Speak Easy to Me

Chapter 2

After I used the washroom and changed into my nightgown I crawled into the sprawling bed, certain I would be swallowed up by the pillow mountain that lay at the head of the bed. The sheets were so luxurious that I made a silent vow to never leave that bed. I very quickly broke that vow when Claire came floating into my room right at 6am with two younger maids in tow. Between the three of them they had me bathed, primped and ready for breakfast within the hour.

I had on a simple day dress that I wore around the farm usually on Sundays. The double doors were opened to the dining room. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but what I didn’t expect was to see the large man at the head of the table who looked so familiar while at the same time being a stranger. He had my mother’s eyes, my eyes, except his eyes were cold where mine and my mother’s were friendly and bright. He stood as I entered the room, the door closing as he gestured to the seat next to his left.

I couldn’t tell if it was how intimidating he seemed or how nervous I was that made my hands start shaking so bad that I had to clasp them together and place them on my lap. He then started placing food on his fork as he addressed me. “Charlotte, I know this is all probably such a shock to you and happening so fast. It’s probably very overwhelming.” So much for introductions.

He shoved a forkful of eggs into his mouth. In between bites he explained how things were going to work. “My potential business partner wants his son to settle down, marry and have an heir within the year. That’s why this is all happening so fast.” He shoved another bite of food into his mouth, barely even closing his mouth as he chewed. I hadn’t even placed any food on my plate yet which seemed to go unnoticed by my uncle or maybe he just didn’t care. With the shock of everything, I hadn’t even considered the timeline of events.

He took a drink of the liquid in his glass, “Today you will be going for fittings for new clothes. I have already gotten a few casual pieces for you based on the measurements your father gave me.” I nodded in agreement because I was afraid that if I opened my mouth, I might scream from being purely overwhelmed. I was to be married and popping out babies as soon as the ink dried on the marriage certificate.

“You’ll be meeting Cameron tonight at dinner. Not only will his mother and father be joining us, but my sons, Thomas, and Nathaniel, will also be in attendance.” Oh lovely, two more just like him I imagine. This dinner won’t be disastrous at all.

Uncle Lon took one more bite of food then wiped his mouth with his napkin. He pushed his seat out and started walking to the doors. He stopped just short of opening the doors, turned around and said “Do not embarrass me tonight. I know you grew up on a farm, but please act like you weren’t raised in a barn.”

Ah, there it was, the disgust Mama had talked vaguely about. Her words came flooding back to me from the day before I left “He’s going to say things just to get a rise out of you, don’t give him the satisfaction. You hold your head high and proud. You’re a Bradley. You are strong and capable of anything.” I had a feeling I would be repeating her encouraging words many times in the near future.

I had barely taken my third bite of food when the double doors burst open. Susan, one of the younger maids from this morning, came flittering into the room, a beautiful black crushed velvet coat with a white fur lined collar and cuffs held in her hands.

“Time to get going to your fittings,” she said as she stood next to me, readying the coat for me to don. I pushed my chair back as I stood up and placed my arms in the softest material I had ever felt. The coat hit just below my knees and had a belt tied at the waist, hiding my overly casual outfit that had been chosen for me by the maids this morning.

“Russel will accompany you while you go out today. Marco will drive you. Russel has the instructions on what you are to purchase.” All her words were matter of fact.

Without saying another word, I was escorted from the dining room though the entryway to an awaiting car. One of the men from last night was standing at the back passenger door and opened the door as I approached. I stopped in front of the tall, husky man whose blonde hair was poking out from under his hat.

“Russel?” I asked before I got into the car. He just nodded his head in confirmation. “Big talker,” I teased as I sat in my seat and got comfortable. The man in the driver’s seat, Marco I assumed, let out a chuckle.

“Just drive, you knucklehead.” Russel did not find it very funny when I asked if Marco could go shopping with me instead, which got an even bigger chuckle out of Marco. Russel just replied, “I’m not a chauffeur,” which shut Marco up for the rest of the drive into the heart of the city. My goal for the day was to get Russel to say more than five words in a row to me.

I had never really gone shopping in an actual department store before. I wasn’t even sure they would have anything in my size. I wouldn’t know unless I tried and by golly, I was going to try my darndest to make the best out of this weird, crazy situation. We pulled up in front of a huge building that was at least a whole city block it seemed.

