Patience_Bride of Washington

by Caroline Clemmons

  Stone’s jaw clenched. “He says he’s too ill to come with us.”

  Patience gasped. “Oh, no. I must go see him.”

  Hands in his pants pockets, Stone jerked his head. “Suit yourself. Won’t make any difference.”

  Patience hurried up the stairs, surprised at her willingness to visit Andrew in his bedroom. She rapped on the door.

  He called so weakly she could barely hear his voice, “Come in.”

  She went into his room. “Andrew, what’s wrong?”

  “I feel as if I’ve eaten a whole meal of Mrs. Gates’ cooking. I can hardly stand up for the pain. Schmidt will ask the doctor to come once he’s checked the luggage.”

  “You poor man. Of course, I’ll stay here in case you need me.”

  He raised a hand as if the effort tired him. “No, no, my dear. I’ve told you how Stone is in a group. Without you to buffer him, we’ll never get Lortz to take our apples. I’ve had this before and the doc has a tonic that will fix me up in a couple of days.”

  She wrung her hands. “I don’t know, Andrew.”

  “Please, you must go. Take the case on the bureau. It contains jewelry I want you to wear.”

  “Andrew, that would be cold of me. This meeting is very important to you but how can I leave you when you’re so ill?”

  He moaned slightly and clutched his abdomen. “Kind of you, but I’m counting on you to get Lortz to sign.”

  “What if you need surgery? Your family needs to be here.”

  “Please, this contract is too important to let dyspepsia foil our company.”

  She was torn. What should she do? She picked up the jewel case but made no move to leave.

  Marianne came in and tugged on Patience’s arm. “Schmidt’s back with our claim tickets. We simply must go or we’ll miss our train.” She blew a kiss. “Take care, Andrew.”

  Hurrying Patience, she said, “I’m sure Andrew will have Schmidt wire us if we’re needed back here. He’s counting on you and Stone, so we can’t delay.”

  Reluctantly, Patience let Marianne urge her downstairs for the ride back to town. Patience stored the jewels in her valise and Schmidt added the case to the buggy.

  Stone drove the rig and stopped at the depot. “Schmidt will arrange to have your buggy returned to your place, Aunt Marianne. He’ll also call for this one. We can’t delay.”

  He assisted each of the women to alight and they hurried to the train platform.

  Patience looked at the baggage car as they passed. “They’re loading my luggage except for this small case I’m keeping with me. That’s a relief.”

  Stone helped her and Marianne up the steps to board the first class car. For the second time in her life, Patience boarded a train. This time, she traveled in comfort with a luxurious wardrobe.

  “I’m looking forward to crossing the mountains. On the way to Destiny, we crossed the Rockies at night.”

  Stone peered at the tickets. “Here are our seats. You two sit here and I’ll park across the aisle.”

  Patience settled onto the seat nearest the window. For their trip, Marianne wore a russet suit instead of her trademark yellow but yellow feathers adorned the matching hat. Comparing their attire, Patience was relieved her own suit was more appropriate.

  The train gained speed and they left Destiny behind. She relaxed and stared at the landscape. Soon they climbed upward and she saw forests of pine, fir, and other tall trees.

  Marianne tried conversing with a woman across the aisle and up one seat. “Stone, trade seats with me so I can speak to my friend without yelling.”

  Stone obeyed her and sat beside Patience and rested his book on his lap. “Enjoying the trip?”

  “Very much. This is only the second time I’ve ridden the train. Fortunately, this ride won’t last quite so long as the first.”

  “The other must have been tiring. Where’s your book?”

  She smiled. “In my bag. It’s too large for my purse. Tell me about Tacoma. I read that President Harrison was there a little over a week ago.”

  “We’ll be staying at the Tacoma Hotel, which is quite nice in my opinion. You’ll enjoy the lobby decorated with mermaids.”

  “Since we’ll be near the ocean, that sounds logical.”

  “The city is on Commencement Bay, which is part of Puget Sound. I think it should be called Pungent Sound because of the odor near the wharves.”

