Once We Were (22 page)

Chapter 18

Spring of 1913

“
Next!” the ticket master growled from the window. “Get a move on. I've got a life outside this office, even though it don't look it.”

Reluctantly, the woman stepped from the line and passed over her ticket. “The soonest coach you have to New Hampshire, please,” she told him. He looked her over, much longer than she wished, and stamped her ticket. “Where you goin' in New Hampshire, doll?”

“New Castle, Rockingham County,” she replied. “And it's Miss Hathaway.”

He chuckled. “Miss Hathaway with a double
s
or an
r
?”

“
It won't get you anywhere either way.”

“
A double
s
then. No man in his right mind marries a woman like you.”

“
May I have my ticket please?”

“
What business do you have in Rockingham County? It's my job to ask these questions with suspicious folk about.”

“
I'm looking for honest work.”

“
Ain't no such thing,” he remarked. “Name one occupation where an unmarried woman manages to keep her legs closed.”

“
That's enough from you!” a lady bellowed behind him. “What did I tell you about talking to customers that way? Never you mind him, miss. He blames his unhappiness on everyone else. Back to work, Emerson, and I best not hear another word out of you except yes and thank you. Here's your ticket, miss. Allow me to escort you to your train, and take a handful of taffy for the inconvenience. I duely apologize. His manners do not reflect all of ours at this station. I'm Mrs. Ricci, the managing assistant here. If he gives you trouble again, you ask for me.”

“
I'll speak kindly of you, Mrs. Ricci,” Miss Hathaway assured her.

“
I wish you would. I'd regret you returning to England and telling everyone what a mess we are here in the states.”

“
Our secret is safe,” Miss Hathaway smiled. “I was born here in America.”

“
You're a good liar, miss. That little accent fooled everyone. You pass as a highly esteemed lady with no trouble.”

“
I studied in London as a girl, but they still called me American. I come to America, and they swear I'm English. I don't belong anywhere anymore. But highly esteemed, that's out of the question. I'm just Miss Hathaway. I'm sure I'll pick up my messy American habits in no time.”

“
With an education like that, I doubt you'll go unnoticed for long. A law secretary is good pay for a girl on her own.”

“
I'm not really keen on lawyers. Bad experiences.”

“
Have you any experience with children?”

“
No, ma'am. I have none,” Miss Hathaway answered. “Does that make me hopeless?”

“
Most couples settle in New Castle with children, but I happen to know a house that might take you in,” Mrs. Ricci informed her. “My former employer, Mr. Saier. His mistress is advertising for new help.”

“
Saier. I feel like I know the name.”

“
Every local knows about Saier. He resides in the country, but any buggy driver can point out the Saier place. You should find it with no trouble.”

“
Did you like working for Mr. Saier and his wife?” Miss Hathaway asked.

“
If I'm honest, not at all. I've never worked in a more distressful place.”

“
They treated you badly?”

“
Oh, no. The mistress was more agreeable than most. The house is well kept and lavished in the latest style. She's quite the fasionista. Things change when Mr. Saier comes home. Cold shadows linger over every hall. The house is a different creature. Many rooms are locked and boarded up. He's demented about those. The maid before me can't remember her name now after trying to get in one to clean. They asked if he struck her, but that's no good, because she can't remember. I think he did. That man is a monster.”

“
Why does he act that way?” Miss Hathaway asked.

“
I've always known him as a bitter man, but the mistress assures me he's not really like that. His former wife, may she rest in peace, was murdered by a lunatic about a year ago. When they found her body, Saier took his boat out to sea and didn't come back for days. I don't think he meant to. He took no food, water, or provisions. When they found him, he was delirious, but he survived. The mistress vows not all of him came back alive. If his unpleasantness didn't catch you, the chilling house did. I swear the place was possessed. Mrs. Saier is still in that house. I know it. That's what tortures Mr. Saier. He failed to save her and now she haunts him to madness. She must, if you hear how he screams at night, like demons chasing him. I'll never work there again. I don't see how the mistress puts up with it.”

“
I don't believe in ghost stories,” Miss Hathaway replied. “I'm sure Mr. Saier is just agonized. Pain will make you believe anything.”

The train steamed beside them. “Best of luck to you, Miss Hathaway. I highly recommend you as a law secretary. I'd hate to see a girl like you wasted away at the Saier house.”

*
              *              *

“I can cook, clean, answer calls, send calls, write invitations, and anything else you may require,” the young lady boasted. “And I absolutely love children. I must say, yours are impeccably conditioned. I didn't hear a peep the entire time.”             

“
We don't have any children,” the mistress answered regretfully. “We are not yet married.”

“
Oh, but I'm sure they're not too far off,” the young lady glowed. “Children are most darling. I'm sure you will have many little ones for me to care for.”

“
Actually, Mr. Saier is not particularly keen on the idea,” the mistress whispered

“
And why not? I'm sure he'd make an excellent father.”

“
In due time, perhaps,” the mistress replied regretfully. “When he is ready. Forgive me. Your name escaped me.”

“
You may call me Charlotte,” the lady replied with the brightest smile. “At your service, miss.”

“
Charlotte, the day is already gone,” the mistress said. “I think you are an acceptable choice for this house. I will call on you tomorrow with my decision. Can you start immediately?”

“
First thing tomorrow,” Charlotte exclaimed.

“
Mr. Knightly will show you out.”

Charlotte bid her goodbyes over and over again, assuring Miss Appleby she would not regret having her on. She pranced out the door, and glanced snobbishly at the next contender.

