"Got them from a Chinaman." Becky turned and saw a stout man standing behind her. "I usually don't carry such things, but they was real reasonable. Why, that would look right pretty on you."
"I've no use for such luxuries," Becky said and walked away.
She kept walking down the aisle, but as she turned to go to the spice display, she glanced in the direction of the shawls.
James was still with the man and his pipes when she was done, so she paid for her items and went outside. She saw Hannah and Marian coming toward her and waved.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" she asked Marian.
"Yes, I did. Where's James?"
"He's still in there," Becky said, nodding toward the dry goods store.
"I hope he doesn't take long. I'm famished."
"Me, too," Hannah said.
"Are we eating at the hotel?" Becky asked.
"I thought we'd find a nice café. We'll be having dinner at the hotel."
Hannah peeked inside the store window and saw James paying for his items at the cash register.
"He's almost done," she said.
James came out of the store, saw them waiting and smiled.
"Ready to eat?" he said, and they all said, "Yes!"
Chapter 38
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
"I can't believe they sent one man to catch him," Evan Morgan said. He was sitting behind his desk at the sheriff's station when a call from Sheriff Aumack came in.
"Doesn't make sense if you ask me," Coleman Taylor said. Coleman was Evan's deputy and had been listening to Evan's conversation with Sheriff Aumack of Monmouth County. "And they ain't found the man they sent?"
"No. He's missing. They sent out two more lawmen to find him but they came back empty-handed."
Evan had a tight feeling in his gut. A man just didn't go missing, not the son of a mayor anyway. He had a good job and a secure future.
According to Sheriff Aumack, Orin Smith had gone to New Beach alone. When he didn't return, Aumack sent a detective and an officer to look for him. Smith had stopped at the house of a woman named Margaret Mason. When the two arrived looking for Smith, she said Smith had been there that morning but didn't stay long. She said Rousseau had been home, but when the two men went to his room, he was gone. They wanted to get home by midnight so they told Margaret to have the Frenchman call them. Margaret Mason was the last person to see Orin Smith. Evan knew what Jean-Pierre Renault was capable of. He wanted to know what happened to Orin Smith.
"So, what are you gonna do?" Coleman asked.
Evan didn't know. If he left his post to go to Monmouth County, the mayor would give him hell and most likely fire him. Evan had a military pension of $8.00 per month to compensate for the wound he received during his service fighting Indians. He also had a small inheritance from his father that was sitting in a bank in Philadelphia collecting interest. Between the interest and the pension, Evan could survive without the job, but he wouldn't have the right to shoot Renault if he tried to flee, nor would he be able to arrest him.
Evan stood and grabbed his hat. "I'm going to see the mayor," he said.
Jeremiah Bean looked at Evan and sighed.
"You're just bound and determined to ruin your life, aren't you?" he said.
"I can't sit here knowing he's there and that he may have assaulted or killed that man."
"Evan, I warned you once before, I can't guarantee your job."
Evan's hands were clasped in his lap. His hat sat on the chair next to him. He'd explained the situation to Jeremiah over and over, but the man just kept reminding him he would lose his job.
Well, he thought, hang the job.
"I resign," he said. He stood and grabbed his hat.
"Evan, be reasonable. How will you live?"
"I got a pension and some money saved. I'll be fine."
"I hate to see you go, but you're hell bent on finding this man and so be it. I accept your resignation with regret."
Evan left his badge on Jeremiah's desk. Jeremiah walked him to the door. He put out his hand and Evan shook it.
"Do me one favor," Evan said. "Tell Coleman to make a wanted poster. Send it out from here to California."
"Who's putting up the reward?"
Evan pursed his lips. He didn't have the money for a reward.
"If you can find someone willing to put up a reward, I'll ask Coleman to issue the poster," Jeremiah said.
Evan nodded and then he rode home. He would pack a small bag, leave Chester with his brother, and go to Monmouth County.
