Deanna thought the idea of eating pastries as a display of mourning missed the mark.
“Mama sent our regrets to Mrs. Callum that we wouldn’t be attending her ‘hen’ luncheon today. She said it would be unseemly in view of recent events.”
“Is your mama feeling under the weather?” Deanna asked, glad of the cancellation. She hadn’t relished lunching with a dozen women, all chattering about whatever came into their heads.
“Not ill, exactly. She just isn’t quite the thing this morning.”
Who could blame her? Though, eschewing society because of something as scandalous as murder might only cause more speculation. Sometimes it was better to just brazen it out and get it over with.
“Perhaps spending a few hours reflecting wouldn’t hurt us,” Deanna offered.
Cassie rolled her eyes. “Oh, Dee, sometimes . . .”
“She’s right,” Maddie said. “We’ve been so busy partying that we’ve barely thought about those poor girls. We’re very self-absorbed creatures aren’t we, Deanna?”
“Yes, we are,” Deanna agreed. Though Lady Madeline’s attitude won her back a smidgen of Deanna’s esteem.
“I suppose you want to read sermons,” Cassie said on a yawn.
“No. What a thoughtless thing to say.”
Cassie huffed. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just so boring to sit around and do nothing. And then Papa and Charles insist on taking Lord David to New York on the ferry tonight. They might be gone all week.”
“Well, at least there will still be plenty of men to dance with,” Deanna consoled.
“Yes, but . . .” Cassie glanced at her. “But won’t you miss Lord David?”
“I’m sure we all will, but I don’t want to sit here and dwell on our misfortune.” With that, Deanna left the room, primly she supposed Cassie would say. But she just had no patience for her friend’s whining today.
But on one score she was right. It was going to be a long day.
The gentlemen left for the ferry around five o’clock, joining the other husbands, sons, and guests who took the ferry back and forth each week.
Some kept their yachts at the ready so they didn’t have to wait for the ferry, but the ferry was almost as sumptuous as one’s own parlor, and there was plenty of entertainment for the men.
Dinner, like most Sunday dinners without the men in the family, was a desultory affair. Newport seemed to sigh with relief once the ferry pulled away from the wharf. Though Deanna wasn’t fooled. It was the matrons who ran Newport, and any seeming relaxation was only a momentary pause to reenergize themselves for the power struggles that would begin again on Monday.
Cassie and Madeline and Mrs. Woodruff were in the breakfast room when Deanna came down on Monday morning. Deanna helped herself to eggs, tomatoes, and sausage from the buffet.
“Well, I think it’s a bore,” Cassie was saying. “What are we supposed to do while they’re gone?”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Mrs. Woodruff said.
As far as Deanna was concerned, they could stay gone. Hopefully, Mr. Ballard and her father could finally cinch their deal, and Lord David and his sister would leave before Adelaide got back.
Cassie sighed dramatically. “Stuffy old business. I’m sure Lord David would have rather stayed here,” she continued. “Who’s going to escort us to the musicale tonight? And we were supposed to go on Vlady’s yacht this week. And the Howes’ soiree. Oh, and the theater. Oh, Mama, don’t say we’ll have to miss the new play.”
“Perhaps Vlady and Herbert would escort you to the theater.”
“Vlady hates the theater. Well, he likes the farces but not real plays.” Cassie sighed again. “I can’t say as I blame him. Plays are boring, long-winded things.”
“Well, I have an idea.” Mrs. Woodruff smiled and twinkled at the girls. “We have the Latham-Jones musicale tonight, but why don’t we have an impromptu get-together tomorrow night with games and maybe a few dances? It won’t be a yacht party but it will help all our moods. Nothing too big, just the regular boys and girls. I’m sure Vlady will give up one yacht party. They can all come here.”
“Oh, Mama, that sounds wonderful. Don’t you think so, Madeline?”
“What? Oh, yes. Wonderful.”
