Butterfly Palace

by Colleen Coble

  “I’ll send her right out. She’s fine though, sir.” Emily stepped back through the French doors into the dining room.

  Drew put down his fork and waited. What should he say to her? He couldn’t tell Lily why he’d left her. Better to let her think he didn’t care than to put her in more danger. Seeing her had knocked the props out from under him.

  When Lily stepped into the sunshine, his heart nearly stopped in his chest. She was even more beautiful than he’d remembered from last night. The sun illuminated the planes and angles of her cheekbones and deep-set eyes. Her smooth skin looked soft and touchable. A hint of a blush ran up her neck. How was it possible she was still single—and that she was here and not in Larson?

  “I like your hair down better,” he blurted when the silence grew between them.

  Her color deepened. “I’m a grown woman now, Andy. Not a callow girl to be taken in by your deceit.”

  Her words stung, but he couldn’t let her see him flinch. He rose and thrust his hands into his pockets. “What are you doing here, Lily? Why aren’t you home with your mother?”

  “She’s dead, and I have to earn my living.”

  A band of grief choked his voice. Her mother had been one of the sweetest women he’d ever met, and he loved her instead of the mother who had deserted him at the age of one.

  Lily’s eyes widened as she stared at him. The defiance on her face eased, and she touched his hand. “I know you cared about her.” When he started to take her hand, she snatched it away. “At least you appeared to, though I now question how you could leave us without a word.”

  He would have to ask her not to betray his identity. “Please remember to call me Drew here.”

  She lifted a perfectly formed brow. “I hardly think so. I’m a servant here. If I were presumptuous enough to use your first name, I would be sacked. I shall call you Mr. Hawkins.”

  “Hawkes. I’ve shortened my name.”

  She clasped her hands together at the front of her oh-so-proper black skirt. “What’s happened to you, Andy? The man I knew would not condone falsehood.”

  “The man you knew is dead.” When she flinched, he softened his tone. “There are things you don’t understand, Lily. I hope to explain myself someday, but it’s impossible right now. May I have your word to keep my secret?”

  Her gaze locked with his. “I can’t promise that. What legitimate reason could you have for hiding your identity? I once trusted you with every fiber of my being, but you broke that trust. What right do you have to ask me to keep silent while you deceive my employer?”

  No right. He gave a slow nod. “When is your next day off? I’d like to hear what’s happening back home.”

  “I don’t know. Mrs. O’Reilly has not told me my schedule yet.”

  He reached toward her but she stepped back. “Keep silent, Lily. There is a good explanation for my behavior.”

  “All of it?” Her words were barely above a whisper.

  His gaze fell from her penetrating gaze, and he let his head drop.

  “I see,” she said when he didn’t answer. “Very well. I will say nothing for now, but only because Mama loved you. As far as any relationship between you and me, you died to me long ago.”

  She turned and stepped back through the door. A faint scent of honeysuckle trailed her, a forgotten reminder of their love.

  Lily fumed about Andy as she prepared coddled eggs and toast. The young mistress had sent word to the kitchen that she wished the new maid to attend her this morning. The kitchen was empty at the moment, though she heard Emily talking to Mrs. O’Reilly in the dining room.

  The tea, brewed exactly three minutes per specification, was the perfect temperature when Lily loaded the items onto a solid silver tray and moved with haste up the back stairs to the main hallway on the second floor. Outside Belle’s door, she balanced the tray in one hand and tapped softly.

  “Come in.” Belle’s faint voice held impatience.

  Lily stepped inside the room and spied the young woman outside on the veranda. Seated on a small iron chair at a round table, Belle barely glanced up from the book in her hand. The white cover she wore over her nightgown was the finest silk, and her dark brown hair lay loose on her shoulders.

  The breeze, carrying with it the scent of grass and flowers, blew across the balcony railing. Lily eyed the flimsy look of the railing. She’d been afraid of high places ever since she got stuck in a tree trying to retrieve her kitten when she was five. It was a long way down to the stone patio from here.

  She averted her gaze from the ground and set the tray on the small round table. “I brought your breakfast, miss.”

