“Yeah, I’m fine.” Fiona flashed one of her disarming smiles. “Are you offering to kiss my boo-boo, Miss Graham, if I say I’m not okay?” Margaret adored this playful side of Fiona, which could heat her blood in an instant.
“If all you’re offering is to be kissed, I’ll take it. You didn’t take any liberties, you know. I enjoy your touch. Even in passing.” Margaret scooted closer to Fiona on the car’s seat. Another positive of their time together being Fiona seemed more relaxed with her innuendo, and often returned repartee as good as she got. “I know we might have Eldon’s people following, but can we take a longer way home?”
“Might not just be Eldon’s men, Margaret,” Fiona said seriously. “Don’t trust Jimmy not to have someone following you too. And worse, I wouldn’t put it past other—” She paused and frowned.
“Businessmen?” Margaret supplied with a quirked eyebrow.
Fiona laughed, and immediately Margaret’s insides warmed at the sound. “Yeah, businessmen. Okay, sure, I’d like to extend this ride. Just so you know, if I think we’re being followed, I gotta take you directly home, so you’ll be safe.”
Margaret placed a hand on Fiona’s thigh. “I understand.” And she did. Jimmy’s interest bordered on obsessive and Margaret wished the topic one she could bring up with Eldon. Because of this, Eldon put more care into her safety, causing her to fear if it would only push Jimmy to do something rash.
Tonight was a great night for driving. This night made special because Margaret actually liked the company she was in. Fiona was silent except for the occasional note of the surrounding points she thought Margaret might find of interest. Driving by the Bay, Margaret, amazed by the city lights reflecting off the water, likened the sight to floating stardust. Startled by the realization had her wondering why she should be amazed. She’d seen this view plenty of times with Eldon and her parents. Glancing at Fiona, Margaret realized sharing this with Fiona is what made it so wonderful, vowing to always keep this time in her mental memory book.
An odd but familiar noise broke into her thoughts. Margaret glanced at Fiona’s quickly reddening face and understood the cause. “Finn, did you eat today?”
“Um, think I had an apple before work. Been a busy day.”
“Take me straight home,” Margaret said, her tone terser than intended.
“Are you mad at me? ’Cause I’m hungry?” Fiona asked. Her expression showed alarm, however, not enough to cause her to disobey the command.
“Fiona, we were at the nightclub and could have had dinner together there. Heck, we could have stopped any number of places for food.”
“No, we couldn’t have, Margaret,” Fiona said, weariness in her tone.
“If it’s about money—”
“That’s not it, not exactly.” Fiona nearly snarled the words.
“I’m sorry, Fiona. I didn’t mean to offend you. Honest.” Margaret took a deep breath to regroup her thoughts and words. “I worry about you because you work for my brother and are around Jimmy. Worry about women who want to wheedle kisses and favors.” Women who can touch you so freely, where I can’t, she thought. “It isn’t safe for a man, let alone a woman pretending to be a boy.”
“I can handle myself.” Fiona stiffened and pointed her chin toward the car’s window. “We’re here.” She stopped Eldon’s car on the drive beside the kitchen, light still burned inside, and Fiona turned off the ignition. They sat in silence for what seemed an eternity to Margaret, neither opening their doors.
Margaret knew she’d offended Fiona, no matter it was unintended. “Fiona, look at me,” she said, cupping Fiona’s cheek and gently turning Fiona’s until they faced each other. Fiona did raise her gaze to meet Margaret’s. “I didn’t mean to be insulting about money. I know you don’t want to be indebted to anyone, and can earn your own way. But, it’s the only reason I see for you not wanting to be seen with me. Do I embarrass you?”
Fiona snorted. “For a college gal, you can be dense. I’d be proud to be seen with you, to spend time with you. But you see me, Fiona, who’s pleased as punch by your attention. Everyone else will see a dirty waif you took pity on. And charming as the thought is in response to your compassion, those same people won’t want that boy eating in the same room as them. Doing your Christian duty is one thing to your peers; however, they don’t want to watch it playing out in front of them.”
Bam. She hit that nail on the head. “My God, you’re right,” Margaret said. Knowing Fiona’s gender, Margaret could easily see beyond the façade. She thought of Fiona as a friend—someday hopefully more—so much so Margaret forgot she was supposed to see a filthy street urchin. That gaffe could be dangerous for Fiona if Margaret ever slipped up. “I’m sorry, Fiona. Someday, this will be moot. Until then, I realize I need to be more careful, for your sake.”
