This time it was Ella who responded, “Superstition.” The word trailed off as she took in the expansive room. With only a few walls the space seemed massive. Everywhere she looked she spied something wondrous.
“Is this what Howard Carter felt like?” She whispered completely awestruck.
“I often think that myself when I come down here,” Christopher responded in a hushed tone. “All of the work is separated by where it is going next. Private collections, Chicago, London, on loan to members of the family and pieces that belong to the family trust with no immediate destination. The space has been carefully divided, environmental precautions are in place. In addition we have a security team on duty twenty-four hours a day. Before Miss Muraille took control, there was no system. Everything was either passed from one member of the family to another or it was sent to a warehouse on lower east side.”
“A warehouse?”
“Abhorrent, I know.”
He pointed to different areas as she watched the workers that had loaded up the collection were standing on the far side of the room waiting with the collection.
“We need to check, catalogue and sort the items that were on loan to the Colbert.”
They got to work immediately. While inspecting the pieces, she couldn’t help thinking that the SSA was a brilliant idea. A fortune of artwork tucked away in an office building, on a floor that didn’t exist.
The only access was the freight elevator that only operated from the back loading dock to the SSA and the offices of the foundation. From what she had been told, security was in place from top to bottom. A point proven by the two armed guards stood by the elevator watching their every move.
Christopher explained that it was his employer who had one of the two elevators converted to only service the foundation and its storage.
“I know that most museums do not take such precautions. But as the director of the foundation, Miss Muraille is solely responsible for each and every piece in this collection.
“I can imagine it would be difficult explaining to your family that you misplaced a Rembrandt or Vermeer.”
“Extremely. Before Miss Muraille took over the work was sent out or placed in the home of a member of the family without anyone keeping track of who had what. She managed to track down each and every piece owned by the family and ensure its safe keeping.”
“The family borrows artwork? Like taking a book out of the library.”
“Similar theory. Although, some pieces are in homes that technically belong to the family. Miss Temperance, is the sole owner of a cottage that once belonged to the entire family. There are at least three paintings and two sculptures that belong to the family.”
Christopher tipped the delivery men before he sent them on their way. He then instructed the boys to take a lunch break before they returned to finish up.
“This has been a truly amazing way to spend my day,” she offered her hand. “Now, if you’d be so kind I do need to head back to the Colbert.”
He clasped her hand and smiled. “Would you be so kind as to assist me in returning these pieces upstairs.”
“You mean, Miss Muraille’s private collection,” she snarled yanking her hand back.
“As a matter of fact I do,” the man was charming she had to give him that. “She wishes to have a moment of your time. To apologize.” He quickly added before she could decline. “I must say I was flabbergasted by her actions.”
He didn’t say much as they returned to the offices and summoned the elevator for the penthouse.
“This is some building,” she offered absently having grown weary of the silence.
“It is quite a marvel,” he agreed. “On the ground floor are the shops which do not have access to the lobby. Then there is the offices on the second to twelfth floors. They also have a separate elevator. The SSA, which we do not talk about. Then the residential units. The fourteenth floor is reserved for Miss Temperance’s private staff. On the twentieth is the foundation offices and last but not least, Miss Temperance’s private residence.”
“So, you live on the fourteenth floor?”
“No, I reside in what is commonly referred to as an in-law suite in the penthouse. Miss Temperance often works well into the night. You attended Vassar, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“That must have been quite the change from the farm you grew up on. What was the name of the town?”
“Billerica,” she grumbled. “Just how is it you know I grew up on a farm? You seem to know a lot about me. Things, I do not recall telling you.” She snapped as they stepped off the elevator. She blinked with surprise noticing the only thing surrounding them was an alcove with hangers and benches. Then there was a simple white door.
Christopher ignored her comment and opened the door. Dutifully, Ella followed fearing what lay on the other side. Her fears were quieted when she stepped inside the warm sitting room with an astonishing view. Then she heard the raised voices, her fears suddenly flooding back.
“You could, I don’t know get a job.” She heard Temperance shouting as she entered the room. She was followed by a dark haired man who looked equally as angry. “Or do what father did, marry well. It is a family tradition.”
“It’s only money,” he snarled.
“And what would you know about money?” She snapped. “You’ve never earned any. Not one single dime. Everything you’ve been given is from the trust or a handout. I am merely suggesting that you experience the wonderment of earning your way.” Spying Ella and Christopher she instantly quieted. “I have guests, Reggie.” She cautioned the man.
“It’s just your trained monkey,” Reggie jerked his thumb at Christopher who paid no attention. Ella shivered when Reggie noticed her. His ogling made her feel sick.
“This is going to complicate my apology,” Temperance groaned pushing Reggie towards the door.
“You haven’t introduced me. That is quite rude my dear sister.”
“How much?” She sounded defeated as she opened the door.
“Three, no five hundred.” He seemed delighted at having his sister under his thumb.
“Christopher, would you mind?” She requested her shoulders slumped.
“I do, but I will,” he conceded. “Miss Westbrook, I’ll take those.” He quickly relieved her of the paintings she had been holding. He quickly disappeared into a side room.
