The Artisan's Wife

by Judith Miller

  Dr. Thorenson sat down beside her and nodded toward the missive. “Before you sign, perhaps we should have someone with knowledge of such contracts take a look at what they’ve sent. I wouldn’t want them to take advantage.”

  Nettie looked at him as though he were the one who should be a patient in the asylum. “I would sign this even if they didn’t offer a cent. To have one of my stories in such a fine magazine is an honor, Dr. Thorenson. It was never my intention to make money from my writing.”

  He nodded. “That may be, Nettie, but the money you can make by writing may be a ticket to a new life for you. If you’re declared to be sane and can support yourself, wouldn’t you much prefer to live on your own?”

  She nodded. “Yes, yet it will take more than the sale of one story before I can consider such a future.” Her lips curved in a generous smile. “But it’s a beginning. I’ll save my money, and perhaps one day I’ll leave my past behind.”

  Nettie turned toward Ainslee. “If I sign the contract, will you mail it for me right away?”

  “I’ll make sure it gets in tomorrow’s mail.”

  A short time later, signed contract in hand, Ainslee returned to the tile works, where Levi greeted her with a smile. “I’m guessing it was good news since you look like you’re about to bust a button.”

  She giggled and bobbed her head. “They sent a short contract and they’re going to pay her for the story. She’s so happy, I doubt she’ll get a minute of sleep tonight.”

  Levi pushed back from the desk. “I think you might match her on that account. I don’t think you could be happier if it had happened to you.”

  Ainslee considered his words and knew he was right. Her joy for Nettie surpassed the pleasure she’d experienced with any of her own successes. The excitement of being able to help Nettie with her story was truly exciting, but realizing it could possibly lead to a new and independent life for the woman was truly gratifying.

  She withdrew an envelope from her desk drawer and carefully penned the address of Godey’s Lady’s Book. After tucking the contract inside and sealing the envelope, she looked up and met Levi’s gaze. “Do you need me to complete the payroll?”

  He shook his head. “It’s all done, but I do want to talk to you about a possible solution to Laura’s attendance at the opening ceremony.”

  “So you were afraid I’d have you beheaded.”

  He laughed. “Beheading was foremost in my mind the entire time you were away.”

  When he said nothing more, she leaned forward. “Are you going to tell me?”

  An impish gleam shone in his eyes. “We both need to get back to our rooms and change for supper. When we arrive at the hotel, just follow my lead.”

  Ainslee wanted to quiz him further, but she remained silent. She’d asked for his help. Now she needed to trust him.

  Levi lightly grasped Ainslee’s elbow as they walked into the hotel dining room. “I’m going to speak to Laura about some artwork, so I’ll need you to follow along and support me.”

  “Yes, of course.” Ainslee wasn’t certain she’d be able to lend much support since she didn’t know what artwork he might want to discuss, but she’d do her best.

  Laura was waiting in the lobby and greeted them with a glowing smile. “I’m so pleased you could both join me for supper. I have a table reserved for us.”

  Over the next hour, they dined and chatted about the library, the mosaics, Tessa, and life in Grafton. When they’d nearly completed their dinner, Ainslee could hold her excitement no longer. She touched Laura’s hand. “I simply must share that Nettie Brinker, an acquaintance of mine, received a contract to have a story she’s written published with Godey’s.”

  Laura gasped. “Truly? What an honor. They’ve published so many extraordinary authors. Your friend will likely become famous. I don’t believe I’ve heard you mention her before. Does she live at the boardinghouse?”

  Ainslee touched the corner of her linen napkin to her lips. “No. She’s a patient at the asylum.”

  Laura leaned forward. “The napkin muffled your answer. It sounded as though you said she’s a patient at the asylum.”

  “You heard correctly. Nettie is as sane as you and me, but her husband was unhappy with her. He said she spent too much of her time reading and writing rather than performing her household duties.”

  Laura frowned. “And you believe her? I think the woman has to be delusional. No husband would have his wife placed in an asylum because she reads books or writes in a journal.”

