The year is 1921, December 18th in London. The social scene has been disrupted by the Great War, however now it has been revived with a gallows humour. So many have seen or heard of the atrocities that they throw themselves into pleasures of the flesh and intellect. Truly this is a golden age dawning...
The London Season, the season of debutants and events were upon you once again, with Christmas and parties.
Jerry & Edward
During your time at Cambridge you took a few classes under Prof. Vernon Whitlow, a kind, studious man. He was a guest lecturer his real occupation being a researcher of history and athropology at the British Museum. Eloquent and with a cutting wit, he helped you through your classes with occassional correspondence and advice. You kept in touch through the war and he has sent you an invitation...
Aysha
Your father, comes down to breakfast one morning the winter's chill is in the air but the grates are already lit. As usual the mornings conversation over breakfast seems to be the high-light of the day. The butler arrives with a silver tray arranged upon it is a host of letters and correspondence.
Opening one he remarks; "Oh an invitation to a Gala at the Museum. The 17th? Well, I have an event at the club that night, could you go in my place my dear?" his voice soft and cultured but insistant. "The Deb season is already started and your album has little in it in terms of visits to balls or signatures." He remarks referring to your debutant album, which you are meant to collect fellow guest signatures, houses visited, sketches and witty remarks. Of course you have a second one that you keep hidden from your father.
He passes across the invitation....
You see the signature at the bottom and remember the middle-aged man that worked with your father importing antiquities. And whom corresponds with your father about politics and history showing a side of him that wasn't all business. Perhaps it this gala would allow you to find a side of him that wasn't all business?
When you asked your cousin Jerry if he knew any people at the British Museum he placed you in contact with Professor Vernon. He enabled your recent visit to the near East, providing a stipend and guides for the travel. You have recently returned to London and upon arrival you find an invitation...
The British Museum
Head Curator Adair Merriweather
Curator Malcom E. Harrod III
Curator Colin O'Donnell
Curator Vernon Whitlow
&
The Board and Chairman of the British Museum
Cordially Invite you to a
Dinner Gala
on the 18th of December 1921
Celebrating the Opening of
North Wing
R.S.V.P.
Black Tie Requested
At the bottom is a note:
"Looking forward to seeing you once again! Do feel free to bring guests - V.W."
TO: BLOOMSBURY PARTY
URGENT SPEAK WITH YOU AFTER GALA STOP
NEW DEVELOPMENTS HAVE TRANSPIRED STOP
LEGACY STOP
- VERNON
TO: BLOOMSBURY PARTY
URGENT SPEAK WITH YOU AFTER GALA STOP
NEW DEVELOPMENTS HAVE TRANSPIRED STOP
LEGACY STOP
- VERNON
TO: BLOOMSBURY PARTY
URGENT SPEAK WITH YOU AFTER GALA STOP
NEW DEVELOPMENTS HAVE TRANSPIRED STOP
LEGACY STOP
- VERNON
TO: BLOOMSBURY PARTY
URGENT SPEAK WITH YOU AFTER GALA STOP
NEW DEVELOPMENTS HAVE TRANSPIRED STOP
LEGACY STOP
- VERNON
What does it mean? You cannot contact your father, he will be incommunicado until the morning.
So the evening of the Gala is upon you, the streets of London are cluttered with pedestrians, auto-mobiles and over-loaded with horse drawn carriages; cyclopean buildings loom overhead towering in the dark. The damp air carries the smell of smoke and soot as the inhabitants of the city attempt futilely to keep the cold at bay. After a short drive, the car stops before the ornately columnaded entrance to the British Museum. To the west is the Grafton Hotel, in the heart of Bloomsbury.
As you exit the vehicle, a cold wind caresses your hair and a light rain falls quickly from the dark night sky. Entering the richly illuminated building, you see other party goers music flows delicately across the atrium.
Inside the building lies the gala and possibly some answers as well.
Stella
The boat across the Atlantic has been a smooth journey, having put up with the occassional look from other passengers. 'An unescorted woman! Scandalous! And wearing breeches!' However the sophisticated crew, used to all kinds of people are the souls of discretion and kindness.
