Chapter Fifty-Five
"Well, you both have contributed to make this evening memorable." The Vice President kissed Sharon's hand, as she and Heath said their goodbyes. "Heath please take me up on my invitation, to come to Washington in the fall, for the legislature session." Cabot Burwell turned to smile at Heath.
"As you are aware I myself cannot present the bill myself but do have members of congress who represent many industries. From what I have seen of you, I think you could be a good liaison among them." The Vice President announced, and Heath acknowledged his praise.
In truth he had been more impressed than he had wanted to be, with Cabot's acumen. Heath had seen that the man was an equal of Uncle Samuel which said a great deal. He also felt that Cabot really cared about labor reform; Heath had dealt with several important men who said all the right things but did not follow through.
"Sharon, I hope you will accompany Heath on the trip. My wife and I would love to give a dinner in your honor at our residence." The Vice President squeezed her hand before letting it go.
"I will look forward to meeting your wife. I think our family would enjoy the trip. Our children should learn about their American heritage." Sharon turned to look at Heath who nodded his head. There were a few more pleasantries before the couple found themselves outside, waiting for their carriage.
"Do you think your family would let us use the railcar? I really want Sean and Tara to see Washington." Sharon turned to him, as the carriage headed to their hotel. "Plus, the Vice President wants you to work on the labor reform bill. Heath it could be life changing for so many people."
"I am sure we can use the railcar; the caveat is that Jarrod might be going east, depending on what happens with the California legislature." Heath offered, feeling overwhelmed at what was being offered to him, even as he was honored. He remembered when Priscilla had appointed him to the Van DerHoffen Trust. The thought of dealing with the wealthy, powerful men of Denver had taken him aback. Heath now reassured himself that he had dealt with Horace Tabor and his cronies and come out on top.
"You look concerned" Sharon put her hand on his arm.
"A bit apprehensive about dealing with politicians; it is out of my realm." Heath looked over at her, noting how soft her dark blue eyes were, and the jolt of electricity that went through his body. He wished he was not feeling everything that he was.
"Heath Barkley, you are more than capable of dealing with anyone!" Sharon declared, as she removed her hand. It seemed way too intimate; she recalled how he had looked at her during the wedding ceremony. She did not want to open that door. "You are already the peacemaker for your family and know so many people in the community. I am sure you will be a success."
Before he could respond, they were in front of their hotel, and one of the livered attendants was helping Sharon out of the carriage. Her words rang in his ears, and without meaning too, he could not help but think of Uncle Samuel's comment the second time around you have chosen well. Heath smiled ruefully as he knew the older man's comment was true.
"In this fancy hotel, can we get food?" Sharon asked after they entered the suite, and he had helped her off with the mink lined, velvet cape.
"Food?" Heath was shocked at what she was asking. Dinner had been six courses, with a different wine for each one. He was sure that he would not need to eat again until the day after tomorrow. Heath said as much to Sharon, which caused her to toss her head, throwing rainbow sparkles around the room.
"This dress was readymade, and there was no time to do alterations! I am laced so tight I can hardly breath." Sharon exclaimed with exasperation. She then took a deep breath and realized that Heath would not understand. "I really could not eat anything, so I would love some food – even soup and bread." As she said that she was trying to take shallow breaths, so she would not pass out. She was hot, thirsty, and hungry.
"Sharon, please sit down. You are very pale." Heath in fact was now worried about her, as he realized how long it had been since she had had anything to eat. Once he helped her sit down on the loveseat, he went and poured some water from a decanter on the drinks tray in the corner. He was gratified to see that she managed several small sips.
Heath walked over to the marble topped, mahogany console table next to the entrance to the suite. This contained a pneumatic tube that would take a message to the concierge dedicated to their floor. He knew that there were only three other suites on the floor, and a man was always available no matter the hour.
He quickly composed a note on the paper provided by the hotel, requesting dinner. In truth he was not sure what Sharon would really eat, but he wanted her to have a choice. Heath then walked back over to the settee, where Sharon was sitting. He noticed how tired she looked and recalled how she had had to find a dress for the evening. It came to him that Sharon was more than fulfilling her end of their business arrangement. For some reason though he felt bad for her, as she had had to deal with both the Lt. Governor and the Vice President, who were cads.
"So, we should have some food – not sure what – but at least it will be something." Heath sat opposite her on a chair – elaborately carved and covered in brocade – it resembled the furniture at his house but was more comfortable.
"That sounds so wonderful!" Sharon was pleased at the thought of eating, and then she remembered her dress. A lady's maid had dressed her – not just the tight corset – but all the tiny buttons on the dress. The clothes she wore everyday were simple and easy for the woman to dress themselves.
Sharon knew though, from her time as a junior lady's maid, that a lady in an evening dress would expect to be helped out of her dress. She knew that she could call downstairs, but she hated to disturb some young housemaid at this late time.
