Amelia's Journey (16 page)

A few minutes later the carriage made its way through the streets of Boston. With fresh snow on the ground, the scene reminded him of the times he'd played in the snow with his brothers and sisters back in Kansas. The snow stayed prettier longer in the country than it did here in the city. Even now the streets had turned to slush from the constant wheels of carriages, and instead of pristine white, muddy black ruts ruined the streets.

In a short time they arrived at the Carlyle home. Ben helped the children down from the carriage. Billy ran up to the door, but Grace Ann walked. He shook his head in wonder. His youngest sister behaved more like a young lady than a child every day. With her thirteenth birthday coming in February, she had blossomed into a very pretty young girl. If Mary Beth stayed in Boston, Grace Ann would become the center of Ma's and Clara's attention. The girl didn't have a chance. She'd learn all things a woman needed to know about a home and family.

He followed them to the door where the butler stood holding it for their entrance. Ben hurried his steps to keep from letting too much cold air enter the house. He handed over his hat and coat as Mrs. Carlyle appeared.

She smiled at them and held out her hands toward Ben. “It's sweet of you to bring them here this evening. I trust they had a good visit with their mother.” She hooked her hand onto his arm. “Let's go into the parlor. Lettie will bring hot tea to warm you.”

Maeleen headed upstairs with Billy and Grace Ann, the three of them chattering like old friends. At least they didn't mind coming here, and it sure helped Ma and Clara with all they had to do.

When he entered the parlor, Amelia sat near the fireplace. The sparkle in her eyes revealed her pleasure that Ben had come. Most likely she hadn't greeted him in the hallway in order to please her father, who stepped through the door of his study and joined them.

“Good evening, Benjamin. I trust you had a good day with your family.”

“Yes, sir, we did. Grandpapa's condition has not changed. The doctor would rather he be in a hospital, but Grandmama insists that she can take better care of him at home.” Why she didn't trust the hospital remained a mystery, but then Grandmama was used to the old ways.

“That's what your father told me. Well, have a seat. I believe Lettie will be in momentarily with a bit of refreshment.”

Ben sat in the chair opposite Amelia. As long as her parents remained in the room, he'd have no opportunity to speak with her directly, but he'd settle for just her presence.

Mr. Carlyle asked him about the ranch and who was taking care of it in his father's absence. As Ben explained, he noted how Amelia leaned slightly forward and listened to every word. She really did care about his life in Kansas.

After only fifteen minutes, Mr. Carlyle stood. “We won't keep you from your family any longer. Thank you for bringing the children here.”

Ben could do nothing else but stand and follow Mr. Carlyle. Amelia did come with them, and she stood close to Ben.

Her whisper barely reached his ears. “Mary Beth has a plan. She'll tell you about it.”

Ben blinked his eyes. A plan? That sounded like his sister. He nodded and grasped his hat and coat from the butler. She stood behind her father as he said good-bye. Ben smiled and nodded to Mr. Carlyle, but the smile came because of the silent words formed by Amelia. “I'll see you soon.”

He bounded down the few steps and out to the carriage, his heart filled with the joy of seeing Amelia again. He couldn't wait to get home and see what scheme his sister had cooked up.

Chapter 15

T
he message from Mary Beth crackled in Amelia's pocket as she descended the stairs and headed for the dining room and breakfast. Billy and Grace Ann preceded her into the room and took their places at the table.

Both said good morning in unison then giggled. Mama smiled and said, “Good morning to you too.” She gestured toward the sideboard. “We have oatmeal this morning if you'd like.”

After her daily kiss for her father and a hug for her mother, Amelia headed for the food. Billy and Grace Ann both wanted the cereal, so she filled two bowls with oatmeal, added sugar and milk, then set them before the children. She filled her plate with scrambled eggs, a slice of ham, and two slices of toast, then sat down.

