In the Company of Secrets (22 page)
Silly!
Eddie wasn’t interested in Charlotte or the baby. At the very least, he wanted to frighten
her
. Hadn’t he said as much? She should have mentioned the earlier sightings to Chef René . At least someone would know about Eddie’s behavior if something should happen to her.
The train slowed, squealing and hissing as it neared the station.
‘‘There you are!’’
Olivia startled and then breathed a quick sigh of relief when she saw Mr. Howard standing in the doorway of the station. ‘‘I was beginning to worry. Come along. I’ve already purchased our tickets.’’
Once they’d boarded the train, she peeked out the window and looked for any sign of Eddie. Should she mention her fears to Mr. Howard? She glanced in his direction and decided against the idea. Chef René would be the better choice. After giving him a report of her meeting with Mrs. Pullman, she’d tell him about Eddie.
‘‘No need to be frightened. You’ll find Mrs. Pullman very kind. And I have no doubt you are well prepared for the meeting.’’
Mr. Howard was staring at her trembling hands. She folded them together in a futile attempt to stop the shaking. ‘‘Chef René was most helpful.’’
He relaxed his shoulders against the leather upholstery. ‘‘Not many employees have the opportunity to visit the Pullman residence. You’re a fortunate young lady.’’ He tilted his head a bit closer. ‘‘I’ve a lovely supper planned. There is a fine restaurant in the Tremont Hotel, where I thought we would dine.’’
‘‘Or if we finish early, we could simply return to Pullman.’’ She hoped he would concur. Fred knew of this meeting with Mrs. Pullman and had asked what time she would be back. Though he’d acted as though he was merely inquiring how late his mother might be needed to help Charlotte with young Morgan, she suspected that he wondered much more.
Mr. Howard’s eager smile faded at her suggestion. ‘‘I thought you’d be pleased by my invitation.’’
‘‘Oh, it is most generous of you. But I worry about taking advantage of Mrs. DeVault and thought we could come back . . .’’ Her words trailed off like a vapor.
He patted her hand. ‘‘You are such a kind young lady . . . always thinking of others. I shall pay Mrs. DeVault for her services this evening. You’ll have no reason to feel guilty, and she’ll be thankful for the unexpected funds. A few extra coins will mean a great deal to her.’’
Olivia agreed Mrs. DeVault could use the additional income, but his solution would do nothing to solve her problem with Fred. While Mr. Howard chattered about the wonders of Chicago, her mind flitted back and forth between Eddie’s reappearance at the train station and the possibility of a confrontation with Fred. She couldn’t decide which was more harrowing. By the time the train arrived in Chicago, she’d decided she would more easily resolve her problem with Eddie than with Fred. A most distressing thought.
The carriage ride through the streets of Chicago proved as nerve-racking as her earlier trips to and from the train station with Charlotte. She was thankful for Mr. Howard’s presence, for she couldn’t have remained calm in the hubbub of activity otherwise. If anything, the city seemed even more formidable than she remembered. Everything, including carriages, streetcars, trains, buildings, and people, vied for space, and she never knew at any given moment who or what would win the battle. ‘‘This is a frightening city, don’t you think?’’
‘‘There are those who say Chicago is much like Pittsburgh: hell with the lid let off. Of course, I tend to disagree.’’
Olivia wasn’t certain where the city of Pittsburgh was located, but if it was similar to Chicago, it wouldn’t be a place she’d soon want to visit. Once their carriage entered the posh residential area, the clamor of noise and incessant activity settled. Olivia peered out the window at the magnificent mansions of stone and brick, with their ornate roofs and fancy ironwork fences, and compared them to Lanshire Hall. Surprisingly, these houses appeared as stately and glorious as some of those belonging to members of the English nobility. Certainly as lovely as the home where she’d previously worked.
‘‘This is the Pullman house.’’ The carriage turned into a semicircular driveway that led to a three-story home of stone and brick. Connected to the east side of the house was what looked like a Grecian amphitheater she’d seen in one of Lady Charlotte’s books. She could only imagine what the interior of the house must look like.
A Negro servant hurried to the coach. As she stepped down, Olivia stared at the huge portico that led to the front door. ‘‘Shouldn’t we go around to the rear of the house?’’
