Minna introduced the others to the prince, then ushered him back to his place of comfort on the sofa.
Turning away, Minna caught Cathleen by the arm and led her aside. 'Time to put on your wedding gown,' she whispered, 'as quickly as possible.'
Cathleen hugged and kissed her and ran off.
Now, after the close call at Holmes's Castle, Bruce Lester wanted – more than ever before – an interval of privacy with Karen Grant.
Taking her by the hand, he led her first into the Japanese Room and then the Blue Room, but both were filled with chattering male guests and Everleigh girls.
At last, arriving at the Moorish Room, Bruce saw that it was unoccupied and he drew Karen inside.
'I want to talk to you,' he told her.
He led her across the brilliant Oriental carpet and between smoking incense burners to a small sofa. He sat her down, and then seated himself close to her.
'Karen,' he said, 'you've known ever since we met – I made it no secret – that I'm in love with you.'
'Oh, Bruce,' she said, her voice catching, putting her arms around him and kissing him. 'And you know I'm in love with you.'
Separating himself from her, Bruce said, 'I've been in love with you from the start, but I didn't realize how much until I almost lost you at Holmes's place. Now I want to – I want to discuss us.'
'I'm ready,' said Karen.
'I've wanted to ask you to marry me. I want to marry you more than anything -'
'Bruce, dear -'
'No, hear me out, Karen. There are problems. You're a big-city girl. I'm a country boy. You're a working woman, living fairly well on your own, I gather. I'm a fellow who runs a small Kentucky farm – and a home for my half-paralysed father. All I have to my name is a small stud farm and my winnings from the Derby. Eventually, I want to plough that money back into stallions and mares. I'll hope to breed more Derby winners, always a long shot. If you married me, I'd be taking you back to an old house in Kentucky. We'd live with my father, a dear man, but he does need some attention. You'd be isolated from city life down there. I don't know if that's the kind of life I can ask you to share with me.'
Karen emitted a sigh. 'Bruce, how can you be so smart in so many ways, and be so dumb about this? I love you. How many times do I have to tell you? I want to live with you wherever you live, however you live, because I want to be with you now and for ever. Bruce, stop being a donkey and tell me you will marry me, the sooner the better, right now, here and now.'
In those seconds all of Bruce's reservations had fled. 'You mean that?'
'I'll prove it. Let's get married tonight. The minute that minister has finished marrying your sister and Alan, let's grab him and make him marry us too.' 'Karen, that's perfect!'
He rose to his feet, pulling her up with him, and embraced her, smothering her with kisses. 'Come on,' he said, 'let's find the minister.'
He tried to take her hand to leave the Moorish Room, but she remained firmly planted, refusing to go.
'Not so fast,' she said, 'not yet.'
He stood before Karen. 'Why not? What's wrong?'
Karen smiled sweetly. 'I don't think you should marry a virgin. I think on your wedding night you should enjoy an experienced woman. Don't you?'
Confused, Bruce hesitated. 'Well, really, I don't know.'
'I know,' said Karen. 'Believe me, Bruce, it would be better. No fumbling, no tension, if we're both experienced. After that, from our wedding night on, it will get better and better.'
'You mean that, don't you?'
'I mean it. I'm ready. I still have my bedroom. Don't you want to make a virgin happy?'
He kissed her. 'You bet I do.' He took her hand. 'Right now.'
Slipping away from the banquet guests slowly filling the Everleigh Club, Karen and Bruce made their way to her room.
Once inside, Karen locked the door. There was only one lamp shining dimly. The rest of the room was dark.
Without a word they began to undress.
He was the first to strip and to stand nude. Standing apart from him, she dropped the last of her clothes.
His eyes widened as he took her in. 'My God, I've never seen anyone so beautiful.'
She stared at him. 'I've never seen a man undressed before…'
He went to her and pressing his body against hers, he could feel her heart thumping.
Taking her hand, he led her to the bed.
'You know what to do?' he asked softly.
'I think so.'
