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26: Suspicions
“She’s resting, sir.” The hired maid, Glenna, closed Evelyn’s bedroom door behind her quietly. “Mostly not aware, even when she wakes.”
Pivoting, Andrew propped a hand on his hip, peering into the darkness through the drawing room windows, and raised his brandy to his lips. “Thank you, Glenna.” He could hear the girl move closer before he caught her leaning hesitantly into his periphery to catch his eye. “Is there something else?”
“Some ginger ale and dry crackers might help with the sickness when she wakes. Shall I bring some, sir?”
Facing Glenna, Andrew nodded. “Yes, thank you.”
“Very good, sir.” Glenna’s gaze dropped, avoiding the intensity of his. “I can remain the night to care for her if you’d like.”
Andrew shook his h
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World of Tomorrow 27: Passenger
Evelyn had thought the sweeping panorama of breathtaking mountain and ocean scenery visible through the huge sky-view picture windows of the train was astounding as they’d crossed the state towards Los Angeles.Having made the trip many times in his life, Andrew had grown accustomed to—even numb and occasionally bored by— the incredible beauty of the transcontinental crossing in general, and California in particular. After the years’ long, expensive fight to get the joint venture between the Southern Pacific, Union Pacific and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroads off the ground, then six even longer years of mediating disputes and out-negotiating negotiators whenever one of the investors got themselves in a snit over some minute detail, the journey tended to leave him anxious more than awestruck.It was refreshing to see Evelyn’s childlike wonder. And rewarding in an entirely new way to see her simple gratefulness for the bright sun toiling to warm them the day long in an expansive
World of Tomorrow 28: Different Worlds
At a rap at the bedroom door, both Evelyn and the evening maid Andrew had hired paused and glanced up in the dressing table mirror. “It’s open, you can come in.” The gleaming brass lever handle dipped, the latch giving, and the door swung open, admitting Andrew. Partially dressed in his tuxedo, he stopped behind Evelyn, using the mirror to tie his bowtie as he spoke. “I’d like you to wear the red dress this evening, please,” he requested, nodding polite acknowledgement to the maid who stood patiently waiting out of the way. “There will be gala balls each night we’re here, but tonight’s will be the heaviest attended. I need to attract some attention, and that dress on you does precisely that.” “Yes, of course.” Finishing with his tie, Andrew studied her in the mirror. Evelyn had been strangely subdued since this afternoon at the train terminal. She’d still shown her typical fascination with all things mechanical and technological, but to a noticeably lesser degree than usual for her
World of Tomorrow 29: Confusion
Leaving his Alameda Street office by lunch time, Andrew was walking on air. He’d hand-selected the financers he’d interviewed today, much as he had Justin Mitchell for the New York branch of the Trust— men he’d worked with over the years with proven track records in finance and business and the brightest up and coming—with an expectation that he might entice fifty percent of them to work for him on the west coast within the confines the Los Angeles branch of the Trust had allowed him.He’d scheduled those appointments deliberately, with his most desirable candidates early in the day and those he’d settle for later, but he hadn’t needed the afternoon appointments at all. Which was a mercy for at least one of his interviewees. After eavesdropping with Evelyn on Mr. and Mrs. Pierson talking about his family and his private life, Andrew had planned to dangle his offer before Mr. Pierson, then yank it away after subtly mentioning the backstabbing gossip—now, he’d let the man wonder what opp
World of Tomorrow 30: In Antiquity
Surrounded by the heady woody scent of him coming off Andrew’s jacket about her shoulders, Evelyn could scarcely bring herself to consider what the stranger seeking Charlotte had said. There was no way Andrew would hurt her—at least not purposefully. He took more precautions for her safety than she did, though perhaps that was more the strong possessiveness he had than a concern for her well-being. Regardless, he was vigilant looking after her and that didn’t indicate any malign intent to do harm. His warm hand wrapped hers as he led her along the walkway towards their bungalow, watchful eyes scanning their darkened surroundings.Then there was the other matter.Evelyn had known Russell James for years—there was no way the man was holding his wife prisoner. The simple fact that Charlotte had appeared and gone at the Trust—unscheduled and often to Mr. James’ surprise—confirme
World of Tomorrow 31: Engineering Futures
“Good morning, Mr. James.”Removing his hat as he entered the outer office on the thirty-eighth floor, Andrew stared, letting his eyes soak in every inch of her. Transferring his hat from hand to hand, he shrugged out of his overcoat, still damp from the icy misting rain outside.Miserable place, he grumbled internally, missing the bright sun-kissed days of Los Angeles for more reasons than the delightful weather.The weekend alone after their return to New York had been an agony, one that more than once he’d sought to alleviate, only barely forcing himself back into his apartment to pace from room to room, his nose chasing the sweet scent of her skin and hair, his ears longing for the lilting sound of his name in her voice. “Good morning. Miss Moore.”He hated this already.Evelyn gave him a gentle smile. “I’ve prioritized your messages. The critical ones are on your desk already. With a cup of fresh coffee.”Andrew glanced through the open door into his office. “Thank you, Miss Moore
World of Tomorrow 32: Catastrophes
As late in the spring as it was, the weather that evening was ghastly. The sole benefit of it being that it further dropped attendance at the World’s Fair. It had been a simple matter of a phone call to arrange their reservation in a private corner of the Turf Trylon Cafe, one with a spectacular view of the rain-drenched Perisphere glittering in the fairground’s illumination, the Trylon’s spire towering just beyond it. Their trip to Los Angeles apparently had broken Evelyn of the annoying tendency to first search the menu by price, then by foods that appealed to her. Pleased with that development, Andrew studied her as she skimmed the dinner options while they waited for their cocktails to arrive. “Did you see something that appealed to you?” Her misty blue eyes lifted to his and Evelyn replied mildly, “Whatever you like will be fine.” Leaning forward on his elbo
World of Tomorrow 33: Rescued
“Good morning, Mr. James.” Alerted by the lift’s chime, Evelyn had expected Andrew within seconds. Detecting movement in her periphery, she looked up to find him leaning halfway into the office, peering at her oddly, instead of striding in boldly as he usually did. The dark waves of his hair, normally smoothed back carefully with pomade, were tousled and she was positive he hadn’t shaved this morning. Dark circles ringed his vaguely haunted looking eyes as he stared at her. Alarmed, Evelyn rose. “Is everything alright?” Andrew blinked once, mechanically. “Evelyn, would you kindly collect your things and join me, please?” “Of course.” In an outright terror, she opened her personal armoire. Rushing, she pulled on her suit jacket, then snatched her lunch and purse, and hurried around her desk to
World of Tomorrow 34: Rescued Again
Andrew watched Evelyn’s retreating figure, clinging to the last possible glimpse of her before she was swallowed by the flowing foot traffic on the New York sidewalks. He’d done an abominable job with his gratitude. Doubtless, as Evelyn had assured him, his children—he would have everything he’d need to care for them. In a day and a few short words, she’d soothed his wounded pride and panic, given him back his sense of control and accomplishment. And he’d tried to pay her for it. As if the making of a man—of a father— was a skill one could purchase. At least she’d enjoyed herself with the children. That was more than he could say of the last twenty-four hours with him. Andrew’s chest felt tight. Where had he gone wrong? He couldn’t set them back on the right path if he didn’t understand how they’d strayed from it. Peter poked his head out of the car door. “Father
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