by White, Carré
“Yes, sir.”
“Good day, Miss Hampton.”
“Good day.” I turned for the stairs, with Rosalind in my arms. Once in the room, I found Megan and Judy in the parlor, while the table had been set for lunch. “Hello,” I said cheerily, realizing that speaking to Mr. Carlyle had put me in fine spirits.
“They’re bringin’ food in a few minutes. How was the walk?”
“It was fine.”
“Did you buy a paper?”
“Oh, I didn’t know you wanted one.”
“I should’a said something. I’ll run out right quick. Can you watch over everything?”
“Yes, of course. Is Joshua sleeping?”
“He’s awake in his bed, but quiet.”
“All right.” I went to my room to change Rosalind, while she cooed and squirmed happily. “I can’t believe you’re not hungry yet.” A knock on the door startled me, and I hastily finished fastening the diaper. “Coming.” Here’s our food.” I hurried down the short hallway, reaching for the knob. The person who stood before me wasn’t a hotel employee. “Paulina!” One of my stepmother’s sisters had come to visit.
“I can’t stay long, but I thought I’d stop by.” She smiled, glancing at Rosalind. “Is this your charge? What a lovely baby.”
“Yes, this is Rosalind Carlyle. She’s been very good today.”
Paulina brushed by me, eyeing the parlor. “Oh, this is nice. I always wondered what the suites looked like.”
“There’s a master bedroom and two smaller ones. The wet nurse has that room, but she’s gone to get the paper. That’s her daughter, Judy.”
“Hello.” Paulina held out her hand to the girl, who sat on the sofa.
“Good morning,” she said politely.
“Good morning.” Paulina glanced at me. “I might as well get to the point of this visit. I was told you wanted a cat.”
“A cat?” asked Judy excitedly. “A kitty cat?”
“Yes, Jane mentioned it.” She reached into a leather bag, extracting a small bundle of gray fluff. “She’s nearly two months old and ready to go it alone. You may keep her, if you still want it.”
“Oh, my goodness.” I had forgotten all about this. “I…oh…really, I shouldn’t. I haven’t spoken to Mr. Carlyle on this subject.”
The kitten squirmed in Paulina’s hands, while Judy had gotten to her feet, reaching for it. “I want to hold her.” She clutched the fluffy animal, cuddling it, while feeling the fur on her cheek. “I love this little cat. I hope we can keep her.”
Oh, what a pickle! I chewed my lip, trying to think of a solution. If I kept the cat, there was a chance that Mr. Carlyle might be vexed with me, but…it was adorable. “What do I feed it?”
“Water and scraps from the dinner table. That’s what we give ours. Then they run outside and eat mice and rats and things. They also like milk and anything with fish.”
“Well, that sounds easy enough, but…what about when they need to use the bathroom?”
“They go outside.”
“But, we’re in town, Paulina. I’d worry the poor thing would be taken by someone or killed or stolen. I…can’t exactly let her out in a hotel.”
“Well, it is possible for them to go inside, but you’ll need a box and some sand. You can train the cat to use it. Then all you have to do is pluck out the waste every day to keep it from smelling bad.”
“We can do that, Mary,” said Judy. “I’ve a box I can give you. We can ask Allette for some sand.”
“I…” I glanced at Judy’s expectant face. “All right. Go get that box and then find Allette. We can keep it in my room. Gracious, I hope I don’t anger Mr. Carlyle.”
“If he objects, just return the cat,” said Paulina. “It’s fine. I can take her on Sunday.”
“Very well, I’ll do that if this turns out badly, which I have a feeling it will.”
“He might not even notice, truthfully. Isn’t he a businessman or something? Jane said he worked for the railways.”
“He’s trying to secure investors for the line from Cheyenne. But, perhaps, he won’t notice. I’ll keep her in my room. He certainly isn’t going to go in there.”
“Exactly. Most men aren’t all that aware anyhow. I changed the wallpaper in the parlor, and Samuel never noticed. Can you imagine? It was a completely different color, and he failed to recognize it.” She shrugged. “Men.”
