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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 4831254" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter Thirty-two, “Shopping!", September 4th, 1882, 8:30 A.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>The next morning Ruby arrived downstairs fresh and smiling. The Delroy-Kingsley family has already left, leaving behind a large breakfast spread consisting of scrambled eggs, grits, fried sausage links, orange-lemon muffins, a Jamacian blend coffee, and pitchers of freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice and limeade. She ate a muffin and had some coffee, waiting for Alsoomse to be ready to take them to the city for shopping</p><p></p><p>Alsoosme gathers together those wishing to head into the city early to shop, which include Ruby and Fish. She escorts them down to the docks where Enoch Kingsley has gotten the larger sailing vessel ready to sail. The boat is thirty-two feet in length, made mostly of mahogany wood, appears to be brand new, and has the name "AGELESS JOURNEY" written on the stern in gold script. "Not humble, the AGELESS corporation, are we?" Abby asked dryly. "But then, how better to hide your secret agendas than to flaunt your public ones?" </p><p></p><p>Despite the vessel's size Alsoomse manages to sail it by herself with relative ease. They journey downriver for an hour at a casual pace, stopping only briefly in Mill Cove to pick up the day's mail. They pass a number of islands, both large and small. The westerly river then turns to the south, with the city to the west of it. They sail until they are almost where they had the picnic lunch following the arrival of the trains on Friday. </p><p></p><p>Abby spent the hour-long said at the rail, breathing deep of the fresh air and enjoying the sun. There was something about being on the water... She had enjoyed the journey back and forth to England so much she almost considered giving over her education and becoming a sailor. But she was still a historian and archeologist. And a woman about to shop for the last fancy dress she was likely to wear for some time.</p><p></p><p>Ruby had found herself a nice spot on the large ship and sunned herself in the hot Florida rays while they sailed the calm waters. It was an odd juxtaposition, one day relaxing like this, the day before fighting for their lives. She hoped for more days like this than like yesterday. They see Sol Star standing on a dock waiting for their arrival. Alsoomse sails the vessel into a boat slip on a dock. Sol helps to secure the boat to the dock. She stepped lightly off the ship, holding onto Mr. Star's extended hand and smiled.</p><p></p><p>When it was time to disembark Ruby was eager to begin their shopping. "So where are we going Alsoomse? I need a gown, well, I want a new gown, Nanuet needs a suit too." "You always want a new gown" said George with a smile as he took her hand to help her disembark. "But you of course may have whatever you wish my dear." said George to Ruby. "However, I do think we need to get Nanuet a suit first since you have gowns that could do in a pinch.” Nanuet had been rather quiet the entire trip, mostly taking in the surrounding scenery and keeping to himself.</p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed. "That is what I love about you darling, you'll always give me anything I want! I'll find something ravishing so you won't be disappointed." Nanuet, any preference on suit styles?" asks George. Ruby sidled up to Nanuet and spoke softly to him. "Wearing a nice suit means you've taken the effort to impress the lady and it will show." Ruby squeezed his arm. "But be yourself, that is always the best advice." "I umm... didn't say I wouldn't. Buy the suit that is. Impress what lady? Who do I have to impress? I'm not trying to impress anyone. I, um, I just need to fit in with everybody else." Nanuet caught himself looking at Alsoomse and then back to Ruby. "Thanks for the advice." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet says, "Suit styles? Let's just say fashion is not exactly my area of expertise. I would be grateful for any assistance with picking out any clothes that would be needed for this... ball." They agree upon a restaurant to meet for lunch. Alsoome leads the women off to the higher end Jacksonville dress shops while Solomon Star takes charge of the men. Ruby gave George a kiss then hurried off after the women. </p><p></p><p>Ruby hooked her arm around Abby's. "So, have you been to many balls?" Abby replies, "Not really. The dances at college were all heavily supervised by elderly matrons who were very concerned that there was no 'inappropriate behavior' going on. Which meant no fun, of course. Otherwise most of my dancing has been done in the New Orleans clubs and dance halls. That didn't exactly thrill my mother, but I took her with me to a couple of the higher class ones and she left me alone about it after that," Abby laughed. Ruby replies, "Oh! I've been to a New Orleans club once, it was one of the most fun nights of my life! Is there where you grew up? You're so lucky!"