The Forgotten Debutante (Cotillion Ball)

by Becky Lower

  “What exactly do you have in mind, Papa?”

  “Something in the middle. And not only in the middle of your options, but in the middle of the country. If you, Saffy, won’t deal well with getting to Oregon, and you, Zeke, won’t blend into New York society, maybe you need to be in St. Louis.”

  “St. Louis, sir?” Zeke’s voice cracked. “What could we do there?”

  George spread his hands. “Basil wrote recently to tell me one of our St. Louis branch’s best clients, who owns the general store, has decided to retire. Even though the wagon trains aren’t nearly as plentiful as they were ten years ago, there’s still a handsome profit to be made from a store that caters to both those traveling through and those who live in town.”

  Zeke and Saffron shared a glance. Zeke could tell by the sparkle in Saffron’s eye she was intrigued by her father’s suggestion. It intrigued him as well. A shopkeeper. He could see himself in the role. Saffron, with her advanced education, could keep the books, and Zeke had firsthand experience in what was needed to keep a homestead running. His heart rate mimicked a runaway stallion as he contemplated such an enticing future. He waited for Saffron to say something to her father.

  “What a wonderful solution, Papa! There’s just one thing. We’ll need a loan to buy the business from this gentleman. Can you recommend a bank where we might apply?”

  The entire crowd around the table broke into a simultaneous grin.

  “I might be able to pull a few strings for my youngest daughter. I’ll wire Basil in the morning, and we can get things in order.”

  Zeke slumped in his chair, relief washing over him. His heart rate leveled off, finally. A shopkeeper. And a husband. Perhaps, in a year or so, a father. Life couldn’t possibly get any better.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  The next few weeks flew by, as Saffron sandwiched her work around her mother’s demands for the upcoming nuptials. Saffron wanted to stay in DC rather than return to New York to plan the wedding. She needed to catch up on the last-minute correspondence pouring into the program from all over the northern states. Zeke returned to Chancellorsville, where some of the tragic events had unfolded. It was the Reburial Program’s hope they could clear the fields of bodies within two months and move on to the next battlefield. Saffron and Zeke would then depart for St. Louis, after the reinterment ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery for Zeke’s brothers.

  But first, there was to be a wedding. Charlotte returned to DC again following the weekend visit from herself and George, in her glory as she made wedding arrangements and played with her grandchildren.

  “We have so many details to decide on, Saffy, dear. Quit reading your letter from Zeke and pay attention.”

  Saffron lifted her head. “Mother, I have no patience for wedding plans. This whole, elaborate ordeal is your idea. If it were up to me, we’d run off and be married by a justice of the peace somewhere.”

  Charlotte shook her head. “I fail to understand how I managed to raise daughters who don’t care for pomp, since it’s what I live for. Of all of you girls, only Pepper and Jasmine had truly ornate weddings. The rest were in such a hurry to wed, they didn’t care about anything other than the wedding night. I care for that part of marriage, too, but I do love big weddings. We have some time with you, so let’s plan it right.”

  Saffron sighed and folded her letter. She had memorized the contents anyway, but enjoyed running her fingers over Zeke’s words as she read them, aware that his fingers had touched the same paper.

  “All right, Mother. What do we need to decide upon?”

  “Well, the guest list, what type of flowers you prefer to carry and to decorate the church with, where to hold the reception, and that’s just for starters.”

  Saffron sighed again, this time so heavily her mother couldn’t help but hear it.

  “Stop it, Saffron. Enough of your lip.”

  “It wasn’t only my lips, Mother. It was a whole-body retort. I don’t care who attends, what we serve the guests at the reception, or anything else. My only wish is to get married, get moved, and get started on my life with Zeke. I had a feeling since we first met we were meant to be together. I’ve had to wait three long years for it, and now, I just need to get married.”

  Charlotte glanced up from a local restaurant’s menu and stared at her youngest. “And, if you can help with the decisions, you’ll be married all that much faster. Now pay attention. Do you prefer we serve our guests the Crab Imperial Harvey’s stakes its reputation on, or would you rather we go terribly formal and order the wild duck with currant jelly sauce from Ebbitt House?”

