Part 3

Monday, March 24

Seated at the desk in her office, Maddie heard the faint sound of the intercom’s buzzer, and Irene’s voice speaking to the doorman over the apartment’s intercom system. She checked her watch—9:50 a.m. Honey was sleeping again after eating a disappointingly small amount of breakfast. Possibly it was for the best that she wasn’t up to see her beloved teacher. Miss Margery Trask’s interview was scheduled for ten o’clock. She smiled—the first good sign was that the woman was prompt—if she was the caller. Maddie put away the letter she’d been writing to her mother, and pulled out a pad of paper for taking notes.

Irene’s knock on the study door gave her the signal to stand, and Maddie gathered herself to stand tall. She smoothed an imperceptible wrinkle from her skirt.

“Miss Margery Trask is here, Mrs. Wheeler.” Irene stood aside to admit the visitor to Maddie’s office, and she had her first look at the woman with whom her daughter seemed to have bonded. Bonded more strongly than she ever had done with her mother. The sting of jealousy surprised her—she’d expected to be an impartial judge of the prospective governess. Still, in all fairness, a child could not have too many people to love her. If Honey loved Miss Trask, she, Maddie, must try to love her, too.

Irene took Miss Trask’s coat and closed the office door behind her as she left the two women alone.

“Please, come in and have a seat,” Maddie invited, gesturing toward a graceful but lightweight Bergere chair, one of a pair that sat at angles to the front of Maddie’s desk. “Would you like some sparkling water?”

“That would be very nice. You have a lovely home,” her visitor answered with a smile. Maddie noticed her sparkling blue eyes, which crinkled slightly as she smiled.

“Thank you, we like it.” She smiled in return and poured the bottle of chilled Perrier into two glasses, offering one to Miss Trask. “But we’re planning a move to the country in the next few months, hoping to build up Honey’s health with plenty of fresh air and exercise. We’ll keep this place, but most of our time will be spent at the new place by mid-summer.” Instead of taking her seat behind the desk, she pulled the other Bergere chair closer to the governess candidate. As she sipped water, she tried to study the other woman without looking obvious about it.

The governess candidate was a middle-aged woman of slender-to-medium build, dressed in a sensible tweed skirt and matching short jacket. The charcoal suit set off her crisp, silvery hair, cut in an efficient short style. Sturdy black oxford shoes gave an impression of one who spent a lot of time standing and walking.

Well, of course, as a teacher she would stand and walk most of the day, Maddie reminded herself.

“Living in the country would probably give Honey much more freedom to be outdoors on her own,” Miss Trask agreed. “I understand you also have horses. Will they move with you to the country?”

“Yes, the property has a stable now, but it’s very run-down and we’re having it completely rebuilt,” she said. “My husband loves to ride when we’re home, and Honey loves it, too.”

“You don’t ride?” Miss Trask didn’t seem surprised or critical, just curious.

“Oh, yes, I do ride,” she hastily explained. “But I’m not as enthusiastic as my husband and daughter are. I have a lovely gentle older mare, Lady. But I don’t jump or hunt with her.”

“I’m not a rider, although as a child I wanted a horse so badly!” Miss Trask took a sip of her water. “Once I had the chance to ride a pony at a fair. Something spooked it, and it managed to break away from the handler. I promptly fell off and broke my wrist. Since then, riding has seemed less appealing, although I enjoy watching others ride.” She laughed, although a blush indicated she was a bit embarrassed to admit the mishap.

“I broke my wrist falling off a horse at a hunt, way back when my husband and I were dating,” Maddie admitted. “I was mortified! But, of course, I was determined to prove I would enjoy the same things he did.”

They both chuckled.

“I don’t want to waste our time, Mrs. Wheeler.” Miss Trask set her glass down on the adjacent side table. “I understand you are looking for a governess for Honey. Please explain what the duties would be. I’m assuming you don’t plan to have her return to Briar Hall?”

