Lavinia's Window

by Michelle Weisen

  “That’s silly,” said Lavinia. “Papa tried to put things right. He wanted Mama to be with her family. If Grandpapa and Grandmama were so sad, why didn’t they settle the matter then and there?”

  “Pride can be an ugly thing, Lavinia. Father placed his own principles above Julia’s happiness. Julia was so traumatized by their rejection that she chose to remain with Mother after Father died, rather than return home to a husband who loved and needed her.”

  Lavinia thought things over for a minute.

  “Papa loved Mama so much that he couldn’t wait to marry her, but in the end he lost her because the two families never accepted that they were one.” She stared wide-eyed at Claire. “That is going to happen to me if you don’t do something.”

  Claire put her arms around Lavinia. “Don’t worry, Lavinia. I have asked James and Belle over this evening along with Mr. Stewart. I will help you, even if it means going up against Mother.”

  “I don’t want that, Claire. Grandmama needs all of us. I almost lost Annie because I couldn’t see how my old world was going to fit into my new one.”

  Annie spoke up. “Lavinia wasn’t going no place without me, even if she wasn’t payin’ me any attention.”

  “My dear little Annie,” said Claire as she reached over to stroke Annie’s hair. “You are a true and faithful friend. We would all do well to follow your fine example.”

  Annie sat up and smiled for all she was worth. Lavinia laughed and reached out for Annie’s hand. Annie grabbed Lavinia’s hand in both of hers and held it to her heart.

  Claired smiled at the two young friends. “Let’s have some supper and wait for everyone else to arrive. Perhaps Uncle Edward will be up by then.”

  The three ate quickly, and Claire sent the girls up to their room to wash up. “Meet me in the living room. Our guests will arrive soon and I am going to bring Mother down.” Lavinia and Annie went up to their room. Lavinia brushed Annie’s hair.

  “What do you think is going to happen?”

  “I don’t know, Annie. We will hope for the best.”

  Annie nodded.

  “Let’s go downstairs. I believe I heard Aunt Belle.”

  The girls ran down the hall and saw Uncle James and Aunt Belle taking off their coats. “Come and give your Aunt Belle a big hug, girls,” said Belle, opening her arms wide. Both girls flew down the stairs, and slipped into the warm embrace. “I’ve brought you each some chocolates,” she said conspiratorially as she led them into the living room.

  “I see Mr. Stewart has arrived. How are you, sir?” asked James, stepping into the living room to shake Mr. Stewart’s hand.

  “Quite well,” replied Mr. Stewart. “I was sorry to hear that your situation was not resolved in New York.”

  “Actually, the meeting went better than expected. Lavinia and her father got on quite well. The dilemma we face is what happens now.”

  “Has Mr. Rexford indicated his preference?”

  “He has not, but he appears open to discussion. On the other hand, Mrs. Spencer is opposed to any arrangement that takes Lavinia out of her custody. For her, it is an all or nothing situation.

  Mr. Stewart walked over and sat with Lavinia on the settee. “How are you holding up, Miss Lavinia?” he asked quietly.

  “I feel as though my heart is breaking in two,” whispered Lavinia as she offered Mr. Stewart a chocolate, which he accepted.

  “It is always this way when families cannot find a way around their differences.” Mr. Stewart bit into the chocolate and said thoughtfully,” If we are to succeed in this matter, we must find something that both families have in common – in addition to yourself, of course—and use that to bridge the gap.”

  At that moment, Constance and Claire arrived with the General. Belle rushed over to Constance and held both her hands.

  “Mr. Stewart is here, Constance. Come sit down with us and listen to what he has to say.”

  “Mr. Stewart, it would appear that we seek your guidance again,” said Claire coolly as she led the General over to a wing back chair. George and Martha sat on either side.

  “So it would seem, Miss Spencer,” replied Mr. Stewart. “I would like to know what you expect, or at least hope, to accomplish at your meeting with Mr. Rexford. Who would like to begin?”

