Outings and Red Dresses

Cora fought a yawn the next morning as she drank her orange juice.

Mother's New Year's party lasted late into the night, and Cora had struggled to go to sleep afterwards, as she had been full of excitement. Especially with her plans to see Mr. Samson again. Even though Mother didn't expect anyone downstairs until eleven for brunch, it still felt a bit early. And even after the maid had taken time to help Cora into her corset, style her hair and dress her in nice blue cashmere dress that would be appropriate for outdoors. Mr. Johnson was apparently eager to see the new Statue of Liberty today, especially as it could be viewed on a holiday.

"I still cannot believe I was the only one not allowed to go to the party," Harold said with a groan from across the table.

Cora glared at him without saying anything. What right did he have to complain when he'd found attend the party, albeit briefly? He'd cost Cora several moments of socializing with Jane and helping her friend meet gentlemen, to take him back to his room. At least he was dressed in a nice corduroy suit that would be appropriate for outdoors.

"Well, I suggest you accept it, as the party is over now," Mother said sharply with her own glare.

Harold opened his mouth, clearly ready for another retort. Cora sighed; it was too early for one of Mother and Harold's battles. "What has been happening in Cincinnati in the last couple of years, Mr. Johnson?" she said with a bright smile at the jolly man.

Mr. Johnson swallowed a bite of scrambled eggs before he grinned widely at the entire table, his dimples showing. "Of course, the store is performing wonderfully, Mr. Levinson. Everyday I get orders for cloth, yarn, wood, and even pens, and the supplies come in regularly as well." Poppa nodded, pleased but unsurprised; he'd been trusting Mr. Johnson with managing his first store for years. "Beyond that, the Erie Canal is providing the city with so much commerce there is talk of changing the streetcars to electric. Oh, and Amy and James are engaged."

He looked directly at Cora as he said this. Of course, she'd gone to public school with Amy. For almost ten years they'd read together, learned sums together, and spelled together. Amy was only six months older than Cora. And now she had received a proposal while Cora hadn't even found a gentleman to court her yet? And Amy hadn't been told to marry a man from the right families, instead she would marry for love.

Cora scooped a mouthful of juicy, fresh strawberries in her mouth, so she wouldn't complain about how unfair that was.

"And I believe John Gondar is courting Lucy Alexander," Mr. Johnson said, as if he had no idea how much it bothered Cora. On the contrary, he clearly thought it was wonderful news.

Cora scooped another mouthful of strawberries into her mouth, letting one of her favorite breakfast foods soothe her spirits. The news shouldn't bother her, she reminded herself. She should be happy that some of her old friends from Cincinnati had found good men who loved them. And she was. But…The memory of dancing with Mr. Samson last night flashed through her mind and Cora wondered how long the feeling would last before Mother would ruin it.

"Then I suggest you start catching the attention of an appropriate gentleman, Cora," Mother said, wasting no time. "You need to get out more and use the lessons Miss Maple has been teaching you. Then sooner or later, the right man will ask to court you." She took a drink of orange juice and left a large stain on her upper lip. Cora sighed with inner frustration at Mother's hypocrisy. She constantly praised the lessons that Miss Maple taught, insisting they were paramount to Cora finding an appropriate gentleman, yet she wouldn't follow the same lessons herself.

Cora opened her mouth to say she'd already caught the attention of a gentleman she thought was quite appropriate, as she remembered Mr. Samson's handsome face and the exhilarating feeling of his arms around her when they danced.

"Certainly, if you find such a match, our family will finally be accepted in the right circles," said Mother, before Cora could say anything about Mr. Samson. And the thought of displeasing Mother, as frustrating as she could be, tore at Cora's heart.

Must she sneak out to go carriage riding with Mr. Samson next weekend, so not to displease her? Could Cora truly leave their house and meet Mr. Samson without anyone noticing? She pictured herself closing the door behind her and going to Central Park all by herself. Even Jane would be impressed if Cora did such a thing.

Cora's heartbeat faster. She wasn't certain whether that was the thought of defying her mother so much or the idea of seeing Mr. Samson again. Would it be worth it, just to feel his touch against hers? Might he even kiss her gloved hand again?

Distantly, she heard Poppa stand and say he had to get to work. Even when Mr. Johnson was visiting, Poppa still spent most of his day working. But with the image of her riding in Mr. Samson's carriage, his handsome face gazing at her, Cora didn't care as much as she normally did.

"What's with the dopey look, Cora?" Harold said, his obnoxious voice destroying her perfect daydream. Her brother then swallowed a piece of bacon, as if they were her dreams.

