Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2833265" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 15px">Funeral for a Friend</span></p><p></p><p>The family all head outside to a trio of carriages that await them. Kate joins her parents in the Seagram family coach in the front along with Phillip and Phillip’s private tutor Mr. Roderick Angelbury. Angelbury had been a close friend of Mr. Emerson. Emerson in fact had been the one to recommend Angelbury to the family when Phillip first exhibited that he had some minor difficulties in learning English rather than French. </p><p></p><p>Also joining them inside the main carriage was Mathias, the family butler and manager of all of the household servants. While 19th century society placed clear divisions between servants and masters, the Seagram household never paid the strictest attention to such protocol. To others it will appear that Mathias is accompanying the family to assisting the grieving women, but Kate knew the truth, that Mathias was also in mourning over his departed friend and the Seagrams wished him beside them as part of the family for the private service.</p><p></p><p>The second carriage belonged to the Oxnard family, Elaine’s parents. Riding in that carriage were Henry, Elaine, their daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Oxnard, Colby Tucker and Mr. Pickering. </p><p></p><p>The final carriage belonged to the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Tannenbaum who along with their son Charmichael would be attending only the public service, having only met Emerson on a few social occasions. They were joined by Conrad Booth, Manuel Gonzales and young Ginnie. </p><p></p><p>The carriages set off to exit Boston and head northwest to the community of Concord Massachusetts where Emerson had resided.</p><p></p><p>Kate was quiet for a long time as the carriage bumped and jostled through the city streets, eventually moving out into newly budding trees of the countryside. Her eyes had watched the familiar buildings slide by, each street a memory. “I don’t know if I could have done this,” she said quietly.</p><p></p><p>“Done what, Katherine?” her father asked, taking her black-gloved hand and squeezing it.</p><p></p><p>She looked around the carriage at the somber group, then back to her father. “Gone through all this for Tom. So many people, things to do. Everyone always around wanting to help when all you want is to be quiet. I missed all of you so much, but I’m glad I was spared this.”</p><p></p><p>Friedrich slipped his arm around his daughter and hugged her around the shoulders. She leaned against him and closed her eyes, allowing herself to doze through the rest of the ride, vaguely aware of the other quiet voices talking in the coach.</p><p></p><p>The carriages arrive at the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson. A dear friend and artist, Daniel Chester French, who had enjoyed Emerson’s endorsement in obtaining the commission for his Minute Man statue and who in 1879 had sculpted a bust of Emerson, had draped the body in a white robe, dramatic in contrast with the dark wood of the black walnut coffin.</p><p></p><p>The women of Concord made black and white rosettes to decorate houses that people would see on the way from the depot and along the route of the funeral procession. Public buildings were hung with black drapery. The Fitchburg Railroad arranged special trains to bring the anticipated throng of mourners to Concord. The floors and galleries of the First Parish were reinforced to support the weight of the numbers expected.</p><p></p><p>The private service was conducted at Emerson’s home by William Henry Furness, began at 2:30. At its conclusion, a hearse carried the coffin to the First Parish Greek/Roman Church, accompanied by pallbearers, members of the Social Circle, and carriages bearing family members.</p><p></p><p>The First Parish was decorated with pine and hemlock branches and a variety of flowers. Louisa May Alcott, who had idolized Emerson, had prepared a lyre of jonquils. The service, conducted by James Freeman Clarke, began at 3:30. Judge Hoar spoke emotionally. Bronson Alcott read a poem he had written for the occasion. Kate’s father also spoke briefly about his dear friend as he had at the private service as well. At the conclusion of the ceremony, some of those waiting outside were allowed to enter and file past the coffin.</p><p></p><p>The entire community of Concord seemed to be in mourning. It was rather overwhelming to ride through the streets and see the throngs of mourners. She sat through the private service holding Henry’s youngest girl Margaret on her lap. The little girl was old enough to realize she must be quiet, but she didn’t really understand what was happening. Still, the novelty of sitting with “Auntie Cake” seemed enough to amuse her.</p><p></p><p>They rode in the procession to the public service where she was united with Ginnie, Conrad and Mr. Gonzales. There were more than a few people staring at Conrad, and Kate was grateful that they were likely too busy wondering if he was who they thought he was to wonder about him being with the Seagrams.</p><p></p><p>As her father predicted, Kate was grateful to have all the people she loved around her at the public service. She sat with one arm around Ginnie’s shoulder and her free hand holding Conrad’s. Although tears often threatened she managed to keep from crying, even when well meaning people who had not seen her since before Tom’s death stopped by to offer their condolences. But she also had a chance to at least greet many friends she had not seen in months.</p><p></p><p>Thankfully Kate’s worst fears did not come to pass. Since Mr. Emerson had lived in Concord, the clergy Kate remembered from that terrible day so long ago were not in attendance. Still, it was a long, difficult day and Kate was exhausted by the end of it.</p><p></p><p>From the ceremony the body was transported to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Mr. Seagram served as one of the pallbearers. Samuel Moody Haskins, Emerson’s cousin, conducted the Episcopal burial service. The Emerson grandchildren and the schoolchildren of Concord dropped flowers and greenery into the grave. Before the mourners dispersed, the sun broke through the clouds that had threatened rain all day.</p><p></p><p>Kate had managed to keep herself together during most of the services, but when the children dropped their colorful offerings onto the coffin it all became very real. She held on to Ginnie tight even as she held her handkerchief to her streaming eyes.</p><p></p><p>The thought of this wonderful friend ending in Hades broke her heart. Surely, if anyone deserved a better rest it was he. Tom had escaped that end, and when the sun broke out of the clouds Kate found some hope that whatever greater fate the gods of Olympus had to offer, Mr. Emerson had earned it.