Discernment, p.6
Discernment, page 6
“Time will be the judge of that,” she sniped.
Seven
Thursday afternoon, I took the streetcar to the shopping district. In my reticule, I had the bridal money my parents had given me—the balance of what they had expected to spend on a lavish wedding for their only daughter rather than the small, speedily-planned backyard affair they’d held for me and Alvin the week previous. My goal was to buy a gorgeous evening gown.
I hesitated before the window display at Mademoiselle Bisset’s shop, imagining myself wearing one of the colorful silk gowns with a shockingly low neckline. When Althea told me supper would be formal, I had asked her opinion on where to go. She sent me to this very French dress shop. Knowing Althea wouldn’t lead me astray, I opened the door and breezed inside with a smile.
“Now this is what I like to see—a young lady who is unashamedly happy.” A woman in a classic tailored black dress clapped her hands. “Welcome, my dear, I am Mademoiselle Bisset, and I will personally outfit you for any occasion.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome. Your shop was recommended to me for a supper engagement I’ll be attending with my husband tomorrow.”
She nodded as she circled me in the open area between the counter and the seating area. “That is a short timeline, but you appear to be of a size that will not need many alterations.”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that. I’m not used to formal city occasions. We’re new in town and have met one of your friendly solicitors.”
“And who is the gentleman of the law that is so welcoming to new faces?”
“Mr. Sean Spunner.”
“That dear man! I was to outfit his bride for their wedding, but she was lost the season before. Not a soul has turned his head in all these years, which is most unfortunate. What does your husband do, Mrs….”
“Farley. Mrs. Alvin Farley. He’s the newest math teacher at Barton Academy.” I held my chin up, for no matter how humble his profession, Alvin was a man to be proud of. “I’d like a gown to last me through the next few seasons. Something I can easily alter with accessories to be worn for several occasions, should they arise.”
“I am happy to do this for you, Mrs. Farley. Does your husband have a favorite color?”
“He loves all blues.”
“That works favorably for your complexion.” She pursed her lips a moment in contemplation. “I have a Jeanne Hallée I think will do well for you.”
Within a curtained dressing room, Mademoiselle Bisset took my measurements and sent a shop girl to fetch the appropriate foundation garments. Once those were on, she helped me into the silk gown. It followed the curve of my hips and billowed around my feet, creating the mimic of a train without the fuss. The scrolling, deep blue damask print reached my wrists on sheer sleeves, but the back was a V-cut and a false underlay of cream covered in glass beads held a scooped neckline that was low enough to be intriguing. It even blended with the purple glow that surrounded me like a halo whenever I looked in a mirror.
“It’s marvelous, mademoiselle!”
“I must agree with you. You carry it perfectly, my dear. Now allow me to find a pair of shoes...”
When I left the store, it was with a receipt for the gown, foundation pieces, multiple pairs of silk hosiery, plus one pair of shoes, and a nightgown—all to be delivered the following morning.
Still having close to forty dollars in my purse, I stopped next at First National Bank where Alvin had an account.
I waited in line until I was called to the counter.
“I’m Mrs. Alvin Farley,” I told the clerk. “My husband banks here. I’m not sure of the account number, but I can give you our address. I wanted to deposit thirty dollars as a surprise to him.”
“Of course, Mrs. Farley. Just a moment.”
The clerk returned from pulling his file with an eager smile. He practically fell over himself while recording my deposit. It was a healthy amount, but not worth the fuss he was giving it.
“Let your husband know that he only needs to stop in and sign a note granting you permission to withdraw from the account up to a set amount to give you spending money when you need it.” He slid the deposit slip across the counter to me.
I folded the paper and slipped it into my bag. “Thank you.”
Utilizing the streetcars, I managed to arrive home before Alvin. We had an almost-pleasant evening downstairs with Catherine, though I had to once again explain my absence from the house. I did so without revealing my special purposes or the forgotten deposit slip in my bag.
