Somewhere to Call Home (Love Inspired Historical)

by Janet Lee Barton

  Violet’s heart warmed at her sincerity. “Thank you. She missed you sorely after you left. She looked forward to each of your letters, and I read them over and over to her when she couldn’t read them herself anymore.”

  Mrs. Heaton dabbed at her eyes with the delicate handkerchief she pulled from her sleeve. “I’m so glad your mother and I stayed close through our correspondence. I know these last few months must have been grueling for you, dear, but I want you to know you have a place with me for as long as you need it.”

  Violet swallowed around the sudden lump in her throat. The very day she’d walked out of Harlan Black’s office, she’d written a letter accepting Mrs. Heaton’s offer to help in any way she could and telling her why. In the two weeks since, she’d been so consumed with getting ready for the move and getting out of town without letting Harlan suspect what she was doing, she hadn’t had time to even grieve. The woman’s kind words were like balm to her battered heart. “Thank you. I can’t tell you how much your kindness means to me.”

  Mrs. Heaton gave a brisk nod, as if to dismiss the sad thoughts. “I’m just glad to have you here with us.”

  Violet began to relax. She was here among friends—even though she barely recognized Michael. Just seeing him stride across the depot toward her had taken her breath away. Sitting across from him now, she tried to keep from stealing glances at him as he and his mother pointed out different sights to her.

  She wasn’t even sure she saw half of all the sights since she closed her eyes each time another horse-drawn vehicle seemed bent on running them down, just before it stopped or turned on another street. She’d never seen so many different modes of travel in her life. Mrs. Heaton pointed out omnibuses, landaus and the trolley.

  “Traveling in the city is a bit harrowing the first few times,” Michael said. “But you’ll get used to it.”

  “Thankfully, Grand Central isn’t far from Gramercy Park, where our home is located. We’ll have plenty of time to show you the sights and teach you the best way to get around, once you’re settled,” Mrs. Heaton said.

  Violet wasn’t sure she’d ever learn how to get around and was more than a little relieved when the hack pulled up outside a nice four-story brownstone on the corner of a quiet residential street. A small sign outside read Heaton House.

  “We’re home, dear,” Mrs. Heaton said, patting her hand. “This is my boardinghouse.”

  Michael and the driver took Violet’s baggage to the door, which was quickly opened wide by a young woman near her own age. She was slightly plump and wearing an apron and cap, her blond hair curling out from under it.

  “I was getting worried, ma’am,” she said as Michael and the driver brought Violet’s trunk and bags into the foyer.

  The foyer was wide and long, the floors polished until they gleamed. A long table with a vase of fresh flowers in the center of it and a holder for calling cards stood against one wall. There were several hat racks and coatracks on the opposite wall, and Violet assumed they got a lot of use when all the boarders were there.

  “The traffic was quite heavy today, Gretchen.” Mrs. Heaton took off her hat and put it on the rack. “This is Violet Burton, a dear friend from home and our new boarder. Violet, this is Gretchen Finster. She and her sister, Maida, help me out in the house and the kitchen Monday through Friday, and then on Saturdays and Sundays one goes home and the other stays to help with meals and the boarders’ laundry. I don’t know what I’d do without the two of them.”

  “How do you do, Miss Burton?” Gretchen’s smile was welcoming.

  “I’m fine, thank you.” Now that they were out of the traffic and congestion, she felt much better. “It’s nice to meet you, Gretchen.”

  “Come, let me give you a quick tour of downstairs while Michael and Gretchen take your bags to your room,” Mrs. Heaton said.

  “I’ll see you later at dinner, Violet. I must get back to work for a while,” Michael said.

  “I’m sorry I interrupted your day, I—”

  “I was glad to take some time to come greet you, and we’re glad to have you here.” He kissed his mother on the cheek and smiled at Violet before heading up the stairs with Gretchen following.

  “See you later, dear.”

  “I’ll try to get home early,” Michael said just as he disappeared on the landing.