</p><p></p><p>The services end and the people return to all of their respective carriages for the ride home. Kate goes with Conrad, Ginnie and Gonzales to the carriage of her family’s neighbors rather than that of her parents and they make no attempt to stop her. The ride back is quiet, with each of the three unsure of what to say. Finally Mrs. Tannenbaum breaks the silence and says in her thick German accent, “It is good that you were able to return Katherine.”</p><p></p><p>Kate nodded. “I had planned a trip home, but I didn’t expect to arrive for such a sad occasion. I’m grateful to have the chance to be with my family now, though. I have learned the last few months how important family is.”</p><p></p><p>The ride back to Boston is peaceful and continues to be quiet. The only further comments from Charmichael Tannenbaum. As a boy he once had a crush of Kate. The young man who now must be either eighteen or nineteen offers her his condolences for the loss of her husband and while staring intently at Conrad Booth then states, “I wish you the best of luck in the future Mrs. Kale.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you, Carmichael,” she said sincerely, ignoring his stare. “I find my luck to be strange indeed. My new home suits me surprisingly well, and with my many friends and my work there I believe I shall be very happy.</p><p></p><p>You must be ready for college by now. And I’d wager you had a very busy social season this year as well.”</p><p></p><p>Before he can answer Mr. Tannenbaum interjects “Yah, Carm will be going to Dartmouth College in September to study medicine.”</p><p></p><p>Charmichael then adds, “Yes, I will miss being in Boston, but I don’t have to tell you what that feels like Mrs. Kale. I had applied to Harvard but wasn’t accepted. Father had a friend at Dartmouth and was able to get me in. It’s actually considered to be a better medical school, so I should have no difficulty establishing a practice afterwards.”</p><p></p><p>“Medicine,” Kate shook her head with a smile. “I should have liked to study it myself. I’m sure you’ll make an excellent doctor, and Dartmouth is a very worthy school.</p><p></p><p>And you can always come back to Boston to practice. It’s a valuable experience to live somewhere else for a while and meet people with different ways and ideas. And you can’t experience the joy of homecoming if you never leave.</p><p></p><p>Who could have guessed when we were children that you would be a doctor and I would be out west teaching school?”</p><p></p><p>“Not I,” Charmichael replies. The carriage reaches the Seagram household and discharges those staying there. Conrad thanks the Tannebaums for the ride to which Gonzales adds “Indeed, it was a pleasure meeting all of you. Hopefully our next meeting will be under happier circumstances.”</p><p></p><p>The four head into the house, where the Seagrams and Oxnards have already arrived. As they enter the building Henri is waiting at the door and says to Conrad and Manuel “Father is having brandy and cigars with my father-in-law, Howard Elias Oxnard, out on the back patio. I will be joining them but wanted to invite the two of you along as well.” Both men accept and accompany Henri.</p><p></p><p>Kate hears the sound of her mother’s voice as well as that of her sister-in-law Elaine and Elaine’s mother Victoria Oxnard coming from the direction of the library.</p><p></p><p>Kate and Ginnie followed the sound of the ladies voices into the library. She introduced Ginnie to Mrs. Oxnard, and once those introductions were over the young girl found herself a book and a spot in one of the comfortable reading chairs.</p><p></p><p>“The girls aren’t here?” Kate asked.</p><p></p><p>Elaine shook her head, “They fell asleep on the ride back. Henry put them in the nursery upstairs.”</p><p></p><p>“They’re sweet girls, Elaine. You’re very lucky.”</p><p></p><p>“We are,” her sister-in-law answered. “They miss you, though. And Tom too. He was always so good and silly with them...” Elaine looked over at Kate. “I’m sorry maybe I shouldn’t have...”</p><p></p><p>“No, it’s fine,” Kate said and hugged her. “He loved them very much, and I like to hear people remember him and see them smile. And since no one in Arizona really knew him, I can talk about him, but I can’t really share my memories.”</p><p></p><p>She held on for another moment, then went and sat down. “So how are things here, Ladies? You know, the things Henry and Papa wouldn’t tell me.”</p><p></p><p>Henry led the men out onto the patio that bordered the garden where Katherine had been sitting that morning. Friedrich Seagram had already lit his pipe and was talking quietly to Howard Oxnard. Henry picked up a box and offered it to both Conrad and Manuel, then handed them some matches.</p><p></p><p>The young man filled his own pipe and sat down with a sigh. “It’s been a long day. I see how you both take care of my sister, and we appreciate it more than we can say. Thank you for bringing her here. I missed the last time she, and...” he swallowed, “It’s good to put some faces with the names I’ve heard.</p><p></p><p>How is she doing out there, really?”</p><p></p><p>Conrad breathes a sigh of relief when Manuel speaks up to answer the question, unsure of exactly what to say. Gonzales states, “Your daughter Katherine is now happy and content. While she still mourns the passing of her husband she has also decided to look forward rather than backwards with her life. Her purchasing a ranch, a house and a building for a school has helped to change her outlook. The ranch is her way of following up and fulfilling the dreams that she and her husband Tom had for going out west while the school draws upon her innate ability to make the lives of others better.”</p><p></p><p>Conrad decides that talking about the school rather than his relationship with her is a safe enough topic area and interjects “The school is very much needed. There are now over two-dozen children in town and most families cannot afford to hire private tutors. Katherine will be providing these families with education for their young which will in turn provide new opportunities for all of them.”</p><p></p><p>Gonzales says to Seagram “And sir, I would very much like to thank you for the egalitarian outlook that you have provided to your daughter. She treats all equally regardless of race, which is a welcome change from the outlook from that of several of the town’s leaders.