“Would you like a glass?” the waiter on the ladder asked.
“Oh, yes, thank you.” She sipped the fizzy liquid and forced herself farther into the room.
All around her, women she didn’t recognize wore the latest fashions from Paris and none were without escort. Suzanne looked down at her dress and felt slight shame. She had chosen it for the embroidered beadwork that wound its way up from her toes to the bodice and looked like a Grecian staircase. It was her best dress, made by the best seamstress in Richmond, but it was at least two years old. She had worn it only twice before: once to her cousin’s wedding and once the day she brought it home. It was the most beautiful dress she could imagine, but next to all the other girls’ gowns, she suddenly worried she wouldn’t measure up.
“Excuse me.”
Suzanne quickly turned around and found herself face-to-face with her roommate. Lillian was wearing a muted green gown that made the red highlights in her hair shine. Her arm was linked with a tall blond gentleman’s. His broad shoulders took up nearly the whole doorway, and the way Lillian looked up at him it was clear she was proud.
“Good evening, Lillian,” Suzanne said.
Lillian looked over her shoulder. “Hi, Suzanne.” She oozed charm. “Have you met my escort? This is Harry Handerson, of the Long Island Handersons.”
The gentleman took Suzanne’s hand. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
He beamed as he took stock of who else was in attendance. Either Lillian was more important than Suzanne knew, or this was Harry’s first Ziegfeld soirée. He looked like Suzanne felt.
“And yours.” Suzanne slid her hand back as soon as she could without being rude.
Lillian watched Suzanne as if waiting for a specific reaction. After a long pause she said, “That gown does look fetching on you. I wish that neckline would work on me, but my features are far too delicate. Oh, I see Fanny. Let’s go say hello to her, Harry. Have a good evening.”
It took every ounce of concentration Suzanne possessed not to look down at her gown to see what Lillian was referring to. She would not give that girl the satisfaction of making her feel uneasy.
“That girl,” another girl hissed from beside Suzanne. Suzanne turned to find a statuesque blonde beside her. Her hair was shockingly bright, but it flattered her. The woman held out her hand. “I’m Laura. You’re the girl Ann keeps gushing about. I hear you are a shoo-in for the Bert Williams number. Good luck. He gets the most press.”
Suzanne smiled. “Thank you. My name is Suzanne.”
“As if Ziegfeld would put any of us in danger. The very idea.” She laughed a bit too much at her own jest.
“I don’t think Ziegfeld would harm any of us, if that’s what you mean.” Suzanne took another flute of champagne from a roaming waiter.
Laura gave Suzanne an unreadable look. “Be careful with that stuff. It’ll go straight to your head.”
“Oh, pishposh, Mother served champagne at my coming-out party.” Suzanne took a slight sip and jumped at how the bubbles danced down her throat.
“Like I said, be careful. This room is full of men longing to conquer one of Ziegfeld’s girls.”
Laura gestured to a man across the room. He was leaning against a side table, gleaming at the girls as they talked. His eyes met Suzanne’s and her whole body felt exposed. She knew she should look away, but his attention thrilled her too much to ignore.
“Who is that?” Suzanne asked.
“Craig Masterson. His family got rich a few years back mining coal in Colorado, I think. No one really knows what he’s doing in New York this season, but he keeps turning up at our events.”
“New money.” Suzanne sighed. “Too bad.”
“Too bad?” Laura repeated.
“I grew up with my share of the nouveau riche. They’re . . . different.” Suzanne broke her gaze away from Craig.
“I don’t think I’d know one type of rich from another, to be honest.” Laura laughed at herself. “Perhaps I’ll be lucky enough to be new rich as well. Perhaps I’ll even be brave like that Molly Brown!”
“Her story would make a terrific play. Country girl made rich by gold mines only to end up on the Titanic?”
“Such a tragedy.” Laura shuddered.