  “So I see. I’m not really hungry this morning.” Belle put down her book and picked up a piece of toast. “You are the new maid?” Her tone held challenge.

  Lily curtsied. “I’m the new kitchen maid, Miss Belle. Lily Donaldson. I arrived just last night from Larson.”

  Belle’s gaze swept over her. “My cousin spoke quite highly of you.”

  Lily smiled and nodded. “Mr. Castle is a good man. He loves you very much.”

  Belle blinked fiercely. “I miss him. He is well?”

  “Very well.”

  Belle looked down at the tray. “I suppose I must eat. I have to go on a carriage ride with Mr. Vesters.” Her lip curled. “I can’t abide the man, but my uncle insists.”

  Lily poured the tea into a nearly translucent cup. “He was at the party? I’m not sure which gentleman he was.”

  “He was the short fellow with the red face. And he’s always perspiring.” Belle wrinkled her nose.

  Lily remembered him. He’d been talking to Andy and her employer. “He’s looking for a wife?” She took the cover off the eggs, then spread the linen napkin on Belle’s lap.

  Belle put her book facedown on the table. “Unfortunately, my uncle seems determined I’m to be that bride.”

  Lily couldn’t imagine being pressured to marry someone. Her mother had always allowed her to make her own decisions. She barely suppressed a shudder at the thought of sharing a bed with someone she didn’t love. Heat raced to her cheeks at the memory of doing just that with Andy. And he’d betrayed her though she’d loved him with all her heart.

  “I’d like some tea this afternoon. Please bring it up around three.”

  Lily hesitated. “I’ll tell Mrs. O’Reilly. She’ll make sure it’s here.”

  “I want you to bring it.”

  Lily bit her lip. “I’ll try, Miss Belle, but Mrs. O’Reilly directs my work.” When Belle glowered, Lily gulped and retreated to the bedroom to pick up the discarded dresses and undergarments.

  A shadow blocked the sunshine, and she turned to see Belle in the doorway. “Did you need something, Miss Belle?”

  “I saw you speaking with Mr. Hawkes in the garden this morning. You seemed rather comfortable with him.” Her eyes sparkled with accusation.

  Heat seared Lily’s cheeks. “He did knock me down. I think he wanted to assure himself I was unharmed.” She draped the clothing over the back of the chair by the door.

  “It appeared to be more than that to me.”

  Lily dropped her gaze. Had Belle seen her touch Andy’s hand? It had been quite familiar. She’d promised not to betray him. A tiny white lie lingered on her tongue, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak it. “Emily showed me the stain on your dress. I hope to be able to repair it later today. In the morning light, it’s not as bad as we’d thought.”

  “Truly? I did like that dress.” She waved a hand toward the wardrobe. “Now that you’re here, you can button my dress. My aunt keeps telling me to hire a lady’s maid, but I’m not at all fond of the idea. The creatures are usually scuttling around behind one’s back telling tales. I don’t suppose you know enough yet to carry stories to the kitchen.”

  “I wouldn’t anyway, Miss Belle.” Lily moved to the wardrobe. “What would you like to wear?” She tugged open the heavy door and surveyed the myriad options of colorful attire.
A faint scent of cedar wafted from the interior.

  Belle waved her hand. “I don’t care. I hardly wish to impress Mr. Vesters.”

  “How about this silk?” Lily pulled out a deep garnet dress. “It would look lovely with your eyes and hair. The trailing skirt is very stylish.”

  “It’s new.” Belle allowed Lily to remove her nightgown, then drop the dress over her head and fasten it in the back. Then Belle sat on the small stool in front of the dressing table. “See what you can do with my hair. I want it up as tightly as possible. No curls, nothing to make me look too attractive.”

  Lily nodded and picked up the silver hairbrush. Belle’s hair was thick and fine. Trying to be gentle, she managed to get it up in a tight bun at the back of Belle’s head. “I think it’s impossible to make you less attractive, Miss Belle.”

  Belle turned her head from one side to the other and stared at herself in the mirror. “No blush today, no powder. And maybe another dress instead. This one is too flashy. It screams, ‘Look at me.’ ” She rose and went to the wardrobe again. “This one.” She selected a dark brown one.

