A Lady of Secret Devotion

by Tracie Peterson

  “My family owns the Imperial Hotel in Boston.”

  “I see. And are you planning to move your business to Philadelphia as well?”

  A knock on the door saved Mark from having to reply. They all looked up and Mrs. Jameston cocked her head. “What is it, Mrs. Dixon?”

  “Your son would like to see you. He’s . . . asked . . . for you to come immediately.”

  Mark saw the older woman clench her jaw as her brows drew together. She rose and so he quickly got to his feet. Seeing him do so, she turned to Cassie. “Why don’t you two go into the garden? I’ve arranged for us to have a light refreshment there. Hopefully I will not be gone long.”

  Cassie got up and nodded. Mrs. Dixon turned to lead the way as Mrs. Jameston crossed the room. Cassie turned to Mark. “If you follow me, I’ll show you to the garden.”

  He quickly drew alongside her and offered his arm. “I’d much rather escort you.”

  Cassie smiled and took hold of him. “You are very kind, fair knight. I accept.”

  He laughed and walked with her through the house. “So you truly are without injury?”

  “Yes, I am fine. I did, however, have nightmares last night. I cannot say my experience was a pleasant one, but I have survived physically unharmed.”

  “How old were you when your father died, if I might “How ask?”

  Cassie seemed not to mind the question at all. “I was fifteen. It was ten years ago this June. My sister, Elida, was but a few weeks old.” Cassie led the way into the garden and smiled as the sun’s warmth touched her face. “It is so very pleasant here. I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

  “How could I not?” He smiled at her and noted that Cassie’s face flushed.

  “This is Mrs. Jameston’s favorite place, and it’s rapidly becoming mine as well. The air seems so sweet here.”

  She led him to an iron settee and chairs. Beside this, a cloth-covered table stood with glasses of something that looked quite refreshing.

  “Would you care for lemonade? Mrs. Jameston had it made special for your visit.”

  “Thank you.” He took a glass from Cassie and followed her to the chairs. She sat and he followed suit by taking the chair directly across from her.

  “Mrs. Jameston comes here every day the weather permits,” Cassie offered. “She says it won’t be long before the honeysuckle and hyacinths will be in full bloom. Already there are beautiful tulips. I don’t pretend to know much about it all, but Mrs. Jameston promises to teach me.”

  “And what do you know much about?” Mark asked in a teasing tone.

  Cassie thought for a moment. “Honestly, not a great deal.” She frowned. “I had to stop going to school when my father died. My mother found herself rather destitute. She sold off the extra property we had, as well as my father’s mercantile, but there were expenses to pay. Eventually we had the house and a small bit of money, but no hope of more income in the future. My mother turned to the one thing she knew she could do—laundry and mending.” Cassie offered him a bittersweet smile.

  “And this saw you through?”

  Cassie nodded and took a sip of the lemonade. “We worked together. Elida was just a baby. My mother and I took turns working with the laundry and caring for her. Little by little, we had enough business to support our needs.”

  “Your mother sounds very brave. Many women would give up—or turn to male relatives to provide.”

  “There were no other male relatives. I think my mother might have given up, except for Elida. With a baby so dependent upon her for everything, Mother had no choice but to go on.”

  “Would she not also have wanted to continue for your sake?” he asked, watching her closely.

  “Oh, to be certain. I do not mean to suggest she cared for me any less than my sister. However, because of my age and temperament, I believe she thought I could handle anything. Truth be told, I was still suffering greatly from what I’d seen, but I knew she needed me.”

  “It must have been terrible to witness your father’s accident.”

  “Yes. It haunts me even now.”

  Mark couldn’t help but wonder at this remarkable young woman who harbored such horrible memories. Obviously she had a strength deep within that allowed her to press forward, but she also had a remarkable sense of humor. she also had a remarkable sense of humor.

  “How did it happen?” he finally asked.

