Lavinia's Window

by Michelle Weisen

  They arrived at the train station with just enough time to purchase their tickets and take a seat. Lavinia leaned back while Annie pressed her nose to the glass.

  “This is most exciting,” she said.

  “You surprise me, Soldier,” said the General.

  Annie looked at him.

  “Not you, the other one.”

  “I know. I am feeling guilty already,” said Lavinia.

  “Some of those virtues prickling your conscience?” asked the General.

  Lavinia sighed. “Yes, they are.”

  “The opposite of virtues is vices,” said Annie.

  “How do you know?”

  “I asked Ellinor May and she told me: pride, greed, gluttony, lust, anger, envy and sloth.”

  “Thank you, Annie, but I really do feel badly enough.”

  “What is your purpose in New York?” asked the General.

  “Why, um, I wanted to see Aunt Marjorie also,” said Lavinia lamely.

  “Apparently you aren’t feeling too badly to tell us the real reason you want to go.”

  “She wants to see her papa,” said Annie.

  “Annie!” groaned Lavinia.

  “I’ve been around longer than you two have. The information is not news to me,” the General said dryly. “I should imagine Constance will send Timothy after us.”

  “Do you really think so?” asked Lavinia.

  “I know it,” said the General. “She is not about to let the three of us go traipsing about New York.”

  “I know my way around,” said Annie.

  “So do I,” commented the General.

  “What should we do first?” asked Annie.

  “Perhaps stroll the promenade in Central Park. After we get settled at the Astor, of course.”

  “Of course,” agreed Annie.

  The General ordered coffee, tea, and pastries from the porter. Lavinia and Annie ate with relish. The General amused them with stories about himself, Constance, and Marjorie when they were children.

  “I want to meet Miss Marjorie very much,” said Annie.

  “You shall. She is still as bold as ever, even though she is a Countess!” said the General gleefully.

  As the three runaways enjoyed their adventure, Millstone Manor was in an uproar. Earlier that morning, Timothy had discovered George and Martha wandering around the yard and immediately checked on the General, whose empty bed and open closet confirmed his missing status.

  “He’s gone to New York,” said Constance. “I knew it.”

  “So it appears, though I’m a bit mystified as to why he didna’ take me along,” said Timothy, scratching his head. “He never left without me before.”

  “Perhaps he said something to the girls. I’ll go wake them.”

  Moments later, Constance returned in a panic. “They’re gone!”

  “Who’s gone?” asked Mrs. Lawson.

  “Lavinia and Annie!”

  “I don’t believe it!”

  All members of the household were sent to search for the girls. Before the morning was out, Sally returned with the news that Oliver Piper had dropped them off at the train station.

  “Well, at least I know that they are together. That is somewhat of a relief. I’ll send a telegram to Marjorie. Timothy, Kevin, and I will take the carriage to Claire’s in Philadelphia,” she told Mrs. Lawson. “We should hear something later in the day, I hope.”

  When they arrived at Claire’s, Timothy suggested, “Mrs. Constance, Kevin and I will take the train to New York while you stay with Miss Claire.”

  “That is a good idea,” said Constance.

  Claire opened the door herself. “Mother, I would never have imagined that Lavinia would do such a thing. It is so unlike her.”

  “I believe that Lavinia will attempt to contact Alex.”

  “Oh dear!”

  Constance’s composure finally cracked. “Let us pray that he has changed over time. Oh, my poor little girl!” she wept.

  “Don’t upset yourself so, Mrs. Constance. It may be that Kevin and I can stop that from happening.”

  “Do try, Timothy,” urged Claire. “I will take care of Mother.”

  Unfortunately, Timothy and Kevin were unable to get a train until the following day and were forced to return to Claire’s.

  “We can do naught but wait until tomorrow and pray that all will be well,” said Timothy.

  Lavinia, Annie, and the General arrived in New York to find a driver holding a sign with the General’s name on it.

  “I told you that Marjorie would fix it,” the General said with satisfaction as the driver loaded their luggage.

