Smiling, she looked upon the scene in the sitting room, Jeremy and the two boys together, huddled in conversation and her heart filled with love. Her sons were safe and their uncle was becoming an important part of their lives. Yes, life is precious and each day has to be lived as if it is the last. She stroked her hair unconsciously as she absorbed the contentment and peace of the scene before her. As she continued her chores she toyed with the idea of an intimate relationship with Jeremy. She was attracted to him but still frightened of anything sexual. Could I love you Jeremy?
Abraham willed his pet back to health, never leaving his side. Soon the dog was up and running once more with the grateful boy following in his tracks. Bo and Abraham traveled to the Carruthers’ stables often, always welcomed by Phillip and Agatha. Ezekiel often tagged along still fascinated by Philip's stories of African safaris and English knights.
Isaac and some of the boys that worked in Jeremy's warehouse retrieved the bear carcass from the woods. The meat was distributed to several families in ‘The Patch’ including the very impressed O’Malleys, and the bear hide hung on the back porch to dry. The story of the great bear hunt was circulated through the school over the next few weeks and Isaac, the loner became very popular. Martha was surprised to see Isaac with two other boys, sitting on the porch together when she returned from her shop. Isaac was relating his story of the buffalo hunt in Wyoming and the two city boys were fascinated. Bo, now recovered, sat beside Isaac completing the perfect picture. Her heart swelled with pride. Perhaps there is hope for Isaac's future after all.
Austin and Loretta arrived home the following week. Austin patted Isaac on the back and congratulated him on his kill. Knowing the danger involved, Austin also suggested that Abraham or Ezekiel not be included in anymore hunting expeditions. Isaac rolled his eyes, assuring him that he had no intention of doing that again.
Martha and Loretta sat in the kitchen sipping tea. “Mother tells me your new shop is very impressive. I am happy to hear that Mrs. Carruthers has taken you under her wing. Mother and Priscilla Carruthers were very good friends. After Priscilla died, Mrs. Carruthers distanced herself from Mother because she reminded her of Priscilla.”
“I hadn't realized that Agatha and your mother had a history.” Martha picked up her cup and sipped her tea. She found the connection between Agatha and Isabel very interesting since they didn't appear close at all.
“Oh yes. It was Priscilla that convinced Mother to marry Father, in spite of the upper crust of St. Louis. Mother's family was embroiled in society and marrying a cowboy didn't sit well with the Country Club set. It took years before they accepted her back in the social circle. Sometimes Mother tries too hard, but she really is harmless.”
“Oh Loretta, I am sure people just love your mother. She certainly helped me.”
“So what news of the strumpet? Is she still sniffing around Jeremy?” Loretta laughed as she watched Martha's reaction. Martha quickly put her finger to her lips, not wanting Jeremy to overhear. Oh Loretta how I have missed you.
“You won't believe it, but I heard that she became engaged to some business associate of Mr. Grahams and they left for Europe. I have no idea what happened, she left shortly after you and Austin left on your honeymoon.” Martha could not help but smile. She reached for the china teapot, refilling their cups.
“I'll tell you what happened. That night at the club before we left for England, I went over to have a little chat with Mr. Graham. I casually pointed you out and asked if he had met Mrs. Whittaker. Then I casually pointed to Jeremy with Ezekiel and said, “Why there is one of the Whittaker boys now with Mr. Whittaker.” You should have seen his face. He looked at you and then at Jeremy and Ezekiel. Naturally he made an unfortunate assumption, however I am not responsible if he misunderstood.” Loretta grinned sheepishly. Martha stared at her with disbelief. She could not believe Loretta had done such a thing.
“But you made it sound like Jeremy and I were married with children. He had no way of knowing we were in-laws. I'm sure he rushed over to tell Clarise that Jeremy was married. Loretta you are too much.” Martha reached over and gently smacked Loretta's hand.
“Well, it worked didn't it? Minutes later, Clarise slapped Jeremy across the face and ran away with her fiancé. Bye, bye strumpet.” Loretta's musical laughter brought the men into the kitchen. Martha tried to suppress her own laughter but it was impossible.
