Somewhere to Call Home (Love Inspired Historical) (10 page)

He wondered if he should have told her that he’d sent someone to Ashland to try to find out where her attorney had gone and to try to find out what Harlan Black was up to. He’d talked to his mother more about the Burtons’ finances and she was quite sure there would have been no need to take out a loan. Not unless something had happened that her best friend hadn’t told her.

It was enough to see what, if anything, could be found out. There would be time enough later to let Violet know if something turned up. Until then, he would just be glad that she was here and had a job and wouldn’t be thinking about going back home.

The relief he felt when she’d said she didn’t want to go back just yet had surprised him in its intensity. He didn’t want Violet going back to Ashland. Certainly not until he knew what Black was up to. Truthfully, he didn’t want her going back at all. He told himself it was for his mother’s sake, but to be honest, he wanted her to stay right here where he could get to know her better. For him, it was a big admission to make. And he wasn’t ready to make it to anyone but himself.

* * *

Violet half expected to meet the temporary boarder the next evening, but when they sat down to dinner Mrs. Heaton announced that she’d returned to her family. It saddened Violet to know the woman had gone back so soon. Would anything have changed by then? How would she be treated?

“I don’t know why you bother yourself with these people, Mrs. Heaton.” Lila shook her head. “All the trouble you go to for one night.”

Violet opened her mouth to come to Mrs. Heaton’s defense, but the older woman quickly came to her own.

“Sometimes, in some instances, that is all that is needed to bring clearer thinking and for things to get better,” Mrs. Heaton said. “And sometimes it is too soon. In this case, I feel it was. But all I can do is offer a safe place for however short or long a time is needed and pray it helps.”

“Still—”

“We knew we wouldn’t be able to help everyone who came here for a night or a week or longer when we began to open our home to those in need,” Michael said. “But if we can help a few, then we’ve done what we set out to do and what we feel the Lord has called us to do.”

Violet’s heart warmed at his words. He and his mother would be here for those in need no matter what the objections from others.

“And it is very noble of you to want to help. But—”

“Lila, you’re fortunate you’ve never been in the position some of the young women who come to us have found themselves in. Mother has her reasons for opening her home to regular boarders like you and they are as important as her reasons for taking in those who need help immediately. But if you are unhappy here with what we do...”

It was no surprise to Violet to hear Lila backtracking. “Oh, no, of course I’m not. Who wouldn’t love living here?”

“Good,” Michael said. “I’m glad that is settled.”

Conversation quickly turned to small talk as if everyone wanted to change the subject, and Michael turned to Violet, speaking in a voice meant only for her ears. “It’s been a beautiful day and I wondered if you would like to take a walk later. There’s something I’d like to show you I think you’ll enjoy.”

At this moment she wanted nothing more than to get away from Lila and her sulky silence and resentful stares. “I’d like that very much.”

“Good. But I’d like not to have to go with the others. We’ll head out once everyone has gathered in the parlor, if that’s all right with you?”

Violet nodded as her heart flooded with warmth that he wanted to spend some time with just her. But when she took a sip of water, her eyes met Lila’s over the rim of her goblet and she knew the other woman wanted to know what they’d said to each other.

It was doubtful they’d ever become friends, but Violet was determined to keep trying—if for no other reason than for the Heatons’ sake. She wondered what it was Michael wanted to show her but wasn’t sure it mattered. It would be good to get out of the house for a bit.

Once dinner was over, she hurried up to her room to freshen up and have a reason not to join the others in the parlor without a lot of questions. When she came back downstairs, she was pleased to see that the parlor doors were closed and Michael was waiting for her at the front door. She felt like a child slipping out of the house with him, but she knew she was safe in his company. He’d never harm her.

He pulled her hand through his arm and they headed down the street. “I don’t know why we haven’t shown you Gramercy Park yet, but it dawned on me today that you might want to know we have a park nearby for those days when you feel you must be outdoors. Mother’s garden is wonderful, but it is small. It was she who suggested that you might need an outing.”

“Your mother reads people very well. I love being at Heaton House, but I must admit that there are times when it’s—”

“Too much noise—too many people?”

“Considering it was just Mother and I for the last few years, at times it does seem a little overwhelming. I’m sure I’ll get used to it, though.”

“I hope so. Mother would be very upset if you left us.”

Violet couldn’t help but wonder how he would feel, but couldn’t bring herself to ask, so she changed the subject. “Is Gramercy Park large?”

“Nowhere near as large as Central Park and only residents can get in.” He flashed his dimples at her. “I feel the same way you do—I’m glad that everyone in the city can go to Central Park and I feel they should. But it’s nice to have an oasis in the middle of this neighborhood we live in.”

