A Lady of High Regard

by Tracie Peterson

  “Yes, I am.” She tried to sound completely at ease.

  “Were you going alone?”

  She thought to put a wall between them and assert her independence. “Yes.” He didn’t need to know that Jason would drive her. “Father and Mother have very kindly changed their mind about my work with Godey’s Lady’s Book. Father has agreed I may continue to write for them.” Garrett said nothing, but Mia could see the disapproval in his eyes.

  “So what brings you here today, son? Has your father taken a turn for the worse?”

  “No, he’s nearly the same—no better, no worse. Actually I came by to ask Mia if she would care to accompany me to a musical affair tonight. There is to be a performance by a string quintet from Vienna. I thought she might enjoy such an event.”

  I would have enjoyed it, Mia thought, though she tried to remain aloof. How she longed to shout out her feelings and convince Garrett to abandon his affection for Eulalee Duff.

  “I’m sure she would be delighted to accept, would you not?” Her father turned to Mia with a broad smile. “I know how you enjoy such events.”

  She felt trapped. “I . . . ah . . . I think . . . well, it sounds lovely.”

  “There you have it,” her father said, turning back to Garrett. “You are kind to include our Mia. Now tell me where you are off to.”

  “If you’ll excuse me,” Mia said, stepping toward the hall. “I should be leaving.”

  “I have my carriage and would be happy to escort you,” Garrett declared.

  “I’m going to do some shopping for a wedding present for Prudence Brighton. I am certain that would hold little interest for you,” Mia replied in a rather clipped tone.

  “On the contrary. Purchasing a gift for the couple was on my list of things to accomplish.”

  He’s surely lying. He’s just doing this so that I cannot go unaccompanied into town. Why can’t he simply leave me alone?

  “Mia is also going to pick something out from us,” her mother threw out. “It would probably be nice for her to have your company. If nothing else, I’m sure she would appreciate your help in carrying the packages.”

  The memory of Garrett pulling packages from the back of his carriage and escorting Eulalee Duff into her house was triggered with this comment. Mia bit her lip to keep from saying anything, lest she unleash some remark about that day.

  “Then we shall settle that matter as well,” Garrett said, extending his hand to Mia. “And perhaps we shall stop and have some refreshments.”

  Mia allowed Garrett to lead her to the door, not knowing what else to do. She couldn’t imagine a more uncomfortable situation—at least not until she was sitting inside his carriage. Was this the same carriage in which he’d driven Eulalee home? Had she sat in the same place?

  “You are up to something,” he said as he took up the reins. “You might as well tell me now.”

  She stiffened. Perhaps if she bolstered her aching heart with anger or indifference, it would hurt less to be in his presence. “My father is now my keeper once again, and unlike you, he trusts me to see to my own affairs.”

  “Only because he has not had to save you from being trampled by an angry mob.”

  “Why did you come to my house today?” She suddenly felt overwhelmed by the closeness of his body to hers.

  “I had hoped we could talk. I have been wanting to talk to you about something important.”

  “Do tell.” The words barely came out of her mouth before Mia’s throat constricted. If he announced his engagement to Eulalee Duff, she would positively break down in tears. She simply could not allow him to declare such a thing.

  “I’ve been giving several matters a great deal of thought. Among them your constant conclusion that I need to take a wife.”

  “My conclusion? I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” Mia said. “Oh look, there’s Lydia Frankfort. I really should talk to her about her wedding.”

  “Mia, this is important.”

  “But we’ll be together all evening,” she said, already planning to feign a severe headache and take to her bed. If things continued as they were now, she wouldn’t even have to fake the malady.

  Mia’s good fortune held, for Lydia spotted her and waved to her. “See, she also needs to speak to me. Pull over, Garrett, and help me down.” He did as she instructed, but Mia could tell he wasn’t the least bit happy.

  Well, that makes two of us, she thought.

