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  Taking a deep breath, she steeled her resolve and marched for the elevator. Ben waited for her to go in and then entered it. The young man who operated the elevator asked them what floor they wanted, and Ben told them.

  She scanned the small area. There wasn’t much room in here. The walls of the elevator seemed to be much too constricting, and as the young man shut the doors, a burst of panic washed over her. If this contraption failed, would she even make it out alive?

  “Wait,” she called out before he pressed a button. “I change my mind. I want to take the stairs.”

  “It’s perfectly safe in here,” Ben said.

  His soothing tone did nothing to calm her. She needed to get out, and she needed to do it now. At least with the stairs, she knew she could control things.

  She looked at the young man. “Please.”

  “Of course, ma’am.” He hurried to open the doors for her.

  She hurried out of the elevator, surprised her heart was pounding as hard as it was. How could Mark and Ben trust something like that?

  A couple of people chuckled, and she turned in time to see Katherine and Janet. Unfortunately, they headed over in her direction.

  “Don’t tell me Mark’s friend was trying something with you that he shouldn’t,” Katherine whispered.

  Natalie looked over her shoulder and saw that Ben had left the elevator. He stood a few feet from them, patiently waiting for her to return to him. “No. Preacher Martin has been a perfect gentleman,” she rushed to say. Good heavens. These women weren’t in the habit of spreading rumors, were they? She sure hoped not. “We were on our way to see my husband. I thought I could go up to the third floor in that elevator, but I got scared and had to come back out.”

  “Scared?” Katherine asked, her eyebrows furrowed. “Of the elevator?”

  “Why?” Janet added. “It’s a simple machine that takes you from one floor to another. It’s much better than stairs.”

  Face warm, Natalie offered them a weak smile. “I never saw one until I came to Omaha.”

  “They’re simple,” Janet said. “You go in, the young man shuts the doors and pressed the button, you go to the floor you want, and once he opens the doors, you step out. There’s nothing to it.”

  Natalie knew it was simple. She understood how the thing worked. She just didn’t know if it would work like it was supposed to while she was in it. “When I was in there, it felt as if everything was closing in around me.”

  “Really?” Katherine’s eyebrows furrowed. “I don’t understand. The elevator walls have never closed in on me.”

  “Me neither,” Janet replied, seeming just as surprised by her answer. “I’ve been in elevators many times.”

  “I have, too.” Katherine shrugged. “It must be because you grew up on a farm. People with your background haven’t had time to adjust to modern conveniences.”

  “That must be it,” Janet said with a satisfied nod. “Don’t worry, dear. I’m sure you’ll adjust to everything in time.”

  Natalie wasn’t sure if Janet meant to be condescending or not, but that’s how her tone seemed.

  “Oh, and one more thing,” Katherine added. “In the future, you might want to pick a better hat on windy days. I wasn’t sure if I should say something because it was rather embarrassing watching the hat blow off your head when you took that tumble, but it’s probably best if you heard it from me. Heavy items in a hat are only acceptable if you’re indoors.”

  Natalie’s shoulders slumped. So they had seen that, too? How many other people saw it? Was everyone laughing at her?

  They wished her a pleasant day and went to the elevator. Ben waited for a moment before approaching her.

  “Are you ready to see Mark?” he asked. “We can take the stairs.”

  Figuring it would look worse if she ran on home, she nodded and let Ben escort her to Mark’s office.

  Chapter Fourteen

  As it turned out, Margie chose to have her social engagement on Wednesday. Despite the feeling of dread in her stomach, Natalie took the carriage to her house. She would have walked, but who knew if she’d trip on something and embarrass herself again? A carriage ride seemed to be the less risky option. And, as she hoped, she arrived at the residence without incident, which saved her from any “helpful” advice from Fran, Katherine, or Janet.

  Unfortunately, however, Annabelle wasn’t there. “She had to help her mother with some bookkeeping at the last minute,” Margie told Natalie as she sat in the formal parlor. “She promised to be here in a half hour.”

  Relieved, Natalie accepted the cup of tea she offered, making sure she held it, and the saucer, correctly.

  From there, Margie began a discussion on the book she was currently reading, and shortly after that, Fran, Janet, and Katherine dominated the conversation.

  “I’m rather fond of Les Misérables,” Fran said. “The author lived in France most of his life, but my father found his book in Britain and brought it home as a gift. I love books written by authors in other countries.”

  “I haven’t read that book yet,” Janet chimed in.

  “I’ll let you borrow mine if you want to read it,” Fran offered.

  “You don’t have to do that,” Katherine said. “There are copies in this country.”

  At this point, the maid came into the room and whispered something to Margie. Margie quickly set down her teacup and saucer. “I have something I need to tend to,” she said as she rose to her feet. “Keep on talking. I’ll be back in a moment.”

  “My copy of Les Misérables came from Britain,” Fran told Katherine, picking up where she left off. “And it was signed by the author himself.”

  The group gasped, making Natalie aware that a signed copy of a book was an impressive thing to have.