Suzanne nodded, but refused to say more. She’d heard enough Titanic stories to last a lifetime. She’d rather entertain herself with finding a dance partner. If she was honest, she hoped to find someone more handsome than Lillian’s Harry, but she’d make due with someone of equal stature. After getting involved with Elton too soon, she wasn’t interested in roping in a suitor just for sport. She looked around the room at the dancing couples and dazzling décor, and gave herself a pat on the back. Surely she made the right choice for herself. She saved both her and Jada from horrible lives.
“Look, there is Ann!” Laura pointed over the crowd to a bright blue peacock feather that was strutting over the shoulders of dancers in their direction. The music ended and the partners separated. There was Ann, flouncing toward them in a tizzy of excitement. Her brown curls bounced on her tiny shoulders. Her dress had a slit on the side just high enough to showcase her dimpled knees.
“Laura! Suzanne! I am so glad to find you together. Isn’t Suzanne a gem, Laura? I just knew you’d be fast friends.”
“Where have you been, Ann?” Laura looked over her shoulder as if expecting someone to be following her. And there were several men who were standing close by, hopeful she’d look at them for a dance, but no one notable.
“Oh, you know . . . chasing away this suitor or that.” She laughed a bit too quickly.
“No, not again.” Laura took Ann’s hand. “Is he chasing you again?”
Ann rolled her eyes. “Please, the misguided chase of one Florenz Ziegfeld is something I am well capable of handling.”
Suzanne blinked. “Ziegfeld is chasing you . . . romantically? But isn’t he pursuing Billie Burke?”
Across the room Billie’s distinctive, high-pitched voice reached above the orchestra as she completed a joke and the group around her burst into laughter. Like her costumes in The “Mind the Paint” Girl, her gown highlighted her red hair and long neck with its rich color and wide neckline. She was able to captivate a room seemingly without effort. Suzanne looked away before Ann looked as well.
“Ziegfeld adores Billie, of course,” Laura explained. “But there is nothing more attractive than the unobtainable. And Ann is good at playing hard to get.”
Ann fingered the shiny broach on her gown. “Well, whatever keeps me on his good side.”
Suzanne grinned. “A good number is worth a little flirting.” Ann linked arms with her and started to pull them away from the crowd.
Laura refused to move. “It most certainly is not. What about that man’s feelings, or about your reputation. Girls, a career is one thing, but don’t sell your bodies for it.”
“Pishposh. As if any of us would do such a thing. Flirting is one thing, anything more is strictly off limits. Just ask Flo.” She linked her other arm through Laura’s. “Now, there are a few unattached gentlemen I’d like to introduce you to.”
Laura held back for a moment, but quickly allowed Ann to lead them across the room. Suzanne finished her drink as they walked and took another from a roving waiter. She wondered if there was anything Ann wanted and did not obtain.
The trio walked across the room toward a small door at the other end. Lillian and her tall suitor were doing the turkey trot while Ruby and a short, paunchy man were watching. Ruby waved enthusiastically and Suzanne waved back before Ann pulled her into the smaller, more private room.
The air was thick with cigar smoke in the small room and as Suzanne’s eyes became used to the dimmer light she realized they were in the gentlemen’s room. In all the parties they had hosted at home, Father had never once allowed Suzanne into the back room where the gentlemen sat. Her status certainly had changed if she was being allowed in now.
“Ann, you naughty girl,” one of t
he older gentlemen coughed as he scolded. “You shouldn’t be in here.”
“Mr. Todd, you know perfectly well Craig and Martin have been asking to meet my friends. How can I ever fulfill their dreams if all you men do is stay locked up in here smoking your dreary cigars?”
Another cough exploded out of Mr. Todd. Craig Masterson appeared behind him to pat him gently on the back. “Don’t overdo it, Uncle,” Craig said. “Martin and I will join these young women outside.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Todd said gruffly.
Once outside the stuffy room, Ann started giggling. She didn’t say anything as Craig and another gentleman were right on their tails.
“Laura,” Ann said, grabbing her friend’s hand. “This is Martin Vandergash. His family is from Springfield, Illinois, and he came three times last year to see you dance in the Follies.”
