Daughter of the Loom (Bells of Lowell Book #1)

by Tracie Peterson

  Mintie let out a snort and wagged her finger at Addie. “This is not a matter to be taken lightly. There are men who come to the house at all hours—they don’t even leave a calling card. Any man worth his salt wouldn’t come calling without a card. What does that tell you?”

  Without waiting for an answer, she continued. “They’re spies! Just like him, intent on keeping their identity a secret. I tell you, the Judge would have sent them packing. If a man isn’t refined enough to carry a calling card, he isn’t worth receiving. Why, any such caller to the Beecher house would have been out on his ear!”

  Addie set her rocker into motion, careful not to disturb her propped foot. “You need to settle yourself, Mintie. You’re overwrought for no reason whatsoever. Our circumstances here in Lowell aren’t comparable to those in Boston, and you can’t expect people to present calling cards. These are working-class people. And so are we! Our days of receiving calling cards are over.”

  Mintie was shaking her head in disgust. “Good manners don’t begin and end with circumstances, Adelaide. Civility is a necessity for all classes of people.”

  “I agree. Civility and good manners transcend circumstances. But calling cards are not a necessity among—”

  “Posh! They’re not leaving calling cards because they are spies. Honestly, Adelaide, you remind me of a mule wearing blinders. It’s obvious to most people that spies don’t leave calling cards because it’s their modus operandi.” She paused and took on an exasperated expression. “You’ll remember that term from the Judge—it means how they operate.”

  “I remember the term well. I simply do not see how it has anything to do with anything.”

  “They don’t want anyone to know who they are or where they’ve been,” Mintie argued. “And you need to stay away from that John Farnsworth!”

  “John Farnsworth is a fine man who loves it here in Lowell. The men who come to the house are probably some of the Englishmen from work who need special instructions or some such thing.”

  “You go ahead and make excuses for him, but when he and the British blow this place to smithereens, you’ll know I was right. People no doubt hesitated to believe the British would burn the president’s home in Washington.”

  Addie couldn’t stifle another chuckle. She knew her laughter served only to anger Mintie further, but her sister’s allegations were preposterous.

  “That’s right, you keep sniggering, but I know there’s a plot underway. I heard Farnsworth talking to some of those men about ordering more blasting powder for the canals. They’re not pulling the wool over my eyes! They’re stockpiling that blasting powder until the British arrive to take back the country, and your John Farnsworth will supply them with ample explosives to complete their treacherous plans.”

  Addie realized there was no convincing her sister she was wrong, yet she wished she could find some words that would assuage Mintie’s concerns. “Can’t you see, Mintie, that there is truly a need for additional blasting powder for the new canals that are planned? They’re expanding all the time.”

  “Your naïveté never ceases to amaze me, Adelaide. Can’t you see they have those strong-backed Irish brutes to dig out the canals? Why would the Corporation spend money on blasting powder when they have those beasts of burden? You mark my words, Adelaide Beecher, you’ve set yourself up for heartbreak. I would think you’d have learned that the first time when that Charles went off with another woman.” Mintie sat back in her chair with a smug smile on her face.

  “Charles did not leave me for another woman, and you know it. We agreed to end our courtship when the Judge insisted I could not marry until some eligible bachelor was willing to wed you. We both knew that would not soon occur.”

  A small gasp escaped Mintie’s lips. She jumped up and rushed toward the front door without so much as a good-bye.

  “I’m sorry, Mintie. I shouldn’t have spoken such cruel words,” Addie apologetically called after her sister. “Oh, Father, why did I let my tongue get the best of me yet again?” she wistfully prayed as she rose from the chair. Her peaceful half hour was nothing more than a memory, and dinner preparations awaited her in the kitchen.

  By the time the girls began arriving home, Addie had analyzed her conversation with Mintie so many times she was now convinced her older sister’s accusations against John might have merit. The longer she tried to persuade herself Mintie’s arguments were nonsensical, the more concerned she became. Perhaps John was a traitor. Yet how could she believe such a thing? He spoke of his fondness for Massachusetts and desire to bring his father from England. And he professed to love the Lord—and certainly acted like a God-fearing Christian man. It was all too difficult to sort out right now, for dinner wouldn’t serve itself.