"Ah, Cora, are you thinking of someone special?" said Mr. Johnson, a friendly smile on his face. He was such a good man; he had no idea how complicated this was for their family.

"Actually, I met a Mr. Samson at the party last night and I've agreed to go carriage riding with him this Saturday," Cora said as quickly as she could. Then she stuffed her mouth with delicious fruit, waiting for the ax to fall.

Mother didn't disappoint.

"Was this the young man you spent half the night dancing with last night?" Her voice was low and dangerous. Even Harold and Mr. Johnson were silent.

Cora nodded slowly, unable to say anything else. Her heartbeat raced faster than a horse.

"Cora this exactly why I've told you not to pay so much attention with such a young man. I admit, he's handsome one, but he is only a factory manager, after all." Mother shook head sharply, looking far more intimidating than she should considering the orange juice still showed on her upper lip. "And now you've given him the impression courting you is acceptable."

"Oh, but if it were truly a courtship Mr. Samson would have spoken to father," Cora said calmly, although her heart still moved too quickly. "Certainly, he only wishes a simple outing, before we both find better matches." She ignored the prickling of her insides with the idea of either of them courting, much less marrying, anyone else. Because that's all this carriage ride was. A simple outing.

Then suddenly Cora's eyes widened with excitement as she thought of a perfect idea for everyone to get what they wanted. "In fact, wouldn't this Saturday be a great time to show Mr. Johnson Central Park?" Mr. Johnson certainly would wish to see the park, and Mother would appreciate the chance to see there was nothing to worry about between Cora and Mr. Samson. She also adored an excuse to go to Central Park, with the hope that someone important would notice her.

Cora smiled at one of their families' oldest friends, and he smiled back, just as she knew he would, agreeing to the plan.

Mother paused, considering this carefully. She looked from Cora to Mr. Johnson and then to Harold as well. "Well, if that's all it is, then becoming acquainted with your Poppa's new factory manager would be a good idea. And of course, we must show Mr. Johnson Central Park! But today, we promised to let him see the new statue, so we should finish up with brunch."

Everyone at the table nodded.

OOOOOOOOO

Everyone had a good time looking at the Statue of Liberty, even if they were not allowed inside it, it's shear magnificence was enough to see from the outside. Mr. Johnson was particularly impressed that Poppa had donated money for the pedestal and that his name was listed with the other benefactors.

"Of course, I'm not certain it's worth all that money Isidore spent," Mother said, shaking her had as they all still stared up at the statue. "I hear people can barely see it in the dark, least of all the sailors who come into the harbor at night. It's just not an effective lighthouse."

Cora sighed, wondering why her mother must complain about everything. She could be such a… what was that word Miss Maple had instructed her students not to be? Ah yes, a drama queen. "I'm certain they will find a way to make her light up eventually. And in the meantime, we have a wonderful symbol of liberty, welcoming everyone to New York and our country."

Mr. Johnson smiled at Cora and then gazed back at the statue. "I agree."

OOOOOOOOOO

In the next couple days, they also took Mr. Johnson to a restaurant, a couple of Poppa's stores, and a show at the Union Square Rialto. Finally, it was Saturday and time for their central park outing.

Cora had never smiled so widely as she sat in her family's carriage, once again in her deep blue cashmere dress. Around her shoulders was an ebony cashmere shawl and she cared a muff of the same color and material. She hoped she looked her best, especially considering how handsome Mr. Samson was.

She was also delighted to see Mother happy. In her deep green dress, it would certainly attract attention, especially as it complimented her red hair. And though Mr. Johnson was always happy, he did seem particularly pleased to be on his way to see the famous Central Park, with the way his eyes danced.

Cora just wished Harold didn't look so pleased. She never trusted that devilish grin.

As their carriage approached the park, her eyes searched for another that might belong to Mr. Samson. He said it was new, so it certainly couldn't be one of the old, rusty ones. Was it an open carriage or a closed one? Did it sit four people, or six, or perhaps only two people?

Meanwhile, Mother waved to everyone, as if she were one of the politicians from the parade, they all watched last fall for Lady Liberty.

Finally, Mr. Samson climbed out of a closed carriage, which looked much simpler than Poppa's but Cora still couldn't wait to ride, and waved to Mother. "Hello, Mrs. Levinson," Mr. Samson said as he walked confidently to their carriage. He flashed her the same melt-worthy smile he'd given Cora at the party.

Cora's heart leaped as she saw him again.

