Unveiled (14 page)

What was wrong with these people? Grace Pemberton, for all her elegant airs, appalled her the most. There was a coldness about her, a ruthlessness, that made Katie shudder. Was Fan like her? Or was she like Ella, a sweet human being who just couldn’t stand it another minute?

Katie couldn’t tell. In any case, she was staying. After meeting the Pembertons, Katie was certain of one thing.

Ella needed a friend. Her.

“I’ve been to see the Scotts,” George announced. The other Pembertons stared at him expectantly. Ella had gone to bed, and the family was holding a secret meeting to determine their next course of action. “The news is not good.”

“How could it be any worse?” Stephen Pemberton, Grace’s son, asked coldly. “We have a perfect stranger in our midst, masquerading as Fan. Ella is convinced she’s back and, if angered, will doubtless write us all out of the will. How, may I repeat, could it be worse?”

“The Scotts adore her,” George said bluntly. “Eunice thinks Fan is charming and the perfect mate for her nephew. And as for Christopher, the man is obviously infatuated. When I merely hinted that the family might not be supportive of this wedding, on the grounds of Fan’s name and reputation, both of them nearly attacked me. I think we stand to make powerful enemies if this match does not proceed.”

Gloom settled over the room. Each Pemberton looked to the one beside him, but no one had any answers. Finally it was Grace who spoke up, but even she was less certain than normal.

“Perhaps we should risk their anger,” she said slowly. “After all, there are only Eunice and Christopher. Even if they are offended, they don’t represent all of society. Then we could go on as before.”

Eileen clattered the tea tray. George looked at her searchingly, then spoke.

“That is true, but there are other considerations. Ella’s frame of mind, for one. She is set on this wedding, and to thwart her may cause more damage than we can deal with. I don’t think any of us is prepared to move in with her and care for her, are we?”

This time the Pembertons looked to the floor. Used to a life of luxury and money, they did not relish the thought of providing help to a senile old lady.

“Then there is another problem. Ella has had Fan reintroduced to society. Everyone here believes she is Frances. Some of the women have even helped in this effort. I don’t think they’d take it too kindly to find out they’d been tricked by the old woman.”

“But we don’t even know her!” Ida Pemberton protested, holding her squalling newborn. “We don’t know if she’s a common thief, or worse. My God, this woman could be any tramp off the streets! Do you actually expect us to take her into our midst as if she were family?”

This time Eileen placed the dishes down with a clunk. She turned to the Pembertons like a massive boat pulling into harbor. “Begging your pardon, miss, but I couldn’t help overhearing. It is none of my concern, but it might interest you to know that Miss O’Connor’s references are impeccable. She worked for several families as a maid, and all of them have nothing but good things to say about her.”

“That’s a relief,” Grace said, though she gave Eileen a sharp look. “Such recommendations do not come easily. At least she is trustworthy.”

“I think, after giving the matter thorough thought, that we should let the wedding proceed,” George said firmly, ignoring the gasps around him. “And all of the reasons are obvious. We all stand to lose too much by making a fuss over this. And in reality, by marrying her off to the Scotts, we rid ourselves of the problem. Miss O’Connor will then become their concern, not ours.”

The protests died and the Pembertons began to smile. Even Stephen, who up until this point was the most vocal, grinned and patted his uncle on the back.

“You sly old fox! I see what you’re getting at. This way Fan won’t be our responsibility. We won’t have to worry about her cutting in on our money. And she really can’t damage Fan’s name any more than Fan herself has already done. Now the old lady is happy, and the girl certainly won’t tell. God, she stands to gain everything. Well done, man. You’ve come up with the answer.”

Even Grace nodded as the realization came to her. As Frances Scott, Kate O’Connor posed much less of a threat. It was a solution that satisfied everyone.

T
EN

^“
W
hat’s the matter, Chris? Wedding nerves?” Charles Pepper grinned at his friend while Christopher struggled to tie his cravat. Giving up after the fifth attempt, he sighed in resignation and let Charles do the honors.

