Autumn Lady

by AnneMarie Dapp

  “Well, it appears that history is starting to repeat itself. Currently, there are too many residents for the jobs available. As I mentioned earlier, businesses used to be desperate for workers during the Gold Rush. Anyone could find a job if they tried, but the trains changed all that. The population is growing daily and jobs are scarce. Many San Francisco businesses have hired Chinese laborers for low wages and long hours. This is not sitting well with some workers. There was a terrible incident earlier this week. The Waterfront found a young Chinese railroad employee, the back of his head bashed in. His body washed ashore in the early morning.” She shuddered. “Oh, dear, I’m sorry. I don’t want to frighten you with all this on your first night. Once I start telling stories, it’s hard for me to stop.

  “Miss McClain, I could tell from your letters that you’re an educated young lady. We’ve always prided ourselves to renting to respectful citizens. Let me show you to your room, dear. I’m sure you need some time to relax after your long day.”

  They headed upstairs, making their way down a long hallway. Mrs. Levy took a key from her apron pocket and let them into the room. Mara was surprised. A fireplace rested in front of a full size bed, covered neatly with a homespun lavender quilt. There was an oak wardrobe and matching desk. It was adjacent to a small vanity with ceramic washbowl. Waterfront paintings hung on the cream and lavender flowered wallpaper. She parted the calico curtains, covering the large bay window, and looked out onto the gas-lit sidewalk. Several couples were strolling along, perhaps on their way to dinner or the theater.

  “The room is beautiful.”

  “Oh, I’m glad that you like it, dear. Here’s your key. I hope you enjoy your stay with us. I should let you get to your unpacking. I’ll have supper ready soon. I’m making a batch of latke pancakes tonight. Take your time and make yourself comfortable. Dinner’ll be ready at seven.” She smiled and let herself out of the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

  Chapter 5

  The sudden privacy was comforting. Mara walked to the wardrobe and unpacked her clothes. She washed her face over a gold-rimmed washbowl and changed into a soft, sea foam silk dress fringed with white lace. The soft fabric flowed gracefully around her tiny waist. She adjusted the small bustle in the back, turning to look at her reflection in the vanity. Her eyes were glowing. Her stomach tightened when she thought about meeting her new housemates.

  At seven, she made her way down the stairs, to the formal dining room. She was startled to see that many of the guests were already seated. The men at the table quickly stood up as she entered. She caught the admiring smile of Patrick Deane. He looked quite handsome in his white silk shirt, navy vest and trousers. His dark hair was brushed neatly back, a couple of waves falling over his forehead.

  To his left was a middle-aged man with silver hair and light hazel eyes.

  “Hello ma’m, I’m Jeremiah Smith. This is my partner Donald Becker.”

  The gentleman appeared to be about ten years younger, with a boyish face, and light brown hair. They offered warm smiles as they were introduced. “We have a little mercantile store at the end of the block. We’re doing some renovations to the upstairs. That’s why we’ve been staying with Mrs. Levy. It’s been a wonderful escape from all the dust and construction.”

  Donald Becker shook his head. “You would not believe the aggravation of having the upstairs remodeled. I don’t know what we’d have done without Mrs. Levy to save the day.”

  Jeremiah, smiled. “Oh now, just think how nice the new quarters will be when the construction is finished, Donald. Patience.”

  “It’s true, Jerry. You always have a way of putting things in perspective,” he said.

  Jeremiah continued, “But our store is open for business if you need to stock up after your trip. I know how dreadful moving can be.”

  “Oh, yes, that’d be wonderful, Mr. Smith. Do you by chance sell art supplies?”

  “We do. I happen to enjoy painting myself. I’m quite fond of watercolors. Are you an artist, dear?”

  “Well, yes, I like to think of myself as an artist,” she answered modestly. “I’m planning on opening an art gallery downtown. I’m hoping to find an affordable place to lease.”

  Jeremiah and Donald quickly exchanged excited looks.

  Donald remarked, “Oh, we’d be happy to help with your grand opening, young lady! You just let us know what you need and we will be happy to help plan the event!”

