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

said before helping us into the carriage.
    During the drive, I did my best to draw Augusta into conversation. With each attempt, she refused to give me any more than a nod or curt response. Finally I scooted forward and clasped her hand. “I know you’re angry. You don’t hide your feelings very well.” I tried to sound cheerful. “Surely you agree that there is no other choice for me.”
    Augusta’s fingers relaxed within my grip, and her angry eyes softened. “I know. But it doesn’t make me happy.”
    The tightness in my stomach gently eased. “The only thing that will change is my address. We will always be dear friends, and if your mother doesn’t object, you can come visit me.”
    “And you can come visit me, as well. I’m going to hold you to your promise to attend the housewarming party. Ronald will be home from college, and he’s bringing his friend Tyson along.”
    “Tyson? The fellow you talked about when you were in Paris?”
    Color flooded Augusta’s cheeks, and I knew I’d remembered correctly.
    “No matter what I’ve said about him in the past, he truly is a nice enough fellow. And Mother approves of him. The Farnsworths live in New York City, and their family is on the social register.”
    I should have known the social register would be enough of a draw to garner Mrs. Galloway’s approval when selecting a suitor for her daughter. Then again, who was I to judge? I had no expertise in such matters.
    Still, I did recall a number of comments Augusta had made about Tyson while living in Paris. Comments about his boorish and ungentlemanly behavior. On several occasions he’d treated her with little respect, canceling their plans to go off with another woman. I couldn’t understand her interest in this man, but she seemed willing to forgive and forget. I wouldn’t question her decision, but it didn’t mean I approved. “Then you should have a wonderful time at the party.”
    Even my lackluster tone didn’t dampen her enthusiasm. She clapped her hands and bounced forward on the carriage seat. “Only if you promise to come. I’ll ask Ronald to act as your escort, and I have a dress you can alter and wear. I’ll pack it in your trunk.”
    Augusta flashed me a smile that said she’d resolved any possible reason for my refusal. Now that her mood had lightened, I didn’t want her spirits to plummet. When the carriage jerked to a halt, I offered a silent prayer of thanks that I could defer my answer until another time.
    “This looks promising,” I called to Thomas. The gardener-turned-driver hurried to the side of the carriage and pulled open the door. I squinted at the posting on the front railing of the clapboard house. The signage didn’t reflect whether there were any vacancies.
    Augusta and Thomas agreed to wait at the carriage while I questioned the owner. My inquiry didn’t take long. The housekeeper informed me they had no openings. “We’ve a waiting list as long as my arm. It’s the fine cooking. The men are willin’ to pay extra to live here,” she proudly added.
    “Could you tell me where I might find a room for rent?”
    She balanced a broom against the doorjamb and propped a hand on her hip. Straining to one side, she peered across the street. “Around here?”
    I could hear the misgiving in her voice. Why would someone with a fine carriage and driver be seeking a room in the factory district? “Someplace within walking distance of the carousel factory,” I said.
    “You’ll not find much of anything open. The workers from the factories hereabouts fill ’em up as quick as they empty.” She hesitated. “ ’Cept for Minnie Wilson’s place. She’s always got empty rooms.” The woman’s lips curled in disgust. “Horrid food. The woman can’t boil a potato that’s fit to eat. Her boarders stay only until they can find themselves someplace else to live.”
    After I’d secured Mrs. Wilson’s address, I thanked the woman and turned to leave.
    “If you rent a