by Barbara Goss
“My dressing gown! You made my dressing gown into the bed. The arm and belt are hanging on the floor.”
Immediately Lydia began unmaking the bed. “I didn’t even see it, honest! I’m so sorry!”
“Actually, I needed a good laugh,” Kate said.
Lydia stopped remaking the bed and dropped on her knees before the rocker. “I need your help terribly, Kate. I’m a complete failure at everything Geoffrey wants me to learn. Do you think he’s changed his mind about marrying me?”
“Why do you say that?” Kate asked.
“He seems disappointed. And sometimes he looks at me funny.”
Kate laughed. “How? What do you mean, funny?”
“It’s hard to explain, but almost critically. Could it be that he doesn’t like the way I dress or do my hair? He often hints at ways I could look better.”
“Hints? Such as… Kate prodded.
“Sometimes I get so jealous of you! Then I remember that you’re my best friend and—“
“Me? Why me?” Kate asked.
“Because sometimes Geoffrey makes remarks like: ‘Why don’t you try wearing your hair like Kate’s?’ Or, ‘Kate really knows how to dress.’ Things like that.”
Excitement stirred in Kate until she looked at Lydia’s forlorn face.
“Will you help me with my appearance? I’d like to be more like you. I sincerely love Geoffrey and want so much to please him.”
Conflicting emotions swept through Kate. Warmth at Geoffrey’s kind words welled up, followed by sympathy for Lydia, who loved this man so much she’d sacrificed her whole way of life for him.
Guilt at her own selfish attitude hit Kate. When had she ever thought of giving up Geoffrey for Lydia? Anyone could see he loved her. How could Kate even think of breaking up this couple? She started to realize how selfish she’d been. Kate thought sorrowfully. Though she’d never meant to lose sight of what was right, she had let it slip out of her life. She’d thought Geoffrey her Romeo, her Heathcliff.
Kate knew she never would have done anything dishonest or sly to break up Geoffrey and Lydia, but she had secretly hoped and prayed he’d notice her and change his mind about marrying Lydia. That was so wrong. Losing Geoffrey would have broken Lydia’s heart.
Kate tried to think charitably about the Englishman, but she had a hard time forgiving him for his haughtiness toward Josh Redfield. Josh had been so kind to her, entertaining her when she could hardly leave her bed. Yet Geoffrey looked at him as if he were beneath him! Suddenly the idea that Geoffrey might show interest in her no longer filled Kate with elation.
Turning her thoughts back to the betrothed couple, Kate decided she could never have done as Josh had suggested and told Geoffrey of her interest: That would have broken her best friend’s heart, and she knew deep down that she would have lost. If Lydia loves him enough to learn to live in this land, Kate decided, she could love her enough to help her become what Geoffrey needs. As long as they cared so unselfishly for each other, the couple had the main ingredient that would make each other happy, no matter what their differences. Kate could simply alter and rearrange Lydia’s skills to fit Geoffrey’s ideal. The thought of helping Lydia no longer angered Kate, but she felt elated.
“Of course I’ll help you. We’re best friends, are we not?” For the first time Kate knew she really meant those words. “When I get finished with you, Geoffrey will think he died and went to heaven!”
“Oh, thank you!” Lydia cried.
“C’mon, girl, we have plenty of work ahead of us. We’re going to check our stores, make out a shopping list, and start planning our dinner. Follow me, watch everything I do, and take mental notes. The most important part of running a smooth household is orderliness. Everything must be in its place, and the kitchen should be well stocked. Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
Kate stopped short in the doorway and turned around to face Lydia. “Your mother didn’t teach you anything? Not even about clothes, like what matches and what doesn’t?”
“My mother died when I was born,” she replied. “My father reared me.”
“I’m sorry,” Kate whispered.
“Dad did the best he could. We never lacked money, but Dad wasn’t domestic either. He became a sort of work horse and spent almost all his time at the bank or at meetings.”
“Don’t worry.” Kate put her arms around Lydia and experienced love for her as she’d never felt before. “You’re in good hands now!”