  As they discussed the gallery, Mara noticed a dark haired girl sitting to the right of Patrick Deane. She had a pretty face, dark eyes, and a sensual mouth. Her shapely figure was set off nicely in a rose colored taffeta dress. The color complimented her brunette curls. She listened with a tight smile.

  Mrs. Levy politely introduced the young woman. “Miss McClain, this is Miss Jane Darby; she’s attending a private finishing school downtown. Miss Darby recently moved from Atlanta.”

  The young woman smirked, eyeing Mara with distaste.

  Mrs. Levy went on, “I was just telling everyone how bravely you fought off that terrible man at the Embarcadero. What a relief it must have been when Mr. Deane showed up!”

  The men at the table nodded in admiration.

  Miss Darby leaned towards Patrick, softly stroking his shoulder with her cotton glove. In a silky, Southern voice she giggled, “You’re always picking up the strays of the city, sugar. Just like that old horse of yours.”

  Patrick looked uncomfortable and quickly changed the subject. “Miss McClain, have you met Miss Betty Lowe? She owns a bookstore on Powell Street.”

  “Oh?” Mara perked up. “I would love to visit your shop, Miss Lowe!”

  The woman, while in her mid-twenties, appeared much older. She wore a gray calico dress with a high butterfly collar. Her mousy brown hair was drawn back in a tight bun. It looked tight…painful. Large green eyes peered out from thick spectacles, giving her the appearance of a frightened cat.

  She smiled shyly. “I’d like that very much. I received some new editions this week, Tolstoy’s latest novel, War and Peace, arrived yesterday. I have three copies available.”

  “Really?” Mara answered happily.

  Miss Darby rolled her eyes. “How exciting,” she said sarcastically.

  Miss Lowe’s smile faded as she looked down at her plate.

  Mara shot Miss Darby an icy look, “It sounds marvelous, Miss Lowe. I plan to come down tomorrow morning. I’d love to purchase a copy.”

  Miss Lowe’s face lit up.

  Patrick eyes softened in relief.

  A well-dressed man made his way over to the table.

  “Sorry, to be so late.” Everyone turned and stared. “What a day,” he said. Mrs. Levy quickly introduced the young gentleman as Mr. Joshua Cohen. She offered to take his top hat and coat.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Levy.”

  He looked to be in his late twenties, but had the air of someone much older. His gray suit had been recently pressed, leather shoes shined with polish. He took off his top hat, exposing wavy blond hair framing a boyish face. His cheeks were flushed from the cool autumn air.

  “I overheard the last part of the conversation when I came in. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss McClain.” He reached out and took her hand, kissing it gently. Mara noticed that his eyes were an unusual shade of blue, almost aquamarine in color. He took a seat next to her at the table. “I work for the Bank of Wells Fargo. I’d be happy to help you get your accounts in order, if you need any assistance. And I overheard you mention an interest in leasing a business property?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Well, it just so happens that one of my clients is looking for a renter. The place is located just down the street from Miss Lowe’s bookstore. You two could be neighbors if the property suits you.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Cohen. I’d be very interested to meet your client.”

  “Wonderful. I’ll make a point of contacting him tomorrow. It’s a fairly small city. We should be able to get yo
u in business before you know it.”

  Miss Darby stared at Mara with a frozen smile.

  “Well, now,” Mr. Smith interrupted, “I’m sure Miss McClain must be tired and hungry after her long journey. Why don’t we all take our seats and enjoy this wonderful meal,” he said.

  They said grace and began passing around the bowls of food. Mrs. Levy offered wine from a crystal decanter. Mara took a sip of the rich merlot, which eased her frazzled nerves. Miss Darby passed a bowl of salad to Patrick, batting her eyelashes, smiling coyly. Mara felt the blood rise to her cheeks, and tried her best to hide her distaste for the girl. She couldn’t remember ever meeting anyone so rude and unpleasant.

  Mara took a bite of the potato latke. It was absolutely delicious. She started on a second, and then grew drowsy from the food and wine. After dinner, people drifted back to their rooms, some to the parlor. Mara tiredly said her goodnights and headed for the stairs. As she stepped up, Patrick was making his way down. She caught his eyes as he grinned.