“No, I just don’t understand why we need such a fuss. Why can’t two people quietly marry? My aunt has notified every newspaper in the country. The house is full of relatives, ones we haven’t seen in years. The cook is in a frenzy, trying to keep them all fed, and I have to wear this ridiculous outfit, just to say ‘I do.’” He gestured impatiently at the black coat and ascot he wore.

Charles laughed. “I have to admit that I didn’t think you’d be the one marrying so soon. And you knew Eunice would never let you off without a big wedding. She’s waited years for this.” Charles handed him his coat. “You’re a lucky man. Fan is something else.”

“Yes, she is, isn’t she?” The exasperated look left Christopher’s face and he smiled warmly. “You know, Charles, she’s so different, so vital and alive. She enjoys every minute as if she can’t believe it all won’t disappear. I’ve never met anyone like her.”

“She’s a hell of a girl,” Charles agreed. “Then what’s the problem? You aren’t having second thoughts?”

“I wouldn’t say that.” His black hair falling into a charming curl across his forehead, Christopher glanced into the mirror and brushed the errant lock into place. What he saw in the mirror only made him frown. He was handsome, startlingly so. He’d been told that since he was a child, and his looks, combined with an easygoing charm, had made him popular and somewhat casual in his morals. So he wasn’t acquainted with the feeling that he had today, that what he was doing wasn’t quite right. He frowned at his reflection, then turned to Charles.

“Did you ever wonder why we only court the Main Line girls? I mean, women with money?”

Charles shrugged. “Who else would we court? We go to school with them, live with them, see them at the same parties and receptions. It seems only natural that we’d choose one for a wife. Why?” He stared at his urbane friend, obviously perplexed.

“I was just thinking about it, that’s all. You know we really limit ourselves and our choices by doing that. And you have to wonder how many matches are made by convenience, family ties or money rather than love.”

“Are you saying that you don’t…love Fan?” Charles questioned cautiously. “You know, Chris, you don’t need to rush into anything if you’re not sure. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. After today, you and Fan will be husband and wife. You’ll live together, have children, grow old…if you have doubts, by God, you’d better express them now.”

Christopher grinned. “Relax. I don’t have any doubts where Fan is concerned. I knew from the moment I saw her that I would wed her. There was never even the slightest hesitation.” His eyes grew darker and he pulled on his jacket. “I was just thinking of the process. You know, the criteria we use to decide on a wife. Whether we admit it or not, money plays a big part in it. For instance, could you imagine the reaction if you picked a…maid, or a scullery girl as a bride?”

“God, don’t even think about it.” Charles laughed. “My mother would have the vapors and take to her bed for days. I don’t understand what you’re getting at with all this, though. If you’re happy with your choice, and she has all the qualities your family would want, then I’d call that a perfect situation.”

Christopher grinned, losing his serious demeanor. “You know, you’re right, Charles. And those are odds that any gambler could live with. Let’s go, my friend. I believe it’s time.”

Charles nodded, then followed Christopher down the stairs. It was nice to know that even the sophisticated, self-confident Christopher Scott harbored doubts on his wedding day. It made him seem far more human and more sensitive than Charles would have given him credit for.

I miss you, Mommy. Grandpa says you will be home at Christmas. That’s too long. I have new pants to show you. Aunt Moira said she’ll get me real suspenders. She’s helping me write this. And a tie. I’m going to wear them to church on Sunday. Billy O’Leary has a new tie, but no pants.

Grandpa says to tell you we’re fine. I’m doing what you said and saying my prayers. I’m going to school, but I hate it. The sisters are mean. They won’t let me clap erasers because I hit Jimmy Reilly on the head.

Can you come home soon? I’ll comb my hair for you and brush my teeth like you asked.

Love, Sean

P.S. Katie—everything’s fine, don’t worry. Sean just misses you. We’re thankful for the extra money you’ve been sending. I’m glad the new job is good. Moira.

Tears sprang up into Katie’s eyes and she shoved the letter into her pocket as Eileen entered the room. Wiping at her face, she turned quickly away so the maid wouldn’t see her crying.

