thirteen
“I can’t seem to quench my thirst to solve the greatest problems.”
~Earl Douglass
MONDAY, JULY17, 1916•ADAMSFARM
“When you asked me to come out here, I had no idea what I was getting into.” Devin sat in the Adamses’s parlor with Eliza and twisted his hat in his hands.
“Believe me, had I known myself,Imight not have come.” She sniffed and pulled out a hankie. “Forgive me. I’m tired and overwhelmed and thoughts of home bring thoughts of Grandfather.” After she wiped at a few tears and blew her nose, she lifted her chin. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
“I’m just thankful you’ve decided to go home with me in a couple days. I know there’s a big mess here, but they can get it all figured out.” He patted her hand.
She huffed. “What I don’t understand is the man who said he was Dr. Masterson. Why? Why come here? And his charade was very good. He knew things about paleontology, about mypaper, about therealDr. Masterson. I’m of a mind to send a telegram to the real man about what has happened here.”
“That’s probably a good idea, but the real Dr. Masterson’s wife was having a baby. Do you think they will stay in New York for a while?”
Eliza shrugged. “I need to alert Mr. Carnegie as well. He’s the one who told me Dr. Masterson was coming in the first place.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “What a mess. I’ll have to tell him the whole story.”
“I think that would be best. Perhaps you should wait until we get home so that you can speak to him in person. Surely he’ll understand.”
She nodded. “I will alert him to the imposter and then tell him the whole sordid tale once I’m there. It’s a good thing we’re going home so I can see him.”
“You’re leaving?” Adelaide entered the room with a tray of refreshments, the cups rattling on the tray.
Eliza stood and wrapped her arms around the young girl, whose shoulders were trembling. “I’m sorry. I should have told all of you as soon as we arrived. But I think I was in a bit of shock.”
Mrs. Adams and the rest of her daughters entered the parlor as well. “What’s this?” The mother went to her crying daughter.
Before the rest of the room erupted in tears, he better do something. If anyone wanted to be upset about Eliza’s departure, they could blame him. “My apologies, Mrs. Adams. Eliza and I were just discussing that we will be leaving to head back to Pittsburgh the day after tomorrow.”
“So soon?” Louise almost fell into a chair, her face pale.
“My train tickets were already in place, and I’m about to take Eliza to the station to see about her arrangements as well.” Devin kept his voice calm, but it was best for him to get away from his young admirer anyway.
Eleanor stepped toward Eliza and grabbed her hand. “But Mama told us that the sheriff caught the bad guy. Why are you leaving early?”
Eliza crouched in front of her. Devin watched as she tenderly smoothed blond hair away from the girl’s wet face. “I’m so sorry. But I’m not able to do my work here for a while, and since my grandfather passed away, I think it’s best for me to go spend time with my grandmother.”
Louise stood and fled the room, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Mrs. Adams sent Devin an apologetic look while Mabel buried her face in her mother’s skirts and joined the chorus of crying. “Girls, why don’t we give them some time to discuss everything. We’ll get to spend time with Eliza this evening, right?” She pointed the question toward Eliza.
“Yes, ma’am.” Eliza looked on the verge of tears herself. “I’ll take care of everything this afternoon and be back for dinner.”
Mrs. Adams escorted her girls out of the room just as someone knocked on the front door.
“I’ll get it, Mrs. Adams.” Eliza rushed to the door.
“Thank you.” The older woman tossed the words over her shoulder as the girls’ crying escalated.
One of the workers from the quarry stood there, hat in hand. “Come on in, Charlie.” Eliza waved a hand toward the parlor. “What brings you here?”
“Oh, I can’t stay, miss. I was sent to let you know that while they’re keeping the quarry closed to visitors for a good while yet, we’re going to get back to excavating. Mr. Douglass would like your help. He said to tell ya that he got your note about the Meyer ranch, and once we hear from the authorities about whether we can excavate there or not, he wanted you to be in charge if you’d like.” Charlie nodded at Eliza and then waved at Devin. “Good to see you, Mr. Schmitt.”
“You too, Charlie.”
Well. So much for Eliza going home with him. Surely this news would sway her into staying. He held his breath.
