by Marie Force
“Needless to say, she was apoplectic when she heard that Aubrey had married the Irish housekeeper. But since then, she’s been . . . quiet. Which has me worried—”
“About what she is planning,” Catherine said, nodding. “I would be concerned, too.”
“This is not something I can discuss with Aubrey. While he is well aware of his mother’s shortcomings, she is still his mother.”
“That is true,” Madeleine said. “It’s indeed a predicament.”
Their support gave Maeve the courage to air out her greatest fear. “Not for one second do I think she is going to peacefully accept his choice of a wife and carry on as if nothing untoward has occurred.”
“I believe you’re right to be concerned,” Catherine said.
“I expect whatever she does to be cataclysmic, something so grave as to drive a permanent wedge between Aubrey and me.”
“He won’t let that happen!” Madeleine’s outburst took the other two by surprise. “I told you what Simon said. He is positively smitten with you.”
“Derek said the same. He said the last thing he expected when he came to Newport was to find Aubrey married, but he couldn’t deny that his friend seems deeply pleased with his choice of a wife.”
“It’s nice to hear that from people who know him so well. I find myself equally surprised most of the time by everything that has happened. From the day we met, there was something different about him and how I felt when he was around.”
“I know that feeling,” Catherine said with a small, intimate smile. “I met Derek when I was delirious with fever and was instantly attracted.”
“The same with my Simon, although I didn’t have a fever. However, being around him made me feel quite feverish in an altogether different way.”
The three women giggled like schoolgirls.
“Aubrey told me I would adore you two, and he was absolutely right.”
“We adore you right back,” Catherine said. “In my new life, I have found it difficult to find genuine people who are unaffected by the trappings of wealth and society. It’s indeed refreshing to find a true friend in you, Maeve, and I mean that sincerely.”
“I feel the same way. I’m thankful for both of you. I couldn’t face this day or this Season without your support.”
“We’ll be right there with you through it all,” Catherine assured her.
“What exactly is the point of this outing we are on?” Madeleine asked as they pulled up to the Casino.
“I believe the goal is to see and be seen,” Maeve said. “And everyone who is anyone wants to see the two of you.”
“Oh joy,” Catherine said as her companions laughed.
With the two of them by her side, this day was looking far less daunting to Maeve.
Chapter Seventeen
Aubrey spent the morning reviewing the cables he’d received from his brothers in New York, providing business updates that he was to pass on to his father, all the while fretting about how Maeve was faring with the sharks.
Worrying about people being unkind to her had him on the verge of doing something stupid, such as venturing to the Casino to check on her during the period of the day that was reserved for the women.
He couldn’t bear the thought of people shunning her, simply because she was born in Ireland and had been their family’s housekeeper. Although, he knew it was foolish to expect her to get a rousing welcome. Hopefully, Catherine and Madeleine would provide a suitable buffer, but still he worried.
Perhaps he shouldn’t have encouraged her to fully participate in the Season. He should’ve kept her at home with him where he could protect her from the vipers. Except, the biggest viper of all was living in this house, and her unusual reticence had him on edge. He knew better than to expect that his mother would passively cede to his choice of a wife and allow them to live happily ever after, and her silence on the matter had him on edge.
He’d told Maeve they would stand up against any obstacles together, and he’d meant it, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t worried about what those obstacles would be.
Taking the cables from his brothers, he went upstairs to his father’s room and knocked softly on the door, hoping he wasn’t waking him.
His father’s devoted valet, Harrison, answered the door. “Good morning, Mr. Nelson.”
“Good morning, Harrison. Is my father up for a visit?”
“He is. Please come in. While you’re with him, I shall venture downstairs to fetch him some herbal tea.”
“Very good.”
“If you could stay until I return, that would be appreciated.”
“I will.” Realizing that Harrison didn’t want his father left alone only added to Aubrey’s already considerable anxiety. Had it come to that? Was his father so bad off that he couldn’t be alone? Aubrey closed the door behind Harrison and went to his father’s bedside.
Anderson Nelson Senior had his eyes closed and his hands crossed at his lap. Seeing him propped against the pillows, Aubrey noted the sallow tone of his father’s complexion and that he’d lost more weight he couldn’t afford to lose. Not wanting to disturb him, Aubrey took a seat next to his father and read through the cables from his brothers Anderson and Alfie again:
NEW ORDER FOR A DOZEN REFRIGERATION CARS
FROM HORMEL, WILL NEED TO ADD ANOTHER SHIFT
TO THE PRODUCTION LINE. PLEASE ASK FATHER TO
AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL COST.
MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF VANDERBILT FAMILY
THIS WEEK ABOUT NEW TRAVEL CARS. ALFIE
TRAVELING TO SAN FRANCISCO NEXT WEEK TO TAKE
MEETING WITH UNION PACIFIC, WHICH NEEDS NEW
PROVIDER OF COUPLINGS AND COMPONENTS. IF HE
LANDS THAT ACCOUNT, WE WILL NEED TO QUICKLY
MOVE FORWARD WITH CONSTRUCTION OF SECOND
PLANT TO MEET INCREASED PRODUCTION DEMANDS.
