A Lady of High Regard

by Tracie Peterson

  Realization began to dawn, and Mr. Stanley smiled. “But of course it is. How foolish of me not to see it sooner.”

  “You? I didn’t even see it. I’ve been quite enamored with Mia for some time, but figured her to be indifferent. I’ve been desperate to make her love me, and all the while she already did.”

  “Well, I must say this is a surprise. A grand surprise.”

  “Then you wouldn’t be against giving me your blessing to ask for Mia’s hand?”

  “Son, I would rather give it to no one else. What a joy this is! I have loved your father as a brother and you as a son for what seems like a lifetime. Now to imagine you as a true member of my family, and Mia happily married for love—well, it’s almost more than I can imagine. This has made me very happy.”

  “I must say, it’s made me happy as well, although there are some rough places to make smooth. When last I left Mia, she declared that she never wanted to see me again.”

  “I think now that she knows how you’ve devoted yourself to the cause of her heart, she’ll want to see you. But first we should resolve this matter. Mia has pledged me to deliver sixty dollars to Barrill.”

  “You needn’t worry about that. We’ll go with the authorities. Boston has sent someone. That’s why I wasn’t at the Brighton wedding this afternoon. The man arrived and we were planning how best to capture Barrill.” Garrett rubbed his chin. “I’ll send word in the morning—better yet, I’ll go myself. I’ll arrange to have everyone in place. What time would you like to go?”

  “Mia said the money was to be delivered by five o’clock. I don’t want to wait that long. Why don’t we plan to be at Barrill’s office after church—say at two?”

  “That sounds fine. That will give me plenty of time to make the arrangements. I’ll explain the situation to Mercy so that she doesn’t question my absence from church.”

  “And what about Mia?”

  “I’ll have to pray on that one. Maybe once this affair with Barrill is resolved, I can come back to the house and give her the details.”

  “Meanwhile she’ll stew and fret over what she’s said and done,” Lyman said, getting to his feet. He broke into a delighted smile. “It will serve her right.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Church was concluded before Mia even realized she’d heard nothing of the sermon. Her thoughts lingered instead on the problems of the day and the risk her father and Garrett would take to see the matter resolved with Jasper Barrill. Such an evil man would no doubt retaliate with threats and violence if needed.

  She noted early on that Garrett was noticeably absent from church. What if he had gone to resolve the problem on his own? What if even now Jasper Barrill had killed him? Mia tried to push such violent thoughts aside, but worry for Garrett continued to haunt her.

  “Mia, we were just discussing Prudence’s wedding,” Abigail declared, pulling Mia in to join the small group of women.

  “I thought it absolutely perfect, but Josephine thought there was too much satin.”

  Mia couldn’t help but think how strange they should have nothing more important to discuss than a wedding. “I thought it was lovely.”

  “She had only one attendant—her sister,” Jo added. “For such a large wedding, she should have had at least six bridesmaids.”

  “It was completely her choice,” Mia said, longing to leave the conversation. “I thought it a perfect arrangement.”

  “I did too,” Lydia chimed in. “I can only hope my own wedding is as nice.”

  “I’m sure it will be,” Abigail replied. “After all, you will make a most beautiful bride. I’ve seen your gown and it’s perfect.”

  “I am pleased with it,” Lydia said, blushing. “I’m anxious to put the day behind me.”

  “Well, by this time two weeks from now, you will be on your wedding trip. Just imagine,” Martha Penrose said with a sigh. “I don’t suppose I shall ever marry.”

  “Perhaps if you stopped being so sour in disposition you would,” her sister countered. “No one wants someone who is always negative.”

  Mia thought of her argument with Garrett and how she always managed to be quite negative in his presence. She would have to strive to treat him more honorably—if he would have anything to do with her at all.

  “I’m not so negative,” Martha protested. “I’m realistic. Some things just do not lend themselves to the positive aspects of life. When things are bad, they’re bad. There is no sense in trying to make them sound better than they are. Lying about it changes nothing.”