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you, Mr. Gonzales. As the schoolteacher I hope she will have some influence in how the people in Promise City think. I was heavily involved with the abolitionist movement, so she was always surrounded by people who didn’t tolerate bigotry. She was always curious about people who were different, so much so that she would badger them with all the questions they could stand. My daughter has her own prejudices, but they are not about race,” Friedrich says with a rueful smile.</p><p></p><p>“She has some trouble with men who fought for the Confederacy. She was very young when I came back from the war, and I think all she really understood about what had happened to my arm was that men from the South had hurt me. She’s never really let go of it, but I’m sure you’ve noticed she can be stubborn.”</p><p></p><p>Conrad speaks up and says, “I wouldn’t necessarily say that is so Sir. She is aware, as are you, that relatives of mine were strong supporters of the Confederacy and has never held that in any way against me. And the previous owners of the Saloon where she plays piano at were also Confederate sympathizers.”</p><p></p><p>“No, she wouldn’t hold it against you. Those weren’t your choices, she wouldn’t judge you by what others have done. As for the saloon owners, I suspect she didn’t know about their opinions until after she had formed her own.”</p><p></p><p>Friedrich’s face became grave as he continued. “The other is the Greek and Roman gods and their servants. I thought of her often after we got the news of Tom’s death. To be alone in an unknown place... To have faith to turn to would have been a comfort for her.”</p><p></p><p>Gonzales softly states, “It would have Sir during her first months in Arizona and I believe that she has come to realize that herself. Her outlook towards your deities has changed since her arrival in Promise City. You should be aware that her husband’s passing has changed her outlook. She also purchased a marker for his grave with the Goddess Diana on it and also participated in a ceremony to Diana. While she may never share your devotion to those deities I believe that she has...well....experienced enough to make her have a level of faith. She is also very close friends with the Priestess of the town’s Greek and Roman Church.”</p><p></p><p>There was a shimmer of hope in Friedrich’s eyes. “She wrote to us about the marker, saying that it was Tom’s wishes that mattered when it came to his headstone, not hers. But participating in a ceremony is very unusual for her.</p><p></p><p>But who is this Priestess? Katherine has never mentioned her, and she has written of both of you and the Figueres family, as well as her friend Ruby, Mr. Cooke, Nanuet and Mr. Martin. Even of Mrs. Kelley and Mrs. Wainwright and a Mrs. King whom she had a bit of a clash with. Nothing of a Priestess.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah...Priestess Minerva Florencia....truly a gift to all of us from the gods.”</p><p></p><p>Seagram gives him an odd look. Gonzales continues, “If she wrote you about Mrs. King then you’ve heard of the town’s Vigilance Committee. They are a group of bigoted humans, who feel that their own narrow interpretations of religion are correct and that humans are superior to all races. I’m sure you’ve met their type before. They also wish to close down all saloons and gambling houses in town, which would hardly work for a mining community where the hard-working laborers need some release for their off hours.</p><p></p><p>Well, the Vigilance Committee was displeased with the town’s previous minister, who liked to drink and gamble himself, and forced his dismissal. In his place they asked for a married male minister who believed as they did. The Bishops were wise enough to realize that wouldn’t work for our town and sent Miss. Florencia instead.</p><p></p><p>She has worked hard to help bridge the gap between the two factions. Since her arrival, less than two months ago, she has held a major Festival to the Greek gods and has raised enough money to not only finish the church but also purchase a fire-fighting wagon for the community. While the Vigilance Committee still does not support her they also have realized that they cannot openly oppose her.”</p><p></p><p>“She sounds like a remarkable woman,” Friedrich said. “With good priorities. Unfortunately there are many people like your Vigilance Committee here in Boston; more than a few of them are members of the clergy. I hope it’s as you say and Katherine has made a friend of the lady. She may not have wanted to broach the subject with us.”</p><p></p><p>Henry spoke up and said, “Well, we’ve heard about Miss Florencia, and we’ve had plenty of word about Jacqueline’s other friends... What about the two of you? Mr. Gonzales I understand you are a professor. How about yourself, Mr. Booth? I understand you run a table at one of the saloons in town,” he said curiously. “Life must be very different there. Father has been talking about visiting, and I have to say I’m curious.”</p><p></p><p>Gonzales says “Professor may be a bit of an overstatement, but I have had a fine education, am proficient in a number of languages and have traveled much of the world. I grew up in what is now Brownsville, Texas. Back in my day it was part of Mexico. And I previously served in the Mexican Military, raising to the rank of Admiral.”</p><p></p><p>Booth says, “Well, I’d say that there is a huge contrast to Promise City and the city where I grew up, San Francisco. Western cities tend to be more accepting to change given the newness of them, but cities are cities. Mining towns are a different thing altogether. But with good people like Katherine and Priestess Florencia the town will develop along the right path and be a place we will all be proud to call our home.”</p><p></p><p>Gonzales adds “Professor Pickering was talking about making a visit with some of his students out to Arizona in late May, apparently there will be a solar eclipse on June 1st that can be best viewed out west. We would be honored if some of you could accompany him. My granddaughter owns a hotel and I will happy to reserve a block of rooms for you.”</p><p></p><p>Henry looked speculatively at Conrad as Friedrich answered.</p><p></p><p>“The El Parador, yes? I’d enjoy seeing the place where Katherine lived. My business pretty much takes care of itself these days. I’ll let you know before you head back to Promise City, but I think we’ll be seeing you there.”</p><p></p><p>The Seagrams continue to chat with their visitors, asking more general questions about life in the west and Promise City in particular. Henry especially seems interested, and pays close attention when Conrad talks about life there.</p><p></p><p>After another twenty minutes or so the sounds of the piano begin to float into the room with Kate’s light singing voice floating above it. The tune is one often heard at the El Parador, but the words are barely recognizable as she tries to sing them in Spanish without laughing at her bad pronunciation.