  “Miss McClain, it was very nice meeting you this evening. Please let me know if I can be of service to you as you settle into town. I’d be happy to show you around the city when you’re up to it.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Deane, I’d like that very much. And thank you for assisting me earlier. I’m grateful for it.”

  “My pleasure, darlin’. Have a good night’s sleep.”

  He watched Mara make her way up the stairs. Once inside the bedroom, she changed into a cotton nightdress and snuggled down under the thick blankets. The logs in the fireplace crackled, rain pattered against the window. After plumping her pillow, she reached for her diary on top of the nightstand, clicked open the lock, and began to write…

  Chapter 6

  Soft light drifted between the seams of the calico curtains. Mara sat up and stretched. For a moment she was unsure of where she was. Yesterday seemed so far away. She slipped on her robe, gathered her clothes, and found her way to the washroom at the end of the hall. She took a quick bath in the porcelain claw-foot tub. After brushing her teeth, she slipped into a soft pink dress, and then made her way downstairs. The house was empty except for Mrs. Levy.

  “Well, hello, dear. Would you like some breakfast?” She called up from the bottom of the steps.

  “I’m sorry. I must have overslept,” Mara answered.

  “Not a problem. You certainly had a right to sleep in after your long day. I have eggs and pancakes if you would like some.”

  “Thank you so much. That sounds wonderful.”

  She sat down at the kitchen table, took a bite of the golden eggs, and washed it down with a sip of strong coffee.

  “Miss McClain, do you have any plans for today? It’s your first morning in San Francisco!”

  “Yes, I do. I’d love to visit Miss Lowe’s bookstore. It’s on Powel Street if I remember correctly?”

  “It is. If you are able to wait about half an hour, I can give you a ride. I have some errands this morning, and I’d be happy to drop you off along the way.”

  “Thank you so much! You’re so kind.”

  After breakfast, Mara brought her plate and mug to the farmers’ sink and helped Mrs. Levy with the clean-up. The air was crisp as they made their way outside. A red barn stood in the back of the well-kept yard.

  Several chickens hurried past. They stopped a few yards away, eagerly pecking the ground for leftover scratch. A small snail crawled over the dewy grass. A red hen grabbed the mollusk and ran. Her companions rushed after her, eager to steal the coveted prize. An elderly rooster watched the scene in silence.

  The women made their way into the barn. Two white mares stood munching hay.

  “Hello, Misha and Sasha! How are my pretty girls today?” Ms Levy patted them affectionately.

  The horses whinnied.

  “Ladies, I’d like you to meet our newest resident, Miss McClain.”

  “It’s a pleasure,” Mara giggled.

  Mrs. Levy sorted through her tack with an expert hand, carefully fitting the mares with bits, breast collars, and harnesses. Afterwards, she hitched the team to a black surrey.

  Mara admired their shiny coats, their dark eyes and silver manes. “They’re gorgeous. Oh and please call me Mara.”

  “All right, and you can call me Sarah.”

  “You’re quite the equestrian,” Mara replied.

  “Well, I’ve been around horses all my life. My family had a farm back in Idaho. They’re amazing animals. You just have to show them a bit of love and respect and they’ll work harder than any creature I know.”

  “I adore horses. I’d love to learn to care for them.”

  “You’re welcome to help me out in the barn anytime you’d like. I’d be happy to show you the ropes.”

  “That would be wonderful!”

  The ladies climbed inside the surrey. Mrs. Levy rested her work boots on the front board and took up the reins. “Let’s go, girls.” She gave a gentle flick of the line and they were on their way.

  The weather was mild as they drove down O’Farrell Street, the ocean breeze blowing gently. Mrs. Levy pointed out Mr. Smith’s mercantile shop. It was a fine looking store with large windows displaying a variety of tools and kitchen appliances. There were several wooden crates filled with fruits and vegetables outside. Mara made a mental note to check out their art supplies later in the week. After a few blocks, they turned right on Market Street, passing carriages along the way. The road stretched from the Embarcadero down to the avenues.

