The Critchfield Locket

by Sheila M. Rogers

Kate woke with a start. Stormy was in bed with her, kneading her arm through the covers. Margaret was busy filling the water basin and arranging fresh flowers.

  "Did you sleep well Ms. Katherine?"

  "Yes, after I returned to my room, I was finally able to rest." As she dressed, Kate's thoughts returned to the happenings of the early morning hours. She recalled waking to the sound of a crackling fire and looking over at Nicholas, she found him to be sleeping. He seemed so... peaceful, a way he did not often appear while awake. Still embarrassed by her outburst, she decided not to wake him. Instead, she pulled the blanket from around her shoulders, placed it over him and quietly went to her room by way of the secret passage.

  "Ma’am?" Kate realized Margaret was asking her a question, bringing her attention back to the present. "I was wondering which dress you wanted to wear this morning."

  "Hmm, the lavender chiffon with yellow ribbons will do nicely, thank you."

  "Ms. Katherine?"

  "Yes, Margaret?"

  "May I ask you a personal question?"

  "What is it Margaret?"

  "What happened last night?"

  Kate let out a small sigh. "Is that all? I had another bad dream is all, nothing to trouble yourself over."

  "I know about that, I meant what happened after that... when Master Bennett sent all of us away." Margaret tried to hide her embarrassment, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her. Kate turned and looked Margaret in the eyes. Until that moment, it had not occurred to her how things might have appeared.

  "Mr. Bennett was a most gracious host. He knew that I would have trouble sleeping so we went to the library and drank tea whilst he read his book aloud, nothing more." Kate's tone had become serious and as she spoke her jaw became rigid. She was in a defensive mode.

  "I am sorry Ms. Katherine, I did not mean to upset you, I was just curious is all. I should not have asked, 'tis not my place." Margaret hung her head with a frown upon her face.

  "Oh Margaret, I am sorry too. You have been nice to me." She walked over and squeezed Margaret's hand. "Let us put this behind us."

  "You and I may be able to, but Mrs. Thompson is fit to be tied. I overheard her giving Mr. Baxter an earful of misery."

  Kate burst out laughing. She laughed so hard that Margaret could not help but join in. Neither one of them heard the knock on the door that was shortly followed by Mrs. Thompson's entrance. When Kate spotted her, she cleared her throat and nudged Margaret to get her to stop.

  "Margaret, if you are finished with Ms. Dornacher, Mr. Bennett has asked that you clean the library."

  "Yes ma'am." Margaret winked at Kate, and then left the two women alone in the room.

  "Ms. Dornacher, I believe we need to talk." Her stern face reminded Kate of someone, perhaps a schoolteacher, but of course, she could not be sure.

  "Oh?"

  Mrs. Thompson walked over, sat on the damask settee and motioned for Kate to join her.

  "I know that your memories are not all intact so it is understandable if you cannot recall proper etiquette."

  "I beg your pardon?" Kate did not like the housekeeper's tone.

  "It is most improper for a young, unmarried woman to visit alone with a man, at such a late hour, wearing only her nightclothes."

  Kate sat for a moment. One thing she did remember was to breathe, to wait a moment and collect her thoughts before responding.

  "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for the reminder. I will agree that upon reflection, such behavior is questionable. That said, Mr. Bennett and I behaved in a respectable manner towards each other." It was then that Kate noticed just what exactly Mrs. Thompson had folded and draped over her arm.

  "Well Ms. Dornacher, perhaps next time you will take more care and not leave your blanket behind. One of the male servants could have seen you."

  Even though the words stung, Kate knew Mrs. Thompson was right.

  "I know that since your memory has not fully returned, you are bound to have moments of impropriety. It is my duty as a woman to help you be mindful of them."

  "Yes, of course. I appreciate any advice you have for me."

  Mrs. Thompson looked Kate in the eyes and could see the honesty in her words. Smiling gently, she patted Kate's hand and left the room.

