Scandalous by Neal Katz

Author:Neal Katz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Top Reads Publishing, LLC
Published: 2018-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

As Theodore and I rode in the phaeton the next morning, my mood turned darker and gloomier than the thunder booms, lightning, and pelting rain slanting toward us. I needed rest, not to travel in the cold and damp. I had become fatigued from speaking to large audiences across the northeast, having spoken in Pennsylvania and Hartford last week. Tonight's speech would be the most significant of my career. I would directly confront my critics.

Yet, here I sat having to spend half my day on a performance night to somehow force a backbone into Henry Ward Beecher. Even though the rains made it difficult to view, I saw the placards and banners that James, perhaps inspired by our rekindled love, and his brother George had put up all over the city, promoting the speech this evening. Even the ferry dock had several well-placed announcements.

The voyage unsettled me due to the roiling seas. I remembered while studying Vanderbilt how important it was for him to be able to set sail, or rather, steam across tumultuous seas. Being tossed about and feeling like I was repeatedly dropped off a cliff, I believe the Commodore gave not one thought to the comfort of his passengers. There would be no reading of Whitman on a day such as this. The challenge today was to keep breakfast in my stomach instead of on the deck.

A carriage brought us to the Moulton's federal-period abode. The smell of fresh-baked bread greeted us before the threshold. Frank and Emma were equally soothing. Emma served tea and hot biscuits with butter. We sat near the fire in the old, large hearth, and we chatted for quite a while as the tea became cold and I consumed several biscuits.

Frank stood up and advised me. "I am sure the delay is due to the Reverend's need to dress against the cold and wet."

I challenged, "You don't think he is simply too much of a coward?"

Frank verbalized my thought. "He has too much to lose."

Theodore rang the bell outside, heralding the arrival of the Reverend. I was shocked at the countenance of Henry Ward. Instead of the vociferous lion and powerful advocate, he appeared unsure of himself, meek, and afraid.

The Reverend spoke to no one in particular and could not raise his eyes to address me. "Were I to come, I believe I should sink through of the stage floor." I had heard that bleating lamb voice of his before. No one else spoke, so he continued. "I am a moral coward on this subject, and I know it, and I am not fit to stand beside you. You go there to speak what you know to be the truth; I should stand there a living lie."

Theodore was harsh. "This is your last chance to honor your word, Henry."

Frank was angry. "Have you wasted all our time trying to build a bridge of reconciliation? You must appear!"

Henry looked to both of them and cried out. "Do you think this thing will come

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