The Whittaker Family Reunion

by Shirley A. Roe

  “I couldn't pry her away on a vacation right now, but the symphony does sound excellent. You are right, though, we do need to concentrate on the reunion. There is much planning to be done for Martha's birthday and the gala will be the focus of everyone's attention this weekend. The women worked so hard on all of those beautiful gowns. Whoever broke in was vicious and callous to cut some of them to shreds. That is the act of a madman if you ask me!” Jeremy was most disturbed. “I am just relieved that he or they didn't break in when one of our wives was working late.”

  “Yes, thank God no one was in the building. We don't know what might have happened.” The two men walked the rest of the way in silence, each in their own thoughts.

  Anna had arranged for Hans to pick her up in the carriage at two o'clock sharp. Once seated, she leaned over and instructed the driver to take them to the destination she had planned. Hans was curious as to where they were going. The carriage pulled up to a pair of iron gates, which lay opened to permit entrance to a stoned carriageway. He looked around, growing more and more curious. The carriage pulled up to an exquisite white mansion. Twin columns supported the roof over a huge porch. The large double doors stood at the top of the staircase. The mansion was very fine indeed. Hans did not know whom they were visiting in such a fine house. He turned to Anna. “Who are we visiting, Love?”

  “It is a surprise, come on.” She waited for him to assist her from the carriage and walked slowly up to the doorway. The door opened immediately and a large portly man ushered them in. “Oh, Hans, isn't it beautiful?”

  “It certainly is lovely. Whose house is it?”

  “Well, it might be ours, Darling.” She turned and gave him her most charming smile. “This is the house I mentioned to you and I think it would be perfect for us. I understand the Carter's are desperate to move and I am sure you could get a good price.”

  Anna twirled about the great hall way and then ran up the large circular staircase. She stopped halfway and turned to Hans. “Just imagine me coming down these stairs when we entertain. I could make such a lovely entrance, don't you think?” Hans stared at her in shocked silence. Did she honestly think that he could afford such a grand house?

  “Come, Anna, we had best leave before the Carters return. We must sit and talk about this.” She started to pout, but made her way to the door. Hans put his arm around her and pulled her close. She looked up into his face with such a sad look, his heart was breaking, “Darling, we will find a house, but this is out of the question. Don't be sad, I will find something soon that you will love.” She stomped her way to the carriage and climbed in without waiting for him. She sat staring straight ahead refusing to meet his gaze. In his mind, Hans began to question if he would ever satisfy her.

  “I must get back to work, Anna, the shop is still in disarray and we all have to spend as much time there as possible.”

  “Oh, you and that shop. You are as bad as Mother. You care more about that shop than you care about me.” She sighed deeply, her jaw firmly set.

  “Anna, how can you say that? This is important to your Mother and to our future. We must get things back to normal as soon as possible. You know I love you, my Darling.”

  “Driver, take me home.” That was the last word Hans heard spoken by Anna that day.

  “The gala is this evening, Loretta, and I do not know how in God's name we managed to get everything done. Hans was a Godsend and May and Ellen both deserve raises for all that they have done. Even Annabelle spent more time than she should have here this last week.”

  Loretta placed the china tea service on the table. “I agree that they deserve raises, however, after the money we have just spent it will be sometime before we can afford it. Hans was just telling me that we will have to watch our pennies for a few months to make up the loss.” Loretta smiled at Martha as she served the tea. The sun poured through the kitchen window of the Wells home making the room sunny and bright. Martha loved her mansion on the hill but this home, although smaller was always comfortable and welcoming.

  “Anna has been in a strange mood these last few days. I really do not know what that girl is thinking half the time. She won't come down to dinner and I brought home her dress for the gala and she barely looked at it. That is most uncharacteristic of Anna. Is Abby going with Garrett?”

  “I am afraid she is going, but she is not looking forward to it. We both know this is going to be a vast disappointment for Abby when she sees Ezekiel with Millie. Austin and I are just hoping that she has such a satisfying time with Garrett that she begins to look in a different direction. She seems obsessed with Ezekiel and that is not healthy.”

