by ID Johnson
“Good. I’ll arrange to take you over in the morning.”
“What about the lawyers?” Meg asked, remembering the conversation from earlier.
“They don’t come until the afternoon.”
“You’ll go with me?”
“Yes, of course. I need to see the girls.”
Thoughts of Ruth and Baby Lizzy warmed her heart. “They will be so excited to see you.”
She thought from his expression he might be remembering how darling Ruth had been when they were looking for dolphins and octopuses on the ship. “I’ll have to stop by and get them a gift before we go.”
“Perhaps a doll with real eyes?” Meg suggested, referring to the old doll she’d given Ruth when she was a toddler that now had marbles for eyes
“Not a bad idea. Dolly New Eyes almost cost us dearly.”
“You don’t have to remind me.” It had been leaving that doll behind that caused Ruth to go back into the depths of Titanic and almost lost all three of them their lives.
“I suppose we should go in now before Jonathan comes out to check on us.” He gave Jonathan a little wave, but there was no gesture in return, an indication that the chaperone wasn’t happy at their sneakiness.
“It might be entertaining to see him traipse all the way down here,” Meg noted, but she was already standing, knowing she should go back inside and try to sleep again if she was going to be visiting friends the next day.
Charlie rose as well, and turning to face her, he made a big show of extending his hand. “Lovely to see you again, Miss Westmoreland.”
Laughing, she shook his hand with as much animation as she could muster so that Jonathan could clearly see their antics. “Likewise, Mr. Ashton.”
“I shall call upon you on the morrow.” He continued to pump her arm.
“Very good then.”
“Sweet dreams.’
“And to you.”
He finally released her, and she turned to go, giggling. A few steps away, she spun to see if he was still watching her. He was, but he was also backing slowly toward the door. Glancing up at the window, she saw Jonathan still standing there sentient, and burying her hands deep in her coat pockets, she rushed toward the apartment, wondering why she suddenly felt the tables were turned and the servant was such an influence over their decisions.
As she approached the stairs, she took a chance and looked up at the heavens. She knew Charlie was doubting God’s existence, but when she looked up at the sky, there was no doubt in her mind He was there. Despite all that she’d gone through, she finally felt she had found favor in His eyes. None of this had happened by chance.
Chapter Six
Meg had hoped Charlie might feel up to driving, but he had declined stating he still didn’t feel as coordinated as he would like in order to captain a motor coach. It ended up working in her favor anyway, however, since she was able to sit in the back with him, holding his hand, as the driver he introduced as Bix steered them along the streets of New York.
She had gone out once a few days earlier with Mrs. Ashton to a dress shop and lunch, though Grace had declined, so some of these buildings looked familiar. However, she truly had no idea if this was the same way they had come or not. She’d been so concerned with leaving a good impression on her soon-to-be mother-in-law, she’d not been paying as much attention as she’d have liked. Now, the top was down on the automobile, and she was able to peer up at buildings that seemed to touch the sky, wondering in awe, and thankful for a multitude of hatpins.
“The toy store is just up this way,” Charlie explained, leaning in to her ear so that she could hear him above the wind. “Shall we go in or send Bix?”
“I think we should go in,” Meg replied, shouting back. “Ruth will want to know you chose her present yourself.”
He nodded, but the coloring in his face gave away his concern. She knew he wasn’t feeling well today, and whether it was still recovery from the ordeal or a lack of sleep, clearly he was concerned at being seen in public less than himself. “I don’t think it will take long,” Meg assured him, tightening her grip on his hand. “I know our girl well enough to find a doll she’ll like quickly.”
Again, he only nodded, and she supposed he simply didn’t want to yell over the wind. She was thinking perhaps Bix should put the top up while they were in the shop.
There were crowds of people walking by on either side of the street, men and women of all ages. Meg had never seen anything like it, particularly in the middle of a week day. She wondered where they were all going. Newspaper boys stood on the corner, and when they slowed at an intersection, she glimpsed the headlines, still focused on Titanic. She looked away.