She lifted herself on to the bed, and settled on her back, frightened and thrilled.
Lying close, Bruce kissed her on the mouth, ran kisses down her cheek and neck, until his lips found her nipples.
Her nipples hardened and his tongue on them began to arouse her. As he moved above her body, her hand went to the back of his head. 'Please – please – oh, please, don't wait,' she gasped. 'I can't stand this. Please do it. Do it now.'
He guided his hardened penis downward, and slowly, slowly he entered her.
'Ahhh,' she said. 'Ahhh – deeper, deeper.'
He went in all the way, going slowly.
Once he stopped, drew himself back, and glanced down at the bed sheet.
'Darling, you're not a virgin anymore,' he said, and added, 'You're an experienced woman.'
'Make me more experienced,' she breathed. And they went on.
Half an hour later, composed and fully dressed, they held hands, in love, and walked away from the bedroom.
The downstairs hallway was empty and quiet. From the muted sounds of conversation and laughter somewhere in the Club, they realized that almost everyone had gathered in the Gold Room.
Karen and Bruce made their way to the entrance, and they saw Cathleen in her white satin and lace wedding gown and Alan standing before a tall Lutheran minister, while the guests – including Prince Henry of Prussia – watched the conclusion of the wedding. Minna and Aida were beaming at the bride, and Armbruster and his wife stood behind the groom.
'Alan Armbruster,' the minister intoned, 'wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy state of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?'
'I will,' said Alan.
'Cathleen Lester, wilt thou have this man to be they wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy state of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?'
'I will,' Cathleen replied in a firm serious voice.
The minister bent towards them and whispered something.
Alan took Cathleen's right hand and spoke. 'I, Alan Armbruster, take thee, Cathleen Lester, to be my wedded wife, and plight thee my troth, till death us do part.'
Then Cathleen raised her voice to speak. 'I, Cathleen Lester, take thee, Alan Armbruster, to be my wedded husband, and plight thee my troth, till death us do part.'
The minister said, 'The ring, please.'
Harold Armbruster took the blue velvet box out of his pocket, snapped it open, removed the wedding band, and handed it to his son.
Alan placed the ring on the fourth finger of Cathleen's left hand, and he stated, 'Receive this ring as a token of wedded love and troth.'
The minister directed, 'Join your right hands.'
Cathleen and Alan took each other's right hand as the minister covered them with his own, and announced, 'Forasmuch as Alan Armbruster and Cathleen Lester have consented together in holy wedlock, and have declared the same before God and in the presence of this company, I pronounce them man and wife. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.'
Cathleen lifted her veil, and went into Alan's arms as he gave her a prolonged kiss.
Music struck up from somewhere in the Gold Room, and the guests gathered in small gr
oups joined in with applause and cheers.
Watching, Karen tugged at Bruce's sleeve. 'Our turn next.'
'Right now,' said Bruce.
'In the Moorish Room where we can be alone with the minister – and Minna and Aida as our witnesses – if the minister will do it.'
'He will,' promised Bruce. He strode into the centre of the Gold Room, got the attention of the minister, and whispered to him.
The minister listened, looked up at Bruce, then at Karen, and vigorously nodded his assent.
It was half-past eleven in the evening by the time everyone had taken a place at the long table of the Everleigh Club.
At the very centre of the banquet table, erect and beaming with pleasure, sat Prince Henry himself. On the right side of him sat Minna in her freshly done Gibson hairdo, Arm-bruster, Cathleen, and Alan. At the left side sat Aida, Mayor Harrison, Karen, and Bruce.
From the far end of the restaurant, the musicians had begun to play the day's favourites – 'On the Banks of the Wabash ', 'A Bicycle Built for Two', and 'I'm Afraid To Go Home in the Dark'.
Waiters were filing in, carrying the first dish, a garnished Bodense felchen trout.
Mayor Harrison pushed back his chair and stood up to unfurl a sheet of paper. He read a brief address welcoming Prince Henry of Prussia to Chicago, the gem city of the Midwest prairie.
