The Town Hall was built of local sandstone and was two stories high above a cellar that served as a jail. Town meetings and business transactions were conducted on the main floor. Offices for the mayor, his clerk, and the sheriff were on the upper floor. The mayor settled most local issues. Anything more important than a drunken brawl or bill of sale was settled by the Court of Common Pleas in Akron.
Cory tied Nell opposite the church under a tree along the edge of the town square. She saw the Reverend Lawrence Davis talking with two women.
Adelaide wanted her to invite the Reverend Davis and his family for supper. She would never get away with a brief visit. The Reverend liked to hear the sound of his own voice even when he wasn’t in the pulpit.
“Miss Beecher!” His voice boomed across the square.
Cory glanced around, anticipating Edward’s appearance in response to the cannon-like proclamation of her name.
The two women greeted her and made excuses for leaving. Cory thought they looked relieved.
“Look at all the dishes.” He examined them more closely. “They’re empty.”
“Adelaide is returning them,” she explained. “I was hoping to leave them in the foyer where people can claim them when they come for the holiday celebration Wednesday.”
“I’m working on my message for Independence Day as we speak. Mary! Beth!” he called out. “I’ll have the women help you unload the dishes. I must resume my work.”
Cory wondered if he would have put off writing his mid-week sermon if the dishes had contained food. The Reverend Davis was more than double the size of most men.
Mary appeared in a dull gray dress that strained at the seams. Mary enjoyed company and food as much as her husband.
Beth was the opposite of her parents in girth. She had a willowy figure, and her dress was ill-fitted on her slender frame. Her straw-colored hair and pale complexion added to her delicate appearance. Blondes were in fashion, and Beth had the coloring and disposition to be popular. She never had a harsh word for anyone and was always the first to volunteer her services.
Cory should have hated her, especially since she had been Douglas’ first choice for a wife. But Beth had turned twenty-one, a landmark age for a woman. She was considered a spinster by Darrow Falls’ standards. Cory couldn’t understand why she had refused Douglas when she appeared to have no other prospects.
“You’re all invited to supper tonight.” Maybe she’d have an opportunity to speak with Beth alone about Douglas.
The Reverend reappeared, some pages in his hand. “Supper?”
Cory recalled her instructions. “Miss Adelaide needs some spiritual guidance.”
“Spiritual guidance,” he repeated. “We’ll be happy to come.”
“I hope you don’t mind the late invitation.” Cory handed Beth several bowls.
“What about those?” Beth read the name on the card for the dishes stacked in the front. “I’m sure Mrs. Stone will be by Wednesday if you want to leave her dishes here.”
“It’s not out of my way.”
“Paula has quite a few interesting visitors.” Mary lowered her voice. “Strangers from the South.”
The two biggest gossips in town had probably spent hours discussing Edward Vandal and his men. “Maybe they’re in town for the holiday,” Cory suggested.
“Not these men.” Mary carried a few dishes inside. “Chasers if you ask me.”
Cory feigned surprise. “Chasers?”
The pastor’s family lived on the lower level of the church. Mary arranged the dishes on a narrow table in the foyer between the twin staircases to the second floor sanctuary. “I don’t like it one bit. We’re a peaceful community. Why can’t they stay home where they belong instead of coming to our town and upsetting everyone?”
Beth patted her mother’s plump hand. “They’ll be gone soon enough, Mother.”
****
Dinner and an hour later Cory took the short ride along Darrow Falls Road to the corner of River Road. Darrow Falls Inn was a two-story building painted a bright red with an abundance of gingerbread trim. An open breezeway provided access to private rooms on the first floor. One of them was Tyler’s. To the left was the main entrance with a kitchen and large dining room. A wrap-around porch provided an area for boarders to sit and chat with travelers on the roads through downtown.
Darrow Falls Inn was a scheduled stop for the stagecoach traveling east to west along River Road. A barn with stables and a corral was behind the inn. The nearby train depot added to the clientele. The public house attracted travelers and the latest news.