</p><p></p><p>Conrad joins in the singing, adding his rich tenor voice to the songs and for the first time since arriving at the Seagram home appears to relax. The music continues for a short while until dinner is ready. The dinner conversation is rather formal, with Mrs. Oxnard dominating the conversation in a discussion of Boston society and politics.</p><p></p><p>Following the meal the Oxnards depart for their home and Katherine’s mother asks Kate to join her in the parlor. Once they are alone she closes the parlor door and then pours a glass of red wine for both of them. She comments in French “I thought that woman would never leave! By now one would have thought that she would realize I don’t share the same zeal for society gossip that she appears to delight in. At least I managed to steer her away from a conversation that she attempted to start several times today, namely the details of your relationship with Mr. Booth. Quite frankly, that is none of her business, although I will admit that your father and I are both curious.”</p><p></p><p>Katherine hid her face in her glass and took a large swallow. “We talked about that last night, Maman.”</p><p></p><p>Amelie laughed lightly. “No, my dear, we talked about your attraction, and the guilt you’ve felt over it.”</p><p></p><p>A rosy blush crept up Kate’s neck as she got up and walked over to the window. The sun was gone and she could see only blackness outside and the reflections of the light inside. “It is... There are things...” She stopped and took a deep breath. “He is courting me. He has been a wonderful and loyal friend, and he admitted lately that his feelings are more than friendship but he is willing to wait.”</p><p></p><p>She smiles at her daughter and says, “So he is every bit the gentleman that he carries himself as. That is a rare quality to find in a man these days. When I was your age it was the norm, but the War....it changed the country and the men in it. You are a fortunate girl to have found one like him in your town in the middle of nowhere.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, he is a gentleman. And more so every day. Ginnie thinks I should marry him and have done with it,” she chuckled. “She said that not all white knights come complete with a horse and I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”</p><p></p><p>She took another swallow of her wine. “My feelings for him are so different than what I have for Tom, but I.... Perhaps I am too entrenched in what Boston would think. I cannot help but feel I shouldn’t want another man so soon.”</p><p></p><p>“Ginnie is but a child, do not put too much stock in her opinions. Although I do not think that your husband would want you to be either sad or alone. Boston society would say that a full year of mourning should be observed. However when you factor in his time away from you it has been almost nine months since you saw Thomas last.</p><p></p><p>Kate nodded. “Sometimes I feel it was just yesterday I saw him last, other times it seems like years. I still want a family, children, and I know Tom would want that for me. I just wish I could stop doubting myself. Love is such a hard thing to find, it seems ungrateful to turn it away to make society happy.”</p><p></p><p>“But do you truly love this man? With Tom it was obvious that you were deeply in love. You appear to be far more uncertain about your feelings towards Mr. Booth.”</p><p></p><p>Kate closed her eyes and allowed thoughts into her mind that she had not permitted before. Pictures of a life. Of coming home from her school to find Conrad sitting in the parlor, or Sunday nights spent playing and singing together. She saw him keeping a father’s eye on Ginnie, then cradling her son in his arms and romping with him as he grew. Finally she imagined taking him to her bed and waking each morning wrapped in his arms.</p><p></p><p>“Maman.... I do love him,” she said wonderingly. “Tom knocked me over like a runaway horse. I didn’t know then that I would love him, but I knew there was something.... Conrad has crept into my heart so softly that I can hardly say when I began to think of him. I have blinded myself to it because I didn’t want to be disloyal to Tom, but I can’t deny it anymore. Can there be room for both, Maman?”</p><p></p><p>She replies, “Of course darling. Your father is the love of my life but he wasn’t my first love. There was a neighborhood boy named Maurice Boujoulais. He and I were together for years, we were inseparable. We spoke of one day getting married, but then his father’s business called their family back to Paris and I never saw him again. I truly did love him, but I moved on with my life and have no regrets. A person can have more than one love.”</p><p></p><p>She set down the glass and embraced her mother. “Oh, I’ve wanted you. I’ve been so confused about everything, telling myself that I was wrong to feel anything for him. Sometimes a girl just needs her mother. I have no regrets, I gave Tom everything I had while we were together.</p><p></p><p>It could all be a moot point. I’m not sure how much he wants. If he just wants to court me, or if he wants more.”</p><p></p><p>“Look where he is right now dear? A person doesn’t travel halfway across the country to attend a funeral of a person he’s never met unless he was serious. Not to mention meeting and staying in the home of the woman’s parents. I think this is more than a simple courtship.”</p><p></p><p>Kate nodded, keeping to herself that she had already turned down an offer for marriage. “You’re right. I don’t know why I keep putting barriers up. I know he cares for me. He’s made it more than clear, even thought I’ve been so evasive.</p><p></p><p>Thank you, Maman. I hope you... You don’t know him well, but I hope you will approve of him by the time we leave.”</p><p></p><p>They spend a short while talking about family. Henry, Elaine and the girls leave shortly thereafter for their home. It has been a long day and Kate’s parents head to bed early that night.</p><p></p><p>Ginnie and Manuel make themselves at home in the library, devouring as many of the Seagram’s fine books as time will allow them. Kate notes with some satisfaction that they are not reading individually but together, analyzing the text and making various comments and observations about the material. She does not recall ever seeing either of them happier.</p><p></p><p>Kate smiled in at them, feeling very full. Her heart still ached with the loss of their friend, but that ache made her all the more aware of the richness of her own life. It would be ungrateful of her to be unhappy when she had so much.