The Emerald Tartan

by Patricia McGrew

  ***

  As they walked towards the office, Lydia decided she wanted to say one more thing to her mother, but she could not find the words. For the first time in her life, she understood why her mother married her father, and how much her mother had sacrificed to protect her own sisters, and now her. Before Lydia could say anything, Caroline took her hand and said, “Well, we’re here. Don’t be nervous. You are a fine teacher and will make an excellent governess. You will be just fine.” There was no more time for talk.

  They climbed the brownstone steps up to the office, and Caroline knocked on the door and turned to Lydia. “There is nothing you can say to me, Lydia. I made my choice many years ago, and my duty is to live with that choice in the best way I can. As long as you are happy, then I can be happy. This is your chance at happiness. Grab it while you can!”

  Lydia smiled at her mother. Then, Caroline said, “Let’s find out more about your new position!”

  CHAPTER 4

  The two ladies knocked at the door and an old woman dressed in a well-worn maid’s uniform and white cap answered the door. She appeared irritated by the interruption, but upon learning they were there to meet with Mr. Quigley about the governess position in San Francisco, her demeanor changed. She engaged them in small talk as they walked down a narrow, dark hallway. The gray-haired maid ushered Lydia and Caroline into the waiting room. Lydia detected a faint lemon scent that still lingered on the aging, but polished mahogany woodwork. Lining the walls of the waiting room were shelves full of fat, official-looking legal books. Pieces of ink-smeared foolscap lay everywhere – on top of shelved books, on the small tea table, and several pieces had even drifted down to the floor, where they appeared to have been for quite a while because they had footprints on them. The small room was an interesting contradiction in terms – highly polished wood paneling and shelving which demonstrated devoted care, but paperwork lay everywhere in a helter-skelter manner. Filing was not a very high priority.

  An older, balding gentleman with a large, red veined nose walked out of one of the adjoining rooms into the waiting room. His clothing was meticulous, and he walked with an air of authority. He thanked the maid for bringing his clients into the waiting room and asked her if there were any messages for him. Without waiting for an answer from the maid, he turned and walked back into what appeared to be his office. Lydia, Caroline, and the maid watched him walk away.

  When the man did not walk back out, the maid walked by Lydia and Caroline and said, “Pardon me laidies,” with a cockney accent. “It seems Mr. Quigley has forgotten what he’s about again.” She poked her head into his office and mumbled a few words to the man. There was silence for a moment, as the maid turned and left the entry to his office. The gentleman reappeared in the waiting room, looking a bit flustered and embarrassed.

  “Do forgive me, ladies. My age is catching up with me. I am Hiram T. Quigley, solicitor, at your service. Please come into my office and be seated.”

  Lydia and Caroline followed him into his office and each sat down in the deep, cushioned leather chairs opposite Mr. Quigley’s mammoth desk. The faint aroma of a cigar still lingered in the air.

  The two women glanced at one another with their eyebrows raised in amusement, and stifled a giggle. Caroline took a moment to regain her composure, but allowed Mr. Quigley to take her hand as he approached her and kissed the back of it.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. I am Mrs. Matthew Holcomb, and this is my daughter, Lydia, who wrote to you about the governess position in San Francisco with the Lord and Lady Saxonby.”

  “Yes, yes of course.” A smile broke out on Mr. Quigley’s face. He was clearly delighted to see them. “Again, please forgive my absentmindedness. It’s a problem that appears, disappears, and then reappears at the most awkward of moments. ’Tis one of the drawbacks of old age. I hope to retire soon, and then I won’t have to remember minor details so much.

  “Oh dear. Not that you ladies are minor details. Oh my! I do have a tendency to get myself into such a dither.” Changing the subject again, he asked, “Would you ladies like tea?” Without waiting for an answer, he gave a healthy tug on the faded burgundy bell pull. Within several moments, the same maid reappeared in the doorway. “Tea for the ladies please, Miss Wimple.”

  The maid nodded curtly and quickly departed.

  Leaning toward Lydia, Mr. Quigley said, “Now, while we wait for the tea, I must tell you Miss Holcomb, your references and background are excellent. We did have one other applicant for the position, but she was sixty years old, and frankly I feared she would not survive the trip around the Cape. We didn’t get any other applicants who have your experience or, and, and, ah, your maturity.”

