CHAPTER
Twenty

The rest of the morning was no more pleasant, even if it was free of direct altercations. Alice did her work and spoke with Archie as little as possible. The telegraph wire picked up its usual Monday morning pace with incoming messages. Mr. Henley and Douglas were busy on a new project that required a lot of outgoing messages as well. Whenever Douglas came to talk to her about a work-related issue, she kept her manner formal and businesslike.

Keeping a calm exterior, when so many thoughts and emotions were still roiling within her, had been a severe test of her will. There were moments when she thought the strain would do her in. After what had seemed an interminable morning, her lunch break finally arrived. Alice collected her hat, gloves, and reticule, and quickly left the building, eager for a few minutes of peace.

On the sidewalk, she paused to take a deep breath. Somehow, she had to find a way to make her work tolerable. She could not allow Archie to get under her skin. Not at any cost. Nor could she permit what had happened between her and Douglas to linger in her mind, affecting her so deeply. Even now, memories of that kiss could make her face grow warm and her pulse race—

No.

Alice was not going to dwell on one incident that had become more personal than it ought to have been. She was not in love with Douglas Shaw. She’d merely had her emotions put in a tumble by a very pleasurable kiss. It would be foolish to confuse those two things. Despite what happened at the dance, Alice was fully aware that Douglas had no intention of pursuing her. He had far different plans for matrimony, and it didn’t matter in the least what Alice thought of them.

Nor would she be pushed around by a boorish colleague who resented her presence simply because she was a woman. From now on, she would be extra careful to keep her mind on business only. She would pursue her well-planned objectives, which were only tangentially tied to Douglas Shaw through their work at the same company.

With these resolutions firmly in her heart, Alice strode down the street with her head held high.

Douglas came out of his office just in time to see Alice leaving the building. Everything about her movements signaled that she couldn’t wait to get out. He couldn’t blame her. The morning had been difficult. Tougher by far than he had expected. Keeping his mind on work had been nigh on impossible when he was busy berating himself for how he’d mishandled the situation.

Douglas regretted many things about what had happened, not the least of which was losing the easy camaraderie that had existed between them at work. He wanted more than anything to find some way to get that back. Whether that could happen after the line they had crossed remained to be seen. He had only himself to blame.

He had come out of his office with the intention of conferring with Mr. Henley over a shipping contract he’d been reviewing, but through Henley’s open door, he could see that the bookkeepers, Dawson and Nicholls, were already talking with him about another matter. Miss Waller was not at her desk; she must be at lunch.

Douglas crossed the room and went to the window that faced the street. He could just see Alice near the main entrance. She stood there, clenching and unclenching the gloves she held in one hand, having apparently forgotten to put them on. Douglas had just about made up his mind to go out and speak with her when she squared her shoulders and walked off. She passed the window where he stood, but she was looking ahead and didn’t see him. He watched until she was no longer in view.

“Be careful around that one,” Clapper said.

Startled, Douglas turned from the window to see the telegrapher standing not five feet behind him. Always too quick to notice details that might be to someone else’s detriment, he had observed Douglas’s gaze following Alice down the street.

Douglas decided it wouldn’t do any good to pretend he hadn’t been watching Alice or that he didn’t know whom Archie was talking about. “Do you have some complaint about Miss McNeil?”

Clapper grunted. “Do I? She’s a first-class flirt. She’s ruining the work environment here.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Undeterred, Clapper continued his accusations. “I know she acts straight-laced and proper most of the time, but she’s still a woman. And like all the rest of ’em, she’s not above using her feminine wiles to advance herself—whether at work or in any other aspect of life, if you take my meaning.”

“Are you referring to the events of last Saturday?” Douglas worked to keep his anger under control. Clapper was always trying to goad him, always acting superior despite the fact that he occupied a lower rank in the company.

Clapper took a step closer to Douglas. “It began long before then. She’s been trying out her artful ways on me, too.”

Douglas eyed him in disbelief. “How so?”

“She was effusive in her praise of the way I sharpen my pencils.” Clapper said this with the air of a barrister presenting irrefutable evidence of a crime.

