by Beth Bennett
“Welcome home, Mrs. Holland. Mrs. Daniels has been expecting you.”
“Hello, Simmons, hello Margaret. So nice to see you.”
“I trust you had a safe trip,” Margaret replied.
“Oh, yes and glad we are that it is over! Simmons, Margaret, this is Olivia Overton, Mr. Daniels’ ward. She will be staying with the family for the next little while. Olivia, this is Mr. Simmons, the butler and this is Margaret Turner, the Daniels’ housekeeper.”
Olivia smiled. “How’d do.” She wasn’t sure if she should shake hands or not. She decided it wouldn’t hurt. Mr. Simmons gave a surprised gasp as Olivia pumped his hand up and down. Mrs. Turner tried to hide the smile turning up the corners of her mouth.
Olivia shook Mrs. Turner’s hand with similar enthusiasm. “How do, ma’am.”
“How do you do, miss. Welcome to New York.” Mrs. Turner reminded Olivia of a younger version of Aunt Bessie.
“Thank you kindly,” Olivia replied.
Mrs. Turner took Mrs. Holland’s light wrap and gloves and ushered them into the foyer. The cab driver unloaded Olivia’s trunk and left it in the hallway. Mrs. Holland gave him her address and asked for her things to be delivered there. He held out his hand and Olivia watched as Mrs. Holland put some money in it.
Olivia took in the surrounding scene. The elegance of the home was overwhelming. She tried to tiptoe so as not to scuff the floors. Intricate carvings on thick heavy moldings lined the corners of the ceilings and matched the carving on the balustrade that wound around a large staircase. A huge globular gas chandelier hung down and was decorated with complicated brass fittings. In the entryway, an empire table with marble top stood against the wall. Mrs. Turner placed Mrs. Holland’s gloves upon it. Everything was so fancy, Olivia was afraid to touch anything.
A voice from above cheerily floated down the steps. “Harriet! Haaarrriet! We were beginning to wonder if you were ever going to arrive.” A door slammed on the upper floor. “Hettie, come here at once, Mrs. Holland is here along with our guest. Come quickly now.”
Sharp heels echoed in the foyer as small booted feet made their way down the steps. The image of Jackson Daniels in an older female form floated into the hall. Anna Jackson was dressed in blue. Her bodice, the color of a robin’s egg. Her skirt was covered with frilly ruffles of a deeper blue, which floated to the floor. The dress was trimmed in white. Olivia stared into Mrs. Jackson’s eyes. They perfectly matched her dress. Now she knew where Jackson’s blue eyes had come from. Olivia thought Anna Jackson was beautiful.
An attractive, slender young woman followed, wearing a day dress of deep red. Her hair was a lighter color than Mrs. Daniels but the resemblance was unmistakable. Olivia took note that both were wearing a bustle. She looked down at her own blue plaid. The row of buttons down the bodice made her feel like a bumpkin. The white blouse she had thought so lovely, suddenly made her dress look like a child’s pinafore. She wasn’t even wearing a corset. Self-consciously, Olivia removed the wide brimmed straw hat with the green ribbon. She wished she could throw it in the fireplace.
Mrs. Daniels swept across the room, her dress rustling as she walked. She immediately gave Harriet a hug. “Oh, I am so grateful you are finally here! And look, this must be Olivia Overton! Well, she’s just lovely isn’t she?” Mrs. Daniels took Olivia by the hand. “Come, Hettie, this is Olivia.”
Hettie came over and stood beside her mother. A sparkle of mischief danced in her eyes. “Hello, Olivia. We are heartily glad to welcome you to our home. You must be exhausted after such a long journey.”
Olivia nervously smiled back. “Well, I have to admit, I am mighty parched, if I do say so myself. And I do.”
Hettie and Mrs. Daniels laughed gaily. “How delightful!” Mrs. Daniels proclaimed. “Hettie, take Olivia into the kitchen and let her have her choice of refreshments. Harriet and I shall withdraw to the sitting room. Send Liza in with a tray.”
“Yes, Mother.” Hettie grasped Olivia by the hand and led her down the hall and to the right, past another sumptuous room filled with books. “This is the library, Olivia. The most boring place in the whole house. Jackson, loves this room of course.”
