Chapter Eight
Nick checked her into The Palace. She went to her room and freshened up for a few minutes. She found herself nervous and excited for freedom.
"I know this is a lark—-a brief diversion, an interlude. Oh for the chance to be someone else for a day. Jane Austen said, "One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other."
"I shall enjoy today for all it is," as she closed her hotel door.
—&—
Nick had told the concierge about the train derailment and made sure they sent messages to Mr Peterson and her father in law that she was safe and in for the night. He tipped them well.
He went outside to smoke a cigar and shared one with Grover as they waited.
"She seems like a mighty fine lady." the carriage driver remarked as he appreciated the tobacco.
"She is. A bird in a gilded cage. Going to let her stretch her wings tonight."
Grover nodded and took another drag on the fine cigar.
Maris went out the side door and joined them, still in Nick's woolen socks.
"The first thing I am buying is slippers."
"I rather like my socks." he laughed, giving her a hand up into the carriage.
Grover drove them to Union Square. It was bustling with middle-class shoppers at the end of the day or servants picking up orders of their wealthier clients.
Nick took her arm and helped her from the carriage.
"Hang around Grover."
"Yes sir, Mr Barkley."
"Nick? How did you know about these department stores?"
"Mother and Audra, pretty sure Elisabeth and Sally shop for days in San Francisco. I have been in my fair share of lady's shops."
"You are a man of many surprises."
"Good deal. I like to keep folks guessing."
They walked into the crowded store with replicas of Paris all around, heavy velvet drapes, and rose-patterned carpet.
They followed the signs to the Ladies' department, élégant dames.
The first stop was shoes. She picked up several beaded slippers to try on. Nick took her hand and helped her sit on the bench. He helped her manage the bandage on her foot. She tried on the slippers and found the size she needed.
The clerk eyed him and his familiarity. Nick realized.
"My wife will take these," and he handed the clerk the two pairs, "We will wear these over to the next department."
Maris couldn't help but giggle at his lie.
He continued with the charade, "Me and the missus were on the train that derailed. She lost her shoes and those are my best socks. Want them back."
The clerk relaxed at his explanation and humored them. He began a tab for the couple, "Check out in the front when you finish."
They took the elevator up to the next floor.
"Nick, you are shameless. Wife?" she giggled in the elevator.
"Just protecting your reputation, my lady. Unescorted and unmarried lady shopping with a rogue and them pretty little ankles of yours."
"Oh, Nick."
He got an unexplained urge to kiss her and he believed she wanted it to but the elevator opened.
She took his arm and went to the ready-to-wear; she held his arm a little closer than was proper—and didn't mind at all. He noticed and stood up just a little straighter.
"Still got the ladies even at fifty." He chuckled aloud.
She wondered about his laugh but was too afraid to ask.
"The secret, Missy? Did you find it to be true? " crossed her mind for the first time in years.
They walked into a colorful department of lady's dresses, hats, and fripperies.
Maris picked up some undergarments and a nightgown discreetly while Nick looked out at the sea of dresses. The clerk took them.
"Oh my, so many choices." She gasped.
He winked, "Why then the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open."
"Falstaff? Merry Wives of Windsor?"
"Yep. I enjoy Shakespeare. Just don't tell my ranch hands. Have to keep up the cowboy." Nick conspiratorially whispered.
"Your secret is safe with me."
The sales lady came up, "Ma'am what are you looking for today?"
"My dress was ruined in a train derailment. I need several dresses to get through the week."
"And you sir? Do you have something in mind for your wife?"
"Green to match her eyes," he said huskily.
She smiled patronizingly at Nick, "Husbands always know best."
"Yes, we do," Nick preened
The clerk sized her up and pulled several green dresses. She picked two and matching hats, a mint green and a forest green one.
"Nice," Nick agreed, "let's get another one. For tonight. A nice meal, somewhere nice. Maybe Little Italy."
"I haven't ever been there"
"Then it's time."
"Sir, do you have any choices of color?"
"Up to my wife, this time."
She looked at him with a look of interest, "Do you have any to match my husband's eyes?"
He was caught off guard by her joining his game and he showed his pleasure in his smile.
"Let me try a couple on."
He went into the waiting area and sat on a velvet settee. She came out in a brown and rust silk dress.
"Whoa doggie or boy howdy if brother Heath was here. You look pretty as a picture."
"Thank you, husband."
"You are welcome, wife.".
She went into the dressing room and braided her hair. She checked her reflection in the mirror and her black beaded slippers.
Nick paid for her purchases and she met him at the front register. They walked arm-in-arm to Grover and the carriage.
"Little Italy, please, Giacomo's."
"Got it, sir."
—&—
James David and Chip settled into the dorm after the meeting of student guides for family week. The school opened its campus to prospective students and current students served as guides or precepts. James David was to be one this year.
"I liked what I saw while you were in the meeting."
"It's a good place. I miss our home. You will too but knowing you can always go back will give you some leeway, Chip. I heard your dad say that on the train."
"Makes sense. Can you go back home?"
"No. My grandfather made that very clear. After this college and then to business with him—-but if I mess up here I'll be in military school and never see my mother. Don't want that."
Chip frowned and got very quiet, "My mother died when I was six. Same time your father died."
"Yes, but there is a big difference. My father only saw me once a year—-I bet your mama was happy with Nick and took care of you." with childlike anger in his voice.
"Yep she did," he whispered.
James David swallowed deeply, "My mother is the best person I know."
"She seems like a real nice lady," Chip added.
"Let's go and show ya the sights you won't see this week. The Underground Pine Crest. Liquor can be bought for a price and tobacco too."
Chip grinned exactly like Nick and slapped his new friend on the shoulder, "That's what I am talking about."
"Whiskey? Rum? Gin? Just keep me away from the ladies. My Pa shook me up something fierce about loose women. Made my skin crawl."
"How so?"
And Chip proceeded to enlighten James David about the perils of common women.
His eyes grew wide and he felt a bit nauseous.
"Glad you told me, Chip. Never really heard as much. Just those words and never really knew what they meant."
"Me neither. One thing James David, my Pa is a man of his word. If he says it, it's true and he lives by his word. Won't ever let you down."
