The Mystery Trip

by Helen Naismith

  Anne felt the meeting was productive. Since all the women had prior experience in organizing special events for their clubs, churches, and other social and civic organizations, she had complete confidence in them. She also felt they would work well together to assure the success of this first Spring Gala, knowing the future of the Foundation depended on it.

  In thanking them, she said, “I know we can depend on you to do a wonderful job this first year so people will want to support the Foundation year after year. And I’m sure you will all agree that it is the very thing that Claire would want us to do.”

  The women and their volunteers did not disappoint her. While many on the various committees were Red Hatters, many more were friends, and friends of friends of Ed and Claire who enthusiastically supported the memorial. During the following months, funds were raised through promotion, donations and ticket sales, and on the evening of June 18th, Claire’s birthday, all was ready for what they hoped would be the first of many successful Spring Galas.

  Chapter 38

  Billed as a Great Gatsby Lawn Party, it was everything the name implied, and more. Jenny Adams had put her heart and soul into the event, giving the Council and all the committees free reign over her entire estate.

  At five o’clock on the day of the Gala, a youth group from her church stood ready to park arriving automobiles. Dressed in white knickers, shirts, vests and caps, they were a dashing group of young men as they awaited the guests.

  The party began shortly before six o’clock with the arrival of the first of many beautifully restored vintage automobiles. First up the drive was a highly polished, maroon 1932 four-passenger Duesenberg, which understandably its owner and others like him opted to park themselves. In addition to these high-quality passenger cars, the “Duesy” racing car was very popular, winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1924, 1925 and 1927, driven by Eddie Rickenbacker during his early years as a race car driver.

  Within the hour, a total of fourteen of these epoch vehicles held a place of honor in the roped-off parking area. The prized possessions of Massachusetts members of an antique automobile club, they added much to the theme of the Great Gatsby period.

  Obviously, convertibles were popular during those early transportation days, judging from the number that came to this first Spring Gala. They included a shiny blue 1936 Packard sedan, a bright red 1939 American Bantam roadster, and a 1941 dark blue Chevrolet Special Deluxe coupe. Earlier models included a 1902 Oldsmobile Curved Dash and a 1905 Cadillac Runabout, both of which drew a steady stream of admiring onlookers.

  But the automobiles weren’t the only thing on display at this snazzy lawn party. The costumes of both men and women also made a big hit. The women were chic and sophisticated in brightly colored flapper and knee-length long-waisted dresses and long pearl necklaces. Many wore stylish, close-fitting, bell-shaped cloche hats; others were decked out in finger wave hairstyles with sequined headbands and feathers.

  Men, too, looked dapper in their 1920s outfits. Several wore tennis whites, others light-weight seersucker suits, bowties, boaters and straw hats. A few even came nattily dressed as gangsters in black Zoot suits, shirts and hats, sporting wide white ties. A retired military officer stood out as Jimmy Cagney, elegant in a black tuxedo and black felt hat. Still others wore knickers, jacket and English driving cap, looking much like fashionable Brits playing a game of lawn croquet. All came to enjoy the party, and party they did.

  In keeping with the theme of the Prohibition gangster era, a speakeasy bar was set up on the terrace. White cocktail napkins were embossed in bold black lettering with slang used by the criminal element during that violent period.

  “Lettuce” and “cabbage” meant money.

  “Beef” meant a problem, and unless it was resolved satisfactorily would usually end in the “big sleep,” meaning death.

  “Fuzz” was the police who often had to call a “meat wagon” when men got shot in the “noodle.”

  “Sheba” was a woman with sex appeal. “Squeeze” was a mobster’s girlfriend, and a “flat tire” was a disappointing date.

  As guests enjoyed mint juleps, champagne and other cool spirits, a Victrola played 78 rpm records by Al Jolson, Irving Berlin, Fanny Brice and other vocalists from the Roaring ’20s. An authentic internal horn phonograph, the historic music maker was the pride and joy of Jenny’s late grandfather, Lynwood Adams, who was a musician during that period.

  On the side lawn, croquet was available for the playful before dinner. Under five large white tents, the great lawn was transformed into an outdoor dining room with hanging Oriental lanterns and beautifully decorated tables where the five hundred ticket holders enjoyed a catered gourmet dinner. Dusk was beginning to settle when the guests made their way to the dining tables under the huge lighted tents. The printed menu at their place setting read:

  Canapé of Anchovies

  Cream of Celery with Toasties

  Celery Olives

  Aiguillette of Striped Bass Join Ville

  Potatoes a la Hollandaise

  Medallion of Spring Lamb, Chasseur

  Asparagus Tips au Gratin

  ***

  Breast of Chicken a la Rose

  Waldorf Salad, Mayonnaise

  ***

  Venetian Ice Cream

  Assorted Cakes

  White Rock Mineral Water

  A temporary departure from the Roaring ’20s mood was an enchanting musical interlude during dinner as strolling violinists played selections of classical music, including the beautiful Blue Danube and other favorite compositions.