Your parents have paid to put you up in First-Class accommodation; the state-rooms are luxurious and large even by Texan standards. The studious night Steward, Philip has been very nice, you think he might have had a bit of a crush on you. Even going so far as to offer to carry her trunks to the station.
Soon you will come into dock, the dawn light is crisp and pale. Yesterday you received a Telegram from Jerry telling you that he would meet you & that he has received invitations to a ball!
After careful consideration and being that Stella has been on a boat for some time. She decides to go with taking a train from Liverpool to London. She is awed by the sites all around her. When she finally reaches the train station in London she is taken back from the train station itself.
"Golly, this is the finest dang train station I ever did see in my life! I can't wait to tell my Ma and Pa about this."
She then picks up her rucksack and heads for the platform marked on her ticket and boards the train.
An Inspector with a large hand-bar moustache, nods to the young lady. "From the colonies, Miss?" he inquires as the train pulls out of the station with a hiss of steam. The fine polished surfaces of the interior cars, make an opulent travelling mode.
"There is a refreshment car to the rear. Tea, sandwiches are available." his rich voice booms as he checks her ticket.
"Yes, sir. I am from the good old U.S.A. We think of ourselves a bit apart from colony status but I catch your drift."
She then tips her hat to the gentlemen. "Thank you kindly for letting me know where the refreshments are." She then tucks her stuff away and gets out of her seat and heads to the rear car for a quick drink.
The Inspector tips his hat back, it is only then that you realise he has but a single arm.
The rosey cheeked lady behind the counter in the Buffet Car asks Stella; "First Time over 'ere Duck?" with a soft Liverpudlian accent.
Stella looks at the lady quizzically while eying the whiskeys behind her.
"Well, Mam, yes, yes it is my first time across the pond but I'm not too sure about the Duck bit of it. Would it be alright if I ordered a Whiskey on ice? All this travelin has truly brought on one hell of a thirst. My mouth feels as dry as a desert."
"No, didn't mean to offend love!" her pudgy hands reaching for a couple of bottles of whisky. "We have a nice blend, or an aged Scotch. Ice? Lemon?" she pours a couple of tumblers with the American's complimentary drinks.
The beautiful columns of the facade glow in the pale lime-light; faint orchestral music drifts from the entrance to be swallowed by the coarse sounds of London's streets. Beckoned in by the opulence, a doorman looks to you in his fine suit; "May I announce you?" he asks in a booming voice.
Edward had been walking the familiar path to the British Museum at a sustained pace and didn't notice he was already by the portal.
He had been mulling over his latest article on the recent setbacks in the search for the elusive tumb of Tutankhamun, and was wondering whether to focus more on Howard's use of cutting edge technology or the paucity and unreliability of sources on the Child King.
Edward took a couple more steps before noticing where the voice was coming from. He stared at the doorman for a second that seemed an Eternity and eventually replied, slightly unsure: "Certainly Bernard"
Before continuing: "It looks busy tonight. It's a shame London's finest only seem to converge to the Museum for the parties... Is Professor Vernon in yet?"
"No, didn't mean to offend love!" her pudgy hands reaching for a couple of bottles of whisky. "We have a nice blend, or an aged Scotch. Ice? Lemon?" she pours a couple of tumblers with the American's complimentary drinks.
"Why thank you kindly Ma'am that sounds just peachy." Stella pays for her for the drink and tips the lady then heads off back towards her seat. I really hope this ride is going to go quickly. She ponders as she wonders back towards her seat. Perhaps I can dose off for a bit when I am finally back to my seat. This has been a long journey and a very tiring one at that.
Bernard the doorman, tips his hat to the young gentleman. "Yes Mr Pitt, he has been here all day - he seems a bit agitated. Could be he's nervous about the dinner?" The broad-chested man shows Edward into the large Atrium, an orchestra in one corner and leads off into the Gallery proper where the cocktail party.
Two rows of roman statuary fill the echoing chamber, there are busts and full figures of deities and historic figures - Apollo, Dionysos, the poet Hessiod, Homer and others - with in the centre of the room a larger statue of two horses rearing, a beautiful mottled marble. The blank eyes of the marbles seem to stare mockingly at all the guests.
