The Visitor - The Bell Tower 1873 - 1875

by Barbara Svetlick

  Mirisa looked at her husband. “Do we have time to go upstairs?”

  Meeks raised his eyebrows. “No but are you offering this later?”

  Mirisa kissed him lightly as the guests started arriving and Mirisa realized that they had set three large tables which meant there would be a lot of people at this meeting. The butler served everyone wine or whisky as the lunch was served. Mirisa didn’t know who was in charge of these events or gave the instructions to the staff or if they were so used to doing it for her grandmother that they knew etiquette well. Almost everyone knew the men well but few had met Mirisa except in passing at one of the events or theatre.

  Mirisa’s dress was understated which James said would make her less intimidating on the first meeting. Mirisa laughed because she didn’t realize that it would take so many men to assess her. They talked to her about expectations of the upcoming season, events and fundraisers, the duties her grandmother handled until she got older, the appropriateness of her demeanor and appearance. They had all assumed her mother would take over the position and found Mirisa to be extremely young and maybe not as seasoned in dealing with philanthropy or particularly known in New York City.

  She listened to each of them graciously and nodded occasionally. James watched her as she intently paid attention to whoever was talking before she would be interrupted for another conversation exactly like the one she had just left. Several of them offered to get her assistance in teaching her etiquette if she felt she needed it. She politely declined but thanked them for caring so much about the charities.

  “Mrs. Meeks.” Mirisa turned to the gangly gentleman sitting across from her. He looked to be older than her, his hair was perfectly styled, his beard was trimmed short, and he was wearing gold wire rimmed glasses and had a folder next to his plate. Rather than smoking a regular cigar, he was smoking a thin brown cigar that had a strong aroma that she didn’t find pleasant and when he talked it was between his fingers as though it was making a point of some sort. “I know this is a delicate subject so I sincerely hope you, and your husband, will not be offended.” He took a drink of his wine to clear his throat. “It is well known that all of these men live in the same household as you and I know them all personally so I know they have the wealth to own their own homes or lease apartments. I think it might be more prudent if your household was, shall we say, more traditional.”

  James sat forward because he knew that this was the thing that everyone wanted to address. Garnett lit a cigar and crossed his leg watching Mirisa. She looked at the gentleman and waited a moment to make sure that everyone was listening. She could tell that he had been picked to broach the subject and he was now uncomfortable watching her.

  “Mr. Alston?” He nodded that she had the name correct. She was mulling over how best to handle this inquiry when over twenty men were waiting to hear her answer. Now she understood why men smoked cigars since it allowed them to pause with a purpose. She picked up her wine glass which the butler, who remained behind her during the entire lunch, immediately refilled. She slowly took a sip knowing that Meeks was enjoying every second of the wait. “Are you married?”

  “Err.yes.”

  “And were you picked to ask this very personal question about my life?”

  “Well, it is very delicate and we all understand that it’s not considered in good taste to ask a woman, much less a married woman, such things but your lawyer wasn’t reassuring when we spoke to him yesterday.”

  “And exactly why did you think my lawyer would speak to you about my personal life? You seem to forget that you work for me.” She watched as Mr. Alson became more uncomfortable under her gaze but she did not blink. “I was raised in a very large wealthy traditional family so etiquette, duty and expectations have always been a part of my upbringing. I have had the best of educations. I married the first time against my mother’s wishes, the second time out of love and am a mother of five absolutely beautiful children. That being said, do you have a specific concern with who lives in our home? Would we be having this conversation if our house guests were of the female persuasion?”

  “I had hoped to be as discreet as possible but there are rumors which none of these men have ever really confirmed or denied and some question as to your children.” He looked at both James and Garnett but neither changed their expressions. “We hope to be able to dispel any issues before they affect our efforts to raise funds. You are now in a position where your behavior must be above any possible reproach.”

  “Obviously just being a woman means my behavior must be above all reproach and judged by men. Mr. Alston, I have no intention of changing my life any more than any of you intend to give up going to the Gentleman’s Club whenever you get the chance.” She slowly sipped her wine. “The children are not of any concern to anyone other than myself and my husband. If you do not feel I can assist you in raising money then kindly just don’t ask me to attend but please always remember that the Manor is now my home so any events here must be cleared with me first” Mirisa sat back slightly knowing she was losing control of her temper. “And the next time any of you have an urge to approach me then I suggest you seriously reconsider that urge.”

  They all understood at that point that she was as strong willed as her grandmother had been. They were all uncomfortable but thought they could just go back to a lighter subject. The boys knew the other shoe was going to drop just by the look in her eyes. They were just thankful for once that she wasn’t addressing them.

  “Mr. Alston.” She smiled sweetly and everyone looked at her.

  “Yes, Mrs. Meeks.”

  “The next time you talk to my lawyer about my personal life I will have your firm fired.”

  The rest of the lunch was subdued and as the last one left she turned to the three of them. “I think I need to find someone to handle this position.” She asked the butler to bring her the good whisky and four glasses as she walked into the library.

