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Hadley having accepted a position
with an aerospace firm. The acclimatization to California was proving something
of a challenge for the entire family, Lacey had quickly deduced, except for the
teen-age children, who were apparently adapting beautifully.
    "Did you really think our place was ... was charming?" Elizabeth asked in
ill-concealed surprise. "I mean, I know it’s hardly modern or stylish. I was
afraid you’d take one look at it and decide there was nothing you could do-"
    "Have you ever worked with an interior designer before?" Lacey smiled
understandingly.
    "I’m afraid not. The home we had back in Kansas was the only one George and I
had ever owned until this move west. We furnished it with the cheapest things we
could find shortly after we were married and, although we added to and replaced
occasionally down through the years, there was never an opportunity to really do
it right. Now that we’re in a position to start from scratch, I’ve convinced
George to let me hire an expert . . ." Her voice trailed off uncertainly once
again.
    "And you’re afraid I’ll come up with something that will shock poor George to
the core?" Lacey chuckled knowingly.
    "Well, George comes from a long line of conservative farmers," Elizabeth
confided, obviously grateful to have the hidden source of unease brought out
into the open for honest discussion. "I started thinking after you left last
week that perhaps I’d made a mistake."
    "Mrs. Hadley, come and look at some of the designs and plans I’ve prepared,"
Lacey said cheerfully. "And stop looking so worried. Part of an interior
designer’s responsibility is to assess the psychological and emotional
requirements of a family’s life-style. I’m well aware of the fact that Los
Angeles is proving a bit of a culture shock for you and George! I wouldn’t dream
of adding to that shock by doing something wild and dramatic to your home."
    Elizabeth Hadley looked relieved. "Thank you for understanding. Every time I
look around your shop here and see all these modern, artistic things, I worry
that George would go crazy trying to live surrounded by them!"
    "A lot of people would." Why did she suddenly think of Jed? Lacey pulled out
her sketch pad with one hand and reached for a wallpaper sample book with the
other. "The home should be a refuge for the family, not a showcase for visitors.
It’s true that some people want a showcase, and for them I do dramatic things
that really would drive other people crazy. But for a real family like yours, I
want to achieve an environment that is comfortable, yet something of which you
can be proud."
    Mrs. Hadley, growing rapidly more relaxed as Lacey began spreading out the
warm quiet designs she’d prepared, began to smile and nod. "Yes, yes, George
will like that arrangement near the fireplace. He’s always been a
pipe-and-slippers sort of man! And that kitchen is fabulous! I never would have
thought of that center island idea. Kind of reminds me of an old farmhouse
kitchen yet it looks so modern."
    "That’s the trick in this case, Mrs. Hadley," Lacey said. "We want your
family to feel comfortable, but we don’t want everyone feeling they never really
left the Midwest Now, here are some wallpaper colors and textures I’d like to go
over with you."
    They spent another half hour assessing the various samples, and by the end of
the session, not only did Elizabeth Hadley feel vastly more confident in her
decision to use a designer, Lacey felt far more relaxed herself. There was
nothing like work to take one’s mind off one’s problems, she thought wryly.
    "I can’t wait to show these sketches to George and the kids," Mrs. Hadley
exclaimed as she prepared to leave.
    Lacey saw her client out the door and then turned back to the worktable to
gather up the various papers and samples lying there. The shop seemed very quiet
now that Elizabeth Hadley was gone. Lacey sighed inwardly. It was almost noon.