Claiming Amelia

by Jessica Blake

  All the events were heavily attended so many Louisvillians chose to have private parties, often barbecues. The better parties had entertainment, including a bookie who would accept bets for the day’s races. The best parties often were held post-race and included the celebrities who had attended at Churchill Downs.

  Amongst our families, one either went to the Derby itself, watching from a family booth, or attended a barbecue held by someone among our set. Mrs. Jessup had been the queen of these, but since she was now essentially penniless and living in a nursing home, the crown was ripe to be passed. It was my intent to wear that crown.

  We were to have our party that day. I’m not sure if I earned the crown, but it certainly wasn’t forgettable.

  ***

  I stood on the patio at seven in the morning of Derby Day, surveying the work that had been done so far. The morning’s mist had not yet burned off as I looked out over three enormous white tents, each of which could seat a hundred guests comfortably. They were set side by side and before them were another hundred or so tables with umbrellas. Off to one side was yet another tent, outlined by dozens of cookers that were already steaming pork, beef, ham and chicken. I had engaged two caterers; one for the main foods and another for the desserts, drinks and hors d’ oeuvres. Their staff was hard at work, setting up serving dishes and refrigerated tables for the food that needed to remain cool. There was a bar where rows of liquor bottles sparkled in the rising sun and white-coated bartenders were polishing glassware using starched linen towels.

  We had fountains brought in for the occasion, each one with a statue of a Triple Crown winner at its center. Yard upon yard of outdoor carpeting had been laid for the ladies who insisted on wearing heels to the event.

  My stomach was turning upside down with nervousness. Worth was relaxed and munching toast, smiling at me. “Why did you take this on if it was going to make you so nervous?” he asked with a grin.

  “Never mind,” I said, wrinkling my nose at him. “I just want it all to be perfect. At least the weather is doing its part.”

  “So far, but the forecast is calling for storms about race time.”

  “Hush — don’t make me worse!”

  I went into the nursery and played a bit with Ford. He was learning to sit up and even crawl a bit, pulling himself across the carpet as he reached for a colorful toy. He was an instant relaxation; his baby’s scent filling my nostrils with a familiar comfort.

  There was a commotion downstairs and I realized that the driver had arrived with Mrs. Jessup. She’d agreed to spend the day with us, bringing her years of party hostess experience with her. She was also the keeper of the list — both guests and the right people to hire to keep things running smoothly. I had hired a party planner and she was to interface with Mrs. Jessup for royal approval.

  Indeed, Mrs. Jessup had once hosted a Derby party that was attended by British royalty. She loved to share stories of their advance team who had come to approve recipes, survey the property for security and approve the guest list. While it was a great honor to have them, their presence required strict adherence to a great many rules, including the size of the crowds who could be on hand. This tended to make them almost too much work, but at least you maintained bragging rights for having pulled it off.

  I’d chosen a white linen peasant dress and my white hat was banded in navy. It was simple and yet elegant; appropriate for a hostess who should not outshine her guests. I wore white sandals with low heels that allowed Worth to positively tower over me. Ford was going to remain in the nursery for the day, guarded by Betsy’s sister as nursemaid. He was too small to be exposed to so many people.

  Worth was quite dashing in a white suit and shirt without a tie. I knew as the heat set in, he would end up dropping the jacket and rolling up the sleeves but as long as he made an effort at the beginning, that’s all that mattered to me.

  Guests began to arrive close to noon. The blues band I’d hired was playing and the fountains were shooting water fifteen feet high. The overall atmosphere was quite festive. I had ninety inch televisions set up at various vantage points so no one would miss a single race. The tables were filled with platters of barbecued meats, salads, finger foods, pastries and hot dishes like beans, pastas and, of course, burgoo.

