“We were just having dinner.” And dancing a little, in an empty dining hall, with no music playing.
Viola was not impressed by her reply, her next question suggested as much. “Do you fancy him?”
Clementine hesitated. She was asking herself the very same thing. “I think I might.” She looked down, somehow it was difficult looking Viola in the eyes.
“Is he a good man?”
“I think he is.” However, Clementine had been hurt before. Then she remembered all their talks, the way he defended her. “I know he is,” she corrected herself.
Viola pondered about her words, searching her face for traces of self-delusion or hesitation. Apparently, this time, she was happy with what she saw on Clementine’s face. “Good. Then I am glad.”
Somehow, Clementine felt much better after saying that to Viola, as though hearing her say that out loud helped her, fortified her resolve, and Viola’s reply in return was what she needed to hear since her friend, her sister meant the world to her, so she had no problems falling asleep.
The next day, Clementine and Pauline bid their farewell to Viola, waving to her from the train platform as the train departed from the station before going to the store for Clementine’s shift.
Clementine felt uneasy going inside the store with Pauline by her side. The dear girl chose her best dress and asked her Auntie to make her a special hairdo for this outing. Unfortunately, as Clementine feared, every man inside, apart from Garry, was annoyed by Pauline’s presence.
“What is this?” Someone exclaimed.
“Is this place turning into a nursery?” Came another.
“This is preposterous.” All kinds of comments marked their arrival.
Pauline clutched Clementine’s hand more tightly as they walked toward the bar. Despite everything, Pauline was very brave and did not mind the grumbling men. Not much, at least. That impressed her Auntie very much.
“Do I need to ask?” Garry said as they went behind the bar.
Clementine quickly explained the situation to Garry as he greeted the little girl, complimenting her pretty hair. Pauline became a little shy after that and hid behind Clementine’s skirt.
“Poor Viola,” Garry said with a shake of his head.
“Do you mind?”
“Of course not,” he reassured her. He took some candy from his pocket and offered it to Pauline.
She looked at Clementine as though asking for permission, so Clementine nodded with an encouraging smile. She took it. “Thank you kindly,” she replied politely as Garry petted her cheek.
Eating her candy cheered her up immensely and she forgot about her shyness or her fear she was in that place, for the moment.
“Take her to one of the rooms upstairs,” Garry advised, giving her the keys.
The store had a few rooms for renting on the first floor. Mainly they used them for costumers when they were too drunk to go home. At the moment, one of them would suit Clementine and Pauline perfectly.
Clementine would feel better knowing Pauline was up there, and she was certain the little girl would be more comfortable as well. She brought all her toys with them; they were neatly packed in Clementine’s bag.
Together, they laid them all to the bed. Pauline started to play.
“Be a good girl now, and stay here, all right?” Clementine warned. “I am downstairs, so do not be afraid.”
Pauline nodded, sending her a kiss. Clementine did the same. “All right then, I am off to work. I will bring you some lunch a bit later.”
Clementine hoped Pauline heard her since she was speaking with her doll. She hated leaving her niece alone but took her playfulness as a good sign. Sadly, Clementine did not have a choice, especially now since she needed every single coin she could get her hands on to give to Mr. Brewer. She locked the door to Pauline’s door. She did not want one of the drunken men barging inside by mistake and scaring the little girl to death.
Returning downstairs, she was so distraught with all her worries, Clementine completely missed the fact Alexander was at the store as well. She even walked past him and only acknowledged him once he called out her name.
“Oh, good evening,” she replied a bit startled.
“I saw you coming in with that little girl,” he said with concern. “Is everything all right?”
The look on his face made her open her mouth. She was certain Viola would not mind if Alexander learned the truth. Clementine told him about the problems her father-in-law was facing. He completely understood Viola’s sudden departure and Clementine’s role as a guardian.
Once again Clementine had to voice her concerns regarding Pauline spending time in a place like this one. Even though she was somewhat isolated from the worse of it. “I despise the idea of her being up there all alone.”
“Do not worry about her so much. Kids are sometimes braver than we adults are,” he tried to cheer her up. It did not work.
“If you want, I can go upstairs and look after her,” Alexandra offered, and Clementine was genuinely touched. “I had a baby sister remember, and a great deal of practice, not to mention patience,” he winked.
“Would you?”
“Of course. If it would put your mind at ease.”
“It would.” That way she could fully concentrate on work without worrying about Pauline. Nothing could pass through Alexander if he was guarding her.
“Say no more and call me Nanny Alexander for the time being.”
That did make her smile. “I really appreciate your help, Nanny Alexander,” Clementine replied handing him the key to the room.
“Don’t mention it, I’m glad to help.” With those parting words, he went upstairs and Clementine, feeling quite unburdened, even if only in this regard, started working.