Chester was waiting when he got home. The setter whimpered and Evan let him outside. He would miss the dog. He had grown fond of him.
It isn't forever, he thought.
He went to his bedroom and filled a small satchel with extra clothes and bullets. He felt his pocket for the pocketknife he kept there and felt its outline. He heard Chester whining to get in and carried the satchel to the kitchen.
"Come on, boy. Let's go see Moss."
The dog ran around in circles barking. He jumped on Evan. He opened the door and the dog ran out. Evan took one last look around the house, making sure everything was locked, and then he left the house, locking the door behind him.
Chester ran alongside Evan's horse, Old Mike, to his brother's farm. His nieces and nephews had grown, but some still lived at home. They loved the dog and Evan knew they'd spoil him rotten while he was away. Moss was sitting on the porch enjoying a sit- down with his wife, Jeanne.
"How long you gonna be gone?" Moss asked.
"I'm going to Monmouth County. Shouldn't be away more than a week." Morgan pulled a dollar from his pocket and handed it to Moss. "This is for his feed."
Moss took the money and handed it to Jeanne.
"We'll take good care of him, don't you worry, Evan," Jeanne said.
"You chasing that Frenchman again?" Moss asked.
"I am. I think he's up there and I'm gonna find him."
"You take care. You know what happened the last time you chased him."
Evan remembered the pain in the back of his head. "Yeah, I remember."
"Knocked you out cold is what he did. Left you for dead."
"I remember, Moss. You don't have to tell me again."
"Just saying, he's a bad un, that Frenchman."
"That's why I have to catch him."
"You want something to eat before you go?" Jeanne asked.
"No time. I gotta get to Monmouth County before dark."
He tipped hat and walked down the steps and over to Old Mike. Mike wasn't old, but he was ornery, and reminded Evan of a crotchety old man. He got on the horse and waved goodbye to Moss and Jeanne before heading down the highway.
Chapter 39
New Beach, New Jersey
George went to Red Bank to meet the train from Philadelphia. He had been feeling low since Margaret's death and missed her terribly. He also loved his job, and the lawyer wouldn't tell him if his employment was terminated. This frustrated George no end. He liked a good, solid answer to his questions.
He got out of the carriage and walked to the platform. The train was just pulling in and he could see the porters standing at the ready to assist the ladies. The last time he came here, he was bringing Louise. He remembered how much Margaret had missed her.
He saw Louise and Jenny get off the train and took off his derby. Louise smiled but he thought she looked sad. Jenny, too. The men unloaded the trunks and George arranged for them to be brought to the house. He promised them a good tip if they got them there quickly.
The ride from Red Bank seemed longer than usual and Louise was eager to get home and find out the details of Margaret's death. She kept thinking of Pierre. She didn't want to think he had killed her by causing a heart attack, but the thought played over in her mind. She hadn't talked to Jenny about her feelings, but she knew none of the servants liked him.
As they rode down the dirt road heading toward New Beach, they rode through a swarm of flies
. Louise and Jenny swatted them away as George sped up the horse. He didn't recall them being there on his way out, but he had gone much faster. Maybe he just outran them.
John Pierpont's carriage was parked in front of the house when they arrived. He had taken over Margaret's affairs when Graham Ross lost Marian Dawes' money and was dismissed. George let the ladies off at the front door and took the carriage behind the house. Louise felt drained from her journey and wished Mr. Pierpont had given her a couple of days before telling her she would have to leave. Harrison opened the door and let them in. After they entered the house, Jenny took her handbag and gloves.
"You don't have to do that for me," Louise said.
"Mr. Pierpont is waiting in the parlor, Miss," Harrison said.
"Thank you, Harrison," Louise said. She looked at him. His eyes were focused straight ahead.
She walked to the parlor and found Mr. Pierpont standing in front of the window.
"Mr. Pierpont," she said.
He turned and nodded his head.
"How was your journey?" he asked.
"Long. I'm very tired."