  “Well, Austin and I were star-crossed lovers and best friends until we were adults and then we realized that there were other people much better suited for both of us. I am sure Abby will get over this infatuation. At least she has a good head on her shoulders, not like Anna. Honestly that girl will be the death of me yet!” Almost as an afterthought she added, “Oh my God, could that have been more than thirty years ago? My how time flies. It seems only yesterday, Austin and I were playing in Father's orchards.”

  “Yes, you will soon be an old crone of forty, my friend.” They laughed lightheartedly.

  The Wells and the Whittakers arrived at the gala at precisely seven p.m. Ezekiel and Millie Pierce twirled around the dance floor as the others arrived. Abby held Garrett's arm loosely and when she spied Ezekiel, her heart began beating quickly. Her mother had warned her that he was taking someone. She was not prepared to witness it for herself. The man she loved in the arms of another and looking very content. Ezekiel noticed them all and waved in passing.

  Anna and Hans arrived moments later, accompanied by Abraham and Vivienne. This was Vivienne's first gala and she was very nervous. Anna was silent the entire trip and Abraham was most annoyed with her. She could have provided Vivienne with some encouragement. He smiled into Vivienne's blue eyes and moved his beloved into the room. Her eyes grew large with the size of the room and the number of people in attendance. She gripped his arm tightly and moved gracefully beside him as if in a dream. They moved to the corner where Annabelle and Isaac were seated and Vivienne began to relax. Annabelle squeezed her hand reassuringly.

  On the other side of the large room, Agatha reached over and patted Martha's hand. “That is a lovely young woman. You have made her very welcome, Martha. Abraham looks smitten.” Martha smiled at the older woman and nodded. “Isn't this a delightful gala, I have missed the club in my illness.” Martha and Agatha approached some of the ladies chatting by the huge windows that filled one side of the room. They quickly joined the chatter.

  The room was a buzz with beautiful ladies in colorful gowns and stately dressed gentlemen. Conversations mingled with music and the atmosphere was gay and exciting.

  Jeremy, Austin and Isaac were engaged in a business discussion with some of the other St. Louis entrepreneurs. “I hear William Vanderbilt is trying to purchase control of American Railroad. I must say it has been very good for business since the St. Louis, Chicago, and New York link was built.”

  Austin interjected, “I actually think he is nervous because the new tracks parallel the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Road between Buffalo and Cleveland. He is a shrewd businessman though. How are things at the Merchant's Exchange, Jeremy?” Austin added. “I hear corn and soybeans have been active lately.” Jeremy nodded.

  “Soybeans are very popular.” Isaac was a farmer, but he was very interested in everything that went on in the business world. Crops had to be shipped, prices fluctuated on a whim and Jeremy, who was a member of the Merchant's Exchange for more than twenty years, kept him abreast of current dealings. Isaac could hold his own in most discussions and this was a nice change from farming. “Speaking of philanthropists, Zeke was telling me how he met Andrew Carnegie on the ship this time. He was most impressed with the man.” He went on to discuss Andrew Carnegie and his American holdings and his philanthropic ventures.

  Abby watched
Ezekiel with Millie; she began to form a plan. Abby Wells did not have a deceptive bone in her body, she was innocent and sweet however, this situation called for drastic measures. She moved closer to Garrett as they danced past the other couple. She smiled seductively at her partner. Ezekiel did not miss the connection between the two young people or the look of lust on the face of Garrett. She had better be careful with that one. A few dances later, the two young people moved toward the patio doors for some fresh air. Ezekiel immediately feigned his need for air, ushering Millie towards the door. A young acquaintance from the country club approached and whisked her off to dance. Determined, Ezekiel followed Abby and Garrett, staying at a respectable distance. He assured himself he was just watching out for the young woman but when Garrett pulled Abby close, something in Ezekiel snapped.