Bernard looks across and quietly adds; "There's an hour-long cocktail party before the sit-down dinner, Sir. I'll just see if I can rouse Prof. Vernon." he walks away through the revellers towards the back-rooms and the offices.
Amongst the party-goers, waiters and waitress' circulate their fancy dress spotless with silver platters of canape's and flutes of wine.
Stella soon drifts off to sleep in the luxurious seat, quite unlike what she expected Britain seems very claustrophobic and dirty but with people being very friendly (even if they have thick accents).
A hiss of steam awakens her as the train pulls into Kings Cross Station, hopefully Jerry will be there to see her. Porters stand on the open platforms, as pigeons roost in the rafters.
Aysha pulls up in her carriage. She has been to numerous of these occasions yet still this night seems to hold some promise never felt before.
She steps delicately out onto the cobbles trying to avoid touching horse dung with her orange silk slippers. As she sighs, she hitches up her long beaded muslin dress and approaches the opulent entrance.
She awaits to be announced and scans for ways to go unnoticed from her father's acquaintances into a world of ancient artefacts and people who long for adventure
As anyone circulates around the party here are a few people you might wish to talk to:
Bernard the well-dressed doorman/Maitre-D, announces Aysha. As soon as he does so Ms Ainsworth bustles her way on over snagging another glass of champagne. She clasps the young ladies hand and virtually thrusts it inside; "Good to meet you, I am Marion. Beautiful isn't it?" her hands flow smoothly like a dancer indicating a sculpture of a flying fish. "Do you come here often?"
Stella soon drifts off to sleep in the luxurious seat, quite unlike what she expected Britain seems very claustrophobic and dirty but with people being very friendly (even if they have thick accents).
A hiss of steam awakens her as the train pulls into Kings Cross Station, hopefully Jerry will be there to see her. Porters stand on the open platforms, as pigeons roost in the rafters.
As she wakes Stella stretches and looks about her. She gets up from her seat gingerly and grabs her rucksack. She isn't in a rush so bides her time by looking at a photo of her cousin she pulled from her pocket. She studies his features while people scramble past her to get off the train. While looking down at the photo held between her hands she giggles to herself. "Man, he has a silly looking hat on. Oh well, these people are real strange over here.
After the train clears of the crowd she steps off the train and onto the platform. Taking a second to get her barrings she starts to peer into the sea of people hoping to spot her cousin among the bustling crowd.
Edward wanders around the room looking for familiar faces or some debate to politely intrude in, grabbing a glass and a couple canapés on his way.
His old acquaintance Blake, in grand discussion with a couple ladies and already a few too many whiskys greets him merrily.
Intoducting Lauren whith the "great eyes" - although it wouldn't be the first thing you would notice about her. But people have manners... -
And Eleonor, a charming lady in a tastefull green dress, seemingly looking for a way out.
Smokey delightfully chooses to entertain the ladies by blabbing out a few not so glorious stories of Edward's faux pas at Cambridge. To the dismay of the latter.
United in their desire to leave their not so great host, Edward and Eleonor eventually manage to put a good distance with the Scott.
They start a light hearted conversation to dispel the previous embarrassment, before speculating on the announcements to be made at the Gala.
Drop me off outside the main entrance won't you Michael? says Jerry to his driver. Michael had been an engineer during the War, but after demob secured the position as Jerry's valet. Since then he's proved himself invaluable.
Of course, sir. D'ya think that you'll be long? He says in his soft Scottish accent.
I bally well hope not Michael. You know how I detest stations! All that smoke and grime, and me in my tux. One has certain standards to uphold and arriving at the Museum Gala with smuts on my lapel just wouldn't be the thing. He wrinkles his nose in distaste as Michael gives him a wry grin.
Absolutely not, sir. By the way, sir, do we know anything about Miss Stella?
