Engaging Deception, page 14
Maxfield winced. He’d walked into that trap on his own. “That’s not the point. If you thought my design wasn’t good enough, why not hire Austin Allen? Why not consult with someone who is a trained architect? I don’t know what your builder’s credentials are, but I’d never heard of him before this.”
“His credentials are that he built my miners’ center and finished it on time. Also, he gave me some good plans for how to change my parlor into a living hall and add . . . oh . . . a ladies’ parlor? I don’t remember what we decided to go with, but I remember that I wholeheartedly approved at the time.”
“You don’t remember what the changes are? How long did you contemplate this project before letting Amos Kentworth tear down my wall?”
“Don’t take it to heart, Maxfield.” Mr. Blount tucked his pocket watch into his pocket, then twisted his vest around so the buttons aligned correctly. “Next time I undertake a change, I’ll give you another shot at it. Good day!”
Maxfield watched as Blount hurried down the hall, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet. Next time he had a change? He hadn’t expected the conversation to be easy, but he hadn’t expected it to be so frustrating.
As long as he was working through his list of things he was dreading, he might as well get his apology to Ruby behind him. He walked out of the Blount mining offices and down Fourth Street toward Ruby’s hotel. It wasn’t that he was dreading seeing her. It was just that he’d gotten off track. They had quarreled, he’d been angry, and then . . . Well, he needed to get back to Ruby. There was safety in her prattle and cheer. Besides, as of late, he’d enjoyed his routine. Coming home to the children after work. Spending some time with them before going out for entertainment with Ruby, then coming home to a quiet and peaceful house, followed by a peaceful walk through the neighborhood to take Miss Kentworth home before retiring for the night.
Miss Kentworth. What had gotten into her? Max thought he was a good judge of people, but he never suspected that she would respond to his kiss as she had.
Could she have feelings for him? He regarded her highly, but never considered that she might feel the same. She must be better at hiding secrets than he’d have credited her for. Or maybe she hadn’t meant to respond so enthusiastically. Maybe they’d both made the same mistake. Either way, he had to stop thinking about it.
But that wasn’t so easy.
Maxfield walked through the lobby of the hotel and was immediately spotted by Mrs. Dennis as she exited the elevator.
“Mr. Scott, are you here to take me to my new house? The suspense has been my undoing.”
“You can’t mean you haven’t seen it? I know you and Ruby walk by daily.”
“But I haven’t been inside. When will you think it safe enough?”
Safe enough? Until there was nothing undone above their heads that could fall, nothing underfoot they could trip on, and nothing being hauled around, it wasn’t safe. “The time is coming,” he said. “The interior doors are being hung and the woodwork is getting completed. Once we have the tools out of the way and all the debris removed, it’ll be a much more pleasant experience for you ladies. I don’t want your first impression to be a bad one.”
She waved a graceful hand. “Be sure to let me know when you can. I’m headed to the upholsterers to pick out fabric for our new furniture. Every day that I can’t see the finished product makes me question my decisions more and more.”
“It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.” Then, looking to the elevator, he added, “Is Miss Dennis at home?”
“She is going to Dellmar’s to check on a sideboard I had ordered. She’ll be down in a minute if you’d like to wait.”
“Of course.” Here was a task he felt he could help with. Women didn’t usually visit Mr. Dellmar’s woodworking shop. It’d be nice to do something productive with Ruby. Life didn’t consist of only concerts and theatricals.
When the elevator doors opened, Ruby strode out with a glum expression. Arms swinging as she marched forward, she walked right past him. Spinning on his toe, Maxfield fell into step with her.
“I would like to apologize.” Better to cover a host of offenses without specifics.
Ruby spared him only the quickest glance. “You should’ve seen the commotion you caused. By the time I reached the shoreline, you were a legend and I the harpy that drove you to such desperate measures.”
“I was trying to protect you from my bad mood. You deserve only the best of me, and I didn’t have enough of that to offer.”
