Pearl's Will

by Sophie Dawson

  CHAPTER NINE

  Will walked into the bank and made his deposit. It was Monday. Pearl hadn’t come back downstairs at all on Saturday, nor had she come to church Sunday morning. Since she had moved in with his sister, Pearl came with his sister to their church each week. When he’d inquired, Lillian had told him she wasn’t feeling up to coming. Will thought it might be that she was still upset about not being paid enough for the shawl.

  Lillian was at the shop and he didn’t need to rush back. He had another mission. Leaving the teller window, Will went to the reception desk and requested to see Mr. Bacher.

  “Hello, Mr. Miller,” the bank manager said, smiling and offering his hand for Will to shake. “What can I do for you today?”

  They went into his office and sat on either side of the desk. Will was uncomfortable about bringing the issue of the shawl up, but Pearl needed to be paid for her work. It certainly wasn’t that Mrs. Bacher couldn’t afford to pay her.

  They made small talk about Will’s new house, the weather, and other things going on in St. Joseph. Will turned the topic slowly. “I heard you went to the theater on Saturday evening, Mr. Bacher.”

  “Yes, we had a fine time.” Will felt the man examine him. “Why do you ask?”

  “This is very awkward, and I hate to bring it to your attention. If it was something pertaining to me, I’d just write it off, but Mrs. Ward can’t afford to.” Will swallowed. “Did your wife wear a new shawl to the theater?”

  “Yes.” There was a note of caution in the word. “It was very beautiful.” Mr. Bacher paused, clasping his hands together on his desk.

  “The shawl was commissioned by Mrs. Bacher to be made by Mrs. Ward. It was delivered on Saturday.”

  “Let me guess,” Mr. Bacher said. “My wife claimed to only have part of the money to pay for it. She said she would bring the rest sometime this week.” He opened a drawer and took out a check.

  “Yes, Mrs. Ward came back to the shop devastated. She is a widow and works very hard to make ends meet. We sell a lot of her lacework at the shop.

  “How much did my wife short Mrs. Ward?” His pen was poised to write the check. Will told him and watched him fill out the paper. “This seems to be a habit my wife has. Most merchants know not to deliver an item until they are paid in full.” He took out a piece of stationary and wrote a quick note.

  “Yes, Mrs. Ward is new to commission work. I plan to go over better business practices with her.”

  Mr. Bacher blotted both the check and note and slid them across the desk. Will glanced at the check as he picked it up. “You didn’t need to write it for this amount.”

  “I know. It’s a little bonus for the distress Mrs. Ward has undergone. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. If I guess correctly, Mrs. Ward wouldn’t have.”

  Will folded the check and note and put them in his pocket. “No, I don’t think she would have.” He stood to leave. “Thank you for being so kind. It can’t be easy to have someone bring such a disagreeable matter to your attention.”

  Mr. Bacher extended his hand. “It’s not, but I’ve gotten used to it over the years. Seems to be a habit for my wife. No matter how often I tell her she needs to pay the proper amount, this still occurs. I hope this doesn’t sully our relationship. Bavarian Jewelry and Watch Repair has been, and is, a valued customer of the bank.”

  “There’s no need to worry on that account. Thank you again, Mr. Bacher.”

