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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Mar 26, 2020 9:04:04 GMT -5
Chapter 36
"Hugo, I would say it would be a surprise to see you but you're known for your odd appearances", teased Jack as he led the wizard inside his aunt's parlor.
"I know, none of you ought to be surprised. I hope you are doing well, Madame Lacroix, Pere Antoine", said Hugo as he sat down in the parlor. The Lacroix family had finished dinner and the adults were drinking brandy and smoking cigarettes when he'd arrived, his current form a middle-aged man in a nondescript gray suit and matching hat, looking not unlike a traveling salesman.
"Hello, Hugo. When can I go on the missions with Daddy?", demanded Nicole as Mollie nodded in agreement.
Hugo chuckled and bent down he was eye level with the girls. "Not until you're older and knowledgeable, Nicole Lacroix. I need to speak with your uncle", he said.
Jack said nothing. "And I though I was going on holiday", he quipped.
"Jack, we need your expertise because it involves Japanese", said Hugo.
Jack immediately perked up and his eyes turned a vivid shade of purple. "Go on", he urged.
"The University of Berkeley in California had an exhibition of rare Japanese art and artifacts at the DeYoung museum in San Francisco", said Hugo.
"Yes, Professor Malcolm at the uni of Manchester was there. The DeYoung was the big art museum in San Francisco there at the time", replied Jack.
"Yes, the city is building a separate museum to house the Asian art collection after a lot was donated by a wealthy Chicago businessman", said Hugo.
"Yeah, Mr. Avery Brunbrage. I've met him through my publisher, his collection is brilliant", said Jack in awe.
"I'm sure it is. During that exhibition, what happened?", asked Hugo.
Jack nodded in understanding. "One of the exhibits was a purple magatama from the Hiraide excavations, near the old Japanese capital of Nara. Local legend has it that it had been to given to Emperor Suizei by Amaterasu, it was stolen during the exhibition and hasn't been found. It caused an international incident", said Jack ruefully.
"Of course, the Japanese take their emperors seriously", said Hugo.
"What is a magatama?", asked Tatiana.
"It's a stone carved in the shape of a comma, they were used in prehistoric Japan by rulers as a part of their regalia. The current magatama in the Imperial regalia is only shown to the Emperor during his investiture, and even then only in a box. So a theft of a magatama blessed by Amaterasu is a big deal", said Jack.
"I see. So that magatama is a sort of Imperial regalia, like the Cap of Monomakh. Do you think someone in the Imperial family stole it?" asked Maria.
"No, the Emperor until recently was seen as divine and the eldest son is always the next emperor. More likely it was a jewel thief or some nutter, San Francisco has a lot of them. The different Masonic orders, Rosicrucians, and Ordo Templi Orientis, black magic nonsense with orgies and drugs. That area has a lot of odd people", said Jack as Pierre frowned.
"Perhaps it was one of those groups. You can't trust the Masons, they are un-Christian", said Tatiana.
"I agree, you can get excommunicated for joining the Masons. I don't trust them", said Antoine as he crossed himself.
"Hugo, I'll go with Jack. After all you've done for our family, I want to help", said Tatiana fiercely, her gray eyes almost black with determination.
"I know, I thought so. But there are some caveats. When we rescued your family, we had to make ourselves invisible and enter the house to get you out since it was virtually impossible to enter the Soviet Union without loads of paperwork. In addition, that area of the Urals is closed off to outsiders since that's where many of their factories and mines are located. Plus anyone from outside the area attracts suspicions".
Hugo paused as Louise got him a glass of brandy. "Merci, Madame. For this mission, you will have to go to San Francisco and meet Diego Torres. He is of the Mexican branch of the Torres clan and owns a cinema which shows silent films, he is an expert on the 1920's. He'll have the fake identification papers you need and will tell you what you ought to know", said Hugo.
"How long do we have to get there?", asked Tatiana.
"The exhibition is in mid-October, October 15", replied Hugo.
"We'll fly to New York, then we can take the train. America is so bloody huge, flying is no way to see anything", said Jack.
Tatiana couldn't help the quick feeling of excitement at the idea of going to America and seeing the vast country. "I must bring a camera", she declared.
"You'll need it, Tessa. I've been to New York and Chicago on the 20th Century Limited, it's quite a nice train. The area between New York and Chicago is dull but my Yank friends say the Rocky Mountains and the deserts are smashing. I suppose the US has got a lot of everything", he mused aloud.
"And another thing. So you don't look suspicious, you and Tessa will have to get married. Respectable people didn't live together or travel without being married", said Hugo.
The room feel silent for a few minutes. "Does that mean Miss Tessa is going to be my new Mommy? Then I'll have two mommies", said Mollie.
Her remark made everyone laugh. "Uh, I suppose. I'll have to speak with Mr. Parker, Mollie-Chan", Jack mumbled.
"I'm not sure what Papa's reaction will be, Jack. I know we are no longer Grand Duchesses, but this is a very big decision. I never thought I would even be in this situation", said Tatiana with a nervous laugh.
"I know this is very sudden and not very romantic, but Tatiana Nicholaevna Romanova, will you marry me?", he asked.
Tatiana thought the whole scene was funny and shocking and felt as though she was in the audience watching a play, the unreality of it causing to giggle sharply. After a moment she regained her composure. "I will marry you, Jack Lacroix", she replied.
Jack grinned and gave her a hug as Maria pulled her into a bear hug. "Oh Tanya, congratulations!", she squealed.
"Mashka, you're choking me!", she gasped.
Maria immediately let go of her sister as Tatiana tried to catch her breath. "I'm sorry, I forget my own strength sometimes. Can I be the Matron of Honor?", she pleaded.
"We must include Olga, Skye and Anastasia. But what sort of ceremony on such short notice?", Tatiana wondered aloud.
"A registry office wedding, it's quick and easy plus its not religious. The clerk won't get suspicious since they see so many weddings to all sorts of couples", said Pierre.
"We'll have a proper wedding after all this, Tessa. If you want", said Jack.
"Then tomorrow morning we'll call BOAC to get tickets. And I'll call the local registry office in Didsbury to set the date, thankfully many people don't get married in September", laughed Jack.
