Charlotte pushed the woman aside and raced down the street toward the train station, Mrs. Rice’s condemnation ringing in her ears. Evil! That’s what she was.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Pullman, Illinois
July 12, 1893
With his lightweight cap pulled low on his forehead and shoulders hunched forward, Fred turned only a fleeting glance toward the row house where Albert and Martha resided. The two men saw little of each other these days. With their opposing work schedules and Albert’s marriage, their paths seldom crossed. Albert had distanced himself from the men who promoted unionization or supported changes within the car works, and that included Fred. There was little doubt Albert’s withdrawal from his friends had been at Martha’s insistence. Like many of the women who lived in Pullman, she feared not only the loss of income but also their displacement from the Pullman community.
Meeting with the other men had proved difficult for Fred, as well. His hours coincided with those of few of the workers. He’d had to rely on one or two trusted men to aid in building a strong voice for their unionization efforts. After this morning’s meeting, he believed a strong foundation of support now existed. More and more men were speaking out against their low wages. Opportunities for promotion had become nearly nonexistent, with higher-paying positions being filled by virtual newcomers, men who had little experience or talent for the jobs. The longtime employees were expected to train the recently hired men, which further served to fuel their anger. Although several of the men, including Fred, thought the practice strange for a man such as George Pullman, who had previously hired only highly skilled workers, they were daily faced with this recent procedure.
Fred hurried up the front steps and called to his mother as he entered the house. He yanked off his cap and hung it on the hall tree.
Mrs. DeVault appeared at the kitchen door. ‘‘Your food is growing cold. Where have you been? You’re going to be late to work if you don’t hurry.’’
He shook his head and grinned. ‘‘I told you I was going over to the training center. I have plenty of time to eat and still arrive at work on time.’’ Leaning down, he pecked her on the cheek and continued into the kitchen. ‘‘Smells good in here.’’
She arched her brows. ‘‘Doesn’t it always?’’
He laughed and helped himself to the chicken and dumplings. ‘‘Not when you’re cooking cabbage.’’
‘‘I can’t argue with you on that account.’’ She sat down and joined him at the table while he offered a prayer of thanks for their meal. ‘‘So how were things over in Kensington this morning?’’
He shrugged. ‘‘Same as usual. We’re not having much luck getting many of the fellows hired. Hard to figure out what’s going on with the hiring practices right now. Things aren’t what they used to be in that respect.’’
‘‘Well, you men need to learn a little patience. Things can’t always go the way you want. The management’s not going to keep the employees informed about why they’ve changed things, but I’m sure there’s a good reason.’’
He gave her a sidelong glance. ‘‘I know you want to believe everyone and everything is good, but it’s not always that way. There are decisions being made over at the car works that aren’t sound, and some are downright flawed. I know you don’t want to hear negative comments about the company, but that’s just the way it is.’’
His mother didn’t comment. Probably just as well. He didn’t want to have an argument before leaving for work. Nothing would be resolved, for neither one’s mind would be changed. Fred finished his meal and carried his plate to the counter. He hoped when the time arrived, there would be a sufficient number of workers willing to do what was right, even if it meant they must suffer. For now, he had a core group of men willing to strike whenever necessary. At least he hoped so.
————
While strolling along the shore of Lake Calumet with Fred last Sunday afternoon, Olivia thought she and Fred had finally resolved their differences. After he had detailed his relationship with Ellen’s father, she understood the necessity for Fred’s behavior with Ellen. Not that she agreed with his involvement in unionization or strikes. She thought the risk too great, and she’d told him so. He’d been surprisingly willing to listen to her, but she knew he hadn’t changed his opinion. She hadn’t changed hers, either. But Olivia felt certain his invitation to attend the Columbian Exposition today indicated they had set aside their past differences.
She grasped his arm as they walked down the front steps outside the church. Mrs. DeVault scurried to her side when they reached the sidewalk.
‘‘I’m glad I caught up with you before you left.’’ She bowed her head close to Olivia’s ear and lowered her voice. ‘‘I’ve already told Fred this, but I want you to know that several ladies in my quilting group mentioned that there are scantily clad belly dancers and natives from other countries who are bare to the waist—women. Can you imagine?’’