  Lavinia looked out the windows of the carriage, intimidated by the sights and sounds of the city. “The city frightens me. How did you manage on your own?” whispered Lavinia to Annie.

  “I knew how to take care of myself,” replied Annie.

  “I’m so glad that you live with us now, Annie,” said Lavinia, hugging her.

  “Don’t be scared, Lavinia. We’re fine.”

  “Until Grandmama finds us,” replied Lavinia.

  “Do you think she will send me to Ireland?” asked Annie.

  “Absolutely not!” said the General firmly. “Ah, here we are!”

  The concierge met them in the lobby. “The Countess is waiting for you. Please follow me.” They rode in an elevator to the top floor. The concierge knocked at the door, which was opened by a maid who showed them down the hall.

  “Edward! I might have known! Constance is half mad with worry. You might at least have left a note that you took the children with you!” A beautiful woman with black hair and blue eyes sat on a divan in the center of the room. “Please take this note and telegraph my sister, will you please?” she said to the concierge.

  “Certainly, ma’am.”

  Marjorie stood up. She was not quite as tall as Constance, but she had a presence about her which made her appear larger than life. She was dressed exquisitely in a mustard-colored day gown with black piping on the sleeves and down the fitted skirt. The overskirt pulled up over a hard bustle, the latest rage in Paris.

  Edward crossed the room and picked her up and spun her around. Marjorie laughed out loud. “I can still twirl you, even with this leg!” shouted the General, giving Marjorie a loud kiss on the cheek.

  “I’m breathless. Put me down, and let me see these girls!”

  “Lavinia darling! You are as beautiful as always!” Marjorie swept Lavinia up into her arms and kissed her forehead. Then she turned to Annie. “Who is this?”

  Annie hung back behind Lavinia. She had never met such a fine lady as Marjorie, and felt very shy. “I’m Annie and I am very pleased to meet you, seeing as you are royalty and all.” Annie gave a little curtsey.

  Marjorie winked at Lavinia. “Well, to you, I am Aunt Marjorie, just as I am to Lavinia.”

  The door swung open and a small, balding gentleman in his early sixties sauntered in, waving a letter in his long delicate fingers. “Marjorie, I have just picked up another telegram from Constance. She’s absolutely at her wits’ end.”

  Like his wife, the Count was dressed in the latest style. Elegant and suave, he sported a perfectly tailored frockcoat and his silk vest matched his cravat. His blue eyes shone with merriment and he laughed aloud when he saw the runaways. “Well, there you are, Edward! Good lord, man! This kind of escapade I’d expect from Marjorie, not you!” He crossed the room and shook hands heartily with the General.

  “Cubby, darling. I’ve telegraphed Constance that everyone is safe and sound. Can you get extra tickets to the opera house this evening? I know my brother and the girls would love to see Faust with us.”

  “Of course, my dear. I’ll have supper sent up as well.” The Count turned to Lavinia and opened up his arms. “Dear child, we are delighted to see you.”

  Lavinia hugged the Count. “I am so happy to see you. We were going to wait until Christmas, but the General wanted to come today.”

  “Well,
we have plenty of room for everyone, and Marjorie will have everything sorted out in no time. She always does. Who is this little girl?” queried the Count.

  “This is Annie, darling,” said Marjorie as Annie shyly peeked out from behind Lavinia.

  “A pleasure, my little miss,” smiled Cubby, extending his hands and gently clasping Annie’s small fingers into his own.

  Annie blushed and curtseyed.

  “You have lovely manners, Miss Annie, and you are also as pretty as a princess.”

  “Do you really think so?” asked Annie in amazement.

  “I know so.”

  “You can trust dear Cubby, for he has met many princesses in his time,” added Marjorie. She smiled in delight as Annie basked in the Count’s charms.

  “Now that we have everything settled, let’s have a brandy, Edward.” The General followed the Count into another room.

  Lavinia and Annie sat on the divan next to Marjorie. Annie’s head began to nod. “Marie, take this little angel into the spare bedroom and settle her in for a nap,” suggested Marjorie.

