A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Seventeen
Trudy entered Stacey’s, a package under her
arm. She was not at all surprised to see Jack still there and Miss Rose looking
so happy. Happier then she had done in a long time. Trudy wasn’t stupid. She
could see that Cal was destroying every ounce of spirit that her mistress had.
It hurt her to see it. She had worked for the Dewitt Bukater’s since she first
went into service. She wasn’t too fond of Mrs. Dewitt Bukater's sharp tongue, but
had known Rose since she was little and was honored to have been picked to join
the millionaire’s household.
"Miss Rose, sorry to have kept you."
"Not at all Trudy. Did you get a gift?"
"Yes ma’am."
"Good." Rose started to put her hat on. "Trudy, settle the bill
for me please."
Rose turned to Jack and spoke in a low voice.
"Jack thank you for what you said. I do appreciate your concern, but only
I can deal with it."
"He’s got you trapped Rose." Jack scribbled on a piece of paper.
"This is my address. If you should ever need it."
Rose took the paper. She then got some money out of her purse.
"Here, this for the drawings."
"You only took five" Rose had chosen his best five from his portfolio
that was with him.
"Call it an advance payment. I shall have to call back in few days to
collect."
Rose took Jacks hand to shake it, but she gave it a quick squeeze.
"‘Til the next time Mr. Dawson, good day."
Jack smiled at her. They eyes locked briefly. Jack held her gaze. Rose felt
something stirring within her. Stay, go to New York. Just don’t go back to Cal.
Jack noticed the sparkle in her eyes fade, like a dark cloud passing over them.
He could only guess what thought had suddenly crossed her mind. She released
his hand and was gone.
Jack collected up his things and went to the door. He watched as Rose and Trudy
got into a cab and then turned the corner. He shuddered when he thought of what
Rose was going back to. A voice in his head tried to reason with him. She’s
right Jack, she married Hockley. It’s not your problem. Almost mocking him it
said. She’s above your class. You’ll never have her in a million years. Forget
it.
He headed back to the park to set up again. He had money to earn. He was going
to Fabri’s wedding! He tried to cheer himself up with that thought. It’s gonna
be a tough few days, he decided.
On their arrival home, Cal was waiting for her. He smiled cheerfully as she
walked in and greeted her in a warm voice.
"Ah sweetpea you’re back! I trust you had a pleasant afternoon."
Trudy took Roses hat and disappeared.
"I did actually."
"I see you bought some paintings too! Excellent. May I have a look?"
Rose was taken by surprise. Cal had not been so nice her since their
engagement. In shock she handed them over. Cal gave a cursory glance over them.
"I see they’re by the same artist. What’s the name? Ah yes, Dawson. I see
you favor his work."
Rose studied Cal, trying to guess what was going on in his mind.
"His work is very good. I enjoy it, although I doubt it’s your
taste."
"Well darling, you enjoy it."
Rose walked into the parlor, Cal behind her. He closed the door.
"What is this all about Cal? Why are you being so nice to me?" Rose
countered.
"Darling, does there have to be a reason for a husband to be so nice to
his wife?"
"Guilt, normally."
Rose gasped as noticed the immediate change in Cal’s demeanor. The smile
disappeared, his eyes glinted darkly and he stepped towards her as he had done
the other night. Rose didn’t back away. She stood her ground and looked into
his eyes as approached her. He stood right before her and bending down almost
pushed his face into hers.
"The only thing I am guilty of Rose is being a good husband." He
hissed. "I put up with your tantrums, your disappearing tricks, your
hobby." He pointed to the drawings. "I take you to Europe. You
complain all the time. I buy you jewelry. You are not grateful. I buy you
clothes. You refuse to wear them. I took you as my wife in your poverty. You
did not thank me. Maybe I should have left you and your mother to rot in the
gutter!"
"Maybe you should have."
"I don’t ask a lot of you, but you are so damned ungrateful you cannot
even give that to me Rose. Look at you. I have had to cancel important dinner
invitations this week because I cannot go anywhere with you looking like
that." He pointed to her eye.
"If I make life so unbearable Cal, why don’t you divorce me?"
"Do you really think I would let you go so easily? Do you think I want a
scandal? You are my wife Rose. Never forget that. You’re mine. It might take a
little time, but you will come round to my way of thinking. One way or another.
Once you have a child to look after, you won’t have so much time on your hands
for fanciful notions. Or artists!"
"What do you mean by that?" Rose spat.
"You’ll be too busy to go through that front door." Cal leaned
forward into her face again.
"I always win Rose. One way or another." He studied her.
"Excuse me" Cal turned away and walked out.