Somewhere to Call Home (Love Inspired Historical) (7 page)

“Oh, I don’t need anything right now, but I do like browsing. I’ve never seen so much merchandise in one place in my life.”

He laughed. “No, it’s not like anything back home, is it?”

“Do you miss Ashland, Michael?”

“Sometimes I miss the times I lived there. But nothing there is the same now and I’ve come to love living here in the city. It took a while, but now I feel this is home. What about you? Do you plan on going back to Ashland or—”

“Oh, it’s still home for me. And, of course, once I pay off the mortgage, I’ll be returning.”

Her words didn’t really surprise him, though they did seem to put a pall on his mood. He knew the whole reason she was here was to earn enough money to get her home paid off. But he was going to have to warn his mother against becoming too attached to Violet so that she didn’t take it too hard when she did leave. And he couldn’t let himself enjoy her company too much for the very same reason.

“Well, you don’t have Macy’s back in Ashland, so you might as well see what it has to offer. We’ll take a tour so that if something should catch your fancy, you’ll know where to find it when you come back with Mother.”

“All right. I’d like that.”

They spent the better part of an hour going from one floor to another, browsing in the book department, the jewelry department and on to the fine-art and china department. Then Violet turned to him. “One truly could spend a whole day here and not see it all, I’m sure.”

“Mother says the same thing, and I can tell you that you haven’t seen anywhere near half of it yet.”

“Well, I’ve taken up enough of your time for today, and I really need to make sure that my clothes are ready for work. I suppose we should be going.”

Michael had a feeling Violet avoided browsing the women’s department for fear of embarrassing him, and he had to admit he appreciated her thoughtfulness. Still, he almost hated to leave. It was the most time he’d ever spent with Violet alone and he’d thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her better.

* * *

By the time they returned to Heaton House, Violet’s heart felt lighter than it had since she learned Harlan Black held the deed to her home. Now she had hope that she could pay off the debt against it. And even if she stayed here, she would have a home to keep in her family as part of a dowry if she should ever—

Violet caught her breath. Where in all the world did that thought come from? She had no need for a dowry, nor did she want to have need of one. She’d been disillusioned by Nick and then Harlan and wasn’t sure she could trust any man. All she wanted now was to have her family home free and clear of the likes of Harlan. What she did with it could be decided when that was accomplished.

She’d had a wonderful time with Michael, seeing a side of him she’d never known. She’d enjoyed lunch and the shopping trip and she’d been surprised at how easy it was to open up to Michael about Harlan and her fears. Maybe it was because she had known him a long time and she trusted him and his mother. After all they’d done for her, how could she not?

Violet kept busy for the rest of the afternoon, and by the time she started downstairs that evening, she was confident she was ready to start work the next morning. She’d pressed and brushed her clothing, deciding exactly what she would wear each day. She was nervous, to be sure, but excited, too. She looked forward to beginning this new phase of her life more than she’d thought she might.

Michael asking her if she would be returning to Virginia had given her a lot to think about. She was a bit bothered that the thought of returning home didn’t fill her with joy, but told herself that it was because she had no family living to return to. She did love her home and she wanted to keep it, but she wasn’t quite so certain that she would be happy to leave here when the time came. Violet sighed. Now was not the time to be worrying about it all. She needed to be thankful that she had work and would be able to keep her home.

“Violet, wait!”

Violet stopped her descent and turned to see Elizabeth hurrying down the stairs.

“How did your interviews go today? I’ve been praying off and on all day.”

“Thank you for asking and especially for praying for me, Elizabeth. The first one didn’t go well at all. The next two said they’d be in touch with me.”

Elizabeth sighed. “I’m so sorry. I thought for sure that you would have several and come home with a position.”

“But I did come home with a position.” Violet smiled at her new friend.

“You did? Oh, I am so happy. Where are you going to work?”

“The fourth interview was at Butterick. And I got the position. I’m still finding it hard to believe that I start tomorrow. It seems we’ll be coworkers now...just like you and Lila.”

They were both laughing when they stepped into the parlor.

“What is so funny?” Ben asked.

Violet was just about to announce her good news when Michael came into the room and announced, “Mother says dinner is ready, everyone.”

There seemed to be a mass exit from the room, but Violet stayed put as Michael walked over to her. “Mother was quite pleased that I took you to lunch and shopping, Violet. Thank you for making me the son she can be proud of today.”

Violet laughed. “She’s proud of you every day, Michael.”

“That may be, but she was quite pleased and surprised that I’d thought of it.”

“So was I. It was very nice of you, and it made the day even more special for me.” She took the arm he held out and let him lead her across the foyer and seat her at what had become her place at the table.

Ben seated Mrs. Heaton. When everyone else had taken their seats, she looked to her son. “Michael, will you say grace, please?”