Not a bally thing, old chap. I didn't even realise that I had a cousin in Texas. I do hope she's not a frightful bore; I was hoping to paint the town a little over the next few days and dragging around some dreary relation from the back of beyond really would cramp my style. Jerry puts on a pained expression, but Michael can see by the look in his eyes that he's intrigued about this unexpected turn of events.
Michael pulls up outside King's Cross ignoring the curses of the taxi drivers that he's cut up.
Here we go sir.
Good work old boy. I shan't be a minute. Stay put and if anyone tries to move you on, send them off with a flea in their ear!
Right y'are sir says Michael as Jerry hops nimbly out of the car and walks briskly into the station concourse.
Inside the station Jerry seeks out the nearest station attendant.
Excuse me, my good man. Could you tell me which platform the next train from Liverpool arrives at?
The man directs Jerry to the platform he requires. Jerry stands watching the crowds swirl around him for only a few minutes before the train pulls in. Strangely, he feels a great sense of anticipation; odd really, but the nagging sensation that something is afoot just won't go away. He watches intently as the passengers disembark....
The lattice work of steel and glass stretches across the tall station dome; the hustle and bustle of the London filling it as the noise cascades around.
An announcement is broadcast by a guard; his shouts drowned out to near inaudibility.
Jerry sees the passengers from Liverpool depart, then he spots Stella step off the train.
An gentleman bustles rapidly from the rear of the room; Edward immediately recognises him as Vernon Whitlow. In his grey suit with spotted bow tie and bushy moustashe, he approaches young Edward. "Sorry about this, very busy at the moment." he says red-faced and out of breath. "There's so many people here at the moment, but..." he looks around scanning the room as if for something or someone. Then he leans in talking quitely so that Eleonor cannot hear; "Somethings up.... I think I found something...."
Then he shakes his hand, brushing away the topic, a slightly haunted look in his eye. "We'll talk about it over dinner, I see Mr Myrni isn't here but his daughter seems to be." He produces a hankie and mops his brow; "I cannot believe how busy I am."
The lattice work of steel and glass stretches across the tall station dome; the hustle and bustle of the London filling it as the noise cascades around.
An announcement is broadcast by a guard; his shouts drowned out to near inaudibility.
Jerry sees the passengers from Liverpool depart, then he spots Stella step off the train.
Stella thinks she spots Jerry among the crowd. She intently studies his features for a minute as she weaves through the throng of people. Yep, that sure looks like him. I guess I thought he would be a little bit taller but oh well. He sure cleans up real nice though.
When Stella reaches Jerry she puts her rucksack down and throws her hand out for a handshake as she says, "Please, to meet ya, if you be the right man of course, my cousin Jerry that is." What Jerry sees before him is a stunningly beautiful young woman. She is defiantly not dainty or petite but stands tall with purpose. She is wearing a dark brown cowboy hat that covers her long flowing red hair that seems unmanageable as it flows loosely in the air. She is dressed in a long dusty covered brown trench coat and wearing a white linen shirt underneath that is tucked in among her trousers that match her coat. She stares at Jerry intently through her penetrating dark blue eyes waiting for a response. She thinks to herself nervously for a moment, I surely hope this is my cousin or I am going to be mighty embarrassed.
Jerry observes the attractive young woman as she strides purposefully towards him across the platform, her duster rippling around her long legs.
Well, well. She's certainly a fine looking philly. Let's hope she's as much fun as she looks!
As he watches her - a slightly bemused grin on his face - she thrusts out a hand towards him and says: Please, to meet ya, if you be the right man of course, my cousin Jerry that is.
Indeed! Cousin Jerry at your service my dear. Says Jerry, inclining his head slightly towards her with a wide smile on his face.
He takes her outstretched hand and before she can stop him brings it up to his lips and lightly brushes them against it.
It's an absolute pleasure to meet you. I hope you had a good journey down from Liverpool?
A little taken back from being kissed on the hand Stella pulls her hand away quickly and tries not to blush.
"Why my journey has been quite the adventure already. I can't wait to see more!" She eyes his outfit up and down with curiosity. "Are we going somewhere fancy tonight? Because if we are I am a very plain girl and I don't mesh well with muckity mucks."She says crisply with a sour look on her face.