  True to Mia’s prediction, her head still throbbed miserably an hour before Garrett was scheduled to arrive. She had Ruth go next door to make her excuses, then changed her clothes for bed. Mia’s mother came to check on her before retiring, bringing with her a cup of hot tea. Mia was touched by the gesture. Her mother had changed during her trip abroad, and the results seemed to give her a tenderness toward Mia that she’d not previously shown.

  Just as she finished her tea, Mia’s father knocked on the door. “I thought I might check in on you before I went to bed. How are you feeling?”

  “The pain is abating. Mother brought me a cup of tea.”

  He smiled and came into the room. “She was quite mortified at the way her sister treated her own daughters,” he said as he took up a chair and drew it Mia’s bedside. “Mortified because, as she told me later after we’d left, she saw and heard herself in every word. She asked me honestly if that was how she acted toward you, and I could not lie.”

  “Oh my.”

  “She loves you, Mia. She really had no idea of how she had alienated you with her concerns about society and your desire to help the less privileged. But she is a good woman, and she has seen the error of her ways.”

  “I know she’s a good woman, Father, and I have never doubted that or her love. Though I suppose I shall be forever indebted to Aunt Elizabeth.” She grinned and put her teacup on the nightstand beside her bed.

  “I just felt it was something you should know.”

  Mia nodded. “I will try hard to be understanding of her and not make myself a social disgrace.”

  Her father laughed. “Mia, you have never been that, even when working at Godey’s. I believe people made comment more out of their curiosity and even jealousy than because of any inappropriate action on your part.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that, for I’ve never set out to dishonor you. It wasn’t easy to resign my position, but when I thought of how much it appeared to hurt Mother, I knew that to continue would only deepen her pain.” She didn’t mention anything about the covert missions to aid the women of the dock district, nor did she have any desire to enlighten her father about the laborers’ riot.

  He patted her hand, then got to his feet. “Well, as I said, it was just something I thought you should know.”

  “Thank you, Father. For everything.”

  The next morning Mia left the house before Garrett could make another appearance. She set out in the buggy on her own and felt a sense of relief as she drove to Market Street and brought her carriage to a halt in front of the silversmith’s. She couldn’t very well purchase a wedding gift for Lydia while in her presence, and so had returned to finish her shopping today.

  Inside the shop, Mia found many items of quality. The silversmith was quite talented and it made her choice all the more difficult.

  “I have several tea sets if you’d like to see them,” the man told her.

  “I think that would be wonderful,” Mia replied. “I want something extra special.”

  The man disappeared for several minutes, then came back with a large, intricately etched silver tea tray, complete with pot, creamer, and sugar bowl.

  “This is lovely.” Mia studied the pieces while the man retrieved two additional sets.

  “I trust you are feeling better?”

  She turned to find Garrett watching her from the door. “I am, thank you. I’m sorry I could not attend the musical with you. Was it wonderful?”

  “It was.”

  She felt a growing discomfort and turned her attention back to
the silver. “I came to pick out a gift for Lydia. I realized once we’d returned home yesterday that I had completely forgotten to find something for her wedding present. What of you?”

  “Mercy offered to attend to that.” He moved in to stand beside her. “These are lovely frames. I have seen some similar pieces in Mrs. Duff ’s parlor.”

  Mia felt as though he’d twisted a knife into her heart. “Yes, they are lovely. I’m sure Eulalee Duff has impeccable taste.”

  “So it seems. She did find the string quintet to be of a most enjoyable quality.”

  Mia’s head snapped up and before she could hide her reaction she asked, “Eulalee went with you last night?”

  “Yes. I found that I didn’t want to be alone. I had looked forward to having the company of a beautiful woman, and when you could not attend, I called upon her to see if she might be convinced to join me.”

  “How . . . kind of her.”

  “We had a pleasant time. You know her husband and I were best friends for many years.”

  Mia nodded, trying hard to concentrate on the silver piece in her hand. “She’s a very amiable person. I like her a great deal.”

