1863 Saratoga Summer Read online

“Aye, he does at that. Strange indeed that he never told you.” His mouth turned up in a crooked grin. “Well, there’s no shame in it, and no matter how you fuss, that’s where we’ll be going until things are sorted out.”

  “And you expect trouble?”

  “Trouble usually trips along in big doses.” He put his hands at her waist, lifted off the counter and set her on her feet. “We’ll be leaving in the morning for the north. In any case, this city is not where I choose to live and work.” He hesitated, watching her face for some reaction, but saw she merely seemed distracted and puzzled. “But we’ll be discussing this at a later time. Agreed?”

  Sinead smiled and bobbed her head. “Agreed.”

  “Then prepare yourself and Robbie for our early departure. I have no idea how much of a trip it might be. If possible, we’ll retrieve my trunk from the hotel. I have most of my money with me.” He moved toward the kitchen door. “If we can’t get there because ‘tis too dangerous, I’ll cope with what I have with me.”

  Sinead smiled up at him. There was comfort in her eyes and the impression of trust in the lack of tension of her full lips.

  Connor wanted to kiss that mouth but gave her a tiny shove toward the kitchen door instead. “Hurry to your chores, lass.”

  When she’d left the kitchen, Connor walked around the room, examining the layout. He opened several of the cabinet drawers and looked at the huge table in the middle of the room. His gaze came to rest on a chunky wooden block with a set of sharp butcher knives protruding from it. Lifting several of the knives from the block, he hefted them in one hand then put several back. Two, he wrapped in a cloth taken from a drawer.

  “Are ye planning on hurting someone with one of those?”

  Connor whirled around to face his brother. A corner of Connor’s mouth lifted at the sight of Egan, his red hair standing on end and his head moving from side to side in teasing humor.

  Egan laughed. “A bit jumpy, are ye?” A wide grin spread over Egan’s face. “Well, well, getting armed I surmise.”

  Connor chuckled. “I didn’t expect to see you in here. You took me by surprise.” He continued wrapping the knives in cloth. “With all the activity today, I figured you’d be greeting the muse of sleep by this time.”

  “No more than you, brother. It seems this city has shocked the both of us into an unusual wakefulness, wouldn’t you be saying?” Egan moved around the kitchen, taking in all pots and pan hanging from a wrought iron umbrella-shaped fixture secured to the ceiling. “The Dewitts must run a large household, judging from the amount of cooking utensils.”

  “From the little I’ve learned about them, they fancy themselves to be grand folks. But, the sight of that woman’s reaction to Bowes at the docks on Saturday left me wondering where she came from.”

  Egan turned to look at Connor. “Ye’ve got your mind set on leaving this city, the grand folks like the Dewitts and those that are rioting. Ye’re going to leave all this wealth around you?”

  “Aye. You know me better,” Connor said, stepping closer to his brother. “I won’t live off the fruits of another man’s labor.” His voice deepened with concern. “Besides, I want to keep the lass and her son safe, and this city is not the place to do that at the moment.”

  “I agree with all you’re saying, Connor, but I have some plans of my own.” Egan looked away, making Connor suspicious.

  Then, remembering Egan’s swift perusal of Isabel, a knowing twinkle came to his eyes. “And what might they be, I would ask?”

  “That maid, Isabel, wishes to return to her parent’s home. She can’t go across this city by herself, I’m thinking,” he casually mentioned in a broad attempt to hide interest.

  “So you intend to escort her there?” Connor smirked, “Ever the hero, eh, Egan?”

  “Aye. That I am,” he said, giving off one of his ready chuckles. “And once she’s safe in the bosom of her family, I intend to join with the police department. Maybe I can’t help bring some order to this place.” Egan smiled in conjunction with Connor’s ready laugh. “‘Tis an exciting city despite the troubles.”

  Suddenly Connor grew serious, anxious about letting his little brother go off somewhere without him. “And how am I to go on without you?”

  “Like you always have, Connor.” Egan put his hand out in a soft gesture. “You made most of the decisions on our journey here, just like you always do, even at home. You’re the strength of the O’Malleys, laddie. Ye always have been.”

