A Fragile Design

by Tracie Peterson

  ‘‘May I?’’ Taylor Manning inquired, looking over her head toward Miss Addie.

  ‘‘Taylor! Do join us,’’ she invited. ‘‘Scoot down, girls—we’ve plenty of room for one more.’’

  Bella held fast to her position as the other girls began sliding down the pew. She wasn’t relinquishing her aisle seat to anyone. ‘‘Why don’t you sit next to Miss Addie? I’m sure she’d enjoy your company,’’ Bella said loudly enough for the older woman to hear.

  ‘‘Oh yes, do sit here,’’ Addie said as she pushed closer to Ruth, making a space between Mintie and herself.

  Taylor arched his eyebrows and then gave Bella a defiant grin. ‘‘Perhaps it would be easier if I went around to the other side. Or, better yet, since the meeting is about to begin, why don’t you move down, Bella, and I’ll take the aisle. That way I won’t disturb quite as many people.’’

  ‘‘How thoughtful! You are a dear boy,’’ Addie replied, giving him a winsome smile.

  ‘‘Bella?’’

  Taking great effort to move her legs and tuck her skirt closer around her body, Bella looked toward the empty space to her left. ‘‘I prefer to remain near the aisle,’’ she said. ‘‘You can sit there.’’ She nodded toward the vacant seat. ‘‘Or you can go around and sit by Miss Addie, whichever you prefer.’’

  ‘‘You win,’’ he said while wedging himself between Daughtie and Bella. ‘‘At least this time,’’ he added with a grin.

  Bella frowned before placing a finger in front of her pursed lips. ‘‘Shhh! The meeting is about to begin.’’

  ‘‘If we could come to order, I’d like to present the recommendation of the school board,’’ Reverend Edson said. ‘‘Once I’ve finished, I’ll open the floor for discussion, but I would request you wait until you’ve been acknowledged before speaking. Otherwise, we’ll have chaos and nothing will be accomplished.

  ‘‘The board members have spent countless hours studying the problems of our current district school system and the possible resolutions in order to provide a better education for—’’

  ‘‘The children of Lowell are already receiving a decent education,’’ a booming voice declared. All eyes shifted to the rear of the sanctuary, where an impeccably dressed Kirk Boott was making his way down the aisle. ‘‘I’m sorry to interrupt your little speech, Theodore. Oh, excuse me. I should be addressing you more formally since this is a public meeting. Do you prefer reverend or doctor, Theodore?’’

  ‘‘I really don’t have a preference. In fact, Theodore will be fine. As soon as you’ve been seated, I’ll continue.’’

  ‘‘That’s Kirk Boott?’’ Bella whispered to Taylor.

  ‘‘Yes. Making quite an entrance, isn’t he?’’

  Bella nodded and watched while Mr. Boott casually sauntered down the aisle, obviously enjoying the attention his entrance was eliciting. When he finally took a seat beside Matthew and Lilly Cheever, Reverend Edson continued.

  ‘‘As I was saying, the board has considered the present school system, and we are of the opinion that the district system served the residents well prior to the expansion and incorporation of Lowell. Now, however, we believe our children would be best educated if we changed to a graded system. There are certainly more than enough children in the community right now to sustain the graded system, and with each passing year we’ll have additional students to educate. The board believes two new schools would adequately provide for a transfer to the new educational system.’’

  There was an eruption of applause throughout the room.

  Boott rose to his feet. He didn’t request permission to speak. Rather, he immediately took control, motioning the crowd to silence. ‘‘You can applaud the recommendation, but new schools are not going to be erected in Lowell. Everyone in this room is expecting the Corporation to pay for these schools. Well, the Corporation has paid for everything else in this town, and it is not going to pay for two more schools. Our investment in this community is going to be conducted in an economically sound manner. In order to accomplish financial stability, debts must be paid rather than incurred. I know that concept may be difficult for some of you to understand, but trust me when I say that you’ll need to find some other method to finance these schools.’’

  ‘‘The Corporation got our land dirt cheap, thanks to you. It won’t hurt them to make up the difference by building a couple of schools,’’ someone called out from the back of the room.