HEARD YOU GOT MARRIED. WHAT THE HELL,
AUBREY? REQUIRE DETAILS IMMEDIATELY. HOW
IS FATHER?
The business was clearly booming, which was one thing to be thankful for, Aubrey thought, amused by his brothers’ request for information about his marriage. He wasn’t surprised they had gotten the news. They stayed in close touch while the rest of the family was in Newport. In fact, he fully expected his brothers to make a rare appearance in Newport to meet his new wife.
Aubrey was a decade younger than his older brothers, but the three had become closer after working together in the family business. Anderson and Alfie had come to rely on Aubrey’s business acumen, not to mention the contacts he’d developed as someone who participated in society, which they actively shunned. Perhaps they had the right idea. After this summer, Aubrey and Maeve would be stepping away from society to focus on more important things, such as starting a family.
His father came to, clearing his throat and opening his eyes. “Morning, son.”
“Morning, Papa.” He hardly ever called him the name they’d all used as children, deferring to “Father” most of the time. But seeing as they were alone, Aubrey went with the more personal title, pleased when his father’s lips curled into a small smile.
“Been a while since any of you called me that.” He grimaced as he tried to find a more comfortable position. “I’ve missed it.”
“I have, too.”
Nodding to the papers Aubrey had brought with him, Anderson said, “What’ve you got there?”
“Cables from New York.” Aubrey read them to his father.
“That’s some excellent news about Union Pacific and Hormel.”
“Indeed, it is. The business is growing faster than expected.”
“The railroad is opening up the country to the kind of commerce and travel that was all but impossible before. It’s an exciting time, to be certain. I wish I was going to be here to see what becomes of it all.”
“Don’t say that. You were well enough to make the trip to Newport. Surely that’s a good sign.”
“I made the trip bec
ause I wanted to be with you all when I draw my last breath.”
“Papa—”
“Aubrey, listen to me. I don’t have much time left, and there are things we must discuss.”
Aubrey didn’t want to hear that. He couldn’t imagine life without his father, but he also couldn’t deny the obvious evidence that his father was far more ill than he’d previously let on. “What things?”
“Your wife, for one thing.”
That was the last thing he’d expected his father to say. He’d anticipated something about the business. “What about her?”
“Your mother is very angry that you married the Irish housekeeper.”
“I’m sure she is, but that doesn’t mean—”
“Aubrey, listen to me!”
Taken aback by his father’s forceful statement, Aubrey sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I’m listening.”
“She’s not going to take this lying down. You must be vigilant and pay close attention to everything she says and does. She is determined to rid you of this woman, no matter what she has to do.”
Shock reverberated through Aubrey. He’d known she would be unhappy, but never for a minute did he imagine anything like what his father was telling him. Although, in light of the nightmare he’d found when he arrived in Newport, he probably should’ve considered that possibility. His stomach began to ache like a bastard. “What is she going to do?”
“I don’t know, but you must be vigilant. The first day we were here, I saw how you looked at your wife, and I can tell you’re happy.”
“I’m happy. I love her, Papa.”
“Then you must protect her. Get her out of this house, away from your mother.”
“That’s not possible. I have guests who’ve come for the summer.”
“Take them with you and go, Aubrey. Go before it’s too late.”
“Papa, please don’t overly excite yourself.”
“I fear you’re not taking me seriously, son.”
“I’m taking you very seriously. I just don’t know what to do. Derek, Catherine and the others have traveled so far to be with us this summer.”
“From what you have said of Derek, he is a man who protects the ones he loves. I would think he’d be keen to help you do the same.”
Aubrey was reeling from the things his father had said. “You honestly think she would hurt me that way, Papa?”
“I honestly think she would do anything to preserve her social standing, even at the expense of her own son.” Anderson sagged into the pillows, seeming to have spent his small reserve of energy. His eyes closed and within seconds he was asleep again, his chest rattling with the dreadful sound that had become so familiar to them in recent months.
Aubrey was still contending with shock and confusion—and dread—when Harrison returned.
“Ah, good. He is resting.” The older man sounded relieved. “He’s been extremely agitated, which is new. I fear he hasn’t much time left. I’ve read about the agitation increasing when the end is near.”
“When you say agitated, how do you mean?”
“He’s extremely concerned about things that aren’t going to happen, such as the house burning down the way the first Breakers did. He’s concerned about the company going bankrupt and his children falling on hard times—all things that aren’t going to happen. I’ve tried to reassure him that all is well, but he’s become increasingly paranoid.”
Aubrey was actually relieved to hear that, since it would explain the things his father had said about his mother. Although painfully aware of her many faults, Aubrey couldn’t imagine her deliberately hurting him. “I’m going to leave him to rest. Please let me know if either of you need anything.”
“I will, sir, thank you.”
“No, thank you, Harrison, for your dedication to Father. We all appreciate it.”
“He’s a great man, and it’s my honor to serve him.”
Aubrey shook the man’s hand and then left the room, feeling unsettled by the conversation as much as his father’s declining health. He’d held out hope that his father would rebound after the latest treatments, but it was now clear that they hadn’t had the desired effect. There could be no denying the inevitable now, and Aubrey needed to notify his brothers, so they could come to Rhode Island to say good-bye to their father.