Russel was out of the car and opening my door for me before I even realized he’d left the car. “Have fun,” Marco teased before he pulled off. I followed Russel into the magnificent building. We went up to the 3rd floor, women’s clothing. There Margaret, who would be helping me find clothing, greeted me.

She brought me so many dresses and skirts to try on, I was sure I had tried on the whole store by the end of it. The good news was that I had found, what I considered a new wardrobe, but what Russel had informed me was just the basics. We went to four more department stores and boutiques. The car was full of shopping and garment bags I almost had to sit on Russel’s lap.

We had one more store to stop at before we were to head back to my temporary home at Uncle Lon’s house. We approached a little boutique that had hat and scarf displays. I had never owned a proper hat. I had floppy hats that I wore outside on the farm to block out the sun, but none that were purely for fashion purposes.

I spied a simple black cloche hat with a thin white bow around it. It was truly the only thing the whole day that I wanted for myself besides a dress I had tried on earlier but deemed too risqué by Russel, so I wasn’t able to buy it. The dress was a deep, rich green velvet that felt like heaven to touch. It was low cut and tight, accentuating my breasts and hips, so right back to the sales floor it went for someone else to purchase. Russel cleared his throat behind me, and I took that as my sign to go into the store.

Russel opened the door for me where we were immediately greeted by a salesgirl. She was neatly dressed in a pillbox hat strategically placed on her head. “How can I help you?” she asked, addressing Russel as if I wasn’t even there.

“Mr. Fairbanks would like you to help his niece and Mr. Darby’s fiancé, find a few pieces for everyday wear along with a few for more formal events.” The salesgirl’s eyes were fixated on Russel. I hadn’t really noticed how attractive he was before, but all throughout the day every woman we interacted with had been googly-eyed over the serious, brooding man.

As soon as the salesgirl was out of earshot, gathering a plethora of accessories, I said to my chaperone, “You have quite the fan base. Every woman we have encountered has been positively gaga over you.” His response was a gruff harrumph. It wasn’t a straight up dismissal, so I decided I’d push my luck. “Do you have a girlfriend? Wife?”

He just stood there and gave me the side eye, “You’re already engaged.” I just rolled my eyes at him. I couldn’t discern if he was serious or making a joke.

“I wasn’t asking for me, you oaf!” Still the strong, silent type, he just crossed his arms in front of his body and stood staring at the shelf in front of him, pretending to look at the merchandise.

I was going to go a little bit further and see what would get his motor running. I was bored from the day of endless shopping. I also needed a distraction from my feet absolutely killing me. High heels were not my friend, no matter how cute they looked.

“Maggie is pretty cute, don’t you think?” That got his attention. He stopped looking at the shelf and fully turned towards me.

“The yappy maid that is constantly smiling?” That was a seven-word response, my goal for the day accomplished.

“You mean the pretty one with red hair?” I goaded him. I think I saw his cheeks turn red.

“I’m going to see what’s taking this lady so long. Don’t go out of this store.” Russel was through placating me. He didn’t even wait for a response before he’d disappeared into the back. A triumphant smile was now plastered across my face.

Since I was now left to my own devices, I decided to go look at the cloche I had laid my eyes on earlier. I walked over to the display that held it. I reached out my hand, about to grab the hat when my hand was met with a larger, more masculine hand.

I looked up into the dark eyes of the most handsome man I had ever had the pleasure of seeing. He was towering over me, at least 6’3’’ with broad shoulders that were complimented by the best tailored three-piece suit I had ever seen. He smelled of firewood and cedar.

His face was haggard like he’d seen one too many horrible things in his life. His eyes though, were soft and gentle and kind. Almost like they didn’t belong to his face. When he smiled at me, I thought I was going to burst into flames from the heat. I could feel my cheeks redden at my embarrassment.

“Sorry, ma’am.” His eyes didn’t leave mine as he spoke. There was a dangerous sparkle that danced in his dark eyes. He radiated this unexplainable power. This man was bad news, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

Our hands were still both touching, clutching the hat. I pulled my hand away quickly. I clumsily searched for words, but all I could come up with in response was, “Oh, no, your hand was there first.” He just smiled bigger and handed the hat to me.

“This hat was made for you.” There was something in his voice that wrapped around me like a warm embrace. He handed me the hat making sure our hands touched one more time.

