Chapter 6 - New York City: Exploring the City
After another few weeks on the ocean, they finally make it to New York City. When they see the Statue of Liberty coming into view, they are so elated, but at the same time a little sad because they enjoy being on the ocean. Lee turns to Rosemary, "Well, Rosie. Our cruise is coming to an end. I have enjoyed it more than I thought I would, even with the iceberg and the engine trouble. Do you think you will want to go on another cruise in the future?"
"Of course, if it meant I can spend more time with you," answers Rosemary.
"I feel the same way, sweetheart." He walks up to her and extends his hands.
She gladly takes his hands into hers and lightly rubs her thumbs across his fingers. She softly asks, "Do you remember the last time we were here?"
"How can I forget? It was for our honeymoon. You showed me what you loved most about New York City – the lights, the people, the shops, and of course Broadway. Seeing the joy on your face made me fall more in love with you than I already was. If that was even possible. It was, by far, the best trip I had ever taken until this one."
Rosemary rubs his chin with her thumbs and asks, "Could you have imagined one day we would be back here after cruising around the Americas?"
Lee puts his arms around her waist and brings her in close. "No, but each and every day I get to spend with you is an adventure and is better than the last!" Rosemary cups her hands on his face and gives him a soft kiss on the lips. He returns the kiss with one of his own. She loops her arm around his while they continue to watch the city get closer and closer as the ship prepares to dock for the last time. They patiently wait until they are finally able to disembark. They take one last picture of the two of them and say goodbye to the friends they have made on this amazing journey. They pick up their luggage and immediately get a ride to their hotel where they check in for the night.
While they are unpacking their luggage, Rosemary reminds Lee of all the things she wants to do over the next week, "I want to see a couple Broadway shows, see my friends, walk around Central Park and Times Square, ride some rides at Coney Island, and of course shop and take lots of pictures. Plus, this is the first time I have a camera in New York City and I fully intend on taking lots of pictures. What else do you want to see or do?"
He thinks about it for a couple of minutes and decides to go ahead and ask, "Will you go to a baseball game with me?"
"I'd love to, Lee! I know we didn't get to see a game during our honeymoon, so pick a game and I am sure we can fit it in."
The next morning, they sit down to their breakfast of spinach omelets, fruit, and much needed coffee. Lee asks Rosemary, "Did you get any sleep last night? You kept tossing and turning."
"I'm sorry. Did I keep you awake? I'm just so excited thinking about everything we will do while we are here."
"You did for the first half, but I think I fell asleep eventually. No worries, it's nothing a couple cups of coffee won't fix. So, what is our plan today, Rosie?"
"Well first, we need to get tickets for tonight. I would love to see Macbeth. You like that one, right?"
"Actually, I have not seen that one." Lee says hesitantly.
"Oh, you will love it. I played Lady Macbeth once. It was one of my more intense and challenging roles but that made it more fulfilling to me professionally. All the different emotions that come with Lady Macbeth's journey in and of itself is amazing. She is cunning, power-hungry, ambitious, manipulative, and later in the play is racked with intense guilt. Playing a character with that much range really allows you, as an actor, to go deep into the mind of your character and bring out what hopefully the playwright intends."
Lee quietly chuckles, "Okay, if that is what you want to see."
Rosemary goes on to tell Lee she wants to pick up some more film and then do some shopping. She is dying to look at the latest fashion trends and even buy herself some dresses and skirts. She even insists on buying Lee some new vests, pants, a suit, and a new coat even though he rather she didn't waste their time or money. After a full day of shopping, they come back to the hotel and get ready for the theater. Lee changes into his suit while Rosemary tries to decide what to wear. She has a couple of new dresses and one she brought with her specifically for tonight. He reminds her they need to leave in thirty minutes or they will be late for their dinner reservation. She asks him, "Which one should I wear, honey?"
"You are asking me what to wear? You have never asked me that before. Are you feeling okay?"
"Ha-ha, Lee. Well, I can't decide, and I need to hurry up and get ready." She shows him the three dresses and waits for him to respond.
He looks at all three of them and really has no idea which one she should wear. "You will look great in all of them." Her face fell.
"I know, Lee. I just don't know what I should wear tonight."
He walks over and picks the one she brought with her on the trip. "I know you have been saving this for a special occasion. Why don't you wear this one? You will look beautiful and it matches what I am wearing."
She runs up to him and pecks him on the lips while saying, "Thank…you…! I will be ready in fifteen minutes." She quickly grabs the dress and runs into the bathroom to change.
