A Fragile Design (22 page)
His tone made it obvious he thought his question was rhetorical, but Bella met the inquiry head on. ‘‘I think we could overcome that obstacle with little difficulty,’’ she countered.
‘‘Wh-wh-what?’’ he stammered. ‘‘A woman can’t be an officer of the Mechanics Association.’’
‘‘No, but you could form committees to make these choices instead of using your board. That way, some of the committee members could be women,’’ she suggested.
His mouth dropped open in surprise. ‘‘Some? You want more than one representative on the committees if they’re established?’’
‘‘Naturally,’’ she calmly replied. ‘‘If we pay equal dues, we should have equal representation.’’
‘‘She has a point,’’ Mr. Franks quietly remarked.
Taylor gave Oliver a stunned look. ‘‘Whose side are you on?’’ he whispered back.
Bella listened to the exchange with satisfaction. ‘‘He’s right—I do have a valid argument. And I’m sure you wouldn’t disagree that women should have equality. Additionally, there are some of your members who might be pleased to turn over the duty of selecting books and speakers. It would free their time for other more important work of the Association,’’ she submitted.
Together with the women in the audience, most of the men were murmuring and nodding their agreement. Taylor appeared surprised at their immediate willingness to succumb to Bella’s persuasive words and sweet smile. She had won them over with little effort.
‘‘But the men pay the rent, and they’ve paid for the books that are already in the library,’’ he argued. ‘‘They must maintain primary control of this Association they’ve established. It is rightfully theirs.’’
Bella acknowledged a young woman in the audience who had raised her hand. ‘‘I think Mr. Manning is correct. The men should maintain control of their Association, but I believe the concept of creating committees with one or two representatives from our group would be acceptable. Perhaps we should vote on such a proposal.’’
Taylor quickly stepped forward. ‘‘If you want to vote on a proposal, I can’t stop you, but I don’t have the authority to accept or reject your suggestion. I’ll agree to take your request before the Association and report back.’’
A show of hands verified the girls were in agreement. They requested Taylor take their proposal before the Association and report back the following week. Bella would have preferred to push for additional women on the committees, but this was a start. They could move toward further representation in the future. All things considered, she was pleased Taylor and his group of men had attended this evening, although she wasn’t so sure Taylor himself was pleased with the outcome. The meeting concluded, and Bella began to gather the pamphlets and fliers, tucking them into a small case. The sound of approaching footsteps caused her to look up.
‘‘I was hoping to escort you home. There’s a personal matter I’d like to discuss with you,’’ Taylor said.
Bella hesitated, not sure she wanted to spend time alone with Taylor. She wasn’t certain he truly believed women should be involved in the Association’s decision-making process, and she didn’t want to argue the matter with him privately. After all, he had agreed to take the proposal before the Association.
‘‘I walked over with Daughtie and Ruth,’’ she replied.
‘‘I know. I told them I was going to escort you home. They’ve already departed,’’ he replied. ‘‘And before you become angry, let me assure you that this isn’t a ploy. Miss Addie is going to need your support over the next few weeks, perhaps longer.’’
His words captured Bella’s attention. She reached out and grasped his arm with a sense of urgency. ‘‘Has something happened to Miss Addie? She was fine when I left the house this evening.’’
Taylor enveloped her hand in his own. ‘‘I didn’t mean to alarm you; Miss Addie is in good health. This is more—’’ he hesitated, obviously searching for an explanation—‘‘a matter of the heart. Yes, I think that would best describe the situation.’’
Bella was intrigued. Accepting Taylor’s proffered arm, she accompanied him through the arched doors of the gray-slate church. Why would Miss Addie suffer from a matter of the heart? She and John Farnsworth were deeply committed to each other. Thoughts of their relationship caused her to stop midstep.
‘‘Has John Farnsworth taken up with another woman?’’ Her words sliced through the air.
Taylor’s mouth dropped open; he gaped at her in obvious disbelief. ‘‘What a terrible accusation! Do you think all men are unable to honor their word?’’
Bella thought for a moment before answering. ‘‘My limited observation has shown me that it depends on the commitment and the person to whom it is made. I find men fall short in keeping their word when it is given to a woman.’’
‘‘Really? Well, my uncle John is not one of those men. He’s not a cad or philanderer. He cares very much for Miss Addie. He would never intentionally hurt her,’’ Taylor defended as they moved onward.
