“She fell asleep.”
Meeks looked at his sister. “What she did doesn’t surprise me but your being part of it is puzzling.”
Charisse looked at her brother and ran her hand along his face smiling. “Then you are not as smart as you appear.”
“How did you convince Mr. Gibby to go along with this?”
“We offered him a large amount of money, Jack’s money, and he put in the part that if we couldn’t get financing that it would revert back to him and we would forfeit the money.”
“Why the fight?”
“Mostly because Mirisa was extremely angry and wanted a pound of revenge. She really is very impressive with how she executes a plan. I don’t think you will find Miss Sherman running your favorite entertainment establishment after today.”
“Why?
“Because Mirisa told her if she didn’t leave town that she would hunt her down and shoot her.”
Meeks leaned forward. “I didn’t sleep with her.”
“No one could remember you or who you slept with or even if you were ever there or how many times you were stupid enough to go there and trust me Alexander I am nowhere near through with you so don’t get indignant with me.” Charisse poured another cup of tea. “You can all go back to your habits because really none of you should have any guilt over what someone else does to their wives and families. After all, it isn’t any of your faults that you have continuously hurt the only woman who gave all four of you the best gift that could ever be given a man. All four of you are pathetic and ungrateful.” Charisse stood up and wished them a good night and headed home for she had a large dinner to orchestrate.
“Well that woman can suck the life out of a room. What are we doing for Christmas?”
“Dinner is here Christmas eve and just the children on Christmas day.”
“Have you planned anything for her birthday?”
“No and now I don’t think it would be a good idea. After today I’m not sure how to handle the holidays.”
“What about the tavern?”
“I’m going to sell New York and move her and the children to the tavern after Christmas.”
“What are you doing with the business?”
“I really don’t care what happens to it. You can decide on how to handle it.”
“Is your marriage in jeopardy?”
“My sanity is just because I really can’t read her right now and today totally took the wind out of me.”
Dominic stood and put on his hat. “I think I need to finish my shopping if anyone wants to hit the avenue.” Both James and Garnett put on their shoulder harnesses and headed out with Dominic.
The week seemed to drag as Meeks worked from home. Mirisa was sitting in front of the fire wrapping gifts when he squatted down in front of her. He lifted her chin and looked at her eye. “Will you go shopping with me?”
“I would love to.”
“I’ll get your jacket and have the coach brought around front.” She nodded and continued to tie the ribbon on the little box before she put it on the tree. It hadn’t snowed in a few days but the cold weather kept the snow from melting. He came back out and helped her up before slipping on her jacket. She had been very quiet which bothered Meeks a lot but he was afraid to push it not knowing whether or not she was handling anything. They got out of the coach and he took her into the little curio shop. He tried to engage her in small talk but she seemed to just drift away as though she was alone.
“Mirisa, please talk to me.”
“I’m sorry, I just need time to feel good about me again.”
Meeks took her hand and took her back out to the carriage and instructed the coachman before he climbed in. The carriage stopped in front of the church. He helped her out as she questioned why they were at the church. Meeks opened the big doors and walked down the aisle sitting her in the front pew. He approached the altar boy who was lighting the candles on the altar. The boy nodded and went through a side door. Meeks waited as the preacher came out and talked to him before he left again. Meeks walked over and put out his hand. Mirisa took it as she stood up. He reached down and took off both of her wedding rings and slipped them in his pocket before he kissed her.
The preacher came back out dressed in his robes and opened his bible as Meeks held her hand as she stepped up on the altar. She looked into his eyes as hers misted over. Meeks took both of her hands in his as the preacher began the ceremony. When he asked for the ring, Meeks took out a small gold ring and addressed her.
“If I have to marry you every day, if I have to get down on my knees and beg for forgiveness every night, if I have to give away everything I own to prove how much I love you I will.” Meeks slipped the ring on her finger. “You mean more to me than my own life. I love you.”
Mirisa wrapped her arms around him as the preacher closed his bible and walked back into the rectory. He didn’t know what this man did but sometimes you just need to renew those promises you made in the name of God. He hoped they would find their way to a happy life.
Meeks took Mirisa out to a quiet dinner in a small restaurant. He ordered a bottle of wine and sat talking with her for hours before taking her home. James was sitting in the living room feeding Cassie as the children laid on the floor working on making their Christmas cards. Mirisa thought that James was so much a part of their family that it was only obvious when he wasn’t around. Meeks looked at what the children were doing.
“Anyone in the mood to take a carriage ride through the park to see the Christmas lights?”
They all put away their supplies and ran up to get their coats. Mirisa went upstairs and got a change of clothes for Cassie along with her bunting. She helped Lizzie down the stairs and handed the clothes to James. He didn’t let go of her hand as he looked at the gold band before he looked into her eyes.
“Matthew, make sure you wear head gear and scarves if you want to ride up front with the coachman.”
“James, are you coming?”
