by Maggie Ryan
“I don’t know how to help her, Nettie.”
“Just love her, child. Just be there when she’s ready. You’ve got her strength but you need to allow your own self to grieve.”
The funeral was very well attended. It appeared that his sister and his staff were not the only ones to have loved him. Dozens of friends and business associates and their families came to attend the service and stayed to witness his internment. Ophelia and Amelia came and stood behind Juliette who stood beside Willamina. Due to the fact that the city was at sea level, the dead were not buried in the ground. Instead, crypts and mausoleums were above ground.
There was not a dry eye among the mourners while they listened to Nettie sing Amazing Grace. She stood with her hands clasped before her, her face lifted towards the sky. Each note was strong and clear, the words drifting throughout the cemetery to weave about the marble angels standing guard over lost loved ones. Juliette hated that her uncle was gone, but thought his last resting place was one of beauty. Remembering his words of loving beautiful things, she looked up to the huge oak trees, their branches dripping with Spanish moss that shaded his family crypt and knew he’d be pleased. When a sunbeam broke through the branches to caress the marble stone bearing George’s name and those of his wife and children, she knew that he’d joined his loved ones in heaven.
Chapter Eight
Juliette flitted about the library. She felt totally incapable of being still. Approaching her grandmother, she asked, “Are you sure you are warm enough, Gram? Let me run and get you a shawl.”
“I’m fine, thank you,” Willamina said, not looking up from the papers she was studying.
Walking to the windows, Juliette fussed with the draperies, finally pulling them closed a bit. “Is that better? It is awfully bright outside today.” A moment later, she pushed them open again. “Oh, I suppose you need the light to read? I could light the lamps.”
“The light is fine, dear.”
Pacing along the length of the room, Juliette turned to make a return trip and then stepped to the table where her grandmother was working and reached for the cup and saucer sitting to one side. “Let me get you another cup of tea. Oh, unless you’d prefer some coffee? Have you tried the café au lait? It is absolutely divine.”
“I’ve not yet finished this cup,” Willamina said, putting her hand out to keep Juliette from taking it away.
“Oh, um, okay, but I’d be glad to heat it up a bit.”
“It’s fine.” As if to prove her point, the older woman took a sip.
A few moments later, Juliette asked, “Are you hungry? You’ve not eaten much lately. I can ask Nettie to make a batch of beignets… or… Gram? Are you okay?” She grew concerned to see her grandmother with her eyes closed and her lips moving but the words uttered too softly to be clear. “Gram? Are you-you counting? Oh, is your pulse elevated? Should I call for Dr. Grant? Would you like to lie down for a bit?”
Opening her eyes, Willamina sighed and put aside the paper she’d been reading. “Juliette, I’m fine. I’m not chilled, the light isn’t bothering me, my tea is warm, I’m not hungry as breakfast was not long ago, nor am I tired. I don’t need anything…”
Moving to kneel beside her grandmother’s chair, Juliette laid a hand on her arm. “I know there must be something I can do for you. I feel so useless and you are working so hard…”
“Do you really wish to help?”
“Oh, yes, anything,” Juliette said, straightening and practically bouncing on her feet. “Just tell me what you need. Should I arrange for the barrister to reschedule today’s meeting? I’m sure he’d understand that you are…”
Raising her hand, Willamina shook her head. “Child, if you want to do something for me then you will go upstairs, fix your hair and put on a gown that actually has some color to it…”
“But…”
“I’m not finished speaking. After you have dressed, you will leave the house…”
“I can’t! You need me…”
“What I need is for you to stop hovering. I love you but, quite frankly my dear, you are driving me crazy.”
“I just want to be here for you,” Juliette said, her hands twisting in the black fabric of her dress. “You were there for me and I… I just want to be here if you need anything.”
Willamina took one of her hands between both of her own. “I know that I can count on you, but, I promise, the thing that will make me the happiest is for you to get out of the house. Go visit your friends.”