  Saffron rolled her eyes, making certain her mother witnessed her reaction. “All right, you’ve worn me down. Crab is my favorite. Having grown up on the fare at Downing’s Oyster House, seafood is an obvious choice. But we should also offer another option for those who don’t prefer their meals to come from the ocean. What about roast beef? Zeke has a fondness for red meat.”

  Charlotte clapped her hands together. “A haunch of roast beef with a carver! How perfect! Yes, Saffron, a good choice. We’re finally making some progress. Now, what kind of flowers?”

  Saffron smiled again. She couldn’t care less about the food served, but flowers were a different story. She could almost smell the delicate scent of flowers, her favorite fragrance. “I’ve always had a fondness for roses.”

  “Pink or red? No, not red, that will never do at a wedding. The conclusion people would draw if you carried red roses is not a pretty one. Maybe white? Yes, white or cream-colored roses would be lovely. Jasmine is using a creamy satin for your gown. What if we try to match the roses to the gown? I’ll have Jasmine send us a bit of the fabric, and then we’ll go to every florist in town until we find what we need. Yes, it’s a good plan.”

  Saffron banged her head against the chair’s upholstered back. They hadn’t even begun to discuss whom to invite to the elaborate affair her wedding seemed to have become. God’s teeth! It was going to be a very long afternoon.

  • • •

  A few weeks later, Zeke glanced around St. Paul’s Church. He noticed the cream-colored roses adorning each highly polished wooden pew and the green runner down the center aisle. The scent of furniture polish mixed with candle wax, incense, and flowers. Even though he speculated he wouldn’t see her until she walked down the aisle to meet him, his eyes darted around the stately church, searching for Saffron. Only Halwyn and George were here, keeping him company.

  “The ladies did a wonderful job decorating the church, even though it’s already grand, right, Zeke?” Halwyn nodded toward the flowers and grinned. He could tell the church’s appearance was the last thing on Zeke’s mind.

  George laid a hand on Zeke’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, my boy. You’ll see Saffron soon enough. It’s bad luck to see her before the ceremony, anyway.”

  “I’d say we’ve had enough bad luck already. It’s time for some good to come our way.”

  “And it will. You’re about to embark on the big adventure that is your future together. But not for another hour. The guests are beginning to arrive, so we’d best take you to the antechamber to wait until it’s time for the ceremony.”

  His feet dragged as Zeke reluctantly allowed himself to be herded into the small room off the main chamber.

  “How did Saffron and Mrs. Fitzpatrick manage to create such a production in such a short amount of time? It’s all too much,” Zeke croaked, his throat constricting.

  George and Halwyn grinned at each other before they faced Zeke. “Obviously, you’re still becoming acquainted with my wife,” George replied. “Once she sets her mind to something, there’s no stopping her. DC has some lovely churches, and she decided, for her final child, Saffron was going to get the elaborate wedding Charlotte’s always dreamed of. It’s her way of paying Saffron back for missing out on her debutante season. And speaking of my daughter, I’d best be tracking her down now.”

  George slipped out to find Saffron and prepare for h
is official part in the ceremony. Halwyn remained quiet and let Zeke pace. Zeke let out his breath and faced Halwyn.

  “I never did properly thank you for your part in my court-martial not-guilty verdict. If not for your testimony, I’d be hanging at the end of a rope right now.”

  Halwyn smiled. “Some men refer to marriage in the same way. I’m glad it all worked out, but you and Saffron should have come to me months before. Then it could have all been avoided.”

  “In hindsight, I agree. But Saffron had kept our first encounter a secret for years, even after being severely disciplined for disobeying George’s orders. So I presumed it was best to keep it that way.”

  Halwyn rose and moved to the door, where he peeked out. “Crowd’s forming. Almost every seat is taken.” He turned back to Zeke. “Are you about ready?”