  He stepped closer to Connor. “You’ll be doing what’s right for your wife and the lad and for yourself. Of that I have little doubt.”

  In a voice filled with sadness, Connor murmured, “Da would not approve of our separating from each other.”

  “He thought it might happen, or so he said to me.”

  Suddenly, Egan seemed like a man to Connor. The idea of his brother growing up hurt and he turned away.

  “We like different things, you and me. Besides, it won’t be for long, Con.” Egan leaned his frame against a counter, stared at the floor then looked up. “Ye’ll be coming back here to ship yer family over to Ireland.”

  “It seems there are a few legal impediments in the way, ones I didn’t figure on, and da didn’t tell me about them either. It might be a while before I can return, Egan.” Connor put a hand on Egan’s arm. “‘Tis worried I’ll be for you.”

  “Then I’ll come to you whenever I can and as quickly as I can. We’ll not be separated for long.” He stood straighter, more like a grown man. “I’ll be as safe as I can be within the police organization.”

  Suddenly, Egan looked more mature to Connor, but the idea of leaving him behind still didn’t sit well.

  As if he understood Connor’s worry, Egan’s face grew sad. He softly murmured, “Beside Con, I have to take responsibility for my own life sooner or later.”

  “Aye, that you do, boyo.” Connor ruffled Egan’s hair then slapped his brother on the back. He brought his fist up in a playful gesture.

  Egan swiveled away from the counter and took a fighter’s stance, hunched over. The two began their usual playful tussles, before clasping each other tightly for a moment.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The day dawned hot and dry with an overlay of smoky residue from the day before. Moments after waking, Connor heard shrieks and screams rising in the distance, penetrating his consciousness.

  He leaped from the floor in the foyer where he slept on a soft rug and untangled himself from the sheet he draped over his tired, bruised body. Darting to the front door of the mansion, he opened it cautiously and peered out, looking up and down the Avenue. Slowly, he eased himself out onto the porch, keeping his body pressed against the edge of the building.

  The rumblings grew louder and more agonized. Connor realized crowds were crystallizing somewhere out of sight. The only indication of their whereabouts came from smoke rising into the sky near the piers, blocking off access to the water. Although Connor was not sure of the implications, it seemed to him the people’s attacks were beginning to focus on areas of wealth. That meant they would come in his direction.

  Not liking the outcries and clamor reaching his ear, he raced back into the house, slammed the door and shouted to Bowes and his brother on his way to the study. “Get up everyone. Hurry. ‘Tis time to rise and leave here.”

  Bowes was the first to leap to his feet. Looking rumpled and disgruntled, he rushed to the back area of the house, calling out over a shoulder, “I’ll have the horses ready in no time. The rest of you best be getting yourselves ready for a long, tedious journey.”

  Rubbing his eyes and stretching, Egan followed him out of the room.

  Connor knocked on the door of the study. “Sinead, Isabel, I believe crowds of people are coming this way. I can hear the voices, and I don’t wish any of us to remain in the path of monsters.”

  Connor heard Sinead say to Isabel. “Please, could you get Robbie dressed and ready to leave here? I’ll go pack some food.” The knob on th
e door turned and Sinead appeared in the doorway.

  Isabel called, “Jane, wait.” She put her hand forward in a quiet gesture. “I’ll help then I’m going home to my folks.” Tears streaked her face as she moved closer to the door. “I cannot travel upstate with you. I’m fearful for my family’s safety.

  Sinead turned and stared at Isabel. “I think you’re foolish to try to cross the city in its present state, but I do understand. No doubt, I would be doing the same thing.”

  Sinead remained in the doorway and held her arms out to gather Isabel in them. The sobbing girl made Sinead fearful, but she hugged her and kissed both her cheeks. “Shush, lass. Don’t worry. Ye do what you have to do.”

  Isabel went back into the study, calling, “Come, Robbie. It’s time to get clothed. You’re going on a fine journey.”