When Josh returned, Kate handed him the shopping list. Giving her a strange look she couldn’t define, he put it into his pocket. “I’ll bring your order home tomorrow,” he said and continued walking.
“Oh, by the way,” she called, causing him to stop and turn around. “There are a few items on the list that are personal. I’ll pay you for them.”
He nodded and turned toward his room, but he seemed to change his mind. He spun around. “Kate! May I have a word with you?”
“Sure.” She followed him into the den. He sat behind his desk and motioned for her to have a seat across from him.
“I’m sorry,” he said simply. “I said some things I had no right to say. I have no excuse, but I’m really sorry.”
After seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Kate responded, “I’m sorry, too. Isn’t it strange how our tongues will fight the battles for our bruised hearts?” Kate was relieved she was once again on good terms with Josh.
Kate put Lydia to work in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, kneading bread, washing pots, and assisting with all the cooking. Kate was pleased with most of her work, though she had to explain everything carefully. Lydia seemed anxious to learn and Kate could tell she was trying her hardest. Kate thought she deserved an “A” for effort, though she’d get only a “C” for her performance so far.
Because she alone knew how it should be done, Anna set the dining room table. Lydia added a few touches picked up from social functions in New York: She folded one linen napkin fancily, and the little girl eagerly imitated it for every place setting.
Despite the fact that Kate lacked Ayda’s expertise, the dinner of stew and biscuits were a success: Everyone raved about the dinner.
But as she ran into the kitchen for the third time, leaving behind her unfinished meal, Kate wondered, how does Ayda get everything on the table at the same time? She finally brought the biscuits to the table, but everyone was half finished with their meal.
Seeing her distress, Josh comforted her, “I prefer my biscuits last; I can clean my plate with them.”
Surprisingly, it was Arthur Redfield who gave her the best compliment. “This stew reminds me of Hannah and our house in Coventry. She did all her own cooking, before the accident. An excellent job she did, too!”
“Accident?” asked Kate. “Is that how she died?”
“No, no, she lived five years after that but was never quite the same. We had a staff to keep the house and cooking, but Hannah looked after the children herself,” Arthur added proudly.
Kate suddenly wanted to know more about this family. “What type of accident?”
“Her carriage was hit broadside by a drunken, no-good rake named—“
“Father, calm down! That was years ago. It’s over with. Why can’t you forgive and forget?”
“Never!” he spat. “I’ll never forget, so how can I forgive?”
Kate jumped up to get dessert. When she returned, several moments later, with hot bread pudding, the conversation had switched to politics. As the men ranted and disagreed on the running of the two nations, Lydia, Kate and Anna ate quietly.
Anna worried about how soon the school would open, so she could be the fortunate one to accompany the teacher. Lydia thought about impressing Geoffrey with all her new domestic skills. Kate wondered about Hannah Redfield and her accident. Dare she ask questions? It was customary for the main topic at the table to be generally introduced by the males. Women shared, but rarely controlled table conversation. It was poor etiquette. Silently Kate sat, suffe
ring from her own curiosity.
The measles outbreak had caused church services to be canceled. After dinner Josh informed them all that a short Bible reading would take place at nine the next morning, in the den.
The women dragged themselves to their rooms early, and Kate fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow. Yet on Sunday she rose with the sun, started a fire in the stove, and made preparations for breakfast.
Lydia joined Kate and helped her make hotcakes. Josh cut bread and squeezed oranges for juice. Everyone, except Arthur, assisted in meal preparation and cleanup.
After breakfast Arthur begged off from the Bible reading, explaining he had a headache, so Josh read two chapters of Psalms to the women and Anna. Following prayer, Josh thanked them for their help and commended the work they’d done so far.
“However,” he added, “this is the Sabbath, our day of rest. Although it isn’t always possible to remain completely at leisure, we can all help each other on Sunday, to make everyone’s duties minimal. Do as little as possible today. I’ll be here to help with meals, but we’ll keep them simple.
“Any of that delicious stew left over?” he asked Kate.