Tatiana nodded as she still felt a bit dazed. "It'll sink in soon, Tessa", he reassured her.
"I never thought I would get married like this, Jack. I always thought it would be a grand event to a prince, but this is still good. I just hope Mama and Papa are not going to fret", she said.
"They ought to understand, our marriage will be perfectly legal. And registry office marriages are very common, my first was at the registry office in Oldham", he said.
"So tomorrow, we call the airline for tickets, contact the registry office and head back to England", declared Tatiana.
"You're back to being our Governess", teased Maria as everyone laughed.
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Post by Tim on Mar 26, 2020 11:08:01 GMT -5
Yay! Tatiana, uh, Tessa, is getting married.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Mar 30, 2020 9:54:26 GMT -5
Chapter 37
"I still cannot believe our daughter is getting married, Alix. It was so sudden, and for the sake of a mission. But Jack is a fine man, I just wish it wasn't so sudden", sighed Nicholas.
"Our daughters were bound to marry sooner or later, Nicky. But I always assumed it would Olga, or perhaps Maria. Olga is the eldest and Maria has such a romantic heart. Tatiana has always been such a practical girl but Jack is a good man and Mollie already likes her", said Alexandra.
Nicholas nodded in agreement. "Perhaps they will have a proper wedding when they come back, I cannot believe the registry office doesn't allow hymns or Bible readings', he said with a frown.
"Yes, but it is a legally binding wedding. Please try to be happy for Tatiana", she chided.
"I am happy for Tanya, it's just so sudden and I wish Jack had asked me first. But I suppose young men now don't bother", sighed Nicholas.
Alexandra squeezed his hand. "It took a long while for you to get your father's permission for us to wed, Nicky. But it was worth it, we have been so very happy and have been blessed with five beautiful children. Be happy for Tatiana, she could be as happy with Jack as we are together", she said.
"Of course, Sunny", he agreed.
Nicholas and Alexandra went to the main room of the registry office at Didsbury, him in a simple black suit with a pale blue tie and her in a mauve gown with a straw hat adorned with white silk flowers atop her graying brown hair. "Skye is helping Tessa get ready, she's coming with Olivia and Alex", said Maria. Her and Anastasia wore matching pale lilac bridesmaids dresses with their hair loose and adorned with a white rose from the Sutherland's garden, the delicate scent wafting through the air.
"You girlies look lovely. I can't still believe Tessa is getting married", said Alexandra with a sigh.
"Me neither, but I'm happy. Jack is a great guy and Mollie is a cute girl, plus I can't wait for the reception at the Wagon Wheel", said Anastasia eagerly.
"You want to see Juan, Natalie? But remember, he's with Camille", chided Maria.
Anastasia stuck out her tongue. "I know that, Maria. But I want to go dancing, he just got a new shipment of records from Chicago and Detroit", she said defensively.
"Perhaps when we're in Chicago, we'll pick up some records. Chess and Brunswick are the big labels, although I prefer jazz", said Jack.
"I can't wait until I'm old enough to go to the states. I've been to Japan and France and Belgium but America is huge", said Mollie.
"Me too, the older girls at school say America is so big", agreed Nicole. Both of them were flower girls and wore miniature versions of the sisters' dresses, lilac and white with black patent leather shoes. Each girl had a little white basket of white rose and pink peony petals, Sutherland roses and Lacroix peonies whose pleasant scent filled the air.
Jack cursed softly when he realized he'd left cigarettes in the car. Pierre offered him a Regal from his box and lit it as Jack smiled gratefully. before taking a drag. "Bloody nerves, pardon my language", he chuckled.
"I know. But Tessa probably feels the same way", said Pierre.
The registry official came over and shook their hands. "Hello, I am going to perform the service. Miss Parker is waiting outside so the attendants ought to go with her. All your paperwork is in order and the fees have been processed. May I see the rings?", he asked.
Jack finished his cigarette and stubbed it out on a nearby ashtray as Ian took the ring box from his pocket. "I see, it's not the usual diamond but it's quite nice. The papers are all filled out and the fees have been processed so we can begin", he said.
Pierre nodded as he carefully placed a record on a portable turntable as Naima by Coltrane played.
The registry clerk raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he got behind his desk and everyone found their seats. The back doors opened as Mollie and Nicole spread flower petals from the baskets followed by Skye and Olga in lilac bridesmaid dresses. Everyone turned to face Tatiana as she was escorted down the aisle by Nicholas. She wore a simple cream satin suit with matching stockings and cream flats, a crown of white roses and pink peonies in her dark hair. Alexandra dabbed at her eyes with a napkin as Nicholas walked her down the aisle.
The registry official smiled at them and began the ceremony. Unlike a church wedding or Nicholas and Alexandra's own wedding, the whole ceremony was over in about fifteen minutes to the older couple's surprise. "By the power vested in me by the Didsbury Council, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride", said the official.
Jack gave her a quick kiss as Tatiana blushed and the flower girls giggled. "Now you must sign the marriage certificate. This way, Mr. and Mrs. Lacroix", said the official.
"Come this way, Mrs. Lacroix", teased Jack.
Tatiana laughed as Jack took her arm, glancing down at her new wedding ring. The opal set in its gold ring glinted with an ever-changing mélange of pale blue, dove gray, silver and gold veins under the light. "Opals are my birthstone and it's different compared to diamonds", he said.
"And pearls are my birthstone", she replied, seeing the pearl wedding ring on his finger.
In the adjacent room Jack and Tatiana signed the marriage certificate along with Skye and Ian as witnesses. "Good, we will mail you a copy within the week", said the official.
"We are leaving for our honeymoon in two days. If you could send us a copy quickly, it would be appreciated", said Jack.
"Of course, our secretary can copy it on the mimeograph right now", said the official.
After the secretary made a copy using the mimeograph, she set it aside for the ink to dry. "You can pick it up tomorrow, Mr. and Mrs. Lacroix", she replied.
The whole group went outside to their cars and drove over to the Wagon Wheel. "Hola, y felicidades mis amigos. Hola, Senor y Senora Lacroix", said Juan as he clapped Jack on the back and kissed her cheek.
