CHAPTER SIX
Auggie
Worth and I managed to pass the week without any interference from our newly discovered brother. I was personally gloating over this fact since it had been my recommendation that we ignore him and he would eventually go away. He could only pose a threat to us as long as we permitted it.
Sunday had the promise of being a gorgeous day. We packed up Ford and started off toward Lexington. Our intent was to drive through some of the horse farms there to cultivate ideas we might use for our own place.
We would be driving past Worth’s childhood farm. There was no way to avoid it without going a distance out of our way, which we refused to do. He turned up the CD player as we got closer, almost as if trying to ward off bad spirits. I felt sorry for him. Even though we didn’t want to live there, Kentuckians placed a very high value on home and tradition; neither of which he had now.
We approached the farm at a fairly brisk speed, but there was no way to prepare for what we saw. A moving van sat in the drive, pulled close to the house. Burley men were hefting a sofa and someone wearing a vivid scarf was directing them, hands twirling in the air with authoritative zest. She turned and the shock hit me in the gut as if I’d been punched.
It was my mother.
***
We pulled into Dad’s driveway and found him sitting on the patio, reading the Sunday paper. As Worth, Ford and I approached, Dad stood and came toward us. He took one look at our faces and said with a resigned look, “I guess you know.”
He hugged me, shook Worth’s hand and we followed him back to the patio. “Auggie, go in and get some glasses. I have a pitcher of sweet tea here.”
“Did you know anything about it?” I heard Worth ask as I returned, glasses in hand.
“Not until yesterday evening,” Dad answered, patting his crossed leg in a sort of nervous gesture. In the distance, someone was driving dad’s tractor, mowing the fresh Spring grass. Dad didn’t have any horses at the time, so the tractor was doing the munching.
“I had a phone call from her,” he continued, looking down into Ford’s carrier when he whimpered. “She said she was calling to tell me that she’d had a miracle. Of course, I knew what she was talking about before she even told me. She said he’d just showed up at the apartment to tell her he’d managed to get the house back and wanted to know his real mother. She was real teary. Hell, you might even think she had a heart in there. Course, could be that she was finally getting to live in the LaViere place.” He winced and added, “Sorry, Worth.”
“Don’t be. That was my mother’s doing and I hold no sentiments over it. I just want the son of a bitch, sorry Auggie, out of here.”
I smiled. “Don’t be,” I echoed.
My mother was no one’s favorite person. She’d raised me with an iron fist and tried to belittle me every chance she got. I fought her at every turn, often staying away for long periods of time. Even college at UK wasn’t far enough. The only reason I ever came home was to be with Dad.
Years ago, when Mother had gotten pregnant by Worth LaViere, II, she’d run to Florida to stay with her aunt and have the baby. Dad married her out of nobility, and I think he was in love with her at the time. It was his chance to be the knight in shining armor, even if she never did see him in that light. She’d put the baby up immediately for adoption.
What she didn’t know was that Worth’s father wanted the baby, his heir, albeit illegitimate, but he didn’t want Mother. He’d married Worth’s mother shortly thereafter and the baby, Linc, had become the object of the switch we’d just recently learned about.
“What do you suppose he’s up to?” Dad speculated.
“He’s after my birthright,” Worth said calmly. “Other than my mother, my wife, and child, he’s welcomed to it,” he added in a voice of bravado that fell short of covering his sense of violation.
“Dad, can you stand it if she’s just down the road?” I asked.
“Stood her being in my bed, guess down the road will be just a little quieter.” Dad always chose to look on the bright side of things. “How’s that new clinic going, Worth?” Dad always kept track of things and showed he cared enough to ask.
“Just fine, sir. In fact, I hired a doctor just this last week.”
I looked at him, surprised. “You never mentioned that.”
“I didn’t? Guess I got busy with other things,” Worth said absently.
“Dad, we’re riding over to Lexington to look over some farms for ideas. Want to ride along?”
“No, you kids go on. I’d like to keep an eye on the place. For all I know, your mother will be sending that moving van down this way to pick up a few things she knows she can’t have.” He chuckled.
I was glad he could find humor in the situation. It made things so much easier.
We left and spent the afternoon prowling some farms. I knew most of the owners and stopped by to say hello and admire what they’d done. They were only too glad to show off their places. Horses and farms were a source of pride.
On the long drive home, I started thinking about the heaviness in our atmosphere at home and had an idea. “Worth? What would you say to our having a Derby party? We’re not going to the track this year and things are far enough along at the estate that we could have a nice barbecue. It’s sort of mine to inherit, you know? Both our mothers were famous for them, as well as Mrs. Jessup. In fact, I’ll bet she would come over to the house for the day and invite all her friends. It could be a good business move as well, you know?”
