There was stunned silence. Lilly stared at him in obvious disbelief. “No, Lewis, you can’t. Please tell me why. What could possibly—”
Holding up his hand, Lewis shook his head back and forth. “I’ve already said too much, Lilly. You must forget what I’ve told you. Promise me that you’ll say nothing to anyone.”
“Only if you’ll promise you won’t be party to such a thing. Please, Lewis, promise me. You don’t want to be involved in anything else that will cause you more guilt and shame,” she pleaded.
Lewis gave her a feeble smile, knowing what he must do. It had been a complete error of judgment to come here. “I promise, Lilly. In fact, I’m going to escort you home, and then I’m going to leave town. I may even head for the wild western frontier. What do you think of that? Do you think I could survive out among those savages we’ve read about?”
Lilly grasped his hand. “Oh yes, Lewis. That’s a wonderful idea. You must leave town immediately. I promise, I’ll not breathe a word. But why not consider heading south? Life is gentler and slower in the south, I’m told. I can better picture you as a southern gentleman than an Indian fighter,” she said with a grin. “We’d better be leaving, or I’ll find myself locked out of the boardinghouse. Will you at least give careful thought to seeking God?”
Lewis gave her a reassuring smile. “We’ll see.” It was a small concession, the least he could do—he’d been the cause of enough pain in her life.
****
Lilly tiptoed up the steps to her bedroom, thankful to find her roommates asleep. The girls would have questioned her late arrival, and she didn’t want to mention that she had been with Lewis—especially to Prudence, who still believed Lewis would one day be her husband. She settled into the warmth of the bed, but sleep wouldn’t come.
It seemed strange not to have Nadene with her. Even though Nadene had planned to go back to work Monday, the doctor had insisted on sending the girl home. Addie had broken the news to the girls.
“The doctor believes Nadene’s time is very limited. The consumption has only grown worse, and he feels she is in no shape to return to work.” Addie had talked to them for some time, tears streaming from her eyes, as well as from the eyes of the girls who had come to care so deeply for Nadene.
Now Nadene was home, and the loss to Lilly was acute. How difficult it had been to share a bed with a total stranger, yet now how equally odd to be without her. Lilly pushed aside her emotions and tried not to think of Nadene. She prayed for her friend, hoping that the doctor might be wrong—knowing that most likely he was right.
Her thoughts then fell upon the conversation with Lewis, wrestling with the idea that perhaps this fire at the Merrimack would be God’s punishment, the answer to all of her once-earnest prayers for the destruction of the Boston Associates. She silently chided herself, remembering the harm that had come to Nadene through the fire at the Appleton. Besides, the Boston Associates wouldn’t be the only ones harmed by a fire at the Merrimack.
In one way or another, a major fire at the Merrimack would bring ruination to almost every resident of Lowell, and she didn’t want that. After all, if enough tragedy did befall the Associates, Miss Addie might well be out of a job, and Lilly could even find herself out of a home. An idea of what she would do beyond her employment with the mills had never really materialized in her thoughts.
Months ago, I would have been happy at the thought of such destruction, she thought. But that was before, when her heart had been hard and her focus hadn’t been God so much as revenge. And hadn’t she already resolved those issues and asked forgiveness? Why was she permitting herself to dwell on these thoughts?
Slipping from her bed, Lilly dropped to her knees, seized by an overwhelming sorrow for her brother. She prayed for his protection and ultimate happiness. She prayed he would find a safe haven and loyal Christian friends, that he would seek God’s forgiveness, and that God would direct his path toward righteousness.
She crawled back into bed, amazed by her feelings for Lewis. In spite of their past and all of his transgressions, she loved him. Perhaps God would send that same healing power to her brother.
Chapter 32
March blew in like a lion, but despite blustery beginnings, the month gradually began to show signs of spring. The night of the Blowing Out Ball had finally arrived, and Lilly actually found herself a mix of emotions. Worry for Lewis reigned uppermost in her mind, but thoughts of Matthew had affixed themselves to her heart.
“Let me see how you look!”
