A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Thirty-Five
Mr. John Lowe was not as dull as other dinner
guests had been in the past. Rose found him quite witty and charming and above
all interesting. His views and opinions on politics quite met with Rose's and
although women were meant to keep quiet on the subject, Rose could hardly
contain herself from joining in. Cal and his father had agreed to back the
campaign financially and the exchange of ideas fired Rose. The conversation had
turned to winning the vote of the lesser paid. Cal foolishly believed the
workers of Pittsburgh would follow the lead of their employer. John Lowe tried
to explain that was not the case; they needed something to encourage them.
Rose could keep quiet no longer. "You must ask what the working man wants.
Only then you can understand." She said with a smile.
There was a silence over the table. Nathan glared at her furiously. Cal looked
uncomfortable. Lucy's fork stopped in mid air. Cal leaned forward, his dark
eyes flashing with annoyance.
"This is politics we are talking about darling." He laughed politely,
but weakly.
Only John Lowe looked at her approvingly. "What do you mean Rose?"
"I was today in the poorer part of town" She ignored the looks from
Cal, Nathan and Lucy that would have laid her out stone cold dead on the floor.
"I found out that most of the children are uneducated as there is not
enough money for the church to provide such education. I also saw a family
being evicted as they were unable to pay their rent after the husband was
rendered incapacitated in an accident at the steel mill. If you ask these men
what they would want, then I am sure it would be something for their families,
perhaps schooling or some welfare to feed their children if they were unable to
do so through no fault of their own."
"Please excuse my wife John," Cal shot her a warning look then turned
and smiled at their guest.
"No, no, Cal" John smiled back.
"Now that is an interesting opinion Rose, indeed. What say you
Nathan."
Nathan looked annoyed. "All very well I am sure John, but why listen to
the views of a lady eh? The word at my club is…"
"Oh I must interrupt you there Nathan. Indeed the views of the ladies are
important. To win this election we have to listen to what everyone wants."
John turned to Rose and smiled encouragingly.
"Indeed we have two ears and one mouth so we listen more than we
speak." He looked round the table.
"I think your suggestion is capital Rose, capital." He turned to
address the men at the table.
"To get the workers vote is our aim gentlemen. Indeed without it the
election is lost. This is something the opposition has not yet realized. A
school gentlemen! So simple yet, a sure vote winner. A school for the mill
workers children. And we could name it in your honor Nathan, The Nathan Hockley
School. What do you say?"
Nathan's face lightened and he almost broke into a smile. Lucy thought it an
excellent idea, even Cal looked pleased. A toast was raised to the new school.
John leaned over to Cal.
"You must be so proud. Not only is your wife beautiful, she is very
intelligent too."
"Why thank you so much" Cal beamed. He even smiled his approval at
Rose.
"This is the way forward" continued John. "The welfare scheme
too has its merits. This will need a little more refining of course. We will
have to decide whether it is to cover expenses or basics like food of course.
But an excellent suggestion Rose. If you have any more, I will be more than
happy to listen"
The rest of the evening passed. Rose was feeling very pleased with herself.
Despite Cal's earlier violence, she had achieved something. The men were still
on the brandy when she retired to bed. As she lay there, she spoke to Jack. 'I
have done something today I am truly proud of. They have agreed to build the
school now with Hockley money before the election, so win or lose, the school
will be there. It was my idea Jack and they listened. Cal just went along with
it, but I did something for those children. They will be able to learn to read
and write. It is wonderful. And the soup kitchen too. They have decided to give
some money for the church to provide some food for the families who can't
afford to eat when the husband is injured at work. It is a step forward. All
because of the little girl I rescued from the road. I know Cal got real mad
with me and he frightens me Jack, but I feel good for the first time in ages.
Soon, we are coming back to Philadelphia. I hope you are still there and
waiting for me Jack. I wish I was with you now"
In Philadelphia, Jack lay on his bed holding the letter Rose had sent. He had
read it and re read it at least a hundred times. He knew how she styled each
letter, each sentence. But it gave nothing away to him, how she felt and
whether she…he couldn't even bring himself to think. His physical wounds were
healing, but his mental ones were not. He had not left the apartment building
since that night and whenever Susie mentioned it, he refused angrily. This had
happened to him because of Rose. Without her, life in Philly meant nothing.
Why, he might as well stay in New York after Fabri's wedding. Life without Rose
was too difficult. He had spent too much time alone and brooding.