A TWIST OF FATE
Chapter Thirty-Four
Rose had been silent for most of the journey
home. This concerned Trudy greatly. As well as what reception they would get
when they did get back to the house.
As they went up the steps, the butler opened the door. Lovejoy appeared, on
cue.
"Mr. Hockley is waiting for you in the drawing room Miss Rose".
"I'll take your shawl and purse Miss" Trudy offered.
Rose was feeling strange. She knew from the look of glee on Lovejoy's face that
she was in trouble. Yet she cared not. She could not get from her mind the
scene of the woman being evicted. Hockley steel had a lot to answer for.
She entered the room. Cal was drinking again she noted.
"You wished to see me?"
"Oh yes I did Rose. I hear you have been up to your old tricks again.
Wandering off whenever you please. Interfering with other peoples
business."
"And what business would that be Cal?"
"I had Ben Johnson in my fathers office complaining to me about damage to
his car. He told me the whole story. You just walked in and took the
guttersnipe away. Do you not realize that child's parents are responsible for
the damage to Johnson's car?? Not that they could afford to pay for it anyway.
But what the hell do you think you were doing? You are my wife and you behave
in public with some decorum. Not shouting the odds at people like some
fishwife. Do you understand me Rose? I will not have it in Philadelphia and I
will not have it in Pittsburgh. So where have you been? You were last seen
heading off down town with the blasted gutter child in tow. So?
"I took the child home Cal. She was only six years old. And it was an
accident. The behavior of those people was unbelievable. I would not stand
there and watch it. So I took her home."
"Where to?" Cal demanded angrily.
"Somewhere near the mill. I don't understand the problem Cal."
"The problem? The problem?" yelled Cal.
"The problem is you Rose. I am at the end of my patience with you, your
attitude, your total lack of responsibility to me and the position you hold in
society!! I just do not know what to do with you anymore. If we were at home I
would, I would….."
"You would what Cal? Lock me in my room again for a week?"
Rose's head snapped back as Cal's hand connected to her cheek. The blow had
came as surprise. Cal hadn't been standing in front of her. He approached and
slapped her very suddenly.
"A close friend of my father's, a Mr. John Lowe will be joining us for dinner
tonight. He is running for senate in the next election. He is quite influential
and my father and I are supporting him in his cause. I want you dressed and
looking like the wife of royalty Rose. Do you remember Rose? I told you once we
were royalty." Cal came closer. " So you will be dressed for 8pm. Do
not displease me tonight. The week you spent in your room will seem like
paradise if you do"
Cal walked out of the room and slammed the door behind him.