Portriat
Chapter 9: The Spider

It became an everyday occurrence for Jamie to receive an invitation to the O’Malley’s home. Jamie and Meghann spent many happy hours in each other’s company. As Meghann grew more attentive towards Jamie. Mr. O’Malley grew colder.

Shawn was never at home when Jamie came for Meghann. Mr. O’Malley spoke to Jamie very rarely and only during banking hours. Yet there was something different about him. Jamie decided to ask Meghann the reason behind the change.

“How did you enjoy the meal,” Meghann asked as Miss Murphy removed the empty plates.

“The best chicken after my mother’s,” Jamie confessed.

“Why is your brother not here this evening?” Jamie inquired. “There is a question I needed to ask him.”

Meghann looked away not responding. She stared out the window towards the garden. Jamie did not press the issue. His question would wait. Jamie cleared his throat.

“Miss O’Malley would you care to take a turn with me in the garden you will find the weather is quite fine.”

“Sir my reputation,” Meghann playfully remarked.

“Safe in my hands,” Jamie stated.

Without a word she rose picking up a shawl from her chair. She placed her hand into Jamie’s. Together they walked out into the evening air.

Meghann shivered a little as a cool breeze passed by. She let go of Jamie to put the shawl over her shoulders.

“Miss O’Malley,” Jamie began then stopped unsure how to proceed.

“Yes, Mr. O’Brien,” Meghann said reaching for his hand again.

“Meghann, why has your brother turned against me?”

“Against you, no, he speaks nothing, but praises.”

“He seems so cold. Mr. O’Malley speaks but a few words to me. There seem to be something different about him. I am not sure what it is?” Jamie said.

“Shawn thinks himself in love,” Meghann explained, coldly. “He is blind to all others, but her. My loving brother has shut me out as well.”

“Don’t tell me, Miss Creager?” Jamie laughed thinking it obscured for Shawn to ever be in love.

“I only wish. He has put himself into the hands of a spider. I am certain the woman does not love him. All she wants is his money. She endangers his health telling him he does not need doctors or medicine. She will kill him, I fear.” Meghann’s voice was strained with tears as she spoke.

“How can this be true. I have never seen your brother in better health. He does not even speak of death,” Jamie let slip.

“Death, when did he speak of it,” she asked in alarm.

“A long time ago. Shawn declared he would not die until you were happy.” Jamie explained trying to calm her fears.

“Then I must never be happy. I could not live without Shawn.” Meghann said hiding face in the shawl.

“Forgive, me I have only added to your distress. What a fool I am. I should not, have spoken of it. It hurts me to see you this way. Call upon me for any service and it will be done!” Jamie declared attempting to bring the light back into her face.

“I thank you, Jamie, but there is no remedy as yet. If one can be found I will call upon your help. Perhaps you could speak to Shawn. No, he would only fire you.” Meghann added quickly.

“I would even risk that,” declared Jamie.

Jamie suddenly had a desire to help this maiden. He could not bear her present mood.

“Let me think on the matter.” Meghann replied thoughtfully. “Promise me you will do nothing until you hear from me.”

“I promise.”

The next day, Jamie studied his employer. He tried to determine if Shawn was truly in love. Jamie could see no evidence, unless one called absentmindedness love. Several times during the day, Shawn would forget what he was doing and he seemed to misplace things whenever Jamie was near.

“Sir, are you well,” Jamie asked.

“Why do you ask?” challenged Mr. O’Malley.

“You seem a little distracted. I there something I could help you with?” Jamie asked.

Jamie pressed the issue hoping Shawn would confide in him. “I will thank you Mr. O’Brien to mind your own business!” Shawn replied firmly.

“Pardon my intrusion, sir.” Jamie responded going about his business. He would not break his promise to Meghann.

Mr. O’Malley now avoided Jamie. He gave his orders to Jamie through Finch. Shawn had gone to taking time off. He left the bank at odd times. On close observation Shawn’s face took on a dark shadow as if he had not slept. His coughing increased. Jamie sat pondering his employer’s failing heath when a knock come on his door.

Jamie opened his door to find Miss Vargo standing outside of it with her face full of concern. “Mr. O’Brien a note arrived for you. I thought it would be best to,”

Jamie didn’t wait for her to finish he took the note ripping it open. It was from Meghann, which read:

Dear Mr. O’Brien,

I must see you. Please come as quickly as you can. I know this is very forward of me, but I must see you. Please come around six o’clock.

Your loving friend

Meghanne

Jamie’s heart soared.

“Thank you Miss Vargo,” Jamie cried giving her a kiss on the cheek before running past her.

“Mr. Finch,” Jamie called.

“Yes, Sir,” Mr. Finch replied.

“I am leaving in in charge of the bank there is a matter I must attend to,” Jamie said.

“Mr. O’Malley left instructions. He expected to meet with you at two o’clock,” Mr. Finch said.

“I have an hour I will not be late,” Jamie said walking towards the bank’s door.

