A Lady of Secret Devotion (3 page)

“Your sister is right, Elida. You’re growing so tall, we definitely need to find you some new clothes. I, too, will miss our Cassie, but I am not so delicate as you girls have portrayed me. Goodness, but you would think I was incapable of getting out of bed on my own in the morning.”

“But Papa always told me to watch over you when he had to be away,” Cassie said.

“And because of that, you believe yourself responsible for me—for this house—for your sister,” her mother said softly. She shook her head and smiled. “I am a grown woman—your mother. It is my duty to see to your needs, not the other way around. Elida and I will be fine here, but we will miss you dearly. The day will not be the same without your chatter and sweet spirit.”

Looking at her mother’s bittersweet smile was nearly Cassie’s undoing. “Both of you must stop!” she said, getting to her feet. “We’re all being silly about this. It’s not like I’m moving across the sea. Mrs. Jameston lives but two miles away, and she promised that you may visit as often as you like. Now, please bring those shawls over here, Elida.” Cassie pointed to two neatly folded wraps on her dresser. Her sister did as directed.

“Does she live in a very fine house?” Elida asked in a pout.

“She does indeed. Her house is very grand, and the servants are quite kind. You will enjoy visiting me there.”

“But I won’t be able to tell you about my day at school.”

“Elida, sometimes these things must happen. Besides, school is nearly complete for the summer,” their mother said rather sadly. “One day, none of this will matter. You will both grow up and marry and leave home to make new lives with families of your own. I will not always have my girls with me. I think we should be very happy for Cassie, for it will benefit us as much as it does her.” She got to her feet. “I must go now and check on the stew. Elida, you make yourself useful to Cassie.”

“I will,” the girl promised, still clutching the shawls.

Cassie went to their wardrobe and took out her well-worn gowns. They hardly seemed the quality that a companion to Mrs. Jameston would wear, but they would have to do.

“You won’t forget us?” Elida questioned as she toyed with one of the fringed wraps.

“Of course not, you goose. I love you and Mama too much to ever forget you.”

Elida sighed and plopped down on the bed. “I wish Father might have lived. I would not be afraid if he were here. You were always so brave.”

Cassie looked at her little sister and felt a sorrow she could not put into words. Elida had been born only a few weeks before their father’s death. Elida had never known him as Cassie had. Cassie had adored him and told Elida stories of her girlhood when their father would take her on long walks or tell her wonderful tales of when he’d been a boy.

“You must remember, Elida, that while Father cannot be here, Mother is. She is right, you know. She’s a strong woman. And not only is she here for you, but Jesus is as well. He is with us every day. He never leaves us. You aren’t alone, and if you remember that, you will be so much braver. Now, hand me the shawls.”

Elida nodded and walked to where Cassie stood. “Mama says that, too, but sometimes I cannot help it.”

Reaching for her wraps, Cassie nodded. “I know. I cannot help it at times, myself.”

The servants were hard at work putting the finishing touches on Cassie’s room when she returned to the Jameston house. Mrs. Dixon, the housekeeper, led her up the stairs and explained that while rooms for the rest of the staff were on the upper two floors, Cassie’s room would be on the second floor, in a room adjoining Mrs. Jameston’s.

Cassie stepped inside and gasped, overwhelmed. The room was furnished with a large canopied bed, beautiful damask draperies, and a variety of tables and chairs. In front of an ornately carved fireplace sat a lovely sofa in blue silk upholstery. A large armoire of cherry wood stood at the far end of the room, where a small alcove offered a dressing table and other amenities. “This must be a mistake.”

“There’s no mistake. I hope you like it,” Mrs. Jameston said as she joined them. “It once belonged to my mother. She was only with us a few years before her death, and the room has remained unoccupied until now.”

“It’s wondrous,” Cassie said, still taking in the vision before her. “I have never seen anything so beautiful.”

“I’m glad you think so. Since it adjoins my room, I thought it a perfect place for you. That way, should I need you in the night, you will be very close.”

“That does sound wise,” she agreed. Another woman entered the room and offered Cassie a smile.

“This is Ada,” Mrs. Jameston explained. “She is my personal maid and will now work for you as well.”

Cassie stammered. “But . . . I . . . ah . . .”

