by Glynis Smy
‘Well Hannah it appears we are done here for the day. Good day to you Miss Harper,’ When the woman smiled at Kitty she knew in an instant that this was the mother of James, she had the same eyes.
‘Should I be pleased with your handiwork, I am sure there will be more of my wardrobe my daughter will insist I have refashioned.’
When they had left the shop Kitty looked over the bonnet. Friday could not come soon enough. Deep down, Kitty had the secret hope that James had arranged his mother's visit, purely to give him a valid reason to call on her again. Each time she saw him, her need to see him again became more and more intense.
Chapter 21
Love is in the Air
The cottage was alive with laughter. Sarah had invited William and Kitty to supper in celebration of Kitty's recent success. Her sons were all home from work, and in high spirits.
‘It is finished then. The gown?’ Patrick asked Kitty.
‘It most certainly is.’ Interrupted Sarah. ‘She will not tell you herself, so I will tell it for her, she made a fine job of it. A beautiful work of art, not a ball gown.’
‘Did you stitch it tightly, Kitty? We do not want to read about the Mayor’s wife falling out of a Harper creation, now do we?’
‘You cheeky thing. Patrick McKinley. I will have you know I used my finest thread and the sewing machine. It does make working far easier on the hands. Her ladyship will be quite safe, of that I am certain.’
The talk of Kitty and sewing reminded Kitty William had a few shirts in need of their collars turning William announced he need a bit of fresh air and slipped home to get them.
On his return he walked in with James. Kitty larked about with Patrick and Sarah and was breathless with giggles.
‘Look who I found lurking around my door. He came to get some collars turned, Kitty,’ he teased.
When Kitty heard William announce the arrival of a visitor, she stopped in her tracks. She felt the familiar flutter and burning cheeks.
‘James, why welcome to the mad place I call home.’ Sarah shook his hand. Mrs McKinley, thank you. Good evening folks I hope you are all well.’ James nodded to each individual in the room. His eyes rested on Kitty. She said nothing. Completely at a loss as to why he would be calling at her father’s door.
A glass of whiskey was placed before James and he was ordered to sit while Kitty relayed the events of the day before. She described every moment with enthusiasm. Her audience oohed and aahed in the appropriate places.
‘Here’s to you, Kitty. Good luck for the future.’ James raised his glass.
The room was filled with chatter and laughter. Kitty snatched glimpses of James looking at her, as he spoke with the men in the room. Sarah sat quietly sipping a gin, taking in the scene around her.
‘This is nice, Kitty. To have a lively home again.’
‘They certainly brought it to life, half a whiskey bottle will not see the morning. I do enjoy an impromptu get-together.’ Said Kitty.
Sarah leaned closer to Kitty and whispered.
‘While we are talking of impromptu. I wonder why Mr Lockwood has paid William a visit.’
‘It is beyond me, Sarah. Although Papa did say he met him a week or so ago. Knowing him I would say he invited him to visit when he was next in town. Papa claims to enjoy his company. Mind you, what a farmer’s son and a night watchman have in common is a mystery.’
Sarah laughed loudly.
‘You are so naive, Kitty. You. You are what they have in common. Do not give me that look young lady. You are the reason he has come calling. Our Patrick and Arthur have competition on their hands. Oh, Miss indignation. Stop pulling faces. It is true. The three of them have set their caps for you. Buttons and Bows has blinded you to what is obvious.’
Kitty fanned her hands at Sarah, to try and shush her up. The gin had made Sarah louder than usual, and Kitty was fearful the men would overhear her ramblings.
‘Shush, Sarah. What nonsense you talk.’
Sarah grinned and raised her glass. ‘May the best man win’.
‘Sarah.’ Kitty warned her friend with a stern tone.
Patrick and his brothers suggested the men took their discussions to the local tavern. William agreed an evening out is just what he needed.
‘Care to join us, James?’ he asked.
‘It is very kind of you, William, but I think I will make my way back home. Thank you all the same.’
‘Very well. Kitty, I will walk you home, and join the boys later. William said.
James turned to William. ‘If you are agreeable sir, I can see your daughter safely home. It seems foolish for you to break up your party, and as I am walking past her door, it is not taking me out of my way. Kitty? What do you say?’
Kitty said nothing. It was her father’s place to respond. Her father abided by many rules. Should strict etiquette be followed Kitty would be chaperoned at all times. Fortunately for her, times were changing. He allowed a loose reign in some areas. She was not certain where he stood about her walking home alone with a man.
‘That is generous of you, James. She will be in good hands. I can rely on you, most definitely. Friend of the family and all that. Kitty?’ He turned to her.
‘If you are certain, Papa. I will feel safer with an escort. It does seem a shame you should be put out, while James is going my way.’
Kitty could not have been happier.
Thank you. Thank you.
They stepped out into the cool night air,
‘A pleasant evening, I enjoy the company of Sarah's family. They are always so full of life and appear to be adjusting to Brady's death.’ James said.
Kitty was aware of the many eyes upon them, as they walked down the road.
‘Sarah has moments when she breaks down, although they are not so often now. Patrick finds it hard at times. I try and keep Sarah busy with work; she is valuable to my business and supports me so well.’
