A light knock sounded on her bedroom door, and Nancy went quickly to see who it was. Clementine stood on the opposite side, gowned in a pale lavender evening dress. Her red-brown hair was fashionably yet simply arranged with part of it pinned up and the rest left to cascade down her back in curls.
“You look beautiful!” Nancy said. “That gown looks like it was made for you. Perhaps you’ll attract the eye of a wealthy bachelor.” She grinned. “I believe I’ll make that dress a gift to you. I never looked as grand.”
“That’s generous of you, Nancy. I don’t know that I should accept it, though, and I definitely don’t want the gown if it attracts the likes of Berkshire’s friends. Besides, I thought you knew I find your brother rather intriguing.”
“Gabe?” Nancy laughed. “No, I hadn’t really thought of that. How marvelous. I would love to have you as a sister.”
“And I you. I think it might very well suit us to marry each other’s brothers.”
Nancy felt her cheeks grow hot. “I, well, I don’t know about that.”
The front door knocker sounded, echoing down the long hallway. At the same moment, the clock began to chime.
“Well, he’s prompt, if nothing else,” Nancy said. She went to her bed and picked up her gloves and wrap. “I’m ready if you are.”
Clementine nodded and followed Nancy to the front room. Mimi had already let Gerome into the foyer, and when he spied Nancy, he all but pushed Mimi aside. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier. I had late business matters to tend to.”
“Well, you did say seven.” Nancy pulled on her gloves.
“Yes, but it would have been nice to have a little time to visit.” He looked at her and shook his head. “You are without doubt the most beautiful woman in all of Portland. That green is an ideal color for you.”
“I believe you have overlooked Miss Carpenter.” Nancy motioned toward Clementine. “She is quite breathtaking.”
Gerome turned to Seth’s sister. “My dear Miss Carpenter, I do apologize for my neglect. I was so enraptured with Mrs. Pritchard that I quite overlooked your radiance.”
“That’s quite all right, Mr. Berkshire,” Clementine replied.
“I must say fortune is with me this evening, for I am privileged to take not one but two beautiful women as my guests.” Gerome looked back at Nancy. “I am quite honored.”
“Well, one doesn’t have a birthday every day,” Nancy said, wrapping her gauzy shawl around her shoulders. She hoped to move the conversation to another topic. “Do you suppose we should be on our way?”
Gerome seemed momentarily uncertain, then nodded. “I wouldn’t want to be late, since I am the guest of honor.”
He said little on their way to the Lakewood house. He again praised both women for their stunning appearance but seemed otherwise preoccupied. Nancy didn’t mind. At least she didn’t have to pretend to be enthralled with his chatter.
The Lakewood dining room was as beautifully set as any Nancy had ever experienced, and the food was incredible. Nancy found herself trying to figure out the ingredients of each dish in the hope of remaking it at a later date.
“Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” Gerome asked her. She had been seated next to him near the head of the table, while Clementine had been given a place some distance away.
“The meal is delicious.”
“And the company even more so,” he said, giving her a leering grin. “I am glad you agreed to come. It makes the event more special. Our first of what I hope will be many more outings in the future.”
Nancy said nothing as she pretended to be focused on her lamb. It wasn’t long before Mr. Lakewood called everyone to attention in order to toast the man of the hour.
“We are here, of course, to honor Gerome Berkshire on the occasion of his birthday, but also to applaud him for his diligent work to secure Oregon for white settlers and their descendants.”
“Hear, hear,” several men called as they pounded their fists against the table in approval. The women smiled tolerantly.
“Gerome has worked for the benefit of all in this matter and even now has agreed to accompany me to Salem to fight in support of the anti-black laws that are being widely ignored.”
There were murmurs and nods. Lakewood continued, but Nancy felt compelled to ignore him. Instead she tried to memorize the names of the people she’d been introduced to when they first arrived. It was possible that each and every one of these men was involved in Albert and Gerome’s scheme.
When Lakewood finished, he bid Gerome to stand and receive their well wishes. They drank to his health and success and then turned the floor over to him to speak.
“Thank you. I’m honored to be here tonight, especially with one of the most beautiful women in Portland by my side.” He smiled down at Nancy, much to her displeasure. She hadn’t wanted to be singled out in any way, and now he was doing exactly that. At least he had the good grace to say that Nancy was only one of the most beautiful women in Portland. With ten other women seated around the table, it would have been the height of rudeness to say otherwise.
“Many of you don’t know Mrs. Pritchard well, but I hope in the future to share her company more often, in which case you’ll get to know and care for her as I have.”
Nancy wanted to crawl under the table but remained fixed in place, a hint of a smile plastered to her face.
“As many of you know, our efforts of late have been focused on encouraging the government to rid the state of not only the black population but the Indian as well. We have more than our fair share of reservations stealing precious land from hardworking white settlers. It is my intention to share with our legislators a plan to see these reservations dissolved and the Indians moved to other locations where reservations are much less intrusive, like the territories of Montana and Dakota. With few white settlers vying for land in those areas, it is my reasonable belief that they will make the perfect location for reservations.