  “What do you mean the trip around the Cape?” said Lydia. “I thought most passenger ships nowadays traveled down to Panama, where the passengers disembarked and traversed the isthmus by carriage, then embarked upon another ship once they reached the Pacific side.”

  “Yes, indeed. That is absolutely correct, Miss Holcomb. However, under the circumstances, the Lord Saxonby happens to own the ship on which you will be traveling, the Wyndom Wydoh. His ship is usually the last one of the season to go around the Cape. It carries both cargo and passengers, and must make stops in the Caribbean and down along the coast of South America.”

  “Why is his ship the last one of the season to go around the Cape?”

  “Ah, my dear. You must not know much about shipping.”

  Lydia felt uncomfortable at displaying ignorance in any area, but agreed she knew very little about the shipping industry.

  “Well, while it is early spring here in London, the seasons are the opposite in the southern hemisphere, so it is early fall down at Cape Horn. By the time the ship reaches Cape Horn, winter will fast be making its appearance. The conditions at that time of the year can be nothing less than treacherous. Icebergs, blizzards, strong currents, high winds, and tumultuous seas.”

  Lydia’s eyes widened at Mr. Quigley’s description, and she looked to her mother for reassurance. Caroline frowned slightly and busied herself by wiping away imaginary lint on her skirt. “Are you telling us this trip is unsafe, and you are putting my daughter at peril, Mr. Quigley?”

  “Oh dear! There I go again.” He rubbed the shiny bald spot on the top of his head and cleared his throat. “I am afraid I have painted a grim picture, when in fact, the Wyndom Wydoh is a fast and modern square rigger. Indeed, one of the safest ships ever built. A fine ship. And, because the ship leaves so soon, it stands little chance of being caught at the Cape in winter.”

  Feeling relieved, Lydia asked, “When does the ship leave?”

  Mr. Quigley coughed and cleared his throat. “That could be a bit of a problem, Miss Holcomb. Originally, the ship was scheduled to leave next week, Wednesday. However, I received word this morning there has been a change in the plans, and… and… ah.”

  Mr. Quigley gazed at the ceiling and grimaced, “The ship leaves today at four o’clock this afternoon.”

  “What?” Caroline jumped up. “That is preposterous! There is no way my daughter can leave to travel halfway around the world with no more than a few hours of notice. You are joking!”

  “I wish I were, Mrs. Holcomb. However, that is, in fact the case. The ship’s captain must make an additional stop, at a small port near Buenos Aires, which had not been planned. The ship will now be taking on just harvested coffee there to deliver to San Francisco. I understand what short notice this is, but Lord Saxonby and his wife are more than willing to compensate Miss Holcomb for this inconvenience. In fact, the ship’s Captain has authorized me to provide Miss Holcomb with substantial funds, thirty pounds, as a signing bonus, so she may purchase whatever personal items she needs for the journey. That way, she will incur no discomfort as far as her wardrobe is concerned. He has even provided funds for a maid or chaperone to travel with Miss Holcomb. Unfortunately, due to the shortness of time, there is no time to hire a maid. Unless… You already have a maid
Miss Holcomb?”

  Lydia shook her head “no.”

  “In addition, there will be an additional thirty pounds for you upon your arrival in San Francisco to purchase whatever you may need for your new duties.”

  Caroline fidgeted in her chair and looked at Lydia, who had said nothing. Lydia’s mind was in a visionary warp. Images flashed through her mind. A ship on the high seas, sails blowing in the wind, whitecaps, and glimpses of what she imagined San Francisco might look like, traveled through her mind.

  Without looking at either her mother or Mr. Quigley, and still pondering the portraits of the new life she willed herself to see, she said, “It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, Mama. I am going. I will take this first step in my new life without fear and … without preparation” she looked at her mother, “I begin this adventure happily. I don’t know what it holds for me, but in a way, I feel the sudden change of plans for the ship is right. It gives me the opportunity to leave without a fight from Papa or the fear he will figure out a way to keep me from going. I’m frightened, but I’m going to do it.” Lydia finally smiled. Her eyes burned like green emeralds caught in the sunlight.

