Heaven Bound (A Blakemore Family Book: Madame Lou Series Book 2) (4 page)

The next morning, Adeline rose earlier than her father and managed to drink her coffee, dress in her factory-girl costume and leave the suite before he had even awoken. She spent the morning just walking amongst the third-class passengers and listening intently to any conversations she could manage to overhear. Once or twice, a young man tried to engage her in conversation, but she simply pretended to only speak French—a ploy that had worked for her many times before—and they let her be. After a few hours she made her way back to her cabin to change, nearly getting stopped by an overly-snobbish steward who thought she was on the wrong deck.

“You can’t be here, miss.”

“What is your name?” Adeline asked the young man.

“Thomas, but you must return to your own deck, miss. Third-class passengers are not allowed in first-class accommodations.” Thomas was a tall young man with light brown hair and eyes and pleasant features.

“Can you keep a secret, Thomas?” Adeline leaned in close and looked around to make sure no one was listening. “Do you know who Mr. Simon James is?”

“Indeed, of course I do.” Thomas sounded offended. As if he wouldn’t know who one of the most affluent passengers aboard was.

“And have you observed him with his daughter, Miss Adeline James?” Addie reached up to pull the pin from her hat that nearly completely covered her hair.

“Oh yes, miss, she is quite beautiful. I…” Thomas froze as Adeline revealed her blond curls that had been stuffed under the bonnet. “Oh, Miss James! Why are you dressed this way? We must get you back to your quarters. Were you abducted? Did someone steal one of your fine gowns? I’ll alert the captain and we’ll get to the bottom of this immediately.”

“Thomas, wait.” Adeline put a restraining hand on the steward’s arm. “I’m fine, no one has stolen anything. These are my clothes, but you must not tell anyone you saw me dressed like this. I need your help, Thomas. Will you help me?”

Thomas looked at Addie with adoration. “Anything, Miss James. I would do anything you asked.”

“Then you must keep my secret. I may want to disguise myself again very soon and go below deck to investigate for a brochure I’m writing about labor reform. No one can know about it, most especially my father. But I can see that the security on this ship is too excellent for me to wander about without being stopped and found out.” Adeline leaned in conspiratorially. “So you, Thomas, must help me get back and forth without being seen.”

“Me?” Thomas swallowed so hard Addie could see his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’d be honored, Miss James. You may count on me.”

“Marvelous.” Adeline smiled widely at the young impressionable man. “Now if you could escort me back to my cabin, I have to change for tea with Lady Huntingdon.”

Emily was waiting impatiently for Adeline and looked at her mistress knowingly when she arrived on the steward’s arm. “I see you’ve won over your first accomplice, Miss.”

“Thomas is a dear.” Addie said allowing Emily to change her into her afternoon tea gown and fix her hair.

“Did you enjoy your visit below-deck?”

“I learned a bit, but I must return, hopefully tomorrow. I think if I could get down there after dinner when they are all drinking and playing music, I could find out what I’m really longing to know.”

“And what might that be, Miss?” Emily made the finishing touches to Addie’s hair and brushed off her gown.

“Is third-class more fun than first-class?” Adeline looked at Emily in the mirror.

“Oh, Miss. You’re just teasing me now. Everyone knows that’s true.” They both laughed.

“I’ll be back to change for dinner, Stone. You may pick my gown.”

Adeline made her way through the ship. She passed Thomas on her way there and she nodded discretely at him. He nearly tripped over his own feet, but quickly recovered.

“Do you read?” Lady Huntingdon was sitting in a comfortable chair in the Ladies’ Writing Room which was both a lounge and a library for the first-class female passengers.

“Oh, yes.” Addie said enthusiastically. She hurried over to the bookshelves and began to browse the selections. “I read absolutely anything I can.”

“I do try.” said Henrietta, hiding a yawn behind her gloved hand. “But I must say I can hardly ever finish anything that I begin. Come sit with me and have a chat about your current prospects.”

“Well, I don’t have any presently, Lady Huntingdon.”

“I insist you call me Henrietta, as did your mother. It is only fitting.”

“Then you may call me Addie.” Adeline sat down on a chair next to the countess and they sent a steward off to order them some tea.

“What about Jackson Bradley? You could do a lot worse and I can see that you are fond of him. He’s still mourning after his wife, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t care for you.” Henrietta sighed dramatically. “And you would make such a handsome couple.”

Adeline could feel the blush heat her cheeks as the first thought that entered her head was the one of Jack’s naked backside all those years ago. That had been a marriage bed and it was what she was headed for very soon; but not with Jack.

“He is quite wonderful, and when I do marry it would be quite a coup to find a man with his qualities, but he doesn’t meet my other criteria, not to mention he is my friend and my best friend’s husband.”

