A Lady of High Regard (25 page)

“I’ve tried to talk to her several times, but something always interferes. Then when I think a moment might present itself, she goes and does something that sets me at odds with her. That, of course, hardly seems the time to declare love.”

Mercy laughed. “No, I suppose not. Still, leaving such a thing unsaid—something as important as this—is to risk losing any chance at all. Mia is a beautiful woman, and how she has managed to remain single this long is a puzzlement to me.”

“She has had no need to barter herself away, for one. So many of her friends find themselves in arranged marriages to benefit their father’s coffers. Mia’s father cares more for his child than his bank account. Nor has she faced public ridicule as a less attractive person might. Mia’s appearance is truly all that any woman should desire, so none may criticize her there.”

“True. And she is loving and amiable, and she has a generous caring spirit for those less fortunate.”

“With a bit of temper and stubborn determination thrown in,” Garrett added.

Mercy nodded. “But most men prefer a woman who can think for herself and voice an opinion—even when that opinion runs contrary to her husband’s. Your father has always told me he appreciates my willingness to debate a matter on which we do not see eye to eye. He has changed his point of view more than once, and all because of my argument.”

“Confrontation is good, but many people fear it.”

“They fear it because some are less than self-controlled when participating in it. Harsh words once said, Garrett, can never be taken back. It’s best to not speak out of anger. That has always been our rule.”

“I cannot imagine you ever being cross with Father. He can be a bear at times, but I’ve seen you endure his rantings with great patience.”

“I am hardly perfect. We are not either one without our flaws, but we acknowledge that we will fail and make mistakes. That helps us not to expect the impossible from each other. But getting back to you and Mia, I think you should fight for her. I would very much love to see her a part of our family.”

He sighed. “I would too. Now, if I could just figure out how to approach her.”

“Just open your heart to her, Garrettt.”

He laughed. “I’ve already done that, Mercy, and she has taken full control.”

The next day Garrett thought to arrange a time to speak with Mia but learned that he’d come too late. She had gone with Prudence Brighton to spend the afternoon visiting friends. Feeling rather frustrated by this turn of events, Garrett drove to Rodney Eckridge’s office to share additional information he’d received on Jasper Barrill. They could no longer let the matter go untended.

“Apparently,” Garrett told Eckridge, “Barrill has caused trouble in more than one city. When I checked into his affairs in Boston, as I told you, the authorities had several charges against him. But something they mentioned caused me to write to the authorities in Baltimore. I just received word today.” Garrett offered the missive as proof.

Eckridge took the letter and began to read. “Goodness, man. Could this possibly be true? He’s suspected of murdering his own mother?”

“I know. The thought sickens me. Apparently there wasn’t enough proof to charge him, but the authorities have always been convinced of his guilt.”

“I feel completely duped. When he came to me for work, I presumed him to be an honorable sort. He showed the proper knowledge and skills for the job, as well as an air of social standing— not elite, of course, but certainly nothing of a criminal element. Plus there were references—I suppose now they were forged, but they suggested him to be a stellar employee.”

“He’s good at covering up his true personality,” Garrett replied.

Eckridge handed him back the letter. “We must notify the authorities. Boston, at least, must surely want him back.”

“I thought we might lay a trap for Mr. Barrill. After all, he’s done a great deal of harm right here in Philadelphia. I would be just as content to have him pay for those crimes first.”

“What did you have in mind? You know I will help you no matter the plan.”

“Well, as I see it, we should catch him at what he does so well. We will get one of our renters to help us. Do you know anyone who might be willing?”

Eckridge thought for a moment. “I don’t know of anyone offhand, but my nephew will of course aid us. I’ll contact him yet today.”

“Good. We’ll put together a plan immediately.”

Garrett left Eckridge’s office feeling slightly encouraged. The truth about Barrill had been quite frightening, but if they were successful they could soon see the man behind bars.

He had just reached his carriage when he spied Eulalee Duff. She carried several packages and seemed to be fighting to manage them all. Garrett quickly took control of the situation and the packages.

“When did you take up juggling, my dear Mrs. Duff?”

She laughed. “I’m afraid I was a little freer with my purse than I had intended when I walked here this afternoon.”

“I have the phaeton just over there. I’ll drive you wherever you need to go.”

“I need to go home. For the sake of my self-control, if for no other reason.”

Garrett shifted the packages and offered her his arm. “Then home it is. I shall be happy for your company.”

“What brings you to town today?” she asked.

“I had business—not exactly pleasant business. There’s been some trouble with an employee and we must now work to rectify that situation.”

“Businesses always suffer when employees are less than faithful to their duties.” Eulalee glanced upward. “I do believe we are in for rain—if not worse.”

“I think you’re probably right. The air has that feel to it.”

He secured the packages and then helped Eulalee into the carriage. Sliding in beside her, Garrett picked up the reins. “Walk on,” he called to the horse and lightly smacked the leather to his back.

“So how are you?” Garrett asked.

“I’m doing quite well, thank you, though I find the heat intolerable and wish I’d taken up my aunt’s offer to join her in Saratoga. From her letters she tells me of a dear little cottage that she’s enjoyed throughout the summer.”

“I’m sure it will cool soon enough, and then we’ll be complaining about the cold.”