  Kate placed Stormy in a basket that Margaret had left for him and carried him to the garden. As beautiful and grand as Critchfield was, Kate felt the garden was the loveliest place of all. I wonder if I have always loved the outdoors or if this is something new for me.

  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  "Sir?"

  "Yes, Thomas?"

  "Is anything the matter?"

  Nicholas looked at his servant in confusion.

  "It's just that you have combed your hair so many times, I fear it may fall out." Though his words were comical, Thomas' tone was dry, making them all the more jovial to Nicholas.

  He laughed while patting his old friend on the back. "Ah Thomas, what would I do without you?"

  Thomas smiled but knew better than to answer a question like that. He opened the bedroom door just as Ms. Rusch was about to knock.

  "Ah, perfect timing Ms. Rusch. Put the breakfast tray on the table." Mr. Baxter waited until the cook finished setting the service tray down, then followed her out of the door.

  If Thomas was not such a professional, he would have courted her years ago. Anyone who sees the two of them together can tell they have feelings for each other.

  After breakfast Nicholas returned to the library, pausing in front of the chair that Kate had slept in hours earlier. He noticed the book he had read out loud from was sitting back in its proper place on the bookshelf. In fact, nothing was amiss with the room, nothing that would signal anything had occurred in the early morning hours. Not that anything actually happened. For some reason, the library felt stuffy to him and decided that a stroll through the garden would do nicely. As he made his way onto the garden path, he heard laughter, a laughter that was infectious, for it made him smile. It was Kate's laughter. He cleared his throat so as not to startle her as he approached. When Kate turned to face him, she had the brightest smile he had seen in a long time. The light wind had blown wisps of her hair free, causing them to dance about her face.

  "Hello Nicholas!"

  Hello Kitten "Hello Katherine." Nicholas was struggling to keep himself in check. Kitten? Where in the world did that come from?

  "I brought Stormy outside for exercise, but I seem to be the one doing the most running." Nicholas noticed that her cheeks were pink from the exertion, but her eyes were wide and vibrant with life. When her expression changed slightly, he realized he had been silent for too long.

  "Did you sleep well?" Of course not you dolt, she woke up screaming." I mean the sleep that you were able to get..."

  "Yes," sensing that he was having trouble conversing, she graciously cut him off. "I am feeling quite refreshed, thank you." She stopped scampering after Stormy for a moment and turned to him with a serious look upon her face. "Nicholas, I wanted to apologize once again." He began to speak, but she put her hand up signaling him to let her finish "I am sorry for any trouble I may have caused you or your staff. I know that my behavior may not always be appropriate, but I am trying."

  "True, we have all had to make some adjustments since your arrival, but I like to think that surprises keep us on our toes." His expression was warm and his smile reached up to his eyes. Kate noticed the dimples on his cheeks as she smiled back at him.

  "Would you care to walk with me through the garden?"

  "That would be lovely, thank you."

  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  Rose Dickson was fretting over the dinner preparations with her housekeeper Dorothy. She wanted everything to be perfect but always felt as though she fell short of her own expectations. In addition to her usual apprehensions, she was also nervous about how her guests would react to Kate.

  "Ms. Rose, rest assured Ms. Alice and I have everything in orde
r. You've planned 'tall perfectly, there's not more you could do or change."

  “Thank you Dorothy. I suppose there is truth to that, although… Perhaps I should seat Ms. Dornacher next to me, instead of Mrs. Pobloske. Then I would have to move Mr. Pobloske as well…” Rose’s voice trailed off as she picked up all of the place cards. Dorothy knew there was no point in convincing her to leave things as they were. Once Rose had an idea in her head, it was there to stay.

  When Rose had replaced the cards satisfactorily, she closed her eyes for a few moments, then opened them slowly and looked at everything as if it were her first time in the room. Her eyes traveled from the maroon velveteen curtains and the golden brown painted walls, to the gold and maroon table dressings. The polished silver shined, the crystal glasses sparkled, and the flowers from the greenhouse were arranged around the table beautifully.

  “Yes, everything is as it should be for this evening."

  “’Cept you mum. You've yet to dress yourself properly."