“My, you look grand.” Eileen beamed, turning up the gaslight and surveying Katie. “You are the prettiest bride I think I’ve ever seen.”

“Do you really think so?” Katie glanced down at the dress, smoothing the creamy satin. Tiny seed pearls and iridescent beads were scattered all over the gown in floral outlines, complementing the lace overlay and the sheer sleeves that reached down to her fingertips. “This dress is beautiful. It belonged to Ella, you know. She never wore it.”

“I know.” Eileen sighed, tucking a pleat of the gown and arranging the material more carefully. “She should have had a wee one of her own. As it is, she thinks of you that way.”

Katie took a deep breath and turned, facing Eileen directly. “I know you haven’t been sure about all this,” she said slowly. “But I want you to know that I’m thinking of Ella, too.”

“I know that,” Eileen answered. “And I’ve come to the conclusion that you are far better for Mrs. Pemberton than all the Pembertons put together. Damned fools! They’re down there now, eating everything in sight. I don’t know which one of them’s worse, from Grace, Fan’s mother, the old witch, to Stephen. He’s an excellent argument for why alligators eat their young.”

Katie chuckled, glad for the relief from the tightness in her throat. “You always make me laugh, Eileen.”

“Well, it’s the truth,” the woman said firmly, planting her hands on her hips. Her eyes met Katie’s. “Just don’t lose sight of who and what you really are. You may need to fall back on it one day.”

“I know.” Katie nodded, smoothing her dress. When she glanced back up, her face showed her concern. “Eileen, do you think…I mean, does God understand all this?”

Eileen hesitated. To the Irish, God was as close as the nearest leaf, so it wasn’t an odd question. And Katie, posing as Fan, was definitely practicing a deception. Taking a deep breath, Eileen nodded. “I think so. After all, you aren’t hurting anyone. Mr. Scott is delighted that you will be wed, and so is his family. Mrs. Pemberton is very happy. The only ones unhappy about it are the Pembertons. I don’t think the Lord would object to that situation at all.”

Katie lightly touched the letter inside her dress. God might be able to understand, but would Sean? How could she explain to her son that she was going to be wed, masquerading as another woman? And that she was doing it as much for him as for anyone else?

She missed him terribly. Katie pictured her son’s sandy-blond hair, his irrepressible smile, his freckled nose. There was so much about him that she relived, from the noise he made playing his tin horn to the way he would curl up beside her and sleep with all the trust of a tiny kitten. Would he ever understand that she had to do this, that it was her only hope of ever giving him the life she’d dreamed of?

It was a question without an answer. But every time she thought of him, wretched with poverty, she knew what she had to do.

May God forgive her.

“Are you ready, lass?” Eileen leaned forward and adjusted her veil as Katie nodded.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Eileen smiled. “I have a good feeling about this day. I woke with an ache in my leg, and that always portends well. I think everything is going to work out fine.”

Katie only wished she could be as sure.

The church was more of a hall than anything else, but it was decorated with summer flowers and the sunshine poured through the windows, making it beautiful. Katie smiled, glad that her wedding was not taking place in one of the grand yet intimidating churches in Philadelphia.

Her wedding. The thought made her cold for a moment. She was never to have one. She remembered the remarks she’d had to endure when Sean was born, that she was sullied and could never be a bride. Even her parish priest, Father O’Leary, had told her she could never wear a white dress or be married in a church. She had sinned in the eyes of God and had to pay for that sin.

Rebellion rose up in her. It was so unfair! Why was it only women were penalized like this for a mistake? Only women were scorned for having lived, loved…

But somehow she’d escaped even that. A sniffle choked her and she wiped it back, wishing that her father could somehow see her. He’d be so proud of her, his Katie O’Connor, wed in a real church, even if it was not a Catholic church. She could just see his expression, bursting with pride and happiness. By pretending to be Fan, she’d won something very important—freedom from her own past. It was worth more than the money, the gown…than anything.