Anything For Love

by Janelle Taylor

  Rachel pushed aside memories of her two miscarriages and the two-month-old son who had died from SIDS in ‘76. A hysterectomy following her last miscarriage in ‘78—the only one her friends, acquaintances, and husband’s parents knew about—had resulted in preventing one possibly promising marriage proposal when the man learned she couldn’t give him children of his own; in particular, a son. It seemed that most men wanted their own heirs, as if that made them immortal or bound you to them. “I know the socalled respectable and expected thing to do is to remarry, but I’m not taking that step until Mr. Right comes along, corny as that sounds. I’m too old and set in my ways to invite such problems into my life.”

  “But you must get lonely and horny sometimes, Rach.”

  “Not enough to make a rash decision.” Again. “My life has been busy and happy, so why make myself miserable just to have a man in the house when I’ve learned how to take care of myself since Daniel’s death? I don’t need a man to support me or handle my affairs or protect me.”

  “But the girls are grown and gone now, Rach. Evelyn lives in Ohio, and Karen might not live in Augusta after she returns to the States next year. You don’t want to spend your Golden Years alone in this big house.”

  “I know, but most men are in too much of a hurry these days; it’s ‘jump into bed before the night’s over or so long, baby.’ Or ‘why don’t we move in together so we can see if this…“thing” works out between us?’ That translates to: ‘I’ll just grab my suitcases and be back in a flash so you can wait on me hand and foot in and out of bed while we live off of your money because I have one or two ex-wives and families to support.’ Some of them even talk about getting married after only a few dates. I do believe that love at first sight exists, but there’s more to marriage than love and physical attraction; you have to be compatible. The last fourth were good men, but I didn’t find one among them who suited me; there were always too many differences between us to overlook. And frankly, none of them turned me on. Call me old-fashioned or dreamy-eyed, but I want love, passion, rapport, equality, romance, friendship, and respect.”

  Rachel sighed. “Some of my worst experiences, if you two will recall, were with men who came from up North or the Midwest. They just don’t seem to understand southerners; they can be so arrogant and condescending. They think our slow speech and easy-going ways mean we’re stupid and slow, or easy prey for them. Some of them think we should take diction lessons to ‘learn how to speak correctly.’ I actually overheard Charles, you know he’s from the upper Midwest, tell his ex-wife if his daughter said ‘yes, sir or no, sir’ to him one more time, he was going to give her speech lessons so she would stop using ‘another one of those stupid southern customs.’ Then, he expects this southern lady,” Rachel scoffed as she tapped her chest, “to not only go out with him and be grateful for doing so but to also go to bed with him. Fat chance! Hell hasn’t frozen over yet and never will.” Rachel exhaled a heavy sigh. “Whatever happened to romancing, wooing, and getting to know each other? Who knows better than you two that friends make the best husbands?”

  Becky and Jen nodded agreement before she continued, “So much has changed for southern women since we were born, and some of those changes have terrible repercussions, especially for the younger generation; yet, most thoughts and feelings about morals have remained the same. In the old days, a southern woman was expected to find a proper man in her own class, get married, do her conjugal duty, have babies, take care of the home and family, and always put others’ needs first. A good wife was involved in church, charities, and clubs; and was a social asset to her husband. For our age group and circle, that’s still true to a great extent.”

  “You’re right, Rach.” Becky sighed. “In our mothers’ and grandmothers’ times, no southern gentleman with real class left his wife, children, and marriage for any reason, even if he had a mistress on the side. And heaven forbid if a woman was caught having an affair, married or single. When a female needed something, if manners and charm failed to obtain it, her husband’s or family’s name didn’t. We were So-and-So’s wife, daughter, or mother; we were introduced with our maiden names; there was no Ms. in the South and few career women. My mother and grandmother can tell real pearls from fakes and even the quality of real ones. They can tell if china, crystal, and silver are inherited or purchased. They can rattle off just about anybody’s bloodline who’s important. A husband was always right, always the boss.”

