by Lisa Prysock
Ridge managed to pass her by with several long strides as he took the stairs two at a time. He was closing in on Pendleton. He dove with outstretched arms to catch the dog when they arrived on the third floor. At the last second with no time to think, Geneva managed to jump right over them instead of trip on them, sweeping Ridge and Pendleton with her skirts ever so slightly brushing over Ridge Morgan’s dinner jacket as she sailed through the air. When the girls after her jumped over him as well, she managed a laugh as she rounded the corner from the third floor Grand Hall toward Polly’s room.
As she had hoped, Peaches stopped at Polly’s door, as did all of the others; except Ridge, who had his hands full trying to keep Pendleton at bay near the top of the staircase. Geneva paused to catch her breath and slipped by Craymoore, Hale, and Selby. She knocked on Polly’s door rapidly while the cat stood on her hind legs meowing to get inside. Jen bent down and scooped Peaches up.
Polly opened the door. Smiling, Geneva thrust Peaches into her arms. Polly accepted the dainty, lady cat and surveyed the crowd gathered at her door in surprise. “Croeso![18] Have ye all come to visit me?”
“Welcome indeed, Polly! No, ‘tis not a visit,” Jen replied breathlessly, still recovering from the chase. Her sides ached from the running. “Please, quickly, do lock Peaches in the cage before the dog arrives.”
“The dog…?” Polly asked as Pendleton managed to bark from around the corner where Ridge held him. A look of alarm spread over her face. The cat struggled free of Polly’s arms and jumped. She landed just beside her bamboo cage in the pleasant bedroom with a dainty “Meow!”
Polly stepped into the room and enclosed Peaches inside the cage. “Aye, I ‘ave shut the door to ‘er cage! I ‘ope there ‘asn’t been too much a disturbance,” Polly managed. “I’ve been a lookin’ fer her in ever’ nook an’ cranny.”
“She was very naughty… and ydw, as a matter of fact, there has been an enormous disturbance. I must say Pendleton brought on much of her behavior.” Looking firmly at the girls gathered beside the door Geneva continued, “I suspect perhaps one of the students brought Peaches to the Dining Room. Thank you kindly, Polly. We shall go downstairs and attempt to finish our meal.”
“Me apologies!” Polly nodded at once and firmly closed the door.
The girls looked at each other and their feet. Geneva breathed a sigh of relief along with the others. The cat was going to live for at least one more day. She took another deep breath and turned toward her new students who grinned sheepishly. “Come along, girls! Let’s get back to our supper.”
Delia had managed to repair the strawberry shortcake and sent it back to the Dining Room, declaring it edible. After they managed to finish the meal in some semblance of peace with a dash of amusement in their eyes, Aunt Millie and Miss Tilson led the girls into the first floor Drawing Room for evening prayers. Geneva was glad to join them in prayer. The meal had become a harrowing event and her nerves were frayed. Prayer seemed a welcome, safe course of action. She knelt at an empty sofa and prayed fervently the Lord would help Peaches and Pendleton to adapt and adjust. When she opened her eyes and stood up, she was surprised to find Ridge observing her from a corner near the double doors.
“Now girls,” Aunt Millie said when each had lined up to curtsy a good night to her, “I don’t know which one of you brought Peaches to dinner, but I suspect one or more of you did. Now you know why this must never happen again. Those among you responsible for this incident, I hope you have repented of your mischief!”
“Yes, Mrs. Bradford!” the girls replied in unison solemnly.
“Seeing how your classes and chores resume tomorrow, I do expect you to all go to sleep early this evening. I believe we have had enough excitement for one day!” Aunt Millie announced. “I also expect you to cooperate with the change of having my niece as your afternoon teacher. I have already discussed the changes with Miss Tilson, and I also expect you to give Miss Rosemont your undivided attention and best behavior. This display of behavior was not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”
“Yes, Mrs. Bradford!” the girls echoed.
Each then curtsied and joined Miss Tilson in a line at the doors of the Drawing Room to follow her to the student quarters. Thankfully, Geneva noticed there were few smirks. She was proud of Aunt Millie for handling the matter with a loving, kind, firm hand toward the girls. Ridge observed the events with his arms crossed over his broad chest and that twinkle of amusement in his eyes. Seeing how he winked at Belle-Raine as his daughter passed him in the line with the other students was rather heartwarming. Perhaps there was some tiny bit of good in him Geneva forced herself to admit.
Ridge joined her and Aunt Millie in the second floor Sitting Room as Miss Julia brought up a tray of coffee, tea, and scones. Geneva rose from her chair after a few sips of tea and a feeble attempt at reading a book. She didn’t feel like playing the piano or conversing.
“If you don’t mind, I’m exhausted from the entire ordeal of this evening. I think I shall turn in early as tomorrow is my first day of teaching,” Geneva announced.
Ridge stood up when she arose from her seat, as all well-mannered gentlemen did when a lady stood up, placing the book he had been reading aside.
Turning to Ridge, she added, “Thank you for saving Peaches from a disastrous encounter with Pendleton while they are still adapting to one another.”