With a jut of her chin, she looped her arm through his. “Honestly, if you weren’t going to cheer up, I’d have rather you jumped into the lake. You weren’t mistaken.”
With Ruby’s high spirits, one might think her as volatile as a spring storm, but in truth, she was steadfast. You could always count on her if you were looking to have a good time. A good time without anyone taking anything seriously.
Time to reengage and thus protect innocent governesses from his escapades. “Well, I’m over my sulk, so you no longer have to worry about me undertaking any alarming escapes.”
“I’m glad to hear it. To celebrate, why don’t we ride the trolley out to the Crystal Cave and see that again? I can’t get it out of my mind how beautiful it was. Also, the pecan cookies were delicious. I could use another of those this morning.”
“I thought you were checking on a sideboard your mother ordered?”
She waved her hand before her face. “She won’t mind—she can do it herself—but we have a chance at an unexpected treat. You’re never free on a workday in the morning.”
Neither should he be free now. If he wasn’t helping Ruby with her errands, he might as well get back to his office and work on drafts. Any time spent touring would be time wasted.
“I don’t have time to go to the Crystal Cave, but I’d enjoy seeing what you ordered for the house. Besides, I can’t bear the thought of you having to do that tiresome chore alone.”
That brought the flush of gratitude to her cheeks. “Alright, then. Seeing that there’s no lake for me to throw you into, I suppose I don’t have a choice.”
The furniture was being constructed by the same woodworker who created the jigsaw work adorning the house, a decision that Mrs. Dennis had made early in the construction. The shop wasn’t the kind of place that a lady frequented, which was why Maxfield was surprised to see Miss Kentworth at the counter.
“Yes, you have a nice collection,” Olive said to Mr. Dellmar as she walked the length of his display rack. “Can I pick out five or so different cuts and then bring them back?”
He wiped the sawdust and sweat from his bald head. “Can’t make up your mind, darling?”
Olive eyed the different choices. “It’s the builder who needs to see them. I’ll take them to him and the owner, and they’ll decide.” She’d take them to Mrs. Blount, and she and Mrs. Blount would decide on what braces they wanted to include in the fireplace mantel.
“You bet. Pick out what you want, while I help Miss Dennis.”
Olive took two brackets off the display rack and turned them in her hands, comparing them. Which was closest to what Mr. Scott had used on the rest of the house? Had she been paying attention, she would’ve registered the name that Dellmar dropped. Instead, she was completely caught off guard when Mr. Scott stepped into view.
“Miss Kentworth. What brings you here?” His suit was sharp and crisp and his face clean shaven. And the lady on his arm glittered like new pennies.
Olive searched his face. Gone was any connection they’d shared earlier. Another look at the curious woman and she realized why.
The two brackets in her hands required an explanation. “The birdhouses,” she stammered. “I’m building another birdhouse.”
Mr. Scott raised an eyebrow. “Building another? You didn’t build those, did you?”
Why hadn’t she said that something on her porch needed repairing? Because her porch wasn’t in disrepair and now that he’d been in her front and back yard, he knew that.
“I’m . . . I’m . . .” She couldn’t take her eyes off the gorgeous woman on his arm. “I’m Olive Kentworth,” she said. “You must be Miss Dennis?”
“Call me Ruby.” She grabbed Olive’s hand and shook it vigorously. “Everyone else does.” She looked to Mr. Scott and then to Olive. “Max, she beat you to the introduction. That’s so unlike you.”
He obviously had other things on his mind. They both did. “My apologies. Miss Kentworth watches Leo and Stella in the evenings when Mrs. Wester goes home.”
“Rea-lly?” Her smile went even brighter, too bright.
Olive didn’t like the forced gaiety. She also didn’t like that Ruby didn’t seem the least threatened. Ruby didn’t know. He hadn’t told her. Why would he? What happened had meant nothing.
“Without Miss Kentworth, I wouldn’t be free to escort you in the evenings.” It was uncharacteristic of Mr. Scott to explain himself, but it was a peculiar situation.
