“Oh. Well, he must have seen you at the Chamberlains’.”
Rachel was smiling, but Mallory didn’t want to talk about this—about him. “I … I guess he did.”
Rachel’s brows crinkled. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She glued a fake smile in place. “We better get this finished before Mr. Chamberlain gets here.”
“We’ll do this later. I want to show you something.”
“But what about …”
“We’ll catch up tomorrow, if that’s all right with you. I wanted to talk to you about something.” Rachel’s grin widened. “Paul asked me to marry him last night. That’s why he brought the papers by. Eric’s designing our house.”
Mallory released her tremulous breath. “Oh, Rachel, I’m so happy for you. I can see how much he loves you.”
Rachel handed her a piece of paper. “Paul wrote this for me, but I haven’t let anyone else read it. I thought you’d enjoy it.”
Mallory wasn’t sure how to respond. She opened the wrinkled paper and read the neatly printed words.
The colors of flowers that bloom in early spring,
The mountain water that rushes across rocks into a stream.
To our eyes they’re wonderful the beauty they create,
God knew with his own hands, what he would choose to make.
He created a love so special when he sent his only Son.
He’s given us everything, he loves us each and every one.
He knew we’d need someone to share in all that he has made,
He sent me you and you alone I knew on our first date.
He knew we’d need someone with whom to spend our life,
For this reason I want you to be my wife.
Mallory folded the paper, memories of another lifetime, memories she’d pushed to the furthest corners years ago, slipped to the surface. She shook the thought free. “Paul wrote this? The man I just met? This is beautiful.”
Rachel smiled. “Not bad for a guy who only completed the eighth grade, huh?”
Mallory took a quavering breath. “That’s not what I meant at all. I can’t imagine how it must feel for someone to love you so much.”
“I’m only teasing you. You wait. Someone will fall in love with you, and your whole world will turn upside down.”
Mallory laughed. That would never happen. No one had ever loved her, and she was sure no one ever would. But at least for the first time in a very long time maybe, just maybe, she had found a friend.
Rachel placed her hand on Mallory’s shoulder. “This Thursday come and at least try the Bible study. I promise if you don’t enjoy it, you never have to come again.”
What excuse did she possibly have? Other than the chance that Victoria might be there too, she actually wanted to go. All thoughts of not belonging crumbled to the ground.
“Okay, I’ll come.”
“Yes!” Rachel hugged her. “Have you been to the Good and Plenty yet?”
“No, I’ve only been into town once.”
“We’ll have to go sometime.”
Mallory wished for the first time she could talk to Rachel about her past. How would it feel to be able to tell a real friend how her memories haunted her every moment of every day?
Eric drove all the way back to the office before he spoke the thoughts crowding his mind. “What was Mallory doing at Rachel’s house?”
First, Paul nodded and smiled broadly as if they had been in some kind of undercover operation and he’d been waiting for this question, then a boisterous laugh burst forth.
“What’s so funny?”
Paul unlocked the door. “You’re as obvious as an open book, ain’t? Raus mit?”
“Out with it! What’s that supposed to mean?” Eric rolled his eyes and unrolled a set of drawings wishing he’d kept his mouth shut. “I just wanted to know what Mr. Chamberlain’s maid was doing at your fiancées house.”
“Rachel’s tutoring her.”
“Oh?” His mind spun. Suddenly everything made sense. Mr. Chamberlain had asked him if he could recommend a tutor, but he’d had no idea it was the dark-haired girl he’d been asking about. “How well does Rachel know her?”
“They just started yesterday. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t know.”
A trace of worry flickered across Paul’s face. “What’re you thinking? You aren’t worried about Rachel tutoring Mallory, are you?”
“No, I recommended her to Mr. Chamberlain. I was only curious. Victoria …” he closed his mouth. No good to share Victoria’s thoughts with Paul. “Well, since Mallory works for Mr. Chamberlain, Victoria must know her.”
