. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Robert excused himself from the room as Ms. Rusch and Ms. Husk busied themselves once again with cooking and cleaning the kitchen. They did anything they could to avoid Mr. Bennett’s stern eye.
“Sir, if I may…” Mrs. Thompson briefly hesitated.
“Yes Mary, what is it?”
“Ms. Dornacher arrived yesterday in what appears to be a fine dress. I did notice that it was dirty and torn, perhaps a result of whatever happened to her.”
“Yes, I observed that as well. What is your point?” His sleep deprivation was beginning to show.
“Given that she appears to be a ‘Lady’, perhaps we should take it upon ourselves to see that she is well looked after.”
Nicholas’s expression changed from contemplation to remorse. If only she had not ended up on my doorstep. “Perhaps you are right. I trust you will do what you think is best. I will make inquiries first here, then in Loganville. Perchance we might discover the truth behind Ms. Dornacher’s arrival. For now, I must freshen up before my morning meetings. Please send Thomas to my room when you next see him.”
“Yes sir, of course.”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kate felt uneasy with Margaret helping her to bathe. Ever the modest one, she pulled her knees up to her chest, and then wrapped her arms around her legs as Margaret washed her hair.
“Really Margaret, I have forgotten many things but I believe I am still capable of bathing myself.”
“Mrs. Thompson would hold me responsible if something happened to you.”
“Nothing shall happen to me. I would prefer it if you left me unattended while I finish. I will call for you when I am done.”
Although she wanted to disagree, Margaret knew she must not and left Kate to her own devices. Once Kate finished bathing, she sat back, relaxing in the comfort of the warm water. She did not even notice that her eyes had closed. Kate awoke suddenly to screams, and realized they were her own, soon followed after by Margaret’s. Kate’s dream was so real, so disturbing that when she cried out in her dream, she had actually cried aloud. Her cries had frightened Margaret and drew her quickly into the room. Margaret had feared the worst until she saw the look on Kate’s face. Both women were breathing heavily, trying to regain their composure.
“Is something wrong Miss Katherine?”
“Oh Margaret, I am so sorry for startling you. I must have drifted off to sleep.” Kate could hear some commotion outside of the room, but before she could properly cover up, Mrs. Thompson barged in. Kate squealed once again. The frightful look upon Mrs. Thompson’s face was soon replaced with anger, anger directed towards Margaret.
“What has happened?”
“I left Ms. Dornacher to tend to herself.”
“I asked her to. I must have drifted off to sleep after I made her leave the room. I, I had a frightful dream, that is all.”
Mrs. Thompson slipped out the door briefly to speak with Mr. Baxter. “Everything is all right, she merely had a terrible dream. Tell Mr. Bennett we apologize if we have disturbed him.”
Kate decided she would allow Margaret to assist her in order to avoid any more mishaps.
“Mrs. Mary, do we have fresh clothing for Ms. Dornacher? I would hate to see her fine gown over-worn.”
“Yes Margaret, I would agree, but for now she will have to wear it. I will ask Mrs. Dickson to bring over some ready-made clothing that might appeal to Ms. Dornacher until new, suitable items can be acquired.”
Kate looked between the two women as they discussed what to do with her. Although their decisions made sense, Kate resented the fact that she was not even consulted. As she waited there in her room, her thoughts went back to her dream. She could remember being terrified, but the details, the details she could not remember. She was not sure if she really wanted to remember.
She walked over to one of the room’s south facing windows. The view from the guest room overlooked the gardens and beyond them, at the very edge of the property, train tracks could be spotted. She saw movement below as Mr. Bennett strolled through the spring garden. He took a seat at a well dressed table as Ms. Rusch approached with a tray of coffee. Kate watched as Mr. Bennett sipped his hot coffee in quiet solitude. Then to her surprise, he looked up, in her direction. At such a distance, she could not clearly read his expression and quickly pulled away from the window. She did not want him to think she was intrusive.