“Oregon is a smaller area and rich with potential for farming and logging. We have more than enough industry along the rivers to entice a greater population of white settlers, and there is no room for people of color who have little intent to work.”
Nancy noticed most of the men nodding in agreement. Gerome droned on for several more minutes before finally changing the subject.
“But enough of that for now. I want to thank my host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Lakewood, for this celebration of my birthday. It deeply touches me and, in the absence of my own family, leaves me with a sense of purpose and belonging.”
Mr. Lakewood stood again and motioned to the serving staff. They rolled in a tea cart with a large round cake, and Mr. Lakewood started everyone in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
Nancy sang along with the others but kept her voice low. She wished she had refused the invitation and stayed at home. Obviously these men were supportive of Gerome and his viewpoints, but whether or not they were also involved with her husband’s underhanded affairs remained to be seen. It was clear that proving it one way or the other was going to be difficult at best.
The cake was cut, and when the final piece was served, Mr. Lakewood turned to the table. “I know it may seem less than proper, but I believe it completely acceptable for the ladies to retire to the music room with their cake. My daughters Anna and Elizabeth would very much like to entertain you on the piano and harp. Meanwhile the men may join me in the library for brandy and cigars, and of course they, too, may bring their cake.”
It was a relief to be free of Gerome. Nancy left her cake uneaten and made her way to Clementine. “I’ll be so glad to leave here.”
“We could go early. I wouldn’t even have to feign a headache,” Clementine declared.
Nancy could only agree. “Mine started the minute Gerome arrived at my front door.”
“He is pompous and full of himself,” Clementine continued as they followed the ladies into the music room without their cake. “They all are.”
�
�Are you enjoying yourself, Mrs. Pritchard?” Mrs. Lakewood asked. Without waiting for Nancy to reply, the older woman continued. “I was surprised when Gerome told us you would be his companion for the evening. You are such a new widow.”
“You were quite gracious to extend the invitation.” Nancy offered nothing more.
Mrs. Lakewood looked at her for a moment, seeming not to know what to say. Finally, she nodded and turned to one of her friends for conversation.
Clementine and Nancy forced back giggles as they made their way to chairs at the back of the room. Soon enough the music started, and while Nancy enjoyed it, she would much rather hear what the men were discussing over their brandy and cigars.
By the end of the second number, Nancy’s headache had increased to the point of misery. Leaning over to Clementine, she said, “I don’t think I can bear another number. If you don’t mind, I’d like to find Gerome and see if he would take us home.”
“That’s fine by me.”
Clementine rose with Nancy and followed her from the room. In the large drawing room beyond the music room, they both paused.
“I wonder where the men have taken themselves.” Nancy glanced around. “Lakewood mentioned the library.” She paused to listen. “Do you hear anything?”
Clementine moved closer to the hallway entry. “Sounds like they’re farther down the opposite way. I think I hear men’s laughter.”
Nancy followed her and listened as the sound of men’s voices increased. Thankfully the long hall was carpeted and muffled the sound of their footsteps. It wasn’t long before they stood outside closed double doors. The conversation and amusement of the men rang loud and clear from the opposite side.
“Dare we listen in for a moment?” Nancy asked, pressing closer to the door.
“It is of course difficult to say what the effect will be on the general populace,” one of the men was saying. “But it is my belief that few will concern themselves with the matter.”
“So you are all agreed that the public whipping of any and all blacks would benefit our cause?” This sounded like Lakewood.
There was a rousing chorus of approval to this suggestion, and then Gerome spoke up. “I believe once we prove Portland is intolerant of people of color, we will see them leaving voluntarily. That will make it far easier on us while we fight to get the laws enforced.”
“My friend is right. He is also here to speak to us about our most serious matter.” Nancy strained to hear as Lakewood lowered his voice. Clementine all but pressed her ear to the door.
Gerome continued. “We have been delayed receiving the guns we were promised, but I assure you that the problems we were earlier facing are no longer a concern. I have recently come into knowledge of the whereabouts of our rifles and whiskey. Once we get these items collected and distributed to the reservations, our man will see that the hatred already festering there will bring about results. Mr. Bridges, do you still have volunteers to aid in killing the heathens?”
“I do. I also have my brother-in-law set to put the army in motion. It won’t take long to get everything under control, and with you and some of the others working in Salem, I feel confident we can motivate the legislature to the proper action with the federal government. No one wants another Little Bighorn, but we will stress the possibility of exactly that to our senators and congressmen.”
“It would probably serve our purpose to have a few dead settlers to point to. Especially women and children.”
Nancy felt ill. How could they speak so casually about killing women and children of any color? She pulled back and looked at Clementine in disbelief.
Unable to listen to more, Nancy moved away from the door and down the hall. It was perfect timing, as one of the house servants came along at that moment.
“Excuse me,” Clementine said. “Could you find Mr. Berkshire for us and ask him to meet us in the foyer?”
“Of course, miss.” He took off in the direction they’d just come.
