by Jim Wetton
“You know that when I met your mother, women only wore full dresses,” Martin offered. He’d noticed his son looking at the young couple walking by. “In fact, some would say that the women of your momma’s era would be considered scandalous in these times.”
Martin paused and looked over at his son, who was still gawking at the couple walking by. “Hell, son, you’re of age now, so I think I can speak plain, man to man.” Martin looked for a reaction from his son. “In your momma’s earlier days, there was more skin showing than material. I can remember wondering how a woman fared in the tight corset they were forced to wear. Sure, I’ll have to admit, to a man it was mighty appealing to gaze upon, but now that I know your momma, I sure feel bad they had to go through that much torment just to get the attention of us men.”
Martin could see a bit of scarlet in James’ color. He smiled inwardly at his son’s innocence.
“Son, I know you and I’ve talked so I know you know what men and women do and all.”
“Papa . . . ,” James guffawed.
“No, I’m serious,” Martin exclaimed with a look. “I’m not talking about the physical stuff. You and I have already gone over all that. I’m talking about the emotional stuff. The things that make women tick, if you catch my meaning.”
James was listening, though his pride made him gaze unassumingly towards the street ahead of them. He looked at a couple in a full embrace, the woman’s hat in her hand and the man’s hat on the ground.
“You see that?” Martin laughed. “That would never have been allowed when I began courting your momma; no sir, I’d have been horse whipped by your grandfather, that’s for sure. I’m telling you, James: times, they are a-changing, that’s for sure.”
Martin pulled the reins to the right and halted the horse. He tightened the reins to the brake and turned to face his son. The gas lamps along the street were glowing even though the sun had yet to fully set.
“Son, I want you to know how pleased your momma and I were when you introduced us to Katherine. Believe me, son, from what little we know of her, she seems like a fine young lady and we couldn’t be happier for you two.”
James tilted his head and frowned. “But . . . ?”
“But, before we ride the rest of the journey home, I want to share something with you.”
James twirled his tongue inside his cheek as he turned his head back to face his father in skeptic anticipation of what was coming next.
“Now, I can see by that look that you think I’m up to something, but believe me, son, I’m not,” Martin chuckled loudly. “Believe you me, I just want you to know that your momma and I could not be happier for you two.”
Martin could see his son beginning to relax.
“In fact, we laughed, in kind that is, when we saw how you two looked at each other the night we were introduced. To be honest with you, son, the way you were so nervous and all, it, well, it just reminded us of the time when your momma finally introduced me to your Grandpa Jed.”
Martin laughed out loud and shook his head with such fond memories. “I have to give it to you son. You were so much cooler and confident than I ever was. I tell you, I was scared half to death when your momma introduced me to your Grandpa Jed. Woo-weee!!! That look he gave me!! My word, God Almighty, if I didn’t love your momma the way I did, I would have high-tailed it out that front room, down the steps of the porch and as far away as I could have possibly run.”
James looked down to the ground from his seat on the coach and snickered. He’d always admired the way his mother and father looked at each other and the way they didn’t hide their affection for one another even at the expense of their children’s embarrassment.
James, still smirking inside as he looked to the ground below their carriage, realized that he had always wanted to emulate the way his parents showed their love for each other, never caring what those around them might say. To his parents, it was true love and James knew that and wanted the same for him and his newfound love.
“James, I know what I felt back in ’66 and I couldn’t be happier for you here in ’92. You have gone through a lot, between the moves from Wheeling to Charleston and back to Wheeling.” Martin paused as he looked around him. “And, here we are right now in the southern parts of New York City of all places.”
“Yes, we have seen a lot, haven’t we, Papa?”
“Yes, we have and you’ve been by our side the whole way, son,” Martin added proudly. “Now I do need to tell you, son, that I am mighty proud of your brother, too, but before you react, let me explain.”
Martin cleared his throat and waited until another couple strolled by. This couple had a small poodle with them, white with a pearl collar. Who could ever have a poodle as a pet is beyond me. Martin snickered at his own observation before continuing.
“Son, I have to admit, we don’t know that much about Katherine. We just don’t . . . we just met her. But what we do know is that we know you! And I love William, his knack for adventure, his zest for the unknown. He would have made your grandfather Jed gleam with pride for the spirit that sprung from the Monroe line of blood.”
Martin could see a raised eyebrow coming from his son. He remembered how terrified he was when he and Lizzy had to explain to Jed the importance of their role in the Underground Railroad in the mid ’60s. He remembered the many times when he had to turn away from the judgmental eyes coming from his father-in-law when all he had asked for was acceptance for a cause that he and Lizzy were passionate about.
“James, you may not think so, but son, you and I are so very much alike.” Martin put his hand on James’s shoulder. “You’re learning a trade, a very quick-minded trade. A trade that took your father years to grasp and one which you’ve grasped far sooner than anyone around here. I can see in your eyes that you don’t believe me. I’m telling you, son, it’s the gospel truth.”
