Marston Gray bounded out of his carriage and into the three-story brick house that he called home. He longed for a drink to calm his nerves. All day long, he'd been on edge, and when finally his worst fears were confirmed, Marston knew he would have to act quickly.
Word came to him through a business associate, who told Marston in no uncertain terms that someone was snooping around, trying to get information about him. They were asking all sorts of ridiculous questions about whether Marston was married and had recently had a child horn to him. The man had laughed it off as assuming it was someone with a case of mistaken identity, but Marston knew better.
"Lindquist." He nearly choked on the name. Stalking through the house and ignoring his staff, Marston secluded himself in his study and locked the door.
He considered the brandy for a moment, then instead poured himself a liberal amount of whiskey and took a seat behind his desk. He tossed down a good portion of the drink, all while trying to figure out what he should do. If Kjell Lindquist had contacted authorities, then why didn't they simply come to the house and question him?
If only Lydia would have died, none of this would have been an issue. As the child's true next of kin, Marston could have easily explained his decision to take the child. He could have even fabricated some sort of story as to how he came to be in possession of the baby. But now all of that was impossible.
Nursing the remaining amber-colored liquor, he tried to think of what he should do. Obviously, he'd been cautious about letting anyone know of Dalton 's existence. As far as he knew there were only a handful of people who were even aware that the child was in Kansas City. Still, if the authorities were truly investigating the situation, they would be watching.
It would probably be best to go see Thomas and Evic and discuss the matter. He would have to either tell Evie the truth or create another fabrication. But what story could he give his sister to gain her sympathy or support? He could only hope that her time with the baby had caused a tight bond to form. Maybe if she was sufficiently attached to the child, she would he willing to lie in order to keep him with her.
Marston finished the whiskey and stared at the empty glass for several minutes. He wanted another drink, but he had to keep his wits. Nothing was going right. Nothing at all. They had not been successful in ridding themselves of Dwight Robinson, nor of obtaining his records concerning Lydia. The casket business continued to run successfully without them, headed instead by an appointed group of officials, who were only too happy to keep the Gray family out of all matters.
His own investments were suffering, and Mitchell declared the same to he true for him. They needed the casket business and the steady money it brought. Without it, Marston wasn't certain they could reestablish their financial footing.
A knock sounded on his door, disrupting any further thought. Marston drew a deep breath and went to see who had come to disturb him. He was surprised to open the door to find his twin on the other side.
"What brings you here?"
"There is trouble afoot," Mitchell declared. "Someone has been checking into my affairs."
Evic found it impossible to look at Dalton and not he consumed with guilt. She had suffered nightmares every night since learning the truth about Lydia. How could her family he so corrupt and evil? She had hoped that sinister side would have died with their father.
Sequestered in her private sitting room with Dalton and the new assistant nanny, Evie tried to figure out what she would do about righting this wrong. She longed to get Dalton hack to Lydia, but how? What possible action could she make and not find herself up against her brothers and husband? Perhaps she could write to Lydia and tell her to come to Kansas City If Lydia knew exactly where Dalton was and how to reunite with her son, surely that would resolve the situation.
She glanced across the room where the young woman played with Dalton. The girl was new to the household, hired only the week before to assist the much-older nanny.
"Ellie, how old are you?"
The young woman turned. "I'm sixteen, ma'am."
Evie nodded. "And how did you come to he hired?"
The dark-haired girl looked away "My mother died when I was quite young and my sister took charge of me. Then she went west with her husband last year. My sister's mother-in-law is Mrs. Shevlin."
"My housekeeper?"
"Uh-huh. She knew I needed work."
"Why did your family not take you with them?"
"It was too costly. My sister arranged for me to stay with friends, but that didn't work out. The husband… well… he was…" She fell silent, her face turning several shades of red.
"I think I understand," Evie said softly. "There's no need to go into detail."
Ellie repositioned Dalton on the blanket and handed him a toy. "My sister cried and cried when she left. They really didn't want to leave me, and they had plans to send for me."
"Where are they now?" Evie asked.
" Sacramento. My brother-in-law, Bill, got work with the railroad there. My sister cleans house for one of the wealthy families in the area. She said as soon as they have enough saved up, they will arrange for me to take the train west."
"So you don't plan to be long with us?"
Ellie looked up with an expression of horror. "I didn't mean it that way Please don't dismiss me."
Realizing how much she'd upset the girl, Evie shook her head. "I have no desire to dismiss you." Evie didn't want to say too much, especially since she really wasn't sure what she was going to do.
Nanny Hubble entered the room as silent as a mouse. She glanced at Evie and then Ellie. "Bring him along. It's time for his bath," she instructed.
Ellie picked up the baby and brought him to Evie for a kiss. It was their routine every evening. "Sweet boy You be good now." She kissed his chubby cheek and laughed when he grabbed her nose.
Once Ellie and Mrs. Hubble had gone, Evie began to consider what she could do. She heard the clock on the mantel chime and knew her maid would soon appear to help her dress for dinner.
Crossing into her bedroom, Evie went to her wardrobe and pulled out a beautiful gown of green silk. She placed it carefully atop the bed. It was only moments before her maid knocked upon the bedroom door.
"Are you ready to prepare for dinner, ma'am?"
"Yes, come in. I'll wear that." She pointed to the bed.
The young woman gave a curtsy and helped Evie out of her day dress. Once she'd finished disrobing, Evie accepted the additional petticoat offered by the woman.