A little taken back from being kissed on the hand Stella pulls her hand away quickly and tries not to blush.
"Why my journey has been quite the adventure already. I can't wait to see more!" She eyes his outfit up and down with curiosity. "Are we going somewhere fancy tonight? Because if we are I am a very plain girl and I don't mesh well with muckity mucks."She says crisply with a sour look on her face.
Jerry grins and winks at her.
Well, there is a little soirée tonight at the British Museum. My old Prof has invited me - and you too. I think you'll need to change, but a fresh linen shirt and trousers should do the trick. No need to go over the top, eh!
Jerry suddenly looks a little sad.
It would be a terrible shame if I weren't able to introduce you. I'm sure that everyone will be exceedingly interested in hearing all about, err, Texas and your journey here.
But first thing's first, why don't you let me take your bags and you can tell me all about your recent adventures while my valet Michael drives us back to my Town House.
Jerry leans over and picks up Stella's rucksack, trying not to blow or wince as he hefts it over his shoulder.
Travelling light, I see....
"Why thank you kindly Jerry. I sure do appreciate you carrying my rucksack. Oh, the reason it is so heavy is that I have good old Betsy with me. She has always been by my side and never let me down."
She pats the bag affectionately as Jerry carries the rucksack to his car. Once they clear the train station Stella breathes in deeply and enjoys the evening air. "It sure feels good to be outside again."
She blinks in surprise to see the butler exit the vehicle to open the door for her. She whistles in admiration of the car in front of her and comments as the butler opens the door,"Wowwy, you have a driver Jerry? You must not be hurtin any at all. Back home we mostly ride horses and never did see a fancy car like this.
"Why thank you kindly Jerry. I sure do appreciate you carrying my rucksack. Oh, the reason it is so heavy is that I have good old Betsy with me. She has always been by my side and never let me down."
Is Betsy a rock? Wonders Jerry.
She pats the bag affectionately as Jerry carries the rucksack to his car. Once they clear the train station Stella breathes in deeply and enjoys the evening air. "It sure feels good to be outside again."
She blinks in surprise to see the butler exit the vehicle to open the door for her. She whistles in admiration of the car in front of her and comments as the butler opens the door,"Wowwy, you have a driver Jerry? You must not be hurtin any at all. Back home we mostly ride horses and never did see a fancy car like this.
Ah, yes. This is my man Michael. Absolutely indespensible. If you need anything at all, just ask him. Or me, obviously.
He hands Stella's rucksack to Michael, who grabs it and throws it over his shoulder while he opens the car door for Stella. There you go ma'am; just step up onto the runnin' board.
Once Stella is in the car with Jerry alongside her, the car pulling away into the traffic, Jerry says: no cars back home, eh? S'pose they're more bother than they're worth? If you fancy a bit of horse riding, we can always take a trip out to a small place Father has in the country. Might be just the ticket to dust those cobwebs away!
Jerry leans forward to speak to Michael. Back home Michael. I think Miss Stella needs to freshen up a little before the Gala.
He looks over at Stella. And perhaps a bite to eat Stella? You look a little peaky. Must be that awful train food. He makes a gagging face and then grins.
"Not a bad idea Jerry about gettin some riding in. Oh and why thank you kindly Mr. Michael. I would appreciate a bit of a nibble on something."
As they continue to drive through the city Stella stares out in wide eyed wonder the whole way. I have never seen such buildings and everything looks so old and built with stone. Back home it is all wood and seems to be just have been thrown up. She continues to take in the sites during the drive to Jerry's estate.
"Not a bad idea Jerry about gettin some riding in. Oh and why thank you kindly Mr. Michael. I would appreciate a bit of a nibble on something."
Jerry raises an eyebrow at Michael, as he says "yes well, maybe we can head out to the estate this coming weekend?"
At the same time Michael touches his hand to the peak of his drivers cap and says "I'll fix y'up somethin' ta eat as soon as we get back to the house. Anythin' in particular you'd like Miss?
As they continue to drive through the city Stella stares out in wide eyed wonder the whole way. I have never seen such buildings and everything looks so old and built with stone. Back home it is all wood and seems to be just have been thrown up. She continues to take in the sites during the drive to Jerry's estate.