  The weather was perfect and we had attendants parking car after car, their occupants spilling out on to the green grass with looks of anticipation on their faces. Dad arrived about one o’clock and after a quick stop in the nursery to cuddle Ford, he held a mint julep and wandered among the guests renewing old friendships. I realized then that he’d been isolated for a long time and it probably felt very good to see old friends. Worth’s mother came not long after and Dad began to escort her around. Between the two of them, there really wasn’t a stranger there.

  I was showing some friends the arena, which was almost completed. I was very proud of my efforts. Just as we exited back into the sunlight, I saw him. Linc. I looked around for Worth and found him in the center of a cluster of his friends from college. I waved my finger slightly and he excused himself. “Linc is here!” I whispered furiously.

  “I know.” His voice was exceedingly calm, a smile plastered on his face.

  My stomach sank. “You invited him?”

  He nodded at someone, lifting his glass in a silent toast. “Of course.”

  I wanted to hit him. “Why? He’ll start trouble.”

  Leaning in to kiss my forehead, he said, “Sweetheart, you need to trust me on this, okay? Go ahead and ignore him if you like, but enjoy your guests.”

  Worth turned with a wink and entered a new group of friends and I soon heard his laughter. I couldn’t believe my ears. How could he be so cavalier about the man who threatened us now being in the midst of the very people he wanted us to influence?

  I looked up and saw Dad watching me. He gave me a mysterious smile, patient and yet approving. I was completely confused and had no idea how to react. I moved among the crowd, applauding as guests cashed in winning tickets at the conclusion of each race. I monitored the food, urging the caterers to keep the serving dishes well-filled and heated or cooled appropriately to keep them healthy. I had to say, their food was delicious and I would use them time and time again.

  As guests asked, I showed them the arena and the barns. There were quite a few who committed to bringing their animals to board with me. That was my winning ticket.

  It was drawing close to the main race and I looked for Worth, wanting to share it with him. I spotted him talking to a woman and the closer I got, I realized I didn’t know her. She was all legs and very close to Worth’s height. Her long black hair looked like a Thoroughbred’s coat as it shone in the bright sunshine. She was wearing sunglasses but had a patrician bone structure to her face. I could tell she was very comfortable with herself. Worth seemed highly entertained. I felt green at the sight. I arrived at his side and smiled, welcoming an introduction.

  “Oh, Auggie, I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jessie Klinger, my newest associate and director of the Cincinnati clinic. “Dr. Klinger, my wife, Auggie.”

  I nodded and she extended her hand with the enthusiasm of someone with mysophobia. I disliked her on sight and the limp handshake only emphasized the reaction. It was as if she epitomized evil and she exuded it from every pore. “How do you do,” she said briefly and I picked up on her east coast accent, which did nothing to endear her further.

  I looked from her to Worth and saw the light in his face. That isn’t my Worth, I thought. He would never humiliate me by bringing some conquest he was after right here to our home. Of course he hadn’t told me about inviting the enemy either. I wanted to cry and was afraid I was ready to. Forgetting about the race, I left with a quiet “Excuse me,” but I don’t think anyone noticed.

  The rest of the afternoon was ruined for me. Every time I looked at Worth, he was talking with her, standing close. Too close. He actually got her a drink and seated her at an umbrella table, jo
ining her. I felt faint. I looked for Dad, but he was talking to Worth’s mother and I let him be. It was as if my entire world was filled with enemies.

  “Looks like your ol’ boy has his eye on a new filly,” said the voice behind me and I whirled to find Linc standing there, a drink in his hand and a look of mocking superiority contributing to his casual stance.

  “Don’t be silly!” I snapped and he chuckled.

  “If you say so.” He left doubt lying on the grass between us as he wandered away.

  I could stand it no longer but retreated into the house and went up to Ford’s bedroom. I told Betsy’s sister to run along and get something to eat, and I cuddled him against my chest. I wanted his innocence, youth, and optimism. I felt like everything outside that room was rotted and dead to me.

  ***

  Worth opened the door to Ford’s room, questions all over his face. “Where did you go?” he asked with definite impatience. I didn’t respond right away. “Are you sick?” he asked.

