In the Company of Secrets by Judith Miller

Author:Judith Miller [Miller, Judith]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 0100-12-31T22:00:00+00:00

Chef René dismissed Olivia from her duties at noon on Friday. With his charming French accent, he bid her good luck and instructed her to remain poised and calm. ‘‘Be certain you enunciate your words so there is no misunderstanding.’’

Olivia grinned at his final remark and wondered if his French accent had been the source of some confusion in the past. ‘‘I’ll do my best to make you proud.’’

She raced toward home with little time to change into another dress, arrange her hair, and meet Mr. Howard at the train station. Though Mrs. Pullman might expect Chef René to appear in his chef ’s jacket and toque, Mr. Howard suggested a dress would be more appropriate attire for her presentation. Still unable to fit into her dresses, Charlotte had recommended her pink-and-gray-plaid day dress. One of these days, Charlotte would doubtless cease her continual eating and regain her figure. When that happened, Olivia would be without a proper wardrobe. The thought was somewhat disheartening. She’d become accustomed to wearing Charlotte’s pretty dresses and would miss the luxury.

The sound of Morgan’s cries greeted her as she entered the house. Charlotte was sitting in the kitchen eating a piece of the leftover blueberry pie. Olivia scurried down the hallway. ‘‘Charlotte! Don’t you hear your son crying?’’

Charlotte licked her lips and pointed her fork at the pie. ‘‘This is excellent. Did you make it?’’

‘‘Yes. Now will you see to Morgan?’’

‘‘You could at least thank me for the compliment.’’ Her lips tightened into her usual childish pout. ‘‘And for your information, there is nothing wrong with that baby. He’s eaten and his diaper is dry. Mrs. DeVault has spoiled him, and he wants to be held all the time. Eventually he’ll cry himself back to sleep.’’

From all appearances, it seemed Charlotte would never develop any motherly instincts. Normally Olivia would have seen to Morgan’s needs, but today there wasn’t time. If she didn’t hurry, she’d miss the train. She carefully pulled on the dark silk stockings Charlotte insisted she wear and slipped her feet into a pair of Charlotte’s gray kid shoes. After donning the plaid dress, she arranged her hair.

Charlotte strolled into the room and assessed her attire. She returned moments later with a wide gray-and-pink silk sash. ‘‘This goes around the waist and ties in the back.’’ She circled the ribbon around Olivia’s waist and tied a faultless double bow. ‘‘There! You look wonderful. Don’t forget the hat.’’

Olivia turned her back to the mirror and peered over her shoulder. The sash set off the dress to perfection. She adjusted the pink flowers that curved around the wide-brimmed gray hat before placing it on her head. ‘‘I believe I’m ready.’’ Lifting her purse from the bedside table, she thanked Charlotte for her assistance. ‘‘Please don’t be angry with me, but I do wish you’d show Morgan as much attention as you’ve given me these past few minutes.’’

Charlotte shrugged. ‘‘He can’t walk or talk. All he does is cry. And look at my figure. Having a baby has made me fat.

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