He looked at Meeks who thought James frequently got depressed every time Mirisa did and he wasn’t sure why the connection was so strong between the two of them. “Sure.”
They went through the park and stopped frequently to look at the Christmas displays or listen to the carolers. Meeks had them stop next to a push cart vendor who was selling hot cider and warm cinnamon sticks. Lizzie sat between James and the window and kept pointing things out. Sara sat on her father’s lap as Maggie sat on the other side of James.
They finally tucked all the children in bed and Mirisa changed into a long wool robe before coming back downstairs. Meeks and James were playing checkers so she curled up and put her head on Meeks’ lap. “James.”
He looked up at her as he jumped two pieces. “Yes.”
“Will you move back in the brownstone?”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“Why?”
“Because you husband is trying to make amends and I’m…”
“You’re part of our family.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. The children miss having you and Garnett around. I miss having you around though I guess Garnett is heading back to Washington after Christmas.”
“What are you doing for New Years?”
Meeks made a move and sat back. “We’re staying home with the children.”
“Want company?”
“You’re not going to the New Year’s ball?”
James cleaned the board and poured a shot. “I’m not in the mood.”
“Then we’d love to have you spend it with us.”
“How is the paperwork going?”
Mirisa looked at James before he responded. “It’s all finished and just needs everyone’s signature.”
“What are you doing?”
“We’re selling the business and I’m moving the family to Virginia.”
“Thank you.”
The dinner was perfect though Mirisa’s father pulled her aside and ha
d a long talk with her about making the headlines. She wrapped her arms around him and told him that they were going to be moving closer to home after the holidays.
“Mirisa, do not change the subject when I am trying to talk to you.”
“Father, I don’t need a lecture on my behavior.”
“They have been the worse influence on a woman that I have ever witnessed.”
“No. Well maybe they have but it is only considered inappropriate because I am a woman and a mother. You should be congratulating me for being resourceful not taking me to task.”
“And do you care about your reputation?”
“Yes and I think everyone will think twice before making me angry again.”
Christmas morning Mirisa and Meeks took the children to church before returning to the house to open presents. The activity seemed to fill every inch of the house as Mirisa slipped away and curled up on the window seat in the library. Meeks found her and pulled her up close as he sat down with her.
“I sent the children upstairs with their gifts.”
She nodded and put her head on his shoulder. “I have always loved the solitude of sitting in the dark and watching it snow.”
“I remember that from Colorado.”
“I miss Colorado.”
“Do you want to go home for a few months before we move to Virginia?” He kissed the side of her head. “It will be another few months before the brownstone is sold and the tavern finished.”
“It is awfully cold out there right now.”
“It doesn’t matter. I think the children will enjoy a few months vacation.”
“Alexander, tell me a story.” Meeks had his hand on her head as she nuzzled into his neck. He knew she didn’t want to talk about anything. He sighed and she looked up waiting.
“There once was a fair maiden who lived a sheltered life dreaming of adventure and love.”
“How fair was this maiden?”
“She had skin of milk and honey, the forest lived within her eyes as the fireflies lit them for the world to enjoy, her hair was the color of the fox as it darted through the hills on a rainy day and her smile lulled the darkest of men out of their senses.”
“Was she beautiful?”
“She was beyond beautiful.” He pulled her tighter. “Her father banished her into the swamp where she was kept for many months in the tower crying and praying to be rescued from her loneliness. Her eyes had become dull and lifeless as she waited biding her time by walking through the fields touching the flowers that bloomed at her mere touch, reaching for the moon who rose only for her gaze and craving to be held.”
“Did she know what love was?”
“No, she was too young and too sheltered. She fell in love with the first man who reached for her and who promised her dreams she had never imagined. But he didn’t let her out of the tower and despite having everything that should make her life perfect the sadness still could be seen in the corner of her eyes. When she thought that no one was watching she would let the desolation that lived in the bottom of her heart creep out and the tears would wash across them then sink back in as though they never came.”
“Do you think she was sad?”
“I think she was lost. I think she was living a fantasy of untruths and mirrors hiding her confusion and always reaching out for answers to questions she was afraid to ask. Then he made the same mistake as her father, he went on his adventures and lustful journeys leaving her with the most ruthless of men to keep her locked away in the tower. He knew these men were harden and would provide nothing for her to hold onto but he was wrong.
Slowly she put her hand on them seeking the warmth of their inner hearts, seeking their comfort and looking for their love. They warned her, they resisted and they rebuffed her over and over as she slowly wove a web around them until they went beyond protecting the fair maiden to wanting to rescue her from her tower.
She collected their souls each time they passed and would release them again like the little fireflies just to see if she could catch them again. Each time they resisted less and less until the young maiden became tangled in his web fighting against everything that he wanted to give her, she fought against his love, she fought against the desire and she denied over and over that he was more dangerous and more heartless than the man who occupied her bed.”
“You don’t think she loved him?”