‘‘If this has nothing to do with your Uncle John, why would she be troubled?’’
‘‘You’re twisting my words, Bella. You do that all the time—you win people to your point of view by manipulating words.’’
Once again Bella tugged him to a halt. ‘‘I do not manipulate words, but I’m not afraid to speak the truth. Why don’t you just tell me about the situation with Miss Addie and then we won’t be required to argue about my choice of words,’’ she fumed.
‘‘I didn’t tell you outright because I wanted to spend some time alone with you. I knew you wouldn’t permit me to escort you home if I merely blurted out what I had to say.’’
She glanced up and gave him an embarrassed grin. ‘‘You’re right. I would have refused your invitation.’’
He gave a quick nod of his head. ‘‘My uncle must leave in the morning. He was called to Kirk Boott’s office and told he is needed to journey to the southern United States for the Corporation.’’
Bella’s eyebrows furrowed at his reply. ‘‘Why would the Corporation send your uncle John?’’
‘‘Mr. Boott was to make the journey, but his health has failed him during the past week and he’s unable to travel. He requested Mr. Cheever take his place. However, Mr. Cheever didn’t want to make the trip unless he could wait until after the birth of his child. When Mr. Boott said the journey must be made as soon as possible, Mr. Cheever suggested Uncle John.’’
‘‘Surely a short journey to the South won’t be overly upsetting to Miss Addie,’’ Bella determined.
‘‘I didn’t say short journey. He may be there for some period of time.’’
‘‘But why?’’
‘‘Uncle John didn’t tell me the details, but he did remark upon the fact that his skills of diplomacy would be needed. He’ll be meeting with plantation owners regarding cotton production and prices. Mr. Boott has been consulting with him for hours.’’
‘‘Wouldn’t you think there’s someone equally as qualified as your uncle?’’ she questioned. For Miss Addie’s sake, Bella didn’t want the Corporation sending Mr. Farnsworth.
‘‘I’m certain there are more qualified men, but apparently none of them will agree to make the trip. Uncle John doesn’t have much choice in the matter. In fact, Mr. Boott is now convinced Uncle John will perform magnificently. Those are Mr. Boott’s words, not mine.’’
‘‘Poor Miss Addie. She will miss him ever so much.’’
Taylor nodded his agreement. ‘‘Miss Addie won’t have much time to become accustomed to the thought of Uncle John’s departure; he leaves in the morning.’’
‘‘I’ll do all I can to help Miss Addie while Mr. Farnsworth is away. Perhaps she would like to become involved as a representative on one of the committees.’’
Taylor chuckled. ‘‘Your mind never stops working, does it? You’re always looking for an advantage.’’
‘‘I was merely suggesting one way to keep Miss Addie busy,’’ she demurely replied.
‘‘Well, just keep in mind that the membership must approve this plan of yours before anyone’s time will be filled choosing reading material,’’ he jibed.
‘‘And speakers,’’ she quickly added.
‘‘Yes, Bella,’’ he said as they neared the boardinghouse, ‘‘speakers, too. That’s Uncle John’s carriage.’’
‘‘At least they’ve had some time alone with all of the girls attending the meeting this evening,’’ Bella commented as the front window revealed the silhouette of John and Addie.
The older couple had walked to the carriage by the time Bella and Taylor approached the front door.
‘‘Ah, Taylor, you can drive me home,’’ John said, affectionately slapping his nephew on the back.
The tear stains on Miss Addie’s face were evident as she embraced John one last time. ‘‘Please take care of yourself. I want you to come home safe and sound,’’ she cautioned in a choked voice.
‘‘I’ll be safe and sound and back here before you even know I’ve gone. Promise you’ll give serious thought to our discussion.’’
Addie nodded her head. ‘‘You know I will,’’ she said as the men drove away.
Bella gently touched Miss Addie’s shoulder and drew near. ‘‘It’s obvious he cares deeply for you, Miss Addie. Mr. Farnsworth seems a fine man. There’s no doubt he’ll be back as quickly as his business will permit.’’
Addie nodded and then gave Bella a look of surprise. ‘‘How did you know John was going away?’’
‘‘Taylor. He was concerned about you. I hope you don’t feel he betrayed a confidence by telling me.’’
