With her serving tray laden with dirty dishes, she walked back towards the kitchen. It was as she drew nearer to her destination, however, that she stopped in her tracks. Lord Clifton was standing in the corridor halfway between the dining room and the kitchen barring her way. Katie watched as he turned his gaze from the painting he had been admiring and looked at her. For a split second their eyes locked, and Katie felt their cool gaze evaluating her. Averting her eyes to the tray she held, her fingers fumbled nervously with the silverware.
“If,” Lord Clifton spoke breaking the silence, “you had desired a day off,” he thought he could say a day off to rondevu with your beau, but found the words caught in his throat, “you only had to ask. You did not have to prepare a picnic.”
“I didn’t make a picnic so I could have a day off,” Katie snapped unable to keep her eyes from looking up at him. “I merely thought Lady Shelby would appreciate it.”
“Yes, well…she did enjoy it,” Robert fumbled taken a bit off guard by Katie’s reasoning. Was everyone trying to set him up with Jocelyn, even his staff? He had thought Katie...never mind what he had thought.
“Well,” Robert spoke softening his gaze slightly and taking a step towards her, “If you do want time off just let me know. Although, I will have to suffer with Mrs. Sparrow’s cooking,” he added trying to be cordial as he watched the edges of Katie’s lips rise in a smile she quickly tried to hide. It was, he thought, the first time she had smiled at him in a long time. Deciding to take his chances at further conversation he continued. “I never did ask you, what was your employment before you became my cook?” He needed to know if she indeed was connected with the I.R.A., and if her feelings for him were truly indifferent. He saw a glimmer of uncertainty flash across her eyes and thought for a moment that he had dug himself deeper into the hole she had placed him when she spoke.
“I lived with my mother and father.” Katie remarked. She could have ignored Lord Clifton’s question, but something in his eyes had caused her words to tumble out before she could second guess herself. Was it hope? Robert saw the sadness in her eyes as she continued speaking.
“During the war, my mother and I took in wounded soldiers, and when she died of influenza, my father drank away his sorrows. I ended up losing both of my parents really. My father can hardly stand to be in the same room with me since I remind him of my mum.” Robert watched a tear silently roll down her cheek.
“I’m sorry,” she quickly spoke brushing her hand beneath her eye and shaking her head, “That’s not what ya wanted to know.”
Robert closed the space between them. He wanted to take her into his arms and comfort her; to tell her that he understood the type of pain she was feeling, how the war had affected everyone in the world and that she did not have to be alone anymore, when a voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Robert, I was wondering where you were,” Lady Shelby spoke flashing a glare at Katie, who quickly took a step back from Robert and began repositioning items on her tray.
“Charles has been discussing billiards again at the dinner table, and Emma and I need your expertise in the conversation for we are growing quite bored.” Jocelyn tutted. “We love Charles dearly, but once he gets on a topic... You don’t want to keep us waiting do you darling?” Lady Shelby added flashing a glamorous smile.
Focusing his thoughts on what Jocelyn was saying, Robert turned in her direction. “Oh yes, billiards. I’d almost forgotten Charles wanted to talk about my strategy from our last game.”
Looping her arm around Robert’s asserting her ownership, Lady Shelby steered him back in the direction of the dining room after shooting Katie a final glare. After their departure, Katie breathed feeling her heart flutter. When she was around Lord Clifton, she lost all sense and reason. She was sure he despised her, yet just now he had seemed to genuinely care and listen to what she had shared. Her mind might deceive her, but Katie knew her heart could not be so deceptive or blind to the truth. Now, however, was not the time to consider her predicament with his lordship, for she only had a little bit of time between soup and the main course to finish getting ready. She rushed into the kitchen and placed the dirty dishes in the sink then headed to her room to finish getting ready.
As Katie entered the dining room bringing dinner, Robert noticed there was something different about her. Her cheeks were glowing, was that a hint of rouge he detected? Her hair, usually pulled up in a loose bun or ribbon, was now pulled back in an elegant twist with one soft curl loosely outlining her face. He was mesmerized. A quick survey of his companions told him that he was not alone. Serving those at the table, Katie seemed to float in her light blue chiffon dress, as if she were waltzing across a dance floor.