When she got a chance, she went upstairs to check up, on them. It wasn’t that she did not trust Alexander to be good with Pauline. Far from it. If she didn’t have full confidence in him, she would never have sent him upstairs in the first place. It was just that her niece was very shy and wanted to see how she was reacting to this strange man that came to watch over her.
When she entered the room, she instantly paused by the door. The scene inside warmed her heart. Alexander and Pauline were sitting on the floor with toys scattered all around them. And Pauline was laughing, clearly enjoying herself. They were in the middle of a very important tea party by the looks of it.
Pauline was taken by Alexander, Clementine was surprised to see. She was treating him as though she knew him all her life and was comfortable in his presence. And he was very patient with her, obeying her every word.
“Look, it’s your Auntie,” Alexander sing-songed and her niece waved at her with the biggest smile on her face.
“Would you care for a cup?” Alexander offered in all seriousness.
“I do need to return to work, but don’t mind if I do.”
“One spoon of sugar or two?” Pauline wanted to know.
“Two, please.”
Clementine pretended she was sipping the most delicious tea in the world once she got her cup. “So, are you having a good time?” She asked.
“Auntie, we are having the most lovely time,” Pauline exclaimed.
“Lovely time,” Alexander agreed in the same manner.
“Thank you,” she mouthed to this wonderful man in front of her.
“You’re welcome,” he returned.
As Clementine continued to watch Alexander play with her niece, she had to admit one simple truth to herself. She was utterly in love with him.
Oh my...
Chapter Twelve
Alexander, Clementine, and Pauline started to spend all their time together, doing many things. Being with the two of them showed Clementine what it would be like, feel like, to have a family of her own, and she was not that surprised to discover how much she wanted it.
The desire was always inside her. Being married to Steve made her push those desires away. Thanks to Alexander and Pauline, they were back, and she started
picturing her everyday life with a loving husband and a child. They would teach their son his first steps, or their daughter how to tie her shoes. The images were so vivid inside her head, it was as though they were already happening.
That and more was on her mind as she was working in the garden one morning, since Garry let her come to work a bit later, pulling out weeds while Pauline was helping her, when Mrs. Townsend practically came running to her doorsteps. She was one of the ladies Clementine did small works for while being married to Steve. Mrs. Townsend continued to come to her if she needed help. She was a good woman.
“Clementine. Thank the Heavens,” Mrs. Townend greeted her in a somewhat unusual manner. She looked rather distraught.
“Mrs. Townend, what on Earth...” Clementine started yet the other woman interrupted her.
“I need your special skills, and I need them now,” she announced and as though she needed to emphasize her words or the utmost urgency of the situation, she started waving with the large box she was carrying in her arms.
Clementine was utterly stunned, not understanding what Mrs. Townsend wanted from her. All the while Pauline stayed in the back, watching the whole scene with interest and curiosity.
Sensing the matter was serious if only to Mrs. Townsend, Clementine pointed toward the house. “Let’s go inside.”
Mrs. Townsend rushed inside like that was something she was hoping to hear. Without further ado, once inside, the woman took the lid off the box she was holding.
As far as Clementine could tell, it was some kind of dress inside.
“I need you to look at this and tell me there’s hope,” Mrs. Townsend said a bit over-dramatically.
“I am all dirty from gardening, let me freshen up really quickly,” Clementine replied, backing out of the room. Once she tidied herself up Clementine rejoined Mrs. Townsend in the living room who made herself comfortable on the couch. She stood up again when she spotted Clementine and started fidgeting with the box, pulling its content out.
Just as Clementine thought, inside the box was a very beautiful peach-colored dress. Pauline looked at it wide-eyed. “It is so pretty.”
“It’s ruined. That is what it is,” Mrs. Townsend said theatrically, showing the dress into Clementine’s arms.
For the life of her, Clementine could not see where the problem was. It was very nicely made with intricate, delicate embroidery on the bodice, decorated with small pearls.
“Tell me what happened,” Clementine inquired, hoping to learn the truth that way without asking outright. She did not want to offend the other woman for not spotting the issue right away. Especially since it clearly affected her so deeply.
“As you can see, Jemma’s wedding dress arrived today,” Mrs. Townsend waved at the dress before pulling a small handkerchief from her pocket to wipe her nose.
Jemma was Mrs. Townsend’s eldest daughter. And even though Clementine got an invitation for the said wedding three months ago, with everything else that was going on as of late, she completely forgot Jemma’s wedding was happening soon.
“But as you can see,” Mrs. Townsend continued, pulling Clementine back to here and now. “The lace on the hemline is all torn up.”
