The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport Read Free Book Online Page A

them.”
    “Nevertheless, I feel I must remind you that you are an engaged woman.”
    At the double pocket doors leading to the dining room, Lucy disengaged from her mother and walked around the lavish table to her usual spot. She gestured to the chair next to hers. “Mr. Edwards, the extra seat to which my brother referred is here. Perhaps you would be so kind.”
    The centerpiece featured six ivory candles in gold candlesticks, three at each end of the table, linked by a copper-leafed vine. A dark blue damask tablecloth underlay ivory dishes with scalloped edges and delicate painted blue-flowered trim. Each place setting showcased plates and soup bowl stacked neatly and perfectly centered. Flanking the dishes were forks to the left and knife and spoons to the right, all sterling silver. Bread and butter plates awaited the fresh rolls whose scent wafted from the kitchen and filled the adjoining rooms. Crystal goblets shimmered as the water caught the flickering candlelight in the otherwise dim room.
    Will held Lucy’s chair for her, then took his own on her left. Richard slid into his chair on Lucy’s right, and Leo and Oliver were seated across from them. Samuel held his wife’s chair at one end of the table, then strode to the other end for his own. Lucy almost wished Will were seated across from her, where she could more easily admire his features.
    Samuel Banning lowered his head to give thanks for the food. Lucy was grateful for the coming meal, but at moments like this she often calculated how many orphan stomachs could be filled with the food that no doubt would be left over or pushed to the edges of the Banning plates. Silently, she enriched her father’s prayer with one of her own.
    As soon as Samuel said “Amen,” the footman appeared with the soup tureen. With the skill of daily experience, he ladled the watercress soup into bowls without splattering. As he did so, Penard placed rolls on the bread and butter plates. Soup spoons and butter knives began to clink.
    “Mr. Edwards, how are you finding Chicago?” Lucy asked. “I don’t believe Leo mentioned how long you’ve been here.”
    “I just arrived this week,” Will responded. “It’s certainly a change from New Jersey, but Chicago seems to be quite the up-and-coming city. I can see the attraction for all the people who are moving here.”
    Flora Banning set her fork down harder than etiquette would suggest. “Our families have been here for decades,” she said. “We’re looking forward to launching yet another generation. Did Lucy mention she is engaged to be married?”
    “Mother,” Lucy protested.
    Will took it in stride. “I understand from Leo that she is to marry Daniel Jules, a dear family friend,” he said. “I wish them every happiness.” He turned and smiled at Lucy.
    “I would like to know more about the work you’ll be doing,” Lucy said. She busied herself with a spoonful of soup while he answered. Will described some of the experience he had with the New Jersey firm and how he had come to be recommended to the firm in Chicago. Though young, he had developed a specialty in helping to design buildings for public use, and he thought a young, growing city such as Chicago would provide plenty of opportunities for creativity.
    Charlotte appeared to remove the soup bowls. Something in Lucy inclined her to try to catch the maid’s eye, but she restrained herself. It was the girl’s first day, after all. It would not bode well if Penard perceived she did not achieve the goal of being smoothly unnoticed in her service.
    Roast pork and potatoes came next, followed by baby carrots and the cranberry-walnut salad. By the time the baked apples appeared, conversation had turned to the coming World’s Columbian Exposition, a topic of common interest.
    “I understand from Leo that your family is quite involved in the fair,” Will said.
    “My father is on the board of directors,” Lucy offered. “It’s been quite a consuming