“I must say,” Lady Shelby remarked catching sight of Katie. “You do look a tad overdressed for serving super. Pray, what is the occasion.” She sniffed.
“Oh, Jocelyn, she looks lovely. Katie does not need to explain.” Emma smiled, then seeing Jocelyn scowl she quickly added, “Although, I suppose it would be nice to know the occasion.”
Katie’s cheeks turned rosy, and Robert noted it was not from the rouge. “I’m merely go’in to town after dinner is finished,” she spoke, her gaze directed towards Lady Shelby.
“So, it’s a beau then,” Lady Shelby continued accentuating the word so no one could overlook it.
“Oh, Jocelyn,” Captain Wesley chuckled, “come now, leave the poor girl alone. Can’t you see she is quite embarrassed?”
“I was only interested in knowing if it was that handsome chap I saw you drive up with earlier today,” Lady Shelby persisted ignoring Charles’s remark.
Katie had had quite enough. “Yes, if ya must insist, I am go’in to supper with Mr. Shannon in town.” She had tried not to allow herself to be goaded by Lady Shelby, but she did not have the patience of a saint.
“Oh, well that is just simply lovely!” Lady Shelby exclaimed hiding a snigger at Katie’s flushed face.
“It would not happen to be Mr. Michael Shannon?” Robert said coolly, turning his gaze on Katie.
Katie’s breath caught in her chest. His dark eyes were so penetrating, almost as if they could read her thoughts. “So what if it is?” She replied dryly.
“Michael Shannon is a man of questionable character.” Robert uttered.
“I believe I am capable of discern’in the character of a person for myself, thank ya.” retorted Katie. Then placing the last plate on the table she remarked, “Enjoy your dinner, I will return with desert when ya are finished.”
Robert threw his napkin down on the table. “Excuse me,” he spoke to his company, trying to keep his voice level and ignore the shock upon their faces. He then proceeded to follow Katie out of the room. He caught up with her just as she was about to enter the kitchen.
“Michael Shannon, is a good for nothing sod, and I forbid you to see him!” Robert exclaimed.
“Forbid me!” Katie rounded. “Excuse me, Lord Clifton, but I am not some child ya can prevent from do’in what they want.”
Even when she was angry, Robert thought, Katie was still lovely. If she only knew what kind of deceitful man Mr. Shannon was, if she would only put aside her pride for the moment and listen to him.
Robert softened his voice, “I do not mean to injure your pride by suggesting you are acting on whims like a child. I mean only to offer what I know about the man to prevent you from making a terrible mistake. Do you even have a chaperone?” He added seriously.
Behind his eyes, Katie was surprised when she glimpsed genuine care. “Lord Clifton, I appreciate your concern, but ya have no right to prevent me from go’in out chaperoned or not.”
In frustration Robert spoke, “You are my employee, and unless you want to be fired you will not accompany Mr. Shannon into town this evening or anywhere in the future!”
Before the words were fully out of his mouth, Robert knew he sounded like the most pompous ass in the world. But it was too late, he could not tak
e them back. He saw the hurt he had inflicted flash across Katie’s face. The flame of life he had seen dancing within her eyes, just moments ago in the dining room, was now dull and almost hidden completely. He had caused this, and was now disgusted with himself. Katie stood there, staring into his face with a look of such hurt and sadness Robert could not meet her gaze. Then shaking her head, Katie turned and ran into the kitchen leaving Robert standing tormented by his heinous outburst.
When he returned to the dining room, Charles, Jocelyn and Emma all looked at him curiously, but out of respect none of them questioned him. Instead, they simply began talking again about the ride and picnic they had taken that afternoon. It was Mrs. Sparrow who brought dessert a half hour later, Robert noticed, and like his fellow guests knew it was because of him to which they owed the sudden change of service. After dinner Robert did not feel up to company, so politely excusing himself from a game of billiards with Charles, he poured himself a glass of brandy and walked out onto the veranda to be alone.
