Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. All original characters and plot are the property of the author. No copyright infringement is intended.
In a little office in the Nocturne, Albert hung up the phone, chuckling with a look of disbelief on his face. He leaned back into the chair just as Ward Murdock came in, holding a couple of envelopes in his hand.
The office lay off the hallway in between the parlor and the auditorium. It was usually used by Murdock and had but one small half-moon window behind the grand desk. The sunset burst design let in colored light from the blue and red glass. Albert had insisted on polished stone floors and the elaborate desk that had a wide, white and black granite top that matched the floors. Besides a few filing cabinets, a phonograph and a small cupboard, the only other thing in thing in the office was a large, iron tub. Strange in and of itself, Albert had ordered it for a temporary solution to the problem of the steep stairs that went down to the basement where the ice was kept. He had had a server fall down those stairs and break both his legs. As it was, the stairs couldn't be refigured so the ice was brought up and put in the tub, enough to last the evening. Albert hated it in his office but the two storage rooms on the hallways were completely filled with needed supplies.
"Put one more guest on the list Ward. Can't believe it, guess who..." Albert was shaking his head, about to continue but his manager interrupted him.
"Here's something else you won't believe. Another letter from your...the mayor. It's the third one we've gotten." Murdock brought it over to Albert whose amused smile fell to a tight frown.
He began to open the envelope and noticed it addressed to W. Oleson. Then he opened the letter and read through it.
Exhaling, he tossed it onto the desk.
"At least he's giving Willie the benefit of the doubt. Sounds like he's assuming it's someone else." Albert said a bit relieved.
"But for how long?" Murdock crossed his arms. The man was a good ten years older than Albert. Often he tried to be the sensible one opposite the young, ambitious doctor in running this particular business.
Leaning over to a drawer, Albert pulled out a bottle of clear liquid and a shot glass, pouring it to it's brim. "Long enough for me to come up with a better arrangement."
Murdock let it go at that. There was a complicated relationship between his bosses. Oleson he hardly saw and didn't seem to have any interest in the business. Still Albert insisted he stay equal partners, now it was Oleson who actually owned the majority. It was Albert's latest way of keeping his name off the books.
Even more complicated was Ingalls' relationship with his own father. The mayor didn't seem to be a man that approved of such places, even the prim class of the Nocturne and hadn't stepped foot in it until inquiring after it being available to buy or rent. He thought it a joke at first when Albert had told him he was to keep his and Oleson's involvement in the Nocturne private. Murdock now realized how serious it was to them. Albert mostly. It was ridiculous to think no one would ever find out. Albert would come and go through the side door most of the time and never sign his name or meet with the staff if he could help it.
"Oh," Murdock pulled out another letter. "You're painting will be here within the next couple of weeks. It's coming by train."
About to put the glass to his lips, Albert sat it down, "Well that is better news." And he took the letter from his manager eagerly but still kept his frown.
A knock thwarted any further discussion of the subject and Albert swallowed his drink in almost one gulp.
"Come in!" He called, his mood swinging back to stressed and he put the heel of his hand to his forehead.
His head tender Jack opened the door and peeked in.
"Sorry sir, the refreshments are here. Do you want me to just put them anywhere?"
Nodding Albert waved him away and brought out a small white packet which he dumped some of the powdered continents into his empty glass, then filled it again with the whiskey.
"Dr. Ingalls…" Murdock started to say.
"Don't worry, we've got an hour. I just need a few minutes to clear my head ok? Can you handle everything for twenty minutes? I'll be right out." Albert stared into his glass with a perplexed look.
He heard the door shut and he picked up the glass, drinking it slowly this time. Now all he had to do was wait. He could feel the restlessness gripping his muscles. With everything that he had been dealing with lately, he had felt almost overwhelmed. Rachel's operation, his father's preoccupation with his cabaret, even Elise's reluctances all had been frustrating him the last couple of weeks.
Albert glanced over at his doctor's bag he had brought with him just in case he had a call. With Tim gone he had to be ready at any moment. It seemed like such a bother at times. He had worked so hard to go through medical school. It was what he felt he always wanted to do. What everyone expected him to do. He had always been the smartest boy in school, learning came easy for him. In college it was a bit harder. He had to put it into practice and discipline. Quickly he found that paying half his attentions did not work as it used to. There was a different kind of pressure as a physician and he couldn't just glide by on his intellect alone. He had to make decisions, the right ones, in seconds. People's lives were at stake and it was hard to accept that he couldn't make everyone better all the time. He was terrified of making a mistake. Clever Albert, he can't make a mistake.
His father was so proud of him. It was what he always wanted for Albert, and Albert had always wanted Charles to be proud of him. But he found it a scourge also.