  Zeke stretched his back, relaxing his shoulders. “I’ve been ready for years. Saffron has a special place in your heart. I can see that every time you two are together. But she has a special place in mine as well. I promise you I’ll take good care of her.”

  Halwyn smiled. “You certainly will never be bored with her. Being the youngest person in a large family is a challenging spot to be in. People tended to try to coddle her or overlook her most of her life. But her personality was apparent from the time she began to walk, and you certainly couldn’t overlook her for long.”

  Zeke nodded his head in agreement. “And from the way she took charge of getting me out of town during the draft riots and dealt with the officers who challenged her during our wild ride, she proved there is no need to coddle her, either.”

  A soft knock interrupted their talk. Halwyn adjusted his glasses and tugged on his uniform, making certain it was in order. He then straightened Zeke’s cravat and placed a hand on Zeke’s arm. “Let’s go get you married, what do you say?”

  “I say amen and Godspeed.” Zeke’s voice cracked only the slightest bit. Halwyn opened the door, and they moved into their places at the altar. Saffron was all Zeke had ever hoped for, beyond what he had hoped for, yet his mouth went dry, and his palms grew damp. He’d had a lot of momentous events in his short life, but this was definitely the biggest. He was about to marry the only girl he’d ever touched. The girl to whom he gave his first kiss. Her first kiss, as well. The impetuous girl who had grown into a beautiful, shapely woman. And they’d forge a wonderful life together.

  He turned to face the crowd of people who had gathered to witness their union, but his eyes weren’t on them. He focused on the flurry of activity at the rear of the church. And then on his lovely bride in her creamy satin gown festooned with silk roses, taking her father’s arm. She was a vision, and his eyes grew moist as he stared at her.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  In the chamber relegated to the bride, Saffron admired the gown Jasmine had created for her. Even though she wanted nothing more than to get the ceremony over with quickly so she could be alone with Zeke, her breath had caught in her throat as she stared in the mirror at her reflection.

  “Gorgeous work, Jas, as always.” Saffron inhaled as Jasmine finished buttoning up the row of pearl buttons at the back of the gown.

  “Just don’t go traipsing through the streets in it,” Jasmine replied as she took a step back. “This might be the nation’s capital, but it’s still a rugged little town. Not at all like civilized New York.”

  The gown was pulled tightly across her stomach and hips in the front, anchored on each side by a creamy satin rose, but the back fell in a long train, adorned with similar roses down the length of the fabric. The bodice was cut modestly but clung to her bosom, showing off her décolletage, and the sleeves dripped creamy Chantilly lace from the elbow. Saffron turned to observe her profile in the mirror, nodding in satisfaction at the draping of the train.

  Saffron’s father entered the dressing room.

  “It is time, daughter. Your big moment has arrived. I may not be escorting you down a grand staircase at your debutante ball, but I’ve a feeling this is even better.”

  Jasmine inspected the gown one last time, then kissed Saffron’s cheek as her eyes filled with tears.

  “You’re the loveliest bride I’ve outfitted all year. Zeke is one lucky man.”

  Saffron returned the kiss. “No, I’m the lucky one.”

  George offered his arm to Saffron, handed her the large bouquet of cream-colored cascading roses, and led her to the rear of the church. Saffron moved along with him as if in a dream.

  The guests in the large church barely registered with Saffron. She glanced at their eager faces as they turned to witness her walk down the aisle on her father’s arm. But her focus was at the altar, where her first and only love awaited to make their lives one. When she finally spied Zeke next to Halwyn, standing at the end of the aisle waiting for her, dressed in his finest suit and cravat, her muscles bunched, and she began to break into a run. Her father had years of experience with her, though, and his hold on her tightened.

  “No running in church, Saffy. How many times have we told you that over the years?” His voice was low, and he chuckled.

  “Oh, Papa. I only want to get on with it.”

  “And you will, soon enough. Although it breaks my heart that my baby is about to become a bride. Ah, here we are.” They came to a halt in front of the altar, and George kissed her cheek before he handed his youngest off to the man she’d fallen in love with so many years ago.