“Thank you.” I graciously took the hat. Russel and the soft female salesgirl’s voices floating through the air grabbed my attention as they emerged from the backroom. Their hands were full of boxes. I had turned my head for less than five seconds and when I looked back, the mysterious stranger had vanished.

“Were you talking to someone out here?” Russel said as he surveyed the store. He was now on high alert as his eyes scanned the surrounding area.

“I was. It was nothing. A gentleman grabbed this hat at the same time I did.” I held the hat up. “Then he handed me the hat, I turned my head, and he was just gone.” I shrugged my shoulders letting Russel know that I honestly had no clue who was talking to me. He just made a grunting sound like normal then went about his business paying for all my new accessories along with my new cloche hat.

Marco and Russel had rearranged all the shopping bags and boxes in the car in order to accommodate the three of us. Once we were all situated and Marco could again see out of the windows, we were heading back to the house so I could get ready for what I knew would be an awkward dinner.

Maggie and Claire were there, ready to help unload the car of all the packages. I went to grab a bag when Claire said, “No, Lottie. Upstairs with you to bathe and get ready for dinner. We will be up to help you shortly.” She then shooed me away.

I opened my bedroom door to find a beautiful dark blue, silk dress on my bed along with a matching silver and blue stoned necklace and earrings. The dress had a belt at the waist, just below the bosom and flared out just below the belt, giving the dress a flowy look. It would help hide some of my curves while accentuating my breasts, which I’m sure, was Uncle Lon’s goal.

I took a deep exasperated breath as I made my way to the bathroom after undressing. The room was almost as big as mine and my sister’s bedrooms on the farm; there were two bedrooms the five of us shared

I got a slight shiver as my bare feet padded across the cold ceramic white and blue tiles. The large claw tub was in the middle of the room to my left and the wall-to-wall vanity, illuminated by framing lights, to my right. I plugged the drain before turning on the water. I used my hand to test the temperature, making sure the water was as hot as I could handle, before going over to the vanity.

The vanity held an assortment of lovely smelling oils, soaps, perfumes, and lotions. I chose a light lavender scented soap and proceeded to get into the almost full bathtub. The water instantly make my sore feet and aching muscles feel relief after trudging around in high heels for hours. I never knew an all-day shopping excursion was so exhausting and taxing. I knew I didn’t have much time to soak since I only had about an hour before dinner was starting. I quickly washed and made my way into my bedroom.

I had just started putting my undergarments on when Claire, Maggie and Rose came into my room without so much as a knock. I yelped in surprise and Claire, not bothered in the slightest, simply stated, “It’s nothing we haven’t seen before, Lottie.” The three women started moving about the room.

Claire finished helping me get into the undergarments. Just like in the morning, one woman doted on my hair while one tended to my make-up, rouging my cheeks and giving my eyes a coal outline. There was also a little lipstick applied to my lips before slipping into the silk dress.

Taking one last look in the mirror, I couldn’t believe that I was staring back at myself. With my hair and makeup done the dress seemed to complete the transformation from plunky farm girl to elegant city girl. The dress complimented my pale skin and dark hair. The makeup accentuated my features without overshadowing them. I looked the part I was supposed to play.

After the maids oohed and ahhed over my new look headed downstairs for the moment of truth. I was convinced I would slip and fall down the stairs, breaking my neck, which I decided would probably be less painful than this god-forsaken dinner.

I heard voices coming from a room I had not yet been in. It was to the right of the front door as you walked in. I had peered inside this morning on my way out and from what I saw, I assumed it was my uncle’s study. The giant dark wood door was opened allowing the voices to carry throughout the open space of the front foyer.

There was a fire going in the fireplace giving the room a light glow along with a few lamps placed throughout the room. The talking stopped as I walked in. Taking in my now captive audience I was trying to figure out who was who. Standing by the fireplace were three people. I knew my uncle obviously, but there was an older woman, who was presumably Cameron’s mom and another man about my uncle’s age, Cameron’s dad. Then there were three good looking men, all about my age, give or take a few years, standing around a desk. One man was perched on the edge of the desk while the other two flanked him.

“Ah Charlotte, so nice of you to join us.” I was frozen in my spot. My uncle, not missing a beat, approached me, placing his hand around my waist to subtly push me into the room. He guided me over to the older couple by the fireplace. “This is Hank and Kitty Darby, Cameron’s parents.” We exchanged pleasantries as I shook both of their hands while I politely smiled. My future in-laws did not hide their glares while sizing me up. My uncle then turned me to the three men at the desk.

