The train station was alive with the comings and goings of passengers. The powerful engines chuffed and wheezed, expelling their steam like dragons breath across the platform as people hurriedly made their way to their next destination. The crowded commotion reminded Cal of the docks in Southampton, and the similarity made him uneasy, eager to leave the bustling station behind.
Readjusting his hold on Evelyn, Cal checked her expression to see if the busy surroundings had the same effect on her. But the little girl's face was alight, and though she held firmly to the lapels of his coat, she looked around excitedly, seemingly enchanted by the setting.
She couldn't sit still the entire train ride, always jumping up to press her face to the window, running to open the door whenever an attendant came by, and exploring every compartment she could find inside their private cabin. Everything amazed her. From the tiny soaps that came in the train-sized washroom, to the fancy cakes and hot chocolate that Cal ordered for her in the dinning car. Every time he offered her something, she gladly accepted. Everything he gave her, she thanked him for, graciously. And each time it caught Cal by surprise.
He had tried so hard to please Rose with gifts and amenities, only to be met with detached disinterest. This…was a welcomed change.
Carrying his new daughter safely across the crowded platform, Cal couldn't help but let his thoughts dwell on Rose. Every flash of red still caught his eye and made him wonder. Was it her? Was she still alive? Had she come back to him?
Ever fleeting, these hopes were instantly pursued by vicious retorts. Rose is dead. You'll never see her again and it's all your fault. Even if she had survived, you think she'd want to see you? You're pathetic. Stop wallowing in the past and move on!
This train of thought held all the spite and venom of his father. Cal could practically hear Nathan Hockley's voice in his head, chastising him for his sentiment. He wasn't looking forward to hearing it in person later today, but he knew the confrontation was inevitable and he was prepared for it. If any good could come from the gloom that had settled over Cal since Titanic, it was perhaps that he no longer cared about the petty demands of his overbearing father. He'd seen and done much worse since leaving home and when Cal thought about it, he found that his father's threats didn't matter anymore.
"Papa." Evelyn said, capturing Cal's attention. He blinked and looked where she was pointing. Thomas Blair, Cal's new Valet, stood near an exit, raising his hat to signal his location.
"Thank you, sweet pea." Cal said and placed a kiss on her temple. When they approached, Mr. Blair had already secured their car and was overseeing the loading of their trunks onto another. Two of the largest cases were filled solely with new dresses, bonnets and shoes that Cal had purchased in New York before returning home. Pittsburgh had its share of high fashion boutiques, but for the daughter of Caledon Hockley, only the best would do.
"Everything accounted for?" Cal asked, his gaze sweeping over the pile of trunks.
"Yes, Sir. Is there anything you require right away?"
"No. See that it's all loaded properly, will you?"
"Of course, Sir." Blair said, opening the car door for them.
Cal set Evelyn down, making sure she was comfortable in the back seat before he turned and added, "We're spending the evening at my parents' in Point Breeze. I expect everything to be set up at home by the time we arrive tomorrow."
"Very good, Sir. I'll see to it personally."
"Good man." Cal said and slid into the Packard. Blair closed the door and with a nod to the driver sent the car on its way.
Going from one form of travel to another was exhausting. Cal was looking forward to the evening when could fall into a familiar bed and finally let the tension slip from his shoulders. But there was still so much to address before then and he knew his chance for relaxation was a long way off.
As they neared his family estate, Cal drew Evelyn's attention away from the window. "We're almost there, sweet pea. How are you feeling? Not too tired from the trip?"
She shook her head no, her hair, now arranged in careful ringlets, swaying with every turn.
"Good. My mother will be there to greet us when we arrive. Do you remember what to say?"
Evelyn nodded and carefully recited, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Grandmother."
"Well done." Cal said with a small smile. "And when you meet my father?"
She paused for a moment, thinking. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir."
"Good girl." Cal kissed the top of her head as Evelyn scooched closer, wrapping her arm around his and playing with his watch band. He'd noticed that she often fiddled with things when she was nervous, so he squeezed her hand and said gently, "You'll do fine. My father might seem scary at first, but he's just a grumpy old man. He can't hurt you. Not while I'm around."
