by Fiona Wilde
The didn't talk on the way to the lot.
At the preschool, Lucy went in to collect her son who had saved her a half-eaten cookie that he'd helped bake. He talked all the way home, and several times Lucy looked over to see Warren Ellis looking in the rearview mirror and grinning with amusement at his young passenger.
Her car had been towed to the shop, so Warren Ellis pulled into her driveway.
"Would you like to have dinner with us?" Keegan leaned forward in his car seat. "I'd like that. We never have boys over.
Lucy fully expected him to decline, but instead he laughed. "Well, in that case...provided it's no trouble."
"Not at all," Lucy said, surprised and pleased.
While she cooked a quick dinner of potatoes and baked chicken Warren entertained Keegan in the living room.
"Lincoln Logs," she said when she came into the doorway. "Now why doesn't this surprise me. He never played with them but he will now."
Warren Ellis had constructed an entire village on their braided rug and was explaining to Keegan how people used to live in log cabins built on the same principle.
"That was a long time ago," he informed the boy. "Way back before cars or television or computers."
"Then we need to finish it!" Keegan jumped up and ran off to return a few moments later with an armful of dinosaurs.
"You've got your work cut out for you," he whispered to Lucy as they watched the boy position a Tyrannosaurus Rex menacingly close to the cabin.
"You have no idea," she said.
They left him to play as Lucy finished dinner. When Warren offered to set the table she was surprised but accepted, finding the sight of a man in period costume laying out the Corelle plates highly ironic.
Keegan talked all the way through dinner, despite Lucy's reminder that Mr. Ellis might want a word in edgewise. But the director of Hartford House didn't seem to mind, and Lucy was struck by how different he was here than there.
Would this, she wonder, usher in a new phase of their working relationship. Now that he saw her as a full person - a mother and a worker - perhaps he wouldn't spank her anymore. The thought filled her with encouragement.
After dinner he played with Keegan some more while she finished the dishes.
"It's been lovely," he said later. "I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed your company." He glanced at Keegan. "And your son's."
"I enjoyed having you here," she said.
"Enough to allow me to return the favor?" he asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Would you two like to come up to my place this weekend? It's over an hour away. I live on an old farm. There's a lot of space for Keegan to run and play. He'd really enjoy himself."
"What about work?" she asked. "Won't it make things....well, I don't want to create any conflicts."
"I'm afraid it's too late for that," he said.
"Mr. Ellis..."
"Warren," he corrected, and sighed.
"I'd love to, Warren," she said.
"I wasn't expecting this, Lucy. I really wasn't. But I'll be frank with you. I feel drawn to you, and for someone like me that is highly unusual."
She smiled and then grew serious.
"What about the gossips?"
"There's no rule against fraternization that I can tell," he said. "However, disruptive employees can be fired at will. That's what I intend to do tomorrow."
"What?" she felt a chill run through her.
"You're going to fire Lucy?"
He nodded. "I have no choice."
"Warren."
"It's not open for debate," he said. "It's not your decision. Or your worry. Understand?"
There was that tone again, the one reminding her of her place. Lucy said nothing.
"You've done nothing wrong, Lucy," he said.
She knew she had not, but if that was so, why did she suddenly feel so terrible?
"I'd better be going," he said and gave her a courtly bow that made her smile - but for just a moment.
As she watched him go she felt that the evening had gone from sweet to bittersweet. Missy had unwittingly called it correctly, and now she was going to lose her job.
"I have to find a way to stop that from happening," she said to herself. "I have to find a way to stop her from getting fired, and from getting spanked for doing it."
Chapter Six
Warren arrived early the next morning to pick her up. Hartford House was having visitors that day so he was wearing a velvet waistcoat with matching breeches. His shoes gleamed so brightly they shone. Keegan's eyes grew wide.
"Now you look like a prince," he said.
Warren chucked him under the chin and laughed. "I'm a colonial gentleman. I left England to get away from royalty, so to refer to me as a prince is a grave insult my friend."
"We're friends?" It seemed to be all that Keegan had heard.
"Well of course we are!"
"You live on a farm."
"I do." Warren looked over at Lucy. "And I'll take you and your mother there tomorrow should she agree."
Lucy walked over. "I would accuse you of unfairly putting me on the spot had I already decided not to go," she said.
Warren stood and bowed with a flourish. "You honor me, madam," he said.
"And you honor us," she replied. "It will be nice to get away."
"Yes, but for now we have work."
The statement brought her crashing back to reality. Warren was planning to fire Missy. And Lucy was determined not to let that happen. But how could she dissuade him?
She did not discuss it until after they'd dropped Keegan off at preschool. It was show-and-tell day and Warren was impressed that Lucy was allowing her son to take in a drop spindle to show the other kids. He'd been learning to spin yarn on it for months now, and was better than some adults Lucy knew.
"Have fun!" she called over her shoulder as he ran off to hang up his coat.
She took a deep breath as she made her way back to the SUV.
The rode in silence for a while as Lucy struggled to find a way to broach the subject. Finally she decided there was no delicate way.
"Warren, I don't want you to fire Missy."
