Page 25 of A Lesson in Propriety (Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #1)

Twenty-Five

“I’m not convinced that today was the best day to introduce me, Annaliese, my mother, and Seraphina to the members of your church, given that you still look like you’ve recently been in a brawl, even though it’s been a week and a half since your tussle with Umberto,” Drusilla said, causing Rhenick to turn her way. His eyes took to crinkling at the corners, something that drew attention to the fact that the skin surrounding those eyes was still tinged with various shades of yellow, green, and bruised-blue.

“Everyone in the congregation has already heard about my run-in with Umberto, and I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone throughout Chicago has heard the particulars about that day, as well.” Rhenick grinned. “Truth be told, I also wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you find yourself inundated with offers to watch over you from the majority of the congregation, including quite a few of the ladies who are appalled that your welcome to Chicago has been anything but welcoming.”

Drusilla smiled. “And while it’s lovely to learn there are so many people willing to lend me their assistance, we haven’t been paid a visit from a single developer after that dreadful day, so I’m hoping developers in general have decided to leave me alone from this point forward.”

“A valid hope, and one that may come to fruition as Norbert told me that he heard down at the Mead and Vittles that word on the street is that the Merriweather castle is now filled with ladies who aren’t afraid to defend their property, even if their abilities with weapons are somewhat questionable.”

“Seraphina’s an expert shot.”

“True, but I don’t think anyone took note of the shots she fired to purposefully chase men away. All anyone really noticed was Annaliese firing a less-than-accurate Frankenau purse at will, and you shooting Giacomo Caggianni’s right-hand man when you realized he was heading your way.”

“I was aiming for over his head.”

“Which clearly suggests you might want to consider acquiring a pair of spectacles, but at least you didn’t permanently maim that man. Norbert told me Caggianni’s man only suffered a superficial flesh wound and barely needed any stitches to set him to rights.”

Drusilla’s eyes widened. “He needed stitches?”

Rhenick leaned closer to her. “If you’re feeling guilty about that, allow me to remind you that the man was encouraging the driver to run you over.”

“I suppose he was at that, so I’ll desist with the guilt and concentrate instead on the unexpected positive outcomes of that particular day, one of which was, of course...” She sent a discreet nod to where Irma and Wilhelmine were sitting in the first pew, their heads bent closely together as they whispered back and forth, something they’d taken to doing ever since the attempted siege of the castle.

It was curious, the friendship that had sprung up between Irma and Wilhelmine, who’d taken to enjoying hours in each other’s company, something that seemed to be a novel experience for Irma, who’d always surrounded herself with ladies of the Four Hundred but had never seemed to relish the time she spent with them.

It was also curious that Irma was now fully supportive of the academy idea and had even volunteered to teach a few classes, in addition to the lessons she’d agreed to give to Wilhelmine. She’d also taken to embracing a very unexpected motherly protective stance ever since the gate incident, as everyone was referring to it, a stance that seemingly required her to carry a pistol with her at all times, which was somewhat unnerving as she was experiencing as much success with her aim as Drusilla was.

“Why do you think our mothers keep turning around and smiling at us?” Rhenick asked, drawing Drusilla from her thoughts.

“Since you’ve been surrounded by the feminine set ever since you were born, I’m sure you know exactly why they’re doing that.” She lowered her voice. “They’ve got marriage on their minds—more specifically, a marriage between the two of us.”

“I wasn’t sure if you’d picked up on that.”

She waved that aside. “Please. My mother has had marriage in mind between the two of us ever since you told me I needed to marry you. And, if I’m not mistaken, your mother has had marriage in mind ever since you told her you’d met an extraordinary woman.”

He shifted on the bench. “If you believe that, you must also believe that my mother wasn’t completely upfront with you regarding why she was offering you the assistance of Whittenbecker and Company.”

“I don’t think she was being dishonest,” Drusilla countered. “Wilhelmine definitely wants me to open the academy, as that will benefit your sisters. Nevertheless, she’s a mother with an eligible son, so the very idea that you met a woman you found interesting wasn’t going to simply slip out of her mind. To give her credit, though, she’s shown a lot of restraint for a marriage-minded mother, as she’s not even broached the topic of marriage with me since the day we first met.”

“I wouldn’t let your guard down,” Rhenick muttered.

