A/N - First: Thanks for the reviews, followers and favourites. It means alot to me - though I would love for the favourites/followers to also review this story some more.
Second: There has been some time elapse and we're now nearing Christmas 1912.
Christmas was approaching fast; the servants in the Hockley household in Pittsburgh were busy with decorating the tree. Cal had decided that due to his father's health it would be better to spend the holiday in Pittsburgh this year. Rose was less enthusiastic about it as it meant having to relinquish time with Daphne and Amy and most likely wouldn't see them for a few weeks. Though both were completely different in character she cherished her friendship with either one. While Amy was always the perfect lady, Daphne was a lot more relaxed and up to playful things. During the last months Rose had at first gotten the impression that her friend was avoiding her, but when asking her about it Daphne had simply told her that she was occupied with a lot of work.
Rose had smiled and quickly forgotten about the incident. She probably shouldn't be so strict with her friend. She had after all too been neglecting her in the weeks prior to her wedding. In fact it was probably time that she did what her mother was always talking about – engage herself some more in high society. Amy had mentioned how important it was for a young married woman to be seen and spoken off – especially, if her husband was some well-known businessman. Rose knew what Cal and society was expecting of her. So she did, what she was supposed to.
Cal's annual garden party at the end of June had been her first big event as hostess. She had worn a light summer dress, her head protected from the sun through a hat and a parasol, her delicate hands safely tucked away in white gloves. Like she had learned from childhood on she only talked about suitable topics avoiding things like politics or the upcoming feminism. Rose had wanted to shine and dazzle – and shined and dazzled she had. She wanted to be an adornment in her home – a source of joy for Cal. He should know that his home would always be a safe haven for him, a place where he could forget everything about his problems.
Rather than ask him at great length about his work she would engage him in harmless conversations about her daily little happenings, like mentioning how she had bought herself a new dress– though she would of course come up with the very monotonous question of – How was your day? – both understanding that she was asking him out of politeness not out of real interest and Cal would always reply with the comment that everything was alright. Whether really everything was satisfactory in the company or even in their marriage was not up to no question. They were married and had to live with it.
The other thing, aside from not seeing her friends at Christmas, that bothered Rose was having to spend it with her mother and her beau, Mr. Osborne. Although her initial disliking for this man had cooled down a bit she still found him not very charming and couldn't understand how her mother had taken such a liking in him. Ruth was completely out of her mind, when speaking with or about this man – her usual stiffness would vanish and her eyes would light up, whenever he looked at her.
Rose found this behaviour quite outrageous, in fact even humiliating – her mother was acting like some love-sick teenager, when it came to this man. Rose couldn't deny that he had some good sides as well. After all he had managed to get hold of the jewellery that had been stolen at her wedding, including some of her most precious and beloved jewels. Still his outward behaviour and his overstated friendliness towards everyone in her family made her wonder, if there some more behind all this.
Rose knew that Cal would be home in half an hour and would certainly expect her to look like the decent wife he had married. With the help of her maid Betsy she managed to get the corset tighter around her body. She giggled in anticipation over seeing her husband again as she put on a beautiful dress and a small diamond necklace – yes, now she looked presentable. Cal would love it. Ascending down the stairs she saw that the Christmas tree was almost fully decorated only the candles and the star on top were still missing. Rose remembered how she had used to ornate the tree together with her father while being young and she recalled that she had enjoyed it. But now, of course it wouldn't be possible anymore to continue with this tradition. She was married now and married women of high-society had staff for these things. Rose didn't want to be seen as some uneducated country miss.
"Is everything to your satisfaction, Mrs. Hockley?" Paul, one of the servants, asked.
"Yes, it looks very nice," Rose answered gazing up at the tree.
It was very big and somehow overloaded with beautifications, but Rose knew how much effort they had put into titivating it that she would rather not tell them to put something down again. Rose noticed how the stockings were already hanging on the fireplace – five of them. This most likely meant that Mr. Osborne would be spending the holidays with them as well. Rose could think of better ways to spend Christmas, but she supposed that for the sake of domestic peace she would be able to swallow down her feelings for a few days.
Five o'clock the clock chimed and as if on cue the door opening Betsy quickly moved to welcome the pater familias at the door. It wasn't Cal however, who had returned, but Ruth, who had come back from a shopping trip. Since Rose was married to Cal she required Betsy as a full-time-servant to assist and Ruth had employed one for herself as well with the name of Dorothy.
"Hello, Rose, dear," Ruth hugged her daughter giving her a kiss on either cheek.
Their relationship had certainly improved a bit since she had married Cal. but it was far from good. Ruth looked at the Christmas tree a slight smug on her face. Rose knew what she was thinking – she didn't like it.