  Violet forced her thoughts off Michael and back to Mrs. Heaton as the woman turned and pointed to the right of the foyer. “This is the front parlor, Violet. Some, if not all, of the boarders gather here most evenings before and after dinner.”

  The room was quite lovely and large, with a piano in one corner and at least two very comfortable-looking parlor suites covered in a plush burgundy color, along with several rocking chairs upholstered in a gold-and-burgundy stripe, stationed around the room. The draperies were of the same material as the rocking chairs. She would have liked to look closer at the paintings and portraits on the wall, the framed pictures on the tables, but there wasn’t time before Mrs. Heaton led her across the hall to the dining room.

  This room was attractively furnished, as well. There were the same drapes on these windows and a beautifully carved sideboard along the opposite wall. The lace-covered table was huge—it must seat at least twelve people, and Violet wondered if there were that many boarders. Next came the kitchen, and her stomach rumbled at the wonderful aroma coming from the large range. The room was large and sunny with plenty of cupboards and a large worktable in the center.

  “We’re having roast chicken this evening.” Mrs. Heaton took up a pot holder and checked the contents of a large pan in the middle of the oven. There appeared to be at least two big hens in the pan. Mrs. Heaton seemed to determine all was well as she closed the oven door and motioned to Violet to follow her.

  Across the hall from the kitchen was the back parlor. A bit smaller than the front parlor, it seemed cozy and inviting. It was decorated in greens and blues and was quite restful. “This parlor is more for reading or quiet conversation. Several of our boarders bring their callers here to visit with them. Gretchen or Maida are always glad to bring tea or coffee for our guests.”

  The next room, between both parlors, was Mrs. Heaton’s private study. It was paneled with shelves reaching from floor to ceiling, packed full of books. “You’re welcome to come see me here anytime, Violet. And the books are available for all the boarders.”

  Although she’d only gotten a glimpse of each room, the homey feel of the house comforted Violet. “It is quite lovely, Mrs. Heaton.”

  “Thank you, dear. I’ll show you to your room now, as I’m sure you’re longing for a rest after your trip.” She led the way down the hall and it was then Violet noticed a telephone on a table in the curve of the staircase. Mrs. Heaton motioned to it as they passed by. “The telephone is for us all to use. Many times an employer will ring up to ask someone to come in early or change their schedule. And sometimes their families or friends need to contact them.”

  They continued up the staircase to the second floor. “All my lady boarders reside on the top floors. Michael and the gentlemen have rooms on the bottom floor. They may use the outside entry or come up through the kitchen stairs, but they are not allowed past the main floor. Most boardinghouses cater to gentlemen, but there is a great need for rooms to let for women and I wanted to help fill it.”

  She passed several rooms before stopping and opening a door. “I’ve given you a nice bright corner room. I hope you like it.”

  Violet smiled as she entered the room. Mrs. Heaton was right. Sunrays glinted through the windows, splashing the lavender-and-yellow wallpaper and the striped bedcoverings of the same colors. It reminded her of her own room at home, only it was larger.

  This room easily held a nice bedstead and armoire to match, an upholstered chair with matching footstool in one corner, a round table and lamp beside it. A writing table stood in front of one of the windows, and a small sofa set was grouped in front of the fireplace. It seemed to be a combination
sitting room and bedroom, and Violet had no doubt she would be quite comfortable in it.

  “Oh, this is a wonderful room, Mrs. Heaton. I’m certain I’m going to feel right at home here.”

  “I hope so, my dear.”

  “How nice of you to remember my favorite colors.”

  “It wasn’t hard. I remembered how pretty your room was in Ashland. The bathroom is just next door, and you’ll be sharing it with another young woman. I’ll introduce you to her at dinner. Gretchen may finish helping you unpack, if you like. Then we’ll leave you to rest awhile. Dinner is at seven but, of course, you may come downstairs anytime before.”