  A man sitting several rows behind Bella shouted, ‘‘If the cost of the schools is paid by taxes, the Corporation will have no choice but to pay its fair share.’’

  Reverend Edson rapped a wooden gavel on the podium and began calling for order. ‘‘Please—stand and be recognized before speaking. We need to conduct this meeting in an orderly fashion.’’

  Once again Kirk Boott stood and turned toward the crowd without being recognized. ‘‘It would behoove all of you to vote against this measure,’’ he said. ‘‘You’re all in line for your pay every week. Remember where your loyalty belongs. If the Corporation fails, you’ll all be without jobs. It would be folly to impose further burdens upon the Corporation.’’

  Bella rose to her feet and waved an arm in the air, waiting to speak until recognized by the moderator. ‘‘You,’’ Reverend Edson said, pointing in Bella’s direction.

  Bella cleared her throat and met Mr. Boott’s indifferent gaze. ‘‘Fear and intimidation are a poor substitute for a worthwhile defense, sir. The children of this community deserve an education that will one day help them achieve their full potential. It is education that will aid them in contributing to the future growth and expansion of Lowell. Surely your Corporation is willing to invest in the further development of what it has already begun.’’

  By the time she finished speaking, Mr. Boott’s apathetic stare had evolved into a condescending sneer. ‘‘I realize this will be difficult for your female mind to understand, Miss. . . ?’’ He waited.

  ‘‘Newberry. Arabella Newberry,’’ she replied through clenched teeth.

  ‘‘Yes. Well, Miss Newberry, let me explain a thing or two. This community is an experiment. Never before has such a concept been attempted, and we have yet to determine the success or failure of Lowell. Quite frankly, in only a few years a traveler may find nothing but a heap of ruins where Lowell now stands,’’ Kirk solemnly stated.

  ‘‘And if a traveler should examine the relics of this town in a few years and find no trace of a schoolhouse,’’ Bella responded, ‘‘he would immediately know what led to its demise. Education is the backbone of a solid society. Educate the children and your town will stand firm, your Corporation will be strong, and your coffers will be filled with the gold you so earnestly seek.’’

  Applause and hoots of laughter filled the room as Kirk leaned down and talked to Matthew Cheever and then whispered something to Theodore Edson. Moments later Matthew stood alongside Mr. Boott.

  ‘‘Unfortunately, I have a previous engagement I must attend. In my absence, Matthew Cheever will speak on behalf of the Corporation. I trust that before this matter comes to a vote, you will all give considerable weight to my words.’’ That said, Boott stalked down the aisle and out of the building.

  The crowd quickly turned its attention back to Reverend Edson. ‘‘Thank you for your fine remarks, Miss Newberry. And for waiting to be recognized before speaking,’’ he added. ‘‘Other comments?’’ he asked, looking about the assembly and then pointing to a woman on the other side of the aisle.

  ‘‘I appreciate what Miss Newberry said. It’s clear from hearing her talk that she’s had good schooling. I’d like to be sure the girls here in Lowell receive as much education as the boys. It appears that the schoolmaster spends more time and effort with the boys and discounts the need for education for our girls. I’m told that lately he’s discouraged the girls’ attendance by telling them they don’t need schooling once they’re able to read a bit and sign their names.’’

  A man jumped up t
wo rows behind her. ‘‘That’s because the Corporation is counting the number of pupils. They’ve begun keeping records in an attempt to prove there’s no need for more schools.’’

  Matthew raised his hand and waited to be acknowledged before replying. ‘‘That, sir, is a false statement. It is true that the Corporation has recently taken a head count at the schools. However, we have performed such a count every year in order to track growth, not for the reasons that you allege. We also track the number of residents living in the community. There’s nothing secret about our actions.’’

  Bella rose from her seat. ‘‘But it’s those very numbers that identify the needs of a community. A town of three hundred has fewer children than a town of ten thousand, hence the need for fewer schools, particularly schools of the graded system. However, a town with only ten Catholic residents does not need a Catholic church in which to worship. A town with a growing Irish population that is primarily Catholic needs a church. The same holds true for fire and police protection—the larger the community, the greater the need. So whether it be directly or indirectly, I believe your figures do contribute to the decisions made for the citizens of this community, Mr. Cheever.’’

