The man took off after the white fluff ball, and she followed, puffing her way through the crowd. Shoulders bumped into her own. Luggage hit her shins, and she barely withheld an unladylike grunt.
Were these travelers oblivious to the emergency at hand? Why were they not moving out of her way? Breaking free of the mass of people, she paused and strained on her tiptoes.Gus’s red head bobbed only fifteen feet ahead of her. He was running toward the exit of the depot.
“No, Sir Theophilus! You stay right there, mister!” Gus’s voice ricocheted off the brick building. Rough yips followed, and Marvella entered the cool shade of the depot to find Gus on the ground, papers everywhere.
Her bosom heaved. “Where?”
“Up East Avenue.” Gus grunted.
Marvella turned and looked through the open doorway. Sure enough, Sir Theophilus was bouncing up East Avenue, zigzagging under a wagon and up on the sidewalk. “Naughty dog!” She ran as fast as her skirts would allow.
Several townspeople paused in the street and on the sidewalk. It wasn’t every day one saw the Judge’s wife run through town after a miniature canine. Tendrils of hair escaped her once-impeccable updo, waving behind her like a flag. Sweat slid down her temples into the lace collar of her light blue silk day dress. Silk! She sucked in a breath. What an impractical fabric to run in.
Marvella could feel the curious stares and knew word of her escapade would reach the Judge. She practically skipped across the dusty street, a frown deepening on her face. Her husband had warned her Sir Theophilus needed a leash when she was in town. But she had stubbornly refused. He was such a good boy and never ran away.
Oh, how she disliked being proven wrong!
Marvella slowed her footsteps, spotting the little terror. He was flipped upside down on the porch of a white house, pink tongue lolling out the side of his mouth. He rolled back and forth, body wriggling with delight.
At last! Marvella clutched her skirts in her hand, easingher pace to a manageable stroll. She didn’t need him running away again, but the dog spotted her. Sir Theophilus sat up and yipped.
“You scoundrel!” She stepped up on the porch. “Come here, pup. It’s time to go home. We’ve had enough excitement for one day.” She leaned forward, arms outstretched, expecting him to jump into her arms as he always did.
His black eyes glittered in the afternoon sun. He shifted on his haunches, seeming to measure each step his owner took toward him.
Marvella swallowed. “Please, Sir Theophilus. I am tired of running.”
But he was unmoved. He barked again and bounded down the stairs, barreling under Marvella’s skirts. She twisted around to catch her balance and fell with a loudoomphon the porch stair, landing on her rump.
Tears stung her eyes, and Marvella dropped her head into her hands for a moment, her shoulders shaking. Then she tipped her head back and let out a peal of laughter.
“Well, Lord, I must have needed a little humbling today.”
Sir Theophilus ran back up the stairs and jumped into her arms, snuggling into the crook of her elbow. Marvella sighed and snuggled the dog close.
She was never going to hear the end of this.
FRIDAY, JUNE24, 1904
One last look in the mirror and she gave herself a nod. “Well, Eleanor, you’re ready for society.” With that, she headed down the stairs.
She peeked into the dining room and it took her breath away.
The grandeur of Marvella’s formal dinner table was not to be ignored. The servants had outdone themselves in arranging her chosen silver, crystal, and china. The table glittered under the electric chandelier where hundreds of crystal pieces reflected the light.
Fresh flowers from the Ashbury gardens were arranged in tall crystal vases. Each arrangement was lavish and full and set on risers so as to not interfere with table conversation once guests were seated. The finest of ivory linens graced the table, and everywhere Eleanor looked, things sparkled.
“I see you’re sneaking a look.” Marvella’s voice caused her to jump and put a hand to her throat.
“I couldn’t help myself.” Eleanor turned. “It is stunning. It would rival the tables of the Astors and Vanderbilts. No one in high society could find fault with it.”
Marvella looked at her oddly, then laughed. “Oh, my dear, someone will always find fault with something, but I never let it give me the slightest worry.” She gave Eleanor a wry grin. “Like when I had to chase my darling dog through the streets of Kalispell. I’m sure several tongues wagged about that as I looked very silly. But I can’t let wagging tongues disturb me.”
The Judge came to stand next to his wife, slipping an arm around her shoulders. “Well said, my dear. However, youcouldlisten to your husband when he suggests that it is best to get a leash for outdoor walks.”
Eleanor giggled as Marvella waved a hand. “Oh fiddlesticks, dear husband. It was one incident.”
“Whatever you say, my dear.” The Judge chuckled. “I just stopped to tell you how beautiful you look tonight. And you as well, Miss Briggs. You both shine.”
