by Nan Ryan
Smiling down at her, he murmured happily, “Why is it I feel it’s you who will teach me?” He kissed her lightly. “Yes, love, I’ll teach you. In time you’ll be as polished as any Fifth Avenue millionaire’s wife.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” She whirled around and drew his arms about her waist. Leaning against him, she said, “Austin, you never told me why the name of your railroad car is Alpha.”
The soft fur of her bonnet tickled his chin as Austin inhaled deeply of her sweet perfumed fragrance and said without hesitation, “Suzette, for a long, long time I have wanted you, planned to have you. I knew I couldn’t rush it, but I have prayed the time would come when you would turn to me. About a year ago I was in New York, and though I attended many fine parties, I was terribly lonely. The notion came to me then how wonderful it would be to have you with me in New York. I pictured you traveling with me, and the vision was so vivid and pleasant that I wired the Pullman Company and commissioned them to build this car. I called it Alpha, for if I were to travel in it, you would be with me, and it would truly be the beginning.”
“Austin, that’s romantic and very flattering,” Suzette mused. “I had no idea you wanted me that long ago.” She paused and plucked at the fingers of his hand. “It’s also a little arrogant, don’t you think? How did you know I’d consent to be your wife?”
Slowly Austin moved a hand up to the soft curls on her neck. Gently he pushed the gleaming hair aside and bent to press his lips to the curve of her neck, while his free hand moved from her waist to rest lightly on a cape-covered breast. “You’re here, aren’t you?” His breath was warm, ruffling her hair.
“Yes, I am.” She smiled as shivers ran up her spine. “Now, sir, if you don’t unhand me, I shall pull the curtains and demand my wifely rights!” She laughed and pulled away from his embrace.
Laughing with her, he shook his head. “You’re a lovely little tease, Mrs. Brand, and I shall make you pay when I get you to the hotel.”
Suzette clung to her husband’s arm as they stepped down from their car at the train station. Swarms of people, more than she’d ever seen in one place, swirled about them in all directions, all seemingly in a great hurry. Suzette was almost frightened by the mass of humanity pressing so close; her eyes were wide as she jerked her head about, taking in the crowd.
“Scary, isn’t it?” Austin said above her, sensing her uneasiness.
“Is it this crowded everywhere in New York?”
“No, not quite. You’ll be able to breathe again as soon as we get outside.” He indicated the tall steamy windows just ahead. “Hang onto me, I’ll get you through this.”
With one hand gripping his arm, the other holding onto her hat, Suzette put her head down and made her way determinedly through the milling, jostling crowd. Bumped and jolted on all sides, she gave a sigh of relief when finally Austin opened the tall door leading out onto a street and maneuvered her in front of him. The cold, crisp air struck her face and she inhaled deeply, relieved to be out of the oppressive, stuffy terminal.
Within minutes she was seated in the back of a handsome covered brougham whisking them down the busy avenue to their hotel. Austin, tucking the lap robe about her knees, proudly pointed out sights along the route, smiling when she stared in awe at the tall buildings on the horizon.
Suzette said over and over, “I can’t believe it. I really can’t believe it.”
“I know,” he said understandingly. “It’s impossible to tell someone what New York City is like. They have to see it for themselves.”
“Oh, Austin, thank you for bringing me here. Already I love it!”
Happy with her pleasure, he assured her, “Darlin’, I promise you a wonderful time in New York.”
Austin kept that promise. From the minute the couple checked into their opulent suite at the Hotel Brunswick on Fifth Avenue, Suzette began a glorious romp through a new wonderland and she loved every minute, every hour, every day of her new life. A grand suite of rooms awaited her in the magnificent hotel, and she was not through the lobby before she was asking her husband questions about the elegantly dressed couples she saw there.
“Look,” she whispered, longing to point. “I’ve never seen such beautiful ladies. Look at their clothes. Wherever did they find such stunning dresses?” Handsome couples promenaded about the lobby as gentlemen in tight trousers and custom-made coats and haughty young women in billowing skirts, motioning with their gloved hands, nodded and chatted with one another.