“And this is Cameron.” The man that had been perched on the desk stood up, allowing me to take in his big build. He must have stood at least 6’ 1’’ with a buff frame that was outlined perfectly in his three-piece dinner suite. His blonde hair was neatly styled with every strand in place. His bright green eyes made him look like the most powerful man in the room.

He adjusted his coat before making his way towards me, extending his hand. I took his hand in mine and felt the smooth skin of a man who had never done manual labor a day in his life. He gripped my hand firmly as he shook it. He gave me a curt smile saying, “Nice to meet you, Charlotte.”

I could tell he was taking me in, just as I had taken him in, making me instantly feel self-conscience. All the confidence I had gained in my bedroom had left my body. I met his gaze, “Nice to meet you, too, Cameron.” I mustered up the best smile I could with my heart pounding so loud I was sure everyone in the room could hear it.

Uncle Lon broke my train of thought before it completely derailed. “And these are my sons Thomas,” Thomas came forward to shake my hand. He was handsome enough, longer blonde hair that he just let fall however it wanted. He was a good head taller than me. “And Nathaniel.” Nathaniel was good looking with a mischievous smile as he took my hand and shook it. His blonde hair was slightly darker than his brother’s and stood just as tall.

I was hoping that once introductions were done my heart would settle down a little bit, but that was not the case. It was still rapidly beating as Uncle Lon announced we would be heading to the dining room. We filed out of the study to make our way across the foyer to the dining room, strategically placed next to the kitchen.

My cousin Nathaniel walked next to me as everyone else was in front. He nudged me with his elbow, whispering, “It’s not going to be so bad. I heard we’re having steak for dinner.” His attempt at lightening my mood worked slightly because a smile crept across my face.

While looking forward I said, “Which means we’ll have knives.” This earned me a chuckle from him.

“Just let me know if you’re feeling stabby so I know to leave the room. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t more than one person who wanted to stab every single person in front of us.” My shocked look was exactly what he was going for as a sly smile decorated his face.

Feeling a little more at ease as we entered the dining room I looked to see where there was an empty seat. The long cherry oak table was decorated with a giant bouquet of beautiful flowers, that clearly were not local, with lit candles a safe distance on either side.

Uncle Lon was at the head of the table with Thomas in the spot to his right and Mr. Darby to his left. Cameron was then next to Thomas and Mrs. Darby next to her husband. Nathaniel was waiting to see where I would sit before he took his seat.

“Choose wisely,” his whisper was threaded with humor. I didn’t want to sit in either seat, but knew I had to pick one. Cameron seemed like the better choice since his mother had been looking at me as if I had shown up covered in cow manure.

Dinner was wonderful. Let me rephrase that because that was a lie. The food was wonderful. Every dish more delicious than the last. The conversations had been few and far between. When there was any talking it was stiff and formal. I don’t think I had ever sat through something so torturously dull.

I was relieved when dinner finally ended only to be hit with “Come with me, Charlotte,” by Cameron. He pulled my chair out for me and placed his hand on the small of my back as he walked me back to the study. From the way no one else batted an eyelash it seemed this was planned with me being the only one uniformed. Nathaniel followed, acting as a chaperone, and stood outside the open door.

There were two green sitting chairs in front of the fireplace, Cameron taking one and me taking the other. We sat there a beat in silence when Cameron spoke up, “I think we should go over what this marriage is going to be.” His words were unfeeling, like he was leading a business meeting. “Our expectations and goals.”

How do you even respond to that? I always grew up thinking about marrying someone I was in love with, not someone who I was going to be business partners with.

“Alright,” was all I could muster to say, not sure what else to say. Cameron kept his eyes fixated on the fire as he continued to speak as he sunk deeper into the chair.

“My father has informed me that I am to settle down and have an heir on the way by the end of this year.” I swallowed hard with the direction this uncomfortable conversation was heading. “I’m not going to beat around the bush. I don’t want to get married and saddled with a baby. I wasn’t given a choice though if I want to be my father’s successor. I know you don’t want this anymore than I do, but we need to make it work in its barest form.”

I just nodded. At least we had one thing in common, even if it was that neither of us wanted this marriage to happen.

