JOHN AND ROSE
Chapter Fifteen
June 16, 1927
The next morning, everyone turned out to see
the newlyweds off. John and Rose would be taking a train to New York, where
they would board the ship for Africa. All of their friends and family members,
both those who were staying in Cedar Rapids and those who were going elsewhere,
came to the train station to say good-bye. Many brought gifts, which the
Calverts looked at with dismay, wondering what they would do with them on this
trip. They were trying to travel light, as a safari was the not the place to
drag large quantities of things they didn’t especially need.
John’s parents and siblings from London,
along with his siblings’ families, would be traveling with them to New York,
where they would take another ship, this one bound for England. It was the
first time that his brothers and sisters had been in the United States, since
their fortunes had not been so good as John’s. However, he had wanted them at
his wedding, so he had paid their way, along with bringing his parents to
America for the second time in two years. The elder Calverts, while they
enjoyed visiting their son, were eager to return to England. Two of his
siblings, however, a brother and a sister, had taken an immediate liking to
their brother’s adopted country, and wished to immigrate there themselves. John
had promised help if they needed it.
To John and Rose’s surprise, and to the
dismay of their children, both Ruth and Elizabeth had decided to take the
opportunity to stay in Cedar Rapids while the newlyweds were on their
honeymoon. They would occupy the Calvert home, along with the three
disappointed adolescents, who had been sure that the lack of supervision would
give them the opportunity to do things they weren’t normally allowed to do.
Their grandmothers were more indulgent than their parents–but not by much. The
two women also solved the problem of what to do with the bon voyage gifts,
promising to take them back to house and find a place for them.
Ruth hugged her daughter. "Enjoy
yourself, Rose. I would never have thought of Africa as a destination for a
honeymoon, but you always did think for yourself."
Rose laughed. "Actually, it was John who
arranged it–although I did mention that I’d always wanted to go there. Besides,
I’ve already been to places like New York and Europe. It’s time for something
new."
"Well, just come back in one piece.
Watch out for lions and charging elephants."
"Don’t worry, Mother. I can take care of
myself. I’m not going to disappear. I’m sure that would most distress my
husband and children."
"Speaking of children, Rose...I hope you
plan to have a few more. Now that you’re married, I have three grandchildren,
but I didn’t get to see any of them grow up."
"Mother..." Rose blushed.
"Please don’t ask me about children. We haven’t decided yet whether to
have more..."
"It’s not difficult, Rose."
Rose blushed even more, making a few people
laugh knowingly. "I know that, Mother. I have a son, remember? We’ll think
about it."
"Don’t think too long. You haven’t got
that many child-bearing years left." Seeing Rose’s expression, she added,
"Don’t take offense, Rose. I’m your mother. I’m supposed to worry about
you."
Rose was about to reply when the three
teenagers came up to them, staring at her red face. Christopher spoke first.
"Mom...Grandma Elizabeth and Grandma
Ruth aren’t really staying with us, are they?"
"Well, yes, Christopher, they are."
"Why? I thought we would be allowed to
have the house to ourselves."
"Uncle John and I decided that it would
be better if you had some supervision, and your grandmothers want to spend more
time with you. I really don’t think they’re going to follow you everywhere,
though, or interfere with your lives. But I do expect you to obey them and
respect them. You don’t see each other very often, so this is a good opportunity
for you to get to know each other better."
"Don’t you trust us?"
"Christopher," Ruth interrupted,
"when you act like this, you remind me so much of your mother at thirteen.
She acted just like you do."
"I did not!"
"I don’t act like Mom!"
Both Christopher and Rose stared at Ruth in
indignation, neither understanding why people nearby chuckled and shook their
heads at the scene. They did indeed share similar natures, both lively and
eager to do as they pleased.
Mary hugged her new stepmother. "Have a
good time, Mom," she told her, calling Rose ‘Mom’ for the first time.
Rose hugged her back, pleased at Mary’s ready
acceptance of her as her mother. Nadia embraced her as well, whispering,
"I’m glad Dad chose you."
Rose looked at her, touched by what she had
said. "Thank you, Nadia. I’ve been blessed, not only with a good husband,
but with two wonderful daughters as well. I’m glad to be a part of your
family."
The train whistle blew, indicating that it
was about to leave. Rose hugged the girls and Christopher once more, then
hugged her mother as well.
"Thank you for staying, Mother."
"You’re welcome, Rose. I’m glad that
you’ve found a good husband, who makes you happy."
"And a rich one, too," Rose joked.
"Rose..." Ruth began. "I’m
sorry for what I put you through all those years ago, with Cal. I’ve learned a
lot since then about what is really important–and it isn’t money. I wouldn’t
care if he were a pauper, so long as he makes you happy."
"I don’t care either, Mother. I never
cared about the money. I chose John for himself, not for what he has. Things
can be lost, but love endures."
The train whistle blasted again, and John
hurried up to her, taking her hand and hurrying her toward the train. Rose
smiled, hurrying along beside him. She stopped for a moment as Julie, her
oldest friend from Hollywood, rushed up to her and gave her a quick hug,
wishing her luck and handing her the bag she had almost forgotten in the
confusion.
Rose hugged her back, then jumped on the
train, which was beginning to move. From the entryway, she waved as they moved
out of the station. "Good-bye, Mother! Good-bye, Elizabeth! Good-bye,
Christopher, Mary, and Nadia! Stay out of trouble. Good-bye, Julie! Come to
visit again soon!"
Turning, she followed John into the rail car,
finding a seat beside him. With one last look out the window, she turned her
attention to her new husband, her face lighting with happiness as the train
pulled out of Cedar Rapids.