A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you for all your kind words and support so far! I'm so glad to hear you've been enjoying the story and I appreciate your patience for this latest chapter. April was very busy, but now things are settling down and I'm delighted to be back.
Without further delay, let's see how our main characters meet!
All my love,
Olivia
The room beyond the door was very bright. Massive windows lined the back wall, letting in the full light of day. Ada blinked against the glare as she stepped inside. With a slight tilt of her chin, she shaded her gaze with the brim of her hat, giving her eyes a moment to adjust.
"Thank you, Winnie," came a low, distinguished voice. "Miss Kruger?"
Ada looked up, meeting the stare of Caledon Hockley. "Good afternoon, Sir. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise." He said, with little to no enthusiasm. "Please be seated."
Ada sat in the chair across from his, a large oak desk between them. Mr. Hockley wasted no time, and as soon as he took his seat the interview began.
"When I asked my secretary to recommend someone for this governess position, she mentioned your name almost instantly. I understand you attended finishing school together, and though that familiarity implies a sense of trust and speaks to the quality of your character, I'm afraid it does not equate expertise when it comes to the care and education of children. What experience do you have as a governess?"
"None, Sir. This would be my first position in that field."
Mr. Hockley looked up at her as he lit a cigarette, a curious, scrutinizing look in his eye. "And why should I hire someone with no real experience?" He asked bluntly.
"Well, Sir," Ada said, her grip tightening nervously around her handbag. "I suppose that would be up to your discretion. Though, if I may say so, my other qualifications could testify to Winnie's recommendation. She wouldn't have put me forward if she didn't think me capable."
"True." He said, exhaling a channel of smoke. "And what qualifications are those?"
"My experience within education. For the last five years, I've worked at the University, in both a research and an instructional capacity."
"It was my understanding that your father was the accomplished academic. If Professor Kruger were interviewing for this position, there would be no need for this line of questioning. Though, a governess is something of a step down from professor, don't you think?"
Ada couldn't resist an ironic smile as she said, "Yes, Sir, I dare say it is." Continuing boldly, and determined to defend herself and her pride, she added, "I worked as his assistant, Mr. Hockley. I led the research on several dissertations and together we co-authored a paper that was featured by the Pittsburg Historical Society at their foundation gala last June. I've lectured on his behalf on several occasions and provide tutoring for students attending his advanced courses."
"Hence the instructional experience."
"Yes, Sir."
"How would you adapt your educational approach from teaching advanced academics to a four-year-old girl?"
"With kindness and patience, Sir." Ada said confidently. "Successful education begins with getting to know your student, understanding how they learn and then helping them to do so."
Mr. Hockley seemed to muse over this answer. He sat silently for a moment, analyzing her, so Ada took the opportunity to do the same. Living in Pittsburgh, she'd heard the name Caledon Hockley before, everyone had, but she'd never seen his photograph. People always said he was handsome, with his tall stature and raven black hair. Looking at him now, there was no doubt that he was an attractive man, but what really struck Ada was just how tired he looked. That, and that he was dressed impeccably well. In fact, now that she thought about it, his attire seemed better suited for a formal event, not a day at the office. The white chrysanthemum pinned to his lapel was particularly unusual.
Mr. Hockley took one last drag from his cigarette before stamping it out in a crystal ash tray.
"Are you aware this is a live-in position, Miss Kruger?" He asked.
"Yes, Sir, though, if given the opportunity, I will require certain off-days and free time."
"Off-days?" He said, pausing.
"I can be at your disposal throughout the week but must be able to return home for Shabbat -that's from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday." She added, noticing the brief look of confusion that flashed over his features. "I can return Sunday morning if requested, though it's my understanding that many families spend that day together without the usual staff."
"I see." Said Cal, seeming to realize something about her that he hadn't before. All morning long, Ada had gone back and forth on how and when to address this need. Pittsburgh had a large Jewish community and such requests weren't uncommon nor unreasonable, especially for an occupation like that of a governess. But, despite having been assured from others in her position that it was okay, Ada couldn't help but feel nervous. Volunteering such personal information and taking such a firm stance when up for a job as prestigious and well-paying as this one; It could invoke prejudice, anger and impatience… but then, Ada thought, better to know that about someone before entering their employ. This way, however he reacted, at least they'd be honest with one another.
Mr. Hockley paused for a brief moment then said, "So, no weekends then?"
"I'd be happy to work on Sundays if I'm needed."
"That shouldn't be necessary, but I'll keep that in mind. Any other…holidays off that you require?" He asked, rising from his chair.