“Hopefully he won’t be too disagreeable,” Clementine said as they waited.
It was only a few moments before Gerome appeared. His forehead was furrowed and his brows drawn together. “What’s wrong?”
“I have a terrible headache,” Nancy said. “I wonder if you might have your driver take us home. I wouldn’t want you to leave the party. After all, it is your birthday.”
“Of course.” Gerome motioned to the young uniformed man who’d followed him. “Call for my driver and see that the ladies get their wraps.”
“Yes, sir.”
The man left quickly, and Gerome turned back to Nancy. “My dear, I’m so sorry that you are under the weather.”
“It’s sure to pass. I apologize, but I know that if I don’t return home to rest, it will only become worse.”
“I’ll see that she is well cared for,” Clementine added. “Thank you for such a lovely evening, and I hope you had a memorable birthday.”
“It was quite memorable,” he assured them.
It was only a few moments longer before the young man reappeared. The butler came, too, with Clementine and Nancy’s shawls.
“I will call tomorrow and make certain you are on the mend,” Gerome declared as he helped the ladies out to the carriage.
“Please don’t bother on my account,” Nancy said. “I’m sure to be quite well after I rest.”
She climbed into the closed carriage and settled onto the leather upholstery as Clementine followed. Once the carriage was in motion, she heaved a sigh.
“Those people make me sick. I cannot believe the hatred they hold. Hatred so fierce they would kill innocent people to see their purposes served.” She barely whispered her words, lest the driver overhear.
“I know.” Clementine shook her head. “They are ruthless.”
Nancy was uncertain what to do. She knew she should probably say something to Seth. After all, she had promised to trust him. From what had been said at the party, the men planned to see their ideas put into action very soon. Albert’s guns and whiskey had been the only thing missing, and now they had maps to locate those items.
“Will you tell Seth?” Clementine asked as if knowing the turmoil going on in Nancy’s head.
“I know I should. I know, too, that he’ll be upset that I went to the party. He asked me not to put myself in danger, and now I’ve done that as well as endangered his sister. He won’t look kindly upon that.”
“I think you must tell him.”
“I just don’t know what to think about it all. It’s clear those men were part of an organized group that intends to see the demise of all people of color. I believe Albert was part of their group—or at least he was their merchant. I have no idea if he had other parts to play, but he must have approved of their plans, or he would never have agreed to sell them the guns and liquor.”
“Maybe he didn’t know what they planned to do with it.”
“I doubt that. Otherwise he would have had no reason to hide them. Neither are illegal to buy and sell, except if one intends to sell to the Indians. It’s my guess that Albert knew the quantity of guns he was purchasing would be called into question and he would have to account for where they were sold. He and Gerome probably devised this plan with the help of those other men. It’s too horrible to imagine the killings they plan, but equally terrible to imagine their desire to see the Indians driven to even smaller reservations hundreds of miles away.” Nancy shivered. “What a horrible, heartless man I married. How could I not know?”
Clementine patted her gloved hand. “Because horrible, heartless men are good at hiding the truth.”
The carriage came to a stop, and the driver soon opened the door. He helped Clementine down first and then Nancy. He tipped his hat at them both and then bounded back up to the seat and snapped the lines.
Nancy drew a deep breath and tried to figure out what she would do next. Unfortunately, she didn’t have long to contemplate, as Seth appeared from the shadows of the front porch.
&
nbsp; “What in the world are you two doing, stepping out of Gerome Berkshire’s carriage?”
Chapter 17
Seth could hardly contain his anger. He took hold of his sister’s arm and then Nancy’s and dragged them both up the sidewalk and steps to the front porch. “Sit, both of you, and tell me what’s going on.”
“There’s no need to lose your temper, Seth,” Clementine began.
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
Nancy took a seat in the wicker rocker and pulled her shawl close. “It was Gerome’s birthday, and I felt sorry for him. He invited me to his party, but of course I couldn’t go without someone accompanying me, so I dragged Clementine along.”
“Didn’t I make it clear that I believe he’s dangerous?” Seth demanded. “That I believe him to be up to his neck in this ordeal with the guns and whiskey?”
“He is. In fact, quite a few of Portland’s social register seem to be,” Nancy countered. “We overheard discussion about that very thing, although no one knew we were listening.”
Seth paused, startled into silence for a moment. “Who was discussing this?”
Nancy began listing off names, starting with Lakewood and ending with Berkshire. “They are all involved.”
Clementine nodded.
Seth took the seat nearest Nancy, his mind whirring. This could be huge. “What did they say?”
“That their plan was delayed while they were waiting to find their missing guns, but Gerome assured them he had recently come into knowledge of their whereabouts,” Clementine answered before Nancy could. “So obviously he has the stolen book.”
“They plan to cause all sorts of trouble—even kill innocent people,” Nancy added.
“Two of whom could have been you.” Seth couldn’t put it any blunter than that. “I can’t bear the thought of having to explain to our folks—or yours, Nancy—that I knew there were dangers and did nothing to keep you from harm.”
Secrets of My Heart Page 17