* * *
After yet another morning promenade, Maeve begged off on the daily trip to Bailey’s Beach. The smell of the seaweed turned her stomach, which had gotten touchy lately. While wondering where Aubrey had gotten off to, she wandered down to the kitchen to visit Mrs. Allston and was pleased to find the older woman alone.
“This is a nice surprise,” the cook said, her face alight with pleasure.
Hearing the sound of home in the other woman’s voice had been a comfort to Maeve from her first days in Newport. “I don’t mean to disturb your work.”
“It’s no bother. I’ve been hoping to see you.” The older woman dried her hands on a dish towel and took an assessing look at Maeve. “Marriage seems to be agreeing with you.”
Maeve’s face flushed with predictable heat. “I quite like being married to Mr. Nelson.”
“He does seem like a sweet sort and keeps his word, too.” Mrs. Allston lowered her voice. “Haven’t seen hide nor hair of the missus since she arrived, thank goodness.”
“Oh, that’s very good news indeed.”
“Is she treating you all right?”
Maeve glanced over her shoulder to make sure they were still alone. “She mostly ignores me, but I don’t delude myself into thinking that’ll last forever. It’s only because of the duke and duchess that she’s tolerating me at the moment.”
“Perhaps she also sees that her son has tender feelings for you.”
“I highly doubt she cares about such pedestrian things as feelings.”
Mrs. Allston cut a piece of chocolate cake and slid it across the counter to Maeve. “This’ll make what ails you better.”
“You know me too well, Mrs. Allston.”
The older woman smiled and served up tea for both of them.
“How’s the new housekeeper working out?” Maeve asked between bites.
“She’s no Maeve Brown, but she’ll do.”
Maeve took pleasure in the compliment. “I so appreciate your many kindnesses to me, Mrs. Allston. I’m sure you’ve been shocked at times . . .”
Mrs. Allston reached across the counter to cover Maeve’s hand with her work-roughened hand. “I can see that you and Mr. Nelson are happy, and it makes me happy to see good people get what they deserve.”
“Thank you,” Maeve said softly.
She would never know what she’d done to deserve Aubrey Nelson, but she would be thankful for him for the rest of her days, no matter what became of them.
* * *
After another week of morning carriage rides, trips to the Casino and Bailey’s Beach, regular stops at the Worth boutique to see what had arrived from New York, luncheons aboard steamships in the harbor, polo matches, afternoon teas and long, leisurely dinners filled with laughter and teasing, Maeve had begun to relax somewhat. As Aubrey had predicted, the society doyennes were polite to her because everywhere she went, Catherine and Madeleine were with her—and they and the men from England were the toast of the summer Season.
Everyone wanted an audience with the duke and duchess, and if they had to go through a lowly Irish housekeeper who’d “married up,” then so be it. To her amazement, she’d found herself actually enjoying the social interactions and meeting new and interesting people. She’d expected the Knickerbocker set to be nothing but snobs, and there were plenty of those, but among them were also people who had amazing stories to tell of travel and adventure and discovery.
Sir Walter Green, a dear friend of the duke’s, had come for dinner two nights ago and had entertained them with stories of his archaeological dig in Africa that had yielded priceless artifacts from an ancient civilization. Derek had partially funded
the expedition and had shared in Green’s glory upon his victorious return from the Dark Continent. Both men were also friends and supporters of the Wright brothers, from Dayton, Ohio, who many believed were on the verge of accomplishing manned flight.
The dizzying speed of advancement, invention and commerce made for interesting and lively conversation around the dinner table. Maeve enjoyed listening to the various points of view and the opinions about President Roosevelt and his recent twenty-five-state tour that took him out west on the Elysian, a seventy-foot railway car from which he made speeches along the way.
“He’s still making a case for last year’s Reclamation Act,” Aubrey said, noting the benefits to ranchers and farmers in the West who would share in the cost of building the irrigation systems called for in the act. “I think it’s brilliant the way he’s convinced those who will benefit most from bringing in the water to invest in the process.”
“And in turn, we will all benefit by an improved food supply,” Aurora said.
“Not to mention, Nelson Industrial will benefit from increased demand for our refrigeration cars,” Alfie noted. He and Anderson had arrived two days earlier to spend time with their ailing father.
“However,” Anderson Junior said, “he is increasing scrutiny of big business.” The family called him Junior, but only when his father was present. He and Alfie were dark-haired and handsome like Aubrey, but in Maeve’s opinion, her husband was the most handsome of the three brothers. She could look at him all day and never get tired of the sight of him.
“Only in how it affects regular citizens,” Aubrey said. “I don’t believe he’s looking to limit commerce, but more to make business responsible to their communities, which is a fair ask.”
“He is so much bluster,” Eliza said in her haughty British accent. “So uncouth and uncultured.”
“People like him because he’s real, Mother,” Aubrey said.
“The British find him to be an interesting character,” Derek said. “A man of the people.”
“They say he has charisma and is reshaping the presidency for the modern times,” Alfie said.