  “Garrett, please, don't do that.” Abbey protested pushing at Garrett's chest. He pulled her tighter, pressing his lips to hers and forcing his tongue into her mouth. Her head swung to the side. “Stop, please stop.” She was powerless against him and his lust was growing. He was out of control. Her arms were pinned to her sides by his strong young arms.

  Ezekiel reached out and grabbed the young man from behind; he pulled him roughly off of Abby and struck him across the face. Blood poured from Garrett's nose. Ezekiel struck him again. This time Abby screamed for him to stop. He froze, turned toward her and threw the young man violently to the ground. “Get out and stay away from Abby or I will kill you. Do you hear me? I said move!” Abby was frozen to the ground. She had wanted to make him jealous, but she never thought it would turn into this. Ezekiel was so angry; she had never seen him like this. Garrett ran from the garden. Ezekiel gulped deep breaths of air trying to calm himself.

  He reached for her. “Are you all right? The brute had no right pushing himself on you that way. Can I take you to your mother?” Abby shook her head and stared at Ezekiel silently. He directed her gently to the bench under the protective branches of a large maple tree. The two sat in silence for a few minutes. “Abby, are you all right? I am sorry if I frightened you, but that young man needed to be taught a lesson. Such disrespect for a lovely young woman such as yourself is unforgivable.”

  “Ezekiel, you saved me. Thank you.” She turned toward him, her large eyes filled with tears. He reached up and wiped her cheek, his hand lingered there. Her skin was as soft as silk; her face captivated him. His head involuntarily bent toward her and at the last minute he redirected his lips to her cheek. She smiled and reached for his hand.

  “Thank you, you are my Sir Lancelot, my knight in shining armor. I shall never forget this night.” She rose and he stood still holding her hand. Together they walked into the ballroom. Millie spotted Ezekiel with Abby, shrugged her shoulders and continued dancing with her latest conquest. Loretta watched as Ezekiel led Abby to the dance floor. What on earth is going on? Where is Garrett?

  Abraham and Isaac were returning to the ladies with refreshments when Abby and Ezekiel entered the dance floor. They exchanged a knowing look. Ezekiel could feel his heart pounding in his chest; she was so lovely. How could he not have realized what a beautiful woman she was and not the child he had thought? He pressed his hand tighter on her back and she smiled up at him. Love shone in her eyes and his heart melted. They danced the next dance and then, being the gentleman he was, he returned to find Millie. Abby explained to her mother that Garrett was inappropriate without giving too many details and Ezekiel had come to her rescue. Loretta knew there was more to it, but would wait until later. Her daughter was beaming with happiness and that was all that mattered at the moment. Austin would speak to Garrett the next day.

  Anna told Hans she was not well and asked him to take her home midway through the gala. Hans was relieved as he was not one for social affairs and he left her at the front door of the mansion with a kiss on the cheek. Anna went quickly to her room, soon realizing that she was bleeding profusely. It was not her monthly woman time, but she had missed the last one so perhaps her system was simply getting back on schedule. She tended to herself and climbed into bed. The cramps were excruciating. Finally she called for one of the maids to make her some tea. The woman sat with her for a short time and then returned to the kitchen. The maid informed Charles that the young Miss Whittaker was not well.

  Back at the country club everyone was enjoying himself or herself immensely. Jeremy and Martha were relaxed and happy. Vivienne was dancing with a very proud Abraham and taking in every detail of the gala with intense interest. Ezekiel kept his eye on Abby, but maintained his gentlemanly attention to Millie who really could not care less. There were many suitors vying for her attention. Isaac and Annabelle socialized with people that they had not seen in some time and the atmosphere was light.

  Loretta found Austin staring out the window, his fingers unconsciously twirling his mustache. “What is the matter, my Love?” Austin was concerned about Garrett's indiscretion and would categorically speak to him the next day. He was happy that Ezekiel had intervened. He would ask for more details later. “You can take care of that later, now let's enjoy our evening.” Loretta whisked him onto the dance floor and the two waltzed and laughed the night away.

