It was that force she needed right now, one to extinguish the loneliness swirling around her like an old ghost with no resolution. Why this overwhelming sense of aloneness tonight? Because she found herself missing Adrian yet again? These moments confounded her. She definitely missed George, and sweet little Anna. Even a cup of coffee with Edna the housekeeper would have been nice company. Shrugging, she pulled a few small logs out of the bin beside the fireplace and tossed them easily onto the grate. Some kindling and a strike of a match, and she soon had a small fire blazing.
Tonight, she ate dinner in front of the dancing flames. She treated herself to a generous serving of wine in one of the fancy cut glass wine goblets in the china cabinet. Claire was not big into alcohol, but this time, she welcomed the buzz after the first glass. She poured another and drank some more. Her plate sat next to the sofa on which she’d reclined after eating. Buzzy and Moo settled at her feet, engrossed in grooming their paws. The more she thought about Adrian again, the more she wished they had their old life back.
Did he even think about her at all anymore? Was he sitting alone in front of a fire tonight too? Claire’s mind slipped back to the past, remembering special things they’d done. She thought about the trip they made to Gatlinburg and how they spent the weekend there one time, just for a quick getaway and a change of scenery. There were picnics and parties with friends. They’d spent nights laughing, dreaming big dreams, with Adrian of becoming the most famous hatter in the nation, if not the world.
What astounded her most was why part of her still loved a man who didn’t love her anymore? Claire pondered this simple question, and after about an hour engrossed in it, finally concluded that love didn’t simply shut itself off like flicking a light switch up and down whenever you needed or wanted to.
One didn’t readily dismiss another, especially if they’d made a commitment to you one time in their life. Especially if you’d birthed their children and helped them, even in some small way, with their livelihood. One didn’t dismiss shared secrets and big dreams. One didn’t dismiss the person they once were. The true Adrian was not the man he was now. None of this was his fault, really. They’d both been victims, he caught in one web, she in another. Their webs had tangled, and he’d nearly gotten the better of her.
Her thoughts turned to George. What would it be like to have him with her, cuddling on the sofa, the cats nearby, and Anna playing with Lulabelle? Claire had been giving that more thought lately. She hadn’t dismissed him totally because of his words at Mr. Hyde’s party, but in truth, George wasn’t hers to dismiss. His words didn’t match the look he often gave her, nor the way he touched her. She’d need to give all this more time. Men needed it more than women. But three years as a widower? That was enough. She had no problem giving him more time since she was new in his life, but then it would be time to move on at some point.
Claire swung her legs off the sofa, picked up her plate and empty wine glass, and headed to the kitchen. She could work on the loom until bedtime. Tomorrow, she would play with the soap ingredients. Lucky for her, she found a perfumer’s catalog with all kinds of oils and colors. All she needed was some labels and nice packaging. Not bad for a single woman who had two product lines to her name.
Chapter Nineteen
“You can’t be serious.” Claire nearly dropped the phone.
“Of course, I’m serious. Why would I ask you to if I didn’t mean it?” George’s voice bounded loud and clear through the line. There was a brief silence. “Look, I know it may sound odd to you, but I’m fine with it. I want to see them on you.”
Claire shook her head, staring in the direction of her bedroom. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say nothing. Just do it.” He paused. “You will do it for me? Promise?”
“Okay, I promise.”
“Pick you up at six-thirty and we come back here for dinner. After that, it’s to the Bijou we go.”
“Fine. That sounds good.” Claire fidgeted with the tie on her silk robe.
“I’ve been waiting for this all week. You know that, don’t you?”
She laughed. “George, you do know we see each other eight hours a day, right?”
“Not really. We don’t.”
Now it was Claire’s turn for silence.
“Face it Claire, once we walk through those doors, I go my way, and you go yours. And we try to pretend every day that we don’t know each other.”
“I know. Personally, they know. And Ruby, I hear . . .” Claire winced, sucking in her lips. She almost let the cat out of the bag.
“Ruby what?” George asked, a cautious tone infusing his voice.
“Um, I hear that Ruby would love to put some of her crafted items into the store. Since we’re trying to add unique merchandise, would you be up for it?”
“No, not really.” His words slid out quickly and with conviction.
She nearly dropped the phone again. “Oh?”
“All I need are your magnificent products. I admire your style and quality. So do the customers. The rest can be chosen from catalogs and vendors who stop by.”
“I see. I just wanted to check with you, that’s all.” Claire turned on the most casual voice possible and turned her gaze to the ceiling, chiding herself for the slip-up. Hadn’t she already suggested Ruby approach him directly? Any guilt regarding her co-worker ended here.
“Very well then. I’ll see you soon, and I expect you to be wearing what we talked about.”
“I promise, George. Not to worry. Goodbye."
When they hung up, Claire walked to the bedroom and gazed at the dresser drawer containing the jewelry box with Anita’s prized pieces. She’d purposely avoided that drawer after the first day George caught her thoughtlessly trying them on. Now he insisted, demanded that she wear them. But that wasn’t all. There was one more item they’d discussed, one which she’d never realized was in the house.
