Grandeur

Chapter Eight

Sorry, we couldn't make it back. It has been a long and tiring day. Grace Episcopal Church, 800 Broadway in Manhattan. 10AM.

-Elizabeth Cutting

I left Mother's room as quietly as I had come in, afraid to disturb anything. My skirts swished around my ankles as I turned down the stairs and into the foyer where Ethel was just answering the door.

Edith was sitting in the parlor, in the chair she always sat in, awaiting the arrival of more visitors. Finally, someone I knew was going to visit.

Instead of waiting in the parlor like was customary, I waited behind Ethel to open the door. When she did, I saw Lina enter in all her newfound glory. The first part of her I saw were her eyes. Lina was always rather plain looking except for her sage green eyes. They captured you and electrified her face, lightening it up and exposing her freckled cheeks.

Her brown hair was swept up into an intricate half bun in the center of the back of her head, with loose tendrils curling around her neck and face. She wore a fantastic deep green satin dress with gold trim that only illuminated her eyes more and a simple gold chain necklace.

"Lina!" I exclaimed, pushing through Ethel and towards my old friend. I embraced her closely.

"Oh my god, Diana!" she said, shocked but happy. "I didn't think the rumors were true, to be honest."

We let go of each other and, with her hand in mine, I led her into the parlor. Edith stood and greeted Lina as she would any other guest and not someone who she had known for over a decade. As forward thinking as Edith was, I could tell she still wasn't a fan of someone being so wealthy - perhaps more wealthy than us - from such meager means.

All of us took our seats. Lina's dress pooled around her, filling the entire chair she was sat on.

"So how are you?" I asked her, knowing full well Edith wouldn't be the first to speak.

Lina had just finished smoothing down her dress before she responded.

"Oh, I'm fantastic. But we aren't here to talk about me. Diana, Ms. Holland," she said, addressing Aunt Edith, "I am so, so deeply sorry for your loss."

"Thank you," Aunt Edith said shortly.

"Are you thirsty? Hungry? We simply must catch up," I said, nearly begging her to stay. I would get the chance to finally talk to someone. Not just someone out of the family, but also someone I would actually, genuinely enjoyed the presence of. Lina and I had one fundamental belief in common: that the old New York social class was just that - old. She was a breath of fresh air.

"I do so agree," Lina replied, "but I'm pressed for time as of late. I have so many calls to make. I was going to host a party this Thursday but I've decided to cancel. It doesn't seem right nor appropriate to do so so close to Mrs. Holland's passing."

I could see Aunt Edith's face grow slightly softer as Lina spoke.

"Thank you," Edith murmured again, but this time her tone was more genuine.

Lina gave her a warm smile, her rouged lips drawing back to reveal a pearly smile. Her eyes turned to me, looking full of something. It was as if she had been seeking Aunt Edith's approval and had finally gotten it.

"I do agree though, Diana," she said. "We really must get together when the timing is more appropriate. I have so much to tell you, but I have the feeling you'll have much, much more to share."

"And how is Claire?" I prodded, unwilling to let her go just yet. Whereas decorum strictly forbade guests coming and talking about anything other than condolences, it said nothing of the sort for the hosts.