“Remember, you must be polite and not speak unless spoken to, Theo. We both must be on our best behavior,” Lucy said, looking down at her sibling and lightly squeezing the small hand she held in hers.
Generally, if she and Theo went for a walk, he skipped ahead, dashed to and fro, and ran circles around her, expending pent-up energy. This evening, though, he had remained close beside her. As they stood in front of the impressive home, Theo seemed as meek as a lamb and as frightened as one about to walk into a lion’s den.
“It will be fine, Theo. Don’t fret,” Lucy said, and brushed a hand along the front of one of her favorite gowns—a caracojacket with a matching petticoat. The cream cotton fabric sprigged with flowers in the shade of crushed raspberries never failed to cheer her.She made sure Theo’s hair, which she had carefully combed, was still in place before winking at the lad. Together, they forged onward along the long brick walk that led to the door.
Before Lucy could lift a hand to knock, the portal swung open, and a woman with a round, dark face and wide smile motioned for them to enter.
“You must be Miss Lucy. The missus is expecting you. She said to bring you out to the garden. I’m Eliza.” The woman looked at Theo. “And who might this be?”
“My brother, Theo. He’ll be no trouble,” Lucy said, giving Theo a warning glance in hopes he understood what she expected of him.
His head bobbed in vigorous agreement, causing his hair to flop into his eyes.
Eliza grinned as Lucy smoothed Theo’s hair from his face, then the servant led the way down a central passage through the stately home.
The parlor closest to the door boasted buttery-yellow walls with rich blue furnishings and several paintings that appeared costly. The vases on the mantel above the marble fireplace would likely pay for a year’s worth of lodging and food for a dozen families.
The second parlor they passed was smaller, but cozy and inviting with pale-green walls and matching green damask furnishings. The dining room, with a polished mahogany table large enough to easily seat twenty, featured walls the color of sand and curtains of light-blue silk.
If Eliza hadn’t kept such a rapid pace, Lucy would have stopped and studied each room. Instead, she tried not to blatantly stare as they strode through the passage.
Theo walked so near to Lucy she could hardly take a step for worry of tripping over him, but she couldn’t blame him. She half-feared to breathe lest she accidentally break something.
Once they moved outside onto a neatly trimmed path, Eliza led them through a beautiful flower garden abloom with color. Theo’s expression shone with wonder, and Lucy was sure she probably looked no different.
Around a neatly trimmed boxwood hedge, seated in the shade of a broad maple tree, the woman Lucy was convinced had to be Martha Washington sat at a linen-draped table. She no longer looked flushed, but refreshed in a silk polonaise gownwith hand-painted flowers the color of ripe peaches and trailing vines the hue of green apples.
“I’ll bring the refreshments out,” Eliza said, dipping her head to Martha, then turning and making her way back to the house.
Lucy glanced at Theo, then at the one chair remaining at the table. He would balk at sitting on her lap at his age, but he could settle on the grass at her feet or stand beside her once she was seated.
“I see a family resemblance,” Martha said, looking from Lucy to Theo. “Tell me your name, child.”
Theo faced Martha. “Theodore Ward Carlson, but everyone calls me Theo.”
Lucy was proud of the way he spoke clearly, chin up and shoulders back, meeting the woman’s gaze.
“Theo, it is lovely to make your acquaintance.” Martha smiled at him, then motioned for Lucy to take a seat. “Well, Theo, would you like to explore the garden?”
Theo’s eyes widened slightly as he looked around the expanse of flowers, hedges, trees, and bushes. “May I?”
“You certainly may. The entire property is fenced. I’m not certain if it is to keep stragglers out or visitors in.” Martha’s voice held humor, and her eyes twinkled. “Just don’t go past the fence, and all will be well. When you return from your adventure, you may partake of refreshments.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” Theo nodded politely, then turned and raced off along a path.
“He is bright, inquisitive, and polite. A wonderful combination,” Martha said as Lucy settled onto the chair next to her at the table.
“I apologize for bringing him along without first seeking permission. My parents insisted it would prove beneficial forTheo to go for a walk. I lacked the opportunity to explain why it would have been better for him to remain at home.”
“These hot summer days are trying to one and all, regardless of age or station. Theo’s presence is most welcome.” Martha leaned back in her chair. “I do thank you for delivering my ring.”
“Thank you for the invitation. Your home is magnificent, and this garden is extraordinary.”
Martha seemed pleased. “You are correct on both counts, but I don’t live here. A friend offered it as a place for me to stay while I’m in Philadelphia. She and her husband have traveled to a cooler climate for the remainder of the summer.”
What would it be like to have more than one home? To be able to leave behind the hot weather in the summer or the frigid cold in the winter. Lucy would never know, but the idea of being that wealthy seemed extravagant and fanciful.
She set Martha’s gloves, which she had carried, on the table, then reached into her pocket and retrieved two small bags. She and her mother had made the bags from linen they had woven and sewn. Ribbon threaded along the top made it possible to securely close the bags used to transport and protect jewelry.