At Miss Addie’s request, Lilly twirled about in her pale blue lace-trimmed gown.
“I told you that shade of blue was just right for your complexion when we first saw the fabric at Whidden’s,” Miss Addie remarked with a twinkle in her eye. “And I was correct. Would you consider helping an old woman with her dress?”
Lilly smiled and gave Addie a hug. “I would consider helping a very dear friend with her dress,” she said, following Addie into her bedroom.
Addie carefully plunged her arm into the sleeve of her dress. “Matthew has certainly been a frequent visitor lately. And how many times have you been to dinner at his parents’ home recently? Seems things are getting serious between you two. Is there anything you want to tell me?”
Lilly ceased buttoning Addie’s dress. “No, there is nothing to tell you. Matthew and I are merely friends, just like you and me. And what of you and John Farnsworth? He’s been coming to call on you frequently. Do you have something to share with me?” Lilly asked with a giggle.
Addie placed a hand on each side of her waist in an attempt to make the buttoning easier. “We have talked about the future—about sharing it—together,” she stammered.
“Really? Oh, Miss Addie, that’s wonderful. When? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Don’t get so excited. I said we’ve talked about the future. We haven’t made any decisions, although John has asked me to help him decorate his house once it’s finished. They’ve begun work on it again since the weather has warmed up a bit. He thinks it will be completed by June. We ordered the fabric for the draperies last week.”
“Oh, Miss Addie, how exciting. I can’t think of anyone who deserves a good husband more than you. And you’ll be a perfect wife for Mr. Farnsworth. Addie Farnsworth—that has a nice sound to it. Have you told Miss Mintie?”
Addie shook her head. “Now that we’ve finally mended our differences, I don’t want to do anything to upset her. Until John and I have actually decided we’re going to share our future together, it’s best I don’t say anything to Mintie. Having worked so diligently to heal our relationship, I’m sure you understand how fragile it is. Mintie’s made great strides in accepting my relationship with John, but we need more time. And if you hadn’t come up with the idea of finding a beau for Mintie, I’m not sure she would have attended the ball this evening.”
Lilly nodded as she arranged the layers of Addie’s skirt. “Who would have ever thought Miss Mintie and Lawrence Gault would find anything in common? Yet he seems to have a wonderful, calming effect upon her, don’t you think? I’m so fond of Mr. Gault, I almost felt guilty when I suggested he call upon your sister,” she said with a giggle.
“I must admit that I would never have dreamed such a sweet man would give Mintie a second glance, but he appears to enjoy her company, and she’s like a different person since he’s come into her life,” Addie said as she handed a string of pearls to Lilly.
“I attempted to convince Mintie to purchase a new gown for the ball, but she wouldn’t budge. Stitching a row of new lace around the neckline of her frock was the most I could manage,” Addie added with a giggle.
“Not that old brown dress?”
Addie gave an exaggerated nod of agreement, and the two women burst into gales of laughter. “She certainly can’t be accused of attempting to turn Mr. Gault’s head with her wardrobe.”
“That’s true. You, on the other hand, are going to turn everyone’s head in this lovely gown. And y
our string of pearls and earbobs are perfect accents.”
Addie blushed at the compliment. “Thank you, dear, but the only person I want to please is John. I can hardly wait—we’re going to have such a gay time this evening. I can just feel it in my bones. Now, please make sure my sash is straight in back.”
Lilly examined the mauve-colored gown to ensure there were no flaws. The full gigot sleeves were quite complimentary on Miss Addie. Lilly straightened the sash and then picked a piece of lint from the shoulder.
“Everything is perfect,” she announced.
Prudence and Marmi descended the staircase and gathered in the dining room along with the other girls, all of them admiring one another’s gowns, offering to loan a piece of jewelry or pair of gloves to complete an ensemble. The laughter and chattering charged the room with an air of excitement.
“I do wish Nadene could have been here with us,” Lilly said sadly.
Addie gently touched Lilly’s hand. “I wish she could be here, too, but we must trust that God has it all under control. Nadene would not wish us to be sad tonight. Let us go and share good company in her honor.”