“What about you, Deanna? I promise not to invite Joe.”
“Oh, you may invite anyone you care to. I’m sure it makes no difference to me.”
Cassie raised a disbelieving eyebrow at her. “Well, this is a change.”
Mrs. Woodruff dropped her napkin on the table and rang the bell. “Well, I’m sure I don’t care what people are saying about young Ballard. I say invite him. But I must say, I don’t know if you girls should encourage him until this”—she waved her hand as if to drive away an unpleasant word—“affair is concluded.”
“Oh, Mama, you’re beginning to sound like Deanna’s mama. No offense, Dee.”
“None taken,” Deanna said.
“And if anyone doesn’t want to come here because two maids have died, let them stay home.” Mrs. Woodruff sniffed and reached for the telephone that connected her to her servants. “Neville, please inform Cook that we’re planning a little get-together tomorrow night, just the young folks, but we’ll need some light refreshment.”
She rattled off several dishes she would like served, then hung up the device and clasped her hands together. “This is just what the doctor ordered. Fun and games. And a little champagne punch.”
“Charades,” Cassie said. “Maddie, do you play charades in Barbados?”
“In London, when I visit, but not often in Barbados.”
“Let’s see. Oh, I know. Blindman’s bluff. That’s always great fun.” Cassie threw a roguish look toward Deanna. Deanna had no trouble reading her meaning. Blindman’s bluff afforded excellent opportunities for a hug or a misplaced hand.
“And forfeits.”
Mrs. Woodruff laughed. “Well, you girls plan it all out, then telephone a few of your friends.” She heaved herself out of her chair.
Deanna rose, also.
“Where are you going?” Cassie asked. “Mama says we have to return calls this morning, and then there are invitation calls to be made.”
“I actually have a few errands I need to do.”
“Again? Send Elspeth. Besides, you can’t neglect your duty calls just because your mama is out of town.”
“Fine, I’ll give you my card to leave along with yours. If you actually go in to visit anyone, say I was feeling peaked.”
Cassie crowed with laughter. “You’ve never felt peaked in your life. Leave that to Adelaide.”
Deanna couldn’t help glancing at Madeline. Really, if she were going to keep looking so cast down and guilty every time someone mentioned Adelaide, people would start asking what was wrong.
“I’ll just explain to your mama.” She resolutely went into the solarium only to find that Mrs. Woodruff wasn’t there. The doors to the garden were open, so she stepped out onto the brick terrace. Mrs. Woodruff stood at the edge, looking past the rosebushes to the sea.
Something checked Deanna’s step, and as she stood there, Mrs. Woodruff brought a handkerchief to her eyes.
What on earth?
She started to tiptoe back into the house as Mrs. Woodruff turned. She sniffed, then put on a smile. “These roses are so lovely, but they always make me sneeze.”
And your eyes water, and your lip tremble, thought Deanna. Mrs. Woodruff was walking toward her, and Deanna impulsively hugged her. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Oh, my dear, you’re so kind.”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be all right.”
“Of course. You’re right, my dear. It’s my nerves, with Mr. Woodruff being so poorly, then running off to the city with the young men. I don’t mind telling you, I’m worried abo
ut him. He just doesn’t seem himself. I thought he was rallying, but yesterday he looked positively ghostlike. I begged him not to go, Charles tried to reason with him, but to no avail. He insisted on going with them. Oh, listen to me carrying on. Pay no attention, dear.”
“I’m sure Charles”—the scoundrel—“will take good care of him. And my father, too.” At least her father wouldn’t join him in his philandering. Would he? Did all husbands have mistresses?
It was a daunting thought. Well, if she were ever married, she wouldn’t put up with it, not for a second.
“Now, I know you didn’t come looking for me to see me at my unprettiest. What can I do for you?”
“Nothing,” Deanna said, forcing a smile. “It’s just that—oh, nothing. I just was wondering if you wanted me to come calling with you this morning.”