  Cassie lowered her gaze to the glass in her hand. “I had gone with him to visit friends. There was a new horse he was thinking of buying from them. He wanted to try it out first. I sat and watched as he mounted the horrible animal and began to ride. At first nothing went amiss, but something happened to startle the beast. He reared and my father was thrown. Apparently, seeing my father on the ground caused the horse even greater distress. He assaulted my father, vigorously pounding down upon him before the groom could come and quiet the animal.”

  Her voice had grown so quiet, Mark had to lean forward to hear her. Her golden brown hair fell in tendrils against her face and framed her sad features. “I am sorry,” Mark said in a hushed manner. “I cannot imagine anything more horrendous for a child than to witness her father’s death.”

  “I fainted, and when I came to, I was certain it had all been a bad dream.” Cassie looked up and Mark could see the moisture around her eyes. “But of course, it wasn’t. I’ve been terrified of horses ever since. They had to sedate me even to transport me back home in the carriage.”

  Essie emerged from the house with a tray of pastries and cakes. “Mrs. Jameston said I was to serve you.” She placed the tray on the table and took up a small plate. “What would you like?”

  “Nothing for me,” Cassie said, “but thank you.”

  “Thank you. I’ll have one of the fruit tarts. They’re a weakness of mine,” Mark declared.

  Essie skillfully maneuvered the tart onto the plate and handed it to Mark with a fork and linen napkin. As quickly as she’d come, Essie disappeared back into the house.

  Mark sampled the tart. “This is very good. I will have to stop by more often. The refreshments are good and the company, delightful.”

  “I’m sure you are welcome here. Now, where were we?”

  “You were telling me how you have nothing to do with horses. I suppose you walk everywhere?” Mark asked.

  Cassie nodded. “It isn’t as if we lived far away from anything important. I will take an occasional carriage ride, but only if the driver and horse are very experienced.”

  “Well, I hope to change that for you. As I said yesterday, you cannot go around fearing horses all of your life.”

  “I hardly see why I cannot. After all, I’ve done quite well these ten years. And I have ridden in the carriage to church with Mrs. Jameston, so I am not without the ability to travel when I must. In fact, she doesn’t even know about my fears.”

  “But riding is such a pleasant diversion. I think you would find it quite entertaining.”

  Cassie smiled. “Mr. Langford, there has not been much occasion in my latter years for pleasant diversions, entertaining or otherwise.”

  “Sorry to have been gone for so long,” Mrs. Jameston announced as she joined them. She glided elegantly across the lawn, the epitome of refined womanhood.

  “Is everything all right?” Mark asked as he once again got to his feet.

  Mrs. Jameston took her place on the settee and nodded. “My son is not known for his patience. But all is well. I see Cassie has amply occupied you. She is a marvelous addition to my life. Like the daughter I never had—or perhaps granddaughter.” She smiled fondly at Cassie.

  “I am, however, to leave in a short time,” Cassie interjected. “Mrs. Jameston has graciously given me Saturdays to spend with my mother and sister. I’m only here because you said you would come this morning. I didn’t think to suggest otherwise.”

  “May I escort you to your home?” Mark questioned.

  She shook her head. “I simply plan to walk and enjoy the day.”“ day.”


  “ I offered her the carriage, but she declined,” Mrs. Jameston remarked. “I’m sure I’ve never known a young lady who liked to walk more than Cassie, unless it’s me.”

  Mark nodded. “Miss Stover mentioned that your son is quite ill. I hope he is recovering.”

  “As best as can be expected,” she said with a frown. “My son—forgive me for my boldness—is a scallywag. He is the product of overindulgent parents who learned much too late in life the dangers of giving in to the demands of an out-of-control child. I’m afraid my son fears neither God nor man.”

  “I have known men such as this. Is this his residence? I thought Miss Stover mentioned something about his being newly arrived.”

  “He travels a great deal and, unfortunately, has a residence with his mistress. Unless, of course, he’s on the bad side of her, and then he makes his way home.”

  Mark made a mental note to figure out where Jameston’s mistress resided. He started to comment, but Mrs. Jameston quickly continued.