  “What about Little Women?” Rosalyn spoke up. “The author of that book lives in this country, and it’s wonderful.”

  “I still prefer to read books that were written by people in other countries,” Fran said. “I feel like I learn more about the culture in another country when I read them.”

  “I suppose that’s a good reason to read those,” Rosalyn replied. “I still think you should read Little Women sometime. You needn’t be such a literary snob.”

  Natalie glanced at Fran to see if this would offend her, but Fran only gave a mock gasp and then laughed. “Rosalyn, you’re a sly one. I don’t care what you do. You’ll never get me to make a public outburst about anything.” She chuckled then sipped her tea.

  Rosalyn grinned at the others. “Fran and I made a bet. She bet that no matter what the situation, she can keep her calm at all times.”

  “Oh?” Katherine asked, looking intrigued. “And what did she bet you couldn’t do?”

  “She bet that I couldn’t keep myself from eating chocolate,” Rosalyn said. “I’m a little tight around the waistline and need to watch what I eat. Chocolate is my weakness.”

  “Maybe you’re expecting a child,” Katherine replied.

  Rosalyn shook her head. “I’m not, though I wish I could use that as an excuse.” She then glanced over at Natalie. “I wish I had your figure. You’re absolutely perfect. It’s no wonder Mark took one look at you and fell in love.”

  “I’m sure there was something in her personality he liked, too,” Fran added.

  Natalie couldn’t be sure, but she thought Fran had just subtly put her down.

  “While we’re on the subject of books,” Janet began, “we’re fortunate that we have so many books to choose from. I can’t understand why some people choose not to read.”

  “Some people don’t have time to read,” Rosalyn replied. “They’re too busy working on a farm.” She gestured to Natalie. “Her family grew up on one. Annabelle said that you came from a small farm in Kentucky. Is that right?”

  “Yes, that’s true,” Natalie slowly said, not sure where this was going.

  “How many books did you read?” Katherine asked.

  “I only read what w
as required in school,” Natalie replied.

  “How many was that?” Katherine encouraged.

  “Not much.” Natalie shrugged. “I didn’t count them.”

  “What kind of books did you read?”

  “Information I needed to learn.” Natalie noticed a few of the women’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, so she explained, “Things like how to spell and write properly, what all of the states in America are, and how to be a good citizen.”

  Janet shook her head in sympathy. “You didn’t read any actual stories that were only for entertainment?”

  “There were a few short stories that ran a paragraph or two long,” Natalie began, already knowing this answer wasn’t going to please them. “They were to help us learn proper grammar.”

  “Oh dear,” Janet said. “So you haven’t read Little Women?”

  Natalie shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I didn’t know it was a book.”

  Janet’s eyes grew wide. “You didn’t?”

  Wishing everyone wasn’t watching her, Natalie shook her head then lowered her gaze to the cup. If only they would go back to talking about the books they all liked to read instead of worrying about what she hadn’t read, she’d feel immensely better right now.

  “I’ll buy you a copy,” Janet said. “You’ll like it.”

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Fran commented. “The book might be above her level of comprehension.” She glanced at Natalie. “How long did you attend school?”

  “I went to the schoolhouse until I was twelve,” Natalie replied.

  “Only twelve?” Rosalyn asked, eyes wide in horror.

  “I was needed to help on the farm,” Natalie replied, not knowing why she felt the need to defend herself. It wasn’t like she had done anything wrong. Most of the children didn’t go beyond that where she’d grown up.

  “Oh, you poor thing,” Janet whispered. “No one should grow up with so little education.”

  Natalie wasn’t sure how to respond, but as it turned out, Margie returned, and, thankfully, Annabelle was with her.

  “Look who happened to be at the door when I was passing by the entryway,” Margie said, a pleasant smile on her face. “I told you Annabelle would soon be here.”

  “I’m sorry I’m late,” Annabelle greeted as she sat in a chair close to Natalie. “Sometimes I have to help my mother.”

  “We were discussing the different books we enjoy reading,” Katherine told Annabelle. “Have you read anything good lately?”

  Annabelle sat back in her chair and shook her head. “I don’t have time to read.”

  “You’re kidding,” Fran spoke up. “Surely, you must read something.”

  “If I read, it has to do with the proper running of a business,” Annabelle said. “I like helping my mother out.” She glanced at Natalie. “My father and brother might do the work, but my mother orders the things they need, draws up the contracts with clients, and manages the finances.”

  “She does all of that?” Margie asked, looking impressed.

  “It’s not something we often tell others,” Annabelle replied. “My father and Mark would rather focus on the designs and meeting clients. My mother and I stay in the background and stay quiet. I don’t think most men would understand women taking a big role in a company.”

  “You’re probably right,” Margie said. “What a shame, though. I find it intriguing when a woman does something a man typically does. I don’t have the skills you or your mother do, but I have a lot of respect for women who do.”

  “Yes, it is admirable,” Fran agreed. “Sometimes I envy you.”