</p><p></p><p>Ginnie’s face was bright and animated as she talked to Mr. Gonzales. The girl hadn’t spoken about her fears, but Kate made no assumption they were gone. She hoped by the time the baby came Ginnie would feel how loved she was by so many and not be afraid for her place in their hearts.</p><p></p><p>Kate went inside the library and picked up a book, but could not settle down. She was acutely aware that she did not know where Conrad was just now. She would ask him to make the arrangements to New York tomorrow. They could go down on Tuesday. Tomorrow she must speak to her father about her studies and what her life was really like in Arizona. And about his grandson.</p><p></p><p>“I’m going to bed, my dears,” Kate said and kissed Ginnie and her teacher. “I love you.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2833265, member: 12815"] [SIZE=4]Funeral for a Friend[/SIZE] The family all head outside to a trio of carriages that await them. Kate joins her parents in the Seagram family coach in the front along with Phillip and Phillip’s private tutor Mr. Roderick Angelbury. Angelbury had been a close friend of Mr. Emerson. Emerson in fact had been the one to recommend Angelbury to the family when Phillip first exhibited that he had some minor difficulties in learning English rather than French. Also joining them inside the main carriage was Mathias, the family butler and manager of all of the household servants. While 19th century society placed clear divisions between servants and masters, the Seagram household never paid the strictest attention to such protocol. To others it will appear that Mathias is accompanying the family to assisting the grieving women, but Kate knew the truth, that Mathias was also in mourning over his departed friend and the Seagrams wished him beside them as part of the family for the private service. The second carriage belonged to the Oxnard family, Elaine’s parents. Riding in that carriage were Henry, Elaine, their daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Oxnard, Colby Tucker and Mr. Pickering. The final carriage belonged to the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Tannenbaum who along with their son Charmichael would be attending only the public service, having only met Emerson on a few social occasions. They were joined by Conrad Booth, Manuel Gonzales and young Ginnie. The carriages set off to exit Boston and head northwest to the community of Concord Massachusetts where Emerson had resided. Kate was quiet for a long time as the carriage bumped and jostled through the city streets, eventually moving out into newly budding trees of the countryside. Her eyes had watched the familiar buildings slide by, each street a memory. “I don’t know if I could have done this,” she said quietly. “Done what, Katherine?” her father asked, taking her black-gloved hand and squeezing it. She looked around the carriage at the somber group, then back to her father. “Gone through all this for Tom. So many people, things to do. Everyone always around wanting to help when all you want is to be quiet. I missed all of you so much, but I’m glad I was spared this.” Friedrich slipped his arm around his daughter and hugged her around the shoulders. She leaned against him and closed her eyes, allowing herself to doze through the rest of the ride, vaguely aware of the other quiet voices talking in the coach. The carriages arrive at the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson. A dear friend and artist, Daniel Chester French, who had enjoyed Emerson’s endorsement in obtaining the commission for his Minute Man statue and who in 1879 had sculpted a bust of Emerson, had draped the body in a white robe, dramatic in contrast with the dark wood of the black walnut coffin. The women of Concord made black and white rosettes to decorate houses that people would see on the way from the depot and along the route of the funeral procession. Public buildings were hung with black drapery. The Fitchburg Railroad arranged special trains to bring the anticipated throng of mourners to Concord. The floors and galleries of the First Parish were reinforced to support the weight of the numbers expected. The private service was conducted at Emerson’s home by William Henry Furness, began at 2:30. At its conclusion, a hearse carried the coffin to the First Parish Greek/Roman Church, accompanied by pallbearers, members of the Social Circle, and carriages bearing family members. The First Parish was decorated with pine and hemlock branches and a variety of flowers. Louisa May Alcott, who had idolized Emerson, had prepared a lyre of jonquils. The service, conducted by James Freeman Clarke, began at 3:30. Judge Hoar spoke emotionally. Bronson Alcott read a poem he had written for the occasion. Kate’s father also spoke briefly about his dear friend as he had at the private service as well. At the conclusion of the ceremony, some of those waiting outside were allowed to enter and file past the coffin. The entire community of Concord seemed to be in mourning. It was rather overwhelming to ride through the streets and see the throngs of mourners. She sat through the private service holding Henry’s youngest girl Margaret on her lap. The little girl was old enough to realize she must be quiet, but she didn’t really understand what was happening. Still, the novelty of sitting with “Auntie Cake” seemed enough to amuse her. They rode in the procession to the public service where she was united with Ginnie, Conrad and Mr. Gonzales. There were more than a few people staring at Conrad, and Kate was grateful that they were likely too busy wondering if he was who they thought he was to wonder about him being with the Seagrams. As her father predicted, Kate was grateful to have all the people she loved around her at the public service. She sat with one arm around Ginnie’s shoulder and her free hand holding Conrad’s. Although tears often threatened she managed to keep from crying, even when well meaning people who had not seen her since before Tom’s death stopped by to offer their condolences. But she also had a chance to at least greet many friends she had not seen in months. Thankfully Kate’s worst fears did not come to pass. Since Mr. Emerson had lived in Concord, the clergy Kate remembered from that terrible day so long ago were not in attendance. Still, it was a long, difficult day and Kate was exhausted by the end of it. From the ceremony the body was transported to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Mr. Seagram served as one of the pallbearers. Samuel Moody Haskins, Emerson’s cousin, conducted the Episcopal burial service. The Emerson grandchildren and the schoolchildren of Concord dropped flowers and greenery into the grave. Before the mourners dispersed, the sun broke through the clouds that had threatened rain all day. Kate had managed to keep herself together during most of the services, but