  Rose laughed at the housekeeper's remark. "Oh my, I nearly forgot!"

  "Up to your room with you. I will be there shortly to lend ya a hand."

  "Thank you Dorothy. I don't know what I'd do without you."

  Nearly an hour later, Rose walked down the stairs. She was careful to lift her skirt high enough so as to not get the heel of her shoe caught on the train. Her skirt and bodice were made from imported gold silk with burgundy ribbons, bows and beadwork. Rose may not have been confident with the dinner arrangements, but making beautiful gowns was the one task where she never doubted her abilities.

  "My, my, my, what do we have here?" Edward's eyes were looking at her from head to toe before resting on her face.

  Rose blushed as she giggled in response. "Do you like my dress? I finished it only yesterday."

  "The dress is fine, but it is the beautiful woman wearing it that has caught my attention."

  "Oh, Edward!" Rose's smile was wide and her cheeks a rosy red from blushing.

  "Now, now, there is nothing amiss about a man who finds his wife attractive." His voice was soft husky as he drew her to him and planted a loving kiss upon her lips. He was careful to not ruffle her hair or wrinkle her dress within his embrace. Years of marriage had taught him that disturbing her appearance would only lead to slammed doors and exasperated words.

  "You look handsome as well my love." Her eyes shined as she squeezed his hands and he took the liberty of kissing one before he let go. A knock on the front doors alerted them that their dinner guests were arriving.

  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  Kate was nervously fidgeting as she dressed. This would be her first time in a formal setting since her "accident". That was the best word she could find to describe it. She took a deep breath in as Margaret finished lacing up her corset. She decided to wear the pale blue chiffon dress she had "arrived" in. Mrs. Thompson had sent it out to be cleaned and mended by the laundress. To Kate's delight, it looked brand new.

  Margaret helped Kate pin up her hair. "You look so lovely Miss Katherine, I am sure you will be the envy of the other ladies."

  "Thank you Margaret, you are being too kind, but I appreciate it."

  "I am only being honest with you. Have yourself a good time and don't worry about Stormy, I will keep him with me again tonight. He's much better company than my brother Robert any day."

  Kate walked ever so carefully down the grand staircase for she was determined to keep her dress looking fresh. She had just stepped into the entry way hall when she noticed Nicholas walking towards her. He was wearing a black tail coat with a white wing tip collar shirt, a scooped front black vest and a white bow tie. As he drew nearer, a wave of panic ran through her. What am I thinking? I can't do this!

  "Ms. Dornacher, are you well?" her cheeks are flushed "Do you need to sit down?"

  "Wha-, no, I am fine, it's just that... I do not know these people. I will not know or remember enough to comment on whatever conversational topics they choose. I am in no condition to be in mixed company." She stared at the floor, wishing she had more courage.

  "Katherine," Nicholas's voice was gentle, yet authoritative as he lifted her chin so their eyes would meet, "You can and will do this. You have to move forward with your life. You have to go about things in a normal manner."

  Kate's mind went blank for a moment as she stared into his eyes. The hand that lifted her chin, now closed around her own.

  "I will never be far from you, and Mrs. Dickson has taken you into her favor. No doubt she will do her best to help secure your happiness this evening. Now, if you are feeling more composed, we should be on our way."

  "Yes, of course." She realized she was biting her bottom lip and stopped, then slid her hand into his elbow as they walked to the carriage. They rode in silence the short distance to the Dickson estate and Kate could feel her heart racing as thoughts swirled about her head. Her emotional state mixed with the rhythm of the carriage made her stomach feel uneasy. Breathe Kate, breathe. I don't know what I am so worried about. Calm down before you make a fool of yourself.

