by Beth Bennett
“Jimmy. It’s me. Olivia.”
Only a blank look registered on his face. He squinted and stared. Several moments passed by.
“Jimmy. It’s me, Olivia Overton. From home.” A look of incredulity crossed his face. He bent slightly and stared ever deeper.
“Ollie?” he said in a hoarse whisper. “It can’t be.”
“It is, Jimmy.” Before Olivia could say anything else, Hettie called for her to come in.
She looked over her shoulder. Hettie was waving her toward the entrance.
“I’m coming,” she called. Turning back around, she spoke in whispered words. “Where can we meet Jimmy? I have to talk to you.” He continued looking at her in shock. “I’m staying with Hettie and Mrs. Daniels. You’ve got to find a way to be the driver the next time Mr. Whitlow visits.” Slack jawed, Jimmy slowly nodded. “Until then.” Olivia stepped away to join the others.”
They were ushered into the Astoria Hotel and taken to a small dining room in the back. It was sumptuously outfitted with plush chairs and expensive crystal. Marble columns and thick carpeting surrounded by elaborately carved paneling and huge oil paintings, decorated the room. Everything sparkled, including the attendees. Olivia sat to the right of Hettie. James was on Hettie’s left and the ever annoying Lucy, across the table.
Lucy laughed gaily and proclaimed loudly. “Well, Olivia, don’t you look lovely tonight? Jackson’s little Virginia farm girl has come quite a long way.” Olivia ignored her and silently wished Hettie would find a new best friend.
Next to Lucy sat a very dapper and handsome man. A thick mustache complimented the hard line of his masculine lips. His deep brown eyes looked at Olivia with interest. Toying with the stem of his wine glass, he spoke.
“It’s no mistake that you look as lovely as a spring morning in the Blue Ridge. But Virginia’s most beautiful mountains can’t hold a candle to you.” He stood and took a small bow. “Albert Winestock at your service. I don’t think we have been properly introduced.”
Olivia was surprised at his forwardness. When she saw Lucy’s jealous look, she warmed to the introductions. “How do you do. Olivia Overton, sir. And what do you know of Virginia?”
Sitting down again, he leaned across the table toward her. “I am a friend and business associate of Jackson’s. We both worked for the B & O railroad. I worked several months with him in Virginia.” His eyes twinkled in the candlelight. “I must say, the Blue Ridge Mountains put New York to shame. But neither compares to your beauty, Miss Overton.” Olivia smiled broadly at his compliment.
Lucy suddenly leaned over Albert’s arm and whispered in his ear. She covered her mouth with her fan, entwining her arm around his like a poisonous vine. She glanced back at Olivia and tittered, then whispered again. Olivia could just imagine Lucy’s explanation for how the Virginia farm girl had arrived in New York. Albert patted Lucy on the arm but continued talking to Olivia. “As I was saying, Miss Overton…”
The clinking of a glass drew everyone’s attention to the center table. Mrs. Daniels was standing, tapping a silver knife on a crystal goblet. The crowd grew quiet and Olivia whispered to Hettie, “What’s happening?”
“I don’t know. Mother didn’t say anything to me about making an announcement.”
Mrs. Daniels cleared her throat and smiled. “We would like to welcome you, one and all, to this joyous time together. Though this is not an official engagement party, we do wish to honor the newly betrothed couple. My Hettie and Mr. James Whitlow.” White gloves mutedly clapped throughout the room. Several raised a glass and cheered. Mrs. Daniels tapped again. “I have a surprise for you all this evening.”
Olivia raised her eyebrows in question. Hettie shrugged her shoulders.
“As you all know, my son, Jackson Daniels, has been traveling throughout the Southern part of the United States for his work with the Baltimore and Ohio Railway. I am most pleased to announce, that he will be returning to New York to rejoin management of Daniels’ granary. Unbeknownst to anyone, this dinner is also a welcome home party.” She flung her hand toward the entryway. “Welcome home, Jackson.”
Olivia’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. Hettie’s hand covered her mouth in shock. “I can’t believe Mother didn’t say anything.”
