Chapter 24 Cynthia
Cynthia
Calvin dropped her off a few houses down from the Mayhews’ without question.
Although it still left her with a bad feeling, she had promised Pauline not to apprise her friend’s parents of her job search, and she had no intention of going back on her word.
How she would explain her sudden leave-taking was still a worry since she was loath to tell a complete untruth.
Besides, what if one of the Mayhews spotted her around town in some way?
She mounted the steps to the porch and paused with her hand on the doorknob.
A clever girl like her would surely think of something.
The sounds of voices floated down the hall as she slipped quietly into the foyer.
She made her way towards the living room, with its expansive view of the lake.
Mr. Mayhew stood near the windows, a rocks glass in his hand.
He smiled as she stepped into the room. His wife, seated with her back to the door, turned and raised an eyebrow as if to question Cynthia’s sudden appearance.
Pauline jumped up from a spot on the sofa and moved swiftly to her friend’s side.
“My parents have been asking where you’ve been all afternoon,” she said, giving Cynthia’s arm a squeeze that felt like a warning.
“We were surprised when you did not return with Pauline this afternoon as expected,” Mrs. Mayhew said.
“Cynthia’s a guest, not a prisoner, my dear. She is welcome to come and go as she likes,” Mr. Mayhew said.
Mrs. Mayhew’s eyebrow arched higher. “She may be a guest, but a well-bred girl does not go sneaking off without a word to her hosts.”
The Mayhews all turned towards her, awaiting an explanation for her sudden absence. Pauline bit her lip and gave her head a slight shake. Cynthia’s stomach clenched as she looked at Mrs. Mayhew. Then she looked over at Mr. Mayhew, who smiled once more. She stood up straighter and smiled back.
“I am so sorry to have worried you,” she said, looking directly at her hostess. “I overheard one of the employees at the newspaper office mention the Maine Chance Farm. I had not understood that Elizabeth Arden’s famous resort was so close.”
“Go on,” Mrs. Mayhew said.
“I am not sure if I have mentioned it, but my major is economics. Elizabeth Arden and her innovative business practices have been mentioned in several of my classes. When I realized her property was so near, I had to take a look for myself.”
“But it’s several miles away. Why didn’t you ask for a ride?” Mr. Mayhew asked.
“I didn’t want to put you out. Besides, I love a long walk.”
“How quaint,” Mrs. Mayhew said, her tone implying that Cynthia’s behavior was anything but. “Did you satisfy your curiosity?”
Cynthia glanced at Pauline before continuing.
“I must confess, my brief visit only piqued my interest. When I told the housekeeper that I would love to spend time at the resort to do some hands-on research into the economic value such a place could provide, she offered to allow me to stay at the resort.”
“Even Eleanor Roosevelt doesn’t stay at the exclusive Maine Chance Farm without paying,” Mrs. Mayhew said. “Why would such an invitation be extended to someone like you?”
Any compunction Cynthia had had about telling white lies to her hostess dissolved as quickly as the morning mist off the lake.
The truth was, it was exactly because she was herself that she was not paying, but rather being paid to stay at the resort.
Mrs. Mayhew had reminded Cynthia of her place, but not in the way she had intended.
Her words and the tone of them had a galvanizing effect on her spirit, so much so that she permitted herself a further flourish.
“I expect that Mrs. Roosevelt is far too busy to offer to write an article for the American Economics Review on Miss Arden’s extraordinary enterprise.
The housekeeper seemed to think Miss Arden would welcome someone reporting on her business acumen with as much interest as most do about her product lines. ”
Mrs. Mayhew narrowed her eyes. “You cannot possibly expect us to believe that a young girl like you could be capable of writing an article for a national magazine.”
“She already has, Mother. Her economics professor had her working on an article for the same journal all last semester.”
Mr. Mayhew’s smile broadened. “Good for you. I’ll be sorry to see you go, though.”
Pauline piped up. “When do you have to leave?”
“I am expected back this afternoon. They have a fashion show scheduled for the evening, and the housekeeper suggested it would be wise for me to attend. It is a highlight of the guest experience each season and something she said I should not miss,” Cynthia said.
At the mention of the fashion show, Mrs. Mayhew’s eyebrows moved upward once more. “I see. Should we expect you to return once your research is done? I had been counting on you to watch the children tomorrow and the next day.”
“As much as I hate to disappoint you, I do not anticipate returning. Between the research and the writing, I doubt there will be much time left over for socializing.”
“I see. Shall we send your things to the Maine Chance? Even someone as dedicated to long walks as you won’t wish to make the journey back carrying suitcases. You’d look like a hobo.”
“I appreciate the offer, but there is no need. I have a chauffeur from the resort waiting to take me back.”
“I didn’t hear a car,” Mrs. Mayhew said.
“I asked him to wait a few doors down where there is a lay-by that would be easier to turn around in. The limousine is a bit large for these narrow lanes around the lake.”
Perhaps it did her no credit, but Cynthia’s spirits raised as Mrs. Mayhew pressed her lips tightly together at the word limousine. The older woman raised an elegant hand as if in surrender. “We shan’t dream of delaying you, then,” she said.
Mr. Mayhew and Pauline each stepped towards her. “Should your plans change, you are always welcome here,” he said. “Pauline, why don’t you help her pack so that she can be sure to be back in time for the event.”
Pauline nodded and crossed the room. She took Cynthia by the arm and piloted her out the door and up the stairs to the guest room before she spoke.
“Does this mean that you got the job?” she asked.
“I did. I start just as soon as I can get back.”
“Thanks for not letting my parents know the real reason you’ll be at the resort. My mother would be appalled.”
“It was no big deal. Besides, my mother wouldn’t approve either.” Cynthia opened the closet and pulled dresses from the hangers as quickly as she could. She didn’t want to give Iris an excuse to change her mind about hiring her.
Pauline pulled one of Cynthia’s suitcases from the bottom of the closet and zipped it open. Cynthia thought back to their last day at Barlow.
“I won’t be seeing much of you, either, will I?” Pauline asked.
“I’m sure I’ll have a day off now and again. When I do, we can meet up at the lake, and you can tell me how things are going with Kenneth.”
“I guess that will have to do. If he asks about you, what should I tell Glenn?”
Glenn and the rest of Pauline’s gang were the least of her concerns. She shoved the last of her belongings into the smaller of the suitcases and zipped it shut. With a final look out the window at the lake, she hoisted the suitcase from the bed.
“Whatever you think is best. The only thing I plan to worry about is doing a good enough job to stay employed for the rest of the summer.”