Margaret soon returned to the room followed by a woman whose clothes were finely made. Two men followed behind the woman, each carrying a large trunk. After placing their loads where they had been instructed, the men bowed and quietly left the room.
“Good morning, I am Mrs. Dickson. You must be Ms. Dornacher.”
“Katherine, please call me Katherine.”
“Then you must call me Rose, for that is what my friends all do.”
Rose was wearing a beautiful skirt and jacket ensemble made of fine green silk. Her blouse was white with intricately detailed lace and a high collar. She appeared to be close in age to Kate and her gentle demeanor and a warm smile helped Kate relax for the first time since she had arrived. While Rose unpacked the clothing from the trunks, she began asking questions.
“What can you tell me about yourself? What are your favorite colors, material, and styles?”
Kate pondered the questions a few moments, a few too long for Rose’s comfort.
“Oh my dear, I am truly sorry. These are the standard questions that I ask of all of my clients.”
“It is quite alright. Please do not trouble yourself over my inability to readily answer. My memories are so jumbled right now, but I do believe that I am fond of the color blue. As for style and material, I will leave that up to you.” She smiled at Rose who then reached over and took her hand.
“I do believe we will get along just fine.”
Rose was relieved that her meeting with Kate had gone so well. Although she had many friendly acquaintances, she missed the closeness she had with her dear friend Emily Critchfield. With Kate, she felt the beginnings of that same kind of kinship. Although they were all unsure as to how or why Kate had happened upon them, Rose was hopeful that Kate would find a place close by, she wanted her to stay. Before departing from Critchfield Manor, Rose left an invitation for Kate to call on her freely.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thomas assured Nicholas that Ms. Dornacher’s screams had been caused by fright and not harm. His first instinct had been to rush to her side, to aide her, but fear had gripped him. Thomas noticed his brief hesitation and was quick to volunteer himself to the task. So quick was he, that he had left before Nicholas could object. Now that he knew the cause for Ms. Dornacher’s distress, Nicholas was glad he had chosen to stay in his room and avoided embarrassing himself or Ms. Dornacher more than she had already been.
He slowly made his way outside to the Spring Garden. Nicholas loved this garden. Although his home was only a few years old, the garden flourished as if it had always been there. The blooming hyacinths, tulips and daffodils brightened his mood. Ms. Rusch poured him a cup of coffee and left him to his thoughts. As he began to drink, he absent mindedly looked up towards the house, towards the room that Ms. Dornacher was staying in. He did not expect to see her in the window, much less looking down at him. He was just about to nod in recognition but she quickly moved away from the window.
I wonder how long she has been standing there.
He checked his pocket watch. It was eight o’clock, time for his meeting with Edward Dickson and an associate, Arthur Wooldridge. Edward and his wife Rose had been good friends to Nicholas. Surely they would help him now. He smiled and offered friendly greetings, as the other gentlemen chose seats around the table.
“Gentlemen, thank you for meeting me on such short notice…”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nicholas had hoped that Edward and Rose would take Ms. Dornacher in. But
he also understood Edward’s reasons for declining. Edward had two small children at home, no matter how proper Ms. Dornacher may appear they did not have enough information to truly judge her character.
Mr. Wooldridge agreed to find out what he could through his connections. As a prominent businessman, he had friends or acquaintances within several major companies and establishments. Given the scope and reach of these contacts, they should soon discover the truth behind Ms. Dornacher’s sudden appearance. He hated to admit to the possibility of never knowing, of never finding out, or of Ms. Dornacher never remembering.
Before Ms. Dornacher arrived, Nicholas felt like he had finally reached a point of normalcy once again. He had finally felt like he was able to move on with his life. The loss of his dear wife Emily had devastated him. When she died, he felt as though someone had ripped his heart right out of his chest, torn it to shreds, then placed the broken, tattered pieces back inside. To lose her so suddenly as well as the unborn child she carried was more than he could bear. Without the support of his family and friends, he can’t imagine how he would have gotten through it.
