Honor glanced down self-consciously and was relieved, though surprised, to find she was wearing a Victorian blouse and skirt. Margaret offered tea and once again, Honor accepted. Then, without any reference to Josh or Cody, her previous visits, or explanations of any other sort, Margaret settled back in her chair and began telling her about Hannah’s recovery.
“I knew I should stay away, but after a few weeks, I couldn’t resist paying a visit to the doctor. He told me that not only had Hannah lost her precious baby, but the severe beating had left her unable to bear more children. Still, her face was healing without too much scarring and her broken bones had recovered to the point that she was beginning to move around a little bit. The doctor told me Hannah wanted to meet the woman who saved her life.” Margaret smiled, recalling the moment.
“On the night of the beating, Hannah’s room had been relatively dark. Perhaps that’s why I was shocked to discover how young she was. Resting on her little cot, bandaged from head to toe, she appeared so small and helpless.” Margaret paused to dab a tear from her eye. “I began visiting regularly and learned that she was an orphan who had been sold into prostitution the year before, when she was thirteen years old. I couldn’t help wondering how different the girl’s life might have been, had her parents lived.”
Honor could tell these memories were painful for Margaret.
“I had originally planned to move Hannah to a new town, where she could resume her former occupation. But when I discovered how young she was, I changed my mind. Besides, her injuries left so many scars, the brothel proprietor would most likely have offered her to men whose perversions wouldn’t be tolerated by his more desirable-looking ladies.”
Honor gasped at the thought of the horrible fate Hannah so narrowly avoided, but managed to remain quiet.
Margaret paused again to dab her eyes with a handkerchief. “The poor little thing was so miserable. It was obvious the treacherous young man who had done so much damage to her body that night had also broken her heart and crushed her spirit. I took such pity on the wretched child that I decided to take her in and offer her employment at my establishment.”
Margaret shook her head, a modest smile fleeting across her face. “It was truly a small gesture, but by the way she reacted, you would have thought I had offered to dress the girl in spun gold!”
Honor smiled, pleased Hannah was no longer alone.
“Hannah was shy and quiet by nature, and her life experiences thus far had taught her to be careful, if not completely distrustful of everyone, so keeping her hidden wasn’t too difficult. Also, I knew that as soon as the rest of my staff learned about her predicament, they would become willing accomplices in the conspiracy to keep her identity secret.”
Honor nodded her understanding, encouraging Margaret to continue.
Margaret took a sip of tea. “I thought Hannah might earn her keep by learning to clean and repair clothing and other such tasks, but she far exceeded my expectations. When I discovered she knew how to read and do simple math, I began to teach her the art of bookkeeping. To my utter amazement, the child became a gifted accountant, able to expertly manage the books for my Uncle Ulysses’ investments, my business, and the entire household.”
It was obvious to Honor that Margaret was proud of Hannah’s accomplishments.
“Over time, Hannah became a trusted confidant. I knew her heart was broken over the loss of the unborn baby, but I admired the way she seemed to accept her lot in life without complaint. Watching her become a skilled accountant also opened my eyes to the fact that intelligent women with heads for business were not as unique as I once thought. Since the two of us were capable of handling business affairs in a manner equal or superior to that of successful men, I concluded the likelihood was that many other women could do the same, if given the opportunity.”
Honor nodded.
“I made a vow to seek out intelligent women and assist them in overcoming the obstacles placed in their paths by a society which granted them no power.”
The fog closed in and soon Honor was floating through time again. When the haze cleared, they were still at Margaret’s home, but Margaret was dressed in an extravagant pink silk gown, with white lace overlays at her neck, wrists and bustle. Her hair was piled high, and accented by a small tiara of pink stones. She spoke immediately.
“When I was a child, one of my mother’s best customers was a railroad tycoon that I greatly admired. He always talked to me as though I were worthy of his attention.”
Without warning, the fog rushed in and spun Honor around into an earlier scene at the old house. Margaret was about ten-years-old and was chatting with a man who was easily thirty years her senior.
He laughed. “Ah, Margaret—you are a dear child. My son, Morton, is about your age. I can only hope that when he marries, he will choose a girl with your sensibilities and wit.”
Margaret ventured, “Is your wife like me?”
“When she was younger, she was. She supported my ambitions and enjoyed traveling. Sadly, now she suffers with consumption.” He shook his head. “She has become so fragile that even the smell of liquor or cigar smoke on my clothing can trigger severe bouts of coughing. That’s why I stop by here so often. Your mother works magic with my clothes.”
“Well, I’m glad you come here,” Margaret beamed. “I adore spending time with you and hearing about your adventures.”
He laughed again. “God willing, I’ll have many more adventures building a railroad that will conquer the wilds all the way down to the coast of Florida. Imagine—the entire Country will be open to even the most delicate, female travelers. Then you’ll be able have adventures of your own.”
“Tell me about Florida,” she begged.
“Maybe during my next visit. I need to see myself home now.”
As she watched the man walk to the door with her mother, Margaret turned to Honor. “He’s an extraordinary man. He recounts his fishing and hunting exploits in such thrilling detail, I imagine I am at his side. And his business associates are among the most important people on earth. More than anything, I long to be a part of his world.”
The fog engulfed Honor, hurtling her back to the previous scene, her head spinning wildly. Margaret didn’t notice Honor’s distress, but instead spoke as though she never left this memory.
“When my mother died, I took over her business, but I also continued my education. Soon I was able to discuss a wide range of topics with equal confidence - everything from business matters and horse racing, to the works of master artists.”
Margaret turned to a free-standing oval mirror and smiled at her reflection. “The gentleman continued to visit over the years, even after his ailing wife died and he no longer needed cleaning services. I remained enchanted by his courageous spirit and his remarkable business acumen. Eventually his visits became a courtship, and I traveled to Florida as his social companion on several occasions. We even sailed to England for a summer.”
She reached for a lace veil and carefully tucked it under the tiara. “And now finally, eleven years after the death of his first wife, Henry Bradley Plant and I are getting married.”