“My guard is firmly in place because our mothers are obviously in cahoots. That idea was solidified earlier because after I offered to take Wilhelmine’s place today on the organ, both she and my mother immediately took to objecting with the most nonsensical excuses, done so because they obviously want me to remain sitting by your side throughout the service.”

She sent her mother, who was once again beaming a smile at her, a slight wrinkling of her nose before she squared her shoulders. “They’ll eventually accustom themselves to the idea that we’re simply meant to be good friends, especially when I’ve gotten the distinct impression, as you’ve not blundered about with me at all during the past month, that you realized I was right when I told you that you’d misinterpreted who I was during our very first encounter and that I’m not extraordinary in the least but merely ordinary.”

His brows drew together. “Not that I want to argue with you, but I feel compelled to point out that you’re certainly not ordinary. What ordinary lady wouldn’t have suffered a fit of the vapors when under attack from some of the most dangerous men in Chicago?”

“I would have been run over for certain if I’d indulged in some vapors during that troubling event, which suggests my refusal to faint dead away was more an act of necessity than extraordinariness.”

“Just because you reacted out of necessity doesn’t mean you’re an ordinary woman—far from it.”

Heat immediately took to crawling up Drusilla’s neck to settle on her face because she was not a lady accustomed to receiving compliments. Rhenick, however, seemed to find ways to compliment her on an almost hourly basis, and his compliments weren’t of the practiced variety, like she’d heard Elbert extend to every woman except her, but the genuine kind that he simply threw into conversations as if they were of little consequence.

To her, they were of great consequence indeed.

He once told her that her hair reminded him of warm and rich chestnuts that were roasting over the fire. He’d then mentioned another time that he’d never seen eyes as lovely as hers, and then told her the very next day that while he knew it was rather untoward to ever mention a lady’s figure, he liked how she’d abandoned the hourglass look most ladies were sporting, preferring her natural shape instead.

In all honesty, she’d come to believe that Rhenick Whittenbecker had the soul of a poet and ... she’d come to realize that he wasn’t using descriptive phrases or outlandish compliments because he wanted to get his hands on her property but simply because he seemed to genuinely like her and also seemed to genuinely get pleasure out of making her smile—or blush, as was frequently the case.

It was odd to discover she was even a lady prone to blushing, as she’d never made a point of blushing before, probably because she’d never been a lady who drew anyone’s notice—until she’d met Rhenick.

He seemed to notice everything about her, and, if she were honest with herself, she’d begun noticing quite a lot about him as well—such as the fact that he was a sincerely caring man who was wonderful with his mother and who genuinely seemed to enjoy spending time with his many sisters, who clamored for his attention, something that never seemed to bother him, even if his sisters were interrupting his work.

“While I’m sure you’re aware that I adore my youngest sister, Coraline,” Rhenick suddenly said, leaning so close to her that his shoulder brushed against hers, “in the spirit of preparing you for the opening of your academy, I feel compelled to direct your attention to where Coraline and her somewhat motley band of friends are not exactly comporting themselves as young ladies should.”

She turned her attention to where Rhenick was now oh-so-discreetly nodding and considered Coraline and her gaggle of friends, all the girls in the process of chatting like mad, seemingly unconcerned that they were in church and certainly weren’t making a point to whisper.

Drusilla’s eyes began narrowing when Norma Jean McCormick, one of Coraline’s best friends, and a girl Drusilla had only just met before entering the church that morning, took the fan she was waving about and gave the girl sitting to her right, one Velma Chickering, a rap on the head with it.

Considering Drusilla had never once rapped anyone on the head with a fan, nor had she ever witnessed any of her contemporaries doing that, it was becoming more than obvious that she was going to have her work cut out for her once the girls started attending her academy.

It was also obvious that the academy might very well start off as a school for wayward girls after all, since there was a very good chance the majority of the girls were going to be exactly like Coraline and her friends.

She turned to Rhenick. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m now thinking it’s fortunate I’ve been told I already possess the look of a stern headmistress, which I’m now going to use to my advantage as much as possible as an intimidation tactic. Hopefully that tactic works reasonably well since I get the feeling I’m going to be facing quite a few challenges in the coming weeks.”

“You hardly have the appearance of a stern headmistress, and I have no doubt you’ll be up for all of those challenges,” Rhenick countered. “In fact, I say it’ll only take you a week to get everyone settled down and ready to learn how to become proper young ladies.”

