Heart Appearances (Truly Yours Digital Editions Book 560) (17 page)

“Do you want to know a secret?” Brent lowered his head, ashamed. “Though I was humiliated when they rejected me from fighting in the Great War, I was secretly relieved—and not only because I’d promised Stewart to take charge of the reform. I’ve inwardly castigated myself for those despicable feelings ever since. What kind of man am I?” He gripped the fence and stared at his white knuckles.

“And do you think the men who fought carried no baggage of fear with them?” Michael asked. “I expect a great many of them did. No one is perfect, Lad. We all have areas of our lives that need work. As you know, many years ago I too showed cowardice—the worst kind—in rejecting me own child.”

Brent pondered Michael’s sober words. He knew the story of how Charleigh had been born illegitimate, her mother becoming a prostitute in order to care for them. Eight years ago, through an act of God’s mercy and grace, Michael was united with his only daughter—who had been under his roof for months, assuming the identity of his niece to escape the man who’d forced her into a life of crime. Brent knew the townspeople still talked of the miracle God had wrought in Michael and Charleigh’s lives.

“Aye, Brent, I have a feeling deep in me bones,” Michael went on to say, “that when it truly matters and when you desire it most, God will grant you all the courage you need. As He did with the boy David when he faced the mighty Goliath. David knew his source of strength was the Lord—and so will you.”

Brent said nothing, only continued to stare at the colt frolicking about the pasture. He hoped Michael was right. Yet at the same time Brent would prefer never having to be in the position to find out.

Coward
.

He closed his eyes as the word resonated through his mind.

❧

Darcy sat on the edge of Charleigh’s bed and related the recurring dream she’d had about Lila, the bearded lady. “I can’t explain it, Charleigh. Except to say I know God wants to use me somehow, concerning her. I’ve had the feeling ever since the day of the carnival. But how?”

Charleigh looked tired but happy, her face flushed. She had only a little over a month until she was due, and the doctor had been very optimistic during his last visit. Not only that, but in spending hours of quiet time with the Lord while resting in her room, she had gained a measure of strength back—both physically and spiritually—and reminded Darcy of the old Charleigh.

“I believe you’re right about God wanting to use you to help Lila,” Charleigh agreed, leaning back against the propped-up pillows. Her hair was like fire, streaming around her shoulders. “You’ve been in situations, as I have, that help you to better understand people whom others discard as unworthy. With Stewart and me, God revealed our mission field was this reformatory and helping young criminals to find Him,through showing His love. I’m convinced God has a wondrous plan for your life as well and will reveal it to you as He sees fit.”

Darcy nodded, encouraged by Charleigh’s words. “By the way, I noticed a motorcar leave as Michael and I returned from town. Did someone come to visit?”

Charleigh’s brows gathered into a frown. “Judge Markham came by to discuss the carnival outing with Brent. It seems Mr. Forrester complained, feeling it his duty. That man has been a thorn in our side for years and has tried to close us down every chance he gets.”

“What did the judge say?” Darcy asked.

Charleigh shrugged. “Brent didn’t tell me, but he didn’t seem too upset. So I gather everything went well.”

Darcy grew thoughtful. “I wonder if Brent told the judge of Joel’s disappearance and how we found him. Likely not, since the boy was playing a shell game at the time.”

Charleigh looked surprised. “A shell game?”

“Didn’t I tell you? I thought I had. We found Joel behind a tent with a man dressed as a clown. The man was in deep conversation with Joel—apparently either givin’ advice or receivin’ it, concernin’ the game.” Darcy shivered, remembering the man’s wicked eyes. “Definitely not someone we would want Joel to associate with.”

“I should think not! Shell games are illegal.” Charleigh grew sober, contemplative. “What did the man look like? We should report him to the authorities, especially if he’s consorting with children.”

“I think it’s too late for that,” Darcy mused, wondering why she hadn’t thought of it before. “I heard in town today that the carnival pulls out tonight.”

“Hmm. Perhaps. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to report him.”