"Heath, I need a favor" Sharon sighed as she made the request. In truth she would have liked to go to the dressing room by herself. "I had a ladies maid help me to dress, and lace the corset; however, the buttons on the dress are tiny." She looked over at him, knowing what she was going to ask was intimate, which went against their business arrangement.
"I do not understand." Heath stammered, not sure what else to say. He watched Sharon disappear into the main bedroom. When she came back out, she carried a silver utensil with a hook piece. It had a freshwater pearl at the handle; he then noticed the initials engraved on the item.
"This is a button hook; you use it to undo all these buttons." Sharon in fact had been taken aback when Phoebe Morton had given her the dressing case at her wedding shower. It was a unique piece and was told it had been made in the orient. She then explained that her family, who ran the chandler shop that supplied the US Navy, had taken it in trade.
It was fine silver, with freshwater pearls, and Phoebe had had each piece engraved with Sharon's initials. The whole set was encased in a smooth grey leather box, and the inner sections all lined with satin. Sharon knew that it was as equal to or better, than what the ladies in the castle had enjoyed.
Heath suddenly felt like a young buck who had not been blooded. He was more than experienced with fancy women; he now realized that their clothes were designed for easy removal. Yes, he had been married, but as he recalled his wedding night – and the nights after that – Sarah had come to his bed in a silk, full length nightgown. She would let him push the garment up above her thighs, and at the time he had been thrilled to know she was not wearing undergarments.
"Would you please undo the loops on each button? I do not want to tear them, as the dress is special." Sharon explained, as she turned her back to Heath. He took a closer look and understood what she was asking. Heath found himself sitting next to her on the loveseat, in way too much proximity. He caught whiffs of her scent – roses with something slightly spicy and wished he could bury his lips into her neck.
"Of course. I have to say that you looked beautiful, and I was extremely proud to be your escort." Heath forced himself to be detached, and speak calmly, even as he focused on the buttons. The first couple he had found himself having to put his other hand on Sharon's back, to steady what he was doing. Heath found it amazing that someone had sewn all the satin covered buttons and the silk loops to fashion them.
Sharon was trying to sit as still as possible and keep space between her and Heath. She could feel the heat from his hand through the silk, and it was awakening feelings that she did not want. It felt like time had stopped, as she inhaled his scent.
"I think that is all of them." Heath announced, handing the button hook back to her. He was trying not to notice her undergarments but discerned lace straps on her shoulders. The shoulders in question were smooth and reminded him of cream. His mind went in a direction which he had to force himself to stop.
Sharon, when Heath had said he was done had stood up fast, wanted to get away from him. His scent, his touches, and warmth were almost too much for her to handle. However, she realized her mistake, as the silken gown fell to the floor.
She was standing in front of him in her undergarments; Heath did not know it but they were what had worn at her wedding. The bloomers and chemise were almost transparent ivory silk, inset with cream colored satin ribbons. Her corset was ivory colored silk, overlaid with Irish lace and ribbons. The garters holding up her silk stockings were decorated with a ruffle of the same lace, and cream-colored bows.
"Well, I will say that I am admiring the view." Heath's voice had a husky note, and he found himself wanting to feel all that sheer silk as it caressed her body. "I am glad that the Vice President and the Lt. Governor are not here." He forced himself to chuckle good naturedly, not wanting her to know the fire she was arousing in him.
"Oh my, tis" Sharon stammered, as she tried to gather the evening dress up. However, the silk was hard to grab, as she tried to cover her body. "I am going to go change into something more comfortable." Sharon had finally managed to herself covered. She fled from the room, her cheeks turning bright pink as she recalled the dress falling down. With that declaration she was gone, and Heath was both relieved and almost sorry.
Once Sharon was behind the closed door of her bedroom, she quickly undid the tie on her corset. She felt a wave of shame come over, as she thought about standing in the parlor in her undergarments. And Heath – no he was not leering – but she could tell from the look in his eyes that he was all man.
She carefully took off the corset, and then the chemise, pantaloons, and stockings. Sharon wondered what it would be like to have had Heath take them off – but she forced her mind away from that. Unbidden, the memory of all the times Paul wanted satisfaction, and would rip her clothes off came to her. He was fast, violent, and left her scared and shaken by his actions.
Sharon shut the window on that memory and went into the dressing room of the suite. She laid the undergarments out on a bench on the side, and then went into the armoire for her wrapper. Eloise, of Penny Rose, had gifted her a beautiful garment, of blue velvet, inset with panels of white lace. Each panel was framed by narrow pink satin ribbon, which was also the tie for the robe.
Once she had her night dress on – blue lawn with the same lace that matched the robe- another gift from Eloise, Sharon took off all the jewelry. The case was out on the dressing table, which was a dainty piece of French style with a painted design of flowers. There was a silver gilt mirror, and a bench that was covered in a tapestry with flowers and ribbons.
It was the prettiest thing she had ever seen and could envision in her bedroom at the house in Stockton. She had already had an idea, which she would try to carry out before they left the city. Now though she took care in taking off the jewelry, laying it carefully in the case, and then securing the clasp.
