Keeping Katerina (The Victorians) by Beaudelaire Simone

Author:Beaudelaire, Simone [Beaudelaire, Simone]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-05-26T21:00:00+00:00

***Chapter 12***

The following Monday, Christopher caused a stir by arriving at work on time. His father looked him over, taking in the clean and well-pressed suit, the recently trimmed hair, the warm coat, not to mention the lips stung with many kisses, and grinned. Christopher was quickly becoming every inch a married man. It suited him. As they made their rounds through the factory, the younger man looked relaxed and easy, another sure sign of domestic contentment.

The noisy task complete, they retired to the relative quiet of the office with Colonel Turner to discuss the week’s business.

"I must say," the Colonel began, "Christopher, well spotted last week. I had Mrs. Turner talk to Miss Jones. She said it was like pulling teeth but eventually she got the story out of her. The young lady’s been courted by a man with a jealous streak. At first she found it charming… until he turned violent. She didn’t know what to do, and was embarrassed to go to her family, since they’d always told her he was no good."

"So what happened?"

"Mrs. Turner and I took her to her father and explained the situation. I believe he had a talk with the young man, and her father’s a butcher, so you can imagine how that went. At any rate, courtship is done, and the young man is gone. Miss Jones seemed sad, but relieved. I hope in time she will find someone better."

"What good news. Was her father angry with her?"

"Disappointed, but not truly angry. No man wants to see his child hurt."

What a shame that wasn’t true.

Business meeting concluded, Colonel Turner returned to the work floor while Christopher applied himself to ordering new vermillion dye. They were running far too low.

"Well, son, how are the travel plans going?"

"Quite well. It’s taking longer than I expected, but we should be ready to leave a week from Friday."

"That’s very good. Did you settle on Italy or France?"

"Italy. Katerina’s mother’s family still lives there. We made contact with her grandfather, and he would like us to stay with him."

"How nice. Let’s hope he’s better than…"

"Than her father? Yes. I doubt he could be worse, and if it doesn’t work out, Florence is a sizable city and we can certainly find a hotel, but I thought it best to start out this way, at least."

"No doubt you’re right. Did you know, since trains have taken off so nicely, they’re developing steam ships? Imagine how much faster ships could go if they did not depend on wind."

"Yes, imagine. Do you think it will happen in our lifetime?"

"It might."

The gentlemen worked in silence for the rest of the morning. After a brief break for lunch, a tall young man with the shock of auburn hair burst breathlessly into the office. It was Christopher’s younger brother Devin.

"Father, Chris, you have to come home right away."

"Why, what’s happened?"

"It’s old Tibbins. He’s had a heart seizure. He’s not expected to live. Come on. Hurry. I have the carriage outside."

Christopher and Adrian glanced at each other for a moment before grabbing their coats and hats and running for the door.

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