No one listened. The babble of voices continued gaily and loudly, as the Everleigh girls clinked their goblets of champagne and became better acquainted with the male guests beside them.
'Wonderful, wonderful,' said Prince Henry to Minna. 'A most remarkable and memorable evening. I am happy that you could do this for me.'
'Your Highness, I'd do anything for you,' Minna said. 'You're a true gentleman, and I will always be delighted to do anything you ask.'
'You are a most gracious lady,' said the prince.
Aware of Armbruster beside her, Minna turned fully towards Prince Henry. 'Your Highness,' she began, 'you told me you were pleased I could do this for you.'
'Of course,' said Prince Henry. 'Indeed, I meant it.'
'Then I would like to request a favour of you,' said Minna.
'Anything,' said Prince Henry. 'Whatever you wish.'
'All right, I'll come out with it,' said Minna. 'We have an American ambassador in Germany. What is his situation today?'
Prince Henry appeared bewildered. 'I'm not sure I understand your question,' he said. 'What do you mean?'
'I mean, how long will he be ambassador?'
'Sadly, for a short time only. Normally, the ambassador would remain head of the diplomatic mission to the royal court for as long as your government wishes. But your ambassador is unwell. I know he plans to send a letter of resignation to your president in a very short time – perhaps a few months.'
'Then you will need a new American ambassador in Germany?' said Minna.
'Of course. I am sure that President Roosevelt will appoint someone from the diplomatic corps as soon as he receives the resignation.'
'Could the kaiser recommend to President Roosevelt an American he would like to see represent us?'
Prince Henry gave it some thought. 'Normally, Miss Ever-leigh, it is not done that way. Your President will select someone he feels deserves the post and is qualified. Then his choice must be approved not only here but also in Germany. When the kaiser has given his approval, the new ambassador is on his way to Berlin.'
'I understand,' said Minna. 'But what if it went the other way around? Suppose the kaiser knew of somebody in the United States whom he would like to have as the American ambassador? Could the kaiser make such a recommendation – informally – to President Roosevelt?'
Prince Henry furrowed his brow, considering such procedure. 'Umm. It would be unusual. I can see no rule against it. But then, my brother, the kaiser, would know of no such American to suggest.'
Minna edged provocatively closer to Prince Henry. She said flirtatiously, 'I may, Sir. I may know somebody to suggest.'
'You?'
'Why not? Who on earth knows men and their character better than Minna Everleigh? Yes, me. I have someone to suggest.'
Prince Henry chuckled. 'Why not you? Of course you would be highly qualified to suggest someone to represent the United States.'
'The idea is that I would suggest a name to you. And you could convey it to the kaiser. He in turn could make the suggestion to President Roosevelt. Of course, this would make a deep impression on the president. He would want to please the kaiser and would certainly consider selecting such a man for the post.'
'Yes, that is possible,' said Prince Henry. 'Obviously, you do have a man in mind.'
'I do.'
'Very well, tell me.'
Minna reached to the side, took Armbruster by his hand, and drew him into the conversation. 'Your Highness, this is Harold T. Armbruster, the renowned Chicago meat-packer, who would very likely be pleased to become the next ambassador to Germany. He is of German origin, of Lutheran faith, and he knows very well what the post would entail. Isn't that so, Mr Armbruster?'
Armbruster gulped. 'It is, it is.'
'More importantly, Mr Armbruster is my niece's father-in-law. So I'd be involved in a relative way.'
Prince Henry grinned at Minna, and then at Armbruster. 'A capital idea,' Prince Henry said. He was briefly silent, as if turning the idea over in his mind, and then he said gravely, 'I would be happy to make such a recommendation to the kaiser – on one condition.'
Minna frowned. 'What is that condition, Sir?'
'That the Everleigh Club remain open for my next visit to the United States. If I knew it would be here, I'd be certain to make my next visit very soon. I heard that it had been shut down, and only opened tonight for my presence. I would like to be reassured that it will continue to flourish for years to come. May I have your word on that, Miss Everleigh?'
