Free Unwept by Laura Hickman Tracy Hickman Page B

as he continued, “Let us all be considerate of that. Miss Harkington, welcome.”
    Ellis felt a disconcerted delight under the handsome man’s gaze. She glanced down at Jenny, who gave no indication that she saw how pointedly Merrick looked at Ellis. Ellis was careful to smile and acknowledge each person in the group arrayed before her, avoiding Merrick’s gaze.
    â€œThank you all,” Ellis began tentatively. “You are all most kind to—”
    â€œTell us about the city!” said Alicia, and a rumble of approval rippled through the group.
    Ellis swallowed, her heart skipping a beat. What could I say, really? There was nothing but a gray fog, before the train ride here.
    â€œYes!” called out a young man leaning anxiously forward on his chair. “Is it true that there is murder there? Tell us about murder!”
    â€œOh yes,” cooed a plump young woman sitting in the front. “And diseases … and ecstasy. And cruelty! Is there cruelty in the city?”
    â€œYes, what about pleasure and silk?” asked a nodding barrel-chested man at the end of the row with a carefully trimmed mustache. “And fear … tell us about fear, by all means.”
    Ellis blinked, uncertain how to answer.
    â€œPlease,” murmured Elias from the edge of the crowd, “tell us something of the city. Anything at all.”
    Ellis stared at the expectant faces looking back at her.
    Merrick folded his arms across his chest, a smile playing about the edges of his lips.
    Jenny leaped to her feet. “Here’s something from the city! Come on, Ellie; let’s show ’em.” Jenny tugged at Ellis, who rose from the chair. Though Ellis didn’t know what Jenny meant, a wave of relief washed over her as demanding eyes shifted from her to her cousin. “You know, the frocks,” Jenny whispered over her shoulder.
    The two young women turned a circle in place to the oohs and sighs of the other girls. Ellis felt a little silly modeling, especially in front of the young men, but it was much better than trying to talk about something she could not recall.
    â€œAnd now, the finale! You ready, Ellie?” Jenny fingered the edge of her cloche with a gloved hand. Ellis smiled; she couldn’t begrudge Jenny her chance to cause a splash. Ellis grasped the brim of her hat as well, and together they whisked the hats off.
    Gasps and whisperings, giggles and coughing echoed around the room. “It’s the latest from the city! Many young ladies are wearing bobbed hair.” Jenny cupped the bouncy curls near the nape of her neck.
    â€œI’m sure you both have caused a sensation and now all the young ladies will be getting a bob,” said Alicia. Her tone lacked warmth. Ellis looked at the young women scattered about the room and noted disapproval on some of their faces. From the corner of her eye she glimpsed doubt sliding onto Jenny’s features.
    Ellis came to Jenny’s rescue. “It’s considered patriotic. Many women have bobbed their hair to work in the factories while the men are gone to war, and besides, it’s so fun with the new dances.” Ellis flipped her curls a little defiantly.
    â€œLike what dances?” asked a young woman with bright green eyes and red hair.
    â€œLike the Castle Walk or the turkey trot or even the tango,” announced Ellis. She caught Jenny’s eye at the realization that she had just listed a number of things she had not known two seconds before and it sent a shiver of delight up her spine. She grasped the tips of her cousin’s fingers and whispered, “I think I can dance.” Jenny smiled and nodded. “I wish there was a Victrola or something,” whispered Ellis.
    â€œWell, I think you’ll probably get your wish,” said Jenny, smiling.
    The room began to buzz loudly as young men leaped to their feet and girls swished their skirts showing off whatever steps they knew