  Becky rolled her eyes. “It was always be a lady, no matter what. My grandmother told me, ‘It isn’t the impression you make when you enter a room or meet someone, it’s the impression you leave behind that matters.’ Southern belles were known for hospitality, manners, breeding, and resilience. They didn’t ‘air dirty linen in public’ or expose personal matters; problems stayed within a family circle. Now, people blab anything on TV or to those tabloids. It’s marry well, or certainly divorce well. If you get knocked down or tossed aside, don’t stay there. It’s be tough and smart like Scarlett and do whatever’s necessary to survive and succeed.”

  Rachel knew that most of Becky’s words referred to members of their social class, positions to which Rebecca Hartly and Jennifer Davis and their maternal ancestors had been born, one which she had achieved through marriage to a man with the Gaines blue-blooded pedigree. “Now, we’re also expected to do more, to be superwomen in every area; at least, the younger generation of women are. That’s so much pressure for them to bear; so is the sexual revolution and its health risks.”

  Becky slid forward on the hand-tufted Chesterfield sofa covered in sumptuous cognac leather. She tapped her nails on the row of decorative brass tacking along its curved arm as she spoke. “Actually, Rach, a man isn’t necessary these days to take care of a woman’s physical needs, not if she knows where to shop and has the courage to make the needed purchases.”

  “Rebecca Cooper, what a naughty mind you have.”

  “It’s the truth, Rach. At least it’s a clean, safe, and private way to satisfy your needs until you find Mr. Right to take care of them.” Becky grinned and settled back again in Daniel’s old home-office, now Rachel’s.

  “It’s still not as good as having a man,” Jen remarked.

  “Just how do you know that for certain?” Becky teased.

  Jen stuck out her tongue, grinned, and quipped, “The same way you do, Miss Smarty Pants. Adam does take long business or hunting trips on occasion. If men can unclog their pipes as needed, so can we.”

  Rachel glanced at the closed door and cautioned, “If we don’t quiet down or clean up our talk, Martha will hear us and be shocked.”

  “You’re right, Rach, we’ll behave ourselves. I wouldn’t want your housekeeper to think you have trashy friends who are leading you astray. And your inlaws would have conniptions if we talked you into scandalous behavior. Have you heard from the Gaineses lately?”

  Rachel tried to sound and look calm as she responded to Becky’s query, as she had kept the extent of past and present problems between her and her inlaws to herself. It wasn’t because an “outsider” did not reveal unfavorable and personal things about one of the oldest, richest, and most socially prominent families in town or because she did not trust her two best friends, it was because she was embarrassed to confess how badly she’d been treated. Taking a deep breath, Rachel replied, “Not in months. They stay busy since their move to Charleston two years ago. As far as I know, they’re all fine. Our visit at Christmas was short,” and anything but sweet “because Karen could take only one day off from the hospital, and Evelyn and Eddie had to get back to Raymond for his job and preparation for their trip to Japan.”

  “I’m still surprised the Gaineses pulled up roots so suddenly and moved some of their businesses and children so far from Augusta,” Jen remarked. “Everybody thought they were permanent fixtures here.”

  Thank God they weren’t. “They got lucky with a great investment in that luxury retirement complex near Charleston. It’s the perf
ect place for them: every comfort and all kinds of facilities. They don’t have to leave the complex for anything unless they want to, and they wanted their family nearby.” All except their son’s widow and our two girls. If the truth be known, they probably hold me responsible for his death and for not producing a male heir to their blue-blooded family line. “As soon as they received an invitation and visited the place, Richard and Dorothy seized the opportunity to buy in there. They sold their real estate business and car dealerships and opened new ones in Charleston, and they’re doing nicely from what I was told. They left managers in charge of their other companies. Their daughters loved the idea of relocating to the Coast, and their two sons-in-law seemed happy to go along with it all.”

  “I guess it was agree or find new jobs, and maybe risk offending the Gaineses and being disinherited,” Becky said with a laugh. “Nobody wants to be cut out of a will that big. Besides, everyone knows that few people ever won a battle against the Gaineses in business, politics, or a social situation.”

