Buttons and Bows Read online

  “Oh, I’m sure it would. Groveling is almost always appropriate,” Mrs. Perry replied.

  Justin smiled, knowing now that he was being teased. “I’ll get right on that. In fact, I’ll think of nothing else until it’s accomplished.”

  “Good. I can see that you’re a man of sense and reason after all. I wasn’t so sure at first.” Miss Clark turned to Mrs. Perry again. “My grandmother has asked me to learn a certain piece of music for her birthday, and she sent me here to see if you have the sheet music for it.”

  “Of course,” Mrs. Perry replied. “Which piece?”

  “‘Fantaisie Impromptu’ by Chopin.”

  Justin let out a low whistle. “That’s not an easy piece.”

  “Kitty doesn’t play easy pieces,” Mrs. Perry replied with a smile. “Yes, I have that music. Let me fetch it for you.”

  “Oh, no—I don’t want to interrupt your lesson with Mr. Sorenson. Tell me where to find it and I’ll get it myself.”

  “It’s on the top shelf of the bookcase there against the wall.”

  Miss Clark nodded and began to riffle through the contents of the shelf, and Mrs. Perry turned back to Justin. “Shall we begin with some scales like we did yesterday?”

  He nodded, and they began.

  The scales were simple, as scales always are, but he found himself distracted by Miss Clark. She seemed to find what she was looking for rather quickly and set it aside, but she continued to peruse the shelf after that, and he noticed how the sunlight coming in from the window made her hair look like a halo. If she’d been trying to avoid interrupting, she’d done a terrible job of it.

  When they were finished with the scales, Miss Clark held up a small stack of sheet music. “I found what I was looking for, but also a few more—do you mind if I take all these, Mrs. Perry?”

  “Of course I don’t mind. Music is meant to be played and enjoyed.” Mrs. Perry paused, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “Kitty, I’ve just had an idea, and I wonder . . .”

  “Yes?” Miss Clark prompted when Mrs. Perry didn’t continue.

  “Oh, I’m sure it’s a horrible imposition, and I shouldn’t even ask. Never mind.”

  “You can’t drop a hint and then leave me all curious,” Miss Clark said. “You must tell me, even if it’s the worst idea in the entire world.”

  “I was just thinking . . . perhaps you could accompany Mr. Sorenson while I observe,” Mrs. Perry said. “We’re still determining his course of study and treatment, and if I could watch and listen while someone else played . . . My husband plays, of course, but he’s in Wichita helping restore an antique spinet—otherwise, I’d ask him.”

  Justin opened his mouth to object to the plan, thinking that he’d already caused Miss Clark enough inconvenience for one day, but he realized that Mrs. Perry was correct. It would be much easier for her to continue her evaluation if her focus wasn’t being split in multiple directions. Plus, he had to admit that he was curious to hear Miss Clark play.

  “Of course,” she replied. “I’m more than happy to help.”

  She slid onto the piano bench and glanced at the sheet music in front of her. “It would appear that you don’t sing easy songs, Mr. Sorenson,” she said lightly, echoing his comment from earlier.

  “I didn’t mean to imply that you couldn’t play the Chopin piece, Miss Clark. I was merely surprised at your choice.” Had he offended her again? All he’d wanted was to make her acquaintance, and now it seemed he couldn’t even speak without bungling things up.

  “It’s quite all right. I enjoy surprising people.” She lifted her hands to the keys. “Shall we begin?”

  As he watched Miss Clark play, Justin nearly forgot to sing. Her movements were fluid, like water cascading down a riverbed worn smooth. It was perfect—she was perfect, at least when compared to every dream he’d ever had of what the ideal woman would look like and be like. The difficulty lay in the fact that she was so perfect, she far outshone him, and he could never hope to be her equal.

  “Wait just a moment,” Mrs. Perry said, and the music stopped. She pursed her lips as she studied Justin. “Mr. Sorenson, your accompanist is certainly pretty, is she not?”

  Justin’s mouth opened and closed a few times before he managed to speak. “Yes, she is. Very pretty.” He couldn’t even glance Miss Clark’s way—she was surely laughing at him.