Friday morning, I made a batch of butter cookies—something that would keep well since we were dining at Sean’s house. When my delivery from Mademoiselle Bisset arrived, Catherine looked like she wanted to tear the striped boxes out of my hands.
“Does Alvin know you’re wasting money on over-priced French ensembles?”
“It’s a surprise for our supper out.”
“So you bought new clothes for Mr. Spunner’s benefit?”
“I did no such thing, Aunt Catherine.” I went for the stairs. “Besides, you’re always harping about me needing to look presentable. I’d have thought you’d be pleased.”
“Not when you’re being frivolous with Alvin’s money!”
I stopped before the window on the landing and turned. “I bought all this with my money.”
Her hands went to her full hips. “I had no idea you were an heiress.”
“I’m not. It was a wedding gift, if you must know. It took my father years to save up what he did. My family never lacked anything, but we didn’t employ multiple servants.” I met her cold gaze. “I know I’m not what you want in your life, but I assure you Alvin is happy with me.”
She frowned and disappeared into the parlor.
I retreated upstairs and focused on the joy of unwrapping my purchases. It was like my birthday but tenfold as I’d never experienced such opulence. The new underclothes and shapewear, the shoes and dress. Tucked into a little box within the package with my silk nightgown was a note and pair of drop crystal earrings.
Mrs. Farley,
Please accept these earrings as a “Welcome to Mobile” gift. They are a fine piece of costume jewelry, tasteful enough to wear before the most discerning eyes. And they will look ravishing with your new dress, though your classic pearls do the job too.
I am glad you found your way to my shop.
Sincerely,
Mademoiselle Bisset
I happily removed the pearl studs I always wore and hooked in the sparkling earrings. It instantly brought allure to my face and would look well against a bare neck.
I forced myself to wait until after three before beginning to wash and dress. I wanted to surprise Alvin when he returned, but not in front of Catherine. Glittering from head to toe, I watched for his return from the sitting room window.
When Alvin passed under me to the front porch, I heard the titter of Catherine welcoming him home. The minutes ticked by as the murmur of voices and laughter continued from downstairs. Perhaps it was my growing annoyance or my feeling of aloneness as Alvin continued on with Catherine that pricked my sensitivity, but for the first time I felt a message within my sanctuary.
Do not trust her.
I almost answered aloud that I didn’t, for I knew it was in regards to the woman downstairs. The urge to run to Alvin overwhelmed me. Instead, I paced the room to expel the frustration seething through me over my husband’s delay.
It was nearly six before Alvin came up the stairs. Exhaling my disappointment over the long wait, I paused beside his desk so the lamp would shine on the beadwork across my bodice.
He stopped just inside the room, mouth slack from surprise. I waited for him to speak—preferably apologizing for his tardiness—but he only blinked.
“Good evening, Alvin,” I finally said. “I’ve been waiting for your return. I hope you had a great finish to your work week.”
Still nothing.
He watched as if under a spell as I crossed the room—eyes roving my form.
I touched his arm, noting his jacket was missing, and he was scented with Catherine’s perfume. “Why didn’t you come to me sooner?”
“Cathy told me you were on a walk, so I waited downstairs for your return.” His gaze dropped to the expanse of my skin on display. Raising a hand, his finger traveled the scoop of the trim on the cream fabric from one shoulder to the other. Then his hands lifted to my face and he left the whisper of a kiss on my lips. “My wife, the most beautiful woman in the world.”
Not able to refute his sincerity, though I thought him beyond exaggeration, I smiled. He appeared too awed to smile back, choosing to continue his study of my new items from my earrings to my shoes.
“You’re perfect, Deb. And to think I missed another hour with you.”
I didn’t want to speak badly of his aunt, so I spoke of the future. “We have from this moment on.”
Our lips met with fervor. Alvin’s hands traveled the damask patterns down my arms then followed it around my hips as we continued our heated embrace.