Ada stood as well, saying, "Some holy days, Sir, but there aren't many. Not enough to be a nuisance, so I've been told by the University staff. Do you require a list?"
"Winnie will collect your calendar and availability." He said shortly.
"Of course." Ada bit her tongue, feeling foolish for offering. Was that it? She wondered. She couldn't tell if it had gone well or not.
Mr. Hockley's attention was diverted as he moved around the desk, his eyes on his timepiece, which he quickly clicked shut and replaced in his vest pocket.
Before Ada could think of what else to say, the office doors were opening and Winnifred re-entered, as if the mere mention of her name -even in passing- had the power to summon her. Ada's friend walked with purpose, carrying a man's overcoat, white gloves, a top hat and walking stick in her hands. Mr. Hockley shrugged on the coat and tucked the cane under one arm as he donned the gloves. Again, Ada was struck by the formality of his attire. It was only 10:45 in the morning. But before she could wonder further, he spoke abruptly, calling forth her attention.
Ada looked up, meeting his steely gaze as he stood an arm's length away.
"Your pupil would be a shy, nervous young girl, Miss Kruger. Very sweet, but of a delicate nature. She doesn't' need to be coddled but she does require compassion and patience. Is that something you're able to give?"
"It is, Sir. I can't imagine teaching a child without such principals."
"Why do you want this job?" He asked, his weary eyes looking directly into her own.
At once Ada recalled what she'd said to her father. "To give another little girl the opportunity that I was given. Through education we are better prepared to face the world… to contribute to it and…to know our place in it. If I can give her that, I'll be very fulfilled."
He held her stare and it was as if he were looking into her instead of at her, sorting through her contents to see how they balanced out on his golden scale. With a blink he turned away, nodded to Winnie and accepted his hat.
"Winnie will be in touch. Thank you for your time here, today, Miss Kruger. Now, I apologize for my sudden departure but I'm afraid I must go."
"Of course, Sir, thank you for the opportunity."
"Good day." He said and, donning his top hat, walked briskly out the door.
The two women waited for a moment until he was out sight. Only then did Ada let out a deep breath, unaware of how tense she'd been until the muscles in her back unclenched.
"I'd say that went very well." Winnie said with an encouraging smile.
"Did it?" Ada asked, genuinely uncertain. "My lord, Winnie, I wish you would have warned me about how intense he could be."
"I'm sorry, I thought I had." Her friend said, moving around the desk to organize some of the paperwork her employer left behind. "You should know it's not always this bad. But on a day like this, you can hardly blame him."
"What's significant about today?" Ada asked.
Winnie paused her busy work, a look of sad compassion clouding her otherwise cheerful face. "It's his fiancé's funeral. That poor girl, Rose Dewitt Bukater. She died on the Titanic. Such a tragedy, for everyone who was lost -of course! But…to lose your betrothed right before the wedding, and in such a horrific way! My heart breaks every time I think about it."
Ada's hand went to her chest, her heart suddenly heavy with emotion, her mind filling with questions. "Poor man…But why schedule an interview immediately before such an important event? Surely this could have waited."
"When you start working for the Hockleys, you'll learn not to ask questions." Winnie said, with a sad sigh. "They have their way of doing things, and once something's decided, there's no other path."
"But doesn't that seem odd to you?"
"He's grieving." Winnie said simply. "When you're under that cloud, few things make sense. Mr. Hockley is a man accustomed to being in control, of all aspects of his life. Now… faced with death, and one so personal…I think he's just trying to cling to what he can influence. Right now, that's Evelyn's happiness. It's his main priority."
"Evelyn." Ada repeated.
Winnie nodded, "That's her name, the little girl you'll be looking after." How odd that he hadn't mentioned it before. Winnie had been withholding about many details surrounding this opportunity, having said that more info would be shared once her position was secured, for the sake of the family's discretion. Now, Ada couldn't help but wonder if such secrecy was common among all prominent families or just the Hockleys.
"That's only If I get the job." Ada said, with a half-hearted smile.
Winnie patted her arm as she passed, "You will. I'm certain of it." With a nod, she led Ada out of the room made of glass, closing the door behind them. Leading her to reception, Winnie recommended they begin filling out the necessary forms, that way when Mr. Hockley made his decision to hire her, she'd be ready to go. Always the optimist. Always prepared.
As Ada sat with her friend, answering questions and chatting casually in the comfort of her company, her usually sharp mind kept wandering, distracting her with images of a transatlantic steamer, a man with a hollow stare and a solitary white chrysanthemum, the flower of mourning.