when the children dropped their colorful offerings onto the coffin it all became very real. She held on to Ginnie tight even as she held her handkerchief to her streaming eyes. The thought of this wonderful friend ending in Hades broke her heart. Surely, if anyone deserved a better rest it was he. Tom had escaped that end, and when the sun broke out of the clouds Kate found some hope that whatever greater fate the gods of Olympus had to offer, Mr. Emerson had earned it. The services end and the people return to all of their respective carriages for the ride home. Kate goes with Conrad, Ginnie and Gonzales to the carriage of her family’s neighbors rather than that of her parents and they make no attempt to stop her. The ride back is quiet, with each of the three unsure of what to say. Finally Mrs. Tannenbaum breaks the silence and says in her thick German accent, “It is good that you were able to return Katherine.” Kate nodded. “I had planned a trip home, but I didn’t expect to arrive for such a sad occasion. I’m grateful to have the chance to be with my family now, though. I have learned the last few months how important family is.” The ride back to Boston is peaceful and continues to be quiet. The only further comments from Charmichael Tannenbaum. As a boy he once had a crush of Kate. The young man who now must be either eighteen or nineteen offers her his condolences for the loss of her husband and while staring intently at Conrad Booth then states, “I wish you the best of luck in the future Mrs. Kale.” “Thank you, Carmichael,” she said sincerely, ignoring his stare. “I find my luck to be strange indeed. My new home suits me surprisingly well, and with my many friends and my work there I believe I shall be very happy. You must be ready for college by now. And I’d wager you had a very busy social season this year as well.” Before he can answer Mr. Tannenbaum interjects “Yah, Carm will be going to Dartmouth College in September to study medicine.” Charmichael then adds, “Yes, I will miss being in Boston, but I don’t have to tell you what that feels like Mrs. Kale. I had applied to Harvard but wasn’t accepted. Father had a friend at Dartmouth and was able to get me in. It’s actually considered to be a better medical school, so I should have no difficulty establishing a practice afterwards.” “Medicine,” Kate shook her head with a smile. “I should have liked to study it myself. I’m sure you’ll make an excellent doctor, and Dartmouth is a very worthy school. And you can always come back to Boston to practice. It’s a valuable experience to live somewhere else for a while and meet people with different ways and ideas. And you can’t experience the joy of homecoming if you never leave. Who could have guessed when we were children that you would be a doctor and I would be out west teaching school?” “Not I,” Charmichael replies. The carriage reaches the Seagram household and discharges those staying there. Conrad thanks the Tannebaums for the ride to which Gonzales adds “Indeed, it was a pleasure meeting all of you. Hopefully our next meeting will be under happier circumstances.” The four head into the house, where the Seagrams and Oxnards have already arrived. As they enter the building Henri is waiting at the door and says to Conrad and Manuel “Father is having brandy and cigars with my father-in-law, Howard Elias Oxnard, out on the back patio. I will be joining them but wanted to invite the two of you along as well.” Both men accept and accompany Henri. Kate hears the sound of her mother’s voice as well as that of her sister-in-law Elaine and Elaine’s mother Victoria Oxnard coming from the direction of the library. Kate and Ginnie followed the sound of the ladies voices into the library. She introduced Ginnie to Mrs. Oxnard, and once those introductions were over the young girl found herself a book and a spot in one of the comfortable reading chairs. “The girls aren’t here?” Kate asked. Elaine shook her head, “They fell asleep on the ride back. Henry put them in the nursery upstairs.” “They’re sweet girls, Elaine. You’re very lucky.” “We are,” her sister-in-law answered. “They miss you, though. And Tom too. He was always so good and silly with them...” Elaine looked over at Kate. “I’m sorry maybe I shouldn’t have...” “No, it’s fine,” Kate said and hugged her. “He loved them very much, and I like to hear people remember him and see them smile. And since no one in Arizona really knew him, I can talk about him, but I can’t really share my memories.” She held on for another moment, then went and sat down. “So how are things here, Ladies? You know, the things Henry and Papa wouldn’t tell me.” Henry led the men out onto the patio that bordered the garden where Katherine had been sitting that morning. Friedrich Seagram had already lit his pipe and was talking quietly to Howard Oxnard. Henry picked up a box and offered it to both Conrad and Manuel, then handed them some matches. The young man filled his own pipe and sat down with a sigh. “It’s been a long day. I see how you both take care of my sister, and we appreciate it more than we can say. Thank you for bringing her here. I missed the last time she, and...” he swallowed, “It’s good to put some faces with the names I’ve heard. How is she doing out there, really?” Conrad breathes a sigh of relief when Manuel speaks up to answer the question, unsure of exactly what to say. Gonzales states, “Your daughter Katherine is now happy and content. While she still mourns the passing of her husband she has also decided to look forward rather than backwards with her life. Her purchasing a ranch, a house and a building for a school has helped to change her outlook. The ranch is her way of following up and fulfilling the dreams that she and her husband Tom had for going out west while the school draws upon her innate ability to make the lives of others better.” Conrad decides that talking about the school rather than his relationship with her is a safe enough topic area and interjects “The school is very much needed. There are now over two-dozen children in town and most families cannot afford to hire private tutors. Katherine will be providing these families with education for their young which will in turn provide new opportunities for all of them.” Gonzales says to Seagram “And sir, I would very much like to thank you for the egalitarian outlook that you have provided to your daughter. She treats all equally regardless of race, which is a welcome change from the outlook from that of several of the town’s leaders.” “Thank you, Mr. Gonzales. As the schoolteacher I hope she will have some influence in how the people in Promise City think. I was heavily involved with the abolitionist movement, so she was always surrounded by people who didn’t tolerate bigotry. She