Biltmore Christmas

by Diane T. Ashley

  “You know why. You know how I feel about you.”

  “I do? And I suppose you know how I feel about you?”

  “I’m pretty sure I do.” He smiled.

  Selma lowered her eyes for a second. When she looked at him, her face showed concern. “But even if I have feelings, what good can it do? I’ve said we are from different worlds. We share nothing in common. Don’t you see that? And can’t you see how you respond so lightheartedly to Betsy. You are her kind.”

  “You can forget Betsy. She is nothing like me. What I see is that you and I appreciate humor. We can laugh. We both have similar attitudes about life. I am not a pretentious man. Surely you know that. We both believe in a God who created us and loves us. Who gave His Son for us. These are the important things, are they not?”

  “I do believe you are a man of faith, Mr. Sinclair. But I am only a simple girl with a simple life. You have traveled and acquired a taste for things I know not. You can’t really believe it won’t make a difference.”

  “Selma, for the last time, my name is Jacob. All I know is that I love you. And, rest assured, you are knowledgeable about many things I am not. My main desire is to take you to those places. To marry you and take you home to New York and raise a family. I don’t know how all this happened in so short a time. I have not even courted you. But I know it is real. And you do, too.”

  A noise in the room interrupted their conversation.

  Mrs. King, the housekeeper, walked in, and the scorn in her face caused even Jacob to bristle. “Miss Bradford?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Are you quite through here?”

  “Not really, ma’am. I have the greenery to place on the mantel.”

  Jacob stepped forward and addressed Mrs. King. “I am sorry that I have caused Miss Bradford any lost time. I was having a brief conversation with her, but I am about to leave. Pardon me if I have stepped outside of my boundaries.” He gave the housekeeper the dimpled smile, which he’d been told melted hearts.

  He noticed that it wasn’t lost on Mrs. King, who blushed and waved his apology away. “Nonsense. You haven’t intruded at all, Mr. Sinclair. I am quite sure Miss Bradford enjoyed the respite.”

  But when Mrs. King stood her ground and didn’t leave, Jacob gave a slight bow and left the room, a bit vexed at the unresolved conversation with Selma.

  Speechless, Selma stood by the breakfast room mantel. He loves me?

  First came the clearing of the housekeeper’s throat. Then the patting of the foot.

  Selma’s stomach quivered with each gesture, waiting for the much-feared dismissal.

  Surprising Selma, Mrs. King smiled.

  Selma stood still, bewildered.

  Finally when Mrs. King’s smile faded, she said to Selma, “Miss Bradford, is this where you are supposed to be?”

  Her smile returned, so Selma was unsure what to expect. “No, ma’am.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  Selma didn’t know what to say.

  Mrs. King seemed to be stifling laughter. It was almost as if it was about to overflow any minute.

  “I was working in the living hall. I became a little flustered, so I came down here, thinking it wouldn’t be so crowded.”

  “Uh-huh.” Mrs. King’s eyes glittered. “Could it have been that you were meeting a certain guest down here?”

  “Oh no. I had no idea he would come to the breakfast room.” Selma was happy to tell the truth.

  “Well, Miss Bradford, the gentleman seemed smitten with you. I could see it in his eyes, in his very countenance. This happens. I saw it in England many times before coming here—love between two classes of people. And usually it is a servant or a governess a gentleman takes to. Would you like to know why?”

  Selma felt the heat in her face. This was not quite what she expected. She just wanted the dismissal done with so she could abandon this situation. But she straightened to her full height, squared her shoulders, and looked Mrs. King straight in the eye, sure her supervisor would belittle her. “Why, ma’am?”

  “Because people like us are sincere. We know what life is really about. And since we have so much less than them,we can appreciate everything, the small and the large. So Miss Bradford, don’t ruin your chance in life if this gentleman is taken with you. If he is a fine, upstanding Christian man, then good luck to you. But let this be between you and me. And please, Miss Bradford, no matter what the circumstance in life, we do our work, when and where needed. Understood?” She turned, not waiting for a response, her long skirt brushing against a chair as she left the room, chuckling softly.

