Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] by A Tapestry of Hope Page B

and Bradley the truth: that hearing both sides of any issue is important to sound decision-making. Although I’m certain Bradley thinks a woman should embrace the same beliefs as her husband, I certainly don’t adhere to such a viewpoint.’’
    Martha nodded. ‘‘Whatever you think is best.’’
    Bradley donned his black silk hat and checked his pocket watch one last time. Tardiness, he had decided many years ago, was a habit of ill-bred individuals who would never succeed in life.
    That resolve in mind, Bradley knew he would be on time for his meeting today, no matter the cost or inconvenience. His image with the Associates was of paramount importance, and today’s meeting would likely prove decisive. He tucked Malcolm Wainwright’s letter into his pocket, stepped up into his carriage, and arrived at Matthew Cheever’s office within fifteen minutes. The number of carriages already present startled him, and he once again looked at his watch. The meeting wasn’t due to begin for another ten minutes.
    He hurried through the iron gate and across the mill yard toward Matthew’s office. All of the other Associates who had been summoned to the meeting were already assembled in the room when he entered. All eyes turned in his direction. He hadn’t felt this level of discomfort since his primary school days when the instructor would sometimes call upon him unexpectedly.
    He took a brief moment to gain his composure before removing his hat. ‘‘Good day, gentlemen.Was the schedule for our meeting changed without my knowledge?’’
    ‘‘Welcome, Bradley,’’ Matthew greeted. ‘‘No, the time wasn’t changed. I asked the other members to come a half hour early.’’
    Bradley waited, but Matthew offered no further explanation, which left him to wonder what the group might have wanted to discuss in his absence. ‘‘I trust I gave you sufficient time to conclude your conversation.’’
    ‘‘Indeed,’’ Nathan Appleton said. ‘‘What news can you share regarding our friends in the South? Are you making any headway with your negotiations?’’
    Bradley reached into his jacket and extracted Wainwright’s recent letter. ‘‘As a matter of fact, I received this letter from Malcolm Wainwright only two days ago. He and his brothers are close to reaching an agreement with us. They sent a refusal to Mr.
    Haggarty, their English buyer, with notice they’ll negotiate terms no further. They requested Haggarty’s signature on a refusal to contract. Once they receive the endorsed refusal, they will be prepared to contract with us. The tone of the letter is extremely positive.’’
    ‘‘That’s excellent news,’’ Nathan commented. ‘‘I don’t think I could be more pleased.’’
    Bradley took a moment to bask in Appleton’s accolades before continuing. ‘‘I believe the balance of the letter may prove you wrong on that account. There is even more good news,’’ he said.
    ‘‘With my strong encouragement, Mr. Wainwright has taken it upon himself to tell other growers about our strong desire to do business with Southern plantation owners throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. There are a number of them who are looking favorably toward conducting business with us if it would prove more lucrative than continuing their current contracts with England. Of course, none of them would yield the amount of cotton that the Wainwrights’ harvest will, but if we can gain control of the area one grower at a time, I’m certain we’ll soon have all the cotton needed to keep our mills operating at maximum capacity. Perhaps it will even signal a time for expansion.’’
    Nathan Appleton’s tremendous enthusiasm was beyond expectations. He bounded from his chair and pumped Bradley’s arm in an exaggerated handshake while encouraging the other members to offer their congratulations. ‘‘You see? I told you our earlier meeting was unnecessary. Bradley is worthy of the confidence Matthew and I placed in