Chapter 6. The Magniolas' Mansion
Charleston, early January 1875, Magnolias' Mansion, 5 East Battery, at the Vayton home
As soon as Duncan had announced his purchase of the beautiful house at the Battery, he had insisted that his mother and sister come and see the place the next day.
"Oh, it is a real castle! You told us it was a house with a garden. In fact, it is a palace!" Melina was ecstatic as she admired the look of Magnolias' Mansion.
Duncan smiled, satisfied with his little effect: "I admit I wanted to surprise you. Isn't it a beauty? An antebellum* single house, a symbol of Charleston architecture (*1) ! From the beginning, I had intended to buy one, because they are so characteristic with their single room in the front. However, the classic three-window building on the street side seemed a bit cramped for our needs. This one has five that cover a single room equally well. »
"What a contrast to our beloved Soft South! Isn't it, Mother? We were used to a series of rooms on the same floor. It is like a doll's house. Well, on the street side, because, by God, this mansion is gigantic in length and height. What a good idea you had, my dear brother, to choose this place."
Cathleen intervened: "I know this beautiful house very well. It was built in 1848 by a friend of your father's who owned a large rice plantation. We have been invited there many times, but I never imagined that one day we would live there! »
Duncan commented: "Magnolias' Mansion is Italianate in inspiration, a style that had become very popular by the time it was built. Look at the finish of the roof with its square domes, above those nine impressive projecting windows, very characteristic of that romantic movement.» (*2)
Their eyes lingered on every architectural detail.
"Melina, maybe I can teach you something. Do you know what this window overhang is called? Well, I do! It is an Oriel. Well, that is just to expand your vocabulary, Little Sister!" Duncan said teasingly.
Melina took the opportunity to show her brother that she, too, knew the history of her city well. "I love the French shutters painted that deep green, as dark as a forest. I recently learned that they started calling it 'Charleston green' because the Union Soldiers, at the end of the war, sent us buckets and buckets of black paint to try to cover up everything they had damaged in Charleston during those terrible years. They probably thought that the color black would mask their destruction. But we did not give in and refused to turn our smiling city into a color of mourning with this product of Yankee country. Charlestonians began to cover this paint with yellow or blue, resulting in this beautiful green color, dark as ink.»
Melina was satisfied with her anecdote, even if she was not 100% certain of its veracity.
"Duncan, I note that there are two doors in the front, one under the windows and the other under the piazza. »
"Do not be fooled, Melina. The front door is purely fictitious. As with all single houses in Charleston, we and our friends will enter through the door on the left side of the porch. You see, the one above the six steps. In fact, this front door is also a "trompe l'oeil" because it does not take us directly into the home but into the piazza. The real entrance door is installed in the middle of the piazza.
"Duncan, you are beginning to make me dizzy with your real and fake doors. It seems that the builders of these typical buildings liked to play "hide and seek..."
"And it is not over. That famous piazza door to the street is called the 'hospitality door'. When you leave it open, it will let your friends and neighbors know that you are home, ready to receive visitors and show our beloved Southern hospitality. »
Launching into a subject he had mastered very well, he continued: "Let us go around the outside of the property. Are you following me? »
"We are on the north side of the house. Staff and suppliers enter through this courtyard. The staff has access to the house through the door you see here. The buggies and horses also use this driveway to access the stables. »
"Here is the well. Mother, you will be pleased to see the hollyhocks that climb around the pergola in June and the magnificent wisteria that will invade this north side of the manor from April. It can spread out without fear over the entire masonry surface because there are only six tiny windows on this side. »
"What a contrast with the beautiful windows on the other side!" Melina was surprised by this uninteresting piece of masonry.
"There is a reason for this. Traditionally, these buildings have been built close together, as the areas on the street side are small and rare. By allowing only small openings, we guarantee our neighbors, who have their piazza to the south, greater privacy, in this case, that of your friend Mrs Butler's family.»
Melina looked mischievous: "Hm! If there is a handsome young man among them, I would like to be able to spy on him like that..." And she burst out laughing.
"Thank goodness, daughter, and for my peace of mind, that is not the case. Mrs. Butler has two sons, both far too old for you. Ross is 42 and married. The elder son has just been divorced and is approaching 48, if I remember rightly. »
Melina pouted, ostentatiously disappointed. "Too bad! Do they have a daughter? I am thinking of my brother's little heart." She gave Duncan a knowing look.
"Yes, Rosemary, who is a widow. She was born much later than her brothers. I hope you'll sympathize. She must be about Duncan's age. »
"Ah, how interesting! Isn't it, Duncan? »
The 36-year-old cut short his sister's ranting with a laugh. "Let's stop joking, and continue our visit. »
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As Cathleen moved towards the back of the property, she was surprised that the back of the mansion was "silent".