  “Yes, Mama. This is going to be a new life, and I can feel it. I am ready for all that life holds for me!”

  Mr. Quigley glanced nervously at Caroline.

  “You are absolutely right, Lydia. This is your life. I am so disappointed I have no time to spend with you to help you prepare for the trip. Your father is a force to be reckoned with. Will he cause problems? Most likely, yes. You go today. I will deal with your father.”

  Caroline, almost as an afterthought, turned to Mr. Quigley. “Tell me, sir, are Lord Saxonby and his wife members of the Church of England?”

  “Of course, Mrs. Holcomb. Both are quite active in the Church. One of the requirements they insisted upon was that the governess be a practicing member of the Church. That is why I knew that they would be very happy with Miss Holcomb’s background. Also, I should like to tell you that I have met the children myself. Last year, I was in San Francisco and met the family. It was there they requested I assist them in finding a governess. The children are well behaved, but are taking on American habits and slang. For that reason, they felt it imperative the governess be from England, so the children can grow up speaking proper English and have proper English manners.”

  Lydia tried to imagine the four children, from aged ten down to age three. But no images came to mind. She could only see Lady Tighe’s girls. “I am sure that everything will work out just fine, Mr. Quigley. But if the ship leaves in only a few hours, my mother and I must do shopping to prepare for the trip.”

  Appearing very glad to have the ordeal over with, Mr. Quigley went to the small vault in the corner of his office and took out thirty pounds to give to Lydia. “Please be back here no later than two-thirty this afternoon so we can be at the ship no later than four o’clock. There are ladies’ dress shops two streets over which may have a couple of dresses for sale that were not purchased as special orders, as well as several toiletries shops. If you need anything beyond what they offer, I am certain the personnel there will be able to direct you to the appropriate place.”

  Lydia reached out for the money, smiled, and thanked Mr. Quigley. Thirty pounds was as much money as Lydia would earn in four years of tutoring Lady Tighe’s children. So much money and all at one time! She grabbed Caroline’s hand and although trying to maintain her sense of dignity, almost skipped out the last couple of steps of Mr. Quigley’s office.

  “Thirty pounds,” mused Lydia aloud. “Never in my life have I ever even seen thirty pounds. I will make my purchases wisely, but I’m going to enjoy this experience. I have never had a store-bought dress in my life.”

  The time passed in the blink of an eye. Lydia and Caroline found several small dress shops that had a few ready-made dresses for sale. Lydia chose two dresses; one, an ocean blue and mauve taffeta pyramid dress with full bishop sleeves and a deep cuff at the wrist, and the other an emerald green silk with ivory lace trim around the neckline also with bishop sleeves. She also bought the smallest crinoline fashion would allow, a few lacy undergarments, and a nightgown and robe.

  “Mama, wouldn’t Papa just die if he knew I bought a real crinoline, and two dresses in bright colors?”

  To carry all of her purchases she proudly chose a small wooden trunk which had a drawer on the top for storage of jewelry, hairbrushes, and combs. Lastly, she wore the new straw bonnet that sported a satin blue ribbon tied at the side of her chin.

  “Mother,” began Lydia. “I feel giddy with excitement, but there is fear, too. Is that normal? I am excited about the adventure, but fearful being on my own. After all, I am not well equipped to deal with worldly people or men, given the life I have lead.”

  “Yes, very normal. You will be fine. You are a strong woman, and have usually been a good judge of people. We can write. It is not as though we will never see or hear from one another again. Oh, how I will miss you, sweetheart. You have been my only joy, as you already know.” Her eyes glassed a little as Lydia hugged her. “I am being silly,” Caroline laughed. “I must have caught your giddiness!” She nodded her head in agreement at Lydia’s choices, and examined a light gray silk dress in the latest fashion. The dress was complete with Belgian lace covering the bodice and edging the wrists. Since her marriage to Matthew, all of her dresses had been either wool or muslin. She sighed wistfully, and moved on to look at the bonnets.

