The Critchfield Locket by Sheila M. Rogers Read Free Book Online

anything had occurred in the early morning hours. Not that anything actually happened. For some reason, the library felt stuffy to him and decided that a stroll through the garden would do nicely. As he made his way onto the garden path, he heard laughter, a laughter that was infectious, for it made him smile. It was Kate's laughter. He cleared his throat so as not to startle her as he approached. When Kate turned to face him, she had the brightest smile he had seen in a long time. The light wind had blown wisps of her hair free, causing them to dance about her face.
    "Hello Nicholas!"
                  Hello Kitten "Hello Katherine." Nicholas was struggling to keep himself in check. Kitten? Where in the world did that come from?
                  "I brought Stormy outside for exercise, but I seem to be the one doing the most running." Nicholas noticed that her cheeks were pink from the exertion, but her eyes were wide and vibrant with life. When her expression changed slightly, he realized he had been silent for too long.
                  "Did you sleep well?" Of course not you dolt, she woke up screaming. " I mean the sleep that you were able to get..."
                  "Yes," sensing that he was having trouble conversing, she graciously cut him off. "I am feeling quite refreshed, thank you." She stopped scampering after Stormy for a moment and turned to him with a serious look upon her face. "Nicholas, I wanted to apologize once again." He began to speak, but she put her hand up signaling him to let her finish "I am sorry for any trouble I may have caused you or your staff. I know that my behavior may not always be appropriate, but I am trying."
                  "True, we have all had to make some adjustments since your arrival, but I like to think that surprises keep us on our toes." His expression was warm and his smile reached up to his eyes. Kate noticed the dimples on his cheeks as she smiled back at him.
                  "Would you care to walk with me through the garden?"
                  "That would be lovely, thank you."
     
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     
    Rose Dickson was fretting over the dinner preparations with her housekeeper Dorothy. She wanted everything to be perfect but always felt as though she fell short of her own expectations. In addition to her usual apprehensions, she was also nervous about how her guests would react to Kate.
                  "Ms. Rose, rest assured Ms. Alice and I have everything in order. You've planned 'tall perfectly, there's not more you could do or change."
                  “Thank you Dorothy. I suppose there is truth to that, although… Perhaps I should seat Ms. Dornacher next to me, instead of Mrs. Pobloske. Then I would have to move Mr. Pobloske as well…” Rose’s voice trailed off as she picked up all of the place cards. Dorothy knew there was no point in convincing her to leave things as they were. Once Rose had an idea in her head, it was there to stay.
    When Rose had replaced the cards satisfactorily, she closed her eyes for a few moments, then opened them slowly and looked at everything as if it were her first time in the room. Her eyes traveled from the maroon velveteen curtains and the golden brown painted walls, to the gold and maroon table dressings. The polished silver shined, the crystal glasses sparkled, and the flowers from the greenhouse were arranged around the table beautifully.
    “ Yes, everything is as it should be for this evening."
                  “’Cept you mum. You've yet to dress yourself properly."
                  Rose laughed at the housekeeper's remark. "Oh my, I nearly forgot!"
                  "Up to your room with you. I will be there shortly to lend ya a hand."
                  "Thank you Dorothy. I don't know what I'd do without you."
                  Nearly an hour