"Gracias, you ugly Mexican bugger. And thanks for hosting the reception", said Jack.
"No worries, the club's season opening isn't until Friday night. Anyways, the bar is free and the food is being prepared in the kitchen. Tia Carmen made some tacos and flautas for an appetizer, the people at Bombay Crown will be serving the main courses later", said Juan.
"Oui, the summer season is over and I have time before the spring shows", said Camille as she carefully poured champagne into glasses.
"Are you a bartender?", asked Anastasia.
"Oui, my father owns a pub in Bayeux and he taught my brother and to pour and mix drinks. I help out when I am not doing a show or at a shoot", said Camille.
Anastasia accepted a glass of champagne and took a sip, feeling dowdy and plain beside the tall French blond. Camille was gorgeous as always with her blond hair pulled back into a French twist, wearing a sleeveless lilac dress adorned with tiny glass beads that sparkled and which revealed her long legs. Anastasia took another sip and tried not to giggle when she caught Alexei staring at Camille's legs, wondering if she ought to tease him later.
"Time for the first dance, I know you two love Coltrane but you can't dance to it. So here's a brilliant song by Marvin Gaye", said Juan as he played Pride and Joy on the turntable.
Jack led Tatiana onto the dance floor and led her in a slow dance. Tatiana blushed as she danced in his arms, this being far more exciting than with the officers at her coming out ball. When the song finished Juan continued to spin Motown and Chicago soul as the younger guests danced.
Tatiana sipped her gin and tonic and made a mental note to compliment Camille as she watched her younger guests dance. "When they get tired, Juan is going to play some Coltrane. And we ought to drink up, in the 20's alcohol was illegal in the States", said Jack.
Tatiana gulped suddenly as the gin hit the back of her throat. "That is insane, too many people drink", she said in disbelief.
"No one ever said Yanks are rational people. Of course people made their own alcohol and the rich bought imported stuff, vineyards still made wine for religious purposes but one could buy wine if you bribed someone. It's daft, but thankfully the law was repealed", said Jack.
"Then I ought to enjoy my gin then", she replied as she finished her drink and went to get another.
While Jack and Tatiana were on their second drinks, Camille and Tia Carmen brought out the Mexican appetizers from the kitchen and arranged them on the tables. "These are tacos, they have either a soft or a hard shell. You add what you want and eat it like a sandwich, but you ought to use a plate for the hard shelled ones. And the rolled up ones are flautas, they have chicken and cheese inside", said Juan.
Pierre and Jack made tacos for their daughters first. "They're quite lovely. This is ground turkey with seasoning, since Ian and I don't eat beef. And these are the vegetables and cheeses, these are hot sauces. The green is mild and the red is hot", said Skye.
Tatiana watched as the guests prepared their tacos and wondered how messy they would be. "Here you go, Tanya. I am a gentleman", said Jack gallantly as he handed her a plate with two tacos and two flautas.
"Thank you!", she exclaimed.
"No worries, it's the right thing to do since you are my bride. I put the sauce on the side in case", he said.
Tatiana nodded and took a bite. She nodded and continued eating as she watched Anastasia and Alexei eagerly devour theirs. "Ohh, this is so good!", exclaimed the youngest Romanov sister.
"Gracias, senorita Parker. If you want, I can teach you to make them. Camille as very good at making Mexican food", said Tia Carmen.
"Gracias, Senora Torres. Us French ladies are good at cooking, it's in our blood", said Camille.
"I wish I could cook good, Nicole's grandmother is teaching Maria to cook Greek food. Too bad she's on that pilgrimage to Ireland", said Anastasia as she took a sip of her wine.
"Si, Senora Anastakos is a good Catholic woman. Ireland is too cold, I would rather go to Compostela in Spain or Fatima in Portugal. It is much warmer and I speak Spanish and understand Portuguese, they are very similar", said Tia Carmen.
"French too, I speak it but I have a Swiss accent", said Anastasia.
"Bien, I have a Norman accent and people in Paris think I speak oddly. And of course Messrs. Lacroix have Belgian accents", said Camille with a laugh.
Juan went back to spinning records after the appetizers were finished, this time playing swing music from the 40's as everyone got up to dance. Anastasia wished she had an actual dance partner as Alexei awkwardly led her in a waltz and stepped on her feet. He was already several inches taller than her and skinny, all knobby arms and legs like a spider even though he was only fourteen. Anastasia watched her sisters dance with their partners, farm more graceful than her and Alexei. "I'm thirsty", announced Alexei as he went to the bar and helped himself to a big glass of Coke.
"I'm single too, Natalie. I can't dance but Alex is at least trying", said Skye.
"I know, he keeps stepping on my feet. When am I going to have a boyfriend, I'm 17", she pouted.
"Perhaps you'll meet someone at school, or at uni. Don't force it or else you'll scare the boys", said Skye as she ordered them each a vodka and tonic.
"Maybe, but I want to have a boyfriend like Mashka and Olga. I don't want to get married like Tanya, I'm not that old", she joked.
"Hah, I'm older than her and still single. I want to find the right bloke, I don't want to fall pregnant and be forced to marry, I saw this with other girls at uni", said Skye as Camille handed them their drinks.
Anastasia leaned against the bar and felt quite sophisticated as she sipped her drink, the fizzy clear liquid adorned with a wedge of lime. "I like this, it's like clear pop", she said.
"It's a vodka tonic, vodka with fizzy water. I'm sure you're familiar with vodka, but the Polish invented it", joked Skye.
"No, only Papa drank vodka. I always thought it was Russian", she mused aloud.
"No, the Russians stole it. Too bad Polish vodka is so expensive, since it's a Communist country it's bloody hard to get. So I drink either Swedish or Finnish vodka, American vodka is dreadful", said Skye in distaste.
Anastasia finished her drink just as waiters completed setting up the tables for dinner. "Ooh, I love Indian food!", she squealed.
"That's why Britain went to India, to get something other than meat and three veg", joked Skye as everyone sat down to eat.
"I am going to miss this, there's barely any Indian restaurants in the states", said Jack as he pulled out a chair for Tatiana.