  Will made one more stop before going back to the shop. He purchased a small notebook, ledger, and receipt book for Pearl. If she was going to take on commission work, learning to keep good records would help her immensely.

  ~~~~~

  Pearl had spent all her free time making sample motifs to show Mrs. Clary and her daughter. Now she was ironing the cotton pieces before placing them in a large pouch. Lillian had made the lined draw-string bag for her to carry her crocheting in when the shawl had become too large for the one she had been using.

  God had truly blessed her when she met the Millers. Their support and the opportunities they’d given her couldn’t be measured. It seemed they just kept picking her up each time she fell. The latest had been what Will had done for her earlier in the week.

  Pearl smiled remembering Will’s delight at presenting her with the check for more than the amount due. Mr. Bacher had added some for the distress his wife had caused her, or so the note he’d enclosed with the check said.

  There was one Miller who seemed not as enthusiastic in her support as she had been in the past. Mrs. Miller kept quiet when Pearl was around. She tended the shop a couple of afternoons a week so Lillian and Will could visit their father. Previously, if she came on Saturday, she would visit and encourage Pearl to keep her company until her children returned.

  This past week, however, though Mrs. Miller still greeted Pearl, she didn’t chat or inquire as to how her day had gone as she had before. Her silence didn’t encourage Pearl to remain in the shop, so she went upstairs trying to figure out what she’d done wrong to earn Mrs. Miller’s enmity.

  Placing the last motif in the bag, Pearl put the flat-iron on its stand. She felt more confident going to show the samples than she ever had before. Will and Lillian had sat down with her and explained how to handle arranging for a commission as well as how to deal with difficult clients.

  She now had a small notebook she would record the details of a commission in. She also had a receipt book to record each payment. Will and Lillian had told her how to keep good notes and records of the orders and payments. Each commission would be paid for in full at the time of delivery. Pearl realized this was standard business since that’s the way Townsend and Wyatt handled special orders.

  Pearl pinned her hat on and slipped her hands into her lace gloves, and went downstairs. “I’m off to meet with Mrs. Clary and her daughter. Pray they like my motifs and place the order. I counted the skeins of white silk at the store and they should have enough that I won’t have to order it. I can begin the dress right away,” she said as she passed Will sitting in his usual spot at the work bench. Lillian was rearranging a tray of brooches at the counter.

  “You’ll be winding little balls of thread all afternoon and evening. That’s so boring. I don’t know how you stand it,” Lillian said with a laugh.

  “Oh, I sit while I do it. Much more comfortable.”

  Her response brought a chuckle from Will. “If you get the commission, I’ll treat you both to supper at the restaurant in the Hotel Robidoux tonight.”

  “Well, well, brother dear, aren’t you the big spender.” Lillian gave her brother an inquiring look.

  “I just think we should celebrate success. Pearl’s becoming a great success in the Irish lace business.”

  “You pray big, Lillian. I’d love to have a meal at the hotel. I’ve never been inside.” Pearl crossed the room to the shop door, then looked back at her friend. She glanced at Will but quickly moved her eyes away. He was looking intently at her. It made her shiver inside in a way she hadn’t since Patrick’s illness.

  Lillian saluted. “Oh, I will, but not only so we can eat out. I want you to get the commission. That wedding gown will set you up for many more orders.”

  The day was typical for late June, hot, sunny, and humid. Pearl took the electric trolley across town. It didn’t stop in the neighborhoods where the wealthy families lived, so she walked the rest of the way. She felt a bit wilted by the time she got there. Pearl hoped they offered her a drink of water when she arrived.

  The house was large and built of red brick with a wide porch the roof of which was supported by tall white columns. Gingerbread trim was painted bright white, as were the shutters. The property was surrounded by an intricate wrought iron fence. Well-tended gardens lined the walk. When her knock was answered, a uniformed butler guided her into a sitting room where Mrs. Clary and Daisy were waiting.

  “Mrs. Ward, I’m so glad you have arrived. It’s beastly hot outside. Here, have a glass of lemonade.” M
rs. Clary poured a tall glass from a crystal pitcher.

  Her hosts were gracious and loved the ideas Pearl set forth. From the many sample motifs she’d brought, Daisy picked the ones she liked the best.

  “These are made from cotton, so you would be able see the designs. I’ll make yours from silk thread. I already checked, and Townsend and Wyatt have enough on hand.”

  Daisy clapped her hands in delight. “Do you think you’ll have enough for us to see next week? I’d love to have you come back to show us.”

  “Yes,” said Mrs. Clary. “We can confirm that Daisy likes them made from silk. I wouldn’t want you to make most of them and she change her mind.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I can do that. There may only be one of each.” Pearl jotted the designs chosen in her notebook. She began to explain some more, but the sitting room door opened and a young man came in.

  “Mother— Oh, I didn’t know you had company.”

  “Come in Guy. We are nearly finished. Daisy, please, go get my checkbook. I need to pay the deposit for your gown.”

  Daisy did as she was bid and Guy took her place on the settee facing where Pearl sat.

  “Mrs. Ward, this is my son, Mr. Guy Clary. I dare say you will see him frequently as you come about the gown. Guy, this is Mrs. Ward. She’s making the lace gown for your sister’s wedding.”

  They made the expected greetings and Pearl began gathering the motifs scattered across the coffee table, putting them in her bag. The way Guy Clary was staring at her made Pearl uncomfortable. She hoped he wasn’t around much while she was there.

  Daisy was soon back, and once the check was written and safely tucked in Pearl’s handbag, she stood to leave. Mr. Clary rose, too.

  “I’ll see you out,” he said.

  “There’s no need,” Pearl replied, pulling her lace gloves on.

  “I insist.” He turned to Mrs. Clary. “I came to tell you I was heading out to meet with some friends. Don’t wait supper for me.” Guy gave his mother a kiss on the cheek then took Pearl’s arm.

  When they stood on the front porch Pearl tried to remove her arm from his grasp without seeming rude. Rather than release her, Guy slid his hand down her arm to lift her hand.

  “I see you have no wedding ring,” he said.

  Pearl managed to pull her hand away and gathered her bag, holding it to her so he couldn’t take her hand again. “I’m widowed.”

  A gleam appeared in his eyes that she didn’t like. The wonderful commission dimmed a bit. If she had to deal with the son, coming to this house would become a chore rather than a joy.

  “I’m going in my motorcar. May I take you home?” Guy smiled what might have been a charming smile, but it only made Pearl more nervous.

  “Thank you for the offer, but no. I have several stops to make. I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you. Goodbye.” Pearl hurried down the steps and to the street. She didn’t look back, not wanting to encourage the young man or reveal he made her nervous.

  A few minutes later a motorcar went by. Guy Clary waved and honked the horn. Pearl just kept walking toward the trolley stop.

