Between Sunrise and Sunset, page 5
He’d have to be more careful—more observant. Folding his napkin, he laid it neatly beside his plate, rising to his feet. As he moved to leave the room, he took one last glance at the table, at the spot where Katherine had been. No longer there, he wondered—could he be a bit unbalanced? If so—there were worse things—losing Katherine again would be one of them.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Fortune leaves always some door open…”
–Miguel de Cervantes
Three weeks had passed since the day in the market, when the constable had delivered Lainey into the capable hands of the good Reverend Porter. The weather had turned colder, the rains had increased, and nightfall came earlier. Lainey had settled in well at the Porter’s home and was coming to much appreciate the Reverend and his wife. Mrs. Porter tried hard to be stern. But after learning about Lainey’s experience with Master Harold, she developed sympathies for the girl.
“It’s a hard matter having a pretty face,” she’d say randomly. Or, “With beauty such as yours, you’d be the talk of the season if circumstances were different.”
Lainey laughed when Mrs. Porter first said that. If circumstances were different, Lainey wouldn’t be living in their home, sleeping on a cot in the corner of the kitchen. If circumstances were different, her family would be together—her parents and oldest brother wouldn’t be in the grave, and Robert wouldn’t be halfway across the world serving the Queen. If circumstances were different, why…Lainey herself could be the queen of England. She really would be the talk of the season. And men similar to Prince Albert would be kissing her hand and seeking her favor and approval.
But circumstances were not different. Instead, Lainey cooked for the Porters. She stood in the chilling rain cutting back plants and turning the soil, priming the garden for winter. And all the while, she dreamed of Robert and his letters about turquoise oceans and warm breezes. Those descriptions, and the thought of seeing her brother, drove her on and kept her focused.
That afternoon, she sat near a window repairing a tear in Reverend Porter’s breeches. Frequently when the man mounted a horse, a seam gave way. Rain, mixed with an occasional snowflake, made her glad that she had finished the garden preparations. She was warm. And a delightful fragrance of herbs, carrots, onions, celery, and rabbit wafted from the kitchen. She hadn’t been hungry in nearly a month now. Almost long enough to forget what her life had been …almost.
“Mrs. Porter!” the Reverend called as he walked in the door. “Mrs. Porter, I have news!”
The stout woman emerged from the kitchen. “What is it, Mr. Porter?”
He shook droplets off his coat and hung it on a spindly coat tree near the door. “Good fortune has come.”
“What? What is it?”
“I have news from Montrose.” The Reverend walked over and warmed his hands near the fire. “Master Montgomery is engaged to be married. And you will never guess who the lucky young woman is. You’ll never guess.”
“Well…if I’ll never guess, why don’t you just tell me?” Mrs. Porter landed her hands on her hips. Lainey smiled. She’d seen the same gesture a number of times whenever Mrs. Porter was agitated with her husband.
“Miss Marianne Hilton,” he said in triumph, as if he’d arranged the marriage himself.
“Well, I’ll be…” Mrs. Porter took one of the armchairs near the fire. “I never thought he’d find love again…after Lady Katherine.”
“It’s to be a marvelous affair. But more…if they have such a celebration coming, of course they will need help.” He turned to Lainey. “I believe we have found you some employment. I’ve sent word to Lady Montgomery that I have a matter to discuss with her. We will go tomorrow afternoon.”
Lainey laid the sewing in her lap.
“Mrs. Porter, will you write a letter for her ladyship explaining all of Miss Clarkson’s skills and how valuable you’ve found her.”
With a frown, Mrs. Porter turned to Lainey. “This would be a wonderful opportunity for you. But I must say, I have enjoyed your company and will miss having you here.”
Lainey swallowed hard. While she, too, had become fond of Mrs. Porter, she knew she wouldn’t stay long. She needed to be in Liverpool by spring. The Porters had paid her in room and board—nothing more. Working for the Montgomery family—well, hopefully in a matter of months she might find her way. She clasped a hand around her locket—this was good news. It would take her to her family.