Paula Stone greeted her. She was a stout woman with a face full of freckles and a high round forehead. “Jennifer Beecher.” She waved as she bustled down the steps.
“No, I’m Courtney.”
“But you’re one of the Beecher girls, right?”
“Yes. I’m the oldest.”
“I never can keep you girls straight.”
“No one can.” Although each one of them had a different hair color, they were grouped together as the Beecher girls. Even Paula, who had witnessed them traveling from the Beecher farm past her inn to the downtown for years, failed to match a name to a face. What happened to one Beecher girl, happened to all. And as the oldest, Cory set the example for her younger sisters.
“What brings you to my humble abode, Courtney?”
Cory hardly considered Darrow Falls Inn humble. Paula was known for her hospitality. Her elaborate meals filled the dining hall with diners from far and near.
“I’m staying with Adelaide and wanted to return some of your dishes. She was grateful for the meals you sent.” She handed Paula the note inside one of the empty bowls.
“I figured she wouldn’t eat unless someone put something in front of her.” Paula took the dishes and placed them on a table. “Why don’t you stay for lunch? I always make plenty.”
“I’ve already dined with the Reverend Davis and his family, and I should return to the farm and help Adelaide.” She looked around. Edward and his men weren’t among the guests sipping coffee and eating dessert.
Paula read the lines Adelaide had penned. “Such a lovely note. It’s such a shame she has to move away now that Hiram has passed.”
“She’s going to miss Darrow Falls and all her friends.” Cory lowered her voice. “Would it be all right if I used your outhouse before leaving? It’s a long drive back to Glen Knolls.”
Paula looked at her hooped skirt. “You could use one of the chamber pots in an empty room.”
“The outhouse is good enough.” Cory pressed in the collapsible crinoline to show she could fit inside the privy. “Behind the barn?”
“Near the hollyhocks. If your skirt doesn’t fit, there might be some clean pots nearby. Or do like I did when I was a girl and squat in the weeds.”
Cory headed for the outhouse. Once out of sight, she turned toward the open hallway. The number three was painted in white against the red door. She reached into her purse and removed Tyler’s key. She glanced around and listened for any footsteps on the wooden floor. Hearing none, she inserted the key, turned it, and entered.
Chapter Eleven
Tyler’s valise rested on a storage chest at the foot of the bed. “TGM” were imprinted in gold letters on the brown leather. The case had hinges like her father’s medical bag and opened wide to expose the contents. Several ties and socks were on top of a white shirt. A brown packet was stuck along one side. She reached in, hesitated, and retrieved it. Inside were legal documents. Tess’ name was on the top one. The legal language was confusing, but the paper appeared to grant her freedom.
Several signatures were on the bottom of the document. One was Tyler’s. Another was Regina Vandal’s. She folded the documents but hesitated to return them to the valise. She unbuttoned her dress and forced the packet beneath her corset cover.
She gathered a brush, razor, soap, and toothbrush near the washstand and added them to Tyler’s bag. The dresser drawers were empty.
She left Tyler’s note and payment on top of the dresser with the key.
Cory cautiously opened the door, saw no one around, and headed for her buggy. She put Tyler’s bag on the floor and spread her skirt over it. “Giddy-up.” She slapped the reins against Nell’s hindquarters and directed her down the drive.
Edward and his two companions nearly collided with her when they turned onto the curved path toward the inn. Their horses startled Nell. Cory struggled to calm her. “Easy, girl.”
Edward grabbed Nell’s harness until she quieted. “I’m so sorry we startled your horse, Miss Beecher.” He tipped his hat.
“We usually don’t have this much traffic on the road.” She hoped her voice didn’t sound as nervous to Edward as it did to her.
“Out for a ride?”