  ****

  “You sit down right now,” Lilly ordered. “I’m going to do these dishes, and you sit there and keep me company. Take your shoe off and put your foot up. Then tell me what’s wrong.”

  Addie’s eyebrows arched. “What makes you think anything is wrong? Besides my bunion and gout, of course.”

  “I know you too well, Miss Addie. You snapped at Prudence when she asked for more apple butter, and when Mary Alice said her meat was a bit tough, you were not very pleasant. I’ve never seen you like this. I insist you tell me what’s happened.”

  Addie looked down at the floor and placed her hands on her cheeks. “It’s Mintie. She came over here this afternoon offering proof that John Farnsworth is a spy. And, Lilly, I’m not so sure she’s wrong. I’ve mulled it over for the past several hours, and what she says makes sense.”

  “Preposterous! Tell me what evidence she’s produced.” Lilly completed washing the dishes as Addie recounted the afternoon of tragedy wrought by Miss Mintie.

  “I don’t want to believe ill of anyone, especially not of John.”

  “Then don’t,” Lilly said, wiping her hands on a towel before sitting down beside her friend. Taking Addie’s hand into her own, Lilly gazed directly into the older woman’s eyes. “Now that you’ve repeated all of Miss Mintie’s allegations aloud, don’t you see how foolish they are? John Farnsworth has no more interest in overthrowing the country than you or I. Your sister is saying these things because John has begun calling upon you. Mintie doesn’t like the idea of you having a suitor. In a word, Miss Addie, your sister is jealous.”

  “Do you really think that’s all it is? I keep remembering that she was suspicious of him when he first arrived.”

  Lilly giggled. “Only because he had a letter from England, which doesn’t prove anything except that he keeps in communication with his father. I think he should be commended for writing home—not treated like a criminal. The only thing Miss Mintie has proved is that she’s a jealous snoop. I think what Miss Mintie needs is a suitor of her own, someone to keep her mind and time occupied—and I think I may know just the person!” Lilly smiled to herself even imagining the stiff-necked spinster on the arm of a beau.

  Addie placed a hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter. “I don’t think Mintie would consider taking a suitor.”

  “We’ll see. I have a very convincing gentleman in mind. Given a chance, I think he may be able to soften her up a bit.” Lilly saw a glimmer of hope return to Addie’s expression.

  “Thank you for your help, Lilly. Speaking of help, I forgot to mention I’ve gone next door the past several mornings hoping to visit with Mrs. Arnold. She came to the door the first day but didn’t let me in. She said she didn’t have time to visit. After that, she didn’t even answer the door, but I knew she was in there.”

  Lilly nodded. “I’m sure she’s afraid to talk to anyone. That husband of hers has her frightened to death. And Matthew Cheever was proven to be no better.” Lilly tried to keep her emotions under control. Frankly, she was just as mixed up over Matthew as Miss Addie was over Mr. Farnsworth.

  “He hasn’t done one thing to help,” she continued. “I’m certain he’s afraid the reputation of the wonderful Corporation might be tarnis
hed if word got out that one of their fine supervisors beats his wife. But there must be some way to help her. We’ll figure something out—with or without Matthew Cheever.”

  “Now, now, dear, Matthew is a fine young man. I’m sure he’s looking into the matter. Things don’t always move as rapidly as we think they should. He’s a busy man.”

  Lilly folded the dish towel and turned toward Addie. “Sometimes we can’t depend on busy men, Miss Addie. Sometimes we must take—”

  “Lilly, come quick,” Prudence insisted as she burst into the kitchen, her face flushed with excitement. She bounced from foot to foot, obviously wanting immediate attention. When Lilly didn’t quickly move, Prudence began tugging at her roommate’s arm. “Come on—you have a visitor.”

  “Hurry! It may be Matthew,” Addie urged.

  Addie’s words caused Lilly to halt midstep and pull her arm away from Prudence. “Is it Matthew Cheever?”