“Jah, Rachel wants us all to get together, she even mentioned including Mallory. Have you talked to Victoria?”
Eric cleared his throat. “Yeah, we’ll have to set a time as soon as we can get our schedules straight.”
That wasn’t the honest truth, but he intended to make it happen. Their conversations about getting together with Paul and Rachel had fallen flat. Victoria always had an excuse when he brought up setting a double date. If he could only get them together, Rachel and Victoria would be friends for life. But what would Victoria think about the new maid joining them?
“Gut. I hope it’s soon, Rachel is high mudich.” Paul reached for the door handle but stopped. “Mallory seems nice. Rachel sure has taken a liking to her. I think she’s more excited about becoming friends with the girl than she is about building our house.”
Eric’s thoughts rambled from one emotion to the next. The image of the girl’s reaction when he spoke her name drifted across his memory. Mallory. What he hadn’t expected was his reaction when their eyes met.
Eight
Mama’s boyfriend, Randall, had carried her to the car early one morning, while Mallory slept. When she opened her eyes she started to cry. Mama?
He continued to drive, blaring music drowning out her cries. It seemed like hours before he finally stopped. The sun was just starting to rise when he led her to the front steps of the tall building.
“Where are we?”Her knees trembled.
“You sit here until someone comes out of that building.” He walked toward the car, but she ran after him.
Scowling, he turned, grabbed her by the shoulders, and marched her back. “I said sit there and don’t move. Your mama won’t find you if you don’t stay put.”
“Mama’s coming here?”
His eyes softened, if only for a second, but then he turned and jumped into the car. He spun the vehicle out of the parking lot, and she sat still like he instructed. Because if she didn’t do as he said, Mama wouldn’t find her.
Mallory woke, sitting up in bed. She had pushed those memories into the deepest depths of her soul. Why were they surfacing now, when it no longer mattered? It had been only three months until her ninth birthday. Though it had been fourteen years ago, she remembered it like it happened yesterday. She hadn’t been old enough to understand, but would never forget the hate on Mama’s face.
A burning sensation filled the back of her eyes as she draped the comforter over her head. Dreams of paradise had never been far from reach when she slept. But she had grown up and realized little girl’s dreams didn’t always come true.
On Tuesday morning, Mallory entered the dining room to find Victoria sitting alone with her mother. Mr. Chamberlain wasn’t in his usual seat, and her pulse raced in an uneven rhythm. Her hands were fixed firmly on the handles of the tray, fine hairs rising on her arms.
Ms. Chamberlain placed the list on her tray. “Here’s a few extras I need added this week.”
Mallory trained her eyes on the older woman.
“Your tutoring sessions will be cancelled until these jobs are completed. I have taken the liberty of informing Miss Adams.”
Mallory set the tray down an
d wiped her sweaty palms on her apron. She unwillingly met Victoria’s mocking gaze. In the space between two milliseconds, strength she’d never known welled within her. “Mr. …”
“Mr. Chamberlain is out of town for the week. I’ll be giving all orders while he’s away. If you have any questions direct them to me.”
Her vigor deflated. She had to answer to Ms. Chamberlain, or worse Victoria. Why hadn’t Mr. Chamberlain said anything about leaving? Then again, why would he? She was only a hired employee.
“Do you hear me speaking to you?” Ms. Chamberlain’s voice was tight.
Mallory faced her once again. “Yes, ma’am.” Her eyes twitched as she grabbed the list with exuberance, her head high. “I will start on this immediately.”
A different voice, minus the harsh tone she was accustomed to hearing stopped her. Victoria’s sarcastic smile was an unpleasant feature. “Mallory, what you do will be for me. If I’m not satisfied, it’s to be redone.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mallory pushed the door leading into the kitchen before either of them had a chance to say anything more.
Where was Nancy? Mallory hadn’t seen her since they’d arrived this morning. She exhaled a lung full of air and read the list.
Rearrange boxes in the attic and remove all traces of dust. She glanced at the ceiling. Sebastian placed an arm around her shoulder. Mallory shoved her emotions aside.
