Читать книгу Somewhere to Call Home - Janet Barton Lee - Страница 13

Chapter Three

Violet thought it was a beautiful day as they sauntered down the street to Third Avenue, where she assumed they’d find a hack to take them around the city. She couldn’t help but be pleased that Michael had come home to tell her about the Butterick opening and wanted to accompany them today. But she didn’t want to be a burden to either of the Heatons. She hoped she got the job at Butterick. At least that way, she’d have Lila to help her learn her way to work and back, and Michael and his mother wouldn’t be worrying about her.

“Is it a long walk to the Butterick Company from here?” she asked.

“It could be done in around a half hour. But it would be much quicker to take the El or another mode of transportation,” Mrs. Heaton said.

“We’ll be traveling by the El today.” Michael smiled down at her. “I want you to get familiar with the stops and comfortable with getting on and off at the right places.”

While the sound of the traffic she’d witnessed the day before couldn’t be heard from Mrs. Heaton’s boardinghouse, as they got closer to the avenue, the sounds of horses’ hooves and drivers yelling became more and more noticeable. When they reached the corner, Violet pulled up short and inhaled sharply. Somehow the traffic seemed even worse when one was on foot.

“What is it? Is something wrong?” Michael asked, his hand at her back.

Violet put her hand to her throat and expelled a deep breath. She shook her head, but there were no words for what she was seeing or feeling as she watched people from all walks of life hurrying along the busy thoroughfare, some even crossing the street, dodging the horse-drawn vehicles as best they could. And that had to be taking their lives in their own hands, because there seemed to be every kind of vehicle imaginable, and some Violet had never seen before, racing up and down the street. Then she heard a train and had to look up to see it. There, high above the traffic down below, was the El. Mrs. Heaton had pointed it out to her the day before. She didn’t know whether to laugh or exclaim.

“It’s the traffic, Michael,” Mrs. Heaton said, grasping her hand.

“Of course it is. I’m sorry, Violet. I didn’t realize—it is quite a change from Ashland, isn’t it? But don’t worry. One day you’ll know your way around and the traffic will just seem normal to you.”

Violet hoped so, as she tried to get her breathing back to normal. But she had to admit that as much as it all frightened her, there was something about all the hustle and bustle of this place that exhilarated her and had her heart pounding to keep pace with all the sounds around them.

Michael led her and his mother up to what she supposed was an entry to get on the train, which had stopped only a block away. He handed the man a coin for a ticket, then gave a coin to her and his mother and they did the same. Then they were allowed to go through a turnstile into an area where they waited in front of doors with glass windows until they were allowed to enter the train on the other side.

“Take a window seat, Violet. You’ll see more that way,” Mrs. Heaton said.

Violet sat down and Mrs. Heaton took the seat across from her. Michael sat down beside Violet. A conductor collected their tickets and, as the train took off, Violet couldn’t keep an excited giggle from escaping as she looked down on the street below.

“It is quite something, isn’t it?” Michael asked. “Seeing your reaction reminds us of our own just a few years ago. Mother and I were just as amazed as you are.”

His words made Violet feel better, but she didn’t have time to say so, as he leaned across her and pointed. “Look, there’s City Hall on your left.”

The train stopped just then for some of the passengers to get out and others to get on, and Violet got a good look at where the city government was conducted. Then the train was on its way again. They made a sudden turn and Violet slid closer to Michael. His nearness and the scent of his cologne were hard to ignore as she tried to right herself. Trying to compose herself, she pointed to the tallest building she’d ever seen. “What is that?”

“That is the Tower Building over on Broadway. It’s thirteen stories high and is one of the tallest buildings in the city at present.”

Violet was certain she wouldn’t want to be on the top floor looking down. She shuddered at the mere thought of it.

“We’re on Sixth Avenue now and we’ll get off at the next stop,” Michael explained. “Butterick isn’t far from here.”

“If we have time, I’d love for Violet to at least get a glimpse of the Ladies’ Mile,” his mother suggested.

“The Ladies’ Mile? What is that?” Violet asked as the train came to a stop once more and Michael and his mother both stood. Violet scooted out of her seat, shook her skirts and stood beside Mrs. Heaton in the aisle.

