The Critchfield Locket Read Free

out of the oven that goes well with Ms. Adeline’s blackberry jam.”
    Kate ’s stomach grumbled in earnest.
    “Bread with jam would be very nice, thank you.” She seated herself at the table, next to Margaret and directly across from a boy who looked about thirteen years old.
    “Ms. Dornacher, this is my brother Robert. He helps Mr. Baxter in carrying out errands and such for Mr. Bennett.
    “Nice to meet you, Robert.”
    He paused before acknowledging her greeting.
    “Nice to meet you too, ma’am.”
    “What is that you are reading?”
    “The Adventures of Briscoe County.” His words tumbled out almost with a sigh.
    “Ah, I see.” She glanced over at Margaret who only shook her head.
    “Mr. Bennett, good morning sir!” The tone of Ms. Rusch's voice indicated she was a little surprised and flustered at his presence.
    “Good morning all. Well enough to eat now, Ms. Dornacher?” He noticed Kate’s cheeks pink up a little as he looked her over. “Perhaps today will bring you some recollection as to why you landed on my doorstep.”
    Kate noticed he appeared tired, and like her, was still dressed in the same clothes he had worn the day before.
    “That is my hope sir.”
    At that moment, Mrs. Thompson entered the kitchen, taking full charge of the situation.
    “Margaret, please help Ms. Dornacher prepare for the day.” The older woman tsked as she shook her head. Kate’s ignorance with her clothing was evident to all who saw her.
    Kate glanced at Mr. Bennett once more before she dutifully followed Margaret out of the room and back up the stairs.
     
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    Robert excused himself from the room as Ms. Rusch and Ms. Husk busied themselves once again with cooking and cleaning the kitchen. They did anything they could to avoid Mr. Bennett’s stern eye.
    “Sir, if I may…” Mrs. Thompson briefly hesitated.
    “Yes Mary, what is it?”
    “Ms. Dornacher arrived yesterday in what appears to be a fine dress. I did notice that it was dirty and torn, perhaps a result of whatever happened to her.”
    “Yes, I observed that as well. What is your point?” His sleep deprivation was beginning to show.
    “Given that she appears to be a ‘Lady’, perhaps we should take it upon ourselves to see that she is well looked after.”
    Nicholas ’s expression changed from contemplation to remorse. If only she had not ended up on my doorstep. “Perhaps you are right. I trust you will do what you think is best. I will make inquiries first here, then in Loganville. Perchance we might discover the truth behind Ms. Dornacher’s arrival. For now, I must freshen up before my morning meetings. Please send Thomas to my room when you next see him.”
    “Yes sir, of course.”
     
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    Kate felt uneasy with Margaret helping her to bathe. Ever the modest one, she pulled her knees up to her chest, and then wrapped her arms around her legs as Margaret washed her hair.
    “Really Margaret, I have forgotten many things but I believe I am still capable of bathing myself.”
    “Mrs. Thompson would hold me responsible if something happened to you.”
    “Nothing shall happen to me. I would prefer it if you left me unattended while I finish. I will call for you when I am done.”
    Although she wanted to disagree, Margaret knew she must not and left Kate to her own devices. Once Kate finished bathing, she sat back, relaxing in the comfort of the warm water. She did not even notice that her eyes had closed. Kate awoke suddenly to screams, and realized they were her own, soon followed after by Margaret’s. Kate’s dream was so real, so disturbing that when she cried out in her dream, she had actually cried aloud. Her cries had frightened Margaret and drew her quickly into the room. Margaret had feared the worst until she saw the look on Kate’s face. Both women were breathing heavily, trying to regain their composure.
    “Is something wrong Miss