  “I’d like you to start again, from the beginning, but this time, you must face away from the piano. Face the fireplace instead, please.”

  Justin turned away from the piano, more embarrassed that he’d ever been in his life, and Mrs. Perry nodded. “Go ahead, Kitty.”

  This time, Justin was able to concentrate, and the song went much better. As the last notes of the piano faded out, Mrs. Perry clapped, coming to her feet. “Bravo. That’s what we’re aiming for—complete surrender to the music, letting each note lift and fall in its turn without force. Mr. Sorenson, I’m now convinced, even more than I was yesterday, that you will have a very successful musical career. I can still hear some inflammation in your throat, but we’ll trust that Dr. Wayment’s remedies will take care of that, and we’ll look toward the future with hope.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Perry. I could feel the difference this time, that surrender you were talking about,” Justin said.

  “Yes, well, it’s always a good idea to remove anything that might be distracting,” she said, glancing at Miss Clark as though to drive home her point, even though it hadn’t been missed. “I should have realized, and I apologize.”

  Miss Clark rose from the piano bench. “Thank you for letting me play for you, Mr. Sorenson. I greatly enjoyed it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I promised Mother I’d be home by naptime to help with the twins.” She gathered her borrowed sheet music, picked up her hat, and left, not even bothering to put the hat on her head before exiting.

  Justin watched her go, feeling as though all the life in the room had just gone with her. “You should have realized?” he asked Mrs. Perry.

  She sighed, shaking her head. “You’re a young man, she’s a young woman . . . I’m not so ancient that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be attracted to someone. I am a fairly recent newlywed, I remind you—love isn’t a foreign concept to me.”

  Justin swallowed. “It’s not like that—I just met her. How could I love her?”

  Mrs. Perry shook her head again. “Oh, Mr. Sorenson . . . Tell me. Do you need to know someone to find them attractive? I think not.”

  He glanced down at the carpet, blushing. “She’s definitely pretty.”

  “Yes, indeed. And if we want serious scholarship to take place, we must concentrate. I won’t ask her to accompany you again—I thought it was a good idea, but I was mistaken. The recovery of your voice is our highest priority right now, not arranging a match between the two of you.”

  “I . . . I don’t think we’re arranging matches . . .” Justin was now completely flummoxed. Mrs. Perry was making this situation far more complicated than it really was. “I didn’t come here intending to find a bride, and that hasn’t changed. I promise, you’ll find me very dedicated.”

  “Good, because I intend to push you a bit harder today.” She pulled out a new piece of music and handed it to him. “I want to explore your upper register. You should find this a bit of a stretch, but not painful or impossible.” She sat down at the piano and looked up at him. “Let’s begin.”

  Chapter Five

  “So I left as quickly as I could.” Kitty drew a deep breath after blurting the entire story to Miriam, who had been mailing some letters and happened to be coming down the street as Kitty was walking up it. “He was mortified, I’m sure—the look on his face said everything.”

  “Oh, dear. Oh, that poor young man.” Miriam shook her head, but she was smiling. “I have to admit, while this is a very sad story, it’s also hilarious. I wish I could have seen the two of you fighting over the gate.”

  “No, you don’t wish that. It was horrible.” Kitty
grimaced. “I was a shrew—an absolute shrew. I don’t know what’s come over me lately. It’s like I’ve suddenly gotten old. This can’t be happening—I’m not meant to be old. Ever.”

  Miriam tucked her arm through Kitty’s. “Let’s go over to Mrs. Dempsey’s and have some lemonade, all right? I think you’ll feel much better.”

  “All right, but I do have to get home soon.” The twins made a wonderful excuse when she needed one, but they also kept her from doing things she might actually want to do. She allowed Miriam to escort her across the street and down to a charming home that had been converted into a small boarding house. Mrs. Dempsey not only rented rooms, but she served a lovely light afternoon tea that was perfect if you just wanted something simple without going down the street to the hotel.

  And considering that Mr. Sorenson was probably rooming at the hotel, Kitty intended to stay far, far away from it.

