AN: Hello to anyone still following this story, new reader or old. I am so sorry that I abandoned it for so long. I know a lot of you really enjoyed reading, and I loved creating the original characters to introduce to Mr. March. So, for those who forgive me I have good news! I've edited the story, and have kept my intended plot while even adding in some chapters that take place during the AHS plot (although it will come mostly in the last few chapters) All of OCs you've been introduced to are back as well as some significant cameos from real celebs of the 1920s AND I have already completed the story. But decided to release the chapters bi-weekly from now on. This way I get to leave some suspense for the readers instead of putting it all out at once. Hope you enjoy! - Lady Amethyst
She wasn't sure if it was the drugs or just her natural adrenaline, but since they had left the club time had blew by, and now Amelia was in a very plain room laughing hysterically.
"I'd really like to know what you find so amusing, Miss Rothesay." James said.
"Life,' She giggled. 'My whole life I've been kept in close proximity to my mother's eye or my fathers or my nannies when I was a child. Yet, here I am in a situation that I've been taught to stay away from." Amelia flopped onto the bed.
"It was quite curious to find you tonight." James agreed. She pulled eagerly at the back of her dress. 'Are you alright?"
"It's hot. Too hot. I have to take this off." She grunted.
"Allow me."James could feel the sweat on her back. He fumbled with the buttons until the came undone.
"Thank goodness!" Amelia cheered, she stood and the blue dress fell revealing only her sheer white under slip.
"I'll run you a bath, it will help you cool down." He told her.
"Wait,' Her hand grabbed him before he could turn. 'Thank you for not leaving me behind, I could have been arrested - or worse returned home."
"Only a fool would leave you behind." James replied. Amelia half smiled met his dark gaze. He hadn't no way of knowing that what he had just said touched her. They were words she wished Nathaniel would have said to her, instead of sleeping with her former friend Gloria Winthrop then fleeing to Connecticut.
"I have a hard time trusting handsome men." She admitted.
"Ah, so you find me handsome?" He taunted
"Yes."
"And I find you to be a magnificent piece of art, a true goddess in the flesh." He moved closer to her, and Amelia stepped forward as well. To his surprise her hands quickly wrapped around his neck and she brought her mouth to his.
James kissed her and she pulled him closer, to the point where his pelvis was pressed against her belly. He lead Amelia back to the bed and laid her down gently. Their faces broke apart and he continued a trail of kisses down her neck, inhaling Chanel No. 5. She let out a soft moan as he felt on her breasts. James couldn't hide the fact that he wanted her. He guided her hands to his waist band, encouraging her to undo his pants. She did, and began to stroke his freed erection.
"My, my, Amelia, aren't you full of surprises."James said between breaths. Her hands moved up his torso and she got him out of his shirt. Her legs hooked around his hips and he knew she was ready. His flesh slid inside hers and she let out a gasp.
Tension was growing at the Rothesay residence. Mrs. Rothesay paced the foyer as her husband stood before her next to a man in a brown suit. All of the house staff stood to the side along the wall, Helen their trusted maid, Andre, the cook, and Mr. Quinn the elevator operator all with concerned faces.
"It's nearly two hours past midnight. Where is she?" Mrs. Rothesay panicked. The party had ended at eleven, and nobody had seen her daughter since an hour before then. It was a true embarrassment for the family, to host an event only to have the guest of honor go missing.
"They'll find her soon, I have the best officers out there looking." Detective Daniels replied.
"This is not like our daughter, Detective.' Henry Rothesay said for the hundredth time. He wondered, had she been kidnapped? Lured out of the building without anyone noticing? He heard the family down stairs had a break in last month, could this be related?
"Sir, we are going to search every nook and corner of this city until Amelia is found." the Detective promised, and he was true to his word. Paul Daniels took his job as head investigator for the New York Police Department very seriously. Daniels was cracking down on crime. He had leads about bootleggers all across the city, selling alcohol, drugs, and weapons in the streets. His team had arrested fourteen people in the past week with connections to a serious underground operation booming out of Chicago.