  Constance spoke first. “I do not want Lavinia taken from her home. My position has not changed, and I would prefer not to meet with Mr. Rexford unless I am forced to.”

  “Mother, if you don’t speak with Alex, how will you know what he wants? This problem will not go away if you choose to ignore it,” said Claire in exasperation.

  “I want what is best for Lavinia, and that is remaining at home.”

  “Is that best for Lavinia, or is that best for you, Mother?”

  Constance gasped.

  “Claire,” said James irritably. “Stop it.”

  “Mrs. Spencer,” said Mr. Stewart gently. “Mr. Rexford might be inclined to leave Lavinia in your care if he knew you respected him, and supported his rights concerning his daughter. By opening yourself up to discussion, you provide Mr. Rexford with more options.”

  “Do you really think so, Mr. Stewart?” asked Constance tearfully.

  “I do,” nodded Mr. Stewart.

  “I admit that it makes me uncomfortable not knowing what to expect.”

  “Understandable. That is why the full support of your family is necessary. Is that clear, Miss Spencer?”

  “What do you mean by that remark?” asked Claire.

  “He means that he wants you stifled,” retorted the General. He turned to James. “He’s a better man than I am if he can do it.”

  “Stifled indeed! I shall say whatever needs to be said,” replied Claire hotly.

  “You shall not,” stated Mr. Stewart firmly. “Lavinia’s future is at stake, and what is said and how it is said matters a great deal. Nothing less will satisfy, do you understand?”

  “Of course I understand. We all do.”

  “My opinion is that Mr. Rexford has already made his decision. He would not have called this meeting if he had not.”

  James nodded. “I see. Then our family will not be consulted as to what the arrangements will be, only about how those arrangements will be carried out.”

  “Yes, but it is an opportunity to build a healthy relationship that would benefit Miss Lavinia.”

  Lavinia felt her stomach tighten with anticipation and dread. She felt lightheaded and tried to stand up. The next thing she knew, she was lying on the settee looking up at the anxious faces of her family.

  “Lavinia, are you feeling better?” asked Constance gently as she pressed a cool damp cloth to Lavinia’s forehead.

  “Yes, Grandmama. What happened?”

  “You fainted, and gave us quite a fright,” said Belle.

  “Can I speak with Mr. Stewart?” asked Lavinia.

  “Of course, my dear.”

  “I think Miss Lavinia would like this conversation to be private,” said Mr. Stewart gently.

  Lavinia nodded.

  “Quite right,” said the General. “Claire, I hope you’ve got something in the way of food set up in the dining room. I’m hungry.”

  “Yes, Uncle.”

  Mr. Stewart pulled up a chair and took Lavinia’s hand.

  “I’m so scared.”

  “I know.”

  “What do you think will happen?”

  “I have no way of knowing. What I do know is that you are a very special girl. Those that love you will always be there for you, although it may not be in the way you are used to.”

  “I wish I knew what I wanted.”

  “I myself struggle with that question more often than you would think.”

  “But you are a grown up man,” exclaimed Lavinia in surpise. “Don’t you know what you want?”

  “Not always,” laughed Mr. Stewart. “That is what makes life exciting, and a bit dangerous.”

  “Well, then I am standing on the edge of a precipice.”<
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  “I trust you will be wise enough to keep your balance, Miss Lavinia,” advised Mr. Stewart. He stood up. “I must go now. Try not to worry too much.”

  “That is much easier said than done,” replied Constance as she entered the room.

  “Quite so. Get as much rest as you can. If you need anything, let me know. Otherwise, I will see you at the meeting.”

  “Thank you.”

  Constance sat down next to Lavinia and replaced the cloth on her forehead with a fresh one.

  Claire entered the room and pulled up a chair. “I’m sorry that I was so rude, Mother. I promise that I will not embarrass you at the meeting.”

  Constance nodded.

  “What are you thinking, Grandmama?”

  “I am thinking how proud I am of you and Claire. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if you were not in it. My greatest satisfaction has been taking care of you. It was not always easy, but I wouldn’t change anything. But, I must confess, I have doubts today. Perhaps I have not served you both as well as I should have.”