Laura looked at the gentleman. He was of average height and slightly slim build, but his blue eyes were so intense they made up for whatever height he lacked.
“Pleased to meet you.” Laura’s voice shook slightly. For the first time, Suzanne realized that this girl was potentially shy. She squeezed her hand for confidence.
Martin offered his arm and led her to the dance floor. Ann grinned as she watched them.
“And this is Craig Masterson, Suzanne.” Ann gestured to the tall man.
“Your reputation precedes you.” Suzanne grinned up at the gentleman.
Craig’s smile wavered. “I don’t think I’ve been in the city long enough to gain a reputation. But, if you will allow me a dance or two, perhaps I can clear up whatever gossip you may have heard?”
He held his hand out for Suzanne. For a moment, Suzanne almost declined his invitation. But disappointing Ann, when she was being so kind to her, felt inconsiderate.
“Well, I doubt you could corrupt me with one dance,” Suzanne said.
Craig laughed and said, “I will do my best.”
She took his hand and he led her onto the dance floor, which was filled with twirling skirts and dapper-looking gentlemen. His hand gripped her back and held her against him just close enough to be scandalous, but with enough room to pass for appropriate. Despite herself, Suzanne’s heart fluttered at his attention and how the other girls admired her dancing partner.
“The moment I saw you I knew I wanted Ann to introduce us.” Craig looked down at Suzanne.
“Oh?” Suzanne let her eyes unfocus and gaze at the other couples on the dance floor. “I don’t recall noticing you.”
Throwing back his head with a chuckle, Craig said, “I saw your friend point me out to you.”
Suzanne would not be baited. “Did she? There are so many eligible men here tonight. It is hard to remember them all.” He spun her as they waltzed around the room.
“Ah, I’d think I’d be hard to forget. Heir to the Masterson coal mines, or did you not yet hear that?”
She hadn’t, but she would never admit that to him. Instead, she looked up and met his eyes. “I’ve not yet heard of that company. Tell me, do you know the Alloway family? I believe they also have money in coal.”
Craig’s smile became stiff. “Of course I know the Alloways. A fine family.”
He led her around the room in silence for a moment as the music swelled in a final crescendo. Suzanne didn’t look at him, but she knew he had been lying. For one, the Alloways were from Winnipeg, not Denver, and to her knowledge, they had no children. Leave it to someone like him not to fess up to a lack of knowledge.
The last note was held out for a few beats and then the song was over. The couples all parted and applauded the orchestra.
“Thank you for the dance,” Suzanne said. She took a step backward, hoping to flee to her friends. Perhaps he was good looking, but he wasn’t as interesting as she hoped.
He grabbed her hand so she couldn’t abandon him. “Look, I know I don’t always say the right thing, but I think you are beautiful and, if you’ll let me, I’d like to get to know you better.” A piece of his dark hair fell into his face.
Around them, the couples were starting a two-step. Ann and Laura both had partners.
Suzanne looked down and shrugged coyly. “I suppose another few minutes wouldn’t hurt anything.”
CHAPTER 9
The kitchen was empty by the time Jada came downstairs for dinner. The other boarders were already gone for the night, thank goodness. The bread rising in the window gave the room a homey scent. Jada opened the cupboard to find the leftovers Miss Mitzi kept on the cheese plate. She cut a slice of bread and layered it with jam. It was lightly dry, but Jada didn’t mind. The drab food fit her mood. She leaned against the counter and relished the silence.
“That you, Jada?” The question cut through the silence.
“Hi, Sally,” Jada replied before taking another bite of bread.
“Why are you sitting alone in the dark?” Sally pulled out a chair across from Jada and plopped down.
“Just having a bite to eat. What are you doing?” Jada glanced about for Sally’s basket or some other clue. Then she looked at Sally, who was dressed in a pale pink gown.
Sally’s hand shook as she touched the collar. “I’m off to see my fella. He owns a nightclub in Harlem.”