James March woke up next to a true sleeping beauty, it wasn't like him to bring women back home - or in this case back to his hotel - but he found Amelia to be different. He sat up and slowly got out of bed trying not to wake her. Still only in his undergarments, James opened the closet and took out his perfectly tailored gray pinstriped pants and hopped into them. Next he dressed himself in a white button down and gray vest. He fixed his hair in the mirror, combing it mostly to the right side, then he moved back to bedside window and peered outside.
The city was growing rapidly, new buildings at almost every corner, and even where there were already buildings they were adding stories on top. It was James' dream to own one of those buildings. He wanted to design and build his very own hotel, he heard there was a great deal of profit to be made in the hospitality industry.
By the bedside table sat a pipe and tobacco tin, James grabbed them both them sat in a cushioned arm chair adjacent from the bed. He packed his pipe and lit it, filling the room with smoke once he exhaled. It was the scent of tobacco that had awoken Amelia.
"Where am I?" She asked with a hoarse voice.
"The Plaza Hotel." James answered. He poured a glass of water from the jug beside the arm chair and passed it to her.
"Thank you." Amelia took a sip from the glass. She was trying her best to remember last night and the events that lead her to waking up in this hotel room. It came back in flashes. The gathering at her penthouse - the sound of whistles and people racing to leave the speakeasy - a burning feeling in her nose - Eleanor. 'Where is Eleanor?"
"Hmm, oh, was that your friends name?" James pondered.
"Yes. She was with us, then she wasn't."
'I'm afraid we lost her during the raid. But don't worry, even if she was caught by the coppers they wouldn't keep her long." James replied.
"Is this where you live?" Amelia asked, her eyes scanned her surroundings.
"For now.'He answered. 'I'm thinking about purchasing some land here, building my own hotel. However I do own a nice estate on Rhode Island which is currently being remodeled."
"Rhode Island? Are you from there?"
"Negative.' He blew out a cloud of smoke before continuing. 'I was born in Pennsylvania, my father worked in the mines."
"Forgive the interruption.' She spoke, 'Did you say in the mines, like a laborer?"
"Yes, dear. Hard to believe I come from such humble origins, isn't it?"
"So how did James keep his hands so clean?" Amelia wondered, she was at the edge of the bed now still in her slip.
'Well,' He smirked. 'I became good friends with the man who employed my father, Mr. Sterling,in fact he was more like a father to me than my own blood. He taught me everything there was to know about running a corporation. He even paid for my post-secondary education in England, where I stayed a couple years after graduation. Then there was news a war broke out and I returned to America only to learn that my friend and mentor had passed away, he left me 20 percent of his company, and I decided to start my own as well. I heard good things about the east coast, so I decided to relocate."
"If you're interested I can introduce you to a few of my peers. I have a family friend who's an architect. Perhaps he can offer some advice on the Manhattan market." Amelia shrugged.
"I'd appreciate that very much, Miss. I'm happy to arrange a meeting anytime here at The Plaza." Just as James had finished speaking housekeeping knocked at the door, he shooed them away. Amelia looked up at the clock. Ten thirty.
"Oh, my goodness. I need to get home my parents must be worried sick!" She jumped from the bed and scurried around looking for her dress.
"Your gown is in the closet." James told her. He watched as she sighed with relief and stepped into the dress.
"Could you?' She turned her back to him, 'I'm terrible at buttons that are in front of me, I can't fathom these."
"Of course." He began to button up the back of her dress. She could feel his breath on her neck as his hands climbed up her spine. Scenes from last night flashed through her mind.
"James." Amelia cleared her throat.
"Yes?"
"I'd like a ride home, if you'd be so kind."
"Let me grab my coat." He said.
"Detective, is there any word on my daughters location?" Henry inquired as soon as the detective arrived to check in.
"Not yet, I'm afraid." Daniels answered.
"This is ridiculous!" Mrs. Rothesay shouted. "She could be lying at the bottom of the Hudson by now."
"Rose,' Her husband protested. 'That's to bed you've been up all night."
"As have you." Rose argued.
"Mrs. Rothesay, Mr. Rothesay -' Detective Daniels broke in. 'This situation is stressful for parents, I understand."