</p><p></p><p>Jacksonville's Bay Street is the principal business thoroughfare, and runs parallel to and one block distant from the river. For a distance of about a mile it is lined on both sides with stores, offices, and other mercantile buildings, including several of the leading hotels. The Astor Building, at the corner of Bay and Hogan Streets, is the finest in the city, and in it, besides several stores. That is where Alsoomse leads them, and to Maurice Fashions, the finest clothier in the city. A portrait in the lobby shows the company's founder and top designer Maurice Lebeau Francois Saint Louis. A separate saleswoman approaches each woman. </p><p></p><p>Abby leaned over to Ruby and whispered, "They look like vultures, don't they?" "Yes they do. Now this I know how to deal with." Ruby stepped forward. "Afternoon ladies. We're going to a fabulous ball tonight and we need the most fabulous in fashions that you have. I trust you'll be able to get us suitable attired?" The next ninety minutes goes by in a flurry for the three women as the salespeople show them a variety of formal dresses and gowns, as well as various accessories and jewelry to compliment the attire. </p><p></p><p>An emerald green gown caught Ruby's eye. As she admired it though her eyes glazed over as she lost herself in her thoughts. When she came back to the moment she passed on the green gown and found herself drawn to a ruby red stunner. Red was her favorite color and red gowns looked amazing on her. She decided on the red and the girl took it away to get wrapped to take home. </p><p></p><p>As she waited out of the corner of her eye she caught a sparkle that drew her in. She went over to investigate and gasped. A beautiful, creamy white gown covered in crystals hung in a small room off the side of the main lobby. Ruby gazed upon the beautiful confection and there was no doubt she would have this gown. She had the salesgirl take it down and amazingly enough it fit her perfectly. She admired herself for some time, not wanting to take it off. Finally she did so she could return with the others for lunch. But she was giddy with excitement to be able to wear it that evening. </p><p></p><p>"I hope the men have just as much luck as I have had tonight!," she commented to Abby and Alsoomse, "George is so handsome dressed in a tuxedo," she gushed. Before the saleswoman could whisk her away, Abby desperately whispered to Alsoome, "I don't have the kind of money to shop here, is there somewhere else we can go after Ruby is done?" Alsoomse tells her not to worry, that the purchases will all be paid for by the Conservancy. </p><p></p><p>With that reassuance Abby went about the difficult task of chosing a gown. She debated between a red and gold brocade and a pale lavender and finally decided to go with cool elegance to diffentiate herself from Ruby. She knew she was just a beautiful, but Ruby exuded warmth so the best way to stand out was to go the other way. Alsoomse chooses a rather conservative gown that is a beige/peach color which favors her tanned skin tone and long dark hair. </p><p>The women finish their purchases, which are to be delivered to the boat slip by late afternoon. Alsoomse has the purchases all charged to an account of her's. She comments how bringing the large sailboat to the city gives them the opportunity to have a private cabin to change and prepare for the ball in. </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, back at the Timucuan Conservancy, a beehive of activity is going on. Shortly after the boat with the shoppers departed a convoy of nearly one-hundred workers arrived. Most of these men begin digging the ditch from the house to the Kingsley-Delroy house a quarter mile away and the MacKinnon property one-third of a mile further west. The remaining workers assemble the telephone and electrical wiring into the copper piping that will be placed within the ditch. Luiz and Jasper take up supervision of this operation, joined by Alan MacKinnon upon his return from Jacksonville. Once Alan has things under control Luiz heads up to the library to conduct further research.</p><p></p><p>Inside the house, the others all take to the tunnel with rigor and determination, digging at an accelerated pace. They work until noon at which time they stop for lunch. Luiz brings to James's attention some information that he found in an old book regarding the Whig party that bears further investigation. James heads outside to locate Alan, so that a note can be dispatched to Jacksonville for Sol to continue that line of investigation. </p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Fish has scored his suit! It is cut for ease of movement, with a high waist and sleeves that lend themselves to hidden pockets. The cane has beautiful silver Celtic scrollwork, as well as a hidden compartment of its own. The coat buttons are etched with filagree too.