  She chuckled and wrinkled her nose. “Will we see the ocean?”

  He tilted his head. “I suppose we can if you and Aunt Marianne wish but that’s not part of the weekend plans. All you’d see is wharves and warehouses. Not exactly scenic.”

  “Will we have free time?”

  “You will—again, if you wish. Some of the meetings are deadly dull. I’d like you beside me at all the dinners and receptions and the ball on Saturday. You may have noticed that I’m not the sociable type”

  She recalled Andrew’s comments but didn’t want to let Stone know his father’s opinion. “You do yourself a disservice. You were a perfect escort at the Apple Blossom Festival.”

  “That hardly counts when compared to this conference. Frankly, I’d rather stay home but there are several important deals I must negotiate.”

  She half-turned toward him. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. I assure you, my wardrobe will outdo any woman there.”

  He raised his eyebrows and jerked his head in Marianne’s direction and mouthed, “Even Aunt Marianne?”

  She leaned near his ear and whispered, “Yes, but don’t tell her.”

  He chuckled. “I wouldn’t dare. That would be worth my life.”

  “What are you reading?”

  “Rudyard Kipling’s short stories. He was in Tacoma a couple of years ago so I thought this fitting.”

  “I’m re-reading Little Women. I love Louisa May Alcott’s books.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Even the sad ones. Don’t you worry about Beth?”

  She confessed, “I cried buckets the first time I read the scene where she dies. Since then, I’m prepared.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t buy it. I’ll bet you still cry.”

  She grinned at his teasing. “Maybe a little. It’s a tender part of the story. My younger brother Samuel died of diphtheria and I always think of him when I read that section.”

  His expression sobered. “I lost a couple of brothers and a sister. All but one came too soon and the other was stillborn. Hard on my parents, but I was too young to understand.”

  She rubbed her arms against the chill of sadness. “I remember vividly when Sammie died. We were all devastated. Then Mama lost two babies. Finally she had Jason, who’s twelve, and then David, who’s ten.”

  “I’d always hoped for brothers and sisters. Guess not having them is why I tend to be a loner.”

  “You have good friends, though. Do you have any relatives nearby?”

  “All our kin are still in Texas and points east. Dad’s family live in Austin and in a small town about thirty miles from there. Did you know I have a namesake mountain?”

  “Well, there’s Stone Mountain in Georgia, or so I’ve heard.”

  “No, this one is in the Palo Pinto Mountains near the town of Radford Crossing, Texas. That’s where Mama’s Stone second-cousins live. She had more kin around Cleburne, but they’ve all passed on now.”

  She looked pointedly at his eye. “I see the bruising is almost faded.”

  “Dad was really angry with me, wasn’t he? Sometimes, you just need to hit something or someone.”

  She grinned. “You don’t have to tell me.”

  He made a face and rubbed the spot where she’d hit him last week. “I remember.”

  They arrived in Tacoma mid-afternoon. Clouds hung overhead, so different from Destiny. They collected their luggage and searched for a conveyance large enough to haul everything to the hotel. Patience was grateful Stone took care of the transfer details and she and Marianne only had to look decorative.

 
While she waited for Stone to check them in, she surveyed the lobby. The room was beautiful and, as Stone had mentioned, was decorated with mermaids and aqua colors to give the feeling of being undersea. Only the dark maroon carpet deviated. A uniformed attendant operated the elevator to their fourth floor rooms.

  Patience braced herself against the elevator’s wall when the car moved upward. Her stomach remained downstairs as the rest of her climbed.

  Stone cupped her elbow.

  Marianne smiled at her. “Takes getting used to, but better than climbing flights of stairs.”

  “I’m sure.”

  Patience gasped in spite of herself when the car stopped with a bump at the fourth floor. Their rooms were clustered together with Marianne next to Patience and Stone across the hall from her.

  Marianne yawned delicately behind her hand. “You two have a nice time. I’m going to have a short nap.”

  Patience puzzled over what Marianne could be thinking. Stone was going to his room and Patience to hers. Having Stone open her door for her seemed too intimate even though he’d done the same for Marianne. The other woman was supposed to be their chaperone and should at least have guarded from her doorway until Stone walked across the hall.