"It is for safety," replied their guide for the day. "The chimneys and ovens are on this side. The designers of the single house considered that by masonry the east side into a solid wall, it could act as a firewall and prevent the fire from spreading too the same reason of fire prevention, the pantry and kitchen are located at the back of the building. The kitchen was separated from the building for safety reasons, but the former owner pierced the wall so that the staff could enter the mansion to carry out their duties. There is also a room where suppliers are received and where the Staff eats."
"My big brother could be a tour guide. "Melina laughed at the flow of words. I feel like you are about to give us a visit of the cellars..."
Duncan paid no attention to this nasty tirade.
"Further on is the long two-storey building for staff who wish to reside on-site. It was restored by the previous owner. Nevertheless, I will inspect the premises to make sure of the hygiene and comfort conditions. »
"Finally - and I know you care, Melina - this is the stable and the location of our vehicles. It is better to leave our buggy at Soft South. Our employees and the plantation foreman may need it, and we'll use it when we go there for a rest. I will buy another one tomorrow. Mother, you will have your own personal driver, and so can move about the town freely.»
Cathleen looked at her son with affection. He was really taking of everything for his family.
"Duncan, we need to get our horses in! »
"Do not worry, Melina. I have arranged to have your mare Lady, and my horses Star and Snow repatriated. The others will obviously remain on the plantation, and our groom will take good care of them, as usual. »
"Well! I am impressed by the size of this property," commented Mrs Vayton.
"You have not seen the main thing yet. Let us go to your left and admire this splendor: a magnificent garden! »
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Cathleen was amazed at the size of the area. "How is it that we have this great green paradise in the middle of the Battery?"
Again, Duncan congratulated himself on being able to buy the Magnolias' Mansion, as its location was idyllic, with the property around the corner from East Street. "The friend of Father had a "good nose" when he decided to buy the old building there. He immediately tore it down and grew these lush plants. And, of course, all along the piazza there are beautiful magnolia trees which gave the name to our new home. »
Melina and Cathleen were beginning to feel dizzy as they tried to take in the flow of information.
"Finally, Mother, I present to you what will be your haven of peace: the magnificent porch on three levels, with seven columns on the front, facing south, of course. »
The two Vayton women cried out in admiration. "What a charm! »
"I am breathing better already, my dear son. It is true that I was apprehensive about staying in town when it is hot and humid. This heavy atmosphere is so unbearable! However, I know that these beautiful piazzas will protect us inside from the overwhelming sun. How many friends have told me? Our porch is the best catalyst for the ocean spray that drains onto the Battery harbor."
Duncan was pleased. He felt that his family would be happy here.
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"When we get inside the house, I would like us to take stock of our staff. It is obvious that we need to keep some staff at Soft South to run our old plantation. You will tell me which people are essential to you. Then we will both select from the applications, within three days, those who will serve us at Magnolias' Mansion. »
Duncan added reassuringly, "Of course, you will have the final say in the choice of servants.»
"One last point, and we can say that we have made a good start to our new life as city dwellers: the interior is empty of all furniture. The three of us will have to select what we want to bring back here. Clothes, of course, but also the precious small china or silverware items, paintings and rugs you choose, and the seats or small pieces of furniture you particularly like. Let me reassure you right away: there is no question of dispossessing Soft South of its decoration. Tomorrow, I will make a quick visit to New York. I have already made contact with the biggest art dealer and importer of French antiques. I am sure you will fall in love with the French Empire furniture I am going to buy. »
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"Oh, you're worse than a hurricane, my son! How efficient! I can hardly believe that we are going to live in this paradise. Especially since it is a wonderful coincidence that our new home is right next door to my dear friend Eleonor Butler's," exclaimed Cathleen Vayton. "Since her husband passed away, we often meet at her house for tea. In fact, she invited us two months ago to celebrate the return of her eldest son to Charleston. Your father was feeling unwell that day, so we had to cancel it."
His son replied distractedly. "It is just a matter of time. As soon as we get settled in Magnolias' Mansion, why don't we extend an invitation to our neighbors to mark the change? I know we are in a period of mourning, but we will gather as a small group."
"Since there will be no festivities or balls, I think that this idea of a small meeting is quite appropriate. Good! Shall we now admire the interior of the property? »
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Charleston, 25 January 1875, 7 East Battery, at the Butler home
"Mother, look! There is something new across the street at the Magnolias' Mansion. Since this morning I hve been seeing moving wagons coming in. It seems that the Hopkins' house has been sold. We are going to have new neighbors! »
Rosemary stood at the window, scanning the packed boxes and furniture that handlers were carrying into the building.
Mrs. Butler did not move from her chair. "My daughter, it is not appropriate to spy on our neighbors. I am glad that this magnificent manor is coming back to life. I trust that the family who will occupy it will be good company."
