New York Bride Page 5

  “Where are you going?” Alyth asked, putting her hand on Shay’s shoulder.

  “I just thought that now you know we ain’t second class like your brother thought, we should get back downstairs before anyone notices we are missing.”

  “You aren’t going anywhere. My brother saw something in you, and I don’t aim to disappoint him.” She pointed back to the chair. “So, sit yourself down and let’s get busy on your hair.”

  “Most ladies, real ladies,” Shay said, looking at Alyth from underneath her eyelashes, “wouldn’t want their brother to associate with someone of such low class.”

  Alyth pointed again. “Most wouldn’t. But I’m not most. And neither is Mac.”

  “I don’t think I can pass for a real lady,” Shay said.

  “Nonsense. You leave that to me. Mimic everything I do this evening.” Alyth’s maid returned and placed a tray of assorted cheeses and fruits in front of Shay. “Now, have a snack before I do your hair. Just be sure not to spill anything on the dress. I don’t want Mac throwing me overboard.”

  Chapter 6

  “You’ve been out of sorts all day, Mac.”

  Mac watched James flick the end of his cigar over the railing and into the water. His friend put the end of the cigar in his mouth and drew in deeply.

  “This trip seems longer than the others, doesn’t it?” Mac responded.

  James shrugged his shoulders. “Seems about the same. The only enjoyable thing on this excursion has been the company of Alyth.”

  “Keep your distance from my sister, Monroe,” Mac said.

  James laughed. “She’s not interested in me in the least. Our interest is strictly conversational. It makes the days pass quickly when you have someone you can debate the latest news with.”

  “At least her boarding school taught her something.”

  “She’s turned into a fine young lady. Your father must be proud.”

  Mac snorted. His father, Oliver Wardsworth wasn’t proud of anyone or anything unless it meant a coin in his pocket. He even thought Mac’s trips overseas were wasteful until Mac returned with new fabrics and beautiful patterns that no one in New York had ever seen.

  As one of the largest clothing manufacturers in New York, Oliver was always looking for ways to beat his competition. He looked to Mac as the resource to make it happen. Mac didn’t want to be a part of his father’s business. But obligation called and he would do what he could to help his father.

  Mac went to Europe in the Winter and the Orient in the Summer. He would spend two or three months visiting with suppliers, designers, and weavers and bring the best ideas back to America. Women were clamoring for new fashions, and it was Mac’s job to provide them.

  This trip he managed to have his two best friends from college accompany him. Normally, they would get together once a year for a long weekend, but to spend time with them for a three-month working holiday brought back memories of when they would travel during school breaks.

  Both men jumped on the chance to accompany Mac to Ireland, Scotland, France and Spain on this trip. It was bittersweet because it might be the last time they would be able to see each other for a while.

  Lance Devon was a doctor for the U.S. Army. Lance was due to get married when they returned to the states, and then the Army would ship him off to wherever he was needed.

  James Monroe was well known for spending his family’s money. Even though he attended college for business, he had yet to get a real job in the five years since finished school. Instead, he spent his days playing cards, drinking and smoking at his family’s social hall in the city.

  “Where is your sister?” James asked.

  “She was helping my guest get ready for dinner.”

  “You aren’t speaking of that woman and her lady maid you met yesterday?”

  Mac smiled. “The very one.”

  James snorted. “If she’s a lady, then I’m the King of France.”

  “And a lovely king you would make, James.” Mac sent daggers to his friend. “I don’t want you to say a word this evening, about her status. It must be very difficult for a lady to have to travel second class.”

  “If you say so,” James said, rubbing the end of his cigar on his heel before pocketing it. “I just don’t recall you ever asking anyone to join you for dinner. I thought you were a permanent bachelor.”

  “That, my friend, is your position. I do want a wife and children someday.”

  “Just not now,” his friend interjected.

  Mac ignored the question and pulled out his pocket watch. “They will be seating for dinner soon. We should probably head to the dining room.”