“That’s right.” Maddie set her glass down as well. “We’d like for her to have some tutoring at home for the rest of this school year, if she is well enough. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if she had to repeat her work for the year, but her grades were very good before she got sick and I think she’d be bored re-learning the same things.” She took another sip of water before continuing. “My husband and I travel frequently for work. We need a completely trustworthy person to be with her when we’re gone, especially once we move to the country.”

“And what about next year? Do you want your daughter to continue to be educated at home, in a class of one?” For the first time, Maddie wondered if she picked up on a critical tone from her potential employee. She felt her face heating.

“The public schools in Westchester County are some of the best in the country,” Miss Trask said. “Would you ever consider public school for her? Being the only child, living out in the country on a large estate with no other children to associate with, might be a lonely life.”

Yes, definitely a critical tone.

“We haven’t decided yet just what we’ll do next year for Honey’s education.” That sounded weak! “We need to evaluate her health, look at some different schools, and decide what to do once she is healthy again. We can look at the public schools, but security is very important. We don’t want her to be an easy target for kidnappers.” There. Her worst fear was out.

“I understand.” Miss Trask nodded. Something softened in her expression, although Maddie had not thought it stern before. “Of course, it will take time for you and Mr. Wheeler to investigate the available options. Still, my place at Briar Hall is stable, and it’s fairly easy to visit my sister on a regular basis. If this is only a temporary position, I’m hesitant to leave the school, where I’m eligible for a pension, as well as annual performance-based bonuses.”

Maddie listened, and didn’t immediately speak when Miss Trask stopped. She was mulling over the idea of returning Honey to school—whether a new school or even back to Briar Hall—or keeping her buried safely in the countryside, well looked-after by a very competent staff, but lonely for friends.

“Actually, we haven’t thought very far ahead yet,” she admitted. “Honey has been so ill, and she needs time to recover her strength. I thought she might even have private tutoring all of the next year. But, I do worry she might be lonely.” Maddie normally had no trouble keeping a pleasant, impersonal smile on her face. Many business meetings and charity fundraisers had helped to train her to conceal her true thoughts. Somehow, this woman had found her vulnerable spot and had skewered it.

“Do you have neighbors near your country home?” Miss Trask asked. “People with children Honey’s age?”

“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. The property was so perfect, and the house was large enough for us and the necessary staff. The area is quiet, though. It’s something we’ll have to check into.” Miss Trask’s twinkling blue eyes took on an icy glint for a split second before she dropped her gaze to her lap. Not in confusion, it was quite plain. Most likely she was trying to conceal her disgust that a parent could be so careless as to not even know if her chosen neighborhood had other children for her child to associate with.

Maddie felt heat rising from her chest to her face, but she refused to look away. “Let’s get back to the position we are trying to fill,” she managed to say with a smile. “We’re looking for a fulltime governess for Honey and we’re prepared to offer a contract for one year, if you’re willing. According to your résumé, your main focus is mathematics, but you’re also fluent in Spanish, and have taught English and history.”

“That’s correct. I enjoy geography and art, but have never taught those subjects.” Miss Trask’s expression was neutral—the critical aura had dissipated again. “I believe there are some fine textbooks available and I’m confident that Honey is a bright child who wants to learn. I’m very fond of her.”

Maddie felt that her own smile was a bit forced at that response. She couldn’t help feeling pushed out of a magic circle when it came to her only child. “She’s a lovable child,” was all she could add. After the briefest of pauses, she spoke again.

“Of course we don’t expect Honey to spend all of her time studying. I hope she will spend plenty of time outdoors, riding and swimming. We’re also planning to get a puppy for her. It will be good company for her when we have to travel. Naturally, we would want you to provide supervision for her when we’re away.”

Miss Trask nodded.

“Depending on the other staff we hire, there’s a potential for you to take on other responsibilities, if you’re open to that. Your salary would go up with the additional duties, of course.”

“It’s a bit early to commit, but I’m open to discussion of extra duties,” the other woman said. “I provide some financial support for my sister, who is disabled.”

“I’m sorry,” Maddie offered with heartfelt sincerity. “Honey’s previous governess lived in, and when Honey was away at school or camp, she served as my social secretary. If Honey returns to school, I would be able to offer you other work when she’s away. Even if she remains at home, I’d be able to give you at least twelve hours a week handling my correspondence related to business and charitable fundraising. That would only be if you were willing, of course.”

