Afternoon tea
The weeks went by Sir John and I continued to exchange letter, with my father reading them first.
Not that he would find anything inappropriate all we ever spoke about was Sir Johns latest business opportunity or events.
I will admit I had begun to anticipate our letters, John was so funny and Intelligent and so charming, dare I say I was beginning to find the elder man attractive.
Mother was having none of it, if I thought she had been pushing me to find a husband before, well now she had truly lost her marbles.
Nearly every day she was dragging me to either a gala, charity event, afternoon tea, polo match or any other social event she could.
I was begging to lose count on how many young men she had introduced me to, however, there was a pattern.
All the men she introduced me to were sons of her friends, or friends of her friends.
Snobby mommy's boys who have no personality or care about anything you have to say.
My friends weren't making it easier, Helen had married Richard and she was making plans to return with her new husband in New York.
Unfortunately, he and Ronald (Alice's husband) both shared a very unattractive trait, which was their love of infidelity and alcohol.
Being the only single one left Both Alice and Helen were pushing for me to find a husband, going as far as to offer up friends of their brothers or husbands.
I scoff
I would rather become a spinster than the wife of some rich alcoholic abuser who would rather spend his evening in the arms of another woman than his wife who is waiting at home for him.
My mood would continue to worsen the longer time went on.
That was until one afternoon, I was sat in the study practising my piano when father walked through the mahogany doors and over to me.
He handed me an envelope, already I knew who it was from, by now I knew that familiar handwriting.
My father doesn't speak and once he handed me the letter he moved to sit on one of the reading chairs.
I reach scan the letter only certain words, 'arrived in town.' 'Couple of weeks.''Invite to tea.'
Butterflies flutter in my stomach.
Sir John invited me to afternoon tea.
What surprised me was my fathers lack emotions, he read the letter.
"Sir John has invited me to afternoon tea."
Father acknowledges this with his head.
"Yes I read the letter, do you wish to go." There was no accusation in his voice, it was a genuine question.
I suppose I did.
"Yes."
"Very well you shall reply and make sure to add on I will personally be accompanying you."
Forgetting my manner I leap out of my seat and place a small kiss on my father's cheeks.
I rush to my room to begin my response.
Several days later I was staring at myself in the mirror, all morning I had been trying to find the perfect dress finally I settle on my favourite lavender dress with ivory and black assents and white Polkadot's.
Trudy was fixing my hair, placing pins to make sure the coils and puffs would not come loose.
I had chosen a straw hat that was decorated with purple flowers.
I had dapped some rouge on my lips to give them some colour.
I squirted some perfume on my wrists, the scent of orange blossom assaulted my nose.
As you would expect Mother had been furious when she discovered my plans and refused to speak to me nor father, Rose was uncertain but tried to be supportive.
Her support meant more to me than I could put into words.
After what seems like an eternity there was a gentle knock at the door.
"Come in."
The door opens to reveal my father dressed in his grey suit, father had mostly retired from public life so it wasn't often father dressed for the occasion.
"The car is waiting, shall we."
I gave myself one last look I'm the mirror and stood up from my chair.
Father grasped my hand in his and the pair of us journeyed to the car, I had yet to see mother which I took as a blessing However my luck would run out.
Mother was waiting by the door an ugly scowl marred her face, her nose was wrinkled and her eyes were hard as stone.
"Marigold I forbid you from walking out this house." Her Voice was the picture of calm, a calm one would expect from everyday conversation.
My father just gripped my hand tighter.
"Come along marigold."
Father and I exited through the main doors leaving my enflamed mother in the archway.
Once I was seated in the car and out of sight of mother, I let out a sigh my corset suddenly felt too tight.
Was it getting warmer?
I open my fan and begin to fan myself.
The closer we get to our destination the more nervous I get.
It's my fathers warm and comforting hand that grasps my wrist which helps me settle.
My father gives me one of his rare smiles, one that is saved for me or my sister.
I should have known he had alternative agenda.
I thought he was being too supportive with everything.
"Marigold it is important you make a good impression of Sir John."
I turn to showcase my confusion.
"Sir John has chosen you, marigold. There are plenty of eligible women in Philadelphia and New York yet his eyes have fallen on you."
"Father.."
I was speechless.
Did father truly believe that was the only reason why John deceit to write to me?
What if it was?
"Sir John is one of the wealthiest men in America, he can give you a good life."
My shoulders sink.
I should have known.
Before I can retaliate we pull up to the grand and impressive manor sir John Astor was renting.
