7. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
As Jane walked away with the bag of candy canes, Jacquelyn watched her critically, thinking that her movements did not match the fine clothes on her back. Jacquelyn had always prided herself on moving gracefully, while Jane’s strides were brisk and no-nonsense. The contrast between the two was as plain as the nose on her face. Everyone had to see it. The residents of the home were either complete dullards or too timid to point out the obvious switch. Eddie, however, was another matter. He’d known her for her entire life. Jacquelyn stood out from the crowd, she always had, and Eddie was no idiot. He knew.
She found Jane’s clothes to be shapeless. The dress was made of stiff material that didn’t complement her movements. It was just there, hanging off her body. The rip and the dirt stains at knee level, the result of Jane’s tumble down the stairs, made Jacquelyn feel unwashed. Jane’s stockings sagged, wrinkling around her ankles. Even Jacquelyn’s childhood playclothes had more style than this, and they were certainly more comfortable.
There was no way Eddie couldn’t tell that she didn’t belong in this place, in this set of clothing. He was being stubborn in not acknowledging that she and Jane had traded places. Waiting in the lobby with him was the perfect opportunity to jab at him a bit. She would get him to give it up. After this was over, they’d have a good laugh on the way home and then again when she told David what she’d done. Growing up, the boys had enjoyed playing pranks on her and on each other. She’d show them that she was every bit as clever as they were.
For a few minutes, she and Eddie waited quietly in the lobby. Finally, she stepped closer and spoke. “So,” she said, “do you enjoy your job working for the Sheridans?”
“Very much so, thank you.”
This was not the response she’d expected. She tried again. “Do you know who I am?”
“Of course. Miss Jane Shaw. Mrs. Irving says that you’re a tireless worker and the girls love you.” He gave her a warm smile.
What? He’d been talking with the matron about the help here at the home? Jacquelyn wondered when this had happened. She answered carefully, remembering her role in this particular theatrical production. “I do my best. It’s not an easy job. I work morning, noon, and night.” This last comment was designed to make him laugh and then admit that he knew it was Jacquelyn. She suspected he might tease her and say he’d known it was her because she’d never worked a full day in her life, something that was mostly true.
“I imagine it is difficult,” he said thoughtfully. “But I admire how kind and patient you are with these girls.”
“Thank you.”
Off in the distance, they heard the girls’ voices thanking Jane for the candy canes. Jacquelyn said, “It’s very kind of the Sheridans to provide these girls with a home and treats for Christmas. They must be wonderful people.” If that didn’t break through his facade, she wasn’t sure what would. She waited for him to say, Oh come on, Jacquelyn. Enough with the playacting. I’ve known it was you the whole time.
Instead, a pensive look came over him. “I can’t say a bad word about them. They took my mother and me in when I was little. I can’t remember a time before living with them. They gave my mother a job in her darkest hour and provided us with a place to live and food to eat.” He leaned in and lowered his voice. “Not too many people know this, but they’re also paying for my university education.”
What? Jacquelyn had no idea her family was paying for his schooling. What an outrage. How could this have happened? She knew the money didn’t come out of the foundation’s funds, so it had to be paid for personally by her parents. Right out of their bank accounts. That money was her future inheritance, and she didn’t approve of it being frittered away in that manner. “Really?” She arched one eyebrow. “They pay the entire thing? ”
“Yes. Sometimes I still can’t believe it. Mr. Sheridan said I had a keen mind and he wanted me to have the chance to fulfill my potential. Believe me, I don’t take it for granted. I hope to make them proud.”
Besides commenting on her appearance, Jacquelyn had never heard her father compliment her, not even once. Before this, she’d never given her father’s opinion of her much thought, but now she wondered why he’d never encouraged her academically. Did he think she was stupid? Lacking in potential? Or maybe it was it because she was a daughter and not a son. Not much was expected of her, that much was true. She’d always found the lack of expectations freeing, but she realized now it was a bit of an insult.
Before she had a chance to find out more, Jane returned to the entryway, still wearing the red coat and hat, the paper bag dangling from one hand. Her appearance startled Jacquelyn. It was like seeing herself from another angle. Maybe they did look a little bit alike.
Eddie straightened, his posture becoming formal. “Are you ready to leave, Miss Sheridan?”
Jane looked unsure. She glanced at Jacquelyn, who gestured to the door. They might as well see this thing through. Jacquelyn said, “Thank you for coming today, Miss Sheridan. So very generous to give us your time. The girls loved seeing you. I know that for me you’re a lady I look up to and admire.” She shot a glance at Eddie. Certainly this would catch him off guard and make him laugh. But no, there was no reaction. If anything, he looked a little uncomfortable at the lavish praise she’d just bestowed upon this new version of herself.
Eddie said, “Thank you, Miss Shaw.” And to Jane, “Shall we go?”
After a quick look in Jacquelyn’s direction, Jane answered, “Yes, please.” Eddie held the door for her and didn’t even look back. He was holding firm to the joke as long as possible, Jacqueline thought. Much as it killed her, in a minute, she would admit defeat.