38

Olivia squeezed her eyes shut at the sound of Darius’s car pulling away, then waited with her back against the door until her heart rate slowed to near normal. Once she had herself under control, she opened her eyes. The house sat in shrouded darkness, with only the faint glow from the porch light illuminating the hall. The downstairs seemed quiet, but just to be certain, Olivia glanced into the parlor. It appeared everyone had already retired for the evening.

She sighed as she started up the staircase, mustering all her strength just to lift her feet. She couldn’t think about Darius right now, or the fact that she would never see him again. If she did, her last thread of control might snap, sending her into another abyss of despair. After losing Abigail, she’d promised herself that she would never become so consumed by darkness again. And though she craved nothing more than to crawl into her bed and sleep for the next two days, she owed it to Ruth and Jenny to warn them about the strange man’s unwelcome visit. If he returned unexpectedly, they needed to be prepared.

She headed to Ruth’s room at the far end of the house and gave three sharp raps on her door.

“Come in.”

Olivia opened the door. Ruth sat in an armchair with her Bible open on her lap.

“Oh good. You’re still awake. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“You’re home earlier than I expected.” Ruth took off her reading glasses to study Olivia. “From the look on your face, I don’t think you have good news.”

“I need to tell you what just happened.” Olivia walked in and took a seat on the ottoman. “When I got back a few minutes ago, a man was waiting on the porch. He claimed to be Jenny’s husband.”

Ruth went still. “Oh dear. I was afraid something like that might happen.” She closed the Bible on a soft exhale. “We had our suspicions when Jenny first arrived, but recently she confided that she left an abusive husband, who is also a heavy drinker, because she was worried that his violence would escalate and harm the baby.”

A chill slid down Olivia’s spine. Thank goodness Darius had been with her. “I told the man he’d have to call and talk to you if he wanted authorization to visit. He wasn’t happy, but he finally left. I thought you and Jenny should know.”

“I’m glad he didn’t give you too much trouble, but you’re right. Jenny needs to be told.” Ruth got up from the chair. “Let’s do it together, with as little fuss as possible. Then, once the three of us come up with a strategy to deal with him, we’ll tell the others in the morning. No need to disturb everyone in the house at this hour.”

“I agree,” Olivia said as she rose. “Besides, I doubt he’d have the audacity to come back again tonight.”

At least she fervently hoped not.

The next day, Olivia rose just after dawn and went downstairs. Between the heartache over ending her relationship with Darius and worrying about Jenny, Olivia had suffered another restless night. The talk with Jenny had been unsettling at best. Olivia hated causing the girl such distress and only hoped she wouldn’t become even more withdrawn now. They would have to keep a close eye on her in the days to come and assure her that she was safe, that she wasn’t alone.

Olivia found Ruth eating breakfast in the sunroom instead of the usual dining room. The space was filled with bright light that bathed Ruth’s head with a golden glow.

“Good morning.” Olivia managed a weak smile as she entered.

Ruth raised her head from the newspaper. “You’re up extra early. In all the excitement last night, I forgot to ask how your evening was.”

Olivia walked over to the table and poured herself a cup of coffee. “It was . . . festive. Sofia enjoyed her birthday very much.”

Ruth narrowed her eyes. “How was it meeting the Reed clan?”

“Interesting. They’re certainly a lively bunch.”

“Is that all?” Ruth’s brows rose as she lowered her cup. “I would think meeting the man’s family for the first time would be a rather momentous occasion.”

A cloud moved over the sun, momentarily blocking its bright rays.

Olivia wished she could share some amusing stories with Ruth; however, there was no point in trying to pretend everything was all right. “The party was lovely, but on the way home, I . . . ended our relationship.”

Ruth’s mouth fell open. “Why would you do that when you’re obviously crazy about him?”

Olivia resisted the urge to flee from Ruth’s sharp gaze. But she would have to give her some type of explanation. She’d only persist until she did. “I’d already decided that I couldn’t continue seeing Darius, but I didn’t want to disappoint Sofia, so I waited until the party was over.”

Ruth shook her head. “I don’t understand. I thought things were going so well. What changed?”

Olivia glanced to the open doorway to make sure no one else was around. “I ran into an old neighbor a few days ago, and she refused to speak to me. I realized then that no matter how hard I try, my past will always haunt me. And I can’t let my mistakes harm Darius and Sofia.”

“Oh, my dear.” Ruth leaned forward. “I’m sorry that happened, but you mustn’t let one unfortunate incident ruin your future.”

“It’s not only that.” Olivia sighed. “Mrs. Reed told me that Darius wants a big family like the rest of his siblings have. And I can’t give him that.” Avoiding Ruth’s probing gaze, she chose a scone from a basket on the table.

“Why not? I assumed you’d want more children of your own one day.”

A band of pain seared across Olivia’s chest. “I don’t think I can have any more children, Ruth. I hadn’t really considered that when he asked me on a date. But it became clear last night that it wouldn’t be fair to lead him on.”