“What's so funny you two?” Austin quizzed the blushing pair. Jeremy was right behind him. Martha looked like a schoolgirl caught by the schoolmarm. Red faced she jumped from her chair and turned her back towards the men pretending to make more tea.
“Oh, Loretta was just telling me a funny story. Anyone for more pie?” quickly changing the subject, Martha chuckled to herself at Loretta's brazen behavior. Loretta, dear Loretta. In her heart she was very thankful for such a dear friend.
Loretta returned to the shop with pictures and descriptions of the latest English fashions. She also brought a letter from the now famous French designer, Charles Worth. “Martha did you know that Charles Worth was awarded the First Class medal at the International Exhibition in Paris. His new design has a train, falling not from the waist but from the shoulders. The silhouette is stunning. You really must sew one for the shop; I brought you the drawings.” Loretta wandered around the showroom admiring the décor. “His shop is called “Furnisher of the Court” and he is commissioned by all of the royal families of Europe. This is too wonderful, having a personal letter of congratulations from one so famous.” The letter to Martha wished her well in her new dress design enterprise. Martha proudly framed and displayed the letter in her showroom. It seems that I dreamt of this a long, long time ago; perhaps Abraham is not the only one whose dreams do come true.
Loretta was astonished at the way the dress business had moved from Martha's bedroom to this new facility. The showroom was decorated in pinks and burgundy velvet and a few designer gowns hung on a small rack. A settee and several soft plush chairs filled the space. A teacart, held tea and fresh pastries baked by Annabelle's father, Mike O’Malley and sat in the corner. The entire atmosphere was one of prosperity and luxury. The gowns were all original designs. Each dress was made to measure for the individual in her choice of color and design. Several books of designs, drawn by Martha rested on a low table. Ezekiel the bookworm had gone to the library and brought several books of costumes and dresses, which she had used to practice her drawing skills. She was surprised at how well she could draw. Jeremy had suggested the book of designs after seeing the original sketch of the gown for Mrs. Carruthers and it had been an excellent idea. Yes, Isabel had been right in her earlier description of Martha's shop, it was very professional and elegant. Loretta was very impressed. Martha was explaining how the ladies would arrive, sit, sip tea and look over the book of designs. They could make any changes they wanted to a specific design and she would draw the final product. Her self-confidence was growing daily.
Agatha arrived early one morning to pick up a gown she had ordered. Loretta called Martha from the showroom then she went to retrieve the order.
“Martha, the shop looks lovely. You are a great success my dear. Now we need to find you a man.” Agatha laughed, admiring the samples hanging in the shop while she waited.
“Amen to that.” Loretta added upon returning to the room. “We definitely need to find her a man. There is a certain brother-in-law that would jump at a chance to take her out.” Martha blushed and Agatha and Loretta joked and giggled at her expense.
“I will never understand why women who have wonderful husbands want the whole world to be married,” Martha scoffed. How she loved these two women.
The shop was a big success with the ladies of St. Louis society as well as the surrounding cities. Isabel Langley naturally took all of the credit.
Annabelle, May and Ellen all worked very well together and Martha paid them a decent wage. She had experienced the dress making sweatshops in England and was determined to treat
her employees well. Some of the seamstresses in England worked twelve to fourteen hours a day for not much more than room and board. The facilities were small and cramped and the air was thick with sawdust and fabric particles. Many of the girls that worked in the sweatshops were only eight or nine years old. Ellen, May and Annabelle had excellent facilities, the most modern equipment and only worked eight hours a day. If they were exceptionally busy, Loretta would work the front room and Martha would join the girls in back at the machines. Loretta was a good saleswoman and although Isabel Langley was aghast to see her daughter engaged in employment of any kind, the designer shop was a different matter. Martha soon came to rely on her more and more as business grew. The two grew very close and it was Martha that was first to learn of Loretta's pregnancy.
“Oh how wonderful, you must tell Austin right away.” Martha beamed at the lovely young woman. She was happy for Austin, who would make a wonderful father.