It was hanging up in the closet in the bedroom across the hall. Other than her bedroom and the one with the loom, she never went inside the other two rooms. No need to, as she didn’t have guests over. It always amazed her how foreign she felt in some parts of this house, while feeling so much more at home in others. After being caught prowling the first day, she’d not done it much after that.
Inside the bedroom, she wandered over to the closet and twisted an oval ornate brass knob, flinging aside the heavy dark wooden door. The stale smell of years filled her nose. Through the dim light, she spied a pale pink stiff plastic bag hugged up against the wall. Claire plucked the hanger off the rod, carelessly pushed the door closed with her foot, and carried the small mass back to her room.
Claire thought for a moment how she would feel if Adrian had let another woman wear her jewelry or best clothes. She grimaced. At this point, of course he wouldn’t care. But what if things were different? With a gentle grip on the zipper and a steady tug, a soft brown fur came into view. Her pulse sped up. This fur stole reminded her of the one she’d left behind in Ash Grove. She’d all but forgotten about it until now. For a few seconds, her fingers glossed over the fur, running up and down, side to side.
The more she thought about her situation right now, the more it seemed that some semblance of her old life had somehow started tumbling discreetly into place. As each day passed she’d settled more into a normalcy that was hers, as if none of it had really ever quite left her, but had gone temporarily into hiding while she was forced to finish up hateful dreams. The fur would be perfect for a chilly night like tonight, and definitely fine for a date at the Bijou.
A date. How odd to consider it as such, but that’s exactly what it was. Kind of. Other than Mr. Hyde’s Halloween gathering, she and George had never gone out for any reason. Meals at each other’s homes didn’t count as dates. What startled her was a near lack of guilt. Still being connected to Adrian, though she missed him at times, was turning into inconvenience, one she intended to discuss with Mitchell during their next phone call.
C
laire moved toward the dresser and opened the drawer containing Anita’s jewelry box. After opening it, she ran her fingers over the stones. All of it was so beautiful. In her closet, she had a sleek, elegant black dress she’d picked up several weeks after she’d moved in. Articles in fashion magazines had always suggested keeping something black for formal occasions. She’d do her hair in a chignon, like one of the pictures she’d recently seen.
A cut crystal bottle of fragrance sat in front of the dresser mirror. Claire eyed it, shaking her head. Dhalia and Minnie had searched frantically for that sample bottle the next day after they’d received a new shipment of perfume. George had picked it up on a whim and given it to her that night, swearing her to secrecy. “I saw you sniffing that bottle all day long,” he said, laughing. “I couldn’t resist.”
“What’ll the girls say?”
“They can sell the other bottles. They’ll just tell customers they don’t have a sample, that’s all. Happens all the time.”
“Really? And customer will buy it?”
“Oh come on, Claire, you can still get a small whiff from the box. Besides, most of the customers trust Dhalia and Minnie’s judgement.” He’d leaned over close to her. “I like a nice scent on a woman every now and then. I know you’re not up for springing for a bottle yourself right now.”
George was right on both counts. No, she was in no position for splurging on expensive bottles of perfume, and yes, it seemed like customers of G. P. and Sons did trust the judgement of everyone who worked in that store. She grinned. Those same customers were quickly learning to trust her judgment too. The looming had paid off greatly. The soap would too; she knew it. And Ruby would simply have to bear another sting to that poor heart of hers.
Claire meandered into the bathroom, filled the tub full of hot water and bath fragrance, and settled in for a relaxing soak. She still had some time before George would pick her up. He wasn’t the only sweet one for giving gifts at times. So was she. She’d ordered a darling rabbit fur purse with a golden chain for Anna. She’d look darling carrying that to church with her. George wouldn’t know until tonight when she planned on presenting it to the little girl.
Served him right for leaving the ordering to her. She grinned at the memory of its arrival. When Ruby went on break, Oma quietly rang up the sale on the cash register and placed her money in the drawer. How they’d admired the little purse. When it came to store orders, Claire made sure she included others for their input. They were a team; she’d make sure it stayed that way. Even Ruby had her say. Like it or not, Ruby had ritzy taste. Anyone who quoted the classics like she did had to have some class. Laughing, Claire slid deeper into the bath water.
An hour and a half later, she stood before the mirror admiring her reflection, even though she felt a little shameful doing so. The chignon rested in smart woven coils at the base of her head. The black dress fit her slender form at the top, flaring out in soft waves at the bottom. Claire especially liked the smart white bow she’d tied at the waist.
But it was the jewelry that added the final touch. With some lingering trepidation, she’d put on each piece. Why did a small part of her feel like a thief all of a sudden, or an intruder? George’s insistence kept her going, and now she turned her head lightly from side to side, admiring how the earrings bobbled and glistened in the light of the room.
Struck with a clever idea, she’d pinned the brooch to the knot of the bow just to be different. The bracelet and rings found their appropriate places on her wrist and finger. The necklace closed the whole look, with two rows of large white luminous pearls draped around her neck. They settled against her chest, the weight of them almost reproachful.
“Don’t worry, Anita,” Claire said, gazing into the mirror, “I’ll never forget you’re the true owner of these. I’m just borrowing them for the evening.”