“Have you come for the housekeeping position?”Charlotte asked her.

“
Yes,” Miss Hathaway answered. “Is the missus of the house seeing candidates?”

“
You expect to see her in that?” Charlotte giggled, glancing over her plain dress, headscarf, and thick tinted glasses. “Do you really intend to serve a family like the Saiers looking like a drifter? Don't waste your time, darling.”

Charlotte sniffed off. Miss Hathaway grabbed her coat, a crocheted purse, and the address Mrs. Ricci wrote her. The only possessions to her name. She breathed deeply and walked up to the door. She rang the bell once. “Mrs. Dillsworth, will you get that?” someone cried.

No one replied. Miss Hathaway rang it again.

“
Mrs. Dillsworth! Oh, never mind! Coming, coming!” The door yanked open. Miss Hathaway lost her words. She stared blankly into the mistress's eyes.

“
Yes?” the mistress said impatiently.

“
Mrs. Saier?” the words stumbled out.

“
Lavinia Appleby,” the mistress corrected. “I have not taken the name Saier yet.”

“
I have come in response to your request for a housekeeper,” Miss Hathaway continued.

“
It's a bit late to receive candidates,” Miss Appleby answered. “I've already made my selection. I'm very sorry.”

“
You don't have to pay me,” Miss Hathaway said quickly. “Just give me a trial. If you don't like me, it's no loss to you.”

“
If my original choice fails me, I will call you,” Miss Appleby answered. “Where are you staying?”

“
I have no permanent address. You may not find me tomorrow. I go where I can work,” Miss Hathaway replied.

“
What dangerous practice for a girl,” Miss Appleby cried. “What does your father say?”

“
My father's passed on,” Miss Hathaway answered. “I have myself.”

Lavinia's eyes softened. “Do come in and see the house,” she said. “You must understand entirely what you're getting into. I wake at six every morning and require a hot bath and help dressing. Then I take breakfast sharply at eight, because at nine, I am off answering calls. Usually by noon, I come and dress for tea, then attend at least one garden party. Then I will need assistance at the seamstress who is fitting me for a wedding gown. I leave by three and come back to make calls. During this time, I will need assistance drafting invitations for the wedding and reception party. By five, you will assist with dinner and by seven, I spend time reading and answering calls. Then I sleep. I've a busy schedule, you see. Sleep is a luxury so it is important that you keep the house quiet while I rest. Do you have any questions?”

“Are there other servants working in the house?”

“
Mrs. Dillsworth works in the kitchen, but she is getting up in age. She forbade me to hire anyone else, but it's unfair to leave it all to her. This is the coat closet. You will take the coats and purses of all guests and hang them here. Your things go in the kitchen. Understand?” She tried at the knob. It wouldn't give. “God, I had this open a few minutes ago. I never get it to budge without Mr. Saier.”

Miss Hathaway watched her struggle with raised brow. “May I give it a try?” she asked.

“Oh, it's much too stubborn for us women. Don't worry about it.”

“
I believe you're meant to push the knob up slightly and turn it this way. Like this.” She stepped forward to demonstrate. The door quietly swung open.

“
My, you're a handy one,” Lavinia admired. “I'm going to like you very much. What did you say your name was?”

“
Miss Hathaway. Alice, simply.”

“
Alice. What an old fashioned little name. We called my grandmother Alice,” Lavinia said cheerfully. “Let me show you the drawing room. Mr. Saier refers to it as the middle room. Either name will work. You'll grow accustomed to his dialect in time.” Lavinia turned around, but she was alone. “Miss Hathaway, are you there?” she called. She retraced her steps back to the hall. Miss Hathaway stood stiffly. She looked quite disturbed. Lavinia followed her gaze to the White Star Line officer's coat hanging in the closet.

“
I'm sure you've heard the stories that surround this house,” Lavinia told her quietly. “It is a past we can't easily put behind us.”

“
The murder of Mrs. Saier,” Miss Hathaway whispered. “Of course.”

“
We don't talk about it,” Lavinia informed her. “Mr. Saier is forever marked by the memory. He's changed so much since that summer a year ago. I don't think he'll ever be quite the same.”

“
Is he here now?” Miss Hathaway asked.

“
No. He doesn't come around except during the seasons. He's usually away and spends most of his time out.”

“
At sea,” Miss Hathaway finished.

Lavinia smiled. “Someone's done her research. I appreciate that. Mr. Saier is very fond of the sea. He was a navigating officer on board the Titanic. That's where I gather he met his former wife. He was very close to her. Shortly after she died, he told me he planned on retiring from the sea. I understand why. The sea business isn't giving like it used to. None of Titanic's officers have received promotions to higher offices. I think it's just the top chairs holding him back. They're still bitter that Mr. Saier refuses to change his story about the ship. They try to punish him by not giving him his dues,” she said. “I'm sure you've read the papers. The last girl I hired threw us to the winds. She sold our privacy to the press for her own benefit. I assure you, Mr. Saier is nothing like the devil they made him out to be. I need someone who understands this house and the wounds healing inside of it. Someone who understands this isn't just for pay or a historical thrill. We are only people and we need time to heal like anyone else.”

“Whatever it is you need from me, miss, you can count on it,” Miss Hathaway told her.

“
Good,” Lavinia nodded. “I rather like you, Miss Hathaway. You're not the most stylish, we'll have to do something about that, but there's a different air about you. You've stolen my trust. This house needs someone like you. If you're sincere, you'll start tomorrow. Let me show you your room. Have you any other luggage?”