“Looks as though the Coaching Club is having an early meeting,” Austin explained. “The Brunswick is their headquarters. When spring comes you’re really in for a treat. They put on quite a show.”
“Oh, I’d like to see that!”
“We’ll still be here when spring comes.”
“You mean it?” She looked up in surprise.
“Yes, I do. We’re going to stay until it’s warm enough to go to Atlantic City and swim in the ocean.”
Beaming, she nodded her agreement and lifted her skirts to climb the ornate stairs to their quarters. Inside, she hurried from room to room, admiring the high-ceilinged, well-appointed apartment, while a uniformed porter unloaded their luggage.
When the door closed behind him, Suzette came into her husband’s arms and hugged him tightly. “Austin, this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. It must cost a fortune.”
“We can afford it, darlin’.” He grinned and swept the small fur-trimmed hat from her head, smoothing the golden hair. He untied the cape and took it from her. She handed him her gloves. “Now, the first thing we must do is have a wardrobe made for you.”
“Austin, may I have some lovely dresses like the ones the pretty ladies downstairs were wearing?”
“Indeed, lovelier. I have some ideas about what would suit you. Shall we get started?”
“Let’s do.” She rubbed her hands together. “Let me freshen up a bit, and we can be on our way.”
She turned to go to the bedroom, but Austin reached out and took her arm. Laughing, he said, “No, sweetheart. There’s no need for you to be out in the cold again. The dressmaker will come here. I’ll take care of it. But first, why don’t I fill a tub for you? While you’re soaking I’ll have lunch sent up. After we’ve eaten, you can rest while I engage the services of one of the finer dressmakers and take care of a few other things. By the time you’ve had a nap, you can start with the fittings. How does that sound?”
“Austin, you are going to have me so spoiled, I’ll not be able to do a thing for myself.”
“My love,” he said, leading her into the large bathroom with its gleaming ivory tub mounted on gold claw feet, “that is exactly my plan.”
Not one, but three dressmakers were engaged to make glittering garments for the lovely young woman whose adoring husband wanted his bride to have the very best. Long hours were spent as Suzette stood dutifully still while nimble hands pinned, measured, smoothed, and pulled fabrics around her slender body. Bolt after bolt of the finest silks, satins, woolens, taffetas, velvets, and brocades in myriad luscious colors were brought to the Brand suite at the Hotel Brunswick.
Madame Marie de Corday, the most expensive and talented dressmaker in the city, fussed over designs and patterns and draped soft, colorful materials over Suzette’s tired body while snapping commands to the girl. “Mrs. Brand, you must stand straight and proud like a queen!” The woman jerked Suzette’s shoulders back and patted the underside of her chin. “Head held high, bosom thrust out. If you are to wear my clothes, you must do so with grace.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Suzette offered lamely, trying desperately to please the bullying little dark-haired woman.
“Chérie, I take this assignment only because your big good-looking husband told me you are part French. Oui?”
“Yes. I mean, oui. My mother was half French, from Louisiana. My grandfather came to Louisiana from Nova Scotia. I’m very proud of my French ancestry.”
“As you should be. Now stand stra
ight and behave like you are French.” The woman’s dark eyes flashed and she smiled. “Mrs. Brand, I am harsh, but when I am finished, you will be the most desirable lady in all New York.” The smile faded before Suzette could respond. Madame snatched a corset from the bed and thrust it at Suzette. “Shame on you for not owning any corsets! Put this on. I shall shape your figure anew, and you will be as curvaceous as the most prized courtesan when you appear in my gorgeous gowns.”
When Suzette first appeared in one of the new gowns Madame had fashioned for her, even Austin blinked. As she shyly entered the sitting room of their suite, Austin gaped at the beautifully gowned young woman. She wore a satin dress of ice-blue, its color bringing out the darker blue of her large eyes. The daringly low neckline curved just over her shoulders and came to a deep V between her creamy breasts. Her slender waist was made smaller still by the tight corset Madame insisted she wear. While inches seemed to disappear from her waist, the push-up effect of the tight garment added those inches to her exposed bosom. The high swell of her breasts above the dress gave the impression that any second she might spill completely out and disgrace herself. The swirling skirt was topped by an overskirt of the same material and was pulled to the back with row on row of dainty bows. Satin slippers peeked from under the rustling skirts.