  ~~~~~

  Will held the chair for Pearl while Dr. Strasser helped seat Lillian. The doctor had shown up in the shop with his watch in dire need of repair just as Will was leaving. Somehow, he couldn’t exactly remember how it happened, but suddenly the doctor was joining them for supper. Will thought his sister might have engineered the entire thing.

  He’d made reservations at the Hotel Robidoux for them. Only two years old, the hotel was the height of luxury. White, gray, and rose colored marble floors, walls, and even a marble water fountain on the landing of the staircase had all four of them staring in awe. The lobby furniture was upholstered in plush velvet.

  The ladies were dressed in their Sunday best. Pearl’s gown was coral with a wide waistband that the bodice and skirt gathered into it. The sleeves were long puffs that narrowed to cuffs just past the elbows. The high-necked bodice and sleeve cuffs were decorated with cream Irish lace. Will knew Pearl must have made the lace and added it to the rather simple gown.

  Lillian was wearing a gown she’d gotten last year. It was lavender with a deeper lavender sleeveless jacket he’d heard his sister call a bolero. The bolero had small steel beads along the edge. Also, with large puff sleeves and narrow waistband, it was heavily decorated with Valenciennes lace. Will knew it was odd for a man to know different types of lace, but since he sold it in his shop the knowledge was useful.

  He’d gone home early, leaving Lillian to close the shop, and changed into his suit. He’d met Dr. Strasser as he stepped off the trolley. They’d collected the ladies and walked the few blocks to the hotel.

  Will watched Pearl take delight in the elegant decor and the sophisticated table settings. The room was made of deep green marble with bronze trim. The high ceiling was supported by square columns with sconces holding four electric candles each.

  She touched the edge of the plate. It was white porcelain with gold scrolling around the edge. The red Robidoux crest topped the rim with evenly spaced six gold and red pineapples surrounding the center.

  “I’ve never been in such an elegant place before,” Pearl said, her eyes wide with wonder. “Thank you for bringing me here. It’s something I’ll always remember.”

  “It’s fitting for our little celebration,” Will touched her hand that was fingering the various forks beside her plate.

  “I haven’t heard what we are celebrating,” Dr. Strasser said. He was sitting between Will and Lillian at the round table. Pearl was on Will’s other side with Lillian next to her.