Mr. Howard adjusted his tie. ‘‘No. I am not a servant, and we are here by invitation. Mrs. Pullman is expecting us, Olivia.’’
She lowered her voice. ‘‘In England, I would be expected to use the rear door whether I was expected or not.’’
He grasped her elbow and moved her along. ‘‘This isn’t England.’’
Of course, he was correct. The maid who took Mr. Howard’s hat certainly welcomed them as though they belonged. Olivia tried to avoid gawking, but from what she’d seen thus far, the Pullman mansion was much grander than anything she’d expected.
From the entry, she viewed the twin-arched stairway of rich cherrywood winding upward to the second floor. Her heels clicked on the marble floor and echoed through the foyer as the maid led them into a room with thick Brussels carpet and velvet embossed wallpaper. Beautifully tufted gold brocade chairs flanked a marble-topped table, and a plush-cushioned divan was covered in a rich burgundy velvet that matched the wallpaper. Silk pillows rested in the corners of the divan, and a large oil painting of Mr. Pullman and a stately woman hung above the carved mantel. She leaned close to Mr. Howard. ‘‘Is that Mrs. Pullman?’’
‘‘Yes. She’s quite a handsome woman, don’t you think?’’
Olivia agreed and continued to survey the room. Everywhere she looked, there were gold statuettes and ornate pieces of delicate glassware, tapestry-covered tables, and windows of stained glass. If what she saw in this room bespoke the rest of the house, the opulence surpassed the furnishings of Lanshire Hall. Before she had further time to take inventory of the room, Mrs. Pullman entered. An elegant woman, she crossed the room and bid them good afternoon. Her gown of pale green silk whispered like rustling leaves in a gentle wind.
Stepping forward, Mr. Howard signaled for Olivia. ‘‘Mrs. Pullman, may I introduce Miss Olivia Mott, our latest addition to the culinary staff at the hotel. Chef René has charged her with the preparations for your gala.’’
Mrs. Pullman glanced toward the hallway. ‘‘And Chef René is not in attendance today?’’
Extracting a handkerchief from his pocket, Mr. Howard dabbed the beads of perspiration from his forehead. ‘‘His duties keep him in Pullman, but he has every confidence in Miss Mott.’’
Mrs. Pullman arched her brows. ‘‘
Does
he? I’m surprised he didn’t personally advise me of this change in plans. He didn’t mention Miss Mott when we last corresponded.’’
Although they were discussing her, Olivia felt like an intruder in a private conversation. Apparently Mr. Howard hadn’t considered the possibility that Mrs. Pullman might disapprove of his change in plans.
‘‘I believe you’re going to find Miss Mott’s menu much to your liking. She has excellent credentials.’’
Mrs. Pullman waved them toward one of the divans. ‘‘Do sit down.’’ She patted her perfectly coiffed hair as she sat down opposite Mr. Howard. ‘‘I don’t doubt Miss Mott’s qualifications. I know Chef René would never hire an assistant without superb qualifications. I’m merely surprised he didn’t advise me in advance that he wouldn’t be at this meeting.’’ She turned to look at Olivia. ‘‘Do you have a menu card prepared for my review, Miss Mott?’’
Olivia withdrew the card from her purse. ‘‘I’ll be pleased to discuss any changes you wish, Mrs. Pullman. Chef René has personally tested all of the recipes and given them his approval.’’
Mrs. Pullman scanned the card. ‘‘I think you’ve made some excellent choices, and if Chef René has approved the items, I’m confident they won’t disappoint.’’ She leaned back in her chair. ‘‘Now, what did you have in mind as a theme for the decorations?’’
Olivia gulped. ‘‘Theme?’’
‘‘I much prefer decorations that convey a focused idea rather than a few floral arrangements scattered about. Don’t you agree?’’
‘‘Yes, of course.’’ How could she not agree? However, no one had mentioned the need of a theme for the decorations, and she’d planned exactly what Mrs. Pullman didn’t want—flowers, candles, crisp white linens, and no focus. Mrs. Pullman was staring, obviously waiting for her to make a suitable suggestion. ‘‘No flowers or candles,’’ she muttered.
‘‘Absolutely not.’’
‘‘What about a sailing theme since your guests will be attending the regatta during their visit? Does that hold any appeal?’’
