Abiding Love: Banished Saga, Book Eight

by Flightner, Ramona

  Perry took a deep breath in the hallway, listening to Aidan’s concise, yet equally effusive praise of his accomplishments. At the generous applause, he strode into the room and smiled at the crowd seated in front of him. He noted house staff lingering in the opposite doorway, and they appeared to have been invited to listen to him too.

  He took a deep breath of rose-scented air, seeing that the roses were all yellow, with purple ribbons around the large vases. He closed his eyes a moment to focus on what he would sing, rather than any distraction from the room. After a moment he nodded to his pianist and lost himself to his music.

  * * *

  Rowena stood to the side of the ballroom as she watched the immaculately dressed crowd extol Perry Hawke and his talent. She frowned when she saw him speaking with Owen Hubbard, and her frown intensified to a glower to see Parthena’s sister, Eudora Tyler, at Owen’s side. “What can she be thinking?” Rowena muttered to herself.

  She took a sip of punch, sighing with pleasure that it was not overly sweet, and continued to watch the occupants of the room. Her pale blue dress nearly matched the new wallpaper, and she smiled with satisfaction that she blended in. Mrs. Bolinger glared at a vase of yellow flowers and narrowly missed knocking one to the ground by her husband grasping her arm. Mr. Theubes snuck a bloom from another vase and clipped it to place in the buttonhole of his jacket. “I wonder if he realizes what that signifies?” she murmured to herself again. Wearing a yellow rose was often construed as support for the suffrage movement. She shrugged, thankful that one of the leaders in men’s fashion had taken such an action and made a note to remark on it in her forthcoming column.

  “Some would think you are snooping,” Theodore Goff murmured as he stood next to her. He smiled as she rolled her eyes. Teddy was a tall, lanky man who wore his sable hair longer than was stylish in an attempt to conceal scars above his right eyebrow and behind his left ear from wounds suffered while fighting in the Great War for the British Expeditionary Force. His right hand held a tumbler of whiskey, the tips of his three middle fingers missing from injuries sustained in the War.

  “Then they would be more astute than I generally give them credit for,” Rowena said with a half smile. “I thought you’d be with Zee.”

  “She’s in her element, speaking with another painter about light and texture. I decided to leave her to it.” He saw Rowena’s gaze following Perry Hawke. “Why don’t you speak with him?”

  “Oh, I have no need. He’s done what he can for the suffrage movement,” Rowena said. “No reason to bother him further.”

  Teddy nodded and took a sip of the amber liquid in his glass. “I suspect he’d rather be bothered by you than by the likes of Mrs. Bolinger. She seems particularly irate that the proceeds are going to the NWP.” Most Americans perceived the National Woman’s Party, headed by Alice Paul, as a more radical branch of the suffrage movement. Many who supported suffrage preferred NAWSA, the National American Woman Suffrage Association, headed by Carrie Catt.

  Rowena rolled her eyes. “Mrs. Bolinger detests either group but just hates Alice more than Carrie. If we donated to NAWSA, she’d spew the same amount of vitriol.”

  Teddy chuckled. “I know Zee took enormous delight in decorating the room today. She and Delia relished the challenge of finding such a number of yellow roses in January.” His gaze found his wife in a corner, waving her arms about as she expounded on some topic.

  “I hope the distance between you is not as great as it appears,” Rowena said. She felt Teddy stiffen beside her, and she flushed. “I beg your pardon. I have no right to say such things.”

  “On the contrary, you have every right. I’m not used to others seeing through the carefully constructed facade.” His gaze was filled with longing as he looked at his wife. “We still have quite a bit to overcome after the events of last fall.” His face clouded as he considered his wife’s jail time after protesting in front of the White House.

  Rowena knew the loss of their unborn child would forever haunt both Zylphia and Teddy.

  “Much was lost that we are still trying to regain.”

  “You will, Teddy,” Rowena said. “Have faith.” She smiled at him as he nodded before moving away from her to join a business partner who had called for his attention.

