Jack collected his papers and new-bought pencils together, before putting on his coat. Now with some extra money he had been able to buy some much needed clothes as well. He and Sally had spent last Saturday roaming through the shops together. Sally too was dressed in a nice new summer dress. It was good to know that the times of not knowing how to buy to the next meal were definitively over.
"You look lovely…," Jack made her a compliment "Are you sure you want to come with me?" he asked her for the thousandth time. "I don't think that a court it a particularly interesting place."
"Ah, you don't want me to accompany you? Is it that? Got some secret lover maybe, Jack?" Sally teased him. "I might as well scratch out her eyes," she laughed up teasing him and started tickling him a bit.
Jack came up to her hugging her closely and kissing her on her forehead.
"You know about my feelings towards you, Sal…," Jack grinned at her. "And of course I'd love for you to come with me. It's just I don't want you to get bored."
"Don't worry about me getting fed up. I know how to entertain myself. I've just have to get something, if you excuse me…"
"You mean by reading?" Jack guessed raising his eyebrows.
"No, I mean by knitting…," she pushed past him. "I'm sorry...I need to…"
Jack followed her curiously watching as she put together some needles, fabrics and balls of wool. He had never known she was having fun doing a somehow grandmother-like-amusement.
"I had no idea that you were…"
"Now you do. I had to distract myself with something while you were away. Needlework can be very relaxing," she grinned giving him a kiss on his lips. "I'm ready; we can go, if you want. I can't wait to see Mr. Hockley's face."
Jack followed after her his portfolio clutched in one hand and with the other holding Sally's hand. He wondered what Sally knew of Mr. Hockley. She seemed to be keeping some secret from him ever since she had returned from her nightly walk with Daphne. Something told Jack that both women had made up some plan.
He himself wasn't so keen on seeing this man again. The last time hadn't been very enjoyable. If he didn't want one thing, it was another pistol directed at him. He'd rather avoid another meeting with Caledon Hockley, if he could manage.
"Don't look so shocked, Jack. I was just joking," Sally dragged him further down the street. "Now, come on, we mustn't be late."
In reality Sally was much more interested in Amy Jenkins and her husband than Caledon Hockley. Though Daphne clearly had some indefinable feelings for this man, she wanted to know what really was going on in Amy Jenkins' head. From what Jack and Daphne had told her she must be not only beautiful, but probably the most dangerous woman in Philadelphia. And Jack was sometimes so naïve, when it came to women. Particularly for good-looking women he was an easy target. He indeed needed someone to protect him and keep an eye on him concerning that matter.
In addition there was another reason for her wanting to be with Jack called Rose Dewitt Bukater. If she was going to accompany her fiancé it would be the perfect opportunity to find out, if Jack's feelings for her were still going strong. She didn't mention a word to Jack however, not wanting to influence him in any way.
"You'll see, it's just some tedious old men talking about politics."
"I would say, you and Matthew aren't old. Neither are Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Hockley…you should better come up with another defence, if you want to keep me away," she answered.
What if Jack's feelings for Miss Rose hadn't wavered at all? What if he wanted to be together with her after all? Maybe it was only his pride of being rejected once that kept him away from her now? What if her memory returned and she demanded for Jack to come back? Would he willingly leave her once more in this case? Sally felt herself tightening her hand closer around Jack's noticing him squeezing hers in return giving her a reassuring smile.
Had he noted something? It was hard to hide anything from Jack as he always seemed to be looking directly into her soul, when gazing into her eyes. Sally knew how hurt he had been, when Rose hadn't believed him. But was he wounded enough to not be forgiving her, if given a second chance?
"Don't worry, everything will be fine," he told her just as they had reached the entrance of the court. "It's this way…," he led her up some stairway.
Sally stared in awe at the gorgeous marble staircase. What might it have cost? Surely a fortune…now this would make a great home and she'd love to spend some more time here.
"Despite the recent rise in pay I got I still don't think we'll ever be able to afford a home like this," Jack smiled at her. "I fear you have to settle for something less."
Jack wanted to explain to her everything of what Matthew had told him during the last time, but didn't get a chance to as Sally found herself embracing Daphne, who was clearly delighted to see her there.
"I'm glad to see you've come as well. When I told Matthew that I wanted to come with him he was very reluctant telling me that I would just be bored to death," Daphne said to her.
