by Arlene Lam
“Your face can tell the world of your spirits Amelia. There is nothing to worry about. Johanna loves you already.” Margaret assured.
Amelia gave a weedy smile as response. Trying in vain to put on a brave face she hadn’t been in this new country for very long. She missed her friends at home, right now they felt more than an ocean away and right now even with Margaret and Georgia by her side she felt alone.
Turning her attention to the window she allowed her eyes to feast on the beautiful greenery. Large trees bowed and waved in the gentle wind and a sweet breeze flowed outside cooling the slightly humid air. She could feel herself relaxing; it was too beautiful how could a place like this bring any trouble for Jordan and their family. Yet that was what she truly feared.
Jordan took such chances he thought he could change the world to his will. But the fact still remained that he was no longer just a white man but a white man married to a colored woman and that was not welcomed in any realm no matter what his status.
She tried to push the thought from her mind and be more like her husband. However when she was alone to think, the reality of the situation tended to sink in more than ever.
She’d had more than enough time to reflect on it when on the ship. That was truly the only time she’d seen Jordan worried. Half of the crew despised him for marrying her, and if Jordan was afraid of what could happen, she was too, therefore she had been closely watched for her safety.
“Amelia?” This was Georgia.
“Yes.” She immediately turned her attention to her now sister in law.
“We are here.”
She’d been so deep in thought she hadn’t realized, taking a deep breath she looked at the little girl beside her. “I must have drifted away.”
Margaret gave her a reassuring smile. “Well be okay you’ll see.”
“Okay,” Taking Georgia’s hand in her own Amelia gave it a squeeze. “Let’s go in then.”
Amelia tried not to hold her breath but noticed she had been doing so even with the thoughtful effort. She could feel her pulse jumping and gave herself a mental check. Meeting this woman would not be the end all or be all of her life here in London. Planting a vibrant smile on her face, Amelia gave a quaint smile to the butler who instinctively opened the white washed double doors to receive them.
“Mrs. Margaret McMahon, Mrs. Amelia Bradford and Miss Georgia Bradford.” Margaret rattled off their names while smoothing down a stray hair of Georgia’s.
“Please follow me.” The butler said leading them into an oval room filled with a wide expanse of pictures and books, overstuffed chairs and little else. “Please be seated ladies, Mrs. Lusby is expecting you and shall be down shortly.” With that the stout and graying man bowed, turned on heel and left.
“I swear that woman is going to turn into a book.” Margaret chattered, picking up a copy of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew and thumbing through, a wide expanse of a smile on her face. “Have you ever read this?”
“No.” Amelia croaked, throat dry.
“Then you must. In an odd way it reminds me of you and Jordan perhaps with roles reversed.” Margaret pulled out a chair near a reading desk and sat down. All of a sudden she had a few jitters herself. Not because of Amelia’s presence but because she hadn’t seen her friend in what felt like ages. The two had communicated only through letters and since her arrival in London, by messenger.
Margaret could not wait to see Johanna. She had hastily scribbled down on parchment all about their trip a little vague about their unexpected departure from home and when Margaret had informed her that Jordan had married and was expecting a child, she was shocked at how fast the messenger returned with a response.
Johanna of course wanted to know who had snagged Jordan, when the child was expected and when she could meet the woman in question. Of course Margaret’s response had been just as hasty. She did not beat around the bush when explaining to Johanna that Jordan had married a colored girl. She needed to know how her friend felt and if she planned to align or alienate herself from their family.
Her written response was short and sweet stating simply ‘Wonderful, when do I get to meet her.’ Margaret had smiled as she read the blessed words and jotted down the rest of the information and arranged for a date to introduce Amelia. It seemed like only yesterday but time seemed to be moving rather quickly lately.
All eyes turned to the door as again the butler appeared bowing grandly before announcing “Mrs. Lusby,” to them.
“Mulligan some tea please for our guests and myself.” Johanna took a seat right next to who she was sure to be Amelia Bradford. “I was so excited to meet you I could scarcely sleep.”