Mrs. Jameston laughed. “You must understand that while you are here, you will be treated as a member of my family. I have instructed my staff to consider you as my granddaughter. Ada is quite talented at dressing hair and preparing clothes.”

Cassie touched a hand to her own golden brown hair. The simple bun she’d created by pinning up her long, straight strands was no doubt offering a poor image.

“I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Stover,” Ada said. As if reading her thoughts, she added, “We’ll soon have everything set right.”

“Please call me Cassie. I couldn’t bear to be called Miss Stover all the time.”

Ada looked to Mrs. Jameston, who smiled and nodded. “I believe that would be acceptable in private. In public, though, you will simply have to get used to the idea. You are, after all, a lady of quality.”

“More like a lady of pretense.” Cassie slapped her hand to her mouth, knowing she had spoken out of line. Mrs. Jameston, however, only laughed.

“Child, you are a beautiful young woman. No one will mistake you for being anything other than that. There is no pretense in that fact.”

“I pray I don’t prove to be otherwise—for your sake, Mrs. Jameston.” Cassie opened her bag and took out her well-worn gowns. “I wonder if I might have an iron so that I can see to these.”

“Give them to Ada. She’ll have Essie see to them,” Mrs. Jameston said. Then she surprised Cassie by coming closer and fingering the material. “You will need some new clothes. I often have to attend various social functions and would want you to accompany me. Ada, tomorrow measure Cassie for new gowns.”

“Oh, but I couldn’t . . .” Cassie paused, trying to think of how she might explain that she couldn’t spare the money for such things.

Mrs. Jameston seemed to immediately understand. “I can well afford to dress you in an appropriate manner, fear not.” She smiled. “Consider it your uniform, my dear.”

Cassie nodded. “I never thought about my appearance. I apologize.”

“Nonsense. Trust the matter to me, and we’ll soon have you appropriately attired. In fact, Ada, I want you to go to the dressmaker’s straightaway tomorrow after you get the measurements. I know it is Saturday, but I believe Sadie can offer us some ready-made things. Have her put it on my account.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ada said.

Later that night, Cassie slid between the delicately embroidered sheets of her bed. For the first time in ten years, she slept on sheets she hadn’t had to iron for herself. The large down-filled mattress cushioned her weight, and Cassie couldn’t help but utter a sigh at the luxury of it all.

All the games of make-believe from her childhood could not begin to equal the reality that she now enjoyed. She truly felt like a queen, and with a yawn, it was only a matter of moments before she drifted into a very pleasant sleep.

The morning came sooner than expected, and Cassie found herself surprised at the sight of Ada pushing open the draperies. Hadn’t she just closed her eyes?

“Good morning, Cassie. I hope you slept well.”

“I did,” Cassie admitted, sitting up.

“I thought you might care for a bath. I’ve prepared one for you, just in case.”

“Oh my! That was so very thoughtful.”

Ada brought a lovely velvet dressing gown to Cassie. “Mrs. Jameston said this would serve you until we could arrange for a new one.”

Cassie got up and allowed Ada to assist her into the robe. “It’s lovely. Much nicer than anything I’ve ever known.”

“It’s one of Mrs. Jameston’s. She’s shorter than you, of course, so the robe is hardly long enough, but it fits well in every other aspect. Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to the bath. It’s just on the other side of your room.”

Cassie followed Ada to the beautifully ordered bathroom. A large tub, already filled with hot water, awaited her attention, while on a stand beside the tub were bath salts, lotions, and oils.

“I wasn’t sure what scents you might care for, but I added some rose oil to the water.”

“How wonderful.” Cassie noted a large stand with a bowl and pitcher, as well as a beautiful oval mirror on the wall.

“If you’d like my assistance in bathing,” Ada began, “I can certainly stay.”

Cassie laughed. “No. I am quite capable of seeing to my own bath. In fact, I hardly expect you to draw a bath for me each time. This is a definite pleasure, however.”

Ada smiled. “Mrs. Jameston wants you to feel like family, and I’m happy to help. She has always treated me well. I have never known her to be anything but kind and considerate.” She paused, as if trying to decide whether to continue. “Forgive me for speaking out of line, but lately she has been quite lonely. I think your presence has already helped her.”