“Widower.” The countess corrected her then sighed in resignation this time. “I suppose you must carry on then. I say, the viscount on board is quite handsome indeed, although I’m afraid he doesn’t have the best of reputations. But most of the young English rakehells are similar. It’s what happens when one is born into privilege and rank and quite common with the British gentry. I’m afraid the gentlemen you are about to become embroiled with are mostly not the cream of the crop. Your selection will be limited to the desperate and destitute who, when push comes to shove, will lower themselves to marry an American, which does take a bit of the shine off their titles. But, it is what you and your parents desire, so you must make the best of it.”

“I intend to.” Adeline said quietly, grateful the tea service had arrived. She distracted herself momentarily with pouring the hot liquid, stirring in some sugar and cream, and placing a few of the tiny sandwiches on her plate.

“Would you consider having dinner in my rooms with me tonight instead of the main dining room?” Lady Huntingdon asked with a thoughtful tilt to her head. “I have an idea about drawing Mr. Bradley out of his depression and I would like your assistance, if you wouldn’t be opposed.”

“What are you planning?” Adeline asked curiously. Anything that would help Jack she was willing to at least try.

“I thought I might ask him to a private dinner. Just the three of us, so he wouldn’t be so worried about appearances. I think he may not be ready for a public display just yet and something more familiar could be exactly what the poor man needs.” Henrietta rose and went over to one of the writing desks. “I’ll pen a note to him this minute.”

“Do you think he’ll consent to it?” Adeline hoped the countess didn’t interpret the high pitch in her tone as desperation. But Addie could feel her heart beating a little bit faster just anticipating that she may be having a quiet intimate dinner with Jack just a few hours from now.

“There is only one way to find out.” Lady Huntingdon called over one of the stewards and gave him the envelope with instructions to deliver it to Mr. Bradley and wait for a response that was to be delivered back to the countess’s room. “Even if he does not accept, I do hope that at least you will join me.”

“Yes, I would like that very much, Henrietta. And since we’ll be alone and away from father, I may even share some of my secrets with you.”

“Oh, see there? I knew you were a smart girl.” They stood and began walking towards their suites. “Simon may have his faults, but it appears he managed to raise a marvelous daughter.” The ladies laughed and strolled arm in arm as if they had been friends for decades instead of just a few days.

Dressed as Madame Lou, Cassie sat in the tea shop quietly caressing the crystals she had gathered over the years. Only her younger brother, Danny Blakemore, kept her company on this rainy London night. Cassie touched the Knight of Cups and the Devil, the tarot cards that she’d pulled earlier in the evening. A scoundrel was entering the picture, to be sure.

“Clara? Will you speak to me?” Cassie called out hopefully. “Danny, do you feel anything from the ship?” Her brother’s powers weren’t fully developed yet and but she could tell they would be strong. He was already able to sense the thoughts and intentions of people close by and hopefully someday he would easily be able to do so from a distance as well.

“Sorry, Cassie, all I’m getting is sadness and anger still.”

“Considering they are half an ocean away, I’d say that’s pretty good.” Cassie replied, putting her cards and crystals away. “I felt something from Clara this time, but only a shadow. She feels her husband’s pain, too, and is almost ready to let him go.”

“Do you want me to check out the American lady’s house?” Danny asked eagerly. He was also quite talented at sneaking around, being nearly invisible in his stealth. It wasn’t a mystical talent so much as a spying skill.

“Please don’t.” Cassie ruffled her brother’s light brown hair. “I don’t want to have to explain to our mother why her son is in police custody.” Danny scoffed; they both knew he wouldn’t get caught. But still, it wasn’t necessary for him to endanger himself just yet. “Maybe later. For now we just need to sit tight and wait for the ship to deliver our subjects.”

“Are you ready for dinner, Adeline?” Father was dressed and impatient to get to the dining room.

“I’m not coming with you tonight, Papa.” She looked up from her toilette, where Emily was modestly dressing her hair in an understated style that was appropriate for a more casual supper.

“Lady Huntingdon asked me to join her in her suite for a quiet dinner.”

“Very well,” Simon adjusted his white bowtie before turning to give his daughter a kiss on her cheek. “I might be late then. If you won’t be dining with me, I may as well head to the card room for a few hands of whist or maybe there will be a poker game tonight.”

“Have a nice time, Papa,” Adeline said.

Emily stood back and admired her work. “You look lovely, Miss.”

“So, what is the latest gossip?” Adeline asked her lady’s maid as soon as her father had left. Addie had discovered quickly that servants had a finger on the pulse of all that was going on both back home and aboard ship.