Olivia shook her head. ‘‘No. I truly can’t. It’s going to be exciting.’’ Mrs. DeVault frowned. Obviously that wasn’t the answer she’d anticipated. ‘‘Thank you for the warning. I’ll be careful to avoid any such sights.’’
Mrs. DeVault nodded her approval. ‘‘Good. And make certain Fred does the same.’’
Other than twisting Fred’s head in the opposite direction, Olivia wasn’t certain how she was supposed to comply with Mrs. DeVault’s order, but she didn’t argue. If they didn’t hurry, they’d miss the train and be delayed for another half hour.
Even with an entire afternoon and evening, they’d not have sufficient time to visit the Midway and all of the exhibit buildings. She’d overheard many of the hotel guests discuss the exquisite sights, and most of them returned every day for up to a week. The fact that the country was in the midst of an economic downturn didn’t seem to deter visitors. They continued to arrive from all over the country in huge numbers, filling the hotel every night. She could only assume Mr. Pullman was delighted, for completion of his four luxurious Colonnades had met with the same success. Reminiscent of Renaissance Italy’s loggias, the four semicircular buildings with their graceful colonnades and arches defined and enhanced the newly reconstructed Market Hall. Not to mention the added income the twelve fine apartments brought to Mr. Pullman.
Olivia’s excitement heightened as the train came to a halt at Terminal Station directly outside the fairgrounds. They stepped off the train, and she grasped Fred’s arm, pleased he would be her escort for this exciting occasion. She pictured the two of them quietly talking about the pleasures of this day for years to come.
‘‘I’m certain you’ll be pleased to know that Ellen and Matthew Clayborn are going to accompany us. They plan to meet us at the Columbian Fountain.’’
She stopped midstep, yanking Fred to an abrupt halt.
He arched his brows. ‘‘Are you unhappy about that?’’
For a brief moment she considered stomping her foot. What was wrong with Fred? Didn’t he realize this was supposed to be their time together? More important, why did he want Ellen along? ‘‘I’m genuinely surprised you didn’t mention Ellen and Mr. Clayborn before now. To be honest, I had hoped we could spend the day alone together.’’
He nodded. ‘‘Yes, but Ellen and I must keep up appearances. I haven’t seen anyone following us today, but I can’t be certain. If we’re being watched, and I don’t meet Ellen, questions will naturally arise. Being alone with you would ruin the impression that I’m in love with Ellen.’’
Olivia recalled the conversation she’d overheard between Mr. Townsend and Mr. Howard while she was hiding in Mr. Mahafferty’s office. Geoffrey Townsend was already convinced Ellen and Fred were in love, but Fred didn’t realize that he and Ellen had achieved their goal. There would be no reason for the investigator to continue his pursuit. She briefly considered revealing the information. But what would Fred think of such behavior! Hiding in the kneehole of a desk wasn’t something she’d proudly relate to anyone,
especially Fred. Would he believe her or think the information was merely a trap she’d concocted with Mr. Howard? Her recently renewed ties with Fred remained too weak for such a test.
They proceeded onward, swept into the crowd of bustling travelers as they navigated their way around the white Corinthian columns inside the terminal and passed beneath the massive coffered arches that heralded their entry onto the fairgrounds. ‘‘You do understand, don’t you?’’
Olivia detected a note of concern in his voice. ‘‘Yes, I do.’’ And she did understand, but it didn’t lessen her disappointment. She forced a smile. ‘‘We’ll all have a wonderful time.’’
As they exited the terminal, Olivia stopped and stared at the magnificent white Administration Building that centered the Grand Plaza. The edifice alone covered nearly three acres of ground. An octagonal dome encased in aluminum bronze rose from the uppermost tier of the main structure and glistened in the warm afternoon sunlight. To the east she could see the Columbian Fountain and the Grand Basin with the golden Statue of the Republic at the far end and Lake Michigan in the distant horizon. A brief glimpse was enough to confirm that the White City was everything Olivia had imagined and more. Her excitement mounted as she stepped into this magical kingdom.