“Is everything okay, Miss Mallory?”
Under Sebastian’s gaze her shoulders drooped slightly, but she fought her desire to tell him the truth. “Yes, of course.” Who was she kidding? Folding the list and stuffing it in her apron, she took a wavering breath. “Have you seen Nancy?”
“Ms. Chamberlain sent her out to run a few errands.”
Mallory tried to smile, but the attempt didn’t quite reach her lips. “I better get busy. I have a lot to do.”
She took the back way to avoid any more confrontation with either of the Chamberlain ladies. Maybe they would leave soon.
The attic was stacked from floor to ceiling with boxes. The list Ms. Chamberlain gave strict instructions on how to organize each section. Wasting no time, she set to work.
Five hours later, Mallory rested against the unfinished wall and rubbed her shoulders. Her body ached from lifting the heavy boxes all afternoon. Dust swirling in the stuffy, closed space filled her lungs, and she was ready for fresh air.
At five o’clock she stood upstairs near the balcony when Victoria’s voice stopped her. The woman stood below in the foyer with Eric. Mallory stepped back. Victoria would find some way to demean her in front of him.
“Well, aren’t you going to say anything?” Victoria crossed her arms.
Mallory’s gaze met Eric’s, and she averted her gaze. Her cheeks warmed as she glanced at her dust covered uniform, and she lunged backward, hoping he hadn’t noticed. She hid behind a wall that led to the closest bedroom. Would Eric tell Victoria he’d seen her?
“It’s okay with me, if you’d rather not,” he finally answered, giving Victoria no indication he’d seen Mallory. She exhaled.
“I’m glad you see it my way … I would have been so disappointed.” Her whiny voice carried up the stairs.
The front door closed, and Mallory stepped away from the wall, descended the stairs, and crept onto the back porch. She paused to search the parking lot. Andrew’s car wasn’t in its usual spot. Continuing through the back yard, she admired new blooms. The rose trees were her favorite. Bending to brush her finger against a soft, yellow rose, she inhaled the sweet aroma.
“I’m sure you aren’t finished.” The harsh voice caused Mallory to stumble back.
Victoria stood on the sidewalk, hands propped on hips, chin lifted. Eric stood next to her. The desire to look in his direction dominated her awareness, feeling his intense gaze. She wanted to run, to get away from her ... from them.
Mallory squared her shoulders and gave Victoria an innocent smile. Victoria swiveled on her heel and then twisted back, and with a burning fire in her eyes, glared. “Are you going to answer me?”
“I’m finished with the list you gave me this morning.” Mallory spoke with more confidence than she felt. “I left the completed check list pinned to the board.”
Without thinking, her glance fell on the corners of Eric’s lips curved into a thin, sympathetic line, as Victoria turned away in a huff. Eric waited until Mallory met his gaze before he turned to follow Victoria. That was easier than she thought it would be, but it wasn’t over. Victoria would double check everything and find something wrong. It was only a matter of time before she had to face her again.
Mallory hurried to the apartment with one question hovering. What did he see in Victoria? He must be just like her, though he didn’t seem to be.
On Thursday, a fresh wave of disappointment invaded Mallory as she remembered Rachel’s Bible study. Nancy still read from her Bible every morning and Mallory enjoyed the stories. Would Rachel read out loud like Nancy?
It didn’t matter. She wouldn’t be going.
She grabbed her lunch bag and stepped outside on the back patio. Andrew sat on a bench under the oak tree. The cool breeze swept through her hair, slinging loose strands across her cheeks. Moving hesitantly toward the shaded bench, Mallory kept her gaze on the flower garden.
“Hi, Mallory, would you care to join me?”
“Yes, thank you. It feels so good out here.”
Andrew slid over. “What brings a young lady fresh out of college …” he pointed at her, and shook his head. “No, high school. Just give me a minute. I’m really good at this.”