"Oh, Mr. Gadston said to tell you that your brother would be joining you for dinner."
"Which one?" Evie asked.
"Mr. Marston."
Her heart skipped a beat. Why had he come? Were there already problems with someone learning about Dalton 's presence? Was he coming to take the child? Evie realized she would have to act very quickly It might only be a short time before the authorities stepped in.
"Is my brother already here?" she asked as the maid did up the buttons to the gown.
"Yes. He arrived a few minutes ago."
Evie waited impatiently for the woman to finish. Once done, Evie quickly checked her hair. It was still sufficiently arranged. She put on a touch of perfume and waited while the maid brought her a change of shoes.
Contemplating Dalton 's circumstances, Evie was resolved to settle the matter in the most amicable way. She would tell her husband and brother that she would like to travel with the child. Maybe suggest going abroad. If she mentioned England, rather than a westerly destination, perhaps no one would be the wiser.
She made her way downstairs and found Thomas and Marston enjoying drinks in the large formal sitting room. They stood in an obligatory manner and nodded. Smiling, she joined them.
"This is a surprise," she declared. But I must say I am pleased."
Marston eyed her curiously. "And why would that be?"
"Well, I'm hoping to convince Thomas of something, and thought you might well help me, since in a roundabout way, it involves you."
Her husband looked at her suspiciously. Evie took a seat in the high-backed rococo chair. "Please sit down, and I'll explain everything."
The men did as she suggested hut appeared quite uncomfortable. Evie would have laughed had the situation not been so serious. She lightly fingered the dark walnut wood of the armrest. "I have a request to make. It pertains to Dalton, as well, thus my happiness to have you present, Marston."
He frowned, looking rather upset. "Do tell."
"I would like to travel to England for the summer and take Dalton with me."
Thomas choked on his brandy, but Marston's focus never left her. Evie grew uneasy. She'd never been good at lying, but she reminded herself that this was for the sake of reuniting Dalton with Lydia.
" England?" Marston said, looking to Thomas. "Why England?"
"We have friends there," Evie announced. "I was invited last year to visit this summer but hadn't given it serious consideration. I think, however, I would very much like to go-and show off Dalton, as well. It will be a nice distraction."
For a moment no one said anything, then finally her brother nodded. "I think that sounds marvelous." Marston looked to Thomas but addressed Evie. "How soon would you plan to leave?"
"The sooner the better," Evie ventured. "I thought perhaps to leave in a matter of days. Packing won't be an issue, for I plan to take only a minimal amount of clothing and buy myself a new wardrobe. That is, if Thomas approves."
Thomas was now edging up on his seat. "You could travel to New York, and I could wire ahead to secure tickets for the remainder of the trip."
Marston nodded. "I think traveling would be beneficial to everyone. England is lovely this time of year."
"I would like to take Ellie with me. She's not been in our service long; however, I like her very much, and she is quite good with the baby Nanny Hubble is simply getting too old to manage-at least with all her ailments."
"Who else would attend you?" her husband asked.
"No one. The trip to England is not that difficult, and I can utilize staff aboard the ship. Ellie can act as my maid as well as nanny to Dalton. I believe we will travel quite comfortably together."
"The last time you went abroad you traveled with at least five people," Thomas reminded her.
"I know, and everyone was forever stumbling over each other. It seems easier to hire people as I go," Evie assured him.
Marston got to his feet. "You know that friend of mine in Chicago-George Pullman? We made his acquaintance when he was still making caskets. Now he makes private railcars. I'm sure I could wire to have a private car available for Evie. He's offered me the use of one on many occasions. Once she gets to New York, we can arrange for them to be picked up and escorted to the ship."
Evie smiled. That sounds lovely."
"Dinner is served," Miles announced from the doorway.
Marston extended his arm. "Come. We can further determine your plans."
"I have so many thoughts about the trip, and I knew I wouldn't he able to rest at all until we came to some conclusion."
After the meal concluded, Marston bid his sister good-night, then followed Thomas into his office.
"That neatly resolved itself," Thomas said, lighting up a cigar. He offered one to Marston.
"No thank you," he said, shaking his head. "I must say I am greatly relieved. I am, however, uncertain as to how to get the baby out of Kansas City without someone noticing."
"Yes, it is imperative that no one know Dalton is here. However, I think I might just have an answer for that problem," Thomas replied. "It actually came to me while you two were discussing England and mutual friends." He puffed away for a moment then lowered the cigar. "I believe we should tell Evie that Dalton 's life is in danger and that we've only become apprised of this."
"But what excuse will you use?"
Thomas rubbed his chin. "We will tell Evie that we've heard rumors of an epidemic spreading in the poor sections of the city. She will understand the need to sneak Dalton away from Kansas City if she believes his health is in danger."
"Then what?"
"We will suggest she and her girl journey by private carriage to say, Omaha, for example. From there she can easily get a train to Chicago."
"I see what you mean. It could work."
"Of course it will. It also allows us to get them out of here sooner. I will tell her this evening of the situation and that they will leave before dawn. That should keep anyone from even noticing her departure, and we can definitely hide the fact that a baby is in attendance on the trip."
Marston liked the way his brother-in-law thought. "I will leave it in your hands, then."
Thomas nodded. "I will ensure they're well cared for. Evie will have everything her heart desires and plenty of available cash. In fact-" he glanced at his pocket watch "I will get a letter of credit from our bank."
"At this hours" Marston asked.
His brother-in-law put out the cigar. "I, too, have my friends."