"She wouldn't have come."
"Why?" Fern asked.
He shouldn't have come. They were going to squeeze every bit of information out of him, and they weren't going to like any of it. He didn't like it either.
"We had a disagreement."
"You didn't mention the war, did you?" Fern asked, her brow furrowed.
"She asked me to explain the causes to the girls."
Everyone in the room groaned.
"I thought you said she was an intelligent woman," Monty said. "She can't be if she couldn't tell within ten seconds Jeff is a fool when it comes to that war."
"Fortunately for me, she didn't feel that way," Jeff said, angry. "Her brother was wounded during the last campaign. She doesn't ignore it like the rest of you."
Another round of groans.
"If she's so understanding, why isn't she home looking after him?" Monty asked.
"Because he died."
"We weren't so fortunate."
"Monty!" Fern said.
"Hell, I got tired of hearing about the war fourteen years ago." He got up. "If you're going to discuss it, I'll leave."
He opened the door, but the sound of pounding feet stopped him. He turned to Fern, a quizzical look on his face. "You keep cows in the house? It sounds like a damned stampede."
Fern smiled happily. "It's the boys. Their classes are over. It's time to visit me before they go outside."
Jeff started toward the door. "This seems like a good time to make my escape. By the way, since you're all so interested in Miss Goodwin, you'll be happy to know you'll be able to make her acquaintance. After her harrowing experience with the twins, I invited her to spend two days at the hotel."
"What?" Fern exclaimed, stunned.
"I don't believe it!" Iris said.
"Where are we going to put her?" Daisy demanded. "We're full up."
"In George and Rose's suite," Jeff said.
"You can't just invite someone to stay in the hotel without telling us," Tyler said.
"Well, I have. And before I forget it, she'll be expecting you to send a carriage for her at four o'clock."
"I simply can't believe it," Iris said, more to herself than anyone else.
"How will you get your work done at the hotel?" Daisy asked. "You know you always complain of the noise."
"I'll be in my office as usual."
"But who's going to entertain Miss Goodwin?" Daisy asked.
"You. I did it for four days." He smiled at their looks of outrage. "Just consider it your contribution to the twins' education."
He almost got through the door before three raven-headed boys looking like stair-step versions of each other raced into the room. A nurse followed with a fourth child of about two. The two oldest boys threw themselves at Monty.
"Can you play now?" the older one asked.
"I want to ride in your lap this time," the younger one pleaded.
"James, you and Tazewell come here," Fern said. "And don't run over Tucker and Stuart to do it."
"I don't know why you let Madison saddle those boys with such ridiculous names," Monty said. "They'll have to fight their way all the way through school."
"They're good Randolph names," Jeff said, finding himself in the unusual position of defending one of his brothers.
"It's no worse than Aurelia and Juliette," Fern said.
"From what Jeff says, they're fighting their way through the entire city of Denver," Iris said.
Jeff made his escape.
For a good twenty minutes the conversation was dominated by Fern's young sons. But after they had gone off with Monty and their nurse, Fern turned to Iris.
"Why on earth do you think Jeff invited Miss Goodwin to spend two days at the hotel?"
"I don't know, but you could have knocked me over when he said it."
"Do you think he likes her?" Daisy asked.
Iris laughed. "You haven't been in the family very long, but one thing you'll soon learn. Jeff doesn't like anybody who ever had any connection with the North. Poor man, he doesn't like me at all, but I'm the only sister-in-law his conscience will allow him to approve of."
"He deserves to fall in love with her," Daisy said. "Not only that, it would serve him right if she turned him down flat."
"Good almighty!" Tyler said, sitting up faster than anyone could ever remember seeing him move. "Don't wish that on the family. We're not the nicest people in the world, but we don't deserve that."
* * * * *
One man let down the steps and held the door of the carriage for Violet to step out on the street in front of the Windsor Hotel. Another removed her luggage from the carriage and carried it inside. A third held the door for her to enter. A fourth guided her toward the lobby.
