17. Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Seventeen
Jacquelyn woke up disoriented. It took a few minutes to realize where she was and to remember all that had transpired. How much time had elapsed since she’d rested her head on this scrunched-up sweater? She wasn’t sure.
She climbed out from under the covers and stood, stretching before visiting the lavatory. Afterward, she ventured out into the corridor, looking for Mary. Certainly by now there had to be word from home, saying they were coming back to get her.
But Mary, who was in the kitchen with some older girls preparing a meal, just shook her head. “The telephone hasn’t rung, and no one has been here,” she said.
“How do you know the phone hasn’t rung? You’re nowhere near it.” Jacquelyn felt indignation rise in her chest.
“I’ve been having the girls sit in pairs taking turns sitting outside of Mrs. Irving’s office,” Mary said, chopping a carrot. “They were instructed to come get me the very second that telephone rang. So far, there hasn’t been a call.”
Jacquelyn begrudgingly gave Mary credit for attending to the telephone. Not that it helped her particular problem. “I’ve made a decision,” she said authoritatively. “I’m going to be leaving soon and going into town, where I’ll be hiring a driver to take me home.”
Mary lifted her eyes. “That’s quite a walk, miss.”
“About a mile, isn’t that what you said before?”
“About that, give or take. And it’s very cold and windy. I’m not sure venturing out today is a good idea.”
Jacquelyn scoffed. “The distance won’t be a problem for me. I’ll just need to eat before I go, and while I’m doing that, I expect you to find a warm coat and boots for me to wear. Oh, and maybe it will be best if you draw a map for me, and I’ll need some money as well.”
“Some money?” Mary raised her eyebrows. “We could collect every penny in this building and it wouldn’t be enough to get you home.” Hurriedly she added, “I mean, no disrespect, miss, we just don’t have much. And what we do have was hard-earned and not easily replaced.”
“I understand. I’ll take whatever you can give me. We’ll make a note of the amount, and I’ll sign it. Then, once I’m safely home, my brother will pay you back in full plus interest. How does that sound?”
“Whatever you wish, Miss Sheridan.”
Just what she wanted to hear. “Very good. Let’s get started.”