  Abigail’s expression darkened. “I’m not advocating a lie.”

  “Ladies, we needn’t argue on the church steps,” Lydia chided. “I’m sure there is someone of good quality and heart who will one day love Martha.” She smiled and gave the girl’s chubby arm a pat. “Have faith, Martha.”

  “Oh, I nearly forgot,” Josephine Monroe declared, “Mervin Huxford is no longer a thorn in my side.”

  Abigail’s eyes widened. “Do tell!”

  “It’s very simple actually. His father arranged for him to meet the daughter of a wealthy client. Mr. Huxford was apparently quite taken, as was the young lady—who I understand is somewhat homely, but whose parents are most generous. Apparently Mr. Huxford finds that appearance is not nearly as important as one’s bank account.” Jo snorted laughter in her usual manner. “They have been together on three occasions, so it’s sure to be serious.”

  “That’s wonderful news, Josephine. Now you will be free to consider your own interests.”

  Mia thought of how she’d tried to put Jo and Garrett together at one point. She was glad that relationship had not developed.

  “Hello, ladies.” Mia looked up to find Eulalee Duff had joined them. She exchanged a nod and smile, while the other girls chimed in with greetings. “I saw you all gathered here and thought I would join you. I have some wonderful news to share.”

  “We are all about wonderful news. Jo has just told us hers.”

  “And what did you tell them?” Eulalee asked Josephine.

  “I am free of Mr. Huxford. He has found someone else to love.”

  “Marvelous. There is simply nothing worse than having a man interested in you when you have no heart for him. Which leads me to my news. I’m happy to tell you all that I am marrying again.”

  “No!” The ladies exclaimed in unison.

  Mia suddenly felt the urge to run from the group. The last thing she wanted was to hear Eulalee Duff express her love and joy over being engaged to Garrett Wilson.

  “Congratulations, Eulalee,” she murmured. “If you’ll excuse me, however, I see my parents are ready to leave.”

  “Oh, but I was hoping we could talk,” she said, following after Mia.

  “Talk?” Mia paused.

  “Yes. I know you’ve long known Garrett Wilson. I thought we might speak of him.”

  Mia looked at the elated woman. “I can’t.” She was barely able to force the words from her mouth. “Please excuse me.”

  Without waiting for comment, Mia hurried through the remaining people to where her father was assisting her mother into the carriage.

  The ride home was strained in silence. No one seemed to wish to discuss the sermon, nor the matters at hand. Mia could still envision the delighted animation in Eulalee’s expression. She was a woman in love. Who could fault her for that? Mia choked back tears and tried not to look as hopeless as she felt. Surely this would all work itself out. Surely God had a plan.

  As soon as they were home, Mia hurried to her room and began to tear off her Sunday things. First were the gloves and then her bonnet. She had tossed both to her desk when Ruth knocked on the door.

  “I was going to ask if you wanted to change, but it looks as though you’ve already begun.”

  “I’m tired, and I plan to rest. Would you tell my parents not to wait dinner on my account? I’m not hungry.”

  “Certainly, Miss Mia.” Ruth began unfastening the back buttons of Mia’s gown. “I t
hought Pastor Brunswick’s service quite good today.”

  “You were there?” Mia hadn’t even noticed.

  “I was. I hurried home immediately afterward in case you needed me.” She helped Mia slip the gown over her head. “What would you like to wear?”

  “Nothing just yet. Just bring me my robe. Oh, but first loosen my stays.”

  Ruth did as instructed, then helped Mia slip into her robe. “Will you need anything else?”

  “No, nothing. I just want to be alone,” Mia told the young woman. “I’ll ring for you if I need you.”

  Ruth put away the gown, then took her leave. Mia was grateful when the door was closed and she was once again by herself. She wanted to settle down for a good cry, but surprisingly enough the tears would not come.

  She stretched out on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Eulalee and Garrett were announcing their engagement. Given this would be Eulalee’s second marriage, they would most likely marry quickly. Oh, how I will miss him! Life would seem so empty without Garrett.