‘Tell me more about Button and Bows.’
Kitty laughed. ‘James we only have a few more minutes, and you will regret opening a discussion related to my favourite topic. I can talk all night.’
‘You have impressed me with how you set out with a purpose and achieved it. For an ambitious woman it cannot be easy. I admire women who know what they want. My sister has no thought except for marriage. She will be married off to a farmer’s son with money. They will have children and that is all she can think of, she has no ambition.’
‘I would like to marry one day. But I want to make my name in the fashion world. Women are accepted more and more in the world of business.’ Said Kitty.
James gave a mock cough.
‘I am afraid our beloved Queen would disagree with you. She abhors the very thought of women in business.’
‘That, dear sir is because she does not have to consider it as part of her survival process as a woman.’ Kitty retorted.
James laughed. ‘I said our Queen, not me. I am all for change. I will inherit the farm from my father, and cannot wait to introduce modern methods. My father holds us back with his stubborn, old-fashioned ways.’
When the sign for Button and Bows came into view, Kitty was disappointed. The evening had ended. James saw her into her yard and waited for her to light her kitchen lamp.
‘Goodnight, Kitty. It has been a most pleasant evening.’ He shook her hand.
‘Thank you for seeing me to my door. It was most kind of you, James. Goodnight.’
They stared into each other’s eyes, still holding hands. Neither one wanting to move away. Both knew their lives had changed. They had fallen in love. Unspoken words and an air of chemistry told them.
‘I should go.’ James’s voice was thick with emotion.
Kitty needed to say something, anything to break the silence without making their parting awkward in any way.
‘James, did you organise the visit from your mother?’
She had her answer when James smiled.
‘You caught me out Madame. How
else was I to see you again? Tonight was an unexpected pleasure. I knew if mother came to the store and I offered to collect her hat, I would get chance to be with you again for a few moments.’
He lifted her hand to his lips and looked deep into her eyes. Kitty pulled her hand away. She did not trust herself. She was fighting the urge to kiss him; she wanted to be held in his arms, to inhale his fragrance.
‘You should go. I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight.’
‘Goodnight. Until tomorrow.’ James replaced his hat and smiled.
Kitty turned away and went inside. From the window she could see his shadowed outline walk down the lane. For Kitty something had changed. And for the very first time she allowed herself to consider a man in her life.
Chapter 22
Meetings
Contrary to her concern that she would never be able to sleep, Kitty had slept well. She used her renewed energy that morning to clean her home, despite the fact she always kept the place spotless. She looked forward to seeing James again. The hours since they had last met seemed like years. She not only put extra effort into the rooms, but also with her appearance.
She opted against tying her hair back. She let it hang loose. It made her feel more feminine and attractive. Her curls rested upon her shoulders and shone in the daylight. Autumnal colours glinted through the layers. She decorated the back with a satin ribbon, ivory to compliment her simple gown. She had chosen her favourite colour, sage. Her eyes always appeared brighter when she wore shades of green. A dab of rose water was the only perfume Kitty used.
Mrs Lockwood's bonnet was ready for collection. The hatbox sat on the counter and whenever Kitty looked at it her stomach gave an excited flutter. It reminded her she would be in the company of the man she loved within hours. When she went to bed the night before, she knew what she felt for James must be love. She had snuggled beneath the sheets and wondered about the path her life was heading. The thoughts in her head before she slept were wild, and adventurous. James would insist on marriage, regardless of his parents opinion, he would shout out that she was an honourable woman, fit enough to be part of his world. They would have a wedding in London; he would then take her and her father to a large farmhouse in the country. Theirs would be good marriage and a lifetime of making babies. She had never thought about producing a family of her own before James came along, now it was part of her new dream.
It worried her there might be no future for them, but she had no control over her feelings for James. She wanted to enjoy him while she could. Before the world spoiled what they had.
What do we have? Sly glances and a handshake, nothing more.
She gathered up a few pieces to embroider and repair while she waited. Her morning was not a busy one. Her sewing would keep her from day dreaming and pacing the floor. The world outside was not bright; it was a dry day, but sadly no sign of the summer sun. Kitty had noticed her business attracted more casual trade on sunny days. Ladies in search of pastel shades and cooler fabrics.
In true Kitty style the kettle bubbled on the stove, she rarely let it go cold. Her father often called in for a cup of tea. They used to drink a cheap bitter coffee, but nowadays a twist of tealeaves was more affordable. Kitty had a wooden container that she kept topped up with a good blend; it was a luxury along with her soap. She felt guilty at times, knowing others went without bread let alone tea, but she reminded herself she worked hard for her treats.
She settled into her chair in the shop. The steam from her mug rose, indicating the cool air had not yet left the premises. She wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and cupped her hands around her mug. The warmth felt good, her fingers would often stiffen if they became too cold.
Her bell announced her first customer of the day had arrived. The morning became busier and she took orders, sold accessories, and assisted with measurements. Before she had chance to look at the clock on the mantle, her stomach told her it was lunchtime. She slipped upstairs to light the main room fire. The evenings had been chilly of late and she wanted the room to feel cosy. She hoped she would be brave enough to break rules and entertain James in her private quarters.