“But we are in mourning!”
Sighing again, Willamina nodded. “I understand that but your uncle would not wish to see you pacing and fluttering about. George loved life and would much rather see you actually living yours. Juliette, you explored more of the Bonneville than you have this city. Ride the streetcar, walk along the riverfront. You can take Ophelia and Amelia to lunch.”
“But…”
“Or, if you simply refuse to leave the house, you can go into the kitchen and learn how to make gumbo. I’m sure Nettie would be thrilled to have you help chop all that pickled okra. Just…”
“Just get out of your hair?” Juliette suggested.
“Just for a bit,” Willamina agreed, her smile taking any rancor out of the statement. “I promise if there is anything I need; you’ll be the first to know. Now, give me a kiss and go get ready.”
Kissing her cheek, Juliette did as she was bid. Calling for Mabel, she took a bath and then dressed in a yellow gown. Mabel tied a green sash around her waist. “You look as pretty as a daisy, Miss Juliette.”
“Thank you, Mabel. I do feel a bit guilty about discarding my mourning dress so soon.”
“Nonsense. Mr. George would want to think of you in a pretty gown. Now, which hat are you going to wear?”
An hour after being sent upstairs, Juliette returned to the library. “Oh, I didn’t realize you had guests,” she said as two men stood at her entry.
“Jules, this is Mr. Davidson and his son, Henry, George’s barristers. Gentlemen, may I present my granddaughter, Lady Juliette Gardner.”
“We’re sorry for your loss,” the senior Mr. Davidson said.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” his son said. “Are you joining us?”
“No, she’s going to get some air,” Willamina answered.
“Gram, are you sure you don’t wish me to stay?”
“I’m quite positive. I’ll see you this evening and expect to hear about what you’ve discovered in your explorations.”
Still feeling as if she were abandoning her grandmother, Juliette left the house. Turning her face to the sun, she smiled and had to admit that it did feel good to be outside. Deciding to walk a bit, she turned towards the river. She’d been to Jackson square before with Nettie as she shopped at the market for ingredients that she turned into delicious dishes. The streets were full of people who scurried to finish their errands before the heat became too much. After strolling about the square, she entered the cathedral. It was a beautiful church, offering a respite from the noise of the square. Sliding into a pew, she sat and remembered the service for her uncle. Closing her eyes, she felt a sense of peace flow through her. She said a prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to come to know her uncle. “I love you, Uncle George.” A smile tugged her lips as she imagined she heard him replying. “Then, listen to Willy. Life is to be lived with gusto. Find a dream and follow it.”
“I will; I promise.”
Once outside again, she pulled the card with the address Ophelia had given her out of her reticule. After receiving information on which streetcar to take from a vendor, she walked a few blocks and then had to run a bit to catch the car. She had to transfer to an omnibus as the streetcar did not go into the area she needed.
“Miss, are you quite sure this is the address?” the driver asked when she stood to disembark.
“I think so,” Juliette said, showing him the paper. “Do you think I’m wrong? Maybe I took the wrong omnibus?”
&nbs
p; Looking at the address on the paper, he shook his head. “No, the street you need is one block over and the boarding house is half-way down the block.” He handed the paper back and Juliette flushed as his eyes roamed up and down her body. “Perhaps I’ll do a bit of visiting myself later tonight. Which place is lucky enough to have you brighten it?”
Tucking the paper into her reticule, Juliette said, “I’m just visiting some friends.”
The man grinned. “Likely story. Don’t worry, I’m just as good at finding people as I am at driving them about.”
Stepping onto the street, Juliette hoped her hat shielded her face which she could feel flushing. “Have a lovely day.” Hearing him chuckle and state he’d be having a very lovely night once he found her, she turned and hurried down the street. It took her a few minutes to realize how different these streets were from those she’d walked earlier. Instead of farmers hawking produce or fish mongers boasting of the freshness of their catch, the streets were relatively quiet. The houses did not boast ivy growing up the walls or intricate balconies. She’d paused to look into the dim interior of one establishment and saw men drinking despite the early hour.