Ding. Henry and Rose ran to the elevator hoping to greet their daughter - but instead Eleanor appeared.
"Is Amelia home?" She asked.
"No, and frankly I suspect you have some part in this." Rose replied. Amelia's mother wasn't too fond of Eleanor or her mother's lifestyle.
"Miss Eddington, you were here last night, correct?" Henry asked in a less intimidating tone.
"I was, sir." Eleanor answered. "And I do take full responsibility for my friends disappearance." She had to come clean.
"What do you mean?" Daniels questioned.
"We went out last night. I convinced Amelia to sneak out using the back stairwell." Eleanor explained.
"Where did you go?" the detective asked again, pulling out his notepad.
"To a -' Eleanor gulped. 'We went to Chumley's club."
"Chumley's club.' Rose repeated. 'What is that?"
"A music club,' Daniels answered. 'But word got around they were selling illegal substances. It's one of the places that were raided last night."
"Wonderful, you brought my daughter to a criminal hangout."Rose snarled. "Get out of my sight.
"There's no use scolding the poor child, Rose." Henry spoke. "She is concerned for Amelia as well."
Ding.
Everyone in the room turned around as the elevator doors opened.
"Meli!' Eleanor exclaimed, throwing her arms around the blonde. 'I'm so glad you're here."
"Miss Rothesay, I am Paul Daniels, head detective of the New York Police. I have some questions for you."
"Questions?' Rose cut in. "The girl was missing, she's home now - your job is done."
"I'm afraid not Ma'am. We've spent a lot of time on this case. Had over a sixty men paid over time looking for this young lady. The department is going to want some answers."
"It's alright, mother.' Amelia said. 'I'll be happy to talk to detective Daniels. Alone."
Amelia sat across from Detective Daniels in her fathers office. He leaned on to the desk, staring down at his notes. Amelia saw his brow frown, he was trying to make sense of it all.
"So, after the club was raided, you went for a walk?" He sighed, 'That just doesn't add up Ms. Rothesay. I had that area patrolled."
"To be fair, Mr. Daniels, it was very dark out. I wouldn't blame any of your men if they didn't notice me."
"I don't know what kind of people you think we hire Miss, but I can assure you they are very observant." He stated.
Amelia shrugged. "I can't tell you why they hadn't noticed me. I was out by the pond at central park. Then I stopped at the zoo, which was closed. So I wandered up 5th Avenue until my feet were tired, I stayed over night at a friends house."
"A friends house? Which friend? Your parents contacted all of your known acquaintances."
"Yes, well I'm sure they only gave a list of people in the city.' Amelia explained falsely. 'Caroline only moved here a couple weeks ago."
"Right and what's the address?" Daniels questioned.
"Oh, heavens if I know. Somewhere on 71st. I can call her if you'd like."
"Please do." Detective Daniels followed Amelia to the candlestick phone. She picked up the ear piece and quickly turned the dial.
"Hello? Caroline, yes it's me I've made it home safely." Amelia said. "Mhm, apparently I'va caused a big scene. There's a detective here... He'd like to confirm that I stayed at your residence last night...one moment...' Amelia stepped back from the telephone. 'Would you like to speak with Caroline Mr. Daniels?"
"If you don't mind." The detective took the ear piece and switched spots with Amelia. Little did he know he wasn't talking to anyone named Caroline, or even to a woman. The person on the other end of the line was Nathaniel Montgomery - Scott. He and Amelia had an agreement since they were teenagers that if they ever needed to cover a story for one another they would. Amelia made up Caroline after skipping a luncheon with her mothers socialite friends. Nathaniel was an excellent voice actor. She hadn't tried the scheme since she had stopped talking to Nathaniel. Luckily for her he seemed to be still playing along. "Alright, Ms. Moore, thank you for talking with me. Enjoy your trip to Boston." Detective Daniels hung up the phone.
"Everything alright?" Amelia asked.
"Yes, so it seems. G'day Miss Rothesay, I'll let you get some rest."
