As he helped her out, Lillian came close and grabbed Pearl’s hand. “Wasn’t it wonderful? That was so much fun. I want to do it again, but I want to Shoot the Chutes first. Then, we can come back and get in line again. Come on. Let’s hurry to get in line.” She ran off, grabbing Vernon’s hand and dragging him toward the people waiting to Shoot the Chute.
Pearl and Will followed more slowly. She re-secured her hat and took a deep breath. “Your sister is quite adventurous.”
Will chuckled. “Yes, she always has been. She was a tomboy when she was growing up. She climbed trees, the porch trellis, onto the outhouse roof, which caved in. That didn’t make Mother or Father very happy. It did instigate the installation of the indoor plumbing of the house. We all enjoyed that.”
Pearl laughed. “Do you think Vernon will allow her to drive his motorcar?”
“Not soon, I’m sure, and if he does, he should do it way out in the country where there aren’t pedestrians or other vehicles close by. I fear she would drive much faster than she should.”
“No doubt.”
Lillian and Vernon were arguing about the same topic when they joined them in line. Lillian was begging to be allowed to drive at least partway home with Vernon staunch in his refusal.
“You’re an old stick in the mud,” Lillian complained.
“Better me stuck in the mud than my brand new motorcar.” Vernon turned from facing her to watching the sled splash into the lagoon.
“Uh oh,” Will whispered in Pearl’s ear. “Trouble between them. Lillian better be careful or he’ll not want to see her again.”
“She’d be devastated if that happened. She truly cares for him, though I’d deny saying so if asked.” Pearl winked at Will.
~~~~~
Will helped Pearl into the shallow sled-like boat. It would be pulled up the incline using the same type of mechanism as the roller coaster. Here, however, there was no bar to be secured over their laps. Pearl gripped his knee as the boat ascended the incline. He didn’t think she even realized it. When her fingers tightened he pried them off and held them.
“You are not as adventurous as Lillian,” he whispered. The four of them were seated in one seat in the boat with the ladies in the middle. He shifted her hand to his other one and wrapped his arm around her.
“What was your first clue?” Pearl whispered back. One hand clung to his hand while the other clutched the seat of the bench they were sitting on.
They reached the top and looked down the long steep slide that ended in the lagoon below. With a shove to the back of the boat, over the edge they went.
The shriek in his ear nearly deafened him. Pearl leaned against him as they rushed down. Then darkness for a moment as they went under the bridge into the lagoon with a great whoosh of water.
“Oh my, that was so much fun. I want to do it again.”
Will looked at Pearl, surprised at her words. They sounded as if they’d come from Lillian. Her eyes twinkled with joy and excitement.
Pearl turned away and hugged Lillian. “Let’s go again. That was so much fun.”
Lillian laughed, agreeing.
Will looked over at Vernon who grinned and shrugged.
They went down the Chute several more times, with Lillian and Vernon splitting their time with it and the roller coaster.
Will and Pearl strolled along the Midway’s concessions. He purchased them each a bottle of iced soda while they waited for Lillian and Vernon to take ‘One last roller coaster ride. Please, Vernon, please.’
Will wished he’d purchased one of Kodak Camera’s new Brownie cameras so he could take Pearl’s photograph as she sipped her ginger ale through a straw. It would have made a wonderful memory of the day.
Pearl looked up at him, and he noted the fatigue in her eyes. Once again, Will became concerned about her health. Was something wrong? Was she ailing? It was impolite to ask, so he kept quiet.
When Lillian and Vernon met them under the shade of the old oak trees, he looked at Lillian. She was a little wilted from the heat and all the rides she had ridden but didn’t have the overall tired look Pearl did. The plan had been to stay until the fireworks display over the lake but that wouldn’t be until dark, several hours away. They had reservations for supper at the Lotus Club. Should they forego those activities and take the ladies home? Pearl had to work all day tomorrow and the rest of the week.
“We have a ride we haven’t tried yet,” Lillian said just before she took a sip of her Coca-Cola. “Although after the roller coaster and the Chute, if might seem tame.”