She nodded. "So this is like the tacos then?", she asked, seeing the thali dish on the table.
"Yes, you dip the bread into the sauces or a scoop of daal onto your plate with the rice. If we were in India, we'd use a leaf or our own hands instead of utensils", said Ian as he scooped a generous amount of spinach daal onto his plate.
"That would be interesting to try, but not with children since they make a mess", said Olga as she spooned some vegetarian vindaloo onto her plate.
"Not really, Indian dining etiquette can be quite formal and making a mess one's food is a huge faux pas. Since we are in England, I'm not eating with my hands", Ian laughed.
"You do at home, Ian", chided Skye.
Ian chuckled and took a sip of his whiskey sour. "Yes, because I am at home. In India, I would do the same", he replied.
"That makes sense but that's a concept I must get used to", mused Olga aloud.
"Next time I go to India, I'll take you. You're already picking up Hindi very well, Olivia", he said.
Olga blushed. "Dhanyavaad, Ian. I already know four languages so what's another?", she chuckled.
After dinner and dessert, Pierre stood up and raised his glass of gin and tonic. "I wish to offer congratulations and good luck to my brother and his lovely bride. May you be successful and happy, and may I be an uncle again soon. I'm sure Mollie would like to be a big sister. Na Zdrowie!", he toasted as the guests laughed.
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Post by Tim on Mar 30, 2020 12:11:48 GMT -5
Reminds me a bit of Days here. Tatiana is marrying for love, not duty.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Apr 3, 2020 8:40:28 GMT -5
Chapter 38
"Be safe, Tessa. We will pray for you", said Alexandra as she embraced her daughter.
"I will, Mama", she replied.
"Be a good girl for Uncle Pierre and Miss Maria, Mollie-Chan", said Jack.
"Okay, Daddy. Are you going to bring me a doll?", she asked.
"Of course, perhaps a blond surfer girl from California. Au revoir, and be a good girl", said Jack as he hugged his daughter.
"We'll take good care of Mollie, Jack", said Maria.
"You'll have two girls to take care of, and we know you love children", teased Tatiana as she hugged her sister.
Jack and Tatiana got in the cab as it pulled away from the house. "You're going on hols with the missus?", asked the driver.
"Yes, we're going on our honeymoon", said Jack.
"Congratulations. The missus and I went to Blackpool for our honeymoon, good luck and safe trip", said the driver.
Jack nodded but said nothing else as the cab made its way to Manchester Piccadilly Station. It was a typically grey and cloudy Northern English day as the clouds looked ready to burst with rain at any moment. Much of the area was quiet since the school year had already started and most people were at work, only a few people walking their pets up and about.
They arrived at the station as Jack paid the driver and took their bags. "Have a safe trip, sir", said the driver.
"Thank you", he replied.
Soon they were on the train heading south towards London and Heathrow. "Our flight is at night so we'll be sleeping throughout, we'll be in New York tomorrow morning", said Jack.
"Is New York bigger than London?", she asked.
"In terms of people, yes. But London is more spread out. Manhattan has got all the big buildings and many of the sights, but we'll be staying with my American publisher and his wife. He insisted when he heard I was coming to New York with my new bride", Jack said with a chuckle.
"Are we going to have any privacy?", she asked in dismay.
"They have a big posh flat on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, near Central Park on a top floor. They have amazing views of the city, the New York skyline is smashing compared to London. And Alfred says he's going to take us to the 21 Club and Birdland. Thelonious Monk is performing tomorrow night as part of a week-long engagement and he got us tickets", said Jack.
Tatiana grinned in delight and hugged him. "Amazing!", she exclaimed.
"It is, Monk is a brilliant yet eccentric bloke. And I got us tickets to see Coltrane and his quartet at the Green Mill in Chicago", said Jack with a grin as Tatiana hugged him even more. "I know, Tessa. I saw him on his last tour of England last year in London, it was brilliant. Him and his quartet improvised on the songs from My Favorite Things and Giant Steps, plus a few which wound up on the Africa Brass album. That one is brill, he was experimenting with African rhythms and melodies. And the one he did with Duke Ellington was amazing. Even Pierre liked that one", he chuckled.
The train arrived at Heathrow that afternoon and they quickly made their way to the International Departure lounge. "When I first started flying across the Atlantic to New York in 195, the plane had to stop to refuel in Iceland but now the flights are nonstop, which means we can sleep until we land. And wait until you see how large the plane is, it's far bigger than the one from Iceland or to France or from Belgium", he teased.
"Of course it is. By tomorrow, we'll be in the states. I can't wait to tell everyone", she said.
"I know, I was the same way when I first flew to the states. When the plane circles Manhattan on its way to Idlewild Airport, it really is an amazing view. The buildings are so tall and it feels as though you can reach down and touch them", he said in awe.
Tatiana nodded. She idly wondered what it would be like to fly over St. Petersburg or Moscow and see the view from an airplane, how they would look with a bird's eye view. Tatiana sighed and shook her head when she realized it would be futile sine they could never legally visit Russia, under any circumstances.
Jack had their bags checked as the clerk showed them the departure time. "We got two hours, let's get some supper", he said.
Tatiana made herself eat a scone with jam and a cup of tea as she was nervous about the flight. "We'll be flying first class to New York, then the 20th Century Limited to Chicago. We have to share a bunk, but it's very expensive for your own compartment on Yank trains and it's only about 12 hours. Since this is the first time either will be going past Chicago, I've taken the camera", said Jack with a laugh.
The massive BOAC 747 jet stood next to the gate as it was being loaded with baggage, the workers in their fluorescent vests like ants next to the plane. The sun was almost halfway set and its vivid orangish-red rays fell upon the plane to make it shine brilliantly as the sun itself. Soon after this peak, the sun set more rapidly until the brilliant red-orange was replaced by the dark blue of dusk with only a thin edge of orange on the horizon, stars and the new moon invisible due to all the airport lights.
"BOAC Flight # 611 is now boarding. First class passengers may come forward", said the man at the desk.
Jack smiled reassuringly at her as he showed them their tickets and passports. They followed the stewardess past the gate and onto the plane where they found their seats in third row of First Class. "If there's anything you need, just push this button", she said.