Worth smiled and looked sideways at me. “Sweetheart, I think that’s an absolutely inspired idea. Take the checkbook and do it up right. Leave me a few places to fill on the guest list too.
I sat back and began mentally planning, quite pleased that I’d come up with the idea. I didn’t realize that Worth was already planning his own version at the same time.
***
I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than my Kentucky in the spring. The Derby was always the first Saturday in May. I could remember years when the celebrities who attended flew in and promptly traded their flouncing hats for fur coats, but the weather was usually warm, if not hot. Derby seats came at a premium. Indeed, they were passed down through the family. The ordinary citizen could only hope to get into the infield, but that was an entirely different kind of party. You had to arrive hours early and bring your own seats and food. Liquor wasn’t permitted but, naturally, that rule prompted any number of creative methods of smuggling it in. People in the infield seldom even saw a single horse in the race. It was a free for all party that often included the worst decadence.
Many people don’t realize that Derby Day wasn’t a single race. Instead, eight to ten of them filled the day, beginning around noon. It peaked at the Derby itself about five o’clock and then wrapped up the following races until dark.
Nor was Derby Day the only celebration for that week. Up to three weeks before the big day, one or more significant events were held every day, beginning with Thunder Over Louisville, a mammoth fireworks demonstration. There were parades as well as a relay between restaurant servers carrying a glass of wine on trays called Run for the Rosé. The Saturday before Derby dawned with the Great Balloon Race, where sometimes hundreds of hot air balloons lifted off to catch the hare balloon some miles away. There was also a steamboat race between the Belle of Louisville and a competitor, most years the Belle of Cincinnati.
All the events were heavily attended so many Louisvillians chose to have private parties, often barbecues. The better parties had entertainment, including a bookie who would accept bets for the day’s races. The best parties often were held post-race and included the celebrities who had attended at Churchill Downs.
Amongst our families, one either went to the Derby itself, watching from a family booth, or attended a barbecue held by someone among our set. Mrs. Jessup had been the queen of these, but since she was now essentially penniless and living in a nursing home, the crown was ripe to be passed. It was my intent to wear that crown.
We were to have our party that day. I’m not sure if I earned the crown, but it certainly wasn’t forgettable.
***
I stood on the patio at seven in the morning of Derby Day, surveying the work that had been done so far. The morning’s mist had not yet burned off as I looked out over three enormous white tents, each of which could seat a hundred guests comfortably. They were set side by side and before them were another hundred or so tables with umbrellas. Off to one side was yet another tent, outlined by dozens of cookers that were already steaming pork, beef, ham and chicken. I had engaged two caterers; one for the main foods and another for the desserts, drinks and hors d’ oeuvres. Their staff was hard at work, setting up serving dishes and refrigerated tables for the food that needed to remain cool. There was a bar where rows of liquor bottles sparkled in the rising sun and white-coated bartenders were polishing glassware using starched linen towels.
We had fountains brought in for the occasion, each one with a statue of a Triple Crown winner at its center. Yard upon yard of outdoor carpeting had been laid for the ladies who insisted on wearing heels to the event.
My stomach was turning upside down with nervousness. Worth was relaxed and munching toast, smiling at me. “Why did you take this on if it was going to make you so nervous?” he asked with a grin.
“Never mind,” I said, wrinkling my nose at him. “I just want it all to be perfect. At least the weather is doing its part.”
“So far, but the forecast is calling for storms about race time.”
“Hush — don’t make me worse!”
I went into the nursery and played a bit with Ford. He was learning to sit up and even crawl a bit, pulling himself across the carpet as he reached for a colorful toy. He was an instant relaxation; his baby’s scent filling my nostrils with a familiar comfort.
There was a commotion downstairs and I realized that the driver had arrived with Mrs. Jessup. She’d agreed to spend the day with us, bringing her years of party hostess experience with her. She was also the keeper of the list — both guests and the right people to hire to keep things running smoothly. I had hired a party planner and she was to interface with Mrs. Jessup for royal approval.
Indeed, Mrs. Jessup had once hosted a Derby party that was attended by British royalty. She loved to share stories of their advance team who had come to approve recipes, survey the property for security and approve the guest list. While it was a great honor to have them, their presence required strict adherence to a great many rules, including the size of the crowds who could be on hand. This tended to make them almost too much work, but at least you maintained bragging rights for having pulled it off.