⁕⁓⁕⁓⁕
Lainey pulled her shawl tighter, fighting off the chilled air, sitting beside Reverend Porter, as they made their way to Montrose Manor. Mrs. Porter spent the morning telling Lainey all about the Montgomery family, at least what she knew. They appeared to be decent folk, but the Warringtons seemed like decent folks, too. That is, until they weren’t.
Lainey fidgeted with her locket, a habit when she was nervous. The Reverend was presenting her without knowing if the Montgomerys were in need of any additional household staff. Between the Reverend and his wife, they hoped to convince Lady Montgomery to take Lainey on even if there wasn’t a need.
As they rode toward the manor, Lainey ran proper conversation through her mind, remembering the lessons she’d been taught by Mrs. Crowthers while serving at Harlsburg Manor. They turned onto a stone bridge and the stately home came into view.
Somehow, when estates were planned, the designers had to make some grand show of the first appearance from the road. Montrose Manor was no exception. The house appeared in all its resplendent beauty. And a beauty it was, one of the grandest Lainey had ever seen. Unlike Harlsburg, which was made of stone and more stone giving it the feeling of a castle, Montrose was a grand Tudor mansion sprawled out over a lush, green lawn with manicured gardens to one side. Of course, this time of year, the gardens were barren, but Lainey could imagine their glory and hoped there were more behind the house that she could not see.
As the carriage pulled up to the entrance, a liveried footman approached, taking control of the horses. Reverend Porter hopped down from the wooden seat, coming to aid Lainey from the carriage. It was a gallant gesture for a man to offer a servant girl, reminding Lainey of the good fortune she’d had in being placed with the Porters.
Together they walked to the heavy, mahogany door that stood in a brick alcove. Reverend Porter with an iron knocker, rapped on the door. A few minutes passed before they heard the latches being lifted and the door swung open revealing a portly butler, dressed in a dark suit.
“Ah, Reverend Porter. Lady Montgomery is expecting you. Please…” He stretched out an arm, welcoming the Reverend into the home. As Lainey followed, she felt the man’s scrutiny. She was only being allowed to enter because she was with the Reverend.
“How does the day find you, Mr. Hollingsworth?” The Reverend asked, using the butler’s name for Lainey’s benefit. The Porters had reviewed important names with Lainey before bringing her to meet with Lady Montgomery. She repeated this name in her mind, associating it with the butler’s round face.
“I am well, sir.” Mr. Hollingsworth motioned to his left. “If you will wait here, I will notify her Ladyship of your arrival.”
“He’s a bit imposing,” The Reverend whispered as the man walked out of the parlor. “But truthfully, he’s a good man. A trusted employee. His wife is the housekeeper.”
Lainey raised her eyebrows.
“I know. I know, unusual,” the Reverend said in response.
Standing in place, Lainey took in the room as they waited. For a parlor, it was small. Or it felt small because of the dark paneling that covered the walls. Reverend Porter took a seat on an upholstered chair with ornately carved armrests. Across from him, there was a lovely settee and a few odd chairs with tables nearby. Sconces hung about the room, which at night would add light and ambiance. During the day, the large leaded glass window allowed plenty of light.
As Lainey was about to take a step toward the fireplace to get a closer view of the art hanging above the mantel, the door opened, and Mr. Hollingsworth returned.
“Her Ladyship is ready for you.”
The Reverend rose to his feet. Lainey followed behind watching for other staff members as they went. After a short walk down another darkly paneled hallway, Mr. Hollingsworth stopped before a small alcove that surrounded a beautiful, beveled walnut door. He knocked, opening the door without waiting for a response.
Entering the room, he turned to the side to allow the Reverend a clear path into what appeared to be a bright and warm office. “Reverend Porter and guest, ma’am.”
Over the Reverend’s shoulder, Lainey saw two women standing behind a mahogany desk, studying what appeared to be a ledger. At the sound of Mr. Hollingsworth’s voice, they both looked up. Mother and daughter, Lainey thought, catching the resemblance between them.