A couple of days had passed since Amelia ditched her party to sneak out with Eleanor. She couldn't stop thinking about James Patrick March, and his inspiring story of being a self made man. She didn't hear much of that where she was from; everyone in her world was born into wealth. Meanwhile, her mother's scolding from that night was still echoing in her head. 'If you get caught in one of those places, you'll ruin our family's name forever!' Then she went on to remind Amelia of Ricky Callahan - a boy from from the Upper East Side - who was now snubbed by high society. Ricky was the son of a renowned doctor who died from the Spanish influenza the same year Charles Rothesay had. After his father's death Ricky became depressed, he had started taking pills and other drugs; morphine, cocaine, heroine, you name it.
Once word got out about her sons new habits, Mrs. Callahan and her two daughters started receiving less invitations to galas and dinners. So, to keep her place in high society Dorothy Callahan cut off all communication with her son. There were even rumors that she had tried to pay him to leave the city, which didn't work considering he was left a generous amount of wealth when his father died. Amelia still saw Ricky around, but as her parents recommended she tried her best to avoid him and his new friends .
"Miss,' Helen said poking her head into Amelia's room. 'Mr. Nathaniel Montgomery - Scott is here to see you."
"Plese, tell him I'll be out in a minute. Thank you." Amelia replied. She had amde a short phone call to Nathaniel yesterday, asking him to meet with her. She wanted to thank him for covering for her. Amelia walked down the marble hall and into the sitting room where Nathaniel was patiently waiting.
"Good afternoon."He smiled at her.
"I'm glad you could make it, Nathaniel." Amelia responded. She sat down across from him on a pale green cushioned sofa.
"Me too. I was surprised at the invitation, especially after our encounter on our birthday."
"Right, and I wanted to apologize and thank you.' she said. 'I was very rude the last time we saw eachother,' Amelia took a cautious look around the room. 'Yet, you still covered for me that night."
"I figured you were more disturbed by my brothers presence.' Nathaniel replied. 'I also assumed you were in a desperate position with the detective to have to get an alibi from Caroline." His voice changed to a higher more feminine pitch when he said the name.
"Shh!' Amelia hushed, holding back a laugh. "We can't expose our secret."
"May I ask where you really were that night? You had everyone worried."
"I was a little overwhelmed with the soiree.' She admitted. 'So Eleanor took me out and we made a new friend."
"And this friend, why couldn't she speak with Detective Daniels?" Nathaniel wondered.
"He actually. I was afraid of what my parents or the detective would think of me if I told them I had spent all night out with Mr. March. You know people like to talk, make up stories."
"Oh. So you and this Mr. March, where did you go?"
"The Plaza, that's where he is staying right now.' Amelia answered then added,'We chatted in one of the lounge areas. He was telling me about his business plans."
"Interesting. What kind of business is he in?" Nathaniel asked.
"That's another reason why I asked if you could visit; A proposal. He is looking for some land to build on, do you know of any lots that are available?" She wasn't sure how Nathaniel was going to respond to her question. He took his time, slowly drinking the tea Helen had brought him when he first arrived.
"Well if you think this man is serious about developing a building then leave me a way to reach him and I'll arrange a meeting. Of course, Nicholas will be joining me as well."
"Yes, of course." Amelia had almost forgotten that the brothers were also partners in business. It would be harder to get the elder Montgomery- Scott's approval. "Please give Nicholas my congratulations on his engagement, and my apologies for the other night."
"I will." Nathaniel nodded. He knew there was an issue between Nicholas and Amelia, they never got along, not even when they were children. It got worse when Nathaniel had courted her and he believed his brother had something to do with why she called off the grandfather clock at the front of the sitting room started to chime. "Is it three already?"
"It would appear so." Amelia answered.
"I'm sorry to leave so soon, I have an appointment with a client in half an hour." He told her.
"Not to worry. I'll call you later with the information on Mr. March." she replied.
"Great. I'm sure I will see you around soon. Are you going to the costume ball?"
"Yes. See you then." Amelia said. They looked at each other for a moment, unsure on what as an appropriate way to say goodbye. Finally Nathaniel waved then turned down the hall to the elevator.