  “I’ll see you as soon as Robbie and I return,” Sinead said, crossing into the hall. “If everything is fine with your parents, find a way to come to me,” She nodded to Connor, crossed the foyer and went through the recessed door to the kitchen hallway.

  The kitchen looked drab and empty in the cool light of dawn. The Dewitts had taken most of the baskets from the hooks in the ceiling. Much of the food was gone as well. Perturbed, Sinead grabbed several tins then reached to remove large pieces of ice from the icebox.

  She shook her head. There were not enough. She grabbed a pick from the counter table and chipped away until she had enough to line the bottom of the tins. Opening the icebox further, she tossed slices of ham and beef on top of the ice. More ice tumbled in. Chunks of bread and cheese hung from ropes and wires strung up on iron bars. She tossed them into cloth bags she grabbed upon entering the kitchen. They were hanging on several hooks against the wall.

  Her arms full, she staggered out into the hallway then stopped by the back door to lay the food down before continuing on into the big foyer. “I have some food ready to take with us,” she told Connor.

  “Good,” he said, piling what little clothing he found into cases usually used for covering the pillows. “We’ll look poorer carrying things like this.”

  “That’s good Irish linen you’re putting your things into.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll replace everything we take with more.”

  Sinead was about to answer when Isabel appeared with Robbie, who was dressed and unusually quiet. “The boy’s ready,” she stated while staring at the linen sacks.

  Connor nodded, moved to the front door and slid outside.

  Egan ran in from the back of the house. “Bowes says to hurry.” He reached down and grabbed some of the pillowcases from the floor. “Come this way. Bowes said we’d better go out the back. He’s already put the food in the carriage.” His arms full, Egan dashed to the kitchen hall, asking, “Where’s Connor?”

  “Stepped outside. I’ll get him.” Sinead hurried to the doorway.

  Connor, who had run into the street to watch what was happening, came storming back into the house. “Folks are crowding the streets in front of the house. So hurry up.”

  Egan stopped in his tracks. “Then, it’s true. Rioters are building barricades. One of the policemen patrolling outside told me the mob cordoned off the waterfront neighborhoods from the center-island districts.” Egan paused, took a deep breath and furrowed his brow. “I guess they’re not letting anyone through

  “How the devil are they doing that?” Connor questioned, anger in his voice.

  “The policeman said they’ve cut down telegraph poles.” Egan mimicked the action. “They’re using those, along with carts, wagons, boxes, brick and any rubbish they can find to run lines along First and Third Avenues.”

  “I’ll be damned if this isn’t the worst city in the world.” Connor strode to his brother’s side. He grasped him in strong arms. “If you’re still intending to do what you said last evening, you’d best be setting out now. He glanced toward Isabel and tipped his head in her direction. “Avoid the crowds. Walk around them, no matter how far you have to travel. And for God’s sake, be careful and look to your wits.”

  The two men hugged fiercely. Without another word, Egan transferred the sacks to Connor and took Isabel’s hand. With gentle persuasion, he drew her to the front door, cautiously opened it and, within seconds, disappeared from Connor’s view.

  Connor’s elongated grunt caught Sinead’s attention. . He stared through a slit in the door opening. His eyes were watery.

  “Egan’s not coming with us?” she asked, her voice soft and fuzzy.

  “Nae. He must do what he thinks is right. Our da taught us that.” Connor wiped his damp eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. “He’s agreed to see Isabel to her parent’s home. After she’s safe with her family, he’ll join up with the police forces until this rioting is done. When the time is right, he’ll come to us.”

  “How will he find us?”

  “He will. Somehow. Some way.” He bent, picked Robbie up in his arms and settled him on a hip. Noticing the lad’s quiet demeanor this morning, he said, “Do not fear, little one, your new da will take god care of you. Just hang on.”

  Robbie flung his arms around Connor’s neck and laid his head against Connor’s chin. He clung tightly.

  Connor pulled Sinead’s hand until it rested on his arm, hoisted the bundles higher in his other arm and started walking toward the back of the house. “Come lass.”

  She pulled her hand away. “The food. We have to take some more of the food. I was waiting until you could help me.”