He stared straight ahead. "It's not your decision."
"No, it's not. But I feel responsible. We were friends..."
"That has nothing to do with it."
"It does, Warren? Missy felt some resentment. I know her behavior hasn't been proper or right but...."
"It's not a matter of whether she's been proper or right. She's sowing discord in the workplace by insinuating that..."
"...that there's more going on between us than we're admitting. But isn't she right, Warren? You were at my house last night. I'm going to yours this weekend. It seems unfair to put her out of work for catching on to something we did a terrible job in hiding."
He seemed to be quietly considering what Lucy said.
"I shall think on it," he said.
Lucy did not press. For Warren, even considering what she said was progress.
"8:30," he said as they pulled up. "The first groups will be here at ten. We need to make sure everything is in order today. Do you have your lists?"
"I do," Lucy said and when he cut the engine she made to move from her seat. But the belt was stuck again.
"Great," she said, exasperated.
"Here. Let me help you." He leaned over and unfastened her. Again Lucy was aware of the strength in his arms, his nearness, his scent. Something in the way he leaned into her was as intimate as his kisses. She couldn't explain it; it was as if he were just aware of the feeling as she was.
"Thank you," she said once she was free of the belt. "Again." Their faces were inches away from each other. She sensed he wanted to kiss her and knew that if he did she wouldn't refuse.
"You're welcome. Again," he said. His lips moved closer to hers but then pulled away abruptly. "We'd better make haste."
"Make haste." He was suddenly all business again.
Lucy exite
d the vehicle and made her way to Hartford House. As she walked she passed a group of women and almost didn't note that Missy was among them until she was right up on the trio.
"Hi boss lady," Missy said.
Lucy didn't even respond, not even when she saw Missy's accusing eyes. Her friend's expression worried her, but she had no time to ponder it.
"We've got a school group coming at ten, guys," she said. "Everyone be ready."
She gave them no time to respond as she ducked into her private office to change. Like Warren, she wore a slightly dressier outfit. After checking into the mirror to assure that she'd tucked her hair under her cap she hurried to the front hall for morning line-up. The morning staff was already assembled.
The sets of resentful eyes were on the increase. Lucy attempted to ignore them as she gave the rundown of stations.
"So," she concluded after informing everyone of where they were supposed to be when the school group got there. "Is everyone clear?"
Everyone nodded in the affirmative.
"Good," Lucy sighed. "Let's take them back in time, then."
She turned to check her list once more.
"Let's take them back in time. Nice. One of his lines?"
She turned to see Missy standing behind her. She knew her friend was talking about Warren.
"Missy, this isn't the time or the place. You should be at your station."
"I saw you."
"Excuse me?" Lucy could feel herself getting annoyed now. Missy was completely ignoring her.
"I saw you and Mr. Ellis in the car. He was leaning over. You were going to kiss but you probably saw us. I guess that's why he bans cell phones. Afraid one of us might snap him getting friendly with a member of the staff..."
"That's enough, Missy," Lucy said, slamming the chart down now and walking to her friend. "I'm not discussing this with you. You're supposed to be at your station. Now please go. And while you're at it you need to stop spreading rumors."
"Or what?"
"Missy..." Lucy tried to keep her voice level. "You're going to put your job in jeopardy if you keep this up."
"Let me guess," Missy said. "You've sweet-talked him into letting you decide who stays and who goes."
"Indeed she has not."
The two women turned to see Warren Ellis standing there, his face grim.
"Miss Primm's tasks are clear. She oversees the task list. My role is administrative. As such I decide who stays and goes."
He turned to Missy. "And may I say that you are half-correct, Miss Palmer. Miss Primm has taken it upon herself on at least two occasions to overstep her boundaries and interfere in my staff decisions."
He paused. "Both times were on your behalf. You see, she is soft-hearted, and believes in putting friendship before duty. I, on the other hand, disagree. And what I have witnessed from you, young lady, is so completely rude and disrespectful that I have no other choice than to dismiss you at once."
Missy's eyes widened. "Mr. Ellis, please."
"There will be no discussion. Collect your things, Miss Palmer, and turn in your ID on the way out. Miss Primm, if you would please go to my office; there are a stack of resumes. I'd like your assistance in setting up some interviews. After that please go cover her station."
"Mr. Ellis..." Lucy stepped forward. Beside her, Missy was shaking her head as shock turned to tears. "Please. Let's be reasonable. I know Missy was out of line, but to fire her..."
"...was a foreseeable consequence of her decision to directly flout your authority," he said. "So unless you'd like to experience your own set of foreseeable consequences, Miss Primm, I suggest you drop the matter."
"Mr. Ellis..."
Lucy knew she was taking a risk by continuing to argue, but she felt for Missy.
"Please," Missy interjected. "I'll apologize. I'll do anything. My job here is important."
"Regrettably not important enough to overcome what appears to be a bad case of petty jealousy and spite, Miss Palmer. Now go. Or else I'll call another member of the staff to escort you out."
Missy fled then, the back of her hand over her mouth to stave off the sobs that threatened to overtake her. Lucy watched her go.