  “It’s so unfortunate,” she said as they walked. “He’s a very nice man, so good-looking, and his voice . . . I’ve never heard anything like it. Listening to it was like wrapping all my senses in velvet. I might even have imagined something happening between us, but when Mrs. Perry said what she did . . .”

  “And that was what, exactly?” Miriam asked. “You mentioned the gist of it, but what were her words?”

  “That I was very pretty, and I was a distraction, and she never should have asked me to play. And Mr. Sorenson just stood there and blushed.” Kitty shook her head. “When I snatched up my things and got out of there, I almost wanted to take him with me. I’m sure he would have liked to escape too.”

  Miriam chuckled. “Can you imagine poor Mrs. Perry if you both suddenly ran out of her house? I’m sure she’d be mortified, and I’m also sure that she didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

  “Oh, I’m sure of that too, but that’s what happened anyway.” Kitty sighed. “The first interesting young man I meet in a long time, and it’s an utter disaster. Maybe this is fate’s way of telling me that I’m not meant to marry after all, and these conflicting feelings I’ve been having are correct.”

  “I don’t think that’s true at all. I think you’re worn out, you’re worried about your mother, and you haven’t had any real fun for a while.” Miriam considered her. “When was the last time you went to a party?”

  “A party? Let’s see . . . That would have been the party at the Channings’. When Mr. Frost proposed to me. Did you hear that he’s engaged now?”

  “I did hear. I was rather glad of it too—he’s such a somber fellow, I was worried he’d have a hard time finding a wife.”

  “Well, he certainly didn’t find one in me, and I’m surprised he even took a fancy to me in the first place. I’m far too unruly for his tastes.” Kitty shook her head. “All these expectations we’re supposed to live up to—I just might chop off my hair, start wearing trousers, and go to work on a pirate ship. That would suit me just fine.”

  Miriam laughed. “Oh, yes—I can just see you climbing up the rigging to sit in the crow’s nest. There’s no piano on a pirate ship. You’d be bored out of your mind in less than a week.”

  “You’re probably right, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to try.” Kitty opened the door of the boarding house, and they were welcomed and seated by Mrs. Dempsey, who promised to be right back with their lemonade.

  “And I don’t think you could really count the Channings’ party as an actual party,” Kitty went on. “It was more, groups of people standing around talking to each other. There was no music, no dancing—no entertainment of any kind. I’ve been to funerals that were more satisfactory.”

  “Then I think it’s time we held one of our own,” Miriam replied. “A party, not a funeral. I’m sure Grandmother would let us use her house and yard, and of course we’d have music and dancing both. What else do you need to shake off your doldrums? Cake, I’m sure.”

  “Yes, cake,” Kitty replied, smirking. “Lots of cake.”

  Mrs. Dempsey set their lemonade in front of them with a smile. “Is there anything else I can get for you? I heard you mention cake.”

  “We’re in a bit of a hurry today, Mrs. Dempsey, but thank you,” Miriam told her.

  “You’re most welcome, and just let me know if you think of anything.” The woman bustled away, her skirts rustling.

  Kitty took a sip of her lemonade as she thought. Yes, a party was exactly what she needed. She’d been almost nothing but domestic and responsible as of late—that was enough to make anyone feel gloomy. “So, when should we have this party?” she asked, setting her glass on the table. “It’s my grandmother’s birthday a week from tomorrow—we either want to avoid that day or make our party into a celebration for her. She’s expecting some sort of fuss to be made over her.”

  “Let’s have two separate events,” Miriam said. “I love your grandmother, just as I love mine and all their friends, but I think you need something . . .”

  “A little more youthful?” Kitty supplied.

  “Exactly. So let’s space them out a bit.” Miriam looked thoughtful. “Today is Wednesday. Why don’t we hold our party this Saturday? That gives us time to plan, and then the following week can be all about your grandmother.”

  Kitty nodded. “That sounds good. Oh, and Geordie comes home Friday morning, so we should plan on him. He’s staying for two weeks, so he’ll be home for both parties.”

  “Is he behaving himself any better this year?”

  Kitty shrugged. “I’ve stopped paying attention, to be honest. After all his escapades last year . . . He’s quite exhausting.”