was always curious about people who were different, so much so that she would badger them with all the questions they could stand. My daughter has her own prejudices, but they are not about race,” Friedrich says with a rueful smile. “She has some trouble with men who fought for the Confederacy. She was very young when I came back from the war, and I think all she really understood about what had happened to my arm was that men from the South had hurt me. She’s never really let go of it, but I’m sure you’ve noticed she can be stubborn.” Conrad speaks up and says, “I wouldn’t necessarily say that is so Sir. She is aware, as are you, that relatives of mine were strong supporters of the Confederacy and has never held that in any way against me. And the previous owners of the Saloon where she plays piano at were also Confederate sympathizers.” “No, she wouldn’t hold it against you. Those weren’t your choices, she wouldn’t judge you by what others have done. As for the saloon owners, I suspect she didn’t know about their opinions until after she had formed her own.” Friedrich’s face became grave as he continued. “The other is the Greek and Roman gods and their servants. I thought of her often after we got the news of Tom’s death. To be alone in an unknown place... To have faith to turn to would have been a comfort for her.” Gonzales softly states, “It would have Sir during her first months in Arizona and I believe that she has come to realize that herself. Her outlook towards your deities has changed since her arrival in Promise City. You should be aware that her husband’s passing has changed her outlook. She also purchased a marker for his grave with the Goddess Diana on it and also participated in a ceremony to Diana. While she may never share your devotion to those deities I believe that she has...well....experienced enough to make her have a level of faith. She is also very close friends with the Priestess of the town’s Greek and Roman Church.” There was a shimmer of hope in Friedrich’s eyes. “She wrote to us about the marker, saying that it was Tom’s wishes that mattered when it came to his headstone, not hers. But participating in a ceremony is very unusual for her. But who is this Priestess? Katherine has never mentioned her, and she has written of both of you and the Figueres family, as well as her friend Ruby, Mr. Cooke, Nanuet and Mr. Martin. Even of Mrs. Kelley and Mrs. Wainwright and a Mrs. King whom she had a bit of a clash with. Nothing of a Priestess.” “Ah...Priestess Minerva Florencia....truly a gift to all of us from the gods.” Seagram gives him an odd look. Gonzales continues, “If she wrote you about Mrs. King then you’ve heard of the town’s Vigilance Committee. They are a group of bigoted humans, who feel that their own narrow interpretations of religion are correct and that humans are superior to all races. I’m sure you’ve met their type before. They also wish to close down all saloons and gambling houses in town, which would hardly work for a mining community where the hard-working laborers need some release for their off hours. Well, the Vigilance Committee was displeased with the town’s previous minister, who liked to drink and gamble himself, and forced his dismissal. In his place they asked for a married male minister who believed as they did. The Bishops were wise enough to realize that wouldn’t work for our town and sent Miss. Florencia instead. She has worked hard to help bridge the gap between the two factions. Since her arrival, less than two months ago, she has held a major Festival to the Greek gods and has raised enough money to not only finish the church but also purchase a fire-fighting wagon for the community. While the Vigilance Committee still does not support her they also have realized that they cannot openly oppose her.” “She sounds like a remarkable woman,” Friedrich said. “With good priorities. Unfortunately there are many people like your Vigilance Committee here in Boston; more than a few of them are members of the clergy. I hope it’s as you say and Katherine has made a friend of the lady. She may not have wanted to broach the subject with us.” Henry spoke up and said, “Well, we’ve heard about Miss Florencia, and we’ve had plenty of word about Jacqueline’s other friends... What about the two of you? Mr. Gonzales I understand you are a professor. How about yourself, Mr. Booth? I understand you run a table at one of the saloons in town,” he said curiously. “Life must be very different there. Father has been talking about visiting, and I have to say I’m curious.” Gonzales says “Professor may be a bit of an overstatement, but I have had a fine education, am proficient in a number of languages and have traveled much of the world. I grew up in what is now Brownsville, Texas. Back in my day it was part of Mexico. And I previously served in the Mexican Military, raising to the rank of Admiral.” Booth says, “Well, I’d say that there is a huge contrast to Promise City and the city where I grew up, San Francisco. Western cities tend to be more accepting to change given the newness of them, but cities are cities. Mining towns are a different thing altogether. But with good people like Katherine and Priestess Florencia the town will develop along the right path and be a place we will all be proud to call our home.” Gonzales adds “Professor Pickering was talking about making a visit with some of his students out to Arizona in late May, apparently there will be a solar eclipse on June 1st that can be best viewed out west. We would be honored if some of you could accompany him. My granddaughter owns a hotel and I will happy to reserve a block of rooms for you.” Henry looked speculatively at Conrad as Friedrich answered. “The El Parador, yes? I’d enjoy seeing the place where Katherine lived. My business pretty much takes care of itself these days. I’ll let you know before you head back to Promise City, but I think we’ll be seeing you there.” The Seagrams continue to chat with their visitors, asking more general questions about life in the west and Promise City in particular. Henry especially seems interested, and pays close attention when Conrad talks about life there. After another twenty minutes or so the sounds of the piano begin to float into the room with Kate’s light singing voice floating above it. The tune is one often heard at the El Parador, but the words are barely recognizable as she tries to sing them in Spanish without laughing at her bad pronunciation. Conrad joins in the singing, adding his rich tenor voice to the songs and for the first time since arriving at the Seagram home appears to relax. The music continues for a short while until dinner is ready. The dinner conversation is rather formal, with Mrs. Oxnard dominating the conversation in a discussion