Crestmont by Holly Weiss Page A

vocabulary word papers. She tiptoed down the back staircase, awash with murky shadows from the glow lamps, to the main floor. Glittering chandeliers lit the hallway as she passed the West Parlor and the smaller ladies’ parlors. She hesitated a moment to admire the portraits Mrs. Woods had shown her on her first day. After she passed the Woods’ offices, the hallway opened into the hotel’s main lobby. Gracie stopped at the entrance, taking it all in. She had passed through this striking room with PT a week ago and hadn’t noticed the open, magnificent space.
    Huge windows were adorned with cream-colored cornices from which hung matching draperies held back with green tassels. The wallpaper was the color of budding spring leaves alternating with a thick glossy cream stripe. Small wooden tables, hugged by groups of wicker chairs cushioned in a floral pattern, were scattered about. In the center of the room was a magnificently carved chestnut table with a marble top, holding a stunning fresh flower arrangement. To the left, an impressive wooden staircase led up to the landing of the first sleeping floor. Double doors on her right led outside to the front lawn. The whole effect seemed to bring the outdoors in. A stone fireplace stood across the room from her. Old Tim ticked away guarding the east hall that led to the library.
    Light from the immense lobby chandelier filtered into the library as Gracie passed through a large archway. Comfortable leather armchairs were grouped at the entrance with end tables and lamps that had been turned off. Shelves and shelves of books lined the walls and windows reached almost to the ceiling. A floor lamp with a lemon-colored shade patterned with amber leaves dimly lit the room. Thinking she was alone, Gracie jumped when she heard a squeak from one of the leather chairs.
    Mrs. Woods peeked around the wing of the chair, startled. “Oh, Gracie, dear, it seems we both are up late. What brings you down here at ten-thirty at night? The night watchman will be around soon to turn out the lights.”
    “I need a dictionary, ma’am.”
    “Whatever for, Gracie?”
    “I read my books before I go to bed. When I find words I don’t know, I write them down so I can look up their definitions. I want to improve my vocabulary.”
    “What are you reading now?”
    “ Sister Carrie ,” Gracie announced proudly.
    “Oh, that poor dear. As I recall, she went to Chicago to better herself and then wound up a lonely, selfish person.”
    “Oh, I don’t know,” breathed Gracie. “I haven’t gotten that far yet.”
    “Well, I won’t spoil it for you. I will tell you that running from home to be a famous actress wasn’t exactly what Carrie expected. I’m impressed with your interest in reading. Please feel free to borrow anything you want from our library here. Just write your name on the card and put it in the lending box over on the desk. We also keep Barron’s and Time magazines, although the guests tend to take them to their rooms and we lose track of them.
    “I see your new uniform fits well. Olivia is a master seamstress. When you need the other one washed, you can visit the laundry house down the rear lawn just west of the garage.”
    Rising with effort she said, “Well, Mr. Woods will be waiting up for me. Sometimes I like to sit here and enjoy the quiet at night after the guests have retired.” She ran a finger along the bookshelf behind her and pulled out a heavy book. “Here’s the dictionary. You can sit here at my father’s old desk to look up your words, if you like.” Mrs. Woods lovingly placed her hand on an immense cherry roll top desk filled with cubbyholes and tiny drawers.
    “Goodnight, Mrs. Woods. And, oh honestly, thank you for the offer to use the books.”
    “You’re welcome, dear. It’s nice to know we have someone on our staff so diligent about learning.” With a tired smile, she started to leave the room, and then turned back. “Gracie, if you don’t mind me