They turned a corner and Violet didn’t need Michael to point out the park to her. She could tell from the trees and the iron gate that surrounded it. As they neared the entrance she could smell the roses and see all manner of blooming flowers. “Oh, Michael, it’s lovely.”

“It is. Come see it all.” He pulled out a key and unlocked the gate, leading her through to a walking path. “See, it’s not really large enough for the whole city to visit, but it’s—”

“Wonderful.” As they strolled around the paths, Violet felt herself relax. She’d always loved being outdoors and, much as she liked the city, she’d missed just walking outside to lean against the porch rail to hear the birds sing and watch the squirrels at play. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

“You’re welcome. Would you like to sit awhile?” He pointed at a nearby bench.

“I’d love to.” She sat down and sighed at the beauty around her.

Instead of sitting, Michael stood and propped a foot up beside her. He looked down into her eyes. “You’ve seemed a bit somber this evening. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. I’ve just been wondering about the temporary boarder and praying that things are better for her today.”

“You have a heart like my mother, Violet. There is no way of knowing about the young woman, but our prayers are joining yours. We had to accept that we wouldn’t be able to help everyone who came to us a long time ago.”

“Oh, I realize there is no way you could. I just admire what you do. I’d like to be able to help people in that way.”

“You are helping.”

Violet shook her head. She wasn’t doing anything. Michael’s touch on her chin as he lifted it to look into his eyes stilled her thinking and sent her pulse racing. “As I said before, just having you here has helped my mother more than I can tell you.”

“But it’s not the same. Besides, I’m the one being helped.”

“It’s helping another person, Violet. In whatever way we do it. I can’t thank you enough for what your presence in our home has done for my mother.” His thumb grazed her cheek and then he suddenly dropped it. “Would you like to walk some more?”

Violet gave a quick nod and swallowed hard. She might not be quite as safe in Michael’s presence as she first thought. Oh, he’d never harm her, of that she was sure. But she wasn’t so sure of her heart. That could be another matter entirely. And she couldn’t allow herself to have feelings other than friendship for him. Besides the fact that she was disillusioned with men in general. Violet was beginning to like feeling independent and making her own way. For now, falling in love simply wasn’t in her plans.

Chapter Ten

B
y the time Violet and Lila got home from work on Friday, it was apparent Lila was only going to talk to Violet when she felt she had to and that seemed to be whenever Michael or his mother were around or when one of the supervisors at Butterick was nearby.

Violet tried not to let it bother her. Surely Lila would get over her anger one day. The only thing she could think of to do was offer to help Lila to learn to sew, and that only if she could get her sewing machine shipped there.

She was sure Mrs. Heaton would loan her sewing machine to her for that purpose, but Violet didn’t want to tie it up if she didn’t have to. Besides, she could make her own clothing if she had her own machine here.

So, she’d written to Beth on Wednesday evening to let her know about her position at Butterick, to tell her all about what she’d seen of the city and to ask if she could have her papa crate up the sewing machine and have it shipped to her. She’d inquired as to the amount it would cost to send it beforehand and sent the money to Beth, as well. Hopefully, she’d hear from her friend soon and once she knew the machine was on its way, she’d see if Lila wanted to learn to sew. Other than that, she didn’t know how she could help their relationship.

It was wonderful to have two days off to look forward to, and when Elizabeth knocked on her room before supper to ask if she was going to Central Park with the rest of them the next day, she was pleased she was included even if Lila might not want her to go.

“I would love to! I didn’t know you were all going.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Didn’t Lila mention it to you? We decided on it last night after you went upstairs, but she said she’d tell you today.”

“No, Lila didn’t say anything about it.” But she hadn’t said more than a few words to her since Tuesday.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and blew out a breath. “I’m sorry, Violet. I’ll be sure to let you know when we plan something from now on. Anyway, we’re going to leave here around eleven and take a picnic. I told Mrs. Heaton about it this morning, and she said she and Michael might join us.”

They headed down to the parlor together. “What should I wear tomorrow?” Violet asked.

“It’s getting really warm out, but of course it’s cooler in the park than anywhere but on the water this time of year. Just wear what you’d wear to work and as cool a material as you have.”

“I can’t wait. I only saw Central Park driving through that one time and now we’ll get to picnic there.”

“Mrs. Heaton said she’d have fried chicken prepared and lemonade, and I’m sure there will be a cake. There always is when we picnic. I can’t wait for you to go skating with us in the winter. It’s so much fun,” Elizabeth said.

“What’s so much fun?” Michael asked as they entered the parlor. He walked over to them with a smile.

“Skating in the winter. Sledding, too, for that matter.”

“Don’t forget sleighing. I love it most of all,” Mrs. Heaton added as she came into the room.

