The Pursuit of Lucy Banning,A Novel (Avenue of Dreams) Read online

  “Venue?” Lucy asked. “Are we not to marry at Second Presbyterian?”

  “Of course the ceremony will be there. We must reserve the sanctuary and be sure the pastor is not planning to be on leave. After the church ceremony we can adjourn to a hall elsewhere for the wedding meal and dancing.”

  Charlotte reached for Lucy’s empty goblet.

  “Thank you, Charlotte,” Lucy said.

  Charlotte’s face burned with Lucy’s glance as she picked up Daniel’s goblet as well. Fortunately Penard had stepped into his pantry.

  “Lucy!” Daniel said sharply. “I’m trying to have an important discussion with you and you’re chitchatting with the kitchen maid.”

  Charlotte pressed her back to the wall and turned her eyes down, demure. Too late. Penard had heard Daniel’s outburst and appeared in the dining room to glare.

  Lucy idly fingered the beaded cuff of her dress, a garment Charlotte knew Lucy would give away without second thought if doing so would not distress Flora Banning.

  “I was rather hoping for a simple affair. Perhaps we’ll have the reception here at the house. Mother will have redone the place in anticipation. She might as well have an opportunity to show it off.”

  Daniel leaned back in his chair, amused, and chuckled. “You can imagine how our mothers would respond to that suggestion.”

  “It’s not their wedding—it’s our wedding.” Daniel laughed easily, which could be endearing and could diffuse tension in a business meeting, but at moments like this it made Lucy feel as if he saw her as a young, naïve child.

  “I’m afraid I would have to side with the mothers.” The smile was gone. “Our families are prominent, Lucy. You know as well as I do how important social connections are to business arrangements. We can’t afford to offend people with a small wedding or a reception to which they are not invited.”

  “You said a moment ago I could make every arrangement as I wished,” Lucy challenged.

  “And you may—except that it must be the social occasion our families expect. Your parents long ago opted not to build a ballroom. There simply isn’t space here for an appropriate occasion.”

  Charlotte held firm against the urge to wince on Lucy’s behalf.

  “I’ll get my cape,” Lucy said, “and we can have that walk you promised me.” Lucy stood up, and Daniel politely pushed his chair back as well.

  As Lucy and Daniel left the dining room, Charlotte let her breath out and went into the butler’s pantry to rinse the dishes in the sink. Penard gripped her elbow. “Don’t ever let that happen again,” he muttered sternly.

  Outside a few minutes later, Daniel offered his arm, and Lucy slipped hers through his elbow out of long habit. She knew full well he would mistake the gesture for affection, if not compliance to his point of view.

  “This is much nicer than quarreling,” Daniel said.

  “Yes, it is,” Lucy agreed. Not talking is best of all.

  “I heard a rumor about George Glessner,” Daniel said as they passed the Glessner house. “Reportedly, he is fascinated with fire. He even follows the fire trucks when there’s a call. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got himself sooty in the bucket brigade.”

  “If he did, I’m sure it would only be because he was trying to help,” Lucy responded. “I’ve known George since he was a little boy. He’s the same age I am. Our families lived near each other on Washington Street, before the Great Fire.”

  “They are an odd family.”

  “They’re perfectly nice people.” If you agree with him, this will stop, she told herself. You can have your silence.

  Daniel laughed. “Have you heard what George Pullman said about their house? He wonders what he ever did that he should have to wake up every morning and look at it across the street.”

  Lucy glanced at the Pullman mansion positioned diagonally from the Glessner home on the intersection they shared. “George Pullman undoubtedly is a shrewd businessman, but perhaps he has little imagination when it comes to architecture. I rather like the Glessner house. It has personality and artistry.”

  Daniel was again amused. “I can assure you, we’ll have none of the Glessner style of nonsense when we build our home.”

  “I suppose we’ll have our own style of nonsense,” Lucy quipped.

  “Our home will make a statement,” Daniel assured her, completely missing her tone. “It will reflect taste and success.”

  Lucy opened her mouth to respond, but the words did not come. Her thought was lost in the sight of Will Edwards striding toward them.