“Well, Miss James, I heard that there’s a Vanderbilt aboard, but it’s an elderly spinster aunt and she’s keeping to her suite. Her lady’s maid has been acting above her station and none of the other servants have had the nerve to approach her.” Emily continued to fill Adeline in on all the important society aboard ship. But as usual, it was not what interested her and she grew impatient waiting for her maid to get to the news she really wanted to hear. But Adeline also knew that Emily enjoyed the gossip, so she put up with it momentarily. “And your Lady Huntingdon has been the source of much speculation, but I haven’t heard anything substantial yet—all just rumors right now.”

“What kind of rumors?” Adeline grew uncomfortable talking about her new friend behind her back, but she did feel the countess was being coy with her.

“Only that she isn’t as rich as she pretends to be and needs a wealthy new husband in order to keep her son’s estate intact. Not sure why such a lovely woman would have trouble there, though. All the ship’s servants adore her.” Emily finished brushing off Adeline’s skirts. “Now, below-decks there is a group of men on their way to Belfast looking for employment at the shipyards.”

This is what Adeline had been waiting for. “Oh? And did their new employer pay for their crossing?”

“Only the basic passage, nothing extra,” Emily stated straightening Adeline’s silver brush and comb on the vanity. “A few of the others and I have been bringing them first-class leftovers and a bit of beer when we can. And it sounds like there may be a dance tomorrow night, if they can manage to get some food and wine together.”

“Well, let me know if I can help,” Adeline said, “but don’t tell Father I said so.”

“Of course not, milady.” Emily said and curtsied, a habit from when she’d worked for the dowager duchess.

Adeline gave the maid a mock frown, “I’ll not have any of that, Stone. Not until I’m actually married to a lord.”

“Yes, Miss,” Emily smiled. “Now you should be off to your dinner with the countess. I’ll let you know what I hear.”

* * *

“Thank you for the invitation, Lady Huntingdon.” Jack said as he entered the countess’s sitting room.

Her quarters were a study in the Georgian period; dark wood stains contrasting with vibrant colors. The parlor was done mostly in scarlet and rose tones, with comfortable furniture and a cozy fire in the white marble fireplace. She had a waiter attending them for the dinner service, who handed Jack a whiskey on a silver tray.

“Adeline and I couldn’t bear to think of you hidden away in your cabin for the whole voyage.” Henrietta took a glass of wine from the waiter’s tray. “She should be here any moment. In the meantime, tell me about yourself, Mr. Bradley, and don’t leave anything out.”

Jackson smiled despite himself. The countess was a woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and it was very refreshing to meet someone who didn’t walk on eggshells around him. Over the last few months, everyone, especially Addie, had been treating him like a piece of cracked glass that would shatter at the slightest wobble. Granted, he hadn’t exactly given her a reason to trust that he wouldn’t break, but still he wished Adeline would just talk to him like she used to before Clara died. They had been friends as well and she’d always shared much about her antics dressed up as a factory girl and going among the working class and attending the labor rallies around New York. Not to mention the time or two he’d had to rescue her from her own misadventures. Of course, a smart man would never bring such things up if he had any regard for a lady.

“Oh, Jack! It’s so good to see you. I was worried when you didn’t show up for dinner last night.” Adeline’s blue eyes shone with concern as she entered the room. Her golden hair softly framed her face and, as always, she looked like an angel amongst mortals on earth. As painful as it had once been to compare her vibrant beauty to Clara’s fading life force, right now it was the most welcome sight on earth that Jack could imagine. If it would have been at all proper, he would have walked across the room and taken Addie in his arms and held on to her in order to anchor himself back into the land of the living. But, of course, that wouldn’t be at all appropriate and instead he just smiled at her and bowed slightly.

“The dining room was just a bit more than I was ready for, I suppose. But I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be tonight than with you two lovely ladies.” He toasted them both and took a sip of his drink.

Sitting at the small table while the waiter served them dinner, they chatted amiably about the ship and the accommodations. Lady Huntingdon tried to remember all that had happened of consequence in Berkshire in the last ten years that Jack had been away from home. He got the distinct impression that she knew his older brother, Winston, quite well since she often referred to him and his children. Finally, when dessert had been cleared and the waiter sent on his way, the three sat in the comfortable furniture before the fireplace with drinks in their hands, feeling quite relaxed and like old friends.

“Adeline promised to tell me one of her secrets tonight.” Lady Huntingdon said pouring more champagne for her and Addie and a brandy for Jack. “Do you know what sort of secrets such a young woman could possibly have, Mr. Bradley?”

“Quite possibly I do, my lady.” Jack smiled at Addie. “Have you been up to any of your tricks aboard ship, Adeline?”