Douglas very nearly laughed outright. “You think that qualifies as flirting? Perhaps she was being sincere.”

“Granted, she was only pointing out the truth,” Clapper conceded with a sniff. “But it wasn’t so much what she said as when she said it. And why. Before then, she’d been nothing but disparaging in her dealings with me, ever since she began working here.”

Clapper was surely exaggerating, but Douglas didn’t press him on it. If Alice had acted negatively toward him, it was because he’d brought it on himself. “Why do you suppose Miss McNeil’s demeanor suddenly changed?”

“Simple. You came back to London.”

Douglas shook his head. “Why should that matter?” But he already knew what Clapper was going to say. He was starting to have a terrible feeling about all of this. Clapper had witnessed their meeting outside of work. He’d drawn exactly the kind of conclusions that came naturally to his suspicious mind. The worst part was that he wasn’t entirely wrong.

“She’s set her sights on you, of course. And she’s using me as a pawn in her games.” Clapper’s eyes narrowed. “Did you tell her about my family connection to this company?”

“Certainly not. Look, about last Saturday—”

“Yes, let’s talk about that,” Clapper interrupted. “How do you suppose she lured us both there?”

Lured? Douglas stared at him blankly.

Clapper began ticking off points with his fingers. “First, she starts being nice to me, as though trying to get my interest or butter me up. Then she offers to loan me a copy of the Telegraphic Journal. The information about the time and place of that lecture is circled in pencil. How much larger of a hint could she drop?”

“And what would be her purpose for ‘luring’ you there, if she had set her sights on me?”

Clapper looked at him as though he were daft. “That’s obvious! Women always think they appear more enticing if a man knows he has competition. She planned for the two of us to see each other there, both thinking she had invited us.”

“So you’re saying she’s trying to turn us into rivals?” The thought was ludicrous in so many ways that Douglas could barely keep the derision from his voice.

Clapper grunted in disgust. “I’m not so stupid as to think she ever considered me a true contender. Certainly not now that I’ve had my eyes opened to the kind of woman she is.”

He was speaking for all the world like a spurned lover—which was probably how he saw himself.

It was too outlandish to believe. Alice, a conniving, scheming woman? It wasn’t possible. Except he had seen her that night coming out of the bookshop—and he was certain the book she’d been carrying was that spinster book. Even his brief glance at its pages had showed Douglas there was a lot in it about how to manipulate men. Was she trying to find an underhanded way to ensnare him? It just didn’t make sense.

He couldn’t say why Alice had suddenly made an effort to get into Archie’s good graces. She might have had a good reason. But in her dealings with Douglas, there had been no artifice. At least, none that he could recognize. Except for that pasted-on smile she’d given him before the cab had driven away. That had been after their dance and the wondrous kiss that had followed. . . . Douglas shook his head. Judging from her behavior today, she wanted to distance herself from that moment, not capitalize on it. Unless that was some sort of ploy as well. . . .

All these possibilities clashed in Douglas’s mind, making his head hurt.

Clapper was watching him as though he could read the succession of thoughts parading through Douglas’s mind. Perhaps he could, given they were largely planted there by his insinuations—which made it glaringly obvious how poisonous they were.

Douglas said coldly, “Thank you for the warning, Clapper, but it isn’t necessary. If there is some problem between you and Miss McNeil, I suggest you work it out between yourselves. As for the rest, I can assure you that if ‘trapping’ me was her aim, she has failed.”

This was supposed to be a rebuke, but Clapper didn’t take it that way. He merely gave Douglas a smug smile. “I’m glad to hear you’re not falling for her tricks. After all, you’ve got bigger fish to catch, eh? It could be quite embarrassing to Mr. Henley if you threw over the daughter of his closest friend because you were dallying with an employee.”

Douglas advanced on him. “Are you trying to threaten me?”

Clapper stood his ground, his expression as oily as his slicked-back hair. “As you said, I’m simply warning you. Women like that can be bad for business.”