“Miss Westbrook,” Temperance’s voice quivered ever so slightly. “Would you care to join me in the other room?”
“You still haven’t introduced us.” Reggie cackled. “And Mother is expecting you in Newport for Easter.”
“Yes, nothing celebrates the resurrection of Jesus quite like one of Mother’s cocktail parties. I’ll be going to the island.”
“Alone again, so sad.”
To her credit Temperance refused to be baited. She simply escorted Ella into the dining room. Ella had to admit that Temperance cut a dashing figure in her slacks and vest.
“Hungry?” She sheepishly offered pulling out a chair for Ella. “I am at a loss.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I don’t know if I should begin by apologizing for my brother. Or if I should just begin with my own boorish behavior.” She stammered as she rang a small silver bell.
“Ah, we have company, that would explain the bell,” a robust older woman clad in a white uniform greeted them.
“I am trying to be on my best behavior, Mrs. Culvert. Would you care for some refreshment, Miss Westbrook?”
“It’s too early for whiskey,” Mrs. Culvert chided her boss. Her manner seemed a tad light hearted, leading Ella to believe she was simply joking.
“No, need to worry about that, Reggie has departed,” she seemed amused. “Ice tea?”
“Thank you,” Ella nodded as she took in the scene. The nervous woman standing before her bore no resemblance to the crass woman she had met the previous evening.
“I paid off the viper,” Christopher announced as he took a
seat.
“Shouldn’t have,” Mrs. Culvert announced as she entered with a tray of drinks. “I know he’s your brother Miss but you can’t-“
“I know,” Temperance cut her off while taking a seat, surprisingly across from Ella instead of at the head of the table.
“Now, Preston he’s a fine young man,” Mrs. Culvert offered nodding towards the picture of a young man in uniform that was sitting on the sideboard. There was no mistaking the family resemblance.
“My younger brother.” Temperance casually offered. Ella found it odd that the comment earned snickers from both Christopher and Mrs. Culvert.
“West Point man,” Mrs. Culvert bragged as if he was her son. “With no woman on his arm, that boy might just stay in the Army forever. Lunch will be ready soon.”
“Thank you,” Temperance said seeming more than a little uncomfortable. Silence fell over the room after Mrs. Culvert disappeared into the kitchen. Temperance gave Christopher a nod. He nodded in return before going to the swinging door and peeking in.
“She’s busy.” He confirmed before returning to his seat.
“Thank you,” Temperance nervously sputtered. “I just wanted – there are things that Mrs. Culvert wouldn’t understand or approve of.”
“Like your behavior last evening,” Christopher jumped in. “She’s not normally socially awkward.”
“I can speak for myself.”
“Go ahead.”
“Miss Westbrook, my behavior was despicable and I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
“Good heavens, haven’t you done that by now,” Daniel huffed as he made his entrance. “I let myself in. Miss Westbrook, a pleasure seeing you again.” He offered a slight bow before taking a seat.
“Just greeting the day, my dear cousin?” Temperance taunted him.
“It was quite a party, last evening,” he offered stifling a yawn. “Mrs. Maxwell, knows how to entertain.”
“Surprising since she claims to be impoverished.” Temperance noted. “Tell me, did my dear brother follow you to the Stork Club?”
“Of course he did,” Daniel sniffed indignantly. “I saw him stomping off. Tell me you didn’t give that neer do well money. Mrs. Culvert, how beautiful you look this morning.” He greeted the cook as she entered with a tray of food.
“It is well into the afternoon, Mr. Daniel,” she giggled obviously flattered by his attention. “Were you working late in your office again?”
“Yes.” He lied as she set about serving everyone, mindful to grab a plate for the late arrival.
“Did you say that you came up from your office?” Ella questioned once Mrs. Culvert had left them to enjoy the simple meal.
“Yes, I have an office downstairs.”
“What is it that you do?”
“Mostly, I handle my business affairs,” he hedged.
“Daniel is also the Chairman of the board of directors for the family trust. The youngest to ever hold the position.” Temperance boasted. “Unlike so many men of his station, Daniel actually works. My older brother for instance uses his office to study the racing forms and seduce women. Neither of which has proven successful.”
“You left out his passion for playing polo and drinking. Now, to answer Miss Westbrook’s question. Yes, it is unusual, men keeping an office where they do nothing,” Daniel wearily offered. “To be perfectly honest if not for my dear cousin’s guidance I might have ended up one of those men.”
“Now, Daniel,” she seemed to be cautioning him.
“I seem to recall that when I arrived that you were apologizing.”
“Yes,” she nodded before clearing her throat. “Miss Westbrook, I hope that you will forgive my horrible behavior. It was uncalled for.”
“Indeed it was.” Daniel quipped.
“You are not helping.”
“Miss Westbrook,” Daniel gleefully began. “May I call you Ella?” She nodded. “My cousin is a brilliant woman. Put her in a business or most social situations and she shines. Put her in front of a beautiful woman and she is a blithering idiot.”