  “So do I. She has helped me to understand several things that I had been rather afraid to confront up until now.”

  Mia felt a war within herself. She wanted most desperately to know what those things were, but at the same time, she feared the answers. Finally she gave up. The answers couldn’t be as awful as not knowing. “And what did she help you to confront?” She dared to meet his gaze and felt immediately mesmerized by his smile.

  “I suppose the most important thing was something you’ve been suggesting for some time.”

  “Oh?” She could hardly speak.

  “Yes,” he said, lowering his voice. “She convinced me that it’s time to take a wife.”

  CHAPTER 21

  Mia found it impossible to concentrate after that. She looked at the tea set and then to the silversmith. “I’ll take this one. Can you have it delivered?”

  “Of course.” He took down the address and posted the purchase to her father’s account.

  “So do you have time to talk with me?” Garrett’s voice lowered and took on a much gentler tone.

  Mia wanted nothing more than to sit with him and talk—to tell him not to marry Eulalee, to let him know that she was in love with him and desperate for him to love her.

  She said nothing until they were outside. “I do want to hear what you have to say—we’ve always been able to talk about anything, after all.” Mia fought to keep her voice even. “I feel that—”

  “Mr. Wilson!”

  Garrett looked up at the sound of his name being called. “Mr. Eckridge. I wasn’t expecting to see you today.”

  “I was just now on my way to your house. I have some information to share with you, and it cannot wait. Can you spare me a moment?”

  Garrett seemed frustrated by the man’s announcement. Mia couldn’t help but feel as though God had sent her a reprieve. Sooner or later she would have to listen to Garrett espouse his love for Eulalee, but not today.

  There was both a sense of relief and sadness as Mia turned to go. “I will leave you two to your discussion. Good day, gentlemen.” She hurried away to where she’d left the carriage. If things went her way, Mia would be able to head over to Godey’s and let Mrs. Hale know the good news about her parents’ change of heart. And with any luck at all, she could bury herself in the affairs of Godey’s Lady’s Book and forget all about Garrett Wilson and Eulalee Duff.

  Seated in the lady editor’s office ten minutes later, Mia reviewed several fashion plates while waiting for Mrs. Hale to appear. The gowns were lovely as usual. Mia noted that the skirts were more bell shaped than before, while the sleeves were fitted closely to the arm. Gone was the full sleeve of the gigot fashion.

  “I must say this is a surprise,” Sarah Hale stated as she swept into the room. She was the epitome of fashion in a dove gray gown trimmed in burgundy cording.

  “I have an even bigger surprise.” Mia put the plates aside. “My father and mother have agreed to let me work for Godey’s again. They came to realize they were much too worried about how other people perceived the matter. They want me to be happy and told me that I could resume my duties. That’s why I’ve come—to see if you need me.”

  Mrs. Hale smiled in her demure manner. “Of course I need you. And more importantly, the women of Philadelphia need you. I had hoped we would have the opportunity to discuss your friend Mrs. Smith. My visit with her was quite distressing.”

  Mia came to where her mentor stood. “What happened?”

  “Please have a seat.” Mrs. Hale motioned to two chairs. “I’m afraid things are growing worse for some on the docks. Mrs. Smith informed me that your mutual friend Mrs. Denning was severely beaten. Mrs. Smith has been caring for her and her children.”

  “Beaten? Who would do such a thing?”

  “Apparently the man whose name you’d given me. Jasper Barrill. She said he came to her demanding sexual favors.”

  “The reprobate.” Mia gripped the arms of the chair. “Did anyone inform the police?”

  “No. Mrs. Smith said that Barrill told Mrs. Denning this was a warning to her and to anyone else who wanted to complain about their treatment. He has made her an example, and none of the women wants anything more to do with discussing this matter. Mrs. Smith wanted to meet with you and let you know that you should put an end to anything you are doing on their behalf.”