  Lily helped her change, then nodded. “A good choice, but you are still very lovely.” The darker color made Belle appear pale and fragile. A flower who needed tending. Any man worthy of the name would want to be the one to care for her.

  Belle turned toward the still-open French doors. “I’m hungry now, Lily. Would you fix me some hot food? This is quite cold. And tea as well.”

  “Of course, Miss Belle.” Lily retrieved the cold breakfast.

  A tap sounded on the door, and Mrs. Marshall poked her head in. “Oh good, you’re up.” She stepped into the room and closed the door behind her. “Lily did your hair, I see. She’s quite good, isn’t she?”

  Belle shrugged. “It’s all right.”

  “I think it’s time we hired you a lady’s maid. In fact, I believe Lily will do quite well for you.”

  Belle’s head came up and her eyes flashed. “I have no wish for a maid. I can call Lily when I need her.”

  Mrs. Marshall pressed her lips together. “I’m afraid your uncle insists. It’s time you were married. Lily understands fashion, and she’s quite a good seamstress. She will be an ally when you go to your married home too.”

  “She’s much too pretty.” Belle bit her lip as though she was sorry she’d let the words slip out.

  Mrs. Marshall laughed. “She’s no competition for you.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “I’m not sure you have a choice. You’ll have to discuss it with your uncle if you decide against my best advice.” Mrs. Marshall opened the door.

  Lily swallowed hard. Was this to be her life? Running after a spoiled young woman who didn’t know her own mind from one moment to the next?

  FIVE

  The stain on the green dress could no longer be seen. Lily hung it in the closet. Her gaze swept the room. She’d only been here a day, but she still gaped at the opulence. She allowed herself a chance to really take in the bedroom.

  The curtains at the French doors were silk. The rich color on the wall was of the highest quality. The bedclothes were the softest satin. And the closet! Lily had never seen so many dresses and shoes.

  Emily peeked her white-capped head in. “Mrs. O’Reilly sent me to train you.” She stepped into the room. “I’ll help you make the bed. The sheets were just changed yesterday.”

  Emily had taken the news of Lily’s possible promotion with only a flicker of her lids, but Lily knew the other woman had wanted this position. “That would be lovely. Emily, I really don’t want this job, you know. I’m hoping Belle says no.”

  Emily shrugged. “So you say.”

  “It’s true. I—I need a friend here, and we are to share a room. It will be quite uncomfortable if you’re angry with me.”

  “I’m not angry. Just perplexed over how you managed this so quickly.”

  “I did only what I was asked to do. Truly. Things just happened after that.”

  Emily lifted her head and studied Lily’s face. “I think I’ll be stuck in the kitchen forever.” Her eyes brightened. “Could you teach me what you know? About hair and fashion, I mean?”

  “Of course! I brought my Godey’s books, and we can look at them at night.”

  Emily smiled and looked around the room. “Has Miss Belle given you instructions on how she likes things done yet? You’ll need to know whether or not she takes you on as her maid.”

  Lily shook her head. “She went on a drive with Mr. Vesters.”

  “She likes her sheets washed every three days. The morning room floor is to be swept every morning with fresh linen laid before she gets up.” She pointed. “Miss Belle calls the veranda her morning room though it’s outside. Confusing, I know.”

  “I didn’t get that done this morning. I wasn’t sure what was to be done.”

  Emily shrugged. “You only had three hours of sleep.”

  “None, really. I never fell asleep last night. It was too loud and strange.”

  Emily’s merry hazel eyes sparkled. “It’s a lively city for sure. Anyway, she likes every gown cleaned after wearing. Just under the arms and any spots. She won’t wear it any longer once she’s worn it three times.”

  “Just three times?” Lily couldn’t imagine such waste.

  “We usually get her castoffs.” Emily’s smile widened. “Though where she expects us to wear something so grand, I have no idea. I’ve gotten three so far, and I’ve taken off trim and made them a little plainer so I can wear them to church.”

  “You’re allowed to go to church?”

  “We take turns. I get to go once a month. I’ll let Mrs. O’Reilly know you’d like to go too.” Emily moved to the bed and pulled off the sheets. “Miss Belle likes the bed made from scratch so the sheets are taut and without wrinkles.”