The plane gradually filled with passengers until everyone had boarded. "Thank you for flying BOAC, this is your captain speaking. We will be arriving in New York City at approximately 8:07 a.m. Once we are airborne, the flight attendants will be coming around with the drinks trolley and later with supper. Please divert your attention to the front as the flight attendant will be performing the flight safety maneuvers", said the pilot.
Both of them watched the safety maneuvers with the bored disinterest of frequent flyers as the stewardess demonstrated how to put on the oxygen mask and inflate the life vest. Soon everyone was strapped in as the plane taxied down the runway before getting the signal from air traffic control. Tatiana felt the familiar sensation as the plane accelerated down the runway and then was airborne, London receding behind them. "I know that feeling, it never gets old", said Jack.
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Post by Tim on Apr 3, 2020 12:54:05 GMT -5
Tatiana's first visit to North America.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Apr 9, 2020 9:31:37 GMT -5
Chapter 39
"Wake up, Tessa", Jack murmured. Tatiana grumbled softly and slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes widened when she saw the plane was above New York City, the skyscrapers of Manhattan taller than any building she'd ever seen. "That's Manhattan, it's the smallest of the boroughs but has the all the big buildings. The airport is in Queens which is more suburban, to the east", he said. Tatiana could only nod as she continued to look down at Manhattan, the early morning light making the sun reflect on the gleaming steel facades of the buildings and on the Hudson and East rivers as the hulking buildings shimmered with a soft pinkish-orange glow. "And we're staying on this island", she whispered. "Yeah, I felt the same way when I first came to New York and saw Manhattan from the plane. New York is an amazing city", he agreed. The plane landed at Idlewild airport in Queens barely twenty minutes later. Jack led her out of the plane and through customs as the officials quickly looked through their passports and waved them through customs. At the terminal waiting area was a chauffeur in a black uniform who held up a sign which read Lacroix. "Mr. and Mrs. Lacroix?", he asked. "Yes, thank you", replied Jack. "Mr. Carlyle is at the office and Mrs. Carlyle is at home, they're excited to have guests since it's just the two of them", said the driver. "I know, just the two of them in that big flat", said Jack in understanding. "Did their children move away?", asked Tatiana. "I'm afraid not, Mrs. Lacroix. They had a baby boy many years ago but he died when he was only a few months old, Mrs. Carlyle couldn't have any more children", replied the driver as Tatiana gasped in dismay. "I know, Mrs. Carlyle was extremely depressed and became very religious. She's still religious, but not as depressed", said the driver. Jack squeezed her hand and she smiled gratefully. The expressways around the airport were filled with vehicles heading towards Manhattan or the other boroughs for work, the line of vehicles moving slowly along like an enormous snake. As the car moved slowly on the expressway, she thought about Mrs. Carlyle and her dead baby, thinking how awful that the couple had lost their only child as a baby. She became pensive and hoped her and Jack would have healthy children when the time came, not suffer like poor Mrs. Carlyle. A smile twitched on the corner of her lips when she imagined what their children would look like, most likely with their dark hair and with either her gray or his bluish-purple eyes. And most liked a girl with my family history, she mused. An hour later, they crossed the Triborough Bridge into Upper Manhattan as the driver led them towards the Upper West Side. The discreet brownstones on quiet tree-lined streets were guarded by doormen in handsome livery as they opened doors with white gloves, the trees turning brown and orange with the oncoming autumn. The driver turned onto Central Park West and Tatiana was delighted by the massive park and the elegant brownstone and granite apartment buildings, her expression in awe when Jack pointed out the Metropolitan Museum of Art. "That's the biggest art museum in the states and their collection is excellent, Alfred and his family are donors and patrons. He collects Chinese and Japanese art and he's donated several pieces to the museum and to the Asian Society, he acquired several lacquer panels from Japan and needed to make room", Jack explained. The driver paused outside a large neo-Gothic apartment building as a security guard checked the car, waving them through towards the underground garage. After parking, the driver got their bags out from the trunk as Jack tipped him. "All the big posh buildings have underground car park for their residents. The driver bloke is hired by the building to take the residents places, since posh people don't drive", he laughed. Jack showed the security guard his passport and asked for Mrs. Carlyle. Several minutes later, a handsome middle-aged woman in an elegant black Chanel suit stepped out of the elevator and smiled as Jack gave her a brief hug. "It's so good to see you again, Jack. And you must be Tessa, you look lovely. Dark blue really suits you, my dear", she said in an aristocratic American accent that sounded vaguely upper-class British. "Thank you, Mrs. Carlyle", replied Tatiana. "You're welcome. The coffee is ready and the maids have fixed up the spare bedroom, I'm sure you're tired after the flight", said Mrs. Carlyle kindly. "We did sleep on the plane but Jack woke up me up to see the city", said Tatiana. "Of course, if one has never seen the city from the air, it is quite impressive. When Philip comes home, we have reservations at 21 Club and we're going to Birdland. I'm not into modern jazz, I prefer Mr. Ellington myself. But you know Philip, he's a fan of Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane", said Mrs. Carlyle as she led them onto the elevator and pressed the button for the tenth floor. The Carlyle's spacious apartment on the tenth floor took up nearly half the floor of the level, the massive windows having an amazing view of Central Park just below and across the street. "This is why we chose this place, the view is stunning. We are also two blocks away from the Museum and other museums, we have donated several objects to the Metropolitan and the Asian Society. Just have a bit of coffee and rest up", said Mrs. Carlyle. Having grown up at her family's various palaces Tatiana was used to beautiful and elegant surroundings, but she thought the Carlyle's apartment was gorgeous. The parlor had a soft white fluffy carpet and the furniture was all in the ultra-modern Scandinavian style, sharp lines and either black or white, a black marble fireplace providing a striking contrast. The dining room, kitchen, and bedrooms were done in the same style but it didn't feel cold due to the various Chinese and Japanese art objects around the apartment. "That's a scene from Journey to the West, the Monkey King and his ring", said Tatiana as she they looked at a painting atop the fireplace. "Yes, I've only read it in English but Philip has read it in Mandarin. I tried to take a course in Mandarin but it was far harder than I thought", said Mrs. Carlyle ruefully. "I've read an Oxbridge translation in English, Jack is teaching me Japanese. I understand Japanese written in English letters, but not Japanese characters, said Tatiana. "Mollie's been a help since she knows Japanese, she really wants her new Mum to know Japanese", said Jack. "How is the little dear? Last time I saw her she was just a toddler", said Mrs. Carlyle. "She's getting bigger and smarter every day, she's going to start her first year of preparing for her First Communion, along with Nicole", replied Jack. A maid set down a tray of coffee in cups and delicate pastries from a local French bakery. Jack prepared each of the women's coffee and then his own. "Le Agneau Blanche makes the best pastries", he chuckled. "I'll show you to your rooms, the maids have already placed your bags inside", said Mrs. Carlyle once they were finished.