</p><p></p><p>The women proceed down to the waterfront to a posh establishment named the "Florida Gateway Restaurant". The men have already arrived and are seated at a table on the balcony overlooking the river. The waiter brings the menus. The dinner specials consist of swordfish steak, grilled bass, roast leg of lamb, shrimp alfredo and duck in orange sauce. Side dishes are carrots in a butter sauce, brown rice, fruit salad and corn on the cob. Dessert offerings are a lemon-apple cobbler, double-chocolate cake, and banana cream pie. "So how did you boys make out today? Did you all find something fabulous?" She turned to George. "I found the most RAVISHING gown today darling, you're going to want to marry me the moment you see it!" she teased him. "Oh I am sure I will, but how could I possibly want to marry you any faster or any more than I have for the last decade?" says George with a smile. Ruby giggled then leaned over and kissed her fiance. "I don't know but I hope there isn't a priest just hanging around there tonight," she laughed. "You'll blow all your grand wedding plans." </p><p></p><p>Nanuet looked disheveled, his hair a mess and clothes askew. He made an annoyed face and said "Oh, I made out just fine I guess. I got a suit. How men wear these things on a regular basis I'll never know. A shirt and a vest and a jacket? And then strangle your self by tying something around your neck? And they say I'm a savage." Nanuet while not thrilled with the options of appropriate attire did heartily enjoy the lunch, eating his own meal and greedily eying the plates of others. "Is there going to be food at this thing or just dancing?" he says, taking a huge bite of the chocolate cake. </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, "I can wait to see you all dressed up Nanuet, the time you borrowed Jake's suit you looked so nice." Ruby squeezed his hand warmly, remembering that night fondly but hoping she wouldn't make her friend sad over lost loves. Even if it was absolutely the right thing that didn't always make it easy to forget. "I bet there will be food... but maybe just dancing. Most balls have a dinner too but we did just eat..."</p><p></p><p>Ruby turns and comments, "Alsoomse, we're going to prepare on the boat on the way back tonight?" Alsoomse says, "We're not going all the way back to the house just to return, we're staying in the city until the ball." Ruby answers, "That makes sense I guess. So, what should we expect at this ball tonight? Do we need to do anything except show up? Any special people there we should be aware of?" Alsoomse replies, "All of Jacksonville's high society will be there, probably between one-hundred and one-hundred-fifty people. James and Luiz would be more familiar with them. </p><p></p><p>I've really only familiar with the two top ones. Judge Thomas Settle headed the organization until very recently. He was originally from North Carolina and served in Congress from there. A staunch Republican, President Grant appointed him to District Court here in Florida five years ago. He's a very typical southerner, gentlemanly, but with all of the prejudices you would expect.</p><p></p><p>The other is General Francis Elias Spinner, the organization's new leader. He's a New Yorker by birth and served in Congress as an anti-slavery Democrat. During the war he was appointed the Treasurer of the United States, a job he held for fifteen years. He was responsible for the hiring of civilians to government jobs, and took the controversial position of hiring women to work for the government. I worked directly for him in the Federal Department of Indian Affairs and was the one who introduced him to James. He's had a home here in Jacksonville for a few years now. </p><p></p><p>Ruby states, "Spinner? That name sounds familiar...," Her brows furrowed together as she tried to piece that together then shrugged. "Well, is there anything we should be doing tonight or just be our fabulous selves?" Alsoomse smiles and says, "Just be yourself and have fun, it's a party and you're with the man you love." "Oh you KNOW I'm going to have fun," she grinned. "Well, I'm not in love with any man, so I might just have more fun. No elderly matrons to get in the way," Abby laughed.</p><p></p><p>"But I just wanted to make sure I didn't, you know, do something that would make Nana or James..." Ruby shrugged. "You know. Anyway, this lunch is delicious!" Ruby finished her lunch with gusto, changing the subject. </p><p>"I'm so ready for a party, yesterday was rough. I hope we don't have to get up early tomorrow," Ruby giggled. "I'm going to need some time to get ready." Abby says, "It shouldn't take that long, although how I'm going to manage my hair, I don't know." Ruby says, "Oh, I can help you with that, it'll be fun! You have such nice hair it should be easy to get it up and ravishing."