  “Except for Daniel; from what I saw and heard, he was the only person who stood up to them, and he usually won the argument. I remember when Adam was trying to update their insurance policies and they disagreed on the coverage amounts and types needed. Daniel debated the issue until they conceded. When Jeff tried to get the Gaineses to invest in that shopping strip on the south side of town, Daniel stopped them. If he hadn’t, they would have lost a lot of money when it went under less than a year later.”

  Rachel nodded. “You’re right, Jen, Daniel would argue when and if it was necessary. Daniel had this philosophy about not sweating the small stuff. If something wasn’t life-threatening, he always said to compromise or give in. Then, when something important was at stake, people would listen. That method worked for him.” Too bad it didn’t work for me where they’re concerned. No matter how hard I tried or how well I did in their world, it was never enough for them. Daniel’s death gave them the chance to almost close the door against me and the girls and they grabbed it. Rachel continued, “Of course, in some cases, that method gives a control freak the idea he or she can run over you because you’re too polite or kind to argue or refuse.”

  “I believe we know at least one person like that,” Becky hinted.

  Rachel and Jen laughed and said, “Janet Hollis.”

  “Positively, the little witch. Is Martha still working for her?”

  Rachel shook her head. “She couldn’t take Janet for more than two weeks after Lizzy left her. Janet was lucky Martha agreed to even give it a try. Housekeepers don’t come any better than Martha. I don’t know what I’ll do when she retires; she’s been with me for twenty years now.”

  “Is she thinking of retiring? How old is she?”

  “She’s sixty-five, but still going strong, thank heavens. Sometimes I think she has more strength and stamina than I do.”

  “You’re lucky her son does your yard work and pool maintenance. He’s one of the best in both businesses.”

  “Neighbors keep trying to lure him away with bigger salaries, but he’s loyal to me.” Rachel glanced at a wall clock. “Martha insisted on stopping her chores to prepare lunch for us; she said she would have it ready at twelve-thirty. If we don’t have any more committee or personal business, I’ll go see if she needs any help.”

  “We’ll come, too, Rach; I need a drink to wet my throat after all this gabbing. We’ve been chattering like squirrels since nine.”

  “You should have asked for more hot tea or a cola.”

  “I was too busy running my mouth,” Becky laughed.

  They left the second-floor office where they had been sitting to avoid getting in Martha’s way while the woman did her chores downstairs. They found the housekeeper working at the island in the center of Rachel’s kitchen, a large room with white woodwork and appliances. The short and slim woman looked up and smiled, creating more wrinkles around her eyes and mouth with the genuine gesture. Gray hair was held behind her head in a neat bun, and her white uniform was being protected by an apron which said Rachel’s Kitchen, a gift from Karen, Rachel’s oldest daughter.

  “Hello, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Brimsford. How are you ladies today?”

  “We’re fine, Martha, and this was so nice of you,” Becky told the woman, and Jen agreed.

  “Need any help, Martha?”

  “Everything’s done, Mrs. Gaines. You can sit at the table and I’ll bring it over. Iced tea with a sprig of fresh mint for everybody?”

  The three women nodded and took seats in the breakfast area where a glass top covered a picket-fence pedestal with a flower garden painted atop it. Green placemats matched the wood on the floral-cushioned chairs, which in turn blended with the wallpaper pattern of vivid blues, greens, and tans on a white background. As the women adjusted their positions, the chair legs made noise against large rose bisque Florida tiles.

  Martha served big, juicy tomatoes filled with tuna salad, hot croissants, a fresh-fruit cup, and iced tea. “When you’re done, leave the dishes for me to gather and wash later. Just visit with your friends while I do your bedroom and bathroom. Call me if you need anything else.”

  “Thank you, Martha; this looks wonderful.”

  “Thank you, Martha,” the other two women echoed.

  The housekeeper smiled, left the room, and went upstairs.

  “She’s a jewel, Rachel. If Myrtle ever leaves me, I want her.”

