Cold April (13 page)

“
In other words, would that Scotland Yard detectives were so clever!”

She smiled. “Even one-half as good. In addition, Holmes seems to know a great deal about all sorts of things. One almost receives an education by reading those books.”

“
Do you read other detective stories or mysteries?”

“
Yes. As you hinted, they take one’s mind off the present and its problems. We’re transported to a different time and place for a little while.”

“
Don’t forget the fun of getting to play detective as we try to imitate Holmes and his powers of deduction.”

“
That, too, but mostly I like the stories because Holmes always succeeds. The criminals are always caught. Justice triumphs; right wins out over wrong.”

“
Unlike real life.”

“
Unfortunately.”

“
Real life isn’t always kind and fair, is it?”

She shrugged.

Richard waited, but she said no more. “Do you think life is sometimes unfair?”

“
Often.” She rose and returned her teacup to the tray. “Oh, not that I’m feeling sorry for myself because I wasn’t born into the aristocracy. As we’ve already discussed, I’m going to America now where that won’t be a problem.”

“
There are differences in wealth in America, too.”

“
But more opportunity.” She returned to her chair and looked at him earnestly. “I feel I ought to tell you that my plans have changed. I will not return to England after my duties to Lady Wheatly are finished.”

“
What do you mean?”

“
Except for my parents, I haven’t told anyone about my plans, but I intend to start a new career in America.”

“
Really?”

“
Since your cousin will be taking care of Kathleen for you, you won’t need a governess. I don’t want to be anyone’s governess. I had decided that even before Lord Wheatly suggested I work for you.”

“
You had decided to resign as my governess?” He looked amused, rather than annoyed.

“
You had already hinted a member of your family might come forward and, indeed, you told me that a cousin plans to meet you when the ship arrives in New York.”

“
But, what if no one had come forward?”

“
In that case, I would have found another governess for you. I met several suitable women while I lived in New York. I wouldn’t leave you without one. I won’t take another job until your cousin, or another governess, is available.”

As she spoke the words, Beth visualized herself talking to other governesses about caring for Kathleen, and her heart sank. She’d grown so fond of the child, and Kathleen seemed to like her as much, she almost regretted her decision to give up that career and leave the little girl. However, a family member, Richard’s own cousin, coming forward to help was surely the best thing for the child.

“
Thank you,” he said. “That’s very considerate. What is this new career, if I may ask?”

“
I’m going to take typewriting lessons and learn to be a ‘typist,’ or whatever they call them, and work in a business office. I’m told that women are prevalent in those positions.”

“
Yes, I believe you’re right.” He rose and returned his own teacup to the tray. Then, instead of returning to his chair, he stood still, facing one of the windows, black with night, as if pondering all she’d said.

“
What made you change your mind so suddenly?”

“
My father assured me I should go with my heart’s desire, and it has long been my wish to live in your country. These past three years have only enhanced its appeal.”

He turned, grinning, but didn’t answer.

After an awkward pause, Beth rose again. “I believe I shall say ‘good night’ now. Thank you for another delightful evening and allowing me to join you at dinner.”

He turned and moved toward her. “It was my pleasure.” He paused. “Frankly, I hadn’t thought about losing you.”

“
Losing me? But your cousin is arriving.”

“
Yes, she will care for Kathleen, but I confess I pictured us doing things together, as we have done for these past few weeks.”

“
I, too, hope we’ll continue our friendship, even if we no longer occupy the same household.”

Richard looked uncomfortable, as if he wanted to say more but didn’t know quite how to start.

Beth filled in the silence. “I may be occupied during the days with typewriting lessons and, later, I hope, by working in a business office, but I will certainly have a few hours at my disposal in the evenings.”

She hoped he’d say something specific about filling her free hours. The thought of his forgetting her completely the moment she left his employ made her throat tighten.

He smiled and took her hand in his. “Then I will see you often after all.”

His touch seemed to warm her entire arm, and she hoped he would—as he’d done before—plant a light kiss on her forehead.

He did not. He kissed the top of her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. She didn’t move, but her knees became weak from the pleasure of his touch. When he stepped back, she waited for whatever he might say, but no more came forth.

Her face burning, she backed away and, her voice a tiny squeak, again said “good night,” before entering her own cabin and reluctantly closing the door behind her.

* * *

Richard watched her go, then turned about and paced the floor. Why had he not said more? Why hadn’t he kissed her as he so very much wanted to do? He felt as foolish as a schoolboy with his first crush on a pretty girl.

When he had asked his aunt to determine if any family members might be interested in living in New York and helping with Kathleen, he had been overjoyed to learn a cousin was eager to do so. That was before he’d learned Beth’s plans to stay in New York. Still, perhaps it was better if Beth were not his governess. She was so sure he thought of her as a servant, that her finding a different position—in business at that—would surely erase all such thoughts from her mind. They would come together as equals, and he could court her with complete freedom.

And then another thought rose unbidden to his mind. That afternoon, as he finished exercising in the gymnasium and started for the swimming pool, he recognized Harry Palmer, the magician. Richard was outside the door before he remembered where he’d seen the man before.

Then, after returning to the stateroom, he thought he saw Palmer in the corridor. Dressed in a respectable suit, not the costume he’d worn the day before, he disappeared almost at once. Richard wasn’t sure it was, in fact, the same person.

But, suppose Palmer had been visiting Beth while he was in the gymnasium? Was that possible? She had not mentioned such a visit, but she was under no obligation to do so. Perhaps the man had come by to inquire after Kathleen, or to invite them to another of his magic performances. Innocent enough. Suppose, instead, he had taken an interest in Beth? Heaven knows, she was one of the most attractive women on the ship, and Palmer might have few opportunities to meet someone like her.