</p><p></p><p>Just as they are finishing dessert Sheriff Holtzburn arrives. He heads over to the table and says to Sol "Deputy Star, I apologize for interrupting your meal. I just now received a communication from your associates who would like you to further investigate some new information that they came across. They found a reference to Mr. Phineas Brown, the Whig politician from Virginia who had been Mr. Parker's rival at that auction. Apparently Mr. Brown had an older brother Thomas who was also prominent in the Whig party. Thomas Brown moved to Florida in the early 1830's and served as the State's second Governor in the years 1849 until 1853." </p><p></p><p>Ruby asks, "Well, what are you going to do Sol, waltz up to his house and ask him if his brother was part of a murder conspiracy?" Sol asks, "Does he even live in Jacksonville?"</p><p></p><p>The Sheriff replies, "I doubt it. As I see it we have two options, we could send a telegram off to the Governor Bloxham to see what he knows about his predecessor or we could head over to the Jacksonville Library and see what we can look up about him." Ruby asks, "Do we have time to visit the library now?" Sol replies, "Sure we do, the ball doesn't start for another five hours." Ruby states, "Well then, if everyone is finished with lunch, let's take a little wander over to the library and see what we can find!" </p><p></p><p>Abby interjects, "Research. At least that's one of my strong suits. And it will be good to see what kind of resources we'll have available in the city." Lawrence rubs his hands together. "A capital idea, Ruby. A little research will cut through some of the fog." Ruby says, "Well, I'll leave the research up to you smarty pants types," she winked at him. "I'll come along in case some finagling is needed." Tucking away his leer, Fish thinks to himself, "How is it that she can make a perfectly ordinary word like 'finagle' sound dirty?"</p><p></p><p>The lunch bill is paid the Sheriff leads them over to Adams Street to a one-story frame building having a steep roof and a small entrance porch. A plaque on the door reads that the Library and Literary Association was founded by May Moore and Florence Murphy in 1878 as a free public library and reading room for the city. It was initially located in the Astor Building, on the corner of Bay and Hogan. In April of 1882 the renamed Jacksonville Library Association constructed the current building. </p><p></p><p>As they enter the Chief Librarian James Douglas is more than happy to assist Sheriff Hotzbrun, Deputy Star, and their research associates. Douglas says that he is honored to also have a visit by the famed linguistic expert Professor Alsoomse de Rosa, several of her visiting students having visited the library during the summer. He speaks favorably of the Timucuan Conservancy's goals. </p><p></p><p>There are three shelves of books regarding Florida history, but the vast majority of them are older books written in Spanish and cover the three centuries of Spanish rule. There are two books of more recent history, one published in 1871 to commemorate Florida's 50th Anniversary of United States Control. Another published in 1881 covers Florida's first thirty-five years as a State.</p><p></p><p>They soon discover that a visit with Governor Thomas Brown will not be forthcoming, as he died fifteen years ago. There is a fair amount of information about the man. He is buried in Tallahassee and the older of the two books references his marriage date and that he had one son. The newer of the books has nothing further about Brown but does include a photograph of the man. One distinguishing feature of the man is a rather prominent nose. "Hey!" interjects Fish, "he looks like that bonny that followed us onto the train!" </p><p></p><p>Seeing nothing further for information, Sol decides to take the Sheriff up on his other suggestion. They head over to the Jacksonville telegram office. The clerk Herman J. Ketchum gives Sol a friendly greeting, Alan MacKinnon having introduced the two of them at dinner in town the previous evening. A telegram is dispatched to Governor Bloxham, requsting that a reply be sent within the next two hours. </p><p></p><p>That done, the Sheriff departs, wishing them luck and saying that he and his wife will see them at the ball. Sol says to the other six, "Well, we still have some time to kill. What you any of you like to do?" After the Sheriff departs Sol says that he and Fish need to pay a visit to a mutual acquaintance, and says he will meet the others back at the telegram office in two house. Ruby and George head off together to do some more shopping.</p><p></p><p>Abby says, "Most of the things I'd do for fun happen at night, and I'm not much of a shopper for shopping's sake. Any suggestions? Someplace where the locals like to spend the day?" Alsoomse says that she was going to introduce Nanuet to some of the locals and invites Abigail to join them. They head down to the ferry boat and cross over to the opposite shore. </p><p></p><p>Back at the house, Thomas, Roy, James, John and Lawrence managed to get all of the wheelbarrows filled by 3:30 PM and the tunnel is now another thirteen feet deeper. They head back to their respective rooms to get washed up and dressed for the ball. Luiz and Mina confer with Alan MacKinnon, who says that the workmen have compelted the ditch and wiring to the Delroy-Kingsley house and are one-third of the way from their to the MacKinnon house. The workers are dismissed for the day, to return tomorrow.