Lila still hadn’t shown up when Mrs. Heaton called them to dinner, but she slipped into her seat across from Violet right before Michael said the blessing. She barely got her head bowed before Michael began praying.

“Father, we thank You for this day and for our many blessings. We ask You to be with all around this table and keep each one safe, and we ask You to bless this food, Father. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.”

Michael began carving the ham his mother had set in front of him and passing plates down before Gretchen began passing side dishes around.

“Just in case some of you have not heard the news, we’re all planning on going to Central Park tomorrow and taking a picnic, as well. Please be ready to leave by eleven o’clock,” Michael said.

“I can’t wait,” Violet said. “I’ve been looking forward to going again.”

“I forgot to tell you about the outing, didn’t I?” Lila acknowledged with a shrug. “Oh, well, I was sure someone here would tell you. It appears I was right.”

* * *

Michael found he was looking forward to showing Violet more of Central Park. She’d get to see and experience it so much better on foot. So many of them were going, they’d arranged for an omnibus to pick them up. As everyone gathered and got in the vehicle, he was a little put out to see that Luke had taken a seat next to Violet before he had a chance to.

He really was taken aback a bit by the quick surge of jealousy that rose up inside him. He’d never had quite this kind of reaction to any woman, not even Amanda, and that fact alone told him he’d begun to care more about Violet than he’d intended to.

But as she answered his smile with one of her own, taking her attention away from Luke for at least a moment or two, his heart quickened and he realized he’d begun to look for her smile, to try to elicit it.

“Michael,” Lila said as she sat down beside him, sitting a little closer than he was comfortable with. “It’s a beautiful day for a picnic, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.” He scooted over to put some space between them but Lila moved even closer, keeping only a pencil’s width of room between them. She leaned nearer. “Violet seems to be fitting in at Butterick very well.”

“Oh? Do you see much of each other?”

“Not as much as we would have if she’d stayed in the pattern room. But she seems happy.” She nudged him and motioned to where Violet was laughing at something Luke had said to her. “She does look happy.”

Yes, she did. But was it because of working at Butterick or was it Luke making her look that way? Just then she looked over and caught him staring at her and he watched a warm color steal up her neck and cheeks as she smiled back at him. For that one moment he felt it was only the two of them in the bus. Lila and Luke both seemed to fade into the background. Then Lila spoke his name and Violet broke eye contact and looked down before Luke claimed her attention once more.

Lila grabbed Michael’s arm, but before she could gain his attention fully, John nudged him from the seat behind them. “Michael, have you had a chance to find out any more about the matter we discussed the other night?” John asked. “Remember, the break-in on Irving Place?”

“A little,” Michael said, glad to have someone other than Lila to talk to. “I’m not sure there’s a story there.”

“There might be.” John shrugged. “You never know.”

“That’s true. And one day, you’re going to get that big story, my friend. Of that I have no doubt.”

“Thank you, Michael. It helps to know someone believes in me.”

“I’m not the only one who does, John. It’ll happen. You try to stay on top of everything and you care about this city and the job you do. It’ll happen when the timing is right.”

“Timing has a lot to do with it. Part of my problem is that there are so many of us out there trying to get a story. And whoever gets the scoop first is the one that breaks in. My goal is to be the one who will break a big story first one of these days.”

“I understand.” And he did. Michael knew what it was to hunt for something so hard you were sure you had it—only to find that you didn’t. He’d followed more leads than he wanted to think about trying to find his sister. He knew his mother had almost given up on them ever finding her.

And from the amount of leads he received now, perhaps they should. But every once in a while he’d get a new tip and there was no way he couldn’t follow it, even if he was sure it would lead to another dead end. He knew he’d follow any lead he found for as long as it took to find Becca, or for as long as he was alive. He couldn’t stop trying to find his sister.

* * *

Violet hadn’t expected such a strong reaction to seeing Michael and Lila sitting so close. Nor had she ever had her heart feel as if a knife had punctured it, but that’s exactly how it felt to see Lila leaning so close to him.

To Michael’s credit, however, he had tried to put some space between them, but if Violet had learned one thing about Lila, it was that she was very persistent, especially when it came to Michael.

She’d tried to ignore them and pay attention to what Luke was saying to her, but when she looked up it was to find Michael’s gaze on her. She could feel the flush of color flooding her cheeks, but she found she couldn’t tear what she had intended to be a quick glance away. At least, not until Lila called his name and grabbed his arm again.

And then she couldn’t keep from looking over again when she heard Michael talking. She saw that it was John he was speaking to and not Lila. Lila didn’t seem the least bit happy with that turn of events, and it was written all over her face.