Amelia felt herself release a breath she hadn’t known she was holding and a smile spread across her face, the strawberry blonde’s hazel eyes shone with warmth and welcome. “It’s very nice to meet you Mrs. Lusby.”
“Oh tsk tsk with that, simply Johanna—after all we are going to be friends aren’t we?”
“Of course.” Amelia stammered nearly laughing at the woman’s enthusiasm.
“Then Johanna it is Amelia, and shame on you Margaret for not telling me how simply breathtaking Jordan’s wife is, we will have to keep Henry away from her he’ll simply go mad. Henry’s my brother, a quite devilishly handsome fellow too, but has a terrible weakness for a pretty face.”
“Oh…” Amelia managed.
“Don’t mind her Amelia she’s just lively is all.” Margaret cut in. “Jo give her a moment to adjust.” Margaret took the time to pull Georgia out of the corner she managed to wedge herself in apparently trying to become one with the wall and disappear. “This here is our Georgia, Johanna, isn’t she beautiful.”
Georgia looked horrified at the complement and scrunched up her nose in irritation. “Margaret.” Her whine was one of genuine distress.
“Oh my she looks like Jordan, you are so pretty.” Johanna stood to walk over and get a better look at the child. “My Charlotte is going to love you, she hates dresses and women’s things as well. If you go out this door here and to the left down that long hall it will lead you to the garden you’ll find her there.”
Georgia gave a squeal of delight as she took off in the direction given, more than happy to get outside and especially with a playmate.
“She will be trouble that one; mark my words she looks too much like her brother not to be.”
Amelia looked from Margaret to Johanna as they exchanged words in a whirlwind. Taking the time to ready her appearance she smoothed her hair and dress hoping she was still presentable. The whole time before Johanna had come down she been wringing her dress in between her hands and nervously fiddling with her hair.
Johanna again took her seat next to Amelia. “I do apologize for my excitement but I cannot help it, I haven’t seen Margaret in years and from what she wrote about you I knew instantly we would be friends.” Taking a deep breath she continued. “However for curiosity’s sake you must appease me and tell me how you managed to snag Jordan Bradford.”
Amelia nearly laughed again, Johanna was so animated and warm she could barely help herself, but more than that she had set any fears Amelia might have had to rest the moment she walked through the door and made her feel as if they’d known each other a lifetime. “I can’t really say, one day I didn’t altogether like him, in fact I despised him, next I loved him now I’m married to him.”
“Fascinating, I believe that’s how you did it.” Johanna put a hand over Amelia’s as she explained. “Jordan had never had a woman not want him. You presented one bloody hell of a challenge and won his heart for it.”
“I’m not so sure about his heart yet, but I’m hoping for it.”
Margaret tossed Amelia a bewildered smile. Jordan was head over heels for her and she’d yet to figure it out. Though knowing her cousin he probably hadn’t told her and sometimes the words needed to be spoken to be believed.
“Oh you have his heart Amelia.” Johanna’s eyes twinkled. “You woul
dn’t have got him to marry you if you didn’t.”
“He forced me to marry him.” Amelia explained.
“Exactly!”
“She has a lot to learn about men Jo.”
“Oh well we all had to learn didn’t we you about McMahon men and I about Lusbys and there can be a great deal of fun in learning,”
“Yes it will be Johanna.” Margaret conceded.
Johanna looked from one woman to the other giddily. “So as Margaret already knows I’m having a masquerade ball two days from now. That’s when we are going to do your official introduction. It bound to be lots of fun everyone likes to dress up and everyone is either dying with anticipation to meet you or in disbelief that you truly exist—either way I’ve decided to have it in your honor. Now that only gives us two days to get you acquainted with our English etiquette and with it comes its peerage. Now there are first the King and Queen but no need for that because they will not be in attendance of course. However let’s start with the titles you will encounter.”