"Don't you think that it would've better without all these glitter? It almost looks like that horrible decoration in those now popular varieties…," Ruth sniffed.
Rose knew already that it was better to ignore her mother. Still her behaviour of having to belittle everything was quite unnerving.
"Ah, but well…it's Christmas…so we shouldn't quarrel," she added, before telling Dorothy and Betsy to take her belongings upstairs and make a room for her and Mr. Osborne, who would be arriving soon from Philadelphia.
"So, Mr. Osborne, will be here for Christmas?" Rose asked while they were sipping tea.
"Yes," Ruth replied. "He wants to spend more time with our family. You know he has got some really interesting ideas that he wants to discuss with your husband."
This made Rose cringe, already fearing the worst. She knew how much Cal hated to be given good tips, when it came to his business, he hated it from his father and even more so from a complete stranger. By the way did Cal even know about his presence or was this another one of her mother's nice surprises? Ruth liked to present everyone with a fait accompli. It probably made her feel needed.
"Is your father-in-law already home?" Ruth wanted to know unexpectedly.
"No. Why do you asked?"
Ruth stiffed a bit, taking in a deep breath. Oh, no this didn't mean anything good…Rose knew this look and behaviour from her mother all too well.
"Well, because…you know there's something…delicate…I've to discuss with you."
Rose had already guessed that her mother wasn't just here to talk about the weather. Ruth mentioned for the servants to leave them alone, while leaning in closer to her daughter.
"You know, Rose, I really like the figure, you've got now. You look really nice…"
"Thank you, Mother…," Rose smiled.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all? However, her smile quickly disappeared, when she noticed her mother's unmoving expression. What on earth was wrong now?
"However, I and I bet your husband too, would very much appreciate it even more, if your flat appearance would change into something more…round…if you know what I mean."
Rose slightly nodded, already blushing a bit. She didn't want to have this kind of talk with her mother. Ruth on the other hand seemed determined about it and at the point when Rose that it couldn't get any worse, she opened her mouth again and asked her – her voice now a mere whisper – "How often do you and your husband…?" she didn't finish the question knowing that Rose had understood anyway.
Mother, how can you?
Rose was fuming inwardly though having learned how to keep her emotions in check and continued to smile gracefully at her mother. This was no topic to discuss a dinner, this was none to discuss at all in fact. What happened between her and Cal behind closed doors was their own thing and nobody had the right to interfere. Certainly not her spiteful mother…
"You know, Rose, your main duty, is to give your husband an heir – preferable a male one. You won't get one just sitting here and eating dinner with him," Ruth laughed uneasily clearly disliking the topic as well, but knowing that it needed to be done. "You understand without you bearing him a child our name will die out."
"The child will be a Hockley, Mother – not a Dewitt Bukater," Rose couldn't resist to say.
"Dear lord, Rose – why do you always have to be so…?" Ruth struggled for the right word. "…grumpy? It's not like this is the main point here."
I've had a good teacher, Mother – Rose thought bitterly picking up another éclair remembering the conversation she had had with her friend Amy some time ago, about the more pleasant ways of losing one's figure. Back then she had told Amy that she wanted a dozen children. How she wasn't so sure about this anymore. Well of course she knew what was expected of her and she was sure to live up to that – she would eventually give Cal his heir, but in her own pace. No one could force to have child after child.
"People are already talking you know, Rose. It's not good to be the centre of gossip, you should really know better than this," her mother scolded her again gazing disdainfully at yet another éclair in her hand. "Eating so much before dinner is not ladylike, Rose. Do you want your husband to lose interest in you and stray around?" Ruth grabbed the food out of her hand and placed it back onto the plate.
Rose was too tired to care and simply smiled away her anger. It looked like that whatever she did; it would never be good enough for her mother.
Ruth meanwhile was pleased with the outcome of the conversation, her attitude now much more relaxed.
"I had a long and interesting conversation with your friend Amy Jenkins lately," Ruth then told her.
"Amy doesn't want to have children," Rose shot out her anger coming out all at once.
"Rose, that's of no interest here. Whatever your friend does in her marriage, you shouldn't compare yourself to her. You're in a completely different situation," Ruth replied very rigidly.
Rose was utterly confused now. Hadn't her mother told her just lately what great impression Amy used to make on her every time she saw and spoke with her and how she should always take her as an example? Why wouldn't this apply in this situation?
"Why?"
Ruth looked up at her daughter like she had lost her mind. Of course Rose didn't know the desperate situation they were still in. She had signed her marriage contract without even bothering to read it, she didn't know that if didn't give the Hockley's a child in the curse of two years that Nathan Hockley would then have the right to declare the marriage null and void and would probably kick both of them to the curb. Ruth dreaded having to live life on the streets and would do anything to avoid it.