He watches her with a big grin on his face and says, "I'm glad I can help." Rosemary comes out fifteen minutes later, dressed and ready to go. "You look beautiful, honey." He offers his arm to her and she takes it as they walk out of their room. They hail a cab to Rosemary's favorite restaurant, Delmonico's. Lee orders the filet mignon for himself and the Kennebec salmon for Rosemary. Lee happily eats every bit of his filet plus whatever Rosemary says she can't finish of her salmon. Although she still insists, they share a piece of strawberry shortcake. After paying for their dinner, Lee inquires, "Are you ready to go see Macbeth?" She nods excitedly.
They hail a cab back to the 44th Street Theatre just in time for the start of the show. They quickly take their seats just as the lights dim. Rosemary takes Lee's hand into hers resting it between them for the entire show. She finds herself occasionally watching him through the corner of her eye. She is hoping he is enjoying the play as much as she is. When the show is over and the lights are back on, Rosemary asks Lee, "Do you want to walk back to the hotel? It's not that far. If you want, we can even walk through Times Square on our way back. I don't believe you have seen it at night, have you?"
"That sounds like a great idea. I have been wanting to see Times Square at night. Let's go." He escorts her out of the theater and they slowly walk through Times Square. Lee just stands there and stares at all of the lights. "I have never seen anything like this before. Thank you for bringing me here at night."
"It is my pleasure. I remember coming here as a child and just being mesmerized with all of the lights and the people. My mother would get so excited just talking about her Broadway days – all the people she met, all the attention she received, the standing ovations, and of course the exhilaration she would feel every time she was on stage. I think it was hearing those stories and being here with all of the lights that made me want to be a famous actress one day."
"You may not see it, but I do. You took what you dreamed as a child and made it come true. I am so proud of you."
"Oh, Lee. You are too good to me. That dream, you speak of, didn't exactly last long, though."
"I know it didn't last long, but if you hadn't decided to chase after Jack, I would have never met or fallen in love with you. I would have never married my best friend and the love of my life. We wouldn't be here now enjoying this amazing trip around the Americas. I am beyond grateful that you chose to put your dreams on hold and come out to Coal Valley to find Jack."
"I am grateful as well. My heart and my dreams may have changed a lot since I lived here, but I cannot imagine my life being any other way." She clears her throat and says, "Enough of that. Now, what did you think of Macbeth?"
"It was very interesting. I can see what you meant when you said Lady Macbeth was a challenging role for you to play. I must say I enjoy the comedies better. I would much rather watch Much Ado About Nothing than a tragedy like Macbeth."
Lee and Rosemary wake up the next morning a little later than usual. Lee is so excited to finally get to see a baseball game. He keeps thanking her over and over again because he never thought she would actually go to a game with him. Rosemary asks Lee, "Why are you so surprised? I told you I would go, didn't I?"
"Yes, yes you did…but I still didn't believe it would really happen."
Rosemary jabs his arm and says, "Mmmhmm."
"We need to leave here no later than noon if we want to get to the game in time. Earlier if you would like to eat some lunch. Do you think you can be ready to go around 11 am? We can eat something downstairs and then go to the game."
"Sounds good. Would it be okay to meet some of my friends for an early dinner?"
"Of course. I will take you wherever you would like to go." They take a cab out to The Polo Grounds and find their seats. The game turns out to be a lot of fun for both Rosemary and Lee. In the end, the Yankees beat the Tigers six to five scoring four runs in the last two innings. On their way out of the stadium, Lee tells Rosemary, "That was so much fun. Thank you for coming with me. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Now…where are we meeting your friends?"
"I did enjoy the game very much and I am glad you had fun. We are supposed to meet them at Peter Luger's at 5:30 pm."
"Baseball and steak in the same day. How did I get so lucky?" They both look at each other and chuckle. They decide to pass some time walking around Central Park taking pictures and then back to the hotel to change before they meet her friends. Lee is pleasantly surprised when they show up at the restaurant and he is not the only man there. Rosemary introduces Lee to her friends Cora and her husband Tom, Ada and her husband Oscar, and Sadie and her husband Stephen. Rosemary happily tells the story of how she met Cora, Ada, and Sadie at their first rehearsal for Major Barbara. They bonded when Rosemary and Ada were giving advice to Cora and Sadie since it was their Broadway debuts. The four of them became fast friends and moved in together shortly after Major Barbara ended its run. Lee and the guys quickly realize their wives will be doing all the talking. Their only job is to sit there and listen to the stories their wives tell.
