Chapter 11. Desires, March 27th 1875, 10:00 p.m. Gentlemen's Club Haven
March 27, 1875, 10 p.m., Charleston, Gentlemen's Club Haven
Duncan was standing in front of an imposing, white-painted, two-story Greek Renaissance mansion.
The façade was ornate with an outer porch in the center, lined with eight fluted columns that rose higher than the first floor. The Corinthian capitals above the pillars were attached to an impressive triangular pediment that partially concealed the more modest windows on the second floor.
The front of the building had three large windows on either side on the first two levels. The depth of the sides of the house, with its many glass panels, suggested the large surface area of the rooms. At the back of the house, an outbuilding housed the male and female staff.
In this elegant part of Charleston, such an opulent building was not uncommon. Yet it stood out from the other mansions.
On the bronze plaque, sealed to the gate surrounding the property, was engraved, "Gentlemen's Club Haven - Private Club.»
On the evening of March 27, 1875, Duncan Vayton had arranged to meet his friend John at this meeting place reserved exclusively for the gentlemen of Charleston and South Carolina's fine society.
The association was openly elitist. Only the oldest families in South Carolina, the most distinguished men, rich proprietors of plantations, or the ship-owners whose cargo vessels were anchored at the Battery, were welcomed, as did the philosophers, great intellectuals, and scientists.
In order to prevent vulgarian upstarts from intruding into this den of fine taste, any new member needed to be co-opted beforehand, as in any British Gentlemen's Club. Only then, after having paid his membership fee, the newcomer had the honor of becoming an official member of the Gentlemen's Club Haven. (*1)
As a member of Charleston's oldest families, Duncan did not need to go through that formality. Throughout all his life since birth, all doors used to be wide open for him.
The young heir climbed the six steps leading to the porch. He lifted the bronze knocker of an heavy oak door to signal his presence.
Someone opened a porthole cut on the wooden panel, protected by a wrought iron screen. The impassive face of Andrew, the stylish butler, used to identify all registered members in a quarter of second. If a prospective visitor had not the luck to be one of them, Andrew would politely refuse him entry.
When he recognized the elegant gentleman with the blond mane, the old servant greeted him kindly and led him into the large hall.
The entrance to the Gentlemen's Club Haven was more like an atrium with its remarkable size and its four Corinthian pillars rising majestically in the middle of the room. The marble floor was covered with Persian rugs to muffle the sound of footsteps. At the back, surrounding a wide staircase, two life-size bronze statues stood on their pedestals. One represented Lafayette, hero of the American Independence, sitting on his horse, sword in hand (*2); the other that of General Robert Edward Lee, Commander of the Confederate Armies. On each side of the atrium, a niche, built into the wall in the middle of the two paneled double doors, displayed marble statues of the two Greek goddesses Aphrodite and Hebe.
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When Duncan was formally introduced to the Club a few days earlier, John had explained to his friend the privileges that the lucky members had, similar to the ones of the Gentlemen's Club in New York, London or Paris.
"On the ground floor, the lounge on the left is reserved for relaxation, games, good cigars and the best liquor. I bet this is going to be your favorite place. I know your tastes. Your experience with the Parisian follies did not succeeded changing your habits, my friend! "John backed up his remark with a pat on Duncan's back.
"Do you want to further your monumental education? Needless to say, we do not need it, since we both passed our exams with flying colors. Well, you more than me!" he chuckled at Duncan's wry smile. "Ah! Do you remember the fun we had at that time?" Restless nights as students came back in their minds.
John was continuing his guided tour: "If you were still tempted to improve your intellectual skills, the room on the right is for contemplation and knowledge. The walls are furnished with mahogany bookcases filled with books from floor to ceiling. You can even pick out the collection stuck on the highest shelf, as you can use a moving escalator. The books are stored by subject, of course, and I assure you that their eclecticism would make the largest public libraries blush with envy. From Latin grimoires from the 17th century with leather bindings scratched by time, to the latest scientific and technical magazines published in 1874, including Greek and Latin philosophical treatises, anthologies of poetry and English and French literature, there is enough to pass the time if you are bored. Oh! I almost forgot," he added with a wink, "I recommend their collection of erotic novels from the 18th century ..."
"John, you have not changed a bit! It is good to have you back. There is so much turmoil around me, because I am going to have a heavy task setting 'La Mode Duncan' here. It is such a relief that I can rely on my old friend - yes, we are both getting older - to do some fooling around, just like in the old days! »
John smiled with contentment at the prospect.