Everyone bowed their heads as he thanked the Lord for the day and the food and for Violet’s good news. He’d barely finished with an “Amen” before everyone started asking questions.

“What good news?” Lila asked from across the table. “You found a job?”

“Did you find a position?” Luke leaned forward from down the table.

“I did. I applied at Butterick this morning and it looks like we’ll be working together, Lila.”

The other girl looked a little stunned, and Elizabeth rushed in to fill the silence. “It appears we have another ‘coworker,’ Lila. Or at least you really will.” Her chuckle drew laughter at the running joke between the two women and even Lila managed a giggle—if it did seem a bit forced.

Everyone else congratulated her heartily as Michael began serving the main course and Gretchen began to pass the side dishes around.

“When do you start?” Lila asked as she took the bowl of creamed potatoes and served herself.

“First thing tomorrow morning.”

Lila surprised Violet once more by saying, “I usually leave at seven-thirty. If you’re ready by then we can go to work together.”

Maybe there was hope for a friendship with Lila. Her change of heart from the evening before seemed genuine. “Thank you, Lila. I’ll be ready.”

“That’s nice of you, Lila,” Mrs. Heaton said from the other end of the table.

“Well, there’s no sense in her going by herself when we can keep each other company on the way.” Lila looked back to Violet. “Did you give me as a reference? If so, I wasn’t asked about you.”

“They didn’t seem to need any references,” Violet said. “They didn’t even take the nice letter Mrs. Heaton gave me.”

“Hmm, that’s odd. Who did the interview?”

“Mr. Wilder and Miss Carter both interviewed me. But Mr. Butterick was there, too, and he seemed to have the final word.”

“Oh!” Lila seemed a bit surprised as she continued. “Well, how nice. I—”

“I’m sure it’s a relief to know that you have employment,” Luke interrupted.

Violet was glad of the interruption. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what Lila was going to say next. “Oh, yes. It is.”

“We’re all very happy for you, Violet,” Elizabeth said.

“Thank you. I feel blessed to know I have everyone’s good wishes and prayers.” Looking around the table, Violet realized she was among friends, and she sent up a silent prayer, thanking the Lord above for Mrs. Heaton and her boarders.

Chapter Seven

M
ichael watched as everyone congratulated Violet on finding work. He’d been pleasantly surprised by Lila’s offer to accompany Violet to work, even though he’d been hoping she would. Had she not, he’d been prepared to suggest it.

What he hadn’t been prepared for was the relief he felt that Violet had gotten the position, which meant that she would be staying with them. She’d never given any indication that she would go back home, but he’d wondered if she might if she didn’t find something right away. Many who came to New York City did just that if they couldn’t find employment quickly. He was glad Violet wouldn’t be one of them, because his mother seemed to have perked up considerably since Violet’s arrival and he wanted to make sure she stayed that way.

He had to admit he liked having Violet around, too. But he and his mother had to keep in mind that she would be leaving at some point. Her only reason for coming here in the first place was to find a job to be able to pay off her family home and go back to Virginia. And Michael had no intention of moving back to Ashland. His life was here in the city now. If his sister was still alive she was out there somewhere, and he’d never find her if he left. Besides, his mother’s life was here, helping other young women. So he’d best keep reminding himself that Violet’s stay here wouldn’t be permanent. It wouldn’t be wise to let himself become too attached to her.

“Did you go on other interviews, Violet?” Julia asked.

“Yes, I did. The first three came up empty, and I was sure Butterick wouldn’t be any different. But I was hired before I left.”

“Oh! I thought perhaps they’d telephoned you to let you know you had the position.”

Violet looked lovely—her face was flushed with color and her eyes sparkled. She looked as relieved as Michael felt about her getting the position.

“Well, actually, you did receive a telephone call this afternoon. Gretchen remembered to tell me just before dinner,” his mother said. “There seemed to be no hurry to let you know, with you getting the position at Butterick. It was the personnel director at Macy’s asking that you come in and have another interview tomorrow. Gretchen told her she’d give you the message.”

“Thank you for letting me know, but you were right that there needn’t be any hurry to tell me. I’m quite pleased that I was hired by Butterick.”

“And I’m so glad you and Michael celebrated your good news by going to lunch and Macy’s, since I didn’t get to go with you,” Mrs. Heaton said.

“Oh? Michael took you around?” Lila raised a thin eyebrow and looked at Violet. “That must have been a real treat.”

Michael had a feeling Lila wasn’t very happy about the time he and Violet had spent together. And in spite of the fact that she seemed to be trying to befriend Violet, he didn’t feel any of it was genuine. But at least he wouldn’t have to worry about Violet finding her way to work and home alone, and for that he was thankful.

“Oh, it was—at least after Violet had an unexpected tour of the tenements,” Michael said.