  She remained to the side of the room, frowning as she no longer saw Mr. Hawke among the small groups who were mingling. She jolted as a soft, deep voice spoke in her ear.

  “Looking for me?”

  She turned to meet the challenging, inquisitive gaze of Perry Hawke, his light brown eyes dancing from a joke only he understood. “Yes.” When he appeared surprised at her forthrightness, she smiled.

  “I escaped the clutches of Mrs. Bolinger and thought I’d attempt to fade into the wallpaper as you do. Do you have a dress to match each ballroom or sitting room you frequent?” He chuckled and took a sip of his drink as she glared at him.

  “It is a valuable ability for a reporter,” she snapped. “Besides, I can’t hope to compete with the women in the room.”

  He frowned and then looked at the women in the crowd bedecked in jewelry and fine gowns. “I fail to see what you mean. They need baubles to brighten their appearance, whereas your intelligence and curiosity make you shine.” His frown deepened as her vivacity faded. “I meant no offense.”

  “I know what I am, Mr. Hawke,” she muttered.

  “I don’t believe you do. I think you believe what others have told you—repeatedly. I think it would be fascinating if you finally learned who you truly were.” He smiled as she flushed and then followed her gaze where she watched Teddy and Zylphia, who were speaking with Zylphia’s parents. “An old flame?”

  She glared at him. “No, she’s one of my best friends. And he’s her husband.”

  Perry was quiet for a few moments and then sighed as he stood tall. “Believe it or not, Miss Clement, I understand yearning for what I can never have.” His gaze met hers and was filled with the memory of loss. “I should not take up any more of your valuable time. I hope you enjoy your evening.” He nodded to her and moved away.

  Rowena watched him join another cluster of partygoers, an impersonal smile and expression on his face as he moved from group to group. After a few minutes Rowena joined Zylphia. “How are you?” she asked her friend.

  “Fine,” Zylphia said. “It’s time I am back in society, and I am thankful I could do something for the movement that did not cause me to return to Washington.”

  Rowena frowned. “When do you think you will return? I will miss you there, and I know Alice will be anxious for your organizational talents.” Rowena absently noted Teddy stiffening at her question.

  Zylphia shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m still not ready. At least a month, Ro.”

  “You know, by then, we’ll have moved our headquarters out of Cameron House?” She met Zylphia’s shocked look. “The house is being sold. There’s talk we’ll move to a bigger building near Lafayette Square.”

  Zylphia smiled. “We wouldn’t have to march anywhere to protest. We could protest right in Lafayette Square with the White House nearby.” She sobered. “Although I will miss Cameron House.”

  “I won’t,” Teddy murmured. He shared a long look with Zylphia as though remembering the days after she was released from imprisonment and how he had been separated from her. “I will like knowing you aren’t going back to that place.”

  Rowena flushed with annoyance. “The work is the same, Teddy, no matter the building.”

  Zylphia nodded. “I imagine, if the persuasion tactics with the Senate do not go well, that there will be more protests. Alice has shown that they are effective.”

  “Excuse me,” Teddy said as he left to approach Perry speaking with Aidan.

  Rowena watched Zylphia’s gaze track her husband’s movement. “He doesn’t want you to return to Washington.” She took a sip of punch and met Zylphia’s tormented gaze.

  “He hasn’t said that in so many words. Not lately. But
I hate how he tenses up every time Washington and Alice are mentioned. I think he wishes I would remain here.” Zylphia fingered her punch glass and feigned gaiety at Sophie’s penetrating gaze from across the room.

  “You know I want you to return. I hate being in Washington without you, and the work always seems more manageable when you are there.” She paused at the torment in her friend’s eyes. “But you need to do what is right for you, Zee. For you and Teddy.”

  Zylphia blinked to clear the sudden apparition of tears. “I know. I just don’t know what that is.”

