by Marie Force
“My best subject was religion. For a time, I thought about entering into the holy order.”
“Is it all right to say I’m extremely thankful that you didn’t?”
She offered a small smile. “Sometimes I think I would’ve been better off. The fact that I’m responsible for taking another’s life weighs heavily on my soul.”
“I’m sure it does, but you should take comfort in knowing that you did what you had to in order to protect yourself from someone who would’ve thought nothing of taking your life.”
“That brings small comfort. I fear that I’ll be damned in the afterlife for breaking one of the Ten Commandments. Thou shalt not kill.”
“Maeve, sweetheart, I have to believe that God would forgive you for defending yourself. You did what anyone would do when faced with certain death.”
“I guess I’ll find out when I reach the afterlife.”
“Which will be many, many, many years from now, during which you will absolve yourself of your sin over and over again by performing acts of kindness. By the time you reach your day of judgment, there will be no doubt whatsoever about where you belong.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’m almost always right. The longer we are married, the more you will realize that.”
She laughed—hard, which delighted him. Making her laugh had become one of his primary reasons for being. “I had no idea you had such a large opinion of yourself, Mr. Nelson.”
“Sure you did, and don’t call me Mr. Nelson. That’s my father.”
“How is he feeling? I’ve hardly seen him since the family arrived.”
“He is declining by the day. My brothers and I fear he won’t last the summer.”
“And the doctors can’t do anything?”
“Unfortunately, they believe that by the time he began showing symptoms, his illness was too far advanced to be treated. I spoke at length with my brother Anderson about it two days ago, and he and Alfie have taken on nearly all of my father’s duties within the company. They are looking forward to my return after the Season. Had I not invited friends to join me here, I’d be on my way back to New York now.”
“I’m sorry to hear he’s declining so rapidly.”
“As am I, but I’m glad he could be here with us for the summer. Perhaps the sea air will prove restorative to him.”
“I’ll pray for him.”
“Thank you.” He caressed her back in small smoothing circles. “Tomorrow the Season begins in earnest. I’ve hired Mrs. Allston’s niece, Kathleen, to be your maid. She has extensive experience working in other Newport households during the Season and will make sure you’re properly prepared for every event.”
“It would be fine with me, you know, to not participate in the Season. I could stay here while you accompany your friends.”
“It might be fine with you, but I’d like to show off my beautiful new wife and introduce her to friends.”
“They will never accept me.”
“We don’t need them to accept you. I accept you. That is the only thing that matters.”
“We both know that is not true.”
“Maeve, sweetheart, it’s the absolute truth. I do not care about society. I do not care what anyone thinks of me or my choice of a wife. We will go through the motions during the summer. We will enjoy our time with Derek and Catherine and the others, and we will spend as much time alone together as we possibly can. If or when it gets to be too much for you, all you have to do is look to me. I’ll be your port in the storm.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“It can be simple. No one can touch us unless we let them, and I, for one, will not let them.”
“The women will be vicious. That is how they are.”
Aubrey sighed, knowing it was true. “Stay close to Catherine and Madeleine. They will not allow anyone to disparage you.”
“That is an awful lot to ask of two women who have only just met me.”
“They like you, but they would do it for me. That is what friends are for. When Derek fell terribly ill with influenza, Justin and I were there for Catherine.”
“I didn’t know he was ill.”
“It was dreadful. We were so certain we were going to lose him.”
“Oh my goodness.”
“The night he became ill, we carried him to an icy bath that helped to lower his fever. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for any of them, and I know they return the sentiment. When I tell you they will care for you, I’m sure of it. Remember, too, that Catherine has no patience for the nonsense that perpetrates so-called polite society, and she will not allow anyone to be unkind to you. She and Madeleine were not raised in the aristocracy. Catherine wears her new title somewhat uncomfortably, going through the motions because it’s expected of her, not because she necessarily enjoys it. When you get to know her better, you will discover that most of the time she’d much rather be curled up with her husband and daughter or a good book and a cup of tea than hobnobbing with snobs.”
“Thank you for trying to make me feel better. No one has ever been as concerned about my well-being as you are.”
“I’ll always be concerned about your well-being, my sweet. It’s my job as your husband to make sure you’re happy. That is my most important job of all.” He kissed her lips, the tip of her nose and both eyelids. “Now close your eyes and get some rest.” He kissed her button nose every chance he got now that he was allowed to.
With his arms around her and her head cushioned by his chest, Aubrey was relieved to feel her relax into sleep sometime later. He would give everything he had to protect her from ever being hurt again. So many of the Season’s events kept the men and women separate, which meant he couldn’t be there any time she needed him. While he was confident that Catherine and Madeleine would be good friends to her, he couldn’t help but fear that others wouldn’t be so kind.
Chapter Sixteen
Maeve slept fitfully and woke to whispered voices. Aubrey stood fully dressed by the doorway, conferring with someone. She sat up, ran her fingers through her hair and tried to prepare herself to face this day. In all her life, she’d never imagined a scenario in which she’d be participating in the Newport Season as a member of society rather than as a member of the working class.