Darcy thought a moment, then straightened. Charleigh’s words suddenly made the clearest sense. “You’re right!” She rose from the bed, knowing what the Lord would have her do. “Can you manage for a few hours without me or Brent at the reform?”

Charleigh looked curious, but nodded. “The boys are doing their chores. Father and Alice are here, so everything should be fine.”

“Then I’ll see you this evening.”

“But where are you going?”

Darcy smiled. “I’ll tell you about it later—if I’m successful. Right now, I have some convincin’ to do on someone else.” With a wide smile, she winked and hurried out the door. Before going downstairs, she went to her room and retrieved the purchase she’d made in town last week. At the time she didn’t understand what led her to buy the book, since she had one similar. Now she did.

She found Brent in the parlor. “Good!” Darcy exclaimed. “Now I don’t have to go in search of you.”

He raised his brows. “You wish to speak with me?”

“Aye. That I do. Might as well grab your hat, Guv’ner. We have somewhere to go.” Darcy whisked toward the door and plucked her shawl from a wall peg.

“Somewhere to go?” Brent’s confused voice echoed from behind.

Darcy lifted her battered blue bonnet from the hat tree and pulled the hatpin from the crown.

“Miss Evans, will you kindly inform me what this latest flurry of activity is all about?”

Darcy slapped the bonnet over her head, deciding to dispense with the pin this time, since her hair was braided to her waist. There hadn’t been time to put it up this morning.

“
Miss Evans.
” His tone was impatient.

She turned. “It’s quite simple, really. You’re taking me to the carnival. We’d better get a move on, since they’ll be leavin’ soon.”

His mouth dropped open. “I’m taking you to the. . .” He shook his head as though to clear it. “And do tell what has put such a preposterous notion into your head?”

She shrugged. “If you don’t take me, then I’ll go by meself—or ask Michael to drive me, though I’d rather not, since he took me to town once today. Oh, and Charleigh did give her approval. But not to worry, Guv’ner. If you can’t spare the time, I’m not afraid to go alone.” Tapping her crown, she gave him a quirky smile and strolled outside.

Muttering under his breath, Brent grabbed his hat and hurried out the door after her.

Eleven

For the first mile of the ride, Brent remained quiet. Darcy didn’t mind; she had enough to think about. Like how she would approach Lila and what she would say once she did. Darcy only hoped that the irritating barker wasn’t around to thwart her plans.
Thwart
. Her new word for the day.

Darcy peered at her companion. Sitting rigid as ever, Brent held the reins in a strong grip, his jaw as tight as his fists. She shook her head.

“No need to look so dour, Guv’ner. It’s not like I kidnapped you or forced your hand in takin’ me. I told you I was willin’ to go alone. Anyway, Charleigh did say they can do without us for a few hours, and the day is quite lovely.” She inhaled deeply, lifting her face to the cloudy sky and putting her hand to the crown of her hat. “Just smell that crisp air! It’s a wonder you can actually smell cold weather, isn’t it?”

Brent gave a curt nod, and Darcy looked away, resigned to enjoy the day alone.

“Perhaps you wouldn’t mind telling me just why it is that we’re embarking on this little outing,” Brent said wryly after a few moments elapsed.

“Why, Guv’ner—all you had to do was ask.” At his startled glance, she threw him a saucy grin. “I need to talk to someone at the carnival, though I’ve no idea what I’ll say. It’s just something I feel the Lord’s impressin’ me to do.”

Brent was silent, as though assimilating her words.

“And while I’m about me business, you should report the shell game incident.”

“Pardon?”

“The clown who was with Joel—and from the looks of it, trying to get him to join his illegal activities. He should be reported, don’t you think? So that he doesn’t pollute another child’s mind with his nefarious ways.”

Brent stared at her, evidently surprised. He didn’t remark on her fancy new word—by now she’d collected a hefty bundle of them—but rather arched his brow as if in thought.

“You’re absolutely right, Miss Evans. I was so caught up in transporting the boys safely back to the reformatory that I didn’t speculate on the matter. The man definitely should be reported, and I intend to do just that. How astute of you to think of it.”

