“Mother seems to think any husband shall do, so long as he is wealthy.”
“Your mother is wrong and I say we ignore her on that topic. We’ve three months to find the right lad for you, so why not simply enjoy ourselves? We shall attend dozens of parties, dance the night away at balls, pay as little attention to one as to another, and see which rises to the top.”
Robin laughed. “Like cream in the milk bottle?”
“Precisely.” Blair drank some of her juice, pulled her kerchief out of her pocket, and then dabbed at the liquid left on her lips.
Suddenly, Robin’s mouth dropped. “What was that?” She asked as she abruptly got up and rushed to the railing. “I could have sworn I saw something jump out of the water.”
Following right behind her, Blair asked. “Where?”
Robin pointed to a spot in the distance. “Way out there.”
“I dinna see anything.” Blair watched for a time anyway, but there was nothing to see except endless water and more fluffy white clouds on the horizon. She finished her juice and then took both their glasses back and set them on a table next to the bench. On her way back to the railing, she surveyed the men on the deck. For once, Lord O’Dell was not nearby and Blair was chagrined with herself for having looked for him. There were other men watching her, but she still thought them silly. Not far away, the game of choice for other passengers was shuffleboard, and several older men and women were playing.
“Tell me about your home,” Robin said.
“Marblestone? Well it is a mansion in Colorado Springs, though it is not on Millionaire’s Row.”
“Millionaire’s Row?”
“Colorado gold made many a lad a millionaire. The Whitfields are our neighbors. Where do you live?”
“We have a mansion in London, but we spend most of the year in Wales where my stepfather owns considerable land. He eats, drinks, and hires other men to do the hard work. I dearly love it there, but of course I shall have to leave when I am married. I hope I shall not live too far away from home. Wales is very beautiful.”
“I feel the same. I cannae imagine living very far from my family, no matter where they choose to live in the future.”
“Do you mean they might move back to Scotland?”
Blair tipped her head to the side. “One can never guess what the MacGreagors are up to.”
“How splendid that would be for the two of us, though.”
“I agree. We might as well get some exercise while we are on deck,” said Blair turning away from the railing. “Come, Miss Robinson, we have hardly seen the other side of the ship.”
FOR NO REASON BLAIR could discern, the wind seemed to blow harder on that side of the ship, which made her reach up and hang onto her hat. That side looked just the same, except there were fewer benches and more deck chairs with small tables beside them. The people seated in the chairs seemed relaxed and to her relief, no one seemed to be paying particular attention to her.
Halfway down the deck, they both paused at the railing and looked out across the water. Blair remembered little of her first crossing when she sailed from Scotland to America as a child, and was amazed at how much water there actually was in an ocean. Lifeboats, positioned at intervals above the ship’s railing, reminded her of just how dangerous an Atlantic crossing could be, but she pushed that thought out of her mind. When Robin pointed, she could almost make out a ship traveling in the opposite direction. At least they were not completely alone on the ocean, and that comforted her. She watched that for a time, and then continued down the promenade deck until they reached the bow of the ship. She looked up, only to discover that two men in the bridge one deck above were watching them, and one of them was David. When the older one, whom she assumed was the captain nodded, she smiled.
“He is watching us,” Robin whispered.
“Who is watching us?”
Robin was surprised. “You truly do not notice them, do you?”
Blair pulled a pin back out of her hat, repositioned it, and secured her hat better. Convinced it would not fly off, she finally put both her arms down and folded them. “Well, sometimes I do and if I were in the market for a husband, I might notice them more often. Are you talking of the one who followed us from the other side, and now pretends to read a newspaper, or the ones above in the wheelhouse?”
Robin slowly looked up. Instead of two, there were now five men in the window. She put her hands on her hips and stared back at them. “If they are all watching us, who is driving the ship?”
Blair laughed. “Perhaps it has made the crossing so often, it already knows the way.”
“I meant to call your attention to the one pretending to read a newspaper. He is not as handsome as the viscount, but...”
“He is likely married or we would have seen more of him by now.”
“Married? I did not consider that. It seems I have a lot to learn. How...”
Just then, David came around the corner and walked straight to them. “Miss MacGreagor, the Captain sent me to ask if there is anything you need.”
“Well, you could escort us and tell us absolutely everything you know,” Blair answered.
“Everything I know?” David asked.
Both Blair and Robin giggled at the perplexed look on David’s face. Soon, Blair boldly looped her arm around his arm while Robin took his other arm. The delighted steward looked up at his captain, and then proudly lifted his chin as they walked away.
“Why do you suppose the captain cares to give the Whitfields and I such careful consideration?” Blair asked as soon as they rounded the corner. She stopped, removed her arm from his, and turned to face him.
“I believe your father requested that you be given the best of everything, no matter the cost,” he answered.
Blair rolled her eyes. “I suspected as much.”
Robin let go of his arm too. “And you are the best of everything no matter the cost?”
Her question stumped David for a moment. “Not the best, but I am closest to your ages. Perhaps the captain hopes you shall confide in me, should there be mischief.”
“I see,” said Blair. She was well aware of what that mischief might be, but there was no point in discussing it. “And shall you keep what we say confidential?”
