Read Online A Fragile Design by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online

and glancing at the time, ‘‘for which I certainly don’t want to be late. Uncle John has agreed to assist a group of us who will be scheduling some lectures in the near future.’’
    Margaret and Harriet ignored their visitors and immediately turned their full attention to Taylor, both of them obviously besotted with his confident behavior and strapping good looks. Bella found their behavior annoying.
    ‘‘The other men must value your opinion greatly if you’re assisting with such important matters,’’ Harriet fawned in a syrup-sweet tone.
    Margaret nodded. ‘‘You must be very worthy of their trust.’’ She batted her lashes and lowered her head in a coy manner. Bella had to admit this was not something she’d had to deal with in the Society. She had to smile at the very thought of Sister Mercy lowering her head and simpering for one of the Brethren.
    Taylor squared his shoulders and nodded. ‘‘Why, thank you,’’ he replied, tucking away his watch. ‘‘These lectures are of enormous value to the men. They aid us in keeping abreast of current topics of importance. There’s absolutely no way of evaluating how much good these lectures and the library are accomplishing for the men, but I must say that I’m proud to be a part of this noble venture.’’
    ‘‘These lectures you speak of—are they only for the men, or may we attend also?’’ Bella asked as she perched on the edge of her chair. She’d opened her mouth almost before she’d given herself a chance for thought.
    The room grew silent. All of them, save Daughtie and Miss Addie, stared at her as though she’d spoken a foreign language.
    ‘‘The lectures and library are both sponsored and funded by the Mechanics Association, which is comprised of skilled tradesmen.’’
    Well, I’m committed to this now, Bella reasoned. I might as well continue . ‘‘The women working in the mills are certainly skilled workers.’’ She tried to keep her voice soft and nonthreatening. ‘‘I’m certain many of them would be pleased to spend a small portion of their earnings in exchange for a membership that would permit them to enjoy the valuable services you’ve so aptly described.’’
    Taylor shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. ‘‘You do understand, Miss Newberry, that there is a vast difference between a skilled tradesman and someone who merely passes a shuttle back and forth through a loom, don’t you?’’
    Struggling to keep her temper in check, Bella clenched her hands together in a white-knuckled clasp. Gone was her attempt to keep her voice decidedly calm. ‘‘Where I come from, Mr. Manning, women are treated as equals, given the same opportunity to expand their minds as men, and encouraged to explore all the abilities God has given them. Am I to understand that the men of your Mechanics Association find that an unacceptable ideology?’’
    Taylor rose from his chair and paced back and forth on the floral-designed wool carpet. ‘‘I believe you’re twisting my words, Miss Newberry. However, we do not have female members, nor do they utilize our library nor attend the lectures.’’
    ‘‘Aha!’’ Bella retorted, now matching him step for step as he continued pacing. ‘‘But you obviously believe women are inferior since you disallow them the use of your facilities and attendance at your lectures. I’d venture to say that if women were permitted to assist with these lectures and the library, you would see an improvement.’’
    Taylor raised a finger and pointed it toward Bella. ‘‘So you’re saying that women are more enlightened than men, Miss Newberry? What makes you the better in this disagreement? You argue on behalf of women while I argue on behalf of men.’’
    Bella pushed his finger away and stood facing him, hands on hips. ‘‘No. I do not argue solely on behalf of women, Mr. Manning. I argue on behalf of both men and women. I believe that opportunities should be available in equal