A Fragile Design (18 page)

The girls clustered together in small groups, one discussing the new millinery shop opened by a widow from Boston who was abreast of the latest fashion news from England, while another group discussed several men who had recently arrived in town. Bella and Daughtie stood on the fringes of one group, where one of the girls whispered that Lilly was expecting a baby. The remark was followed with oohs and aahs from around the circle.

‘‘What ever happened to her brother’s child?’’ someone asked.

‘‘They never found him, but I understand Lilly hasn’t given up hope. She believes the boy is still alive somewhere, but don’t you think it’s doubtful they would find him now? How long has it been?’’

‘‘A couple years, I think,’’ another girl replied.

Bella was intrigued by the conversation and sat down beside Marmi, one of the girls who had known Lilly prior to her marriage. ‘‘What happened to Mrs. Cheever’s brother?’’ Bella asked.

‘‘He died in a fire at the mill. Some say he set the fire, while others say he was helping to put it out. Either way, he died shortly afterward. While on his deathbed, he supposedly told Lilly he had fathered a child. . . .’’

‘‘By an Irishwoman,’’ another girl added in a hushed voice.

Marmi shook her head. ‘‘It doesn’t matter to Lilly if the mother’s Irish. She wants to find the boy. Some thought Lilly might never have a child of her own. I’m truly pleased to hear her news. Perhaps it will ease her pain in case they never find her nephew.’’

Several more girls joined them, and the talk soon shifted to clothing and jewelry, one of them mentioning the recent shipments of lace and gloves that had arrived in Lowell earlier in the week. Bored with their conversation, Bella excused herself and sauntered into the parlor. Finding an unoccupied chair near a large window overlooking the flower garden along the west side of the house, Bella seated herself. A stoop-shouldered man busied himself pruning bushes and packing fresh dirt around several plants, and as she watched him work, her thoughts drifted back to her earlier conversation with Lilly Cheever. It was clear Lilly had suffered her share of sadness. To lose her mother and brother was difficult enough, but then to know there was a child—one that couldn’t be found—would be a tragedy. It was good, Bella decided, that Lilly had a fine husband and would soon have a child of her own to love. She stood to gain a better view of the gardener as he began planting a bush.

‘‘I’d like to think you find me as intriguing as you find the gardener.’’

Bella whirled around and found herself face-to-face with Taylor Manning.

‘‘What are you doing here?’’ She forced herself not to notice the sparkle of his sapphire blue eyes.

He gave her a wide grin. ‘‘I’d like to tell you that I knew you would be here and I couldn’t stay away. But that wouldn’t be the truth, and I know with all the religion that’s surrounded your life, you might take a dim view of my lying to you. Actually, I’ve come to fetch Mr. Cheever. He told me I could wait in here while he informs Mrs. Cheever he must take his leave; there’s a bit of difficulty that needs his attention. By the way, I’m pleased to see you’ve taken the time to fancy yourself up a bit.’’

Bella stared at him in disbelief. ‘‘Taken the time to fancy myself up?’’

‘‘That trim,’’ he said, pointing his finger toward the lace that now surrounded the cuffs and neckline of her dress. ‘‘You fancied your dress a little. Of course, another color would be better. In fact, a whole new dress would be best, but at least you made an effort.’’

Her mouth dropped open and formed a small oval. ‘‘Do you spend all of your free time practicing rude behavior, or is your appalling conduct a natural happenstance, Mr. Manning?’’

Taylor appeared completely baffled by her remark. ‘‘What do you mean? I paid you a compliment.’’

‘‘No, you insulted me,’’ she retaliated.

‘‘Then I apologize. I was attempting to point out that those Shaker dresses don’t enhance your beauty.’’ He crossed his arms and gave her a proud grin.

Bella glanced heavenward. ‘‘Shaker dresses, as you call them, are specifically designed to detract from a woman’s . . .’’

Taylor laughed. ‘‘Shape? Size? Form? Figure? Beauty?’’

Bella could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. ‘‘All of those,’’ she huffed, quickly turning to walk away.

Taylor stepped forward and blocked her path. ‘‘Don’t rush off after pointing out that my manners need improvement. The least you can do is remain and lend your assistance.’’

‘‘There isn’t sufficient time in my day to correct your manners, sir.’’

A wide grin spread across Taylor’s face. ‘‘Then perhaps we’ll need to schedule several sessions. I’ll make myself available at your convenience.’’

Had she not been so angry, the expectant look on his face would have caused her to laugh. ‘‘Either I have a problem speaking or you have a problem understanding. Your manners are reprehensible. I am not available to instruct you in proper etiquette.’’