Will looked at her.
“The Old Mill Waterway. It looks to be inside and might be cool and refreshing after all this time in the sun. Although you have found a nice shady spot. Besides, the line isn’t long like at the other rides. What do you say?”
Pearl’s smile convinced him she was game for the idea. Maybe he could think of some way to allow them all to relax a while before they ate supper. He could also suggest that they drive the motorcar to the club. That would save the walk there and back after the fireworks.
Will didn’t know what to expect when they entered the building. He wasn’t surprised it was a boat ride. The name gave that away. It was the boats themselves. Some were low and wide with several seats. Others were narrow, with a high back, they were small and only seated two people. Lillian and Vernon got into the first boat. Will could see they had to sit very close together. He raised an eyebrow when Vernon placed his arm along the back of the seat.
As he settled next to Pearl, Will noted why his friend had done so. Their shoulders would be squeezed together if he didn’t do the same. Not that he minded, but he didn’t want Pearl to be uncomfortable.
She looked at him when he placed his arm behind her. He shrugged his shoulder. “I know you aren’t going to fall out and aren’t scared. There just doesn’t seem to be enough room.”
“It’s fine.”
The boat began moving with the current and entered a darkened tunnel. The walls were decorated as if it was a floral arbor. Artificial trees, vines, and flowers. Stuffed birds were in set in the trees. Light filtered in, creating a romantic atmosphere. Now Will knew why some groups were placed in the low boats with several rows of seats and why Lillian and Vernon, and he and Pearl had these narrow boats with the high backs. It was to allow courting couples a few minutes of privacy.
Pearl was gazing around at the scenery which was changing subtly as they progressed along. Will was watching her. He wanted to turn her face to him with his fingers on her chin. His lips ached to press hers and taste of her sweetness. But he didn’t. She was only three months from having lost her husband. His respect for her would not allow him to breach her trust. The time would come when he could reveal his feelings for her. Now was not the time.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Pearl rang the doorbell of the Clary home and waited for the butler to answer. She had all the sample motifs made in the silk thread, as well as drawings of the placements and sketches of the connecting stitches she planned to use. Daisy and Mrs. Clary would be making the final decisions today. The dressmaker had brought Daisy’s measurements to the shop, leaving them with Lillian earlier in the week.
Pearl grinned remembering the look on Lillian’s face when they exited the boats at the end of the Old Mill Waterway ride. Pearl had a feeling Vernon had taken advantage of the privacy and the romantic setting and given her friend at least one kiss. Lillian’s face had been flushed, and there was a dreamy look on her face. Even knowing the inappropriateness, Pearl couldn’t help but wish that Will had done the same.
The door opened, but it wasn’t the butler standing there. “Good morning, Mrs. Ward,” Guy said. His smile and the look in his eyes caused a shiver to run up Pearl’s spine.
“Good morning, Mr. Clary. I’m to meet Mrs. and Miss Clary to discuss the wedding gown.”
“Yes, so they informed me at breakfast. Do come in. They are in Mother’s sitting room.” He pushed the screen door open al
lowing Pearl to enter the foyer.
“Thank you.” She walked past him.
He took her arm, slowing her progress. “Permit me to escort you, Mrs. Ward.” The emphasis he placed on her name made her uneasy. Was he inferring that he doubted her honorific?
“I’m sure I can find my way.” Pearl tried to pull her arm from his grasp without drawing his attention.
“I insist. Come.”
Pearl walked by his side as far from him as possible with his hand on her forearm. When they reached the open doorway to the sitting room, she was able to move away from him.
“Mrs. Clary, Miss Clary, it is delightful to see you again.” Pearl ignored Mr. Clary hoping he would simply leave, but he followed her into the room. “I’ve brought the motifs and designs.”
As she arranged them on the coffee table, Pearl felt his eyes on her. Daisy began exclaiming over the motifs, picking up several and handing them to her mother.