Martin felt encouraged by the introspective look James gave him. You’re already better than I am, James. Martin diverted his eyes and paused with prideful thoughts. “Remember those fellas, the Italian ones, you know, the one with the short hair, its part down the middle and the other one who had the large scar above his right eye? Well, they both brought with them their life savings, you know? A fresh new start for their families. I watched how you connected with them. How you gave them confidence. You have a gift, James. A true gift. You know how the market works. Good God, how I wish I had what you have. I’ve got to study and then study some more, but you flow and the clients connect with you.”
Martin paused and looked out towards the Hudson before continuing. “The next thing to learn will be how to deal with our clients when the going gets tough. The market is an odd thing. Clients are our best friends when the dial is going up, but heaven help us when it goes south. Not too many investors look at the long-term outlook of their portfolios. They only look at what’s in their pockets today. It reminds me of why I’m so glad to be out of politics. So many wishy-washy people only out for what is good for them today. Rarely did I meet another politician who had a vision farther than they could throw a stick.”
“So, you’ve never regretted losing your last election?” James asked.
“Not for a minute, son, not for a minute. You think we’d be having this nice talk, on this rickety old coach, with a horse that whinnies all night long, if I was somewhere in Washington doing some business I really never enjoyed? No, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I’ve always loved the fast pace of the market, and now I get to do it every day with my very own son. How much better can the good Lord be than that?”
“It seems like Momma’s a lot happier too, don’t you think?” James asked. “I overheard her talking to Mrs. Hanover next door. She said that she was tired of so much moving and I think we all knew that. She also said that although she said she’d always miss Wheeling, she was beginning to love New York City, even though the noise gets to her at times.”
Martin and James enjoyed a laugh together at Lizzy
’s expense.
“Speaking of your mother, we’d best be getting home,” Martin uttered nonchalantly. “She knows I’m not a drinking man; well, not a bad drinking man, so if we’re not home much after closing time, then she wouldn’t hesitate to get the constable out looking for us and that would be no fun at all, if you catch my meaning. Love your mother to pieces, but she can get a bit feisty, you know?”
* * * *
“Just in time, gentlemen,” Lizzy announced from the kitchen. “Another half-hour and I was going to send for the constable, or the entire New York City police department to go out and look for you.”
“See what I mean?” Martin whispered to James as they both slipped out of their jackets and scarfs and hung them on the hall tree next to the front door.
The house smelled of roasted loin, smothered in onions and squash. The fire in the hearth was blazing and laughter coming from Mary Elizabeth and Nellie could be heard in the den. Martin could hear another laugh, one he couldn’t quite place.
“I’ve asked Katherine to join us tonight. She came by and we got to talking, so I’ve asked her to stay and dine with us. I’m sure James won’t mind, and I know you’re getting quite fond of her as well.”
Lizzy elbowed Martin in the ribs and gave him a quick smile as she passed by him, the hot platter held with two hot pads. “Especially now that the engagement’s been announced, she’s practically family.”
“Sure sounds like all the girls are going to get along splendidly,” Martin replied, rubbing his ribs slightly in fun. “I’ve even heard them talk about how they’re going to be the first women to vote in the city. Not that any of those ideas would have been sparked by you and your friends, I’m sure.”
Martin’s wide smile and encouraging eyes reminded Lizzy why she’d fallen in love with him over twenty-five years ago. She knew how much he supported her. She loved how he’d gone out of his way to introduce her to the many woman leaders in the city. She dreamed of the time when she and Martin would stand side by side to place a ballot into a voter’s box. But tonight, she also knew that if they didn’t eat soon, her roast was going to be ruined.
“Supper’s on the table kids! Come and get it!”
CHAPTER TEN
Time to Panic?
1893
Martin held firmly to the reins. Lizzy held on to his arm and could feel his muscles tighten with every move of the horse. Martin looked all around him and could only shake his head in disbelief.
To his left, he watched a man fall to his knees and throw an arm full of papers into the air and scream. He looked to his right and witnessed a man being jostled to the ground by two larger men, one with a club. The summer’s heat could have been partially to blame, but Martin knew better. He’d asked Lizzy to stay at home, but lately, she’d insisted on going with him to the office. She actually felt safer there, with family, then at home alone. She knew the girls were safe. They were away at school. She also knew that James would have already been at the office. He’d been going in at the crack of dawn and not leaving until well after sunset. She’d reminded herself of his words. Something about “duty.”
“They’re counting on me, Papa.”
There wasn’t much Martin could say to his son to counter his rationale. Yes, they all are counting on us, but we warned them. Dammit, we warned them.
For the past sixteen months, Martin and James had built a client base of over three hundred. Most were immigrants. Martin still managed the upper-class clients whereas James nurtured the new arrivals from Ellis Island.
“They’ve handed off their worldly possessions, Papa,” James had said one evening, a night where he’d felt the most guilt he’d ever imagined. “They’re looking at me to give them some answers. But, but I just can’t.”
Martin felt awful for his son. He’d taught him to always diversify his client’s assets. That is what he always tried to do. Looking back at the past six months, though, it wasn’t James’ doing that caused the problem. This panic was brought on by the ruthlessness of greed.