Olivia peeked in. “Has he read all them books?”
“He has made a herculean effort if he hasn’t. Many of the volumes were Father’s.” Olivia’s gaze followed the book shelves. They covered the wall from floor to ceiling. It truly left her speechless.
When they entered the kitchen, Olivia breathed a sigh of relief. It was light and airy compared to the rest of the house. A great big black stove took up an entire wall. Cupboards were filled with dishes and pots and pans of an amazing assortment.
“Sit down at the table, Olivia. Tell me about your trip.” Hettie proceeded to produce all manner of drink and food and set it directly in front of Olivia. A young woman of about their own age appeared and began to make up a tray of refreshments.
“This is Liza, one of our maids. She’s as sweet as pie.” Liza looked up and smiled, a dimple forming on one side of her face. She was dressed the same as Mrs. Turner.
Olivia got up and shook her hand. “How’d do, miss.”
Liza giggled. “How do you do?”
“Here,” Hettie said. “Come have something to eat and drink.” She sat directly across from Olivia and placed her chin in her hand. “Now, tell me everything. I can’t wait to hear about what a troll Jackson has been. He’s notorious. He can barely stand me and I must say the feeling is mutual. Just what did he do to get you in such a mess?”
Embarrassed heat crept over Olivia’s face. What in the world did Jackson’s family think? How much did they know? She wanted to crawl under the table. She didn’t know what to say. Exhausted and overwhelmed, all she could think of was how much she wanted to go home. Looking at the spread of food before her, her stomach did a flip flop. A tear formed at the corner of her eye and before she knew it, a swell grew in her throat. Despite herself, she began to cry.
Hettie’s mouth dropped open. “Oh no, oh no, I’ve done it again. Why oh why didn’t I just keep my mouth shut? There, there.” Olivia was given a clean hankie from a massive linen chest. “I’m going to take you to your room myself. You can have a nice lie down. There’s a water pitcher and glass up there and you can have a few moments to yourself.” Hettie leaned down and looked into Olivia’s eyes. “Would that make you feel better?”
Olivia would like nothing more than to be alone. She nodded her agreement and followed Hettie up the stairs. They passed by three landings before finally reaching the top floor of the house. There were two bedrooms, one right beside the other.
“This is my floor,” Hettie proclaimed, “and I love being up here in the crow’s nest where no one can bother me.” She leaned over as if telling Olivia a secret. “And…no one knows what I’m up to way up here, either. Your room is directly adjacent to mine.” She opened the door and Olivia was met with the loveliest little room you could ever imagine. It was bright and cheery, complete with a window seat that looked out upon the city. The floor was covered with thick carpeting and the windows framed with heavy drapes. A luxurious spread covered the double bed. Water pitcher and wash basin waited to the right and her very own chair sat to the left.
“It shore is a pretty room.”
“Isn’t it just. You can come over to my room anytime you like and if you get scared you can even get in bed next to me, if you want to.” Hettie crossed back to the open door. “I’m going to leave you alone for a little bit to give you time to collect yourself. Are you going to be all right?”
Olivia nodded.
“Good, well, dinner is at eight. You’ve plenty of time till then. Your trunk will be brought up in a few minutes. I’ll see you at dinner.” Hettie closed the door quietly.
Olivia looked around trying to decide what to do first. She crossed to the washstand and poured herself a glass of water. Curling up on the cushioned window seat she looked out across the rooftops and spires of New York. As far as sh
e could see, house upon house and building upon building stretched up and away. The skyline was dotted with huge church spires that boggled the imagination. The whole parade ended at the edge of a river, far away in the distance. I ain’t never seen anything like this in all my life. She looked across the city and thought of home. Bessie would be smoking her pipe by the fire. Sam and Job were working at new farms. The B&O railroad now owned her place. No one would be there to harvest the apples and shut up the chicken coop for the night. She sighed. I don’t know how I’m ever going to make it in this place. I might as well be living in another country. A wave of homesickness rolled over her. Mr. Daniels’ family was so nice, and then, there was Mrs. Holland. What a delightful friend she had turned out to be. She didn’t want to embarrass any of them. The best course of action would be to simply stay inside the fancy brownstone and watch the world pass by under her window. She would study as hard as she could and get back to Virginia as fast as possible.