‘‘Well, then,’’ he replied, obviously unruffled, ‘‘I suggest you accompany me to the lyceum. I understand there’s to be a talk on phrenology. The speaker is personally acquainted and has studied with J. G. Spurzheim while in Europe.’’

Bella hesitated. The Brothers and Sisters at Canterbury had discussed the possible benefits of phrenology in Union Meeting on several occasions. The topic was controversial yet one that had captured the interest of the forward-thinking Shakers—one that Bella found unbelievable but intriguing.

Taylor shifted his weight to one foot and casually leaned against the thick oak woodwork surrounding the doorway. ‘‘You don’t know what phrenology is and you don’t want to ask me, do you?’’

His smug tone annoyed Bella. ‘‘Do
you
?’’ she inquired.

‘‘Well, no, but Uncle John said that J. G. Spurzheim is quite renowned in Scotland and England.’’

‘‘Phrenologists teach that the human skull takes its shape from the brain. Therefore, by reading the skull an individual can be evaluated for psychological aptitudes and tendencies,’’ Bella articulated.

‘‘What?’’

Matthew and Lilly laughed at Taylor as they approached. ‘‘By all appearances, I would guess that Bella has completely confounded you, Taylor,’’ Lilly observed.

‘‘Perhaps just a bit,’’ he admitted. ‘‘I invited her to attend the phrenology lecture with me.’’

‘‘Oh yes, I can hardly wait. We’re planning to attend. Perhaps we could all go together,’’ Lilly suggested.

Taylor gave her a satisfied grin. ‘‘Why, that would be wonderful. Wouldn’t it, Bella?’’

She knew what Taylor was up to. But it wouldn’t work. ‘‘Quite frankly, I would enjoy attending the lyceum. However, Mr. Manning has insulted me numerous times since his arrival this afternoon, and I find his company abhorrent.’’

Matthew’s eyebrows arched. ‘‘Well, in that case . . .’’

‘‘I’m sure Taylor would be on his best behavior, Bella. And the lecture is sure to be a fine one. Why don’t you rethink your decision?’’ Lilly interrupted. ‘‘In fact, if it will make your decision easier, you can pretend that Taylor isn’t even along—except for the ticket, of course. I understand that the program is sold out,’’ she added.

‘‘He’s already insulted my attire. I’m sure my dowdy appearance would prove an embarrassment,’’ Bella explained.

Matthew cleared his throat and grinned at his wife. ‘‘I hate to interrupt before you’ve reached a resolution to this quandary. However, Taylor came here to fetch me. Seems there may be some difficulty brewing with the Irish, and neither Kirk nor Paul can be found.’’

Lilly gave Matthew a frown. ‘‘On a Sunday afternoon? What kind of difficulty, Matthew?’’

‘‘There are rumors spreading that the Irish have begun stockpiling weapons in the foundation of the new church. I want to put a stop to it before trouble begins,’’ Matthew replied.

‘‘That’s preposterous. Why on earth would the Irish want to accumulate weapons?’’

‘‘I doubt that there’s any truth to the rumors.’’

Lilly’s mouth was agape. ‘‘But what if . . .’’

Matthew patted her shoulder. ‘‘Nothing to concern yourself with, my dear. I’m certain that at most it’s only a small group of troublemakers, but the Corporation does need to halt any rumors. I’ll see what I can do,’’ he said. ‘‘While I’m gone, why don’t you ladies make a decision regarding attending the lyceum? Taylor and I will be pleased to accommodate your choice. Won’t we, Taylor?’’ he asked while moving toward the front door.

Taylor didn’t appear pleased with the pronouncement but he was obviously unwilling to argue Matthew’s position. ‘‘Yes, sir,’’ he replied. ‘‘Will you . . .’’

‘‘Whatever the decision, I promise I’ll get word to you,’’ Matthew said, while pushing Taylor onward.

Lilly giggled as they walked out the door. ‘‘That young man is enchanted with you, Bella. And I believe you’re quite smitten with him, also,’’ she said, linking arms with Bella. Before Bella could protest, Lilly pulled her toward a corner of the foyer. ‘‘Proper attire isn’t a problem. I have several dresses that would fit you handsomely,’’ Lilly offered. ‘‘I would be honored if you would permit me to give you one. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I’m going to be a mother. My waist has thickened, and most of my dresses no longer fit.’’

‘‘But they’ll fit you again—after the child,’’ Bella replied.

‘‘I promise I’ll give you one that will soon be out of fashion. Would that make the gift more acceptable?’’

‘‘I didn’t mean to imply that I find your offer unacceptable,’’ Bella apologized. ‘‘However, it’s a thorny issue, changing my attire to suit Taylor Manning’s request—although I very much want to attend the lyceum,’’ she confided in a whisper.