Jerry notices that Stella seems engrossed in the city sights and, as they drive through the busy streets, begins to point out buildings and other locations of interest.
The conversation with Marion progresses.
[/Actually I haven’t and I am quite taken aback by the opulence. There is nothing to rival the antiquity and mystery that is tucked away here] Aysha remarks.
Aysha is weary of Ms Ainsworth as she is not sure where or how Marion has acquired such knowledge as to be able to be so open with her about a secret that she has kept so well hidden for so long.
Ms Ainsworth just doesn’t seem like a likely recruit. Aysha smiles sweetly and enters into conversation about ancient times and splendour unheard of in the 20th Century.
As conversation dilutes her attention is caught by a startling scarred gentleman
Seeing Aysha's look; Miss Ainsworth leans in a wicked smile on her face. "He's abit late, isn't he midear? O'Donnell, a curator, good eye - he cuts quite a mysterious figure. I heard he is from Dublin originally. But I wonder what, or whom, he has being doing to make him so late?"
Marion laughs a light giggle, a slight flush to her cheeks indicating obviously this isn't her first drink.
O'Donnell moves across the room slightly out-of breath, he picks up a orange drink from a passing waiter.
Concerned by the unusally erratic behaviour of the Professor, Edward asks
You seem particularly tensed tonight. Left me know I can help with anything
He then looks around hoping to see what the professor might have been for. And then adds with a large smile.
I am sure we can find somewhere quieter if you need to take something off your mind. It will still be a while before the guests stop flowing in.
Edward/ Gala
"I am sure you can, old boy." he claps Edward friendly on the back. From the corner of his eye Edward notices that Vernons inscrutible gaze fell upon Curator O'Donnell, for a few moments before brushing away.
"Care to come with me? I must be seen to circulate, many contributors and donour here tonight. I cannot be thought of as a sluggabed." He takes another sip of his drink.
As they start to drift across the gallery; Vernon says "Just had an idea, old chap, why don't we meet-up later? Here's my flat key, let yourself in. 'Me casa et su casa.' - the old saying goes." He produces a dull steel key with the adress on a cardboard tag.
Always quite an absent-minded man the Professor couldn't even forget his own adress, could he? Yes he probably could, he forgot his lecture notes that one time. "I should probably go see the Maharaja's daughter."
still staring at the mysterious curator, she comes out of her trance by Marion's giggle. 'mmmm... yes I wonder...'
he is flustered. My father would never approve yet with an acquaintance like him life could never be dull
'Miss Myrni!' the voice of Vernon Whitlow from across the hall 'Miss Myrni?! he enquires perplexed, as she is now nowhere to be seen
Aysha has disappeared down a flight of steps near the bar
Gala
"Miss Myrni! Miss Myrni?!" Professor Vernon calss out, he scratches his wild hair; "Blast it where has the young lady gone... did you see Young Edward?" He hurumphs looking to the gentleman.
Beside Aysha; Marion has hustled with her obviously enjoying the excitement of a new interesting companion. "Who's that a chaperone, or paramor?" the woman produces a dark cigarette. "Want one?"
Jerry raises an eyebrow at Michael, as he says "yes well, maybe we can head out to the estate this coming weekend?"
At the same time Michael touches his hand to the peak of his drivers cap and says "I'll fix y'up somethin' ta eat as soon as we get back to the house. Anythin' in particular you'd like Miss?
"Well, Jerry that sounds wonderful. It would sure be nice to get out in the country and go for a ride." She looks out through her window to see them pulling up to Jerry's estate. She is taken back from the grand scale of the house being that it is so central to London. After getting over the initial awe of the stone set house that is set back from the hustle and bustle of the city she turns to look at Michael as he opens her door. "Oh yeah, sorry Micheal, anything to eat would be great. Perhaps a quick sandwich? I just want to get freshened up as fast as possible so Jerry and I can head out. Can't wait to see more of this splendid place!"
