Scandal
We were not running away.
No matter what high society claimed.
We were simply giving the scandal of our marriage more time to settle.
Or at least that's what I try to believe.
For my rambling to make sense we have to Revisit one of New York's most prestigious events of the year.
The presentation ball.
12 girls of high ranking officially making their first formal appearance in society.
The ball was being held at the Astoria for the first time, so of course John and I were required to attend.
Not that it bothered me, I had always liked The presentation watching the young ladies escorted by their fathers.
John and I had arrived on time dressed in our finest, it was the first time we had been to a large event such as this, the entirety of New York's wealthiest were together under one roof.
By now I had learned to dismiss the side looks and whispers.
They mattered very little to me.
"J.J" John and I turned to where the voice had come from to my relief it was only Molly.
John too had relaxed.
"Good evening Molly."
"Molly." We kissed each other's cheek.
"I must say the Astoria had ever looked better." Molly complimented John.
I must agree with her.
John had personally seen to the planning, this was the Astoria's first time hosting cotillion, hopefully the first in many, he had wanted to give the best reception, that meant very inch of the hotel had been scrubbed and polished until it shined, John had ordered the freshest ingredients and the most beautiful flowers.
John preened like a peacock.
"It is marvellous isn't it."
"Is John around Molly I have yet to see him." I inquire about Mollys husband.
Molly looks around.
"He's most likely following around the waiters, trying to drown himself in the alcohol." We share a laugh.
The three of us move to the ballroom were most of the guest have congregated, scouting out the guests I am able to find Helen, she and her husband Richard, she waved at me, I knew we would have time to converse later.
John brought me to our table, we had been seated with Molly, her husband John, Sir Anthony Byrd, lady Nancy Bryrd, Lady Joan Carter, lord Harold Randolph, Edward Cabots, Edna Cabots, Bernard Du Pont, mable Du pont.
Oh dear.
Half of the ladies that were on our table were friends of Ava willing.
I looks of diastase I received spoke volumes.
This was going to be a long night.
Edward Cabots was quick to engage John in conversation about his brand new Yacht.
Molly was engaged in conversation with lady Joan.
That left me alone.
Nancy Bryrd was sat next to me however she seems dot be doing everything in her power not to engage me in conversation she and Mabel du pont were in conversation about the latest fashion trend from Paris.
Whenever I would try to join in the conversation I was rebuffed, so I spent the evening siting next to John quietly and eating my food.
At least the food was good.
Molly looked over at me several times yet she and her husband were sat far enough away that it would be considered rude if she were to engage me in conversation over the table.
My relief was palpable when the dancing started, I loved to dance, aside from my wedding I had yet to dance with John.
Once the music started John held out his arm.
"May I have the honour of the first dance."
I giggle before placing my hand in his.
"You may."
We Join the other couples on the floor, John pulls me close by placing a hand on my waist and the other one holding my hand, I place me free hand on his shoulder and we begging to waltz.
"You are one of the most beautiful women tonight my dear." John whispers to me.
His praises never ceases to make me blush.
This night was perfect.
We dance together for nearly every song though towards then end John starts to tire so we return to our table.
It's only when we reach the table does my blood run cold.
Because there stood the one person I hoped I would never have to meet.
Ava Willing was gossiping with Mabel and Nancy, the three of the laughed at something before their eyes set sights on John and I.
Ava looked at us with a smile on her face.
That smile left me nervous, it reminded me very much of the Cheshire Cat from my story.
I didn't like this.
John's face had become stone, he gripped my hand tight, for my benefit or his I was unsure.
Ava slanted up to us, her posture reminded me of that of a lioness stalking her prey.
"John how wonderful to see you." Her voice was like nail being run along a chalk board, it was grating and slightly high pitched.
John not wanting to be seen displaying rudeness put in a smile that didn't reach his eyes and replied in a even tone.
"Hello Ava."
The lecherous smile on Ava's face turned my Stomach.
"There is no need to be so formal and stiff John, not between us." She purred.
Her eyes cast themselves to me.
She ran her eyes up and down my form clearly taking in every flaw she could find.
The hairs on the back of my Neck stood up, this woman meant trouble.
"You must me John's new paramour."
Excuse me.
"Ava this is my WIFE Marigold." Johns tone took in a sharp edge he to was a stiff as a board.
Ava feigned shock.
"My Apologies, you are young enough to be his daughter so I assumed." The smirk on her lips told me she new exactly what she was doing.
The entire table was observing our interaction with rapt attention.
Molly and John unlike the rest wore looks of concern on their face, to my relief was directed at myself.
Other guest were also listening in.
My cheeks were beginning to darken though this time in embarrassment.
I only wanted a nice evening out, not to become the latest theatre production.
John also noticed the spectators.
We both knew we were mice that had just run into the claws of the cat.
If John were to react in an untimely matter he would be branded as ungentlemanly which would ruin his reputation.
"I was disappointed when I didn't receive an invite to your wedding, i was informed it was a lavish affair."
"I know how busy you are and I didn't want to take time away from your busy life." John replied.
I had to applaud him, he had yet to break a sweat.
"However as Ava's mother it caused me Great stress I want not able to accompany our daughter, I had to put her on a train and trust that someone would be waiting for her on the other side, you must understand how that would worry me."
How dare she!
John had offered to come personally to New York to accompany little Ava, but Her mother informed John not to bother and she would send Ava with her most trusted nursemaid.
I had to hand it to Ava, she knew how to play the room to her favour.
Many of the women were clearly touched by Ava's "Worries", the gentlemen were ether avoiding eye contact, looking at there pocket watch or drinking their glass of spirits.