  Rowena gripped her arm. “You only reconciled with Teddy a few weeks ago. You’re barely recovered from what happened in November. Take the time you need, Zee.” She looked around in triumph at the room filled with those who had donated generously to the cause. “You’ve succeeded in helping Alice from here.”

  Zylphia nodded and then forced a smile as a fan of her art approached. Rowena backed away to retake her position as a wallflower.

  * * *

  That evening Zylphia lay on her side of the bed she shared with Teddy. She listened as he moved around the room, and she heard the sound of linen rustling and clothes being set aside, the clinking of cuff links as he placed them on a dish on his bureau. She took a deep breath and relaxed as the mattress next to her dipped when he climbed into bed.

  “Night, Zee,” he whispered, kissing her shoulder. She felt him turn to his other side, his back to her side.

  “Did you enjoy the evening, Teddy?” A long sigh escaped as he turned onto his back. She imagined him staring at the ceiling.

  “He sang well, and your father’s friends didn’t seem upset at parting with their hard-earned money to support Alice and the NWP.” Another sigh came. “I’ll spend more time with him tomorrow as I have to look over his financials with Aidan.”

  “They’re your friends too.” She bit her lip to prevent a tear from slipping out.

  “They tolerate me, Zee. That’s all they’ve ever done.” He huffed out a laugh. “You should rest, Zee.”

  “I’m not going back with Rowena,” she whispered. Her hand roved in the space between them until it clasped his. “I’m staying here for a while longer.” She held her breath until he clasped her fingers and gave them a squeeze.

  “How much longer?” His voice emerged thickened, as though by a deep emotion.

  “I don’t know.” She paused as he failed to respond. “Do you mind?”

  “Stay, Zee. Stay with me.” He rolled to his side and tugged her so that her back was to his front, wrapping his arm around her middle and squeezing her. “I never want you to leave.”

  “Teddy,” she murmured as she rolled over to face him. She traced his cheek, frowning at the deep furrows there and on his forehead. “Even if I were in Washington, I’m always with you.” She leaned forward and kissed him softly. “I’ll always love you.”

  “I find that harder to believe when you are away. When you are seduced by your cause.” His eyes shone with torment as he admitted his feelings. “I can’t make you stay. I won’t make you stay.” He let out a deep breath. “But I would ask that you tell me first what you plan. I would hate to hear of your decision from a friend or an acquaintance.”

  “Oh, Teddy,” she whispered as a tear tracked down one of her cheeks. “I’ll always tell you first. And I’ve only ever been completely seduced by you. Not by my art. Not by my belief in suffragism. Only you.” She smiled as he cupped her cheek and kissed her.

  “Come, my love. Rest with me,” he murmured, tugging her into his arms.

  Zylphia relaxed into his embrace, her momentary joy overshadowed as she realized he had not avowed his love for her. She slipped into a restless sleep, dreaming of a time when she and Teddy were fully reconciled.

  * * *

  Perry Hawke followed the butler into the large office off the main hallway of the mansion in the Back Bay. He held a slim folder in his hands and stood with immaculate posture in his afternoon suit of navy blue with a crisp white shirt. “Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mr. Goff,” he said as he sat.

  Teddy nodded and leaned back in his chair. The wall space over his chair was blank, but it bore a slight shadow, as though a painting had once hung there. The bow-fronted windows to Teddy’s right let in bright sunshine on the late January afternoon, glistening off the pile of snow outside the window. A small fireplace behind Perry and beside the door helped heat the room. Teddy nodded to Aidan who emerged from the area near the fireplace. “Aidan was insistent we meet with you.”

  Perry rose, shaking Aidan’s hand, before he sat again with Aidan now beside him. “I feel foolish, having two of the great financial minds of our time looking over my meager savings. However, if you wouldn’t mind?” He handed over the folder, and Teddy clasped it.

  Perry fought the urge to fidget as Teddy frowned and then shook his head. After a few moments Teddy passed the folder to Aidan and waited for his father-in-law to peruse the precisely detailed notes.

