The Hatmaker's Heart: A Novel Read Online Free Page B

little party.”
    Her mother shot her a stern look. “That’ll do, Daphne. You know we all have to make the best presentation possible. You never know who might be there.” Mrs. Benchley lifted the brown velvet hat with a modest brim and a small floral cluster for decoration from its resting place and tried it on. “Lovely. Simply lovely.”
    She grasped both of Nell’s hands. “Well done, my dear. I’ll have to tell Oscar to guard you with his life. You just never know who might be looking for someone with your talent.”
    “I’m f-flattered, ma’am, and p-pleased that you like them.” Nell turned to see if Claudia was still wearing her hat, and as she did so, Mr. Fields disappeared from the doorway. Heat rose in her face. How long had he been standing there?
    “If the fit is all right, I’ll get these in boxes for you and give you the t-ticket. Our receptionist will assist you with p-payment.”
    As the last hat was tucked safely in a cardboard box with the Oscar Fields Millinery design on the side, Mrs. Benchley leaned in and whispered, “Have you made an appointment at the clinic?”
    Nell nodded. “At four this afternoon.”
    “Excellent, my dear.” They shook hands, and as the Benchleys left, Daphne turned and gave a fluttery wave. “We’ll be sure and send over some photographs when we get all dolled up.”
    “Thanks. I’d love that. Have a w-wonderful time.”
    *  *  *
    “Please have a seat. The doctor will be with you in a moment.” The receptionist was the picture of efficiency, her desk tidy, her gray suit stark. The woman didn’t smile, nor did she scowl or try to make Nell feel at ease, but merely pointed to a line of wooden chairs along the wall.
    Nell stared at the tips of her shoes until her name was called by a pleasant young woman in a black skirt and white blouse with a ruffled collar.
    “Welcome, my love. This way, please. Dr. Underwood will be tripping along soon. I’m Lindy Williams, his assistant.” She led Nell into a studio with a window view of a dark brick building. In one corner was a child-sized table with wooden blocks and picture books. “Would you relish some coffee or a cup of tea?”
    A catch came in Nell’s throat. The Yorkshire rhythm in the assistant’s voice was unmistakable, a warm sensation like a glimpse of home after a long journey. “A cup of t-tea would be lovely. With milk p-please.”
    “Oh, you’re British, too.” Cornflower-blue eyes crinkled at the corners when Lindy smiled. “Have you been here long?”
    “In the S-states almost four years. A tad over two in New York.”
    “You’re a newcomer then. I’ve been here almost ten. I’m from Thirsk. Do you know it?”
    Nell nodded. “My m-mother grew up in Yorkshire, but I was born near Heathdown in my father’s family home.”
    “Heathdown?”
    “A tiny v-village. Near Stow-on-the-Wold.”
    “Oh yes. Lovely country. Welcome, then. I’ll run and fetch your tea. Dr. Underwood will be in directly. He’s a marvel. You’ll see.” She hurried off and returned a few minutes later with the tea and a short, round doctor in a white laboratory coat, which he wore over a bright lemon shirt with a black bow tie.
    Dr. Terrence Underwood introduced himself and indicated that Nell should take a seat in a large leather chair, which sat at a right angle to his. “Lindy tells me you’re from England.”
    “Originally, yes.”
    “Tell me a little about yourself, your family.”
    “My mother, sister, and I moved to K-Kentucky to live with my aunt after my f-father died in the war. Mama has since r-remarried, and Granville adopted my s-sister soon after. I’ve been here for two years.”
    “I’m sorry to hear of your loss. That’s a lot of changes for a young woman. And New York is quite an adjustment in itself.” The doctor had a soothing voice, not probing. He opened a folder that Nell supposed was the information she’d given over the telephone, which included Mrs. Benchley’s name as a