  Lily went to the far side of the bed and began to help Emily make it. Emily showed her how to make the corner tight. Lily had never seen it done so precisely. Suddenly, she wanted to get back on the train and ride it straight to Larson.

  Emily stared at her. “You’re looking a little blue. You’ll get the hang of this soon enough, love. I’ve only been here a year, and I know everything about this house.” She lowered her voice. “Including the gossip.”

  Lily smiled back. “Everyone seems quite proper. I’m surprised there is anything to talk about.”

  “You’d be surprised. Take Mrs. O’Reilly. Lovely woman. Fair and hardworking. But she likes a bit of wine on the evenings she goes out with her male friend.”

  “Does he work here too?”

  Emily shook her head as she flipped the quilt onto the bed. “He manages the stable for the Karrs. Mrs. O’Reilly only gets to see him once a week, but she comes in blushing like a girl. I don’t think he plans to marry her though. I’ve seen his kind. He pinched my backside once when she wasn’t looking. Now I make sure I’m working in another room when he comes. She’s too good for him.”

  “You didn’t tell her?”

  “Lord no, love. She’s fair, but I’m not going to be the target of her jealousy. I just keep my head down and do my job.”

  Lily was beginning to like Emily quite a lot. Down to earth, kind, and unassuming. She didn’t hide her feelings either. “Thank you for taking me under your wing, Emily. I’d be very lost without you.”

  “I try to do my part,” she said cheerfully. “Let’s see, what else? Oh yes, Mrs. Marshall. She took quite a shine to you.”

  “I don’t quite know how it happened.”

  “She’s a sweet lady. No airs, that one. She won’t even have a maid do for her, and she cleans their bedroom herself. If she needs to be buttoned up, she has Mr. Marshall do the buttoning. But he’s more likely to do the unbuttoning, if you know what I mean.” Emily winked. “Those two hold hands like newlyweds. Well, they are newlyweds. They’ve only been married a year. She was the ambassador’s widow.”

  “Only a year? I assumed they’d been married ma
ny years.”

  Emily shook her head. “The first Mrs. Marshall died in childbirth. It’s been Mr. Marshall’s greatest sorrow not to have children. He has me buy things regularly for the orphanage and run them by. They’ve doted on Belle ever since they took her in when her father, the dead Mrs. Marshall’s brother, died. Which is probably why she’s the way she is.”

  “Demanding?” Lily had seen enough of her new mistress to know serving her would be challenging.

  “Poor chit deserves some attention though. Her mother doted on her brothers and barely noticed Belle’s presence. Her dad did too, and he was overbearing to boot. At least so I hear. He lavished nice things on Belle, but she was no more noticed than the dog on the rug.”

  “And Mr. Marshall? It seems he could look right through you with his gray eyes.”

  “I’d marry the man myself if he were single.” Emily smiled. “He’s running for senator in the national election, and everyone loves him. He’s got some great ideas, and he cares about the working class. Our wages are more than fair, and he often steps into the kitchen to see if we need anything.”

  “I didn’t realize he was a politician. Belle seemed angry with him last night. She said he wants her to marry Mr. Vesters.”

  Emily rolled her eyes. “She adores her uncle. She was just angry with him last night. He wants her settled with some money. Her father was well-to-do, but he lost his money in a bad investment just before he died. Mr. Marshall would support her forever, but he wants her to be comfortable and in charge of her own home.”

  “How do you know all these things?” Lily was in awe of the information her roommate seemed to possess.

  Emily tapped her ear. “I keep my ears open and my wits about me. You’d do well to do the same.”

  Belle was quite weary from dealing with Stuart by teatime. She took off her hat when she entered the drawing room. “I’m perishing for some iced tea and cookies.”

  The new girl, Lily, turned at her voice and smiled. “I just brought in a tray, Miss Belle.”

  She was unlike any other maid. Not that Belle had noticed the servants all that much. The woman seemed to have a strong sense of herself. Most of the housemaids looked at Belle with awe. This one looked calmly back as though she were equal. The circumstances of Lily’s employment were unusual. Perhaps Belle should put her in her place and make sure she understood her role here.