Papa bowed his head and asked the Lord's blessing over the meal. Amelia sensed Billy squirming beside her and reached her hand over to still him. Papa's prayer ended, and Billy dug into his oatmeal.

Amelia lifted her fork, breathing in the pleasant aroma of toast and fried ham. Her appetite had increased immensely after receiving the note. The last two days she'd barely eaten at all in anticipation of hearing from Mary Beth. The invitation to lunch today had arrived late yesterday afternoon.

Mama sipped her hot tea and peered across at Amelia. “I understand Mary Beth invited you for lunch today. Do you think it wise to create an extra burden for her mother?”

How did Mama know? Amelia had shared Mary Beth's note with no one. Mama must have talked with Mrs. Haynes. “Actually, we're going to the Parker House for lunch. Mary Beth has heard about the wonderful breads they serve there and wants to try it. Since the weather is sunny and not so cold, we're also going to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. We'll probably do a little Christmas shopping.”

“That sounds nice, dear. Be sure you have enough money with you for your purchases.”

“Yes, Mama, I will.” If Andrew and Ben happened to arrive at the same destinations as she and Mary Beth, that would be a nice coincidence, but she didn't dare share that with Mama.

Billy tugged on her sleeve. “Is Santa Claus going to find us here in Boston?”

“Of course he will. Santa Claus knows where everyone is. I'm sure you'll have some nice presents under your tree. Papa and I always put ours up on Christmas Eve.”

Grace Ann's eyes clouded, and she frowned. “Ma says we may not have a tree and decorations this year because Grandpapa is so sick.”

That hadn't occurred to Amelia, and she wished to take back her excitement about the holiday. Surely they wouldn't completely dismiss the day for the children. “Perhaps you will be allowed to share ours. I know it won't be the same, but we can make candy and cookies and drink warm, spiced apple cider.”

She glanced at her mother to seek her approval for such an occasion. Her smile and nod gave Amelia the answer she wanted. “We'll talk with your mother about it when she comes tomorrow to visit.”

Both children returned to their eating, but without the smiles of joy that the holiday should bring. Maybe if she played some carols on the piano and told them the story of baby Jesus, they might feel better about the holiday. She made a mental note to discuss the matter with Mary Beth and Ben today. They would have a better understanding of what was happening with their grandfather.

After breakfast the children scampered back upstairs to play. Amelia found a book she'd been wanting to read and retired to her room to wait the interminable hours until the time for Mary Beth's arrival.

After reading a chapter and realizing she didn't remember a word of it, Amelia shucked aside the novel. Maybe deciding what she should wear would help the time pass more quickly. She stood in front of her wardrobe and fingered the shoulders of several garments. She'd have to wear her cape even over the heavier fabrics, but she still wanted to wear something attractive as well as fashionable.

She decided against a lot of ruffles and trimming that really didn't suit her tastes, but Mama said they were fashionable and so should be in her wardrobe. Finally she settled on a three-piece royal blue woolen garment. The skirt
Martha Rogers
had a panel of black in the front and gathered to a midsized bustle in the back that was secured with a large black bow. The only embellishment on the skirt and jacket top was black embroidery along the edges of the sleeves and the skirt.

The clock in the upstairs hall chimed eleven times. Mary Beth would be here a little past noon, and it would take that long to get dressed, even with Maeleen's help. As if in answer to her thoughts, Maeleen appeared in the doorway. “Best be time for ye to dress for luncheon with Miss Mary Beth.”

“Thank you, Maeleen. I appreciate your help.” Petticoats, corsets, and camisoles were too much for one person to handle, and she enjoyed the servant girl's help with dressing.

After getting all the pieces together and then on her body, Amelia sat at her dressing table with Maeleen behind her. Maeleen picked up the brush and began running it through Amelia's hair. “Ye wouldn't happen to be seeing Mr. Benjamin this afternoon too now, would ye?”

Heat flushed Amelia's cheeks. “He might be there. I know Mr. Farnsworth will be meeting us, so we might run into Mr. Haynes as well.”

