“Safe? That is certainly an odd comment, Miss Spencer. How on earth could a gentle thing like my wife possibly pose harm to anything or anyone, especially someone in her own family? Now, if you will excuse me—”
The woman practically preened like a cat who had just devoured all the cream. “I’m surprised you are so naive, Hiram. You being a very successful attorney who is used to spotting deceit. The woman is a Southerner. What more need I say? They are not to be trusted,” she purred clutching his arm again.
Hiram’s blood boiled, but he was a gentleman. He took a step forward toward the vendor and peeled her clinging fingers from his arm. “Well, you are entitled to your opinion, Miss Spencer, but as I said, I must get home to my wife.” He emphasized the word and turned to the vendor. “Is my fruit ready to go?”
“Yes, sir. Here they are. Thank you, sir.” The man nodded and touched the brim of his hat with his fingertips in a show of respect and appreciation.
“And thank you. I shall be sure to send my house staff around to purchase more tomorrow.” He offered a half bow to the woman still at his side, his oranges under his arm. “I must be off now. My wife craves oranges and I won’t keep her waiting another minute. Good day, Miss Spencer.” He didn’t wait for a polite retreat and was gone before she could utter another hateful word.
He huffed in anger the first few blocks toward home. After the fourth block, his anger cooled, and he realized that Miss Abigail Spencer wouldn’t be the only viper in town to hold such foul opinions of his wife because of her place of birth.
Just as James was killed for living in the south regardless of his political stance on the war, he feared Aggie would suffer too, but for a far different reason. Jealousy was an ugly beast and just as destructive.
“Damn it,” he cursed under his breath. He had placed his sweet delicate wife in the path of those sharp-tongued vipers. His heart beat wildly in his chest as his anxiety pictured a circle of fanged serpents taking indiscriminate strikes at his fragile and very pregnant wife who would not be up to the task to protect herself.
His mouth was dry and his pulse raced. What on earth had he done? He should never have allowed Prudence Pendergast to bully him into throwing open the protective fortress of his parent’s home to allow those…wait.
His steps slowed as his thoughts reorganized into a more manageable formation.
Aggie would not be alone at that tea party. His beloved mother would also be there. And when Gertrude Brunilda Schneider Hanover made her mind up to do something, nothing was going to get in her way. And he knew that his mother loved his wife and the grandchild she carried. No, he needn’t worry. His mother would protect Aggie with the tenacity and fierceness of a wolf in the Black Forest protecting her cubs.
He smiled at the image of a snarling wolf ripping a snake to pieces for threatening the wolf’s young. He counted his blessings for he was indeed a very lucky man. He had finally married the woman he had been in love with for years. There was a precious child soon to be born he could call his own. And he and his father shared a very successful law practice. But one of his most precious blessings was to have a mother with the heart of a dragon who would lay waste to anyone who dared hurt someone under her love and protection.
Hiram’s smile grew into a cheek-to-cheek grin. “I wish I could be a bug in the rug so I can see how this lovely tea party will end.”
He had nothing to worry about. Nothing at all. He adjusted the box of oranges under his arm and sauntered down the street toward home and the two Mrs. Hanovers.
Chapter 7
It was the morning of the famous tea party. Aggie grimaced. Infamous was more like it she feared. She had never been so nervous in her life. She could barely hold any of her breakfast down. If it hadn’t been for the delicious oranges Hiram had brought home after work on Friday evening, she would probably have already passed out from weakness.
And why this day of all days did her lower back decide to add a new ache to her body. It wasn’t a sharp ache like she’d strained it or anything. It was just a dull, steady pain in her lower back. Of all days, why today when she wanted to be at her best.
With all the preparations she and Gertrude had taken care of for today’s event, the weekend had passed in a blur. Yesterday had been spent finalizing the dress she would wear today. It was a beautiful spring garden dress Gertrude had given her and Mrs. Haversham, the dressmaker, had spent the better part of the weekend refitting it, with only the finishing touches to complete.
