Read Online The Critchfield Locket by Sheila M. Rogers - Free Book Online
Authors: Sheila M. Rogers
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Bennett and I came to a mutual understanding which allows us to be less formal in our addressing of one another. Now, if you would, please draw me a bath.”
As Margaret set about her chore, Kate went to the writing desk and pulled out her journal. Her dream had seemed so real. The feeling of her arms wrapped around… what was it she called him? James? Yes, she had called him James. The embrace had felt as real as any she had had while awake. The questions began to swirl in her brain and she struggled to write them all down. Who is James? What type of relationship did we have? What happened to him? Is he really dead? Why did I come to Critchfield Manor? Am I in danger? What should I do?
She wrote down everything she could remember about her dream, replaying it over and over in her head. Kate closed her journal for the second time that morning, making sure to carefully tuck it into a secret panel inside the desk. She checked her appearance in a full length mirror, and then made her way down to the main entry doors
Slightly startled, Kate turned to see Mrs. Thompson approaching her.
"Good morning, Mrs. Thompson."
"Good morning. Is there something I may help you with?"
"No, thank you. I am on my way to visit Mrs. Dickson."
"Is the carriage ready?"
"That won't be necessary, it is such a lovely day and I am well rested."
"You intend to walk?"
Kate felt like a child under Mrs. Thompson’s scrutiny. She spoke with a confidence she was not feeling.
"Yes, I think it would be good for me."
"Alone?"
"Would you be more at ease if I had an escort?" Or someone who would spy on me for you?
"I am sure Mr. Bennett would prefer it. I will call upon young Mr. Adams, if you would please wait here until he can join you."
Mrs. Thompson walked away before Kate could respond. She went to the nearest servant bell box and rang for Robert. He must not have been too far away for he arrived in just a few minutes. Mrs. Thompson gave him his instructions then nodded to Kate as if to say you may go now ."
Kate was glad that Robert chose to walk a few paces behind her. She had wanted a few moments alone to think about what she would say to Rose, and to enjoy the morning without having to entertain the boy in conversation. By the time she had reached the Dickson's front door, the boy was no longer within her sight. Dorothy welcomed her in the front door and led Kate to the front parlor.
When Rose entered the parlor, she noticed Kate was wearing one of the ready-made dresses she had given her. Rose counted herself as fortunate for having such an understanding husband. Edward knew how much she enjoyed creating dresses, and felt that her talent was a gift that should not be squandered simply because she was married and did not need to work. She approached Kate, taking her hands into her own. As she did, she noticed that although Kate’s lips were curled up into a smile, the rest of her face seemed worried or upset.
“Oh Katherine, I am so sorry about last night. I have…”
Kate shook her head and put up her hand to stay Rose’s words. “Please do not feel bad on my account. I was over-tired last night and I let my feelings get away from me…”
“Yes, but I feel you were treated less than fairly , and in my own home…”
“Rose, you are so very sweet and kind hearted. Not only do I not hold you responsible for what transpired, I have put it all behind me.”
“Yet your face would tell a different story. What is the cause then if not last night’s dinner?”
“I do not know where to begin… It is more than one thing. I have a few things on my mind this morning.”
Rose motioned
As Margaret set about her chore, Kate went to the writing desk and pulled out her journal. Her dream had seemed so real. The feeling of her arms wrapped around… what was it she called him? James? Yes, she had called him James. The embrace had felt as real as any she had had while awake. The questions began to swirl in her brain and she struggled to write them all down. Who is James? What type of relationship did we have? What happened to him? Is he really dead? Why did I come to Critchfield Manor? Am I in danger? What should I do?
She wrote down everything she could remember about her dream, replaying it over and over in her head. Kate closed her journal for the second time that morning, making sure to carefully tuck it into a secret panel inside the desk. She checked her appearance in a full length mirror, and then made her way down to the main entry doors
Slightly startled, Kate turned to see Mrs. Thompson approaching her.
"Good morning, Mrs. Thompson."
"Good morning. Is there something I may help you with?"
"No, thank you. I am on my way to visit Mrs. Dickson."
"Is the carriage ready?"
"That won't be necessary, it is such a lovely day and I am well rested."
"You intend to walk?"
Kate felt like a child under Mrs. Thompson’s scrutiny. She spoke with a confidence she was not feeling.
"Yes, I think it would be good for me."
"Alone?"
"Would you be more at ease if I had an escort?" Or someone who would spy on me for you?
"I am sure Mr. Bennett would prefer it. I will call upon young Mr. Adams, if you would please wait here until he can join you."
Mrs. Thompson walked away before Kate could respond. She went to the nearest servant bell box and rang for Robert. He must not have been too far away for he arrived in just a few minutes. Mrs. Thompson gave him his instructions then nodded to Kate as if to say you may go now ."
Kate was glad that Robert chose to walk a few paces behind her. She had wanted a few moments alone to think about what she would say to Rose, and to enjoy the morning without having to entertain the boy in conversation. By the time she had reached the Dickson's front door, the boy was no longer within her sight. Dorothy welcomed her in the front door and led Kate to the front parlor.
When Rose entered the parlor, she noticed Kate was wearing one of the ready-made dresses she had given her. Rose counted herself as fortunate for having such an understanding husband. Edward knew how much she enjoyed creating dresses, and felt that her talent was a gift that should not be squandered simply because she was married and did not need to work. She approached Kate, taking her hands into her own. As she did, she noticed that although Kate’s lips were curled up into a smile, the rest of her face seemed worried or upset.
“Oh Katherine, I am so sorry about last night. I have…”
Kate shook her head and put up her hand to stay Rose’s words. “Please do not feel bad on my account. I was over-tired last night and I let my feelings get away from me…”
“Yes, but I feel you were treated less than fairly , and in my own home…”
“Rose, you are so very sweet and kind hearted. Not only do I not hold you responsible for what transpired, I have put it all behind me.”
“Yet your face would tell a different story. What is the cause then if not last night’s dinner?”
“I do not know where to begin… It is more than one thing. I have a few things on my mind this morning.”
Rose motioned
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