Westward the Dream by Tracie Peterson, Judith Pella Page B

and this time staining the floor of the solarium. “ ’Course, I saw what they wrote about you in the paper a while back. Wouldn’t have known about you climbin’ up that buildin’ if it weren’t for G.W. tellin’ me all about it. I figured it to be scandalous behavior, but G.W. seemed actually quite proud. That was before you met him at Billy’s farm.”
    â€œYes, I remember he had the article with him.”
    â€œSeems to me that such spunk and bravery is to be admired. You are obviously unafraid of a challenge. So I have to think you must have somethin’ of a brain in that pretty l’le head.”
    Jordana felt her ire building. This old man might well own half of New York, but she wasn’t about to be pushed around or insulted by him. “Mr. Vanderbilt, I have already told you more than I had intended. I have come here to see Miss O’Connor, not to discuss my shortcomings. I’d also like to see your son.”
    The commodore shook his head. “G.W.’s left strict instructions to refuse you. I can’t say I understand it, but as sick as the boy is, it hardly seems fitting to go against his wishes.”
    Just then Caitlan appeared in the doorway. She seemed confused to find the commodore in his frumpy old-fashioned frock coat confronting Jordana.
    â€œMiss Baldwin,” Caitlan stated as Jordana opened her mouth to speak. “I didn’t expect ya today.”
    â€œWhat is this all about?” the commodore demanded.
    â€œI came to see Caitlan O’Connor,” Jordana replied.
    â€œAye,” Caitlan interjected quickly. “I’m to be makin’ some dresses for her in me spare time.”
    Jordana looked at Caitlan and shook her head, but the look on the older girl’s face gave evidence to her desire that Jordana say nothing to contradict her statement.
    â€œI expected to meet with you yesterday,” Jordana finally said.
    â€œAye, and sorry I am for not havin’ kept our appointment.” Caitlan then turned to Mr. Vanderbilt. “Friday is me day off, but what with losin’ three maids this week, I couldn’t be takin’ the time away.”
    â€œYes, well, I can see this ain’t no real concern of mine. Miss Baldwin, it was good to see you again. I will tell G.W. that you stopped by,” the commodore said. Then after spitting again, this time hitting his target, he made his way off to another part of the house.
    â€œCome on, I’ll walk ya out,” Caitlan said in a whisper, grabbing Jordana’s arm.
    â€œWhat in the world was that all about?” Jordana questioned. “I was worried sick when you didn’t show up yesterday. And now you’re treating me like a stranger.”
    â€œYa can’t be showin’ yourself here as me friend. The likes of the Vanderbilts won’t be understandin’ such a thing. ’Tis shockin’ enough to have ya scalin’ buildin’s and rejectin’ their son’s proposal. No sense in further puttin’ them off.”
    â€œOh, I couldn’t care less,” Jordana said as Caitlan led her outside to where old Mr. Revere waited in the carriage. “I was worried about you. After all you said about the commodore, I feared something horrible had happened.”
    â€œOh, to be sure it has,” Caitlan said, trying to keep her distance. “The old man sent three girls a-runnin’. One on Monday, another on Wednesday, and the last one on Thursday. The housekeeper told me I had to stay and make up the work until she could hire some more help. She hates me enough, so I didn’t want to cause her any more reason to pick on me.”
    â€œI don’t understand why she hates you,” Jordana said, moving toward the carriage, with Caitlan nodding intently, as though receiving instructions.
    â€œI show her up. I work harder than she does, and I know shortcuts to cleanin’ things better. Then,