“Reverend Porter,” the older woman said as she floated out from behind the desk, hands outstretched. “It’s so lovely to see you.” With both hands she grasped his as he leaned into a formal bow.
“Lady Montgomery. Thank you for meeting me today. Miss Montgomery,” he added with an acknowledging bow in the young woman’s direction.
“Yes. Yes. Well, it is a bit inconvenient. You’ll notice,” she waved a hand toward the younger woman, “Charlotte and I are planning a dinner party.” She leaned in. “Young Master Montgomery is engaged.”
“Congratulations, Madame. That is happy news.”
“It is, it is,” she said, turning to take her place behind the desk.
“Lady Montgomery, Miss Charlotte, may I please present Miss Alaina Clarkson.”
Lainey curtsied as both women turned in her direction. The younger woman’s expression brightened.
“She is actually why I asked to meet with you today,” Reverend Porter continued.
“Oh?”
“This is a bit awkward, your Ladyship, but Master Montgomery has put me in a delicate position, and I was hoping that you might offer some assistance.”
Miss Montgomery smiled while her mother frowned. Apparently, this was not the first time Master Montgomery had put someone in a delicate position.
“What is it you desire?”
The Reverend took a few steps closer to the women. Lainey remained where she was, afraid to move lest she draw attention to herself too soon. And besides, where she stood, she had the heat from the fire to ward off any chill.
“Well, some weeks ago, while in town, Master Montgomery gave some assistance to Miss Clarkson. She had traveled a long distance and was hungry and fatigued. He purchased some food for her…”
“That was generous of him.”
“Yes, ma’am. He is forever kind and generous.”
Lainey had to agree. Master Montgomery had been nothing short of a savior that day. But experience had taught her that few rescues were offered freely. She wondered what this Master Montgomery might require from her in payment. The thought made her shiver despite the warmth of the fire.
The Reverend paused for a moment, clearing his throat. “Afterwards, he requested that I take the girl in and try to find her some employment.”
Lady Montgomery’s eyes narrowed.
“I have tried to locate some useful employ for her. She is skilled and has worked as a domestic before. But alas, I have had little luck.”
“You are questioning if I might take her on.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
“Does she have references?”
Lainey held her breath as Reverend Porter pulled his wife’s letter from his breast coat pocket, passing it quickly to her Ladyship. Lainey wanted this job desperately. What would Lady Montgomery think of a reference given by Mrs. Porter alone?
Lady Montgomery opened the letter, never taking her eye off Lainey.
Lainey stood tall and straight and, unable to contain her nerves, palmed the front of her skirt hoping to make it more respectable. Unfortunately, the action drew the lady’s eyes to the skirt, which led to the tattered bottom. It was a fleeting examination, but Lainey was sure the woman took in everything. On first impressions, Lady Montgomery was not a flighty or ignorant woman.
Her Ladyship glanced down at the paper in her hand. “Mr. Porter…this letter is from Mrs. Porter.” Lainey’s heart wilted, what little hope she had slipping away.
“Yes, Ma’am. Miss Clarkson has been earning her room and board at the rectory by working for us. We can attest to her skills.”
“This is most unusual,” Lady Montgomery muttered as she returned her attention to the letter. After reading through, she raised her eyes and while she addressed the Reverend, she sized up Lainey. “Are there no other references?”
“I’m afraid not. Her first employer is no longer in a position to grant any references.”
“You said her first. That implies a second or third. Where are those references?”
“If I may, ma’am,” Lainey said, stepping forward and dipping into a deep curtsy.
Lady Montgomery waved her hand. “Get up. I’m not royalty.”
Lainey straightened and waited for permission to speak, hoping she showed the manners and training needed for household staff.
“Go on, please.” Lady Montgomery said.
Nervous, Lainey reached for her locket. All hope of being with her brother seemed to evaporate as quickly as a morning mist. If she were ever to be with him again, she somehow had to convince Lady Montgomery to take her on.