  Later guests wandered over to the dance floor, where the pace picked up considerably with a popular, high-energy ragtime band. They danced the night away on oak wood parquet panels made into a portable dance floor high above the ocean. This, too, was under a huge tent with hanging Oriental lamps which, as darkness fell, glimmered on the flowing waters below.

  Dressed in black pants and vest with white shirts and straw hats, the eight-piece ensemble looked just dandy as it blared out the Tin Pan Alley hits of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and other musical greats of that period. The more advanced dancers easily mastered the steps of the Charleston, tango, and foxtrot, but found the black bottom and Lindy hop a little more challenging. Other couples less agile took to the dance floor to join in the fun, simply keeping step with the lively music as the band played on. In addition to straight ragtime, tunes included blues, jazz, and even classical pieces in the ragtime style.

  It was just after midnight when the last car pulled away from the grassy parking area. The caterer had cleared away the tables and food stations in all five tents and would return in the morning for the rest of the rental equipment. Meg had settled accounts with the musicians, including the band leader and the strolling violinists. Tom Gordon and Bill Cowan returned the Victrola to the Adams music room and now the two husbands stood at the cliff’s edge enjoying the soft breezes from the sea below. Having overseen clean-up activities, the four Council members went into the house and found their hostess in the kitchen.

  Jenny Adams greeted them with a big smile. “Ladies, I congratulate you. Everyone enjoyed themselves, I do believe. You carried out the theme of the party amazingly well. To say it was a success in every detail is an understatement.”

  “Yes, I think everyone had a good time,” Anne agreed. “We can’t begin to thank you for sharing your beautiful home for our first event. The setting was absolutely perfect. It allowed everyone to mix and get to meet new friends.”

  Slipping her arms through Meg’s and Anne’s, Jenny led them into the living room. She turned to Rosemary and said, “I was so glad that you asked me. It was my great honor to have you all here. My husband would have loved it. He knew many of the guests who were here tonight.”

  She then mentioned several fund-raisers they had hosted when he was alive, including the one for the Christian academy that Rosemary and Harold attended ten years earlier. The looks on the faces of the tw
o women when they spoke of their late husbands revealed their long-lasting happy marriages, as well as the warm friendship the two women now shared.

  As they said goodnight shortly thereafter, the Red Hat Queens were thrilled that their first fund-raiser was a resounding success, and agreed that it was a wonderful beginning for Claire’s Memorial Foundation.

  Chapter 39

  Meg invited the other members of the Council for coffee at her house on Monday morning to go over the figures. After all expenses were paid, she advised them, there would be a balance of $68,742.84 in the Foundation’s bank account.

  They were overjoyed. For many months they had worked diligently planning and overseeing every detail of this, the first Spring Gala. They were pleased not only with the financial result but also with the overwhelming success of the event itself. It had, indeed, been all they had hoped it would be: a very elegant affair that guests enjoyed and would talk about for a long time. And even more importantly, they would look forward to next year’s event.

  But not lost in their discussions was the altruistic purpose of the Foundation.

  Claire was a very special woman and meant a great deal to many people throughout her entire lifetime. Although born into wealth and privilege, since childhood she showed concern for others, and when she could she did something about it. For her, it wasn’t a matter of sending an impersonal donation from a safe distance, although she contributed to many charitable organizations in that way. She also went into the trenches to help in person, face-to-face, with compassion and an open checkbook. The fact that she could still help others after her death would please her very much, they felt, which is why they would dedicate themselves to make the Foundation a success as a living memorial to her.

  It was agreed that Anne would make an appointment for the Council to meet with Ed and Paul at the Children’s Inn in Woodbridge Notch the following weekend to establish guidelines for disposition of the funds each year. Since the clinic had been in operation for a full year, they felt Paul might have a wish list for further renovations, additional medical equipment, or suggestions to better serve the needs of his young patients. Meg felt, based on the funds generated at the first fund-raiser, it would be wise for Paul to have a discretionary fund in addition to the little extras the women planned for the children’s enjoyment. Also, Ed’s counsel was needed in settling the Foundation’s guaranteed assets, which he had provided.

  When Anne called Ed and Paul later that day, they both agreed to make themselves available for a meeting the following Saturday. Both had attended the Gala at Jenny Adams’ home, Ed with Drew and Beverly and Paul with his wife, Peggy. They were all glad that the memorial had generated so much excitement and support.

  “It’s a wonderful party,” Ed had told her that evening under the dinner tent. “You women did a great job. I can’t tell you how grateful Paul and I are that you have undertaken this memorial fund to benefit the children. Claire would be very pleased.”

  As they sat around a dining room table at the clinic on Saturday morning, Ed spoke as Anne and Meg were getting out their notes.

  “First, let me congratulate you all for the great job you did with this first fund-raiser. But I’m not surprised because I knew you would.”

  He hesitated just a moment and smiled before mentioning the woman who was never far from his thoughts, “I know Claire is happy about it, too.”

  Then on a more serious note, he looked directly at Anne and said, “About the assets required for the Foundation, I want to leave them in place exactly as they are now. I’ve discussed this with Drew and my attorney, and the arrangement will be perpetual as long as the Foundation exists. The funds that are generated each year will be solely for the clinic, with you and Paul making all the decisions. So don’t give the assets a second thought. They are guaranteed for the lifetime of the Foundation.”

