Betty by Jane Yunker

Author:Jane Yunker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Suffragette, Prohibition, Friendship, Betrayal, Midwest, Romance
Publisher: Jane Yunker
Published: 2022-08-11T00:00:00+00:00

AURORA CARMICHAEL’S house was even more grand than the Cavendish’s, something Betty didn’t think possible. An ornately gabled Victorian, it stood on the north side of Summit Avenue in St. Paul, overlooking the bluffs down to the river. Flower beds beginning to show green sprouts bordered the front walk and perfectly trimmed hedges circled the wrap-around porch. White wicker furniture with brightly striped cushions welcomed anyone looking to rest and enjoy the view.

“Aurora comes from old money,” Jocelyn explained. “Inherited a fortune from her father when he passed.”

Gabby checked her watch before knocking. “Ten o’clock. Right on time, ladies.”

Betty smiled. “That’s one point for our side.”

“There are no sides,” Aurora said as she opened the door.

Betty blushed. “Of course not. It was merely a figure of speech. We’re working toward the same goal.”

“Helping the unfortunate children,” Aurora agreed with a smug smile. Her probing stare made Betty’s stomach tighten. She unconsciously laid a hand across her middle.

“Lucy, take the ladies’ coats.”

A girl appeared from behind Aurora. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Are you quite all right, Betty? I know when I was first pregnant with each of my children, I experienced horrible nausea. Kept me in bed half the day. Have you told your friend Alice, yet? I wonder what she’ll think of the news.” She turned and led the women into the parlor.

“Alice?” Jocelyn whispered.

“A friend of mine from back home,” Betty said. “Apparently, Aurora also has friends in Pine Lake, so we know many of the same people.”

“Oh, yes.” Their hostess glanced back over her shoulder. “I know all of the town’s secrets and scandals. Perhaps I’ll tell you both about them one day.” She briefly glanced Betty’s way before sliding open the pocket doors to the parlor.

Dahlia sat by the window smiling and sipping her tea. “I see the rest of the committee has arrived, and right on time. We can get started.”

Betty pulled her friends close and whispered, “Have you ever noticed how much Aurora resembles a mouse?”

Jocelyn and Gabby suppressed giggles behind their hands.

Aurora turned sharply. “You saw a mouse? I think not. There are no mice in my house. Tea?” She indicated the silver set on the table.

“Yes, please,” the three said.

“Clearly I was mistaken,” Betty said.

“I should think so.” Aurora poured them each a cup. “Feel free to help yourself to the cookies. I baked them fresh myself this morning.”

Dahlia took a bite. “They’re delicious. Aurora’s an excellent cook and baker. In fact, she’s won our cake baking competition for three years in a row now.”

“Congratulations.” Betty tasted one of the cookies. It was a bit dry and slightly burnt on the bottom, but she managed a polite smile. “I just might give you a run for your money this year.” Betty knew she was playing a dangerous game, but a strong part of her bristled at the idea of cowering to anyone’s threats, subtle or otherwise. “I baked many of the desserts my mother served in her restaurant. There wasn’t a young man in Pine Lake who didn’t appreciate my skills in the kitchen.

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