Consequences(38)

Three days earlier she asked Anthony for hiking boots. Now she was tying them and preparing for her new adventure. Inhaling the sweet smells of nature, Claire contemplated her path as Catherine came rushing toward her. “Ms. Claire, I’m so glad I didn’t miss you.”

Claire’s tranquility evaporated into the afternoon haze. “No, it looks like you caught me, and I promise to be back before 5:00 PM.”

“Ms. Claire, I just received a call from Mr. Rawlings. He has an engagement tonight in Davenport. It’s a fund-raiser for the Quad City Symphony at the Adler Theater.”

“So, he won’t be back tonight?” she asked, thinking that perhaps she could stay out in the woods later than 5:00 PM.

“No, miss, he’ll be back.”

“What?”

“He’ll be here at 6:00 PM to pick you up. You are to accompany him to the symphony.”

Claire stared at Catherine in disbelief. She’d just been permitted outdoors, and now she was going to Davenport to the symphony. Saying No, thank you didn’t seem to be an option. Her mind swirled. “Catherine, I’ve never been to a symphony before. Can you please help me?” Claire prayed that this wasn’t another test about appropriate dress.

“Of course—I will, miss. Now, let’s go up to your room, and we’ll get started.”

They did. Catherine went directly into the closet and came out with a long black evening gown. It was simple, yet amazingly beautiful. Claire showered again. Catherine helped with her make-up and hair. They straightened, pinned, and curled her long chestnut locks until they were piled on her head with cascading curls dangling down her neck. There were even exquisite sparkling earrings for Claire to wear. Securing them in her pierced ears, she thought how long it had been since she’d worn jewelry and how nice they looked with her hair up.

Another accessory that surprised Claire was the handbag. She hadn’t gone anywhere or needed a handbag in months, but tonight Catherine had one for her. Anthony would be home and ready at 6:00 PM. Apparently, the symphony began at 8:00 PM, with cocktails at 7:00 PM. Catherine explained that it took one hour to drive to Davenport, and Eric would chauffeur them in the limousine.

Before she dressed, still wearing her robe with her hair done and make-up perfect, Claire sat on the edge of the large marble tub, fighting the queasiness boiling within. Looking to Catherine, she asked, “What does Mr. Rawlings expect of me this evening? How should I act? If he has rules for being out, he hasn’t told me; and if you know, I would truly appreciate being informed.”

Catherine’s eyes shone with care and concern. Claire truly believed she wanted to help her, and she’d do anything to make this evening a success for both Claire and Mr. Rawlings. Sitting next to Claire, she gently took Claire’s hand in hers and said, “Ms. Claire, you are to look beautiful, and you do.” Her smile reassured Claire who nodded as Catherine spoke. “Mr. Rawlings is a very influential businessman. He’s a fervent believer in appearance. If things look right on the surface the underside is rarely questioned; however, things may be great in reality, but if one perceives them to be amiss, it is difficult to change that perception. Therefore, Ms. Claire, you are expected to be the perfect companion: beautiful, polite, contented, and appreciative.”

Claire thought to herself, Well, perfect…okay, no pressure.

Catherine continued, “A man of Mr. Rawlings’s standing is constantly observed by others. Some watch to imitate, others to mar. That is why he requires his home to be a place of quietude. He must do so much for so many that he needs a place to repose and refuel. That is where you have been so good for him.”