  “I am hoping that the Faro tables will be opened after dinner. I think I’ve gone through withdrawal since we left,” James said leading the way to the dining room.

  Lance was already seated at the table when they arrived. “I thought it would be easier to just meet you here,” he said, standing. He peered over James’s shoulder. “Alyth is here now.” Mac watched Lance’s eyes open wide. “Who is that with her?”

  Mac turned to see his sister who was dressed in one of the dresses he was bringing back from France. It was burgundy silk with gold trim and flattered her blonde hair immensely. He saw a flash of green from behind her and he felt his breath hitch as Shannon moved into view.

  She didn’t resemble the woman he noticed yesterday on the deck at all. Her hair was curled and pinned with green and purple flowers tucked between the strands. Where Alyth found the flowers, he didn’t have any idea. Two ringlets hung over her shoulders. He wanted to reach out and see if they would wrap around his finger.

  Alyth must have gone through the trunks to find this outfit as it wasn't just one dress. It appeared to be at least three dresses that were put together. He was glad she did, however, because the effect on Shannon was breathtaking.

  The dress had a deep brown bodice with a gold satin belt. The jacket was an emerald-colored velvet with gold trim. It made Shannon's eyes larger and brighter than he recalled.

  The skirt was comprised of multiple layers of green flounces over a deep green silk skirt. There was a coverlet on the top portion of the skirt that matched the deep brown and gold of the rest of the dress.

  He recognized Alyth's cameo on a green ribbon around Shannon's neck. Alyth's cameo earrings hung from Shannon's ears. When Shannon spied him, her face broke out in a huge grin and she gave a little twirl.

  Mac laughed. He had never seen anyone so delighted over an outfit before. The two ladies stopped in front of the table and gave a little curtsey.

  “Looks like we made it just in time,” Alyth said, allowing James to lead her around the table.

  Mac couldn’t take his eyes off Shannon. She looked at him and nervously bit her bottom lip. “Thank you for letting me wear the dress,” she whispered. “I can’t recall ever wearing anything so fine.”

  Mac gave her a little bow. “I certainly hope you aren’t barefooted this time,” he said, giving her a wink.

  Shannon lifted her skirt slightly and pointed a beaded black slipper towards him. She rocked her tiny foot from side to side. “I might as well be. These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.”

  Mac laughed. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that she was wearing Alyth’s house slippers. She bounced on her toes several times.

  “Mac?” Lance said, pointing to the table.

  “Oh, right,” Mac said. “Let me assist you, Shannon.” As he guided her to the seat and pulled it out, the scent of roses filled his nostrils. He stifled a groan as he pushed her seat toward the table.

  As he took his seat, he watched her excitedly examine the table. She was almost child-like, and that turned Mac’s thoughts to dark-haired, green-eyed children. He knew he was lost.

  Shay was overwhelmed by the dining room. When they descended the grand staircase into the dining room Shay was so overcome with emotion, she nearly tripped on the tiny heels and tumbled down the steps.

  The di
ning room was bigger than the women’s steerage. It was surrounded by windows, which gave it the illusion of being an outdoor room. Shay kept a tight grip on the railing as they descended the stairs.

  “I have never seen anything so grand before,” Shay said to Alyth as they approached the bottom of the steps.

  “Remember what I showed you upstairs about the silverware. You’ll be fine. I totally understand why Mac is smitten with you. You have no airs.”

  Shay didn’t know what that meant, but she took it as a compliment coming from the regal blonde.

  As they approached the table, Shay’s breath hitched as she saw Mac standing at the table. His friends were handsome to be sure, but none of them captured her attention the way Mac did.

  He looked at her with a half-grin on his face and Shay was lost. She couldn’t even find the correct words to speak.

  “I hope you aren’t barefooted this time,” he said.

  Shay lifted her skirt slightly to show him the beaded shoes Alyth let her wear. She gave a little twist of her ankle and laughed.

  Caught up in the moment, she didn’t realize that folks were staring at them until Mac’s friend called to him.