No one wanted to make a scene.
John must of realised he wasn't going to win any favours.
"Well it was lovely to speak to you, I'm afraid we must be heading home."
"Oh no! Please don't leave on my account."
She was good.
Johns grip on my hand has no doubt left
Marks.
"We were planning to retire after dancing." John insisted.
Of course it wasn't true, but we were already the talk of the ball by now, we didn't need people thinking we were run out of the building.
"Have a good evening Ava."
I gripped johns arm tight as we made our way to the exit.
Metaphorical Ants were crawling over my skin as I held onto John with a death grip, he was my rock, the one thing preventing me from running from the room, from the stares, from the judgment.
The moment we were safe in the car John pulled me into his arms, he rested his head in on mine.
"I'm so sorry dear, If I had known she was going to be there I would of never of agreed to attend."
I don't respond, to lost in thought.
Wondering was mother right?
Had I truly destroyed myself with this marriage.
I was the talk of New York, half the ladies looked down on me, the other half were too afraid to be labled as an outcast for being seen with me, we couldn't go out anywhere without looks or whispers.
I had always been confident with my decision never having doubted myself, yet down I did doubt.
John had seeped me of my feet with his charm, or perhaps I was so desperate to be free of mother I was blind to the truth.
I loved John, father was right about that.
Could I imagine life without him by my side.
No
I just wonder what it would be like if we were ordinary working people, free to be with each-other without judgement.
The moment we are back at the house, John immediately retired to bed.
I would join him in a bit I just had one thing to do first.
I walk into the drawing room and pick up a pen and piece of Johns personalised parchment paper with the Capitol A engraved in.
Rose had sent me a letter this morning I had yet to read it, rose's letters had become less and less.
Grabbing a paper knife I run the knife along the envelope.
I pick pull out roses latter and begin to read.
Dearest Marigold
I know I have not been in touch recently I apologies, things have been very challenging since father passed. Mother has become far more forceful in her attempt to find me a suitor.
Marigold I think something is wrong. Mother has already dismissed several staff members and she's always in meetings.
Whatever is happening mother has been very tight lipped about it.
Enough about me, how are you? How is John? Has anything interesting happened since our last correspondence, I still can't believe it's been a month since I last saw you when mother is feeling bette me I shall ask her if I may come and visit you.
I hope to receive a reply very soon.
Your loving sister rose.
Rose never fails to bring a smile to my face, mother is concerning perhaps she's just in one of her phases.
She's done this before, when I was 10 mother was certain on of the maids was stealing from her so she dismissed the entire household and hired new one's However she had forgotten to think about the time it would take to hire new staff. That was an interesting week.
The 4 of us had to clean, cook, dress ourselves and do everything for ourselves, father, rose and I managed okay but mother on the other hand, she broke after 3 days.
let's hope she never has to work.
I begin my response.
Dearest Rose
I'm happy to hear from you, when I did not receive a reply after my last letter i feared I had upset you.
I am well, the leaves have begun to fall as we go into November, rose I wish you could see it, beautiful oranges, purples and browns fall around us it's so beautiful I know autumn is your favourite season.
John is busy as normal, however we still have our evening chess or card game. John and I will sometimes take the horses out for a ride that is always nice.
We would be thrilled to have you visit perhaps sometime in the new year.
You know how mother is, just let her do what she needs to do, there is no use in trying to have a meaningful conversation with her when she is in a fuss.
I await your reply
Marigold.
Reading the letter one last time I fold it and place it in an envelope before writing the address on the front.
Holding the letter in my hand I place it in the letter basket with all the other letters that will be posted tomorrow.
"Dotty!"
Dotty is quick to come.
"Yes Miss."
"I'm gonna going to bed now."
Dotty follows me to the bedroom.
When I walk in I'm greeted to John already in bed.
Dotty lets out a small Yelp.
"I'm so sorry sir."
John merely waved her off.
"Does not matter."
John goes back to his book, completely unaffected by the two of us.
Dotty quickly gets to work, no doubt wanting to vacate the room as soon as possible.
Soon I'm climbing into bed next to John.
Once I'm tucked in next to him John places the book down on the table and cuddles you to me.
"We are going to go on an extended honeymoon."
That gets my attention, I roll over to face him.
"Pardon?"
"I've decided that we choose do some travelling together, we can visit Egypt like you wanted and explore Europe."
What brought this on.
Was this about what happened tonight?
"John about what happened tonight..."
"It's not just that, I want to show you the world, show you all the amazing landmarks and spend time with you."
"But what about your work?"
"Well I'll be taking Victor with me, besides I'm letting William take on some leadership responsibilities while I'm gone, it will be good practice for him." John explained.
Knowing I won't change his mind, I concede.
Besides it would be nice to get away from New York for a while and if we are running away ("we are not running!") at least we shall be doing it in style.
"Just think of it marigold, you and me exploring the wonders of Egypt, shopping in Paris, spending our days together with nothing getting in the way, and we shall be returning to New York on none other than the RMS SS Titanic."
The titanic!
That's set to be one of the most luxurious boats.
"The titanic!?"
John nods.
"I was going to surprise you at Christmas I've already brought our tickets, and since we shall be boarding from Cherbourg what better way to start our holiday with a 6 month vacation."
So one cold November morning myself, John, dotty and Victor boarded the RMS Mauretania for our journey to Egypt.
To my delight Molly was also accompanying us.
"Well I couldn't let you have all the fun sister."
Little did I know that the next time I would see New York, it would be after a great tragedy.
