The Librarian

Episode 19

"You really should think about politics, Mr. Trenholme." Thomas Wilkes confided after dinner, as they stood in the dining room chatting. "Mayhew would have had me tarred if I'd made that suggestion."

"Only because you work for him, Thomas. I don't, and he knows I report in my newspaper, so it behooves him to display some restraint. Besides, I hear his town tour was a huge success." Aaron licked his lower lip and grinned.

Thomas groaned. "Yes – so successful he wants another before we leave. Thank God your town had that road packed and smoothed, pushing that damn chair is hard work."

"I imagine there'll only be time for one business visit."

"My only saving grace. That Dolly just has to smile and the Mayhew I know vanishes."

Aaron laughed. "I don't suppose you uh . . ."

"Definitely not! I have a wonderful woman waiting back in the county seat for me." He paused and rubbed a hand over his face.

"Are you alright? You look pale suddenly."

"Just tired."

"Well, you'll be on the way home soon."

"Which reminds me, I have to deliver the certificate and the reward to Miss Folio. You wouldn't mind handling that for me would you?" Thomas asked, fighting the dull ache in his head.

"Oh, no. That would be much better received from you. Doesn't your boss want to do it personally?"

"As far as he's concerned, that part of his obligation is over."

"Reminds me, your stage will be ready by tomorrow mid-morning. They had to repair the axle and find a new wheel. Some repairs to the hitch equipment too. The horse is on the mend but best tell your driver to use care."

Thomas took a card from his pocket and handed it to Aaron. "You've been a good friend and a big help during our short visit here. I would be pleased and honoured if that friendship might continue, even if only through correspondence. You never know when one might want some good news printed, or a friend in the county seat."

Aaron took the card and exchanged one of his own. He reached out to shake hands, noting Thomas's trembling fingers, and he frowned. "Are you sure you're alright, Thomas?"

"I'm fine. A nap will sort me out." He nodded and went to the stairs and up to his room.

****

Avery sat slumped at his desk, his face an image of despair. Enid removed her coat and bonnet, walking around and massaging his shoulders.

"You are silly to sit here worrying, Avery. Mayhew couldn't care less about Tuckerville politics, he only wanted the publicity from meeting with Miss Folio."

"But the ditch! He asked me about the ditch and I had to lie right there in front of Becker and Trenholme."

"No, Avery, you chose to lie. You could have credited them with the idea, it was still you that got it done."

Enid was right, he thought. Looking good in front of the Governor was all he cared about and what had it won him – disgrace – and the Governor didn't even bother acknowledging him. He reached back and took one of Enid's hands.

"You're right. You're always right about me, Enid. Why do you bother, why keep trying to steer me in the right directions?"

"Because beneath all the huff and puff and political blather, you are a good man, Avery." She came around beside him and took his other hand in hers. "A man it has been a privilege to work with . . . and admire."

He stared at her, his eyes beginning to tear. "Enid . . ."

****

Harriet made a point of stopping on the way to her room to speak with Colleen, and thank her for all the effort she had made for their dinner. She apologized for the way it proceeded and promised that in no way was it Colleen's fault.

"That was very kind, Harriet. I did try to make it nice for everyone."

"Sometimes the best of intentions . . ." The words trailed off and Harriet patted her hand.

"At least it was all paid for by the town." Colleen winked. "Oh, and I might just pop into your library - I've heard you have some cooking books worth looking at."

"I do, and you will be most welcome to come and browse." They traded smiles and Harriet started up to her room.

Wilkes watched the exchange from across the room and followed Harriet when they were through. Get this over with, he thought. As he reached the stairs, Amanda stepped just ahead of him and he waited back, politely. In the upstairs hall, he saw her stop in front of Harriet's door and turn to face him.

"Miss Folio has retired for the evening."

"She just went in and I have some business with her." He wondered what the woman was up to.

"What business would that be, sir? Trying to press your emotions on a vulnerable woman?"

"I beg your pardon? Miss Holden, my business with Miss Folio is with regard to the Governor's visit so if you would please step aside."

Amanda moved away from the door but didn't leave, and when Harriet opened it after hearing a knock, she stepped forward again.

"I tried to stop him, Harriet. He says it business, but we know what kind of business these men are interested in."

Harriet looked dumbfounded. Wilkes was running a flustered hand through his hair, stumbling over the reason he was there and accusing Amanda of blatant fantasy. His head began to pound.

"I apologize, Mr. Wilkes. Please come in, and Amanda, you need to go home and get some rest. Clearly you're upset. We can talk later." She closed the door slowly, concerned about Amanda's cold glare.

"I have no idea what that was about, Miss Folio. She just suddenly became obstructive and accusatory."

"Please ignore what happened. Miss Holden suffered an emotional event a little while ago and I befriended her. It would seem she thinks she has priority over my time now. It's nothing we can't talk out. Now, you stated you had business?"

"I do." He wiped his eyes. "It's the matter of the certificate and the reward. I'm here to deliver both on behalf of the Governor and the county."

"Mr. Wilkes, I tried to make it clear at dinner—"

"I understand, but please consider my position should I fail to see this done. The reward is considerable and from word that I have heard about town, it could go a long way in your efforts for women's rights. Not to mention your own business."

Harriet's shoulders lifted and fell, defeated. "Very well, Mr. Wilkes, I accept your generous presentation and sincerely hope it is the last I will hear of the entire incident."

"Not to sound unkind or ungrateful, but as far as Mayhew is concerned, you are now yesterday's news." He showed a weak smile.

"Not unkind at all, Mr. Wilkes, it's actually good news." She went to the door and opened it, bidding him good evening.

The shot sounded like thunder in the narrow hallway, and Thomas flew backwards, crashing against the dressing table and to the floor.