Eventually, they passed the little café where she and Mrs. Ashton had eaten. She recognized the sign in the window, which was written in French. They’d laughed about the translation. Mrs. Ashton had been quite pleasant, and Meg was relieved to know she’d finally have a proper mother figure in her life, as long as she didn’t find a way to alienate her between now and the wedding. Mrs. Ashton hinted time and again that, while she trusted Meg to stay in the apartment, proper ladies knew how to conduct themselves.
Meg’s eyes shifted to Charlie. To her surprise, his eyes were fixed on her face. She assumed he’d be gawking out the window like she was, but then this scene must be ordinary to him. She smiled, wondering why he was staring at her, but she didn’t attempt to ask over the wind. Thoughts of their discussion the night before made her cheeks rosy. He’d assured her he meant to try her theory this morning when he’d come to her door and kissed her in front of Jonathan and Carrie.
They came to a stop just in front of a shop with bright red, yellow, and blue signage, carved toys protruding from the large overhang. “Dudley’s Toy Chest,” Meg read aloud. “This looks like just the sort of place Ruth could literally get lost in.”
Charlie chuckled. “Ruth could get lost anywhere. We will bring her here one day, when things calm down.”
She knew he meant when he felt up to driving and chasing around a little girl with too much energy. She nodded and patted his leg as she heard Bix opening her door.
He was a short man of about fifty or so, she thought, with spectacles and kind eyes. He smiled as he held the door for her, giving a little bow. “Thank you, Bix,” Meg said as she stepped from the motor coach.
Charlie followed, and she waited to see if he preferred to take her arm, which he did. She’d noticed he seemed to have trouble with transitions from one type of surface to another, one height to the next, and he’d need to step out and onto the curb. To others, it would appear that she was simply waiting to take his arm so that he could lead her inside, but the smile of appreciation he flashed at her was not missed. “Bix, while we are inside, would you mind putting the top up?”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, closing the door as the couple stepped onto the sidewalk.
“I’d thought you’d like the view of the city, but it’s so damn loud I can’t even hear you,” he explained into Meg’s ear.
The feel of his breath on her neck sent tingles down her spine, and she only managed to smile a response, fighting the urge to embarrass both of them by lunging at him right there on the sidewalk.
Charlie held the door open for her, and Meg gasped as she entered. There were dolls and toys of every variety imaginable lining shelf after shelf, some even hanging from the high ceiling, like zeppelins and other aircraft. She’d known from the outside that this place would be heaven to her little niece, but she had no idea the wonders that lay inside.
“It’s a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” Charlie asked, leading her toward the doll section. “I came here once to get a present for the daughter of one of our foremen. It took me hours to decide what to get her, there’s so much to choose from.”
Meg nodded. “Luckily, I already see exactly what you should get for Ruth.” She began to walk toward a doll with blonde ringlets and a lavender dress that nearly matched the shade Meg happened to be wearin
g. The doll had bright blue eyes and plenty of frilly lace and bows on her gown. “This doll looks very much like Dolly did before she lost her sight.”
“Really?” Charlie asked, taking the doll from the shelf. “And you think she’d want one just like the one she has—only with eyes.”
“And a full head of hair. And a beautiful dress. Yes, I suppose she will.”
“Should we get this new doll some gowns to change into?” Charlie asked, looking at the array of dresses hanging nearby.
“That is a splendid idea,” Meg agreed. She picked out a few gowns and accessories for the new doll, thinking Ruth would still want to play with her old doll as well. Both of them could wear the new clothes.
“What about Lizzie?” Charlie asked, looking around at some of the other toys available.
A stuffed bear caught Meg’s attention. “She would likely chew on it, but the eyes seem tight. What do you think?”
“I think I wish you’d been with me the last time I was in here,” Charlie replied. “Perhaps they wouldn’t have found me curled up in the corner crying.”