I’d chosen a white linen peasant dress and my white hat was banded in navy. It was simple and yet elegant; appropriate for a hostess who should not outshine her guests. I wore white sandals with low heels that allowed Worth to positively tower over me. Ford was going to remain in the nursery for the day, guarded by Betsy’s sister as nursemaid. He was too small to be exposed to so many people.
Worth was quite dashing in a white suit and shirt without a tie. I knew as the heat set in, he would end up dropping the jacket and rolling up the sleeves but as long as he made an effort at the beginning, that’s all that mattered to me.
Guests began to arrive close to noon. The blues band I’d hired was playing and the fountains were shooting water fifteen feet high. The overall atmosphere was quite festive. I had ninety inch televisions set up at various vantage points so no one would miss a single race. The tables were filled with platters of barbecued meats, salads, finger foods, pastries and hot dishes like beans, pastas and, of course, burgoo.
The weather was perfect and we had attendants parking car after car, their occupants spilling out on to the green grass with looks of anticipation on their faces. Dad arrived about one o’clock and after a quick stop in the nursery to cuddle Ford, he held a mint julep and wandered among the guests renewing old friendships. I realized then that he’d been isolated for a long time and it probably felt very good to see old friends. Worth’s mother came not long after and Dad began to escort her around. Between the two of them, there really wasn’t a stranger there.
I was showing some friends the arena, which was almost completed. I was very proud of my efforts. Just as we exited back into the sunlight, I saw him. Linc. I looked around for Worth and found him in the center of a cluster of his friends from college. I waved my finger slightly and he excused himself. “Linc is here!” I whispered furiously.
“I know.” His voice was exceedingly calm, a smile plastered on his face.
My stomach sank. “You invited him?”
He nodded at someone, lifting his glass in a silent toast. “Of course.”
I wanted to hit him. “Why? He’ll start trouble.”
Leaning in to kiss my forehead, he said, “Sweetheart, you need to trust me on this, okay? Go ahead and ignore him if you like, but enjoy your guests.”
Worth turned with a wink and entered a new group of friends and I soon heard his laughter. I couldn’t believe my ears. How could he be so cavalier about the man who threatened us now being in the midst of the very people he wanted us to influence?
I looked up and saw Dad watching me. He gave me a mysterious smile, patient and yet approving. I was completely confused and had no idea how to react. I moved among the crowd, applauding as guests cashed in winning tickets at the conclusion of each race. I monitored the food, urging the caterers to keep the serving dishes well-filled and heated or cooled appropriately to keep them healthy. I had to say, their food was delicious and I would use them time and time again.
As guests asked, I showed them the arena and the barns. There were quite a few who committed to bringing their animals to board with me. That was my winning ticket.
It was drawing close to the main race and I looked for Worth, wanting to share it with him. I spotted him talking to a woman and the closer I got, I realized I didn’t know her. She was all legs and very close to Worth’s height. Her long black hair looked like a Thoroughbred’s coat as it shone in the bright sunshine. She was wearing sunglasses but had a patrician bone structure to her face. I could tell she was very comfortable with herself. Worth seemed highly entertained. I felt green at the sight. I arrived at his side and smiled, welcoming an introduction.
“Oh, Auggie, I’m glad you’re here. I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jessie Klinger, my newest associate and director of the Cincinnati clinic. “Dr. Klinger, my wife, Auggie.”
I nodded and she extended her hand with the enthusiasm of someone with mysophobia. I disliked her on sight and the limp handshake only emphasized the reaction. It was as if she epitomized evil and she exuded it from every pore. “How do you do,” she said briefly and I picked up on her east coast accent, which did nothing to endear her further.
I looked from her to Worth and saw the light in his face. That isn’t my Worth, I thought. He would never humiliate me by bringing some conquest he was after right here to our home. Of course he hadn’t told me about inviting the enemy either. I wanted to cry and was afraid I was ready to. Forgetting about the race, I left with a quiet “Excuse me,” but I don’t think anyone noticed.
The rest of the afternoon was ruined for me. Every time I looked at Worth, he was talking with her, standing close. Too close. He actually got her a drink and seated her at an umbrella table, joining her. I felt faint. I looked for Dad, but he was talking to Worth’s mother and I let him be. It was as if my entire world was filled with enemies.
“Looks like your ol’ boy has his eye on a new filly,” said the voice behind me and I whirled to find Linc standing there, a drink in his hand and a look of mocking superiority contributing to his casual stance.
“Don’t be silly!” I snapped and he chuckled.
“If you say so.” He left doubt lying on the grass between us as he wandered away.
