knocker at the Bruester home. A manservant soon led Reagan to the parlor where a piano ceased playing when he entered.
Emily sat on the divan stitching a sampler while Derrick leaned against the piano where Amanda sat, her hands against the keys.
Gabriella Bruester, George’s older sister, balanced a cup of tea in a nearby chair. “Well, if it isn’t the handsome son of Thomas Burnsfield!” Fixing her gaze on Reagan, the elder set her teacup down. “Do come in and join our little gathering. My niece was just entertaining us with her musical talents.”
“Please, have a seat,” Emily said, jabbing her tapestry with sudden, unnecessary enthusiasm.
As Reagan took a chair, Gabriella gave an audible huff. “Really, Emily, you’re manners are slipping. I don’t believe these men have been introduced. Reagan, this is Derrick Banning, an associate of George’s. It seems they became friends while my brother
did business in New York. Derrick’s been visiting these past weeks, though I daresay, his employer must be the lenient sort to let him miss so much work.”
“How do you do?” Derrick nodded before smiling at Gabriella. “I’ve notified my employer about extending my stay. He’s agreed, due to the venture I’m pursuing.”
The meaning wasn’t lost on Reagan as Derrick’s eyes followed Amanda while she rose to pour tea for their newest guest. “Beauregard tells me you’ll be leaving soon,” she said, handing Reagan a cup.
Emily brightened. “You’re going away? Will it be a long absence?”
“I’m afraid Beau’s tongue waggles more for entertainment than accuracy,” Reagan said, inwardly fuming at Beauregard’s meddlesome nature. “I’m returning from camp next month.”
“What sort of camp?” Derrick asked, eyeing Reagan’s hands.
“I believe it’s called a lumber camp,” Emily said. “Mr. Burnsfield cuts down trees for his livelihood.”
Gabriella squawked, thumping her cane on the carpet. “Emily! I’ll not stand having honest labor disparaged. Some of my best investments were in the founding of that company. Thomas Burnsfield and his son have a very prosperous lumber business.”
“Thank you, Madame Bruester,” Reagan said. “Father always appreciated his early financiers.”
Derrick inspected his own manicured nails. “But of course, lumber is a most necessary resource. Without that,” he smirked, “what would we sit on?” Grinning at his own cleverness, Derrick was rewarded with a burst of tittering before Gabriella’s glare silenced Emily.
Knowing Reagan would be traveling soon, Emily more calmly plied her needle. “How is your dear mother?” she asked. “I haven’t seen Katherine since the picnic.”
Reagan took a polite sip of tea before answering. “Very well. In fact, mother sent me to ensure Amanda received her invitation for tonight’s dinner. One was sent, but we haven’t received an answer.”
Threads of Betrayal Page 4