“My last employer…”
“Miss Clarkson had to leave her last employer for safety reasons,” Reverend Porter said. Lainey glanced between the Reverend and her Ladyship, mortified at the blunt explanation.
“Safety reasons?” Lady Montgomery repeated with a frown. She glanced from the Reverend to Lainey. After a moment’s thought, her eyes grew wide in understanding. “That being as it may,” she said, “I can’t in good…”
“I’ll take her,” Charlotte burst in, surprising both her mother and Lainey.
“Charlotte.”
“She can be my lady’s maid.”
“You have a lady’s maid.”
“Who has one foot in the grave. Please, Mother…Mrs. James is so old!”
Lady Montgomery sighed, giving her daughter a stern scowl. She turned back to Lainey. “Do you have any experience as a lady’s maid?”
She wanted to lie, to make up a grand story of a great lady she had served. But, alas, her shoulders slumped.
“No, ma’am,” Lainey answered, certain she’d lost her chance.
“Well, then I’m afraid Reverend…”
“How difficult can it be, Mother? Certainly, she can lace up a corset.”
“Charlotte! A lady does not discuss her personal garments in front of a…”
“For heaven’s sake…the Reverend knows all about corsets.” Charlotte waved a hand in Lainey’s direction. “I’m sure she is capable of helping me dress. And…do you know how to do hair?” Charlotte asked, directing her question to Lainey.
“What I don’t know, I can figure out,” Lainey replied.
“There. See? She will do marvelously. And it will be such a joy to have someone closer to my age instead of Grandmother’s. Really, Mother, she will do splendidly. And I can take her with me when I marry.”
Lainey bit her lip—no need to divulge future plans. Hiding her hand in her skirts, she crossed her fingers.
Lady Montgomery sighed, her eyes darting between her daughter and Lainey. Both Lainey and the Reverend held their breaths. Lainey knew she was unproven. While she hoped Mrs. Porter’s recommendation would sway Lady Montgomery, she knew the job would be uncomfortable. She’d be serving in an area she had few skills for. But Miss Charlotte appeared hopeful and eager. Certainly, her Ladyship wouldn’t deny her daughter what she truly wanted
“Very well,” Lady Montgomery said. “We will take her on, Reverend Porter. But if there are any troubles, we will have no problem in sending her right back to your doorstep.”
If Lainey could have, she would have thrown her arms around Miss Charlotte and cried in gratitude. As it was, she fought to keep an overexuberant smile from her lips.
The Reverend bowed. “I assure you, Lady Montgomery, you will not be sorry. Miss Clarkson is a quick learner and a hard worker. It will not take long for you to be satisfied with your decision.”
Lady Montgomery walked around her desk and took a seat. She did not appear satisfied. “Mr. Hollingsworth,” she said to the butler who had been waiting quietly in a far corner of the room. He stepped forward at the sound of his name. “Please take Miss Clarkson to meet with Mrs. Hollingsworth. Have her show the girl around, give her a bed and…” She again examined Lainey’s dress. “…get her an appropriate dress. Charlotte, you will stay here to help with the dinner plans and afterwards you may start training Miss Clarkson in her new responsibilities. I hope you appreciate what you’ve done.”
Mr. Hollingsworth extended an arm to direct Lainey and The Reverend from the room. Before stepping through the door, Lainey glanced back, catching Miss Charlotte’s eye. Charlotte winked at her. Lainey lowered her head and smiled. Montrose may turn out to be a fine place to work as she waited to make her journey to her brother Robert.
CHAPTER SIX
“Happy is the house that shelters a friend”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mrs. Hollingsworth, a tall, thin, severe-looking woman, who wore her graying hair in a tight bun and spoke in short, sharp sentences, passed Lainey off to one of the other housemaids as quickly as she could. Jane smiled and curtsied slightly as Lainey was introduced.
As Mrs. Hollingsworth walked away, she muttered, “I don’t have time for this. A lady’s maid for Charlotte. Hardly seems necessary.”
