“May I know your names?” he asks, taking another sip and looking at Ramona.
One by one, my friends go around the table, introducing themselves to the handsome stranger. When it’s my turn, I can’t hide the smile that forms. “Violet Du Four,” I answer, not sounding like myself.
“Violet. What a beautiful name. I’ve always been partial to the color. The name suits you well.”
“Thank you,” I answer, trying not to blush.
“I must say, it has been a pleasure having coffee with you ladies. Thank you for allowing me to join you.”
“The pleasure was all ours,” Carol answers, using the proper etiquette that the rest of us don’t care about.
“Mr.?” I ask, hoping for a name.
The man bows his head gracefully. “Harrison Chamberlin, at your service.”
TWO
sometimes it’s better to be rude
“What doyou do to keep busy, Mr. Chamberlin?” I ask, looking at the spotless gloves on his hands. My question is meant to keep the conversation flowing, rather than an honest one.
“I dabble in trade,” he answers.
“How interesting.” Lily chimes in. “What do you trade?”
“Whatever I can,” he answers without answering.
“I…wework at Southern Bell as telephone operators,” Helen adds. “Do you own a telephone, Mr. Chamberlin?”
He sits back, crossing long arms in front of his chest. “I don’t. I find that modern technology is only here for a short time, then something new takes its place.”
Ramona laughs. “I don’t believe the telephone is here for a short time.” She turns around at the sound ofa vehicle passing. “Do you believe automobiles are on their way out?”
“No, ma’am, I do not,” he answers. “Point taken, Ms. Ramona.”
Harrison stands. “If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I’m afraid I have a meeting in a few hours that I cannot charm my way out of.” He turns toward me after returning his chair to its rightful home. “It’s such a lovely day. Seems a shame to waste it with city air. Would you care to walk by the river with me, Violet?”
An audible gasp escapes from Carol at his words. Looking at Ramona, I ask for silent help. Do I want to walk with him by the river? She smiles, lifting an eyelid with a quick nod and answering my unasked question. I take a breath and stand. “I’d like that, Mr. Chamberlin.”
He offers me an elbow. “Please, call me Harrison.”
“I’d like that, Harrison.”
He turns toward my friends. “Do you ladies mind if I escort Violet to the river?”
Ramona, Lily, and Helen answer a quick “no” and giggle in unison.
Carol looks around the group. “Are you all serious? Did your mother not teach you anything?” She turns toward me. “Violet. This is not a good idea. He’s a stranger.”
“Thank you for your concern, Carol, but I believe Mr. Cha…Harrison will take perfectly good care of me.”
“Indeed,” he answers as I wrap my arm through hiselbow. The two of us leave my friends sitting at the table in awe.
“Thank you for walking with me,” he says as we move closer to the river.
“The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for asking.”
“Of course.” He pauses. “You’re different than your friends.”