The Nocturne was like the powders. Something on the side to release the stress. A different life he led separate and just breathed. It was not like a common, mite infested saloon, it was elegant and exclusive. Tasteful furnishings, expensive drinks, and music from brilliant composers. Murdock was right, how long until his separate life was discovered? Keeping the secret, it was almost exciting to Albert. He was good at making people see things his way. He was convincing and he held that talent far above his aptitude.
He could feel the cloud start settling, warm and peaceful in the back of his head. He let his head fall back and closed his eyes. All he needed was to make this a good night for Carrie. She'd never been here and he wanted it to be special for her. It would be the first time he had shared this life with anyone in his family. But it made him feel vulnerable.
And then there would be Elise.
Patience wasn't one thing he had ever had much of. Not often did he need it, especially with women. There had always been certain things he could say or do that guaranteed their affections. But Elise seemed to be preoccupied. The challenge of it was frustrating, and enthralling.
His dark eyes snapped open. How long had he been out? He looked at the clock, half past six. He had to get dressed. Standing up he had to pause as the dizziness receded.
Then he went up to his room, passing anyone who vied for his attention. "Later." He would say.
The front was to remain open but the back hall had been closed to the normal patrons.
With a record on his gramophone, Albert buttoned up his flawless white shirt from Paris and tied his wide cravat, tucking it into the fitted, double buttoned vest. Looking in the mirror in satisfaction he turned and went out of the room and down to prepare to meet his guests.
Nancy was first of course. She donned a dark red silk dress with black applique and fringe accents. Sighing, Albert really didn't mind Nancy around, in fact she was a helpful furnishing on such nights when he wanted the impression of high class to be established. He had known for some time that she was interested in him and had refrained from telling her of his unshared feelings. She was helpful to have around when he needed a particular client taken care of as she was pretty and spoke surprisingly well. And she would do anything for Albert.
In the large, two story room in back he looked over the room, looking over the decorations of bunting and strung lanterns. The large white cake with sugar roses adorning it was surrounded by other hors d'oeuvres. He had even had an ice sculpture done as the Eiffel Tower one of Carrie's dream destinations.
The party was somewhat of a secret from more people than just Carrie. Albert and Carrie were close and he felt he could share with her things that would never be accepted by the rest of his family. No, this party was for Carrie and not his parents or Mary, Laura, James or Cassandra. They had done the normal family gathering already, now it was time for a proper party.
More guests arrived, most who didn't even know Carrie, but it was time she socialized a bit more with the new blood of Walnut Grove.
Murdock emerged into the room with Elise on his arm, listening intently to something she was saying to him. Her dress was a far cry from Nancy's. Unbustled, dark pink with simple, hand stitched embroidery under the bust line and accenting the pointed waist and long hem. Ruffled short sleeves showed her slender arms, or would if she would leave off the shawl from her shoulders. Yet she still drew every eye in the room and made him take in a breath.
He hurried over to relieve Murdock of her.
"Good evening lady." He beamed at her and she smiled at him.
"Oh my aren't you elegant tonight Albert." Elise said with her perfect smile.
"Well it's not every day your sister turns twenty. Do you think Carrie will like it?"
Nodding she looked around. "I would have never expected such a place here. It reminds me of New York and the fine auditoriums there."
She couldn't have complimented him more. But of course he wasn't going to take credit. He had to remain just a customer here.
"Yes, I told you it wasn't like those other places."
Nancy stood not far from them, her arms folded indignantly.
Elise paused when she saw her and Albert sensed the tension between them.
"Oh yes Elise. Nancy has something to say to you." He shot a hard look at Nancy who tightened her lips all the more. "Nancy?" Albert prodded, raising his eyebrows expectantly.
Dropping her eyes, the Oleson girl was barely audible, "Sorry about the jam Elise. I'll pay for the damages."
Elise's eyes flickered away. She meant Willie would. Still, it would be ungraceful to not accept it. It was probably the best Nancy could do.
Quietly Elise nodded. "No need."
Albert grinned as if all were well in the world, "Here come in."
They walked passed a glowering Nancy.
Soon, Murdock came back, announcing that Carrie had arrived. Everyone turned in anticipation and when she entered, they all shouted their surprises. There was even confetti thrown down from above her. Her pretty face was aglow with excitement. Albert hurried over to her to give her a hug and she hugged him back.
Her floral printed dress was more like Nancy's ballgown and her hair half up in ringlets.
The happy occasion was officially on and all were enjoying it. The small and simple chamber ensemble played selections of Brahms, Verdi, and many others in the background as the party commenced.