Most of the clients that James brought in had followed his financial model. He’d set them all up with a well-laid-out diversified portfolio. He explained that some will grow and some will lose, but in the long term all would succeed.
It was sound advice and one that Martin stood by.
“It’s the damn silver, Lizzy, the damn silver,” Martin yelled out over the sound of the horses. “Could always blame it all on that idiot in the White House, but I don’t think even Grover Cleveland could have predicted any of this. You’d think he’d have a handle on the office after doing it four years ago, but who knows? When a Democrat gets in, all hell could implode on them and he’d be blind to it.”
The fact of the matter was that—and much to Martin’s dislike—it wasn’t all Cleveland’s doing. He didn’t know if it was from the price of silver or the number-one traded stock, the National Cordage Company (NCC) going bankrupt or the railroad stock falling or the banks failing or . . . .
“All I know is that the whole country has gone mad!” Martin yelled out as he pulled the brake and tied up the reins. “You wait until I come around to get you. Don’t trust anyone and especially someone that we can’t see.”
Lizzy watched as Martin walked around the front of the horses. He handed a note to the livery attendant and said something she couldn’t hear. Once by her side, he reached up and helped her down. She could see anger in his eyes. She knew he didn’t like her out like this, but she’d made it clear that she wasn’t staying home.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Katherine isn’t in there, too,” Lizzy said, trying to cheer Martin up. “She’s a lot like me, you know.”
“Stubborn?”
“No, not stubborn, husband.” Lizzy laughed. “Just madly in love with the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with.”
Martin raised an eyebrow.
As they began to walk to the front door, Lizzy turned and added, “For better or worse, right? You did sign a contract that states that very phrase, I do believe.”
* * * *
“Oh, dear Lord, Mister McKeever, I am so glad you’re here!” Mabel Ludlow exclaimed soon after Martin and Lizzy entered the office. “I do declare, sir, that if I didn’t know any better, this whole town has gone crazy!?
“It’s going to just fine, Mabel,” Martin calmly said as he gazed around the room. “Where’s James?”
“Oh, he was here long before I arrived,” Mabel began. “He and Miss Katherine said they were going for a walk. Something about a need to see Central Park.”
“Central Park?” Martin asked loudly. “Hell, that’s way on the upside of town?”
Mabel, quite accustomed to Martin’s occasional outbursts, responded gently, “I know, sir, but I think Miss Katherine had a notion to get James’ mind off his troubles. Those two definitely are smitten on each other.”
“Yes, they are, Mabel,” Lizzy added as she entered the room. “We couldn’t be more pleased to know that she’ll be a part of our family soon.”
“Oh, Mrs. McKeever, I didn’t know you were coming in again.”
“Yes, she insisted . . . again,” Martin said with a scowl. “Seems she thinks she can fight off all those billy clubs and bullets that are aiming for her husband, even though none of this financial calamity can be blamed on McKeever and Son.”
“May I offer you some coffee, Mrs. McKeever?” Mabel asked.
“No, and please call me Lizzy, Mabel.”
“Well look at all those marbles, Martin!” Lizzy exclaimed loudly. “A woman after my own heart. Mrs. Ludlow, you and I are going to be the best of friends, I do tell you. And I’m determined to keep working on you to call me Lizzy, OK?”
Mabel placed her hand over her mouth to hide her embarrassment as she looked to the ground. She had forgotten to pick up her grandson’s marble game and immediately felt ashamed. Her unfounded guilt was quickly erased by the soft touch of Lizzy’s hand on her arm.
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“Here, let me help you, Mabel.” Lizzy smiled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve searched for missing marbles. James was always the worst. Always slid them under every piece of furniture, most of which were too heavy to move.”
“Oh, dear Lord, I almost forgot!” Mabel blurted out, her head down under a sofa. “Sir, there’s a woman in your office. She said she had no appointment but shared that she has some kind of history with you.”
“History, huh?” Lizzy giggled mischievously.
“Oh, and a history with you too, ma’am,” Mabel added in Martin’s defense.
* * * *
A short while later, James returned to the office along with Katherine, both with a glow about them that Lizzy could relate to. Mmmmm, now that’s a nice change around here.
“Hey there James, Katherine, please do come in; I’d like to introduce you to someone.” Martin rose from his chair. “This is Miss Sara Breedlove. She, well, let’s just say that your mother and I knew her parents years ago.”
The fact of the matter was that Martin and Lizzy had helped Sara’s parents escape the South in the ’60s with the help of the Underground Railroad. Sara had come across the name of McKeever and Son and had searched until she found the location of their office.
Breedlove was dressed modestly, yet carried herself as if she had the finances to back her. She stood out from other Negro women in the area. Her dialogue gave the impression of one who was highly educated, which pleasantly surprised both Martin and Lizzy. She’d arrived in a coach driven by a small man, dressed in black trousers and a deep blue shirt. Although she refused to admit that she had money, she carried herself as if she did, which to Martin was a mystery since he knew the background of her parents not so long ago.