For sure she couldn't tell this Rose. It would be a disaster. So she came up with some white lie.
"Amy doesn't need to give her husband an heir. He already has a son from his first marriage, if you care to remember."
Rose only dimly nodded, not having the strength to continue with this at the moment. She listened to her mother telling her about her latest purchases. While smiling outwardly she couldn't help, but be reminded of her mother's earlier comment of Cal straying around. Cal wouldn't cheat on her – right? He loved her – right? Though not wanting to admit it to herself she was still alerted. Whatever did she know about the way he spent his days? Did he really only see male business partners while he was out alone? Had his main reason for marrying her probably really been to get an heir rather than his undying love for her? And if so – what would he in fact do, if she was unable to give him any?
Rose forced a smile, while wondering what she would do in that case. She certainly didn't think that she would be able to get by alone.
…..
Meanwhile in Philadelphia things were a lot pleasanter as least for some of the people involved. Daphne had still a broken heart, but with the help of her parents and her friends which indeed included Matthew too – Molly hadn't been wrong with her predictions – had been able to leave through the past months. In didn't really help though that Cal was continuing sending her messages and Daphne's father had more than once thought, but telling him to stop with it. In the end his wife had convinced him to stay out of it.
The Gilmans having a big home and loving family had invited everyone for Christmas. Now all of them were having fun with decorating the tree. Jack, Matthew and Daniel were doing most of the decorating, while Marion and her help Gladys were cooking and Daphne and Sally were watching baby Camille.
"She's adorable," Daphne said to the sleeping baby. "I hope it's not too loud here for her."
"Don't worry, she has a profound sleep. Isn't it my dear?" Sally kissed her daughter's head cuddling her in her arms. "Hey…you and Mr. Hockley…you'll see it's not the end of you," Sally tried to comfort her noticing her sudden sadness.
Daphne grimaced uneasily. She really wanted to enjoy the holidays and everyone with being exceptionally nice and caring with her, but she couldn't help feeling like an outsider. She had been so stupid. She should've told Rose the truth right away and not listened to that damn voice inside her telling her that it would be too hard for her friend. Rose was no innocent damsel herself – she had cheated on her fiancé first and although not remembering this now, she surely didn't have any reason to deem herself better than others.
Matthew was just about to place the star on top, while Jack and Daniel were holding the ladder. Daphne was following Sally's gaze thinking as well that the whole thing looked very dangerous.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Daphne said towards the men.
"No need to worry. We've everything under control," Jack answered her while staring up at Matthew.
"Every time a man says that means that something bad is about to happen," Sally mentioned half serious and sarcastic shaking her head in disbelieve as they noticed the two man on the ground trying to hold the ladder steady. "Jack, are you sure that this is best method to do this?"
Jack silently growled something between Of course and Whatever do you know?
"Matthew, dear, you know that we're not engaged anymore doesn't mean that you need now to risk your life like that."
"You're annoying, you two. Why don't you just leave us alone and let us do things here without ruffle of excitement?" Daniel then spoke up looking at both sternly.
Sally took Camille out of the crib standing up.
"Come on, Daphne. It's probably really better if we'll leave them alone for a while."
Daphne followed her outside, the two of them deciding to do a little walk, Sally settling her daughter in her perambulator. The streets were covered by snow, but luckily the city officials had thought about clearing the pavements in time.
"It's wonderful having your whole family here. I just wish that…"
"I know…," Sally interrupted her feeling that mentioning his name would make it even harder for her. "But one day you'll be together. I'm sure of this. You just have to believe in it."
Daphne forced a smile, as they continued walking passing several streets and people, most of who were gazing down at the baby, telling Sally what a nice and sweet child she had. Jack's boss had even given him some extra for the birth of his daughter and they had had a little party in the company. Mr. Hockley had congratulated her too, but Sally knew that his mind was on someone else and for sure her and Jack didn't mind at all that he wasn't really interested in the baby. It must be hard for him having to father a child with a woman he didn't love, only because this was the only way to get out of this marriage. At least Cal had told Daphne that he believed his father just wanted some heir for the Hockley fortune and that once he got a boy with Rose, he surely would give up on his demand for them to stay married and allow him a divorce without losing his inheritage. Daphne was less enthusiastic, but of course hoped that he was right.
"Rose has written me a nice card too in her and Cal's name," Daphne unexpectedly spoke up after a while. "She's living in seventh heaven. She mentioned how charming Cal is with her and…I know, Cal by now…he's the perfect gentleman and most likely Rose just mistakes his care for love…"
"I'm sure she does. Rose sometimes seems very infantile to me. I mean with her mother and all…it should be no wonder, but still…"
"I know what you mean. Rose has been different, while her father was still alive. He always encouraged her to live up to her dreams…something that she doesn't remember currently as well…in her youth her mother was very angry with me once, when I had persuaded Rose to climb up on a tree with me. She forbade me to see her for the whole next month."