  An amused wonder relaxed Selma’s stiffened body, one limb at a time. She was, to say the least, flabbergasted. Jacob declared his love. And Mrs. King encouraged it.

  Jacob asked William for a private word after dinner. They strolled to the bachelors’ wing, bypassing the smoking room, as Jacob didn’t like the stifling air. They settled in the gun room, closing the door behind them.

  William looked at his friend. “What’s on your mind?”

  “I have reached a decision, and I need your help.”

  “Certainly. What have you decided, and what can I do?”

  “I am going to marry Selma. I just need you to help me devise a plan how to do that. And help me carry it out.”

  “You sure have faith in me, my friend. But I will do what I can. But how to do it? Just ask her.”

  “You know it’s not that simple. Somehow I have to create a situation where she finds it difficult to refuse. Where her mind can’t so easily be changed. Listen. What if I have it all prearranged for Christmas Eve at the ball? You know, someone can fetch her and bring her down so I can propose marriage.”

  “Jacob, I know better than to ask this, but are you demented?”

  Jacob winced. “No, of course not. But what do you think?”

  “Just how do you propose pulling this off?” William leaned forward. “By the way, you want my help, but you seem to have it all planned.”

  “I want you to tell me it’ll work. But I really need your help to carry this off.”

  “I see. So where will she get a dress?”

  “I’m working on that.”

  “And the ring?”

  “I have something else in mind for now. I think that is handled.”

  “And a willing lady?”

  “Yes. That, too. How can she refuse when she sees the trouble I’ve gone to?”

  “Do you know how preposterous this sounds?”

  “Perhaps. But it is the only thing I think will work. Selma is so adamant about our different stations in life. I have to provide the conditions whereby she might not refuse me.”

  “And have you run this by George? It is, after all, his party.”

  “He is keen on the idea. He’s in love, too, so this is so fitting.”

  “It’s a risk, friend. But I’ll do whatever I can. Count me in.”

  “Thanks. Oh, and you can keep Betsy busy. She is one of the problems, I think.”

  “Jacob, I’d be glad to do that.” He winked.

  Chapter 8

  Jacob had devised a plan, but he admitted to himself he would need a woman’s help buying the dress. He knew Selma was friends with Rosie, a chambermaid he had encountered on several occasions. He had enlisted Mrs. King in arranging a meeting with Rosie and now was on his way to the tapestry room.

  He saw the petite redhead immediately when he walked in. Anticipation was predominant in her expression. He thought she would be a good cohort.

  Rosie stood nervously by the window when he took her hand and raised it to his lips for a light kiss. Her blush brought a smile as he greeted her. “Rosie, I’m so glad you could meet with me. Please have a seat.”

  “Yes, sir.” Rosie almost fell into the chair as he sat across from her on a settee, her eyes round, questioning.

  He bypassed the small talk and went straight to the matter he wanted to discuss. “Rosie, I need help. I have arranged with
Mrs. King for you to take an afternoon off and help me find a dress for Selma to wear to the Christmas Eve ball.” She looked stunned. “The ball? Selma?” He had not wanted to give all the details but decided he must take her into his trust. “I plan to propose that evening. I must ask you to keep this to yourself. No one is to know. This has to be a surprise.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Rosie clapped her hands together. “Of course I will be glad to assist you. I do know Selma is in love with you. Convincing her is another matter.”

  “I know it is out of the ordinary, but Rosie, you seem to know Selma believes we are two worlds apart. I have tried to convince her we are not. We are just two people who fell in love. If I don’t surprise her with this plan, then I’m afraid I will lose her. I’ll be leaving after Christmas and may never get another chance.”

  “I see your point. When are we to go?”

  “Tomorrow. I have other business in the village first, so I will pick you up at one at the stable yard. Everything is arranged, so don’t worry. Please don’t let Selma know what you are doing. Do we have an agreement?”

  “Certainly. I will see you then.”

