Flirtation on the Hudson
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FLIRTATION ON THE HUDSON
Journey of Cornelia Rose – Book 1
Copyright © 2019 J.F. Collen
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ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622536347
ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-634-4
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Editor: Kimberly Goebel
Cover Artist: Kabir Shah
Interior Designer: Lane Diamond
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
At the end of this novel of approximately 98,803 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) PIONEER PASSAGE by J.F. Collen, the second novel from this “Journey of Cornelia Rose” series, and; 2) BEHIND THE OPEN WALLS by Lanette Kauten, another historical fiction piece with strong female characters, which we think you’ll enjoy. We provide these as a FREE extra service, and you should in no way consider it a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.
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eBook License Notes:
You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
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Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.
Books by J.F. Collen
THE JOURNEY OF CORNELIA ROSE
Book 1: Flirtation on the Hudson
Book 2: Pioneer Passage
Book 3: The Path of Saints and Sinners
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www.JFCollen.com
What Others Are Saying:
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“This is a beautiful story and the author brings to life a period of history with its traits and way of life.... Flirtation on the Hudson is real; a narrative that features elaborately developed characters and adventures that will keep readers entertained. JF Collen combines humor and wit in a work that is hugely entertaining. I enjoyed every bit of this story.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Christian Sia (5 STARS)
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“Flirtation on The Hudson is an enjoyable read and is perfect for those wanting to move away from dark, angst-ridden novels and who are looking for something lighter but no less thrilling. While it is set in the mid-19th century J. F. Collen’s plucky young heroine in Flirtation on The Hudson will nonetheless resonate with readers of today who may be going on their own journeys in life as they follow Cornelia’s spirit of adventure and genuine charm.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Kayti Nika Raet (5 STARS)
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“Cornelia Rose is reckless and naïve, feisty and flirtatious, a rebel and a romantic. One moment she desires to be a midwife, the next in the theater! Yet, she is bold and intelligent in her pursuit of knowledge and local history, making her a brilliant conversationalist. These conflicting attributes make her an interesting, humorously frustrating at times), dynamic character.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Cheryl E. Rodriguez (5 STARS)
BONUS CONTENT
We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.
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In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the First 2 Chapters of PIONEER PASSAGE, the second book in this great series.
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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!
FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:
THE JOURNEY OF CORNELIA ROSE Series at Evolved Publishing
In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the First 2 Chapters of Lanette Kauten’s compelling literary/historical tale, BEHIND THE OPEN WALLS.
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“This story made me examine my own personal prejudices. However, it reminds me that one is not bound to, nor limited by, their past. This book grabbed me in the first scene and held my interest through to the very end. Another great read by Ms. Kauten.” ~ Julia A. Harris
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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!
FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:
LANETTE KAUTEN’S Books at Evolved Publishing
Table of Contents
Copyright
Books by J.F. Collen
What Others Are Saying
BONUS CONTENT
Table of Contents
Dedication
FLIRTATION ON THE HUDSON
Prologue – Love is in the Air
PART ONE – NEW YORK
Chapter 1 – Don’t Rain on My Parade
Chapter 2 – Summer Breeze
Chapter 3 – Strangers in the Night
Chapter 4 – What a Day for a Daydream
Chapter 5 – Anticipation
Chapter 6 – Out of the Frying Pan
Chapter 7 – Into the Fire
Chapter 8 – Lord, Deliver Us
Chapter 9 – Rescue Me
Chapter 10 – Some Enchanted Evening
Chapter 11 – Baby, to You, All I am is the Invisible Man
Chapter 12 – Sugar, You are my Candy Girl
Chapter 13 – Downtown
Chapter 14 – School Days
Chapter 15 – Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat
PART TWO – NEW YORK
Chapter 16 – Before the Parade Passes By
Chapter 17 – Oh! I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Chapter 18 – Tea for Two
Chapter 19 – There’s a Kind of Hush
Chapter 20 – Benny Havens, O!
Chapter 21 – Homeward Bound
Chapter 22 – Wedding March
Chapter 23 – Don’t Know Much about History
Chapter 24 – Déjà vu
Chapter 25 – Color My World
Chapter 26 – It’s Christmas Time in the City
Chapter 27 – Caught Between the Moon and New York City
Chapter 28 – Stuck in Colder Weather
Chapter 29 – True Colors
Chapter 30 – Send in the Clowns
Chapter 31 – The Show Must Go On
Chapter 32 – Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?
Chapter 33 – At the Least Suggestion, I’ll Pop the Question
Chapter 34 – But Can We Still Be Friends?
Chapter 35 – Get Me to the Church on Time
Book Club Guide
Interview with the Author
Special Sneak Preview: PIONEER PASSAGE by J.F. Collen
Acknowledgements
About the Author
More from Evolved Publishing
Special Sneak Preview: BEHIND THE OPEN WALLS by Lanette Kauten
Dedication
To: My family and friends;
without your love and support,
I could never have charted this course.