Her long blond hair had been dressed and was pulled up off her neck into a cluster of fat, shiny curls atop her head. Blue sapphire-and-diamond earrings, a gift from her husband, sparkled brilliantly and hung daintily suspended from her shell-like ears almost to her bare shoulders. At her throat she wore only the tiny gold locket with the single sapphire. Austin, knowing how much the delicate necklace meant to her, wisely bought no adornment for her neck. He knew she would take off the locket to wear any bauble he bought for her, but he didn’t want her to feel it necessary.
“Your mouth is open, Austin,” she teased him, bringing him out of his reverie.
“I’m sure it is.” He nodded his head. “I can’t believe that you could look any more beautiful than you’ve always looked, but you do. I’m not sure I want to take you out. You’ll turn the head of every man in this city!”
Embarrassed, Suzette looked down at herself. “Austin, I could change if you wish. The dress is a little bold, isn’t it?”
“Very bold. That’s what makes it so stunning. You have a magnificent bosom, so why not display it? As long as I’m the only man allowed to touch it, I don’t mind other men looking.” Smiling, he walked to her and bent his head, pressing a quick, warm kiss to her left breast, just above the blue satin. Straightening immediately, he said, “Mrs. Brand, shall we be on our way? We’ve reservations at Delmonico’s at ten.”
Turning her back to him, she waited for him to drape her long wrap about her bare shoulders. “I’m starving, but I’m afraid I’ll not be able to eat very much in this dreadful corset.”
Grinning, he put his lips in her hair. “Perhaps the lady will require a snack later tonight when she’s discarded corset, dress, underwear, shoes, and stockings. When you are again bare in our bed, I’ll see to it you have a tempting repast to hold you till breakfast.”
The crusty snow crunched under their feet as they walked across Fifth Avenue to the entrance of Delmonico’s. Assuring her husband she saw no need for a carriage when they were close enough to throw a stone and hit the restaurant, Suzette breathed deeply of the chill air as her cheeks flushed with color, heightening her youthful beauty. They soon joined the swell of finely turned-out couples entering the popular dining place.
Inside, Suzette’s eyes swept the huge room. Lined with mirrors and lit with magnificent silver chandeliers, the restaurant was enormous. At the room’s center, in the midst of masses of fresh flowers, a beautiful fountain splashed.
Longing to appear sophisticated, Suzette said nothing, but she couldn’t refrain from twisting her head to look behind her. Austin, his hand at the small of her back, guided her up the stairs to the second floor. She’d been too preoccupied to notice when her wrap was taken by a bowing man dressed in black.
Another tall, impeccably dressed gentleman led the pair into one of the dining rooms. Suzette couldn’t stifle the gasp that escaped her lips. Her eyes were on the splendid walls, covered entirely in rich satin. Seated, she looked across the table at Austin. Handsome in his dark evening clothes; his bronzed face gleamed in the candlelight and his full mouth curved into a pleased smile.
“Austin Brand!” She leaned across the table to whisper excitedly, “Satin walls! Have you ever seen anything so grand?”
“I thought you’d like it, my love.” He looked over her head, nodded, and a waiter hurried to their table. “We’ll wait a bit to order, but perhaps you could bring us a nice bottle of Cordon Rouge.”
Suzette sipped her champagne and pursed her lips. She studied the fancy menu. “I’ve never heard of so many foods in my life. And they all sound delicious.”
“Del’s is famous for its fine selection.”
“Let’s see,” she said with conviction, “I believe I shall have the ragout de tortue.” She laid her menu aside, feeling quite pleased with herself. She looked smugly at her husband and saw the grin curving his mouth. “What?” She glanced about and lowered her voice. “Austin, what is it?”
“Darlin’,” he laughed and reached across the table to cover her hand with his, “are you certain you would enjoy stewed terrapin?”
Making a face, she said, “Good Lord, Austin! Do people actually eat such things? The fancy French names all sound so good. Will you order for me, please?”