"I understand. This shouldn't take long. Shall we sit down?"
They sat and she waited for him to speak. He was hesitant.
"Miss Weise," he began, "Mrs. Mason was very fond of you."
He paused. Louise felt a tightening in her throat. She didn't want to cry in front of him, but her eyes filled with tears. They rolled down her cheeks and she wiped them away.
"She didn't have any children or living relatives."
He moved to the edge of his seat and clasped his hands. With his elbows resting on his knees, he leaned forward.
"Louise," he said. "She left you her entire fortune."
Louise looked up. She narrowed her eyes. She wasn't sure she had heard what he said.
"What?" she replied.
"Mrs. Mason made you her sole heir. She wanted you to have this house and all her other assets. She made small bequests to the servants and several endowments to her favorite charities, but otherwise, everything belongs to you."
Louise began to shake. "Why?"
"You were a loyal companion and she had strong feelings for you. She told me she felt as though she finally had a daughter. Now, I wasn't completely convinced this was the right thing for her to do, but I've made inquiries and you have a good reputation. I did insist, however, that I keep an eye on the finances until you turn twenty-one. I also insisted on a condition."
Louise was still stunned by the news. She didn't speak.
"You are forbidden to marry until you are twenty-one, and I, or a member of my firm, will have to approve your choice."
"You'll tell me who I can marry?"
"It's for your own protection, Louise. There are unscrupulous men who would take advantage of a plain..."
"A plain girl like me?" Louise's eyes hardened. "A man would have to be blind to want a girl like me, is that it?"
"I didn't mean..."
"Yes, you did, Mr. Pierpont."
"Louise..."
"Miss Weise," she said.
Mr. Pierpont sat back in his chair. "I'm sorry, but it's my job to advise you. You've never been in this position before, Miss Weise, and you don't know the ways of the world."
"I know them well enough."
Mr. Pierpont stood. "Well, then, I'll be going. I have some papers for you to sign if you would."
He indicated Margaret's small desk in the corner of the room and Louise stood, went to it, and sat on the small chair behind it. She looked at the papers before signing them, and Mr. Pierpont kept breathing hard to show his impatience. She ignored him. She asked him about things she didn't understand and he explained them in simple terms. Only when she was sure she understood them did she sign them in front of Harrison and Jenny.
Mr. Pierpont then gathered the papers and with a nod, left the house. Louise sat at the desk feeling numb. She sorely missed Margaret's presence. She looked up and Harrison and Jenny were still standing in front of the desk.
"Yes?" she asked.
"You have to dismiss us, Miss," Harrison said.
"Oh, I'm sorry, you can go."
"First, Miss, may we ask you a question?"
"Yes, you may."
"We, the staff and I, were wondering if you plan to keep us."
"What do you mean?"
"He's asking if we still have our jobs, Miss," Jenny said.
"Of course you do. I wouldn't know what to do without you."
"Thank you, Miss," Harrison said. "Then we'll leave you."
As they left the parlor, Ginny came in and curtsied.
"Ma'am, there's a gentleman at the door who would like to speak to you."
"Ah, thank you, Ginny." She recalled what Margaret said when someone came to the house. "Will you show them in please, and bring some tea?"
"Don't you want to know who it is?"
"Yes."
"It's a lawman from Cherry Hill," Ginny said.
"Oh, truly?"
Ginny nodded.
"I'll see him," Louise said and Ginny left to fetch the lawman from Cherry Hill.
Chapter 40
Louise sat at the dining table in the chair she had occupied when Margaret was alive. She couldn't bring herself to sit in Margaret's chair. Ginny brought the teapot and filled Louise's cup.
"It's okay to ring the bell, Miss. It's how I know you need me."
"I knew you would bring the tea eventually," Louise said. The tenor of her voice reflected her sadness.
"Can I get you anything, Miss?"
"No, Ginny, I'm fine."