Drusilla glanced back to Coraline, who was directing her attention to a young gentleman who was sitting in the pew across from her.

That Coraline was in the process of fluttering her fan rapidly in front of her face suggested she was attempting to flirt with the man, the fluttering also suggesting that Coraline might benefit from a proper lesson in fan etiquette, as rapid fluttering of a fan in front of a lady’s face was a discreet way for a lady to allow a gentleman to know she was engaged and sufficiently off the market, a message she doubted Coraline wanted to impart.

“While I appreciate your optimism,” Drusilla began, ignoring the idea that heat had settled on her cheeks the moment he’d not hesitated to state she didn’t resemble a headmistress, “I think it’s going to take me at least the duration of the summer to get that particular group of young ladies to behave, and in all honesty, it may take me longer than that.”

That notion was immediately reinforced when Norma Jean whipped open her fan again, smacking poor Velma Chickering straight in the nose. And even though it appeared as if the smacking was accidental, Velma had clearly had enough abuse as she didn’t hesitate to give Norma what looked like a painful poking in the stomach with her fan in return.

“You might be right that my time frame was off regarding getting the girls in hand,” Rhenick muttered before he gave her arm a soothing pat. “But misbehaving girls aside, Mother seems to be on the move, so you might want to prepare yourself for organ music like you’ve never heard played before.”

Before Drusilla had a chance to brace herself, a blast of the organ pipes reverberated around the room, leaving her with the realization that truer words had never been spoken. And while it did appear as if Wilhelmine was simply running through a few scales to warm up her fingers, they were the most unusual scales Drusilla had ever heard.

“Maybe, for the sake of the congregation’s ears, I should take over, no matter that our mothers want us to remain seated together,” Drusilla said, pitching her voice a little louder than she normally would during a church service on account that was the only way Rhenick could hear her over the racket Wilhelmine was now making.

“Seraphina seems to have beaten you to that,” Rhenick called back as he nodded to where Seraphina was hurrying down the aisle, where she promptly slid onto the organ bench next to Wilhelmine.

Wilhelmine immediately stopped playing and gave Seraphina a pat on the cheek, sending the spectacles Seraphina had decided to pair with a cast-off gown of Aunt Ottilie’s she’d found stuffed in one of her aunt’s many wardrobes a little off-kilter.

“Mother appears to be fine with Seraphina taking over,” Rhenick said. “But speaking of Seraphina, Eloise told me earlier, after Seraphina arrived here sporting a wig and looking quite unlike herself, that her change in appearance stems from some type of family situation, but I readily admit that wasn’t much of an explanation.”

“I’m afraid I can’t say much more about the matter because Seraphina hasn’t elaborated to me about her decision to disguise herself, except to say that she doesn’t want to risk having anyone recognize her while she’s out and about in Chicago. From what I gathered, if that information were to travel back to New York, it might cause some difficulties for her.”

Rhenick frowned. “Isn’t she worried that she’ll be recognized once she begins teaching classes at the academy?”

“She intends to continue wearing a disguise while classes are in session,” Drusilla said. “With that said, though, know that Seraphina isn’t concerned that your family knows what she truly looks like, or that her name is Seraphina Livingston, because she trusts all of you to keep her secret. She simply doesn’t want that to get out to the students and their families. That’s why we’ve agreed that I’ll simply introduce her as Miss Livingston and never mention her given name is Seraphina, which she thinks, paired with her less-than-noteworthy new appearance, will keep her safely away from her stepmother for a while.”

Rhenick’s brow furrowed. “Why is this the first I’m hearing about what sounds like Seraphina’s evil stepmother?”

“Seraphina hasn’t wanted to talk about her circumstances, and I haven’t pressed her on the matter. All I know is that she needs to lay low for a while, although this development of her assuming a new look suggests she’s involved in something far more troubling than a mere misunderstanding with her stepmother.”

“The fact that she’s added numerous moles to her face definitely suggests it’s more than a misunderstanding as I don’t know any young lady who’d want to do that unless absolutely necessary.” He frowned. “Do you think she’d be receptive to having me look into whatever trouble she’s avoiding in New York the next time I’m there?”