  Violet looked around and found Gretchen was hanging up her nicer gowns. “Thank you for what you’ve already done, Gretchen. I think I’ll wait to unpack the rest. I must admit I am a bit tired.”

  Mrs. Heaton motioned to Gretchen, who immediately left the room. “I understand, dear. You try to rest. We only dress up for meals on the weekends—Saturday evenings, Sundays and holidays. All of the boarders work, and they are much too tired at the end of the day to follow society’s rules for dress during the week. A nice skirt and shirtwaist will suffice. If you aren’t down by dinnertime, I’ll send Gretchen up to fetch you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You are quite welcome, Violet.” Mrs. Heaton moved out into the hall and quietly shut the door behind her.

  After all the noise and confusion, the sights, sounds and smells of the depot and then the ride to Mrs. Heaton’s, Violet felt she needed some quiet time to take everything in. And she was more than a little nervous about meeting the other boarders. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to get her bearings first.

  For now, she was glad just to be at Mrs. Heaton’s. She sank onto the bed and looked around the room once more. It did remind her of home. But would she ever have her family home free and clear from Harlan Black?

  She’d paid this month’s payment the day she walked out of his office. And she’d given her best friend the money to pay the next month’s payment right before she left. Violet had barely had enough money left to get to New York City and live on for a few months. She must find work as soon as possible.

  Once more she wondered if she’d done the right thing by leaving—but she’d worry about that later.

  * * *

  Michael found his mother in her private study, sitting in her favorite chair with her Bible in her lap and with her eyes closed as if she were praying. He had turned to leave when she called his name.

  “Michael, come in, dear. I’m not asleep.”

  He took a seat in the chair opposite his mother’s and put his feet up. “I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  She closed her Bible and laid it on the table between them. “I’m through with my conversation with the Lord, at least for now. I was just taking a few minutes to talk to Him about our new boarder and asking Him to make Violet’s transition to our home an easy one.”

  “I’m sure it’s been difficult for her since losing her mother just a month ago, especially after finding her home was mortgaged and not being able to find work. Having to leave her home couldn’t have been easy, and New York is very different from Ashland.”

  His mother nodded. “I’m so glad she came here. But I think she was a bit overwhelmed today. My being late to meet her train didn’t help, but she was very gracious about it.”

  “We’ll do what we can to make things easy for her, Mother.”

  “I know. We can begin tonight. I’m sure she’s a little apprehensive about meeting everyone. She’s grown into quite a lovely young woman since the last time you saw her, hasn’t she?”

  “Yes, she has.” Michael hadn’t been able to quit thinking of Violet all afternoon. He couldn’t remember when thoughts of a woman had interfered with his work so much, and he didn’t know quite what to make of it.

  The sound of doors opening and closing signaled that many of their boarders were home from work, and his mother got up from her chair. “I’d better go see to the finishing touches for dinner.”

  Michael stood, as well. “Good. My mouth has been watering ever since I walked in the door.”

  “I figured as much. You might want to go to the front parlor and greet Violet when she comes down. And make sure our gentlemen boarders behave themselves.”

  “That I will do.” Michael bent and kissed his mother’s cheek. “She reminds you of Rebecca, doesn’t she?”

  His mother sighed and gave a quick nod. “She’s the same age that Becca was when—”

  He knew she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. His sister had been missing for over three years now, and still they didn’t know what had happened to her. “Is this going to be too hard for you...having Violet here, Mother?”

  “Oh, no, dear. She does bring back memories of being in Ashland before Becca left to come here...but those memories are good ones and I welcome them.”

  Michael gave his mother a quick hug. “I’ll be grateful that she’s here then and do all I can to make the transition to the city easier for her.”

  “Thank you, son.”

  Michael watched his mother leave the room, hoping that she was right and that it would be good for her to have Violet here. She could use some joy.