“Please sit, Mrs. Ward,” Mrs. Clary said, and asked if Pearl would like some refreshment. As she reached for a bell to call the butler she noticed her son standing near the door. “Is there something you want, Guy? I’m sure there is nothing here that interests you.”
Pearl saw his eyes flit to her then back to his mother. “Just watching my sister’s delight in planning her wedding, Mother.”
The look on Mrs. Clary’s face showed Pearl she didn’t believe his words. She looked at Pearl who concentrated on pointing out several variations possible for the bodice of the gown to Daisy.
Mrs. Clary cleared her throat. “Well, I’m sure you have more important things to do. I know your father is expecting you at the company today. He mentioned it at breakfast.”
Guy bowed slightly. “Yes, Mother, I’ll be leaving shortly. I have several things to accomplish first. With that in mind, I bid you adieu until later.”
Pearl felt his gaze again but didn’t look up. She was afraid Mrs. Clary would not like the interest her son was paying to her. She was counting on this commission to pave the way for more. It would be devastating if she lost it because of unwanted attention.
Not more than an hour later mother and daughter had decided on the motifs and designs. They scheduled Pearl to return in a few weeks with the bodice for a fitting. As they entered the hall, Guy was descending the staircase.
“Ah, have you concluded your meeting? I hope everything went well.” He tugged on the cuff of his white linen suit coat and picked up a straw hat from a side table.
“Oh, yes, Guy,” Daisy said. “Mrs. Ward does beautiful work. She is quite talented.”
Pearl pulled on her lace gloves, keeping her focus on her hands.
“I’m sure Mrs. Ward is talented in many things,” he said. Again, there was emphasis on her honorific. Pearl hoped neither Mrs. Clary or Daisy noticed it.
She looked at Mrs. Clary. “I will telephone you when I have the bodice ready for fitting and we can set up a Saturday for me to come.”
“Yes, Mrs. Ward. That will be fine.”
Pearl made her goodbyes and left the house. She hurried toward the trolley stop. She hoped Mr. Clary was detained by his mother or sister so she could board the trolley before he came by in his motorcar. She didn’t want to give him the opportunity to stop and speak with her, which she was afraid he might do.
~~~~~
Will looked at the watch-locket in his hand. He should be working on one of the watches needing repair or cleaning. They needed to be done before the gems and platinum arrived, which should be within a week, absolutely no longer than two. Instead, he’d taken Pearl’s watch-locket out of the drawer and was just sitting there looking at it.
Will was still worried about her. He thought back to the Fourth of July. They’d all had such a good time. Their meal at the Lotus Club was superb and filled most of the time before the fireworks display. Vernon had moved the motorcar, parking it facing the lake so they not only had a great view but a comfortable place to sit.
Will frowned as his concern returned. He couldn’t believe what had happened during the fireworks. In the middle of all the explosions, Pearl had leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. At first his heart had raced, thinking she was showing an interest in him. Then, he’d realized she had fallen asleep. How could anyone fall asleep with all the noise from the fireworks?
She hadn’t woken up until they arrived back at the shop. Even then, Pearl had to be shaken to wake up. Lillian and Pearl had laughed it off as just being tired from a long day in the sun. Will wasn’t so sure.
Then on Saturday, Pearl had gone to the Clary’s to speak with the mother and daughter about the wedding dress. She’d been so excited. When she returned, the anxiety she’d exhibited before was back. Pearl had gone upstairs and stayed until Lillian and he had come up for lunch. She hadn’t talked much about the meeting, only saying the motifs and design were chosen and she would make the bodice, letting Mrs. and Miss Clary know when it was ready for fitting. When Lillian had quizzed her about the house, Pearl gave a rather uninspired description of the place.
Will had expressed his concern to Lillian, but she’d brushed it off, saying Pearl was simply tired and stressed from working all week and the very important meeting that morning.
Will heard his sister’s footsteps coming down the stairs. He placed the watch-locket in the back of the drawer and closed it. Picking up the watch he was cleaning, Will pretended to be concentrating on his work.