"Warren..."
"Within these walls it is Mr. Ellis," he said. "You forget yourself, young lady. So unless you want to make things worse for yourself than they already are.."
"Are?"
He took a step towards her. "I will not discuss it here. Go to your station, Miss Primm. Now. I'll find someone at another station to relieve you soon so you can continue with your oversight."
Lucy curtsied and left the room. There would be no reasoning with him now. As it was she'd gone too far. He'd been exactly right. Despite her going to bat for Missy, her former friend had continued to act from jealousy and spite. And now Warren was angry with her, and she knew full well what consequences to expect."
Lucy went downstairs and out the back door to where the soap making demonstration was going on. Rachel, the girl who was supposed to be teamed with Missy, looked up in puzzlement as Lucy approached.
"Where's Missy?" she asked.
"Missy won't be working on this station today," Lucy said.
"Oh...."
To Lucy's relief, Missy didn't question her further and half an hour later Warren Ellis approached trailed by one of the kitchen staff, who took over for Lucy.
The school groups were milling by, the kids and teachers exclaiming with delight as they observed the large cauldron filled with the shiny mixture of lye and bubbling fat.
Warren pulled Lucy to the side.
"I'll announce the staffing change later," he said. "I prefer you not say anything."
"I wasn't planning on it," Lucy responded. Staffing change, he'd called it. That made it sound far less uncomfortable than it had been.
"This whole thing was a mistake," she said. "If you and I hadn't gotten involved then Missy..."
"One has nothing to do with the other," he said. "But this isn't the time or place to discuss it. We'll have plenty of time this weekend at the farm."
"You will want to take us?"
He looked at her, surprised. "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"
Lucy didn't know what to say. "I don't know. I just thought..." Her voice trailed off.
"Sir, I have a question..." A plump teacher in a belted cranberry dress was approaching. "Are you a docent?"
"I'm the director," he said, walking towards her. The woman turned and pointed at one of the buildings. Lucy turned away and went about her rounds, doing her best to ignore the now-fearful looks of her co-workers. It didn't take rocket scientists to put two and two together. Everyone knew that Missy was trying to stir up trouble. Everyone knew she had hung back that morning. And now she was gone. Warren Ellis' announcement would only confirm their suspicions and would do nothing to quell the rumor that Missy had started - which was that she was the boss' pet.
* * *
Lucy wasn't sure she could get through the next day. Her car was back home at least so she didn't have to rely on Warrant to take her to work. Keegan, however, was disappointed.
"It was nice having a daddy around," he observed.
"He's not a daddy."
"He's a man," Keegan pointed out. "Men are daddies."
"Not all men are daddies."
Keegan pondered that. "He should be. He plays with Lincoln Logs. And he does dress-up."
Lucy couldn't argue with that, so she didn't. It was arts and crafts day and Keegan was bringing egg cartons for a project the teachers had planned.
No one at work said anything when Warren Ellis made the announcement that Missy was no longer working at Hartford House. And the derision Lucy had feared did not materialize. In fact, many of the staff seemed more relaxed around her, and she decided that the tension that had existed between her and some of the other workers had been fanned by Missy.
Warren, it turned out, had been right all along; Missy had never really been her friend. Lucy wasn't sure how to feel abo
ut that; she sometimes felt isolated as a single mom, with her life consisting of work and home.
But now she was going away for the weekend with Warren and Keegan. The next morning, when he called to say he was on his way over to pick them up she half-expected him to change his mind before he got there.
But Warren arrived right at 8:30 in the morning. Lucy smiled to see him dressed like a regular person in a pair of khaki pants and maroon sweater. He came armed with a baseball cap with a tractor stitched on it for Keegan, as well as a basket.
"What's the basket for?" he asked after thanking Warren for the cap.
"You'll see," he said as he hustled them to the vehicle.
The ride to Warren's farm was beautiful, but not as beautiful as the farm itself. The thirty acre homestead sat amid a stand of ancient pecans and oaks. The perfectly restored house was large and white, with the addition Warren told Lucy he'd built matching the original house perfectly thanks to his quest for appropriate building materials.
Paddocks held a few rare breed sheep and heritage cattle that were more for show than function. But it was the flocks of rare breed geese and chickens that delighted Keegan, and showed him what the basket was for.
"Eggs," Warren said. "We collect them every day."
Lucy laughed as she watched her son rush into the cook, scattering indignant chickens in his wake as he made for the nest boxes. Soon he was straining to carry the basket and his mother rushed in to help him before he dropped it.
"You eat all these?" she asked.
"No," he said. "They go in here."
Lucy and Kegan followed Warren to what looked like an old smokehouse. But inside she was surprised to discover it housed two state-of-the-art incubators.
"These are a little modern for you, aren't they?" she asked.
He looked slightly embarrassed.
"OK. So there are some benefits to technology. The chickens produce too many eggs to incubate themselves and so many of these breeds are endangered that the benefits outweigh the..."
"You don't have to explain, really," Lucy laughed.
"Chicks!" Keegan was standing on his tip-toes looking in a box.