Gertrude had done the brunt of the work, but Aggie did instruct the gardener which flowers to cut into bouquets for the centerpieces for the table the six ladies would be sharing.
Prudence had invited three guests to come along on her extorted invitation. Aggie thought the whole situation inappropriate. These women may think they are superior to her, but she knew better. If a southern woman had tried this kind of coercion to get an invitation, she would have been banished from all future events. That’s just the way it was down in her neck of the woods.
Aggie knew Hiram and Gertrude were putting up with this nonsense because of her and the baby. They wanted their community to accept them both, and she resented Mrs. Pendergast for meddling in their lives. It was none of the woman’s business who did what in this family. Why did it matter to the woman whether or not she attended some ridiculous party?
These people thought of her as southern trash. But then they had quite a lot of misperceptions of people they had never met. Perhaps this would be her opportunity to enlighten these women. Explain to them that not everything they read in the Northern newspapers were true. Had that never occurred to these simple-minded snobs?
“How do you like your dress, Aggie?” Her mother-in-law’s question pulled her out of her silent war on their soon-to-arrive guests.
“It is a lovely dress, Gertrude. And Mrs. Haversham has done an exceptional job of refitting it for me,” Aggie responded to Gertrude, careful to keep any anger out of her response.
“It looks lovely on you, my dear. And yes, you have done a simply brilliant job, Mrs. Haversham. I would never have dared to hope it would fit so well. After all, I’m ten sizes larger than Aggie and her one and only bump is all baby. I swear, you are having a boy, my dear. Hiram sat in my belly much the same way. He was front and high too. Yes, I’m convinced it’s a boy. I just know it.” Gertrude beamed as she slid a loving gaze toward Aggie’s belly. The woman really couldn’t wait to get her hands on her grandchild. The poor child had no chance of not being spoiled. Hiram, Gertrude, and Klaus had all made that fact crystal clear.
Aggie smiled at her mother-in-law and then grimaced as another dull ache bucked its way across her back.
Gertrude didn’t seem to notice, and Aggie didn’t want to worry the woman, especially not with all the concerns she had today. Besides, the doctor said everything was fine and there was no need to worry. So, she refused to allow worry to spoil this day.
Aggie ignored the pain and spoke to her mother-in-law, “Are you ready for today’s tea party? I dare say I’ll be relieved when it is all over.” She sighed.
“Yes, I’ll be ready, but it is a huge inconvenience, to be sure.”
“Are you worried about how Mrs. Pendergast and her friends will behave? I sense they are less than thrilled that Hiram chose me as his wife.”
“No, Aggie. I’m not worried one bit and neither should you. This is my house and my rules. Mrs. Prudence Pendergast and her—friends—will be on their best behavior or they will be shown the door. I don't need any favors from Prudence, and I will not tolerate anyone’s ill manners under my roof. Especially not to my daughter-in-law.”
Aggie watched Gertrude shoot a pointed look to the dressmaker. “And that goes for you too, Mrs. Haversham. I send a lot of business your way, but if you have a mind to talk about me and my daughter-in-law behind our back to that nosey—”
The woman straightened and face Gertrude. “Just between the three of us, I wouldn’t walk across the street an
d throw a bucket of water on Prudence Pendergast, not even if the woman were ablaze. God forgive me.” The woman made the sign of a cross. “At least she considers you two her equal. As a member of the working class, you can only imagine the abuse I take from the woman. So, rest assured, your secret is safe with me,” Mrs. Haversham assured them before she bent over the hem of Aggie’s dress and back to her work.
Gertrude grinned at Aggie over the woman’s back and gave her nod that said—See?—we can throw our weight around too, and people will sit up and take notice.
“There. All done.” The dressmaker stood and rubbed her stiff back with her hands. “I’ll have the finishing touches done and the dress back to you within the hour, Mrs. Hanover. You will be the most beautiful lady at the party. And I can say that because I know most everyone who is coming. No offense to you, Mrs. Hanover.” She turned and nodded to Gertrude.