“So can unfounded, malicious gossip. You think your position in this company is unassailable, but I can ensure that changes if need be.”

It was clear from Archie’s smirk that he thought Douglas’s threat to be an empty one. However, Douglas fully believed his words, even though, if pressed, he had no idea how he’d make good on them.

“I’d suggest you get back to work,” Douglas ordered as the sounder announced an incoming message.

“Certainly, sir.” Clapper gave an obsequious bow of his head before returning to the telegraph machine.

Douglas returned to his office. He sat thinking for a long time. In Clapper’s comments, there had been an indirect but unmistakeable reference to Miss Rolland. That Clapper should be aware of her was no surprise, given that he was in frequent communication with his cousin, Mr. Henley’s wife. Mr. Henley and Mr. Rolland had been friends for a long time. They belonged to the same club and frequented the same social circles. Douglas suspected that if the Henleys had been able to have a son, they would be pushing him to marry Rolland’s daughter. It would be advantageous from a business standpoint, but it would mean something personally to them as well.

Was Clapper interested in Douglas’s possible alliance with Miss Rolland because it would benefit the company, which was his livelihood? Or had he simply realized he’d made a fool of himself for thinking Alice might fancy him, and now he was determined to slander her in retribution? Both possibilities seemed equally likely.

Eventually, Douglas decided two things. First, whatever happened, he was going to ensure that Alice’s reputation was preserved. Archie couldn’t be allowed to besmirch someone’s character. If Douglas had to go toe-to-toe with Mr. Henley over this, he would do it. He couldn’t believe she was playing games with any of the men in this office, even though Clapper’s warped suggestions had briefly tempted him to consider it. He was going to treat her with the respect she deserved.

Secondly, he was going to put forth his best effort at that charity ball—not because of Clapper’s threats, but in spite of them. He was already committed to attending the event. It had been his goal for months. He could not allow anything to deter him from pursuing what was best for him and for the company.

Not even a wonderfully fervent kiss from a self-professed, confirmed spinster.

A brisk walk often helped Alice calm her thoughts, enabling her to analyze thorny problems more effectively. Today, though, it wasn’t working. The clatter and bustle of the city streets, which normally invigorated her, only further jarred her frayed nerves.

Realizing she was approaching the street where the Central Telegraph Office was located, she decided to visit the little park next to it. Many an overtaxed worker sought refuge there for a few minutes of peace on a busy workday.

As she turned into the park, Alice was pleased to see a familiar face among the men and women seated on the benches lining the path. Emma was just tossing a morsel of bread to a pigeon when she caught sight of Alice. Immediately she smiled and waved a greeting. Alice realized what she needed most right now was a friend to talk to. Someone who wasn’t Lucy. Someone who could listen sympathetically without judgment.

Emma rose from the bench, hurrying to meet Alice. “It’s so lovely to see you!” she exclaimed after treating Alice to an enthusiastic hug. “How did you guess this was the hour when my pitiless overseers allow me a few minutes of freedom?”

Alice shook her head. “You make the CTO managers sound like wardens. Or dog trainers.”

“To be honest, it’s tempting to apply either of those analogies,” Emma replied with a playful grimace.

“In fact, it was mere chance that I found you here,” Alice said. “Serendipity, if you will.”

Emma’s face lit up. “Ah, that makes it even more special.” She was a firm believer that daily life was woven through with many events that were meant to be. She studied Alice for a moment. “You look like you could use some cheering up.”

Alice gave her a wry smile. “Is it that obvious?”

Emma laced an arm through hers. “Let me show you something.” She led Alice to a rosebush near the bench where she’d been sitting. “Look at these,” she said, pointing to the profusion of pink blossoms. “I noticed last week that this plant wasn’t doing well. Whoever tends this park must not have given it proper food. So I brought some fertilizer I had made at home. I also put in minerals that discourage beetles.”

“Why would you spend your effort tending to a bush in a public park?” Alice asked in surprise.

Emma shrugged. “I sit out here nearly every day. I feel attached to these roses now. And in any case, isn’t it lovely? They smell wonderful, too.” She leaned over to catch their scent, indicating that Alice should do the same.