“Oh, my dear, the Ladies’ Mile is blocks and blocks of the most wonderful shops and department stores. Some weekends the girls and I come down just to window-shop. Even if one doesn’t buy anything, it’s the place to go to know what is in style. Besides, several of the shops that need help are there, so it will be helpful if you know where they’re located,” Mrs. Heaton said.

Violet followed them out of the train and down to ground level again. Michael hired a hack and off they went once more.

“Aren’t we going to show her Central Park, Michael? We’ve come this far.”

“Perhaps we can go there tomorrow after Sunday dinner?”

“That is a wonderful idea. She can’t see New York City all in a day, that is for certain.”

As the Heatons talked over her, Violet began to believe she could live here the rest of her life and never see it all. Back on street level, in the traffic of a Saturday morning, Violet once again found herself closing her eyes from time to time as one or another vehicle seemed bound to run into them.

Michael was right. It wasn’t far to Butterick on Broadway. Violet looked up at the building with the signs that said E. Butterick and Company. Ornate molding framed the windows and doors. The building was very nice, and Violet didn’t think she would mind working there, but in her present circumstance she’d be glad to find any respectable position.

Michael pointed out all the El stops, but Violet had a feeling it would take a while before she knew exactly which one to take. He promised to draw her a map to keep with her, to make it easier for her to remember.

Mrs. Heaton pointed out Brooks Brothers, Tiffany’s Jewelry and Lord & Taylor along with other stores on Broadway. Michael had the driver turn up and down several different blocks and, new as she was to the city, even Violet could tell when they got close to the Ladies’ Mile.

Traffic slowed and became more congested. Carriages of all kinds, landaus, rockaways and phaetons moved slowly, giving them a glimpse of the ladies inside. That these women belonged to society was evident by the gowns they wore and the fact that many had liveried men driving them.

But there were others—everyday women dressed much like Violet and Mrs. Heaton—who were there, too. They were lined up, looking in the shop windows of Macy’s, Le Boutellier Brothers, Hearns Department Store and Orbach’s on Fourteenth Street. Violet remembered that Macy’s and Hearns both had ads in the classifieds. She’d apply at them on Monday as well as Butterick.

Part of Violet wanted to be looking in the windows along with all of those other women, and the other part of her could not have been more relieved when Michael told the driver to take them back to the boardinghouse.

If anything, traffic was even more frenzied than earlier in the day, and Violet closed her eyes at more than one intersection. When Michael chuckled, she opened them to find him looking at her with a smile on his face.

“I’m sorry, Violet, it is just so entertaining to watch you try not to watch the traffic.”

“I can’t seem to help it. I fear a calamity is bound to happen at any moment, and I don’t want to see it or be part of it.”

“Oh, accidents do happen, and frequently. But most times they aren’t all that serious.” He grinned at her. “However, it might be best if you try not to shut your eyes, or pray that our driver doesn’t shut his, as well.”

Violet laughed with him. “Yes, I can see how that might help. I’ll try, but I can’t promise.”

Just then, an omnibus careened around a corner and seemed to be heading straight for them. Violet scrunched her eyes shut tight and screamed.

* * *

After a much-needed nap, Violet woke refreshed and looking forward to dinner, in spite of feeling horrible about screaming in Mrs. Heaton’s ear. When that omnibus had come straight toward their hack, she’d been certain it was going to topple them over. Thankfully, the Lord had been with them and, just in the nick of time, their driver had avoided the calamity.

The Heatons had assured her, over and over again, that they understood, and told her that if not for her scream, their driver might not have acted so quickly. Still, she felt a bit silly and embarrassed about it all. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be a topic of conversation at dinner.

She chose a gown of purple moiré that was several years old, but still in style. At least it had been back home. She only hoped it wasn’t terribly outdated here in New York City.

After dressing her hair into a psyche knot, Violet turned this way and that in front of the standing mirror in the corner. The dress had an ivory lace inset in the bodice and a high collar and waistband of a darker shade of purple. It showed little wear, and, well, it would have to do. Even if she chose another gown, it would not be new.

After Mama had her stroke there’d been no money for new clothes, not even homemade ones, and Violet had no interest in them anyway. All she’d wanted was for her mother to get well. But that wasn’t to be and, oh, how she missed her. Grief, sudden and sharp, threatened to engulf Violet, until she remembered the promise she’d made to her mother just before she had passed away.