“Of course I do. You’re like one of the family.”
Deanna nodded. “I’ll just get ready.” She’d have to send Elspeth to the telegraph office to— She stopped with her hand on the banister. No. Elspeth couldn’t go out alone, even in the daylight. They would have to send one of the male servants. But whom could they trust?
No one.
Joe stripped off his shirt and poured water into the basin. He splashed it under his arms, then on his face and neck and was groping for a towel when it appeared before him.
Joe took the towel from Orrin, dried his face, tossed the towel onto the back of a wooden chair, and looked in the wardrobe for a shirt that was clean enough to wear to Ocean Drive. He’d never been bothered by the inconveniences of living in a factory during the winter, except that it had been devilishly hard to heat, but trying to go between his life in the Fifth Ward to his old life on Bellevue Avenue during the summer season was a first-class pain. He’d have to stop by home and refortify his wardrobe if he was to continue this double life much longer.
It was bad enough that someone had been siphoning funds out of the business for a long while. And the fact that R and W’s entire survival was held in the hand of this sugar baron who had taken their money but, as far as Joe knew, hadn’t committed his syrup. Didn’t even seem interested. Neither Charles nor his father had brought Lord David by to inspect the new machinery. Will seemed to be making no progress in solving the murders. And Joe didn’t know how he was supposed to watch over Deanna if she wouldn’t even have anything to do with him.
He buttoned his shirt, realized a button was missing. Shrugged out of it and threw it on his cot, then sat down after it.
He didn’t like being away from the workshop long for fear of spies and saboteurs. And he liked even less having Orrin stay alone while he was still under the eye of the police. One false move—or a move perceived as false—would have him back in jail. Besides, one lone man against armed saboteurs would be no contest. Joe didn’t have any illusions about them not striking again, but surely they wouldn’t attack in broad daylight. The workshop should be safe until Hiram’s men came on duty. He’d just have to send Orrin home.
“There’s a clean shirt in the drawer underneath,” Orrin said. “Your grandma’s servant brought a whole bunch of things down yesterday. I put ’em away for you.”
Joe looked up. His tall and gawky apprentice, still grieving for his love, was taking care of the man who should be taking care of him. “Thanks.”
He pulled open the drawer and found clean socks, underwear, and shirts, all neatly folded. Bless Grandmère.
Five minutes later, dressed in a pinstripe suit and with his hair parted, he stuck a straw boater on his head and stepped into the street. Orrin locked up and started down the street in the direction of his home.
Joe took one look at his bicycle and he decided to take a cab.
A few minutes later, the hackney stopped in front of Bonheur. Joe paid the driver, then trotted up the steps to ring the bell.
An echo of gongs rang from inside, and a minute later, Carlisle, his grandmother’s ancient butler, opened the door.
“She’s expecting you.”
“Is she?” Joe asked, handing the butler his hat.
His grandmother was writing letters in the back parlor. She was swathed in a turquoise morning wrapper embroidered with humming birds and hyacinths. Her gray-streaked hair was swirled to the back of her head and held in place with an ivory comb of monumental proportions. She didn’t bother to turn around when he hurried in, merely stuck out her hand to be kissed.
“You’re a witch, you know.”
She laughed. “Ha.”
He held her hand and kissed it. “A very fetching witch—bewitching.”
“You should be that charming with someone closer to your own age.”
“Grandmère—”
“Don’t bother, I’ve heard it all before. They are coming to tea this afternoon, the three of them. Cassie, Deanna, and their visitor, Lady Manchester.”
“Are they?”
“Yes. I want to get a closer look at the Barbadian beauty.”
“Good. I’d like your opinion of her.”
His grandmother raised a disapproving eyebrow.
“Not for any personal reasons. I just value your insights. But that can wait. I came to borrow a carriage.”
“Ah.”
“I need to talk to Deanna alone. And don’t comment. I’m afraid she’s in danger in that house.”
