Secrets of Sloane House(41)

Their voices, combined with the heavenly aromas from the various restaurants and street peddlers, provided an experience Rosalind knew would be increasingly hard to describe to her family.

But just as she was about to suggest they go to the Women’s Museum, Nanci tugged on her sleeve. “Let’s go to the Ferris wheel.”

“But you are afraid of it, remember? That is why we gave away our tokens.”

“I changed my mind. Now I would fancy a turn on it, I think.”

From every corner of the fair the Ferris wheel loomed above them. It was an amazing feat of technology—and, Rosalind privately thought, of ingenuity too. But that said, she was more than a bit frightened to even stand near the structure, never mind think about riding on it.

Embarrassed to share her fears, she concentrated on the one Nanci would most likely understand. “A ride on Mr. Ferris’s invention is fifty cents! I could never afford such a thing.”

“You don’t have to be able to afford it.” With a broad, triumphant grin, Nanci opened her purse and pulled out one crisp dollar. “I had a surprise for you!”

Now her suspicions had increased tenfold. “Nanci, where did you get all of this money?”

This time, Nanci didn’t even attempt to pretend she had no secrets. Instead, she smiled sweetly. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

Rosalind yearned to take Nanci in a corner and demand she tell her what was going on. But of course this wasn’t the time or the place. Instead, she followed Nanci through the crowds, entered the midway, and proceeded to the Ferris wheel.

Rosalind’s stomach knotted as they waited in line, eventually stepping into a metal cage with almost sixty other people. After the cage was snapped shut, an operator moved the switch, and they lurched toward the sky.

Over and over, the wheel stopped while people were let on and others were let off. And then they lurched even higher into the sky. Some people in their company gripped the sides and peeked out through the mesh in wonder. Others laughed and joked. One poor woman fainted when, apparently, she realized she was afraid of heights.

While Nanci grinned and seemed to enjoy each second, Rosalind felt her mind drift. She was more concerned about how Nanci had gotten her new dress and hat and the Ferris wheel tokens than exploring the wonders surrounding her.

When they finally stepped out of their carriage thirty minutes later, Rosalind was ready for a seat on a bench and perhaps a tall glass of lemonade.

But Nanci had other plans. “We must go,” she blurted.

“Where now?”

“Wooded Island.”

Rosalind stopped. “Why there?” As far as Rosalind knew, there were only the Japanese buildings and a series of rose gardens there, and woods and trails that led to nowhere. Rumor had it, many fairgoers went there to escape the crowds. “You’ll find out,” Nanci answered over her shoulder. “But hurry. We are almost late.”

Late for what? Rosalind ached to ask but decided not to press. Nanci’s voice had a thread of anxiety in it now.

Then, just as they turned toward Wooded Island, Rosalind’s heart sank. At last she understood the reason for the tickets. For the dress and hat and the sudden day off work.

There in front of them both stood Douglass Sloane. He was looking at his timepiece, scowling, then abruptly raised his head and stared. Lines of irritation in his forehead smoothed. His stance relaxed, his gaze sharpened. And as he slowly smiled, one dimple appeared.

And Rosalind felt a tinge of fear.

Then her heart raced when she saw who he was standing with. None other than Reid Armstrong.

Mr. Armstrong’s expression was the complete opposite of Mr. Sloane’s, however. Instead of relief, he wore a look of trepidation and worry. Only when their eyes met did another emotion enter his features—reluctant humor.

This time they were not going to have to pretend to meet unexpectedly. They weren’t going to have to scheme to devise a private meeting. No, this time they would stand together in plain sight.

Rosalind didn’t know if that made her feel relieved . . . or even more apprehensive.





CHAPTER 14

“Nanci, how did you know Mr. Sloane and Mr. Armstrong were going to be here?”

“A little bird told me.” She beamed before lowering her voice. “I’m going to tour the fair by Douglass’s side. You may keep company with Mr. Armstrong.”

“Thank you for letting me know,” Rosalind said sarcastically.

As if she finally was aware of Rosalind’s trepidation, Nanci blushed. “I do hope you are not too vexed with me. I didn’t dare tell you what the plans were. Think of how upset both Mrs. Sloane and Mrs. Abrams would be!”