“So, here’s the deal.” Cameron sat up, placing his elbows no his knees, leaning closer in my direction. “We will get married, and you will provide me with an heir.” Every word was laced with disdain. “After that, we are only man and wife on paper. I have my own life that I do not intend to give up or change in any way. Having a wife and a baby will not hinder my proclivities.”

He meant he wouldn’t stop sleeping with other women. My heart sank. I think I would have rather him done his running around in secret rather than outright knowing. He could have at least tried to pretend to like me, even just a little bit. As if his sleeping with other women confession wasn’t jarring enough, he followed up with, “I expect you to stay faithful.” I wasn’t sure I had heard him correctly. I don’t think I was very good at hiding my shock.

“I wouldn’t think you staying out of other men’s beds would be difficult for you.” He was implying that even if I wanted to sleep with other men, no other men would want to sleep with me. I was so shocked that I let out a laugh I had never heard before. It was astonishment mixed with pure anger.

I abruptly stood up, not wanting to be in the same room with him any longer, not only because of what he’d just implied, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hold my tongue. He was right on my heels as I reached to open the door his arm came from behind me, slamming the door shut before I had fully opened it.

Cameron grabbed my arm forcibly and whirled me around. “Let me out.” I demanded. I was met with a credulous laugh from his beautiful mouth.

“No.” He was trying to exert power over me as I stood there, back against the door, staring at him and him back at me, my anger still seething.

“Oh, so you get to go fadoodling all over town and I get to stay home waiting like a puppy by the door for you? Not happening. I’m not staying celibate due to you not wanting to sleep with me.” I wasn’t keeping my voice down and I didn’t care who could hear this conversation.

“You will do as I say without argument.” Cameron’s anger was palpable. He had me caged in between his two arms, one on either side of my head. I moved my face so our noses were almost touching. I refused to back down.

”Try and make me. See how far you get with that.” We were so close I could smell the sweet wine he drank at dinner. I had been surprised there was wine at dinner since prohibition made all alcohol illegal, except in certain, special circumstances. It was then that I realized money could probably buy anything in this city.

This conversation clearly didn’t go the way he’d planned. I am not sure what he expected the outcome to be after he admitted he’d cheat and then said I was so unwanted, no man would sleep with me.

There was a knock on the door, Nathaniel’s voice barely audible through the thick wood, “Everything alright in there?”

Hearing Nathaniel’s muffled voice pulled Cameron out of his angry trance as he pushed off the door, away from me. I turned and threw the door open so fast Nathaniel almost toppled over the threshold into the study.

Cameron pushed by me as he rushed to get to the front door with his anger trailing him like a shadow. Nathaniel’s shouting drew Cameron’s parents, along with my uncle and other cousin, into the foyer from the dining room.

Cameron didn’t even look in his parents’ direction as he stormed to the front door throwing “We’re leaving,” over his shoulder as he grabbed his coat.

I could not resist one more poke at the bear. As nicely and innocently as I could muster, I shouted, “Have a nice night, dear.”

If Cameron was going to be a complete jerk to me, I’d return the favor by being as sickeningly sweet as possible. Both of Cameron’s parents were confused as they quickly followed him to their car.

As soon as the front door slammed shut Uncle Lon turned to me. “What the hell did you do, girl?” His nostrils were flaring. I knew he didn’t like when people didn’t do as he wanted and he especially didn’t like being made to look bad, both of which I had just done.

“I didn’t do anything,” I said, spitting venom back. “He was a complete jerk.” I pointed to the front door Cameron had passed through as he left.

“I don’t know what you did, but you are going to fix it! No exceptions, do you hear me?” His eyes bored through me as he bellowed his demands at me.

I had already made enough waves tonight; I didn’t want to push my luck and get sucked into the surf. Through gritted teeth and arms crossed I reluctantly replied, “Fine.”

Uncle Lon turned on his heels and tromped to the study, Thomas close in tow. The door slammed shut leaving Nathaniel and me standing in the now empty foyer.

“Told you dinner wouldn’t be so bad.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me. I felt the anger slowly melt away. A giggle bubbling to the surface. Nathaniel, it seemed, might be my only ally in the house. Thomas had barely said three full sentences to me the whole night.

The giant grandfather clock at the front of the foyer, sitting against the wall between the bay window and the front door, struck 9 o’clock with its loud Westminster chimes. I was about to turn around and head upstairs when Nathaniel cut through the chimes, “Get your coat on. We’re going out.”