"I'm Frank Samson," he said as he leaned against the carriage. "And I'm very pleased to be the foreman for your husband's new factory. I know the factory will do even better under his ownership. We are certain to have an excellent business relationship." An image of Mr. Samson becoming as close to their family as their Mr. Johnson already was in the future flew through Cora's mind, and her heart warmed.

"You're also the man my sister's been becoming all goofy for," Harold said slyly, and Cora's heart wasn't quiet so warm. In fact, she wished she could button Harold's mouth shut. How dare he say such a thing?

"Don't listen to him," Cora said firmly. After all, this was just a simple outing. "But I would be very pleased to accompany you today." She beamed at Mr. Samson's handsome face as she said that, picturing the two of them sitting all cozy in his carriage.

Mother sighed, looking far too critically as her eyes switched from Mr. Samson to Cora and back to Mr. Samson again. She wouldn't say no, would she? Mother had already said Cora could go with him!

"I believe that's a fine idea, so long as our carriage follows right behind yours," Mr. Johnson said, and Cora wished she could hug him. She could always depend on his support.

Mother sighed and nodded.

Cora eagerly stood up, although climbing out of the carriage was more difficult than she'd expected with her hands tightly inside her muff and no driver available to assist her. But she managed and fell into step with handsome Mr. Samson, her heart racing all the while that such a man wished to see her. As she climbed into his carriage, she wisely removed one hand from her muff.

Mr. Samson sat in the driver's seat and gave the reins a good shake. Cora studied his movements with quiet interest. The Levinson's always sat in the back of their carriage as they had a paid driver, but the front was much more appealing. His horses were a lovely brown color, who clearly obeyed Mr. Samson's directions without protest.

His hands tugged the reins slightly for a turn or for an increase in speed. "You are a great driver," she said, her fascination clear.

"Thank you, Miss Levinson," Mr. Samson said his, shoulder brushing hers in a way that made Cora jump in a delightful way. She brushed his shoulder in return. His dark eyebrows rose in surprise at that, but then he stroked her shoulder more deliberately.

They spent the next several moments giving each other shoulder taps. Cora had never thought such an innocent touch could feel so wonderful. Weren't they closer at the party when they were dancing? But something about this felt even better.

Especially as it started snowing softly around them. It was truly like Cora was in her own fairytale, with a prince, riding around the kingdom in his coach. She giggled, and in response she melted even more completely when he smiled at her again.

When he turned the corner, he shocked her by giving her a small kiss on the cheek. Kissing, after all, was only for engaged couples. Cora had known that before she'd entered finishing school. And they weren't engaged. They weren't even courting.

But Cora couldn't tell him that. The little kiss was wonderful, almost like a piece of heaven. And not with him smiling at her. Besides, he couldn't kiss her hand like a prince would because she was wearing her muff. And when they turned the corner, she felt that piece of heaven again.

"Your skin is so soft and white," Mr. Samson said into her ear as he gave her yet another little kiss.

Cora tingled from head to toe, thanking Mother for buying that special soap that soothes a lady's skin. "Thank you," she said, still amazed that this man had chosen her, even for today.

"And your dark hair accents it in the best way," he said using one hand to touch her dark brown hair while the other continued driving. "I do think you should wear red clothing, though." Mr. Samson's eyes looked at her body in a way that made her feel older than sixteen, just like he had on the night of the party.

Cora stared at him in surprise. She'd never truly thought to wear red; it made her think of anger or rebelling, especially when Jane wore it. It was also one of Mother's favorites, because of her red hair. "I thought I looked nice in the blue cashmere dress I have on," she said, wishing she didn't sound so heartbroken. The falling snow suddenly didn't look like a fairytale background.

"Oh, you do look lovely today," Mr. Samson said to her relief. Her fairytale was back. His lip touched her cheek again, and all Cora could focus on was that feeling of perfection. "It's just if we are to see each other again, you should wear red."

With that he touched her lips to hers. And nothing mattered except the explosion of feelings that burst from Cora's chest. When Mr. Samson withdrew, his brown eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe a kiss could be that amazing.

Cora knew the feeling.

She didn't even think of the fact that they shouldn't be kissing that way. All she could think of was that she had to order some red dresses. As soon as possible. Because this wasn't a simple outing, after all.

How could she convince Mother, especially with Mr. Johnson still visiting?

OOOOOOOOOOO

"Cora it's so good to see you!" Emma Crawford said a few days later, after Mr. Johnson left. Caroline, Georgia, and Jane also gathered in Miss Maple's drawing room for additional lessons now that the holidays were completely done.

