Rumors

Ramona scanned the lavish ballroom in search of Stephen. She doubted he would turn up after their row the night before.  He had been less than thrilled with her after their talk and she did not think he would be thrilled to be in her company and though she was furious with him, she still hoped beyond hope that he would turn up. She drummed her gloved fingers on the fine table she sat at and watched the dancers. They spun around in finely dressed clothing, creating a kaleidoscope of color. She longed to be out there, yet it would feel wrong standing up with any other man. A pent up sigh escaped her lips and she continued to watch the dancers, transfixed with their elegant beauty.

“Ramona?!” A high shrill voice rang across the room. That voice could only belong to one person. Squeezing her eyes tight, Ramona turned slowly in her seat to greet the voice’s owner with a ladylike smile.

Theresa Brooks stood before her. Her blond hair styled perfectly in the latest fashion, and a tight evening gown in rose pink clung to her delicate figure.

“Tess?”

“Oh Ramona Ramsey! I never in all my days thought I would see you in New York!” She exclaimed in her singsong voice. “What brings you here?”  

Ramona knew she could never reveal her true reasons for coming to New York, especially to Tess Brooks of all people. Tess was known to be a gossip and she was responsible for turning most of Boston society on its head.

“I am just here visiting with my beau.”

Tess’s high-pitched squeal echoed around the room as she sat next to Ramona.

“I didn’t know you had a beau! I mean there were rumors around Boston before I left, but so soon after that tragedy with William! Goodness Ramona! I never thought…”

“Yes well, he is a lovely man, not at all like William.” Ramona felt the need to defend Stephen, if only to Theresa Brooks. “Where is your husband?” Ramona asked, trying to steer the conversation away from Stephen.

Tess’s face fell a bit. Though she was a braggart, her husband, Edmund Brooks,  was an old bore. Ramona knew Tess had only married him for his vast fortune. But like any lady of society, Tess recovered early. She smiled and with a casual wave of her hand exclaimed “ Oh he is probably at the liquor cart. I am not supposed to be indulging in the stuff of late, as I am in a delicate condition.” She looked at Ramona with eyes that dared her to ask, but Ramona didn’t need to.

“You are with child?” She said, somewhat surprised. She knew Tess well enough to know that this “delicate condition” would not sit well with her. Tess was selfish and vain, not thinking of others before herself. But any new life was a joy to Ramona.

“When is the baby due?”

“Oh not till spring. I am dreading getting fat and ugly, but oh well. Edmund wanted the child so…” Her voice trailed off, and Ramona saw Tess lost in her own world. After a few moments of silence Tess spoke.

“Where is your beau Mona? I would so like to meet this lawyer of yours.”

Ramona raised her brow. “I never mentioned that Stephen was a lawyer. How did you know?”

Tess wove her hand again. “Oh rumors darling rumors.” She said with a giggle.

“Speaking of rumors, have you been in touch with Sarah Turner? I know she was a friend of yours at cotillion.”

Ramona could feel the heat rising up her neck. Tess was never the sort to ask a question without knowing the answer. She decided to be as vague as possible with this woman. The last thing Ramona wanted to do was and fuel to the fire.

“Of course.” She answered simply.

“Well there is talk that she did not conduct herself at all like a lady while at school.”

Ramona clasped her hands in her lap. She could feel her palms sweating under her silk gloves.

“I am not sure what you mean Tess, and besides, I am not one for gossip.” She said looking away.

“Oh yes dear I know. You have always been very prudish and boring that way. As I was saying, there is talk that she left Boston! Her mother went to the police and everything but know one knows where she is. Honestly if I slept with a Scottish lawyer’s son and found myself pregnant, I would leave town too.”

Ramona felt her hear stop at Tess’s words. How on earth could she know that of all things? How could Tess, of all people know Sarah’s darkest secret?

“What on earth are you talking about Tess?” Ramona said in a whisper.

“My goodness Ramona, I thought you of all people would know! All of Boston is talking about it!”

“I have not been home for sometime…” Ramona said, wishing she could become invisible. She was sure she was blushing.

“Tell me dear, have you ever come across an Eric Magathan?”

Ramona gaped at her, surely looking like a fish out of water.

“Ramona?”

Ramona looked up to find Stephen towering over her. Ramona breathed a sigh of relief.

“Stephen.” She said, tears brimming her eyes. She was happy beyond words to see him. He took her hand and kissed it, giving her a little squeeze before looking at Tess.

“I believe Ramona has forgotten her manners. I am Stephen.” He said with a slight bow in Tess’s direction.

Tess giggled girlishly. “Yes, she told me about you. I am Theresa Brooks, but please call me Tess. Everyone else does.”

Stephen gave Tess a warm smile. “A pleasure to meet you Tess. Would you mind if I stole Ramona away for a dance?”

“Oh of course not!” Tess exclaimed.

Ramona looked up at Stephen; hopeful he could sense her gratitude. As she rose, she smiled at Tess.

“I shall see you later Tess, it was a pleasure talking with you.”

Tess gave Ramona a cunning grin. “Yes indeed Mona, it has been.”

As Ramona and Stephen turned to leave, Tess called out.

“Stephen!” She exclaimed. “You never mentioned your sir name.”

“Magathan.” He said.

Ramona looked at Tess. There was something in her brown eyes she did not trust. Behind them were the eyes of someone who could cause a great deal of trouble. Tess knew. And how she knew Ramona could only guess, but by God she was going to find out.

Tess smiled up at Stephen. “It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Magathan. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”

At that Stephen bowed his head, and lead Ramona to the dance floor.

             By the time the whiskey and brandy had been drunk, Tess helped her husband into their bed. He was drunk, and smelled like cigars. It made her stomach turn and she could feel the baby move in rejection to the smell. She smiled as she touched her hand to her belly. True she was not happy to be with child, but this child was special. This child held a secret, one she was keen to keep secret. Edmund let out a loud snore. Tess grimaced. She hated this stupid man. Slowly she rose from bed and walked to the writing desk. She had to tell him what she knew, so she began to write.

Dear Eric,

            They are here, please come at your earliest convenience.

All my love,

Tessie