  The guests along with their hosts had gathered in the parlor with quiet conversation, and patiently waited for the official word that dinner would be served. It all seemed so formal, so unfamiliar to Kate. The women's dresses were all as elegant as if not more so than her own. However, none of the men seemed to be as dashing in their suits as Nicholas was in his. Kate felt so out of place, she was about to give in to her natural urge to flee when Nicholas guided her to the dining room table. Kate noticed Rose had seated her between herself and Nicholas, something she was very grateful for. She could discreetly mimic Rose's behavior from using the proper eating utensil to the way she dabbed at her mouth. Rose seemed to be keenly aware of Kate's apprehensions and graciously did what she could to help ease them. For the dessert course, the servants brought out flaky pastries filled with a mix of berries and chocolate along with a sweet wine. The after dinner lull was creeping in, making some of the guests search for a new topic of interest.

  "Ms. Dornacher, I am told you are from the South, from Loganville, is that correct?"

  Kate almost choked on a piece of her pastry as she sucked in a breath. She turned her head towards the woman who had addressed her - Clara Pobloske. She could feel a slight heat fill her cheeks.

  "Yes, that is correct." Kate could now feel the eyes of all the other guests on her. Both Nicholas and Ruth waited in silence, giving Kate the chance to speak for herself.

  "What is it like there? Is it awfully warm? Are there many natives still around?"

  Kate took a brief moment to collect her thoughts against the barrage of questions.

  "Mrs. Pobloske, I am sorry to say that I cannot rightly answer your questions." Kate turned to look at Rose, then Nicholas before looking back at Clara again. "I was recently in an accident which has caused most of my memories to be lost at present.”

  Clara gasped and placed her hand over her mouth.

  "Each day I remember something new which leads me to believe that I will one day be fully restored."

  The Granvilles were seated directly across the table from Kate, and Preston took the opportunity to speak from a doctor's point of view.

  "With injuries such as Ms. Dornacher's, only time will tell how soon and how much of her memory will return. However, given her progress, I am confident that she will have a good recovery."

  At the other end of the table, across from the Pobloskes, sat Mr. Loring Beverly and his daughter Matilda. Matilda wore a haughty look that seemed to be exaggerated further by her pointy nose. She exchanged suspicious looks with Clara before speaking to Kate.

  "Could you please tell us then, Ms. Dornacher, how is it that you came to be at Critchfield Manor?"

  Nicholas could sense Kate's uneasiness at being the center of attention as well as her inability to answer the curios questions presented to her.

  "Ms. Dornacher's arrival at my home was indeed unexpected, but not burdensome. Since
she appeared to be ill, I sent for Dr. Granville who assured me that the cause of her illness was not contagious. She is residing at the manor while she recuperates." Nicholas turned a smiled at Kate, hoping to ease the tensions.

  Clara, despite the gentle nudging of her husband, felt she must ask one more question. "How long will Ms. Dornacher remain at Critchfield Manor? I am of the belief that it is highly improper for a single gentleman and woman to reside under the same roof when they are not related or are without a chaperone."

  Although Kate knew the questions and concerns were valid, it angered her none the less. She felt as though she was being spoken of as if she was not there. "Mrs. Dickson," Kate said as she slowly rose from her chair, "thank you for your hospitality, but I am afraid I must take my leave... my headache has returned."

  Nicholas was slightly alarmed by this announcement. He gave his parting words to the hosts and their guests before joining Kate in the carriage.

  Kate sat looking out into the blackness of night. Through the moonlight, Nicholas could see the trickling of tears down her cheek. He climbed into the carriage, seating himself next to her. He clasped his hand around hers causing her to turn and face him. With his free hand he took out a handkerchief and dabbed at the wet areas on her face. He spoke with a low, gentle voice, "Forgive me Katherine, I should not have coerced you into going. Had I known that Miss Beverly and Mrs. Pobloske were going to behave as they did, we would not have attended."

  "Thank you Nicholas, but you have done nothing that needs forgiveness. As for the way the other women responded to me, well, I cannot blame them."

  "I beg to differ." He squeezed her hand, a gesture she could feel all the way down to her toes.

  "Please, hear me out." She slipped her hand out from under his and using her own lace edged handkerchief, dried the moisture that remained in her eyes. She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders before she spoke. Nicholas could see that she had gathered herself together and folded his arms across his chest as he leaned back in the seat.

  "Please continue."