  “Who is handling your money now?” Teddy asked with a tap of an injured finger on his desk.

  “A company out of New York but with offices in Chicago and Boston. I was to meet with one of their representatives tomorrow, but I would prefer your counsel.” Perry noted how Teddy’s eyes seemed to darken to a stormy gray.

  “Who were you to meet?” Teddy asked in a clipped tone.

  “A Mr. Owen Hubbard.” Perry looked from Aidan to Teddy and back again as they both let out hisses and shook their heads. “Should I be concerned?”

  “For some reason, you had the instinct to meet with us. Explain why.” Teddy leaned forward, his entire focus on Perry.

  “I have money saved, but it doesn’t seem to earn the rate of return that my friends discuss, even though some of my investments seem risky. And I worry that the management fees are too high.” When Teddy raised a brow at that remark, Perry said, “I was advised that it was normal for them to extract a portion of the profits earned as part of their fee.”

  “Vultures,” Aidan said, returning the folder to Teddy. “I’d withdraw my money from their accounts today, if possible. Teddy and I would be pleased to help you invest in more sensible ventures, with equal, if not greater, yields. Hopefully it will be a greater yield, but we cannot promise you anything.” Aidan sighed. He pointed at the papers now in front of Teddy. “What you have listed there are all of your investments?”

  “I own two houses and some land. The rest is there.”

  Aidan pulled out a card. “I would recommend you speak with your bank and inform them that you have new financial advisers and to deny anyone else access to your accounts from now on. I know you have little reason to put your faith in us over a large group from New York City, but I fear your carefully saved money could be at risk.”

  Perry sat in a daze at Aidan’s words.

  “If I may, Mr. Hawke?” Teddy began. “You excel at singing. I would bet your fortune”—he tapped the pages of Perry’s portfolio—“that you have relied on your instinct to survive and then to excel. Trust your instinct that caused you to doubt Mr. Hubbard’s group.”

  Perry frowned. “What would you recommend I do?”

  Teddy took a deep breath and shrugged. “My opinion isn’t a popular one, but I believe the War will end in one to two years, hopefully sooner. When it does, the economy may do well for a short time, but then it will decline. Although you may lose some money because you weren’t aggressive now, you won’t lose it all when the economy falters.”

  Perry rubbed at his chin and saw Aidan nod his agreement. “So you advise caution and risk reduction now, even though there is money to be made?”

  Aidan chuckled. “Someone will always tell you there is money to be made as they take it from you. If you want to know, we are following the same advice we are giving you now.”

  “What in my portfolio do you not like?”

  Teddy pointed to three items. “At a quick glance, these. They all depend on defense contracts. What happens when ther
e is no war?”

  Perry nodded. “I see.” He let out a deep breath. “Will I be seen as against the war effort because I’m not buying this stock? I depend on society’s goodwill to sell my music and to sell out my performances.”

  Aidan’s eyes flashed, and he shrugged. “There is that possibility if those without scruples leak your stock purchases. However, what you buy should remain confidential. If there ever is any concern about your patriotism, you should speak of the number of concerts you do to boost morale and about the amount of War Bonds you’ve bought, and few will focus on your stock portfolio.”

  Perry sighed and then nodded. “I will speak with my bank and have them telegram you when I have changed financial advisors. I know of you from your reputations as honest and hardworking men, and Lucas recommended you to me.” He held out his hand and then paused. “What is your commission?”

  “For you, a flat fee of $20 a year,” Aidan said with a smile. “Neither of us need the money, and we’ll enjoy the challenge of straightening out your finances.”

  Teddy cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable a moment. “I feel I should inform you that Mr. Hubbard will accuse me of stealing you as a client because I do not like him.”

  “Is he lying?” Perry asked.

  “No, I detest him. He treated my wife, Zylphia, abominably before we wed, and I will never forgive him that transgression. Besides, he’s dismal with anything financial. He’ll beggar you as he beggared his father.”