Before Drusilla had an opportunity to answer or appreciate the fact that Rhenick hadn’t hesitated to offer his assistance, Seraphina began playing, Wilhelmine staying directly beside her on the organ bench to turn the pages of the hymnal, which effectively ended any and all conversation.

As the music flowed through the church—and music that rivaled that of anything played at the Academy of Music back in New York, given Seraphina’s expertise—Drusilla settled back against the hard pew, allowing her thoughts to drift.

It wasn’t surprising when her thoughts settled on how the castle was almost ready to open its door as a bona fide academy for young ladies, their targeted opening date being a mere week away—as long as nothing dastardly interrupted that target, such as ghosts making appearances again or unscrupulous men trying to force their way onto the property with their weapons at the ready.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt end when she realized Seraphina was finishing up on the organ and Reverend Michaelson, whom she’d met the previous week when he’d paid a visit to welcome her to Chicago, was walking to the pulpit. Once the reverend completed his opening prayer, Drusilla settled back against the hard pew and spent the next hour enjoying the service, something she’d missed over the past few months.

After the entire congregation finished the last hymn, Seraphina taking over on the organ again, Drusilla took Rhenick’s arm and walked with him out of the church, her hold on his arm tightening when she realized everyone in the churchyard seemed to be looking her way.

“I’m quite unused to being the object of so much attention,” she whispered once they reached the sidewalk, finding herself thankful when Rhenick gave her arm a reassuring squeeze and didn’t relinquish his hold.

“And here I would have thought you were accustomed to attention since you spent so many years in the midst of this country’s highest society.”

“I spent most of my time as a member of the Four Hundred lingering on the sidelines, until Father died, and then I spent my time confined to our house on Washington Square, or occasionally going for a few rides in Central Park with my ex-fiancé, whose name I’ve decided will no longer pass through my lips.”

Rhenick’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “A fitting justice for that man if you ask me, but tell me this—how did you, as an engaged lady, and before you went into mourning, find yourself lingering at any society events? Where was this man who shall no longer be named during that time?”

Her lips curved. “If you must know, Mr. Nameless always danced the obligatory two dances with me, as well as sat beside me at dinner. However, he usually arranged it so there was a sparkling lady on the other side of him during any given meal, one who’d undoubtedly earned the title of Diamond of the First Water, and one Mr. Nameless would devote his complete attention to.”

Rhenick shook his head. “It’s little wonder you’ve vowed never to marry, but do know that not all men are like your former Mr. Nameless, who sounds like a complete scoundrel, and also sounds as if he’s a gentleman who never deserved a lady like you in the first place.”

For the briefest of seconds, it felt quite as if she and Rhenick were completely alone in the churchyard, until a group of ladies sauntered past them, murmuring hellos to Rhenick, their faces wreathed in smiles and their lashes fluttering madly about.

Reality returned in a trice when Rhenick inclined his head to the ladies in question, but then, when he immediately returned his attention to her and settled a charming smile on her—and not on the beautiful ladies who’d just attempted to draw his attention away from her—her world suddenly turned somewhat topsy-turvy and for good reason.

She’d never, not once in her entire life, captured a man’s attention to such an extent where other ladies, and far more attractive ladies at that, couldn’t distract him from paying attention to her, but that’s exactly what seemed to have just happened.

“I’m so relieved I wasn’t responsible for massacring the hymns today,” Wilhelmine said as she, along with Irma, took that moment to stroll up and join them. “I’m also happy to report that Seraphina has agreed to play every Sunday until we find a permanent organ player.”

Before Drusilla could add that she’d be happy to fill in as well, the crowd of churchgoers suddenly parted right in front of them, revealing a lady dressed in a tailored tweed jacket, the type that gentlemen normally wore, although she’d paired her jacket with a slim skirt instead of trousers.

Curiously enough, the lady was wearing a hat that resembled a helmet, one Drusilla thought might be called a pith something or other, but before she could consider the hat matter further, the woman began waving madly in their direction before she charged right for them, her charging causing a few members of the congregation to scurry out of her way.

“Yoo-hoo!” the lady called out before she set her sights on Irma, bustled up directly in front of her, and then did the unthinkable.

She reached out and pulled Irma into a hug, a departure from proper etiquette if there ever was one, that departure increasing when she suddenly gave Irma what appeared to be an honest-to-goodness squeeze.