Outside, she heard tires grinding against the gravel. Claire ran to the window and pulled back the curtain. Lights from a car sliced through the dark. George had arrived. She grabbed the rabbit fur purse out of a drawer, slipped on the stole, and sped down the stairs. Buzzie and Moo had settled together in one of the window sills, ears standing at attention. “I’ll see you dears later,” Claire called out to the two curious cats.
When she opened the door, she yelped in surprise.
“You look just absolutely gorgeous.” George stood outside. His gaze perused Claire. “I never thought I’d see anyone wear that fur and jewelry ever again.”
“I really hope you’re okay with this, George.” Claire grinned, closing the door behind her. The night air smelled cold and fresh. A silver moon peeked through the branches of the trees. “Are you sure you don’t want these with you after tonight?”
He shook his head, lacing his arm through hers as they headed to the car. “Those need to be worn and often. You think we can make that happen?”
She glanced at him, not answering, but studying the serious expression in his face. Had he done some thinking over the weeks? All this seemed like a bold move for him. Claire seated herself in the passenger side.
George shut the door and moved to the other side of the car. He viewed Claire a few more seconds before starting the engine. He said, “Again, I’m thinking it would be nice to get out every once in a while, go to the Bijou, or somewhere nice where we can dress up, do something special.”
“That would be nice. I’d like that.” Claire fingered the small fur purse.
“What’s that?” George quickly leaned his head in the direction of the purse.
“I thought Anna would enjoy carrying this. The holidays are coming, you know.”
“When did you get it?”
“I got it when I placed an order several weeks ago. I paid for it. So we’re good.” She stroked George’s hand, which rested easily between them.
“You know you could have asked me. I would have gladly taken care of it.”
“Nonsense. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Claire rested her head back, enjoying the hum and vibration of the car as it moved down the road to George’s house. She reveled in the tingle of excitement. Dinner prepared by Edna, a night out with George, and a chance to see Anna’s eyes light up when she held the purse in her sweet, excited little hands. It had been a while since she felt like some semblance of a princess. The ride on the magnificent Tennessean should have provided a similar opportunity, but all she could concentrate on at the time was getting out of town fast and never looking back. More than that, she hoped nothing would track her here.
The tires ground into the tiny stones as George pulled into his driveway. From the sky, moonbeams kissed the fields below, lighting them up in a soft glow. She wished for a walk tonight down this road, hand-in-hand with George. She’d love sniffing in the cold and taking in the scent, that chilly scent only the hint of a winter night could give. Thanksgiving was coming soon, and she had no idea how she’d spend the holiday. She could assume George would invite her over, but she didn’t want to be that sure of herself.
“Did you want to give the purse to Anna before or after dinner?” George reached over, rubbing his finger lightly over the fur. He smiled. “Cute little thing. I think she’ll like it.”
“I’ll give it to her before dinner. I’m more excited giving it to her.”
“Very well, then.” He opened the car door.
Inside the house, the smell of food sent her stomach into a rumble. Claire had gone all day without eating, except for a bite of fruit and a small bowl of soup.
Edna came out, wiping her hands on a stained apron, her lips upturned in a warm smile. “Mrs. Wright, how wonderful to see you again.” She stopped and surveyed Claire. “And my, don’t you look pretty. I think you look good all the time, but tonight you’re extra pretty.”
“Thank you.” Claire returned the smile, while George removed the stole and placed it on the arm of the sofa.
In the distance the small pounding of feet sounded in the house, and Anna burst into the living r
oom, sailing into Claire’s open arms. “Miss Claire, Miss Claire!” She squealed with excitement, jumping up and down. The fluffy curls on her head bounced in all directions, sending her scarlet bow into a lop-sided slant in her hair. The little girl hugged Claire around the waist.
“Anna, be careful. You’ll rumple Mrs. Wright’s dress.” Edna scolded the child, trying a gentle attempt at pulling her away.
“She’s just fine, Edna. I’ve missed her too.” Claire ran her hand over Anna’s head. “I’ve got something for you darling. Do you like presents?”
Anna’s face lit up, her eyes gazing up at Claire. “For me?”
“Yes, sweetheart. Something for you. You can carry it to church with you, or maybe to a nice party.” Claire handed Anna the tiny fur purse.
With wide eyes and open mouth, Anna gently took the purse, rubbing it lightly against her cheek. “It’s so soft.”
“It’s rabbit fur. You can put some money in it or maybe a handkerchief.
“What do you say, Anna, when someone has given you something so nice?” George ruffled his little girl’s hair.
“Thank you, Miss Claire.” Anna hugged Claire all over again. “Can I go with you to the play tonight and carry my new purse?”
George said, “We’ll all go together another night and you can carry it then. For now, why don’t you put that in your room, in a special drawer so you don’t get it dirty?”
“But I want to go with you and Miss Claire.” Anna’s lips puckered as the rest of her face showed a scowl.”
Anna’s father stepped toward her, taking her in his arms. “I will make sure that the next time something good comes to the Bijou, I’ll take you and Miss Claire. That’s a promise. But right now, I need you to go on to your room and get ready for bed. Edna can read to you.”
Escape From Purgatory Page 22