  “We may not be able to. Come. We have to go through the back. Your da will have the horses waiting.”

  Sinead looked around the area, perhaps, for the last time. “I can barely leave this place. It’s been my home for what seems like forever.”

  “Don’t worry, lass. We’ll have another home for you and the lad.”

  Anger singing through her, she swung around to face him, knowing that her life was being changed again without her consent. “I have been content here—with my lot in life. I don’t want another home.”

  “We’ll see what lies ahead…but after we take care of what’s right in front of us.” Connor paused, before asking “Has your time here been so happy?”

  ~*~

  The horses were in their traces, ready for movement. They stood with the enduring patience an excessively hot day demanded, heads bowed and eyes half-closed. Bowes hated to work the horses in weather like this, when, most often, they would be grazing in a field near his Saratoga property during the summer heat. Keeping them in the city and working was a necessity this year.

  Under great strain, his thoughts scattered in every direction, Bowes paced beside the carriage, sweat moistening the skin beneath his eyes. With nervous energy, he wiped the sheen from his face with the sleeve of his flimsy undershirt. Sorrow engulfed him, nestled deep inside his guts and rubbed the ache in his stomach.

  How did I get myself into such a sorry state?

  He no longer felt as cocky and sure of himself as he was before Annie’s death. Her dying, without a single word of goodbye, at the feet of an animal he secretly coveted, took all fight and sureness out of him in a single blow. Then the death of his youngest daughter put a more distinct, keener edge to his sense of loss.

  The only thing left to him now was keeping this daughter left to him, the one who managed to live through disease and grief, safe from harm. His promissory marriage obligation to Annie, and now to Sinead, took precedence over everything. This daughter must be saved from all the disasters he believed life threw their way.

  While his thoughts scurried, he took a soft towel from the driver’s seat and wiped the necks of the grays. He combed their manes again, impatient for those in the house to appear. Thoughts exploded in his brain.

  Sinead’s happiness, with Robbie, was of utmost importance. Its urgency made him contact Finn O’Malley to beg the man for one of his sons, never realizing he would put such a one in any jeopardy. He did it for his daughter in the hopes it might help keep Robbie at her side
.

  Bowes did what he always did when troubled over some aspect of his life. He talked it out with his two good friends, the grays. “Hell,” he said to them, “if the marriage saves Sinead from a life of misery and regret, I’m glad.” He ran the edge of the towel over the equine brow bands and continued his muttering. “The lad, Connor, seemed big enough and strong enough to battle for the lass and her son.”

  A modicum of fear raced its way through Bowes body and he shivered in the heat. He thought back over the past week and stood polishing the side of the carriage with the now damp cloth. “You know,” he murmured to the animals, “evening after evening, in many of the saloons in me Irish neighborhood, I heard the grumbling and worry of me friends. On a daily basis, too.”

  The grays turned their heads slightly and rolled their eyes to see their master. He watched the horses’ ears perk up each time he spoke to them and smiled. “I have to admit, at times, I commiserated with those very same downtrodden men, particularly after a hideous day of catering to rich men who rode in me carriage, urging us forward.”

  He leaned forward to pat the neck of the slightly taller animal. “Hurry on. Hurry on, they’d screech at me and I sure didn’t like it,” he grumbled in a high-pitched tone.

  He continued muttering to the animals the way many horseman do. “Obvious to any man who has some brains, those men so supremely discontented would attempt to clear the city of its wealthy individuals, of their homes and businesses.” He hung the damp cloth on the side of the carriage. “I had no doubt, they would march on Wall Street. No matter ‘tis the best-defended area of the entire city.”

  Bowes reached into the grooming box he kept under the driver’s seat. The hard bristles of the brush he was looking for scratched his hand. He pulled his hand and the brush out together and blew on his hand. “I knew many innocents would die in these attempts to create justice for all. Let me tell you, death and dying are ugly things and poor alternatives to discontent.”

  Moving to the back of the horses, he brushed their tails with a practiced motion before tossing the brush back into the box. To keep busy, he straightened the horses’ gear once more and moved around them, patting and murmuring soft words to them.