  Ainslee didn’t want to argue with her sister-in-law. This wasn’t the time or place, but she had hoped revealing Nettie’s exciting news would convince Laura the asylum wasn’t such a frightening place. She glanced at Levi. He winked before turning his attention to Laura.

  “Ainslee has told me that you have an excellent eye for art, Mrs. McKay.”

  Laura blushed and let her gaze linger on her plate for a moment. “I like to think I can appreciate good art, but I’m not an expert. I certainly enjoy visiting museums and learning all I can, so I’ve come to perhaps a greater knowledge than some of my peers.”

  Levi enthusiastically nodded and offered a broad smile. “Excellent. You’re exactly the person I need.” He glanced around the room as if preparing to divulge some conspiratorial message. “If I asked you to judge several pieces of artwork, would you be willing to choose the one you believe is the best piece?”

  “Of course, but art is subjective. Even the experts sometimes disagree.” Laura took a sip of her coffee.

  “I understand, but we won’t be asking any of those so-called experts to give an opinion. If you’re free tomorrow morning, I’ll call for you here at the hotel at nine o’clock. Will that be satisfactory?”

  She nodded. “Certainly. I look forward to it. Will I be judging a variety of works, or only the work of one artist?”

  Levi wagged his finger back and forth. “I’m not going to give you any more details, but promise me you’ll keep your word.”

  She tipped her head to the side. “Of course. I always keep my word.”

  A short time later, they bid Laura good-night in the hotel lobby. Moments later, Ainslee nudged Levi’s arm. “How is that going to help, and what artwork are you talking about? I’m confused.”

  Levi escorted her out the front doors and helped her into the waiting carriage. “That’s why I asked you to follow my lead. Fortunately, Laura agreed to the plan without too many questions, so there was no need for you to encourage her.”

  “I’m thankful I could remain silent during the conversation. I had hoped hearing about Nettie’s contract would help ease her worries, but she’s unwilling to believe there are patients in the institution who are as sane as you and me.”

  “Once inside, she’s going to discover her fears are unfounded.”

  Ainslee nudged his arm. “I wasn’t even aware there was artwork to be judged.”

  As the carriage continued down the rutted dirt road to the boardinghouses, Levi detailed the rest of his idea. “I don’t know if it will work, but we’re going to have to rely upon the fact that she gave her word.” He grinned. “Just make certain you’re in the library with those paintings and the other ladies when we arrive tomorrow morning.”

  Ainslee leaned close, enjoying the warmth of Levi nearness. How thankful she was that God had sent such a wonderful man into her life. A dependable man who willingly helped her through every difficulty that came her way. She sighed contentedly and basked in the pleasure of Levi’s presence.

  Chapter 20

  Ainslee awakened the following morning with a sense of expectation bubbling deep within. Mrs. Brighton chastised her for eating only one biscuit for breakfast, but Ainslee’s excitement was far too great to eat a large meal.

  She rushed out the door to the awaiting buggy amidst the good wishes of the boardinghouse ladies and soon was hard at work logging books. Initially, she’d simply enter the titles and name of the author in the ledger. There wasn’t t
ime to organize the books. She’d truly count it a blessing if she could get all of them logged and in the bookcases. There would be ample time for organization in the coming months.

  Several of the female patients arrived a short time later and began shelving the books. Ainslee directed them to the books that had already been logged into the ledger. “There isn’t time to shelve them by category or author. We can see to that later.”

  She looked up when Dr. Thorenson entered the library and glanced around the room. “I thought your sister-in-law might be here with you. I was hoping for an introduction.”

  Ainslee shook her head. “She should be here a little after nine o’clock. If you’d like to return then, I’m sure she’d be pleased to meet you.”

  The doctor’s eyes shone with disappointment. “I’ll do my best to return then. Speaking of your sister-in-law, I’m pleased to tell you that the certificate is almost completed. I hope she’ll be pleased with our efforts to thank her.”