  “I often wonder if you are disappointed that I have not married and had children by now,” said Claire. “I am fulfilled by what I do, but you are still the center of my world, and I clamor for your attention like a spoiled child. Perhaps I do this because I don’t have a family of my own.” Claire sighed. “You see, I am not so grown up after all. I need you as much as I always have.”

  “If you are proud of me, Grandmama, then you should be proud of yourself,” added Lavinia. “All that is good in my life comes from you. No matter what happens, I expect that you shall continue to guide me in the proper direction.”

  “Thank you, but I would like to remind you that I have taught you both to stand on your own two feet. That is why you chose to follow your path, Claire, and I am not disappointed. You will follow your path as well, Lavinia, and I know you are prepared for whatever comes your way. Promise me that you will stay true to yourselves.”

  Lavinia sat up and snuggled next to Constance, who held out her other arm for Claire, who gladly accepted the warm embrace. Claire laid her head on Constance’s shoulder.

  “We will, Mother and we have you to thank for it.” “Good. And for your information, Lavinia, I am proud of myself.”

  The General stood in the doorway, leaning heavily on his cane. He admired the fortitude found in the three generations that held each other so firmly. “Strong women with minds of their own,” he murmured softly. Satisfied that all was well for the moment, he quietly slipped out of the room.

  Rhododendron -“Danger”

  Chapter 23

  The temperatures plunged, and the day of the meeting was one of the coldest on record. The sun shone, but only served as a blinding brilliance that made traveling even more difficult. The coaches slid back and forth on the treacherous streets, rutted solid with ice. Constance insisted that, under the circumstances, it would be impossible to bring the animals, but the General overruled her decision. Lavinia held Bubbles tightly as she bounced between Constance and Annie. The General shared their coach, and Annie burst into a fit of giggles as George and Martha slid off and on the seats, rolling around like two giant tumbleweeds. Constance declared that it was a nightmare, but the General told her to be thankful. During the war, he and his troops had trudged many a mile in bitter cold, and having a coach was a luxury he only dreamed about.

  When his frozen clients arrived, Mr. Stewart thoughtfully provided a small buffet, and the mood thawed a little. Lavinia wrapped her hands around a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and looked out the fourth story window of Mr. Stewart’s conference room. She could see the Merchant’s Exchange across the way and watched the busy traffic on Walnut Street, hoping to see her father’s carriage. Behind her, the room reflected the usual patterns of her family. The General and Annie sat with George and Martha in the corner. Constance talked with James and Belle at the conference table, and Claire squabbled with Mr. Stewart.

  “Mr. Stewart, I don’t know why you insist on telling me what to do. It’s ridiculous. I am a grown woman.”

  “Please call me Benjamin. It’s just that....”

  “Leave me alone, Benjamin. I don’t take orders. I give them.”

  “That’s pretty strong talk, Claire. I’ve taken many an order in my day. Wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” interjected the General. “Of course, only from my superiors.”

  “He is not my superior! Anyway, I promised Mother that I wouldn’t embarrass her and I won’t.”

  “Don’t believe her,” shouted the General. “Once she gets her goat up, she’s unmanageable. It’s in her nature!”

  “Edward, stay out of this,” cautioned Constance. “Mind George and Martha, and make sure they don’t attack anyone.”

  “Just because they don’t like Stewart doesn’t mean anyone else is at risk.”

  “They don’t like me?” asked Mr. Stewart nervously.

  He turned to Claire, “What does he mean? Am I at risk?”

  “Benjamin, my uncle has those dogs completely under control. He’s having a bit of fun at your expense— and mine as well,” laughed Claire.

  “Don’t worry, Mr. Stewart. George is as tame as a baby lamb. See?” Annie stuck her hand in George’s mouth.

  “Annie, come over here and let me wipe off your hand,” said Belle as she pulled out a handkerchief. “Try to stay clean, dear.”