Despite Aubrey’s thoughtful assurances the night before, Maeve had few illusions about how she would be received. People would be polite until she spoke and revealed her nationality. Her stomach turned with dread. While things had greatly improved for Irish immigrants coming to America since the Civil War, in which many Irish enthusiastically fought on behalf of the Union, they were still seen in many circles as “less than.” This was especially true of Catholics like herself. Though many second- and third-generation Irish Americans had begun to gain political offices and other positions of prominence, the hundreds of thousands of Irish living in poverty and working in service helped to perpetuate the stereotypes.
Maeve had little doubt of how she would be received by the Knickerbocker set she had heard so much about from her benefactor in New York, who’d had nothing but disdain for the women who lorded over society.
Aubrey closed the bedroom door and came to the bed, sitting on the edge of the mattress. “Sorry if we woke you. Kathleen is here to help you prepare for the day, but first I’ve asked to have breakfast sent up.”
“You didn’t have to do that. I can go down.”
“No need.” He kissed her forehead. “You must allow me to pamper you.”
“That doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m used to working and contributing to the household. We were expected to help out at home.”
“I understand this is a big adjustment for you, but over time, you will become accustomed to it.”
“If you say so.”
A smile lit up his lovely, kind eyes. “I say so.”
A soft knock on the door had him getting up to receive her breakfast tray, which he brought to her, resting it on her lap.
He expertly poured her tea. “Some time ago.”
“I didn’t hear you get up.”
“You slept fitfully.”
“I hope I didn’t disturb you.”
“I like being disturbed by you.” When he was satisfied her tea had properly steeped, he stirred in the cream and spot of honey she preferred.
“You’re exceptionally good at preparing tea.”
“Two Seasons in London served me well.”
He stayed with her while she ate the scrambled eggs, sausage, oatmeal and kidneys.
She glanced up at him. “This is an awful lot of food for one person. Won’t you have a little?”
Aubrey shook his head. “You need sustenance to prepare you for a busy day.”
The reminder of the day ahead had her stomach turning with nerves. “I think I’ve had all I can manage.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am, thank you.”
“I’ll take your tray down and tell Kathleen you’re ready to get dressed.”
“When will I see you?”
“At the luncheon on the Astors’ steam yacht in the harbor. Derek, Simon, Justin and I’ll meet you and the other women there.”
Though Maeve had paid very little attention to the who’s who of society, even she recognized the name Astor from the information her benefactor had shared in New York. The Astors were among the cream of New York society and presumably held the same stature in Newport.
Her breakfast wanted to come back up at the thought of having to socialize with people of that caliber. Of course, they would all know by now that Mr. Nelson had married the housekeeper and she could only imagine the things that were being said about her—and him.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly, determined to make an effort for his sake, but having no illusions about what this day might entail.
Kathleen came bustling in a short time later, a ball of energy and speaking in the accent of Maeve’s home, as she got busy choosing attire from the wardrobes that had been packed with Worth gowns, gloves, hats and other items she would need for the multiple changes of clothing that would transpire each day. Kathleen told her a new outfit for every occasion would be required, along with matching hat and parasol, and as many as five pairs of gloves would be needed each day.
Maeve tried not to react with horror, as she didn’t want to offend the young woman, who had expertise in the attire required for the Season. She knew she ought to be grateful, but all she felt was deep, pervasive dread over the entire production.
Her maid had dark hair contained in a neat bun, dark brown eyes and a keen fashion sense that would serve Maeve well. If she was going to be labeled an outsider, at least she would be wearing the latest fashions when she was ignored. To her credit, Kathleen never said a word about the elephant in the room—that an Irishwoman had married a man like Aubrey.
By a quarter to nine, Maeve was decked out in a yellow day dress for the morning drive on Bellevue Avenue that would take place, as Kathleen informed her, in a phaeton, preferred for the lower sides that allowed for the best view of everyone’s outfits.
“The first time you pass a carriage, nod to any acquaintances,” Kathleen said. “The second time you smile, and the third time, you look away. This is a very important tradition, and you must never allow your carriage to overtake a social superior, although with the duchess and her sister riding with you, everyone else is inferior.”
Maeve listened to everything Kathleen told her, committing the rules to memory and hoping she wouldn’t commit a faux pas that would be discussed for years to come. Although she’d already committed the greatest of faux pas by marrying Aubrey in the first place.
After the morning parade, the ladies would be conveyed to the Casino where they would watch the tennis matches and exchange gossip. After that, they would be taken to Bailey’s Beach for ladies’ swimming before luncheon onboard a steamship in the harbor, followed by a stop at the polo grounds to watch the matches and an afternoon promenade on Bellevue Avenue. The evenings would consist of five-course dinners, parties, weekly Casino dances, debutante balls, theatrical performances and midnight suppers.
Maeve was exhausted, and she hadn’t even left the house for the first day of the two-month ordeal.