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 4831254, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter Thirty-two, “Shopping!", September 4th, 1882, 8:30 A.M.[/B] The next morning Ruby arrived downstairs fresh and smiling. The Delroy-Kingsley family has already left, leaving behind a large breakfast spread consisting of scrambled eggs, grits, fried sausage links, orange-lemon muffins, a Jamacian blend coffee, and pitchers of freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice and limeade. She ate a muffin and had some coffee, waiting for Alsoomse to be ready to take them to the city for shopping Alsoosme gathers together those wishing to head into the city early to shop, which include Ruby and Fish. She escorts them down to the docks where Enoch Kingsley has gotten the larger sailing vessel ready to sail. The boat is thirty-two feet in length, made mostly of mahogany wood, appears to be brand new, and has the name "AGELESS JOURNEY" written on the stern in gold script. "Not humble, the AGELESS corporation, are we?" Abby asked dryly. "But then, how better to hide your secret agendas than to flaunt your public ones?" Despite the vessel's size Alsoomse manages to sail it by herself with relative ease. They journey downriver for an hour at a casual pace, stopping only briefly in Mill Cove to pick up the day's mail. They pass a number of islands, both large and small. The westerly river then turns to the south, with the city to the west of it. They sail until they are almost where they had the picnic lunch following the arrival of the trains on Friday. Abby spent the hour-long said at the rail, breathing deep of the fresh air and enjoying the sun. There was something about being on the water... She had enjoyed the journey back and forth to England so much she almost considered giving over her education and becoming a sailor. But she was still a historian and archeologist. And a woman about to shop for the last fancy dress she was likely to wear for some time. Ruby had found herself a nice spot on the large ship and sunned herself in the hot Florida rays while they sailed the calm waters. It was an odd juxtaposition, one day relaxing like this, the day before fighting for their lives. She hoped for more days like this than like yesterday. They see Sol Star standing on a dock waiting for their arrival. Alsoomse sails the vessel into a boat slip on a dock. Sol helps to secure the boat to the dock. She stepped lightly off the ship, holding onto Mr. Star's extended hand and smiled. When it was time to disembark Ruby was eager to begin their shopping. "So where are we going Alsoomse? I need a gown, well, I want a new gown, Nanuet needs a suit too." "You always want a new gown" said George with a smile as he took her hand to help her disembark. "But you of course may have whatever you wish my dear." said George to Ruby. "However, I do think we need to get Nanuet a suit first since you have gowns that could do in a pinch.” Nanuet had been rather quiet the entire trip, mostly taking in the surrounding scenery and keeping to himself. Ruby laughed. "That is what I love about you darling, you'll always give me anything I want! I'll find something ravishing so you won't be disappointed." Nanuet, any preference on suit styles?" asks George. Ruby sidled up to Nanuet and spoke softly to him. "Wearing a nice suit means you've taken the effort to impress the lady and it will show." Ruby squeezed his arm. "But be yourself, that is always the best advice." "I umm... didn't say I wouldn't. Buy the suit that is. Impress what lady? Who do I have to impress? I'm not trying to impress anyone. I, um, I just need to fit in with everybody else." Nanuet caught himself looking at Alsoomse and then back to Ruby. "Thanks for the advice." Nanuet says, "Suit styles? Let's just say fashion is not exactly my area of expertise. I would be grateful for any assistance with picking out any clothes that would be needed for this... ball." They agree upon a restaurant to meet for lunch. Alsoome leads the women off to the higher end Jacksonville dress shops while Solomon Star takes charge of the men. Ruby gave George a kiss then hurried off after the women. Ruby hooked her arm around Abby's. "So, have you been to many balls?" Abby replies, "Not really. The dances at college were all heavily supervised by elderly matrons who were very concerned that there was no 'inappropriate behavior' going on. Which meant no fun, of course. Otherwise most of my dancing has been done in the New Orleans clubs and dance halls. That didn't exactly thrill my mother, but I took her with me to a couple of the higher class ones and she