CHAPTER 3 -- SOMETHING’S HAPPENED
As the night wore on, everyone in the great house had retired for the night except for Minerva and Matthew, who were still sitting in the parlor with Hattie. The ticking of the grandfather clock and the fire dancing among the logs in the fireplace were the only sounds in the room. Feeling chilled, Hattie walked to the fire to warm herself. Standing quietly, she looked at clock on the mantle. “Five minutes till midnight,” she thought, “and still no word from Ira.” The past few hours of constant worrying had completely drained her of any energy, and her eyes were still puffy from crying so much. Turning, she listened to Matthew and her mother speaking about Nick and Laville. Walking toward where they were sitting, she said in a weary voice, “Aren’t either of you tired?”
“A little, Dear,” Minerva replied kindly, “but we decided we’d stay up with you until Ira has returned.” Standing, Matthew walked to Hattie and placed his hand on her shoulder. “I think Mary was right when she said, ‘A storm’s a brewin’. So, with something so radically wrong with Ira and no real answers, we’ve decided to be your anchors in the storm.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that, Matthew. It means so much to know you all love me and that I have your support. You’re right, though, something is very wrong. As Granddad used to say, ‘I can feel it in my bones.’ There was no logical reason for Ira’s outburst before he left, and I am nearing my wits end when it comes to dealing with him. I’ve run his words over and over in my mind, but it still doesn’t make sense. All I know is that his anger seems to be centered on Nick and Laville more so than on me, but because I am the one who sees him when he gets home, I get the brunt of his frustration. All that aside, however, I am deeply and truly worried. He left here so angry and determined, I’m afraid of what he is capable of doing while in that frame of mind.” Pausing, she looked deep into Matthew’s eyes. “I hope you know that I meant what I said to you earlier today, Matthew. I need you. This is one storm I definitely do not want to ride out alone.” Her tone was soft yet firm, and Matthew knew she was deadly serious. Nodding his head, he waited for her to continue. “So, with that understood, why don’t you and Mama go on to bed now? I’m about to turn in myself anyway, and I don’t want to keep either of you up any longer.” Agreeing, they said goodnight and left her alone in the parlor.
After blowing out some remaining candles on the night table, Hattie walked slowly to the stairs. Upon reaching them, she heard the back door open, and a moment later she was met by Ryan Teeples in the grand foyer. “Miss Hattie! Good, you’re awake.”
“What, Ryan? What is it?”
“Nothing I’m afraid,” he said dropping his head. “It seemed for a while that Ira was headed for the mill, but on the way, he turned off at your little farm. He went inside while I waited and watched for him, but I never saw him come out. Finally, I decided to sneak up close to the house, and when I looked inside, the house was empty. So, not knowing where he went, I walked around back and found where another horse had been hitched for some time. Evidently Ira had planned his escape from being followed.”
Seeing his genuine disappointment, Hattie reassured him that it was okay. “Don’t worry, Ryan, I’m sure you did your best.”
“I believe he’s been having someone watch to see if he was being followed.” Once again dropping his head, he said, “I’m sorry.”
As he turned to leave, she called him back. Hattie wasn’t about to let him leave on such a sour note. She had big plans in mind for this young man. Calling to him, she waited for him to return to her. “Ryan, I’m curious. What is it you want to do with your life?”