Suddenly Amelia felt the need for a quill and parchment. She hadn’t expected to have a lesson so soon. Or to have to prepare for such a large occasion with so little time. She could hear Johanna prattle on. Second came the Duke and Duchess and in attendance there would be only The Duchess of Norfolk who she should only address as your grace. She could remember that part.
“Then Amelia there are Marquis and Marchioness, address them as Most Honorable. All others which include Earls, Viscounts and Barons address simply as My Lord or Lady, excluding Knights as we address them as Sir, and his wife as Dame. All a little much but I assure you important all the same. Margaret and I will of course help you through it if at any time you need help.” Taking a deep breath Johanna patted Amelia’s hand. “You look a little shocked my dear but all will be well I assure you, but as I pointed out earlier we do only have two days so henceforth we will have to mix in a little learning with our fun. Next on the list however is getting you a mask.”
“Rousseau and Beaumont, they make the most elegant masks.”
“Oh Margaret you always think of the perfect place. I’ll have Mulligan bring about the carriage.”
*
It wasn’t so much shopping, rather a systemized execution of a list of imperative essentials. New bustier a must customized for her present state, new shoes she’d been convinced she needed, had been purchased on account, one she had no idea she had but apparently being Mrs. Bradford had afforded her enough status to be trusted and receive the short heeled ball shoes of stained leather the color of violet and lined with satin.
Her dress now that was an intricate masterpiece of murky plum and vibrant emerald made of fine French satin. It was pleated from the bust down and lined in said plum. Her mask which had taken an hour and a half to choose was of black ostrich feathers coming out in lavish cropped plumes at the top and sides to frame the shiny black lacquer of the mask and accentuate the elaborate swirls of blue flowers hovering over its catlike carved out eyes. She held it now to her face by its gold engraved rod covering her nose, golden eyes peering out from behind its beautiful mold.
“Turn around.”
Amelia reached down with her free hand to bunch the soft material that lie at her feet up and twist about to the side.
“She looks like a goddess.” Margaret let a grin spread across her entire face. They’d been turned away from several stores which had come as a shock to Johanna but luckily they’d the good sense to go ahead of Amelia and get a feel for the boutiques they’d visited. When turned away they simply told her they didn’t have the quality of dress required that they needed and continued on.
The disappointment they’d felt was all but washed away by the dress that Madame Monique Trousseau had ushered out with genuine excitement and whole hearted acceptance. She had known what dress and look was needed instantly and had gone in back and pulled out the Greek style emerald frock within minutes. “I had started this last season when half of England seemed to be with child and Lady Cleves planned on having masquerade.”
“I never knew of Anna planning a masquerade.” Johanna’s interest had been peaked. Monique knew of all the gossip in London and shared it with Johanna whenever they saw one another but this had to be a bit of juicy information she managed to miss out on.
“Yes she had but that perhaps is a story saved for a later date. However it is lucky that I did not trounce the dress completely. I do hope you don’t find it to risqué? However a dress like this can make you as accepted as Sarah Forbes Bonetta. ”
“And as revered as Pablo Fanque. It’s pure perfection.” Margaret walked around Amelia noting the long train of the dress she looked as if she could have walked right out a portrait. The dress was remarkable, framing Amelia’s ample breast and cinched underneath by thick purple ribbon. The rich green pleats extended from the top to the bottom in a heavenly way that gave Amelia a regal appearance. The risqué part of the dress Monique no doubt had been referring to were the roped straps. She wasn’t sure how Jordan would take them but it was a masquerade after all, risks were meant to be taken.
“It compliments her complexion exquisitely does it not?” Pride could be detected in the seamstress’s voice but it was well deserved.
“You’ve outdone yourself to say the least, makes me want to rethink my whole theme.”
“Oh hush Johanna your dress is divine.” Margaret chirped.
“Showing up the hostess is not polite Amelia you know?” Johanna pulled out a fan to cool her skin a bright teasing smile evident on her face.