"Really?" Sally eyed Jack knowingly. "Seems like he wasn't the only one…"
"Ahem," Jack cleared his throat slightly embarrassed wanting to get out of this trouble. "I guess it's time we'll take our seats."
"What's this?" Daphne motioned to the bundle in her hand.
"Well I thought that I could knit some scarf, but I guess that's not necessary anymore now that you're here too," she quickly explained.
"You've to do one for me," Daphne begged her instead. "A very warm one for the winter and don't forget the gloves and a beanie," she added laughingly.
"Will do," Sally returned the grin.
Sally and Daphne hooked hands walking after Jack, who was in search for Matthew. He really needed some male support at this point sensing that the women behind him were already hatching up some other plot.
Jack having found Matthew couldn't get away from them fast enough. However, especially Daphne wasn't angry, even more so since she saw none other than Caledon Hockley coming towards them followed by a man she didn't recognize.
"That's him," Daphne murmured into her friend's ear and noticing that she wasn't taking note, but looking into the direction Jack had disappeared punched her lightly in her side to get back her attention. "He's together with you. He wouldn't be, if he wouldn't want it."
Sally looked at her astonished. Was she this predictable?
"How do you know that…?" she asked her.
"I'm a woman too…I know how hard it can be sometimes for our sex…it's a men's world after all…don't stress yourself, he might still be thinking of her, but something tells me that you're the one he wants to be with…come on cheer up some more and stop being so…"
"Miss Gilman," came Cal's voice interrupted their private conservation. "I knew it was you."
Daphne forced a smile trying desperately to hide her anxiety of introducing him to Sally. Now she would see for herself that Caledon Hockley was no dangerous man.
"This is your friend?" he asked looking at Sally.
"Ah, yes…Sally this is Mr. Caledon Hockley."
"Pleased to meet you, Miss…," Cal stopped himself obviously wanting to hear her last name.
"Howe…," Sally told him having found her voice again.
"Miss Howe…," he noted Sally staring at him making him wonder, as if he had some dirt on his jacket looking on down on his coat. "Is something wrong, Miss?" he asked, when he found none of the expected mud.
"No, I…it's just that…I…it doesn't happen very often that I meet with important people…in fact I thought you were completely…," Sally stammered feeling like a total idiot.
So this was the man, who tried to kill her Jack. Yes, indeed, she had expected someone else.
"Don't say it, you thought I would be harsh and never smile…to sum it up a total asshole…downright bad and not caring about anybody," Cal laughed. "I guess, Miss, you've to get to know me better. You know not every rich man is keeping slaves."
"Isn't Rose here as well?" Daphne asked knowing what Sally really wanted to know.
"No, she had to attend some festivity with her mother. I think it has something to do with the wedding. Really I never get the excitement women are making about this stuff," Cal's voice was at such that Daphne asked herself, it he was in fact happy that his fiancée wasn't here.
Sure Caledon Hockley wasn't the type of man to be boasting around about his feelings and joy to everyone and everywhere, but this indifferent behaviour concerning his betrothed was a little bit strange nonetheless. Or was he angry with her? Maybe Rose was playing around with him as well, just like she had been fooling around Jack. Of course it wasn't easy for her, but Daphne knew that Rose had always had a habit of thinking of herself as the poor little girl with only the others doing something wrong.
Was Mr. Hockley fed up with this childish performance? Rose could be really annoying at times and was maybe too juvenile from time to time for someone as experienced as Mr. Hockley.
"And you're here to support your fiancé?"
"What? Oh, yes…he isn't on trial so he doesn't really need it…but I wanted to…"
"You were curious about the prosecution. Isn't it, Miss Gilman?"
Daphne nodded and Sally couldn't help, but notice the change in his tone of voice, it sounded much more warmly and tenderly now that he was speaking to her friend than beforehand, when talking about his bride. Sally noted how both seemingly couldn't take their eyes away from each other. Were they flirting with each other?
'If you would just meet him, Sally…you'll see that he's completely different from what you've heard.'
She tipped Daphne on her shoulder wondering what Matthew would say to this. For sure he wouldn't be happy about it.
