Stowaway in Time by Cathy Peper

Author:Cathy Peper [Peper, Cathy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Gluesticks and Gemstones
Published: 2019-11-03T04:00:00+00:00

Diamond spent the first few days after Jesse’s departure learning the rhythms of the household. Besides Betty, there were two other maids who helped with cleaning and laundry. The cook, a large black woman, reigned in the kitchen over an assistant. A gardener took care of the yard and another male servant ran errands and drove the carriage. So she and Janet had little real work to do.

Janet planned the menus and sometimes did the shopping. She played the part of hostess when Ian had other members of the government over. Diamond listened, learning about funding problems and the difficulty of supplying troops to the Confederacy when Union sympathizers had kicked them out of their state. They still sent recruiters to Missouri to find volunteers but had no real power. The temptation to suggest they accept the inevitable hung over her head. She thought they should either go home and live under Union rule or move south and stop pretending Missouri would ever be a legitimate part of the Confederacy. Guessing her father-in-law wouldn’t appreciate her input, she stayed silent.

Jesse had only asked two things of her—to placate his difficult father and to write regularly. She was learning to hold her tongue and had started a letter, detailing the events of her day. However, she found the days long and dull. She was used to chasing stories, writing news copy and often appearing on camera, expertly made up and something of a celebrity. Ari had provided her with some cosmetics and she and Victoria had taught her how to use them sparingly to enhance her appearance without being obvious since “decent” women didn’t wear makeup. But in a town filled with women, children and old men, she rarely used them. She kept her opinions to herself and tried to blend in. She felt invisible.

Just that morning, she and Janet had gone shopping. Visiting the butcher shop, bakery, greengrocer, and dry goods store made her miss the large supermarkets of the future. After lunch, they were going to their first meeting of the support group for Rebel soldiers. Much as she dreaded the experience, perhaps it would give her something to write about.

They called for the carriage since they had bags of yarn, bolts of material and sewing and knitting supplies to bring with them.

Amy’s parents, Senator and Mrs. Verdine had rented a larger home than Ian. It was in a wealthier part of town, but farther away from the government offices. The elegant brick structure set back from the street and a cobbled walkway led to the door. Their driver helped them carry their bags.

A butler answered their knock and led them to a large parlor already filled with women. The buzz of chatter died, and all eyes turned towards Diamond as she entered the room with Janet.

Janet greeted her hostess and introduced Diamond. “She married my brother, Jesse, in St. Louis a few weeks ago.” She then went around the circle, rattling off names which Diamond promptly forgot.

“I’m pleased to have you join us,” her hostess said in a tone that implied the opposite.

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