  A knock on her door caused Mia to sit up. “It’s open.”

  Her father peeked in. “Might I have a quick word with you?”

  “Of course.”

  Lyman Stanley, still dressed in his Sunday best, entered the room not worrying with the door. “I wanted to let you know that Garrett and I have arranged to meet at Jasper Barrill’s. I have the directions you gave me, and I am going to pick up Mrs. Smith and her son while Garrett arranges for additional help from the police. Evidently a man from Boston has come to take Jasper Barrill into custody—if not for his crimes in Philadelphia, then for those in Boston.”

  “I pray you have no trouble.” She got up from the bed and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so afraid, Father. I don’t want anything to happen to you or to Garrett.”

  “Just pray for us, Mia. I’m confident that the situation will be resolved peacefully. We will have plenty of help in the matter.”

  Mia stepped away and hugged her arms to her body. “If anything happened to you, I could never forgive myself.”

  “I will be just fine. Even your mother isn’t fretting this much.”

  “You told Mother everything?”

  “I thought it only right. She was appalled at the horrors inflicted upon the women. I believe she was rather proud of your dogged desire to see the injustices made right.”

  “For all the good it did. No doubt there will always be another Jasper Barrill waiting to hurt people.”

  Her father chuckled. “But there will no doubt be another Mia Stanley waiting to put him in his place. Have faith, Mia. God is not slumbering. He will see this through to completion. Now I must go, but when I return I shall tell you everything.” He kissed her on the head. “I’ll give you every detail.”

  He turned at the door and offered her another smile. “Do you wish to send Garrett a message?”

  Mia thought for a moment of all the things she longed to say. It was hardly fair to make her father the messenger. “Just tell him that I’m sorry, and that I wish him all the best.”

  Her father looked at her oddly for a moment. “I’ll let him know.”

  Mia nodded and watched him leave. From her upstairs window she saw him join Garrett in the landau, and she stood at the window until they turned from sight. If anything happened to either of them, it would be her fault. After all, she’d gotten them both into this mess.

  “Please, God, keep them safe. Allow no harm to come to them.”

  By three o’clock, Mia could no longer stand the confines of her room. She didn’t even bother to call for Ruth, but instead pulled on one of her simplest day dresses and went in search of her mother.

  Aldora Stanley was focused on her needlework in the front sitting room when Mia found her. Had it not been for her breaking with tradition to work at her hoop on a Sunday, Mia might have thought her mother knew nothing of the dangers at hand.

  “Mother?”

  “Mia, I thought you were sleeping.”

  “I tried to rest, but I’m too worried. Father told me that he discussed the matter with you—that you know everything.”

  “I do. Come sit with me and we’ll talk about it.”

  Mia felt grateful for her mother’s acceptance and encouragement. She took a seat on the sofa and tried to relax. “I don’t know how you manage to be so calm. I cannot stand not knowing what’s going on.”

  Her mother smiled, but it was not at all condescending. “I have endured a great deal worse.”

  “Truly?”

  Her mother put aside her work. “There have always been events that seemed quite horrendous. Some were of my own making and were never as bad as they seemed. Others were definitely thrust upon me. I think after losing your brothers, nothing else has ever seemed as frantic or as difficult.”

  “I hadn’t thought of it that way, but of course you are right.” Mia always felt sad when her mother spoke of the boys who had died before Mia had ever been born.

  “A mother fears many things in life. When she is expecting her children, she fears she will miscarry or her children will be delivered stillborn. Then when they survive the birth and begin to grow, the fears are numerous. You worry about their health—about their safety. Every obstacle, every innocent situation looks as though it might be something that could rob you of your loved one.

  “With the boys, sickness took them and my fears came true.”

  Mia had expected her mother to cry with such memories, but she looked amazingly contained, without a hint of tears. “They were so little—I don’t know how you bore it,” Mia said sympathetically. Her brothers had died within two years of each other—Stuart to yellow fever and Tomlin to measles.

