A Fragile Design by Tracie Peterson Page A

attending St. Anne’s Episcopal Church with Miss Addie, analyzing yet another array of beliefs. She and Daughtie had listened to the Methodists, Baptists, and Unitarians. Now the Episcopalians would have an opportunity to divulge the tenets of their faith, at least to Bella. Daughtie refused to observe another form of worship, certain she would only become more confused. So while Bella and Addie prepared to attend St. Anne’s, Ruth and Daughtie set off for services at the Methodist church. Bella feared her friend’s refusal to further explore the churches in Lowell was a harbinger of what would lie ahead. Bella worried Daughtie would soon announce her plans to depart Lowell.
    Descending the steps, Bella walked through the parlor and then into the kitchen, where Miss Addie was busily packing items into a large basket. ‘‘I thought perhaps you had left without me,’’ Bella remarked.
    Miss Addie gave her a wide grin. ‘‘Not a chance! I wanted to get our lunch packed because immediately after church services today we’ll be attending the annual church picnic. I wanted to surprise you.’’
    ‘‘Well, you’ve certainly managed to do that,’’ Bella replied. ‘‘I’ve never attended a church picnic. What are the rules for such a thing?’’
    Addie giggled, her fleshy pink cheeks jiggling ever so slightly. ‘‘The only rule is to have fun,’’ she announced. ‘‘And I plan to see that we both follow that rule.’’
    ‘‘Are you going to carry that heavy basket to church? Surely we don’t need all that food for just you and me,’’ Bella protested.
    ‘‘No need to worry about the basket. John Farnsworth is calling for us in his carriage. And I’ve packed enough food for four, not two,’’ Addie sheepishly explained.
    ‘‘Four?’’
    ‘‘Yes. Taylor Manning will be joining us.’’
    Bella sat down on the small wooden stool. The sound of the front door opening and closing, along with the voices of chattering girls moving about the house, filtered into the room and interrupted her thoughts. Bella could enumerate a long list of objections to spending the day with Taylor Manning. Miss Addie was an understanding woman, but she might be offended to hear that the thought of spending a day with Taylor Manning and his outlandish ideas about women was probably more than Bella could bear.
    ‘‘Goodness, that certainly comes as a surprise. I was thinking that perhaps it would be better if I joined you for church next week, when there are no special activities,’’ Bella ventured.
    ‘‘Nonsense! The picnic is wonderful fun. That’s why I specifically requested you visit this Sunday. And don’t you concern yourself about young Taylor. John will see that he’s on his best behavior.’’
    A knock sounded at the front door, and Addie scurried off to answer it before Bella could offer any further protest. It appeared there was to be no escape. Bella stewed silently for a moment before standing up and straightening her skirts. Grasping the heavy basket by its handle, she swung it around, nearly knocking Taylor to the floor as he entered the room.
    ‘‘My leg!’’ he hollered, grabbing one leg by the shin while hopping around on the other.
    Bella dropped the basket to the floor. ‘‘I’m so sorry,’’ she apologized hurriedly. ‘‘Sit down and let me take a look at it,’’ she ordered while pointing toward the stool.
    ‘‘No thanks—you’ve done quite enough already,’’ Taylor replied as he rubbed the bruised leg. ‘‘Uncle John and Miss Addie are waiting for us in the carriage. I was sent to fetch you and that confounded basket,’’ he said, grabbing it from her hand.
    ‘‘Mr. Manning! Please don’t use foul language in my presence,’’ Bella ordered.
    Taylor stared open-mouthed at her. ‘‘What are you talking about?’’
    ‘‘If you think I’ll repeat your words, rest assured that I will not.’’
    Taylor’s brow wrinkled into deep creases, which caused him to