Sally realized how Daphne was still not reacting, despite her now pulling on her sleeves with more urgency. Instead she was piercing directly into Mr. Hockley's eyes. Yes, they were flirting. Daphne's face had even altered its colour being more in the shades of red than white at the moment and Mr. Hockley was nervously twisting some paper in his finger. Neither one was seemingly having any idea how to get out of this situation.
"Daphne...," Sally tried again, but her friend simply continued to stare at the man in front of her.
'You mustn't tell anyone of them…Matthew wouldn't understand…'
Of course he wouldn't and luckily for both Daphne and Mr. Hockley at present he was far away and hopefully would never see them together. The man behind Cal, who had been quietly listening until now, also stepped forward whispering something into his ear.
"Ah, yes, Mr. Carter…we'll be going…ladies, I hope to see you soon again…"
Not having properly introduced his companion, Cal left without another word.
"I wonder, who he is," Daphne spoke up first. "Cal…Mr. Hockley has never mentioned anyone special…"
Though correcting herself in time, Sally had of course noted how informal Daphne had in fact referred to Jack's archenemy.
"Probably his lawyer…"
"What if he's up to helping this awful Mr. Jenkins as well? Matthew says that he knows exactly how to hoodwink people…what if something unexpected happens and they'll really be defeated? Matthew has put so much effort in his work…"
"I don't think it's his work he has got be alarmed about….," Sally mumbled silently not intending for Daphne to hear.
"What?"
"Oh, nothing…shall we…I believe there're starting…," Sally answered quickly pretending to having overheard Daphne's request.
She had to have a talk with her friend later on, but now was neither the place nor time for it.
…..
Daphne and Sally had taken seats in the last row, while Jack and Matthew were sitting a few rows in front of them on the other side. Sally was glad that Daphne was here as well, as the policemen outside the court room had taken away her knitting needles – No sharp items allowed – they had growled. The trial had started out with an early summation of Tyrell Jenkins' lawyer and the state attorney's. Every side of course considered their case already won.
"You see, ladies and gentlemen, the state of Pennsylvania has still not been able to come up with any material or pausible explanation to prove the guiltiness of my client. Other than words of slander and aspersions there's nothing to state that Mr. Tyrell Jenkins has been anything less, but a respectable citizen of Philadelphia always acting true to the law."
"He should be in politics too," Matthew whispered to Jack, who grinned slightly.
Truth to be told his main concern now wasn't a lawyer, but Caledon Hockley. How should he avoid being seen by him, when on the other hand he had to be looking at him to get the best picture possible?
Ah, what was he afraid about? His problems with Mr. Hockley had only arisen, because of Rose and this obstacle was not standing in the way anymore. Surely the other one would see himself that he, Jack, had changed.
"You look like you're the one on trial, Jack," Matthew joked. "Hey, Mr. Graham is going to love your pictures. You know how he's doting on you."
Jack smiled back reluctantly.
"You should maybe take some example from him. There's nothing which could make this man miserable," he motioned towards Tyrell Jenkins, who was sitting enthroned and smiling confidently like a King.
"To prove the innocence of Mr. Jenkins we have summoned up another witness. Mr. Caledon Hockley is a respected figure in high society as well and his word can be taken for granted. After all it's the word of a gentleman."
Cal was first questioned about his relationship with Tyrell and the beginning of their friendship. Afterwards he was being asked about how much his knew of his friend's business, but he said that hadn't got any more idea than anyone else – his knowledge about Tyrell's company coming solely from what was written in the papers.
Jack meanwhile ducked his head, being thankful for once about the big plume hat the lady in front of him was wearing. He had to admit that at least Hockley's mouth and attitude didn't give away the same smugness as his friends. Unlike Tyrell Jenkins he seemed to be taking the court seriously and realized that the last word hadn't been spoken yet.
"Mr. Hockley, one last question," the state attorney began. "Could you envision Mr. Jenkins doing the things he's being accused of?"
Despite the blood running through his veins at the moment, Cal managed to keep calm. Truth to be told the answer to this question was a straightforward Yes. However, he refused to get his friend into any kind of trouble, but he also couldn't lie openly to the court. How should he weasel himself out of this difficult situation?
He turned his head towards the public searching for Miss Gilman hoping somehow that she could give him the comfort he needed. Daphne herself was being alerted, when she noted his gaze on her. What if Matthew had noticed it as well?
