Victorian San Francisco Novellas (A Victorian San Francisco Mystery) by M. Louisa Locke

Author:M. Louisa Locke [Locke, M. Louisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-11-05T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 6

Wednesday evening, December 29, 1880

Kathleen saw her breath in the cold night air and hoped her nose wasn’t turning an unbecoming shade of red. But she did feel snug and warm in her new navy-blue wool suit. The tight-fitting bodice of the basque-style overdress buttoned up right to her chin and went all the way down to the tips of her fingers, fitting over her waist and hips like a dream. And the underskirt, also of wool, was long enough to cover all but the tips of her toes but not drag in the street or get in the way of dancing.

Even better, the style only had the slightest hint of fullness in the drapery at the back of the underskirt, which in her opinion looked better than the high bustles of two years ago. Miss Minnie and Millie Moffet, who made the dress for her, were always right up to date with their designs. She especially liked that the sky-blue velvet of the lapels, cuffs, and the ruffles on the underskirt matched the color of the light blue threads woven through the navy tweed. She was really going to miss the elderly Moffets if they moved out of the boarding house.

The cameo pin Mrs. Dawson gave her for her birthday looked perfect against the blue velvet. And she was pretty sure Patrick had at least noticed her outfit was new, although he didn’t say anything beyond giving her a warm smile when she came into the kitchen to meet him tonight.

As if he’d heard her thoughts, Patrick said, as he tucked her arm more firmly in his, “You’re looking real pretty tonight in that outfit. I especially like the hat. Ribbons match your eyes, and it doesn’t look like it’ll get in the way when I want a quick kiss.”

He tested this theory, and Kathleen felt even warmer. They had walked down Taylor the four blocks to Market, then crossed onto Sixth, and in two blocks they would turn right onto Howard, where the restaurant, O’Shaughnessy’s, was located. They could have taken a horsecar, because the Central Rail ran right past this street, but she’d agreed with Patrick that on a fine clear night it made more sense to walk. She’d smiled to herself when he said that, knowing that he liked walking in this part of town because there were nice dark patches between the gas lamps south of Market. Perfect for “canoodling,” as one of the parlor maids she’d worked with would say.

Kathleen pretended to protest against his familiarity but admitted to herself she was glad to have this short time alone with him. Soon they would be surrounded by other people, since Wednesday was a popular night at O’Shaughnessy’s, given that it was the traditional maid’s night out. She was also glad that Mary Margaret had turned her down when she suggested she come with them. Her friend said she was just too tired, and she had worked her heart out today making sure that the Steins’ bedroom and parlor suite would be ready for their return tomorrow.

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