“I’m sure I’d have the time.” Miss Trask nodded. “Honey won’t require constant nursing care, and I wouldn’t want her to spend all of her time on schoolwork, either. What about other lessons—piano or other music lessons?”

“No, she was taught piano by her previous governess, but she never enjoyed it the way I do.” Maddie found that for the first time, she really didn’t mind if Honey gave up piano. It no longer felt like another rejection. “For now, we want to take off the pressure of lessons she doesn’t enjoy. Let’s go over this contract, and you may take it home to review before you decide whether to take the position or not.”

Fifteen minutes later, she bid her visitor good-bye. Miss Trask had promised to let her know whether she would take the position within 48 hours.

Maddie walked slowly back to Honey’s room and opened the door a crack. Her daughter was curled up in the bed, her shoulder-length honey-colored hair fanned out on the pillow, her pale thin face peaceful in sleep. Maddie sighed. I hope all of this helps to bring her back to health.

Wednesday, March 26

“Darling, we’re planning to buy a horse for you, so you can ride with us once we move to the country.” Maddie smiled at her daughter across the breakfast table, where Honey was picking at her scrambled eggs and toast.

“That would be wonderful!” Honey exclaimed. “I love Lady, but it would be so nice to be able to ride with you and Daddy.” Her hazel eyes glowed like stars, and there was even a touch of color to her face as she absorbed the news. “So, will we have our own stable?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I’m looking to hire a groom to look after Jupiter, Lady, and the new mount.” Matthew drained his coffee cup and wiped his lips. “It’ll be a couple of months yet, because I want the construction to be farther along before I interview for the position. But it’s definitely part of the plan.”

“Oh, Daddy! That’s a perfectly perfect idea!”

“Now come and give me a kiss, my girl. I’ve got to get to the office soon.” He stood, and Honey almost danced around the table to throw her arms around him in a tight hug. Returning the hug, Matthew leaned over to kiss his wife good-bye as well.

Honey and her mother walked with him to the door of the apartment, and then watched as he walked toward the elevator. With a slight feeling of let-down, Honey turned back to the breakfast table, but she no longer felt hungry, although she had eaten less than half of her food. She moved the food around with her fork for a moment before giving up the effort. Noticing her mother watching her with a faint, worried frown, she set her fork down and used her napkin.

“Mother, may I be excused? I’m just not hungry.”

“Yes, if you’re sure you can’t eat any more.”

“I’m just not hungry,” Honey repeated.

“All right, then.” Maddie nodded. “What would you like to do today?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Honey admitted. “When will you find out if Miss Trask is going to be my new governess? Did you like her? You haven’t really said anything about your meeting.”

“I did like her, very much.” It’s only slightly untruthful, Maddie told herself. I did like her, because it’s obvious she’s very fond of Honey and has her best interests at heart. “She has a very impressive résumé for a governess, and I think with a one-on-one situation like that, you’d be able to catch up on all of the work you’ve missed due to illness.”

“She’s a wonderful teacher,” Honey exclaimed. Again, the two pink spots appeared in her cheeks. “She actually made algebra seem like something I could understand. She didn’t teach me any other subjects, but I know she’s taught English and Spanish at Briar Hall in the past couple of years.”

“She’s supposed to let us know within forty-eight hours if she’ll accept the position,” Maddie said. “So sometime today we should know.”

“Oh! I do hope she takes it!” Honey hugged her mother in a rare spontaneous display of affection, and Maddie hugged her in return.

“So do I, darling. So do I.”

Maddie soaked in the rare feeling of closeness as long as Honey kept her arms around her. But after a too-brief hug, the two faced each other again and she tried again to interest her daughter in an activity they could do together, although she wondered what in the world that might be.

“I have a five-hundred-piece puzzle that was a Christmas gift,” Honey suggested. “We could put that together.”

“Yes, that would be nice. I’ll take care of some correspondence while you get dressed, and we’ll start on it.” Maddie smiled, hoping her true feelings didn’t show. Puzzles—she felt bored even before seeing the picture.