When Kathleen declared her ready, she steeled her nerves and headed downstairs. Naturally, the first person she encountered was her mother-in-law, who gave her a withering look that made her want to shrivel into a ball and hide in a corner. But then she remembered the things Aubrey had said to her, his sweet sincerity and desire to make their marriage successful. His affection gave her the courage to keep her chin up and meet Eliza’s steely glare head on.
“Good morning, Mrs. Nelson.” Maeve clasped her hands behind her back so the woman wouldn’t see the way they trembled.
Eliza was about to say something when she apparently thought better of it, turned, and walked away.
“That was rather chilly,” a voice behind Maeve said.
She turned to find Madeleine. “Oh hello. I mean good morning.” The other woman’s delicate beauty was on full display this morning with her light blue day dress perfectly complementing her dark blue eyes.
“Good morning to you, too.”
“I’m sorry you had to see that.” Maeve glanced in the direction Eliza had headed. “She is unhappy with her son’s choice of a wife.”
“Simon told me last night that Aubrey is positively smitten over you, and since we adore him, we adore you. Try not to worry. You’re not without friends here.”
“Thank you,” Maeve said, genuinely moved by Madeleine’s kind words, not to mention hearing that her husband was smitten over her. “I rather adore him, too.”
Mr. Plumber gestured for them to head for the front door.
As she walked by, her arm linked with Madeleine’s, the butler offered a wink and smile that further bolstered Maeve’s confidence. To know he was pulling for her helped to settle her nerves somewhat.
Catherine was already in one phaeton while Aubrey’s sisters occupied another.
Wiggie and Kaiser were there to help them into the vehicles.
“You look mighty fine, Mrs. Nelson,” Wiggie said.
“Mighty fine indeed,” Kaiser said.
“Thank you both,” she said, taking a seat across from Catherine and Madeleine.
When they were ready, the driver—a man Maeve didn’t recognize—took the reins and directed the matched pair of horses down the driveway toward the avenue.
“I did a lot of research about Newport prior to our visit,” Catherine said.
“She reads everything,” her sister added in a teasing tone.
Catherine raised a brow in her sister’s direction. “How else would we know what to expect?”
“How else indeed.” Madeleine gestured for Catherine to continue. “Educate us.”
“It’s all about the women in Newport. The men are mostly absent during the week and take the Fall River boat up from New York on weekends and often leave before dessert is served on Sundays to return to the city for another workweek. In addition, since there is nothing else of import occurring during the summer in Newport, society is all there is. No business is conducted or stock market or any of the other distractions that are part of life in New York. Here it’s all about socializing and the women are in charge. Three in particular—Mrs. Astor, Mrs. Mills and Mrs. Goelet. They decide who is in and who is out, and from what I read it can take five years for someone to work their way into proper Newport society, and even after putting in all that time, there is still no guarantee of success.”
“Why would anyone care to bother?” Madeleine asked, her lips pursed with distaste.
“You know why,” her sister said. “It’s all about prestige.”
“Eh.” Madeleine waved her hand disdainfully. “Who cares?”
“These people care greatly,” Catherine declared as women in every carriage they encoun
tered waved to them, hoping to gain the duchess’s attention.
“How do they know it’s you?” Maeve asked, fascinated.
Catherine returned every wave she received. “I presume they know everyone else, so they have identified me through the process of elimination.”
Maeve chuckled softly. “I’ll never understand how all of this works.”
“Don’t worry, dear.” Madeleine patted Maeve’s knee. “We don’t understand either.”
The three of them shared a laugh that further settled Maeve’s uneasiness. To have two such wonderful allies and friends as they headed into “battle” was truly a blessing to behold.
“May I speak to you about a matter of somewhat grave concern?” Maeve asked the question hesitantly, but Aubrey had assured her she could trust these women, and she was about to take his word for that.
“Of course. Madeleine and I hope the three of us will be the best of friends.”
“You have no idea how much I appreciate that.”
“We have a small idea,” Catherine said. “Two years ago, we were living in a tiny village with our mother and father, who was the village blacksmith. Today, I’m married to a duke and Madeleine is married to his cousin. We understand what it’s like to be thrust into something for which you’re woefully unprepared.”
“I suppose you do understand.”
“What is troubling you?” Madeleine asked, her kind eyes portraying nothing but sincere concern.
“Mrs. Nelson.”
Catherine’s delicate brows furrowed with confusion. “Aubrey’s mother? She seems like a nice enough lady.”
“How can I say this tactfully?”
“Is she putting on a show for Aubrey’s illustrious guests?” Madeleine asked.
“Yes.” Maeve liked Madeleine more with every minute she spent in her presence. “You must never let on that I told you this, but the previous Newport staff disliked her so intensely, they left the windows open for the entire winter. They put food in her room to ensure total destruction.”
“Good lord,” Catherine whispered.
Maeve spoke in a low tone. “By all accounts, the woman is a monster.”
“She’d have to be for her staff to react that way,” Madeleine said.