If she had been astonished before, she was overwhelmed now. The hotel exceeded anything she had imagined. The lobby was huge. It seemed to stretch for the entire block. Floors and columns of white marble made it bright. Furniture and hangings in crimson and gold made it breathtaking. But Violet was truly overcome when a woman who stood at least six feet and was obviously pregnant, approached her.
"You must be Miss Goodwin. I'm Daisy Randolph, Jeff's sister-in-law."
"Is he here?" Violet said, desperate to see at least one familiar face in this terrifyingly palatial establishment.
"Unfortunately the pressure of business will keep him at the bank. I'm afraid you'll have to do with just family tonight. Unless, of course, you'd prefer your own company. Jeff says you're to be rewarded with two days of peace and quiet for being locked up with the terrible twins."
"I'd be delighted to join you, if you don't mind," Violet said, more terrified of being alone in this awe-inspiring place than meeting strangers. "I'll be glad for a chance to talk with Mrs. Madison Randolph."
"You do seem out of luck," a stunning woman in red hair said. Violet had always been teased about her red hair. Now she knew what red really looked like. "I'm Iris Randolph, another sister-in-law. Fern's doctor won't allow her to leave the house, but she insists you come to dinner tomorrow."
Feeling overawed by these two women, Violet nodded her agreement and allowed herself to be escorted toward an elevator. No wonder Jeff didn't feel inclined to leave his work to be with her. Compared to the Randolph wives, Violet was hardly memorable. If they hadn't been shut up together because of the quarantine, Jeff certainly would never have noticed her.
"We're eating in the private dining room," Daisy informed her, "so don't feel you have to dress up." She smiled. "I'm sure you've guessed I'm expecting a child. Iris is, too, so we take every chance we can to be comfortable."
"My husband will be joining us if he can tear himself away from Fern's boys," Iris said.
"Mine, too," Daisy added, "if I can get him out of the kitchen. I never thought when we agreed to build this hotel together that I'd practically have to beg him to help me make a decision."
"You mean you run this place by yourself?" Violet asked. She wondered what Jeff thought about that. She couldn't imagine he approved of giving a woman so much power. But then he didn't have any control over his sisters-in-law. Maybe that's why he was staying away.
No, don't try to fool yourself. He's staying away because you're not reason enough for him to leave his work.
"I like running the hotel," Daisy said. She smiled like she was sharing a secret among friends. "I get a kick out of telling men what to do. I do a good job, too, but everybody knows it's the food that keeps people clamoring for reservations."
Violet could believe that. She hadn't forgotten a single mouthful, or minute, of those two meals she had shared with Jeff. The elevator arrived on the second floor, and they steppedout.
"I'm putting you in the suite we keep for Rose and George. That's only fair since you've had to put up with their twins."
Daisy opened a door and ushered Violet into a fairy tale room. Violet didn't think putting up with a houseful of genuine monsters could earn her the privilege of spending two nights in such l
uxury.
The sitting room was nearly the size of the school parlor. After the spare simplicity of New England styles, the Louis XV furniture upholstered in royal blue silk trimmed in silver seemed unbelievably sumptuous. The wall panels were white trimmed in gold. The carpet was blue and white with a crest in gold. The window hangings were blue velvet with silver tassels and chords.
The bedroom, dominated by a huge four-poster bed, was a vision of blue and white. A maid was already unpacking Violet's clothes and putting them away. When Violet realized she would have her own private bath, her heaven was complete.
"Dinner's at seven-thirty," Daisy informed her. She showed Violet a buzzer. "Ring if you want anything."
"We'll leave you alone to enjoy the peace and quiet," Iris said, "but I'll be next door in case you have any questions. I'll come for you when it's time for dinner."
Violet could only mumble her thanks then stand in dumb amazement as she realized she was to spend two days as a pampered guest in the biggest suite in the fanciest, most sought-after hotel in Denver.