  Marjorie poured tea for herself and Lavinia. “I am quite surprised to see you, Lavinia. I’m sure you can imagine the state my sister has been in since you have gone missing. What do you have to say for yourself?”

  “Everything happened so fast, Aunt Marjorie. didn’t think it through.”

  “Really? It didn’t occur to you that your family would be worried?”

  “It did, but I never had the opportunity to travel to New York, and there is something here that I need to do.”

  “I thought as much,” said Marjorie, sipping her tea. “It is my understanding that the box we have tonight is across from Alex Rexford’s.”

  Lavinia felt her stomach tighten.

  “Don’t worry, my dear. I won’t throw you to the lions. However, it will give you a chance to observe your father from a distance. I also thought it might be interesting if I invite his wife, Charlotte, and their two daughters for a private tea tomorrow. What do you think?”

  “I’m sure I don’t know. Do they know who we are?”

  “Cubby and I were in Italy when Julia married Alex. I doubt he would connect me to Constance. It’s a bit of a risk, but we’ll chance it.”

  “Grandmama would be against it. I thought you would be too.”

  “I’m not sure that it is our position to tell you what to do at this point. This may or may not be the right time to meet your father. I think the more you learn, the better prepared you will be. You know so little of these people, Lavinia, and you are very sheltered. I want you to know what you are up against.”

  “You make them sound horrible.”

  “They might be, and then what will you do?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “That is why you need time,” said Marjorie. “I enjoy a bit of intrigue and I am at a stage in my life where I do the intimidating, not the other way ‘round.”

  “You’ve always intimidated people, Marjorie,” chortled the General who walked in with the Count. “What sordid plan are you hatching with our niece?”

  “Papa will be at the opera!”

  “That’s our Marjorie! I expect you will pass along your opera glasses to Lavinia!”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Marjorie,” said the Count. “Constance will be livid.”

  “If she were here, I would tell her,” said Marjorie innocently.

  “I’ll have no part of this. Your sister intimidates me nearly as much as you do.”

  “Heavens! Such unpleasant talk! You shall escort us all, and we’ll have a lovely time.”

  “I know I’ll be in it up to my earlobes,” sighed the Count.

  “You know me too well,” smiled Marjorie.

  “So I do,” said the Count as he kissed his wife’s hand.

  “Off for a nap, Lavinia. You’ve had a long day and I expect you will have an interesting evening. Marie, show Lavinia to her room.”

  Annie was already deeply asleep, but Lavinia felt restless and nervous. She pulled out her journal and concentrated on freedom:

  I knew that Grandmama would worry if I went to New York, but I chose to follow my heart and add another piece to my parents’ story. Freedom is not about running away or avoiding responsibility. For me, it means that I must take matters into my own hands to determine why my father ignores me. Grandmama wishes to shelter me from pain, but I have already learned that my father will never come to see me at Millstone Manor. Therefore, I must go to him. In doing so, I hope to rid myself of the heartache that weighs me down. I believe that seeking freedom for one’s self threatens those nearest. I pray Grandmama will understand the importance of my decision and forgive me. LSR

  Michaelmas Daisy -“Farewell”

  Chapter 13

  “Edward, you just leave everything to me,” said Marjorie firmly as they settled into the box at the Metropolitan Opera House.

  “Wouldn’t dream of interfering,” said the General.

  “Lavinia, this place is so big!” gasped Annie looking around. “It’s as tall as the sky!”

  “I’m telling you, Marjorie, I think you should let this matter alone,” said the Count.

  “Don’t be silly, Cubby.”

  “I haven’t been to the city in some time. I’d like to walk around a bit tomorrow,” said the General.

  “Take me along,” said Annie.

  “Not tomorrow. The Count and I are going to the club for lunch. Sorry, Soldier.”

  “We’re going to have tea tomorrow, Annie,” said Lavinia.

  “There! There they are!” said Marjorie, passing the opera glasses to Lavinia.

  “I’ve done all I can,” said the Count, throwing up his hands.