Prologue – Love is in the Air
West Point, March 1850
Corne
lia Rose bent to retrieve her glove, inadvertently setting off a series of sighs from the bench full of admirers. She turned in surprise, her abrupt movement sending her parasol wobbling precariously on her shoulder. She swiped at her parasol and caused a domino effect: her handbag sloshed, its contents erupting from the unfastened top, and her handkerchief escaped from her one successfully gloved hand. A veritable platoon of men sat, sprawled, and perched on the lone bench on the busy wharf at West Point Academy. Mercy, I am on display! she thought. Nellie turned crimson in one quick flush. She bent to scoop her belongings back into her handbag and almost lost her balance. Regaining her footing, she tucked a stray strand of hair into her elaborately feathered new hat, and attempted a look of nonchalance. The fifteen-year-old debutante force a smile, with what she hoped was a flirtatious, but refined, expression on her face.
That smile was enough to send one cadet catapulting off the bench. He swooped low to retrieve the piece of pink silk, and turned the motion into an exaggerated bow.
“Mademoiselle, may I say your appearance is akin to an angelic visitation to lost souls sufferin’ in hell,” he drawled in a Southern accent. Nellie reached to retrieve the handkerchief and the cadet boldly caught her hand in his own large grasp. An onlooker from the bench gave a loud guffaw.
Her mother, still standing next to her berating the sailor from the steamboat, gave Nellie a warning tsk, tsk, but did not stop her lecture on proper baggage handling.
“Thank you, gallant knight, for your alacrity, and most chivalrous retrieval of my personal belonging,” said Nellie. She extracted her hand and beamed with pride at her own very poised reply.
Encouraged in spite of losing Nellie’s hand, the cadet leaned closer, saying, “Your fine airs have captured, I say simply captured my heart. May I escort you on a short promenade to Flirtation Walk?”
Numerous chuckles rippled through the bench.
Nellie stepped back in alarm.
“Come, come,” said the cadet, realizing his tactical error. “‘Tis merely a path to Battery Cove where the Great Chain was affixed during our Revolutionary War.”
Cornelia attempted diplomacy. “But for the fact that your offer has come at a rather inopportune time....” She gestured to the ladies and luggage behind her. “As you can see we have just arrived. I am sure our little group would have been delighted to accompany you.”
“Cornelia Rose, why must you always be so difficult to locate?” A peevish voice interrupted her intoxicating repartee with the cadet. Nellie stiffened. She had no doubt as to whom that voice belonged. ‘Tis plumb irritating that he should choose just this one, singular time to be punctual. Without thinking she stamped her foot in anger. I thought he had guard duty for many hours. How truly grating the sound of that whiny voice! Elmer P. Otis. I am quite certain the “P” stands for ‘petulant.’
Just in time, she remembered her manners, even before she heard her mother’s tsk, tsk admonition. She forced a smile in Elmer’s direction.
“Fellows, this is my drag for the soiree and its attendant events,” Elmer proclaimed to the cadet. He glared at the bench of potential beaus, every one of his regulation twenty-four brass buttons threatening to pop off his dress uniform jacket as he puffed out his chest.
Not only am I stuck with this ne’er-do-well, but my presence is merely a ploy to elevate his social stature! Nellie groused to herself.
The handkerchief-retrieving cadet bowed and walked away. With grunts and grumbling, some of Elmer’s fellow West Point Cadets dispersed in different directions to await arriving river traffic at other spots on the landing. Elmer remained standing at attention in front of Nellie, poor-complexioned chin thrust out proudly beneath his grimly pursed lips. A First Cadet rose from the bench and leaned his lips close to Elmer’s ear. “You lucky cur!” Nellie heard. Cadet Otis grinned. The First Year punched Elmer in the arm and Elmer changed his position to ‘at ease.’
Nellie’s mother ended her harangue of the luggage-handling sailor and turned toward them. Elmer came to attention again.
“Mrs. Entwhistle.” Elmer P. Otis bowed. “I am most grateful you granted permission to your illustrious daughter to attend this week’s festivities.”
Nellie’s mother smiled with her well-bred grace and extended her hand. Cornelia, her sisters, and her friend Augusta curtsied.
“Ladies.” Elmer had the grace to nod and bow again towards Cornelia as he looked at their group. “Say! That’s a fair amount of cases for just an overnight stay! Are you ladies planning to enroll as cadets?”
Mrs. Entwhistle coughed and looked chagrined. Nellie’s sister Agnes frowned with disdain and Anastasia and Augusta giggled.
Now do you comprehend my concerns, Mutter? Nellie thought. Elmer cannot summon sufficient social grace to court a farm hand.
Her mother caught Nellie’s eye, was that sympathy in her gaze? but did not issue the bristling retort Nellie thought Elmer’s oafish remark mandated.