“And for your own sake, Margaret, as I don’t think Eldon or Jimmy would be even a little amused if they found out you knew the truth and kept it from them. They wouldn’t be too happy with the obvious evidence of you crushing on a mere young slum rat.” Fiona’s voice cracked when she said, “I don’t think I could bear it if anything bad happened to you.”
Margaret, too, would be devastated if anything happened to Fiona, especially if it were from her own carelessness. Fiona’s stomach growled again, and Margaret laughed. After a brief hesitation, Fiona joined her. “We don’t have to worry about Eldon, Jimmy, or even Lorraine coming home for a while yet. Today’s Mrs. Baumann’s cooking day, so the larder will be bursting with goodies. Come on,” Margaret said, tugging Fiona out through the passenger door and into the comforting warmth of the kitchen, her favorite room in the whole house. “Sit there,” she said, pointing to the tall stool at the marble island between the stove and Frigidaire. Fiona promptly sat after hooking her cap on the chair’s ear.
“Who’s in my kitchen?” boomed a voice from down the servant quarters hall.
Margaret smiled, and hollered back, “The biggest snack raider in this whole household. This time, I brought help.”
Mrs. Baumann was a husky and buxom six-foot woman, with grey-blonde hair whose appearance portrayed cruel, but Margaret knew her to have the gentlest heart. Entering close behind were Brigid and Thelma. Thelma rushed forward and grasped Fiona in a tight bear hug the second she caught sight of Fiona, which Fiona immediately returned with enthusiasm. Thelma, who shared she was nearly fifteen, still barely spoke, but always asked after Fiona during her extended absences. “Well, I hope the back door is secured,” Mrs. Baumann boomed. She pointed to Fiona. “This boy’s sure to blow away with even a gentle wind. Doesn’t anyone feed you?” she asked of Fiona.
“They try, Ma’am, but I’m kinda hard to wrangle,” Fiona said. She pulled out the chair beside her and settled a blushing Thelma into it. Margaret wondered if Fiona was aware of the adoration Thelma felt for her. Fiona’s tummy growled again, and Margaret enjoyed the giggle Thelma gave. It was slow going, but the young girl showed signs of healing little by little physically, and emotionally. “I appear to have successfully avoided the lasso today as well.”
With a grunt, Mrs. Baumann flung the icebox door open, pulled a fried chicken leg free, and waved it under Fiona’s nose. “Gnaw on this until I rustle up something more substantial for you.” Returning to the icebox, she pulled out eggs, milk, and other items, placing them on the counter.
“Oh, Finn, you’re about to get the most incredible, melt-in-your-mouth, omelet in the entire world,” Margaret said enthusiastically.
“This is a special occasion, Maggie dear. We’re all having omelets and getting acquainted. You get to assist,” Mrs. Baumann said, handing her the whisk. Then, she flashed a scowl at Fiona, who held the chicken leg as if it were foreign to her. “Do I have to force that down your throat?” Fiona shook her head and bit into the meat with exaggerated gusto, which made Thelma giggle again.
Before long, multiple omelets were cooked and consumed, laughter and conversation shared, Brigid and Margaret helping with the
clean up when everyone had their fill of food. Fiona and Thelma sat quietly at the counter. As she finished drying and returning the last of the dishes, Margaret heard their whispered conversation, watching their interaction with interest.
Fiona asked, “Are you doing well, Thelma?” Thelma scrunched her face. “What’s wrong?”
“Don’t like my name.”
Nodding, Fiona said, “You have a new life, could have a new name. Gimme a minute to think of something, okay? Is Miss Margaret teaching you your lessons?” Thelma nodded. “You’re good for her?” Another nod. “Anything you need you’ll tell me, right? I’m gonna take care of you from now on.” This last remark brought such a beaming grin, and Fiona responded in kind. Margaret smiled too as she realized Fiona was a natural at putting people at ease. “That’s it,” Fiona said. “I’m calling you Sunny ’cause your smile is bright and warm.”
Brigid and Mrs. Baumann stood leaning on the island counter. Margaret returned to her seat beside Fiona, and said, “Finn’s right, honey, Sunny suits you.”