of Boston society and politics. Following the meal the Oxnards depart for their home and Katherine’s mother asks Kate to join her in the parlor. Once they are alone she closes the parlor door and then pours a glass of red wine for both of them. She comments in French “I thought that woman would never leave! By now one would have thought that she would realize I don’t share the same zeal for society gossip that she appears to delight in. At least I managed to steer her away from a conversation that she attempted to start several times today, namely the details of your relationship with Mr. Booth. Quite frankly, that is none of her business, although I will admit that your father and I are both curious.” Katherine hid her face in her glass and took a large swallow. “We talked about that last night, Maman.” Amelie laughed lightly. “No, my dear, we talked about your attraction, and the guilt you’ve felt over it.” A rosy blush crept up Kate’s neck as she got up and walked over to the window. The sun was gone and she could see only blackness outside and the reflections of the light inside. “It is... There are things...” She stopped and took a deep breath. “He is courting me. He has been a wonderful and loyal friend, and he admitted lately that his feelings are more than friendship but he is willing to wait.” She smiles at her daughter and says, “So he is every bit the gentleman that he carries himself as. That is a rare quality to find in a man these days. When I was your age it was the norm, but the War....it changed the country and the men in it. You are a fortunate girl to have found one like him in your town in the middle of nowhere.” “Yes, he is a gentleman. And more so every day. Ginnie thinks I should marry him and have done with it,” she chuckled. “She said that not all white knights come complete with a horse and I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” She took another swallow of her wine. “My feelings for him are so different than what I have for Tom, but I.... Perhaps I am too entrenched in what Boston would think. I cannot help but feel I shouldn’t want another man so soon.” “Ginnie is but a child, do not put too much stock in her opinions. Although I do not think that your husband would want you to be either sad or alone. Boston society would say that a full year of mourning should be observed. However when you factor in his time away from you it has been almost nine months since you saw Thomas last. Kate nodded. “Sometimes I feel it was just yesterday I saw him last, other times it seems like years. I still want a family, children, and I know Tom would want that for me. I just wish I could stop doubting myself. Love is such a hard thing to find, it seems ungrateful to turn it away to make society happy.” “But do you truly love this man? With Tom it was obvious that you were deeply in love. You appear to be far more uncertain about your feelings towards Mr. Booth.” Kate closed her eyes and allowed thoughts into her mind that she had not permitted before. Pictures of a life. Of coming home from her school to find Conrad sitting in the parlor, or Sunday nights spent playing and singing together. She saw him keeping a father’s eye on Ginnie, then cradling her son in his arms and romping with him as he grew. Finally she imagined taking him to her bed and waking each morning wrapped in his arms. “Maman.... I do love him,” she said wonderingly. “Tom knocked me over like a runaway horse. I didn’t know then that I would love him, but I knew there was something.... Conrad has crept into my heart so softly that I can hardly say when I began to think of him. I have blinded myself to it because I didn’t want to be disloyal to Tom, but I can’t deny it anymore. Can there be room for both, Maman?” She replies, “Of course darling. Your father is the love of my life but he wasn’t my first love. There was a neighborhood boy named Maurice Boujoulais. He and I were together for years, we were inseparable. We spoke of one day getting married, but then his father’s business called their family back to Paris and I never saw him again. I truly did love him, but I moved on with my life and have no regrets. A person can have more than one love.” She set down the glass and embraced her mother. “Oh, I’ve wanted you. I’ve been so confused about everything, telling myself that I was wrong to feel anything for him. Sometimes a girl just needs her mother. I have no regrets, I gave Tom everything I had while we were together. It could all be a moot point. I’m not sure how much he wants. If he just wants to court me, or if he wants more.” “Look where he is right now dear? A person doesn’t travel halfway across the country to attend a funeral of a person he’s never met unless he was serious. Not to mention meeting and staying in the home of the woman’s parents. I think this is more than a simple courtship.” Kate nodded, keeping to herself that she had already turned down an offer for marriage. “You’re right. I don’t know why I keep putting barriers up. I know he cares for me. He’s made it more than clear, even thought I’ve been so evasive. Thank you, Maman. I hope you... You don’t know him well, but I hope you will approve of him by the time we leave.” They spend a short while talking about family. Henry, Elaine and the girls leave shortly thereafter for their home. It has been a long day and Kate’s parents head to bed early that night. Ginnie and Manuel make themselves at home in the library, devouring as many of the Seagram’s fine books as time will allow them. Kate notes with some satisfaction that they are not reading individually but together, analyzing the text and making various comments and observations about the material. She does not recall ever seeing either of them happier. Kate smiled in at them, feeling very full. Her heart still ached with the loss of their friend, but that ache made her all the more aware of the richness of her own life. It would be ungrateful of her to be unhappy when she had so much. Ginnie’s face was bright and animated as she talked to Mr. Gonzales. The girl hadn’t spoken about her fears, but Kate made no assumption they were gone. She hoped by the time the baby came Ginnie would feel how loved she was by so many and not be afraid for her place in their hearts. Kate went inside the library and picked up a book, but could not settle down. She was acutely aware that she did not know where Conrad was just now. She would ask him to make the arrangements to New York tomorrow. They could go down on Tuesday. Tomorrow she must speak to her father about her studies and what her life was really like in Arizona. And about his grandson. “I’m going to bed, my dears,” Kate said and kissed Ginnie and her teacher. “I love you.” [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
Top