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“It’s a disguise.”
Millie walked around her, tapping her mouth with her index finger, her eyes bright with laughter. “Who are you hiding from?”
Ellie leaned in and looked around. “Mr. Colbert.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Mr. Colbert, the principal?”
“The very one.” She threw her bag full of treasures over her shoulder. “He shut down my Christmas project, but I have no intention of giving it up. In case he’s wandering around town today, I decided to wear this outfit.” She waved her hand toward her clothes.
“You do like to cause trouble.” Millie walked to the counter and took out a package. “Here’s the ribbons and lace I promised for your baskets.”
“Thanks so much. I’m sure the lucky ladies who get these will be thrilled.” She stuffed the package in her bag. “Will you be at the Women’s Rights meeting Tuesday night?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Millie turned as a customer called to her from across the room. “Gotta go. See you Tuesday.”
Ellie pulled her collar closer and headed back into the cold. Getting from shop to shop took more time since the Saturday Christmas shoppers had arrived. Her bag filled as she stopped at the grocer’s, mercantile, and milliner. Around noon, even with the sunlight warming the air, Ellie still felt chilled enough to stop for a bowl of soup at the coffee shop.
Mr. and Mrs. Bonner had built The Café years ago when Ellie was a young girl living next door to them. No longer running the business, they’d sold it to Richard Devlin, a middle-aged, pudgy man who had trained with one of the top chefs in New York City. He’d remodeled The Café and changed the menu to dishes no one recognized. After three weeks of no customers, he brought back Mrs. Bonner’s menu of plain cooking and had been busy ever since.
Ellie took a seat and glanced at the menu. The Café did a very good business with all the extra shoppers. Most of the tables were occupied, and the recently added long counter with stools completely full.
The special of the day was chicken noodle soup. She ordered a bowl, along with a cup of tea, and then blew into her hands to warm them. Several people stopped by and said hello, leaving her wondering about the effectiveness of her disguise.
“Ellie, you did it, after all.” Rose stood next to her, several bags in her hand. She dropped the packages and took the seat across from her. After sliding her foot from her ankle boot, she rubbed the soreness. “I’ve been shopping for two hours, and I’m exhausted.”
Ellie grimaced. “I don’t know how effective of a disguise this is. I’ve been waved at by any number of people today.”
Rose leaned back in her seat and studied Ellie. “Face to face, yes, you’re recognizable, but I would think from a distance, or from the back, you could fool most people. But then, you’re only interested in fooling one person, and he may not even be in town today.” She took her other shoe off and began rubbing. “Aren’t you concerned the businesses you’re soliciting will tell Mr. Colbert?”
Ellie nodded her thanks at the waitress who brought her soup and tea. “I hope not. I sort of mentioned it was a surprise, so they shouldn’t tell anyone about my visit. There’s only three more places left on my list, and then I can go home. My feet are pretty worn out, too.”
The waitress placed a glass of water in front of Rose and pulled out her pad and pencil.
“I’ll have an egg salad sandwich, please. And a cup of tea.” Rose shrugged out of her coat and took a sip of water.
“What great plan do you have in that interesting brain of yours to continue with this project right under Colbert’s nose?”
Ellie sighed. “Right now there is no great plan. I’m hoping by our meeting next Thursday I’ll be inspired.” She finished her lunch and pushed back her chair. “Well, I’m off again. I have to get to the barbershop before he closes at one o’clock.”
Rose’s eyebrows shot up. “What are you getting from the barbershop?”
“A shaving cup and brush.” She smiled as she shoved the loose hair back under her cap. “I’ll take everything and anything.”
“Good luck. I’ll see you Monday.”
After securing the bundle under her arm, Ellie headed to the door.
The Christmas spirit hovered in the air. Most stores had added strings of holly and other seasonal decorations to their window displays. Colorful signs ad
vertised gift items and toys. Salvation Army bell ringers stood in front of the livery, playing Christmas carols. Ellie dropped a coin in the red kettle. The group had done so much for the survivors of the San Francisco earthquake earlier in the year.
Ellie dodged between and around shoppers as she headed in the direction of the barbershop. A tall man, loaded down with packages, followed a stout woman who shouted orders over her shoulder. Ellie moved to go around him at the same moment he shifted his packages, smacking her in the eye with his elbow.
“Ouch!” Ellie’s hand flew to her face.
“Sorry.” He puffed and kept going.
Tears filled her eye and dripped down her cheek. She moved to the side and set her bag against the meat market building. She unbuttoned her coat and pulled a handkerchief from the front pocket of her pants. With gentle fingertips, she pushed on her cheekbone. It hurt. As soon as she picked up the brush and cup from the barber, she’d go home. If she could put some ice on it right away, she might avoid a black eye. Wouldn’t that go over well with Mr. Colbert!