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Post by Tim on Apr 9, 2020 11:34:54 GMT -5
Lovely painting.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Apr 9, 2020 12:10:13 GMT -5
Thanks, that’s a Chinese painting depicting an emperor with the Monkey King, a famous Chinese novel from Imperial times. Mr and Mrs. Carlyle collect Chinese and Japanese art and this is an antique painting from China, Tatiana recognizes it since she’s been reading Monkey King in an English translation since Jack has a large collection of East Asian literature except that he’s read it in Japanese but he also has the books in English l.
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Post by Tim on Apr 9, 2020 23:42:10 GMT -5
Whoever made it was talented.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 4, 2020 9:49:32 GMT -5
I'm almost done with my last paper and classes end this week, it's about time I updated and I'm sure you missed everyone
Chapter 40
Tatiana opened her eyes and yawned, Jack perched on the edge of the bed and smoking a cigarette while talking on the phone. "We're here, Mollie-Chan. We're staying with Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle in New York, yes it's very big", he chuckled before taking a drag. Tatiana watched her husband for a moment before rising up in bed. Jack turned over and smiled as he pointed to her cigarette case and lighter. She nodded and opened the case before selecting a Regal and lighting it, taking a drag. Tatiana listened to their conversation and wondered if she could call her parents back in England. "Bye, Mollie. Say hello to Uncle Pierre and Nicole", he said before hanging up. "How do you call someone from another country?", she asked. "It's more expensive than calling from Belgium, and it can take up to five minutes to get connected. Later you can send a telegram, the ground floor concierge will send a telegram to England. And when we arrive in Chicago and then San Francisco we send other telegrams. I much prefer telegrams since it's a paper instead of just a voice", he said. Tatiana nodded as she took another drag. "I know Mama and Papa would love to see New York, the buildings are so huge and bigger than in London", she said. "They might like it, but it's for the best if they don't do any extensive travel for a while. Perhaps they can travel to France in the winter, or they can stay there permanently. Or pack up to Spain, a lot of older British people retire somewhere in the Med. A lot prefer France since Spain might be too foreign, many don't think it's even part of Europe", said Jack as he took a final drag off his cigarette. "Why not?", she asked. "Because of some of their customs are odd like bullfights and Southern Spain has a big Arab influence from the Moorish occupation after the fall of Rome and the Visigoths. But it makes Spain more interesting, I understand and speak Spanish since it's similar to French. One has to make sure when on holiday not to end up someplace like Torremolinos or Benidorm since they're overrun by tourists. But that's not for now. We're all going to the 21 Club for supper and then Birdland, Thelonious Monk is playing tonight", said Jack. "Amazing!", she exclaimed. "I know, I saw him perform at the Green Mill in Chicago. Chicago is a wonderful place to hear jazz or blues music, since it migrated there from New Orleans. We're going to the Green Mill when we get to Chicago", said Jack. Tatiana was eager as she got dressed after a quick shower. She admired her reflection in the mirror, wearing a knee-length lack pencil skirt and a black and white checked Chanel style jacket cinched with a black belt around her slim waist. Her dark brown hair was styled into a French twist and topped by a black pillbox hat, long black gloves on her hands and her lips painted cherry red. Jack entered the room and his eyes lit up. "You look smashing, Tessa. You look like Audrey Hepburn, but not as tiny", he chuckled. "And you look smashing yourself, husband", she laughed. Jack wore a fashionable black collarless suit of the sort made popular by the Beatles with a white shirt and dark gray tie, his black hair slicked down and parted to the side. "The 21 Club is expecting us, our regular table is being prepared", said Mrs. Carlyle as she smiled kindly at Tatiana. The older woman wore a chic black suit topped by a black pillbox hat and her dark hair was pulled back into a chignon at the base of her neck. "My dear, I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you earlier since I was at the office", said Mr. Carlyle gallantly. He was as elegant as his wife, in a black tailored suit with a white shirt and black tie, his salt and pepper hair cut short and speaking with a patrician American accent. "No worries, sir", she replied. Jack took her hand and the group went downstairs to the waiting car. The driver opened the door and wordlessly drove them downtown to the 21 Club. "Pick us up at 8:30 to take us to Birdland", said Mr. Carlyle as he gave the driver a $50 bill. The maître'd saw them and took four menus before leading them inside. "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle, Mr. and Mrs. Lacroix. I do hope you enjoy your evening", he said. The maitre'd led them to a table in the corner and handed them their menus. The 21 Club was starting to fill up with its usual Friday night crowd of New York's upper crust, posh out-of-towners and celebrities from Hollywood and its local sports teams. The soft murmur of piano music vied with hushed conversation as they sat down. "Friday night is when you see a lot of celebrities, in all fields. See that table near the bar? Those big men play for the Yankees, that's Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford", said Mr. Carlyle. Tatiana sipped her gin and tonic and watched where he had pointed. The two men were clearly athletes, brawny and muscular under their tailored suits as a waiter brought them doubles of whiskey. "They really ought to not drink like that if they're athletes", she said dubiously. "Yes, but they won the World Series last year. Athletes are a different bunch", said Mr. Carlyle. "Some of the footballers in England are the same way, some of them go to Juan's club. The dinner is prix fixe", said Jack. The waiter came by to take their orders for all three courses and came by several minutes later with a second round of drinks. "So Tessa, how did you and Jack meet?", asked Mrs. Carlyle. Tatiana gave the older woman a pleasant smile. "Jack's Dad and our Dad are old friends from university. Our family moved to Didsbury for his job and we renewed our acquaintance. We started dating and he proposed quite suddenly. Even if we had only been dating for a short while, we've known each other since we were children and it just felt right", she said with a chuckle. Jack smiled and gently squeezed her hand. "Tessa was a cute little girl with pigtails and blossomed into a beautiful woman. I haven't dated anyone since my divorce and Mollie already likes her", he replied. "How lovely. I hope