  Becca’s sudden disappearance after she’d moved to New York City three years earlier had changed their lives forever. It’d been the catalyst for selling their home in Ashland, moving here and starting the boardinghouse. Thankfully, his father had provided for his mother well so that they could fulfill her wishes. She wanted to give safe haven to the people who lived under her roof, especially the young women. She wanted them to have a place they felt was home even while missing their own. And she wanted to make sure that their families would never have to hear that their loved one was missing, never to be heard from again.

  Michael had been trained as a private investigator by the best. He’d worked for Pinkerton before opening his own detective agency, and now he made it his life’s work to try to help his clients who had heard those same words—or others similar to them—and to follow each and every lead that might turn up about his sister.

  That Violet was the daughter of his mother’s best friend and their next-door neighbor was enough to make him want to watch her as closely as he would Becca, if she were here. Becca was several years older than Violet and while one wouldn’t have called them best friends, he’d always considered them friends and had teased Violet as much as he had his own sister. He knew that if anything happened to Violet, his mother would blame herself, and Michael couldn’t let that happen.

  He stood and rubbed the back of his neck before heading down the hall to the front parlor. Their boarders were a good group for the most part, but after what his mother had told him about Violet, he wanted to be there to try to put her at ease among strangers.

  “Why, Michael, how nice of you to join us early tonight!” Lila Miller, a young woman who’d been with them for nearly a year, left the side of Luke Patterson and headed in his direction as soon as he entered the parlor.

  “Good evening, Miss Miller, everyone,” he said, trying to make eye contact with each person in the room.

  “To what do we owe this honor, Michael?” Lila asked. “You’ve barely been on time for meals the last few weeks.”

  He’d like to tell her that it was her company he’d been trying to avoid lately, but that was out of the question, of course. Michael didn’t want to offend her. He just didn’t like the way she fawned over him.

  “I thought I’d greet our new boarder when she comes down.”

  “Oh?” Lila raised a narrow brown eyebrow. “She’s here then?”

  “She arrived this afternoon.”

  “And she’s here now.” Elizabeth Anderson, one of his mother’s favorite boarders, entered the room just ahead of Violet. “Everyone, meet Violet Burton. I met her at the landing. She seemed a bit hesitant to come down, but I promised her that we’d all be on our best behavior. At least until we get to know her b
etter.”

  The young woman who’d followed Elizabeth into the room smiled at everyone and said, “I took her at her word.”

  That brought chuckles from the boarders gathering around her, and Michael quickly crossed the room to her side. “Violet, I hope you’ve been able to get some rest?”

  His mother was right. This was not the Violet he remembered. That one had been a young girl and, while pretty and sweet, this Violet was a fully grown woman and a lovely one at that. Her black hair was swept up on top of her head, and when her gaze settled on him, he was struck by how brilliantly blue her eyes were.

  “I did, thank you, Mr. Heaton.”

  She hadn’t called him Mr. Heaton back home. It’d only been Michael...and that in an exasperated tone when he’d been teasing her and Becca. He chuckled at the memory. Perhaps she was only doing it now because of the boarders, but he didn’t like it. “Oh, come now, Violet. Surely as long as we’ve known each other, we can dispense with the formalities, can’t we?”

  She looked up at him and her smiled deepened. “I suppose we can...Michael.”

  But her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes and the wary expression in them reminded him of all she’d been through so recently. Suddenly his protective instincts rose up full force, shocking him with their intensity. In that moment, Michael knew he’d do all he could to keep Violet Burton safe and to help her adjust to her new surroundings.

  Chapter Two

  “Dinner is served,” Mrs. Heaton announced from the dining room. “Come along, everyone, we’ll make the remaining introductions while we dine.”

  Michael held out his arm and Violet hesitated for a moment before taking it. This was Michael Heaton, after all, not a complete stranger. He’d been her neighbor for years and he was only escorting her across the hall to the dining room. Although he was several years older than Violet, she’d known him all of her life. And his teasing manner was just the same as it had been when she was growing up.