  The women were grateful and, likewise, they were not surprised. Claire had been Ed’s life partner and would continue to be as long as he lived. He wanted to be involved in the Foundation, to work in the background and help in any way he could. As Anne thanked him with a hug and a kiss, there was a tear in everyone’s eyes, including his own. To the women it was proof positive that they could count on these two brothers, and that in itself guaranteed the future success of their efforts.

  For the next hour they discussed the allocation of funds — the amount to remain in the Foundation, the amount designated for the children, and an amount for Paul’s wish list.

  But when the subject of the discretionary fund came up for discussion, Paul hesitated. “I’m at a loss for words, Ladies. You are so thoughtful,” he said. “I think we pretty well covered everything with the original renovations, equipment and office. We keep the pharmacy well stocked with the specialized medicine we need, and it’s wonderful that you ladies will provide extra items for the children’s enjoyment.”

  But the women, joined by Ed, persisted, pressing him further.

  “Just think about it, Paul,” prompted Meg. “If there’s anything more you need, funds will be available.”

  The other women had been listening closely to the discussion. On the drive up, all four had discussed a discretionary fund and tossed around ideas. Rosemary offered a suggestion to which Anne now gave voice.

  “During the summertime there are lots of activities at the Jack O’ Lantern and at the various attractions for children who are ambulatory. You’ll be open all year, Paul. What about the winter months? They’re not able to go skiing or sledding, or do anything else outside. They’ll pretty much be snowed in all winter.”

  “What are you thinking, Anne?” asked Ed, knowing the conversation was leading somewhere.

  “How about an indoor swimming pool?” she answered. “Maybe not this year or the next, but funds could be allocated and saved for it. I realize that would involve constructing another room on the house, but it could be done, couldn’t it?” she asked, directing the question at Paul.

  “Yes, I suppose it could, perhaps at the rear of the building,” he answered. Then, with more conviction in his voice, he added, “It would certainly help the children exercise, not only during the winter months but all year round.”

  “What do you think, Ed?” asked Meg, also warming to the idea. “I’ve sold houses that have added a room for a portable swim spa, which costs $12,000 to $15,000 installed. They’re not as large as a swimming pool, but they’d be big enough for the children to exercise and have fun in; the water is not deep. The add-on room would be an additional expense. We could handle the costs of holiday gifts and parties for the children and try to get complimentary tickets to the attractions, and put most of the money toward the room and pool if that’s what Paul would like to have.”

  “Let’s see,” Ed replied, running the figures in his mind. “Based on what you cleared this year, you’d probably be able to do it within a year or two. I’ll look into the cost of building a heated room in the rear.”

  Then turning to Paul, he chided him with a smile, “Is it a go, Brother?”

  “I think it’s a great idea. The kids would love it. All the resorts up here have heated spas, but it’s a luxury I didn’t feel we could afford. I’ve seen brochures in the medical library in Boston advertising them for health and fitness. The ones I saw have wave propulsion and are good for swimming, aquatic exercises and relaxing therapy.”

  Turning to Anne, he thanked her for the suggestion, but she quickly told him it was Rosemary’s idea. Looking first at Rosemary, then his eyes moving from one to the other, he said, “You gals are terrific. What would we do without them, Ed?”

  “Claire and I have known these lovely ladies for many years. They’re family,” he smiled. Seated next to Anne, he pressed her hand. “I’m not at all surprised that they would do this, and I’m sure we’ll have lots of happy youngsters around here, thanks to them.”

  “I’ll have our accountant set up a separate account for the Foundation,” offered Paul, and again directing his remark
at the women he added, “and you can work with her directly regarding the things you want to do for the children.”

  At the end of the meeting, Meg gave Paul a check for $50,000, some of which would be used for gifts and entertainment for the children and the rest placed in Paul’s discretionary fund for the pool. While there was no doubt that Paul was pleased that the Foundation would be of great benefit to the clinic, Ed’s feelings were those of Anne and the other women. To them, it was all about Claire and their enduring love for her.

  Chapter 40

  The following year was a busy one for everyone associated with the Stone Brook Children’s Inn and the Claire Endicott Benson Memorial Foundation. On Monday morning following the meeting at Stone Brook, both Ed and Anne turned their attention to the Children’s Inn, Ed working on plans for the swimming pool and Anne looking toward next year’s fund-raiser.

  After the women left on Saturday afternoon, Paul and Ed, eager to start on the project, lost no time in surveying the interior and exterior of the building to determine the best location for it. They decided to add the room at the rear of the clinic behind the outer kitchen wall, and extend the hallway to allow access to the pool from the common area. The room would be large enough to include a pool, two showers, two benches and a locker. It also would have an outside door for use in warm weather, as well as for an emergency exit.

  Ed decided to stay in Woodbridge Notch the following week to meet with the contractor to draw up plans. He and Paul were pleased with the work Harry Mason and his crew had done in renovating the Lodge, and they felt confident he’d do as well with this project.

  But before calling the contractor, Ed wanted to go over the plans with the women and called Anne later that evening.