  “George’s mouth is cleaner than anyone’s. You could eat out of that mouth,” said the General as he patted George’s big head.

  “I’d rather starve,” replied James.

  “Suit yourself.” The General placed a dog biscuit in his mouth and George leaned over and gently took it from him. “Good boy!” He repeated the trick with Martha, much to Annie’s delight.

  “Can I do it too?” asked Annie.

  “Absolutely!” The General gave Annie two biscuits and she promptly put one in her mouth and faced George.

  “You can’t say we don’t know how to keep ourselves amused,” observed Constance.

  The door opened and Alex, Charlotte, Mina, and Olive stood in the doorway. Lavinia turned and ran into Alex’s open arms.

  “I’m so glad you are here, Papa. I missed you so much.”

  Alex held Lavinia for a moment. “This is my wife, Charlotte, and my daughters, Mina and Olive.”

  “We already met her, but she never said who she was,” complained Olive.

  “Well, now you know,” said Alex firmly. “What do you have to say?”

  Mina stepped forward and held out her hand. “Hello, Lavinia. I’m glad to meet you.”

  Lavinia shook Mina’s hand. “I am glad to meet you too.”

  Olive clung to Charlotte’s skirts. “Same for me,” she said.

  Charlotte was dressed in a light blue silk traveling suit. Her naturally pale skin appeared even paler. She reminded Lavinia of the Snow Queen, cold, remote, and expressionless.

  “I’m glad to meet you too, Ma’am,” said Lavinia, and extended her hand.

  Charlotte hesitated and then pressed Lavinia’s fingers quickly. She said nothing.

  The moment stretched out awkwardly until the General picked up his cane and limped over. He shook Alex’s hand. “Good to see you again. I must say, your wife is one fine-looking woman.”

  Charlotte’s cheeks flushed a rosy red.

  “Why you blush like a young girl,” teased the General. “I would think you would be used to a great deal of attention.”

  Charlotte laughed. “I think you are quite the flatterer.”

  “Just telling the truth. Are these two beauties your daughters? You don’t look old enough to have children.”

  “Of course this is my mama,” said Olive seriously. “Who else would she be?”

  “Well, I thought she might be your sister.”

  “Mina is my sister. Are your dogs nice?”

  “Of course they are. Why don’t you come over and I’ll teach you a trick.”

  Olive took the G
eneral’s hand and followed him to the corner. Charlotte watched in surprise. “Olive doesn’t usually take to people very well.”

  “How would you know?” asked Mina.

  Charlotte paled and said nothing.

  Constance stepped in. “As you said yourself, my brother is quite the flatterer. I am Constance, Lavinia’s grandmama. This is James and Belle, my cousins.”

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance. Alex has told me all about you,” Charlotte replied coolly.

  Alex frowned at Charlotte. “My wife had serious reservations about attending this meeting. I hope that you will not misinterpret her anxiety for criticism. Like yourselves, she has many concerns, but we all share a common goal, and that is Lavinia’s well-being. I am glad that you all chose to come.” Alex reached over and shook James’ hand.

  “It is so good to see you, my dear. We’ve missed you,” whispered Belle as she embraced Alex.

  Mina motioned for Lavinia to follow her over to the window.

  “Lavinia, why didn’t you tell me who you were?”

  “Well Mina, I had never met Papa, and had only just discovered that he had another family. I thought that was why he didn’t want me. My Aunt Marjorie thought it would be best if I could at least meet you and see how things were for myself.”

  “Well, what you saw was awful and I am sorry. Olive and I were terrible. When Papa told me that you were my sister, I wished things had been different.”

  “In all fairness, you didn’t know who I was.”

  “That’s no excuse. We treated you badly. We treat everyone badly. Lavinia, you are much different than we are. Papa works all the time and is never home. Mama is off to one social event or another. Olive and I are left alone with nannies and tutors most of the time. Our parents pay very little attention to us. I think that is why we don’t know how to behave. We’re angry, but we are only children and our feelings don’t count for much.”

  “That can’t be so, Mina.”