Eight o’clock came and Olivia could hardly wait to eat she was so hungry. She’d changed her dress and washed her face. Mrs. Holland had left long before. The smells wafting up from the dining room were tantalizing. Olivia met the other ladies in the drawing room and they all entered together.
She was given a seat next to Hettie. Mrs. Daniels took a place at the head of the table. Olivia watched as they took the big linen napkin folded by their plates and placed it in their laps. She did the same. Liza entered by pushing through the kitchen door. She carried a huge tray with a steaming soup tureen and three bowls. “My glory!” Olivia cried. “You need some hep carryin somethin that heavy!” She jumped up from her chair and placed her hands under the tray. “Here now, let’s set this down on the table.” Not knowing what else to do, Liza followed Olivia’s lead. “Do yall want to come and get this or should I bring it to you?”
Hettie’s eyes nearly bugged out her head. Mrs. Daniels cleared her throat. “Olivia, dear. How kind of you to offer to help Liza. You are absolutely right. That tray is much too heavy for one person. Come, Hettie, let’s get our bowls.” They rose from the table and collected their soup. Olivia took hers and sat down. She watched as everyone else did the same.
She wanted to make sure Liza was all right. “Do you need hep taking that tray to the kitchen?”
Liza stood wide-eyed by the dining room table. She shook her head.
Olivia sat back in her chair. “Are we going to say the blessing?”
Mrs. Daniels looked a bit uncomfortable. “Of course we are.” Olivia folded her hands and closed her eyes. A few moments passed and she proceeded to squint one eye open to see what was going on. Mrs. Jackson and Hettie were looking at each other.
Finally, Mrs. Jackson closed her eyes and said, “We thank you Lord, for these gifts we are about to receive.”
“Amen!” Olivia said. She picked up one of the spoons on the table and went to work. The first taste made her want to swoon in joy, but she nearly burned her tongue.
It was a delicious broth filled with tiny carrots and little bits of chicken. Olivia blew on the bowl and stirred with her spoon to get it to cool. She scooped up another bite and gently slurped. Perfect, the temperature was just right. She’d taken nearly four big slurps before she realized that Hettie and Mrs. Daniels were staring at her.
“This soup is grand, ma’am. Why aren’t yall eatin some?” Olivia slurped again.
Mrs. Jackson’s eyes cut over to Hettie. “Yes, this is one of our favorites, go ahead, Hettie…um…dig in.”
Hettie picked up her spoon with a laugh and began to robustly attack her soup. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to have someone visit, Olivia. You’re simply wonderful.”
Dinner was a complete triumph. Hot buttered rolls, Pigeon Comport, Kidney Beans and boil’d Turkey salad with bottl’d peas. There was even ice cream for dessert. Olivia had heard of ice cream from Mr. Lacey back home. She had always wanted to try some.
“Do yall eat this good every night?” Olivia primly wiped her mouth with her napkin just as Hettie had done.
“Oh yes,” Hettie replied. “Truly, Olivia, we have a wonderful cook.”
“I’m going to have to get in that kitchen and learn a few things. I know how to make corn bread and apple pie and I’m a pretty good hand with vegetables, but I ain’t ever ate anything so fine as this here food tonight. Thank you kindly, Hettie, Mrs. Daniels.”
Mrs. Daniels smiled and tried to look encouraging. “You are very welcome, dear. I’m sure cook would be glad to show you a few recipes tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, your tutor will arrive promptly at eight a.m. His name is Mr. Clarence Goode. Jackson specifically requested him. He is very kind and patient and a wonderful teacher. Jackson was a favorite student of his. I hope you will enjoy your lessons with him.”
“Oh, Mother.” Hettie sat back in her chair. “Couldn’t you give poor Olivia at least a few days before putting that old curmudgeon on her? I wanted to take her shopping in the morning.”
“There will be plenty of time for shopping. Jackson was adamant that her lessons begin as soon as possible.”
Olivia looked from Hettie to Mrs. Daniels and back again. Hettie had called her, ‘poor Olivia’. The last thing she wanted was the pity of these fine folk. More and more, she felt like a fish out of water. Perhaps if she could go ahead and get the lessons started, she could find a way to support herself that much sooner.