"In the library, there is something else that might interest you, as I know you are fond of them: there are also beautiful lithographed plates on zoology and botany. »
"You have a good memory. Drawing has always interested me. No wonder I am creating my models now. By the way, when I finish setting my office at home, I am going to show you some magnificent engravings by a Frenchman, dating from 1800, who specialized in wild animals' sketches. I have brought them back with me from Paris, and I shall have them framed. »
"Good idea. Well, a few more things you need to know for understanding why the Haven is a little 'heaven', ah! Ah!" John, as usual, laughed at his own joke.
"If you find some spare time, you should attend one of our conferences held by speakers who come every month to enhance our philosophical discussions. (*1) The De Boulogne's occasionally invite writers from other American states or European authors. In short, there is plenty to keep your mind sharp. By the way, next month, we are going to talk about the brand new invention called the "telephone" by a certain Alexander Graham Bell. Does it sound interesting enough? "
Duncan, curious about any technical innovation, decided he would not miss it.
John told his friend that the first floor was in keeping with the one in London: three rooms had been set up for visitors. To the right, a dining room hosted the monthly members' dinner. This was an opportunity to talk business in a relaxed setting.
"Now is time for revealing the most luxurious privilege of our members...", John smirked at his friend.
Duncan, who was used to such "privilege", already was guessing. It was confirmed the minute his childhood friend spoke, "When you climb upstairs to the second floor, be ready to reach Nirvana!" John's eyes were increasingly shining. "Welcome to the real 'Haven! »
The two men laughed heartily. "If you need a moment of recreation, the owner of the place allows us to entertain ourselves in charming company. I can assure you, the ladies are welcoming!" John Paxton had kept this revelation like a cherry on the cake. He knew, of course, that Duncan Vayton was a great seducer. Therefore, the subject would certainly interest him...
"Needless to add that this place too is reserved exclusively for our members, and allows us, in between discussions, to enjoy the joys of the flesh in complete privacy and safety. So, Duncan, if one day..." He looked at him naughtily.
Duncan returned the knowing smile. However, he knew he would not need it right now.. Of course, he could not tell John why, for a good reason...
As alike his former habits in Paris, he preferred the comfort of a relationship with a woman from his world, and without commitment. He had just found it with Rebecca, John Paxton's sister. This arrangement fully satisfied him, as it seemed to please his childhood friend. The young man had a lot of tenderness for her. They had shared games – dangerous games -, a few adolescent kisses. If he had stayed in Charleston, perhaps he would have married her - eventually, after a few years. But she probably would not have wanted to wait for him, until he was finally ready to get married.
He still was not ready to become a legal husband. Oh no! Far from it!
Therefore, this relationship was so natural and unencumbered! Though a true southern lady, the young woman had been so locked in binding and unpleasant ties with her late husband that now she wanted to breathe and flourish in her situation as a free young widow, in complete discretion. And she had found Duncan.
The impetuous man was pleased with their pleasant lovemaking, interspersed with laughter and displays of affection. "Friendly sex! "Duncan concluded with a wry smile.
No! Frankly no! I shall not use the "services" of the girls of the Gentlemen's Haven!
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That Saturday, March 27, Duncan was ready to enjoy a good night out with friends.
He opened the door on the left.
The space was grandiose and occupied the entire left side of the ground floor. The only separating markings between the different activities were the famous Greek-inspired columns that were present throughout the ground floor.
Duncan glanced appreciatively around the club's main room. Wisps of smoke rose in puffs from all sides. However, the place was so spacious that it did little to dampen the atmosphere.
At the back, a French billiard table from the Charles X period, dating from 1825, sat like a jewel with its maple and rosewood marquetry belt. A bronze chandelier with two large green milk glass shades illuminated the felt carpet.
Game tables were scattered against the windows. Card games were favored, as in any male establishment. Other tables with folded tops were decorated with an inlaid chessboard.
Chesterfield-style leather armchairs and sofas were often occupied by Club members who used to relax in friendly company.
Round side tables, with marble tops and lion claw center legs, were perfectly suited for small snacks and intimate discussions between Club members.
A waiter dutifully reacted at the snap of a finger to bring cigars and drinks to the players in action.
John was already seating at one of the tables. He discreetly gestured to invite his friend to join.
After hugging him, Duncan told his friend: "I am enjoying this place more and more. You know, it reminds me of my years in Paris. When I was homesick, when I missed the sweetness of life in the Old South, and especially when I was tired of being surrounded by those talkative, exuberant, boastful French people, well, I was happy to drown myself again in the Anglo-Saxon atmosphere of a gentlemen's club settled in Paris. When I pushed the door open, I was immediately transported to London. Even the smell was no longer Parisian. It was English tobacco. The conversations were slow. Imagine, in my melancholy moments, I missed the stale atmosphere of Charleston! ", Duncan added, remembering those not-so-distant days.
"You? Melancholic? When you could be enjoying life in Paris? You amaze me, Duncan."