The man who entered to the cheers of the crowd, looked nothing like the Jackson Daniels Olivia remembered. The blue eyes were familiar but that was all. Completely clean shaven, he wore his finely cut suit to perfection. A previously hidden square jaw set off his manly features. Firm lips drew back in a joyous smile. Indeed, he looked so jovial, Olivia was sure it could not possibly be the same man. His curling, dark hair was combed back from his face revealing a visage so handsome, he looked like Apollo himself, come down from the heavens for sure. She felt a blush crawling up her neck as she stared.
Lucy Spear pushed her chair out with a screech and quickly crossed the room. Grabbing Jackson by the arm, she gushed. “Oh, Jackson, we have missed you terribly! Let me be the first to welcome you home.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. Placing her arm in his, she raised her chin and demanded everyone’s attention. “Can you believe it? Our Jackson is home!” Murmured approval flowed through the crowed. Olivia did not miss the quick look of annoyance crossing Mrs. Daniels’ face. Jackson escorted Lucy over to their table and pulled out her chair to help her sit.
Hettie looked up at him with bright sparkling eyes. “I can’t believe Mother didn’t tell me.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “I wanted it to be a surprise. I haven’t even been home yet.” Leaning across the table, he shook James’ hand. “Congratulations are in order I hear.”
“Thank you, Jackson.”
“Please excuse me, I must greet Mother. I shall never hear the end of it if I do not make her a priority this evening.”
Olivia’s face flamed in shame. Jackson didn’t even bother to say hello. Before he could leave, Lucy grabbed his arm with her hands. “Oh you can’t leave me here all alone, Jackson.” Olivia wanted to disappear. She stared down at her plate. His words made her look up again.
“You’ve done fine without me this long. I’m sure you can manage a few more minutes while I greet my mother.” He turned his back and left.
Olivia watched as Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “Jackson came home and didn’t tell a single one of us. I could simply kill him.” Her voice was strained and her attempts at sounding light-hearted only made her sound shrill.
“Don’t feel bad Lu.” Hettie reached across the table and motioned for Lucy to sit. “He obviously didn’t tell anyone but Mother. He didn’t even tell me. Just like him. You know he doesn’t give a fig for propriety. I’m sure Mother thought it would be exciting to keep it a secret.”
“It is just like him.” Lucy was working herself into a full blown huff. “This is your dinner party. How rude of Jackson to turn the attention on himself.”
Hettie shook her head. “Don’t be silly, Lu. It isn’t an official engagement party. Nothing more than dinner at the Astoria with friends. It was the perfect occasion to announce Jackson’s arrival. He doesn’t like to make the social rounds. This way he’ll get to see everyone at once. I should think you’d simply be glad he’s back.”
Lucy fanned her face and smiled. “Oh, I am. Indeed, I am.”
Olivia watched the entire exchange. Never had she seen such a selfish, spiteful woman in her life. How could the Daniels’ family not see through it? Hettie especially. And how could Jackson bear to speak to the woman? She grabbed and pawed at him and he let her.
Dinner was served and everyone went back to their own conversations. Olivia watched Jackson under hooded eyes. He did not even resemble the B&O manager who had come knocking on her door. It wasn’t just the lack of beard either. She had thought him rough and ill-mannered. Perfectly suited to working among ruffians in a back water town. Now, he was as smooth as silk conversing with the hoy paloy. Laughing at a jest, shaking hands with friends, sipping wine from a crystal go
blet. He was the very essence of New York itself.
Albert Winestock interrupted her perusal. “Miss Overton, have you enjoyed New York?”
Lucy and Hettie stopped chatting mid-sentence and waited for her reply. Olivia delicately wiped her mouth with her napkin.
“New York is wonderful. I have enjoyed myself very much. It’s a very beautiful city.”
“It is quite different from Virginia. Don’t you agree?”
Olivia blinked as she studied his face. Mr. Winestock was handsome in his own way. He had been nice enough, yet, he made her feel a little uncomfortable. His perusal was a bit too intense for her taste. She’d felt his eyes on her ever since he sat down.
“It is that, sir.”
“What parts of New York have you most enjoyed?”