Ginny went back to the kitchen, leaving Louise alone. She was hoping the lawman from Cherry Hill would return soon so she could tell him what she found when she went to her bedroom the day she came home from the train. When he came to the house that day, Louise had been too upset to talk with him. She asked him to come another day. Then she went upstairs and saw that Hannah's picture had been removed from its frame and the letter she'd left on her dresser was missing. She knew Pierre had taken them. A murderous rage rose up in her and she began to scream, summoning Jenny and Harrison to her room. Ginny arrived a minute later.
She told them what she'd found and Ginny looked at Louise. "Some of ma'am's jewelry is missing, too," she said.
Jenny, who had been Margaret's lady's maid for twenty years, ran to Margaret's room. After lifting up the top tray in the deep drawer, she knew what was missing.
"He must have thought she wouldn't look under the tray," she said when Louise joined her. "I cleaned them. She wanted them cleaned even if she never wore them. I knew every piece by heart."
Now, as Louise sat sipping her tea, still feeling outraged by Pierre's arrogance, she resolved to have him brought to justice. She had enough money. She would pay the lawman to hunt him down.
As if he had been privy to her thoughts, Evan Morgan knocked on her front door and was greeted by Ginny. She took his hat and led him to the dining room.
"Mr. Morgan, is it?" Louise asked.
"Yes, Miss," he said.
"Please, sit down. Ginny, bring a teacup for Mr. Morgan."
"If you have coffee, Miss...," he began.
"Coffee for Mr. Morgan, please."
Louise waited until Mr. Morgan was seated. "I was hoping to see you. We believe Mr. Rousseau might have taken some items from the house before he left and we want them back."
"You mean he stole them."
"Yes, we believe so."
"I've been to Long Branch," Evan said. "Mr. Rousseau may have killed a woman there."
The day Evan came to the Mason house and Louise asked him to come back another day, Ginny followed him out to his horse.
"I heard you asking about Pierre," she said. "I know something about him."
Evan stopped climbing on Old Mike and looked at her.
"He used to go to Long Branch to a house of ill-repute."
"And how did you know that? That's not something a man would discuss w
ith a decent woman."
"I know because...I used to watch him. I admired his face. When he found out how I felt, he told me he would never go with a girl like me if he could have any woman he wanted at Mrs. Porter's. I asked George what Mrs. Porter's was and he told me."
"How often did he go there?"
"He was always going away for a week at a time. Maybe once a month."
"Thank you, Ginny. That's good information."
Evan went to get on his horse and she grabbed his arm.
"That's not all," she said.
Evan looked at her. She was upset.
"I know he killed Mrs. Mason," she said.
"He did? Did you see him?"
"No, I didn't see him, but I know he did it. I saw her when she found the missing jewelry. She was so upset, she put her hand to her heart and fell over. Jenny had been called away and I was tending to Mrs. Mason. I...I was so afraid they would think it was me that I left her and went back to the kitchen."
"Why would they think it was you? Did you ever steal from Mrs. Mason?"
"No! Of course not. But I'm the kitchen girl. I wasn't allowed upstairs unless Mrs. Mason said so. I was afraid they would think I had taken the jewels."
Evan had been raised on a farm, but he'd spent his summers at his aunt's house in Philadelphia. He knew how things were in a house with more than one servant. Someone, usually the scullery maid, was the lowest member of their caste system, and therefore suspect when anything untoward happened in the house. He understood Ginny's fear. Most likely, they would have alleged it was her.
"Why are you telling me this? I'm a lawman. Aren't you afraid I'd suspect you?"
"No," she replied.
"Why?"
"Because I could tell by the way you said his name when you were talking to the miss that you hate him as much as I do."
Evan nodded and climbed on Old Mike. He looked down at Ginny and tipped his hat.
"I'll be back," he said.
Ginny went back to the kitchen that day and felt as though the weight of the world had been taken off her shoulders. There was something about that lawman. She knew she could trust him.
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