Meg laughed aloud at the thought, assuming he was just joking, especially when he raised his eyebrows at her playfully. They began to walk over to the cash register to pay for their gifts, and Meg remembered her other doll, Lilac, and thought of her father. “After Da passed away, I don’t think I ever received another toy of any sort.”
He looked at her with arched eyebrows. “Really? You were only six.”
“I know. My mother thought toys and playing were a waste of time.”
Charlie greeted the shopkeeper before he turned back to Meg. “I’m sorry, Meg. If it’s any consolation, I was thinking of you, even then.”
Meg couldn’t help but smile at the thought of a little Charlie all the way across the ocean wondering what she was like. If he’d known the truth, he might not have been so excited to meet her. Nevertheless, it was evidence of his kind heart. “Thank you,” she said quietly, placing her hand on his back as he paid for their purchases and the shopkeeper wrapped them up in bright colored paper so that Ruth could be surprised. They didn’t bother to have the bear wrapped since Lizzie wouldn’t be able to tear the paper anyway, and Meg scooped it up and held it in her arms as they waited. She would’ve loved to have had a bear like this one. Someday, she’d have her own baby and spoil him or her with all the bears and dolls or balls in the world.
Once they had their packages, they headed for the door, and Bix immediately took everything but the bear and slid it into the trunk, as Charlie and Meg returned to their seats in the back, the bear sitting on Meg’s knees.
“You’re quite fond of that fellow, aren’t you?” Charlie asked regarding the bear as Bix started the automobile.
“He’s adorable,” Meg replied with a shrug. “Look at his cute little nose.”
Charlie studied him for a moment. “He doesn’t look much like a Teddy to me, but then I was never good with names.”
“Teddy?” Meg asked, looking at him with wide eyes. “What do you mean?”
“All stuffed bears in America are named Teddy, don’t you know?”
“What’s that now?”
“Yes, they’re named after President Roosevelt.”
Meg could scarcely believe her ears. “You name stuffed bears after presidents here?”
“Yes. We’re an odd bunch of ducks, aren’t we?” he asked, that same playful expression in his eyes.
“Indeed,” Meg replied, giggling. “And what if Lizzie wishes to call him something else? Does the president’s personal detail come and take her away?”
“No, don’t be ridiculous,” Charlie replied waving her off. “It’s a local jurisdiction issue. The New York City police will arrest her, and throw her in baby jail.”
The way he made such a ridiculous statement with absolute sincerity had her laughing so hard she was afraid she might split the seams in her dress. “It’s nice to see you’re coming back to your old self, Charlie,” Meg finally managed to say once she’d caught her breath.
“Do you think so?” he asked, and any hint of joking was brushed aside.
She stopped laughing and held his gaze. “I do,” she assured him. “You’ll get there, Charlie. I know you will.”
“If I do, it’s because of you,” he replied, and even though Meg didn’t know how that could be true, she didn’t have long to think on it before his lips were on hers. She was thankful it was Bix driving the car and not Jonathan, because not a sound was made from the front seat as Charlie continued to kiss her until the motor coach pulled to a stop in front of its next destination. She was so lost in the embrace Meg wouldn’t have even noticed the auto wasn’t still moving if Charlie hadn’t whispered in her ear, “We’re here.”
It took her a moment to realize what he was saying, but when she did, she pulled away enough to look over her shoulder and see a large apartment building. Once again, she was surprised as the façade was not at all what she was expecting. This was a building that housed many of the workers from the factory, which was just a few blocks away. Meg expected it to be old and dingy, though she knew Charlie wouldn’t allow his workers to live in filth. Still, the outside was a pristine limestone, and even the windows were clean. Flowers grew on either side of the front steps, and an older woman sat on the stoop, dressed nicely with a shawl around her shoulders. She waved at the few people passing by on the sidewalk.
Bix had the door open, but it took Meg a moment to straighten her hair and hat after Charlie’s sweet kisses had mussed them a bit, and while she was righting her outfit, he got out on the other side and came around so that he was the one now waiting for her, his hand outstretched and a jovial grin on his handsome face.