“I'm going to tell him this evening, after supper at the club with Mother and Father. I'm so happy Martha, my life is like a dream come true.” Loretta already glowing with happiness hugged her friend and employer. As she embraced Loretta, Martha could not help but think of her own teenage dreams of love and marriage and marveled at where life had taken her. Will I ever experience the joy of having a child of my own?
Chapter Twenty- one- The Christmas Dance
“Oh Miss Martha, I really can't accept it. It is too much really.” Annabelle held the lovely blue dress in her arms as if it was made of glass.
“You certainly can accept it and you are going to accompany my sons and I to the Christmas Dance. Now go and try it on and I'll make the alterations.” Martha had wanted to give Annabelle something special. The girl was an excellent worker for one so young and Martha knew that with ten children, there would be little under the Christmas tree at the baker's house. Annabelle stepped from the dressing room and twirled around the room like a fairy princess. The dress fit perfectly and the color complimented her red hair and freckled pixie face.
“Oh but what about the others Miss Martha, I really couldn't accept if they were not getting something as well.” Annabelle was so happy with her dress but was totally unselfish stemming from having so many siblings.
“I have something for May and Ellen as well, now enjoy your dress and you can leave it here until the dance. Oh, that is the bell, I'll be right back.” Martha went through to the front showroom in time to see Isaac coming through the door. “Oh wait Annabelle, there is someone here that would love to see your new dress.” Annabelle shyly walked into the showroom. Isaac's eyes lit up like stars in the heavens.
“Boy Annabelle, you sure do look pretty. Good enough to dance with.” Isaac stared at the little pixie girl as she curtsied to him.
“Well, looks like you will get your chance because your Mama invited me to the Christmas dance.” Annabelle fluttered her eyelashes in Isaac's direction and the boy's face turned crimson. “ I'll go and take this off now Miss Martha and thank you so much.” Annabelle ran and threw her arms around Martha's waist. Immediately realizing her impropriety quickly released her hold on Martha and ran from the room. Isaac gave Martha an appreciative smile and wandered over pretending to look at some of the new designs.
“Isaac, was there something you needed? I was just getting ready to come home and make supper. You can wait and walk with me.” Martha closed the oil lamps and lowered the shades. Annabelle appeared from the back room looking more like herself in her simple skirt and blouse. She thanked Martha again and skipped out of the store, but not without giving Isaac a huge smile and a quick flutter of her long lashes.
“I was wondering if you could take me Christmas shopping Martha. I would like to buy a new rifle for Austin and I would need some money. I'll be glad to do some sweeping up in here for you or some chores at the house to earn enough.” Isaac never assumed that Martha owed him a living; he wanted to make his own way much like she did.
“Well, I tell you what. You go out and shoot us a big turkey for Christmas dinner and that will be your contribution. I'll pay for the rifle but you can pick it out. Austin is a wonderful friend to you and he deserves something nice. What are you getting your Uncle Jeremy?” Isaac and Martha strolled down the street and into the business district of St. Louis. Several of the shop windows were decorated with garlands and huge evergreen wreaths. There was a wintry chill in the air and large white flakes were beginning to fall.
“I already bought him some brandy glasses at the shop on Walnut Street. He likes his brandy and they are nice crystal glasses, Grandmam helped me pick them. I used the money that I got from the butcher for the bear meat. I bought your gift and Ezekiel's and Abraham's as well. I just have one more gift to buy other than Austin.” Martha was impressed with Isaac's resourcefulness and was sure the last gift would be for Annabelle. She had purchased a few of her gifts as well and was looking forward to a wonderful Christmas, much different than the year before. She and Isaac strolled through the city streets enjoying the festive decorations and the sound of carolers in the square.