I could stand it no longer but retreated into the house and went up to Ford’s bedroom. I told Betsy’s sister to run along and get something to eat, and I cuddled him against my chest. I wanted his innocence, youth, and optimism. I felt like everything outside that room was rotted and dead to me.
***
Worth opened the door to Ford’s room, questions all over his face. “Where did you go?” he asked with definite impatience. I didn’t respond right away. “Are you sick?” he asked.
“I’m fine. Are people leaving?” I’d lost all track of time.
“They’re gone. Only your dad is still here and he’s downstairs.”
“Oh! The time got past me,” I said, getting to my feet and looking around. “Where’s Ford?” I was alarmed.
“He’s downstairs with Betsy’s sister. She came in and found you both sound asleep on the floor, so she let you sleep and brought him down to me.”
I went to push past him in the doorway, but he grabbed my arm. “Auggie, what’s going on? You’re acting awfully strange.”
“I think I had too much to drink, too much excitement or maybe it was the sun. I’m not used to it anymore. I’ll be fine,” I improvised, pushing my hair behind my ears as I headed downstairs. Worth was silent behind me as he followed.
“Dad!” I exclaimed as I came into the family room where he was holding Ford on his lap. I kissed them both lightly and fell onto the sofa. “Whoa! Sorry, I fell asleep. I guess I’m not quite back to full strength yet.”
“You do look a bit bushed,” Dad commented, patting Ford’s fat little thigh softly with his palm.
Worth came in and sat on the sofa at the other end, turning sideways and folding a leg beneath him. He laid his arm on the back of the sofa. It was like a distant hug. I felt it, and yet it felt filled with betrayal.
“By the way, while I’m thinking of it, Worth,” I began, glad that Dad was there so it wouldn’t become a big deal. “I called an agency and they’re sending over some interviewees for a personal assistant. I had a good bit of interest by others in boarding their horses here this afternoon, then there’s the track to build and I want to begin helping you in your business. I’m starting to get a bit overwhelmed and thought I’d hire someone to back me up when I need a break.” I steeled myself for his response. Now that I’d seen his new director, I decided I needed to keep closer tabs on him.
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Worth agreed, smiling. “That’s my Auggie, always thinking two steps ahead.”
I wasn’t sure if he was mocking me and saw right through my logic, or whether he truthfully agreed, but it didn’t matter. I would hire anyone I wanted to hire.
“When do you begin interviewing?” Dad asked.
“The agency is sending some people over within the next week.”
Dad went on, “The reason I ask is I know it’ll be important to have someone who understands horses and I have a candidate who just might suit you.”
“Oh, really?” I was puzzled since I didn’t think Dad got around too much.
“Let me see if there’s any interest and I’ll be in touch.” Dad finished the conversation and we moved on to talking about the party.
I asked one of the questions that had been burning in my brain. “Worth, why was Linc here? I thought he’d be the last person you’d want hanging around.”
“I’ve got my reasons, Auggie.”
I let it go for now but intended to take it up with him again later after Dad left.
“Was there enough food?” I asked.
Dad laughed. “Auggie, you always go overboard. There was enough left to have three more parties. If you don’t mind, I’ll take a bit home with me. I’m getting tired of my own cooking.”
I felt horrible at those words. “Dad, what’s the matter with me? I never thought about the fact that you might be cooking for yourself. Mother always had a maid.”
“Yes, but a maid with me alone isn’t necessary.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Anyway, sometimes being the helpless bachelor has its advantages.”
I excused myself and went into the kitchen where the catering staff was down to two people. “Could you package up some of those leftovers, maybe in freezable containers? I’d like to send them home with my dad. Betsy, naturally you and your sisters should take all you want too.” I snatched up a tiny cake with buttercream frosting and took it with me back to the family room. I took a bite and then put a bit of frosting on my finger to let Ford lick it off. He started rocking back and forth, pushing against Dad to come to me and get some more. “Tastes better than mother’s milk, doesn’t it?” I laughed and gave him one last morsel. He was eating solid foods and I made the decision to begin weaning him so I could be more portable.
Dad handed off Ford and groaned as he stood. “My feet aren’t what they used to be.” He gave me a hug and slapped Worth on the back. “See you kids next time,” he said and I handed Ford to his daddy while I followed mine out with the bags of food. He stowed them and gave me another hug. “Be good, Auggie. Worth is a good man and you have to trust him. Don’t always be so ready to go to battle, okay?”
Dad didn’t miss a thing. I thought about what he said as I walked back into the house and decided to keep my own counsel for a while. I loved Worth and he hadn’t betrayed me… yet.