At this, his grandmother turned and gave him her full attention.
“Then she must come here to stay. Why her mother left her in the care of the Woodruffs is beyond me. She should be giving her attention to Deanna instead of Adelaide, but it’s always been the same. Do you think she’ll go along with your scheme to speak to her alone?”
“Yes, even if I have to throw her over my shoulder and carry her to the carriage.”
“Oh, how I should like to see that. But don’t you dare. She’s already survived one of your misdeeds. You don’t want to wreck her first season. Give her some time to develop her cachet.”
“I suppose you’re going to encourage her to become an iconoclast like you and mother.”
“I have no doubt that, given the opportunity, she will surpass us both.”
“I shudder to think. So may I have a carriage?”
“Yes, of course. But take an open one and drive her down Bellevue so tongues will stop carrying on about how you jilted her.”
“I did not jilt her! And now tongues will wag that we were seen together.”
“Can’t control tongues—might as well have them wag in your favor. Which leads me to mention, there are some nasty things being said about you around town.”
“It’s that damn Cokey Featheringham. He’s always full of gas, and I don’t think anyone actually believes him.”
“I suppose you’re just waiting for Will to find the real culprit.”
“Do you have a better suggestion?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“Right now, I have a greater concern than what people are saying about me. I want to talk to Deanna, and then I may have to make a trip to New York.”
“Ah, are things coming to a head there?”
“I’m not sure. There’s something very underhanded going on.”
“And you will find out what, no matter the cost.”
“Would you have me do less?”
“Not I. Now go, before the ladies have left for their morning calls.”
“One other thing.”
“Yes?”
“I plan to bring her here before tea. Will Hennessey will be joining us.”
She nodded. “Ah. The plot thickens.”
Chapter
19
With Deanna promised to go out with Mrs. Woodruff, she and Elspeth were trying to figure out how to get Elspeth to town without going alone or causing suspicion, when there was a knock at the door.
“I don’t care i
f it is daytime,” Deanna said. “I’m not taking any chances with your safety. We’ll have to think of something else. Come in.”
The door opened, and Cassie rushed inside and closed the door. “You’ll never guess who’s downstairs.”
“My mother?” Deanna asked, her stomach turning itself into a knot.
“No. Joe Ballard. And he’s come to take you for a drive.”
“Joe? Here?”
“Yes. It’s a bit early for driving out, but maybe living down there in the Fifth Ward, he’s forgotten the finer points of courting.” Cassie stopped and frowned. “Do you want me to send him away?”
“No! Wait. I mean, no. I’ll see him. I suppose I will have to talk to him sometime. Tell him to wait and give your mama my apologies.”
But Cassie made no move to leave. “Are you two going to make it up?”
“No, we’re just friends.”
“Oh, you’re no fun. I’ll tell him you’ll be with him shortly.” She bobbed a curtsey and finished with “miss” before she flounced out the door.
“That’s so strange,” Elspeth said. “Why do you think Mr. Joseph’s here?”
“I have no idea, unless . . . maybe he read my mind.”
“Oh, miss, that’s not funny.”
“No, it isn’t, but I’m glad he came. Now he can take care of these things.” She picked up the novel and the telegram.
“They won’t fit in your purse.”
Deanna looked around. “Bring me the moiré paletot. It will go well enough with this dress.”
Elspeth looked skeptical but went to fetch the jacket and helped Deanna into it.
“Now put these down my back.” She handed the book and telegram to Elspeth, who wrestled them into her waistband.
“Don’t move around too much. You don’t want them falling out.”
“No, I don’t. I’ll be careful,” she said, and let Elspeth pin on her new bonnet. “Wish me luck.”
“Good luck,” Elspeth said begrudgingly. “I wish I was going with you.”
“I’ll tell you everything when I get back.”
Elspeth opened the door for her, and Deanna walked out, careful not to disarrange the book and telegram.
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