Chapter Four

Rose was standing in her father's study. Now it was Cal's, but he was out with her mother, so Rose took the opportunity and went there. She always did, when given a chance. But as time went by Cal spent even more time in the house and it was getting harder to avoid him.

The thing she loved the most about that room, apart from the fact that it belonged to her father, were the paintings. He had been quite an expert and used to buy all the paintings that he could. But then, when he and the money were gone, her mother sold many of them, in order to get cash to keep the appearances. The only ones left were the ones in his study, his favorites.

Fortunately, they had traveled to Europe and arranged Rose's marriage with the young bachelor Caledon Hockley before Ruth had to sell anything in that room. That was another reason for Rose to marry: she didn't want to let go the only things left from him.

Her eyes focused in the newest drawing. It wasn't even hung yet, and it wouldn't be. Rose had decided to take it to Philadelphia. It was a very good painting, but what she loved the most was that buying it had been the only battle she had won since coming back from Europe.

She had been walking with Cal one afternoon, when she passed an art gallery. She still didn't know how, but she managed to convince him to look around. Many paintings of many new artist were showed, but when she saw that particular one, she had fallen in love with it. And Cal must have found it nice too, because he didn't argue too much when she told him that she wanted it.

The artist name was John Doyle. She didn't got it at once, but once she reached her home she realized that they were the same initials of Jack. Jack Dawson. In fact, one of the bottom corners of the painting had a JD written as a signature.

Perhaps it was that what caught her eye in a first place. Maybe deep inside she noticed the initials and bought it as a remembrance of the man she had loved so much.

She was so into the painting that she didn't hear Kelly entering the room. The maid saw her staring at the picture and thought it was her opportunity to obey her brother's will.

"You like the artist?" she asked.

"What? Oh, I do. It's a great piece of art."

"He'd be pleased to know that someone like you thinks that about his job." She turned around, but was stopped by Rose's voice.

"Haw d' you know? I asked the owner of the gallery where I could find him, but he had no idea. What makes you say that you'll know what he'd think?" it sounded a bit cold, but Kelly could tell that she wasn't being rude, she was just interested about something.

"I know it, miss, because that guy, John Doyle, is my brother."

A couple of minutes before, Rose had been wondering about this JD. She wanted to know him. His painting had a magic effect on her and she wanted to found out more about it. Now, all of a sudden, this girl says she is his sister.

"Is that really true?"

"Well, I think I know my own brother, don't you?" replied angrily Kelly.

"Yes, you're right. Sorry." She didn't sound angry, but ashamed. She knew she had said something stupid.

"No, I'm sorry, miss. I over reacted"

"Your reaction was perfect. But now… You were saying. John Doyle is your brother? That's great, you know, because I wanted to know him. I think he's a great artist. Do you think you could make him come here?"

"Oh, miss. I'm afraid that's not possible. He's out of town, right now, and he's not coming back for a month or so."

"That's to bad. I was really looking forward meeting him. Where is he?"

"Philadelphia, miss."

"Really? The wedding is in Philadelphia, you know? Perhaps he's able to attend. It would be nice to have someone to talk to."

"I'll write and ask him if he can, but I guess he will be very pleased."

"Thanks. Wait. Here," she added reaching one of the desk's drawers "send this to him. It's an invitation, in case he decides to come."

Kelly smiled and left the room, leaving Rose return to her world. When she was at the kitchen, she grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a few lines to her brother:

"Done it. See you in Philadelphia. You better prepare your excuse well, Mr. Love ya. Kelly. PD. Sorry I can't give you this in person but I have work to do. Ruth is such a bitch!"

Then she put it inside an envelope with the invitation, wrote the address of her own house (which was now being used by her brother) and told the buckler to send it as soon as possible.

"Let's see what he has prepared." She whispered to herself.