  Jacob stood and took her hand to help her rise. “Thank you, Rosie. Selma and I will always remember your friendship and assistance.”

  Jacob’s first stop was the mercantile in Biltmore Village to see if they still had the locket Selma loved. He was delighted to find the keepsake and had it wrapped in their finest paper. He then went by the orphanage before traveling back to Biltmore to pick Rosie up for their excursion to Asheville to procure Selma’s dress. He hoped he and Rosie could find something perfect. His mind was constantly running through the plan.

  The knock on the door was answered by Miss Caps. “Good morning, Mr. Sinclair.” Then she frowned. “Is anything wrong?”

  “Oh no. I’m sorry if I startled you. I would like a few words with you.”

  “Certainly, please come in. Would you like some tea?”

  “No thank you. I only have a moment.”

  Miss Caps led Jacob into the small parlor and sat in a chair, offering him the faded red settee opposite her. “You’re doing well?”

  “Yes, very well. Which is what I need to discuss with you.” Jacob paused, thinking of Selma. He smiled at Miss Caps. “To be blunt, I am about to propose to Selma on Christmas Eve, and I would love for you and Melissa to attend the ball. Of course I would send a carriage for you. And I still need to contact Selma’s sister, Peggy, at Reynolds House. She would also share the carriage with you.” Jacob paused a second as another thought struck him. “With your permission, of course. Will you give us your blessing?”

  Miss Caps brought her hand to her chest. “I honestly feel this is too sudden. But I have seen how you look at each other. I really believe God has a hand in this. So yes, Mr. Sinclair, I will give you my blessing and pray all goes according to God’s plan.” She scanned his face. “What about your family?”

  Jacob really needed to be on his way. “As far as my family is concerned, I have penned them. However, the deed will be done by the time they receive the message. I can’t wait for them to meet Selma. My father will be supportive, my mother skeptical for a time, but they will love her. I have been praying about it.”

  “Mr. Sinclair, this is a very romantic story, but I don’tthink my high-minded Selma will take to this scheme so easily. I hope you do not find yourself embarrassed. I do think Peggy may have gone with the Reynolds family to see relatives for the holidays. But I can assure you, Melissa and I will be there to support Selma. I wish you the best.

  Jacob stood and bent to take Miss Caps’s hand. He kissed it lightly. “Good. I will have the carriage here at seven. Give Melissa my regards. I am sure she is in school?”

  “Yes, and when she returns, I will tell her everything.”

  Jacob nodded. “Please don’t get up. I can see myself out.” He hurried. There was more to be done.

  Rosie stuck her head between the door and the frame. “Selma? Are you okay? I missed you at breakfast and didn’t see you during early morning chores.”

  Selma raised her head so that the quilt lowered to show her puffy eyes. “Sorry.”

  Rosie inched her way in, softly closing the door behind her. She sat on the side of Selma’s bed. “Want to tell your best friend?”

  “No.”

  “Okay. I’ll just sit here and keep you company until you do.”

  Selma sat up. “No. Please, go away.”

  “It can’t be that bad. And how are you getting away with this? Have you seen Maggie?”

  “She came looking for me. I told her I felt ill. And, Rosie, I do.”

  “You don’t look ill to me, Selma Bradford. You’ve been crying is all. What is the matter?”

  Selma fell back onto the bed. “It’s a mess. Everything. I’m going to try to find a position somewhere in Asheville.”

  “What’s a mess? Is this about Mr. Sinclair?”

  “He says he loves me.”

  “And that is something to cry about?” Rosie pointed her hands toward her chest. “I’d be shouting with joy.”

  Selma sat up again. “Really? You wouldn’t be scared?”

  “Of what?”

  “That you’d be so different—a servant—when he is so wealthy and has been everywhere? When he is used to large homes and grand ladies?”

  “No, I can’t see why it matters if he loves you. And, Selma, I can really tell he does.”

  “Or maybe I’m just something he can’t have. He’s so used to getting everything he wants, I’m sure. But then I think what a fine Christian man I believe him to be. I’m so confused. But I appreciate your words. And you are right. I am not really ill. I need to get up and dress now, Rosie. I have work to do.”