“Delighted to be at your service, Miss Rosemont! I found the evening a refreshing change of pace from customary formalities.” Ridge bowed and swept one arm out dramatically, a twinkle in his eyes.
She refrained from clucking her tongue at him, though it was an effort on her part. He was, after all, still a varmint! She was truly thankful he had managed to prohibit the dog from eating Peaches for breakfast. At least Ridge hadn’t referred to himself as a varmint in front of her aunt. She counted this another mercy and bit her tongue.
“Thank you for being so patient with Peaches, Aunt Millie,” Geneva added, turning to her aunt.
“It’s a small adjustment for your comfort, my dear. They will eventually make friends. I know you and Polly love Peaches as much as I do Pendleton.” Her aunt patted the dog on the head as he looked up adoringly at her as if nothing had ever happened out of the ordinary. “Sleep well, Geneva.”
“You too, Aunt Millie,” Geneva leaned down and gave her aunt a kiss on the cheek before turning to exit the Sitting Room. She glanced at the dog and decided to ignore him for the time being. It was a wonder one little dog could cause such a ruckus. Truth be told, there had been two furry animals involved, though for the most part she placed the blame on the dog. A second glance at her aunt revealed a beaming Aunt Millie and made her forget about the ruckus. Millie grinned like sunshine after the sweet peck on the cheek Jen had given her.
“Good night, Mr. Morgan,” Geneva bobbed a slight curtsy and sailed out of the Sitting Room for the solace of the Rose Room. She had survived meeting her students, rescued Peaches, and had managed to be fairly polite to Ridge; all by the Almighty hand and grace of God.
Chapter 11.
The Easter Cotillion
15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor. 17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. Esther 8:15-17
“That will be all for today, class! Be sure to have your papers written by Friday titled ‘My Life History.’” Geneva strolled between the two rows of desks, lifting her skirts as she walked, maneuvering cautiously around stacks of books on the floor near the desks. She ignored a few groans which escaped in response. “Be sure to put your name and the date on your papers. Class dismissed!”
The girls scurried in a steady stream out of the classroom and into the third floor Gra
nd Hall with the view of the Terrace Courtyard below. It was such a refreshing change from the drab environment of the Fenway Street Mission. There were a number of differences. Grace Hill provided a glorious, countryside setting for the girls. Her aunt provided for those among them who were orphans in a generous manner. Being an all-girls school was also a unique aspect. For the most part, the students radiated joy, happiness, and sunshine. They weren’t required to work five hours a day as they had at the Fenway Street Mission. This situation had left little time for adequate study time. The girls at Grace Hill had light chores, but not anything like the students had been required to perform at the work house in Cardiff. There was an enormous contrast between the two schools. Geneva wished she could explain to the girls how truly blessed they were. Eventually, there would be time for this discussion.
The household soon settled into a steady routine. Geneva was drawn into interesting conversations with each of the students and Emma Tilson over the course of the next week. She found something she genuinely liked in each one. Despite being orphaned, Janie was fun loving, outgoing, and adventurous; Patricia was sweet natured; Gertie was an avid reader; Joy was quiet; and Lindy was willing to take risks. Belle-Raine could be delightfully cantankerous; Dorothea was outspoken; Dixie added spunk to the girls in an antagonizing sort of way; Charlotte was reserved; and Lena was joyful and fun, in spite of an ornery streak often rearing up in the mornings when she didn’t want to go to breakfast or class.
Jen discovered at once she and Emma Tilson were going to become great friends. Emma had mousy brown hair and a quiet personality to match her hair; appearing rather timid when she wasn’t teaching. Despite her timidity, she would prove to be a loyal, easygoing, and amicable friend in the days ahead.
At long last, three letters arrived from home, all in one day. Geneva fairly skipped and danced all the way to her room to read them. There was one letter from Mama, one from Father, and another from Lillian.
The date of the Easter Cotillion drew closer with each passing day. An air of excitement spread over the house. The event was scheduled to take place on the second Saturday in April, one week before Easter. Aunt Millie took everything in hand with another of her planning lists. She delegated tasks most efficiently, involving nearly every staff member at Grace Hill with something to be responsible for. The students were in a frenzy about their own preparations for the dance and spent any extra afternoons and evenings selecting gowns, shoes, and hair styles for the special day.
Invitations were sent out early and Geneva soon discovered a grand number of guests were invited. Some plantations even sent over extra staff to help, giving Geneva the chills when she realized many were slaves. Delia was in her glory planning a menu for a lengthy buffet table, a table for punch, and another table for desserts. The Stable Manager, Henry, spent time organizing his staff for parking carriages. Hank, the gardener, did his best to make the lawn look perfectly maintained. Edna gave Laura, Betsy, and Julia extra housekeeping tasks to prepare for the event. She dispatched Julia to borrow extra punch bowl sets with cups for the big day. Pearl and Polly spent their time making certain the gowns for their mistresses, Miss Tilson, and students were fitted, cleaned, repaired, and pressed. Craymoore personally polished the silver, supervised the placement of tables, flower arrangements, and lanterns. He spent time reviewing the expectations required of Hale and Selby in greeting and serving guests.