Mama had been so alert for just those few moments as she’d grasped her hand and said, “Violet, now don’t you give yourself over to grief once I’m gone. You’ve been a blessing to me and I don’t know what I would have done without you. I want you to get on with your life. The Lord has great plans for you. I know you’ll miss me, but I pray your days will be full of life and joy and living according to the Lord’s will. When you start to give in to the grief, think of me in Heaven. Promise me, Violet, for I’m ready to go.”

“I promise, Mama,” Violet had said. Her mother had squeezed her hand, closed her eyes and slipped away. Remembering how peaceful her mother had looked, Violet let one last sob escape before she wiped at her tears. They wouldn’t bring her mother back, and Violet wouldn’t have wanted her to suffer just to stay here for her sake.

She let out a huge sigh and nodded to herself. Enough of this—it wasn’t what Mama would want. She would honor her mother’s wishes and her promise to her. But, oh, how she wished she’d been with her today to see all the sights and hubbub of this city. It comforted her to think that maybe she saw it all from Heaven.

Hearing the sounds of the other boarders begin to make their way downstairs, Violet hurried into the bathroom to splash water on her face, trying to get rid of the telltale tears. She pinched her cheeks to give them color and took a deep breath before stepping out into the hall.

Violet hoped she wasn’t overdressed, or underdressed, as she headed down to the parlor to join everyone. She was relieved to see that Elizabeth was dressed much as she was in a pale blue gown, and she put her worries about how she looked away.

“Violet, did you have a good day?” Elizabeth asked as she led the way downstairs. “I asked my friend about openings at Tiffany Glass, and as I suspected, there aren’t any at present. Still, she said she’d let me know when one comes up. Evidently it’s fairly often.”

“Thank you for asking about it, Elizabeth. I did have a good day. I rode on the El for the first time and I know where several companies are that I’ll apply at on Monday, including Butterick.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “Riding on the El for the first time is an experience, but you get used to it very quickly. I’m so glad there is an opening at Butterick. I’ll be praying you get that position and then we can be coworkers, too.”

They were both laughing when they joined the others in the parlor just as Mrs. Heaton called them to the dining room. Again, Violet found herself sitting adjacent to Michael and across from Lila.

After Michael said the blessing and began carving the large ham Gretchen had set before him, Mrs. Heaton introduced a new man at the table as John Talbot, a reporter for the New York Tribune. He’d been covering a charity ball the night before.

“Pleased to meet you, Miss Burton,” he said. He was about her age and clean-shaven, with rust-colored hair and greenish-blue eyes. He didn’t have the rough demeanor she’d thought a seasoned reporter might possess; instead, he looked like someone she could have gone to school with.

“Thank you, Mr. Talbot. I’m pleased to meet you, as well.”

“How are you enjoying our city?”

“With her eyes closed.” Michael chuckled and winked at Violet as he handed her a plate with a slice of ham.

His wink sent her heart into a little dive and dip and she felt color flood her cheeks, but she couldn’t help but join in his laughter as she passed the plate down. “I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to the traffic.”

That brought laughter from all at the table and several nods of agreement.

“Oh...yes, well, that can take some getting used to. But it is easier with your eyes open,” John said. “Did you apply for any positions today?”

“Not today, but I found several I’ll apply for come Monday.”

“Oh!” Lila put a hand over her mouth, then removed it to say, “I am so sorry. I forgot to ask if there are any open positions at Butterick today. We were very busy and it totally slipped my mind. But, I’ll be sure to ask on Monday.” She ladled a spoonful of scalloped potatoes onto her plate.

“No need to worry, Lila. There was an ad in the classifieds today,” Mrs. Heaton said. “Violet is going to apply there first thing.”

“Oh...” Lila nearly dropped the casserole dish she was passing down the table. “That’s good. Maybe we’ll be coworkers after all.”

Violet didn’t know if she meant it or not, but Lila did smile across the table at her. For some reason she didn’t think Lila liked her very much. Then she told herself that she had no way of knowing that. Still, it didn’t dispel the feeling she had that Lila wished she hadn’t come to live at the Heatons’ boardinghouse. Violet thought it might have something to do with Michael. Lila tried to catch his attention at every opportunity, and it was obvious that she was very interested in him, but so far he didn’t seem to be giving her any more attention than he gave the other women. Violet hoped to become friends with all the boarders, but she wasn’t sure it was going to happen with Lila. Only time would tell.