“I was returning some dishes,” Cory explained. “So many people provided meals for Mrs. Thomas after her husband died. This was my last stop. Mrs. Stone is an excellent cook. You must know that since you’re staying here.” She was rambling.
“She is a good cook, but not as good as my wife.”
The pride in his voice startled her. “Is she traveling with you?” She knew the answer but was curious about Reggie.
“No, my wife is home in Vandalia,” he said. “We recently lost our child.”
“I’m sorry. That can be a difficult time for a couple.”
“How would you know? Have you ever lost a child?”
His angry outburst frightened her, but she quickly defended her words. “My father is a doctor. I’ve helped with patients, especially during childbirth.” She recalled a birth last spring. “In April I delivered a stillbirth. We tried everything, but the baby never took a breath. It’s the last thing a couple expects after nine months of happy expectations.”
Edward studied her. “I’m sorry for my rudeness. Our son died from a fever. Regina was inconsolable after Eddie’s death. How do you comfort someone who only wants to mourn?”
Cory hesitated to answer, but the pain in his voice evoked her empathy. He was Tyler’s enemy, but she offered some advice. “Everyone mourns differently, but don’t let Reggie shut you out. Whatever her feelings, she needs to share them with someone. It’s the only way she’ll be able to deal with her grief. And someday, you’ll have more children.”
Edward had a strange expression on his face. Was he surprised by her sage advice? Or had she said something wrong? She’d called Regina, Reggie, the name Tyler used for her. She looked at Edward, met his gaze, and knew she had betrayed Tyler.
Edward nodded toward Buck, who circled the buggy. He stopped behind Cory. “Mr. Vandal, there’s a bag under the seat.”
“Grab it.”
Buck dismounted. He was a bulky man with thick hairy hands and stubby fingers. He climbed on the carriage step and tugged at Cory’s skirts.
“What are you doing?” She kicked at him, but he grabbed her foot and jerked her body aside. He reached for the valise beneath her seat.
Cory looked around for something to defend herself and grabbed the buggy whip from its holder. She smacked Buck with the long wooden handle. “Get off!”
“Clyde!” Edward called the man with a white scar on the side of his face.
Clyde reached from his saddle and wrenched the whip from Cory’s hands, nearly unseating her. He handed the whip to Edward. He broke it in two and tossed it on the ground.
Cory caught her breath as she clung to the side of the buggy. No wonder Tyler disliked Edward. All his polite manners hid a nasty stray dog. She glanced around for help but saw no one.
“Got it?”
Buck pulled out the leather bag and jumped to the ground. He handed it to Edward, who searched through the contents. He tossed the clothes and personal articles on the ground until the valise was empty. He shook it at her. “Where did you get this?”
Cory trembled at the violence of their actions. Why did men have to use brute force to take what they wanted? No wonder men were eager for war. Cory calmed her nerves and thought of a lie for her possession of Tyler’s personal belongings. “Mrs. Stone gave me the bag to donate to the Community Congregational Church.” Her words were rushed. “She said the tenant left without it.” She climbed down and began gathering the discarded clothing and items. “No one is going to want to wear them if they’re all dirty.”
Edward dismounted and held the empty valise open. She hastily folded the suit and shirt and dropped the remaining items on top. He snapped the brass clasp and shoved the bag under the seat. He held out his hand. She ignored it and turned to board the carriage.
“Your purse.” He pointed to the handbag dangling from her wrist.
“I hardly think there’s anything of interest in my handbag.”
Edward snatched the purse and opened it. Cory grabbed for it, but he turned his back and rifled through the contents. He faced her and returned her bag.
Her fingers trembled, but she counted the coins inside. It was a small gesture to show him how she felt about his behavior.
“I’m not a thief.” He offered his hand to assist her into the carriage, but she refused again.
Cory’s bonnet had fallen back during the confrontation. She rearranged it and tied the ribbons. The men still surrounded her buggy. “May I leave now?”
Edward rested his hand on Nell’s harness. “What was the name of the tenant who left behind his valise?”