“What do you do when you aren’t watching children, Miss Kentworth? Is building birdhouses a hobby of yours?”
Olive hated being the center of attention and she particularly hated this type of attention. If her cousin Calista were there, she’d put this girl in her place with a cold stare. Her cousin Maisie would do it with a right hook. Olive’s only weapons were perseverance and a knack for discernment.
“I like to read,” she said. “And I keep the house for my father.”
“She likes poetry,” Mr. Scott added. “She’s kept a volume of poetry from my library for a month now.”
Uh-oh. She’d forgotten the book she’d taken as an excuse to browse through his library. “I’ll bring it back. I didn’t mean to keep it so long.”
“No need. Keep it as long as you like. I’m not missing it.”
“I never knew you to be a connoisseur of poetry,” said Ruby. Her eyelashes actually fluttered as she elbowed Mr. Scott. “Who is this poet that you two are sharing?”
“Miss Kentworth found it on my shelf. What was it?”
Olive closed her eyes. In vain she tried to summon up the cover and see the name. It started with a W? Or was it a collection of poems? She didn’t know. She’d never looked beyond the cover. “I don’t remember. Browning, maybe? Something about the Portuguese? I’m sure they are excellent poems. It’s just that I don’t remember.”
Ruby cleared her throat and began quoting,
“Take, O take those lips away,
That so sweetly were forsworn;
And those eyes, the break of day,
Lights that do mislead the morn:
But my kisses bring again;
Seals of love, but seal’d in vain, sealed in vain.”
Olive’s eyes flashed to Mr. Scott’s in a panic. He looked twice as alarmed.
“That’s not Browning.” His lips were pulled tight. “I’m confident that’s neither of the Brownings.”
Ruby giggled and hugged his arm. “I don’t remember where I heard that, but it stuck with me.”
“I’m sure Miss Kentworth has more important things to do besides listen to poetry,” he said.
“Yes, if you’ll excuse me.” Forgetting about her brackets, Olive moved toward the door, kicking up a cloud of sawdust in her hurry.
“Wait, Miss Kentworth,” said Ruby. “I’d very much like to get to know you. Perhaps you and a beau could accompany me and Maxfield to a concert this weekend? Even if the concert is dull, I’m very entertaining, and the Schifferdecker Electric Park is superb.”
Olive studied her. Was she mocking her or was she sincere? Did she know more than she was letting on? Olive shouldn’t let her own fear cause her to attribute bad intentions to someone unjustly. But from the terrified look on Mr. Scott’s face, his fear was greater than her own.
“Your offer is generous, but it would mean leaving the children unattended, so I’m afraid I’ll have to decline,” she said.
Giving herself a moment to appreciate the disaster she’d avoided, Olive took to the exit when she heard Miss Dennis again.
“I imagine Max could find someone to mind the children for the night. I’m sure he’d like to show you his appreciation for the work you’ve done.” She elbowed him.
From his wide-eyed stare, it was clear that Mr. Scott’s unease had only grown. “Yes. Of course. You should come with us. I think you and Ruby would enjoy each other’s company.” His hand, the one on the arm not being hugged by Ruby, was balled with his knuckles showing white.
Oh, why couldn’t she forget how he’d lingered at her house, as if he loathed to leave her father and go out into the dark with his children alone? Why did she have to feel sympathy for this man who had everything she wanted?
Why couldn’t she forget what it felt like to be kissed by him?
But perhaps the best way to move forward was to do it quickly. No avoiding, just put it in the past and move on.
“I’ll think about it,” she said. “No promises.”
His hand loosened. “Splendid. I’ll send you information when our plans are firm. Good day.”
No, it wasn’t a good day. He’d nearly discovered her secret and now she might be obligated to do a social event with him and his lady friend. And on top of that, she’d left Mr. Dellmar’s without her brackets.
It wasn’t a good day at all.