Emily’s illness had seemed harmless at first. It began with some noticeable swelling in her ankles, and hands, then came the headaches. One morning, she had awoken early with an unbearable headache. Concerned, Nicholas sent Mr. Baxter to the doctor’s home with instructions to come at once. Dr. Preston Granville being a sensible man, always kept a set of clothing laid out in case of an emergency. He had dressed and arrived at Critchfield Manor within fifteen minutes time. As he began his examination of Emily, he noticed the color of her skin was different. Her skin was not its usual fair tone, but reddened as if she had spent too long of a time in the sun. He felt her pulse and listened to her heart. Something about her condition did not sit well with him.
“When was the last time you felt the baby move?”
“I, I do not recall. This headache has been my whole focus since I awoke.”
“Hmm. Nicholas, would you please join us?”
Nicholas quickly entered the room, moving to the other side of Emily's bed.
“Is everything all right?”
“Well, it appears that Emily’s heart rhythm is elevated. I would like to admit her to the hospital, perhaps until the baby is born.”
“Nicholas, no, the baby is not due for another eight weeks. Please, could I not just stay here at home?”
Nicholas had never been able to deny Emily whatever she wanted. This time was no exception.
“How about it Preston, what if we were to hire a nurse who would look after Emily? She would get the care she needs while in the comfort of her own home.”
“That is your choice, of course. However, if her condition worsens, she is to be taken to the hospital immediately. Agreed?”
“Most assuredly. Now, could you recommend a nurse who would be able to perform such a task?”
“I will do more than recommend, I will see to it that the best nurse arrives here before the day is out.”
“Dear Preston, you are a good man and a wonderful friend.” Emily squeezed his hand, her trusting smile etched into his brain.
Nicholas walked him to the door, confident that everything would be fine. Less than an hour after the doctor left, Emily heard a knock on her bedroom door. It was Preston’s wife Alice. She was the best nurse he knew and she would be a great comfort to Emily.
Alice had been unable to have children of her own and delighted when she was able to attend births. Emily was in and out of sleep for a few hours before she finally seemed to settle in. Alice felt like her limbs had begun to stiffen, so she left Emily to sleep while she went to the garden to stretch her legs.
While she walked, she found the fresh air and cool breeze to be invigorating. It was just what she needed to help carry her through the dull hours of sitting by the bedside. As she sat down upon a bench, she closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of a cardinal calling to his mate. She was so relaxed she barely noticed Nicholas approaching the spot where she rested.
“Good afternoon Mrs. Granville, I see you are enjoying the garden this fine day.”
“Indeed Mr. Bennett. A fine day in one of the nicest gardens I have enjoyed.”
“How fares your patient? I do hope she is not giving you too much trouble.”
“She is no trouble at all, sir. In fact she has been sleeping for most of the morning. Poor dear, she even slept through lunch. I know she needs to keep up her strength, especially for the baby. As soon as I return, I will wake her and try to get her to eat. Perhaps if you are there, she will not be so cross with me for disturbing her rest.”
“I shall join you then for I am in need of a distraction from my work. I can think of no lovelier diversion than her fair face and sweet voice.”
When they returned to the house, Alice went straight to Emily’s room while Nicholas briefly spoke with Mrs. Thompson regarding Emily’s lunch. As Nicholas reached the doorway to Emily’s room, he sensed tension in Alice’s voice.
“Emily, it is me, Alice. Emily darling, it is time to wake up now.” Alice had been lightly patting Emily’s face, but now her pats were more forceful. Emily would not rouse.
“What is it? What is the matter? Why will she not wake up?” Nicholas’s voice squeaked as his breath caught in his throat. He felt like he couldn’t breathe, his racing heart seemed to tighten in his chest.
“We need to get her to the hospital now! She has a pulse, but it is faint.”
“I, I do not understand… what is wrong?”