But, while Irene was occupied with cleaning the master bedroom and bath, and Honey was brushing her teeth and dressing, Maddie set up a folding table in the living room, next to one of the large windows that overlooked Central Park. She placed folding chairs on either side and then arranged a bowl of fresh bananas, apples, and oranges on the console table in case Honey was tempted to have a snack.

By the time everything was set up to her satisfaction, Honey emerged from her bedroom, fresh and combed, wearing a butter-yellow twinset and a coordinating skirt in navy, gray and yellow plaid wool. Knee high socks and a neat pair of navy ballerina flats completed her attire. She carried a box, apparently the puzzle they were going to start putting together. Although she looked neat and fresh, Maddie noted, not for the first time, that her already-slender daughter had lost weight during her illness and so far, had not regained it while convalescing at home. She suppressed the slight frown of worry, but Honey was very sensitive and caught an aura of disappointment.

“Is this outfit all right, Mother?” she asked. “I thought it would be fine for a day staying indoors.”

“Of course it is, darling. Yellow is always a good color for you. I’m just anxious for you to get completely well and you still look so thin,” Maddie reassured her. “Let’s see this puzzle.”

“I love it, it’s a view of Paris in the evening, with the Eiffel Tower illuminated and all of the city lights, but it’s just after sunset, so not totally dark.” Honey held the box so her mother could see the picture.

“It’s lovely!” Maddie felt a little more excited. She loved Paris, and she and Matt had honeymooned in the City of Light. Working this puzzle might be more fun than she expected. Honey went to her mother’s desk for a letter opener and slit the box apart, then dumped the pieces onto the folding table and sat down.

For nearly an hour, mother and daughter worked on the puzzle, finding most of the outside edge pieces. It wasn’t necessarily clear if a flat sided piece went to the top, bottom, or sides, but once a few were fitted together, it began to get clearer for some of them.

“My goodness!” Maddie looked at her watch. “We’ve been at this puzzle for almost an hour. My shoulders are getting stiff. Let’s get up and walk around for a few minutes.”

“All right,” Honey agreed. They walked over to the French doors leading onto the Wheelers’ balcony, although they didn’t go outside. Snow flurries animated the scene, and a dusting of snow covered the balcony and dotted the railing.

“It’s so beautiful,” Honey said. Her thin face lighted with a smile. “Do you think we could walk in the park this afternoon, Mother?”

“If it’s not too cold, we could go out for a short walk,” Maddie agreed after a slight pause. “I don’t want you overdoing it, though.”

“I promise I won’t overdo, Mother. But it’s so pretty, and I’m so tired of staying indoors all the time.”

“If you promise to eat a good lunch and lie down for a rest afterward, we’ll go out. I promise.” Maddie crossed her heart.

“Cross my heart, I will.” Honey beamed at her mother and Maddie wished she had a clue how to get that reaction more often, without spoiling her precious child.

“If only I had a dog!” Honey then said with a deep sigh. “I could walk the dog in the park and go out by myself.”

“I don’t know, darling. We can’t keep a dog here, because we’re away so much. We couldn’t expect Irene and Cook to take care of a dog when you’re at school.” She didn’t mention that they couldn’t let Honey go out alone due to fear of kidnapping.

“Oh, I know.” This time, the sigh was even deeper. “But a dog would be such a companion. Maybe, when we move to the new house in the country, we could have a dog?”

“We’ll see.” Maddie wasn’t about to commit to buying a dog without consulting her husband, although she felt pretty certain Matt would be in favor. “A lot will depend on whether you go back to school next year or if you’re educated at home. I still feel it’s a lot of responsibility if all of our family are away most of the time.” They stood in silence, starting out at the snow for a few more minutes. Then Maddie said, “Let’s see if we can get a few more pieces of that puzzle together and then maybe a snack of fruit will taste good.”

“Yes, let’s do that.” Honey turned away from the view and both were hunched over the table, intent on their task, when the phone rang.

“Mrs. Wheeler? It’s Miss Margery Trask,” Irene announced a minute later.