She giggled at his pursed lips and creased eyebrows.
“You’re running from the law and you’re in hiding because you’ve stolen millions of dollars.” He bent forward. “I’m wrong again? I’m losing my touch.”
The young man’s waves of blond tendrils fell in a layer across his forehead. His body language, the way something danced behind his eyes when he smiled—was he trying to befriend her? The familiarity of his kindness, his sincerity …
“How do you like my sister?”
An icy chill raised the tiny hairs across her arms.
“I’m sorry, Mallory. You should’ve seen your face. Don’t worry, I don’t bite like she does … or my stepmother.” His voice softened. “I’m here because of my uncle. He’s like a father to me.” He gave her no chance to reply. “My mother died when I was only five, and I don’t really remember anything about her. My father married my step-mother, but when he died a few years ago, Mr. Chamberlain took me in. He’s more like a father than an uncle. My step-mother and Victoria only moved here a month ago.”
“But you don’t live here?” She couldn’t help but feel sorry for him losing both of his parents.
“Yes, but only part time, when I’m not in school.”
“Oh, so you’re in college?”
He looked out across the yard. “I’m a senior. I graduate this year.”
She followed his gaze and stood when Victoria came through the back door. Andrew grabbed her arm. Mallory fell awkwardly into him, and when she straightened, looked at him like he’d lost his mind.
“Lunch is over, Andrew. She has a lot of work to do.” Victoria’s fierce stare shot daggers through their fun moment.
“You’re not her boss, Victoria.” He smirked, eyes dancing.
“Come with me now, Mallory.” Victoria turned and walked away.
Mallory stood and moved out of Andrew’s reach with a glance over her shoulder.
“I’m sorry. Hope I didn’t make things harder for you,” he whispered.
That’s exactly what he’d done. Mallory closed the door when she stepped inside.
“These are to be done immediately. And don’t you ever talk to me like that in front of my fiancé again. I’m your boss and you better start acting like it if you kn
ow what’s good for you.” Victoria’s hot, angry whisper bellowed through the hall.
Eric had asked her to marry him.
What an idiot!
When Mallory first noticed Eric standing behind them, she blushed at her thought.
Victoria stumbled backward and cleared her throat. “Eric, I didn’t expect you so soon.” She reached out to him, but he stopped her. His head tilted as lines formed between his brows. Victoria’s smile faltered. “How long have you been standing there?”
A rush of nausea rushed through Mallory’s stomach at her disgustingly, sweet voice.
“I just got here.”
Victoria hesitated and glanced in her direction, eyes narrowed. “We were going over a few things.”
Mallory shifted and met Eric’s lingering gaze. The moment seemed to pause. Her face heated and she averted her attention to Victoria.
“You may be excused.” Victoria’s nasty glare deepened.
Mallory turned and darted upstairs before Victoria changed her mind. With each step, a tiny memory crossed her mind over and over—Eric’s lingering gaze.
Nine
Thursday at six-thirty the sound of the door bell startled Mallory. She answered it, surprised to find Rachel standing on the other side.
“Mallory, I’m so glad you’re here.” Rachel looked at her uniform with brows crinkled.
The sweat filled shirt clung to her skin. “Are you here to see Victoria?” Mallory didn’t want to have to find her. Maybe she had left with her fiancé.
Rachel’s forehead crinkled. “No, I’m here to pick you up.”
Mallory looked over her shoulder. “Me?”
“Yes, you … It’s Thursday. Bible study. Remember?”
“I can’t. I have too much work to do.” Mallory’s gaze faltered, avoiding Rachel’s. She’d wasted the woman’s time.
Rachel looked past her into the foyer. “It’s six-thirty. Couldn’t you finish tomorrow? I’m sure Mr. Chamberlain wouldn’t expect you to work this late.”
“He isn’t here.”
“Oh. Well it doesn’t matter. You’re coming with me.” She guided her through the front door. “Let’s go to your apartment so you can change.”
Broken Butterfly Page 6