She was relieved when the conversation turned from her to the other boarders. She liked hearing about their days and the rest of the meal was quite enjoyable for Violet. Mr. Talbot entertained them with stories from the ball he’d covered the night before.

Up until now the names he mentioned were those that Violet had occasionally seen in the newspaper, but none of their activities mattered much to her. However, they seemed to mean a lot to those around the dinner table. He was plied with questions about what the ladies wore, what was served and whom they talked to.

The conversation took them through a dessert of cherry pie à la mode and into the parlor afterward. This time Violet stayed for a while and, although she didn’t join in on the conversations, she enjoyed listening and learning more about this city she would be calling home.

When everyone began heading to their rooms, Violet found herself going up the stairs with Elizabeth, Julia and Lila.

“What are you going to do tomorrow, Violet?” Julia asked. “If you don’t have any plans, you are welcome to come home with me and have Sunday dinner with my family. Lila and Elizabeth are coming, and my mother always has plenty.”

“Oh, thank you so much, Julia. But Michael and his mother mentioned something about showing me Central Park after church and Sunday dinner.”

“Oh?” Lila arched an eyebrow and seemed to be waiting for an answer of some kind.

Violet didn’t know what to say except, “I believe so.”

“Oh, you’ll love that, won’t she, Lila?” Julia turned to the other girl. “We often go there as a group.”

“I’d love to go with you all sometime.” Violet was a little disappointed at having to miss the opportunity to get to know the girls better.

“Oh, there will be other times—don’t you worry. We go on outings together quite frequently, don’t we, Lila?” Elizabeth nudged the girl.

Lila gave a very brief smile. It was so quick, Violet was certain that had she blinked, she might have missed it.

On the other hand, maybe it was better that she couldn’t spend the day with them. Besides, she’d had such a good time with Michael and his mother that she was really looking forward to the next day. “I’m sorry I can’t go with you to meet your family tomorrow, but thank you for the invitation.”

“You’re welcome. There’ll be another time,” Julia said.

They’d reached the top of the stairs when Lila said, “Elizabeth, could you come to my room, please? I want you to help me pick out what to wear tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Elizabeth said before turning to Violet and Julia. “Good night, Violet. We’ll see you tomorrow evening. I hope you have a wonderful time. Night, Julia.”

“Good night, all,” Julia said from her doorway.

“I hope you all have a wonderful time, too,” Violet said. “Good night, Julia, Elizabeth and Li—”

“Come on, Elizabeth,” Lila said, pulling the young woman into her room and shutting the door.

Julia smiled at Violet and shrugged. “Obviously, Lila is in a tizzy about something. Don’t let her bother you. She’s just like that.”

“No. I won’t. Good night.”

“Good night.” Julia yawned and shut her door.

Violet opened the door to her room more certain than ever that Lila did not like her. And she had a feeling she was the cause of whatever kind of tizzy Lila was in.

* * *

Violet joined the Heatons for church the next morning, and they introduced her to some of their friends and neighbors. She felt welcomed and it was good to be with friends on this Lord’s day.

Since her mother’s death, Violet had questioned the Lord as to why He’d taken her away, and then when she’d found out that Harlan Black held the mortgage to their home, she had even more questions on why the Lord would let that happen, causing her to leave the home she’d been raised in and her lifelong friends.

If the Lord had answered, she hadn’t heard it yet. And deep down, much as she hated to admit it, she was afraid. Afraid that Harlan would come after her, afraid of this city that was so huge, afraid of being alone—afraid of so many things for the first time in her life.

She was truly thankful that she had Mrs. Heaton and Michael to turn to, that she had a place to stay. She was hopeful that she would find work in the coming week and would soon find the city not so strange and that she would begin to have the same confidence she’d felt in her hometown. She wasn’t used to feeling vulnerable, and she didn’t like it one bit.

A peace she hadn’t felt in a long time settled over her as she sat between Michael and his mother, and the minister began his sermon. Taken from Isaiah, it comforted her for it said not to fear, not to be dismayed, that the Lord was her God and that He would strengthen and help her. That He would uphold her with His righteous hand. Violet wanted to believe it, but it’d been so hard in the past few months. Still, she would try to hang on to her faith, shaky as it seemed lately. She desperately needed to believe that the Lord was with her now.