He watched as Addie’s cheeks turned pink and her eyes seemed to get brighter. She looked quite fetching when she got excited about one of her causes. “I’ve wandered about a bit, and have secured the promised assistance of one of the first-class stewards. Tomorrow I will go and investigate more thoroughly. Papa has found himself to be quite fond of the Smoking Room, so he should be well occupied when I sneak down and talk to the third-class passengers again.”

“Will you go as you are or did you bring your costume?” Jack was teasing her but Adeline didn’t take the bait. Still, it felt good to fall back into old habits even if Clara couldn’t join in on the fun.

“Of course I brought it. How ridiculous would I look going about third-class in a Worth frock? I’ve already had it from my lady’s maid that the workers are headed for the shipyards in Belfast and I can’t wait to find out what their status is and to give them some information on their rights.”

“Oh dear, I’m really not quite following the conversation, I’m afraid.” The countess finally interrupted. “Do you mean to say that Adeline dresses up in a working girl costume and instigates herself amongst the commoners to talk about labor reform?”

“Precisely so, Lady Huntingdon.” Jack said wondering at the pride he heard in his own voice. “Back in New York, Adeline has actually led rallies and protests. Of course, she does tend to find trouble without fail.”

“Jackson!” Adeline sounded indignant but there was a mischievous smile on her face.

“One day, she was leading a protest at one of her father’s factories, of all places, and she actually set the building on fire.”

“Oh, not that story again.” Addie groaned and dropped her forehead onto the side of her hand. “Why is this the only story you ever tell, Jack?”

“Because I’m the hero, of course.” Jack felt a familiar rush of excitement flood his body as he warmed to the tale. “Addie and her crew of protesters were at the rally with signs and such, all marching in the vicinity of Simon’s building, over by the loading docks. It was dusk so they had lanterns. Addie started giving a speech and since it was getting dark, someone lit a kerosene lamp and gave it to her to hold. Well, Adeline is quite enthusiastic and passionate when she talks about labor reform, so she was going on about fair hours and swinging that damn lantern...”

“Oh my, I can certainly guess what happened next.” The countess was leaning forward, waiting to hear the rest of the story.

“Indeed.” Jack grinned and looked over at Adeline, who was still hiding her face, but he could see that her shoulders where shaking; a sure sign that she was trying not to laugh out loud. “Adeline sent that lamp crashing into a pile of old pallets that were dry as kindling and they went up pretty fast, which was the perfect catalyst to set the whole place up in flames with her right in the middle. Needless to say, everyone went screaming from the site, leaving poor Addie trapped trying to put out the flames on her own. Why you didn’t run away, too, I’ll never know.”

“Jack, you know very well I could never have forgiven myself if I’d let Papa’s building burn down by my own hand without at least trying to put it out.” Adeline stuck out her tongue at Jack.

Jack started laughing and it was almost painful, like using a long dormant muscle, but it felt good at the same time. “Well, weren’t you lucky that Clara had insisted I follow you that night to make sure you didn’t get in to any trouble?”

“So what did you do?” The countess was looking for another bottle of champagne to open but appeared to be having no luck.

“I jumped through the flames and dragged Adeline out, then managed to get a nearby fire hydrant opened up. By the time the fire truck showed up, Adeline and I had managed to at least keep the flames from getting out of control.”

“Oh bravo!” Henrietta applauded.

“I’ll never forget when we arrived back at the Bradleys’ and walked in the front door, covered in soot and soaking wet. I was so mad at you Jack.”

“For saving your life and your father’s building?”

Jack watched Adeline smile as she recalled the day. “No, I was upset that you were mad at me for not acting like a lady. You never did understand why I got so involved to the extent I did—and still do.”

“You’re wrong, Addie.” Jack said quietly gazing at his friend with admiration and what he’d always thought must be brotherly affection. “I understand, but that doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you. You must admit that you tend to rush headlong into the unknown and you rarely have a plan in case things go awry.”

Adeline didn’t say anything to that. She just stared back at Jack as if she were captured in his gaze. He wondered what she was thinking just then and he wished they were alone so he could ask her. It was the first time he’d really seen her in this context. A strong, independent woman who knew what it was she stood for. Before, when Clara was alive, she’d just been that silly impetuous friend of Clara’s.

When had that changed? Jack wondered.

“Well, we are out of champagne.” Henrietta’s voice brought Jack back to the present. “Jackson, be a dear and go get us another nice cold bottle.”

“Of course.” Jack stood and bowed to the ladies. “I’ll be right back.”

Jack wandered the deck for a bit, thinking about what lay ahead for him in England. He would go to Berkshire and lay Clara’s remains to rest. Then what? Stay or leave? He still couldn’t decide. Going back without Clara didn’t feel right, but now he was starting to wonder what his real motives were. Did he really just want to start over? Or was he running away from his life with Clara? And did it even matter? Jack still had a lot to think about.