When Washington Burned

Chapter 2

The sun was punishing as it penetrated the window glass, scorching the room. The air hung heavy as Ella fanned herself hopelessly. Washington was a marshy land, so not only did the heat reach unbearable levels there was also the humidity to contend with. The afternoons were often the most brutal times, Ella found folly in insisting on afternoon teas even in the summer months. Her skin already quite dewy from the oppressive air. Ella looked over at her mother who sat as perfectly as a statue, seemingly unbothered by the heat. Mrs. Rutherford was of such slight figure, that perhaps the heat did not bother her compared to her more buxom daughter. As a child Mrs., Rutherford had faced difficult times, which seemed to have contributed towards her gaunt frame and likely contributed to her only able to fully carry two children.

Ella came to be shortly after the Rutherford's were married, but through many trials and losses no other children were born. Then by way of a miracle, Miss Beatrice came along fourteen years later. Mrs. Rutherford nearly perished during the pregnancy and subsequent birth, but upon her arrival the entire house, servants and all were completely infatuated with the babe. Some claimed Betty was the most beautiful baby ever brought to earth. She had her mother's bright, sapphire eyes which were especially effective against her dark brown hair inherited from her father. While it was customary for young children to be watched over by a nursery maid; Ella was having none of it and became her constant companion, eventually taking on her tutelage when Betty came of age.

Ella was sure that the Sinclair's had forgotten about tea and also quite sure she would melt like the last of the spring snow. Her mother, never one to be late, insisted they sit in the drawing room ready and waiting thirty minutes before tea was set to begin. And Ella was certain, sitting here baking in the sun, that the Sinclair's were a full thirty minutes late. When the arrival of the Sinclair's was finally announced, Ella had quite a sheen, Mrs. Rutherford looked at her rather aghast, shaking her head in disapproval though she did not say a word.

Mrs. Rutherford greeted her guests graciously, making pleasantries with the younger Sinclairs, but soon joined Mrs. Sinclair in a tete a tete, leaving Ella to act hostess for Miss Sinclair and Mr. Sinclair. Ella remembered being quite fond of playing with Miss Sinclair; she had grown to be tall and lean, with a large, toothy smile that took over her slim face. Her brother grew to be even taller and nearly as lean. He had a more handsome face though, even though slightly immature. She remembered him as quite insufferable as a child and hoped he had grown to be less so.

"Miss Rutherford! I have not seen you in a great so many years, but remember fondly playing together as girls," Miss Sinclair declared cordially smiling at Ella.

"Yes, of course Miss Sinclair, how lovely to see you again," Ella smiling at her old acquaintance unable to match her genuine warmth.

"And I remember pestering you as you tried to play, you were my favorite to chase," Mr. Sinclair cut in, his smile full of insinuation.

Ella looked up at her second guest, she offered him a cautious smile and responded dryly, "Yes, surely because I was the slowest."

Miss Sinclair gave a darling snicker, while Mr. Sinclair perhaps not understanding the joke, "No, not at all Miss Rutherford, you were just merely my favorite to tease."

Mr. Sinclair did not seem to much like the snickering of his sister and Miss Rutherford at his expense, causing his disposition to darken.

"So how are you finding Washington?" Ella asked her guests, changing the subject seeing that one of them was looking quite discontented.

"It is lovely, the Capital building -" Miss Sinclair began, before being interrupted by her brother.

"It certainly does not do at all, it's practically still wild, and this heat is insufferable," he said, his initial smile gone, fictitious superiority remained.