“Soit entrer ou sortir de mon chemin,” a voice demanded from behind her. Whirling about, she almost bumped into a man, his arms wrapped around a large barrel, a wagon filled with additional barrels waiting in the street.
“Oh, pardon me, I…”
“Just move, damn it, cela est lourd!”
Her mind translating from English to French and back again, Juliette jumped to one side and had to admit the barrel did look very heavy. Her apology was again ignored as he entered the establishment and she blushed when she heard him yell, “Joe, quelque jolie petite chienne veut une interview.” Understanding that the pretty little bitch looking for a job he was referring to was herself, she turned and quickly walked away. It was with relief that she found the address and knocked at the door. When it didn’t open, she knocked as she looked over her shoulder as if fearing Joe would come looking for his newest employee.
“Sa ki to bezon?
Startled at the barked words that she didn’t understand, it took her a moment to collect her thoughts. “Um, good morning. I’d like to speak with…” realizing she had never learned surnames of her friends, she continued, “Um, are Ophelia and Amelia available?”
“Those two are always available but usually don’t start work till dark,” the woman said. “They expecting you so early?”
“Work?” Juliette asked and then gasped. “Oh no, I’m not a… um, I don’t need them to work. They are friends of mine. I just wish to visit.”
“Visit? Girly, w ap pa foolong mwen. We both know those zanmi ou yo wors. I’ve not got a room unless you’re willing to share. W ap trè ase pou fè peman pa ta dwe yon pwolèm.”
Juliette stood at the door, staring at the woman as she rattled off words she’d never heard. The woman switching from English to French and then to whatever other language she was speaking was extremely confusing. All she could pick out was something about ‘fooling’, ‘problem’ and she thought the lady had just referred to her friends as whores. Deciding that maybe the conversation would go better in French, she said, “Pardonnez-moi , je ne comprends pas ce que vous dites,” apologizing for not understanding what the woman was saying.
“Vire toutotou,” the woman said but it wasn’t until she twirled her finger in the air that Juliette understood what she wanted. Though she didn’t understand why, she turned and then squealed when the woman slapped her bottom.
“Bon, manman bourik grès bèl.”
Whipping around, Juliette said, “I don’t appreciate being mishandled. All I want…”
Ignoring her the woman said, “You’ll do. Men love to fuck yon dam reyèl.” Reaching out, she plucked at the sleeve of Juliette’s dress. “You’ll need rad sou nouvo. Montre kek ttsi ak bourik.”
“Juliette?”
The sight of Ophelia had Juliette almost sagging with relief. “Thank God, I can’t understand a word this woman is saying. I… I think she wants me to change my dress?”
Ophelia’s laughter had the other woman rolling her eyes. “She believes you’d fetch a man’s eye faster if you display a bit more breast and bottom,” Ophelia translated. “Stop it, Naomi. You can speak English just as well as I can.”
“Hell, you can’t blame me for a bit of teasing,” Naomi said. “It’s not like I have proper ladies showing up at the crack of dawn to inquire as to whether or not you and Amelia are receiving visitors.”
“That’s because she is a proper lady,” Ophelia said.
Juliette wasn’t sure whether to be totally offended or not. Deciding it would do no good, she held out her hand. “I apologize for interrupting your, um, morning. I’m Juliette and it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Naomi.”
“See what I mean? All those fancy words.” Grinning the woman shook her hand before saying, “avant que je la loue, elle a besoin de comprendre men pito ou sevi ak bouch ou non souse coks epi you pa pale?”