left me alone about it after that," Abby laughed. Ruby replies, "Oh! I've been to a New Orleans club once, it was one of the most fun nights of my life! Is there where you grew up? You're so lucky!" Jacksonville's Bay Street is the principal business thoroughfare, and runs parallel to and one block distant from the river. For a distance of about a mile it is lined on both sides with stores, offices, and other mercantile buildings, including several of the leading hotels. The Astor Building, at the corner of Bay and Hogan Streets, is the finest in the city, and in it, besides several stores. That is where Alsoomse leads them, and to Maurice Fashions, the finest clothier in the city. A portrait in the lobby shows the company's founder and top designer Maurice Lebeau Francois Saint Louis. A separate saleswoman approaches each woman. Abby leaned over to Ruby and whispered, "They look like vultures, don't they?" "Yes they do. Now this I know how to deal with." Ruby stepped forward. "Afternoon ladies. We're going to a fabulous ball tonight and we need the most fabulous in fashions that you have. I trust you'll be able to get us suitable attired?" The next ninety minutes goes by in a flurry for the three women as the salespeople show them a variety of formal dresses and gowns, as well as various accessories and jewelry to compliment the attire. An emerald green gown caught Ruby's eye. As she admired it though her eyes glazed over as she lost herself in her thoughts. When she came back to the moment she passed on the green gown and found herself drawn to a ruby red stunner. Red was her favorite color and red gowns looked amazing on her. She decided on the red and the girl took it away to get wrapped to take home. As she waited out of the corner of her eye she caught a sparkle that drew her in. She went over to investigate and gasped. A beautiful, creamy white gown covered in crystals hung in a small room off the side of the main lobby. Ruby gazed upon the beautiful confection and there was no doubt she would have this gown. She had the salesgirl take it down and amazingly enough it fit her perfectly. She admired herself for some time, not wanting to take it off. Finally she did so she could return with the others for lunch. But she was giddy with excitement to be able to wear it that evening. "I hope the men have just as much luck as I have had tonight!," she commented to Abby and Alsoomse, "George is so handsome dressed in a tuxedo," she gushed. Before the saleswoman could whisk her away, Abby desperately whispered to Alsoome, "I don't have the kind of money to shop here, is there somewhere else we can go after Ruby is done?" Alsoomse tells her not to worry, that the purchases will all be paid for by the Conservancy. With that reassuance Abby went about the difficult task of chosing a gown. She debated between a red and gold brocade and a pale lavender and finally decided to go with cool elegance to diffentiate herself from Ruby. She knew she was just a beautiful, but Ruby exuded warmth so the best way to stand out was to go the other way. Alsoomse chooses a rather conservative gown that is a beige/peach color which favors her tanned skin tone and long dark hair. The women finish their purchases, which are to be delivered to the boat slip by late afternoon. Alsoomse has the purchases all charged to an account of her's. She comments how bringing the large sailboat to the city gives them the opportunity to have a private cabin to change and prepare for the ball in. Meanwhile, back at the Timucuan Conservancy, a beehive of activity is going on. Shortly after the boat with the shoppers departed a convoy of nearly one-hundred workers arrived. Most of these men begin digging the ditch from the house to the Kingsley-Delroy house a quarter mile away and the MacKinnon property one-third of a mile further west. The remaining workers assemble the telephone and electrical wiring into the copper piping that will be placed within the ditch. Luiz and Jasper take up supervision of this operation, joined by Alan MacKinnon upon his return from Jacksonville. Once Alan has things under control Luiz heads up to the library to conduct further research. Inside the house, the others all take to the tunnel with rigor and determination, digging at an accelerated pace. They work until noon at which time they stop for lunch. Luiz brings to James's attention some information that he found in an old book regarding the Whig party that bears further investigation. James heads outside to locate Alan, so that a note can be dispatched to Jacksonville for Sol to continue that line of investigation. Meanwhile, Fish has scored his suit! It is cut for ease of movement, with a high waist and sleeves that lend themselves to hidden pockets. The cane has beautiful silver Celtic scrollwork, as well as a hidden compartment of its own. The coat buttons are etched with filagree too. The women proceed down to the waterfront to a posh establishment named the "Florida Gateway Restaurant". The men