  “I’m entrusting you, Zeke, with my daughter. Take good care of her.”

  “Yes, sir, I will.” Zeke shook George’s hand but his eyes were on Saffron. She had moved to her rightful place by his side. Now and forever.

  The remainder of the ceremony went by as a blur to her. She responded, when prompted, with her vows to love and honor Zeke. When he slipped a ring onto her finger, the tears, which had been hovering, cascaded down her cheeks. His callused thumbs dried her tears before he kissed her in front of God, her parents, and the other guests. Saffron’s tears were replaced with an ear-to-ear smile as she and Zeke left the imposing cathedral.

  Following a reception she barely took notice of either, she and Zeke piled into a waiting carriage. A wreath of cream-colored roses adorned the horse’s neck, carrying out the color scheme to the very last moment, as the driver pulled the carriage away from the crowd. Her parents had given them a gift of a two-night stay at the stately, six-story Willard Hotel at Fourteenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue—all the honeymoon they could have, since they were both due back at the Chancellorsville battlefield the following week.

  While Saffron appreciated the fine design of the hotel, she would have been equally as content on a blanket in the middle of a battlefield, as long as she and Zeke could finally be alone together. She tapped her slippered foot against the marble floor while Zeke checked them into the hotel, and again on the lush carpet of their room as she waited for the help to bring up their luggage.

  At last, the door to the outside world closed, and it was just the two of them. Saffron’s eagerness turned into anxiousness and excitement, as her stomach flipped at the idea of what was yet to come tonight. She could finally find out what came after scorching kisses. She swallowed, hoping to find some moisture in her very parched mouth.

  Zeke crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her. She laid her head on his shoulder and welcomed his warmth.

  “I despaired that we’d ever be alone today,” he whispered.

  “Mother did manage to orchestrate the grand wedding she’d always dreamed of.” Saffron raised her head and captured his lips. His tongue sought entrance, and she parted her lips slightly to allow him access. Such a delicious sensation, to feel their tongues sliding against one another. He deepened the kiss, and her lips grew plump from the pressure of their contact with his. Her body melted into him, and she could feel his hardness beneath his trousers as she had the few other times they’d been so close their bodies had collided. Saffron inhaled his scent of sandalwood and fresh air and was aware that tonight,
her wait would be over and she’d find out what could be done to take care of his erect manhood. She could tell it was somehow connected to the dampness she was feeling between her legs and the delightful tug she was experiencing in her core.

  He lifted his head and stared into her eyes. His eyes shone with passion, more than they had ever done. They were through teasing each other. Tonight they’d culminate their lovemaking.

  “I’m afraid I’m as new to lovemaking as you are, so I hope I don’t do things wrong.” Zeke ran his hand up and down her spine, causing jolts of energy to shoot off on both sides. Her knees threatened to buckle.

  “Well, we’ve both seen animals in the act, and I’ve witnessed my sisters and brothers getting cozy with their loves, so I’m familiar with the basics. But won’t it be fun to find out how to do it ourselves? What should we do first?”

  In answer to her own question, Saffron placed her hand over his hard shaft. His body trembled at her touch, and he pulled her to the bed with him. Satisfied she was on to something good, she loosened his trousers and put her hand inside. Zeke leaned back and moaned his approval.

  Her manipulations might have been enough for Zeke, but Saffron needed more. She had to see the appendage she’d made erect. She moved from Zeke’s prone side to her knees in front of him, her wedding gown a puddle of cream around her, and began to tug on his trousers. His head came up and he stared at her.

  “What are you doing?” His hands found their way into her hair, and pins flew as he combed his fingers through the elaborate hairdo.

  “I need to see you in all your glory.” She finally got his trousers below his knees and pulled down his drawers until she reached her goal. His penis stood proudly in front of her, and she explored its length, luxuriating in the soft skin over his firmness. The texture of his skin reminded her of her wedding gown’s satin.

  He reached for her hand, which was playing with his manhood. “You have to stop this torture, or our night will end before it begins. I’m so close to release it’s not funny.”