  “Let me assist you, Shannon,” he said gently taking her elbow.

  She thought she might faint from the heat his hand transmitted through her jacket. She allowed him to hold the chair for her and tuck it under the table. She had never had anyone hold a chair for her before.

  She was about to reach for the napkin display on a china plate when she glanced over to Alyth who gently shook her head. Shay made as if to pick up her goblet and take a sip of water instead.

  “Your dress is exquisite,” Mac said to her. I don’t recall that in my sample case.”

  “I can’t believe that Alyth put it together for me.”

  “She did?”

  Shay nodded. “She used the brown dress and then accented it with the green.” Mac’s eyes flew over to his sister. Alyth lifted her goblet in a mock toast. “She’s very talented.”

  “I can see that,” he said. Shay leaned over and winced. “Are you alright, Shannon?”

  “She didn’t have time to sew it,” she whispered. “So, every time I move, I get pricked.”

  “You have pins in your dress?”

  Shay nodded. Mac threw back his head and laughed. Shay thought she had never heard such a magical sound.

  A man stopped at the table and picked up the napkin, laying it on Shay’s lap. “Cold carrot soup or consommé?” he asked.

  Shay hesitated for a moment. It appeared that first-class passengers were served broth as well. She looked to the man who was carrying a tray of the soups. Even though the offerings looked more appetizing than the broth in steerage, her stomach sank. She prayed there weren’t any flour cakes.

  Mac leaned over. “The carrot soup is very refreshing.”

  Shay nodded and turned to the server. “I’ll have the carrot soup, then.” The man nodded and placed a fluffy dinner roll on her bread plate. Another man followed, placing a chilled bowl in front of her.

  It was filled with a bright orange liquid and had a creamy design drizzled on top. Shay wanted nothing more than to pick up the roll and scarf it down in several bites. She refrained until everyone else at the table was served.

  When everyone had their soup and bread, the server cleared his throat. “Tonight’s entrees are roasted duck with buttery potatoes, roasted lamb chops with buttery potatoes and minted peas or roasted squab with wilted watercress, nuts, and cheese. Your dessert choices are apple tart, tapioca, empress pudding or fruit. Enjoy your meal.”

  Shay watched him leave and then looked over to Alyth to see what she was doing. She picked up the largest spoon and waved it at Shay.

  Shay did the same, mimicking the way the others were eating their soup. She put a spoonful of the bright orange broth in her mouth. The flavors exploded on her tongue and she quickly finished off the bowl. It was the best soup she had ever had.

  “Did you enjoy that?” Mac asked.

  Shay nodded. “I’ve never had anything so sweet and creamy before. It certainly isn’t something I’ve ever made at home.”

  “You’re from Ireland, aren’t you,” the man identified as James asked.

  “Yes. I’m from Dunmore. A beautiful little village on a cove.”

  “Dunmore, you say?” James asked. Shay nodded. “That’s a town of fishermen and not much else. I don’t recall any noble families there, Lady Shannon.”

  Shay froze. The lovely soup turning sour in her stomach. Alyth put her hand on James’ arm. “There are wealthy families in all cities, James. Let’s not question our guest. Let her enjoy dinner.”

  James lifted his glass to Shay. “My apologies, m’lady.”

  “I am so looking forward to this evening,” Alyth said. “I heard there was to be dancing afterward.” She turned to James. “I insist that you should dance with me this evening.”

  “Do you dance, Lady Shannon?” Lance asked.

  Shay wiped her mouth and laid her napkin aside. “I’m afraid not unless it is a folk dance.”

  “How delightful,” Mac said. “I would love to see a dance from Ireland.”

  “It would be a bit difficult to do in this dress,” she said.

  “Ah, that’s right,” Mac whispered to her. “Pins.”

  The bowls were removed, and the server put down a plate covered in a silver cloche. Underneath was a small ramekin of potted meat covered in a gelatin-type substance with toasted bread. Shay had never seen anything like it. Shay leaned over to Mac. “What is this?” she asked.