It took another ten minutes to take down her hair, even as her stomach was growling. Sharon brushed her hair out, and then braided it back, securing it with a ribbon tie. She put the blue velvet wrapper on, securely tying the pink satin belt. At this point all she could think of was how hungry she was, and she hurried back into the sitting room.
Heath had to admire the service at the hotel, when not even twenty minutes had gone by there was a knock on the door. He opened the door and saw a waiter wheeling in a serving cart. The man positioned the cart by the love seat in the parlor.
"Mr. Barkley, I hope this meets with your satisfaction. There is a cold meat tray with roast chicken, grilled beef, and smoked salmon." The waiter pointed out rolls, condiments, and tomatoes. There were also some berries, with small jugs of sugar and cream. "Mr. Winton, the concierge, also included a bottle of champagne, with compliments of the hotel."
"Thank you, and please let Mr. Winton that Mrs. Barkley and I are appreciative." He tipped the man extra, knowing that he would be expected to share with the kitchen staff. Heath knew that in a hotel of this size the kitchen ran day and night, but still extra work disrupted the routine.
Sharon came out of the room just as the waiter was leaving, and Heath felt all the feelings he did not want to feel. Her copper hair – glowing by the gaslights – haloed her face with the soft pink lips and dark blue eyes. Heath was glad that the wrapper she had on was very modest.
"Tis so lovely!" Sharon had rushed over to the cart and started removing the covers from the dishes. "Smoked salmon! We would have that in Ireland; did they send up" she paused as she sorted through the dishes that held the condiments. "Yes, they did – capers, and Dijon mustard."
Heath watched with amusement as Sharon filled a plate; three open faced smoked salmon sandwiches, a butter flake roll with chicken, mayonnaise, and pickles; the roast beef she put on sourdough, with horseradish sauce.
"So, when was the last time you actually ate anything?" Heath was in fact awed at how she was wolfing down the food.
"Well other than breakfast, and I had few canapes at the store after I found my dress." In truth Sharon was too preoccupied with eating to realize what she had just said.
"The store?" Heath suddenly had a sinking feeling in his body. He recalled Sarah telling him how the Bayview Department Store always had readymade dresses of French design. She had laughed at how the dressmakers in the city looked down on the establishment, even as more than one society lady was happy to use them as a stopgap.
"I really tried every dressmaking establishment in the city, but none of them had anything ready to go" Sharon confessed, feeling guilty, even as she ate another smoked salmon sandwich. "The last store I went to, this cute young assistant – honestly, she was probably only fifteen – told me that the Bayview Department Store would have a dress. Heath, the only reason why I did it, is because I knew how important the evening was for you." Suddenly she had lost her appetite, as she looked at him with worry and fear.
This would be the type of situation – no she told herself anytime Paul heard anything he didn't like – she would get beaten. Yes, Heath was cold a great deal of the time, but he was not a violent man.
Heath found himself in a flood of emotions; it bothered him how scared Sharon looked. He also wondered if Sarah had waited on Sharon; Heath flinched as he knew how his ex-wife would interpret him taking his bride to a political event. He walked over to the drinks tray and poured himself some bourbon, to gather his thoughts.
When he turned back around, he saw Sharon sitting up very straight, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She looked like she was about to cry and noticed that she was trembling. Heath could not understand why she looked so apprehensive, and only wanted to reassure her. At the end of the day, all she had done was get a dress for an event that he had indirectly not given her any say in.
"Sarah once told me that the store was not liked by the dressmakers, even as any number of society ladies would take advantage of the convivence." Heath gave her a rueful smile. "Hopefully when the bill comes, we will get the friends and family discount." He walked over and took the champagne bottle out of the silver bucket and opened it, carefully popping the cork so it did not explode too hard.
"I am sure since you did not eat, you probably did not have of the wines either?" Heath asked, as he poured some of the golden liquid into the glasses provided. "I would like to toast you, in honor of how you have been such a support to me." Heath passed her a glass, and they toasted, then she took several sips of the bubbly liquid.
Sharon felt like the vise that had been on her heart and stomach had been lifted. Heath was not mad, and even understood, which caused her to look at him with new respect. His ex-wife had hung him out to dry over an affair that had happened seven years before. She had listened to all the gossip after Simon had shown up in town, and knew he was getting the short end of the stick, because of Simon's grandparents.
Heath was a good man, and she said a silent prayer of thanks. As she looked over at him, standing there in his pants and shirt, Sharon could not help but admire his body. She then stopped those thoughts, even as she recalled how he had looked at her in undergarments. Deciding she needed to say good night sooner rather than later, she finished her food and champagne, as they talked about the evening.
"Thank you for arranging for something to eat – I was so hungry." Sharon stood up and smiled at him. "If you will excuse me, I am going to bed. Have a good night." She was proud of how calm she sounded, as she said the words.
Heath watched her walk away and felt relief and sadness at the same time. He remembered his thoughts about undressing her, and a part of him wanted to be with her. Theirs was a business arrangement, Heath reminded himself.