“I hope so,” Cassie said. “I find her easy to be with. Nevertheless, I hope you and I shall also be good friends.” Cassie lowered her voice. “I know she wants me treated like a grand lady, but, Ada, I’m just like you. I’m accustomed to working to earn my keep.”

Ada nodded. “I understand. And I would very much like for us to be friends.”

An hour later, with her hair carefully styled, Cassie joined Mrs. Jameston for breakfast. The older woman looked up as she entered the dining room and smiled.

“You are radiant this morning, Cassandra. I hope you rested well.”

“How could I not?” Cassie replied, taking the chair offered her at Mrs. Jameston’s right. “The bed was like sleeping on air.”

“I’m glad to know it. Are you hungry?”

Cassie looked down at the beautifully set table. The delicate china bore a floral pattern and gold trim around the edges. It seemed quite appropriate for Mrs. Jameston’s table. “I am hungry,” she finally answered. She fingered the embroidered linen napkin and marveled at the handiwork before placing it on her lap.

Mrs. Jameston motioned and a serving girl poured hot tea. “I wasn’t sure,” Mrs. Jameston said, “if you took tea or coffee. I, myself, prefer tea.” myself, prefer tea.”

“As do I. I find coffee a bit strong for my taste.”

Just then another servant entered and brought two silver compotes of fresh fruit. One was placed in front of Cassie and the other in front of Mrs. Jameston. Luscious red strawberries swam in a golden syrup alongside yellow pieces of fruit that Cassie didn’t recognize.

“I wanted to offer you something very special.”

“I recognize the strawberries, although to have them so early is such a treat. But,” Cassie looked at the yellow fruit and smiled, “I have no idea about the other pieces.”

“That would be pineapple from the West Indies,” Mrs. Jameston told her. “I hope you find it to your liking. First, however, I will offer grace.” She bowed her head and began to pray before Cassie could even close her eyes.

“Father, we give thee glory and praise for another day of life. We thank thee for thy bounty, and for the gracious mercy thou hast shown us. Amen.”

“Amen,” Cassie said, looking up. She watched as Mrs. Jameston picked up a small fork and began to sample the fruit. Cassie quickly did likewise.

The flavor was unlike anything she’d ever known. The strange pieces were remarkably chilled, yet tasted as though they’d come straight in from the garden. They were sweet, but tangy, and she found the combination much to her liking. Within moments the fruit was consumed and the servants were bringing new dishes to the table. Pastries were set before her that looked so light and flaky Cassie could only marvel at them for several moments before choosing. She was not disappointed by the buttery richness.

“I must say, my dear, I slept better last night just knowing you were here. I think God has provided for us both.”

“I’m glad,” Cassie replied. She sampled the sausage on her plate and nodded her approval. “This is quite delicious.”

“It seems eating is one of the few pleasures left me.” The older woman took up a cinnamon scone, then motioned the servant to pour more tea.

Cassie could scarcely take it all in. “Everything is so good. I’m used to having only oatmeal or toasted bread for breakfast.”

“I enjoy oatmeal on occasion. We shall certainly have it from time to time.”

“Don’t bother on my account,” Cassie said without thinking. She smiled in apology. “What else do you enjoy?”

Mrs. Jameston considered her words for a moment. “I love to take walks, but I fear my health is not up to great distances anymore. Carriage rides will perhaps be their replacement. I enjoy my garden, as I mentioned yesterday. I would love to read there but find my eyes grow tired so quickly.”

“I shall be happy to read to you there. What kind of books do you enjoy?”

“I find myself capable of enjoying a great variety. Of course, I love the Bible. The stories of history, as well as the guidance I find there, encourage me and keep me directed on the right path. But I also enjoy other works. I have very much enjoyed Nathaniel Hawthorne’s stories, as well as Dickens and Cooper. I recently read Thackeray’s
Vanity Fair
and was less impressed, but was quite fond of Charlotte Bronte’s
Jane Eyre
.”

“I’ve read that one as well. I thought it a compelling story,” Cassie admitted. “I was upset by some turn of events, but overall satisfied in the end.”

“As was I. It portrayed a definite understanding that often life is not what it should be.”

“Have you read Elizabeth Wetherell’s
The Wide, Wide World
?” Cassie asked.

“No. Perhaps that can be our first to share.”