"It's true that Mr. Jenkins and I are friends, but there're certain things that not even best friends are ever talking about together. You know there're things such as business secrets," Cal coughed slightly before continuing. "Honestly, I can't tell you anything about his motives, I mean I've no idea what he his capable off. What I can guarantee you is that towards me and his employees he has always been the most correct man possible," Cal decided for the most diplomatic answer he could come up with at the moment.
Later on Daphne couldn't get out fast enough, while Sally waited for Jack and Matthew to show up. The reporters meanwhile were waiting outside blocking Cal's way, while he wanted nothing more, but to get home as soon as possible. With Tyrell and Amy on his side he too was bombarded with questions.
"Thank you, Cal. I really appreciate it," Tyrell told him. "You couldn't have answered any better to the impertinent question you were being asked at the end."
Across the room Amy spotted Matthew, Jack and Sally standing there.
"May I be excused, gentlemen?" Amy smiled at both, before walking off.
"Ah, Mr. Weingartner…I would love to see his face now. Wouldn't you too, Cal?"
Cal nodded unenthusiastically. He didn't care at all about this man. No what he wanted now was to speak with his fiancée, wanting to know, if she shared the opinion of her father concerning him. In addition he thought he was seeing a ghost. Didn't the man near Mr. Weingartner look like…? No way, he was dead, frozen in the Atlantic.
Besides wouldn't he have tried to win Rose back by now?
"Cal, is something wrong with you?" Tyrell tipped him on his shoulder.
"What? No…nothing…," Cal stuttered, blinking slightly, before looking once again into the same direction, but the persons had disappeared.
Surely it had been just his imagination. He probably shouldn't drink so much brandy.
Amy had gone over to the others smiling wickedly at Jack and Matthew. And who was the girl with them?
"Mr. Weingartner…"
"Oh, Mrs. Jenkins, I didn't even see you," Matthew told her knowing how much this indifference was angering her.
Amy ignored him turning her attention to Jack instead, instantly noticing his and Sally's intertwined hands. She smiled complacently at both of them.
"I hope you accept by sincere apologizes, Mr. Dawson…about our…well you see…I really don't know what's gotten into me lately...I guess I just wasn't thinking."
"Of course, everything's already forgotten," Jack told her realizing that Amy was looking past him at Sally. On impulse he drew her closer to himself putting a protective arm around her back.
The way Amy was gazing at her didn't mean any good for either of them.
"Excuse me…I…I'm going to see where Daphne has gone to…," Sally got out nervously, not wanting to be near Amy Jenkins for one more second.
Daphne meanwhile was standing outside on the streets wondering, if she should start to smoke to calm down her nerves. She didn't notice anyone around until the felt someone tugging on her dress. A little girl was standing in front of her.
"I'm sorry, Miss...are you Miss Gilman?"
At seeing her nod the girl took out some note handing it to Daphne.
"I was told to give you this."
Before Daphne was able to ask her, who had given her the note the girl had already made a curtsey and run off.
I have to see you. If you can make it – today at my office would be fine. I will be waiting for you, whenever you find the time to come.
The note wasn't signed, but of course there was only one person, who could have sent it. What was she going to do now? She knew she and Mr. Hockley had to have a serious debate at one point. Just how was she going to achieve this without making Matthew suspicious?
"Daphne…hey...you ran away so fast, I couldn't even…I've to tell you…"
"I'm sorry…I…"
Sally followed her gaze noting the paper in her hands. So it looked like they wouldn't be going home so soon. Once Jack and Matthew showed up, Sally decided to help out Daphne.
"Finally you're there. We didn't want to leave without telling you."
"Leave…where..?" Matthew wondered growing a little suspicious.
The look Caledon Hockley had given his fiancée during the hearing hadn't escaped his attention. Was it something he should be worried about?
"Daphne told me that she still hasn't found a nice present for her friend's wedding and so I offered to assist her. I'm sorry, Jack, but you got to make dinner alone tonight…I hope you're not angry."
"Of course not…Matthew and I might as well go for some beer…"
….
Sally had to admit that Caledon Hockley was doing everything to impress his guests and to do everything to make it comfortable for them. He had even sent his secretary away to buy some fresh juice and biscuits. At present she found herself in a conversation with the powerful Mr. Hockley, who seemed suddenly not so evil anymore, but in fact a very simple and lonely man.