  Mac pointed to the ramekin with his knife. “It is goose liver pate. You spread it on the bread.” Shay looked at the appetizer again. Her face must have given away her reservations, as she heard Mac laugh. “Don’t worry. It is actually quite tasty.”

  She looked over to Alyth who lifted the small knife next to the bread plate. Shay watched as she demonstrated spreading a bit of the potted meat on the bread and biting into it with relish.

  Shay picked up her knife and delicately put some of the spread on the point. She tried to bite into it with the same relish that Alyth had, but when the taste hit the roof of her mouth she wanted to retch. She quickly swallowed.

  “I don’t think I like that at all,” she said. The laughter went around the table. Shay pushed her plate aside until the server came to remove it. She decided to nibble at her dinner roll until the meal arrived.

  Once everyone was finished and the glasses refilled, the server put down a larger plate covered with roasted meat and new potatoes, floating in a pool of rich gravy.

  Shay cut off a piece of meat and put it on her tongue, savoring the flavor.

  “I must say,” Mac said. “I’ve never seen anyone enjoy food as much as you.” Shay stopped chewing. Had she done something wrong? She swallowed and took a drink of water. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Shannon. I have never seen anyone relish every bite.”

  “Since the famine, good food has been hard to come by. I would never have thought to eat our ducks, as they gave us eggs. But after this, they better watch out!” The table laughed.

  “Why are you going to America? Ireland is a beautiful country.” Lance asked.

  Shannon ate another small bite of meat and laid her utensils aside. She chewed thoughtfully, allowing time to form an answer. “I’m going for my family. I have been offered a position in America and I cannot wait to explore everything it has to offer. What about you, Mr. Devon. What do you do in America?”

  “I’m a doctor, Lady Shannon.”

  “What a noble profession. Do you have your own practice?”

  “Nay. Unfortunately, I serve the Union Army.”

  “When he returns, he will be marrying the prettiest little lady you’ve ever seen,” Mac said. “Amy is very lucky to have you.”

  “Congratulations,” Shay said. “Weddings are wonderful.”

  “Better you, than me, old friend,” James said. “I will never get
married.”

  “I came on this trip, so I didn’t have to worry about planning the wedding. It is strictly a woman’s business. I’ll just show up at the designated time and that will be that.”

  “After the wedding, Lance will be traveling the country.” Mac smiled. “In a way, I’m jealous. I only go to Europe and the Orient.”

  “There is nothing to be jealous of. You travel the world, Mac. I’m just going where the Army sends me. I know I won’t be staying in New York.”

  “Why’s that?” Shay wondered.

  “Abraham Lincoln has called up troops. There has been civil unrest for the past year. He is finally going to do something about those southern states wanting to secede.”

  “Secede? I’m afraid I don’t know much about American news.”

  “The southern states have a certain way of life they want to protect. The north disagrees with it.”

  “What way of life?”

  “You really are innocent, Shannon,” Mac said. He leaned over, placing his arm around the back of her chair. “Slavery. The war is about slavery.”

  “I’m familiar with the concept of slaves. Those men and women have the right to be free. It is a terrible thing to build a business on the backs of other people.”

  “Yes. But those slaves pick the crops for the northern factories.”

  “But it causes lasting damage. I have heard it destroys their will and tears their families apart. Do you use slave labor for your factories, Mr. Mac?”

  “No,” Mac said. “We don’t use slaves. We pay our workers. Many of the slaves that are in the south were sold into slavery by their own families.”

  Shay went quiet. Her father basically did the same thing. However, she would be one of those people getting paid and her servitude would eventually end.

  “Oh look,” Alyth said, “dessert is ready.” Shay was grateful that Alyth changed the conversation.

  “You are correct, Alyth,” Lance said. “This isn’t the topic of conversation we should be having in front of ladies. Forgive me.”

  Shay dove into a dish of empress pudding. She didn’t know who the empress was, nor did she care, but she adored the sticky sweet pudding made from sugar, cream, and rice. She scraped the dish to get every drop.