Tears in her eyes, Thelma flung her arms around Fiona’s shoulders and cried. Fiona rubbed little circles across Thelma’s back. “Hush, honey, there’s no need for crying.”
Brigid saved them from further emotions. Placing her hands on Thelma’s shoulders, she said, “It’s late, Sunny, we need to get you to bed. Good night, everyone.” Thelma let Brigid lead her away.
“That should be my cue, also.” Mrs. Baumann straightened and gave Margaret a hug. “I’ll see you next week, Maggie. If you need anything, you get hold of me.” She flicked a glance in Fiona’s direction. “But I think you’re in pretty good hands.”
“Do we need to drive you home?” Fiona asked.
“No, thank you, Finn. My son will be along any moment.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Baumann, for a wonderful meal,” Fiona said. “It was appreciated.”
“Oh, dear Finn,” Mrs. Baumann said with a quick caress to Fiona’s cheek. “Not as appreciated as meeting you and Thelma.” Just then, a knock sounded on the kitchen door. “See, my ride has arrived.”
After Mrs. Baumann had left, Margaret took Fiona’s hand and led her through the house and up to the second floor. To the left of the landing, Margaret opened the door to her room. “This is mine,” she said to Fiona. She pointed to a padded armchair at the end of the hall. “Bring that over, and you can relax out here.” Fiona released her hand and brought the chair just to the left of the doorway. Margaret considered inviting Fiona into her room, but couldn’t take chances of discovery, either awake or innocently asleep, by Eldon. As it was, Margaret knew she’d sleep better knowing Fiona was near. On the other hand, it could have the opposite effect and with Fiona so near keep her sleepless.
Margaret moved close to Fiona, taking her hand again. “What you’re doing for Thelma—”
“Sunny,” Fiona corrected. “She’s earned herself a new beginning.”
“Yes, she has. But that’s not all you’re doing for her, is it?” Fiona stared at her, confused. “Eldon thought I’d be as amused as he by your offer to feed, clothe, and pay for her boarding.”
“And keep Jimmy away from her.” Fiona gnashed her teeth. “I’m glad I can provide entertainment for the Graham household, Margaret.”
Margaret placed a finger to Fiona’s lips. “Hush. I wasn’t laughing at you. I know Sunny’s safety and protection are important to you. I hope you know how important it is to me, too.”
“Is Eldon gonna back down on our deal?”
“I don’t know what deal you have, and can only pray you’re careful about whatever it is on your side of the bargain. Brigid and I don’t leave Sunny alone, so she’s safe from Jimmy. Same goes for Mrs. Baumann, when she’s here.”
“I mean to keep her safe.”
“I believe you, but you need to understand something. If this is only about some attempt to assuage any misguided guilt you feel, you aren’t doing either of you any favors. I know guilt is a small factor behind your actions, and you truly want this safety net for Sunny.” Margaret pressed herself against Fiona, wrapping one palm on the back of Fiona’s neck. The tingling rush of warmth consumed her. If she didn’t say her goodnights and put a closed door between them, Margaret was going to do something they could both regret later. “Your compassion is one of the things I adore about you.”
Margaret pulled Fiona’s head closer and jammed her lips against Fiona’s. When the kiss deepened, and she felt the familiar wetness between her legs, Margaret regrettably dragged her lips from Fiona’s and sighed. “One day, Fiona, I’m going to take full advantage of you.” Having said that, Margaret entered her bedroom and softly closed the door between them. Shaking, Margaret leaned against the hard wood, trying to get her breathing under control. How was it possible for Fiona to get her wet with just a kiss?
From the hall, as Fiona also leaned against the door, she heard Fiona’s husky whisper, which Margaret expected would cause her to remain awake most the night. “One day I’ll let you.”
Chapter Thirteen
FIONA DOZED IN the chair outside Margaret’s room. A beat of heels on the marble floor of the entryway, which could only be Lorraine, startled her awake. She sat up and rubbed her tired muscles strained from the awkward sleeping position. She prepared for the inevitable confrontation. Lorraine had an issue with Finn since the morning in the kitchen when Finn ignored Lorraine’s flirting. Fiona didn’t mind the distance between them. Maybe her lack of bowing and groveling at Lorraine’s feet held more an effect than should be normal. Fiona doubted many males dismissed Lorraine to pay attention to Margaret. The situation probably irked Lorraine in the worst possible way. She leaned forward, elbows on knees, waiting for Lorraine to top the stairs. Lorraine vainly tried to hide her inebriation.