The dance was held at the Country Club with a large orchestra playing music of the day for the guests. Gentlemen were dressed in tails made of fine black cloth with silk or velvet collars. The ladies blended like the colors of the rainbow in taffeta, silk, satin and velvet for the more mature. Many of Martha's creations bearing the new overskirt, which was fastened in front at the waist providing a great deal of ornamentation. Music drifted through the rooms from the dance hall and people mingled and laughed in the spirit of the season. Waiters with trays overflowing with wine and champagne threaded through the crowd like salmon swimming upstream. Holly and pine branches decorated the walls and a huge tree stood in one corner. Several of the children peeked anxiously at the gifts hidden in its branches. The scent of Pine boughs filled the air contributing to the feeling of Christmas. Outside a light dusting of snow blanketed the ground.
Loretta was beginning to show and Martha had altered a few of her dresses for her. She beamed with the glow of motherhood and Austin her proud husband, was never far from her side. Isaac purchased a small gold locket for Annabelle with Martha's help and the tiny girl was ecstatic. She bought Isaac a hunting knife, which he had been admiring in the hunting shop. The two were lost in a world of their own and danced several dances during the evening. Martha and Jeremy smiled watching the two youngsters dance past. Phillip and Agatha Carruthers joined them and Phillip commented that Isaac was smitten with the little Irish lass. The evening was a huge success and everyone enjoyed the merriment of the season and each other's company. Isabel Langley was beaming with the possibility of being a grandmother and fussed over Loretta constantly. Martha enjoyed seeing many of her creations on the dance floor. Jeremy noticed she was exhibiting a new self-confidence and pride. The more Martha matured and grew, the more Jeremy loved her.
Morris Graham spotted Jeremy and Martha on the dance floor. Thinking this was the perfect opportunity to embarrass the scallywag that had toyed with his daughter, he approached them as they danced. Jeremy was surprised at the greeting since Morris Graham had been avoiding him of late. “Mr. Whittaker all the best of the season, I have not had the pleasure of meeting your good wife.” He emphasized the word ‘wife’ and waited for the reaction. Jeremy and Martha turned to face him, their confusion evident on their faces.
“May I present, Mrs. Martha Whittaker, my sister-in- law, the widow of my brother. Martha, this is Mr. Morris Graham.” Jeremy stressed the words ‘sister-in-law’ and watched Graham's shocked reaction. Finally realizing why Clarise had slapped him and why her father had been cool towards him, Jeremy was enjoying the obvious embarrassment on Graham's face. Now that things were clear, he politely inquired as to Clarise’ well being. “ How is your lovely daughter Morris?”
Morris Graham was shocked to learn Martha was Jeremy's sister-in-law. He had been a fool not to check his facts before telling Clarise. She had been very distraught over the news that Jeremy was
married. Well, it all turned out all right in the long run. “Fine, she and her fiancé are in Paris. Lovely to meet you Mrs. Whittaker.” Slightly embarrassed, he shook Martha's hand and quickly walked away. Martha and Jeremy looked at each other and laughed out loud. Martha turned her head away as she remembered what Loretta had done. Loretta you are a scallywag. She offered up a silent thank you to Loretta. Jeremy twirled her around the floor thoroughly enjoying the festive mood of the season, chuckling to himself at Morris Graham's obvious misunderstanding.
Later as the youngsters sang Christmas carols, Jeremy and Martha stood together, his arm around her waist, listening to ‘Silent Night.’ Phillip held Agatha's hand as they swayed to the music. Ezekiel stood in the front of the group singing at the top of his lungs. Jeremy watched the pride glowing on Martha's face as she listened. He hesitated asking her the question that nagged at him all evening.
“Martha, I'll be traveling to England after the holidays and I would like you to come with me.” Jeremy had been avoiding the question but he really wanted her to accompany him. “I know you are busy but Loretta will be fine; she is not expecting until spring and more than capable of handling the shop and the girls.” Seeing the excuses mounting in her face, he added. “Your father needs to see you and know that you are well. It is time to face your demons in England Martha and I would be honored to have you accompany me.” Martha looked at Jeremy and heard the pleading in his voice. “Austin said that he and Loretta would take care of the boys, Martha please say yes.” His request caught her completely off guard. She was unsure about the trip but didn't want to say anything to hurt him.
Dreams and Nightmares Page 22