Olivia waited for the expected words of sympathy, but Ruth remained thoughtful as she stirred her coffee.

At last she looked up. “Why do you think you can’t have more children? Did a doctor tell you this?”

“Not in so many words.” Olivia spread a napkin on her lap. “But I know in my heart it’s true.”

Ruth leaned forward, compassion evident in her soft gaze. “My dear, until you get a proper exam, it’s nothing more than speculation. I understand that you’re scared, but for the sake of your future, shouldn’t you try to find out the truth?”

Olivia shifted her gaze to the lace tablecloth. Her friend couldn’t begin to understand what she’d been through because she’d never told her. She raised her eyes. “I can’t, Ruth. Horrific things were done to me in the reformatory by the doctor there. Things I have a hard time even speaking about.” Her hands began to shake. “That’s why I was so afraid of Dr. Henshaw at first. And why I can’t tell my story at the city council meeting.” She closed her eyes and focused on regulating her breathing.

Ruth squeezed her arm. “I’m sorry you had such a bad experience.”

Olivia didn’t dare look up, knowing the sympathy shining in her friend’s eyes would be her undoing.

“If having your own children is out of the question, there are other ways to have a family,” Ruth said gently. “Did you discuss that with Darius?”

“We skirted the issue, but I told him I wouldn’t let him sacrifice his future for me. He deserves someone less broken, someone who won’t bring shame to his family.” She jutted out her chin, pushing the hard ball of emotion down deep. There was no point in discussing the matter any further. “Now, can we please change the subject before the girls come down?”

Ruth’s mouth opened, then she clamped it shut. After several seconds of silence, she inclined her head. “Very well. We’ll table this conversation for now, but I intend to continue it again another time.” Though her tone was no-nonsense, she gave Olivia’s arm another gentle squeeze.

Olivia pressed her lips together. As far as she was concerned, there was nothing more to say. Ruth would eventually have to accept that Olivia had made her decision and that nothing would make her change her mind.

The morning after Sofia’s party, Darius left home just after sunup. Too restless to sleep and too edgy to linger over his morning coffee, he’d rinsed out his cup and glanced at the clock on the wall.

Sofia would sleep in this morning after staying up so late last night. He would likely be back before she even stirred. Setting his jaw, Darius set out for the one place he hoped to find solace.

Thankfully, St. George’s church doors were already open for the day. Removing his hat, Darius entered and took a seat halfway up the long aisle. A hushed stillness enveloped the sanctuary, where everything lay ready for the services later that morning. Darius worked hard to quiet his mind and simply breathe in the soothing scent of candles and lemon furniture polish before lowering himself to the kneeler.

Lord, my spirit is heavy today. Heavy with the burden of Olivia’s suffering. I’m here to pray for her and ask that you ease her pain. Help her to realize that she is worthy not only of your love but also the love of others in her life. Remind her that she doesn’t have to shut herself off from the world or deny herself the comfort of people who care about her. She deserves a husband and family . . . even if it’s not with me.

He bowed his head over his clasped hands, fighting the sting of tears. He could barely comprehend the physical tortures she had endured, much less the emotional pain of having her son taken from her.

“For a few minutes after Matteo was born, every bit of suffering seemed worth it—just to hold my baby at last. But then he was taken from me without my consent, and suddenly nothing mattered anymore.”

In addition to that devastating loss, Olivia might not be able to have any more children. Darius didn’t know how she even managed to carry on. And now she was denying herself the family she so richly deserved.

Sure, he’d be thrilled to have more children, but if Sofia was the only child he was blessed with, he would be content with that. And if he could have Olivia as his wife, he’d consider himself the luckiest man ever.

“But your will not mine be done, Lord,” he whispered. “If I’m not the man who can make Olivia happy, then let me accept that. The only thing that matters is her peace and happiness, and if I can help in any way, please show me how. Amen.”

He knelt there for several more minutes until a measure of calm settled in his soul. The peace that only prayer could bring. Now that he’d taken his problems to the Lord, he felt certain an answer would be forthcoming.

What that answer would look like, he had no idea. But he trusted God’s plan implicitly.

Outside on the steps of the church, Darius breathed in the crisp air and listened for the faint peal of bells in the distance. He’d always loved hearing St. Michael’s bells, even as a child.

As he made his way to the car, his thoughts turned to Olivia’s brother. Didn’t he say he worked at the cathedral?

Darius stopped dead, his mind whirling. One of the things that continued to haunt Olivia was the loss of her son. Would knowing what had become of him ease her pain in any way? Darius had resigned himself to the fact that there was nothing he could do to fix the situation. But now, as the bells rang out over the city, a new thought dawned. If anyone might be able to help, it was Salvatore Rosetti. A trusted clergyman and family member.

At the very least, it was worth a try.

Before he could change his mind, Darius turned on his heel and headed toward St. Michael’s, hoping he wasn’t about to make a very big mistake.

Ruth looked around the sunroom at the expectant faces watching her. Calling a meeting on a Sunday morning was out of the ordinary, and an atmosphere of uncertainty permeated the room.