  The others agreed, and Natalie had to resist the urge to sink deeper into her chair. She was the only one in this room who didn’t belong here. Everyone else got along so well. Even Margie, who was new, got along with them. Everyone liked her, just as they liked Annabelle. Annabelle might not feel comfortable with them, but she was definitely a part of the group. Forcing back her tears, Natalie focused on drinking her tea.

  ***

  That night, Mark thrust deeper into Natalie. They had made love almost every night since getting married. It was a nice way to end the day. It made her feel closer to him, and it was a pleasurable experience. Usually, she’d be as excited as he was to be intimate in bed, but her mind just wasn’t into this particular activity tonight.

  Her thoughts kept drifting to the women in that stupid social group. She didn’t want to dwell on the way Fran, Katherine, and a couple other women often whispered and giggled as they glanced over in her direction. She couldn’t verify that they were making fun of her. They could have been laughing at anything. But, deep down, she had a horrible feeling they were laughing at her. They found her inadequate. She wasn’t one of them. She didn’t belong in their social circle, and she doubted she ever would.

  Mark brought his mouth to hers and kissed her. There was no denying the urgency in his kiss. He was nearing his climax. She could tell it by the way his thrusting grew more insistent. He kissed her cheek and then her neck.

  “I love you, Natalie,” he whispered, his voice ragged.

  She tried to concentrate on him and what they were doing, but that was easier said then done. No matter how much she tried, she kept seeing their faces, either pitying or laughing at her.

  Mark grew still and groaned as he filled her with his seed. She pressed her cheek against his, and struggled, once more, to bring her focus back to him. He loved her. That was what mattered. It didn’t matter if Fran, Katherine, and the others didn’t like her. They weren’t the ones she had to impress.

  Except, that wasn’t true. She did have to impress them. They were a part of Mark’s world. If she failed to please them, then it could affect the way Mark’s clients thought of him. She was Mark’s wife. She was an extension of him. When people dealt with her, they thought of him. Those women had men in their lives with influence. If they started telling their fathers, husbands, or brothers that they didn’t like Natalie, that might change the way those men thought about Mark.

  The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Mark’s reputation just because she wasn’t sophisticated enough to fit in with the affluent society in Omaha. It was so easy to fit in with the kind of people she’d grown up with. None of them cared if a hat blew off her head in public, if she was afraid of an elevator, if she couldn’t dance right, if she hadn’t read a particular book, or if she didn’t know how to properly handle a teacup.

  Mark gave her another kiss and then rolled off of her. He brought his mouth back to hers, and when he brought his hand to the patch of curls between her legs, she realized he intended to bring her to completion. But she just wasn’t in the mood tonight.

  She took his hand and brought it up to her chest. When he stopped kissing her, she explained, “You don’t need to do that. I’m already satisfied.”

  “Oh.” Mark shifted so that he was lying on his back. He drew her into his arms, and she settled her head on his shoulder. “I didn’t realize you’d climaxed earlier.”

  She hadn’t. Nor could she when her mind was preoccupied on other things. But she didn’t want to tell him that. For some reason, it seemed better to keep that to herself, just as she didn’t want to explain what a horrible failure she was around affluent women.

  After a couple of minutes of rubbing her back, he asked, “Is something bothering you?”

  “I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.”

  “Oh, that’s right. You had that tea luncheon at Mrs. Gordon’s today. How did it go?”

  “It went fine,” she forced out.

  “I saw Annabelle on my way home, and she said you two had a good conversation afterwards.”

  “Yes, we did.” That was the only saving grace to the entire afternoon. Had it not been for Annabelle, she didn’t know if she would have managed through the day as well as she had.

  “She also said there’s going to be another tea party on Saturday.”

  “Yes.” And she was already dreading i
t.

  “I told you that everyone would like you.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now you know why I had to snag you before some other man did. It’s a good thing you stayed out at Uncle Owen’s. I wouldn’t have wanted to compete with other men for your hand. You would have had them lining up to get a chance to talk to you.”

  She rolled her eyes. It was nice that he assumed she was so popular, but it just wasn’t true. Plenty of people had no trouble bypassing her, especially in Omaha.

  “I talked to Annabelle about Kenneth,” Mark said after a long moment of silence passed between them.

  Her mind taken off of her troubles for a moment, she lifted her head so she could look at him. “What did you say?”

  “I told her the truth. I told her I didn’t want her to marry him.”

  “And?”

  “And she took it just like I thought she would. She asked me for proof, and when I couldn’t give it, she assumed it was because I want her and Ben to end up together.”

  She bit her lower lip. Maybe she should say something to her. “Do you think it would help if I asked her not to marry him?”

  “Unless you know something horrible he’s done, no. Like I said, Annabelle needs something concrete. She doesn’t do things based on emotion. She needs to see something to believe it. She’s a lot like my mother that way.”

  Natalie settled her head back on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know what to do about Annabelle, and she certainly didn’t know what to do about her own situation.

  As she drifted off to sleep, she suddenly realized she knew Velma. Velma had grown up in an affluent society. She was used to women like Fran and Katherine. She’d also offered to help Natalie if she needed it. Perhaps, it was time to take her up on her offer.

  Chapter Fifteen