  Matthew hesitated. ‘‘What you’ve said is partially true. However, the Corporation did not coerce the schoolmaster into making such statements. I’m a staunch advocate of education, but the Corporation does not believe Lowell needs two more schools.’’

  ‘‘Of course not. The Lowell school system doesn’t affect the lives of the wealthy. You send your children off to fancy private schools without regard to what’s available for ours.’’

  ‘‘Now, just a minute. I grew up and attended a district school in East Chelmsford, and my education served me well. I consider my fundamental education to be as fine as that of any of the others attending Harvard University,’’ Matthew replied.

  ‘‘We were a small farm community back then,’’ Lilly Cheever rebutted.

  Bella glanced first toward Matthew and then toward Lilly, unable to believe her ears. Lilly had contradicted her husband’s opinion in a public forum. Surely she would apologize and shrink quietly into the background.

  Instead, Lilly continued with her lecture. ‘‘I have no intention of sending my children off to boarding school to ensure that they receive a quality education. We have an obligation to provide our children with a superior education right here in their own community.’’

  Matthew didn’t respond to his wife’s remarks. Instead, Reverend Edson, with wisdom and kindness, came to Matthew’s rescue. ‘‘It’s getting rather late. Perhaps we should put the matter to a vote.’’

  ‘‘Are you certain you wouldn’t prefer to wait? Perhaps hold another meeting?’’ Matthew suggested.

  The crowd immediately began murmuring, voicing their disagreement. ‘‘We want to vote now,’’ several men hollered.

  Matthew Cheever and Reverend Edson exchanged a look and then spoke privately for a moment. Bella leaned forward, listening.

  ‘‘I think these folks prefer to vote now,’’ Reverend Edson replied.

  Matthew shrugged his shoulders. ‘‘I fear you’re taking quite a risk, Reverend.’’

  Reverend Edson nodded. ‘‘Perhaps. But it’s the proper thing to do.’’

  CHAPTER 22

  Matthew insisted Lilly remain seated in the pew until the crowd dispersed. He said he wanted to visit further with Reverend Edson, but she suspected he didn’t want to subject himself to any further questioning by the townsfolk. She sat quietly while the two talked and the sanctuary emptied.

  Finally, Lilly rose. ‘‘Matthew, there is absolutely nobody left in this church except Reverend Edson and the two of us,’’ she said, moving toward where the men stood. ‘‘I’m exhausted. May we please leave?’’

  ‘‘Yes, of course, my dear,’’ he said. ‘‘Thank you for your time, Reverend Edson.’’

  ‘‘Of course, Matthew. Anytime you want to visit further, please stop by,’’ Reverend Edson replied, escorting them to the front door of the church. ‘‘Good night,’’ he called out from the doorway when they finally reached their carriage.

  ‘‘After the way you acted tonight, I’m surprised that Reverend Edson is still speaking to you,’’ Lilly commented as Matthew assisted her into their carriage.

  ‘‘He’s a man of the cloth: he’s supposed to forgive. Besides, he knows I wasn’t attacking him personally. I was merely doing my job.’’

  Matthew walked around the carriage, hoisted himself up, and dropped onto the seat. He flicked the reins and set the horses into motion as a refreshing breeze began to stir the air. Shimmering stars illuminated the distant sky, and a hazy full moon hung overhead. Although it was a beautiful evening for a carriage ride, Lilly found it impossible to savor their surroundings.

  ‘‘I find it repugnant that you’re taking sides with the Corporation on this issue. Surely you don’t truly believe what Mr. Boott said this evening.’’

  ‘‘Lilly, I think the new schools and the graded system would be best for Lowell, but I will not go against the Corporation on this. I would lose my job, and we can’t afford for that to happen, especially with a baby on the way.’’

  ‘‘How can you believe one thing and argue for another? Don’t you find such behavior immoral?’’

  ‘‘Immoral? We’re not talking about depraved conduct, Lilly. I’m doing my job.’’

  ‘‘You’re living a lie,’’ she replied.