“I’ve brought our lunch down, as you requested. I know you are busy, wanting to complete so much work before you start on the commission pieces, but I don’t understand why you can’t even come up for a few minutes and eat. You do know it makes more work for me. I have to make the food, plate it, carry it down here to eat. Then, I have to carry all the dishes back upstairs so I can wash them. Don’t you want to get out of that chair for a while? Move around a little. Stretch your legs. You’ve been sitting all morning.”
“No, I haven’t. I’ve had several customers and sold several pieces of jewelry and lace. Pearl should be pleased. All the lace that sold was hers.”
Lillian smiled and set the tray on the workbench. “That’s good. Look, I’ve made a new Jell-O dessert. It’s orange Jell-O, peaches, their juice, and whipped cream. Doesn’t it look good? I thought the recipe looked yummy when I found it in one of my ladies magazines. I can’t remember which one. I cut it out.”
Lillian chattered on while they ate. When she mentioned Pearl, Will decided to bring up his concerns.
“Lillian,” he interrupted her. “Is there something wrong with Pearl? Is she ill? Does she need to go to a doctor?”
Lillian straightened in her chair, a sure sign she was nervous and probably concealing something. “No, why do you ask? She’s fine. Healthy as a horse, really.”
Will swiveled so he was facing her. “I’ve noticed that she’s been anxious, worried, and much more fatigued than when she first moved in. It seems to be getting worse, at least the anxiety.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Lillian studied her plate rather than look at him. Another sign she was hiding something. She was a terrible liar and had great difficulty keeping a secret.
Will reached out and placed his hand on her arm. “Lillian, I care about Pearl. I need to know what is wrong.”
“Please, Will. I promised I wouldn’t say anything. At least, not yet.”
“So, there is something wrong.”
“Not really wrong, just unfortunate. It makes her life so much more complicated. She can’t go home to Ohio. There’s no room for her there. She’s all alone and trying so hard to support herself. That’s why she works so hard on the lace. She needs it to sell. Needs to build up her business by getting high paying commissions.”
“But she has her job at Townsend and Wyatt. That pays her enough to cover her bills, doesn’t it?”
“For now, but when she loses it.” Lillian covered her mouth, stopping the words. Her chattiness had caused her to reveal more than she intended, a
nd Will was going to take advantage of it.
“Why is she going to lose her job? I thought she was doing well as a sales clerk.”
Lillian looked at the remains of her meal, the Jell-O dessert forgotten.
Will tried to think of some reason why Lillian was sure Pearl was going to lose her job. The dry goods store was popular and had a loyal cliental. He thought they did well. They were always looking for sales clerks. The women who worked there were young and mainly single. Most stayed employed there until they married. Those who remained working after they wed only left when they became in the family way.
The thought paralyzed Will. He’d never given the idea consideration. He knew little about women in that condition, but his older sisters had been so several times. Josey was expecting right now. He remembered both women complaining how fatigued they were the first few months. Pearl had been so tired lately. She’d overslept one morning and napped most Saturday afternoons. Sundays too, possibly. Pearl went to church, and often came to dinner at the Miller family home, but seldom stayed for the afternoon. She’d fallen asleep during the fireworks.
“How far along is she?” Will asked, quietly.
“Nearly four months.” Lillian admitted in defeat.
“She’ll begin to show soon then.”
“I’m surprised she hasn’t already, as thin as she is. When she does, Pearl will be let go at Townsend and Wyatt. What she’s making from her lace won’t begin to cover what it takes to support herself, let alone a baby.”
No wonder she was anxious, Will thought. Pearl knew what it was to not have any money. That’s how they had met.
Will rubbed his face. Poor Pearl. She had to be scared, knowing she was going to lose her source of income. Knowing she would have to rely on the sale of her lace. The other ladies who sold lace in the shop did so for supplemental income, not the sole source of the money they lived on.
“Please, Will. I promised I wouldn’t say anything. I’ve broken that promise. Please don’t tell Pearl,” Lillian besieged him.
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