“Unless you are in danger,” David answered, “then I am forced to tell in an effort to keep my employment.”
“In that case, tell me who sent the note I refused to read last night at dinner?”
David glanced around to make certain the person in question was not there. “Mr. Braxton Dedrick.”
Blair certainly recognized that name. “Thank you, David.”
“It was an apology,” David continued.
“For what?” Robin wanted to know.
Blair sighed. “I might as well tell you. Your mother may have mentioned who I was to someone, for when we entered the dining salon, everyone stared at me.”
David added, “It was the worst kind of impoliteness I have ever seen, and I told the Captain so. The entire room quieted and...” He stopped when he realized Robin had bowed her head.
“‘Twas not that bad,” Blair comforted. “I am certain your mother meant no harm.”
Robin puffed her cheeks and then slowly let the air out. “It is not the worst she has ever done, but close to it.”
“I assure you I am not upset. I am quite relieved that everyone now knows who I am,” said Blair. “Let us not speak of it, nor even think of it again.”
David half bowed. “Well, I best get back inside.”
Blair watched him walk away and then took a look at the despair still in Robin’s expression. “Come back my joyful Robin, for if you do not I shall miss you terribly.”
At length, Robin smiled. “Shuffleboard?”
“Perfect.”
CHAPTER 5
THE PIANIST AND HER friends had long since gone by the time Abigail returned to the lounge from giving Blair’s history book to Lucy to put away. Yet, there were others in
the large colorful room playing games or otherwise just visiting. One couple appeared to be fully absorbed in a game of chess. The lounge had striped wallpaper, tall windows with flowing gold drapes, two chandeliers, Edwardian style furniture, and had a skylight as elegant as the one in the dining salon.
There were several tables, one of which Abigail chose to sit at while waiting for Robin’s mother. It was situated along the side of the room, and when a steward approached, she ordered a cup of tea. Before the steward came back, Lady Forrestal arrived and joined her. Lady Forrestal was thin like her daughter, but a little better filled out having had a child. Up close, she looked to be more Abigail’s age and Abigail could not help but admire her long eyelashes.
“I have not yet managed to secure any others to play, so for now it is just the two of us.”
“The better to get to know each other,” Abigail said.
“I agree.” She paused when the steward brought Abigail’s tea and requested the same for herself. “Blair and Robin seem to be getting along famously.”
“Indeed they do.”
“I was wondering,” Lady Forrestal said as she reached for the deck of cards. “What do you do at home? I mean what endeavors might you have to keep yourself busy of an afternoon.”
“Well, there is the sewing circle,” Abigail answered.
“A sewing circle?”
“Yes, we make quilts for an orphanage in Denver.”
“Do you, it sounds intriguing,” said Lady Forrestal. “We have an occasional tea, but it never quite fills all the time.”
“Charity work is most rewarding. We have a bake sale on every possible occasion, such as Colorado Days, and give the proceeds to the orphanage as well.”
“A bake sale,” an astounded Lady Forrestal repeated. “Do you do the baking yourself?”
“Well, no. I am quite lost in a kitchen these days, though I was most handy before we struck gold.”
“How exciting that must have been for you.”
“It was indeed.” Abigail picked up her cards and waited while the steward served tea to Lady Forrestal.
BY THE TIME HE ENTERED the lounge, the viscount had not yet calmed down after his altercation with Braxton Dedrick on the deck. Hoping to be left completely alone, he found an empty table in the back, picked up a deck of cards, and began to play a hand of solitaire.
“There he is,” Lady Forrestal whispered as she nodded toward the viscount. I agree with my daughter – he is indeed quite handsome.”
Abigail pretended that she did not know what Lady Forrestal was up to. “Handsome perhaps, but I have always avoided such men. They are tempted by other women far more often than the ordinary looking ones.”
“I suppose they are, but my Robin would make a good wife for any man of quality.”
“If he truly loves her, you mean?” Abigail pushed.
“Love is most important, naturally, but a woman can live without it if she must. Perhaps I am too eager on my daughter’s account, but she is my only child and I hope to see her well settled.”
“I understand completely,” said Abigail. “The viscount came to the library while we were there.”
Lady Forrestal’s hopeful eyes lit up. “Did he say anything to Robin?”
“No, but he said nothing to any other young lady either, and did not even look at Blair.”
“I find that most encouraging.”
“Tell me, what does a viscount do?”
“Well, he is the son of an earl, normally, and might possibly become the next earl, if he has no elder brothers. Some viscounts do very little while others regulate lands and the people who work them. I know not what this one does. Perhaps we shall have the opportunity of asking him.”
“We Americans have no titles. We...” Abigail was interrupted by a ruckus in the back.
“Look what you have done!” Lord Ashton Hartsford shouted. He abruptly scooted his chair back, stood up, and let the spilled liquid roll off his jacket.”
“Forgive me, Sir. I do sincerely apologize,” the steward said in a soft voice, trying not to alarm the other guests. He set a half empty glass on the table, took the folded cloth napkin off his forearm, and attempted to clean the viscount’s jacket.
