Authors: Samantha Lovern
She dressed a bit nicer today. With Celia’s and Martin's families visiting, she wanted to make a good impression. If she needed to do anything messy she could put on an apron. She winced, thinking of the outfits that Celia had bought for the maids, and was thankful that there wasn’t one awaiting her.
Fifteen minutes later she was walking out the door, wearing a pair of white slacks, a green blouse, and white jacket. Lester was sitting in the car waiting, a cup of coffee in hand.
“Don’t spill that on me. I wonder if I should have worn tan.”
“You look good in anything, and I’ll be careful. I won’t smoke a cigar either. Don’t want the mistress of the house showing up smelling like a stogie.”
“I’m not the mistress.”
“Well, you keep the place running. You’re even taking care of their pets, now. When did this come about? I didn’t think they had any pets, except for those two strays.”
When Emma didn’t answer, Lester looked at her. He backed out of the driveway, and as soon as he was going straight, spoke. “I hope you don’t plan on bringing one of those strays home. You know neither of us is home enough for a dog.”
“No, it wasn’t for us, though they are cute. It really didn’t have so much to do with the dog as it did Mr. Taylor.” Emma didn’t talk about the private things that went on in the house, but she knew she could trust her husband with anything.
“How so? Did he want the dog taken to the vet?”
“No, and since you more than likely won’t meet any of these people, or be around them to let something slip, I’m going to tell you a little problem I’m having.”
“Sure, you know I’ll keep your secrets.” Lester smiled and took a sip of his coffee.
“It’s not my secrets, it’s my boss. He’s having a thing with one of the maids.”
“Well, that’s interesting, but I thought they were having this big family party. Isn’t that bratty Celia still with him?”
“Unfortunately, she is. And it’s not like he’s cheating . . . yet. He’s not that kind of person, and even if he was, it’s none of my business. So . . . I . . . did something yesterday.”
Lester pushed his glasses up on his nose and shook his head. Keeping his eyes on the traffic he spoke. “What did you do? And just so you’ll know, I don’t care what the man does. He pays you very well.”
“I thought you’d say that, but on with the problem. The maid, Randi, has no idea that Mike the chauffer is really Martin Taylor, and the family, including Celia, has no idea that Mr. Taylor is cheating with one of the maids. So, to say the least, when the cat gets out of the bag, it’s all going to hit the fan.”
“Wow! What a mess. But what does any of this have to do with a visit to the vet, in your car?”
Emma gestured with her hand out. “I could see this train wreck coming, so I sent the girl on a trip to the vet. I didn’t really lie, the dog did need to go, but I knew it would get her out of the house, and push off the inevitable.”
“How long is the family going to be there?” Lester pulled up to a red light and turned to look at his wife.
“Too long. I can’t keep sending her out on errands. She’ll be needed to serve the family soon, and I just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“Well.” Lester gave this some thought. “Sounds like your boss needs to come clean with the girl, and get her out of there. He can hire another maid and wait until the family’s gone to settle the rest of it.”
“You’re right there, but he has no clue I know. Should I tell him? I don’t want to lose this job, but I don’t want to see him have this mess blow up in his face. His mother is really nice, and I know she wouldn’t approve of his actions.”
“You know the man better than I do. If you think you can approach him about this, then go ahead. Who knows? If you help him out, he might remember it later. It never hurts to be an asset to your boss.”
“I know you’re right. He’s just not seeing things clearly. He’s fallen for this girl, and fallen hard, and it’s affecting his judgment. I’ll have to think it over.” Emma sat there watching traffic and thinking. What would be the best way to handle this? Her mind worked as Lester drove, and when he pulled into the driveway, he brought her out of her thoughts.
“You’ve been quiet. Have you made up your mind what to do?”
“Kind of. A plan is starting to form. I don’t know if he’ll go along with it. I’ll try to catch him alone today and start talking about it -- see if he’s willing to hear my opinion on the matter.”
“If he’s a smart man he’ll listen to you. Most of the time your ideas are right on the mark.” Lester smiled, leaning over and giving his wife a kiss.
Emma allowed him a kiss and then pulled back. “Why are you being so nice today? Are you having trouble finding that special Christmas present, and you’re hoping to get on my good side, so I’ll tell you what to buy? You know I hate to do that.”
“I know, but how is a husband supposed to know what to get his wife, if she won’t even give him a hint of what she wants?”
“I’ve told you a thousand times, that I don’t care what you get me. Just get me something from your heart.”
“That’s not helping.” Lester shook his head and straightened behind the wheel.
“Okay, okay.” Emma tapped her finger on her chin. “If you want a hint, then here you go. You don’t have to get anything expensive, but you can look around for a brooch. I don’t care what it has on it, but I love pins. I don’t care for jewelry most of the time. It just gets in the way. But a nice brooch would work.”
“A pin. I can do that.” Lester smiled. “Now get in there and save the day.”
Emma laughed, “I wish I had your faith in my abilities. I’ll be happy if I don’t manage to make matters worse.”
Chapter 34
Humility Over Pride
“Where are you off too?” Lillian walked into the entryway just in time to see Addison heading out the front door. Her daughter closed the door and turned to face her.
“I need to go out and do a little shopping. I’ve called a cab. He’ll be here any minute. I’ll have my cell phone. I’ll call you later in the day and see what you need me to pick up. I know we’ll need some things for Christmas dinner.”
“Good. At least you’re not trying to talk me out of cooking.” Lillian walked over and gave Addison a quick hug.
“I know better than to do such a thing, but I have to go. Make a list and I’ll pick up anything you need. I’ll call you around one, so have the list ready.”
“It’s barely nine. You must have a lot of shopping to do.” Lillian stepped back as Addison opened the front door.
“I’ve got several things to get today. If you need to go out, I’ll take you shopping tomorrow.”