  Miriam laughed. “I don’t blame you. Well, let’s get you home, but when you have the chance, make a list of party guests, all right? I’ll come over tomorrow afternoon with my list and we can compare. I’ll also talk to Grandmother about using her house.”

  They finished their lemonade, left a few coins on the table, and left, walking together until Miriam turned toward her grandmother’s. As Kitty continued on her way alone, she thought about all their friends and acquaintances, concentrating mostly on those who were the most fun to dance with. She sighed. So many of them were fun to dance with, but so few were interesting enough to talk to.

  Justin Sorenson came to mind next, and she smiled. He was definitely interesting, but she didn’t know if he could dance. She supposed there was one way to find out—one very good way.

  The instructions said that Justin should mix the packet of powder in a glass of hot water. He carried it with him downstairs to the hotel dining room, where it was time for dinner and the waitresses were scurrying around like ants. The train had just come in, and the dining room was full of passengers and townspeople alike. It was easy to identify the travelers—they looked weary and a little jaded. No doubt a hot meal was just what they needed.

  When the waitress approached Justin’s table, he ordered the pot roast and a slice of apple pie. He also asked for a glass of hot water to be brought after his meal. She didn’t react to his strange request, but merely brought it when he was done eating.

  He opened the packet and dumped the mixture into the glass, then stirred it. Dr. Wayment had said this was a combination of soothing herbs, but nothing about the smell was soothing. The appearance was also off-putting—it looked like swamp water, not like something people should be drinking. Mrs. Perry swore by this doctor, though, so Justin steeled himself, gave the liquid one more stir, and then downed it in a series of gulps.

  It tasted exactly like it looked.

  A shudder ran through him from head to toe, and he was sure his facial expressions were something to laugh at. He wished he’d saved a bite of pie so he could clear that taste from his mouth, but he’d been told to take the mixture once he was done eating for the day.

  “I hope it’s nothing we fed you.”

  He looked up to see Mrs. Brody standing next to the table, an amused smile on her face. “No, not at all. Your food is always delicious. It’s this powder Dr. Wayment prescribed. It’s exactly l
ike eating a handful of grass, only much . . . grassier.”

  Mrs. Brody laughed. “I can imagine. Dr. Wayment is a dear friend as well as our favorite physician, but sometimes his remedies seem worse than the illnesses they’re meant to cure. They do work, though.”

  “I trust this one will too—I just need to get used to the taste. And hopefully the morning dose won’t be as terrible.”

  “I wish you luck. Now, how are you finding your stay in Topeka?”

  “Very enjoyable. Your establishment is the nicest I’ve ever seen, and everyone in town has been friendly and helpful.” And some of them—one in particular—was downright beautiful. “I wonder . . .”

  “Yes?”

  Justin felt his face grow warm. “I shouldn’t ask.”

  Mrs. Brody smiled. “I doubt you could offend or embarrass me, Mr. Sorenson, and you don’t seem the type who would purposely try.”

  “I was just wondering about Miss Kitty Clark.”

  Mrs. Brody pulled out a chair and sat down at his table. He noticed that many of the diners had left, most likely to board the train before it left the station again. He was glad there weren’t as many people around who might overhear this awkward conversation.

  “So, Kitty’s caught your eye, has she?” Mrs. Brody sounded amused again.

  “She has.” He’d be a fool not to admit it—it was surely obvious.

  “She’s a lovely girl, very sweet, and so talented. She plays the piano like nothing I’ve ever heard.”

  Justin nodded. “I met her at Mrs. Perry’s this afternoon, and I had the chance to experience it for myself. She has a gift.”

  “And because you’re also musical, I’m sure you appreciated it quite a lot.”

  “Yes, I did. The music and the young woman performing it.” Justin swallowed, wincing at the taste that still lingered. “Do you happen to know if she’s attached?”

  “To the best of my knowledge, and I do hear quite a lot of the town gossip as it comes through the hotel, she’s not attached at all.” Mrs. Brody smiled again. “You’d have to look long and hard to find someone else as lovely as she is. You might as well get to know her while you’re here.”