Though crowds swarmed around them, Olivia could hear a band playing lively tunes at the northeast corner of the Grand Plaza. The Manufacturers Building loomed to the rear of the Columbian Fountain, centered with magnificent carvings of sea nymphs and animals with the head and torso of a horse and a tail resembling a huge fish. Electric fountains flanked either side of the grand centerpiece. If she didn’t see another thing, Olivia would count this day most memorable.
‘‘Here you are! We’ve been looking all over.’’ Ellen stepped between the two of them and grasped Fred’s arm. She waved her free hand in the air. ‘‘Matthew’s on the other side of the fountain. Wave at him, Fred. You too, Olivia.’’
Fred and Olivia joined in, and soon Mr. Clayborn jogged to Olivia’s side, panting for breath. ‘‘It’s much too warm to be running around. I’d prefer taking a dip in that fountain. What do you think? Would I get in trouble?’’
Olivia giggled. ‘‘Given the number of guards patrolling the grounds, I daresay they’d toss you out on your ear or perhaps lock you up somewhere.’’
Mr. Clayborn casually looped her hand into the crook of his arm. ‘‘It’s good to see you, Olivia. Have you been here long?’’ He leaned close to her ear as he spoke.
She leaned away, dismayed by his familiar behavior. ‘‘No. We’ve come here directly from the terminal.’’ As he once again stepped closer, Olivia attempted to withdraw.
He smiled broadly and placed his hand atop hers. ‘‘We’re supposed to be a couple who enjoy each other, Olivia. We must keep up pretenses. Perhaps you should follow Ellen’s lead.’’ He tipped his head toward Fred and Ellen.
She couldn’t deny they appeared the young couple in love. Ellen, in her pale yellow organza dress and matching parasol, was hanging on Fred’s every word while smiling at him like a woman struck by Cupid’s arrow. If Olivia didn’t know better, she’d actually believe they were smitten with each other. Little wonder they’d been able to deceive Mr. Townsend. Their behavior was enough to make her once again question if they might truly be in love.
As if reading her thoughts, Ellen suddenly turned and motioned them forward. ‘‘Come talk to me, Olivia. What do you think of this grand fair the city of Chicago has created?’’
‘‘I’m truly captivated. I’ve never seen anything that compares. It’s so huge, I doubt anyone could see even one-fourth of it in an afternoon. Little wonder the hotel guests return day after day for an entire week.’’
Ellen shook her head. ‘‘We can come back again. I’m surprised you haven’t been here before now. The fair’s been open since the first of May.’’
‘‘One needs both time and money to attend the Exposition. I’m afraid I’m one of those lacking on both accounts.’’ She grinned. Perhaps a smile would ease the sharpness of her reply.
Ellen frowned but quickly brightened. ‘‘In that case, we’ll let you take charge. What would you like to see?’’
‘‘I’m told there’s an entire train of Pullman cars as well as a replica of the town of Pullman in the Transportation Building. I’d like to see those.’’
Fred leaned forward, a frown on his face. ‘‘Of all places, why would you want to see those? You’ve been out on the rails traveling in Pullman cars, and we live in the town.’’
Ellen patted Fred’s hand. ‘‘Do stop, Fred. I think it would be fun to see those exhibits, too. I’ve not visited the Transportation Building on my previous visits. What else would you like to see, Olivia?’’
There was little doubt Fred hadn’t been pleased with her choice. ‘‘What about the Ferris wheel? Do you think we could see it?’’
‘‘Yes! Not only see it, but we’ll take a ride. My treat. It’s out on the Midway Plaisance. We’ll take one of the electric launches through the lagoon, visit the Midway, and then explore the Transportation Building. If there’s someplace else you want to see along the way, we can stop. What do you think?’’
Before any of them could either agree or object, Ellen led the way toward the south end of the lagoon. She purchased the tickets and handed one to each of them. They waited in line only a few minutes before boarding the next launch. Their boat slowly moved through the water, allowing them a view of the wooded island and then the vast Manufacturers Building.