Amelia who had been silent the whole time spoke then. “You both will outshine me and everyone else. I do however have to admit that I adore this dress, thank you so much Monique.” Looking herself up and down in the large mirror Amelia had to grin. She did look good. Her skin seemed to glow and she looked downright pretty, she couldn’t help but wonder what Jordan would think of the frock. Though she had no doubt he’d approve of it.
“Well I guess that’s that then Monique you’re a miracle worker could you have it boxed for us and send the bill to Mr. Bradford of course.”
“Of course.” Monique complied ushering Amelia into the back to help her undress. “And am I still to pack the onyx for Mr. Bradford as well?”
“Yes please, Jordan wouldn’t take the time to buy a mask for himself so we’ll do him the favor and the simple black mask will do, however Monique, any frills and he won’t wear it. I imagine it will be hard to get him to wear this one as well.” Margaret knew her cousin hated masquerades but also knew enough to realize he’d go and wear the mask for Amelia.
Amelia allowed Monique to assist her in unbuttoning the back of her green dress and muttered a grateful “Thank you.” Before turning and engulfing her with a hug. “I’m so glad you decided to help I thought Margaret and Johanna would go mad if someone else turned me away.”
“So you knew.” Monique’s eyes held a twinge of sadness.
“Of course I did, I’m not as naïve as my counterparts or husband think I am though sometimes I wish I was.”
“Well pay none of those would be designers any mind, you want a dress anytime, you come to Monique.”
Hugging her once more tightly Amelia knew she would do just that. “Thank you Monique very much.”
“Most welcome Amelia.”
Making friends perhaps wouldn’t be so hard after all, her first day in London society she was sure she had made two lifelong ones in Johanna and Monique.
*
Jordan stood outside of his coach impatiently patting his foot as he waited for his wife to exit the Lusby home. Earlier he’d been home for a few hours when the silence really became apparent to him. No Georgia and no Amelia, the house was too quiet.
Immediately he’d sent for them both but only Georgia came home. A little miffed to boot, apparently Johanna’s daughter had become her best friend during the time they’d spent together today. Georgia had kept him company for a while and they’d laughed and played bef
ore she nodded out and he’d carried her to bed. It was then that he’d realized Johanna Lusby and Margaret had had Amelia to themselves all day and he wanted her back. Yes he had wanted for her to meet new people but enough was enough. Pulling his pocket watch out for the fourth time and noting the time he decided to go and retrieve her.
It was a twenty minute ride to Johanna’s estate and the whole time he mused disgruntled about the fact that he missed her and was shocked that she hadn’t returned sooner. When the carriage drew to a halt he leaped from it without allowing the chauffeur to open the door for him.
When Mulligan had answered he requested his wife meet him out front an action he knew would be regarded as rude soon after. However after waiting in the carriage awhile he once again came back to the door to request his wife.
Met by Mulligan he gave the butler a nasty glare in response to what he was sure was a smirk on the old man’s face. “Shall I inform Lady Lusby and Mrs. Bradford of your return once again?”
“No I believe I’ll inform them myself, I’ve been waiting outside in that blasted coach for well over twenty minutes.” His grumbling only seemed to amuse the old man more so Jordan pushed past him and opened the door to the library where his wife was being entertained along with his cousin by the mischief filled Lady Lusby.
“Oh you’ve decided to join us, how lovely, please take a seat by your wife.” Johanna motioned to the empty chair beside her new friend. “We were just going over details for Saturday’s masquerade. Your lovely wife took the liberty of securing a rather masculine mask of black leather for you so no need to rush off to procure one.”
“I had no intentions on doing so.” Jordan rasped standing behind his wife hoping to get his meaning across it had been a long day and he longed for the comfort of home and the lone company of Amelia.
“But you will be in attendance?” Johanna poured another cup of tea, rose and handed it to Jordan. “Do sit and stay awhile.”
“You know damn well I want to take my wife home.” Jordan grumbled.
