Chapter Seven

Eugenia Tries Again

Eugenia Quincy returned to the orphanage after giving Mr. Lehman a few days to rethink his position. She entered the office with a cheerful spirit and a determined step. Mr. Lehman seated her and waited politely for her to open the conversation.

“I hope you have reconsidered your decision about the young Cooper child,” she said. “You do know the advantages we have to offer him. Mr. Quincy is in a position to expedite the adoption, and I would like to have it taken care of at once.”

“Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear when we spoke earlier,” George Lehman replied. “This isn’t a matter within my jurisdiction. Any living parent must be located and must give permission for an adoption to take place. We haven’t located Mr. Cooper yet. Also, as I mentioned, the older children in the family don’t want the younger ones separated. We will honor their wishes.”

Unbelievable! Eugenia thought. Here is a man who doesn’t realize the danger of opposing me. Well, he soon will.

Eugenia Quincy continued to smile as she sat in George Lehman’s office. But her eyes flashed a warning that George didn’t fail to note.

“I see,” she continued. “I’m sure that if you give it careful thought, you’ll find that there are loopholes in every situation, even this one. In the meantime, there could be no objection to my taking the child for a few days to get him acquainted with his future home, could there? I’d appreciate it if you would ask Matron to get him ready at once. I have errands to complete, and I’m running late.”

George was becoming impatient with this woman. In deference to her husband’s position, he had to treat her with civility, but he might as well be talking to a tree stump. She obviously hadn’t heard a word he’d said.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Quincy. We appreciate your interest in Will, but the boy is too young to be away from the people he knows. It wouldn’t be wise to upset him that way.”

With those final words, George arose. As far as he was concerned, the matter was settled. But as he again watched Mrs. Quincy march toward her car, the uncomfortable feeling that it was most certainly not settled stayed with him.

Eugenia sighed at dinner and put her fork down.

“You aren’t eating, my dear. Are you not feeling well?” Patterson asked.

“I’m fine,” she replied. “Just restless. There’s not much going on. I need something to occupy my time.” She glanced furtively at her husband, but he had gone on with his dinner and didn’t appear to take the hint she had given him.

“I’m very busy at this time, or I would arrange for us to get away,” Patterson said finally. “I’m afraid I can’t spare Gridley right now to go with you either. Why don’t you take Clara and run up to the lake for a few days? You could drive the small car. Perhaps I can join you later in the week.”

This wasn’t what she’d had in mind. However, her voice was even as she answered him. “Thank you, dear. I’ll think about that.”

As she wandered discontentedly around the house that evening, the suggestion became more attractive. It had been a long time since she’d had to fight this hard for something she wanted. The longer it took, the more determined she was to have it. She needed to get away to think this through.

Her mind made up, Eugenia called Clara to her room. The dark-haired, young servant appeared promptly.

“Clara, pack bags for you and me to go to the summer house. I’d like to leave early tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, mum. Will the mister be going?”

“No, there will be just the two of us. Ask Greta to prepare some food for us to take.”

“How much food, mum?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Eugenia waved her away. “Enough for a week at least. Mr. Quincy can bring what we need if I decide to stay longer.”

Clara departed, and Eugenia threw herself down on the chaise lounge. Was she the only one in this house who could make a decision about anything? At least she was sure of one thing. She would have a foolproof scheme for getting that child before she returned home.