Correspondence
Several days have passed and my conversation with Mr John Astor departed from my memory that is until one Wednesday morning Trudy walked into the Dining Room where mother, father, rose and I am eating a breakfast of fruit and ham with johnny-cakes and potatoes.
"Miss Marigold a letter and package have arrived for you."
She left the letter and package next to me.
"Thank you, Trudy."
She quickly departs to continue with her chores.
I place my knife and fork on my plate in an upside-down V before opening the envelope containing the letter.
Dearests Marigold DeWitt Bukater
I apologise I did not write to you sooner, these last few days have been very disordered however I finally found some time to write to you.
I have sent with this letter a copy of my book that I promised you, I hope you will enjoy reading it, perhaps after you have been finished we could discuss it, it's always refreshing to have a different set of eyes review it, I would invite you over for afternoon tea to converse your opinions regrettably I am leaving this evening to return to New York, perhaps we could exchange letters?
I await your response.
All my best
Sir John Jacob Astor IV
I place the letter down and go open the brown parcel.
Inside just as he said was a copy of A journey in other worlds.
A small smile graces my face.
The letter is snatched.
The scowl on my mother's face deepens as she reads the content of the letter.
Her eyes cast over me accordingly.
"I told you to stay away from that man!"
"Mother! He just wanted to discuss his book."
I don't usually get heated with Mother but this time is different.
"I don't care, I will not have you bring shame to this family."
Rose looks between the two of us confused, father however looks contemplative.
Mother had already informed him of my conversation with Mr Astor so he knew who had sent the letter.
"Ruth!" He barked.
My mother quickly turned to him.
"Marigold is a sensible young lady and I trust her."
Fathers word was final, mother knew that.
With a huff and glare, she threw the letter onto the table or before excusing herself and promptly exiting the room.
I carefully pick the letter back up and gently folded it before sliding it back into the envelope.
Breakfast is finished in silence until Rose leaves for school.
Now it's just me and father, the latter is quick to stand.
"Marigold, would you join me in my office?"
I knew it wasn't a question.
I notice my father is wobbling slightly as he walks and I quickly slide my arm through his to offer support.
My father offers me a warm smile before gently patting my hand.
Lately, my father has become weaker, the doctor had diagnosed it like the flu yet I wasn't convinced, if it was the flu he should be getting better, however, he only seems to worsen.
Once we enter my father's office he moved to sit behind his desk.
"Take a seat, my dear."
I sink into the familiar brown leather.
Father opens up the familiar wooden box that holds his cigars and bourbon.
Father is quick to light one.
He takes a few puffs before beginning to speak.
"I'm certain you are aware of the reason for this meeting."
"Yes, father."
"Now your mother has already run me rugged with her side of the story, I shall ask for your side."
I clear my throat.
"Whatever mother is telling you is false, Mr Astor and I were introduced to each other at the Appleton's tea party, we began conversing until mother came to inform me we were going home, Mr Astor promised to send me a copy of his novel to read."
Father was listening to everything I was saying.
His face portrayed no emotion.
"May I see this letter?"
I handed the envelope to my father who grabbed the letter and began reading it.
I watched as eyes raked over every word, one he had finished he returned the letter to me.
"We are both a-wear of the scandal that surrounds Sir John Astor at this moment, he is disliked by many for his actions."
I nod.
Everyone was talking about it.
Ava Astor divorced sir John after finding him with Madeline Talmage
"Then I'm sure you are aware of the questions that will arise once it becomes public knowledge of your correspondence with each other."
I like to think it wouldn't become public knowledge, unfortunately, in high society, nothing stays secret.
The next question throws me off guard completely.
"Are you prepared for the possibility Sir John May wish for more?"
More?
We are just exchanging letters.
The letter will be about his novel.
"Father I don't think..."
"You are a very beautiful young lady and I'm sure sir John is a-wear."
"Would you be happy with him as your husband?"
Hold on a moment.
Husband!?
"Father!..."
"Marigold men don't exchange letter with ladies if there is not a hint of attraction or intention."
I'm speechless,
I don't know what to say.
I've never thought about someone potentially wishing to court me.
Father must notice this because he lets out a sigh of relent.
He is quiet for a moment until something flickers across his face, it too quick for me to catch.
He racks his eyes over me.
There is something I can't quite place swirling around in his eyes.
He opens his mouth.
"You may exchange letters with Sir John Astor however I shall read them first, you shall not be seen with him unaccompanied, it shall be with a person of my choosing."
Hope fills my chest.
"Do you accept these rules?"
I nod.
"Yes."
Father offers me a smile.
"Very well then, you may be excused."
My whole body feels lighter.
Once I reach my room I grasp a plain piece of paper and a pen.
And begin writing.
Dear sir John...