  “But if anything, we should double our effort,” Mia declared. “I cannot believe they would think it better to yield to this animal.”

  “That was exactly what I said to Mrs. Smith, but she was not to be swayed.” Mrs. Hale looked uncomfortable. “There was something else.”

  “What?”

  “Mrs. Smith believes the attack on Mrs. Denning came in a direct protest against you. Mr. Barrill mentioned that she should tell any interfering women of society that they might find themselves in the same condition should they resort to further meddling.”

  “How dare he!” Mia jumped to her feet. “I will see that man behind bars if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “You must be cautious, Mia. It would appear that Mr. Barrill cares little about the law or human life. He might even see you dead if given the chance.”

  “But my life would mean little if I walked away from those women. Good things are generally born out of adversity.”

  “I agree. However, I would not wish to see you hurt. I would just as soon you stayed out of Mr. Barrill’s reach. My people are pursuing the concern, and as I understand, there is someone else who is pressing an investigation. I do not believe you need to put yourself in the middle of this anymore. Besides, I have some other projects, if you are interested.”

  Mia drew a deep breath and prayed her anger would dissipate. “So does that mean you’ll have me back?”

  Sarah Hale smiled. “But of course. It will be as though you never left.”

  Mia spent the rest of the day pacing through the rooms of her house and pondering what she might do about Mrs. Denning’s circumstance. Obviously Mia didn’t wish to see the women harmed further, but how could she trust that the problem would be resolved without her involvement?

  “You have been quite the gloomy soul today,” her father said as he came into the back drawing room.

  The French doors were open to let in the breeze, and Mia leaned against the portal and sighed. “I’ve been pondering some rather troublesome matters.”

  “Such as?”

  She thought for a moment. Perhaps her father could offer her help. He was a compassionate person who would never tolerate such ruthless treatment of human beings.

  “Father, I would like to talk to you about it, but it is a complicated situation.”

  Lyman Stanley took a seat and smiled. “I have nothing but time. I am retired from my duties, remember?”

  Mia came and sat across from him on the sofa. “Wh
ile working for Godey’s earlier in the summer, I became aware of a problem. The women who are married to seamen are being oppressed when their men are gone to sea.”

  “Oppressed in what manner?”

  “It’s quite horrible, Father. They are pressed to pay debts their men have left behind—whether they knew about the debts or not. Many times they believe the debts are completely fabricated, especially in situations where the men are dead. Other times they are forced to pay double and triple the rent.

  “Most of the women have no hope of making much money. Some do laundry and maid services, some are seamstresses, and others work at the various businesses nearby. They can barely support their families.”

  “That is difficult,” her father agreed.

  “What makes it particularly ugly is that some of the men collecting the debts impose themselves upon the women. They take . . . liberties as payment for the debts.”

  Her father’s brows came together. “Are you certain?”

  Mia nodded. “I’ve met with these women on many occasions. We have a sewing circle at the church, and I’ve been working with them through the summer to lend them some kind of relief. There’s more, I’m afraid.”

  “Pray tell.”

  “Their children are sometimes taken from them as payment. The children are indentured and the mothers never see them again.”

  “Intolerable. Mia, this is most distressing.” He leaned forward. “What is being done?”

  “Well, I was trying to learn who was responsible—who owned the buildings where the women lived. Most are near the docks. I kept hearing one name over and over—a Jasper Barrill seems to be the main culprit, but apparently he also has men who work for him. He’s not the owner of the buildings, but rather the collector of rents.” Mia knew better than to tell her father of her encounter with the man. He would never approve of her risking her life in such a way. Nor could she tell him of her encounter with the drunken sailors.

  “The reason I’ve been so upset today is that I went to see Mrs. Hale. The other day, before you returned, I received a note from one of the women I know. She said it was urgent I meet with her that evening at the church. I knew the Wilsons would not allow me to go to her, so I asked Mrs. Hale to meet with her.”