He arrived while two women chose ribbons and thread. Kitty knew she had flushed with excitement, and hoped her customers had not noticed.
‘Good afternoon, sir. I will not keep you long. Please take a seat.’
His cheeky wink behind the women set off an inner giggle. She could not wait for the customers to leave. This again made her want to laugh; her need to close the door on customers was against her usual business practice.
At last the women made up their minds, and Kitty relieved them of enough coins to have made the trade worthwhile.
‘Good day to you, ladies. Please call again. I have a new batch of lace arriving next month. The latest from Paris. They will compliment any autumn outfit.’ She saw them to the door, nodding and smiling at their promises to return.
James nodded in approval.
‘You certainly have a creative skill, Kitty. Those women were not convinced the colours would blend until you showed them. I compliment you on the very shrewd business move, a grand idea your design book.’ He waved his hand towards the papers that lay on the counter top.
‘Thank you, James. Arthur was good enough to help with that particular project. He is very artistic. I have sold several ideas just through ladies glancing through the pages.’
‘Arthur is useful for something other than teaching I see.’ James said.
Kitty did not want their time together spent discussing Arthur and changed the subject.
‘I have your mother's hat ready for you.’ She indicated toward the hatbox.
James smiled; he took a step closer to her.
‘Forget the hat, Kitty. It is you I have come to see. I could not get you out of my mind after our walk home.’
Kitty blushed and looked at the floor. She dared not look at him. Her upbringing was one that she was not used to male callers. Arthur, Patrick and her father were the only ones who visited Button and Bows. To hear a man speak in such an open manner brought about a new sensation inside, a flutter of excitement. She knew she should not respond, but should declare indignation at his forward manner. ‘James, you should n...’
James held up his hand.
‘Refrain from saying I should not speak my mind I cannot help how I feel about you. I could not get you out of my mind. I wanted to be close to you again.’
James bent his head. Despite his usual confident manner, he appeared agitated. He turned his hat around and around by the brim. Kitty watched the twirl of black until she felt giddy. She reached out and put her hand over the hat to stop him.
‘I have waited, no - longed for this moment James. I am not sure how I should behave. I am not at all certain as to what I should do in this situation. We need to talk.’
It was Kitty's turn to look down at the floor. She fiddled with the corner of her apron.
‘After I leave, close the shop. I will come around the back and we can talk then.’ James said.
Kitty nodded and handed him the hatbox. Her actions were deliberate and careful. She needed to get order back into the situation. They shook hands in the doorway and James left the building.
Kitty nodded at a couple who walked past. Her hands trembled as she turned the closed sign to face the street. She locked the main door; it was not unusual for her to close when she had no appointments in the afternoon. She often had to when she had a heavy workload to get through. What she was doing was not out of the ordinary, she reassured herself. She sent out a silent prayer for no visits from family and friends. When she went into the kitchen, James had already let himself in the back door. They exchanged shy smiles. Both were aware of the tension between them. Kitty indicated he should sit, and then busied herself with meal preparations.
‘This is cosy.’ James spoke first.
‘It is my favourite room. Aside from the sewing one that is.’ Kitty concentrated on stirring the pot on the stove.
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‘The kitchen. Yes.’ James sipped the tea she had placed in front of him.
‘A simple meal I am afraid, James. I do not eat rich foods.’ Kitty was at a loss for words, but had no desire to miss out on their precious time together.
‘I enjoy simple foods. We eat whatever the land provides. Our meat is good quality. It is our own. I will bring you some on my next visit.’
James helped her lay out the table. Whenever their hands touched, Kitty pulled hers away. She was confused by her feelings. Everything was happening so fast. There were no longer any rules to follow. Each tick of the clock took them a step further into their relationship. Strengthening emotional ties.
The evening gave way to darkness. Kitty pulled her gingham curtains, and lit candles. Together they relaxed over a light supper. Kitty took every opportunity to look across at James's face. How handsome he was. His chestnut hair glistened in the candlelight; he had a thick head of soft hair. She fought the urge to reach out and touch it. She longed to stroke her finger across his strong jawline.
Each time he caught her eye, he smiled. Tenderness shone through, something Kitty had never noticed in previous meetings.
When they had finished eating, she cleared aside the dishes. The kitchen turned chilly.
‘I lit a fire in my living room mid-afternoon. Is it too bold of me to suggest we retire upstairs? The kitchen has lost its warmth.’ She wrapped a shawl around her.
Kitty was embarrassed yet knew they could not sit at the kitchen table for many more hours. It had crossed her mind that James might refuse, and be shocked by her invitation. She knew the rules of etiquette were being broken, but she could not help herself. She did not want the day to end.
‘Kitty, dear, dear Kitty. I would love nothing more than to sit with you. To spend more hours with you, but I cannot allow you to be tarnished with a reputation.’ He raised his hand to stop her from speaking and continued.
‘We have to take steps to ensure we follow the rules. Let us meet again tomorrow. We can talk some more then. I will take mother's hat now and return tomorrow with the payment.’