“I’ll be glad to talk to that old school master in the morning. Sides, I don’t want to go shopping. I’m holed up here and here is where I’ll stay.” She tossed her napkin upon the table and gathered up her dishes. “I’ll do the washin up. You two rest. After I’m finished, I’m turning in. I’m powerful tired.”
While Hettie and Mrs. Daniels watched, Olivia made quick work of clearing the table. Liza passed by in slack-jawed surprise. The clacking of dishes could be heard from the kitchen.
“Well, Mother, you certainly can’t say she doesn’t have a work ethic.”
“Hettie, I want you to befriend Olivia. We’re going to have to help her if we expect her to feel comfortable here. I don’t want anyone to make her feel unacceptable.”
“Oh, I will. She’s an absolute delight. I’ll help as much as I can but you know, it’s going to be a challenge.”
Mrs. Daniels rested her chin in the palm of her hand and drummed her fingers on the table. Olivia’s voice floated in from the kitchen.
“That’s the biggest danged pot I ever did see. Hand it here, I’ll wash it.”
“Yes, a challenge, it is certainly going to be that.”
Chapter 11
Mr. Goode looked over his spectacles at Olivia. He was older than dirt. He had toddled in that morning using a walking cane. Olivia stood in the foyer waiting to greet him. Jackson Daniels wanted her to get an education and Anna Daniels was so enthused that Olivia decided she would do her level best to please them. Besides, a little book learnin never did anybody any harm. She would study hard and go home as soon as possible. The man looked totally unimpressive. He wore his pants a bit too high and Olivia thought she saw more than one small moth hole in the sleeve. He smelled like a musty old book.
The library had been set aside for use as a school room. Mr. Goode took a spot at the large desk by the window and Olivia sat at a small table by the bookshelves. A stack of brand new paper sat beside a charcoal pencil on her desk. She’d looked for a school slate but Mrs. Daniels told her she wouldn’t need one. The paper and pencil would have to suffice.
“Now, Miss Overton, the first order of business is to assess the level of education you have already attained. I am most interested in your knowledge of grammar and mathematics. History, Geography and Science will come later. I’d like to begin by having you complete a one-page essay. Let us start with a subject you already know. Your first assignment shall be an essay on the mountains of Virginia. Nothing complicated, you understand. Simply tell me in your own words about your home, your friends, anything you would like to talk about. I am not lo
oking for content, just simple grammatical structure.”
Olivia looked dubiously at the man. Well, what had she expected? It seemed all school marms and school masters were all alike. Reading and writing and writhmatic. She picked up her newly sharpened pencil and gave it a lick. “How long do I got to finish it?”
“How long do you have?”
“I don’t know, you’re the school marm.”
“Miss Overton, I am most decidedly not a school marm. I am a professor. You may call me professor if you wish.” He breathed a sigh of frustration. “You have one hour to complete your essay. I suggest you begin.”
Olivia went to work. She wrote about Paw and about the little cabin. She told of the apple trees growing in the rolling fields around their farm. She even included an apple pie recipe. Blowing away the crumbs of pencil lead that littered her paper, she proudly brought it to the professor’s desk.
He took out his watch. “Fifteen minutes. My, you are quick. Let’s just see what we have here.”
She waited patiently by his desk as he took out a red pencil and began to read her work. He circled and marked and placed an X beside nearly every word. He even marked up her recipe.
“This is totally unacceptable, Miss Overton. I see that we shall have to begin at the beginning. The first thing we will have to do is make a list of spelling errors. After that, we shall attack sentence structure.”
“I’m not stupid. I did real good in school. Teacher said so. I don’t see why you marked my paper up like that. I did a good job.”
“Miss Overton, I am not here to compliment sub-par work. I am here to teach. Kindly take your seat.”
Olivia stomped her foot. “Just like a damned old, Yankee.”
The professor gave her a steely look. “Miss Overton! I may be old and I may be a Yankee, but I know more than you do. Do you want to learn or not? Fifteen minutes in the corner should cool your temper.” Olivia’s mouth fell open. “Move, young lady, or I shall depart forthwith and there shall be no more lessons.”
