A Fragile Design by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page A

was concerned, it would be the very best of days.
    These semiannual meetings were a source of pleasure to Kirk. He enjoyed receiving the accolades bestowed upon him by the members of the Corporation. The bursts of applause that occasionally interrupted his reports of progress at these meetings were almost as important to Kirk as the tidy sum he was paid to oversee the paternalistic community created with the Associates’ money. As general agent for the Corporation, Kirk continued to receive the complete support of the Associates—except for one or two recalcitrant men who harbored ill will toward him.
    Kirk grasped Matthew Cheever’s hand. ‘‘Glad you arrived early, Matthew. I’m depending on you to assist me during this meeting. I’ll remain at the door. You see to their comfort once they enter the sitting room.’’
    Matthew knew exactly what was expected. Matthew would see to the comfort of Kirk’s guests, ensuring that their glasses were full, their cigars were lit, and adequate seating was available. Kirk was careful that his servants couldn’t overhear business conversations, and it was a foredrawn conclusion that women would not be in attendance. Matthew didn’t mind. As the evening progressed, the other men would realize Kirk had also begun to rely upon him for loftier responsibilities.
    Taking his position in the large sitting room adjacent to Boott’s office, Matthew offered a welcoming hand and glass of port to the gentlemen as, one by one, they began filling the room.
    Paul Moody entered the room and made his way to where Matthew stood. He gave Matthew’s shoulder a friendly squeeze. ‘‘Helping the boss keep his guests happy?’’
    Matthew nodded as he filled several goblets with the expensive port Kirk enjoyed serving. ‘‘If you’d care to help, you can deliver these to William Thurston and Nathan Appleton.’’
    Paul laughed and drew a weatherworn hand across his balding pate. ‘‘I’ll be happy to deliver Nathan’s glass. William is another matter. I have no use for that man. I fear he is a doubleminded sort who has only his own best interests at heart.’’
    ‘‘He’s not one of my favorite people, either, but you can always count on him to be present at the meetings.’’
    Paul nodded. ‘‘Exactly! He wants to cause Kirk as much grief as possible. Given any opportunity, he’ll be up to his same old tricks this evening.’’
    Matthew picked up the glasses and gave Paul a grin. ‘‘Let’s hope Boott can hold him at bay. Otherwise we’ll be here until the wee hours of the night, and I don’t think that would please either of our wives.’’
    ‘‘How is Mrs. Cheever? My wife reports there’s to be an addition to your family.’’
    ‘‘It seems there are no secrets in Lowell. She is doing very well, thank you. Needless to say, we are delighted with the news.’’
    Paul took one of the goblets. ‘‘I’ll take this to Nathan. No need to worry about your news. It’s safe with me—and I’ll tell my wife that she’s to keep her lips sealed until you and Mrs. Cheever have an opportunity to spread the word.’’
    Matthew strode toward the other side of the room, wondering how Evangeline Moody knew that Lilly was with child. He offered the glass of port to William Thurston, who stood staring out the sitting room window. ‘‘With all those buds on the trees, it appears we’re going to have an early spring,’’ Matthew said.
    William startled at the words, appearing embarrassed as he turned around. ‘‘I was deep in thought. I didn’t realize anyone was close at hand.’’
    ‘‘Quite all right,’’ Matthew replied. He waited only until William accepted the glass before turning away. He didn’t want to be drawn into a conversation with a man he didn’t trust—especially this one.
    John Farnsworth, the Englishman in charge of the print works operation at the Merrimack, grasped Matthew’s hand as he turned. ‘‘Good to see you, Matthew. It appears