She let out a whoop and collapsed on the bed. Certain some guests would think they were being attacked by Indians, she clamped her hand over her mouth then broke out laughing. The walls were so thick, no one could hear her. She would have to go back to being a housemother in two days, but until then she was going to enjoy every minute of this unbelievable luxury.
She couldn't imagine why Jeff had invited her then decided not to show up, but that really shouldn't have surprised her. It was just the kind of thing he would do, feel he had to offer her some kind of compensation for putting up with him but not feel he had to be part of it.
She was disappointed. She admitted that. She liked the stiff-necked cuss despite himself. She told herself she was being foolish to rate the will to survive so highly. But after having lost her entire family because they lacked it, she couldn't help it. She didn't mind that he was a fighter, even if it meant she collected a few scratches along the way.
Chapter Thirteen
"You don't seem your usual self this evening," Louise complained to Jeff. "It's not like you to want to eat first." She opened her wrapper to give him a better view of her black lace-covered corset.
"Just tired," Jeff said. "I've been working harder than usual."
She eyed him over a glass of wine. "I wondered what kept you away so long. That's not like you." She threw her shoulders back. It made her ample bust seem even more impressive.
They sat at a table burdened with the remains of supper. Not nearly as good a supper as he would have enjoyed had he gone to the hotel rather than come here. Neither was the company as satisfying. Not that Louise seemed to be any different this evening from hundreds of others. Yet the whole evening had felt dull, pointless.
He hadn't done what he'd come to do.
"Business not going well?" Louise asked. She leaned forward so he could get a clearer view of the deep cleft between her breasts.
"Fine. Except for some trouble with a mine in Leadville, better than usual."
They often discussed business. Afterwards. Louise was a clever woman who managed to make use of the tips Jeff gave her from time to time in appreciation of what she had done for him. He was able to relieve his sexual need with her without feeling inadequate because of his arm.
"You look preoccupied." She pursed her lips in an inviting pucker.
"Mmmm."
They had met nine years ago. He had saved her from a beating by an irate customer. She had offered to repay him the only way she could. He had found her a place of her own where she didn't have to accept just anybody off the street. She had responded by keeping two nights a week for him. Their relationship had matured over the years into friendship. Jeff had not slept with another woman since.
Louise got up and came around in front of Jeff. Straddling his legs, she put her arms around his neck and pushed her breasts forward until his face was practically buried in them. When he didn't respond, she fondled him between his legs. Jeff felt the familiar stirring in his loins, but the usual desire to bury himself in her body was absent.
That stunned him.
They had established a friendly, easy-going relationship over the years, but now he wanted more. He wasn't certain exactly what that more would be, but he did know Violet was responsible for creating the desire within him.
Louise leaned back far enough to look at him. "You sure something's not wrong? You've never ignored me once you got your hands on me."
Jeff thought she showed more pique at his lack of interest than concern for him. He guessed it was normal. If a woman in her profession started to lose her appeal, she was in serious trouble.
"There's nothing wrong with you," Jeff said, dropping a kiss on one creamy bosom. "I'm just not feeling up to par tonight."
She was also an ambitious woman. Using the connections she made through Jeff, she had educated her tastes, kept herself informed on business and political affairs, and improved her choice and style of clothes. She could look and act more like a lady than some of Denver's society matrons.
"What have you been doing with yourself?" Louise asked. "I haven't known you to act like this in nine years."
He couldn't tell her she'd been replaced in his fantasy by a copper-haired housemother. She'd never forgive him.
"I guess it comes from being locked up in quarantine."
"What!" Louise jumped away from him as though he were contaminated by a deadly disease. "You came in here infected and didn't tell me?"
"I'm not infected," Jeff said. "I went to see about some trouble my nieces got into, and I got caught in the last few days of a quarantine. The sickness was already gone. Besides, they kept me away from the girls."
"You got caught in a girls' school? Not that real fancy school up on Seventeenth Street."