Alice followed her example. There was something relaxing about taking a moment to admire their beauty. She breathed in their soft fragrance, then let out her breath in a long sigh. “Yes. They are lovely.”

This simple act of appreciation for a tiny piece of nature made her unexpectedly teary. Evidence her emotions were still too overwrought.

Emma gently squeezed her arm. “Would you care to discuss what’s bothering you?”

Alice longed to unburden herself, but she didn’t know whether she should. And in any case, time was short, given they were on their lunch breaks. “I’m afraid it’s rather a long story.”

“The abridged version, then.” Emma led Alice to the bench. It was clear her curiosity had been piqued.

When they were seated, Alice took a moment to formulate her words. “Several men have suddenly begun showing, shall we say, a certain level of interest in me.”

Yes, that certainly was the abridged version.

“Men at your workplace?” A twinkle came to Emma’s eyes. “That happens to me a lot.”

“That’s because you’re beautiful,” Alice said without hesitation.

“And you are . . . ?”

“Not interested in marriage,” Alice answered flatly. “I want to continue my career in telegraphy.”

Emma didn’t appear surprised at Alice’s response, but she knew Alice pretty well. “The answer is simple, then. Put them in their place. Say you are there strictly to work. You set the example, and they will have to follow.”

“Simple,” Alice repeated, without conviction. In her heart, she knew it would be simple, if only her heart would cooperate.

Emma’s expression turned serious. “Are these men interfering with your work? Are they coercing or threatening you in any way?”

“No,” Alice assured her. For the most part, it was true. Archie’s comments were disturbing, but if they contained any veiled threats, she didn’t think they could amount to anything. “It’s distracting more than anything else.”

That was abridging a lot. Archie was annoying, but Douglas aroused so many kinds of feelings that Alice couldn’t catalog them all. That was quite a few steps beyond mere distraction. The worst part was that she missed the way things were before that kiss. She had enjoyed the friendly warmth between them and how easy and pleasant it had been to work together. Would they ever be able to get back to that? Would her own heart allow it? Did she even want to, now that she’d seen Douglas’s more unscrupulous side—that he was willing to marry someone purely for material gain?

Emma’s eyes widened. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the spinster book, would it? I remember Rose suggesting you try it at work.”

“Yes, that’s part of the problem. You might say it worked too well.”

“Interesting.” Emma tapped a finger against her cheek. “Will you loan me that book sometime?”

“After all the trouble it’s gotten me into?” Alice said, aghast.

“Of course! It’s clearly potent.”

“Potent?” Alice arched a brow. “Like bombs or dynamite?”

“I expect the key is learning the best ways to apply what’s in there,” Emma replied, undaunted. She gave Alice’s hand a reassuring pat. “Whatever you may have unleashed at Henley and Company, I’m sure you can handle it. You’re the best at what you do. Keep taking the high road, and you will be successful there.”

Alice gave her friend a grateful smile. “I do feel better for having talked about it. May I ask for an additional favor? Please don’t tell Rose about this. She already distrusts men, and this will only lower her opinion of them even more.”

Emma crossed her arms and smirked. “With all that has happened, you are concerned about not increasing anyone’s anger toward men?”

Alice knew she was teasing, but it was an interesting point. “The situation is frustrating, to be sure. Yet I can’t say I’m not at least partially to blame. Besides, men don’t have a monopoly on doing bad things to people.”

“You are certainly correct about that,” Emma agreed. “I work among hundreds of women, so I should know. Oh!” She reached into her pocket, pulled out a small watch, and flipped open the cover. “I’ve got to hurry back or I’ll be late, and then my supervisor will be impossible. Her scoldings sting worse than lye soap.” As they rose from the bench, Emma added, “I hope you’re feeling a little better, at least.”

“I am.” Alice meant it. Her heart was still bruised, but her burden was lightened.

Emma flashed another gentle smile and hurried off.

