WEDNESDAY NIGHT,
OCTOBER 4, 1871
- Father Lays Down the Law -
“Are you feeling well, Justin?” Mother asked. “You’ve hardly eaten a bite tonight.”
“I’m just … tired,” Justin replied. He didn’t know himself why he wasn’t hungry. The pressure was off him about that gold chain. Father had it all figured out that Poppy was to blame. I hope she doesn’t show up around here, he thought. Father would be furious, and Poppy wouldn’t even know why. He felt sick to his stomach and pushed his plate away.
“I don’t believe the smoke from the fires is healthy,” Claire said. “We’ve been breathing in smoke day after day.”
“That’s true,” Father agreed. “A leather plant down by the river caught on fire today. What a stink that made.” He cut a large chunk of pot roast from the platter and put it onto his plate.
“The meat is perfect,” Claire said. “I hope I will be as good a cook as you when I get married, Mother.”
“It’s been simmering all day on the stove. That’s why it’s so tender,” Mother said. “But it’s made the kitchen so hot. Maybe we should have eaten in the dining room, where it’s cooler.”
“It is hot in here,” Charlie said, getting up. “I’ll open the back door for a few minutes. The cool air will feel good.”
“There are dozens of fires all over the city,” Father said. “The fire alarms and engines are everywhere. The noise is dreadful.”
“The firemen are exhausted,” Claire said. “Forrest thinks he’ll open the church for refreshments for them soon.”
“That would be nice,” Mother said, nodding. “Forrest is conscious of people’s needs. He’s a good man, Claire.”
“He’s a lucky man to get a girl like our Claire.” Father helped himself to a slice of bread. “But you are too extreme with your kindness, Claire.”
Claire put down her fork and looked at her father questioningly. “How can I be too extreme with kindness?”
“It’s that girl, Poppy,” Father explained. “Didn’t the boys tell you how she stole a valuable watch chain from the store?”
“No.” Claire glanced at her brothers. “When did this happen?”
“Er … we don’t know exactly when,” Justin said. “And we’re not really sure it was her. I mean …”
“If you’re not sure, then don’t blame her.” Claire’s voice rose and she shook her finger at the boys. “Just because she’s had to grow up without real parents, in a horrible place, does not mean she’s stolen that chain. You’re assuming it was she who did it.”
“It’s a valid conclusion,” Father stated emphatically. “She’s a thief, she’s been in our store several times, and the chain is missing. I don’t need any more proof than that.”
“Oh, Father,” Charlie said nervously. “She’s been in the store only once.”
“You admit you’re not always at the front of the store,” Father said accusingly.
“See, Father? You are assuming it was poor little Poppy.” Claire’s voice shook as she stood up and carried her plate to the sink.
“Face reality, my child. Next thing you’ll be inviting Poppy to live with us. She’d steal everything we have right from under our noses.”
“I don’t believe she stole that chain,” Claire insisted.
“She was born and bred to be a thief,” Father said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Do not trust her. I do not want her in this house again. That’s an order. Do you all understand?”
“Yes, Father,” Claire said wearily as the others murmured their compliance. She walked to the open door and stood there, looking out into the darkness.