“I think she was afraid. I think she was so used to the chains of her life that she was afraid to turn the key and walk into all that life could give her.”
“Don’t you think she loves him now?”
“I think his demons taunt him when she’s out of his reach. I think he’s knows that he has offered her no better then she had and that he will make the mistake of leaving her with someone who will steal her away. Someone who won't ever have the fear that he will break a promise like he did.”
Mirisa smiled. “I think that he needs to understand that the fair maiden has watched closely what happens to the ruthless men, she has slept with their hearts and has dreamt their fears, she understands their demons and she only wants the promise that he will never let her go. A promise that he will fight to hold on to her.”
“I think the fair maiden is using gold to weave her webs.”
“I think I love you and miss you terribly when you are gone.” He could feel the new strands of her web as they crossed back and forth.
“Are you ready to celebrate your birthday?”
“No. I think my emotions are still too raw to deal with even the nice things that I always loved.”
“What do I tell everyone?”
Mirisa looked up at him. “That it’s not my birthday?”
“Sugar, this is the first time that none of them were even aware of what I did.”
“I know but they always walk on eggshells when I am depressed.”
“That’s only because they are not sure which of you will appear.” Mirisa laughed lightly as she held up her left hand looking at the band.
“I think I love it more than anything you have ever given me since the snake.”
“Why?”
“Because it comes from your true love.”
“Then let’s go celebrate my love.”
He stood up putting out his hand as she swung her legs over the side and stood up. “It’s the crescent moon tonight.”
“Which is the only time you become quiet and reflective. What is your wish tonight?”
“The same one I have always had. That I can wake up in your arms.”
When they came out of the library the fire was burning so beautifully and the lamps were turned low. He took her upstairs and drew a hot bath climbing in with her. The smell of lotus blossoms filled the bathroom as he lit a cigar and laid back talking to her. She watched as he took out his tux as she laid a simple black gown on the bed. Mirisa ran her fingers over it as he kissed her neck. She hadn’t been in a gown in so long. Meeks dressed and told her he would be in the music room.
Mirisa slowly rolled each stocking up straightening out the garters. She ran her hand down her legs to her toes and closed her eyes giving into the sensation of the silk. She finally stood and slipped the gown over her head as it settled down over her body with such love. Mirisa walked out onto the landing and listened to the soft piano keys. She stood on the landing uncertain of her life before she lifted her skirt and walked up to the music room.
The room was dark except for the candelabra sitting on the piano. Garnett was playing one of her favorite pieces. In the center of the room was a formally set table with a bottle of wine uncorked. Meeks walked over and took her hand kissing her fingers before he pulled out her chair allowing Mirisa to sit down. Dominic filled her wine glass before filling all the glasses. Garnett finally got up from the piano and took a seat. Her beauty never seemed to diminish.
The dinner was perfect though she ate very little. Meeks had them clear out the room before they set up the card table as she watched. Meeks put a new bottle of whisky
on the table as Garnett sat down and shuffled the cards. Mirisa sat down between Meeks and Garnett watching him shuffle the cards. Dominic sat down as James lit his cigar throwing the match in the fireplace before he sat at the table. Mirisa looked around the table as the memories filled every thought and every face. Her eyes stopped on James who was looking at his cards before putting them down. He met her eyes across the table.
“Mirisa?” She turned to Garnett. “You start.”
“I don’t have any money.”
Dominic slid money across the table as she picked up her cards and anted. Meeks put a shot in front of her. After an hour, she was having trouble focusing on her cards. Garnett pulled her over onto his lap and whispered in her ear. She leaned back as he pulled her tighter. James watched her then look at Meeks. Dominic dealt the hand and they all wondered if she was going to talk or just be with them. They continued to play and Meeks finally put a small box on the table. Mirisa slipped the white bow off and opened it. Inside was a silver bracelet that was engraved around it with every place they had lived together and inside was the names and birthdates of all of the children. Meeks took it away from her and slid in on her wrist.
“Thank you. It must have taken you so long to make it.”
“I’ve been working on it for a year.”
“Alexander?” He reached over and ran his finger over the wedding band and she looked up and smiled. “I love you.”
Meeks stood up and took her hand as tears ran down her cheeks. Garnett sat down at the piano and began to play The Crescent Moon Concerto as Meeks spun her out then back into his arms He said something to her and she laughed as Meeks twirled her into James arms she placed her hand on his neck and put her nose up against his as he propositioned her. Meeks watched as her eyes darkened and her breathing slowed. James lifted her up as he swung her around. When her feet touched the floor he spun her into Dominic’s arms She knew at that point that no matter what happened in her life, the four of them were not about to let her go anywhere.
1879
Born New York in 1830, Belva Lockwood was widowed at 22 and moved to Washington, D.C., where she successfully lobbied for a bill to give female federal employees the same pay as men. Earning her law degree in 1873, Lockwood became the first woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court in 1879.
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