‘‘Do you find wearing worldly clothing goes against your religious tenets, Bella? Because if you believe you must continue to wear your Shaker dresses, I would never encourage you to disobey your beliefs. But if it’s merely that you don’t want Taylor to win an argument . . .’’

Bella blushed and turned away. ‘‘I’ve never believed that it was necessary to wear drab clothing in order to love God. As you can see, I’ve already added some lace to this dress,’’ she replied, then hesitated. ‘‘And although Taylor is prideful, he’s probably no worse than most men.’’

Lilly grasped Bella’s hand, her face etched with concern. ‘‘What’s hardened your heart toward men at such an early age, Bella?’’

‘‘In the case of Taylor Manning, I find him arrogant and entirely self-absorbed. He believes himself to be the finest thing in shoe leather. He has an attitude of pride regarding his looks, and I can tell by the way he acts that he’s used to getting his own way with the ladies.’’

‘‘But Taylor Manning isn’t the one who started this feeling toward men, is he?’’

Bella gave Lilly a wistful smile as her thoughts wandered down a dark path of memories. ‘‘There have been two men in my life. My father and Jesse Harwood—and even though they both avowed their love, neither chose me over life among the Shakers. I trusted both of them; they both disappointed me. I’ve finally concluded that the pain meted out by men is more than my heart can withstand.’’

Lilly pulled her close. ‘‘Sit down here,’’ she said, leading her to a small divan. ‘‘Not all men are the same, Bella. I’ve experienced pain at the hands of men I’ve loved, but there are good men, men who will love and cherish you. As I labored with my own pain, my heart was quickened to pray for those who caused the pain. It was difficult, but there is a balm of healing that comes with prayer for wrongdoers. Perhaps if you could begin praying for your father and Jesse, it would help. Tell me about them—your father and Jesse.’’

Bella felt as though she’d met a kindred spirit. The chattering girls and tea party formed a hazy milieu while she poured out her heart to Lilly, first explaining the pain of rejection at her father’s hand, then her mother’s death, and then Jesse’s unexplained nonappearance the night she and Daughtie left Canterbury.

‘‘So you love Jesse and wanted to become his wife. Now I understand why you find Taylor’s advances offensive,’’ Lilly said.

‘‘No, I don’t want to marry anyone. I’m not sure what that kind of love is—between a man and woman, I mean. Jesse said he loved me, but I knew my love for him wasn’t the same. He insisted we should be married, and I thought perhaps he was right, although I confess I was fearful of the arrangement. My mother loved my father, and he deserted her love for the Shakers. What if Jesse decided he wanted to return to Canterbury after we were married? I was frightened, but I wanted to leave the Family.’’

‘‘But not because of Jesse?’’

Bella shook her head back and forth. ‘‘I find fault with some of their important beliefs; they go against what the Bible says—at least I think they do,’’ she replied.

‘‘I see,’’ Lilly replied. ‘‘Then you actually left the Shakers in order to exercise your religious freedom.’’

‘‘Exactly,’’ Bella replied, gracing her hostess with a grateful smile.

‘‘Good! Then you can wear my dress and attend the lyceum without compromising your beliefs,’’ Lilly triumphantly replied. ‘‘You remain behind with Miss Addie after the others leave this afternoon, and we’ll decide upon a dress. In fact, it appears as if several of my guests are preparing to leave. I’d best resume my hostess duties. Promise you’ll stay,’’ Lilly urged.

Bella nodded her agreement. She hoped her decision would prove judicious.

Taylor mulled over the conversation he’d had with Bella and couldn’t begin to imagine how he’d insulted her. Yes, he’d been forward and open with his statements, but he didn’t believe it served him very well to veil his thoughts. Still, she had been upset with him. As if reading his thoughts, Matthew interrupted with a question.

‘‘You didn’t really insult that poor young woman, did you?’’

Taylor shrugged. ‘‘I didn’t think so, but apparently she found my words offensive. Bella is a true mystery to me.’’

‘‘That’s why you’ve come to like her so much more than the other girls, correct?’’

‘‘I never said I liked her more than anyone,’’ Taylor replied defensively. ‘‘I’ve no need to choose one woman over another. I tend to spread myself among the ladies,’’ he said, grinning.

Matthew frowned. ‘‘That’s hardly the kind of attitude I would brag about. Your heart seems not to care at all for the misery you cause, yet you seem considerate enough with some. I suppose you find the attention rewarding at this stage of your life, but let me assure you, Taylor, the love of a good and godly woman cannot compare to the adoration of hundreds of addlepated ninnies. Find a woman of character—godly character—and you’ll have found something of great value.’’