“No doubt that is true. How is your father’s health?”

Garrett fought against sounding too maudlin. “Failing. My stepmother believes he won’t be long for this world, and I must agree with her. He has a great deal of pain, but the doctor has tried a new medication and it has shown Father some relief.”

“I am glad to hear that, but sorry to hear he is so ill. Is there no chance of recovery?”

“None, according to the doctor. It will be hardest on my stepmother and sisters. They love him so.”

“I hope he has provided for them as well as my Richard did for me. The worst thing in the world for a young woman with children would be to find herself penniless.”

“Mercy will never have to worry about that. My father has seen to it in his will. He loves his family and would not see them suffer. But enough about that. How are your parents?”

“Doing well, thank you. They’re due back from Newport in two weeks. I doubt they’ll be long in Philadelphia, however. At the first sign of cold weather, Mother will no doubt pack for Charleston. She has a sister there and would probably move permanently if Father would give up his law practice.”

“And what of you? Would you give up Philadelphia again?”

“It would all depend on whom I was giving it up for,” she said. “I have never regretted giving it up for Richard.”

“I have never seen a love match such as yours.”

“We were blessed to have those few short years,” she admitted.

Garrett pulled the carriage to a stop in front of her house. He tied off the horse, then helped Eulalee to the ground.

She lifted her face to his. “So how is it that a knight in shining armor such as yourself hasn’t yet taken a wife?”

Her question took Garrett off guard. He dropped his hold and struggled to find an answer. “I suppose . . . that is . . . what I mean . . . What a bold question.” He smiled and tried to veer away from the topic. “It looks like rain.”

“Oh, no you don’t. We’ve already discussed the weather. I’ve been quite honest with you and you owe me nothing less.”

Garrett crossed his arms. “Well, if you must know, I haven’t married because until recently I wasn’t completely taken with any particular woman. Now there is a woman, but I’m uncertain as to how I might proceed. I have cared for her for a lifetime, but she was much too young to consider seriously until recently.” He let out a heavy breath. “I have no idea of her ever returning my feelings, however.”

“Oh, I think Mia Stanley returns those feelings in equal measure.”

Garrett’s eyes widened. “What?”

“You heard me.” She smiled and pushed back an errant strand of hair. “Mia adores you. Just the way she looks at you convinces me of that.”

“I said nothing about Mia Stanley.”

“Of course you didn’t, but the way you watch her, the way you light up whenever she walks into a room tells me all I need to know. You look at her the way Richard used to look at me. You look at her as a man in love—deeply in love.”

He shook his head. “You are an amazing woman, Eulalee Duff.”

“I’m a practical woman. I believe in true love being realized.”

“I long for it to be realized, but I’m at a loss as to how to make it come to fruition.”

“Then you need the help of someone experienced in this area.”

Garrett saw the determination and sincerity in her expression. “And what do you have in mind?”

“Hmm. Well, let me think on that over tea. You will come in, won’t you?”

“Well, I don’t know. I should probably get back to work.”

“I can almost guarantee you that if you come inside we’ll have your problems resolved by the end of teatime.” She lowered her voice in an almost sultry fashion. “When I set my mind to something, I’m always very successful.”

“Always?”

“Always. After all, Richard was a confirmed bachelor until I decided he was to be my husband.”

“After
you
decided? Richard talked about you day and night for three months before he worked up the nerve to ask to court you.”

“Of course, and that was four months after I set my cap for him.” She pointed to her packages. “Now are you coming?”

Garrett laughed and reached out to give her an impulsive embrace. “You are a dear friend. How can I resist?”

Mia knew she shouldn’t have used Prudence Brighton as a means to meet with Sarah Hale, but she felt that Garrett had given her no choice. She had received an urgent letter from Mrs. Smith, and without Mrs. Hale’s assistance, Mia knew she couldn’t help the poor woman. Mrs. Smith wanted Mia to meet her that night at the church, but there was no possible chance of getting away from the Wilson house unaccompanied.

It had been her good fortune that Prudence had already arranged to pick her up that afternoon. No one questioned her leaving the Wilson residence or worried about where she was going with Prudence Brighton as her companion. Prudence had been more than a little sympathetic. She thought it quite unreasonable that Garrett should mind Mia’s every move. “He isn’t your husband, after all,” she had chided.

Prudence had agreed to remain at her house while Mia took the Brightons’ carriage to
Godey’s,
promising that if anyone came in search of Mia, Prudence would delay them and keep them occupied until Mia could sneak into the house.

Now as Mia drove back to the Brightons’, she felt a tremendous sense of relief. Sarah Hale had agreed to meet with Mrs. Smith and assist her in any way possible. Mrs. Smith might not like the idea of meeting a stranger, but if the situation was as grave as she’d implied, desperation would surely cause her to yield and trust Sarah Hale.

The gentle nature of the dapple gray made driving an easy chore. So easy, in fact, that when Mia turned the corner onto Seventh Street, she was immediately drawn to the couple embracing. Scandalous! People simply paid no attention to proprieties and etiquette these days.

She seemed unable to look away, however, and stared in disbelief as Garrett and Eulalee pulled apart from each other’s arms, laughing. They had no idea of anyone watching them. She was certain, in fact, they had no thought of anything but each other.