“I'm sure it was just a story, Gracie, you know how men can be when they're trying to impress women.” Winnie said as she followed Grace involuntarily.
“But why would a woman be impressed with that sort of thing at all? Laughing at another’s misfortune is just cruel and far from impressive!” Grace said, shaking her head.
“Because she wants a wealthy husband who can keep her in a life of luxury.” Winnie said.
“Any woman who values her humanity less than she values the almighty dollar, is a poor excuse for a woman at all!” They came to a stop beside a folding table and letting go of her sister’s hand, Grace filled a cup with fruit punch. She gulped it down quickly before offering Winnie some.
“Don’t go getting yourself all worked up, we are here to have a good time, remember?” Winnie waited while Grace filled her a cup of punch.
“We were here to secure the affections of Mr. Roosevelt, fun was simply a secondary benefit.” Grace said, handing her sister the punch.
“I don't believe that I have had the pleasure…” Grace turned her head only to find Everett D. Roosevelt standing behind her. She shot her sister a horrified glance before turning back to Mr. Roosevelt with scarlet cheeks.
“No, sir you have not.” Was all Grace could manage to say. Mr. Roosevelt chuckled.
“Well…” He eyed her up and down quite overtly, “I'd say if your intentions were to secure my affections, you have made quite the impression.” He poked the brim of his cowboy hat as if only just greeting the sisters. “My name is Everett D. Roosevelt, but you lovely ladies can call me Everett.” He said with a nod.
“We know full well who you are, Mr. Roosevelt.” Winnie said quickly. Everett’s eyebrows shot up at the unexpected harshness in her tone.
“Ah, then I'm afraid that you have an advantage on me.” He smiled and looked at the sisters expectantly. Grace was the one to cave.
“My name is Grace Purdue and this is my sister, Winnie.” She said, looking to Winnie who was now gulping down her own glass of punch.
“Well, Grace, Winnie, it's my pleasure to meet two such purdy ladies. Perhaps you might consider granting me the honor of a dance a little later this evening?” He asked, looking at Grace in particular.
Winnie could see Grace beginning to crumble. She had never been very good under pressure and she would abandon her cause as quick as a flash if she believed there was a chance for affection.
“No.” Winnie said flatly. Everett’s eyebrows shot up.
“I'm sorry?” He said.
“I said no…thank you.” Winnie added the ‘thank you’ out of habit more than courtesy.
“Well, perhaps Miss. Grace here would like to answer for herself?” Everett looked at Grace who now resembled a stunned creature. Grace looked at Everett and then back to Winnie. Winnie shook her head.
“I…umm…I think, perhaps, my sister has my best interests in mind.” She said hypnotically. Everett stood in amazement. After a few moments of stunned silence he poked the brim of his hat once more.
“If you’ll excuse me ladies…” He said and giving them a nod, he left the table.
The two sisters stood at the table and refilled their punch as Everett D. Roosevelt made his way back across the room to his impatiently awaiting crowd of admirers.
“I ain't never seen anyone talk to Mr. Roosevelt like that!” A young man came over from the side of the barn where he had watched the entire exchange unfold. He wore a pair of blue jeans, a clean pressed white shirt and a cowboy hat of his own. Grace smiled at him silently.
“Some people simply need informing that they can't have everything they want simply because they have money.” Winnie said. The man nodded.
“I don't disagree with you, ma’am.” He stuck out his hand. “Arthur Kidd…but everyone calls me Art.” Winnie gingerly offered him her hand and Art shook it as he would any man’s. He then offered his hand to Grace and repeated the shake. “No, ma’am, I never saw anyone tell Mr. Roosevelt no before an’ you can be sure that it ain't happened more than once.” Art looked across the room at Everett who was licking his wounds and soaking up the attention of his lady friends.
“I have no doubt about that!” Winnie said. As she spoke, her eyes flitted to a familiar figure that half walked and half stumbled through the barn door – Tom had arrived.
Chapter 3
Winnie hadn't been expecting Tom to show up at the dance, let alone show up so inebriated that he could hardly stand. She leaned in to Grace, cupping her hand to her ear.
“I'm so sorry sissy, but I must take Tom home before he embarrasses himself. Will you be okay? I will ask father to come and fetch you.” As she whispered, she eyed Art, assessing whether or not he could hear her secret. He seemed not to notice the exchange as he watched dancers beginning to take the floor.