Another vehicle pulled up in front of the entrance. It took six men to carefully carry what looked like a piano, carefully wrapped in blankets.
"Obviously, they are music lovers. I hope this piano is a harbinger of feasts to come! "Rosemary was already looking forward to it.
"My darling, you have not been deprived of it lately. Since Rhett has been living here, we have thrown three parties for him to reconnect with the fine Charlestonian society. I notice that you have included invitation cards for your young friends each time. Do you have an ulterior motive, my girl?" Eleonor gave the young woman a wry smile.
Rhett's sister burst out laughing. Despite being 36 years old and widowed and having returned to live with her mother, she still sometimes sounded childish.
"Have you noticed, Mother? I agree, I do enjoy 'putting my foot down' in my dear brother's love affairs. It is high time he got over that scandalous Scarlett, and met a young lady worthy of him. Besides..." Rosemary paused.
Mrs Butler looked at her daughter curiously.
"By the way, what? Are you keeping a secret from me? I too would like my son to finally find happiness. He claimed loud and clear that his divorce would free him and give him back the joy of living. Of course, he tries to put on an act in front of our friends, but I can see that he is unhappy. As soon as he thinks he is alone, his smiling mask falls off. He spends hours in the library, staring to nowhere, smoking cigar after cigar. You know, I worry about him."
"I am more optimistic than you are, my dear Mother. At our last reception, didn't you notice that my friend Roselyne never took her eyes off him? I saw the two of them talking. And Rhett gave her a devastating smile. »
Mrs. Butler looked dreamy. "If only... Roselyne Tucker belongs to an excellent family. I am afraid that Rhett's status as a divorcee is still holding him back a little from being welcomed into our midst. Fortunately, he has taken the initiative to do some very generous things for the War Orphans' Association. My friend Sophia Carlson congratulated me on behalf of her members. And it is true that my son has always managed to get what he wanted. So, if he were to propose to the lovely Roselyne, I have no doubt that he would charm his parents. Let us hope..."
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Charleston, 30 January 1875, 5 East Battery, Magnolias' House, Vayton home
It was the big day for the Vaytons. They were finally settled in their new home. The movers had finished putting in place the objects and small furniture from their Soft South plantation and the precious antiques shipped from New York.
Cathleen Vayton inspected the work done by the new servants Duncan had just hired.
Of course, the cook Netty had followed them from Soft South, as had Mrs. Vayton's dedicated housekeeper Susan, the butler Barnabee, not forgetting Duncan's mammy Ophelia and Melina, an actual member of the family indeed. With some of the staff remaining on the plantation to maintain it, two new maids, Dee and Bridget, laundress Dorothy, groom and driver James and gardener Joshua had to be hired.
A brigade of servants worthy of the prestigious Magnolias' Mansion!
Dee was finishing polishing the oak floor. It was not hard to do, as the polished slats showed over 25 years of methodical maintenance. She would then do the same for the balusters and the handrail of the blond mahogany staircase.
What a shock when one pushed open the door from the piazza! The eyes were immediately riveted on the winding staircase at the back of the room facing the entrance. The founders of Magnolias' Mansion had done things in style! They had imported the mahogany paneled walls from England to line the staircase's walls and the library's walls. On each floor, with some of the steps and risers being longer, the swirling appearance became more majestic. Standing at the bottom of the banister, the last steps of the third floor could be seen illuminated by a porthole on the roof that made the exotic wood grain glisten throughout the day.
Cathleen walked to the far right, towards the kitchen. A long walnut farm table stood in the middle of the room surrounded by rustic chairs. The floor was tiled, as were the laundry and water rooms. Bridget was scrubbing the antique, wide sink made of pink Vosges sandstone from France, the edges of which had been polished over a hundred years ago. It had been quarried from a thousand-year-old deposit.
Gleaming copper pots and pans hung on shelves.
Duncan's latest gift stood proudly against the back wall, connected to a chimney pipe. It was a cast iron cooker, the latest model, stamped 'Chas. Noble & Co, Philada". It came straight from the Philadelphia stove factory, Liberty Stove Works. (*3) The soup of the day was simmering in the heavy copper pot on the three-burner stove-top.
Melina had joined her mother for another tour of the house. "I shall never get tired of admiring the decorations on the enameled earthenware tiles that cover half of the kitchen. Did you see that? There are the same ones in the downstairs freshening-up cabinet, and the bathroom and two powder rooms on the second floor."
"Every glazed tile is a work of art, I agree with you, Melina. With our reading circle, we studied European porcelain and earthenware from the 17th century to the present day, including this Delft faïence in Holland. I am amazed by the finesse of the illustrations decorated in blue monochrome. Look at the precision of the line drawing several styles of boats floating on the water. For a house on the Battery, this is well suited! »
"Yes, really, I like everything about our new home. Cathleen was slowly smiling again. Her husband's death had been so brutal! But her two children surrounded her with love. And now, having a fresh start in this idyllic place gave her confidence for the future.