  “Why, Lucy,” Will said, “what a pleasant surprise to run into you.”

  Daniel patted Lucy’s arm still tucked in his elbow.

  Lucy took the cue. “Daniel, this is the young architect I was telling you about. Leo’s friend, Mr. Will Edwards. Will, this is Daniel Jules.”

  “Ah, the fiance.” Will smiled and extended his hand. “I’m delighted to meet you.”

  Daniel was forced to let go of Lucy to shake Will’s hand. “And how do you know Leo?”

  “It’s not a very interesting story, I’m afraid,” Will said, “but he has been very kind to me since I arrived in Chicago. I’m on my way to meet him right now.”

  Lucy laughed. “He’s probably hoping for rescue from an afternoon in the parlor with Mother and Father. I’m sure the two of you can cook up something. I look forward”—she almost mentioned the art exhibit the next evening but caught herself—“to hearing what happens.”

  “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Jules,” Will said. “I won’t delay your stroll any longer.” If plans for the art exhibit had crossed Will’s mind, he didn’t show it, to Lucy’s relief.

  Daniel looked over his shoulder as Will progressed toward the Banning house. “He seems likeable enough, though perhaps a bit overfamiliar.”

  “What do you mean?” Lucy asked.

  “The two of you barely know each other and he addressed you by your first name. However, I am pleased to know he already understands you’re an engaged woman.”

  “Don’t be so old-fashioned.” Lucy put her arm through Daniel’s once again. “He’s my brother’s friend. Why should he not use my name?”

  She mustered every ounce of self-restraint within her to keep from looking over her shoulder at Will’s enthusiastic gait.

  Will waited until he was sure Lucy would not be looking before he slowed his step and looked over his shoulder. Daniel had a firm grip on Lucy’s arm as they turned the corner and were lost to Will’s sight.

  So this was Daniel.

  She wasn’t going to marry him. He could see it in her face. If she were going to marry Daniel, her face would not look as it did when she looked at Will.

  11

  I will not have this ridiculous nonsense going on under my roof! Anyone who thinks I would tolerate it is a complete imbecile. I expect this situation will be rectified immediately.”

  Samuel Banning was on a rant. His voice boomed through the lower level and echoed up the stairs.

  Henry! Lucy nearly tripped over her skirts trying to get down the stairs on Monday morning. Clatter startled her further. What was that?

  In the dining room, Charlotte’s bleached face greeted her. Lucy scanned the room and determined the clatter had been a hammered copper pot knocked off its display table. Leo was righting the table and replacing the pot.

  “Father has discovered something that disturbs him.” Leo stated the obvious.

  Henry! Lucy’s mind cried out. Standing behind her father, she raised her eyebrows at Charlotte and gestured as if she were holding a baby. Charlotte’s response was in her eyes—and negative. It was not the baby that upset Samuel.

  “I will not stand for this!” Samuel bellowed. “My study is my private sanctuary and no one, and I mean no one, is permitted to rearrange my things.”

  Lucy stepped forward and took Samuel’s arm. “Father, I’m sure we can sort this out—”

  He shrugged her off. “You and your mother say that t
o me every time I report one of these incidents. I’m telling you, something is going on.”

  “Father, please—”

  “Save your breath, Lucy,” Leo said. “He means it this time.”

  Lucy looked around for her youngest brother. “Isn’t it time to take Richard to school?”

  “I sent him alone in the carriage,” Samuel responded. “I’m going to find out what’s going on once and for all.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, I intend to personally search this house from top to bottom. The paperweight never showed up. My tin-hammered box is missing, and now the pearl-handled letter opener disappeared. I know for a fact it was on my desk yesterday afternoon.”

  “Perhaps Mother borrowed it,” Lucy suggested. “Have you looked in the parlor?”

  “We’ve been married more than twenty-five years. Your mother knows better than to bother my things.”

  Leo smiled blandly and rolled his eyes. “I think I’ll just head over to the university. The allure of the all-day department meeting has grown substantially in the last few minutes.”