  “I do not mean to be shocking or vulgar, Mr. Langford. It is common knowledge that my son acts in an abominable manner. I see no need to pretend it is otherwise.”

  “Sometimes,” Mark said, “it is best to deal with a matter in a straightforward fashion.”

  “I completely agree. Which brings me to another topic, Mr. Langford. Since you are new to our city, have you yet found a place to worship? If not, I would like to invite you to join us tomorrow at Christ Church.”

  He hadn’t been prepared for that. He looked at his glass of lemonade and realized that getting close to Cassie and Mrs. Jameston would further his efforts more than any other plan he had at the moment.

  “I haven’t yet explored my options; however, I would be happy to join you. That is the church where Mr. Benjamin Franklin attended, is it not?”

  Mrs. Jameston smiled approvingly. “Indeed. George Washington and many others attended there as well. A great deal of praying went on in that church for the independence of our country.”

  “I have read as much. It would be my honor to join you

  “I have there.”

  Cassie smiled and got to her feet. “I hate to be rude, but I really must be on my way.”

  “But Essie is just now bringing a little more substantial fare,” Mrs. Jameston said as the young woman approached with a tray.

  “Perhaps Mr. Langford would remain and keep you company,” Cassie said. “I promised my mother that I would luncheon with her and my sister. I hope you understand.”

  Mark had already gotten to his feet. “I completely understand. Thank you so much for the time you’ve already given me. I would be happy to walk you home.”

  “Didn’t you bring the beast?” Cassie asked with a hint of a grin.

  “I did ride Portland, but if Mrs. Jameston were not to mind, I could leave him here and come back for him after I saw you safely delivered.”

  Cassie shook her head. “No. I couldn’t ask you to do that. It’s nearly two miles away. I assure you, I’ll be just fine.” She went to Mrs. Jameston and gave her shoulder a light squeeze. “I shall be back soon.”

  Mark didn’t want to appear too forward. He waited until Cassie had made her way back inside the house before looking to Mrs. Jameston. “I suppose I should go.”

  “Nonsense. Enjoy some refreshments with me. Silas is a wondrous cook and always manages to make something quite pleasing.”

  Mark looked at the table where the serving girl had already laid out the sumptuous fare. His mouth watered at the thought. “I suppose I could stay for a short time.” suppose I could stay for a short time.”

  “I’m certain I won’t be as pleasing to you as Cassie might have been, but I would like to know you better.”

  “Really? Why is that?” Mark asked, retaking his seat.

  Mrs. Jameston smiled. “Because you are obviously interested in my Cassie.”

  Cassie sat at her mother’s table and listened to Elida go on and on about the mounds of laundry she’d had to help wash and iron.

  “It’s been like a war,” Elida said in a dramatic manner. “Just when I think we’ve defeated the enemy, more comes to wipe us out.”

  Cassie laughed. “You’ve been in the company of the Radisson boys, haven’t you? Your analogy of war is better fitted to the male gender than your own.”

  Mother brought a pork roast to the table and smiled. “I thought we’d have this wonderful treat. I bought it with the money you left last week.”

  “Oh, it smells delicious,” Cassie said, spying the apples and currants in the sauce. “And what of your wonderful potatoes?”

  “I have them as well,” Mother said. “Bread too. We’re enjoying quite the feast.”

  Elida nodded. “We’ve planned it all week. I’m so glad you’re here. I did so tire of chicken and dumplings.”

  “But Mother makes such a wonderful recipe,” Cassie said. “I could eat them all week long.”

  Her sister scrunched up her nose. “Do not even speak of such things.” She tossed her braided hair over her shoulder. “I would surely waste away.”

  Cassie laughed. “You hardly look to have suffered.” Elida seemed to have grown several inches in the past month—and certainly had become even more of a dramatic actress than she’d been prior to Cassie’s departure.

  “So tell me everything I have missed.”