The next day, they decide to go to Coney Island. Lee knows he won't be able to keep up with Rosemary and her boundless energy. So, he just grins and follows her where ever she wants to go. Their day is filled with riding the whip, witching waves, the red mill, and shoot the chute. Rosemary fondly remembers how much fun they had on the red mill on their honeymoon. Just the two of them, on a small boat, floating in a tunnel. Lee held her close throughout the whole ride, much the same as he did today. He actually suggests riding it a few more time throughout the day just so he can be close to his wife. Rosemary didn't mind one bit. They eat hot dogs, popcorn, candy apples, and ice cream cones. She takes as many pictures as she can of everything they do and experience. She doesn't want to forget anything about this special day or really any of this wonderful trip.
Rosemary treats Lee to some pizza at Lombardi's for dinner. She knows how much he loves pizza so she lets him order whatever he wants. He studies the menu and decides on a Margherita pizza for them to share. While they are waiting for their pizza to arrive, Lee says, "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," answers Rosemary.
"Have you ever ridden a bicycle?"
"My father started to teach me when I was about ten, but he was sent on an indefinite posting before I could ride on my own. I never had a chance to learn again."
"Well, will you let me teach you? We can ride in Central Park."
"Oh, Lee. Are you sure? Doesn't it take a long time to learn?" The waiter brings the pizza and puts on their table along with plates, silverware, water for Rosemary, and a beer for Lee. He rubs his hands together with a big grin on his face. Rosemary smiles and says, "Bon Appetit!"
"Bon Appetit." He hastily picks up his slice of pizza and eats it as fast as he can.
Rosemary remarks, "Slow down. The pizza isn't going to walk away."
Lee chuckles, "I'm famished and it smells so good. Okay, back to what I asked earlier. I think it can be something fun for us. I think you will pick it up fairly quickly! What do you say?"
Rosemary thinks about it for a few moments before saying, "Yes, I would love for you to teach me. Oh, wait. I don't have anything to wear. I can't exactly wear one of my skirts."
"We can go buy you something to wear," replies Lee.
"That's even better. I can't wait!" They finish their dinner and go back to the hotel for the evening.
As they are getting ready the next morning, Rosemary says, "Lee, I think I want to go see Penelope and her daughter Rosemary? Then I want to shop for something to wear when you teach me how to ride a bike. Do you want to come with me?"
"No, it's okay. You'll have more fun without me."
"Lee Coulter, you know it's not true. You know I love having you around."
Lee laughs and mumbles under his breath, "Sure you do, hon." After he finishes tying his tie, he walks up to her and tells her, "Now go. Have fun with Penelope. I will find something to do."
"Are you sure, Lee?"
"Yes of course, you just go."
Rosemary hits him lightly on the arm and rolls her eyes. "Why do I get the feeling you are trying to get rid of me?"
Lee repeats, "Just go!"
Rosemary pouts and walks out the door. While she is gone, Lee finally has a chance to see if there are any letters or telegrams from Lillian and Grace. He had secretly sent them a couple of telegrams while they were in Rio. He had asked them if they had or knew of any children that needed a home. He tells them about their experience with the three orphan boys and how it opened up their hearts more towards adoption. He then tells them they are still on their cruise, but will be in New York City within the month staying at the Plaza Hotel. He is happy to find a letter from Lillian and Grace waiting for him. It reads:
Dear Lee,
We hope you have enjoyed your trip around the Americas. We have some great news! We believe we found the perfect child for you and Rosemary! He is a seven-year-old boy. It's actually a very sad story, but he was found wandering the streets of Union City. Luckily one of the women running the orphanage there found him and brought him in. They later found out he had lost his mother and father to Tuberculosis when he was four and he was living with his older brother who was sixteen. A couple of years later, his brother ended up dying in an automobile crash. He lived on the streets for about six months before he was taken into the orphanage where he lived until three months ago. The orphanage in Union City was getting too full so Grace and I had picked him up and brought him to Brookfield with us. Since we have gotten to know him, we have found that he loves to help out in anyway he can. He is very polite. He is constantly making up stories in his head and then acting them out. He just has the most vivid imagination that I have ever seen. We actually thought of you two, but we were not sure if you and Rosemary were thinking about adopting. We were going to wire you about him when you got back home and then much to our delight, your telegram arrives. We would love for you and Rosemary to come and meet him and get to know him and to see if you will fall in love with him just like we think you will!
Love, Lillian and Grace
When Lee finishes reading the telegram, he is overcome with joy! He immediately writes two telegrams back:
Perfect! Wonderful news. Leaving New York in two days. Brookfield in another three to four days. One of Two.