“How did that come about?” his mother asked.

“There was an awful accident and our hack driver was trying to avoid the worst of the traffic, but I think he went entirely the wrong way about it. Needless to say, Violet saw that mansions and wealth are not all this city is made up of. It is something one needs to know. I just hadn’t planned on her seeing it all up close yet.”

“But after that we saw the other side of life,” Violet said. “I couldn’t believe the size of Macy’s. I’ve never seen so much merchandise in one place. Do society women really need all of that finery?”

All the men at the table chuckled, including Michael.

“They seem to think they do,” John Talbot said with a laugh.

“Well, you would know, covering all the society
goings-on as you do,” Elizabeth said, cocking her head to the side.

John only smiled at her. As always, there seemed to be an undercurrent between those two, and numerous times in the past few months Michael had caught them stealing glances at each other when they didn’t think the other was looking. He couldn’t help but wonder if Elizabeth was sweet on John or if it was the other way around, but they’d certainly make a nice-looking couple if they ever became one. At least John wasn’t hanging on to every word that came out of Violet’s mouth as Luke and Ben were.

Michael didn’t like the attention the two men were giving Violet tonight any more than he had the first night she arrived. Not one bit. He told himself that it was because he felt responsible for her...as he always had his sister, Rebecca. But that didn’t ring true either and, deep down, he knew it. There was something about Violet, something—

“Michael, what are you so deep in thought about down there?” his mother asked.

“I’m sorry. I was just woolgathering, I suppose.” He laughed and hoped he’d thrown his mother off track. She was very good at reading him, and he wasn’t ready for a barrage of questions he didn’t have the answers to.

* * *

Being on time the next morning was not a problem for Violet. She woke just after dawn and was in and out of the bathroom before she heard anyone else stirring. She took time dressing with care, at last feeling confident she was dressed in the same manner as the women she’d seen at Butterick the day before. She’d chosen a gray-and-black-striped skirt and a crisp white shirtwaist with a black ribbon trim. She tied her mother’s cameo with a black ribbon and wore it around her neck.

Violet made her bed and took one last look at the room she’d come to feel was almost like home before hurrying downstairs to join the others for breakfast. She was pleased to find she’d made it down before Lila this morning in particular, and that Michael was still at the table when she entered the dining room.

“Good morning, everyone. Now I really feel as if I belong, seeing you all here this morning.”

“Good morning, Violet,” Michael said, adding his voice to the others around the table.

He smiled, flashing those dimples, and Violet tried to ignore the way her pulse raced as she hurried to the sideboard and began to fill her plate with bacon, scrambled eggs and a muffin.

Michael stood to pull out her chair and once he took his own, he slid a piece of paper to her. His fingers brushed hers as she took it, sending a spark of electricity straight up her arm to the vicinity of her heart, taking her breath away. She quickly looked at Michael and was relieved that he didn’t seem to notice as he began to explain the map he’d drawn.

“This is the map I told you I would make for you. Just in case you and Lila should get separated at some point. This will show you where the El and trolley stops are.” He pointed them out to her on the map while she tried to get her breathing back to normal. “None are far apart, and you should be able to get back home by yourself easily enough.”

“Thank you, Michael.” Violet sounded a little breathless to her own ears but he didn’t seen to realize the effect his brief touch had on her, and for that she was extremely thankful. “I’ll keep it with me until I know my way around by heart.”

“If it isn’t clear to you, let me know, and I’ll do my best to make it easier for you to read.”

“I’m sure it will be fine.” She was touched that he’d remembered his promise to her. And she felt a little less nervous knowing she’d have the map with her at all times.

“Are you nervous this morning?” Michael asked.

She let out a shaky sigh. “I have to admit that I am.”

“I’m sure it will all go well for you,” he said.

“Having a case of nerves is normal for the first day,” Elizabeth assured her. “You are already doing better than I did on my first day at
The Delineator.
I was afraid to eat anything, and by noon I was starving. But I’d forgotten to take my lunch with me! Thankfully one of my coworkers shared hers.”

“Oh. I hadn’t thought about what to do about lunch,” Violet said.

“No need to worry, dear.” Mrs. Heaton came in from the kitchen to hear her last words. “Gretchen packs a very nice lunch for all the boarders. She puts them on the table in the foyer. Just pick one up when you leave. I look forward to seeing how your first day goes this evening. I’m sure all will go well, but I think everyone is nervous that first day.”

“Thank you all for your encouragement. I must admit that this is one
first
I’ll be glad to have over with.” Violet smiled around the table and her eyes came to rest on the woman she’d come to think of as family.

“Well, good morning, everyone!” Lila said as she entered the room.