The last time they’d been all together here had been for an evening of fun. Everyone had laughed and sang and drank punch, enjoying the festivities and managing to set aside any thoughts regarding the future of Bennington Place.

But now, as much as Ruth hated to be the bearer of bad news, the residents deserved to be warned. After speaking with Jenny last night and getting her permission to tell the others a bit of her story, Ruth was ready.

“Good morning, ladies. I won’t take too much of your time, but a situation has arisen that we feel you should be aware of.”

A murmur went around the room. Cherise and Margaret each held their babies. Jenny sat somewhat removed from the group, as though her mere presence might taint the rest. Olivia, Monica, Patricia, and Nancy filled out the circle of chairs near the windows. Outside, dark clouds still blocked the sun, casting a gloomy pall over the gathering.

“Is it the finances again?” Cherise asked. “Because the girls and I have been talking and we don’t mind contributing something toward our keep.”

“That’s very generous of you, Cherise. We will discuss business in a minute, but this is a more personal issue. One that concerns our safety.”

“Are the protestors back? I didn’t hear any commotion out there.” Margaret patted little Calvin’s back protectively.

“It’s not the protestors.” Ruth glanced over at Jenny, who stared at the floor. “Jenny’s husband has found out where she’s staying. He showed up here last night, and although Olivia managed to get him to leave, he made it clear he’d be back.”

An uneasy silence followed as the women exchanged worried looks.

“Why the concern? Is he dangerous?” Patricia gave Jenny a pointed stare.

Jenny only shrugged, her gaze darting back to the floor.

“He’s been known to be violent.” Ruth didn’t wish to say anything more. She’d promised Jenny to reveal only what was absolutely necessary, but the women needed to be aware that the man wasn’t to be trifled with. Ruth cleared her throat. “So I’m asking all of you to be extra diligent. Make sure the doors and windows on the main floor are locked at all times. If you hear anyone outside, please alert either myself or Olivia, or simply call the police.”

“I’m sorry to put you in this position,” Jenny whispered. “But I had nowhere else to go. I was afraid he’d hurt the baby.” She laid a protective hand over the swell of her stomach, tears rolling silently down her face.

Olivia went to put an arm around Jenny’s shoulders. “It’s not your fault. That’s why we’re here, why Bennington Place exists. To provide a safe place for women who need it.” She looked around at the other residents. “We all need to stick together to protect one another.”

“Olivia’s right. Can we count on all of you?” Ruth raised her brows and looked around the room.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Of course.”

“We’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Excellent.” Ruth gave an approving nod. “Now, to discuss other matters. You mentioned finances, Cherise. Happily, we’ve had a few sizable donations come in, which should be enough to cover our roof repairs. However, the reality remains that we’re barely meeting our day-to-day expenses.”

“I think it’s only fair to pay a modest fee for room and board, especially if we’re working,” Nancy offered.

“Thank you, ladies. Though I wish it wasn’t necessary, your suggestion of some type of payment would be greatly appreciated. A small contribution would go a long way to offset our expenses.” Ruth rose from her seat to walk behind the chairs. “The other issue looming over our heads is the upcoming city council meeting.”

As much as she disliked bringing up the topic, she knew the girls had been worried about the possibility of having to close the home. They deserved full transparency about the matter.

“I’m fairly confident that the council will see the pettiness of Mr. Simmons’s petition and allow us to continue our operation here. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that we may have to close. In that event, I plan to find another location for Bennington Place. I have an agent scouting potential sites outside the city limits.”

“That could take months. Where would we go in the meantime?” Monica asked.

Ruth held back a sigh, hating the fear on the girls’ faces. “I’m not sure, but we will figure something out. I promise.”

Several of the girls frowned, and murmurs went around the room.

Cherise got to her feet. “I, for one, will follow wherever you and Olivia go, if you’ll allow me. At least until I can earn enough to move out.”

“I appreciate your loyalty, Cherise.” Ruth smiled, still amazed by the woman’s complete turnaround from streetwalker to churchgoer and staunch supporter of all the women at Bennington Place. “You’re welcome to stay as long as we have the room.”

“Well, I don’t want to move out of the city.” Margaret’s lip wobbled. “It will be too hard to commute to my job, especially if the streetcar doesn’t go that far.”

“I agree.” Monica sighed. “I just hope it doesn’t come down to that.”

Nancy and Patricia both nodded, grim looks on their faces.

Ruth looked at each resident in turn. “I understand if the uncertainty is too much for you and you wish to find different accommodations. Just know you’re all part of our family and will always be welcome.” Ruth cleared her throat. “In the meantime, I ask for your prayers to help us discern the Lord’s will for Bennington Place. And on that note, for those of you who wish to attend church with us this morning, we should be on our way.”

As the women trailed somberly from the room, Olivia came over to give Ruth a warm hug. “I know that was difficult. But I’m sure everything will work out.”

Ruth squeezed Olivia’s hand. “I pray you’re right, my dear, because right now the odds certainly seem stacked against us.”