Dear Readers,
Here we go again with more of this dark period piece. Part 1, introduced the villain and gave you a hint of what they were up to. Let’s see what Chicago, October 7, 1871 has to offer this week. Remember that while this tragic story takes place, there’s another tragedy only one day away. Tick-Tock.
Heartless, Part 2
The Glenford-Leigh Estate
Mrs.Glenford-Leigh walked the length of the table. Flatware polished. Crystal gleaming.
“There is a spot on this napkin, Miller.” She pointed at the table, and the butler at her side plucked the offending napkin and replaced it with one from his other hand. “Otherwise, satisfactory.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
He held the door for her, and she swept into the foyer where her first guests had arrived. The chill October air fingered its way inside the marble-tiled room, sending the chandelier into nervous chittering. One of the most impressive houses on the street, she cherished it almost as much as the memory of her departed husband, whose fortune had provided it. This time of year, Chicago days cooled quickly, and the nights became frosty. Twenty guests were expected and on time. She held to the highest standards of punctuality.
It irritated her that Giselle hadn’t come down yet, and as she greeted her last guest, she and then glanced at the staircase, a prickle of irritation flushed her cheeks. The girl was forever late. How she could be her daughter was a mystery.
When Mrs. Glenford entered the high-ceilinged parlor, the fire flickered in welcome, and Miller had already served most of the guests sherry. The small crystal glasses glinted in the gas lights. Conversations with punctuations of polite laughter assured the hostess she’d once again had guests who would guarantee a successful dinner party.
She’d debated about Mr. Grayson. Rumors of his indiscretions made him the wildcard, but he was engaged in conversation with two of the gentlemen.
The Manfrieds approached. “Brilliant evening,” Mr. Manfried said. His wife, who seldom spoke because she had the brain of a gnat, nodded. The woman was a bore, but her husband supported charities, so including them was necessary.
“I’m delighted––” Mrs. Glenford began, when the door behind them opened and Giselle stepped through. Her sapphire-blue gown draped off her shoulders and accentuated her amazing gray eyes, her father’s one contribution. She’d gathered her blonde curls back from her heart-shaped face. Angelic. Even the women glanced her way, some with admiration, others with nostalgic longing for their faded beauty.
Mrs. Glenford did not like Mr. Grayson’s look in the least. He shifted his attention from his conversation, and while sipping from his glass, kept his eyes on Giselle.
The lecherous beast.
“So sorry, Mama,” Giselle said in a hushed voice. “It was my hair. Colleen could not manage it properly tonight.”
Her daughter’s tardy arrival no longer the prime concern, Mrs. Glenford excused herself from the Manfrieds and took Giselle by the arm. “I have someone you must meet,” she said, guiding her daughter across to the woman seated by the fire.
Widowed only three years ago, and by all reports wealthy, Mrs. Kent was a new arrival from Philadelphia. Mrs. Glenford hoped she would soon be a contributor to her favorite charity, the Orphan Asylum.
“Mrs. Kent. I’d like to introduce my daughter, Giselle.”
The woman clasped the young girl’s hand in hers. “Delighted. Such a lovely dress, my dear. You must tell me the name of your seamstress, and I will share mine with you.”
Giselle took the chair next to Mrs. Kent, and they fell into talk of fabrics and gowns. Mrs. Glenford walked directly across the room to head off Mr. Grayson, who was taking a first step in her daughter’s direction. He’d not come near Giselle tonight or any other night.
#
October 7, 1871
Journal Entry
Last night’s dinner party was worth the time I had to take away from my projects. I knew immediately that I must have Giselle Glenford. I couldn’t look away from her the entire evening. The drape of her elegant blue gown accentuated the supple curves of her body. The flash of her keen eyes, a soft pewter, and the sound of her laughter enchanted me. Of course, it was her face that fortified my resolve.
I must complete my current project, and I’ve already decided not to proceed with the other. A waste, yes, but she doesn’t hold the excitement that Giselle does.
I set to work early that morning, dressing Alexandra’s hair and slipping her into the green silk gown. The pink roses at her neckline set off her skin tone perfectly.
Pulling her arms through the sleeves, I detected a slight imperfection in the wax along the waistline. It would create a bulge under the silk. On closer inspection, I discovered more irregularities along her spine that needed smoothing. I’d have to do some remodeling. That’s exactly what I’d feared. I should never rush one of my projects.
I’d no sooner heated the water than the church clock tolled two. Mrs. Glenford-Leigh served tea in exactly one hour. I had to set aside my work to arrive on time for inclusion. I’m determined to make a good impression on that fussbudget of a woman, but mostly on her daughter.
Next Week, Part 3
This short story has a touch of one of my favorite themes, justice. In my book, Not Guilty, I take that theme on again.
Here’s what Not Guilty is about: A blood-smeared knife. One young man’s word against another. A lifetime dream crushed.
The evidence points to Devon Carlyle. He was there when it happened. Everyone knows he had it in for Renzo Costa. And Costa says Devon was the one. In the judge’s rap of a gavel, Devon’s found guilty of assault. The star of the Oceanside High basketball team loses his shot at the one thing he’s worked so hard for—the championship game, where college scouts could see how good he is.
Now he makes his great shots in Juvenile Hall with kids far different from those that have always been in his life.
Angry? Hell, yes.
He’s bent on finding who committed the crime. He’s bent on making them pay because he’s Not Guilty.
But can he prove it?
Thanks so much for reading. If you like what I write, I hope you’ll take a look at my published books and give them a read as well. My Author’s Page is HERE.
The diary entry is excellent, very ominous.
You have set up a conflict and we can hope the mother can protect her daughter.