Such a Tease by Chautona Havig

Author:Chautona Havig [Havig, Chautona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-03-20T22:00:00+00:00

Being approximately the size of much of the Brown’s entire first floor, calling the Hardwick’s enormous room a “parlor” seemed a bit pretentiously unpretentious. Someone once had referred to it as a “drawing room,” which, upon hearing it, sent Mrs. Hardwick into a swoon that no one ever risked sparking again.

Your pride in your humility serves only to create annoyance for all, Mrs. Hardwick.

Lavinia Hardwick, oblivious to the true opinions of her guests, called for the tables and chairs in the middle of the room to be reordered so that the younger people could dance. “It’ll be a nice treat for them and entertaining for the rest of us, don’t you think?”

To whom she spoke, no one knew. But while Madeline strained to listen to the discussion on the value of investments in the “Rockland Electrical Improvement Association,” the bustle about her made it nearly impossible to hear anything of value. Did you just mention Mr. Hornbacher? Chester’s father does have property in the Dry Docks, so perhaps…

“Now, Madeline. Do go dance with dear Henry. The poor lad has been patient with you all evening, but you did rather ignore him during dinner.” Mrs. Hardwick’s velvety southern tones made the reproof sound more like a compliment. “Very well played, I might add, my dear.” She squeezed Madeline’s arm as she steered the confused girl away from the only interesting conversation in the room and over to where the younger folks debated music and musicians. “I always said you were a cleverer girl than people gave you credit for, and I believe you prove it more every day. Henry…”

And you prove that your mind isn’t filled with sunlight and fairy dust, despite all rational suppositions.

Henry pounced on her the moment he saw her at his elbow. “Madeline, we were thinking a reel would be best. What do you think?”

“It would be more interesting for the observers, but I have no preference. Who will play?”

“I think,” Henry murmured, “we’re about to learn that it’ll be a phonograph record.”

Disappointment filled her. “I wish Russell were here.”

If the look on Henry’s face meant what she thought it did, he heartily disagreed. But before Madeline could offer an explanation, Elizabeth Denton spoke up as well. “Oh, he would have been an excellent addition to the party.”

“He was invited,” Flossie interjected. “He had a conflicting engagement. But you are quite brilliant, Madeline! He did promise to stop in—”

The door buzzer sounded before Flossie could finish speaking. A cheer from those who had overheard sent many heads turning in their direction. Henry, on the other hand, stood unmoving as if dazed. “I feel I’ve missed the rest of a story. Is there something I should know?”

“Only that Russell often plays for us when we want to dance.” Flossie began clapping as Russell entered the room. “Bravo! You arrived just in time for us to shamelessly exploit you for our own amusement!”

Russell didn’t hesitate. He moved toward the piano at one end of the room even as he asked, “You would like to dance?” The cheer resounded through the room once more.

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