“Oh?” This girl was full of surprises. “What kind of joint?”
Sally stole a corner of Jada’s bread and popped it in her mouth. “Why don’t you come with me and find out? Pops doesn’t like me traveling through the city alone. If you come, he won’t be able to complain next time he visits.”
The invitation was tempting. Jada yearned to see more of the city, but the compulsion to say no was strong. Sally grabbed her hands and pulled her from her chair before she could say anything.
“You won’t learn anything sitting here. Come with me and see some of the city!”
“Very well. But I don’t have an evening dress.” Sally looked lovely in her gown. Jada couldn’t go out in the same dress she’d laundered petticoats in!
“Could you borrow one? Surely that Suzanne has something that you’d fit in.”
Despite herself, Jada grinned. There was one violet gown Suzanne hated, but Jada loved. It should fit.
“Just give me twenty minutes,” she promised.
* * *
Jada leaned back in the rickety chair, letting the smooth notes wash over her. Sally had gone to get them drinks. The violet gown Jada had borrowed from Suzanne stood out in the small club, making her look delicate and dainty, but no one commented. Sally’s own blush gown was faded from many washings, and its muteness made her blend into the landscape. The music pounded in Jada’s chest and she was suddenly glad that she stood out. This was not a place she wanted to blend in. If anything, she wanted to be noticed here.
“Here you are, Jada,” Sally said, offering her a glass of red liquid.
“Thanks.” Jada’s foot tapped to the beat. “Where is your beau?”
Sally laughed. “Roger is behind the bar. He’ll come see us in a bit. He helps Jerry bartend until things settle down.”
Of the two men behind the bar, it was obvious to whom Sally was attached. The first was tall and broad shouldered, but there was so much white in his beard he could pass for either girl’s grandfather. The other man was shorter and of smaller build, but his friendly face and bright smile matched Sally’s enthusiasm.
“He must be a hard worker to keep up a place like this.” Jada took a sip of her drink and looked around. The room wasn’t large, but it was packed with people. Every so often Roger threw back his head and laughed. His sparkling white teeth made his skin look even darker. Sally smiled as she looked at him.
“This place’s his dream. His pops and him saved up for it.” She knocked on the table. “So far it’s a success.”
Jada nodded. “They sure look plenty busy.”
A chord trilled on the piano in the other corner of the room and people congregated on the dance floor. “That’s Danny. They just hired him. I’ve never heard someone play piano li
ke him. I think he adds a lot.”
The young man behind the piano was focused on the keys in front of him, but his music reached out to touch everyone in the room. The soulful tune encompassed Jada.
“Thank you for bringing me,” Jada said. “I didn’t know places like this contained such talent.” Danny changed to a rag tune and almost instantly people were dancing.
Sally laughed. “Do you and that Suzanne live under a rock?”
“Of course not. But we’ve had to make it on our own for the last year and, well, money hasn’t been easy. Not until she landed the part in The Dancing Duchess were we able to breathe freely. And now, on Ziegfeld’s salary, we are able to live at Miss Mitzi’s without worry.” She took a sip of her drink and coughed. “What is this?”
“Oh, cranberry juice.” Sally grinned. “With a little something extra.”
Jada shook her head, but couldn’t knock the smile from her lips.
“Hello there, lady.”
“Roger!” Sally jumped to her feet and kissed the man’s cheeks. “This is Jada. She is a new boarder. She’s got talent too.”
Jada winced at the compliment.
Roger stuck out a hand. “Pleased to meet you. Talented women are always welcome here at Roger’s.” He winked.
Jada laughed. “That is good to know. We tend to be welcome most anywhere.”
“And what is your talent?” Roger asked. “Sally here makes the best corn bread this side of the Mason Dixon. Better than my mom, but don’t tell her that.”
Sally jumped in. “Jada is a singer. Her friend just took a spot in the Ziegfeld Follies.”
“A Ziegfeld girl? Your friend must be very beautiful.”
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