'You can have my word,' said Minna, 'but my word is not enough. It's really up to the mayor.' She leaned across Prince Henry. 'Aida, would you get Mayor Harrison's attention?'
Aida gently prodded at the mayor, who immediately turned, glanced at Aida, and then noticed that Minna had something to say to him.
'What is it, Miss Everleigh?' Mayor Harrison asked.
'It's about Harold Armbruster becoming the next ambassador to Germany,' said Minna. 'I just broached the subject to Prince Henry. He agrees to help under one condition -that you allow the Everleigh Club to remain in business not just for tonight but in the months and years to follow.'
'Is that all?' said Mayor Harrison, all affability. His eyes met Prince Henry's. He cleared his throat and said with sincerity, 'Your Highness, you have my solemn pledge that the Everleigh Club will remain open and flourish as long as I am in office. I'll manage my reformers.'
Prince Henry smiled broadly at Minna. 'Miss Everleigh, as you Americans put it, you have a deal.'
At just past two o'clock in the morning the banquet was finally coming to an end. Someone jumped to his feet, held up a hand, gave a signal to the orchestra, and began to sing.
The singer was Alderman John Coughlin.
Minna leaned towards Prince Henry, made a face, and explained, 'The alderman is singing a song he wrote, and he sings it at every public occasion. It's something called 'Dear Midnight of Love'. I want to apologize for this, Sir…'
Prince Henry, listening, hushed Minna and said, 'Let's give the man a chance.'
They all paid heed to Coughlin as he sang on:
Dear Midnight of Love, why did we meet? Dear Midnight of Love, your face is so sweet. Pure as the angels above, surely again we will speak; Loving only as doves, Dear Midnight of Love.
When love hearts are serene, can waking be their knell? Were midnight but between, sleep, night, but not farewell. Stars! Oh, what do they mean? For you to wake 'tis well – Look, mother, on the scene, for you my love will tell.
Your promise, love, redeem; your gentle words do thrill; Live as the rippling stream, always your friend I will. Now I must b
id adieu so cruel, why did we meet? List! What shall we do? Pray, when do we eat?
Prince Henry broke into laughter. 'You are right, Miss Everleigh. I accept your apology.'
With the song ended, Prince Henry reached down along Minna's leg, and asked for her shoe.
'My shoe?'
'Yes, kindly take it off and hand it to me,' said Prince Henry.
With Minna's shoe in hand, the prince came to his feet and poured the champagne into the slipper.
'A toast!' announced Prince Henry. 'To the health and longevity of the Everleigh Club, and to the enrichment of its proprietors! To Aida and Minna Everleigh, who have given me my finest evening in America!'
Everyone at the table rose, lifting their goblets of champagne.
The guests remained standing, getting ready to depart after the prince left the table.
But Prince Henry of Prussia sat down beside Minna once more. He bent close to her. 'Only one thing is missing from this evening,' he said.
'What's that?' Minna wanted to know.
'Most of the men here have sampled the joys of the Everleigh Club. I too should like to sample its pleasures.'
Minna waved her hand at the girls around the table. 'Take your pick, Your Highness. You may choose any girl you wish.'
'There could be only one I want,' said Prince Henry, staring at Minna. 'I want you.'
Minna returned his gaze. 'You really want me?'
'Only you, Miss Everleigh,' Prince Henry said.
Minna stood up. 'In that case, you'd better call me Minna, and I'll call you Hank.'
Minna put her arm inside Prince Henry's. She was pleased to see that Mayor Harrison had offered his arm to Aida.
The four of them walked out of the restaurant and across the hallway to the staircase.
Then they all went upstairs.
***
FB2 document info
Document ID: fbd-8300f4-7d79-414d-57ae-eefc-8e8c-ee1864
Document version: 1
Document creation date: 31.07.2009
Created using: Fiction Book Designer software
The Golden Room Page 23