The omnibus came to a stop and she was relieved that they were at Central Park. Her attention certainly hadn’t been on the ride over. The park was even prettier than she remembered. A few days made a big difference this time of year, and it seemed there were twice as many flowers in bloom as last time.

She was so busy looking around she didn’t realize that Michael was walking beside her, holding a huge basket. He smiled when she looked up and those dimples seemed deeper than ever, causing her heart to skip a beat or two.

“Michael, I didn’t know—”

“Whom you are walking beside? Or even quite where you are.” He grinned, bringing out those dimples again. “That’s why I fell into step beside you. I didn’t want you getting lost.”

His dimples were definitely playing a game of hide-and-seek today, and Violet’s heartbeat was having a hard time keeping up with them. “And you do know where we are going?”

He led her through a hedge and followed some of the others, who seemed to know where they were going. “I believe we are going to claim a spot for our picnic and then everyone will take off in different directions. Some will go to the lake to canoe. Others will rent a bicycle, and others will just take a stroll through the gardens. Think about what you want to do, okay?”

“It all sounds good to me, but I suppose I can’t do it all in one day.”

“Well, you could, but you wouldn’t get to enjoy any of it to its fullest. Remember that you live here now. We can always come back, you know.”

She did live there now, and the city was beginning to feel like home to her. Michael had said they could come back...did that mean he wanted to come back with her? Maybe his sitting by Lila meant nothing. After all, Luke sat down beside her before Michael got on the omnibus. And it was Lila who’d sat down by him.

“Michael, Violet, we’re over here,” Mrs. Heaton called, waving to them.

Violet saw that she’d found a grassy spot under a nice-size tree that would give shade for the time they were there. She followed Michael over and helped his mother spread a huge quilt over the ground. There were several baskets to be unloaded, and everyone helped. By the time it was all laid out, Violet wondered how they could possibly eat it all.

She wondered how many chickens had been fried early that morning so that it would be ready for the picnic. There were also sandwiches made with minced ham mixed with a touch of mustard on thin white buttered bread. They also had potato salad and boiled eggs along with pickles and olives and pickled peppers. There were two cakes, chocolate and a yellow pound cake, to round out the meal.

Violet thought that maybe she should decide to go for a stroll after eating. She was pleased when Michael followed her to a spot under the tree beside his mother. It was cool under the tree’s branches, and Violet couldn’t remember a prettier setting for a picnic.

“I’m so glad we’ve had such a beautiful day for our picnic,” Mrs. Heaton said. “I love this time of year. We come out here quite often in the spring and summertime. But it is truly beautiful in the fall and winter, too.”

“I can’t wait to see it then,” Violet said. She tried to picture the trees with no leaves, the bushes bare and snow all over everything. But today the sun was bright, the sky blue and a light breeze made a perfect day for a picnic. She’d have to take Mrs. Heaton’s word for the other seasons until she could see it for herself.

The park was a wonderful place to just sit under a shade tree and watch people—much different from Grand Central Depot. Instead of looking harried, these people looked relaxed and eager to enjoy the day.

There were people dressed in their Sunday best and others more casual, as Mrs. Heaton’s group was. Others were dressed in what was most likely the best they had. But all seemed to be having a wonderful time.

“What is that language those people next to us are speaking, Michael?” Violet had never heard it spoken before.

He leaned his head to the side and listened. “It’s Italian.”

“Mmm.” Violet smiled as she watched the family. There was a lot of gesturing and laughter and she’d love to know what they were talking about.

Just a few trees away, there seemed to be a group that could well have come from any of the homes she’d seen on Fifth Avenue. She could tell the walking costumes the ladies had on were of the finest materials and custom-made. The gentlemen were dressed much the same as the men in her group, but again, their clothing seemed to be custom-made. They appeared to be having a good time, but no better than the Italian family to their left.

A couple bicycled by them and then another. It looked like such fun. She’d only been on a bicycle one time and for few wobbly moments and she’d enjoyed it very much. She couldn’t help but notice that one of the women was wearing a bicycling costume. She wondered if that pattern was one Butterick made. She’d like to make one for herself one day.

Out in the middle of the grassy area, children were playing, flying kites and chasing one another. Violet could have sat there and watched those around her for the rest of the day, but Michael stood just then and held a hand out to her. “Come on. There’s a lot to see and do. Have you decided what you’d like to try first?”

“I’m not sure. What are your recommendations?” Violet turned to look down at Mrs. Heaton. “Would you like to go with us?”

“No, dear, thank you. You’ll be able to go much faster without me. I think I’ll just sit here and enjoy watching people.”

“I think I’ll join you, Mrs. Heaton,” Elizabeth said.

Lila seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. “Why don’t you come canoeing with me and Julia, Violet?”