“Nicholas, get the carriage ready. We have to take her to the hospital!” Alice’s words were strong, slightly harsh, like a slap in the face. It was what Nicholas needed to help him focus on the task at hand.
Mr. Thompson, Mary’s husband, readied the carriage while Mr. Baxter left to alert Dr. Granville of what had transpired. Preston hurried to finish with his patient, arriving at the hospital only moments before Nicholas, Emily and Alice.
Alice conferred with the doctors what she had observed, then waited with Nicholas outside of the examination room. She replayed the days’ events over and over again in her mind, wondering what she had missed. She chided herself for being selfish, for going to the garden. Perhaps if she had stayed, she could have gotten help sooner.
The doctors began their extensive examination. Her blood pressure was registering very high; her vital organs were shutting down. Emily was dying. Frustrated, the doctors did not understand the cause or how to cure it. With Nicholas’s permission, the baby was surgically removed from her womb in hopes of saving his life.
The baby, a boy, was stillborn. As a doctor, Preston Granville had born witness to many patient deaths. But this time, it caught him off guard. This time it was personal. He fought back stinging tears as he told the grave news to Nicholas.
Nicholas collapsed into a heap on the floor. Sobs wracked his body, churning his stomach to the point of nausea. Groans of anguish, and despair flowed from deep within him. His beloved Emily was gone. His only son was gone. He felt his pain was too great to bear.
Yet, he did. Life went on for Nicholas, even when he had not wanted it to. Days turned into weeks, weeks into years.
Now, nearly three years later, this bewildered woman is found on his doorstep. His dear Emily, with her open, loving heart would want him to help Ms. Dornacher. She would have gone out of her way to secure a safe life for this troubled woman. Nicholas felt that by doing all he could for Ms. Dornacher, he would be honoring Emily’s memory.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kate changed into a pale yellow tea gown that fit her as well as if it had been made specifically for her. Margaret began to busy herself with Kate’s new garments. She examined each piece individually, praising their many attributes before neatly placing them in their proper places.
Once both women had finished their tasks, they made their way to the kitchen for lunch. Mrs. Thompson was going over dinner preparations with Ms. Husk when they arrived.
“Ms. Dornacher, you are looking refreshed. Is there something you are in need of?” Although her question was directed towards Kate, Mrs. Thompson was looking at Margaret with a stern expression on her face.
“I, well, I am hungry and believe it to be time for lunch.” Kate’s eyes darted back and forth from Margaret to Mrs. Thompson.
“Yes, of course, but as a guest of Critchfield Manor, it would be more proper for you to take your breakfast in the morning room and your meals in the dining hall.”
“I, I did not… I did not want to presume…” Kate turned and looked at Margaret, her eyes full of questions.
“If it pleases you ma’am, I can show you the way to the dining hall.”
“Thank you Margaret, I appreciate your help.”
Kate followed Margaret back up the stairs, past the entrance hall, down another hallway that mirrored the one to the library and into the dining hall. As far as Kate could tell, the ceilings were around twenty foot high. The room itself was oversized, adorned with tapestries, candles and a large dining table. She began to mentally count the number of seats around it when Margaret spoke up.
“The table can seat twenty-four guests when all the pieces are together. Right now, Mrs. Thompson has it set up for only half of that.”
“So, I am to eat in here… by myself?”
“No.” The male voice caught Kate off-guard. She quickly turned to see Mr. Bennett standing behind them. “If I am home, we will dine together. However, this room is too large for small dining parties. For times when we are few in number, we shall eat in the morning room.”
Kate could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. She felt so out of place here, yet he had tried to make her as comfortable as he would any guest. Such generosity from a stranger was to be admired.
“Are you often at home for your meals?”
“In fact I am. Years ago a fire wiped out many of the businesses downtown. Although most owners rebuilt, I chose to build my office here within my home. Yet I tend to do most of my work in the library as it is my favorite room in the house. If you like, I could give you a proper tour of Critchfield Manor after lunch.”
The Critchfield Locket Page 2