"Well, Jerry that sounds wonderful. It would sure be nice to get out in the country and go for a ride." She looks out through her window to see them pulling up to Jerry's estate. She is taken back from the grand scale of the house being that it is so central to London. After getting over the initial awe of the stone set house that is set back from the hustle and bustle of the city she turns to look at Michael as he opens her door. "Oh yeah, sorry Micheal, anything to eat would be great. Perhaps a quick sandwich? I just want to get freshened up as fast as possible so Jerry and I can head out. Can't wait to see more of this splendid place!"
"A sandwich it is then miss", says Michael.
Jerry gives her a big smile, "well I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself so far. How do you like the old place? Not bad, eh? Oh, wait a moment."
With that Jerry jumps out of the car, rushes round to the other side and holds his hand out to Stella as she steps from the car.
Jerry continues talking: "There's no rush to get out, by the way. We have plenty of time. And anyway, it's a lady's prerogative to arrive a little late, should she choose!"
With that he gestures to the house behind him and says, "Welcome to my home. I hope that you'll enjoy your stay."
Once in the house Stella looks around with wide eye wonderment. The entrance hall is wide with a checkered floor that flows out into a bigger entrance way that leads up to a grand stair case cast in marble. There are swords and shields decorating the walls. Suits of armor stand to the sides of the staircase. Cream encrusted marble lines the stair case and stairs. Stella truly feels out of her element and looks before her in wide eyed amazement. Wow, I have never seen such a place I must look like a complete greenhorn to these people.Once she clears the entrance way she looks around not knowing where to go next.
Once in the house Stella looks around with wide eye wonderment. The entrance hall is wide with a checkered floor that flows out into a bigger entrance way that leads up to a grand stair case cast in marble. There are swords and shields decorating the walls. Suits of armor stand to the sides of the staircase. Cream encrusted marble lines the stair case and stairs. Stella truly feels out of her element and looks before her in wide eyed amazement. Wow, I have never seen such a place I must look like a complete greenhorn to these people.Once she clears the entrance way she looks around not knowing where to go next.
"Well, here we are", says Jerry. "A little over the top for my tastes, but all-in-all not a bad place."
Jerry looks over at Stella and, sensing that she might be a little overawed says, "let's go on up to your suite. I picked it out myself. I think you'll love it. It has a great view over the square."
Holding out his arm for Stella to take, Jerry guides her up the wide staircase, with Michael following behind, Stella's rucksack slung over his shoulder.
"Thanks so much Jerry. It has been a long and tiring journey. I am really grateful for all your hospitality." After they clear the staircase and head down the hall a way Stella steps through the door that Jerry opens for her. "Wowwy! This sure is the most beautiful room I ever did see! Golly gee, just look at the view outside that there window!Stella steps past the four posted engraved wooden bed and rushes over to the window.
"Man, I can see far into the city from here. Look, there is a big giant clock over there!She points with excitement. "I guess everyone will know what time it is. She giggles to herself. Once done looking through the window she turns to take in her surroundings more. She is taken back by the sure luxury of the room itself. Dark blue carpets and wood paneling on the walls carved with delicate Celtic patterns. She plops herself down on the bed and melts into the plush blue bedding. "Yep, I think I'll be just fine here. Yep, just fine and dandy.
Jerry claps his hands together and with a broad smile says, "excellent! I'm so glad that you like it. Michael, please put Miss Stella's rucksack on the chaise longue."
Jerry turns back to Stella who is revelling in the softness of the bed clothes. "Well, we'll leave you to get freshened up and changed."
He indicates a door on the far side of the room. "That's the bathroom. Everything you should need is in there, but if not just ring the bell by the bed and the housekeeper, Mrs. Cartwright, will attend to you. When you're ready just come down to the sitting room and join me for some food."
Jerry looks thoroughly boyish in his enthusiasm. "I say Stella, I do believe that this evening is definitely going to be one to remember!"
He turns and exits the room, Michael following, and with a wave says "see you shortly."
As Michael leaves he mentions; "I have left out a gown for madam, I believe it should suit your requirements."
Walking down the hallway Michael mentions to Jerry; "I believe you got the telegram this morning. I have laid out your suit for tonight."
