Read Online The Revelation of Louisa May by Michaela MacColl - Free Book Online Page A

Whittaker.”
    â€œOf course. Edith Whittaker,” he said, a malicious smile on his lips. “It’s been several years since I saw you last. It was in Washington, wasn’t it?”
    â€œThe less said about Washington, the better,” Miss Whittaker said, with a glance at Louisa.
    â€œOf course. Whatever you like. Tell me, what are you doing here?” he asked. “Were you looking for me? I was born and raised in Concord.”
    â€œCertainly not!” cried Miss Whittaker. “I had no idea that you were from this area. I’m here on business.”
    Louisa watched the two of them, feeling like a spectator at a masquerade. “Business?” Mr. Finch stressed the word. “Perhaps I can be of assistance?”
    â€œNot likely!” Miss Whittaker spat. She saw the surprise on Louisa’s face and became more ladylike. “I am perfectly capable of managing my own affairs.”
    â€œNevertheless, I’m at your service,” Finch said.
    â€œIt’s completely unnecessary,” Miss Whittaker insisted. “Now Miss Alcott and I must escort Mrs. Alcott to the train.”
    Marmee, May in tow, finally emerged from the general store and looked impatiently up and down the street. Midmorning was a busy time for the Main Street shops and at first Marmee didn’t notice Louisa. Louisa whistled to draw her mother’s attention, ignoring Miss Whittaker’s scandalized look. Marmee turned and saw her, waving her arm for Louisa to come.
    â€œI’m afraid we are in a dreadful hurry, Miss Whittaker,” Louisa said. “I’ll just leave you here with Mr. . . .” She watched Miss Whittaker, curious to know if he too had answered to a different name in Washington.
    â€œMr. Jones and I have nothing further to say to each other.”
    Mr. Finch’s cheeks reddened, and he had the air of someone who could barely keep his temper in check. “Miss Whittaker,” he said with some emphasis. “You’re confusing me with someone else. My name is Finch.”
    â€œIn Concord, I dare say it is,” Miss Whittaker replied. She seemed to have recovered her equanimity.
    Marmee tapped her watch impatiently, so Louisa wasted no more time and ran toward her, away from a most uncomfortable reunion.
    â€œWhere have you been, Louisa?” Marmee asked as they set off at a brisk pace toward the train station. “Who were you talking to?” Although she could still read without spectacles, Marmee’s eyesight was not good for long distances. Little May skipped ahead, clutching a bag of treats.
    â€œMiss Whittaker,” Louisa answered, making a split-second decision not to worry Marmee about Mr. Finch. “She caught me on the street.”
    â€œMiss Whittaker is very fast,” agreed Marmee with a wicked glint in her eyes.
    With an answering grin, Louisa said, “You should see how quickly she can trap Mr. Emerson in his own study!”
    â€œAt least he tries to run. Your father surrenders willingly!”
    â€œMarmee!” Louisa said, laughing, but disconcerted at the same time.
    â€œNone of that, young lady.” Marmee waggled a finger at Louisa. “You know as well as I do that your father’s fatal flaw is not a woman but the promise of publication. Miss Whittaker is tempting him with this magazine of hers.”
    Louisa nodded thoughtfully, and after a moment told her mother everything Miss Whittaker had said about her magazine. “Do you really believe she’s raised so much money?” Louisa asked.
    Marmee shrugged. “As long as we don’t owe anything, I don’t care. But I won’t hold my breath waiting for her to pay your father. Louisa, in this world, you have to depend . . .”
    â€œOn yourself,” Louisa finished. “I know, Marmee. But
you
can depend on
me
. I’ll make sure Father doesn’t lose his head or his purse.”
    The train depot