Read Online The Maid's Quarters by Holly Bush - Free Book Online Page B

speak to
each new person with some degree of confidence, employing Mrs. Shelby’s habit
of asking a specific question to a new acquaintance, giving that person reason
to reply with comfort and giving her a chance to know each person a bit past a
mere how-do-you-do.
    Albert turned to her as the last guest was led to the dining
rooms by Mr. Higgins. “I know you were nervous, especially as many of my guests
know each other and you knew no one other than me, but I hope you feel more at
ease now. Did I tell you that you look beautiful this evening?”
    “Yes you did,” she said with a smile, and raised her brows. “And
all your guests were very kind, especially after hearing your description of me.”
    “There was none of it untrue, was there?”
    “No, but it wasn’t as though I was her secretary. I was her
maid.”
    “I didn’t say you were or weren’t either,” Albert said.
“Give yourself a chance. And give me a chance if you are so inclined. You are
very beautiful, fashionably dressed, and able to speak to people well, and with
kindness and genuine interest. Let our guests deduce anything they’d like.”
    Alice looked up at him. “I don’t want to embarrass you.
You’re a very important man.”
    Albert took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes. “I am
only as important as you deem me. Your opinion is the only one that seems to
matter to me any longer.”
    Alice said nothing, and her eyes filled with tears. She
composed herself quickly.
    “I’ve upset you, and it was not my intention,” he said,
stepping away from her and motioning in the direction of the hallway ahead.
    Alice was seated to Albert’s left beside an older woman,
Mrs. Farthaway, whose husband Albert spent some time talking business with,
although he never allowed the general conversation to be silenced. But it was
clear to Alice that Mr. Farthaway was an integral part of Albert’s project.
Mrs. Farthaway was a member of a social committee that worked with sick
children and she wondered if Alice would have time to speak to her group
considering she’d been such a part of her brother’s care, and that perhaps
she’d be able to spare two hours a month and attend their regular meetings.
    “I’m not sure that I have much to recommend me to your
group, Mrs. Farthaway, although it is an honor that you’ve asked me,” Alice
said.
    “Of course you do, dear. We are always on the lookout for
conscientious young women to join us. And you are clearly that. Albert told me
about your service to Senator and Mrs. Shelby during the Texas influenza
outbreak. And anyone who has gained the graces of Jolene Crawford Crenshaw
Shelby must have copious amounts of fortitude, my dear. Now don’t take offense
on your former employers’ behalf,” she said kindly. “But Mrs. Shelby is
undoubtedly formidable.”
    Alice smiled. “She is that, Mrs. Farthaway.”
    Alice enjoyed the food and wine, and listened to the other
guests converse. These fine and wealthy folks spoke about the same things that
everyone spoke about, family and triumphs and tragedies. Not so very much
different than a conversation between her ma and Mrs. McKinnell. Alice let
herself relax, enjoy the conversation, and especially the unguarded attention
paid to her by Albert. She would be able to tell Ma that she was, indeed, a
princess for the evening.
      When the night finally
came to an end, Albert waited until all the guests had gone and called for his
carriage.
    “I hate to wake one of the staff to serve as your chaperone
while I escort you home,” Albert said.
    “That is unnecessary. And I’m sure you’re exhausted. You
don’t have to ride with me. I’m sure your stablemen will keep me safe.”
    “I’m sure they would. But I hesitate to let you go. There is
so much I’d like to discuss with you now that everyone else is gone and we can
speak openly.”
    Alice nodded. “Please do not wake anyone. I had a wonderful
time this evening, and enjoyed myself more than I