  “I’m sure she will.” Ainslee briefly considered telling the doctor Laura might not be present, but then she remembered Laura had promised to come and judge the artwork. Her sister-in-law wasn’t one to break her word. Besides, once Laura met a few of the ladies, she’d overcome her fears.

  Ainslee returned to the ledger and when the clock tower bonged to announce the nine o’clock hour, she startled. The time was passing far too quickly. Levi would be at the hotel meeting Laura.

  Ainslee answered questions for several of the ladies, and then continued logging books. A short time later, she clicked open the timepiece pinned to her shirtwaist. Nine twenty. They should be here soon. She pushed away from the table and stepped to the door. Her breath caught when she spotted Levi and Laura walking down the hallway.

  Quickly, she stepped back inside and closed the doors. “Ladies! Could I have your attention for a moment?” The women ceased their work and turned toward her. “We’re going to have a couple of guests stop in the library for a brief visit. If time permits, I’ll introduce each of you, but please continue with your work. We want to have as many books shelved as possible.” She waved to Nettie. “Would you please take over the logging duties, Nettie?”

  The words had barely escaped her lips when Laura and Levi entered. A deep-set frown creased Laura’s forehead, and her lips formed a taut line. She rushed to Ainslee’s side. “You should have warned me he was going to bring me here.”

  “I didn’t know until after we parted last night, but I’m pleased you kept your word. As you can see, this is a perfectly safe place. Let me introduce you to the ladies who are donating their time to shelve books.” Ainslee led Laura across the room. One by one, she introduced her to the ladies, ending with Nettie. “And this is Nettie Brinker, the lady I told you about last evening.” Ainslee turned her gaze toward Nettie. “I hope you don’t mind, but I shared your good news about Godey’s with my sister-in-law.”

  Nettie’s smile broadened. “Of course, I don’t mind. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. McKay. Ainslee has been a genuine source of encouragement to many of us, especially to me. If it weren’t for her efforts, my story would still be tucked away among my few belongings.”

  Laura’s features softened as she spoke to Nettie. “I’m pleased to meet you. Congratulations on your success. Being published in Godey’s is quite an accomplishment. You must continue with your writing. I’m sure Ainslee will assist you in any way she can.” Laura looked toward Ainslee. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m supposed to review some artwork.”

  Nettie picked up her pen and nodded. “I looked at the paintings earlier this morning. They’re well done. I think you’ll enjoy seeing them.”

  Laura stepped away from the table and drew close to Ainslee’s side. “She seems lovely. It’s good you can have her near you and away from all of the other patients.”

  Ainslee grinned. After introducing her to Nettie, she had expected Laura would guess the other ladies were patients, but her sister-in-law hadn’t yet deduced the truth. “They are all very nice ladies.” Ainslee gestured toward the far side of the room where Levi stood beside a group of paintings resting against the wall.

  He stepped toward them as they approached. “We would like for you to decide which ones would best suit this room. The rest will be hung in the outer hallways.”

  Laura seemed to forget her surroundings as she slowly examined each of the paintings. Ainslee maintained a careful watch on the ladies, worried some of them might say or do something that would reveal they were patients. She’d held her breath when Laura had carried paintings to different locations in the room.

  “I believe these two are the best choice. I think all of them would be lovely in here, but the bookshelves have left the room with little wall space. The wall color will bring out the shading in the two I’ve chosen.” She appeared far more relaxed than when she’d first entered the room. “Would you like me to stay and help you shelve books? Now that I’m here, I might as well make myself useful.”

  Ainslee nodded toward a far window. “I would love to have your help, but I need to first tell you that all of these ladies are patients here in the asylum. They’ve been working with me since I first began planning the library. As you can see, they are harmless.”

  Laura’s eyes widened, and she glanced around the room. She leaned close to Ainslee. “All of them? Not just Nettie?”

  The question hissed in Ainslee’s ear. “Yes, all of them. Most suffer from depression, some are grieving, and others, like Nettie, are here simply because their husbands no longer wished to be married to them and made up allegations about their behavior.”

  Laura shook her head. “Women need to be warned so that they will be most careful in their choice of a husband. Don’t you agree?”