"And Rose? What did she do? Listen to her mother?"
"No," Daphne firmly shook her head. "Rose never listened to her mother. That's why it's so sad to see her act like this now. She was one of my only real friends in school, most others were fearing to be seen with me. You know, I was considered trouble…," Daphne laughed half-heartedly.
"The Rose I met didn't seem very caring or nice at all," Sally said. "She has hurt Jack a lot."
"I know this and I also can't understand her at the moment, but I haven't lost by believe that the old Rose is still in there somewhere and just needs to be restored…"
"By my husband?" Sally sounded almost angry now.
"No, don't worry…their romance or whatever it was is over…at least for Jack…he's in love with you and whatever Rose may do, after…I just hope she doesn't forget that there're others concerned now as well…like her mother Rose can be very selfish at times. This is something she's got from her mother."
Sally nodded her head to everything. Daphne surely knew Rose better than both Jack and her.
"I believe it could've worked between her and Cal, if…you know…Rose wouldn't be so childish sometimes. Cal told me that he believed Jack would've grown tired of her soon after and I'm inclined to believe the same…Rose is a good person, but she has most definitively not grown up…," she looked at Sally, who was looking closely at her clearly listening carefully taking in every word. "…ah, but maybe we should talk about something else," Daphne finally laughed up. "It's not the time the place for such gloomy talks."
They had reached the local church by now, where an evening mass was just being held. Standing in front of the entrance they could hear the singing of people through the door.
"Did your parents often go with you to church?" Sally pondered not really knowing what else to say at the moment.
"Yes, every Sunday…it was customary, you know. But they're not bigot…," she quickly added causing both to laugh. "What about yours?"
"My father regularly had to work on Sundays and mother was often too tired…you know all the housework and taking care of Isobel and me…but yes we did visit church sometimes."
Daphne had grown quiet again. It was peacefully indeed and she wished more people would not only listen to the words conducted in these songs and prayers, but live up to them as well. Sadly many people forgot about what they heard inside these buildings as soon as they had stepped out of them and were only going there, because it was expected of them. Her mother and father had always detested those. The church bell was ringing suddenly, reminding them of how late it actually was and that it was time to head home. Surely they had finished the decorations by now and the food must also be ready. The door of the church opened and the worshipers came out, their faces all looking befogged from the words they had just heard.
"I think we should go back."
"Mmm…," Daphne mumbled, but her feet remained fixated to the ground.
They had gone up the few steps to the entrance and Daphne noted the pastor standing in front of the altar all of sudden knowing what she had to do. She quickly made her way inside, Sally walking after her not really understanding what this was all about.
"Excuse me, Reverend," Daphne said seeing him turn around.
The reverend a middle-aged man saw the baby in Sally's arms and at first thought it was about a baptism.
"What a lovable little child. How old is it?"
"She is around two months. Her name is Camille," Sally clarified.
The pastor was visibly disappointed, when Daphne told him that it was not about a christening, but rather about her having an urgent need for an admission. Still noticing her anxiousness and sadness in her voice he smiled at her and told her to follow him.
"You don't have to wait for me, you know. Just go home and put her into bed."
"No, it's no problem…I'm going to wait here."
Later at dinner Daphne had a lot better mood. Indeed it had been soothing to be talking to someone uninvolved, who was sure to tell no one else – being able to talk her problems away and pour out her woes to somebody had been something she should've done for a long time. It was almost humorous since Daphne had never considered herself of being very religious, but the reverend and she did have a nice conversation with each other. He had been able to convince her that she wasn't selfish, but that she just wanted what everybody desired – a family and a good life. Daphne had known this deep inside her and of course had heard it from various sides already, but still the reverend's word had some more ponderosity than those of her friends and family.
Marion noted the change in her daughter's mood as well, wondering what had caused it, in the end figuring that it wasn't really important. Tomorrow would be Christmas and she was happy to see that everyone here looked contend. Matthew was talking with Daphne, both laughing together and being able again to hold a normal conversation after some months of troubles between them. For sure Matthew hadn't been happy about it, when he heard the truth, but in the end both had agreed that honesty was better than living a lie and decided to remain friends. Daniel was busy with heating up the fireplace, while Jack and Sally were engaged with their daughter, who was now sleeping peacefully in Jack's arms.
Outside the wind was blowing heavily and the snow had started to fall again, the hold window being covered in white. It was indeed serenely here and Marion only hoped that Cal, Rose and even her mother and that awful Mr. Nathan Hockley had a peaceful Christmas as well.