  “Pearl, um, Mrs. Ward, delivered a commission shawl last Saturday and today she accepted a commission for a lace wedding gown.” Lillian beamed a smile at Pearl.

  “Congratulations, Mrs. Ward,” the doctor said. “You must be very pleased.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Strasser. I am. I never imagined I could make a living doing Irish lace crochet.”

  Will saw Pearl and Lillian exchange glances. It was as if they were sharing a secret.

  The waiter came, poured glasses of wine, and they placed their orders. Once they were alone, Will lifted his glass. “To Pearl being successful in her crocheting endeavors.” They clinked their glasses and sipped the light wine. “We are here celebrating another happy event.”

  Lillian and Pearl glanced at each other again, this time with concern. They definitely were keeping something from him. There was no way he could quiz his sister now. Instead, Will set his glass on the table and waved his hand asking for their attention. “I also have a commission to celebrate. Mr. Norbury is planning a party for his wife’s birthday. He didn’t tell me how old she will be, but he inferred it was a milestone. To mark the occasion, he has asked me to make a matched set for her. It will be platinum and diamonds. A necklace, bracelet, earrings, and tiara.”

  “Oh my, Will,” Lillian exclaimed. “That’s wonderful. Isn’t it Dr. Strasser? My brother is a very talented jeweler. He creates beautiful pieces.” She smiled at the doctor, then drew her eyebrows together and looked at Will. “How come I didn’t know about this? You didn’t tell me.”

  Will ran a finger around his collar. Lillian being upset wasn’t always the most pleasant company. “You’ve been visiting father the times he’s come in to discuss it. Until it was certain and the deposit made, I didn’t want to say anything. That’s done, and I’ve ordered the gems and platinum. I’ll begin working on the pieces as soon as they arrive.”

  Pearl laid her hand on his arm drawing his attention to her. Warmth, caused by her hand, swept through his entire body. “Congratulations, Will. I’m delighted for you. We’ll both be working on important orders at the same time.”

  “Yes, we will. I’m going to try and get caught up on all the repairs and smaller orders by the time the metal and gems arrive. I’ll be able to concentrate on the set without worrying about my other customers. Plan for me to be staying late most evenings.”

  “And for
us to feed you supper,” Lillian teased. Will just grinned at her.

  “Do you have the designs planned?” Pearl asked.

  “I’ve been working on them at home in the evenings. They aren’t finalized. Mr. Norbury is coming in next week, and we’ll work out all the details then.”

  “Well, this is a celebration, indeed,” Dr. Strasser said. “I’d like to mark this auspicious occasion by asking you all to include me within your friendship and call me by my given name, Vernon. I feel sort of left out being called Dr. Strasser when you are more familiar with your address to each other.”

  Will watched Lillian beam her brilliant smile at Vernon. Hum… is that the way the wind was blowing? Did their mother know?

  “I believe that is a marvelous idea. We can be Vernon, Will, Pearl, and Lillian to each other.” Lillian settled herself more comfortably in her chair as if punctuating the declaration.

  Will looked at Pearl. She was smiling at Dr. Strasser, Vernon. That didn’t settle well on Will. His insides tightened. He looked at the man sitting next to him. Vernon had his eyes fixed on Lillian, smiling at her. The knot in his chest loosened as he saw his sister blush and drop her eyes to her lap.

  “I have an idea,” Vernon said, leaning forward a little with his eagerness. “The Fourth of July is a week from Monday. I hear they are having some special events at Lake Contrary Amusement Park. The four of us could spend the day. What do you say?”

  Before Will could reply, Lillian and Pearl both squealed in delight then giggled as those sitting at nearby tables looked at them.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Pearl followed Lillian down the stairs. Her friend was very excited about the day ahead. It was the Fourth of July and they were being escorted by Will and Dr. Strasser, Vernon, to the Amusement Park at Lake Contrary. Lillian hadn’t stopped talking about the event for the past week. She had found all the advertisements concerning the celebrations and cut them all out of the newspaper. Every ride and concession was studied and discussed. She had planned out the order in which they would be ridden, where she thought they might like to eat, and what games she wanted to try and watch the men try.