  He gave her the room key. “I don’t suppose I need to tell you to lock the door even when you’re inside the room?”

  “No, sir. I believe in taking precautions. Locks are there for a reason.”

  “I’ll call for you for dinner at six. There are drinks before the meal. Your room connects to Marianne’s if you need help dressing. Or, there are maids you can hire to assist you.”

  “Marianne and I can manage.” She stepped inside and turned to close the door.

  He called over his shoulder. “I’ll prepare to be astonished by the two of you. See you at six.”

  Patience inspected her room, impressed with the luxurious fittings. She walked to the window and opened the velvet curtains. The bay was visible but Stone was correct about the warehouses. A bellboy brought her luggage and she remembered to tip him, but wasn’t sure of the amount. From his grin, she’d exceeded the expected amount.

  She tested the bed and decided it was the most comfortable she’d ever lain on. After setting her alarm clock for four-thirty, she removed her suit and shoes and crawled into bed. Ah, wouldn’t Mama and Papa love this. Was Mercy lying on the ground on her cattle roundup? Isn’t that what cowboys did?

  The alarm woke her and she was disoriented for a few seconds. She crawled from bed and stretched then unlocked her side of the connecting door.

  Rapping lightly, she called, “Marianne, are you awake?”

  Marianne opened her side. “You know what you’re going to wear?”

  “I think the pink satin. Is that right?”

  “Yes. I’ll wear my burgundy so we don’t clash when we’re together. I’ve asked downstairs for a stylist to assist us with our hair.”

  “Honestly, Marianne, I’m out of my depth. First the elevator and now we have someone coming to our rooms to arrange our hair. I can hardly wait to tell the girls at the boarding house. Oh, and won’t my parents be impressed?”

  “Such enthusiasm is refreshing. Let’s get dressed except for the gown. Wear your wrapper until after your hair has been styled.”

  “I’ll have to have your help if you expect me to wear that corset.”

  “I managed to get mine off to rest but I’ll need assistance as well. Let’s get moving.” Marianne left the door open and brought her corset for Patience to lace.

  Patience was impressed at the frilly black garment. She wondered why so much effort was put into something no one but the wearer would see. The one Céline had chosen for Patience was pink with lace medallions.

  Girded up, they each donned a robe and waited. “What do I pay this stylist?”

  “My treat, dear.” A rap sounded at Marianne’s door. She hurried to admit the hairdresser.

  He and his assistant came into the room with the female assistant carrying a small case. Other than herself, Patience had never had anyone but Mama or Mercy work on her hair. She watched with fascination as Marianne sat in front of the vanity and let Monsieur Phillipe work his magic.

  She wondered why everyone connected to fashion had a French name. The man was gifted, she’d give him that. When he’d finished, Marianne looked younger and more elegant than ever.

  “Mademoiselle, your turn.”

  “Take my place, Patience. Phillipe’s already set up in here.”

  Patience did as her friend asked. She was eager to see how her hair would look when Phillipe was finished. He twisted her locks and set a curl this way or that. When he’d finished, she couldn’t believe the woman in the mirror was her.

  Marianne gave him folded bills and he gathered up his equipment and his two assistants and left.

  “Patience, don’t forget to use the toilet before you get dressed. Satin wrinkles. Besides, maneuvering all that clothing is just too annoying.”

  “I’ll remember.” Turning her head this way and that, she said, “Thank you for the hair style. I’ve never looked better, if I do say so.”

  “Wait until you’re dressed. I’ll bet Stone is speechless.”

  “Mmm, I doubt we’ll have that effect on him but he said he was prepared to be astonished by our appearance at six. I think he will be.”

  They relieved themselves then donned their gowns and primped for a few minutes. Then, Marianne produced a small vial of perfume that smelled heavenly and dabbed some on both of them. Marianne picked out a garnet necklace and earrings to wear.

  “That matches your dress perfectly. I wonder what Andrew chose or me to wear.”

  “If he sent the pearls, choose those for tonight.”