Lucy spoke up before she could answer. “Olivia has been everywhere. Hettie and her family have been kind enough to take her in, haven’t they, Olivia?” Olivia looked down at the table with a slight nod. “You won’t believe how much Olivia has changed in the last few months. Why the first night I met her, she tried to do the dishes!” Lucy fell over laughing. “Poor thing. She said if someone made you dinner, you should help with the…washing up…I believe were the words she used.” Lucy looked over at Olivia. “Weren’t those the words you used? Come now, give us a little entertainment. Imitate your mountain speech. Albert would love to hear it. He’s said he loves Virginia. It will give us all a laugh.”
Olivia’s face burned in shame. “If you’ll excuse me.” She stood. “I think I shall retire to the ladies’ powder room for a moment.” The gentlemen stood and Olivia quickly made her exit. She could hear Lucy’s tittering laugh follow her out the room. Leaving as quickly as possible, she passed through the double doors and into the main hallway. She watched over the balcony as the glitterati floated to and fro. Lucy Spear was a mean, and spiteful woman. Olivia had never imagined anyone so beautiful, could act so hideously ugly. Her heart ached with embarrassment and frustration. More than ever she felt like a fish out of water. Now Jackson was home. She would eventually have to speak to him. What was she going to say? Barely able to bear his public rejection of her, she gazed over the balcony below.
Women sparkled under dazzling chandeliers accompanied by finely dressed men. She rested her small, gloved hands on the balustrade and lost herself in angry thoughts. A gentleman approached unnoticed. His clearing throat alerted her to his presence.
Why can’t Albert Winestock just leave me alone? She pasted a smile on her face and turned. Jackson stood before her, hands clasped behind his back. An unfamiliar broad smile traveled all the way across his face enhancing his sparkling blue eyes, intense as always. He looked so young without his beard and much less intimidating. Giving a slight bow, he took her hand. She watched in shock as his lips pressed a gentle kiss against her glove.
His voice was deep and smooth. It sent a shiver up her spine. “I saw you leave. I don’t believe we’ve met. Are you an acquaintance of my sister’s?”
Olivia pulled her hand away as if she had been burned. He doesn’t recognize me. It made her want to laugh.
Instead, she put her hands on her hips and replied, “It’s me, you Yankee Jackass.”
Chapter 15
He stepped back in shock. The green eyes, the pert little nose. “Ollie?” But her hair! And that glorious figure. She was by far the loveliest woman in the room. He had noticed her as soon as he passed through the dining room door. He had also seen Albert Winestock already trying to stake a claim. When she left the room alone, he could not resist following. He thought he knew all of Hettie’s friends and was anxious for an introduction. But now…
“Ollie Overton?”
“Who else would I be you insufferable Yankee Jackass?” She took her hands off her hips causing the roses adorning her dress to sway. “It’s me. Didn’t you know I would be here? I was sitting right beside Hettie and you didn’t even say hello.”
“Well…I thought…I mean, I knew you were staying with my family. But, you were taking lessons and… I thought.”
“You thought I would be hunkered down in your fancy Brownstone, cowering in the corner of the crow’s nest.” So, she knew Hettie’s name for the upstairs floor. Her foot tapped in aggravation. “It seems I learned my lessons better than you expected.”
Jackson was simply amazed. He hadn’t even recognized her. In just the few words she had spoken, she had slipped into New York syntax as if she were native born. “Ollie. Olivia. I mean, excuse me, Miss Overton. I had no idea.” His eyes flitted from the roses in her hair to the impertinent display of roses around her bosom. They flowed past her tiny waist and down to the bottom of her skirt. He adjusted the tie that had just become too tight at his neck. She had grown in more ways than one.
“You look. Lovely.” He swallowed hard. Never in his life had he been at such a loss for words. He never imagined that Ollie Overton could change into such a vision. Where was the young girl in pigtails? She had long ago flown the coop. And it wasn’t simply her looks. She carried herself with an air of demur confidence. New York had not cowed her one bit. He shook his head in wonder. “I can’t believe it, Olivia. You are absolutely exquisite.”
“Miss Overton, to you. The compliment is lessened by the amount of surprise I see on your face. Were you expecting to see me prance around the Astoria Hotel in overalls?”