  A variety of businesses including a post office, a bank, and a fruit stand stood along the busy street. A young shoeshine boy sat on a wooden box polishing an older gentleman’s boots. Another child stood on the corner selling newspapers to passersby. Pedestrians moved over the wooden sidewalks, several carrying parcels in their arms. After a few blocks, they made their way down Powell Street. They stopped in front of a store called, Great Expectations. Mara climbed down from the surrey and thanked Sarah for the ride. She made her way over and opened the door. A bell jingled as she crossed the threshold.

  Betty Lowe was standing on a ladder arranging books. She wore a dark cotton dress, covered by a work apron. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, her green eyes peering through thick lenses. A tentative smile moved over her face. “Miss McClain, how nice to see you,” she said softly. She made her way down the ladder with ease.

  “What a beautiful store. I hope I’m not interrupting your work. I just wanted to drop in for a bit and see your lovely shop. It’s amazing!”

  “Thank you. I was just putting away the latest shipment. I’ve been working all morning. I could use a break. Would you like some coffee?”

  “Sounds great.”

  Betty led Mara to a small table in the back of the store. There was a large thermos, a container of cream and sugar, and a stack of cups. She poured the coffee and took a seat.

  “Have you had this store long?” Mara asked.

  “Well, it was my father’s back in the sixties. He passed away a few years ago, and willed it to me. We both liked reading. He used to tell me the most wonderful stories. You see, my mother passed away when I was a little girl. My father…was my world.”

  “I’m so sorry for your loss, Miss Lowe. My dad passed away three years ago, my mom earlier this year. It’s tough, and it leaves such an empty space.”

  The women nodded at each other understandingly. Mara was surprised at how easily she was opening up to Miss Lowe.

  “Call me Betty, please,” she said softly.

  “Thank you, and please call me Mara.”

  “It’s a deal.” She giggled and suddenly appeared ten years younger.

  Mara studied her face and noticed that it was pretty in spite of the severe hair and thick spectacles. Her green eyes were stunning, her features delicate. She imagined that, with her hair down, Betty would look quite attractive, but then again looks were not everything. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. She turned back to the conversation.

 
“How’d you wind up boarding with Mrs. Levy? If you don’t mind me asking that is.”

  “I don’t mind. My father and I lived in a small house a few blocks from the shop, but I sold it. It was just too painful living there…so many memories. I guess I was depressed, thought I’d surround myself with some new faces. You know, a few of those faces are quite handsome.” She blushed looking down at her cup.

  Mara smiled back. “I noticed.”

  “I have to admit that I’m a bit taken with Mr. Cohen. He’s very kind and has the nicest manners. He’s a real hard worker, too,” Betty said quietly.

  “He does seem nice. And I have to say that Mr. Deane really helped me out last night. I was so relieved when he showed up. It was so dreadful…what happened at the Embarcadero that is,” she said.

  Betty looked at her in awe. “You’re incredibly brave. I would have probably fainted right there on the street.”

  “It all happened so fast. I was just…lucky.”

  “No. You’re brave, but I agree that Mr. Deane is very nice. Although you better watch your back around Miss Darby. She’s had her eye on him from the moment he moved into the house. She’s a mean little thing, too. I noticed she was giving you some hard looks last night.”

  “Mara frowned at the mention of the girl. “I noticed,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “She’s quite unpleasant. I’ll do my best to avoid her.”

  “Did you know he was a boxer?”

  “A boxer?”

  “Yes, well, he’s a carpenter by trade, but he works down by the docks doing odd jobs. I guess it’s been tough for him finding work. Employment is hard to come by these days. Some businesses don’t like to hire the Irish. Isn’t that strange? They think the jobs should go to American residents. It’s so silly. Mr. Deane and his family suffered terribly during The Famine. I’ve heard him call it, The Great Hunger. The people in his village had a horrible time back in the sixties. A blight disease hit their potato crops. People starved all over the island. I guess they’re still trying to recover from the devastation of those years; the townspeople had a difficult time paying their rent after the crops failed. His family’s landlord did not sympathize apparently. That’s what Mr. Deane told me anyway…one evening after dinner. Well, I guess he boxes in his spare time, sometimes in matches down on Kearny Street,” she whispered. “He sends his earnings back home whenever he can. His parents and siblings live in a little town called Kinvara.”