Ellen nodded toward the building. ‘‘They say this is now the largest building ever constructed. When we come for our return visit, we’ll eat at the German restaurant inside. The food is quite wonderful.’’ As they rounded a bend farther down the lagoon, Ellen pointed out the conical roofs and graceful lines of the Fisheries Building in the distance and then the domed U.S. Government Building with its many elegant pavilions and pylon entrances. Water branched off from the lagoon and separated the two uniquely different buildings. Ellen had obviously visited numerous times, for she offered knowledge regarding nearly every structure along the way.
They disembarked at the grand landing along the eastern entrance of the Woman’s Building and climbed several staircases before finally reaching the ground level.
From their distant vantage point, they could view the Ferris wheel. The towering apparatus appeared to touch the clouds, and Olivia wondered if she would have the courage to step inside the contraption. Ellen pointed out the sights as they strolled along the Midway. They passed Hagenbeck’s Animal Show, and Ellen promised they would go inside after their ride on the Ferris wheel if time permitted. The show promised lions riding atop the backs of horses, and tigers that rode velocipedes—something Olivia would surely like to see. There was a Japanese Bazaar and a Javanese Settlement, a German Village and Cairo Street, where Olivia saw the dancers she’d been warned against, but it was the camel rides that captured her attention. Ladies and their admirers were actually riding atop the huge beasts that trotted down the narrow passageway of the make-believe street.
Mr. Clayborn pointed toward one of the camels. ‘‘Would you like to ride?’’
She laughed and shook her head. ‘‘I would never try such a thing, but it’s great fun to watch the others take such risk. I believe the Ferris wheel will prove as much excitement as I can manage for one day.’’
They continued toward the Midway, where the Ferris wheel loomed in the distance. Ellen came alongside Olivia and grabbed her hand. She tugged her forward, and the two of them followed Mr. Clayborn and Fred into the wood-veneered car. Forty plush-covered swivel chairs awaited the passengers, along with space for an additional twenty people who would stand throughout the ride that would make two full revolutions and six stops.
Olivia inhaled a ragged breath. ‘‘This is as large as one of Mr. Pullman’s railcars.’’
Ellen nodded. ‘‘Exciting, isn’t it? The ride takes a full twenty minutes, so relax and prepare yourself.’
’ A guard was stationed in each car, and Ellen explained that the uniformed official would lock their door before the ride began. ‘‘The newspaper said the committee required mesh be placed over the large windows to keep hysterical women from leaping to their doom.’’ Ellen giggled. ‘‘The men I’ve seen look every bit as frightened as the women. Don’t you agree?’’
Olivia shrugged and held her breath. At the moment, she couldn’t think of anyone’s fear but her own. The wheel made one stop on the ascent and then stopped at the very top. The fair unfolded below in an astonishing panorama. This view was the same sight afforded the birds now winging through the skies. Olivia savored every moment until they finally reached the ground and stepped out of the car. The ride had been amazing. She only wished she had been sitting next to Fred instead of Mr. Clayborn.
They continued down the midway and then boarded the electric launch back toward the Transportation Building. The sun was setting low in the sky. The afternoon had passed far too rapidly for Olivia. Ellen suggested they eat supper after their visit to the Pullman exhibits. ‘‘We must stay until after dark. Every building and exhibit is outlined in white lights. It’s a beautiful sight.’’
Olivia glanced toward Fred. She didn’t want to consent unless he was in agreement. But Fred wasn’t listening to their conversation. He was walking toward a familiar-looking gray-haired man. As the man drew closer, she noticed the unlit cigar in his hand. Ellen’s father. Had this invitation to the Exposition been nothing more than a scheme to meet with Mr. Ashton?
Mr. Ashton waved his cigar in the air. ‘‘Good to see you again, Miss Mott. I trust all is going well for you.’’
‘‘Very well, thank you. I’m truly surprised we encountered you in this vast place—and among all these people.’’ Olivia cast a sidelong glance in Fred’s direction.
Whispers Along the Rails Page 26