Tabitha's Journey Read online

  Tabitha’s Journey

  A Stone Mountain Novella

  By

  Caroline Clemmons

  Copyright 2013 Caroline Clemmons

  Cover Graphics

  Skye Moncrief

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

  Dedication

  To my wonderful husband. Thanks for all you do. Thanks to my darling daughters for their support.

  Thanks to Brenda, Geri, and Gloria for their critique, encouragement, laughter, and being such good friends. Life wouldn’t be the same without you.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Epilogue

  About Caroline Clemmons

  Chapter One

  Boston, Massachusetts, February 1874

  Tabitha clutched the chair arms with white knuckles and stared at her late father’s attorney, Mr. Horace Percival. The room’s tan walls and dark paneling swirled in front of her and she forced back the urge to scream. Instead, she swallowed hard and fought to compose her face while her heart appeared to be shrinking.

  The elderly man raised his eyes from the document he’d been reading to meet her gaze. “Your father assured me your brother,” Mr. Percival stopped to stare toward her brother, David, and then at his wife, Bertha, “would care for you. You’re to remain in their home until you marry.”

  “Th-Their home?” Her shoulders dropped and she hitched them up again. “I had thought it would belong to David and to me, the same as the company would.”

  Her brother patted the sleeve of her black wool dress. “Now, Tabbie, you know you’ll always be welcome to live with Bertha and me. Likely you’ll be marrying soon. At least if my brother-in-law has his way.” David glanced at his wife and chuckled knowingly.

  “No,” she whispered. Tabitha stared at him and raised her courage to confront him. “Why do you persist in suggesting I marry William Forsythe? If you hadn’t married his sister, you would never allow the man in our…your home.”

  “You have some nerve.” Bertha turned red and her beady brown eyes almost bulged from her head. “William is paying you a compliment to show interest in a tall, gangly spinster who’s long been on the shelf.” She patted the henna locks she insisted were natural.

  David refused to meet anyone’s gaze, but gave another false-sounding chuckle. “William’s not a bad sort once you get to know him. And if you wed him, you can settle down near us and continue working at American-Atlantic Shipping.”

  Bertha nodded. “With the dowry money you get when you marry, you and William could buy a nice little house in our neighborhood.”

  So, Bertha knew about her legacy from her mother, did she? That partially explained the attention from her worthless brother. Tabitha wondered if Bertha knew how many pieces of furniture were supposed to belong to her as well. Probably down to each drawer pull and napkin rings.

  “Ahem. Shall we get on with the reading of the will?” Mr. Percival adjusted the document he held. “All interests in American Atlantic Shipping, Limited, go to my son, David Masterson.”

  Dread and hopelessness sent Tabitha’s spirits lower. Papa had excluded her from everything. Every single thing. Waves of nausea enveloped her and her stomach clenched. What could she do?

  Why hadn’t she insisted Papa admit her contribution to the family business? Why had she tolerated his fawning over her slipshod brother while she worked long hours to ensure the company’s profits? Why, oh why, hadn’t she rebelled?

  The attorney peered over his glasses at David, and then at Tabitha. “I strongly advised your father against this, but he believed his daughter would wed and wanted no division of the firm your great-grandfather founded. He was adamant that this stipulation be included.”

  Tabitha’s heart cracked. She’d always been aware her father favored her brother, but to be totally disregarded after all she’d accomplished hurt painfully. “So, the six years I worked for him mean nothing?”

  Mr. Percival offered what passed for a sympathetic smile on his wrinkled face. “On the contrary, he instructed you be paid a salary for each of those years.” He named a small sum.

  David leaped to his feet. “In cash? Why should she get so much? After all, we both worked for our father.”

  Bertha pursed her lips. “I should think she’d be grateful to have had a nice place to live all these years in exchange for whatever little job she does at the office.” She fluttered a hand as if dismissing the possibility that Tabitha’s work mattered to the firm. “After all, David does the important job of managing the company.”

  Mr. Percival ignored Bertha and narrowed his eyes at her brother. “Mr. Masterson, you inherited the entire business. Your sister has only the pieces of furniture left to her by your mother and the small dowry provided. Under these circumstances, surely you don’t begrudge your own sister compensation for her toil these past six years.”

  Her brother’s face colored under the attorney’s stare. “I…I just meant that it might leave the company short of working capital.”

  Tabitha thought that if her brother’s new wife had not spent so lavishly, there would be plenty of funds. Her father had been too ill the past six months to realize how extravagantly Bertha went through money that wasn’t yet her husband’s. For this occasion, Bertha had purchased a new gray lampas wool ensemble with matching hat, gloves, and cloak. Even her half boots matched the shade.

  “Shall we continue? My son David Masterson shall be guardian of my daughter Tabitha until she marries or reaches the age of thirty. At that time, she will receive her dowry and the pieces of furniture and household goods left to her by her mother.”