Lilly nodded. “She’d like that, I’m sure. Afterwards, why don’t we all write her a letter and tell her every detail.”
“That’s a marvelous idea,” Addie agreed.
A knock at the front door sent one of the girls rushing to the hallway. “It’s too early for Mr. Farnsworth or Matthew,” Lilly commented as she tucked a curl into place.
“Lilly, you have a caller. It’s Lewis,” Marmi said as she neared the dining room.
“Lewis?” She rushed past Marmi, down the hallway and into Lewis’s extended arms. “It’s good to see you. You look wonderful,” she said, leaning back to look into his face. “What brings you back to Lowell? Not a problem, I hope?”
Lewis gave her an enormous smile. “Everything is fine. I wanted to see my sister, but it appears I’ve chosen the wrong night to come calling,” he convincingly replied. “Is there a party tonight?”
“The Blowing Out Ball. You can attend. It will be great fun. Please say you’ll come,” Lilly begged. She was surprised at the sincerity of her emotions, but she truly wanted Lewis to attend. God had done a work in her heart—there could be no doubt.
“No, I don’t want to interfere with your evening of fun. You go on, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After several minutes of pleading, with Lilly insisting it would only make this joyful occasion more memorable, Lewis finally agreed to attend the ball. After giving Lilly his promise to meet her at the Old Stone House, he departed in order to secure a room at the Wareham for the night.
****
Lilly sat beside Matthew in the carriage, her voice filled with excitement as she told him of Lewis’s surprise arrival. “Isn’t this perfect?” Lilly asked, clapping her hands together. “Lewis appears to have put his past behind him. I’m so anxious to hear what he’s been doing since he left Lowell.”
Matthew’s face creased with concern. “Please don’t be disappointed if you’re unhappy with what he tells you. I want you to have a wonderful time this evening.”
Lilly nodded her agreement then smiled as she glanced across the carriage toward John Farnsworth and Addie sitting opposite them. It was obvious Mr. Farnsworth was enchanted with Addie’s devoted attention, the two of them talking softly as the horses clopped down the street. Catching Lilly watching them, John beamed a smile.
“I nearly forgot to tell you. I received a missive from England. It seems I’m to have company.”
“Is your father finally going to join you?” Lilly questioned.
“Not just yet. No, this is from my nephew. My sister’s boy, God rest her soul.” John’s expression sobered. “Sherman Manning, my brother-in-law, passed on a few months back. I didn’t know until Taylor sent me this letter. Anyway, Taylor desires a new life in America. His siblings are safely established with his grandmother in London, and he asked to join me here, perhaps to work at the mills.”
“We’re always in need of another good man,” Matthew remarked.
John nodded. “I hoped you’d feel that way. He should be here by the first of May.”
“When he arrives and you’ve gotten him settled in, send him to see me,” Matthew replied.
“Oh, look, there’s Mintie with Mr. Gault,” Addie announced as they stepped out of the carriage. “Mintie!” she called out, waving a gloved hand in the air.
Mintie waved in return, giving them a bright smile. “Good evening,” she pleasantly greeted as the foursome approached. “Perhaps we can find a table and sit together,” she ventured as they walked in and joined the frivolity.
Matthew took hold of Lilly and led her toward the dance floor. “I believe Lilly and I will begin with a dance. You go ahead and find a place to sit, and we’ll join you shortly.” The candles and oil lamps cast an enchanting glow throughout the rooms as they whirled about in time with the music.
“There’s Lewis,” Lilly reported, twisting in Matthew’s arms and nearly tripping over his feet as she attempted to keep her brother in sight. He glanced in her direction, and she excitedly waved in return. “He’s coming this way.”
Lewis tapped Matthew’s shoulder. “Would you mind if I cut in, Matthew? I promise to return her quickly.”
Matthew smiled as he released Lilly to her brother. “I don’t think I have a choice,” he said with a laugh. “She’s been tripping over my feet since you arrived. I think she was afraid you would dance with someone else first.”