“None taken. I am well past my prime and I’ve got enough girth around my middle to challenge a horse’s saddle cinch. I would be a fool to take offense,” Gertrude scoffed.
Aggie and Mrs. Haversham turned astonished expressions to Gertrude. They stared at each other for a moment and then all three of them burst out laughing. One of the things she loved most about Hiram’s mother, she was a painfully honest person and she spoke her mind loud and clear. Aggie was so grateful the woman was on her side. She couldn’t imagine being on the receiving end of Mrs. Gertrude Hanover’s determination.
The dressmaker packed her case and threw the dress over her arm. “I’ll have this delivered to you by eleven o’clock this morning. That should give you plenty of time to prepare for your lovely guests,” she smirked. “I’ll let myself out.”
Hiram’s mother turned to go too. “I need to get downstairs and make certain Gladys has everything under control. You rest here until your dress comes back. I’ll have Isabelle come up in a few minutes and do your hair.”
“Thank you, Gertrude. You have no idea how much I appreciate—”
“Nonsense, my dear. You are a member of this family, and we Hanovers will go to the ends of the earth to protect those we love. Don’t you ever forget that.”
“No, ma’am. I won’t.” Aggie hugged her mother-in-law and thanked the good Lord for the blessings he had sent her way.
The two women held each other for a few moments. When they parted, Aggie saw tears shining in Gertrude’s eyes. She wiped them away from the woman’s cheek. “Why are you crying, Gertrude?”
“Because I am so happy you are here. I hope you know how much you mean to this family, Aggie. To my Hiram. And to me as well. My boy loves you with his soul and you are the daughter I have always wanted. Klaus and I are grateful you agreed to marry our son. You have made him so very happy. All that we ask is that you treat him kindly.”
“Gertrude, I would never treat Hiram unkindly. I swear it.” Tears of emotion burned her eyes too.
“I know you may not love him like you did your husband, James, but in time, if you treat each other with respect, that kind of love will come again. I make that promise to you here and now.”
Aggie was touched by the woman’s openness and she knew there was a kernel of truth to the woman’s words. Did she love Hiram? She certainly had grown to care for him these last few months. He was so attentive and kind and caring for her. There was no doubt in her mind Hiram loved her, but could she return that love someday? Perhaps in time.
“Hiram and I are happy enough, at least for now. It’s true. I can’t say that I love Hiram as I did James. At least not yet, but Hiram and I share a foundation of devoted friendship. And I do have a great deal of respect for your son. As you say, there is no better footing for a marriage to grow upon than friendship and respect for one another. And I can assure you, Gertrude, no one will ever respect or appreciate your son more than I do.” She tweaked her mother-in-law’s nose. “And that is my promise to you.”
One hour later, on the last chime of the eleventh hour, Aggie’s dress arrived. Isabelle had styled her hair in a most becoming way and Gertrude had brought her several jewel cases that held the most delightful surprises.
Nestled inside the purple velvet cases were exquisite sparkling jewels. Aggie was constantly amazed at the wealth of her husband’s family. According to Gertrude, Klaus had held some sort of title back in Germany, before they came to this country. But, she could never get the details out of her usually chatty mother-in-law. Aggie could only surmise it must have been something quite impressive to have garnered such wealth, although Klaus and Hiram were very successful on their own.
“How about the sapphire earrings and matching necklace? It matches your dress to perfection,” her mother-in-law suggested.
Aggie lifted the teardrop earrings from the velvet bed. “They are beautiful.”
“And they are a perfect match for your eyes too, my dear.” Gertrude closed the case and gave them all back to the overseer waiting to return them to the vault for safekeeping.
“Now, I will go downstairs and see to any last-minute preparations. You stay here until ten past twelve. Don’t come down a moment sooner. Make the old biddies wait.” Gertrude gave her a cheeky grin.