When she nodded, he asked, “Enough for another meal?” At her second nod, he said, “Good. That will be dinner. For lunch we’ll finish off Ayda’s chicken soup. Everyone is responsible for his or her own bedroom on Sunday, so you ladies can do whatever you enjoy.”
Before leaving them, he added, “If I may make a few suggestions, Anna has every type of needlework you can imagine, from her mother. The den is filled with books. Just remember, our evening Bible reading is immediately after dinner cleanup. He stopped suddenly on his way out of the room, “Kate, I’d almost forgotten. The vet had a look at Loco and he thinks the horse is blind and that’s why he acts the way he does. I’ll keep him, but no one will ride him anymore. Again, I’m really sorry for the accident.
Kate smiled. “It was totally my fault. I should have told you I was an inexperienced rider. My ankle is healed and the incident has been forgotten.”
“Good,” he smiled. “I pe you all have a wonderful day!”
They thanked him. When he’d gone, all three looked at one another and shrugged. “What do you want to do?” They all spoke at once. They laughed, and Kate took control of the situation. “Anna, could you teach Lydia some needlework? She’d love to learn.” Kate prodded the other woman with her elbow, “Wouldn’t you, Lydia?”
“What?” She looked about, puzzled. “Oh, yes, I’d love to learn how to make things for the house. What can you teach me?” she asked Anna.
“I can show you how to embroider, crochet, or knit,” boasted Anna. “Which do you want to learn first?”
Lydia looked to Kate for help.
“Knitting,” Kate stated with assurance. “You can make covers for your home and hats and gloves. When your first lesson is finished, we’ll do something different with your hair.”
Lydia beamed. “All right. But what will you be doing?”
“I’ve been wanting to look over the books in the den. If I find something, I’ll be in my room, reading.”
Running her fingers along the spines of the numerous volumes in the bookcase, Kate pulled one out, looked at it closely, shoved it back into its place, and browsed more. A shadow fell on her. She spun around.
“Mr. Redfield! Sir, you frightened me! I didn’t hear you come in.”
“That’s because I didn’t. I was in the corner when you came in. Are you bored, too?” he asked, scanning the books.
“Not bored, no. Merely anxious to relax and enjoy the day. Housekeeping is hard work. I appreciate our day of rest.”
“You remind me so much of Hannah.” He sighed.
Glad the subject was once again where she could learn about the Redfields, Kate jumped at the opportunity to chat. So many questions flooded her mind: How many children did you have besides Joshua? How badly was Hannah hurt in the accident? Was anyone else hurt? How did Hannah die? But before she could voice one Josh burst into the den, his eyes flashing with impatience.
Chapter Fourteen
Father, did you forget we have an appointment?” Joshua demanded from the doorway, frowning.
“Appointment?” Arthur asked.
“Father, how could you forget something this important?”
The old man shook his head. “I didn’t really forget about it.” He took out his pocket watch. “I merely forgot the time, is all.”
Josh threw him an impatient glare. “Well! Let’s get going! The horses are ready.”
Arthur’s voice faded as he walked down the hall to the front door, “You’re not giving me that Loco horse to ride, are you?”
Kate sighed. She’d almost had the opportunity to find out more about the Redfields. As she scanned the rows of books, she made a mental note to approach Arthur alone for a chat. She pulled out a thin book from the shelf and read: Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. Perfect for an afternoon’s reading. Tucking it under her arm, she hurried up the stairs to enjoy it while everything was quiet.
Kate opened her door and made for the rocking chair. A strange smell stopped her short. She sniffed. Lavender! She didn’t have any scent like that. Where had the smell come from? She looked about but found nothing. Shrugging, she curled up in the chair and enjoyed the romantic tale of the Bennett sisters.
As soon as she started reading about the haughty Mr. Darcy, Kate began to compare him to Geoffrey. Surely Geoffrey was more warmhearted than the fictional character, but Kate began to understand a bit more why the earl’s son acted as he did. Perhaps the influences of his native land had shown in the response he and the other Victorians had to hard work and their attitudes toward others. It would be hard to break from a life-style of many years.