He pointed out a man slumped in a chair at the back of the room, "Look! He is the one deserving to be entitled "melancholic" tonight. That is an understatement. Actually, that is the first time I see him with this behavor. Usually, he uses to get a great way with words and a smart joke. He can be proud: he is the best poker player in the Club, in Charleston, and probably in all of South Carolina. »
Duncan looked at the man who was clutching his glass like a buoy.
John continued: "The ace of poker finally had to leave the table tonight, so drunk he could not string three cards together without shaking. We were stunned to see him like that. Someone told me that he arrived early in the evening in a very bad mood and went on a poker and whiskey binge. He picked quarrels with everybody. He has been slumped in the chair ever since. Maybe I should go and talk to him, and ask him if something is wrong." Duncan's friend was a generous, caring man. Even though he was not friends with the poker king, that display of sadness was bothering him.
Surprised, Duncan replied, "This is my neighbor at the Magnolias' Mansion, Rhett Butler. I only met him once. He was quite a braggart that day. Obviously, that is not the matter tonight."
John knew his name, but not his close ties to the Vaytons. "He has spent hours drinking since he arrived. I doubt if he is able to put one step in front of the other. You know, I have heard plenty of gossip about him. »
Of course, the Club had a rule of confidentiality between members. Despite of this, John had no qualms about blabbing because he had complete confidence in his childhood playmate.
Duncan perked up his ears. He did not mind learning a little more about the former blockade breaker.
"As you must know, since they are your neighbors, he comes from one of the best families in Charleston. But he is a troublemaker. His father kicked him out of the house when he was less than twenty years old. Something about a girl he refused to marry because he came home too late with her, an honor denied... You know, things like that... "
Duncan could see very well and understood Rhett's refusal to be trapped in a forced marriage. I probably would have done the same, he admitted to himself.
"This is an old story and a faded trouble!» he said to his friend. He did not want to take Rhett Butler's side, but he was aware of the snobbery and conformist straitjacket imprisoning members of the respectable society who wanted to rebel.
"I agree with you. He had been away from our town for years and only returned when his father died. From the gossips I have heard, he used to live in Georgia, in Atlanta. Some time ago, he lost a child at a young age, which broke him completely. Of course, we all commiserate with such a loss.»
Duncan felt a pang of concern for his battered neighbor. How sad to lose a little girl at such a young age... , His neighbor of the Battery, who had never been a father, could still imagine how such a tragedy could be devastating. "It is understandable that he is drowning in alcohol. »
John did not seem convinced by this explanation: "You know, he is far from being a saint. I do not know about his professional activities. On the other hand, I have heard persistent rumors about his scandalous life in Atlanta.»
"Gossip or real facts? " The owner of the Magnolias Mansion was never fond of unfounded calumny.
"I can assure you that these are real facts because they have been confirmed by several sources. Your neighbor has been part owner of the most famous brothel in Atlanta! Not only that, he used to sleep – worse actually because he was partially living with the madam, publicly, and in full view of his official wife!»
Duncan was stunned. "Your revelations are explosive, John. Yes, I must admit that he looks less honorable to me through that light. A Well-known whoremonger who is cuckolding his wife in public... Bravo, Mr. Butler. Nothing to be proud of. »
The generous John was not ready to overwhelm the poor man completely. Perhaps that conclusion was not as simple after all! "From what I have heard, he is not entirely to blame for this. At least not in his marriage. There have been other rumors, just as scandalous, about his wife. She might not have been very faithful, either. »
"What are you implying? That they were an unconventional couple, like the ones I met in Paris in selected circles? »
With a doubtful pout, his friend answered, "I am not sure. Anyway, she was allegedly having an affair for a long time with her brother-in-law. Now, as to whether the rumor was true... Anyway, it does not matter anymore, because he has since divorced her. It has been a year or two, I do not know exactly. To conclude, this divorce went viral in the good society of Atlanta, and Rhett Butler moved back in with his mother! »
At the same time, Rhett stood up, as best he could. He walked past them without even looking at them, staggered to the door, and walked out.
After he left the room, John finished his story by saying, "Maybe he is in this state because his divorce continues to shake him up. He might have regrets, who knows? His wife was, according to all the men who happened to see her and the gossip that ran all the way to Charleston, of a fiery temperament and exceptional beauty! »
Duncan Vayton thought I would be curious to meet this beauty who has wiped out the blockade-breaker!
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End Notes:
(*1) Tradition of Gentlemen's club in the 19th century: the services described (elitism, co-option, membership, games, library, lectures, dinner (like the "Sublime Society of Steaks" in London), rooms for visitors), are in accordance with the descriptions of the English clubs of that time. However, of course, the services provided on the second floor are just part of my novel;-)
(*2) Equestrian statue of La Fayette, in Paris, Cours la Reine.