Mrs. Pullman was still looking heavenward as though contemplating the idea when Olivia suddenly suggested a musical theme. ‘‘The tea is to raise funds for the symphony, isn’t it? We could have musical notes on the menu cards, and if you would approve the use of a few flowers, we could arrange them around musical instruments. Perhaps we could borrow instruments from the Pullman band and orchestra members.’’
Mrs. Pullman’s features softened while she contemplated the suggestion. ‘‘Yes. I do like that idea. Much more sophisticated than the sailing theme. If you would like some assistance with the decorations, I can have Regina come and help.’’
Mr. Howard leaned forward. ‘‘I don’t think that’s necess—’’
Before he could say anything further, Olivia interrupted. ‘‘I would be most appreciative, Mrs. Pullman. The more elegant the event, the more funds you’re likely to receive.’’ Olivia didn’t know who Regina was, but if the woman knew how to decorate and carry out a theme, Olivia wanted her at the hotel.
‘‘Good for you, my dear. I’m pleased with your idea and the fact that you’re willing to accept Regina’s assistance. She’s quite talented. I’ll tell her I’m charging her with the responsibility of making the hotel’s dining rooms and ladies’ reading room into a veritable musical wonderland.’’ She clapped her hands. ‘‘This is going to be delightful. I do want you to have one of the hotel staff see to the guest list and registry. I have the list of invited guests right here.’’ She picked up several sheets of paper from the side table. ‘‘You may take it with you.’’ She folded the sheets, handed them to Olivia, and then leaned back in her chair. ‘‘Based upon your accent, I would surmise you’re from London?’’
‘‘Indeed she is. Olivia was an assistant chef at Lanshire Hall.’’ Mr. Howard’s chest swelled.
‘‘Do tell? Now isn’t that a coincidence. The Earl and Countess of Lanshire will be attending the regatta and athletic games. Of course, the countess will be in attendance at the tea, also. Won’t she be surprised to see that we were fortunate enough to hire her assistant chef?’’ She chuckled. ‘‘Her loss is our gain, isn’t it?’’
Olivia watched Mrs. Pullman’s lips continue to move, but she didn’t hear anything further. Her mind was working overtime, attempting to digest what she’d just heard while wondering how this could possibly be happening to her. Had the earl and countess discovered Charlotte was in Pullman? No, surely not. If so, they wouldn’t be planning to attend the regatta and a tea. Instead, they’d swoop into the city unannounced and take their daughter home to London.
The remainder of the meeting was a blur to Olivia. Before they’d even departed, her hands were shaking and her stomach roiling. The startling news settled around her in an oppressive haze, and she thought she might throw up in the carriage. Not until she extended her quaking hand to steady herself in the rocking carriage did Mr. Howard become aware of her overwhelming anxiety.
‘‘You’re trembling, my dear. Is it the excitement of meeting with Mrs. Pullman?’’
She shook her head. ‘‘I’m unwell and wonder if we could immediately return home.’’
Mr. Howard’s disappointment was palpable. ‘‘Perhaps once you’ve had something to eat, you’ll feel revived.’’
At the mention of food, she swallowed hard, hoping she wouldn’t retch. She would never live down such humiliation. ‘‘I don’t think so. I’m sorry to spoil your plans, but I truly must go home.’’
‘‘Then you must promise we’ll come back to the city sometime so that I can show you some of the many sights I know you’ll enjoy.’’
She murmured her agreement, thankful he’d not mentioned food again or forced her to set a date to visit the city with him. Their journey to Pullman seemed endless. Mr. Howard likely thought he was entertaining her with his ongoing monologue regarding the festive dedication ceremonies for the Columbian Exposition that were scheduled to take place in late October. Apparently Mr. Pullman and other wealthy men of Chicago had played a large role in ensuring the World’s Fair would be hosted in their city. She did her best to appear impressed, but her roiling stomach prohibited much enthusiasm.
When the train finally pulled into the Pullman station, Olivia sighed with relief. She attempted to discourage him from accompanying her home, but Mr. Howard insisted upon escorting her. Certainly Charlotte and Mrs. DeVault would be surprised by her early return. What would Charlotte think when she heard the news about her mother and father? There was bound to be a hysterical scene, not that Olivia could fault Charlotte for any emotional outburst. After all, she’d nearly collapsed herself.