Mrs. Entwhistle shook her head and said, “Cadet Otis, please assist us with these cases. Where is a conveyance for transportation to the West Point Hotel? We must settle ourselves before this afternoon’s parade.”
“Conveyance?” Elmer scratched his head.
Nellie did not wait for Elmer to formulate a plan. She and her friend Augusta located a dockhand and scurried over to obtain his, and his handcart’s, services. There are only five cases after all, she thought. ‘Tis not excessive!
“Perhaps I could shoulder one case,” Elmer was offering upon their return. “...And I could round up a group to....”
Suddenly, Augusta shrieked, drowning out Mrs. Entwhistle’s reply.
“Nathaniel!” Augusta shouted. “My sweet!”
A tall good-looking cadet jumped the last foot from the path to West Point’s campus onto the quay and swept Augusta into his arms.
Nellie’s mother was apoplectic with disapproval. She frowned at Cornelia as if to say ‘I had better never witness this type of wildly inappropriate behavior from you.’
Why cast disapproving eyes upon me? Nellie wondered. My comportment has consisted of naught contrary to your counseling. Nellie tilted her head to the side and amended her thought to, well, naught worse than taking off my gloves on the sloop!
With Augusta Van Cortlandt secured safely on his arm, Nathaniel Foster from Sparta, New York remembered his upbringing. “Mistress Cornelia Entwhistle, how fare you?”
Nellie smiled and pointed with her head towards her mother.
“Mrs. Entwhistle, forgive me!” Nathaniel bowed low before Nellie’s mother. “In my haste to greet my fiancée, I do believe I have forgotten my manners.” Nellie’s mother frowned, but extended her hand. Nellie’s sisters bobbed another curtsey.
Nathaniel gave short shrift to the formalities and turned to Nellie, steering her away from Otis. With a hint of urgency in his voice, he said, “Cornelia Rose. Have you returned the correspondence of Obadiah Wright? He advised you have been incommunicado for some time and it worries him terribly.”
Cornelia stole a glance at Elmer, hesitant in formulating a reply. I do find Obadiah far more charming than this oaf Elmer. But so, she reasoned, is one of those trained monkeys that ride an organ grinder’s shoulders in New York City. It was just hard to remember to write to Mr. Wright when she was so busy with her social life.
“You know how those Yale men can be.” Nathaniel laughed. “Lonely for a word from his beautiful lady.”
“We must continue this conversation later,” interjected Mrs. Entwhistle, observing Nellie with a softened glance, sparing her from further reply. “The ladies have had far too much exposure to the sun. We must repair to our lodging and change our attire for the parade.”
In the scramble to supervise the luggage handling and assemble the group for the walk up the hill to the West Point Hotel, Nellie evaded further conversation with Cadet Otis.
As they headed toward the path, Nellie felt a tug on her elbow.
“Miss, did you drop this?” A
broad shouldered, bespectacled cadet leaned down close to her face. Intimidated by his large size and his close proximity Nellie said ‘no’, turning away without even looking at the proffered item.
“Beg pardon, Miss.” The cadet tapped her on the shoulder. “I know I am nearsighted, but I was fairly certain this glove dropped from your hand.”
Tarnation! That dratted glove! Nellie blushed, turned, and snatched the glove. “Why th-thank you for your k-kindness,” she stammered.
The large young man grinned and leaned close again. He whispered in her ear, “Save a space on your dance card for me! I wish a dance with the belle of the ball too.”
Surprised, Nellie looked up into his smiling face.
He winked!
Goodness, I hope Mutter isn’t... Nellie did not even finish the thought. She looked away from the cadet; Mrs. Entwhistle had witnessed the entire exchange.
My only sin is removing my gloves on the sloop, Nellie repeated to herself. She picked up her skirts and scurried up the path past her mother.
PART ONE – NEW YORK
Chapter 1 – Don’t Rain on My Parade
Manhattan, October 1842
Seven-year-old Nellie shivered in anticipation, her eyes refusing to close. They had practiced the Ode to Croton night and day, singing through their chores. Earlier today, Father led them in song on the joyous carriage ride to Grandmama’s. Nellie softly sang it to herself, her metronome provided by the snores of her sister Agnes, sleeping on the far end of the bed, and the sweet puffs of breath from Anastasia snuggled in between them. She moved her hand, checking for the edge of the bed. Not even an inch to spare before she tumbled off the eider down comforter and onto the elegant polished hardwood floor below her. She had better not turn over! Her muscles tensed even more.
It wasn’t the starched scratchiness of Grandmama Pffernuss’s fine cotton pillowcase irritating her sensitive skin that kept her awake. It wasn’t the terrifying formidable grandness of her grandparent’s house. It wasn’t even the intimidatingly huge city of New York surrounding the house that made her feel edgy and alert.