The Life She Wanted: A Novel by Anita Abriel

Author:Anita Abriel [Abriel, Anita]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published: 2023-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Later that same afternoon, Pandora sat at a table in the public library in Hyde Park. She’d spent the last two hours reading everything she could about homosexuality. The only treatments were terrifying. In Austria, doctors administered something called aversion therapy, where the patient was given electric shocks and chemicals to make them vomit. She could never subject Harley to such terrible things.

She read newspaper clippings about homosexuals congregating at public bath houses and gathering at nightclubs in Greenwich Village. The February before, fifteen hundred people attended a masquerade ball at the Renaissance Casino in Harlem, and the newspaper reported that you couldn’t tell the men, in their elaborate evening gowns and painted faces, from the women.

She wished she could confide in Virginia, but then Virginia would have to keep Harley’s secret too. She had to make the decision by herself.

The door to the library opened, and Vivian Clarkson entered. She wore a green chemise dress. A small hat was perched on her head, and she wore white gloves.

“Pandora,” Vivian said when she recognized her. “What a pleasant surprise.”

Pandora hastily covered the newspaper. She didn’t want Vivian to see what she was reading.

“Vivian,” Pandora responded. “It’s nice to see you.”

“I came in to pick up the new Dorothy Sayers mystery book,” Vivian said brightly. “Why don’t I get it, and then we can have coffee?”

Vivian had been so nice to her. At Lillian’s wedding, when the lawn at Beechtree was crowded with guests, she had made a point of coming over and talking to Pandora and Harley.

“Of course, I’d love to.” Pandora stood up, slipping the book she had checked out into her bag.

They sat in Hilda’s Coffee Shop and ordered two coffees and a plate of ladyfingers. They talked about the upcoming wedding, how anxious and excited Pandora was. Vivian assured her that she would do fine; young women were so capable these days.

Pandora pondered how a woman as warm as Vivian could have Lillian for a daughter.

“There is something I wanted to ask you.” Vivian interrupted her thoughts. “Lillian mentioned that you design dresses.”

“Harley and I have to find a house and get settled first,” Pandora answered. “After that, I hope to open a boutique.”

Vivian sipped her coffee thoughtfully.

“Leland and I aren’t going to Europe this year, and I’d love a new gown for the opera. Perhaps you could make something for me when you return from your honeymoon. I’d pay whatever you like.”

Pandora gulped her coffee in excitement. Vivian Clarkson asked her to design a dress! She knew it was partly because she was about to become Mrs. Harley Enright. That didn’t matter. It was still flattering.

“I’d love to,” Pandora said happily.

“Wonderful.” Vivian set down her coffee cup. “I should go. I’m getting my hair done for your wedding. Leland and I are thrilled to be invited.”

After Pandora finished her coffee, she drove back to Blythdale. She had to find Harley and tell him her decision.

The newspaper articles and books proved it would be pointless to try to change him.

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