Darcy pulled off her hat and fiddled with the ribbon above the brim. “I can’t take full credit. Charleigh is the one who suggested it.” What was she doing? For once, Brent was offering her a sincere compliment not related to her education, and she was flinging it back in his face? Still, she didn’t want praise if it wasn’t rightly deserved.

He gave her an odd look, one that Darcy couldn’t decipher, but he didn’t reply.

Soon they arrived at the carnival grounds. In the soft gray light of overcast skies, Darcy saw the midway had taken on a dramatic transformation. Gone were the hordes of people, the barkers, the calliope music. The false fronts had been taken down, and the tents and makeshift buildings were being dismantled by workers too busy to notice Darcy and Brent’s presence. The cool breeze picked up numerous leaflets, paper sacks, and other bits of discarded trash, sending them skidding over the ground as though they had a life of their own.

Darcy peered in the direction of the freak show. Her heart sank to see the building gone. Where would she find Lila?

Almost in answer to her mental question, the woman came walking around the corner of a tent and crossed the midway. In her arms she held a beautiful dark-haired child, possibly two years old. As she walked, Lila bounced the girl, who laughed with glee.

“Do ’gain!” the tot cried, clapping her hands. “Do ’gain!”

Lila caught sight of Darcy and halted in surprise. Wariness flitted through her eyes before she stiffly resumed walking, ignoring Brent and Darcy.

“Excuse me,” Darcy said when the woman was only feet away. “I’d like to talk with you.” She moved closer so she could be heard over the racket the workers made. “Me name’s Darcy Evans.”

Lila directed somber brown eyes at Darcy. “The freak show is over. Go home.” She started to walk away.

Unfazed by the woman’s abrupt words, Darcy hurried forward. “It isn’t the show I’ve come to see you about.”

“No?” The woman stopped and tilted her head in evident disinterest. “If you’re a reporter, I’m not available for questioning, and I’m not interested in an interview.” She clutched the child tighter to her breast. “I have nothing to say to the public.”

“I’m not a reporter.” When Lila remained unapproachable, Darcy deliberated, wondering how to convince her. She dropped her gaze to the wide-eyed child, who hooked one chubby arm around Lila’s neck and stared at Darcy with uncertainty. “That’s a gorgeous little girl you have there. Is she yours?”

Lila cocked a wry brow. “Surprised a freak can give birth to a normal child?”

“I didn’t say that.” Darcy gave an exasperated sigh. The woman was obviously bent on being difficult. “Can we go somewhere to talk? I mean no harm, and I won’t take up much of your time.”

Lila hesitated a long moment, eyeing Darcy, then gave a curt nod. “This way, then.”

Darcy glanced at Brent before following Lila to a set of railroad tracks nearby, where the carnival train sat. On the side of each railcar were words painted in red, yellow, and blue, labeling the different attractions. Lila stepped up to one of the trailer cars and cast a brief glance back at Darcy before continuing into the car, which contained sleeping berths. She moved down the narrow aisle to one of the lower berths and gently deposited the child on a thin, dirty mattress.

“There now, Angel.” Lila brushed the curly black locks from the girl’s forehead and bent to kiss her pink cheek. “Time for all good girls to take a nap.”

The girl pouted. “Don’ want sweep. Want Mama an’ Unka Buce.”

“Mama has to take care of things so we can go bye-bye on the train tonight. And Uncle Bruce has to help the men take things down. But beautiful, bright-eyed girls named Angel must go to dreamland now.” She tickled the girl’s side, making her giggle, then grabbed a faded doll from the mattress and placed it in the girl’s arms. “Sleep well, precious Angel. Mama will be back soon.”

Lila stood, pulled the curtain that covered the berth closed, then looked at Darcy, her eyes cold again. “We can talk outside.”

They exited the sleeping car, and immediately Lila faced Darcy, crossing her arms in a defensive gesture. “Just what do you want from me?”

Instead of answering, Darcy asked a question of her own. “Where is the child’s father? Is he with the carnival too?”