  Lavinia looked into the glasses and saw a pale, blond woman exquisitely dressed in a teal blue evening gown accompanied by a tall, dark-haired man in a tuxedo. The man grew increasingly impatient as his wife spoke with one person after another. Finally he took out his pocket watch, frowned, and then pulled the woman along by her arm to their seats. Lavinia saw the two exchange words briefly as the blond woman glared at him. “So, there he is,” she thought. “They don’t look very happy.” Papa read his program while his wife turned to speak to the couple next to them.

  Marjorie and the Count caused quite a stir. Lovely in a Worth gown of shimmering pale grey silk, the Countess pretended not to notice the attention they attracted. A number of people stopped by their box to speak to them and extend invitations. Lavinia noted that Papa’s wife kept glancing over at the Countess. She mentioned it to Aunt Marjorie.

  “Good! I’ll slip out at intermission and invite her to tea tomorrow.”

  “What if she can’t come?”

  “She’ll come.”

  Lavinia was lost in thought and barely paid any attention to the opera, but Annie and the General enjoyed it thoroughly. When the curtain dropped for intermission, Marjorie took the Count’s hand. “Come along, Cubby.”

  “I’m not going.”

  “Of course you are, darling. I’m going on a small errand, and I’m sure you don’t want me to wander about unaccompanied. I might have to find someone else to escort me.”

  “I should say not,” said the Count indignantly, rising and taking his wife’s arm. “I know what kind of trouble you can get into.”

  Lavinia looked through the opera glasses, and saw Papa and his wife leave their seats.

  “The Count’s still jealous after all these years. Follows her around like a puppy,” noted the General, giving Annie a wink.

  “I’m happy with Sweet Pea,” Annie giggled.

  The General leaned over to speak to Lavinia. “Relax, Soldier. Your Aunt Marjorie is taking care of matters here. Nothing for it except to follow instructions.”

  “I feel very nervous,” confessed Lavinia.

  “No one is forcing you, Soldier. Remember that.”

  “That’s right, Lavinia. You decide,” added Annie.

  Lavinia sipped her water an
d waited. She picked up the opera glasses and noticed that her father was back in his seat. Although he was much older than when her mother met him, Lavinia observed how handsome he was. “I see why Mama was swept away,” she thought.

  Marjorie and the Count entered the box. Lavinia looked up and Marjorie nodded her head. “Two o’clock tomorrow afternoon.”

  “What is she like?” asked Lavinia.

  “We shall have to see. I have also invited my goddaughter Delphina and her daughter, so there will be eight of us.”

  “The show is starting again!” said Annie excitedly, clapping her hands.

  The rest of the evening passed by in a blur. As they made their way back to the hotel, Annie declared that she wanted to be an opera singer like Mme. Nillson, who played the orphaned Margherita.

  “Do you think they live a glamorous life?” asked Marjorie.

  “Not as glamorous as yourself, ma’am. I’ll never be royalty but I think if I was to be a famous singer, I could at least pretend I was.”

  “You have many years to decide what you want, my dear. I hope you are not in a hurry to leave us all behind,” said the General.

  “I ain’t, I mean I won’t ever leave you Sir,” said Annie quickly, holding fast to the General’s hand.

  The General patted her on the back.

  Annie turned to the Count. “What is that man called who does things for the people at the hotel?”

  “Actually he has quite an important job. He is the concierge,” replied the Count.

  “Can he get things?”

  “Like what?” Annie whispered something in the Count’s ear.

  “I see. Yes, I think we can arrange that.”

  “Lavinia? Are you all right? You’ve barely said a word all night, darling.”

  “I am taking it all in, Aunt Marjorie. I feel fine. Actually, I feel better than fine. Thank you for everything.”

  “Well, here we are at the hotel. Marie will see you off to bed. We are going to meet friends for a late supper. Go straight upstairs.”

  Annie and Lavinia did as they were told. As they prepared for bed, Annie asked, “Are you happy about tomorrow?”

  “I’m a little scared.”

  “Don’t be scared. If anyone gives you trouble, I’ll take care of them!” said Annie shaking her fist.