  ‘‘What would you have me do, Lilly?’’

  Lilly leveled a look of exasperation in his direction. ‘‘What I want is for you to admit you’ve acted improperly. The fact is, Matthew, making me feel better is not the issue. You’re the one compromising your standards and beliefs. You’ve shown Mr. Boott that you’re willing to do whatever is necessary to protect your job and the Corporation.’’

  Matthew’s eyes blazed with anger. ‘‘That’s completely unfair, Lilly. The people at that meeting knew I was speaking on behalf of the Corporation. Kirk told them I was doing just that prior to his departure. I’m not living a lie, but you are speaking in anger. I suggest we move on to another topic. I don’t want to argue with you, Lilly.’’

  ‘‘What did you and Reverend Edson discuss?’’ she asked.

  ‘‘His future at St. Anne’s,’’ Matthew answered simply.

  Stunned by Matthew’s reply, Lilly remained silent, waiting to revisit the subject until they were preparing for bed.

  ‘‘What did you mean earlier when you mentioned Reverend Edson’s future at St. Anne’s?’’

  ‘‘It seems that Kirk told him that if he went against the Corporation and continued fighting for the graded system and new schools, there would be no further monetary assistance for the church.’’

  ‘‘From the Corporation, you mean?’’ Lilly inquired.

  ‘‘From the Corporation or from Kirk personally. He’s threatened to leave the church and withdraw his substantial weekly gifts as well as donations by the Corporation. It could prove devastating to the future of the church.’’

  Lilly stared at Matthew, a look of skepticism etched on her face. ‘‘Reverend Edson was Mr. Boott’s personal selection as rector of St. Anne’s. He brought Reverend Edson to Lowell,’’ she argued. ‘‘Why, the church is named after Anne Boott,’’ Lilly continued weakly.

  ‘‘I know, I know,’’ Matthew replied. ‘‘None of it makes any sense, but Kirk is determined to prove his power will withstand this school movement. I think he almost views it as a personal affront that the town would oppose his point of view.’’

  Lilly unfastened her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders. ‘‘We can’t afford for him to win, Matthew. I want our children living at home with us—not off in some boarding school growing up without our love and the comfort of their own home. And what of Lewis’s son? When we find him, he’s going to need all the love and comfort of a family, too. Sending him off would be devastating. You’ve got to find some way to convince Mr. Boott
he’s wrong on this issue.’’

  ‘‘I think the vote this evening has already proven that he’s wrong—at least in the eyes of the community. I doubt whether he’ll find any way he can stave off the new schools now that the vote has passed, and I don’t intend to take up the banner of convincing him he should gracefully accept the decision.’’

  Lilly turned and faced Matthew. ‘‘You could assist in making this matter go more smoothly if you truly embraced the idea.’’

  ‘‘Don’t start . . .’’

  Lilly’s eyes widened as loud knocking sounded at the front door. ‘‘Who can that be at this hour?’’

  Matthew quickly donned his trousers and rushed down the steps while Lilly stood in the bedroom doorway. She heard Matthew open the door and then heard another man’s voice. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she repetitively pulled a silver hairbrush through her long, thick mane until she finally grew weary and slipped under the bedcovers.

  ‘‘I almost fell asleep,’’ she said when Matthew finally returned. ‘‘Who was that?’’

  ‘‘Mr. Cummiskey,’’ he replied, removing his trousers. ‘‘Problems in the Paddy camp. Another girl has disappeared, and the Irish are up in arms.’’

  Lilly bolted upright in the bed. ‘‘Not another one,’’ she said in a choked whisper.

  ‘‘How stupid of me! I shouldn’t have said anything. I don’t want you upsetting yourself, Lilly.’’

  ‘‘Then tell me what has been occurring,’’ she insisted.

  He sat down on the bed and took her hand. ‘‘At first we thought perhaps the girls had run off with their beaux or just run away from home. However, it appears that’s not the case. At least the families say none of the girls had reason to run off and none of them had a steady fellow. Hugh has given the police a great deal of information regarding each of the girls, but it seems that the police aren’t doing much. Folks in the Paddy camp think the police don’t care because the girls are Irish.’’