A little worm of fear crawled up his spine. He should have done more than kiss Beth. He should have declared himself; but what were his intentions? Yes, he’d found her appealing from the first. Yes, he preferred her company to that of anyone else. But they had known one another for such a short time. Under the circumstances ... he ticked them off on his fingers: their unusual meeting, her fortuitous appointment as governess to his daughter, the excitement of the sea voyage to—in her case—a new land that would be her home thereafter and, finally, his return after so many years to his home country. Was it wise to make commitments that might seem unworkable once they’d both settled into their new lives? No, he’d been right not to kiss her again. He would wait for a more suitable time to court her. He would play it safe.

Chapter 13

Beth accompanied Richard and Kathleen to the Verandah Café for breakfast the next morning. “It’s cozier here than in the dining saloon,” she admitted.

Kathleen ate her breakfast in silence, merely picking at her food. “Why are there no children here today?”

Richard answered. “If you mean those two little girls you played with, I suppose the steward sent them away. They probably belong in a different part of the ship, and he didn’t want their mothers to worry.”

Beth noticed he didn’t explain first class versus third, where she believed the girls belonged.

“
But I have nothing to do,” Kathleen whined. “There are no swings on this ship and no teeter-totters.”

Kathleen had behaved almost perfectly since they had boarded the Titanic three days before, so Beth could hardly blame the child for objecting to another day without the assortment of toys she no doubt enjoyed in her former home. Or playing in the garden or trips to the park.

“
After lunch, why don’t we go to the gymnasium?” she suggested. “That is children’s hour, and I believe they have an electric camel.”

“
But I want to play a game now.”

Richard seemed about to say something when a gentleman approached their table. Tall, robust, sporting a dark mustache that matched his hair, he wore a blazer over his shirt, but no tie. “Good morning.”

Richard looked up and smiled. “Good morning.” He started to rise.

“
Oh, don’t get up.” The man placed a hand on Richard’s shoulder. “I’ll only be a moment. I recognized you from yesterday afternoon in the gymnasium. You seemed very fit, and I wondered if you play squash.”

“
I’ve played a little. Do sit down and I’ll have the waiter bring more coffee.”

“
I can’t stay. I have two chums who play squash, and I’m looking for a fourth for a doubles game.”

“
I see. At what time?”

“
This afternoon, about three-ish.”

Richard looked over at Beth. “What do you think?”

Beth felt her heart rate increase. Was he asking her permission? Was he really treating her like a wife who must be consulted? She could hardly speak.

“
I’m ... that is, do play squash with the other gentlemen. I think it’s a splendid idea.”

“
Fine, then,” Richard told the man. “I’ll meet you at three in the squash court.”

“
Jolly good. I’m Colonel Blakemore, by the way.”

Richard rose and shook hands with him. “Richard Graham.”

On this way out, the colonel hesitated and turned back for a moment. “Thank the missus for me, would you?”

Beth felt her face become almost as hot as the coffee. “He thinks I’m your wife,” she sputtered.

Richard only laughed. “A natural assumption. If you don’t mind a little minor deception, I certainly don’t.” He sat down again and leaned close to her. “I’m flattered to have people believe I’ve managed to marry such a beautiful woman.”

Beth could think of no appropriate way to respond. Especially not then, not there in a café over breakfast, with Kathleen close by.

“
Pa-pa, what is squash? Can I play too?”

“
No, darling. It’s a game for grownups.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “But I’ll tell you what you can do. You can go with me to the wireless office again. Do you remember going there before?”

She shook her head, and her blonde curls jiggled.

“
Well, when I was sending my Marconigram that day, I noticed Mr. Bride had a jigsaw puzzle laid out on a desk in the corner. He’s finished putting it all together, so perhaps he’ll let you borrow it. You can turn it into a pretty picture.”

“
I like puzzles.” Kathleen squirmed off her chair, as if ready to get on with it.

Beth and Richard followed her to the lift, which they rode to the boat deck. Mr. Bride remembered Richard and greeted him warmly. He showed Beth around the quarters that he and Mr. Phillips shared and gave a simplified explanation of how telegraph messages were sent. Richard explained the reason for their visit.

“
Of course you may borrow the puzzle.” Bride pulled a medium-sized box from a drawer and lifted the lid to reveal the pieces inside.

“
Thank you very much,” Beth said. “We shall take good care of the puzzle and return it to you before we dock on Wednesday morning.”

“
Wednesday?” Bride said. “Maybe we’ll make it by Tuesday night. Mr. Ismay, who works for the ship owners, is on board and some say he’s pushing for an early arrival. Wants to beat the Olympic record for a crossing.”

“
Is that so?” Richard asked. “And do you think Captain Smith feels the same?”

“
Can’t tell.”

Richard grinned. “I’ll wager you already know. Being in the position of sending and receiving messages, you probably know as much about this trip as anyone.”

Bride shrugged. “It being the captain’s last command of a ship before he retires, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. Another feather in his cap, if you will.”

Beth put the jigsaw puzzle box into Kathleen’s waiting arms. “I read that the Titanic was designed to be the most luxurious ship on the seas, not the fastest.”

“
She is that, isn’t she? O’course, being both won’t hurt.” He gave her a sly smile.

Immediately upon returning to their staterooms, and even during the lunch that they ordered sent up, Beth and Richard watched Kathleen empty the puzzle pieces on top of the desk in the sitting room and sort them. The cover of the box showed a picture of a lovely English country house with a garden and white picket fence.