“No, I’m fine, just the groceries, and you can handle that. I’ll check and see what’s in the kitchen that we can use.”
Addison laughed and kept her tone low. “I’d check the dates. I don’t thing Celia is much of a cook.”
“Good suggestion. Do you need money? I can get—”
“No. I’m fine, just get the list together. Talk later.” Addison hurried out the door, pulling it closed behind her. Lillian went to the kitchen to start making the list.
She’d found pen and paper the day before so she dug into the drawer next to the stove and started making a list. She started looking through the cabinets and found some things she could use, but not a lot. The list began to grow, and she wondered if this was a mistake.
She'd had no idea when she offered to cook for the family that she’d have to fill the kitchen cupboards to do so. She sat down at the table and began to look at all of the things she would need. It was going to take a lot of items, and some of the spices and such would more than likely never be used again.
Bowing her head in prayer for just a moment, she had to wonder if it was more pride than anything that was causing her to want to prepare the Christmas meal. It wasn’t right to come into her son’s house and try to take over.
She needed to show humility rather than pride. She would only hammer the wedge between herself and Celia deeper if she forced this issue. She prayed for patience. Sitting at the table, she let her mind meditate on being a kind guest instead of an unruly intruder. As she raised her head, finishing with a silent amen, Celia walked in.
“'Morning, Mrs. Taylor,” Celia said in a cool manner. Lillian nodded and though she would hate herself later, she decided that it would be the best for all concerned, even her son, to back down. She folded the list of things she would need and when Celia moved to where she could look her in the eye she spoke.
“I’ve decided that you were right, having the dinner catered will be a much easier process for everyone. I may prepare a desert of two, but I’m relinquishing all cooking duties back over to you. It will be a nice change to just sit back and enjoy dinner rather than being the one to prepare it.
Lillian smiled. She was surprised how at ease she felt. It also seemed to be a good move because Celia smiled, sitting down at the table to join her.
“I think that’s a great idea. It will give us all more time to visit and enjoy the each other’s company. I know I need to learn how to cook, and be a better wife, but that can come in time.”
“It will. Practice makes perfect.” Lillian forced a smile. She didn’t care for Celia, but she could put on a good front. After all, if her son was going to marry this woman, she did need to learn to at least tolerate her. “When will your family be arriving?”
“The traveling arrangements have changed again and all of my family will be arriving Saturday. That will give us all time to get to know each other. If you prefer to eat in, we can have something brought in, or we can make dinner reservations.”
Lillian inwardly sighed. She had no idea that agreeing to allow Celia to cater Christmas dinner would mean someone else would prepare every meal. “How about we eat out tonight, and then having something simple tomorrow like lasagna and salads? I’ll have Addison pick some things up while she’s out.”
Celia seemed so relieved about Christmas dinner and the other meals that she jumped at the compromise. “Sounds great. I’ll have Martin make some reservations for around seven.” She rose, grabbed her coffee, and after putting it in a to-go cup she turned. “I have to run for a few hours, but I’ll be back in plenty of time to be ready for dinner. Have a good day.”
“You, too.” Lillian gave a little wave and when she heard the door close she looked at the empty kitchen. “Does anyone ever just stay home?”
“I don’t think so.” One of the maids said as she entered the room from a back hallway. “I seldom see any people in this huge house.”
“Ah, you’re Randi, right?” Lillian smiled, happy to see a friendly face.
“That’s me. How are you enjoying your stay?” The maid went to the sink, washed her hands, and then came to stand facing Lillian.
“I’m doing okay. It would be nice to see my son, though. Have you seen him this morning?”
Randi laughed. “I think I mentioned to you that I’ve been working here several days, and I’ve not met Mr. Taylor yet.”
“I knew he was busy, but I had no idea how busy!” Lillian shrugged.
“It is a huge house. Speaking of which, are you finding everything you need? Can I get something for you? Fix you a bite to eat?”
“You can cook?” Lillian smiled.
“Why, of course. I could mix you up an omelet, or bacon and eggs. There is also oatmeal, and dry cereal with fruit.”
“I don’t mind cooking. Just point me in the right direction.”
“Are you trying to get me fired?” Randi smiled. “Just tell me what you’d like and sit back and relax, or read the paper.”
“If my son fires you because I cooked my own meals, just point him in my direction. You can help, if you want. I’ll take an omelet, so find me a frying pan and get some cheese, ham, peppers, onions and tomato, and I’ll start chopping.”
Chapter 35
Teacher
Even though Lillian Taylor assured her no trouble would come from her cooking her own meals, Randi was relieved when the nice lady was out on the veranda enjoying an iced tea. Thankfully, Lillian at least allowed her to wash the dishes, though she did protest.
Randi assured her she was getting paid well to keep things looking good, so finally Lillian had left to do some reading. Two hours later she returned, fixed another glass of iced tea, and headed outdoors to call her husband.
It was nice to see, and know, that after so many years of marriage two people could still be that much in love. Though she’d not met Lillian’s husband Ethan, Randi could guess he too would be as smitten with his wife, as his wife was with him.
If Mr. Taylor was anything like his parents, he would be, indeed, a catch for some lucky lady. Then again, if he was so special why had Celia been having a thing with the handsome chauffer, Mike?
Randi looked up from working on Bandit’s medicine. She was slipping. Here she’d kissed Mike twice, and she didn’t even know his last name.
This is what she got for being so judgmental with her old school chum, Becca. It didn’t pay to gossip about others, that was for sure. How many times had she talked to her mother about Becca, running her down for her dating habits?
Well, not any longer. The first thing she would say to Mike when she saw him, was, "By the way, what’s your last name?" She also wouldn’t bother to tell anyone else how blatantly unconcerned she’d been to learn more about a man that she’d allowed to kiss her.