  “Indeed.” Before Ainslee could say anything further, Dr. Thorenson entered the room.

  His lips curved in a broad smile as he drew near. “I heard that our esteemed visitor was in the library, and I thought I’d come and meet you. I am delighted that you’re going to be here for the dedication ceremony. I’m Dr. Thorenson, and I’ve had the pleasure of lending a small amount of assistance to Ainslee while she’s worked on this project.”

  Ainslee traced the fingers of her left hand along the scar. “He’s also the doctor who so capably cared for me when I injured myself.”

  Laura placed her arm around Ainslee’s shoulder. “We owe you a debt of gratitude, Doctor. Without your help, I’m sure she wouldn’t have had such a wonderful recovery.”

  “Though I wish our initial encounter hadn’t been due to such painful circumstances, it was my good fortune to meet Miss McKay. Her passion for this library is a godsend.” Dr. Thorenson glanced around the room. “Our dedication ceremony is going to be quite an event. Has Ainslee told you that you’re to be seated beside her at the head table?”

  “Me?” Laura looked at Ainslee. Her sister-in-law was just as surprised as she was. “No, she didn’t mention the head table, but I’d be honored.”

  Ainslee exhaled a long breath and uttered a silent prayer of thanks. None of this would have come together so perfectly had it not been for Levi’s help and God’s grace.

  Several hours later, the bell tower sounded and a nurse appeared in the doorway of the library. “Time for the noonday meal, ladies. Please form a line.” She turned toward Laura and Ainslee. “Dr. Thorenson asked that you join him in the staff room, where he’s arranged for your meal.”

  Laura stiffened and Ainslee offered her sister-in-law an encouraging smile. Although Laura had been working in the library for several hours, it appeared as if the idea of moving to another location in the asylum had reignited her anxiety.

  “Thank you. Please tell Dr. Thorenson we’ll join him shortly.” Ainslee leaned forward. “There’s nothing to fear. The staff room is in the administration area. Patients are seldom in that portion of the asylum.”

  Laura’s eyes widened. “Seldom?”

  Ainslee hadn’t wanted to say never. After all, pati
ents were occasionally in the administrative wing. “When patients are admitted, they need to come through the main offices so that the proper papers can be completed and the doctor can perform a physical examination. I’ve been here frequently and haven’t yet seen a patient there. At least no one who appeared to be a patient. As you discovered in the library, it’s sometimes difficult to know who is a patient and who is a visitor.”

  They remained at the library table until the patients filed out of the room. When Ainslee stood and gestured toward the door, Laura remained seated. “I ate a large breakfast at the hotel dining room and I’m not the least bit hungry. Why don’t you lock the door as you leave and I’ll remain here?”

  Ainslee sighed. “I don’t have a key to the door, so I’ll have to leave it unlocked. If that’s what you prefer, I’ll be gone for less than an hour.”

  The remark had been carefully crafted to omit any mention of safety, for Ainslee didn’t want to instill the idea that harm would come to Laura if she remained in the library. However, the only way Laura was going to overcome her fears completely would be to see more of the facility and how it operated.

  Laura pushed to her feet. “On second thought, perhaps I should have something to eat. If I’m going to help you log and shelve the remainder of these books, I’ll be famished by the time we finish.”

  “I think you’re right. You’ll find the food quite good. I’ve enjoyed meals in the staff room on a couple of occasions.” She looped her arm through Laura’s, glad for a little time alone together. All morning, she’d wanted to question Laura about her decision to visit the asylum. Beyond that, she worried Laura might be angry with Levi. If so, Ainslee hoped to clear the air. “I hope you’re not angry with Levi.”

  Laura shook her head. “No. Once I learned that I was to be seated by you at the head table during the ceremony, I understood why you were pressing me to attend. By insisting I keep my word and judge the artwork, Levi was doing what he thought was best for both of us. I now realize you were both correct.” They turned left down a hallway. “Although I can’t say that I’m completely comfortable here, being with the female patients has dispelled many of my concerns.”