The Vaudeville Star

“Is there something you wish to discuss?” he asked. “You seem to have something to say.”

“Nothing to discuss. Caroline is dead.”

King had his glass halfway to his mouth before he stopped.

“Caroline is dead? You’re sure?”

“Of course I’m sure. The doctor was here. He pronounced her dead. I’ve already contacted the funeral home.”

“How did it happen? I thought she might linger on for years,” he said, twirling the liquor in his glass.

Alice shrugged her shoulders. “Her heart. You know she was never strong.”

“Well, this is most unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate?” Alice’s voice rose. “You’ve been waiting for years. I daresay hoping for it.”

“Yes, Mother. But now I must mourn. In fact, the whole house will be in mourning. You will need to don black—”

“Oh, William! Surely not!” Alice objected.

“Yes, of course we will mourn, Mother. It’s a nuisance, but we all must seem to mourn, including the servants,” he proclaimed.

Alice rolled her eyes. “Oh no.”

“The blinds must be pulled down, the front door knocker tied with a piece of crepe,” King dictated.

“Yes, yes.” Alice nodded. “I’ll place the death announcement in the newspaper.”

“And you must write to all our relatives and friends—” King instructed.

“You as well,” Alice interrupted.

“I will write to our close friends and her family.” King nodded.

Alice tried to stem the irritation she felt at the entire prospect of mourning. Six months of mourning for a daughter-in-law. It was ridiculous! The servants would also mourn, and their mourning items would have to be provided by the family. Outrageous!

“To the outside world, we must appear to mourn,” King said solemnly, staring into his liquor. “Even if secretly we will now finally begin to live,” he said, echoing his mother’s thoughts exactly.

12

Bessie and Ruby exited the streetcar together.

“Are you sure you know where you are going?” Ruby asked her friend.

“Yes. I’ve been here several times,” Bessie said self-assuredly. “Most people I know shop here. It’s convenient.”

“What is the name of the store?” Ruby asked.

“It’s called Bloomingdale’s. They’ve been here at this location for almost fifteen years. They sell all sorts of garments that you can purchase ready-made.”

“Purchase and then wear?” Ruby asked. “Ready-made?”

“Of course, Ruby. You sound exactly like the Southern belle you are.”

“Well, back home, we had everything made for us,” Ruby declared.

Bessie tried not to smile. “Of course you did. Your family had money. But when money is tight and people work, they can’t afford a dressmaker. So stores like this provide garments already made and ready to be worn right then.”