"Where are you working at, Miss Howe?"
"At a small shop…they…we're selling souvenirs…it's really nothing special, Sir."
"Please, you can leave out the Sir, Miss Howe…Mr. Hockley will be perfectly alright…"
Daphne noting how anxious Sally was, was enjoying this a bit. So now she could see for herself that Caledon Hockley was no bad guy, but only misjudged. She wanted to ask him about her father, but had no idea how to voice out the question without making it sound too prying. She certainly didn't want to appear like she was being too impulsive.
"Your friend is very nice, Miss Gilman. How long have you known each other?"
"Only a few weeks ago…," Daphne replied truthfully putting all her strength together to ask him another question. "Mr. Hockley, I…," what did my father say to you lately "…I'm sorry, if you've had any inconveniences. Believe me, if I say that it's in my best interest to see everyone happy…"
Including yourself, Miss Gilman? – Cal wanted to ask her, but decided not to take advantage of her confused mind.
Sally noted the same look on their faces as before in the court. Why had everything in high society had to be so complicated? Why was no one ever just spelling out the truth, but following some silly old-fashioned rules instead?
Although never having seen Mr. Hockley and Rose together, Sally couldn't picture him looking at her in the same way like he was gazing at Daphne at this moment.
"You don't need to trouble yourself with anything, Miss…"
Should she tell Jack of this meeting? Ah, why not, he would find out about it anyway and frankly she didn't want any secrets between them, believing wholeheartedly that honesty was an important part in a relationship, most likely the most essential one. And after all he had been truthful to her as well.
"Rose is still shopping with her mother?" Daphne spoke up looking for something to change the topic.
"I believe so…," Cal began, suddenly remembering Sally still sitting there. "Oh, Miss, forgive me for leaving you out...," he laughed. "Rose is my bride, you know, and she apparently loves shopping. A habit that I sadly don't share…"
"I think you're not the only man, who doesn't…my boyfriend's the same…I suppose it's a universal illness," Sally blurted out for a moment forgetting about, who was sitting in front of her. "Oh, I'm sorry, Sir…Mr. Hockley…I didn't mean to…"
Instead of shouting at her Sally noted that Caledon Hockley was smiling sincerely at her obviously wanting to see his guests relaxed.
"No need to apologize, Miss…in fact I think we have to toast on this…," he grabbed Sally's and his glass pouring some juice into them. He didn't find it very gentlemanlike to be drinking alcohol in front of two well-brought-up ladies. "You want some too, Miss Gilman?"
After having shared a few jokes about herself and Rose in school with Sally and Mr. Hockley, Cal was back at questioning Sally this time about Jack though of course not knowing, whom they were talking about.
"So you're having a friend too?"
"Yes, Mr. Hockley…"
"How long are you together?"
"Well in fact since…it's not this easy to tell…you see we've known each other for about two years now, but we've broken up in between…and now we're together again…," Sally said not believing herself that she was telling all this Mr. Caledon Hockley himself.
"Don't stress yourself, Miss, stormy relationships are sometimes the best," Cal told her.
"Your advice, Mr. Hockley?" Daphne joined in their conversation.
"No, my father's…his and my mother's marriage had its ups and downs as well, but they were always pulling together, when it mattered…so what does your friend do for a living?" Cal asked Sally further.
Sally looked at Daphne wanting to get her out of this. She had come with her. She had fulfilled her part in this, now it was time for Daphne to do the same. Luckily one could count on her. Daphne jumped up unexpectedly appearing suddenly very nervous.
"Damn it…it's late…you know, Mr. Hockley, my parents will be really…anyway I think you've asked my friend here enough questions for now," she laughed tensely. It wasn't a total lie as it really was dark outside my now and Jack and Matthew as well wouldn't be happy with them walking home alone. "Besides Sally here is not living in a very…," she stopped herself not wanting to embarrass her friend.
"I see, so you need a ride home, ladies?" Cal walked across the room dialling a number. "Yes…that's right…Mr. Caledon Hockley…Westminster Ave 5…in ten minutes…fine…," Cal hung up the receiver.
"Mr. Hockley, this is really not necessary."
"Of course it is, Miss Gilman…"
"I don't even have money for…," Sally mumbled towards Daphne.