When their eyes met, Lorraine smirked. “Babysitting?” She sidled over toward the chair, swung a hip to the side and nearly toppled over, before barely steadying herself.
Ignoring the question, Fiona stood, wanting to be on her feet for any possible confrontation. The smell of alcohol was strong, and she wondered how Lorraine had managed to get home in one piece. With more speed than Fiona believed a drunkard could muster, Lorraine reached out and cupped the back of Fiona’s head, jerking on Fiona until their bodies were flush. “How about you let a grown woman teach you about being a man?”
Reacting automatically, Fiona pushed Lorraine an extended arm’s length away. “Don’t need anyone to teach me anything, and especially not coming from you.” Fiona took a step backward, which only resulted in pinning herself against the wall. She knew the situation could turn ugly, probably would, and didn’t want any ruckus to wake Margaret. Grasping Lorraine’s elbow with more force than necessary, Fiona practically dragged the woman to the closed bedroom doors off on the right. “Which one is yours, Lorraine?”
“Knew you couldn’t resist,” Lorraine slurred. She walked to the last door on the right at the end of the hall, then spun around and clutched at Fiona’s tie. “There’s a fire in you, Finn. I see it in your eyes. You’d treat a woman right. Is your daddy the one to teach you that?”
Fiona jerked her tie from Lorraine’s hand. No way could Quinn Cavanaugh teach her something he had no concept of himself. “If I had been remotely interested, Lorraine, you just killed the moment by bringing up that bastard.”
“Yeah, some daddies aren’t good at proper lessons.” A flash of pain, quickly hidden again, sparked in Lorraine’s eyes. “Come on kid. A gal gets lonely having to entertain herself at night.” Lorraine gave an exaggerated pout of her red lips. “If you’re worried about miss goody-two-shoes, I promise not to tell and ruin your reputation. It’s obvious you’re sweet on her. I can be, and have been, discreet.”
“Discretion isn’t necessary, I’m not interested.” Fiona found herself mildly curious about the issue from the past Lorraine referred to, but didn’t wish to address the matter. It might result in encouraging her. “As for liking Miss Margaret, yes, I do. But it’
s not like that.”
“Of course not.” Lorraine snickered.
“Please, Lorraine,” Fiona said, “you should get some sleep. I’m sure Eldon will be home any moment now.” As if the name conjured an appearance, Fiona heard the front door open, and then slam shut. “There you go, Eldon’s home. Now I can get to my home before work starts.”
Only Eldon wasn’t the one who walked up to the second-floor landing, glaring nastily at them. Jimmy? Fiona knew—expected—Eldon’s second in command to spend a lot of time at the house, but didn’t expect to see him in the house this late. Was that why Eldon had told her to stay until he got home? Did Eldon suspect and worry for Margaret’s personal safety?
“What the hell’s going on?” Jimmy asked in an overloud voice. If Fiona didn’t know better, she’d think Jimmy had caught his wife with another man. An odd reaction since Lorraine was Eldon’s girlfriend.
“Nothing, Jimmy,” Lorraine said. Her voice trembled in nervousness, and the unexpected emotion puzzled Fiona.
“Really?” Jimmy’s hand shot out and held Fiona’s chin in a painful grip. “Then why’s the brat covered in your lipstick?”
Before she could consider the repercussions of her response, Fiona balled up a fist and punched Jimmy just below the armpit. He tugged away and raised his other arm to smack her.
“Don’t do it, Jimmy,” Margaret said from behind Fiona. Jimmy paused, as if considering the request, then dropped his arm to his side. He’s still trying holding out hope for Margaret’s good impression, Fiona thought. “You can see Lorraine’s drunk, though sloppily done, giving Finn a belated birthday kiss. I’m sure no harm was intended by either of them.”
Fiona wondered how much Margaret had truly witnessed.
Despite the evidence, would Margaret believe nothing had happened?
Lorraine’s confused expression showing her surprise at Margaret’s defense of her. “The kid helped, like a true gentleman, by escorting a lady to her door.”
Speakeasy, Speak Love Page 7