Katie had been unable to face Lord Clifton or the others after his verbal assault, and having acquired the aid of Mrs. Sparrow, had remained in the kitchen for the remainder of the dinner. Lord Clifton’s words had stung her. The concern was there, she knew, but he had treated her like she was property; an object with no intelligence or feelings. It was true that he had then tried to correct his actions, but in the end he still gave a selfish employer’s ultimatum.
Sitting alone, eating a slice of the left over Irish Whiskey Cake, Katie replayed Lord Clifton’s words in her mind. Mr. Shannon, a man of questionable character? What on earth would make him say something like that? Mr. Shannon was, after all, the nephew of one of her dearest friends. Surely, Mrs. Finnegan’s nephew was not a man of dubious moral or ill repute? As she took a final bite of her cake, the kitchen door swung open and Katie heard the soft “ahem” of a woman’s voice. Turning her head in the direction of the sound, she was surprised to see Miss Williamson standing in the doorframe.
“May I come in?” Emma questioned with a hesitant smile.
Katie nodded. Although she had not really spoken to Emma Williamson since she had arrived with the rest of Lord Clifton’s guests, if she had to wager a guess as to her presence in the kitchen Katie was prepared for another Lady Shelby style conversation. Emma walked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter near the table where Katie sat.
“This is a nice kitchen,” Emma grinned looking about her surroundings. “I’m not much of a cook, but during the war when I was with the Red Cross, I learned a few culinary skills from some of the other women I worked with.”
“A woman named Mrs. MacFarlane taught me how to cook,” Katie spoke laying her fork down on her plate. So far the conversation was nothing like she had expected.
“I grew up in London, one of five children. When I was old enough to help, I did all I could to help my mum and dad take care of us. What I am trying to say,” Emma continued, “Is I did not grow up a Lady like Jocelyn Shelby.”
Katie shook her head, “Miss Williamson, I am not the snob I’m sure ya believe me to be. I..”
“No, no,” Emma interrupted, embarrassment flashing across her face. “I didn’t come here to scold you are anything like that. I just wanted to tell you that Lady Shelby is not as horrible of a person as you might think. Yes, there was a time when she probably would not have spoken to you or even me, but the war changed people. She has changed from the person she was, but she is still used to getting her way. That’s what I wanted to tell you.” Emma finished, “I’ve seen the way Robert looks around you and,”
Now it was Katie who interrupted, “Ya don’t have to worry about that,” she spoke. “Lord Clifton is my employer and there is nothing more to be said.”
“Oh, of course,” Emma remarked trying not to sound astonished. She had been sure that Katie and Robert had feelings for one another and that Jocelyn was acting the way she was because she was trying to win Robert when he was most clearly not hers to be won. Had she been wrong in her assessments? The way Robert had stormed from the dining room when he had learned that Katie was going out to dinner with Mr. Shannon had been almost a confirmation to her suspicions. But…
“I am sorry to have disturbed you then,” Emma remarked stepping away from the counter and heading back towards the door.
“No,” Katie spoke standing up, “ya did not disturb me. Thank ya, for speak’in with me,” she smiled as returning her smile Emma left the kitchen.
It was only a few minutes after Emma departed, that Katie heard the sound of a motor-car pulling up towards the hall. That, she knew, would be Mr. Shannon. Setting her plate in the sink, she walked out the backdoor to meet him having decided that her employer would just have to accept her speaking with him.
“Ah,” Michael grinned pulling off his driving gloves and tipping his hat, “the lovely Miss Katie O’Connor can somehow get even lovelier.” He walked around to the passenger door and opened it for her.
“Good even’in, Mr. Shannon. I’m sorry ya drove all the way up here. Ya see,” she fumbled for the right words, “I’m afraid I will no longer be able to go to dinner with ya.”
Michael’s face looked perplexed, and Katie thought for a moment also furious, but he recovered quickly.
“Was it something I said Miss O’Connor?” He asked a bit annoyed.