  They returned to town after the lunch but left Mirisa alone since she was still walking around muttering under her breath. She finally took the girls outside to play.“Mirisa, can I talk to you?” She looked up at Garnett. Maggie and Sara were playing dolls on a blanket under the big tree and she was sitting on the steps with Elizabeth watching them. Garnett sat down next to her, laid his cigar on the step and reached over for his daughter.

  “Is this personal or business?”

  “Both.” Garnett put his finger near Elizabeth’s little hand and Lizzie immediately wrapped her fingers around his and began sucking on both. He became distracted by watching her and Mirisa just sat and watched his expressions. “I’ve been thinking about the luncheon and you need to understand that no one needs to know that Elizabeth is mine. If you want, I can tell them that you were just angry and wanted to make a point as to their concerns.”

  “Do you love me?” Garnett looked over and met her eyes.

  “You know I do.”

  “She has your name. If you think it will hurt your reputation or business you can say whatever you want to others. If you think it will somehow hurt her, I will do whatever is necessary to protect her. Garnett, I love you and I love our daughter.”

  “It won’t hurt me at all but I refuse to respond to the inquiries regarding my personal life and especially when it concerns the five of us but I also believe it is important to both you and Meeks that these rumors are stopped.”

  “That’s because you have lived a life of secrecy which has served all of you very well and you are a complete gentleman. I discovered a long time ago that I would never know any of you so instead I have decided to just love you.” She touched his cheek. “If you want me to be more discreet I will.”

  “She has my name? When did you do that?”

  “When we were in Mississippi, I asked Judge Lightfoot to file all the paperwork. I thought it was only appropriate that she be registered there since you are from Mississippi rather than Colorado or New York.”

  “What did you name her?”
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  “Elizabeth Mirisa Alexander.”

  “How did you explain this to the Judge?”

  Mirisa started laughing. “Honestly. He was actually quite humorous but he said that Dominic was a very bad influence on my tender years and I should have just stayed at the Plantation with my children instead of traipsing across the country with bad men.”

  Garnett handed Elizabeth back to her mother, picked up his cigar and went back into the house. She watched him leave and turned back as Maggie called her to come have tea with them on the blanket. Mirisa walked over and sat down with the girls. Garnett poured a cup of coffee and watched them from the window. All four of them had the same hands and when together it was like watching ballerinas. Garnett was wrong; he would have given up everything.

  Mirisa was wearing an emerald green gown that shimmered as she moved down the stairs and was low cut in the back with folded material that went across her breasts, over her arms and followed the cut down the back. There was a diamond and emerald broach of a heart attached at the point between her cleavage following it perfectly. Her hair was loose and hung down her shoulders in curls then pulled back at her temples with a diamond clasp in the back. Meeks took her cape and held it out for her. She smiled as she kissed him and told them she thought they were absolutely beautiful.

  “Mirisa, men are handsome not beautiful.”

  “No, you are all beautiful.” James opened the door and helped her into the carriage. Their theater box was filled with vases of white roses and two bottles of champagne. Mirisa looked at her husband who indicated he didn’t know who had done it. She walked over and picked up the card and read it.

  Mirisa turned and looked at Garnett knowing they were being watched since the rumor had already gone through most of town because despite what the men at the luncheon said in wanting or needing to contain any ‘rumors’ they were experts at spreading and embellishing rumors. Garnett made no effort to address or control the rumors instead he refused to engage in any conversation regarding Mirisa or his relationship with her. “Garnett.” Mirisa looked out over the theater before she sat down. “If you believe I should act proper in public, I would suggest you not do something that would make me want to thank you inappropriately…in public.”

  The play was a comedy and Mirisa enjoyed the sense of humor of the writer immensely. She thought plays were like having someone read you a book. Mirisa stayed in the box during the intermission as the men went out front to socialize and smoke a cigar. As she sat in the box reading the program, Louis slid into the chair next to her.

  “You are just as beautiful as the last time we spoke. I think you look good in emeralds and diamonds especially when you are surrounded by white roses.” Louis enjoyed the way she smiled without thinking. “Your husband must love you a lot.”

  “It’s wonderful to see you again. I didn’t realize you attended the theatre.”

  “My box is not viewable from the audience or other boxes.”

  “Is that because you don’t like to be watched or that you don’t like to be talked about?”

  “Both. Though I have been hearing quite a bit about you in the last month.”

  “All good, I hope.” Mirisa closed up her program and folded her hands on her lap giving Louis her full attention.

  “Well, it’s a matter of opinion on whether something is good or not. The higher up in society you climb the more discretion seems to matter but once you achieve a richness along with that social standing people overlook discretion if you are a man.” Louis put his cigar in his mouth and watched her eyes for a reaction. “Considering the fact that the men in your life don’t care about their reputation and they have enough money to compensate for anything they do I can only assume that you believe you should have the same rights.”

  “What part of the rumors seems to bother people the most?”

  “Probably the fact that you are living with four men but totally untouchable by any other man.”

  “I am actually untouchable by anyone other than my husband.”