He laughed out loud. “You’re going to have to give me a moment to adjust. You are quite right, I apologize. Miss Overton, it shall be. I am speechless.”
“For once, at least.”
She had not lost any of her spice either. He took her by the elbow. “Allow me to escort you along this lovely promenade. I must hear all that has happened since your arrival in New York. You have obviously put every opportunity to great advantage.”
She fell into step beside him and placed her hand over his arm. “What are you doing here? I thought you were working for the B&O in the Shenandoah.”
“My father’s granary business is in need of proper management. Mother asked me to come home. What have you been doing with your time?” He watched as a bit of the mountain girl returned, through the enthusiasm of her answer.
“Well, first, I must tell you, your mother and sister have been wonderful to me. I have been studying hard and making excellent progress. Mrs. Holland has been terribly accommodating as well. I’ve seen and done many amazing things.” She turned to him. Her eyes grew soft and luminous. “You were right to encourage me to come. I appreciate everything you have done, Mr. Daniels. Thank you.”
Their arms still entwined, he patted her hand. “I am so glad, so very glad.”
“Oh, I forgot,” she said. “I wanted to especially thank you for forwarding the money from the sale of my farm. It was difficult to think I would have to depend solely on the charity of others. The money has helped a great deal.”
Jackson was puzzled. Whatever was she talking about? “Money from the sale of your farm?”
“Yes, you know, Hettie said you got, I mean, received five hundred dollars from the sale of equipment and apples. Your mother helped me open an account at the bank.”
Jackson scratched his head. He decided he would just play along. He could ask Mother about it later. “Oh, yes. It was nothing. You deserved every penny.” The nervous look on her face broke into sunshine as she smiled in relief.
“Well, thank you. It has helped tremendously.”
“You are more than welcome.” He motioned toward the dining room door. “Shall we finish our dinner?”
Olivia agreed and continued holding his arm as he escorted her back to the table. Albert had vacated his seat to chat with friends across the room.
Jackson immediately took advantage. “Do you ladies mind if I join you in Albert’s place? He can take my seat at the front. I’m sure Mother would enjoy his company.”
Before Jackson could even sit, Albert appeared. “I say, old man, what are you doing?”
“I’m taking your seat.
We’re between courses and I haven’t had a chance to chat with my sister. My mother is very eager for your company. You don’t mind do you?”
The look on Albert’s face indicated he minded very much but he couldn’t very well create a scene with the provider of the feast.
Albert bowed low toward Olivia and gave a curt nod to Lucy. “Ladies, it has been a pleasure. It seems I have been usurped. Olivia, I look forward to another meeting soon. Ladies.” He took his leave but Jackson did not miss the regret in Albert’s face nor the jealousy in Lucy’s. She had always preferred all unattached male attention be directed her way.
The second course arrived and Jackson requested a fresh set of silverware from the waiter. “Oh, and bring me another glass of wine please.” The waiter nodded and left to comply. Jackson stirred his coffee as he admired Olivia up close. She was stunningly beautiful.
A rustle and a soft pressure on his arm brought his attention back to Lucy. She leaned intimately over and presented him with a lurid display of her breasts. “Jackson, you naughty boy. I can’t believe you came home and didn’t send me a single word.” She took her fan and tapped him on the arm in feigned reprimand.
“We haven’t corresponded in over a year, Lucy. I thought that was what you wanted.”
Her jaw jutted out in anger. She retreated and tried to brush off the comment. “You know women can be fickle. I didn’t mean it.”
Jackson scooted his chair slightly away from her and turned toward her as he spoke. “You certainly sounded like you meant it. I believe the words were, ‘I have moved on to fairer game. You should do the same.’”
“Oh Jackson, leave it to you to quote something I wrote over a year ago. Anyway, you’re here now.” There was no mistaking Lucy’s body language. She was like a dog marking everything as her territory. The surreptitious glances she kept throwing Olivia told the tale. She was consumed with jealousy. He knew Lucy well and knew what she was capable of. He was sure Olivia had already been the recipient of Lucy’s guile and attacks. Jackson was having none of it.