“I’ll be delighted, my love.” When the waiter returned to take their order, Austin chose filet de boeuf, fresh green beans in butter, fricasseed potatoes, and eggplant with sauce.
Taking a big swallow of champagne, Suzette gave Austin a smile of approval. But when the food was served, she ate little. Tightly laced and corseted, it was impossible to have her fill. Instead, she continued to drink the bubbly champagne while her husband entertained her with humorous stories; the more champagne she drank, the more humorous his stories became. Her laughter, high and tinkling, floated through the room. Eyes turned her way. Austin never noticed, for his eyes were on her too. He was enchanted, as were the other gentlemen casting admiring glances at the lovely young woman.
“Austin,” she said, holding his big hand, “I’m afraid I’ve grown a bit tipsy. I’m sorry. I must be making a spectacle of myself. People are staring.”
Austin casually turned his head and looked about. When his gaze swung back to her, he smiled and raised her hand to his lips. “My dear, Madame de Pompadour once said, ‘Champagne is the only wine which leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it.’ She was so right, you are lovelier than ever, and if people are looking, I don’t blame them. Drink up, beautiful girl.” He released her hand and filled her glass again.
The cold winter days and cozy winter nights were gay and happy for the couple bent on seeing all the sights and tasting each delight the city offered. Carriage rides in the afternoons, teas at the Fifth Avenue mansions of Austin’s friends, dinner parties at those fine homes, gala balls, and wine suppers after midnight at the cafés made life an unending adventure for both. Austin found new pleasure in the city’s social life now that he had a beautiful young wife on his arm.
If ever a person took quickly to the high life, it was Suzette Foxworth Brand. She wore her new clothes with flair, she charmed the blue-blooded aristocrats who made up New York society, she drank wine and laughed at ribald stories with the sporting crowd, she attended the theater and met and admired actors and artists, and quickly became the darling of the maitre d’s of the finest restaurants and eateries in Manhattan.
Hostesses fought with one another for the company of the golden couple, and the season’s many parties seemed not quite the success they should be if Suzette and Austin decided to enjoy a private evening alone.
One cold evening Suzette sat on their big bed pulling on her silk stockings as they dressed for the opera, and
she said thoughtfully, “Austin, I know you’re a very charming, handsome man, but how is it we’re invited to every party and ball? Was this once your home? Did your family come from the east?”
Austin, shirtless, sat reading in an easy chair beside the bed. Lowering the New York Herald to his lap, he looked at his wife as she pulled the sheer hose up her long, shapely leg. Any other time he would have smiled with pleasure. This time he didn’t. Sighing, he said, “No, this is not my home. I thought you knew that Beth came from New York. This was her home. I met her here one summer when I visited a friend from military school.”
“Well, go on.” She looked up at him.
Austin rose and walked to the window. He slipped his hands in his trouser pockets and stood looking out across Union Square. “What more can I tell you? All the people you’ve met are friends of mine, but I would never have known them if not for Beth. She came from the aristocratic family, not I. She…she…” His voice trailed off.
Suzette sat very still. Sorry she’d brought up the subject, she mistakenly thought that she’d brought back painful memories for Austin—that he was thinking of the happy times he’d spent with Beth in New York.
Sliding off the bed, she padded across the room, shoeless. She wore only the silky stockings, a chemise of satin trimmed with lace and beading, and her matching drawers with ribbons at the knees. She stood directly behind him and tentatively lifted a hand to his smooth shoulder. “Austin,” she said softly, “I…I’m sure you must miss Beth very much. If it’s painful for you to be here, where the two of you—”
He whirled around to face her. She took a step backward just as he reached out and clasped her upper arms. “My God, woman, Haven’t you listened to one word I’ve said? Do you honestly think I’m grieving for a wife I never loved one-half as much as I love you?” His fingers were cutting into her arms and his expression was stormy. Suzette dared not interrupt him. “Don’t you know what’s wrong with me? I feel guilty. Guilty for loving you so damned much! Guilty for enjoying this city in a way I never did before. Guilty because being Beth’s husband makes it possible for me to be here with you now; to show you a way of life that would never have been possible but for her. Can’t you understand that? It’s Beth Applegate’s ticket I got in on, dammit!”