  “Do you really have to go, Leo?” Lucy pleaded with her eyes as well as words.

  “I’m afraid so. My presentation is the first one on the agenda. I’m sure you’ll manage.” Leo winked and left the room.

  Lucy caught Charlotte’s eye. “Charlotte, perhaps you could pour us some coffee. Father, let’s sit down and think this through. You can try to remember every move you made yesterday afternoon. I’m sure the letter opener will turn up.”

  Samuel glared at his daughter. “Lucy, my dear, I know you mean well, but I did not lose the letter opener. I did not merely misplace it, and I am not being forgetful. So don’t try to placate me or ply your silly distractions. I’m going to get to the bottom of this if I have to look under every pillow and behind every curtain in this entire house.”

  Charlotte began pouring coffee, but Samuel spun on his heel and left the room.

  “Miss Lucy,” Charlotte whispered, the sterling silver coffeepot still in her trembling hand.

  “I know,” Lucy responded. “But I don’t think he’d really search the rooms.”

  “He sounds serious to me, miss.” The color drained from Charlotte’s face.

  Lucy shook her head. “I doubt he’s ever even been on the third floor. He rarely even goes to the second floor.”

  “He’s the master of the house, and he’s awfully angry.”

  “Charlotte!” Penard came from the butler’s pantry. When he saw Lucy, he tempered his tone. “Might I have a word with you?”

  “Penard, are you aware my father’s letter opener is missing?” Lucy asked. “Perhaps you could have a look around his study. I believe he’s in there. I’m sure he’d appreciate your assistance.”

  “Mr. Banning is still here?” Penard sounded startled.

  “Yes, I suppose he’s decided to go into the office late today.”

  “Miss Lucy, he has an important engagement this morning with a new client. Last night he was quite emphatic that he did not want to be detained overly long at breakfast.”

  “Thank you, Penard. I’ll speak to him myself,” Lucy said, already on her way out of the room with no telltale glance at Charlotte.

  She rapped on the open study door. “Father, I’m sorry you’re having an upsetting morning. However, Penard tells me you have an important meeting. Perhaps you ought to be on your way to the office after all.”

  Samuel slapped the surface of his walnut partners desk. “Penard is correct, as usual.” He waggled a finger at Lucy. “I’ll grant you the appointment slipped my mind, and I do have to go, but I assure you I did not lose that letter opener—or the tin box. I’ll be home for luncheon at 1:00 and will take up the search then.” He pushed an annunciator button and said curtly, “I need a carriage immediately.”

  Lucy sat down on the opposite side of the partners desk. “Father, do you have time for a question while you wait for the carriage?”

  “What is it, Lucy?” He picked up a stack of papers and slid them into his briefcase.

  “These next few days are very full,” Lucy said. “My social obligations related to the dedication of the fair on Friday are fairly demanding on top of my usual commitments. I will require frequent changes of clothing. I know Mother is going to need Elsie’s help, and it will be unrealistic for Elsie to assist us both in this busy week. I’d like to have my own ladies’ maid.”

  Samuel peered at his daughter. “It’s rather short notice, don’t you think? There’s no time for Penard to hire staff before the dedication weekend.”

  “I was thinking about the new kitchen maid. I’ll be out much of the time, but when I’m here, I’d like to have her at my disposal.”

  “What is her name again?”

  “Charlotte. I might even ask her to sleep in the anteroom in my suite. I expect I’ll need her late in the evenings and early in the mornings.”

  Samuel sighed. “I suppose it’s a reasonable request, though I doubt Mr. Penard and Mrs. Fletcher will see it that way.” He reached toward the wall behind his desk and pressed an annunciator button.

  Penard’s voice crackled through the tubes. “Yes, sir, Mr. Banning?”

  “Would you come in here, please? Bring Mrs. Fletcher with you, and the new maid.”

  “Yes, Mr. Banning.”

  Lucy reminded herself to breathe. This could work.