"That's the one."
Louise went off into peals of laughter. "You poor man. You must have gone crazy locked up with a bunch of squealing virgins. But you had no right to come here. You can never tell about sickness. You might be carrying some of it now. You could infect me, and I could infect my girls. It could ruin us."
"I'm not infected."
"Maybe not, but you're sure acting peculiar. I could tell right off." She backed away a little farther. She grabbed up a handkerchief and waved it in the air as though to keep all the disease on his side of the room. "Maybe you ought to go home."
Jeff was surprised at his feeling of relief. It didn't make sense. They'd always been so comfortable together.
"Maybe I should," he said, rising. "I'm clearly not good company."
"It's not your company that worries me."
"I know. It's the sickness that might by hiding somewhere on me."
"It could," Louise insisted. "You shouldn't have come. It wasn't fair not to tell me."
"Don't worry. I won't come back until I'm sure every bit of sickness is gone."
He was irritated. She was being ridiculous. He wasn't sick, and he wasn't carrying any disease. But he wouldn't stay. He needed some time to himself. He needed to figure out why every time he looked at Louise, he saw Violet instead.
* * * * *
Violet let herself sink into the feather mattress. It would be hard to go back to Wolfe School after two days of such luxury. She stared at the molded plaster decorations on the ceiling, the Tiffany lamps, the marble-topped table, the enormous mirror. The bedroom furnishings alone must have cost more than her father's house.
She had been terribly nervous about meeting Jeff's family, but the evening turned out to be fun. The food was wonderful, and she liked his relatives. Especially Iris and Monty. She liked their energy, their fierce enjoyment of life, their willingness to rip, scratch, and tear. She couldn't wait to see what kind of child they had. She wondered whether they would send it to the Wolfe School if it were a girl. Violet was certain she would still be there if Harvey McKee didn't do something about her mine.
She found Daisy and Tyler more of a puzzle. Of course that might
be due to the fact Tyler hardly stayed long enough to take a dozen bites, and Daisy had to leave twice to deal with hotel business. The feeling of constantly living on the edge would have driven Violet crazy, but they seemed to thrive on it.
They were as bad as Jeff.
She had tried to banish him from her thoughts, but dozens of things during the evening had brought him to mind. She remembered the china and crystal from their dinners together. Even the candelabra looked familiar.
She thought of how much she longed to see him again and was angry at herself. She had to get over feeling hurt he hadn't shown up at dinner. He had made no promises. She had known better than to think he would.
The feeling at the table had been festive, light-hearted. She figured it always would be when Monty and Iris were present. They had so much energy, felt things so intensely, they made her feel like an old woman.
Jeff had the same intensity, but it was quiet, almost hidden. It ran deep rather than bubbling to the surface.
She couldn't help but wonder how the girls were doing. She smiled to herself at the thought of Miss Settle having to cope with the twins and Betty Sue. She hoped Essie had had a good visit with her father. She wished he had come on his own without Jeff having had to force him.
Which brought her back to Jeff. Everything did. She guessed it was to be expected. She wouldn't be here if it weren't for him. Maybe that was the problem. Since he wasn't interested enough to come see if she was enjoying herself, she couldn't figure out why he had issued the invitation at all.
Violet decided she'd probably get a migraine if she insisted upon trying to understand Jeff. Either that or brain fever, and she didn't want either. She made up her mind to enjoy her stay and not worry why it happened. It had. It wouldn't have any consequences, so it didn't matter.
But the clearest impression of the evening was the happiness these two couples shared. She'd long ago given up hoping for such joy for herself, but now she found herself wanting it more than ever. Wanting it with Jeff.
She didn't need to tell herself again how foolish that was.
She snuggled under the covers, but found she didn't need any but the lightest blanket. The heat from the radiator kept the room toasty warm. After sleeping in an ice-cold attic, it was a wonderful luxury.
Violet Page 16