“You have ruined it!” he shouted as he yanked the cloth out of the steward’s hand. “I fully intend to see the captain hears about this.”
“Yes Sir.”
“I intend to see you are dismissed immediately!”
The steward hung his head while the viscount threw the wet cloth down on the cards, and then stormed out of the lounge.
Shocked, Abigail watched a second steward come to help clean up the mess. In whispered tones, it appeared the second was trying to comfort the first. Keeping her voice low, she whispered to Lady Forrestal, “I do not care for men who act deplorably in public. It was an accident, after all.”
“I must admit, I do not find him nearly as handsome now. The cad, my first husband, had a horrible temper. Had I known that in advance, I should never have married him.”
“Well,” said Abigail, “We know about this one in time, and a good thing too, for we can warn both our girls.”
“Indeed we can. I just hope Robin is sensible enough to pay heed to the warning. What time do you suppose it is? I promised to meet my husband at four so we can dress for dinner.”
Abigail remembered her oath not ever to give Lady Forrestal the time of day, but as soon as she spotted a mantel clock she answered, “It is half past two.”
“Good, then we have plenty of time to play. It is your deal.”
Abigail carefully dealt each of them a hand, and then set the remaining cards aside. “The viscount reminds me of the duchess. She had quite a temper too. Do you know she once held a gun on me and would not let me leave?” Just then, she remembered she promised Claymore she would not tell that story. It was too late to withdraw it now.
Lady Forrestal’s mouth dropped. “The duchess?”
“We have always called Blair’s mother the duchess, for no one is quite certain what her name truly is. Of course, Cathleen MacGreagor is the real duchess now.”
“Of course.” Lady Forrestal leaned a little closer. “Go on.”
“Well, first the duchess married Hannish MacGreagor, who was the duke at the time. The duchess failed to mention it was her fourth marriage, and at least two of the husbands had not yet divorced her. Lord Bayington did of course, so he could marry Laura.” Abigail had just a touch of superiority in her voice when she said, “What a lovely woman Laura is. I am most fortunate to call her a dear friend.”
Lady Forrestal ignored the implication. “Indeed you are. We knew the duchess as Olivia and never once guessed she was married. How she got an invitation to one of our best balls is beyond anyone’s understanding. Did she truly hold a gun on you?”
“Indeed she did, and I do not mind confessing – I aged ten years in one very short afternoon.”
“Why did she accost you?”
“To get to Blair, you see. After the duchess escaped the asylum, she...”
Lady Forrestal gasped. “She was in a lunatic asylum?”
“Indeed she was, where she should have been those twenty years at least. My dear, you have no idea what it was like. The minute we were convinced she was out of our lives completely, she thought of some new way to plague the MacGreagors, and us as well. She...”
AFTER ONLY THREE HANDS of Gin Rummy, Lady Julia Forrestal made up a reason, excused herself, and left the lounge. Just as she hoped, Lord and Lady Gordan were on the deck and she could not wait to recount what Abigail said.
“Is lunacy not inherited?” a shocked Lady Gordan asked.
“I had not thought of that,” said Lady Forrestal. She excused herself from that conversation and dashed off to talk to Lady Peel and Lady Moore. By five o’clock, most of the first-class passengers were talking about it.
IT HAD BEEN AN INTERESTING second day on the ship. Dinner and dancing yet remained and Blair was looking forward t
o it. She chose a blue gown made of silk, with a square neckline and short sleeves. The gown had a flowing train, and three rows of white embroidered ruffles around the bottom. Although she did not need the encouragement, someone across the hallway was playing lively music on a gramophone.
Lucy was about to set a wreathlet of tiny white and blue silk flowers on her waved dark hair when someone knocked on the door. She set the wreathlet on the table and went to answer it.
Blair was genuinely impressed when Robin came in. Robin stopped in the middle of the room, and then slowly turned to show off her gown. “You look positively regal,” said Blair, and she meant it too. Robin’s gown was a chocolate brown in the back and down the sides, with an off white panel down the front. While not too revealing, the neckline was scalloped with the same off-white material trimmed in brown, which enhanced the brown in her eyes. Her waved brown hair was adorned with silver hair combs, and she wore a simple piece of silver jewelry around her neck.
“Thank you,” said Robin. “You look charming yourself.”
“I fear I shall look quite drab compared to you.” Blair turned around to face the mirror so Lucy could finish pinning her wreathlet.
“Good,” Robin teased. “That is the plan if I am to have one of your castoffs.”
“Indeed it is. Tell me, are there any rules I should know before the dancing?”
“Well, there are one or two that you must be aware of. It is considered unseemly to dance with the same man twice of an evening. Furthermore, if a man asks you to dance and you deny him, you must not accept another until that dance is finished. Naturally, I never turn down the opportunity to dance, so I never have to fret. They do dance in Colorado, do they not?”
Blair laughed. “Of course we do. We even have our own ballroom at Marblestone, and Mr. and Mrs. Whitfield are quite picturesque when they are waltzing.” Blair sighed. “They are so in love still, even after all these years. Dare I hope for such a union?”
“I am hopeful too. Are you married, Lucy?” Robin asked.
Beloved Lies, Book 2 Page 7