Free A Lady of Hidden Intent by Tracie Peterson

effect.”
    “Yes. Yes. This is more to her liking, I am sure. Can this design be repeated?”
    “It’s costly, but the workmen can add similar detail to the window crowns and elsewhere.”
    “Good. Then let us proceed with that design. I am quite certain my wife will be pleased.”
    Carter wrote several notes on the side of the design. “And have you decided about the kitchens?”
    “Yes. Mrs. Montgomery said to place the summer kitchen as a detached room connected by the walkway, as you suggested.
    She has never cared for the summer kitchen to be attached to the house even in part. It defeats the purpose of keeping the heat from the living quarters. Not that we are here for long in summer.
    I cannot abide summer in Philadelphia. Although I am told this new country acreage may well prove cooler and less difficult.”
    “Perhaps that will be true,” Carter said, adding yet another note on the paper. “Very well, unless you can think of anything else, I believe I have all the details needed.”
    “And you can arrange for the workmen? I would, of course, wish to interview them and discuss their prices.”
    “Of course.” Carter straightened and followed Mr. Montgomery, who was already moving toward the door. “I will arrange a meeting. Would you prefer that we come to your home, or should I arrange to hold it here?”
    “My house will be acceptable. See if you cannot arrange something prior to the twentieth, however.”
    “Today is the seventeenth. I see no reason why I cannot get at least a few of the men together in short order. Why don’t we say the nineteenth at your house, two o’clock?”
    “Very good. I shall look forward to it.”
    Carter showed Mr. Montgomery to the foyer and waited until the butler arrived with the man’s hat, gloves, and coat. Once Montgomery was on his way, Carter headed back to his office. Winifred waited for him, small and delicate against the dark wood of the large desk and bookcases. In fact, the darker greens and browns Carter had chosen for the office appeared only to make Winifred seem even smaller.
    “I’m so sorry to interrupt. Are you terribly busy?” she asked.
    Carter came to her and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I always have time for you. Sit and tell me why you’ve come.”
    “I need to ask a favor,” she said, taking a seat as instructed. “I need to go to the dressmaker’s and pick materials for my gown.
    Mama has already chosen hers, but Miss Shay has some additional fabrics coming in that I wish to see. Surprisingly enough, Mama agreed to let me choose for myself.”
    “That is amazing,” Carter said with a grin. “She must be overly concerned with planning for the ball itself.”
    Winifred smiled and her dark eyes seemed to twinkle. “I thought perhaps that might be the case. Either way, I didn’t wish to forgo the opportunity.”
    Carter picked up the plans for the Montgomery house and rolled them. “I find myself quite free this afternoon and would be happy to escort you to Mrs. Clarkson’s. I shall have Joseph bring the carriage around. How soon would you like to go?”
    “I can be ready immediately. I have only to go retrieve my things,” Winifred said, getting to her feet. “I shan’t be but a moment.”
    Carter secured the plans in a tall bookcase with glass-paneled doors. He liked his office in order, but even more so, he liked having his affairs away from the prying eyes of his father and brother. More than once he’d found his brother, Robin, snooping about. Locking the doors to the case, Carter couldn’t help but be reminded that this was yet another reason he should consider moving to a house of his own. Perhaps with another job or two—maybe a large government project—he would feel secure enough to do just that. Of course, there was always the possibility of partnering with someone. His old mentor, Hollis Fulbright, came to mind. The flamboyant man had shown great appreciation and affection for Carter during the days he