  “Good for you. I’ll see you at lunch. I know you have to be hungry.”

  As Selma rushed to dress for the day, she realized she had no appetite. Her churning thoughts of Jacob had taken it completely away.

  A saleslady approached Jacob and Rosie at one of the finer clothing stores in Asheville. “Hello, I’m Mrs. Hanks. How may I assist you?”

  “What would you carry that someone would wear to a Christmas Eve affair—a banquet and ball?”

  Mrs. Hanks looked at Rosie. “For you?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m just helping with the size and all.”

  Mrs. Hanks gave a knowing nod. “Please, dear, come with me.”

  Jacob was offended by the look on the saleslady’s face. He felt she was thinking in error. So he told a brief account of what was taking place.

  Mrs. Hanks laughed. “Well, this is my first time to encounter this dilemma.” She smiled at Jacob. “Sit and I’ll fix you some tea, sir. You can rest while we look.”

  Jacob settled in a comfortable chair in a room adjacent to the shopping area and selected a local newspaper to read while he drank his tea. He had not finished reading when Mrs. Hanks and Rosie brought in the perfect dress and shoes to match.

  It had been a long, tiring Christmas Eve workday. Selma plopped onto her bed to rest. All the guest rooms on her floor were filled now, and each servant was assigned extra rooms to attend.

  At four the servants’ party had been held in the grand entrance hall. They’d enjoyed an assortment of pastries and punch. Mr. Vanderbilt reached under the large and heavily adorned Christmas tree and gave each a present. All the ladies received elegant hand mirrors. Selma lovingly placed hers on the dresser when she returned to her room.

  Selma knew the servants in the three kitchens were busy preparing the Christmas Eve dinner to be served in thebanquet hall. She was glad her chores were finished, except to check the rooms later in the evening to ensure there was plenty of wood on the fires. She drifted off to sleep, wondering what it might be like to be a part of the festivities that would take place that evening.

  A loud knock awoke her. She ambled to the door in a half daze to face Maggie holding, hopefully, something besides clothes for her to darn or clean.
It looked like a guest’s dress.

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “You are to put these on and immediately go to the banquet hall.” She handed her a dress and a pair of shoes.

  Selma looked at the items and back at Maggie. “Why?”

  Maggie’s face showed no answers. “I don’t know. Just do it.” Maggie handed her the clothes and shut the door.

  Selma laid them across the bed and stared a long time before running to get Rosie.

  After following Selma to her room, Rosie, too, glanced at the clothes. “Why, Selma?”

  “I don’t know. But if I don’t do what they say, I may lose my position. So help me dress.”

  “I’ll put your hair up, too.” They searched in Selma’s little box, ragged with age, and found a perfect comb to hold her hair in place.

  Selma stood back and looked in the mirror of her dresser. “Oh my.” She took in the ivory gown, with its small covered buttons. She held up her arm to look at the soft lace covering the ends of her sleeves. Tendrils of hair fell on her slender neck, exposed by the soft scoop of her bodice. Sheneeded some pearls or something to adorn her neck but had nothing appropriate.

  Rosie pinched Selma’s cheeks for color and told her she was beautiful.

  After sliding her feet into her shoes and fastening the few buttons over her toes, she was ready. She hugged Rosie, who was smiling mischievously. At what, she did not know. She was glad, at least, Rosie found it amusing. Then she was gone.

  Jacob watched from the corner of the banquet hall as Selma gracefully entered and was greeted by William. As they talked, Jacob slipped out and went to the winter garden. He was so proud of her and thought she looked beautiful. Mrs. Hanks and Rosie had picked the perfect dress. He waited on the bench and watched for her arrival.

  William walked her to the inside garden’s door and indicated Jacob’s presence before leaving.

  As she drew near, Jacob stood and held out his hand. She took it, hesitancy combining with a soft smile on her face.

  Jacob smiled back. “Selma, dear, you are so beautiful this evening. Please have a seat.”