  “I’m fine. Are people leaving?” I’d lost all track of time.

  “They’re gone. Only your dad is still here and he’s downstairs.”

  “Oh! The time got past me,” I said, getting to my feet and looking around. “Where’s Ford?” I was alarmed.

  “He’s downstairs with Betsy’s sister. She came in and found you both sound asleep on the floor, so she let you sleep and brought him down to me.”

  I went to push past him in the doorway, but he grabbed my arm. “Auggie, what’s going on? You’re acting awfully strange.”

  “I think I had too much to drink, too much excitement or maybe it was the sun. I’m not used to it anymore. I’ll be fine,” I improvised, pushing my hair behind my ears as I headed downstairs. Worth was silent behind me as he followed.

  “Dad!” I exclaimed as I came into the family room where he was holding Ford on his lap. I kissed them both lightly and fell onto the sofa. “Whoa! Sorry, I fell asleep. I guess I’m not quite back to full strength yet.”

  “You do look a bit bushed,” Dad commented, patting Ford’s fat little thigh softly with his palm.

  Worth came in and sat on the sofa at the other end, turning sideways and folding a leg beneath him. He laid his arm on the back of the sofa. It was like a distant hug. I felt it, and yet it felt filled with betrayal.

  “By the way, while I’m thinking of it, Worth,” I began, glad that Dad was there so it wouldn’t become a big deal. “I called an agency and they’re sending over some interviewees for a personal assistant. I had a good bit of interest by others in boarding their horses here this afternoon, then there’s the track to build and I want to begin helping you in your business. I’m starting to get a bit overwhelmed and thought I’d hire someone to back me up when I need a break.” I steeled myself for his response. Now that I’d seen his new director, I decided I needed to keep closer tabs on him.

  “I think that’s an excellent idea,” Worth agreed, smiling. “That’s my Auggie, always thinking two steps ahead.”

  I wasn’t sure if he was mocking me and saw right through my logic, or whether he truthfully agreed, but it didn’t matter. I would hire anyone I wanted to hire.

  “When do you begin interviewing?” Dad asked.

  “The agency is sending some people over within the next week.”

  Dad went on, “The reason I ask is I know it’ll be important to have someone who understands horses and I have a candidate who just might suit you.”

  “Oh, really?” I was puzzled since I didn’t think Dad got around too much.

  “Let me see if there’s any interest and I’ll be in touch.” Dad finished the conversation and we moved on to talking about the party.

  I asked one of the questions that had been burning in my brain. “Worth, why was Linc here? I thought he’d be the last person you’d want hanging around.”

  “I’ve got my reasons, Auggie.”

  I let it go for now but intended to take it up with him again later after Dad left.

  “Was there enough food?” I asked.

  Dad laughed. “Auggie, you always go overboard. There was enough left to have three more parties. If you don’t mind, I’ll take a bit home with me. I’m getting tired of my own cooking.”

  I felt horrible at those words. “Dad, what’s the matter with me? I never thought about the fact that you might be cooking for yourself. Mother always had a maid.”

  “Yes, but a maid with me alone isn’t necessary.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Anyway, sometimes being the helpless bachelor has its advantages.”

  I excused myself and went into the kitchen where the catering staff was down to two people. “Could you package up some of those leftovers, maybe in freezable containers? I’d like to send them home with my dad. Betsy, naturally you and your sisters should take all you want too.” I snatched up a tiny cake with buttercream frosting and took it with me back to the family room. I took a bite and then put a bit of frosting on my finger to let Ford lick it off. He started rocking back and forth, pushing against Dad to come to me and get some more. “Tastes better than mother’s milk, doesn’t it?” I laughed and gave him one last morsel. He was eating solid foods and I made the decision to begin weaning him so I could be more portable.

