The Life She Wanted: A Novel(29)

“I don’t understand.” Pandora put down the sticks of celery.

“It’s not just the poor in this country who lead difficult lives, it’s also the Jews and Negroes. Black singers might be applauded at night clubs in Harlem, but there’s still public lynching of Negroes all over the South. And have you heard of the Jewish quota? Universities like Princeton and Yale only allow a few Jews in each class.

“None of that will change if the rich keep building taller buildings so they can lock themselves in their penthouses. Why should it? They don’t care a fig about anyone who the doorman doesn’t let inside.

“There’s only one Jewish student in my class at Princeton. His name is Aaron Rabinowitz, and whenever the professor calls on him, everyone laughs at his name.” Archie bit into his apple. “He’s not invited to the eating clubs, and his roommate throws out his mother’s care packages because he claims the matzo ball soup makes the room smell like onions.”

Archie was right. So much in the world remained unfair. Women were allowed to vote, and they could work outside the home but for far less pay than their husbands.

Sometimes Pandora read Willie’s newspaper when he left it on the table. She reminded herself that positive changes happened too. Recently, she learned that Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first female US governor when she won the election in Wyoming. And in May, Ford Motor Company became the first American company to institute a forty-hour work week.

She wondered if her own dreams of opening a boutique were important compared to Adele’s desire for social change and Archie’s determination to improve the lives of Jews and Negroes. But perhaps by opening a business, she could help others. She would employ young women in her atelier and pay them a good salary. Perhaps one day, she could teach fashion to girls who didn’t have enough money to attend design school.

Archie tossed his apple core into the garbage, snapping her out of her reverie.

“Anyway, I have to go. Lucy Vanderbilt invited me to go rowing. Though I’ll do all the work. She’ll sit in the boat, eating strawberries prettily and saying she’s glad she wore a wide-brimmed hat.” His shoulders heaved, and he took a long breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to take my frustration out on you. Just don’t get too serious with Harley.” His smile returned, and Archie was once again the golden boy she had known since childhood. “You’re a lovely young woman, Pandora. Lots of men would be interested in you.”

The door closed, and Archie’s footsteps sounded on the stairs.

Pandora recalled what Harley said about the settlement houses, and the women working in the factories. Pandora was so sheltered. She couldn’t remember ever seeing the poverty in New York when she was young, and she had since been shielded by the gates of the estates along the Hudson. If Pandora was ever in Adele’s financial position, she’d find a way to help others.

After she finished making the Jell-O salad, she’d sew a new dress. How many times had her father said that if he were still young, he would have another chance at Wimbledon, and this time he’d win? Pandora was young; she couldn’t give up. She had to find a way to follow her dreams.

The phone rang as she was sewing on the last button. She went into the kitchen and answered it.

“I’m calling for Pandora; this is Harley Enright.” The sound of his voice sent a thrill down her spine.

“This is Pandora.”

“Pandora,” he said, “it’s my mother’s birthday next week, and I need to buy her a present. I wondered if you’d help me. I’d pick you up and drive us to Hyde Park.”

“You want me to help choose a gift?” Pandora said in surprise.

“I don’t know many girls, and I’m sure you have good taste,” he shared. “If you’re too busy, I can figure it out myself.”

Esther’s Jell-O Perfection Salad was ready and sitting in the icebox.

“I have time, and I’d love to come.”

“Excellent. I’ll pick you up in an hour.”

Pandora hung up the phone. She should be wary after what happened with Owen. What if Harley only saw her as the help and wasn’t interested in her? But she couldn’t deny the small flutter of attraction.

She went to her room to choose what to wear.





That afternoon, Pandora and Harley strolled along Main Street in Hyde Park. Pandora wore a red cotton dress with a matching cloche hat. She was glad that women weren’t required to wear gloves during the day anymore. It was too hot.

“Tell me about yourself. Have you always lived at Riverview?” Harley inquired.

“What do you mean?” She turned to Harley.

Harley was dressed casually in a beige V-neck sweater and tan linen trousers. His boater hat had a jaunty sash in the Princeton colors of orange and black, and he wore brown-and-white Oxford shoes.

“We spent the house party talking about me,” Harley replied. “I don’t know anything about you or how you grew up.”

“I don’t remember a lot from before my mother left,” Pandora said.

She didn’t want to talk about Laura. It was too painful, and the last thing she wanted was for Harley to feel sorry for her. It was likely that most of the other young women Harley knew had doting parents. It was better if she presented herself in the same way.