“That’s not so. Lewis may dance with anyone he wishes,” Lilly protested.
Matthew slapped Lewis on the back. “It’s good to see you, Lewis. I hope we’ll have time to visit a little later.”
“Thanks, Matthew,” Lewis replied as he grasped Lilly’s hand and began to move across the dance floor.
Lilly gave her brother a winsome smile. “You look wonderful, Lewis. I want to hear everything. Tell me where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing, because whatever it is seems to agree with you.”
“Thank you for the kind words, Lilly. I took your sisterly advice and went south, although not very far,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve been in Philadelphia working with some men who are developing a new import and export business.” Lewis glanced about the dance floor and then back toward his sister. “You are by far the most beautiful young lady in attendance this evening, Lilly—but you always were a pretty girl.”
Lilly felt an overwhelming affection for her brother. “Why, Lewis? Why have we had so many years of ugliness between us? Why did you . . . hate me?”
He frowned and turned her effortlessly. “I wish I could take back those years—I truly do. Upon reflection, I can only say that my actions were born out of jealousy and fear.”
“Jealousy and fear of what?” she questioned, watching him intently, as though she might ascertain the answer from his expression.
“I was jealous of you and fearful that our parents would no longer have any use for me after you came along. You were so lovely, like a little doll. People were always commenting on it. I felt misplaced. I’d had Mother and Father’s undivided attention, and suddenly I had to share.”
“But I adored you,” Lilly said, shaking her head. “I used to plead with Mother to tell me why you were mad at me. I wanted so much for us to be close.”
An expression of pain crossed Lewis’s face. “I suppose it’s too late for that now.”
Lilly squeezed his hand. “Of course it’s not too late. We’ve already grown closer just in the past few months. Remember when you showed up here in Lowell? I wanted nothing to do with you. The past, and all that stood between us, was too much to contend with. You were planning to use the girls for your greater gain. . . .”
“Which I did and am now deeply ashamed.”
“What made the difference, Lewis?”
He made a halting step but quickly recovered. “Coming face to face with who I am and what I’m capable of doing made me
realize just how far I’d sunk. I can’t change the past, Lilly, and I’m certain there is no future—not for someone like me.”
“But . . .”
He shook his head. “Let’s forget such sad things and enjoy the music. I’ll soon be returning to Philadelphia, and I desire to enjoy a pleasant moment with you before I go.”
They continued dancing through several musical arrangements, Lewis seeming to enjoy Lilly’s company. He spoke of his excitement over his new business venture and beginning his life anew while Lilly listened attentively, thrilled by his report.
Returning her to the table where Matthew sat, he said, “I think I should dance with Prudence. I believe I owe her an explanation of my disappearance,” Lewis told Lilly. “You need not fear. I don’t plan to woo her, merely tell her I’ve moved to Philadelphia.”
Lilly gave Lewis an endearing smile, watching as he walked toward the table where Pru and several other girls were seated.
“If he weren’t your brother, I believe I would be overwrought with jealousy,” Matthew softly remarked as he and Lilly approached a table laden with punch bowls and silver trays filled with tiny sandwiches and cookies. “Your face is fairly aglow with love.”
Lilly took a sip of her punch. “There’s been such a wonderful change in Lewis. It appears he’s finally become the man God intended him to be. I can’t believe the change.”
“I must admit he appears to be happy and content. And from the cut of his suit, I’d say his new business opportunity has already proved financially successful.” Matthew glanced about and said, “Don’t look now, but Thaddeus Arnold and his wife are walking in this direction.”
Lilly stiffened. “He’s never made good on his threat that things weren’t yet resolved.” She continued to drink her punch, even as she watched the man from across the room.
“I’m telling you, Lilly, his threats were probably nothing more than manly pride. Men don’t like to have their plans altered—especially by women.”
“Well, he does appear to treat all of the girls on our floor with dignity and is evenhanded in his decisions. And I can now sleep at night without fear of hearing his wife crying out in pain during the night.”
Daughter of the Loom (Bells of Lowell Book #1) Page 34