  When Charlotte followed Mr. Penard and Mrs. Fletcher into the room, Lucy merely remained comfortably seated and allowed her father to do the talking. She did not look at any of the servants. In a matter of minutes, Charlotte was her ladies’ maid for the foreseeable future. Charlotte would also continue some kitchen and serving duties with the condition that she be allowed a period of time to rest in the middle of the day because her role in assisting Lucy might keep her up quite late at night.

  Samuel called for a carriage again and Penard went to see that it was properly dispatched, while Mrs. Fletcher muttered she’d better get started on luncheon. Lucy and Charlotte were left staring at each other across the study.

  “Miss Lucy, I’m not sure I understand—”

  “It’s quite simple, Charlotte,” Lucy said. “For the next few days at least, your primary responsibilities will be to me. This will require you to be in my suite much of the time. I suggest you plan to sleep in the anteroom.”

  Charlotte’s eyes widened.

  “We’ll go upstairs now,” Lucy said, “and you can become familiar with my rooms.”

  Lucy led the way down the hall, through the foyer, and up the marble staircase, talking authoritatively all the way. Charlotte hesitated. “It’s all right,” Lucy said. “When you are with me, you may use these steps.”

  Charlotte followed, silent.

  “I realize you’ve never been a ladies’ maid before,” Lucy said, “but I’m confident you can handle the responsibilities. My schedule this week is fuller than usual, and I won’t have a great deal of time for changes of clothing. I’ll rely on you to have my gowns and accessories laid out and ready for me. I am not given to elaborate hairstyles. I’m sure you can help me keep my hair pinned in place without too much trouble.”

  When they reached the door to Lucy’s suite, she said, “Come in with me now and I’ll show you how my things are organized.”

  Charlotte had not said a word all the way up the stairs and down the hall. Once behind a securely closed door, though, she let out a long breath.

  “Do you think you and Henry can be comfortable here in the anteroom?”

  Lucy watched the frightened maid survey the suite—the rich cherrywood of the matching furniture, the floral wallpaper, the delicate lampshades, the rugs. Every detail was in its place. That would have to change for the baby.

  “Miss Lucy, how can I thank you?”

  “I’m not looking for gratitude,” Lucy answered. “I just want your baby to be safe. My father would not allow anyone to search my rooms. If he threatens to, I’ll simply
plead the same penchant for privacy he has. I’ll tell Bessie that you can look after the cleaning in here. No one will have a reason to enter.”

  “I don’t know anything about being a ladies’ maid,” Charlotte confessed.

  Lucy laughed. “Oh, a bit of corset-tightening, a bit of gown-pressing, a bit of companionship. The main thing is you can spend much of your time in here and have Henry with you.”

  “Mrs. Fletcher is not going to like this,” Charlotte said. “I’ve only just started working for her and now she’ll be shorthanded during a busy week.”

  “One step at a time, Charlotte. Now go get your things—and your son.”

  With Charlotte gone, Lucy pondered the question of accommodating an infant. She did not want Henry hidden away in a carpetbag, but neither could he be openly visible—just in case. The large chest of drawers in her anteroom was stuffed with linen sleeping shifts, papers, and favorite childhood books. Lucy pulled out the bottom drawer, which was the deepest. She arranged the books it held on top of the chest, pausing for a moment over the book Daniel had illustrated for her so long ago. No time for nostalgia. She then went into her bedroom for a large pillow, wrapped it in a clean linen shift, and positioned it snugly in the bottom of the drawer. A baby deserved much more, but it was the best she could do.

  Charlotte was back quickly with two ordinary-looking carpetbags. She dropped one and set the other gently on the floor, then bent to open it. Soon Henry and his quilt filled her arms.

  “I’ve made him a bed,” Lucy said. “We can move the chaise lounge over here and the dresser will be less visible but you can still see him.” Together they repositioned the lounge and adjusted a side table.

  “You’ve thought of everything,” Charlotte said. “I wish I could do something for you.”

  “You can get my brown lightweight cloak from the closet and find me a sensible hat. Obviously this can’t wait until Friday. I’m going to the orphanage this morning, but it’s not my usual day, so no one must know.”