  Charles met Martha and Jeremy at the door. “I am afraid the young Miss Whittaker is poorly, Madam. You may want to check in on her before you retire.” Martha removed her cape, looked over at her frowning husband and headed up the stairs. Anna was awake and writhing in pain. Martha rushed to her side.

  “Anna, dearest what is wrong?”

  “It is my monthly, Mother, but it is so painful.” Martha lifted the covers to rub her daughter's stomach, only to find the bed covered in blood. She recoiled in horror.

  “Anna, what on earth is this? Are you pregnant? You foolish, foolish girl, it appears you are losing your child.” She stared at Anna in shock. Anna looked back at her more shocked than her mother.

  “Pregnant? If I am then I am the Virgin Mary because I have never lain with a man. Mother, really, you are unbelievably dramatic.” She folded herself into a ball as another pain wretched her middle.

  “Anna, do you take me for a fool? I have lost a child and I know what this is. Now stop lying while I go and send your father for the doctor. You are a disgrace.” Martha rushed from the room calling Jeremy as she ran. He came to her and one look at her pale face told him Anna had done it again.

  “Martha, what is it? Is Anna feeling okay?” He started for Anna's room, but Martha stopped him.

  “Just go for the doctor Jeremy, Anna is having a miscarriage.” He stared at her in shocked silence, his feet would not move. “Go quickly.” He ran down the stairs and out the door. Martha returned to her daughter who was sobbing loudly.

  “You must believe me, I never. Honest, Mother, never, never.” She held out her hand to Martha, but Martha would not take it.

  “I am not a stupid woman, Anna, these things do not happen without a man and a woman having intercourse. Now you had better tell me what happened in New York because I very much doubt that this is your betrothed's child. He will probably break the engagement the minute he hears of this and hear he must.” The mention of New York brought a feeling of panic to Anna's body, she recoiled from her mother. Suddenly the memory of a man's body pressing against her seemed to loom large in her mind. What have I done?

  “I am going to make you some tea, the doctor will be here shortly.” Martha wanted to console her daughter, but every inch of her being was furious with Anna. She could not bring herself to be in the same room. The girl is a trollop and a liar.

  The doctor confirmed that Anna had lost her child. He added she would be fine in a few days. Due to the high social standing of the Whittakers, he assured them that his records would state that he attended Anna for her monthly and nothing more. Jeremy escorted the doctor to the door. He shook the man's hand, thanking him profusely.

  Martha and Jeremy sat in the great room staring at each other, traumatized by this news. “New York, I knew something happened. I j
ust knew it in my bones, Martha. Thanks to the doctor's discretion we may be able to keep this within these walls.” Martha and Jeremy retired near morning, exhausted, but in agreement that this news would be kept within the family. They informed Anna that she was to tell no one. They went to bed, where they held each other and both sobbed in distress. Anna was equally traumatized. She spent the rest of the night trying to remember New York. Hans will not be told and he will marry me. Sooner rather than later, I want away from you Mother, you hateful old woman. At least I don't have to have this brat. Now, what happened and with whom? She wracked her brain but the memory was too fuzzy.

  The next day, David Wells heard that Anna was unwell and rushed to her bedside. “Of course I forgive you. You know I love you, you are my best friend, Anna.” He held her hand and asked what was wrong with her. He was genuinely worried. She immediately thought of a plan.

  “David, how would you feel if I asked a huge favor of you? I mean the biggest favor ever?” She looked at him with her most seductive smile.

  “Anything, Anna, anything for you.” She knew he meant every word. She then proceeded to tell him that somehow she had found herself in a precarious position and needed him to help her. She wanted him to say that the two of them had gotten quite serious and curiosity overrode their sense of decency. They had experimented with sex. But only once and it was most unfortunate that this was the result. She was calm and calculating the entire time she spoke. She held his hand, watching his shocked expression.