Aunt Millie explained the primary differences between cotillions and balls.
“Balls are in the evening and very formal,” she told the students at dinner one evening. “Cotillions are generally in the afternoon and may extend into the evening, but they are less formal than a ball. Some cotillions only last two or three hours and serve only a light luncheon or cake and punch. The menu is generally light, and it is unacceptable to serve alcohol at a cotillion. It is better to wear white, pastels, and daytime colors to a cotillion. This is not the event to wear dark greens, blacks, or dark blue colors. Does everyone understand?” The girls had nodded and went away from the dinner table with a much better understanding.
When the day of the event arrived, Geneva made certain not to save a single dance for Ridge Morgan. She filled up her dance card with names of other gentlemen who asked her to save a dance for them. Wearing a new taffeta afternoon dress in a shade of rose enhancing her dark curls, she didn’t have to work hard at securing dance partners. They swirled about her, effortlessly appearing, eager to meet the English rose and Bradford Heiress of Grace Hill Manor & Mission. She had overheard Belle-Raine mention her father would likely escort someone named Abigail to the cotillion, but the mysterious southern belle did not appear on Ridge’s arm at the event. The twinge of jealousy she recognized in the pit of her stomach disappeared when he had not arrived accompanied. She heard him conversing with her aunt when he tipped his head graciously in her direction as they passed by the crowd of beaus gathered around filling her dance card. She thought she saw the muscles tense around his smile. He looked away from Geneva and continued on steadily.
“How do you get your sweet pea blooms to blossom this early, Millie?” Ridge asked as he strolled through the terrace with Aunt Millie on his arm. Geneva strained to listen from her position at a round table in the shade of both an oak tree and a number of interested, potential beaus. She watched as Ridge nodded at each of the guests they passed as he surveyed the work accomplished by Grace Hill’s staff to create a beautiful atmosphere for an afternoon and evening of dancing, food, and joy.
“Why, Ridge Morgan! You know very well I can’t share all of my secrets!” Aunt Millie retorted jovially.
As the afternoon turned into evening, from a quiet spot in the shadows beneath the covered part of the terrace, Ridge observed the swarm of beaus bringing punch and offering to escort Geneva to stroll or dance. Occasionally he continued to appear at Aunt Millie’s side to escort her through the terrace paths to mingle with guests. Jen did her best to find her aunt when Ridge seemed occupied or otherwise engaged with a friendly neighbor in conversation, but she could hardly get away from the swarm of gentlemen observing her every move.
As guests finished dancing to several reels, Geneva took a break to catch her breath while the musicians her aunt had hired played soft music. She caught Ridge peering at her as he paused from a stroll on the second floor balcony where a few guests had wandered. He leaned handsomely on the railing where he could take in a view of the river and the stunning sunset when he wearied of watching the stream of dance partners continually at her side. Later, she noticed he danced with his daughter once, and even a dance with Aunt Millie. Jen thought he would surely make an attempt to cut in on her dance partner, Joshua Carson… but perhaps he had merely appeared tempted.
Aunt Millie managed to find a way to introduce her to nearly everyone there, whenever she could find her niece not dancing. Geneva would be hard pressed to remember all of their names, but it would have been very poor manners indeed not to have made the rounds to the guests.
At about ten o’clock, Ridge left the cotillion early as couples swirled about in the arms of their partners on the terrace now lit up with lanterns and candles scented with vanilla, rose, and citrus. The fragrance coming from the vases of early pink and purple sweet pea blooms and lilies wafted into the air. Belle-Raine was the only person (other than Geneva and Aunt Millie) who noticed Ridge leaving early. She followed after her father into the Grand Hall through the terrace doors, lifting her skirts as she raced away from a dance partner. Her father waited in the foyer while a servant sent for his horse and open carriage. Another member of the staff brought his cloak and walking stick while Belle-Raine exchanged a few words with him.
Jen remained with her dance partner, the refreshingly polite Laurence Bolton, but Ridge’s sudden departure did distract her. She tried to observe what was happening in the foyer through the French doors of the Grand Hall as the impeccably dressed and handsome Mr. Bolton swirled her about. Her efforts to see where Ridge had gone only succeede
d in making her dizzy, so she gave up.
What did it matter to her where the scalliwog varmint went? However, she was keenly aware of a number of penetrating stares from her aunt. There would be no hiding the fact she had not danced a single dance with Ridge Morgan from Aunt Millie’s observant eyes. She wasn’t so sure it troubled her aunt when another handsome beau appeared at her side reminding her he was her partner for the next reel. She was extra thankful for the time Emma had spent perfecting her dance steps to American reels and ballads. If only she could find a way to send half of the gentlemen interested in her to dance with Miss Tilson…
Chapter 12.
Glorious Easter
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. Mark 16:2
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. Psalm 19:1-5