Once The car pulls to a stop I take a deep breath.
No turning back now.
The driver exits and quickly opens the door and offers me his hand.
I accept and step out.
Father slips out with ease.
The two grand doors open and a cheerful John Jacob Astor steps out to greet us.
"William it's so good to see you!" John claps my father hand and the pair exchange a firm handshake, next his attention turns to me.
His smile softens as he grasps my hand in a grip far gentler than that of my father and brought his lips to my knuckles.
"Miss DeWitt Bukater."
"Mr Astor."
He gestured to his open doors.
"The maids have begun tea preparation however I was curious if you would like to partake in a stroll around the garden with me, I remember from your letter that you love flowers."
Did he remember?
"I'm sure marigold would be jubilant to accompany you." My father spoke up.
Not trusting myself to speak I only nod.
"Well then, madam." I hook my arm underneath Sir Johns waiting arm.
I can help but stare in awe as we pass through the halls.
If I thought my house was nice it was nothing compared to Sir johns.
Rented or not.
Chandeliers in nearly every room, works of art on every wall, countless number of staff getting on with their everyday chores, plush carpets that seemed to sink underneath you.
Not one to listen to silence I attempted to start the conversation.
"I read your book, Mr Astor May, I ask how you came up with such marvellous ideas."
Books, that's a safe topic, right?
"Well I have always been keen on the future advancements of humankind, I believe that in the future we shall be able to reduce oil and coal in favour of solar power." Sir John proclaimed with confidence.
"You are a forward-thinking man Mr Astor." I applaud him.
"We should always look to the future Miss DeWitt Bukater, just think of all the future accomplishments mankind will have the pleasure to whiteness."
The gardens were truly beautiful many flowers, all of the different colours lined the paths and the stone patio.
"I must say I found your account of Jupiter to be quite captivating."
John turns his full attention towards me.
"Is that so?"
"A jungle world with flesh-eating plants, vampire bats, giant snakes, mastodons, and flying lizards with it also holding a wealth of exploitable resources such as iron, silver, gold, lead, copper, coal, and oil."
"Yes, I have always wondered what lays out in the sky Miss DeWitt Bukater."
"Perhaps one day we shall find out."
"Perhaps."
"You write in your letters about your love of classical literature Are you reading any good books right now? I'd love some recommendations. How about theatre?" Sir John asks me.
"I have been reading a novel that's was only recently published, it's named 'The Rosary' the author is named Florence L Barclay."
"May I ask what it is about?"
"It's set in Jane and Garth are two characters that are in love, they are separated with obstacles to overcome."
"It sounds very interesting, not someone I would probably take pleasure in reading and theatre?"
"I have been wanting to watch the Balkan Princess, My friend Alice went to see it with her husband and sang its praises."
"Do you travel much Sir John?"
John looks contemplative.
"Not as much as I would like but I suppose I do get around."
"May I inquire about your favourite location?"
"I would have to say Egypt ."
"Egypt? I'm afraid I've never had the opportunity."
"Well one day you must, it's such a beautiful country."
We were soon halted in our track by a servant.
"Afternoon tea is ready to be served."
"Thank you, Benjamin."
Sir John turned to lead me in the direction of the houses
"Let us get out of the sun and enjoy a spot for tea, I had the cook prepare a selection of sweet treats to accompany the tea."
"Marigold had always had a love for sweeter treats." My father's voice startled me.
I had been so immersed with Sir John I had completely forgotten we were being chaperoned.
Then again it's difficult to forget we are in company when I am with sir John.
The stroll back towards the house seemed to be shorter than our trip throughout the gardens.
Nether the less we appeared in the grand sunroom in little time.
Three chairs had been placed around a lovely walnut table crowded with china plate's that held all sorts of treats: cucumber finger sandwiches, egg and watercress sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, chocolate cakes, sponge cakes and some delicious looking strawberries.
On the table, there also had been placed a China teapot steaming with hot water, a jug of cream, a small bowl of sugar as well as several different types of tea's to choose from such as Earl Grey, camomile and Assam.
Sir John pulled my chair out for me allowing me to sit down before pushing me in.
My father and sir John soon took their seats before servants came forward to pour us our chosen tea.
"You choice mam."
"Earl grey for me please."
I was left to enjoy some of these delicious treats while my father and Sir John engaged in conversation.
"Sir John how is the Astoria fairing, I imagine with the influx of wealthier guest to New York your hotel is profiting?"