  Dad handed off Ford and groaned as he stood. “My feet aren’t what they used to be.” He gave me a hug and slapped Worth on the back. “See you kids next time,” he said and I handed Ford to his daddy while I followed mine out with the bags of food. He stowed them and gave me another hug. “Be good, Auggie. Worth is a good man and you have to trust him. Don’t always be so ready to go to battle, okay?”

  Dad didn’t miss a thing. I thought about what he said as I walked back into the house and decided to keep my own counsel for a while. I loved Worth and he hadn’t betrayed me… yet.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Auggie

  Dad called me the next week to let me know he was sending someone over to chat with me about the assistant’s position. I had no idea what to expect, but I trusted Dad’s opinion. I’d already interviewed three people the agency sent over and while each one had an area of expertise, none had the right combination.

  It was an introspective process — to figure out what kind of person you are so you can hire someone to be an extension of yourself. I realized it might also be a good idea to hire someone with strengths that offset my own weaknesses. Our combined assets would accomplish more.

  I waited outside on the patio and Betsy announced the visitor. I stood to receive her and was surprised to see a man standing before me. Not just any man, but one of the best-looking men I’d ever laid eyes on. I literally salivated and had to swallow hard before I said anything. “Hello,” I greeted him and held out my hand to shake his.

  “Mrs. LaViere, I’m Bernie Livingston. Well, legally, I’m Bernard, but believe me, I’m far more likely to answer to Bernie.” He smiled and his teeth were blindingly white. His hair was almost a white blond and he had pale gray eyes. He’d be a natural costume at Halloween, I thought to myself.

  “Welcome, Bernie, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Cold water would be wonderful. The day turned out warmer than I’d expected.”

  I grabbed a bottled water we kept in the fridge on the patio and handed it to him. He started to stand when I rose, but I waved my hand for him to stay seated. “We’re really casual around here.” I smiled.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He nodded.

  “That too. Call me Auggie. Did you bring a résumé?”

  “No, ma’am… that is, Auggie. I know it’s customary, but your dad called and it was sort of last minute. I hadn’t really gotten all my things out of storage yet and… well, you know. I’m sorry. I’ll be glad to tell you my education and work history, and I can give you phone numbers of referral contacts.

  “What do you know about horses, Bernie?”

  He smiled. “Oh, that’s easy. That I’d trust a horse any day over a human.” He grinned bigger when I chu
ckled in agreement. “Auggie, I know I’m young, but remember that also makes me malleable. I’ve grown up with horses and I’ve ridden Steeplechase. I’ve known your dad for a few years and I respect him, and I believe he feels the same or he wouldn’t have sent me. I have a degree in marketing and I probably know the same families around here that you know. I’ve just been away at school for a while and that makes one major difference; I’m not up on the gossip and that’s a good thing.”

  I was still smiling by the time he made his case. “You’re very right about that, Bernie. When can you start?”

  His eyes grew wide. “You’re serious?”

  “I’m serious. The job is about more than horses, though. I need someone who can cover for me when I want to pull in and focus on my family. You’ll need to supervise the rest of the building here on the estate, manage things for the foundation that supports Sunset Village, run this operation when it’s launched, and make me lunch.” I threw the last in to indicate we would have a sense of humor about all this.

  His pearly whites gleamed. “It would be my pleasure. White or rye?”

  Worth would be furious and I was going to love it.

  ***

  I called Worth to tell him I’d found an assistant, but his voice sounded odd.

  “Hi. Is it an emergency? I can’t talk right now,” he answered before I’d gotten in a word.

  I pushed down the hurt. “No, not an emergency. I can talk to you later.”

  “See you later,” he said.

  I heard voices in the background, so I hung on, trying to catch the mood of what was so important. Worth evidently didn’t take time to tap the End Call button, and that’s when I entered the world of my husband as he behaved without my being there. I was alert to anything that sounded like a patient consultation, at which point I would have immediately hung up — but there was nothing “consulting” going on in this conversation.

  “Just her,” Worth was saying.