Blissfully, Clementine spotted the small issue. “Dear me,” she said since it was the only thing appropriate at the moment.
Mrs. Townsend nodded approvingly. “Usually, I would return it immediately, sadly, there’s no time. The wedding is next week. Everything is ruined,” the woman practically sobbed.
Pauline looked at Clementine with the saddened expression on her small face. She sympathized since she adored pretty dresses.
“I’m sure it’s not that bad,” Clementine tried to reassure her, looking at the tear more closely. “Perhaps I could mend it,” she offered.
“That was what I thought,” Mrs. Townsend said with renewed strength. “I remembered your fine needlework when you were mending some of my dresses.”
Clementine was hoping she could find some extra work, and as it turned out it fell into her lap.
“I rushed here immediately once I saw that disaster and before Jemma had the chance to see it. Praise the Heavens she was out of the house at that moment.” Mrs. Townsend looked at her pleadingly as thought her whole life depended on Clementine. “Jemma could never know.”
Clementine nodded solemnly. “I will do my best to make it perfect,” she promised, feeling quite confident she could deliver.
“I knew I could count on you,” Mrs. Townsend sagged with relief, finally sitting down again.
“My Auntie is the best,” Pauline announced proudly and Clementine blew her a kiss, before putting the dress carefully on the table. She went to her credenza next to collect her sewing kit.
Mrs. Townsend smiled at the little girl as well. “Good day, Pauline,” she greeted like she just spotted the little girl for the first time. “Are you enjoying your time with your Auntie?”
Pauline simply nodded in return.
“And where is your mother?” She turned to look at Clementine. “I haven’t seen Viola in quite some time.”
“Mamma is with Grandpa,” Pauline replied.
“Is she now?” Mrs. Townsend replied, looking questioningly at Clementine. To that, Clementine simply shook her head not wanting to remind the little girl of her Pa’s health problems or the gravity of the situation.
“Well, I’m sure she misses you terribly, all though living with your Auntie must be a treat,” Mrs. Townsend started chatting as Clementine went to work. She immediately started mending the dress knowing how important to the other woman it was. Besides, time was of the essence.
Mrs. Townsend spoke about all the difficulties they had while organizing the wedding. Clementine couldn’t help remembering hers. It was a small affair since neither Steve nor her father wanted to make a fuss. Clementine now knew Steve was simply trying to save as much money as was possible, and he defended his wishes to have a small wedding with the fact he was a newcomer in Courtfield and did not have many friends.
“And Jemma insisted on riding in a carriage with only white horses...”
That was considered good luck in their parts of the world. Not that it did any good to Clementine.
Truth be told, even though she completely forgot about Jemma Townsend’s wedding, Clementine was actually looking forward to it. Jemma was a sweet girl and even though they were never the best of friends it was always pleasant seeing her in passing and conversing with her, if only for a little while. She resembled her mother a great deal; they had the same robust figure and dynamic personality.
Clementine started to ponder if she should invite Alexander to come with her and Pauline to the wedding.
Imagining him in that attire on the night of the fair, Clementine knew she would. Perhaps they would even get a chance to dance again. Clementine especially enjoyed those moments with him.
With a small, secret smile, she continued to sew, nodding every now and again to Mrs. Townsend’s words even though her mind was miles away.
Alexander was in deep concentration while visiting the hardware store. He needed a few very specific tools and some lumber since he was planning on making a toy for Pauline. He was absolutely enamored with that sweet girl. She reminded him so much of his Honey at times, during that same age. At first, when the sentiment inside him awoke he thought it would pain him to continue seeing Pauline, spending time with her. It did not.
“Is this what you wanted?” the clerk’s voice pulled him out of his head and his thoughts about Honey retreated.
Alexander inspected the tools with care. He made this same toy for Honey when he was much younger. He almost chopped a few fingers while making it. The smile on her face when he presented it to her made him feel like it was all worth it.
“Yes, it’s perfect.”
In a way it amazed him, he was going into such length to make her happy. He vowed long time ago to never have a family of his own, yet here he was treating that sweet girl as thought she was hi
s own flesh and blood.
He paid the man and took his purchases to his hotel room. Looking about, he realized he made a terrible mistake. Alexander did not think this through, he realized with a deep frown.
If he started to make any kind of noise, saw wood, inside this room, the hotel management would certainly throw him out. And he liked his room. Especially the bed. It was big and soft. He could not give that up.
Alexander needed a proper place to work. Besides, he hadn’t done this type of thing in years and it was safe to assume he would need more time to finish it as he was out of practice. Plus, for most of the labor, his right hand was rather useless, and he calculated that would mean spending even more time making this toy. Still, he was determined to craft this plaything for a very special little girl and his new friend.
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