“No, it’s just. Well, it’s rather silly. My employer, Lord Clifton, said if I go out with ya ltonight then I’m fired, and I really need the money.” She concluded, her voice deflated.
Katie watched as Mr. Shannon’s face contorted with chagrin. “Lord Clifton was always one to think himself high and mighty enough to force people to do his biddings. Come along Miss O’Connor, you do not need to listen to the likes of him,” he continued grabbing her hand. But Katie pulled back.
“What do ya mean? Do ya know him?” She remarked in astonishment.
“Let’s just say he and I were not chums when we were at Oxford together. He is not as nice of a fellow as he might seem. You see,” Michael continued, “when he was at Oxford, he kept company with a lot of classmates who frequented the pub more than they did their classes. And this crowd of his, let's just say to keep it polite, were not exactly discreet when it came to discussing their conquests with the women they courted.”
Katie was stunned. Mr. Shannon’s impression of Lord Clifton was certainly not one she had seen as of yet. Although, Lady Shelby had seemed to imply… Michael saw the look of confusion on her face.
“I know, it does not seem like he’s that sort of fellow right?” He remarked. “But that’s not even the real reason his good name is not as good as he would like you to believe.”
Kate’s head was swirling. It was true Lord Clifton had not told her he was engaged, but then again he had not been trying to court her had he? Michael stared silently at her as she continued to process this new information regarding Lord Clifton. But, Mr. Shannon had said there was more to why he was not a good man. What would cause Mr. Shannon to detest Lord Clifton so much? What could Lord Clifton have possibly done that would so greatly debase his character?
As if knowing what she was thinking, Michael spoke, “Why don’t you still come to dinner with me and I can tell you what I know? I am Mrs. Finnegan’s nephew after all, so how bad can I be?” He winked.
Perplexed by the new information Mr. Shannon had just uttered, Katie finally consented to accompany him into town. She had to know the real reason why Lord Clifton had not wanted her to go out to dinner with Mr. Shannon. Furthermore, it was also rather nice to have at least someone interested in courting her besides Ian McAllen. And with that final thought, Katie gladly accepted Michael’s hand into the automobile looking forward to their evening.
Driving down the road, Katie found it extremely easy to converse with Michael. He had a charming personality, seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say, and smiled at her as he spoke.
“So,” Michael asked as they neared town. “What shall i
t be for dinner? Maggie’s Corner Cafe or Sheehan’s?”
Katie thought for a moment. “How about Maggie’s? I’m not sure I feel like the pub.”
“Perfect!” Michael smiled, “Maggie’s will be quieter, and will give us a better chance to speak.” he added, coming to a stop and parking the car.
It was when they were inside and seated at a cozy table in one of the cafe’s corners, that Katie dared ask the question that had been weighing on her mind. “Mr. Shannon, ya said that ya would explain why Lord Clifton is not who I think he is. What exactly do ya mean?”
“I was wondering when you were finally going to ask me to explain.” Michael remarked, taking a sip of his brandy. “It’s sad really. When I first met Lord Clifton at Oxford, I thought he was a decent fellow. I mean, most of those aristocrats stick together, but he actually spoke to me, just an average man as if I was someone. I soon found out though, that he was more interested in chasing skirts than in studying.” He paused at Katie’s shocked expression allowing her to digest the information.
“I had been lucky to get into Oxford,” Michael continued, “and I was not going to squander my opportunity. But Lord Clifton, being born and bred in the lap of luxury, was used to behaving anyway he wanted and still having everything given to him on a silver platter.”
Katie listened intently waiting for him to continue.
“It was towards the end of our final year, that I began dating a young woman by the name of Anna Pruitt. I thought she was going to be the woman I was going to marry, and I confided my intentions to Lord Clifton. Up to this point we had been pretty good acquaintances being in the same classes and all. This, however, was the biggest mistake I could have possibly made.”
“Why was it such a mistake?” Katie asked confused, unable to keep from interrupting.
“Because, it was not but two weeks later when I went to pick Anna up for our date, that I found Lord Clifton in her bed!”
Pretentious Hearts Page 15