When he pulled back for breath, his gaze softened. “If I go into the next room to prepare for supper, will you still be here when I return?”
“Yes, Alvin.”
“I’m afraid you’ll disappear—that I might wake up and find myself alone.”
I gathered his large hands and pressed his knuckles to my lips as I looked up at him. “Ever since my father’s party last year, I’ve wanted to be yours. I enjoy my role as Mrs. Alvin Robert Farley too much to ever leave you.”
His grin shone, filling me with light.
While he prepared for our evening out, I sat in the chair by the window, working on my knitted shawl. It kept me from marching to Catherine and letting her know what I thought of her waylaying Alvin.
We descended the stairs at seven. Alvin, wearing his charcoal gray three-piece wedding suit, proudly escorted me into the parlor.
“Isn’t she beautiful, Cathy?” he asked. “Deborah surprised me with the new gown. I think I’ll be forced to buy a tuxedo so I can match her style next time.”
“But you look handsome, Alvin,” she said from the settee as she checked me from high pompadour to proper slippers. “You don’t need to feel inferior next to someone playing dress up.”
“I—I’m not sure how late we’ll be,” he stammered, “so don’t feel you need to wait up for us.”
On the sidewalk, Alvin’s arm went around my waist. “I’m sorry about Cathy’s sharpness. I don’t think she understands how she comes across.”
“Doesn’t she?” I asked pointedly. “She’s been antagonistic to me since I arrived. I know when I’m not wanted, Alvin. Please do me a favor. If I’m not waiting on the porch for you in the afternoons, seek me out right away.”
“Of course.”
“And know I’ll never leave word with Catherine about anything. I’ve been told on good authority she’s not to be trusted.”
At Sean’s house, our host welcomed us at the door as a ragtime tune played cheerily from inside. Sean wore a black tuxedo and a friendly smile. Eyes brightening at the sight of me, he pulled me into the house at the same time the shadow behind him zipped up the stairs.
“If I’m not mistaken, Deborah, this has the touch of Mademoiselle Bisset.”
“You’re exactly right.” I smiled in return. “Thank you for having us, Sean. I hope we aren’t too much trouble.”
“Nonsense.” He quickly kissed my cheek and turned to shake Alvin’s hand. “I don’t entertain nearly as much as I’d like. Do you dance, Deborah?”
“Of course. I did attend finishing school, even if I was raised in the country.”
Sean looked to Alvin again. “May I borrow your wife?”
He nodded, lips in a thin line.
“Would you like a shot of something now or wait until later?”
“Later, thank you,” Alvin replied.
“Make yourself comfortable, Alvin.” Sean motioned into the front room before taking my arm.
The phonograph was in the wide hall near the stairs, strategically placed so the paneled area would carry the tune to most of the house from the central location. I followed his lead in a cake walk until the tune ended. Then Sean changed the recordings and a traditional waltz started.
“I’d like one with you as well, Alvin,” I called to him as Sean spun me around the polished wood floor with natural grace.
Alvin nodded, eyes never leaving me.
“Did you invite someone else to join us?” I asked Sean.
“Tonight is about getting to know the two of you better. Besides, I didn’t know if you would want to be surrounded by more men, as another invitation would probably be a bachelor friend.”
“I have two brothers, and my father runs a boys’ school. I couldn’t get away from men if I tried.”
“That’s good to know.” He danced me to Alvin in the parlor. “Take the next song, then I’ll show y’all the house.”
I leaned close, swaying with Alvin to the dreamy music as he led us in a box step.
“Happy one week anniversary, Deb.”
“I didn’t think of that,” Sean said when the music stopped. “How was your first week together?”
“Glorious,” Alvin said without pause.
Sean grinned. “I bet.”
I put my arms around Alvin. “A wonderful adventure.”
“It’s been a lot of changes for you.” Sean put a hand on each of our shoulders. “I’m pleased to have met you so soon after your arrival. Now come see the house. It will be fresh for both of you because Althea swears Deborah only went to the kitchen the other day.”