Jamie loved Meghann. He was ready to ask her to marry him, but first he would know her feelings. Her note gave him hope. Hope sent him flying to Meghann’s door. His feet did not touch the floor until he reached the front door of her house. The door opened upon his first knock.

“Good morning Miss Murphy, I am here to see Meghann, he announced.

“She waits for you in the parlor.” Miss Murphy stated disapprovingly.

Jamie pushed past her in his rush to the parlor. Meghann was seated in a chair her head bent looking at a letter in her hands. Seeing Jamie enter she shoved it into her pocket and stood.

“Jamie!” she cried, with great emotion, checking herself as she continued. “I am pleased to see that you accepted my invitation.”

“Meghann, I am grateful for it,” Jamie replied

At that moment the front door slammed shut causing Meghann to jump. A tear came to her eye, which she swiftly whipped away with her sleeve.

“What is wrong?” asked Jamie seeing her reaction.

Meghann glanced at the door sitting down on a sofa dapping at her eyes.

“Tell me what has happened. I know there is something amiss,”

“Let us not speak of it now. My brother is not overjoyed I have asked you here. In fact, he left just as you arrived. So, I ask you not to tell him what we will discuss. My brother is too protective. I am old enough to care for myself.”

“It is only that he loves you as I do,”

Jamie breathed a sigh of relief at last he had declared his love. He would soon know what would come of it. Meghann remained painfully silent with only a smile on her face. Jamie prayer that she returned his love.

“The sunrise was lovely was it not?” she said at last.

“It did not compare to you,”

“Nor to your talent for flattery”, she replied. “The sun was red there is a warning in that.”

“Then I shall put away my flattery and speak plain. I feel whole in your company. When I am away from you, I feel lost. All day long my thoughts turn to you. I wish to ask and yet fear the answer,” Jamie said.

“Please, do not ask. I am not ready to give an answer. I know you love me” she hesitated. “I will tell you in the same frankness you have shown me, I have strong feeling for you. But,” Meghann stopped not knowing how to put her feelings into words.

“Is this all the answer I am to get, he asked in a strangled voice.

“For now. Please be patient with me. We must not speak of this before Miss Murphy. Miss Murphy is very loyal to my brother.”

As if she had been summoned, Miss Murphy appeared in the pallor doorway.

“Miss O’Malley, I have placed a light meal on the table. If you and Mr. O’Brien would wish to partake,” Miss Murphy simply said her lips in a deep disapproving frown.

Meghann was grateful for the interruption. Jamie found he had little appetite. He hoped Meghann’s words would be enough to sustain him. In a little while they drifted into lighthearted conversation. They talked about the people at the bank, the weather, and Miss Creager. Neither seemed anxious to leave each other’s company.

The church bell pierced the scene announcing he had well exceeded his hour.

“The bank,” Jamie declared. “I am already late.”

“There will be no need to hurry. My brother will not be there.”

“Why will he not? Why did you summon me here so early? What is it you are not telling me?”

“I can not really say? There is nothing wrong as yet my brother has simply gone off to meet someone. He spoke of a business deal. He told I should check in on the bank later today,” Meghann stated thinking fast.

For some reason Jamie knew Meghann was not telling the truth. Jamie resolved to do as she asked. He would be patient.

“The bank will need a manager so I must be on my way,” Jamie reminded her.

Meghann walked him to the door. Suddenly he felt himself reaching toward her. She did not pull away from his touch. He pulled her close, kissing her. He released her only for a moment then pulled her even closer to him. Jamie kissed her passionately, releasing her suddenly.

“Meghann, I must go,” he said quietly.

“Why?” Her eyes searching his longingly waiting for him to speak.

“I do not trust myself. I will not bring disgrace to my love. If I stay I.”

“Stay,” Meghanne whispered.

He kissed her once more. She melted into his arms. For the second time he let her go. This time running down the stairs to put distance between them.

“Jamie!” cried Meghann.

“I leave you now,” But, I beg an audience with you on the morrow. There is a question I would ask you.” he said.

“Yes, come.”

“Then ado, my love.” Jamie declared running towards the bank.

By the time Jamie arrived at the bank there was already a letter waiting for him. He took it up and read it:

Dear Jamie, I do love you, with all my love

Meghann

Jamie was now sure that Meghann would be his. Jamie quickly placed the letter in his pocket so it would not bring notice.

“What happened to you this morning,” Adam asked on seeing Jamie.

“I was called away. Mr. O’Malley will be late,” Jamie stated.

“That is odd a note left here said he would not be in today. Who told you he would be late.”

“Mr. O’Malley must have changed his mind. We best get to work.

Jamie avoided Adam for the rest of the day finding every reason he could to be involved in other business. All the while he was waiting for Meghann to arrive. She ever came. Her absents filled him with concern.

The note in his breast pocket dispelled it. He wanted to shout his happiness to the wind. Yet he understood it would be improper to speak until he truly secured her.

Keep his happiness contained was impossible. He must tell someone. At dinner time Jamie left the bank for a walk. He walked down main street at the end a tavern came into view. Jamie entered purchasing a pen and ink.