“Am I a mess, thanks to you?” she whispered as she drew close to his ear.
“No, you look lovely, as always,” he assured her. “I’m only amused that there was a possibility that you might be a mess.”
She wasn’t certain she believed him, but she knew Kelly would let her know if she looked at all disheveled. It had been one of her jobs for many years to keep Meg looking her best.
Meg held the bear in her free hand and took Charlie’s arm, Bix behind them with the rest of the gifts. The woman on the front stoop spoke to them, and Charlie called her by name, which Meg found impressive. They took the lift to the eleventh floor, which was nearly the top of the building, and Meg steadied herself as the floor beneath her began to move. She may have been on such a contraption at one point in her life, but she couldn’t remember it, and she was glad to have Charlie’s arm to keep her grounded even if she was no longer on the ground.
Once the elevator came to a stop, and the operator opened the door, Meg was happy to be back on a non-moving surface. The hallway had lovely carpeting, and she was again in awe at how well the Ashton’s cared for their workers.
“It’s just over here,” Charlie said as he led her around the corner and knocked on the door of number 1107.
It took a moment for her to answer, but even before she opened the door, Meg recognized Kelly’s voice as she spoke to someone, perhaps Ruth. She was both nervous and excited to see her friend, not sure what memories might come to the surface once they were face to face again.
Kelly pulled the door open, and a warm smile spread across her familiar face. “Meg!” she shouted. “Charlie! How wonderful to see you!” The redhead opened her arms wide, and Meg stepped into her embrace, entering the apartment as she did so.
Releasing Meg, Kelly hugged Charlie as well and then led them into a small entryway that opened up into a living area. Meg couldn’t believe how spacious the apartment was. There was a small dining area and a kitchen, and it looked as if there were at least two bedrooms as well. The windows were wide with thin drapes that let the sunlight pour in, and Meg was instantly grateful that her friend was able to make such a nice place her home.
“How are you?” Kelly asked, ushering them in.
Before Meg had a chance to answer, Ruth, who
had been playing on the floor nearby, crashed into her knees, nearly knocking her backward. “Aunt Meg!” the little girl shouted, her red curls bobbing about. “You’ve come to visit at last!”
“Hello, Ruthie,” Meg said, scooping the child into her arms. “It’s so nice to see you.” She squeezed her as tightly as she dared. “How have you been?”
“Good,” Ruth answered, but soon she was wiggling away, her arms outstretched, shouting, “Uncle Charlie!” and Charlie took her out of Meg’s arms, laughing at her excitement.
“If it isn’t my little friend, Ruth. Have you seen any dolphins out your apartment window?” he asked, teasing her.
“No, silly,” Ruth said, wrapping her chubby arms around his neck. “There’s no water out there.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Meg noticed Charlie’s face brightened almost immediately upon seeing his favorite little girl, and she absently wondered what had taken them so long to stop by. He set the little girl down, but she stayed right there, eyeing the stack of presents in Bix’s arms.
“Lizzie’s sleeping,” Kelly said, gesturing for them to come into the living room, “but she should be up soon.”
“This bear is for her,” Meg said, handing over the stuffed animal which looked a bit less fluffy now that Ruth had been in Meg’s arms as she tried to hold onto him.
“Isn’t that cute,” Kelly said as she took the bear from her. “She’ll love it. Thank you. Please do have a seat.”
“What’s for me? What’s for me?” Ruth bounced up and down, and Meg couldn’t help but chuckle at her antics.
“What makes you think we brought you anything?” Charlie asked.
“Because I’m your favorite girl,” Ruth reminded him, making them all laugh.
Charlie had no argument for that, so he took the gifts from Bix, who promptly excused himself back to the waiting motor coach, and as Meg sat down on what appeared to be a brand new sofa, Charlie set the stack of presents down on the floor in front of Ruth. “All right, Ruthie. Here you are.”