Ignoring Opehlia’s gasp, Juliette’s mind worked to translate the three languages spoken. Naomi seemed ready to offer her a job. While she didn’t understand the last part, she had a pretty good idea what the woman said when the words men and coks were put together. “How very kind. Yours is the third proposition I’ve had this morning, however, I am not currently seeking employment.” She grinned and continued, “ If I have the need, I’ll be sure to consider your generous offer. For today at least, I prefer to use my mouth to converse with my zanmis and escort them to luncheon.”
“As diplomatic as you are beautiful,” Naomi said, giving her a smile. “It’s a shame. With the proper dress and a bit of rouge, I know you’d be as popular as your zan… friends. I’ll let you get to your visiting.”
After she’d left, Ophelia took Juliette’s hand and pulled her down the hall and into the room she shared with Amelia who appeared to have just gotten out of bed.
“I do apologize. I didn’t even consider that you’d still be sleeping. I can go…”
“Don’t be silly,” Ophelia said. “It’s wonderful to see you. How are you? How is your grandmother?”
“Why don’t you finish dressing and we can speak over lunch? Gram forced me to explore and I’ll need a good story to tell her tonight.” Juliette giggled and said, “Of course, hearing I’ve been propositioned three times about a job might have her wishing I’d stayed home.”
***
A half-hour later, the three were seated around a table. The room was crowded with people and Juliette again heard a combination of languages. “Gram was right, this city really is a melting pot. How on earth are you two managing conversing without going crazy? I barely understood a word from your landlady.”
“There isn’t a great need for conversation in our line of work,” Amelia said.
“A bit of flirting, a flash of thigh, a glimpse of breast is all we need,” Ophelia agreed, “well, that and a bit of haggle over pricing.”
“I guess I can understand that,” Juliette admitted. “However, how on earth do you know what to charge? Is there some sort of…” Pausing, she looked down and picked up the sheet that had been handed to them as they took their seats. “Menu?”
“Actually, you aren’t far off.” Ophelia went on to explain that though there were many women working as whores, those who worked in the same establishment worked in line with a list of standard rates. “Of course, if a woman is conducive to offering a service outside of the basic list, they can negotiate a higher rate.”
Juliette waited until the server had taken their orders, all three deciding on the red beans and rice which came with cornbread. Once the server left, she continued the conversation. “What constitutes a special service?”
The two women exchanged a look before Amelia said, “I’m not sure you truly want to know. You are a lady…”
“We all know I’m not a virgin,” Juliette said, “I’m not totally ignorant.”
/> “I never said you were ignorant. I’m saying that one day you will wed and your husband might question exactly how you obtained your knowledge,” Amelia explained. “Believe me, a man would find it strange to discover his bride knows only those things he’s experienced with his favorite whore or his ladybird.”
“Consider me a ladybird then,” Juliette said, her tone growing a bit sharp. “After all, my father certainly did!”
Ophelia reached across the table and covered her hand. “We aren’t your father, Jules, nor are we accusing you of anything. Amelia is right though. Men love to believe they are the first one to teach their wives about the baser acts.”
“Baser?”
“Let’s just say we aren’t talking about the things you confessed had your father so upset,” Amelia said, and Juliette couldn’t help but notice she was giving Ophelia a look that told of her unease with the direction of the conversation.
“I’m not a child, either.”
Ophelia said, “We know, sweetie. You saw me with two men; can you imagine three? Or a man who wishes to watch two women, choosing to participate himself or not?”
Juliette felt her face flush and wondered what she’d feel if she ever saw such things. She was saved from answering when their food came and the subject of discussion changed. Amelia asked about Willamina, and Juliette shared her concerns but admitted that Nettie seemed to be correct. “She’s eating and sleeping better now.”
“I’m glad; she is a wonderful woman,” Ophelia said.
“She is,” Juliette agreed as she paid the check. “When do things start hopping around here?”
“Everyone comes to life when the sun goes down, but, there are a few places that provide entertainment during the day.”
“Yes, there are places that have great music,” Amelia said, “they play with such expression.”
“That sounds like fun, do you have time to go listen for a bit?” Juliette said as the three stood.