  When Patience opened the case, she was horrified. “Good heavens, what if I’d been robbed? What if the room’s burglarized while we’re out?”

  “Don’t worry about what hasn’t happened. Here, let me fasten the pearls. Did he send the earrings to match?”

  “They’re here.” Patience fastened them on her ears. “Where can I hide the jewel case?”

  “I put mine under the chair cushion.”

  “If I were a burglar, I’d look there and under the mattress and pillows.” She stashed the case behind the armoire.

  When Stone knocked, Marianne smiled. “Stand there where he can’t miss you when I open the door.”

  She opened the door and Patience posed so he’d spot her immediately. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. He licked his lips.

  He inhaled and stared. “You two will be the envy of every woman and I’ll be the envy of every man.”

  Patience grinned at his reaction. “Nice of you to say so, Stone.”

  He held the door for them. “Shall we go downstairs?”

  After another stomach-dropping ride in the elevator, the three entered the dining room where the dinner was being held. Patience smiled and tried not to gawk.

  She leaned toward Marianne. “I hope I don’t embarrass myself or you and Stone. At least my dress is prettier than any others I see.” Hastily, she added, “Except for yours, of course.”

  Stone introduced her as Miss Eaton without qualifying her connection to him or Marianne. She knew from speculative looks on people’s faces that they wondered who she was and why she was there.

  In one group of men and women, she was introduced to Calvin Lortz. He was a tall, giant of a man with gray hair that stuck up in curls like a halo around his head. His piercing blue eyes gave her the impression he didn’t miss much in the world around him.

  She extended her hand. “How nice to meet you, Mr. Lortz.”

  “Well, well, you certainly brighten this gathering. And how are you related to Mrs. Hauser or Stone Kincaid?”

  Before Patience could answer, Marianne blurted, “She’s Stone’s fiancée. I’m their chaperone.”

  Patience stared at Marianne. What had come over the woman? Patience glanced at Stone, who looked as dumbfounded as she. Mr. Lo
rtz wore a wide smile and was heartily pumping Stone’s hand.

  “Congratulations, my boy. What grand news, eh? I can’t tell you how pleased that makes me. I’m a family man myself and try to do business with like minds.”

  He tapped his ring against a flute of champagne. “Friends, great news. Stone and the lovely Miss Eaton here are engaged.”

  Applause greeted the announcement.

  Stone cleared his throat. “Thank you, sir. Appreciate your good wishes.”

  Patience forced a smile, but whispered, “Marianne, how could you?”

  Marianne was busily waving at friends. “I was flustered. Of course I meant to say Andrew, not Stone. Never mind, we’ll work this out after the conference.”

  Patience opened her fan and concealed her mouth. “How can we? Everyone will remember. That means I can never again attend a conference.”

  “No, people will forget and next year they’ll think they’re the ones who were confused.”

  Stone slipped her hand on his arm. “If you’ll excuse us, we’ll get on with the introductions.” As soon as they were out of Mr. Lortz’s earshot, Stone looked at Patience. “What came over Aunt Marianne to drop that bombshell?”

  “She said she simply became confused. I don’t know, Stone. So far I don’t think she’s the best chaperone. She would have been fine with you coming into my hotel room last night.”

  “You’re mistaken. I’ve known her most of my life. She was mother’s best friend and visited Mom every day while she was ill. We still depend on her socially.”

  Patience didn’t want to argue but she believed she was right. “I apologize.” Placating him, she went with Marianne’s attributes. “She was kind to help me with my wardrobe and advise me on what to wear to each of the events here. I wouldn’t have known how to choose the proper clothing without her.”

  He smiled down at her. “I’ll bet you would have figured it out, but I’m glad she helped you.” They approached another cluster of people and Stone introduced her. After accepting congratulations which made her uncomfortable, they made the room’s route.

  She asked, “Hadn’t we better return to where Calvin Lortz is holding court?”

  “That’s a good description and you’re right. Our job is to court him and get him to sign with us. I hope I can get a word in edgewise with Vermillion’s nattering.”