  “Guardian?” Tabitha’s control threatened to disintegrate. “I’m twenty-four years old, Mr. Percival. I’ve been engaged in commerce at our family shipping concern since I was eighteen and returned from school. I hardly need a guardian.”

  The attorney gave a slow shake of his head. “I wrote your father’s will as he instructed, Miss Masterson. I am bound by his wishes, not my opinion in the matter.” He sent her brother another stony stare, then turned back to her. “I will, of course, see your brother does his duty by you.”

  The attorney concluded with small bequests to servants and civic groups, but Tabitha’s ears turned deaf to the litany. Shut out by her own father. Who cared if the same happened to most young women? Most girls only cared about the next party or shopping trip. She had worked hard to keep the family business not only afloat, but to increase profits.

  Like a wooden doll with frozen features, Tabitha rose with her brother and sister-in-law and left for home. That is, for the large home that had been theirs until a few moments ago. Now it belonged to David and Bertha, and she remained there only on grace and favor.

  If Bertha were a kind woman, Tabitha wouldn’t mind quite so much. In spite of the differences in their natures, she loved her brother and wished him happiness. But David played the sap for Bertha’s wiles. A terrible businessman,
apparently David lacked the ability to judge character as well. He’d fallen for his wife the minute he’d laid eyes on her.

  Bertha could pretend to be a sweet Southern belle whose family had been distressed by the War, but Tabitha remained unconvinced. And if they lost everything in the War, how did they live so comfortably now? Suspicion tinged Tabitha’s opinion, she admitted, but something was wrong there.

  William Forsythe appeared even less a gentleman than his sister did a lady. She wondered what he did with his time, for he never appeared to care for business. And the looks William sent her way created an urge in Tabitha to rush to her room, lock the door, and scrub herself clean.

  Worse, if David and Bertha had not returned early from the shopping last Saturday, William would have forced himself on her. He’d tried. She’d given him a black eye for his trouble, but she didn’t fool herself that she could have evaded him endlessly. He was taller and stronger than she. The cad had lied and said he’d tripped trying to prevent Tabitha from falling. She’d be certain the man never got her alone again.

  A week after the visit to the attorney, Tabitha’s usually composed temperament boiled as she walked swiftly to the home of her best friend, Priscilla Witt. When Priscilla opened the door, Tabitha rushed in.

  As usual, Prissy’s brown hair hung half undone and her yellow bombazine dress bore spatters of what appeared to be red jam. “Whatever is wrong? I’ve never seen you so angry?”

  Tabitha whirled to face her friend. “Prissy, you won’t believe what she’s done now. Our long-time cleaning woman quit because of Bertha’s constant harping. Now Bertha thinks I should do the housework Millie had been doing.” She paced back and forth.

  “After working all day at the office while that Bertha flits here and there shopping and visiting friends? That’s ridiculous and unreasonable.”

  “Of course, but my brother takes her side on every issue.”

  “Sit down and let’s talk.” Prissy patted the seat beside her.

  Tabitha sank onto the rose velvet sofa beside her friend. “Oh, she infuriates me so. How my brother tolerates her, I can’t imagine. I wish I could just leave. Disappear from here and never have to deal with that woman again.”

  Prissy’s face lit with excitement. “You could stay here. Violet’s old room next to mine would be perfect, and we’d be like sisters. I’ve always thought of you as a sister anyway.”

  “What would your parents think?” Tabitha had long wished her parents had been like Prissy’s, kind and loving and encouraging.

  “You know they won’t mind.” Priscilla stood and tugged on Tabitha’s hand. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen Violet’s room. Come upstairs now and inspect it. Having you here will be such fun.”

  With all her will, Tabitha resisted, though she longed to give in. “Of course I’d love to, Prissy, but you must ask your parents first.

  “All right, wait here and I’ll ask right now.” Priscilla hurried toward the back of the house and her parents’ sitting room.

  While she waited, Tabitha considered what she would need to bring with her. Perhaps she could get her money from David and find another job. No, he’d never let her do that. She could walk to the office from the Witt’s home and still work for the shipping company. She’d demand a salary to pay the Witt’s for her lodging.

  Priscilla rushed back into the room. “They’re delighted. I knew they would be.”

  Tabitha heaved a long sigh. “I admit being here will be heaven after living around Bertha. And David has changed for the worse since he’s known her.”

  She gazed around the pleasing, tastefully furnished room. Soft colors invited one to linger. Seating created places for easy conversation. “Your home is warm and welcoming, while Bertha has made ours…theirs a garish nightmare.”

  Priscilla plopped beside Tabitha. “You mean she’s brought in more overdone decorations since I was last there?”

  “Oh, yes, and the rooms are so crowded a person can hardly walk through them. Bertha’s spent so much it’s a wonder David has anything left in the bank.”

  “Shall I go with you to tell him you’re leaving?”

  “No, I’d better give him the news privately.” She wrinkled her nose in disgust and stood. “If, that is, I can get him alone without Bertha butting in her nose.”