  “Mrs. Blanchard is having another baby,” Elida announced. “Her servant told Mother when she came to pick up the linens.”

  “What number will this make?” Cassie asked, trying to remember.

  “Fourteen,” Mother replied. “And her youngest is not yet six months.”

  Cassie shook her head. “That must be a real challenge.”

  “She should open a laundry,” Elida commented as Mother filled her plate with food.

  Laughing, Cassie helped herself to the roast. “That would be too much competition. Washing bedding and linens for the Blanchard family is a large part of Mother’s business.”

  “I know, but with the money you give us, we don’t have to work as hard.”

  “Elida!” Mother protested. “We aren’t going to sit back and do nothing while your sister labors to care for us. Now let us pray a blessing for the food and speak nothing more of money and work. I want us to enjoy our time with Cassie.”

  Cassie bowed her head, but when she closed her eyes, it was Mark Langford she thought about rather than grace. She could still remember his smile and those wonderful eyes. How charming he was, and gracious.

  “Cassie?” Elida called.

  Startled, Cassie opened her eyes and looked up sheepishly. “Sorry.”

  “I thought you were going to pray all day,” Elida replied, handing her the potatoes.

  “Well, I don’t suppose it would hurt any of us to do such a thing,” Cassie answered. “After all, the Bible does admonish us to pray without ceasing.”

  She caught her mother’s smile and decided to move the conversation to something else. “So tell me about school, Miss Elida. Are you still managing to be the best reader in your class?”

  CHAPTER 7

  Cassie stared in silent amazement at her reflection in the mirror. She wore one of her new gowns of layered pink silk and marveled at the delicately embroidered flowers that ran along the neckline.

  “I’m sure I’ve never owned anything quite so pretty,” she told Ada. Turning to catch a look at the back of the gown, she shook her head. “It just seems to float when I move.”

  Ada laughed. “I’m certain you will turn the heads of all the young men at church.” She brought Cassie’s bonnet and gloves. “It’s nearly time to leave.”

  “Please go ahead and see to Mrs. Jameston; she’s already downstairs. I’ll be right there.”

  With a nod, Ada exited the room, while Cassie noted the hat and gloves. They were just as well made and beautiful as the gown. Why, the white gloves even had the same style of embroidery running up the center.

  Moving into the hall,
Cassie thought of Mark and wondered if he would find her attractive. She thought him very handsome, but she realized she still knew very little about him. Had he escorted her home the day before, they would certainly have had more time to talk privately, but Cassie wasn’t certain that would have been entirely to her advantage. She didn’t want to get her hopes up that Mark might consider her worthy of courtship. He was, after all, of a different town and social circle. He was here for the purpose of work, and once that was complete, he would no doubt head back to Boston.

  She tied on the bonnet and was just pulling on her gloves when she heard a thud come from the end of the corridor. This was quickly followed by a string of curses and loud moans. Pausing at the stairs a moment, Cassie knew the noise had come from Mr. Jameston’s room, but she wasn’t at all sure what to do about it. Surely his friend would come to his aid.

  But the moans only continued, and now they were interspersed with calls for help. Cassie pulled on her second glove and drew a deep breath. Apparently she was the only one in the vicinity who could hear Sebastian, for no one else was appearing to help him.

  “I’ll just see what the problem is and then find help for him,” she said aloud as she moved down the long corridor.

  She knocked lightly on the bedroom door and then opened it just a bit. “Mr. Jameston, are you all right?”

  “No. I’ve fallen. Help me.”

  Cassie pushed back the door and found Sebastian fighting to get up off the floor. His nearly shoulder-length brown hair hid his face from view as he struggled. She went to him immediately and offered her arm. He latched on to her as though he were a drowning man.

  “Your fever is back,” she said, feeling the warmth of his body through his nightshirt.

  He pushed the hair from his face and flashed a gaze with his piercing blue eyes before he gripped her tightly. His hands were possessive in the way he touched her, and Cassie couldn’t help but cringe.

  “Where is your friend?”