Sitting at a table before a window Jamie wrote a letter to his father. The letter bore all his love and desire. He signed it knowing full well he would never send it, but writing it calmed him.

Jamie slipped the letter into his pocket preparing to take his leave when the sounds of a disturbance reached his ear. Like many others Jamie rushed out into the street to find it’s source.

There had been an accident involving two carts. The drivers were arguing among themselves.

“You fool!” yelled the older driver. “Why don’t you watch where you are going?”

“This was not my fault!” The second man replied

Through this disturbance another carriage attempted to move. The gentleman inside poked his out. To Jamie’s surprise, Mr. O’Malley was that man.

“Turn around,” Shawn yelled at the driver upon seeing the problem.

Shawn reentered the carriage as the driver made the turn. Jamie fought to reach him. There were questions that needed answers. The carriage disappeared into the city before Jamie could reach it. Disappointed Jamie returned to the bank.

Mr. Finch meant Jamie at the bank door.

. “This arrived for you just a few moments ago,” Mr. Finch said giving Jamie a disapproving look as he handed him a letter.

Jamie mused at Finch’s expression. He took a few moments to adjust his costume before reading the letter.

“Where did you go?” asked Adam.

“I had some personal business. If it is any concern of yours?” Jamie whispered hoping Adam would ask no further questions.

“Now if you will excuse me.”

“By all means,” replied Adam a little hurt.

Dear Mr. O’Brien

I have been called away for a few days. In my absence, I m putting you in charge. Call upon Mr. Finch, if you have need.

Sincerely

Shawn O’ Malley

“Finch, do you know anything about this? Did Mr. O’Malley speak to you on the matter?” Jamie inquired.

“Mr. O’Malley does not confide in me on private matters. I never pry. I just simply follow his order. If that is all, sir? There are duties I must attend to,” Mr. Finch said.

“Of course, Mr. Finch,” Jamie replied puzzling over the days events.

Where could Shawn have been going? Clearly, it was not to the bank. Shawn seemed to be in a great rush to reach his destination. Jamie shrugged his shoulders. He would not know the answer until he saw Meghann.

“Meghann,” he sighed.

Tonight, he would ask Meghann to be his wife. His joy would be replaced with a sense of doom as he saw Betty step into the bank around closing time. She seemed to be very distressed.

“Mr. O’Brien, thank God, you are here sir, I must speak to you in private. The very devil has descended on us and we seek your aid.”

“You will have it. What has occurred?” implored Jamie, leading Betty into the office.

“It’s Shawn. He has gone off with her.”

“With whom? Please come yourself so I can better understand.”

“He has gone with that spider. Shawn intends to marry her.”

“What is so tragic about that?” Jamie said not fully understanding the problem.”

“None if she had not lured him away from us, only to rob and leave him dying in an inn. My mistress received a letter from an innkeeper this very afternoon describing the events.”

Jamie took the letter he was handed and read it. The letter’s contents made his heart sink within him. They spoke of how a woman, Mary Morton, had convinced Shawn to become her husband. She had Shawn rewrite his will making her sole heir to his holding as a token of his love.

After obtaining this she took him away saying she wished to be married at her family’s home. They were thus headed towards Vermont, after a few hours of travel they stopped at The Pence inn. Shawn had fallen ill unable to continue. Mary Morton abandoned taking all his money and the will.

“This cannot be so. I could have sworn I saw Shawn not long ago,” Jamie said.

Betty turned red coughed, “You were mistaken.”

“These are grave tidings indeed. Tell your mistress I am off.”

“Bless you. Bless you sir. I will tell Miss Meghann. I must change my opinion of you sir,” Betty said quickly leaving the bank.

“Mr. Finch, I am leaving you in charge. I have been summoned away on an urgent matter.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Jamie picked up his hat. Then he folded the letter hurriedly stuffing it into the pocket of his overcoat. As he walked the letter fell from his pocket. Adam swiftly picked it up. He intended to give it back to Jamie, but curiosity got the better of him. Adam opened the letter and read it.

Suddenly it was torn from his hand, Adam looked up to see Jamie staring at him in disgust.

“Adam, I would admonish you to keep this matter silent if you wish to retain your position!”

Adam nodded with a few tears glistening in his eyes. Jamie hoped the tears were for their employer’s misfortune.

Before leaving town, Jamie secured a carriage and driver.

“Take the north road out of town and head in the direction of Vermont. There will be an extra twenty in it if you can get me to the posting inn by nightfall,” Jamie barked mounting the carriage steps.

He had just seated himself when the carriage jerked forward. Jamie’s head thumped against the back wall.

“Take care driver,” yelled Jamie resetting himself.

The click clacks of the wheels seemed to bring back memories of Meghann.

“Oh Meghann,” he whispered. Looking out the window of the carriage, he thought he could see a vision of Meghann. Her lovely piercing blue eyes filled with of despair. Her words haunted him.

“Shawn has put himself into the hands of a spider”.

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