The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller Read Free Book Online Page A

“It seems we’ve strayed from our initial discussion. From what Augusta has told me about your painting ability, I’m certain you would bring a great talent to the carousel factory. And I can see this as an answer to my dilemma.”
    “Of course you can. I told you—”
    He waved his wife into silence. “However, I do worry about a young woman surrounded by workingmen. They are good men, but at times their language and behavior can be offensive.” Mr. Galloway rubbed his jaw and appeared to ponder the idea. “I doubt they would change because a woman is in the vicinity. If you object, it could create animosity, and they might retaliate or quit.”
    I held my breath and waited for him to continue.
    Finally he dropped his palm atop the table and looked at me. “You’re hired.”
    Two simple words, but they were the ones I needed to hear. The words that would change my future. The words that would give me the ability to live under another roof. I didn’t know who was happier: me or Mrs. Galloway.
    “When can I begin?”
    “Why don’t we wait until Monday. That way Augusta will have a couple more days to visit with you.” He appeared relieved when there was no objection.
    Mrs. Galloway stirred a spoonful of sugar into her coffee. “We can make a carriage available so you can locate a place to live. And we’d be pleased to pay your rent for the first few weeks, wouldn’t we, Howard?”
    “Yes, of course. But she could also live here until she’s comfortable living alone in the city. And what if the job doesn’t prove to be what she expects? She’d need to return here. It seems to make more sense to hold off on any move.”
    I held up my hand in protest. “I know I’m going to be very happy working at the factory. You need not worry about me.” I inhaled a quick gulp of air before continuing my argument. “If I could navigate the streets of Paris, I’m certain I can find my way around Collinsford.”
    His nod was barely noticeable, a mere dip of his chin. “You and Augusta can search for your new living accommodations. When you find a place, Thomas can deliver your baggage while you’re at work.”
    “You’re very kind,” I said.
    “In the meantime, the two of you should enjoy yourselves.” He turned toward me. “You’ll wish you had this freedom once you’ve been working for a few weeks.”

    The following morning I donned a navy blue skirt and white blouse. After securing my straw hat in place, I took one final look in the mirror. “Proper attire for seeking an apartment,” I muttered to my reflection before exiting the room.
    One glimpse of Augusta’s soft green day dress and feather-bedecked hat and I questioned my choice of attire. There was no time to change, and even if there had been, nothing in my trunks would suit any better. Last year we had walked the streets of Paris clad in our incompatible clothes: Augusta wearing the latest fashion while I walked alongside clothed like a scullery maid. Even though she’d constantly pleaded to purchase clothes for me, I’d accepted only one time. Father had scolded me severely, but he’d gone the next day and purchased fabric for two new skirts.
    Augusta and her mother bid me good morning when I sat down at the breakfast table. Thereafter, except for Mrs. Galloway’s occasional remarks, we ate our breakfast in silence. I suspected Augusta wanted to make sure I knew she was still unhappy with my decision. Once she’d eaten the last bite of her toast and sipped the remains of her tea, I pushed away from the table. “Shall we go?”
    A curt nod was her only response. She remained aloof as we walked to the carriage. Thomas shifted his weight from one foot to the other while he awaited direction, but Augusta stared silently into the distance.
    “Take us to the area surrounding the carousel factory, Thomas. If you see any signs for a boardinghouse in the vicinity, please stop,” I directed.
    He tipped his gardener’s cap. “Yes, miss,” he