She’d betrayed Tyler with her overconfidence. She needed to be cautious, or she could put everyone in jeopardy. “Ask Mrs. Stone if the owner’s name is important to you.”
“I will, but I think you know his name.”
Cory looked straight ahead. Her voice trembled. “Why do you say that?”
Edward pointed at the bag. “Those initials belong to the man I asked about. He calls my wife, Reggie. The same as you did a minute ago.” He patted Nell’s shoulder. “I like you Miss Beecher, and I’m going to give you some advice. Stay away from Tyler Montgomery. He’s no good for you or any woman.”
Cory gripped the reins. “Are you an expert on character, Mr. Vandal?”
“Oh, I’m a very good judge of character when it comes to Tyler Montgomery,” he warned. “Don’t let him seduce you with his lies, Miss Beecher. Has he told you he’s a Harvard educated lawyer? Or has he regaled you with the story about being raised by Quakers? Tricks of deception, Miss Beecher. An education and peace-loving guardians have done nothing to make him a gentleman. No one knows about his father, but everyone in Vandalia knew about his mother.” Edward snorted. “Ask him about a woman called Miss Olivia. Ask him about the Dunking Witch. Tyler Montgomery is a bastard, a liar, and not fit for the company of decent folks. You should stay clear of him.”
Cory felt numb by his revelations. It couldn’t be true. “Those are harsh words, Mr. Vandal.”
“You better heed them, Miss Beecher.” He released Nell and moved aside.
Cory wasted no time urging Nell forward. She started to cry and swiped at her wet cheeks. Tyler had a past he hadn’t revealed. All his teasing and playfulness seemed tainted. Tyler had warned her no decent woman would marry him, but she hadn’t taken his words seriously. What sort of man was Tyler, and what did she truly know about him?
Anger replaced her tears. How could she be so stupid? He was a slave owner. That alone was reason enough not to become attached to him. How could she have kissed him? She was a fool. Douglas may be boring, but he was honest. He would never deceive a woman with hopes of love or pretend he was something he was not. Thank goodness she hadn’t fallen in love with Tyler. She would gladly hand over his belongings and send him on his way.
****
Cory reached Glen Knolls and saw Tyler in the garden, hoeing the rows to remove the weeds. It was something she hated doing and had neglected. He raised his head and smiled at her. It took her breath away. Why was he so handsome? Why did her heart jump for joy every time she looked at him? And why did Edward’s words make her so troubled?
Tyler strode toward the barn
and slid open the wide door for her to drive Nell into the upper storage area. He grabbed Nell’s harness to halt her. “Any problems?”
Cory had calmed her nerves on the ride home but was glad it was dark in the barn. She had proven she was an incompetent liar with Edward and would have to tell Tyler the truth. She struggled to steady her voice. “Edward and his men stopped me as I was leaving the inn.”
Tyler jerked around. “Did he harm you?”
“No. His men scared me, and Edward broke the whip.” She pointed at the empty holder.
He unhitched Nell from the buggy. “Anything else?”
“They searched your bag and threw your clothes everywhere. I’ll clean them,” she promised.
“I never should have allowed you to go into town alone,” he shouted. “This isn’t your battle.”
“Allowed me?” Cory’s anger matched his. “I volunteered.”
“What happened to my bag?”
She lifted it from the floorboard and handed it to him.
He opened it and felt inside. “Does Edward have the papers?”
Cory turned to step down from the carriage. “No, they’re in a safe place.”
Tyler grabbed her around the waist before she could jump down. His hands caressed her corset as he lowered her to the ground. “I think I know where you hid them.”
She stepped away. “I almost put them back in the valise.”
“So you read them?”
“I’m not very good at Latin.”
“All those old phrases are for job security,” he explained. “I spent two years learning legal jargon to confuse clever school teachers like you.”
“You think I’m clever?”
Impending Love and War Page 9