  “Then I’ll get the room ready for you.” Priscilla rose and walked her to the door and waved goodbye.

  Tabitha’s spirits soared lighter than they had in months as she walked the three blocks home. Once there, she sped up to her room and opened the large trunk she stored at the foot of her bed. Linens for her so-called hope chest filled the container.

  She went to the attic and dragged out two empty trunks. One by one, she got them to her room.

  Bertha appeared wearing the disdainful frown she apparently reserved for Tabitha. “What on earth is making all that noise?” She stepped into the room. “Why do you need trunks?”

  “I’m moving to Pricilla Witt’s home.” Tabitha didn’t look up as she folded clothes and laid them carefully in the first trunk.

  “That’s ridiculous. David is your guardian. He won’t allow you to leave.”

  Tabitha paused and fisted her hands on her hips. “Allow me? He won’t stop me. Why would he care?”

  “We’ll see.” Bertha turned and flounced down the stairs.

  Tabitha told herself to stand her ground, but she knew her weakness. All her life she’d given in to her parents and her brother. Not this time.

  The first trunk sat filled and locked and the second neared completion. Tabitha’s stomach roiled when she heard her brother enter the house and Bertha yammer at him. Although Tabitha couldn’t understand their conversation, she knew they discussed her.

  Heavy footsteps pounded up the stairs. David strode into the room. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  She straightened her spine and forced herself to face her brother. “The Witts have invited me to live with them. I’m almost packed.”

  His face reddened with anger. “Not likely, Tabbie. You belong here until you marry.”

  Tabitha continued gathering her things and laying them in the open trunk. “I don’t like living with you and Bertha.” She paused and glanced at him. “Don’t worry, I’ll still work at the firm. I’m sure you two will enjoy having the house to yourselves. After all, you’re practically newlyweds.”

  He stabbed his finger at her. “You will stay right here until you’re married. What’s more, I’ve granted William permission to marry you.”

  A blinding flash of hot anger engulfed her. “You can’t speak for me in a marriage arrangement. I won’t marry him, and I won’t continue living here.”

  He drew himself up in a replica of their father’s stance. “Oh, yes, you will. I am your guardian until you marry William. Since you’re so eager to leave this house, I’ll arrange the wedding soon.”

  She fought to hold back tears of anger and sorrow combined. “You can’t make me marry him, David. And you can’t keep me here.”

  “Yes, I can. Father’s will gave me that right.” He gestured at her. “A fragile woman can’t make those decisions, especially in as highly a nervous state as you are. Don’t think you can run away to the Witts’ either. I’ll notify them you’re remaining here.”

  “What if I go anyway? You can’t keep me as prisoner.”

  “I can collect you from them as a runaway.” His face hardened until he didn’t resemble the person she’d known as her brother. “In fact, if you refuse to cooperate with my plans, I’ll have you committed to an asylum while you think over the marriage.”

  Her legs gave way and she sat on her bed. “You’d consign your own sister to the horrors of a mental institution just to get your way?”

  She searched his face and saw confirmation his was no idle threat. Profound sorrow surrounded her, along with panic. Her own brother only cared to use her. He’d made her his prisoner.

  “David, I know you don’t lov
e me as a brother should, but I didn’t dream you had so little regard for me.”

  He raised his jaw defensively and glared at her. “I’m doing what’s best, Tabbie.”

  She couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. “Best for whom?”

  “For everyone concerned. With your dowry, you and William can buy the Nelson’s home only a block away. You can continue to work at the shipping office. Our children will be able to play together as cousins should.”

  Children with William? Never.

  In spite of her tears, she faced her brother. “And that worthless William? What’s he supposed to do while I’m working for you?”

  His face showed surprise, as if the answer should be obvious. “Why, he’ll work with us, of course. Then ours will stay a family business, don’t you see?”

  “I see a lot, David. I see you’ve become cold and calculating, just like your wife. She’s changed you and convinced you to accept her lecherous brother. I never knew you could be this cruel.”

  His jaw jutted defensively. Did he also appear a bit embarrassed? “Think what you wish, Tabbie. You’ll do as I say or you’ll end up in the asylum to reconsider your stubborn ways. Don’t think I won’t follow through if you don’t cooperate.” He turned and shut the door behind him.

  She stared at the brown wood panel that sealed her inside. Though sobs wracked her, she continued packing. Some way, someday, she’d escape to somewhere. But how? How could she evade marriage to William or being locked in a mental institution for the insane?

  Chapter Two

  After two weeks of being walked to and from work by her brother, Tabitha quit protesting. Her brother mistook her quiet for compliance and relaxed his scrutiny. Finally, he agreed to let her visit Priscilla.

  Tabitha sat in the Witt family’s parlor and wiped tears from her face. “I’ve never been so miserable. Prissy, what am I going to do?”

  “Are you certain he’d send you to an asylum if you resist?”

  “Yes, but I don’t know which would be worse—being married to William or being locked away. The man gives me shivers in the worst way.”