you have a very successful marriage", said Mrs. Carlyle. After dinner the group headed back outside to the waiting car. Tatiana was momentarily blinded as Jack helped her inside the car since the bright lights of Manhattan were far brighter than any she had ever seen. "Manhattan at night is so bright, felt the same way when I first came here", he said. "New York is indeed the city that never sleeps. A lot of places are open until the wee hours but when you get older, one doesn't want to stay up at odd hours", said Mr. Carlyle. The driver stopped off at Birdland as Mr. Carlyle provided instructions for their pickup later. The interior of the legendary jazz club was surprisingly tiny and dim with only a few blue-tinted lights providing light, along with the tips of people's cigarettes. In front of the bar were a group of folding chairs occupied by men who smoked and whose hats stayed on indoors. A tiny stage was set up with a piano, small drum kit and a stand-up bass as people found their seats or went to get drinks. "This is the famous Birdland, it may not be the largest club but so many legends have played here, we saw Lester Young and his group here", said Jack. Tatiana nodded in thanks as Jack lit her cigarette before his. The lights dimmed and everyone's attention turned towards the stage were a little person in a tailored suit got up to the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight at Birdland we have got a brilliant show for you tonight. Please welcome Mr. Thelonious Monk", he said. The audience was quiet as Monk took to the stage with his band, the great bebop pianist a distinctive presence in his trademark beret and goatee. He sat at the piano and calmly finished his cigarette and stubbed it out on the ashtray atop the piano, then proceeded to play Round Midnight. The crowd was quiet as an empty church as Monk performed with his band, only broken by the quiet applause after each song. The piano dominated the sound in the room as the drummer tapped his kit with brushes and the bassist plucked notes, the audience quiet except for the applause. Tatiana felt contented and satisfied as the group headed back out to their car after the show. "We ought to sleep good tonight, we had a lot of fun. Luckily the train doesn't leave until the evening", said Jack as he helped her out of the car. "I like New York very much and I can't wait to see Chicago", she replied with a giggle. "From here to Chicago is like traveling from one of England to the other. England is tiny compared to the US", agreed Jack. They bid the Carlyles good night and went to their room. Tatiana tried not to blush as she changed into her nightgown as Jack did the same with his pajamas. "You look lovely when you blush, Tessa. I know your Mum was strict, but we are a married couple", he teased. "I know that, but we haven't known each other in the Biblical sense yet. I'm afraid I'll die giggling, and I worked at a hospital", said Tatiana ruefully. Jack sat down on the bed next to her and gave her a quick kiss. "I'm a patient man, Tessa. When you're ready", he whispered before turning off the light.
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Post by Tim on May 4, 2020 10:28:25 GMT -5
So they were at that concert in the video?
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 4, 2020 10:41:48 GMT -5
So they were at that concert in the video? Not really, it's the first concert performance of the song that appeared on my YouTube search. Birdland is a famous jazz club in New York and in the 60's they hosted a lot of legendary jazz artists and some recorded live albums there.
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Post by Tim on May 4, 2020 23:43:03 GMT -5
Never been there.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on May 12, 2020 9:03:19 GMT -5
Chapter 41
Jack tipped the porter to take their bags to the train. "Let me send the telegrams and then we'll get something at the Oyster Bar. Just stay close to me", he said. Tatiana nodded as Grand Central Station was far bigger than Manchester Piccadilly or any of the London stations. The massive station was crowded with commuters heading to Long Island, New Jersey or Connecticut while others headed towards the subway downstairs, the PA occasionally blaring a garbled announcement inaudible with the crowds. However the station lived up to its name with elegant shops, brass fixtures, mosaic floors and Tiffany-designed glass facades, the shops selling upscale perfumes and furs and delicacies. Jack led them to the Western Union office sent two telegrams, one to Pierre and another to the Parker family. "I would rather not be on the phone with the bloody operator", he said with a laugh. "I know, the operator can't always fight the right number. Western Union has offices all over the world, our branch has never lost a message", agreed the operator. "The telegram will arrive tomorrow morning, by then we'll be in Chicago. We'll eat a little before we board since supper isn't served until eight on the train", said Jack. "I still remember the last horrid train ride, it was ghastly", said Tatiana with a shudder. "Trust me, the 20th Century Limited is wonderful. All the men get red carnations and the women all get a bottle of perfume when boarding, a lot of posh people take the train if they have time. Last time I took the Limited, I saw the actress Audrey Hepburn with her husband. And on the previous trip I met Mr. Richard Nixon, who ran for President in 1960. He was on his way back to California with his family after having lost. He was vice president under Dwight Eisenhower for eight years and campaigned for President in 1960 but lost to John Kennedy", he explained. "Fascinating. I know that Americans have no king or emperor, but everyone in America can vote?", she asked in disbelief. "Yes, if you are an American citizen over the age of 21 and not a felon, and that includes women. Unfortunately in the southern states, racist groups prevent blacks from voting even if they're qualified. Volunteers have been trying to register folks but they're terrified racist wankers will kill them, because it's happened", he said as she gaped in shock. "I know, Yanks, are a strange people. I hope this goes away, the government ought to have to bring out the arm in order to enforce laws", said Jack as he shook his head. Tatiana reminded herself they weren't going to the American South as Jack led her to the oyster bar inside the station. Her eyes widened in delight when she saw the display of chilled seafood on the counter, everything done artfully as a still-life. Her stomach grumbled and she blushed, realizing that hadn't seen such a display of seafood in years. Oysters, chilled shrimp, crabs, lobster and cold-smoked fish were set up with ice and arranged neatly among lemon slices and watercress for garnish alongside fish fillets for grilling. The greeter led them to a table and handed them menus. "I really recommend the Bluepoint oysters and the smoked salmon platter. In Chicago, oysters are bloody expensive