As they leave the room and shut the door Stella looks over at the gown and wrinkles her nose at it. If they think they can get me into a "gown" they are in for a big surprise. She walks past the dress picks up her rucksack and starts unpacking. She quickly sorts through her clothes to find a clean red linen shirt and a pair of tan trousers. She goes to the bathroom to freshen up and change. She then pulls out Betsy and gentle sets the rifle underneath her bed in it's case followed by her revolver. She makes sure to pull the covers down over the side of the bed so nothing is revealed. She then puts a small derringer in one boot in a concealed pocket and tucks her knife back in her other. After securing her weaponry Stella tosses her hat back on and throws her boots on. She then heads downstairs to the sitting room to join Jerry.
Meanwhile, at the Gala
Edward Catches up with Vernon after pocketing the key and states, amused:
"I guess they must have been really thirsty." He then jokingly adds:
"Either that, or one of them must have heard of your lectures on the Museums' Assyrian bas-relief collection."
After sharing a few recollections of the former lectures, Vernon, aware of the attention of the curator, shuffles to another groups of guests.
Edward moves towards Henry Pritchard , a slightly nervous looking man, standing near the orchestra. And starts a conversation on the recent physics Nobel price winner.
They quickly come to debate on the need of a similar reward for breakthroughs in History and Archeology.
As Michael leaves he mentions; "I have left out a gown for madam, I believe it should suit your requirements."
Jerry says nothing, but smiles to himself as he thinks:
I don't fancy anyone's chances of getting her into a gown, and even if they did I'm not sure that it would make her any finer looking than she is!Walking down the hallway Michael mentions to Jerry; "I believe you got the telegram this morning. I have laid out your suit for tonight."
"Thank you, Michael. By the way, do you still have your Luger pistol handy?"
Michael raises an eyebrow, "yes, of course sir. Why, if I might ask?"
"No reason, old boy. No reason at all...." Says Jerry, looking thoughtful.
Jerry gets up from his chair as Stella enters the sitting room.
"Ah, Stella, please take a seat. And, if I may be so bold, you do look quite the part. I'm sure the other guests at the Gala will be.... charmed and intrigued in equal measure."
He gestures to a seat. "Michael will be bringing through a little something for you to eat momentarily. Perhaps in the meantime you'd like a drink?"
Jerry saunters over to a laden drinks cabinet and says with a chuckle, "what's your poison?"
Besides you Vernon is interested in the physicists discoveries and his correspondence with some of the Prussian mathematicians. Although he becomes a lot happier as the talks drifts onto the exhibits he has put together. "I am afraid I have to circulate a bit more Edward, would you mind saying hello, to Miss Myrni if you see her." He makes a start to try and leave to circulate slightly more.
Michael comes back into the room carrying a silver tray. In his clipped polite accent; "Just a few little sandwiches, the ball is to have a sit-down meal. We want to be ravishing not ravenous."
He puts down the tray and lifting the lid producing a cornucopia of finger sandwiches and small delicacies.
Jerry gets up from his chair as Stella enters the sitting room.
"Ah, Stella, please take a seat. And, if I may be so bold, you do look quite the part. I'm sure the other guests at the Gala will be.... charmed and intrigued in equal measure."
He gestures to a seat. "Michael will be bringing through a little something for you to eat momentarily. Perhaps in the meantime you'd like a drink?"
Jerry saunters over to a laden drinks cabinet and says with a chuckle, "what's your poison?"
Stella walks over to the silver tray and grabs some sandwiches and begins to scarf them down quickly. Not taking too long to respond to Jerry she says in-between bites"My poison is Whiskey on the rocks please. Stella sips on her drink. "How long till we set off to this party you were talking about? It would sure be nice to stretch my legs and see more of the city.
"Whenever one wishes milady." Michael says producing a plate of vol-au-vent's "Your attire is... yes, very you." he says diplomatically to the beautiful young woman.
Alrighty then Michael. Let's head out! Can't wait to take in new sights and meet some new people. I'm thinking we are going to have one swell of a time!She grins mischievously while tipping her hat towards Michael.