  Prudence shook her head. “No. I’ve never seen this man before, and he wouldn’t give his name. He said he wanted to surprise you. He’s quite handsome and very sophisticated—probably from Boston. If you’re not interested in him, promise you’ll introduce me? Please?” Prudence begged, folding her hands in prayerlike fashion.

  “Stop it, Prudence,” Lilly replied with a giggle as she followed Prudence toward the parlor. “I don’t know any handsome, sophisticated man who would be calling on me. It’s probably a mistake.” Lilly stopped in the doorway, unable to believe her eyes. Across the room sat an elegantly clad Lewis, surrounded by at least five fawning mill girls.

  The moment he spied her in the entrance, he jumped to his feet and motioned her forward. “Don’t stand there staring at me as though you’ve seen a ghost. Come give your big brother a hug, dear Lilly.”

  Her roommates sat watching the unfolding scene, envy etched upon each of their faces as she walked toward Lewis. She allowed him to embrace her only for the sake of issuing her edict. “I want you to leave here immediately,” Lilly whispered in his ear before pushing away from him.

  “Why don’t we take a short stroll? I’ve been anxious to see you since my return from Nashua. We have much to talk about,” he said, giving her a piercing stare. “Get your cloak, Lilly,” he hissed, taking hold of her arm.

  “Oh, don’t leave us so soon,” Prudence cooed. “Lilly hasn’t even had an opportunity to make proper introductions.”

  Lewis bowed and kissed Prudence’s hand. “I’ll be returning often, dear girl, and I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to become better acquainted. Trust me.” With a self-satisfied smile, he tipped his hat at Prudence and grasped Lilly’s arm.

  Lilly thought Pru might actually swoon. She held her hand to her face with an expression of complete adulation. The other girls were no better. Lilly looked to her brother and had to admit he was quite stylish and well-groomed. No doubt the gaming tables had smiled favorably upon him.

  “Until we meet again, ladies,” Lewis said, bowing low. He pressed Lilly toward the door, pausing only long enough to pop a top hat onto his head.

  “What do you want, Lewis?” Lilly asked as soon as they exited the door. “I’m not going for a stroll. We can talk right here.”

  “Truly? Your little friends are watching out the window. If we stand here much longer, I’m sure at least one or two of them will be out here to join us.”

  Lilly pulled her arm away from his grasp and began walking. “What is it you’re after, Lewis? Why have you returned to Massachusetts?” A million thoughts raced through her head. If he was here for money, he’d be out of luck. She wasn’t about to part with any of her hard-earned wages to support his lifestyle. Christian charity only extended so far.

  “I could tell you I was concerned for your welfare, but we both know that isn’t true. Tell me, dear sister, how does it feel to be working for the Corporation you hold in such contempt? Do you ever revel in the thought of somehow usurping their power?” He emitted a callous laugh. “No, that would never happen to my little sister, would it? She’s the perfect child who never does wrong. Dear Lilly would never consider doing anything unchristian—she doesn’t have wicked thoughts.”

  His words stung her conscience. If he knew how many people had been the victims of her unkind thoughts and deeds in recent months, he would certainly question her Christianity. The idea was frightening. “I’m not perfect, and we both know that, Lewis. I dislike working for the Corporation, but you left me penniless; I had no choice. Quit avoiding my question. It’s cold out here. Tell me what it is you want so I can go home and you can go back to wherever it is you came from.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, Lilly. I plan to be in Lowell for quite some time. As a matter of fact, that’s one of the reasons I’ve come to see you. I understand that most of the mill girls are quite frugal with their money and some of them have accumulated rather large sums. If you’re one of those girls, I could use your help. I’m broke and need money, and you are the only family I have.”

  “I have no intention of helping you, Lewis. I can’t believe you have the audacity to come to me for money.”

  He shrugged. “If you aren’t one of those girls who has plenty of money, then introduce me to one. I’m not interested in the ones who are sending their wages back home to their poverty-stricken families. My inheritance is gone, and I can’t be wasting time.”

