Chapter 31
ELLA HAD TO calm down. If there had ever been a doubt, their conversation at dinner confirmed it: She would never ever marry Abraham Abernathy.
The heels of her satin slippers clipped the wooden floor as she fled the White Parlor to the great hall, where the guests were already gathering for the fourth night of phrenological demonstrations.
My passions are not hobbies. My goals are important.
Her pace increased. If her father would not put an end to this monstrosity and tell Abraham Abernathy that she would not marry him, then she would.
And she would do it tonight.
Silently practicing the words she’d employ, Ella turned the corner into the great hall. Guests filled the space, and chatter, happier and livelier than she’d noticed the entire event, surrounded her, yet even with all the people present, she had never felt lonelier in her own home.
She scanned the hall, unsure of where to go and what to do.
Phoebe and Miss Sutton sat up near the front in their usual seats, but they’d not saved one for her.
Gabriel had not returned since he disappeared during dinner.
The other ladies were happily engaged with their husbands.
Determined to avoid Mr. Abernathy at any cost, she moved to the back row of chairs and sat down.
Dozens of candles were scattered around the room for light, and a fire blazed in the long hearth. The windows were open to combat the heat of so many people gathered, and a damp breeze flowed in.
When Mr. Bauer took the stage to start the demonstration, perspiration beaded his forehead.
His face flushed, and he swiped his handkerchief over his brow.
“I have so enjoyed getting to spend these days with you, my friends. I’m sorry to say that my colleague, Mr. Gutt, is not feeling well today, so I am working alone now, but never fear.
This is my passion, my joy, my zest! It might take a few moments longer than normal to organize my thoughts, but rest assured, I am at my best.
“Tomorrow morning I will lecture on phrenology and the effects on education, but I’m painfully aware that our time together will soon come to an end.
I hope I’ve enlightened you to the wonders of the human body and the mind.
All ventures into new and unknown territories, be they physical or philosophical, require a certain amount of energy, imagination, and capital to ensure they are fully explored and responsibly executed.
I appeal to each of you members, as philosophers, as lovers of this human race, to contribute your support to the research I conduct. ”
Ella winced. He was asking for money. Was this it? Was this how he was going to obtain the money he owed his debtors? She looked around the great hall for Gabriel once again. He needed to know about this.
A hum of whispers circulated. Holding her breath, she watched for reactions.
Mr. Bauer procured a wooden box and started it around the audience. To her surprise, the group, accustomed to such appeals, took his petition in stride. The box passed from member to member, and each person, refusing to be outdone by his neighbor, contributed.
And she was helpless to stop it.
Mr. Bauer moved on to the demonstration, calling first on Mr. Hawthorne and then Mr. Templeton. When nothing new or insignificant occurred, Ella thought the evening would pass without further fanfare, but then Mr. Bauer shifted.
“Two men so far!” he exclaimed, dragging his handkerchief over his brow once more. “What interesting men they were. So now have I a lady volunteer?”
Mr. Bauer turned his attention toward Ella.
Their eyes locked. She suddenly felt ill.
He’s going to call on me.
“As our gracious hostess, Miss Wilde, would you not like to come and sit for an assessment? I know you have a specific interest in the topic.”
All eyes turned to her.
Her heart seemed to stop. He intended to intimidate—or humiliate—her. What else could he be doing?
His volume increased. “You impressed me when you spoke earlier today. Your distinctive interests and motivations would provide a fascinating phrenological assessment. So what say you?”
She froze.
This was a challenge, pure and simple. They’d not spoken since the intimidating interaction the previous night. No doubt he planned to ridicule her or make her appear unstable.
Ella’s tongue felt thick in her mouth, yet she had no choice but to feign complete composure.
She smiled sweetly and straightened her seated posture.
“While I appreciate the offer, sir, I respectfully decline. Several other guests here have not had the benefit of one of your readings. I defer to them.”
“Oh, come now!” Mr. Bauer’s boisterous laugh boomed from the great hall’s paneled wall, and he extended his arm toward her.
“I know that your family had concerns about discussing phrenology at Keatley Hall, but I do think I’ve managed to share the truths of phrenology. Can we not celebrate it? Together?”
She glanced at her father. His face paled.
She was not ignorant. The biting memory of how Mr. Bauer had spoken to her burned.
She’d never allow him to touch her—to place his hands on her head.
Even more alarming, she knew that the members who opposed the girls school would take Mr. Bauer’s fraudulent assessment as truth and use it against her.
She needed to respond. “Mr. Bauer, I assure you, I—”
“I’ll do it.”
Ella knew who spoke the words even before she saw him.
Gabriel Rowe.
Gabriel stepped farther into the great hall. “I’d appreciate an assessment.”
Gabriel had just returned from speaking with Clark, and even though he was not entirely sure what he’d walked in on, it was obvious Bauer was singling out Ella, and he’d not allow it.
Without waiting for a response, he made his way toward the stage. Gabriel rubbed his hands together as he wove through the crowd, exuding enthusiasm and noting the flash of pained annoyance on Bauer’s face.
He sensed the eyes of the other guests following him. He forced brightness to his tone, determined to take Bauer’s calculated attention from Ella. “The symposium is almost over! What better way to convince me of phrenology’s merit than to assess me and let me judge for myself.”
Satisfaction soared as Bauer fumbled for a response.
“Where should I sit?” Gabriel forged ahead, refusing to give Bauer the opportunity to protest. “There?”
Bauer chuckled and recovered from the shock. “Why, yes! You’ve been one of our outspoken skeptics over the last few days. I look forward to changing your mind on this topic.”
Gabriel ran his fingers through his own hair, preparing for the odd sensation of a man touching his head. Ever so briefly, he snuck a glance toward Ella.
She stared at him, unblinking, her mouth slightly agape.
“Just to reassure those watching us,” Bauer said as he rounded the chair. “I’ve become vaguely acquainted with you during our time here, but can you confirm for the guests that you and I do not know each other? That you and I have never interacted before this symposium?”
“I can.”
“Very well. Let’s begin.” Mr. Bauer began measuring his head with a set of tools and ribbons—the circumference of his head.
The distance between his eyebrows and hairline.
The distance from the crown of his head to the base of his skull.
Bauer then dragged his heavy fingers over Gabriel’s skull and shifted his body to observe it from different angles.
After completing his assessment, Bauer straightened.
“As always, I can ascertain a great deal about your personality. You’re a humorous man.
You enjoy lighthearted conversation and will joke when the situation grows uncomfortable or serious.
The width between your eyebrows indicates a strong sense of individuality.
You crave new information, and your power of perception is enviable.
There is another side to your personality, however.
One that I fear will be seen as problematic. ”
Gabriel was not surprised at the negative finding. “Please continue, Mr. Bauer. Say what you must.”
Bauer looked out to the crowd. “Based on my assessment, Mr. Rowe has a tendency toward deception. Now, remember, all these traits I mention are on a spectrum, from nonexistent to dominant. It’s not unusual for men especially to exhibit this trait, but I find that Mr. Rowe might struggle with it greatly. ”
A murmur resounded in the crowd.
Gabriel, however, could only see humor in the supposed finding. Was this Bauer’s best shot at him?
After Bauer finished speaking, the guests applauded and Gabriel shook Bauer’s hand. The reading had communicated everything Gabriel needed to know.
It was time to act.