"No need to worry, Miss…of course it will be my pleasure to pay for the ride…"
When the taxi arrived Cal escorted Daphne and Sally downstairs both thanking him for his generosity. Cal waited until the car had disappeared, wondering now even more, if this woman had any feelings for him that went beyond a normal friendship not really knowing, if he wanted her to have some. After all it would only make things more complicated.
…
Sally, sitting for the first time in a real car and being treated like a real lady, indeed felt special. Daphne on the other hand was probably even more nervous now after they met Caledon Hockley. The open talk she had wanted to have with him hadn't come about today as well. Maybe it was better, if she forgot the whole thing?
Sally had meanwhile told the driver their addresses with Daphne insisting that they'll be delivering Sally first.
"And what do you think?" Daphne asked not being able to hide her curiosity any longer.
"About Mr. Hockley…well I've to say he's different from what I imagined...in a good way that is…," she added grinning at Daphne. "Still I thank you for sparing me the answer to his last question…just think, if he had found out that Jack is my…Daphne, hey…I…everything will turn out alright you'll see…," she reached for her hand.
Daphne reluctantly returned her grin believing bad and like a very terrible friend. If Rose found out about the meetings with her fiancé she would undoubtedly and rightfully so be very mad and furious. Daphne didn't want to risk that friendship for a man she had really come to know only about three weeks ago and who was still refusing to be honest to this friend.
All of a sudden Daphne recalled the threat Ruth Dewitt Bukater had made towards her. She must've noted that there was more between her and her future son-in-law, before either one of them had wanted to admit it to themselves. While not caring one bit about Ruth, Rose was something different. Would she dare to tell her the truth face-to-face? Would Rose in her current state even be in the right mind to comprehend everything?
"Jack is going to get a heart attack, if I tell him where I've been," Sally suddenly laughed up. "And can you image what Mr. Hockley would've looked...," her laughter instantly died down simply by looking at Daphne.
"You were going to tell him?" Daphne's face had turned white. "I thought that…"
"You think he's going to tell Matthew, right?"
Daphne nodded. She realized that their relationship had changed with time, but if they really…in case they choose to end it, she wanted to be the one to tell him. He shouldn't hear bits and pieces from everyone else around him and make up his own assumptions.
"Fine…I won't mention anything…but if Jack's asking me, I won't lie," Sally warned her.
"Of course not…I'd never ask you that…"
The ride continued both having something serious on their mind. Sally asked herself, if Daphne would really be supporting her relationship with Jack. Wasn't Rose her best friend? And if she wanted to be together with Mr. Hockley, wouldn't it be better to get Rose out of the way in time?
"Did you mean what you said earlier…that Jack and I…that we…?"
"Like you said before, I too believe that everything will turn out alright…," Daphne smiled at her.
It had been so long since she had been able to talk to Rose like this – no; frankly she never had been able to talk to Rose like this. In a way Rose was still very much of a child, probably because of her environment and due to everyone around her treating her like some.
"But Mr. Hockley and Rose…you know Jack's still sad about what she told him and I'm…I must say, I'm still nervous that he'll leave me once…"
"I don't reckon Jack to be the type of man to go for the second best…"
"I thought that you thought…that…don't you want your friend to be happy…?" Sally wondered. "From what Jack told me they must've really had some wonderful three days…"
"Exactly…three days…," Daphne interjected.
"What do you…?"
"What's three days…? Rose and Mr. Hockley…you know I do believe that people, who belong together will bring out the best of each other…while people, who don't…," she cleared her throat just noticing that they had almost reached Sally's home. "Rose is sometimes very…how should I say it…? She was probably just seeing an easy way out of an engagement neither one of them really wanted anyway…that's not to say that she was taking advantage of Jack…I mean she's my friend yes, but in fact I can't imagine her and Jack living here in this part of town like you two are…or Rose stumbling over some drunkards on her way home, putting up with some evil employer like you're doing…I think both her and Jack were just throwing themselves into some adventure, not thinking about the consequences one bit…not thinking for one moment beyond the fun of running around on a ship..."
The car came to a halt the driver opening the door on Sally's side and extending his hand out to her, before proceeding to carry her bag to the flat. Afterwards they made their way towards Daphne's house.