Another knock sounded. “That must be lunch.” I hurried for the door. “Oh, thank you.” A servant held a tray. “You can leave everything on the table.”
“Yes, Miss Hampton.”
“My, aren’t you the pampered one.” Paulina eyed the metal covered dishes. “Room service for lunch.”
“And dinner.”
“I can see why you’re so happy here now. Who does the washing?”
“The maid.” I grinned. “Shush, don’t tell anyone. This is a marvelous job, and I’m trying my best not to anger my employer so I can keep it.”
“I was told you earned five dollars a week.”
“I do, and I hardly get my hands dirty. I’ve even had a bath. A real bath.”
Her eyes widened. “With Mr. Carlyle present?”
“They brought in a screen. He saw nothing, I can assure you. I took Rosalind in with me. It was great fun.”
“I see.” She folded her arms over her chest. “You are thoroughly enjoying yourself.”
“I’m up at night with her. It’s not all peaches and roses.”
“But, you’re hardly suffering.”
“I’m not. I hope it takes a great deal of time to secure the subscriptions for the rail line. I wouldn’t mind being here longer.”
“Well,” she glanced at the table, “your food’s arrived, and I shouldn’t keep you. I’ll see you on Sunday. Will you come to the house for brunch?”
“I hope so. I’d like to invite Mr. Carlyle and Megan and her children, if I could. Is that agreeable?”
“Certainly. We’ll have our famous roast pig. There will be plenty for everyone.” She hugged me. “I’m glad you’re happily situated. Jane was right about sending you to town. The change has been beneficial.”
“Thank you. I’m doing my best to take care of Rosalind, but it’s very easy. She’s an adorable baby and hardly any trouble at all.”
“Then enjoy it while it lasts.”
“I will.” I escorted her to the door. “See you on Sunday.”
Moments later, Megan returned with the paper, and she joined me at the table, although I held Rosalind in my arms, while I tried to eat. There was boiled venison in gravy with greens and potatoes, which were delicious. Rosalind managed to get her hands in the sauce, bringing the sticky fingers to her face.
“Oh, what a mess you’re making.” I tried to wipe her clean with a napkin, but she squirmed in my lap.
“I’m so happy about the cat,” exclaimed Judy. “I can’t wait to play with her.”
I glanced at my partner in crime. “You can see her when you’re done eating.” We had told Megan about our newest houseguest.
“I do believe we’re going to get away with this.” Judy smiled smugly. “No one will be the wiser, and all of us will have a soft plaything.”
Megan muttered, “No good will come from that cat, I tell you. As soon as Mr. Carlyle finds out about it, he’ll dismiss us all.”
“I’m sure that won’t happen,” I said. “From what little I’ve seen, he seems to be a rather accepting sort of man.”
“Every man has his breaking point, and, for some of ‘em, it don’t take much.”
“It’ll be on me, if he objects. It’s my responsibility either way. I can accept that.”
“You got family here.” Her look was stark. “You don't have to worry about being tossed into the streets, left to fend for yourself like some stray dog. I got two kids I gotta feed, and no safety net to speak of.”
I hadn’t thought of it that way. I placed my hand over hers. “Megan, I’ll bear the brunt of whatever
censure might come, I promise. You had nothing to do with this.”
She harrumphed. “It’s all so easy for you. It’s clear he favors you. I’d be surprised, if he didn’t offer for you.”
My mouth fell open. “As in marriage? That type of offer?”
“Yes, marriage.”
I was speechless, yet there was a small part of me that dared to hope…for someone like Mr. Carlyle.
Chapter Eight
The afternoon was surprisingly quiet. I had put Rosalind down for a nap, while Judy played with the new cat. She had named her Paws, which I couldn’t object to in the least. We had begun to teach her how to use the sand box to do her “business”, and we had already had some success with it. The cat was rather smart, figuring things out easily. Paws slept with Rosalind in the bassinette, which was adorable.