and not as good. The oysters are from Long Island east of the city", he said. "I haven't had oysters in a long while. Natalie never liked them at Grandmama's house, but I suppose they are an acquired taste", she said. Jack watched the shadow momentarily cross her face. "She died in 1928, I'm sorry if she never found out", he whispered. Tatiana nodded in understanding as the waiter poured them each a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. "I wish she might have known, but I suppose telling her could have shocked her into a coma", she said. "We try to stay away", he said. The waiter came by with a plate holding a dozen oysters on the half shell with slices of lemon and a little pot of horseradish. Tatiana discreetly removed her lipstick with a napkin and squirted lemon juice onto the oyster before slurping it from the shell. "I always come here when I'm in New York, we don't have oysters in Manchester and in London they're expensive. They'll be even better later in the year, one is supposed to have them in months ending in er", he said. Tatiana finished her oysters as the waiter cleared away the plate. "Correct, but if they're on ice they be had all year round. I don't know if I can sleep at all, I want to see what the country looks like", she said. "All right, but once the train leaves Pennsylvania it gets rather dull. New Jersey is mostly suburban but the mountains of upstate New York are quite nice. But Ohio and Indiana are rather dull, flat and farms. We'll both see the rest of Chicago together for the first time, Tessa", he said. They finished their supper with coffee as Jack paid the bill. "New York is the one place where one can get decent coffee in the US, otherwise it's brown water", he said, drinking his espresso. The 20th Century Limited waited on the track, it's trademark red carpet on the walkway freshly vacuumed. The doors of the carriages opened the passengers boarded in an orderly fashion. Jack led her onboard and found their seats, then showed her the sleeping compartments and club and dining cars. "The bunks are comfortable and I requested a lower bunk so we don't feel the swaying, which you'll really feel on top bunks. The club car is for drinking and playing cards and smoking, the dining car is for supper and breakfast", he said. Jack stowed their toiletries bag in box under their bunk. The couple went over to the club bar as it was filling up with passengers. He lit her cigarette and then hers as he ordered them both a Singapore Sling with Beefeater. "Only Brits order gin drinks, are you British?", asked the bartender, a young man in a black suit with a white shirt and a red bow tie. "Yes, from Basingstoke. My wife and I are going to Chicago, then we're taking The City of New Orleans to Louisiana. It's good to visit since the tourists went home", said Jack. "I love New Orleans. I took my vacation in February to do Mardi Gras. You really ought to do Mardi Gras at least once, it's even better if you're single since Louisiana girls are hot", the bartender chuckled. "I'm sure they are, but I already have a lovely wife and a rather intimidating father-in-law", Jack deadpanned. "Of course, but I'm still single", said the bartender as he set down their drinks. The last few passengers boarded and the train whistle tooted before leaving the station. The train passed through a tunnel under the Hudson River and then headed north towards upstate New York. It made two stops at Croton and then Poughkeepsie before heading north. This section was rather dull since it consisted of New York's commuter suburbs, the towns all alike. "It doesn't get interesting until we get to the lakes, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie", he said. "The next stop won't be until Buffalo, a lot of people get off to see Niagara Falls. They're not bad but I would rather go there to get good Greek and Italian food, Buffalo has good food. They got a thing here where chicken wings are deep fried and served with hot sauce, they're amazing with a beer", said the bartender happily. Tatiana smiled wanly and felt that those wings sounded absolutely revolting. "Chicken wings are for soups, and there's hardly any meat on them to eat with a knife", she said in dismay. "No ma'am, you eat them with your hands", replied the bartender as she looked horrified. "We're British, we don't eat with our hands", Jack laughed. "Yeah, I noticed. I get off in Buffalo myself and the next bartender is taking over, it's time for my furlough", he said. The train continued through upstate New York and turned west at Albany without stopping. Jack tipped the bartender and they went to the dining car for supper. "Yank trains have good food, English trains only have sandwiches. Get the set menu since the a la cart is rubbish", he said. The waitress took their orders and came back with two glasses of lemonade. Dusk had given way to nighttime and the train passed through forests illuminated by the moon and stars, occasionally passing a town. "It would be excellent to see the lakes but at night one cannot really see anything", said Jack. "Isn't Chicago on a lake?", she asked. "Yes, Lake Michigan. There's a lot parks along the lakeshore and buildings with posh shops. But my favorite place in Chicago is the Art Institute or the Green Mill. The Art Institute has a marvelous collection of Asian art and the Green Mill of course is where we're going to see Coltrane", he laughed. "I'm learning a lot thanks to you, Jack", she teased. "And I like teaching you, Tessa. I rag on Yanks but their country is huge and amazing. And they have got better weather", he quipped. It was nearly midnight when the train approached Buffalo, the bright lights of the city blinding after the darkness of western New York. On either side of the city were Lakes Ontario and Erie, the city lights reflecting on their still waters. Just across the Rainbow Bridge they could see the lights of Niagara Falls in Canada and hear the dull continuous roar of the Falls even over the sound of the railroad tracks, the spray visible as a fine mist on the horizon. Tatiana tried to stay awake to see the Lakes but her eyelids kept drooping. "Let's go to bed, you can't see the lakes", Jack said softly. She just nodded and Jack led her to the sleeping car. It was nearly completely dark as they carefully made their way to the cars until they found their bunk as Jack reached into the bin. "We have to get changed in the restroom", he said. Tatiana quickly changed into her nightgown and brushed her teeth before letting Jack use the tiny bathroom. She sat on the edge of the bunk and loosened her hair from its French twist as it fell around her shoulders in loose dark brown waves, reaching into her bag for a brush. Jack emerged from the bathroom in his pajamas and watched as she brushed her hair. In the dim moonlight her dark brown hair shone with faint auburn lights and rippled around her shoulders as his mouth suddenly went dry. "Good night, Tessa", he whispered.
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