"It is, there has been Mild Disruption though nothing that is damaging."
Both men continue speaking about accounts, Bill of ladings, deflation and many other topics that go over my head.
So I eat my cake's in silence, simply enjoying this beautiful afternoon.
After the conversation is finished sir John turns to me.
"Would you fancy a game of chess you mentioned you have a passion for the game and I would love to test your skills?"
"I would like that."
I have always done well at chess.
No one in my family will play with me anymore since I always win.
We both retreat to Sir Johns personal study, sir John leads me to a chair and then seats himself opposite me.
The beautiful chess set is already laid out in front of us.
Since I'm white I make the first move.
I move my pawn to E4.
John seems to follow me for the moves his pawn to E5
two pawns are not threatening to capture each other they were merely to block each other until something breaks the logjam.
For my next move, I bring a knight forward into attack position NF3
"Impressive move Miss DeWitt Bukater, you must have many people wanting to play against you."
"I'm afraid not, my mother never found chess very interesting, my younger sister rose doesn't have the patience for the game and father won't play me anymore since I always beat him." I playful add.
That gets me a chuckle from both men.
Sir John moves another pawn F6.
Does he realise this move had weakened his king?
I have no choice but to sacrifice my knight I make my move.
Nxe5
Yes, I will lose my knight.
I grab the fallen pawn.
Sir John as expected moved his pawn Fxe5 and took my fallen knight.
I take a gamble.
I move my queen.
Qh5
"Check"
Sir John retaliates by moving his king.
Ke7
This move has left Sir John in a dangerous position because the black king is so exposed.
I take a look up from the chessboard and to my right.
Father along with several others mostly staff of sir John, his bodyguard and PA are sat around the office.
Everyone is pretending not to stare.
However, they are.
"Do you ever feel like a chess piece yourself Sir John sitting on a chessboard as others move you about?"
Another check
Qxe5
Sir John looks at me.
"Do you?"
Looking out the corner of my eye I say in a low voice.
"Constantly."
John has no choice but to move his King, it's the only available move to play.
Kf7
"Your father?"
Bc4
"Not just him but mother and other high society vaulters ready to grab hold of my skirt and drag me from square to square."
Helen and Alice are desperate to Merry me off to a friend of their husbands.
Other ladies constantly telling me who I should talk to, who I shouldn't.
Even father trying to marry me off to sir John.
Pd5
"Then you had better master the rules of the game until you can play it better than they can."
John offers me a smile.
Bxd5
"Check"
John casts his eyes around the board until he gives me a small smile and moves his king.
Kg6
Very smart.
I will have to find a creative way to continue my attack.
I rake my eyes around the board looking over all my pieces, trying to find the best course of action.
Then I see it.
Ph4
Ph5
Sir John has blocked my pawn from further advances.
If I bring additional forces forward with Nc3 or d4, the obvious developing moves, Sir John will harass My queen with Bd6. That would force me to lose time protecting the queen. Sir John would gain time to get the black pieces out and get his king back to safety.
I have to continue with my forceful approach.
So I move my bishop to B7
Just as I expected John fell for the misdirect mm he moved his bishop to B7 and took mine.
This Allows my attack to break through, this was sir John critical error.
I move my queen to F5
Sir John is trapped.
He can only move his King to H6
His King is in check and my Queen cannot be taken and any other moves for the King would still allow it to be taken.
I continue the attack Pd4 with a special kind of check, a discovered check.
Sir John moves his pawn G65
At this point, it's an easy win.
I grab my with a Qf7
I don't even call check, but mate is now inevitable.
Nothing can save Sir John now.
He moves his queen to E7
Where in the last few moves now.
hxg5
I check Sir johns king and destroying His pawn majority.
Qxg5
Rxh5
Checkmate!
I win.
"Well played Miss DeWitt Bukater." John applauded me.
"Yes well done indeed marigold."
My father voice was heard.
He had placed the newspaper he was reading on the table and moved to join sir John and me.
"Sir John I'm afraid we must be leaving now, I imagine dinner will be ready soon."
Sir John rose from the chair before offering me his hand.
John still had not let go of my hand by the time we reach the front door, it's only after the valet had opened the door does he kiss my hand one last time in farewell.
"Thank you for this wonderful day Miss DeWitt Bukater I don't think I've ever had such charming company."
"And I you Mr Astor."
It wasn't even a lie, sir John is a good man.
"I hope to see you again."
With those parting word, I step into the waiting car and begin the journey home.