“Best not be letting your papa know. Most unhappy 'twould he be to hear it.”

How true that was, but she couldn't lie to Papa. “I cannot help it if Mr. Haynes happens to show up at the same time as Mr. Farnsworth. I will tell Mama and Papa that we met them by coincidence at Faneuil Hall.”

Maeleen shook her head. “And ye think he'll be believing that story.”

“He has to, he just has to. This is the only way I can have time with Ben…I mean, Mr. Haynes.”

“I know what ye mean, and I've seen the way ye gaze at him when he's around. He does the same with ye. My thoughts are that ye be in love with the lad.”

Amelia turned around and grabbed Maeleen's hands. “Oh, we are, we are in love.” If Maeleen was so aware of their feelings, Mama must be as well as Papa. That was the reason for his saying she couldn't see Ben. Papa may be able to control her behavior, but he'd never have control over heart.

Ben followed Mary Beth down the stairs as she pulled on leather gloves. “Do you really think this will work? What if her father catches on that it was all planned and not by chance?”

“You leave that to me and Amelia, big brother. Being with Andrew will give a perfectly good reason for meeting us accidentally.”

“I hope you're right. Andrew didn't seem bothered by this ruse?”

“Some. He knows that Philip Barlow is interested in Amelia, but he also has a mischievous streak, and this goes right along with that. He promised not to say anything to either Philip or Mr. Carlyle.”

If anything spoiled this afternoon, he'd never forgive himself. Better to see Amelia on family visits than to be banished and not see her at all, and that's exactly what Mr. Carlyle would do.

Mary Beth left and he retrieved his own coat and hat. Andrew would be here soon, and so would begin his sister's plan. Although Mary Beth really did want to eat at the Parker House to taste their breads, her real motive lay in getting time for Ben and Amelia to be alone with each other. His sister's generous gesture made him love her even more.

Come to think of it, this would be a good time to learn more about how Andrew felt toward Mary Beth. Pa probably already knew, but being her big brother gave Ben the right to question Andrew himself. It wouldn't surprise him any to learn Andrew sought marriage to Mary Beth. The two looked very nice together, and Mary Beth had all but come right out and said that she loved Andrew. He'd make a fine brother, but they'd be too far away from each other to be friends.

Ben spotted Andrew's carriage, donned his coat and hat, and hastened out to meet him. Ben pulled on his gloves and stepped into the vehicle. “Right on time, I see.”

Andrew chuckled. “Of course. We can't be late for our little rendezvous.”

In no time the carriage arrived at the Parker House. Inside they met the maitre d', who guided them to the table where the two ladies waited for them. Andrew grasped Mary Beth's hands. “I thought I'd be ahead of you, so you wouldn't have to sit alone.” He grinned at Amelia. “And look who I've brought along.”

Amelia's cheeks burned bright red. “Why, hello, Mr. Haynes. What a pleasure to see you.”

Ben's gaze locked with Amelia's, and he sat next to her. “I can't believe my good fortune in finding you dining here today.” They had to keep up the front in case any friends of the Carlyles happened to be nearby. Everything about this meeting must look like an accident or happy coincidence instead of a well-planned scheme.

They exchanged pleasantries during the meal, but Ben's heart raced. He so wanted to be alone with Amelia so they could talk about their situation.

Mary Beth loved the breads and even went so far as to ask the waiter for a third round of their plump dinner rolls. Finally the meal ended. As they gathered their belongings to head outside, Amelia said, “I have a bit of Christmas shopping I'd like to do. Would you care to walk along with us?”

“I'd be delighted, Miss Haynes.” Andrew winked at him and grasped Mary Beth's arm to steer her out to the street.

They sauntered along for a few minutes before Amelia spotted a book shop. “Oh, I must stop in there. There's a book I want to get Papa for Christmas, and this shop should have it.”