  The clerk wrapped each item in paper and secured the package with a thin blue ribbon. She then flagged down a hack for Lydia and Caroline so they could make a few other purchases and toiletries before they returned to the solicitor’s office. As they sat back on the cushions, Caroline looked confused when she counted two packages too many.

  Lydia pulled out one of the packets and handed it over to her mother “For you, Mama. A small token of my love for you. I’m not sure you will ever be able to wear this around Papa, but one never knows. Perhaps when you visit your sisters, you can wear it.”

  Caroline removed her gloves and untied the ribbon that held the first of two packets. “Oh Lydia! How did you know I was looking at the gray silk dress? It’s perfect!”

  “I watched you from behind the stack of fabrics. The color is so perfect for you, and… well, you deserve something frilly and feminine for a change.”

  Caroline opened the second package and burst into laughter. “Do you really think your father would ever allow me to take up twice as much room as he does?”

  From the second package Caroline pulled out a very fashionable crinoline. “You are a dreamer, dear. I like your dreams. Yes, I can answer my own question. I will find a way for me to be able to wear both the dress and the full crinoline. Perhaps as you say, when I visit my family. Oh my! Such a delightful surprise. I do hope you haven’t spent all thirty pounds, Lydia.”

  “Of course not, Mama. I still have twenty-five pounds, three shillings left. A fortune!”

  They both laughed.

  The hack pulled up at Mr. Quigley’s office, and the driver unloaded the small trunk and packets of purchases inside the hallway of Mr. Quigley’s office. Lydia fussed over the packets and lovingly placed them in the wooden trunk. With a satisfying “clunk”, the lid to the trunk snapped soundly shut when Lydia closed it.

  The same maid came out from a back room and greeted the women as long-lost friends. “So, you’ve made it back, have you? Good. Good. I’ll let Mr. Quigley know you’ve arrived.”

  Within no time at all, Mr. Quigley greeted the women and ordered a carriage to be brought around to the front. “I’m so glad you ladies are back early. We can go over to the ship right now, meet the Captain, and get you settled in your cabin with perhaps a bit of time for tea with the Captain before you leave.

  It seemed to take no time at all before Lydia and Caroline found themselves in a strange, new environment. The carriage horses’ hooves clip-clopped along the cobbled streets, which gradually became more na
rrow and crowded. There were men in sailors’ uniforms, officers’ uniforms, military uniforms of all sorts from many nations, as well as businessmen, and scruffy-looking men and boys dressed in rags. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, and they scurried back and forth. All appeared to be intent upon earning a living. Muscular stevedores shouted orders to crews loading and unloading heavy boxes, young men made package deliveries, fishmongers huffed and puffed behind their carts of fish being pushed from the ship docks to small shops, and sharp eyed pickpockets stealthily worked their way through the crowds. The sharp, pervasive smell of sweaty, unwashed bodies along with rotting fish and guts, almost overcame Lydia. She pulled out a small linen handkerchief from her reticule, covered her small nose and choked back the overwhelming need to gag. She looked up in time to see her mother with a worried look on her face, frantically pulling out her own handkerchief.

  Lydia smiled bravely and said, “Mama, this is what I have wanted for so long. I just have to get accustomed to all the new sights and sounds. This is all going to work out for the best, you’ll see.”

  The carriage came to an abrupt halt and slid sideways over the slippery cobbled stones which bore the accumulation of a day’s worth of human and animal refuse, as well as the moisture of a light drizzle that never seem to adequately wash away the filth.

  The door opened, and Mr. Quigley beckoned the ladies, “Watch your step, ladies. It’s a bit slippery out here. Just watch where you put your feet, and you should be fine.”

  Lydia exited the carriage first. Her cat eyes were ablaze with nervousness and excitement. She lifted her skirt and carefully sidestepped bits of rotted fish to stand behind the carriage, while Mr. Quigley and the carriage driver started to lift her newly purchased wooden trunk from the boot of the carriage.

  “Be careful!” shouted Lydia. Despite her words of warning, Mr. Quigley stepped sideways as the driver handed him the trunk he slipped on fish guts and began to lose his grip on the luggage almost in slow-motion, Lydia saw the lid of the trunk pop open and her new purchases, still wrapped in their packages, began to tumble out of the container.