Despite the charms of her romantic tale, Kate fell asleep and was only awakened by Lydia’s gentle shaking. “Kate! Wake up!”
“Oh-h-h!” Kate stretched. “What is it, Lydia?” She closed her eyes, ready to fall back asleep.
“You promised to do something new to my hair. Josh said he’d be ready to help prepare dinner in an hour, so I thought, if we hurried, we’d still have time.”
“All right, I did promise.” Kate stood and yawned. “You’ll have to read this after I’m finished. It’s very amusing.” She tossed the book onto the bed. “Come, let’s begin. Sit here by the dressing table.”
Kate brushed Lydia’s hair until it almost shone. While she worked Kate asked, “How was your sewing lesson?”
“Wonderful,” replied Lydia. “Except I hate counting all those little loops. Anna’s a great little teacher, but soon lost patience with me, I’m afraid. She seemed relieved when we were interrupted.”
“Interrupted? How?” Kate asked.
“A lady knocked at Anna’s bedroom door and asked to speak with her for a few moments. Anna didn’t waste any time leaving me to count loops and drop stitches.”
“Was Anna gone long?”
Lydia shrugged. “Longer than I’d thought she’d be. Whoever the woman was, I didn’t think she’d keep Anna for over a half hour. By the time she came back, I’d completely lost control of my sample square. At the end of ten rows, instead of eighteen stitches, I only had twelve left. My sample square looked like a triangle!”
Kate laughed with Lydia, and then sobered. “What did this lady look like?” Kate couldn’t imagine who’d visit Anna.
“She only opened the door a crack.” Lydia thought for a moment. “She sounded young” Lydia shrugged. “There was nothing else about her to recall … except—“
“Except, what?” prodded Kate.
“Her perfume or sachet. She left a distinct aroma behind. I’m trying to think of what that smell was. Not roses…”
“Lavender?”
“Lavender! That’s it! I once had lavender powder, so I’m sure that’s it.” Lydia looked anxious. “Does that tell you who the visitor is?”
Kate shook her head. “I’m afraid not. All it tel
ls me is that the same woman was here in my room before I came up to read.”
“Your room smelled of lavender?”
Kate nodded. “But I don’t have any such scent.”
“Who would be in your room? Surely not either of the men. Ayda’s not here. Margo?”
Kate shook her head. “Maybe it was Joanna Redfield?”
Lydia’s eyes widened. “Let’s go visit Anna.”
Both women rushed down the hall and skidded to a stop before Anna’s door. Lydia knocked lightly, and Kate called out, “Anna? Are you in there?”
There was no answer. They sighed with disappointment. “She must have gone downstairs already.” Kate frowned. “Let’s go down. Maybe she’s alone, and we can talk to her.”
They bounded down the stairs, to find Anna playing checkers with her grandfather. Kate and Lydia walked by, greeting them casually.
“Are you going to start dinner now?” Anna asked, looking up from her game board.
“Yes, but you finish. It’s early yet,” Kate told her. Smiling at Arthur, she asked sweetly, “How was your appointment? Were you on time?”
“Drat! What a waste of time that was! Our party never showed! A blasted wild goose chase it was, and if you think I’m prone to a tantrum, you should’ve seen my son! He’s usually the calm, sensible one. Why, I had to smooth his feathers for a change.”
“Perhaps the person who never showed up had the same problem remembering the appointment that you did!” Kate laughed. “So don’t be so hard on him. To err is human—“
. . To forgive, divine. I know that one! The saying is certainly true of this person. No one errs more than—“
“Father,” Josh interrupted. “We’re going to prepare a quick dinner then, immediately after, hold our evening devotions. Will you be joining us?”
The old man fidgeted. “After dinner? You mean right after? I—I don’t know… I think I have something—“ He pulled at his collar nervously.
“Nonsense! You can join us!” Josh stated. “Are you gals ready to work small miracles in the kitchen?” Josh called over his shoulder.