Somehow Lila’s greeting didn’t seem to match the expression on her face. She looked a bit out of sorts as she went to the sideboard. Violet joined the others in greeting her. “Good morning, Lila.”

“Are you ready for today? I warn you that it will be a busy one,” Lila said as she took her seat across from Violet.

“Good. That means I’ll get the first day over with quickly,” Violet said, grinning at the other woman.

“Hmm. I suppose you are right,” Lila answered. “Actually that’s one thing I like about working there. Most days go by very fast.”

Violet was glad to hear it. Not that she minded working. She was looking forward to making her way in this city. But she was beginning to enjoy the company of the other boarders more each day, and she looked forward to hearing about their days and getting to know them all better.

Michael slid his seat back and stood. “I suppose it is time to go. I hope you have a really great first day, Violet.”

The smile he gave her made her heart beat faster and do a little flip that she tried to ignore, but those dimples were just too hard to avoid. “Thank you, Michael.”

He was on his way out the door when he turned back. “And, Lila, thank you for seeing to it that Violet will know her way to and from work.”

“Why, you’re welcome, Michael. I’m glad to do it.” For the first time that morning, Lila’s smile seemed genuine as she batted her eyelashes at him.

Violet had no doubt that Lila was attracted to Michael, but did he feel that way about her? Suddenly she felt a little sick to her stomach. She quickly put it down to nerves about her first day of work and chided herself for wondering if there might be something going on between Lila and Michael. It wasn’t any of her business anyway. But the thought didn’t sit well with her. Not at all.

* * *

Violet was more than a little relieved when they arrived at Butterick and Company. Although Lila had smiled a time or two, she’d barely spoken to Violet once they left the boardinghouse, and Violet wondered if she would ever feel comfortable around the other young woman.

Lila had hurried her along, saying they must rush or they’d be late when they got to the trolley stop. But it turned out that they waited about five minutes before the trolley arrived and there were several others waiting with them.

Violet had expected to ride the El as she and Michael and Mrs. Heaton had, but she found the trolley ride quite interesting. At this time of the day, she was sure that most of the men and women were on their way to work just as she and Lila were. She enjoyed wondering what kind of jobs they held and if they’d all get off at the same stop. But each time they came to a standstill, one or two got off and several more hurried to get on.

Perhaps it was all the stopping and starting, but for some reason the traffic didn’t bother Violet quite as much today. Maybe she would get used to it, after all.

When they arrived at Butterick, Miss Carter was at the base of the stairs. “Good morning, ladies. Traffic must not have been too bad this morning. You’re right on time.”

“Good morning, Miss Carter,” Lila said before Violet had a chance to say anything. “Traffic wasn’t nearly as awful as usual.”

Her tone was much more exuberant than it had been that morning. Perhaps Lila was the kind of person who needed time to wake up and get her thoughts together in the morning. Violet didn’t know her well enough to be sure.

“Violet and I live at the same boardinghouse. I’ve taken her under my wing to show her how to get here and back home,” Lila informed Miss Carter.

“That’s good of you, Lila. It’s always nice to have company on the way to work and home.”

“I really appreciate it,” Violet said. “Everything seems so different to me.”

“I’m sure it does, just moving to the city and away from what is familiar.” Miss Carter smiled at her. “Well, let’s get started. I’ll show you around and then assign your work duties and introduce you to your supervisor.”

Lila was still standing listening to what Miss Carter had to say. The older woman turned to her. “Lila, dear, you may go on to work now.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll look for you when the lunch bell rings, Violet. Good luck!” With that she pivoted and headed in the other direction. Something about her demeanor made Violet wonder if Lila and Miss Carter didn’t quite get along.

“Have you and Lila become good friends?” Miss Carter asked as they watched her walk away.

“I don’t think you could call us that. At least not yet. But we do reside at the same boardinghouse. She was kind enough to tell me I could use her as a reference when I applied for the position, but I forgot to mention it yesterday.”

“You made a fine impression on your own, Violet. I’m not sure a recommendation from Miss Miller would have done as much as just talking to you did.” Miss Carter smiled and motioned for Violet to follow her up the same stairs she’d climbed the day before.

For the next half hour Miss Carter gave her a quick tour, showing her where the designers and pattern makers worked. They watched for a while before going out into the hall once more.

“The templates are then sent to the cutting room, where they’re placed on a stack of tissue paper and cut out. The markings are then transferred to each piece by hand. The pieces are identified by letters marked on it with small holes. Once that is done, the pieces are sorted, folded together and labeled with an image of the garments and brief instructions.”

“I never realized just how much work went into making the patterns I’ve come to count on,” Violet said.

“It is a lot.” Miss Carter chuckled. They went down another floor and entered a room where seamstresses were working on different outfits, and then they entered another room where artists were sketching the finished products that were placed on mannequins.