There wasn’t much time left to Alice’s lunch break either, given that she still had to walk back to the office. She looked around the park one last time, watching the telegraph workers coming or going from their breaks. Despite the difficulties, she was still glad she’d left the CTO to work at Henley and Company. All she had to do was concentrate on her work and not allow any personal issues to interfere, and she would be fine. She left the park and hurried down the street.

She turned the corner onto Leadenhall Street five minutes late. Given that Archie would be glaring at her no matter what, she didn’t care. She would continue to face him down and stand up for herself.

As she approached her workplace, she hesitated when she noticed Douglas standing in the narrow pedestrian lane next to it, smoking a cigarette. If there had been any way to enter the building without directly passing him, she would have been tempted to do so. However, there was not.

The sight of him still did odd things to the rhythm of her heartbeat. She supposed she might as well get used to ignoring it. There seemed to be nothing else she could do.

Douglas crushed his cigarette and came over to her. “May I talk with you for a moment before you go in?”

Alice nodded, not wanting to speak before she heard what he had to say.

“I wish to apologize again for all the misunderstandings last Saturday and for the hurtful things I said this morning. Please know that I have nothing but the highest respect for you as a person and a fellow colleague.” He paused, waiting for her reaction, looking worried she might not accept his apology.

In truth, Alice was gratified to hear his words. Douglas was as concerned as she was about keeping things genial between them at work. Despite how it might feel at times, they were both after the same thing.

She took in a breath. “You’re right. I believe that, as mature, sensible adults, there is no reason we can’t continue working together as productively as we did before we—er, before Saturday.”

His relieved smile almost made her want to take back her words, because whenever he looked at her like that, she hardly felt able to function. She had to look away in order to keep her thoughts coherent.

“There is one other thing,” Douglas added. “Mr. Henley has told me time and again how impressed he is by your work. I have repeatedly confirmed to him that he is correct to have such confidence in you. And as for Mr. Clapper, I’ve told him in no uncertain terms that he is not to spread malicious gossip of any kind, or he will absolutely find himself out of a job. I will not have anyone maligning your good name.”

“Thank you,” Alice said. His concern for her reputation raised him even higher in her estimation. He might have some goals in life she could not understand or agree with, but he was not a ruthless cad. At least, not toward her. But what about toward wealthy debutantes? “May I assume you extend such gentlemanly courtesy to all women of your acquaintance?”

It took him a moment to understand the meaning behind her words. Alice knew when he made the connection because his brow furrowed. Maybe he didn’t like being called out as a fortune hunter. Maybe he was simply angry that Alice should revisit personal matters when they’d just agreed to keep things businesslike. That anger would be justified. Why had she brought it up? She could only blame her addled thoughts.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Please disregard that question. It truly is none of my business. Thank you for your kind words just now. I should get back to work—”

“No, wait.” His words stopped her as she was turning away.

Alice stilled, feeling foolish and wishing she had left matters where they were.

“I strive to be honest in all my dealings, Miss McNeil.” He spoke with quiet earnestness. “I make no apology for being an ambitious man, but I would never use anyone merely to get ahead. I would never marry unless there was genuine affection between me and my bride. I hope you can believe that.”

Alice looked into his eyes, seeking evidence that he was telling the truth. What she saw was a hint of vulnerability, as though he had shared a small piece of his soul. Heaven help her, it still made her breathless to look at him. No, she was not in love, she hastened to assure herself, but she genuinely liked this man very much. “I believe you have always been honest with me, Mr. Shaw. I have no reason to think you would treat others any differently.”

His face broadened in a smile, and he visibly relaxed. “I can’t tell you what it means to hear you say that.”

If Alice allowed herself to be ruled by emotions, she would have said this moment made her very happy. Since she didn’t, she would merely acknowledge that she and Douglas had reached an equitable middle ground, and she was going to endeavor to keep it that way.

“Speaking of work,” Alice said, “I’d better get back to it.”

This time he didn’t stop her, although he gave her another smile that warmed her insides so intensely, she might have melted right there on the sidewalk. She hurried inside, fanning herself as she sat down at her desk. She cared not one whit that Archie berated her for being late. In fact, she hardly noticed.