Emma's accent sounded even more southern than usual since her trip, which no doubt caused Miss Maple extra annoyance, but Cora didn't mind. She simply hugged her best friend. "It's so good to see you, too, Emma. Did you have a nice Christmas and New Year's?"

Emma's blue eyes shined. "Oh yes. It was wonderful to see my parents again, and the Blue Ridge Mountains will always be one of my favorite sites of home. My favorite gift was a ruby necklace which I can wear to a fancy party."

"That's nice," Cora said with a nod, while wondering if Mr. Samson wished her to have red jewelry as well, or just dresses. It had been quite a struggle to convince mother to order Cora a new dress, especially as she'd received the green gown she'd worn for the New Year's Eve party as a Christmas gift. Not only that, but Mother was correct when she'd commented that by the time a new dress was finished, it would be too warm for another cashmere dress.

In the end, Cora had convinced Mother to order one red day dress which she said would be ready early next month. She looked forward to see Mr. Samson's face when she wore it.

"Cora?" Emma's bubbly voice with a southern accent said. "Are you all right? I just asked you about your Christmas."

"I'm sorry, Emma," Cora said with a sigh, feeling guilty for ignoring her friend, even though it was because of Mr. Samson. "I had a nice Christmas, I suppose, but it's not truly a big deal in our family. New Year's was so much better."

A huge smile spread across her face as she said that. First, she'd been allowed to go to Mother's grown-up society party, then there was a surprise visit from Mr. Johnson, and best of all, she'd met Mr. Samson, a man who was becoming more and more important to her with each passing day.

"Yes, New Year's Eve at Cora's house was great," Jane said, her own eyes sparkling. "Mrs. Levinson invited us both to her New Year's society party, and we drank champagne and met some young men to dance." She focused her eyes directly on Cora with those last words, as if she knew exactly how important those dances truly were.

Even now, Cora paused to daydream about waltzing with Mr. Samson, his arms securely around hers, and his brown eyes gazing directly into hers. How much more would Mr. Samson have appreciated that dance if she'd been wearing a red gown, like Jane or Mother? Would he have taken her aside and given her one of those little cheek kisses that felt like pieces of heaven instead of only kissing her hand?

"Well, Georgia and I went to Mrs. Astor's for New Year's Eve," Caroline said from across the room, once again in the perfect accent that Miss Maple, all wished them to speak. "And my dance card was full of lots of proper gentlemen."

Dance cards? Mother didn't have any dance cards at her party. Perhaps it wasn't as big a society event as she'd thought. Or just as likely, Mother didn't understand the rules of society as well as she wished. Still, Jane didn't seem to be affected by Caroline's statement. Besides, how could Cora criticize, even internally, the party that allowed her to meet Mr. Samson?

Excitement flowed through her even at the thought of his name.

"Now young ladies, I am pleased to hear you all had lovely holiday celebrations," Miss Maple said, speaking over the group. She met the eyes of each student. "Especially for those who had the chance to practice your lessons." Cora grinned as she remembered Mr. Samson noticing her 'posh accent' "And I hope they all lead to proper matches soon."

"I know I'll find one soon enough," Caroline said with her head held high. "I simply need to find one worthy of marrying a Taylor." Ordinarily Caroline's superior behavior annoyed Cora, as much as she tried to think nicely of everyone. But right now, she had more important things on her mind. Like the term "proper match."

Cora knew that Mother would never think Mr. Samson was proper match, as much as she appreciated good relationship with all of Poppa's managers. And Cora had justified it by telling herself that Mr. Samson only wanted "a simple outing" with her before they both found other matches.

But that was before he'd kissed her. Her mind drifted back to the carriage ride when Mr. Samson sprinkled her cheeks with tiny pecks and even touched her lips with hers. Now she couldn't imagine ever kissing anyone else, formal courtship or not. And though Cora didn't anger easily, she stiffened at the very thought of anyone else kissing her Mr. Samson.

She was beginning to think she might be in love with him. The fairytales she'd read always made it clear the women would never be satisfied with another man but their prince. Mr. Samson wasn't a prince, although he reminded her of one, with his handsome face and lovely carriage ride. But more importantly, Cora only wanted Mr. Samson. And didn't Grandma Mackenzie get just as goofy when she spoke of Grandpa? Besides, what else could this constant thoughts and intense feelings be?

If wearing red was what it took to keep him, Cora would make certain her entire wardrobe was red soon enough.

"… And so the next thing we will discuss is speaking Italian," Miss Maple said, and Cora lectured herself for missing some of the teacher's instruction. Perhaps Mr. Samson would be as impressed with her speaking Italian as he was with her transatlantic accent.