  Lilly gaped at him, astonished at his request. “I’ll do no such thing. I’m not going to assist you in duping any of these girls out of their hard-earned wages. Surely you can find some other more profitable scheme.”

  “Poor Lilly. You don’t understand much, do you? These girls are vulnerable, unscathed little flowers waiting to be plucked. I can move from one to the other, permitting them the pleasure of keeping company with an educated, handsome man as well as assisting them with the proper investment of their wages.”

  Lilly was aghast at his proposal. “Investment of their wages into your pocket! So this is how you now intend to support yourself?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. Those girls don’t have enough money to support my needs, but their funds would be a nice addition to my income. You need not concern yourself with my welfare. I’ve entered into a business venture with a gentleman of considerable means. However, I’m sure your little friends would be thrilled to purchase an expensive gift or two for a handsome beau,” he said with a smirk. “I find that for the right amount of affection, propriety is often overlooked.”

  Lilly turned and briskly headed back toward the boardinghouse. “You sicken me, Lewis. Do you stay awake at night thinking of vile ways to hurt people?” She gave him a look of disgust. “I will not be a part of your schemes.”

  “As you choose, but I’ll succeed with or without your help. It will merely take a bit longer to weed out the girls who are penniless. Incidentally, did I mention the fact that I saw Matthew and Kirk Boott today? Matthew has certainly managed to endear himself to the Corporation, hasn’t he?”

  She knew Lewis; his words were intended to cause pain. “If you’re interested in Matthew’s position in the Corporation, you’ll need to talk to him.”

  “I believe I hit a sore spot. I’m so sorry, Lilly. You know I would never want to open old wounds,” he said, sarcasm dripping from each word. “Well, here we are, back to your humble dwelling. Tell me, is it true? Do you really sleep four girls to a bed?”

  Lilly turned, fixing him with what she hoped was a scathing expression. “Get away from me, Lewis. Go away and don’t ever return. I have no desire to be associated with you or your scheming.”

  Without saying a word, Lewis leaned around her, opened the door, and made his way inside the house before she could object. Lilly watched in amazement as Lewis boldly strode into the parlor and immediately took command of the group. “Ladies, I wanted to once again tell you what a pleasure it was spending time with you earlier this evening. I will be returning tomorrow evening if any of you happen to be available for a visit.” He smiled broadly. “One more thing,
” he added, “don’t believe a thing my sister has to say about me. She’s a teeny bit jealous—fearful of losing my attention. In fact, she sometimes tells horrid tales regarding my behavior, hoping to dissuade young ladies from keeping company with me. Don’t you let her convince you with those exaggerated stories. We must join forces and conspire against her if I’m to have the pleasure of calling upon you fair maidens.” Lewis directed an exaggerated wink at the group, then bowed and bade them good-night. The girls giggled in delight.

  Lilly couldn’t believe her ears. Her brother had completely outmaneuvered her.

  Chapter 20

  Lilly had given Matthew ample time. It was now blatantly obvious the Associates were not going to hold Thaddeus Arnold accountable for his barbaric behavior. Having weighed the merits of the company’s indecisiveness, Lilly prayed with fervor and then decided the Corporation must suffer the consequences of God’s disapproval—using her, of course, as the instrument of His displeasure. Arnold’s behavior was merely the catalyst God was using to move her forward. She was ashamed she had wavered in her earlier beliefs, but it was now abundantly clear she must move forward and bring the Corporation to ruin before further expansion could be completed.

  Developing a plan, however, was much more difficult. Quick, decisive action was needed. However, the feat must be destructive enough to bring business to a halt—damaging enough to insure the Associates would rethink their earlier decision to blemish the Massachusetts countryside with brick and mortar factories. Yet her plan must remain safe enough to keep the operatives from harm. She had learned from her earlier plots that stopping one machine, or even several, was not detrimental to the Corporation. Those incidents had merely succeeded in reprisals being meted out to the operatives by Thaddeus Arnold.

  “No, I must figure a way to bring production completely to a halt,” Lilly murmured as she strolled through the small but growing town. When the plan first began to grow in her mind, she had never figured it would be so difficult to sabotage the Corporation and their mills.