The two women returned to the ground floor hall. After admiring once more the four fan-shaped arches separating the hall from the parlor, the living room and the dining room, Mrs Butler announced the news of the day.
"I have just received an invitation from Eleonor Butler. As soon as we arrived, I sent her a letter to let her know that we would be neighbors from now on. I am going to have tea at her house right now. It will be a prelude to the intimate reception we have planned. See you later!»
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Charleston, 30 January 1875, 7 East Battery, at the Butler home
A few steps and Cathleen had already arrived at Eleonor's house. The two friends embraced warmly and then went to sit in the living room.
Mrs. Butler renewed her condolences to the widow. "I share your pain. I hope this move will provide some relief. »
Eleonor continued: "What a pleasure it is to know that you are now so close, my dear Friend! I could not believe my eyes when I received your letter. Your son has bought the gem. Magnolias' Mansion was put up for sale three months ago. It was highly sought after. Many of my acquaintances would have loved to buy one of Charleston's finest homes. Unfortunately, they were put off by Mr. Hopkins' financial demands. I am surprised at how quickly your son took advantage of this opportunity. He returned from Europe on January 2, didn't he? »
"Yes, as soon as the sad news was announced and the time for the sea crossing. He told me that he started looking for a residence within the first week. A stroke of luck, perhaps, my son's skill certainly, and he convinced the former owner to sell this family jewel. Duncan immediately offered my daughter and me the chance to move in with him.
"What a good son you have! So he has decided not to go back to France? His presence by your side will be sweet to you, I am sure. How old is he now?»
Cathleen said proudly, "He is 36. I have to tell you that sometimes I still think of him as my boy. He is so affectionate and happy! »
Eleonor Butler could not hide her melancholy: "Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about my eldest son, Rhett. I must admit I' hae always had a weakness for him. He was such a bright and charming boy. But, Cathleen, I must confess that I no longer recognize him, and that I no longer understand him.»
Mrs. Vayton came to her neighbor's aid: "Oh, why do you say that, my dear Friend? »
Eleonor had known Cathleen for a long time. Although she was ten years younger, she was a loyal friend who was easy to confide in. And right now, Rhett's mother had a lot on her mind.
"You know, my son still has not recovered from the death of his beloved daughter, his little Bonnie, at the age of four and a half. It was a terrible accident, a shock that devastated him. He loved her so much! How many times did he tell me that when she left, Bonnie took everything with her? »
Cathleen gently took her friend's hand: "I remember it very well. What a tragedy it was for you too! Your only granddaughter... How long ago was that, about four years ago? »
"Yes. Added to this living wound was my son's divorce. I told you at the time about the brutal separation from his wife three years ago. It is true that they had not been getting along for a long time. So much so that he had never introduced me to her, do you realize? I only met her at Bonnie's funeral. I mean, I really thought that everything would be better after the break-up because he had told me so loud and clear. And yet ... "Eleonor stopped, saddened by this.
Cathleen patted her hand gently, "Do not be discouraged. What is going on? »
Eleanor's eyes clouded over: "My son is unhappy, and I do not know how to help him. He has had mood swings from optimistic to introspective for years. I have to tell you, Cathleen, that his marriage has never been a happy one - except for his sunshine, Bonnie, of course! »
"Do you know the reason? Mrs. Vayton was "walking on eggshells". She did not want to appear indiscreet. At their meeting at the Circle, she had witnessed conversations between the two old Robillard sisters, who were indignant about their niece's scandalous behavior.
Eleonor replied evasively. "It is a complicated story, and I have to admit that the failure of this marriage leaves both of them in the lurch. Whatever happens now, Rhett should start a new life, and why not a new child that I can spoil?»
"So we have a common mission, dear Neighbour. I too dream that Duncan will finally introduce me to the woman of his life! What if we both went in search of this rare pearl? »
"I would like to invite you and your children to our new home next Wednesday. Because of our bereavement, it will not be a formal dinner, of course. But wouldn't it be a wonderful opportunity for our two sons to exchange views on the woman of their dreams?"
The two friends burst out laughing.
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End notes:
antebellum: before the start of the Civil War
(*1) Charlestonian single houses: all the details of the single house characteristics are in accordance with the information given on various specialized websites.
(*2) Duncan's house, Magnolias' Mansion, actually is the famous pink "Palmer House' on the Battery in Charleston. I did make a few changes compared to its actual condition, however (door to the piazza, the ground floor porch).
(*3) cooker Liberty Stove Works: stovehistory blogspot .