Aggie wasn’t fond of starting the gathering on the wrong foot, but Gertrude was the lady of this household so she would do as she asked. Besides, she had to admit it did give her a sense of power over the women downstairs. She nodded in agreement. “I’ll make them wait.”
“Good. I’ll see you soon.” Gertrude kissed her on the cheek and left, closing the bedroom door behind her.
Aggie paced nervously around her room, stealing a glance every now and then at her reflection in her vanity mirror. She looked amazing if she did say so herself. Thanks to the borrowed dress, Isabelle’s intricate hairstyle, and Gertrude’s beautiful jewelry, she felt like a fairy princess again. It had been a long time since—
The clock on the wall struck twelve. She took a deep breath and paced a bit before glancing at the clock again. Three minutes after twelve. The women would be downstairs waiting on—her. Four more minutes ticked off the clock.
Aggie grabbed her shawl in preparation to go. Another quick glance in the mirror to check her appearance. Nothing had changed since the last time she looked. She cut a nervous glance at the clock again. One minute to go.
She stepped out her bedroom door and took her time walking down the long hallway toward the staircase. The persistent pain in her back dulled her enthusiasm just a bit. She would just have to rest this afternoon after the party was over.
She reached the top of the stairs. The chatter of women drifted up from the open garden doors. She took a deep breath for courage. Head held high, she descended the grand staircase to the foyer, and then out to the garden where Gertrude, Prudence Pendergast, and three other women waited.
“There she is,” Gertrude exclaimed and greeted her with a warm kiss and hug. Aggie knew she was making a statement to the other women. Hiram’s wife had her mother-in-law’s full support. Aggie just hoped it would be enough to keep this tea party friendly.
“Good afternoon, ladies. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. It takes me longer to get dressed than it used to.” She smoothed a hand over the front of her dress and offered a brilliant smile. She noticed a couple of the women cutting looks toward each other. Well, let them be snide. She couldn’t care less what these women thought of her.
She stood next to Gertrude. The other women stood together opposite them as if the two groups had already taken sides.
“Prudence, why don’t you make the introductions,” Gertrude suggested.
“Very well, I am Prudence Pendergast. I’m sure you recognize my name from the numerous invitations I’ve sent you since your arrival in Boston.”
Before Aggie had a chance to explain to the woman why she had declined her invitations, she introduced the woman standing to her right. “This lovely young woman is Miss Rachel Plumley. Her father is a business partner of my husband.”
Aggie nodded to the woman and Pru
dence moved on. “And this exquisite creature is Sally Wellesley. Her mother is the second cousin of Henry Wellesley. He’s the Earl of Cowley. Her family is chocked full of earls and barons and viscounts.” Prudence preened as she introduced the young woman. It was obvious the woman’s family titles held a lot of weight with Prudence Pendergast.
Aggie felt like she should say something. “It is very nice to meet you, Miss Wellesley,” she offered.
The young woman’s nose rose a couple of inches and she offered Aggie the barest of nods.
So this is how this was going to go, was it? Aggie’s irritation hitched up a notch and with it, so did the pain in her back.
“And this young woman is the daughter of a good friend of mine. Miss Abigail Spencer.”
The woman all but speared her with a look of…hatred? But why? She had never met the woman. What a strange reaction from someone she had never before set eyes on.
“And this lovely young woman is my daughter-in-law, Agnes Hanover.” Gertrude announced the obvious and then directed Aggie to the chair between her and the young woman named Sally. “Ladies, please be seated.”
Everyone took their seats, and Gertrude rang for Jeffrey to begin serving the tea and refreshments.
Soon forks against porcelain plates and teacups against saucers filled the air. Laughter and the buzz of conversation put Aggie at ease. Perhaps she had worried over nothing after all.
The butler refilled Aggie’s teacup and asked if she would like something else to eat. She had barely picked at the food on her plate. “No, thank you, Jeffrey. It seems my appetite is a bit off today.”
“Very well, Mrs. Hanover.” He bowed and left the room.
Aggie added cream and sugar to her tea and drew the cup to her lips.
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