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Authors: Tracie Peterson
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that we bring in someone so young or with so little training; however, Beatrix is proving herself quite capable, and Catherine assures me she will continue to benefit us all. With the Christmas orders already pouring in, we will need every pair of hands working day and night. Do you think your parents will approve this, Beatrix?”
Everyone turned in unison to look at the redhead. She slowly smiled and nodded. “I’m thinkin’ me mum will be quite happy with the news.”
“Wonderful. I will call upon her later today and you will accompany me. If she is agreeable, we will bring your things back with us. You may, of course, visit your family on Sundays.”
Catherine knew a sense of peace about the entire matter.
Beatrix would be much better off here. She would get decent meals and a bed to herself. And while the work was long and tedious, she had a flair for it and would no doubt thrive.
Thoughts of Carter Danby came back to haunt Catherine as she picked at her breakfast. She was determined to never see him again. There was always the possibility that he would accompany his mother or sister to Clarkson’s, but if that happened Catherine would simply have to find a way to make herself scarce.
She could not risk his learning her true identity.
If he remembers who I am, it will ruin everything. My father’s imprisonment will become public knowledge, and the scandal may force us to move. If that happens, I will end up using all of the money intended for Father .
She sighed and glanced up to find Felicia watching her oddly.
“Are you quite well, Catherine?” Her words dripped sweetness, but there was no sincerity of concern.
“Quite,” Catherine replied, although she knew nothing could be further from the truth.
CHAPTER 5
C arter looked at the older man as he studied the designs for his new palatial home. Charles Montgomery was highly esteemed in Philadelphia’s financial circles but less respected by the area architects. As Carter had heard it, Montgomery had browbeat or badgered most every other prominent architect until no one wanted to work with him, no matter the benefit to their career or purse. Still, Carter felt quite honored to have his designs accepted. Montgomery was at least a man who knew his own mind, and that helped considerably in deciding what worked and what didn’t. Carter would much prefer making changes now instead of later, when the building was being erected.
“I must admit, Danby, I do like what you’ve done here by adding the cupola. It’s almost as if you’ve combined the Greek with the Italianate designs. I like it very much.”
Carter looked at the plan and then met Mr. Montgomery’s satisfied gaze. “I believe it will blend quite easily into the design.
By putting the rounded turret to cap the cupola, it brings the focus back to the Greek Revival style. Also, we can put windows all around, and that will in turn bring light down into the darkest center of the house.”
“Yes. It’s a fine idea. I believe Mrs. Montgomery will be quite pleased.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Carter said, returning his attention to the design. “Are there any other changes you’d like to see made?”
“The pillars on the front porch. What style did you call that?”
“It’s Doric. It is a very simple and unadorned style. However, if you prefer something with additional decoration, there is the Ionic style.” Carter took up a separate piece of paper and sketched out a pillar with a scrolled design at the top. “These are volutes.”
“Hmmm, well, I don’t know. Mrs. Montgomery wanted something more ornate.”
“Then perhaps the Corinthian style is in order. It’s not as often utilized due to the expense of creating the artwork.” Carter attempted to sketch out the design and held it up. “These are called acanthus leaves. Note that the fluted pillar narrows slightly at the top, is banded, and then the ornamentation flares the pillar out again, giving it a crown
Everyone turned in unison to look at the redhead. She slowly smiled and nodded. “I’m thinkin’ me mum will be quite happy with the news.”
“Wonderful. I will call upon her later today and you will accompany me. If she is agreeable, we will bring your things back with us. You may, of course, visit your family on Sundays.”
Catherine knew a sense of peace about the entire matter.
Beatrix would be much better off here. She would get decent meals and a bed to herself. And while the work was long and tedious, she had a flair for it and would no doubt thrive.
Thoughts of Carter Danby came back to haunt Catherine as she picked at her breakfast. She was determined to never see him again. There was always the possibility that he would accompany his mother or sister to Clarkson’s, but if that happened Catherine would simply have to find a way to make herself scarce.
She could not risk his learning her true identity.
If he remembers who I am, it will ruin everything. My father’s imprisonment will become public knowledge, and the scandal may force us to move. If that happens, I will end up using all of the money intended for Father .
She sighed and glanced up to find Felicia watching her oddly.
“Are you quite well, Catherine?” Her words dripped sweetness, but there was no sincerity of concern.
“Quite,” Catherine replied, although she knew nothing could be further from the truth.
CHAPTER 5
C arter looked at the older man as he studied the designs for his new palatial home. Charles Montgomery was highly esteemed in Philadelphia’s financial circles but less respected by the area architects. As Carter had heard it, Montgomery had browbeat or badgered most every other prominent architect until no one wanted to work with him, no matter the benefit to their career or purse. Still, Carter felt quite honored to have his designs accepted. Montgomery was at least a man who knew his own mind, and that helped considerably in deciding what worked and what didn’t. Carter would much prefer making changes now instead of later, when the building was being erected.
“I must admit, Danby, I do like what you’ve done here by adding the cupola. It’s almost as if you’ve combined the Greek with the Italianate designs. I like it very much.”
Carter looked at the plan and then met Mr. Montgomery’s satisfied gaze. “I believe it will blend quite easily into the design.
By putting the rounded turret to cap the cupola, it brings the focus back to the Greek Revival style. Also, we can put windows all around, and that will in turn bring light down into the darkest center of the house.”
“Yes. It’s a fine idea. I believe Mrs. Montgomery will be quite pleased.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Carter said, returning his attention to the design. “Are there any other changes you’d like to see made?”
“The pillars on the front porch. What style did you call that?”
“It’s Doric. It is a very simple and unadorned style. However, if you prefer something with additional decoration, there is the Ionic style.” Carter took up a separate piece of paper and sketched out a pillar with a scrolled design at the top. “These are volutes.”
“Hmmm, well, I don’t know. Mrs. Montgomery wanted something more ornate.”
“Then perhaps the Corinthian style is in order. It’s not as often utilized due to the expense of creating the artwork.” Carter attempted to sketch out the design and held it up. “These are called acanthus leaves. Note that the fluted pillar narrows slightly at the top, is banded, and then the ornamentation flares the pillar out again, giving it a crown
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