Evelyn nodded, squeezing his hand back as she leaned her head against his shoulder. With her adoption finalized, Cal had decided it was best to let his mother know in advance of their arrival. The news would be shocking either way and Cal hoped that giving his parents some time to accept his decision might make Evelyn's first meeting a more amiable interaction. His mother had sounded concerned on the phone, and Cal could only imagine how his father had responded when she told him. But at least now their initial reactions were out of the way and Evelyn's feelings would be spared.
The car slowed as it exited the street, passing through the ornate front gates and making its way down the drive. Eager to get a better view, Evelyn quickly returned to the window. Her eyes widened and she uttered a quiet gasp.
The Hockley estate was a grand Italianate-style house. Standing three stories tall with its spired roof and multi-tiered balconies, it looked to Evelyn as if they were arriving at a castle. Beneath an impressive awning of yellow sandstone, a small group of people were waiting. Evelyn eyed them warily in their strict back and white uniforms, wondering if any of these strangers were her new grandparents. But as the car stopped, the large front doors opened and an older woman in a beautifully beaded gown quickly made her way down the steps. Evelyn was so focused on watching this fine lady, that she didn't notice Cal exiting the car and jumped when he came around and opened her door.
Offering Evelyn his hand, Cal helped the little girl down. He took a step forward, eager to greet his mother, but paused when Evelyn held back. Bending down, he squeezed her hand and whispered, "It's alright. I'm right here."
She blinked up at him, swallowed her fear and nodded. Holding tight to her papa they approached the elegant lady.
Evelyn's first thought was how kind the woman looked. She had pretty blue eyes and soft looking hair. It had probably been blond once like Evelyn's, only now it was silvery with age. The second thing Evelyn noticed was how much jewelry the lady wore, and how the beads on her dress caught the golden light of sunset, throwing it back in a thousand glittering raindrops that danced across the gravel and stone. With so many jewels and beads, Mrs. Hockley looked somewhat untouchable, a thought that was instantly shattered when Cal released his daughters hand, and took his mother into a strong embrace.
Anne had maintained her composure for as long as she could, fighting the urge to run outside when she saw the car arrive. But with her son in arm's reach, she let down her guard, hugging her eldest child close and whispering a silent prayer, thanking God for protecting her baby and bringing him home to her.
"It's okay, mom, I'm alright." Cal said, gently.
Anne held back a tear, pulling away from their hug while still holding onto him. She nodded, her soft hands quickly grazing his face. Cal's cheeks were rough with stubble, his eyelids dark and heavy from a clear lack of sleep. Her son wasn't alright, but he was alive and that's what mattered most.
"My beautiful boy. Yes, of course you are. Now that you're home and safe." Her eyes shimmered with worry, but her smile was warm and infectious. Composing herself, Anne turned her attention to the little girl who peeked shyly from behind Cal's legs.
"And you must be Miss Evelyn." She said kindly.
Cal put an encouraging hand on Evelyn's shoulder, giving her a nudge. She stepped forward and quietly said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Grandmother."
Anne's smile grew. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Sweetheart. I'm so happy that you're staying with us tonight. I've made up a room for you, would you like to see?"
Evelyn nodded and took the nice lady's hand. Her skin was wrinkly and soft and walking beside her, Evelyn was enveloped in a flowery perfume. Lavender. It was a familiar smell, calming.
Together they entered the house where an ornate foyer of white tile and stained glass led to the grand entry hall. The oak floors and chestnut paneling gave a warmth to the elegant space. Everything, from the hand carved grandfather clock to the massive staircase, was expertly crafted and one-of-a-kind. It declared their wealth, just as Nathan wanted, while still feeling welcoming and comfortable, as was Anne's design.
Before leading her little guest upstairs, Anne paused and put a gentle hand on Cal's arm. "Your father would like to speak with you. He's in his study."
Cal and his mother exchanged knowing looks, both sending the other their silent support and encouragement.
"Might as well get this over with," he said, almost to himself. Cal then knelt before Evelyn, saying, "I need to have a word with Grandpa. But you go on and see your room. I'll join you after, alright?"
Evelyn was hesitant, but wanting to be brave she eventually nodded.
"Good girl. I won't be long."
"This way, Dear." Hand-in-hand, Anne guided the little girl up the stairs, complimenting her on her dress and asking about their journey. Cal watched them go, allowing himself a moment of joy at seeing Evelyn treated like part of the family. Once they were out of site, however, his smile fell and turning on his heel he made his way to his father's office.