have already arrived and are seated at a table on the balcony overlooking the river. The waiter brings the menus. The dinner specials consist of swordfish steak, grilled bass, roast leg of lamb, shrimp alfredo and duck in orange sauce. Side dishes are carrots in a butter sauce, brown rice, fruit salad and corn on the cob. Dessert offerings are a lemon-apple cobbler, double-chocolate cake, and banana cream pie. "So how did you boys make out today? Did you all find something fabulous?" She turned to George. "I found the most RAVISHING gown today darling, you're going to want to marry me the moment you see it!" she teased him. "Oh I am sure I will, but how could I possibly want to marry you any faster or any more than I have for the last decade?" says George with a smile. Ruby giggled then leaned over and kissed her fiance. "I don't know but I hope there isn't a priest just hanging around there tonight," she laughed. "You'll blow all your grand wedding plans." Nanuet looked disheveled, his hair a mess and clothes askew. He made an annoyed face and said "Oh, I made out just fine I guess. I got a suit. How men wear these things on a regular basis I'll never know. A shirt and a vest and a jacket? And then strangle your self by tying something around your neck? And they say I'm a savage." Nanuet while not thrilled with the options of appropriate attire did heartily enjoy the lunch, eating his own meal and greedily eying the plates of others. "Is there going to be food at this thing or just dancing?" he says, taking a huge bite of the chocolate cake. Ruby says, "I can wait to see you all dressed up Nanuet, the time you borrowed Jake's suit you looked so nice." Ruby squeezed his hand warmly, remembering that night fondly but hoping she wouldn't make her friend sad over lost loves. Even if it was absolutely the right thing that didn't always make it easy to forget. "I bet there will be food... but maybe just dancing. Most balls have a dinner too but we did just eat..." Ruby turns and comments, "Alsoomse, we're going to prepare on the boat on the way back tonight?" Alsoomse says, "We're not going all the way back to the house just to return, we're staying in the city until the ball." Ruby answers, "That makes sense I guess. So, what should we expect at this ball tonight? Do we need to do anything except show up? Any special people there we should be aware of?" Alsoomse replies, "All of Jacksonville's high society will be there, probably between one-hundred and one-hundred-fifty people. James and Luiz would be more familiar with them. I've really only familiar with the two top ones. Judge Thomas Settle headed the organization until very recently. He was originally from North Carolina and served in Congress from there. A staunch Republican, President Grant appointed him to District Court here in Florida five years ago. He's a very typical southerner, gentlemanly, but with all of the prejudices you would expect. The other is General Francis Elias Spinner, the organization's new leader. He's a New Yorker by birth and served in Congress as an anti-slavery Democrat. During the war he was appointed the Treasurer of the United States, a job he held for fifteen years. He was responsible for the hiring of civilians to government jobs, and took the controversial position of hiring women to work for the government. I worked directly for him in the Federal Department of Indian Affairs and was the one who introduced him to James. He's had a home here in Jacksonville for a few years now. Ruby states, "Spinner? That name sounds familiar...," Her brows furrowed together as she tried to piece that together then shrugged. "Well, is there anything we should be doing tonight or just be our fabulous selves?" Alsoomse smiles and says, "Just be yourself and have fun, it's a party and you're with the man you love." "Oh you KNOW I'm going to have fun," she grinned. "Well, I'm not in love with any man, so I might just have more fun. No elderly matrons to get in the way," Abby laughed. "But I just wanted to make sure I didn't, you know, do something that would make Nana or James..." Ruby shrugged. "You know. Anyway, this lunch is delicious!" Ruby finished her lunch with gusto, changing the subject. "I'm so ready for a party, yesterday was rough. I hope we don't have to get up early tomorrow," Ruby giggled. "I'm going to need some time to get ready." Abby says, "It shouldn't take that long, although how I'm going to manage my hair, I don't know." Ruby says, "Oh, I can help you with that, it'll be fun! You have such nice hair it should be easy to get it up and ravishing." Just as they are finishing dessert Sheriff Holtzburn arrives. He heads over to the table and says to Sol "Deputy Star, I apologize for interrupting your meal. I just now received a communication from your associates who would like you to further investigate some new information that they came across. They found a reference to Mr. Phineas Brown, the Whig politician from Virginia who had been Mr. Parker's rival at