  He cocked his head. “That is not the impression one gets from watching you.”

  “It should not surprise anyone that I have a close relationship with Dominic considering I was married to him when I was very young and stayed married to him for seven years.”

  “Why did you divorce him?”

  “I didn’t.”

  Louis looked surprise. “Dominic divorced you?”

  Mirisa nodded. “He didn’t want to give up his other life.”

  “He could have had both.”

  “Not with me. He had a choice and I lost.” She smiled so sweetly.

  Louis laughed shaking his head. “But you just attempted to change the subject. James and Garnett seem far more protective of you than either of your husbands.”

  “I believe it is merely their personalities and their close friendship with my husband. Alexander has more faith in my being able to deal with others where James and Garnett believe I am still a very naïve little girl. I do believe I fall somewhere between the two though I much prefer to appear naïve.”

  Louis stood and picked up her hand kissing it. “No wonder they are so protective of you. Enjoy the rest of the play and I am sure that we will be seeing each other during the season.” He turned to leave before he addressed her. “My offer is always on the table whether it’s for a night or an hour.”

  “You do realize that a lot of people are watching you at this very moment?”

  “Of course, I do nothing by accident. Any time you are ready to have the world at your feet let me know because I am more than willing to give it to you.”

  Louis ran into Meeks as he was walking down the stairs. They shook hands and exchanged greetings as James and Garnett stood back and just nodded. He continued down as they returned to the box. Meeks sat down next to her. “I assume he was visiting you?”

  “Yes, he was renewing his offer though we are down to an hour. How much do you think an hour of my time is worth?” James just smiled.

  Garnett poured her a glass of champagne as the second act started. Mirisa noticed that only her husband was attentive and assumed that they were once again being perfect gentlemen.

  Meeks made arrangements to take Mirisa to a new art exhibit. She walked into the library dressed in a plaid dress in deep purples and greens. She had let her hair dry naturally which meant more curls and had pulled it back away from her face. She was carrying a dark green tatted shawl over her arm.

  He closed the ledger and put it in the bottom drawer as he stood, taking his jacket off the back of the chair and walked around the desk to kiss her. “I see you have been shopping by yourself. I think you have impeccable taste when you are in a conservative mood.” He reached up and touched her curls.

  The city was always alive no matter what time of day but their favorite time was on Saturday afternoon. They walked into the museum where they were greeted by the curator who gave them a booklet of the new exhibit. It was mostly paintings and bronze sculptures of the western theme. As they were going through the first room, Garnett and James joined them.

  “I didn’t know you were coming with us today.” She looked around her husband at them.

  “We had business this morning across the street and thought this exhibit should be one worth seeing.” Meeks met Garnett’s eyes which meant the news wasn’t good.

  They spent several hours going through the exhibit and Meeks finally bought her a painting of the plains at sunset to hang over the living room mantle. She didn’t know the artist but thought the clarity of his colors was masterful. They walked to the restaurant which was full and had to wait a few minutes for a table.

  Mr. Alston was leaving with fellow associates when he stopped to talk to her. He introduced Mirisa to the other gentlemen with him and seemed to be quite pleased with the way she was dressed but not particularly her being with all three men. He inquired as to her decision on having a fund raiser at the Manor in early December. If she agreed, they would
take care of totally decorating the house for the holidays.

  “I have no problem with the date, however, I would like control over the decorating of the Manor.”

  “Well, we do have a professional team to handle that.”

  “Are you saying you have a specific theme that you desire to use for this particular fund raiser? I don’t believe my grandmother would have given anyone control.”

  “Well, it will naturally be the holiday theme that we use every year.”

  “How was your attendance last year?”

  “It’s been on the lower end but many people still love to see the Manor house when it’s decorated. Unfortunately your grandmother could not attend the last several years due to her delicate health.”

  “I want to design the invitations, complete control over the decorating and the menu.”

  “What would you like us to do then?”

  “You can pay for it and provide the team to do the work. Of course, you can also bring out some new artwork to hang and either auction or sell whichever you feel more comfortable doing.”

  “We’ve never held an art exhibit at the Manor.” The associates were listening but not interjecting since they had already heard about the lunch.

  “I would prefer some small pieces since they will bring in more money than a few larger pieces. People like to go home with something when they are donating.”

  “I’ll have my secretary schedule an appointment to meet with you Monday afternoon if you are available.”

  “I would much prefer that you come to my home. Is 2:00 p.m. on Monday alright?”

  “I will see you on Monday.” He bowed slightly as they were told that their table was ready.

  Meeks held out her chair. “Do you plan on making him pay for a long time?”

  “Probably forever.”

  Mirisa talked to them about the Manor and what she wanted to do and that she would need them to work on it with her since she had never been allowed to help with any event much less one so large. Mirisa wanted a theme of family and children rather and not one of opulence and she wanted it dedicated to her grandparents. Mr. Alston’s firm handled a charity for underprivileged children which was created by her grandmother in the latter part of her life. They provided education and medical care as well as food to needy families with young children as well as several orphanages.