CHAPTER
14
It would be nice to treat Miss Kentworth and a beau to an evening of entertainment that they might not otherwise be able to afford. It would also be nice to remind Miss Kentworth that he had a serious relationship with Ruby and that what had happened between them had not affected it at all. Maxfield waited outside the dress shop for Ruby. She’d spotted a reefer jacket with leg-o’-mutton sleeves that she wanted the first time they’d visited, but then she had to go to every other store to ensure there wasn’t another coat she liked more. Now they were back at the first shop, finally ready to make her purchase.
Ever since he’d talked to Oscar Kentworth, he couldn’t stop imagining Olive at her mother’s bedside, caring for her while other friends her age were socializing and moving on in life. That explained her awkwardness in social situations. That had always been his motivation in teasing her—to prod her out of her cocoon. Mourning had a way of changing a person. Perhaps Olive Kentworth wasn’t naturally reticent.
She hadn’t been reticent when she’d kissed him.
He had to forget that.
He traced the engraving on the brass plaque that graced the corner of the store and noted the builder as he waited for Ruby. She seemed determined to keep him entertained. There was nothing wrong with entertainment, but was he entertained? Regardless, Miss Kentworth deserved a night out. An invitation was the gentlemanly thing to do, if he could still lay claim to the name.
His greatest concern about his invitation was that she didn’t have a beau and would be embarrassed to admit it. Or maybe he was more concerned that she did have a beau and that he wouldn’t be able to endure him. Oh well. It would only be for one evening. He could do that much for Miss Kentworth. He owed it to her.
With a flash of sunlight that reflected off the brass bar, the door to the shop opened and Ruby hurried out.
“I decided against it.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “The coat wasn’t as dear the second time seeing it.”
“That’s too bad. Say, I need to get to the work site and check on some things with your house. I’ve been away too much today, and I know you don’t want there to be any delays.”
“I’ll come with you.” Ruby started down the sidewalk. “How can we keep ordering furniture if we haven’t seen the interior?”
“You aren’t stepping foot on the property. Not until it’s safe. I’ll take you to the hotel—”
“I don’t want to go to the hotel. I want to see the house you are building me. If you’re worried about me trespassing somewhere I shouldn’t be, then give me a tour yourself.”
He felt the sadness and futility creeping up on him. The house was nearly finished, and he knew she and her mother came by after hours to snoop around, yet it made a difference. If he’d done everything in his power to dissuade them, then he didn’t feel responsible. Taking her there himself was out of the question.
“I’m taking you to the hotel. What you do after that is your business.” He’d wait and talk to her father later. He could go home and work on his drafts for the department store and eat lunch with Leo, Stella, and Mrs. Wester.
“Don’t be a baby, Maxfield. It’s unbecoming.”
“You don’t understand my reasons.”
“And I don’t want to. If the final result is illogical, what’s it matter what your reasons are?” She stood at the corner that split their paths, either to the hotel or to the Murphysburg neighborhood where her house was being constructed. She was unyielding, but he knew that as soon as he folded to her demands, she’d reward him with sweetness and glee.
But his opinion was not for purchase, even with smiles and laughter.
Reading the decision in his eyes, Ruby pouted. “You used to be a lot of fun.”
“We had an agreement on the house.” What was happening? It wasn’t just about her visiting the house. He was growing tired of keeping up a suitable level of inanity. Or perhaps he was still in a bad mood over Blount’s house, and he was taking it out on the one lady who had the power to get him over his bad moods.
He stepped forward and took her by the hand. “Go home,” he said. “It’s not worth fighting over. Give me one more week, and then I’ll give you a tour. You’ll see everything ready the way you want it.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Surely that was still a safe gesture. “Can you give me that much time?”
Her eyes were like glittering sapphires. “One week. If you won’t take me on a complete tour then, I’ll have Father fire you and we’ll take possession as is.” Her smile softened her threat.
“Sounds like a deal. Now, where can I take you?”
Ruby turned back toward the shops lining Main Street. “There’s more shopping I could do. Why don’t you find Father and get your work done?”