that auction. Apparently Mr. Brown had an older brother Thomas who was also prominent in the Whig party. Thomas Brown moved to Florida in the early 1830's and served as the State's second Governor in the years 1849 until 1853." Ruby asks, "Well, what are you going to do Sol, waltz up to his house and ask him if his brother was part of a murder conspiracy?" Sol asks, "Does he even live in Jacksonville?" The Sheriff replies, "I doubt it. As I see it we have two options, we could send a telegram off to the Governor Bloxham to see what he knows about his predecessor or we could head over to the Jacksonville Library and see what we can look up about him." Ruby asks, "Do we have time to visit the library now?" Sol replies, "Sure we do, the ball doesn't start for another five hours." Ruby states, "Well then, if everyone is finished with lunch, let's take a little wander over to the library and see what we can find!" Abby interjects, "Research. At least that's one of my strong suits. And it will be good to see what kind of resources we'll have available in the city." Lawrence rubs his hands together. "A capital idea, Ruby. A little research will cut through some of the fog." Ruby says, "Well, I'll leave the research up to you smarty pants types," she winked at him. "I'll come along in case some finagling is needed." Tucking away his leer, Fish thinks to himself, "How is it that she can make a perfectly ordinary word like 'finagle' sound dirty?" The lunch bill is paid the Sheriff leads them over to Adams Street to a one-story frame building having a steep roof and a small entrance porch. A plaque on the door reads that the Library and Literary Association was founded by May Moore and Florence Murphy in 1878 as a free public library and reading room for the city. It was initially located in the Astor Building, on the corner of Bay and Hogan. In April of 1882 the renamed Jacksonville Library Association constructed the current building. As they enter the Chief Librarian James Douglas is more than happy to assist Sheriff Hotzbrun, Deputy Star, and their research associates. Douglas says that he is honored to also have a visit by the famed linguistic expert Professor Alsoomse de Rosa, several of her visiting students having visited the library during the summer. He speaks favorably of the Timucuan Conservancy's goals. There are three shelves of books regarding Florida history, but the vast majority of them are older books written in Spanish and cover the three centuries of Spanish rule. There are two books of more recent history, one published in 1871 to commemorate Florida's 50th Anniversary of United States Control. Another published in 1881 covers Florida's first thirty-five years as a State. They soon discover that a visit with Governor Thomas Brown will not be forthcoming, as he died fifteen years ago. There is a fair amount of information about the man. He is buried in Tallahassee and the older of the two books references his marriage date and that he had one son. The newer of the books has nothing further about Brown but does include a photograph of the man. One distinguishing feature of the man is a rather prominent nose. "Hey!" interjects Fish, "he looks like that bonny that followed us onto the train!" Seeing nothing further for information, Sol decides to take the Sheriff up on his other suggestion. They head over to the Jacksonville telegram office. The clerk Herman J. Ketchum gives Sol a friendly greeting, Alan MacKinnon having introduced the two of them at dinner in town the previous evening. A telegram is dispatched to Governor Bloxham, requsting that a reply be sent within the next two hours. That done, the Sheriff departs, wishing them luck and saying that he and his wife will see them at the ball. Sol says to the other six, "Well, we still have some time to kill. What you any of you like to do?" After the Sheriff departs Sol says that he and Fish need to pay a visit to a mutual acquaintance, and says he will meet the others back at the telegram office in two house. Ruby and George head off together to do some more shopping. Abby says, "Most of the things I'd do for fun happen at night, and I'm not much of a shopper for shopping's sake. Any suggestions? Someplace where the locals like to spend the day?" Alsoomse says that she was going to introduce Nanuet to some of the locals and invites Abigail to join them. They head down to the ferry boat and cross over to the opposite shore. Back at the house, Thomas, Roy, James, John and Lawrence managed to get all of the wheelbarrows filled by 3:30 PM and the tunnel is now another thirteen feet deeper. They head back to their respective rooms to get washed up and dressed for the ball. Luiz and Mina confer with Alan MacKinnon, who says that the workmen have compelted the ditch and wiring to the Delroy-Kingsley house and are one-third of the way from their to the MacKinnon house. The workers are dismissed for the day, to return tomorrow. [/QUOTE]
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