  “It was hard. I miscarried a baby shortly after Tomlin passed away. I figured tending him with the measles had somehow infected the baby. But it brought to mind how much more I cared for Tomlin, because I had five years of memories with him. It made me think how the unborn child had been loved and cared for, but unknown to me—to your father. And while it hurt to lose him, it hurt so much deeper to lose Tomlin. In turn, Stuart was dear to us, with precious memories that we would always carry, but again he had only been with us for two years. I realized that in degrees, my children became infinitely more dear to me as the years went by. And in realizing that, my fears only grew.”

  “What did you do?”

  “When you girls were born, I worried about everything and enjoyed nothing. It finally came to a place where your father had to speak to me about it. He showed me how in trying to protect those I loved, I was driving them away. Gradually, I tried to release my fears to God. To let Him handle the details and know that whatever happened, He would see it through. Just as He’s seeing this situation through.”

  “Thank you, Mother, for sharing that with me. I am trying not to fret, but I know that Father and Garrett would not be there except for my part in this.”

  “But, Mia, you did a good thing.” Her mother got up and went to the sofa where Mia sat. Taking a seat beside her daughter, Aldora Stanley took hold of Mia’s hand. “Those women . . . oh my . . . what can I say? I had no idea that such a thing was going on in my own city. I had no idea.” She looked to Mia and now there were tears. “When your father first told me what was happening, I was mortified that you should have been exposed to such ugliness. I wanted to shield you from those kinds of things . . . but there was no one to shield those poor women. Perhaps my own indifference or naïveté only added to the problem.”

  “Until I went to work for Godey’s, I was quite content to entertain myself with matchmaking and sharing tea with my friends,” Mia admitted. “I thought the world a lovely place, full of wonderful families like my own. I have to admit, it hasn’t been easy to open my eyes to the reality of our world. To begin to understand how poverty so often forces people into lives of depravity and hopelessness. It eats away at their hearts like a disease.”

  “Then we must work to help put an end to such a disease,” her mother sa
id. “I no longer wish to be blind to such things. I want to help.”

  Mia embraced her mother tightly. “I’m sure with your help, poverty would not dare remain in Philadelphia.”

  Her mother gave Mia’s shoulder a squeeze. “It is you from whom it will run.”

  Mia shook her head. “I used to think I got my bravery and boldness from Father, but now I know differently.” She pulled back and smiled at her mother. “It has taken me a lifetime, but I finally see the truth.”

  “And what is that?” her mother asked.

  “I am my mother’s daughter.”

  “Well, the matter is resolved,” Mia’s father said upon his arrival home. He looked no worse for the wear and showed no signs of distress.

  “Is everyone safe?” Mia asked, desperately wanting to know that Garrett was unharmed.

  “Everyone is fine. Mrs. Smith and her son are back home, and Barrill has been arrested. Things are bound to improve now.” He rubbed his stomach. “I do hope you have a wonderful supper planned. I’m famished. I find heroic work takes a great deal of energy.”

  Mia laughed, while her mother went to him. “I have a marvelous supper nearly ready. I shall hurry the cook and see that we eat within ten minutes. Will you survive that long?”

  He gently touched her face. “Just barely.”

  Her mother laughed as she left the room. Mia felt such a tremendous sense of relief. “Thank you, Father. I’m so glad to have this resolved.”

  “I am too. No doubt the women of the docks will see their lives made easier without Barrill in charge of rent collections. It’s thought that the man managed to take nearly two thousand dollars for his share.”

  “How outrageous! And what of the other children he’s forced from their mothers?”

  “We demanded he give an accounting of that. A deal of sorts was made to go easier on him if he were to help us recover those children. Of course at first he denied any involvement, but given Mrs. Smith’s willingness to testify to the contrary and to round up the mothers whose children had been taken to do likewise, Mr. Barrill finally conceded. He is writing a full account for the police as we speak.”