“Thank you, Daniel that was most helpful,” she snapped turning helplessly towards Ella. “Miss Westbrook,” she respectfully began. “I am truly sorry. I hope that you can accept my apology and we can move on from this.”
“Move on?” Ella felt her body stiffen immediately suspicious of her hostess’s intentions.
“Yes, move on,” Temperance once again fumbled.
“Oh, dear lord,” Christopher groaned. “You would think you lack all social graces.” He scolded his employer. “Ella, I will be retiring in the near future. In her infinite wisdom, Miss Muraille has agreed to allow me to select my successor.”
“Apparently, I’m difficult.” Temperance grunted.
“You are.” Both Daniel and Christopher confirmed.
“She works day and night, without stopping. If Mrs. Culvert didn’t shove a plate of food in front of her she would forget to eat. She travels a great deal and expects you to read her mind.”
“Now, Christopher,” Temperance grumbled.
“I have been in your employ since you were all of nineteen. I’ve seen you at your best and I’ve seen you at your worst. It is time for me to enjoy life.”
“He wants to find a cozy cottage somewhere. A place where he and Rudy can enjoy their twilight years,” Daniel piped in.
“Not so loud,” Temperance cautioned. “I do not wish to lose the rest of my staff, thank you very much.”
“We can’t have that,” Christopher jested. “Quite honestly you would starve. Ella, I think that you would be the perfect candidate. You would be well compensated and you would be able to move out of the rooming house you are living in.”
“How did-?”
“I’ve done my homework.”
“I met with your supervisor this morning,” Temperance chimed in. “He is a most disagreeable man. I couldn’t get him to discuss your work ethic at all. It seems he is under the impression that he would be more suited for the position.”
“That’s why he accused me of stabbing him in the back.”
“Did he? That is rude,” she huffed. “I don’t know why he would think that I would consider him? From everything I’ve learned, he dumped the gala squarely on your shoulders then took the credit. I need someone who’ll jump in not preen.”
“And you think that is me?” Ella’s suspicions grew.
“To be blunt, Alfred is a slacker and I don’t need a man who might get the wrong impression living so closely to me.”
“She means a man who likes women,” Daniel snickered. “She normally only hires women who are more on the matronly side.”
“I do not mix business with pleasure. I’d like to make that clear. Especially after the blunder I made last evening. Miss Westbrook, you are more than qualified. You have a take charge attitude and you’ve already called me on the carpet.”
“Something she desperately needs at times,” Christopher interrupted. “She also needs, for the two of us to have a chat. Why don’t you and Daniel go to his office? You need to go over the papers for the next board meeting.”
Much to Ella’s astonishment, they gathered up some paperwork before exiting the apartment.
“You just dismissed two of the wealthiest people in the country.”
“And I enjoyed it,” he boasted.
After Daniel and Temperance made their departure, Christopher guided the very confused Ella to the back of the penthouse. Despite her misgivings she couldn’t help but marvel at the magnificent view.
They settled into Temperance’s office. “This is cozy,” she commented while noticing the art, books and complete disarray.
“She works very hard,” he sounded proud. “The family is unusual to say the least.”
“She and her cousin seem very close.”
“Unlike her family who chose to look the other way, or simply pretend she doesn’t exist, Daniel simply accepts who she is. Her mother is hell bent on mar
rying her off.”
“Oh, dear.”
“So, you understand?” He seemed to be treading very carefully.
“Understand?”
“Why, my employer doesn’t wish to marry? Or why I am looking forward to a quiet life with Rudy?”
“Of course.” She wanted to laugh at the questions. “The same reasons I do not wish to marry a man.”
“Can’t be too careful,” he sighed with relief. “I don’t need to tell you the importance of being discreet. I’m certain you’ve experience the need yourself.”
“Yes. Of course I have. I am curious, she seems so open with you and Daniel but not the rest of the staff.”
“Despite the fact that all of her employees sign a confidentiality agreement, one never knows. Mrs. Culvert is a dear sweet woman, who is devoted to her faith. People like us aren’t something she understands. She still questions why I haven’t met the right woman.”
“Oh, dear.” She gasped wondering if the elderly woman was half blind?
“The family is a curious mix to say the least,” he prattled on. “Half of them, take the money they earn from the family trust and put it to good use. The other half, lives high on the hog before marrying well. Daniel, Temperance and Preston work hard and give back. Temperance’s passion is art.”
“Something I understand completely.”
“She also has a keen eye for real estate.”
“This building,” she noted. “You know so much about the tenants. It struck me that if your employer simply lived here, that wouldn’t be the case.”
“After the crash, many of the tenants couldn’t stay on and the building was almost empty but she saw a business opportunity. When I first began working for her it was before she received her first payment from the family trust. She had already invested well. She has an uncanny ability to procure things that have a way of increasing in value. With the exception of one wild summer in Paris, Temperance is an extremely level headed young woman. Until, I’ve completed my service you will be able to take up residence in one of the apartments on the fourteenth floor. After that you will move into my former residence. It’s right behind that door. There is a separate entrance that leads to the hallway. I feel a need to inform you that overnight guests are not allowed.”
Muraille Island Page 6