Megan had finished the newspaper, and it was in my possession now, while I sat on the sofa. The door opened, and I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Mr. Carlyle, but he wasn’t alone. I recognized the woman with him, my stomach dropping. Mrs. Gwendolyn Phillips, who was recently widowed, now stood in the room. I got to my feet, folding the paper, as a rush of disappointment raced through me.
“I’ve seen this suite before,” she said. “They’ve not changed it much.” She was turned out elegantly in a heavy silk, peach gown. Her bonnet was adorned with fake flowers and lace. “You’ve a view of the street as well.”
“Yes, we do.” He glanced at me. “Good afternoon, Mary.”
“Good afternoon, sir. Rosalind’s asleep. I’ll be in my room.”
I went to pass them, when Gwendolyn said, “You’re one of the Hoffman clan, I believe. Which one are you?” She smiled pleasantly, holding her handbag in gloved hands.
“I’m Fanny’s stepdaughter, ma’am.”
“And now you’re employed here?” She eyed me, judiciously.
“Yes, I’m Rosalind’s nanny.”
Her smile was engaging. “The little darling, I presume. I suppose I won’t see her, if she’s sleeping.”
“Oh, we can have a peek, if you want, Mrs. Phillips,” offered Mr. Carlyle obligingly. “She’s right this way.”
I was going to object, but he was too fast, reaching the doorknob and turning it, before I could speak. He ushered her in, and they stood over the bassinette. I followed Mrs. Phillips, stepping into the path of her floral perfume. I knew then that I might have some explaining to do, seeing that Rosalind was asleep, but she was not alone. The kitten was curled up next to her. They were silent, gazing at the baby for a long moment before moving from the room. He turned to me in the hallway, after the door had been shut.
“I see there have been some changes in my absence.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I don’t recall having a pet cat, Mary.”
“No, sir.”
“And where did it come from?”
“Fanny’s sister, Paulina came to visit. She…brought it, sir.”
“Is that so?”
“I…had wanted to discuss it with you. I didn’t know she’d bring it today.”
Mrs. Phillips glanced between us. “Is there a problem?”
“Not at all,” he said briskly. “Mary and I will have a discussion about this later.” He smiled stiffly, holding out his arm. “Will you join me for tea or must you go now?”
“Of course, I’ll join you,” she enthused. “Rosalind is beautiful. What a lovely baby.”
“Thank you.”
I knew I would be chastised later for the cat. Was he courting the widow? I knew little about her, other than that she was young and pretty. She had been the wife of a mining overseer, and she had come from money. Perhaps, Mr. Carlyle had asked for her assistance with the subscription issues he was having. None of this mattered, though, as it wasn’t my business to pry and ask questions, yet I could not help thinking about it. Glancing at the calico dress I wore, with its modest collar and long sleeves, which were slightly frayed, I could never hope to compete with the likes of Gwendolyn Phillips. She oozed confidence, breeding, and money…while I looked like a poor farmer’s daughter, which I was.
A voice intruded into my musings. “Did the cat die?”
I glanced at Megan. “What?”
“You look like somebody died.”
“No, the cat’s fine. She’s sleeping with Rosalind.” I thought to mention the fact that Mr. Carlyle now knew about the pet, but I decided to keep it to myself. “We should send Allette for some tea.”
“I had a nap.” She yawned, stretching. “Tea would be nice. I need to wake up.” Wandering to the window, she drew aside the drapes, eyeing the street. “It’s nice out there. Not a cloud in sight.”
“It was lovely this morning.”
“Best enjoy it, while it lasts. Winter will be here soon enough.”
“That’s true.”
“He might move on by then. I don’t expect to be workin’ here much longer.”
That was disturbing. “Did you hear something?”
“No.” She rubbed her nose. “Just a hunch.”
“I’ll check on Rosalind.” I passed her, heading for the bedroom. “Don’t forget to order the tea.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Thank you.” In the quiet of the bedroom, I glanced at Rosalind, who lay on her back with the cat partially on her chest. It was entirely adorable, seeing the baby and the kitten together in this manner. Megan’s words echoed through my head…I don’t expect to be workin’ here much longer… “I hope you’re wrong about that,” I whispered.
