Page 67 of Beyond Montana's Sky
Edith found Mildred on the second-floor landing, just coming out of the drawing room. “Good morning, Mama.”
Mildred frowned. “You must have had a good time last night,” she said in a repressive tone. “Deak’s been busy all morning. Up and down, up and down. Climbing the stairs to the second floor is hard on his knees.”
Edith raised her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
With a wave of her hand, Mildred indicated the drawing room. “Go look.”
Puzzled, Edith hastened through the door, her gaze caught by two rows of vases lined up on a marble-topped side table, each holding a beautiful bouquet of hothouse blooms, wafting sweet scents into the room.
Mildred followed her.
“Oh, goodness.” Edith gasped, overwhelmed by the amount of arrangements she’d received. “I see what you mean about the number of times Deak had to climb the stairs. In the future, to spare his knees, Deak can leave the flowers in the dining room. Ben and I can carry them up to my room. Or the maids can grab a vase each time they are already going upstairs.”
“Not letting Deak do his job will hurt his pride, which I won’t allow. Deak has been with this family since Henry was a boy. He refuses to retire, saying we need him, which is all too true. I couldn’t bear a stranger in the role, which is why we hired Spade to help him.”
“But why didn’t Spade bring the flowers upstairs?”
Mildred hesitated before replying. “I think the constant knocking of the door, the many flowers delivered for a positive reason—” she managed a small smile “—instead of acknowledging a death, gave Deak a purpose.”
Edith hadn’t expected such insight from her mother-in-law, especially about a servant. However, since Deak had known Nathaniel and George since they were born, he, too, must grieve them.
Mildred tapped a vase. “The first row is from friends and family to welcome you home.”
Edith picked up one of the cards. “The Cannons. How thoughtful.” She set down the card. “Part of our problem is solved. The welcome bouquets are a one-time occurrence. Those people won’t be sending more flowers. Much fewer for Deak to haul up and down the stairs.”
“This row is from your admirers,” Mildred said, with a sweep of her hand, her tone disapproving. “I had Deak toss the ones from ineligible men.”
How dare she?Edith hid a surge of anger. “In the future, please have Deak deliver all my correspondence—” she said in a firm tone “—including flowers and parcels directly to me.” She made a mental note to personally mention her request to the butler.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’ve been gone for almost five years and have no idea about the latest social scene.”
Edith had kept up a correspondence with her family and closest friends, so she’d received plenty of gossip over the years.
“You could make a serious mistake that could impact Ben’s welfare.”
Edith glared. “I would never jeopardize my son’s well-being,” she said coldly.
“For example,” Mildred plowed on as if she hadn’t heard. “Harris Heinrich. Four years ago, he was the scion of a wealthy family. Then his father married a tart and spent a filthy amount of money on the woman, even buying her a home in Italy. She popped out two children before Harris’s father died six months ago, leaving her a considerable fortune and dividing the rest between Harris and his two sisters plus that woman’s brats. Harris is left with only a paltry income, and he’s on the lookout for a rich wife.”
Living in Sweetwater Springs had given Edith a more realistic view ofpaltry. She thought of the Salter family and how their pride brought them to the brink of starvation. Ben befriending Matthew Salter provided Edith with personal knowledge of the poor, who previously had only been a concept preached by the minister on Sundays.
Maggie Baxter rounded out Edith’s education. Before she became engaged to Caleb, Maggie was determined to provide for herself and her baby by owning and operating the bathhouse.
What about Harris as a suitor?From what she remembered, Harris was a pleasant, rather attractive man with a poetic bent, who might make a good husband. Meeting him again last night, she’d enjoyed dancing and chatting. He’d sent flowers, even if they were dumped in the trash. She’d have to see him again, spend some time together, to see if he could become a husband candidate.
“As long as a man has comfortable circumstances….” Edith couldn’t believe what was coming out of her mouth. “I’m more concerned he has a kind heart.”Oh, goodness, if Caleb could hear me now.“I have more than enough wealth for both of us.”
Mildred’s eyes narrowed. “Nathaniel’s money is for Ben.”
Edith stiffened. “Nathaniel’s money is forbothBen and me. However, as you know, I also inherited money from my father.”
Mildred sniffed. “Living in that primitive place ruined your sensibilities.”
Edith wanted to laugh but settled for a prim smile. “I suppose you are correct.” She decided to sound uncouth. “But I certainly increased my wealth. Caleb managed my funds and investments well, and he taught me, too.”
Mildred’s mouth opened and closed like a fish.
Edith held up a hand. “Nevertheless, in the future,Mildred—” she was done calling the womanMama“—see that I receive everything sent to me. I will, of course, value your input.”