“We chatted like old friends and ate the cookies she’d made for you.”
“Althea managed to save me a few.” Sean winked. “Let’s begin upstairs.”
There were two guest bedrooms plus an enormous master suite which Sean proudly entered.
It was odd going into a man’s bedroom, even with Alvin holding my hand, but I knew in an instant why Sean wanted us to see it. Over the carved mantel was a portrait that could be none other than his lost love. The figure in the gilt frame looked over her naked shoulder at the viewer, holding a purple drape to her chest as she smiled seductively. Her long, dark hair tumbled down her bare back, her penetrating eyes daring anyone to speak ill of her boldness.
“Eliza Rose Melling,” Sean said with reverence. “She was nineteen when she painted this self-portrait for me. Her talent and beauty defied everything.”
“To see her fully in color…” My voice trailed off before I realized I’d said the words aloud.
Alvin was too busy staring to hear, but Sean grinned, utilizing his full arsenal of dimples. He looked like a love-sick schoolboy. It was no wonder he couldn’t forget her. It might even be him that was unwittingly keeping her bound.
A cold wind swept the room but it did little to cool Alvin’s blush as he studied the painting. The current pulled me to the wall to the right of the bathroom door where a collection of smaller framed sketches hung. They were eye-level with the nearby bed. Approaching them, I realized the intricate sketches were nudes of his departed fiancée from various angles.
Alvin came to my side. “Deborah, why are you looking at those?”
Sean laughed and clapped Alvin’s shoulder. “It’s nothing either of you haven’t seen before on another woman. But enough of the peep show. You still need to see the library.”
I was safely on Alvin’s arm as we returned to the main floor, but unease followed me or—more likely—Eliza did.
The rich wood space of the library was scented with pipe tobacco. Bookcases filled three of the walls. A tufted leather chaise was in one corner, a desk in another.
“What an excellent room!” Alvin released my arm and went for the small gaming table with a chess board in front of the window. “And a gorgeous set.”
“The pieces are marble. My uncle gave it to me last Christmas, but I haven’t played in months.” Sean brushed my hand when he stopped beside me. “Would you mind, Deborah, if Alvin and I play after supper?”
“Not at all.”
“You would have free roaming privileges while we play. I’m sure you could find a book or two that would interest you.”
He pointed out his small section of mathematic books to Alvin, most of them old school texts. I sat on one of the armchairs at the inlaid chess board and watched them chatting like old friends. Sean practically lived like a king in this house of art, music, and books. He should have shared it with a wife and children by now—his own kingdom in the Port City—save for the spirit of Eliza. Then I imagined the fullness of life and freedom Alvin and I would be allowed if we had a home of our own, but that was more unlikely than banishing Eliza.
The resonate sound of a gong rippled through the house.
“That’s the call to the supper table,” Sean said. “Allow me to escort you, Deborah.”
The table was set on one end with both side settings close to the head seat. A vase with orange and white roses was in the true center of the table so as not to block our view of each other. Pleased with the intimate setting, I smiled at Alvin across from me and then our host.
Sean prayed in gratitude for the food and company, then Althea came through the door.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Farley,” she said as she balanced a tray.
“Hello, Althea. Please call me Deborah as you did before. And my husband is Alvin.”
She nodded her head to us as she dispersed salad plates to us all with a dainty scoop of crab salad. “As you like, Miss Deborah. Mr. Alvin, I hope you know what a gem you have with this woman.”
“I do, thank you.”
Later, after Althea delivered the blackened shrimp and sautéed asparagus, I looked to Sean. “Am I showing poor manners by chatting with your cook?”
Sean laughed. “I’d be offended if you didn’t. In my house, Althea isn’t hired help, she’s family.”
“Good.” I smiled with relief. “I’d love to come back and visit her.”
“You and Alvin are welcome anytime.”