I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, while waiting for the tea. Once it arrived, I joined Megan, sitting at the table in the parlor, enjoying the beverage. An hour later, I heard Rosalind babbling happily in her bed, suspecting the cat was keeping her company. It wasn’t until she began to fuss, that I went to get her. By then, it was darkening, the sun having drifted behind the mountains. It would be suppertime soon, and then I would have to talk to Mr. Carlyle, which I had been dreading.
He arrived shortly after Rosalind had been fed. Rosalind and I were in the living room, seated before the fire. The baby rolled from her tummy to her back, lifting her head to gaze at me. Mr. Carlyle took a place on the sofa, crossing one leg over the other.
“Where is the cat now?”
“In my room. It’ll stay there. It won’t bother you.”
“Yet you put it in bed with my daughter. Does she have scratches all over her face?”
“No, sir.”
He got to his feet, approaching. Kneeling, he reached for Rosalind, holding her before him. She squealed happily, kicking her feet. “I’m not used to things changing around me without my permission.”
“I’m sorry, sir. Paulina brought it over today. I had no idea she’d do that. I’ll give it back to her tomorrow after church.” I thought he would return to the sofa, but he sat next to me instead, crossing his legs before him. “The cat shouldn’t bother you at all. She won’t leave my room, I promise.”
“How will she…relieve herself?”
“We’ve a little box with sand.”
“In the room where my daughter sleeps?”
“I’ll clean it every day, sir.”
Rosalind was over his shoulder, while he stared at me. “You’ve got it all figured out.”
“No, but I’m trying not to inconvenience you. I was going to ask about the cat first, but then Paulina brought her before I was able.”
“What did you name it?”
“Judy named it Paws.”
“And was Ms. Dodd aware of this?”
“No, sir. She had no prior knowledge of it. This was all…my fault.”
His look was pragmatic. “What other surprises do you have in store for me?”
“None, sir.”
“Why do I doubt that?” His grin was slight, and I knew then that I had been forgiven. “You needn’t keep the cat in such a confined space. She may roam around, just not in my bedroom. Is that clear?”
“Yes,
sir.”
“And that sand box…you should put it where people don't sleep.”
“That’s a good idea.” Rosalind began to squirm, so he placed her on the blanket by my knee. I glanced at him. “Might I ask you something? It’s about church tomorrow.”
“Yes?”
“You’ll let me go, won’t you?”
“Of course. What do you take me for, some kind of heathen?”
His response pleased me greatly. “You’ve been invited to Paulina’s house for brunch and Megan and her children also. Do you have plans for tomorrow, sir?”
“It seems like it.” His gaze lingered on my face.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Mrs. Phillips is a lovely woman.”
“She is, but that has nothing to do with my plans.”
“It’s a shame you won’t be able to join us. You would’ve had the pleasure of meeting all the Hoffman’s and their numerous offspring. Paulina’s husband, Samuel, bakes a pig in the ground! They begin the process the day before and let it cook all night. It’s the most delicious thing ever.”
“And what makes you think I’ll miss it?”
“You said you had plans.”
“I do. I plan to take you and Megan and our growing brood to church and then to brunch.”
My happiness could not be contained. “I’m glad, sir.”
He touched my face, which was startling. “Such a pretty smile.”
That sent a shiver down my backbone; the feeling was remarkably agreeable, and I couldn’t help thinking what Megan said might be true. He had forgiven me for bringing a cat into his life, which was a minor miracle. My female instincts couldn’t possibly be wrong about his interest in me, could they?
Rosalind’s fussing broke the spell, his hand dropping. I picked her up, while I lay back on two large pillows. She was on my chest, resting comfortably, but I knew she would have to be fed soon and put to bed. The warmth of the fire left me heated and lazy. It was peculiar, but I was entirely at ease in Mr. Carlyle’s presence. He had taken two pillows from the sofa, as I had, and placed them behind his head. While the fire crackled and blazed, we basked in its warmth. The moment was languid and peaceful.
“You two get on remarkably well.”