Rosemary doesn't know. You didn't mention the boy's name. Two of Two.
He goes for a walk to try and contain his excitement. He picks up a paper and reads it in Central Park. Anything to pass the time until he meets Rosemary for a late lunch. He walks into the restaurant and sees her sitting there drinking some tea. He comes up behind her and asks, "Is this seat taken?"
"No, please join me if you like." She points to the chair at her table.
Lee sits down across from her trying not to smile. "I see you sitting here all alone and can't help but wonder why. I thought I better come and say hello. My name is Leland. Who might you be?" He extends his hand out waiting for her to respond.
She hesitantly puts her hand into his not really sure what he is trying to do. He gives it a quick squeeze and then gently pulls it up and gives it a kiss. She takes it back and chuckles, "Well, I have never seen anyone so forward before in my life. If you must know, my name is Rosemary Coulter."
Lee points to her tea and she nods. He motions to the waitress to come over, "This beautiful lady would like a refill of her chamomile tea and I would like some coffee please." The waitress immediately brings the coffee and tea back to their table.
Rosemary giggles, "How did you know I'm drinking chamomile tea, Mr…? I don't believe you told me your last name."
"You, Miss Coulter, can just call me Lee."
She rolls her eyes and her face turns serious. "Miss Coulter? You are assuming that I am not married?"
"Why else would you let a man you didn't know sit at your table, take your hand, and give it a kiss?"
"Well, you sir, are wrong in your assumption. I am a happily married woman. You seem like such a nice man, I just wanted to see what you would do? As a matter of fact, my husband is meeting me here shortly. Would you like to meet him?"
"I would love to meet this husband of yours. He must be a smart, charming, and handsome man to deserve such a beautiful wife as yourself. What will he think of his wife having tea with another man?"
She looks over at him and tries to hide her smile. "He wouldn't think anything of it. He loves me unconditionally, and he knows how much I love meeting new people. I am so lucky to have found him. He is, by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Lee takes a sip of coffee to try and hide the big grin on his face. "Well, I hope your husband knows how much you love and appreciate him."
"Oh, he knows!" They both look at each other and chortle.
They order lunch and talk about their morning. Rosemary tells Lee about her visit with Penelope and her daughter Rosemary. Rosemary is the little girl who is named after her. She is four years old now and looks just like her mom. "Oh Lee, she is so precious. She loves to sing songs, play with dolls, have tea parties, and give hugs. Penelope dressed her in the cutest clothes you can imagine. I almost didn't want to leave her." A wave of sadness crosses over her face. She takes a sip of her tea and tries to compose herself. "I wish you would have come with me; you could have talked to her husband. He came in shortly after I got there and asked about you."
"I'm sorry, I did not know he was going to be there." He calls the waitress over and asks for their check. He pays and asks Rosemary, "Are you ready to go? I'll take you shopping for a bicycling outfit." She gladly complies and they walk out of the restaurant and make their way over to the shops arm-in-arm.
"Rosie, are we still going to a show tomorrow night?"
She looks over at Lee, "Of course, we are. You know I can never pass up a chance to see a live show."
He laughs because he knows it's true. She is always up to see a play. "Well what do you want to see this time?"
She thinks about it for all of ten seconds. "Do you want to see Peter Ibbetson? Do you know what it is about?"
Lee smiled because he actually knows what this one is about. "Isn't it about this young couple who get separated at a young age, but who find each other as adults? After some trying circumstances they are separated again, but are then able to meet each other in their dreams."
She stops so he will turn around. "How did you know that, Lee?"
He tries to hold in his laugh, "So, you think you are the only one who knows anything about plays?"
Rosemary doesn't quite know what to say which is very odd for her. He looks at her and smirks. "I'm just kidding. I don't know anything about plays usually, but I just happen to be reading about what is showing while you were with Penelope." She lightly jabs his arm.
After trying several stores looking for the perfect bicycle riding outfit, Rosemary finally finds something. She sees a few pantaloon skirts in her size. She goes back to try them on and decides on the dark purple one. She has the perfect purple blouse to match. She finds Lee and shows him what she picked out. Lee says, "It is a skirt. How is this any different than what you wear every day?"
Rosemary proudly says, "Oh, but you are wrong. This is called a pantaloon skirt. It may look like a skirt, but they are actually pants."
"My apologies. Okay, go buy them then. Wait…is that all you are getting?"
"Yes. That is all I need," replies Rosemary.