  “I don’t know if she has any extra days, Jen; her schedule is always full. In fact, she has a waiting list, so she can be choosy.”

  “I’m easy to work for, unless the employee is totally incompetent. A good maid is harder to find than Master’s Golf tickets.”

  “Jen’s right, Rach; it’s hell to lose and try to replace a good one.”

  “If Martha retired, I’d have to move to a condo. I could never manage this house alone. I love my home but it seems so large with everyone gone except me. I’d be exhausted if I didn’t have Martha to help keep it clean, and she’s irreplaceable.”

  Rachel saw Becky and Jen glance at each other. Before she took another bite of tomato with tuna salad atop it, she said, “I know, you two never had to do housework or cook when you were young, but I did. I taught my girls how to take care of a house and meals, too. One can’t always have a maid.”

  “You were lucky and so are they. When we went off to college, we didn’t know how to do anything. You should have seen me the first time I tried to press a blouse; it was ruined. And Jen,” Becky added amidst laughter, “she destroyed an entire load of laundry and the machine. As for cooking, we burned everything or it tasted horrible.”

  “Don’t forget when the housemother tried to teach us how to make our beds and vacuum our rooms; she thought we were dumb and spoiled.”

  Rachel laughed at Jen’s comical expression and tone. “You didn’t have to labor long because you moved into a fancy apartment and hired a maid; you told me so. Even now, when your housekeepers are sick or on vacation, you hire cleaning services to fill in for them.”

  Becky held up her hands, laughed, and quipped, “These nails would cease to exist if they did housework or laundry. Besides, why do household labor when you don’t have to? Even with the children away in college, I stay busy. At least it gives me more time and energy for Scott and other pleasures. As for you, Rach, you have plenty of time on your hands to do exciting things besides helping Martha and doing volunteer work. Okay, I’ll hush up about looking for love and romance…for today. How are the girls doing?”

  Rachel finished chewing her roll and took a sip of tea before answering. “They’re fine and happy. Both phoned me this week. Karen should be reaching their first port soon, and Evelyn loves Japan.”

  “A year in Japan would be marvelous, Rachel, but we’re glad you didn’t go with them. We would miss you terribly.”

  “Since Eddie’s mother is traveling with them, it would have been too crowded and hectic for me to tag along. I’m glad she’s there to help Evelyn with
the children. Two little ones under four can be a handful, especially in a foreign country and with Eddie staying so busy at Honda.”

  “Erom what you’ve told us, it seems to be working out fine for Barbara living with them since Marvin’s death.”

  “It does, Jen. Barbara adores Evelyn and the children, and they adore her. Evelyn’s lucky Eddie has such a wonderful mother. The situation hasn’t been a problem for any of them and I hope it remains that way.”

  “I’m sure it helps that Barbara has a motherin-law suite attached to their home by a breezeway so everybody has privacy. Do you think they’ll ever move back to Augusta?”

  “I doubt it, Becky, not as long as Eddie works in the automotive industry. I miss my girls and grandchildren already. I only wish their trips hadn’t come at the same time; it’s lonely with all of them gone.”

  “A year will pass before you know it. Look how fast our forty-eight years have flown by. I forgot, forty-seven for you, Rach.”

  “What’s a year matter?” Rachel quipped.

  “That’s what I meant; one goes by like a streak of lightning. Heavens, before we know it, we’ll be collecting our Social Security and getting senior citizen’s discounts. At least Scott will be retired so we can travel.” Jen’s expression was serious as she asked Rachel, “Are you worried about Karen working in those third-world countries for a year?”

  “Yes, but I didn’t try to change her mind about going. So many children in those countries need special medical treatment and their ship is loaded with the best equipment and medicines not to mention skilled doctors.”

  “You must be so proud of her for becoming a pediatrician.”

  “I am, Jen. She worked hard for her medical degree and physician’s license. Karen was always independent, kindhearted, and determined. She was thrilled about being chosen for that medical team and humanitarian tour. But there’s so much unrest and violence in those areas.”