‘‘No, it’s quite all right. Everyone will know by this time tomorrow. Word travels fast in this small community. I had best tell Mintie first thing in the morning. If she hears from someone else, there will be no end to her bruised feelings.’’
Bella nodded. ‘‘Let’s just take care of today, Miss Addie. Tomorrow will take care of itself—that’s what Sister Mercy used to tell me. She said there were enough worries in one day without borrowing from the next.’’
Addie chuckled. ‘‘Perhaps Sister Mercy was right.’’
‘‘Why don’t we have a nice cup of tea?’’ Bella suggested while leading Miss Addie toward the kitchen. ‘‘I’m positive Mr. Farnsworth will make every effort to return quickly.’’
Addie made a valiant effort to smile. ‘‘I certainly hope so, my dear. I fear I’m going to miss him dreadfully.’’
Taylor stoked the fire in the stove and sat down to consider his evening. With John now gone to bed in order to accommodate his early morning travel, Taylor felt rather alone and found the memories of his past rushing in like a cold December wind. He remembered his home in London, the scent of rain in the air, the sounds of the merchants and their customers. He thought from time to time of the pleasures he’d stolen—a kiss here or there, a quiet moment under the stars. He’d thought such diversions were all he’d ever want, but listening to his uncle speak of Miss Addie Beecher tonight, Taylor was no longer all that certain of his choices. John had stirred something deep inside Taylor that he had thought dead and buried.
‘‘There’s something to be said for a good woman,’’ John had told him on the way home. ‘‘A woman who will faithfully await your return, no matter where you go or how long it will take. Just the idea of knowing someone is home, anticipating your arrival, well . . . it makes living worthwhile.’’
Taylor knew his mother and father had shared that kind of love. When his mother died it had nearly destroyed his father. He mourned her to his dying day—never quite being whole again. Never quite enjoying life as he had before her death. For that very reason, Taylor had difficulty in taking any kind of commitment seriously. He never wanted to duplicate the pain his father felt. It was easier to toy with women, to play the games they initiated. Games of pursuit—games to land a husband who would take care of them.
Taylor had played the game better than most. Maybe too well. Now he wasn’t at all sure where the amusements left off and real life stepped in. A woman like Bella wasn’t interested in playing the coquette, and because of this Taylor didn’t know quite how to handle her. She wasn’t easily swayed by his appearance or manners. Enticements that had worked on other girls simply eluded Bella Newberry. Taylor told himself it didn’t matter, but deep down inside, it did.
He’d relied upon his good looks and quick wit all his life. They were his bargaining tools—even with men. He had a boyish charm and roguish nature that he could use at will, no matter the situation. Of course, it hadn’t helped him with the matter of his last affair of the heart. That girl’s father had not been interested in being charmed out of his anger. But that was all behind Taylor now.
‘‘I’ve spent my adult life—short though it may be—avoiding the possible pain found in the commitment of genuine affection. And now John makes me remember the love of my parents, and I find myself confused. Have I only deluded myself?’’ he murmured. What more was there? Where was he to find solace and happiness?
‘‘Taylor, my darling boy,’’
his mother had once said,
‘‘God did not put you on this earth with a fine face and solid mind in order to see you do the devil’s work. He put you here for His will and glory. Find out what His will is and you will bring Him glory. And neither, I assure you, will have anything at all to do with your outward appearance. It will have everything to do with the quality of your heart.’’
Taylor felt more haunted by his mother’s words here in America than he’d ever been in England. She’d been worried about him even as she slipped from this world. Burying his face in his hands, Taylor longed for peace of mind and heart.
My inability to deal openly with others has also hindered my ability to deal with God. The phrenologist said I was a man who respected God, but I seldom give Him the time of day,
Taylor admitted to himself.
I’ve turned into that horrible man my mother warned me about, and I have no idea how to turn back
.
Looking up with a sigh, Taylor knew he’d find no answers that night. No, the things that troubled him deep in his soul would take time and effort . . . and most likely more commitment than he’d ever invested. Taylor, however, wasn’t at all sure he had it in himself to give.
‘‘I’ve been offered a position as a drawing-in girl,’’ Bella told Daughtie as the two of them hastened off toward the mill, the early morning still shrouded in darkness.
