The Life She Wanted: A Novel(53)

Pandora and Harley were living at Blythdale until their new house, Summerhill, was furnished. The familiar surroundings—the gardens where they strolled during their engagement, the rowboat they used for picnics—made Harley relax, and they enjoyed each other’s company. The marriage was working, and they were happy.

Harley stayed at the townhouse in New York with his father on weekdays and came to Blythdale on weekends. Pandora expected him to be miserable after working all week at the bank, but he arrived home smiling and full of stories: The little girl who came in with her father to open a savings account and got lost and found Harley’s office. Harley gave her a Bit-O-Honey and told her to come see him when she was older. The young couple who asked for a loan on a house in Westchester. Harley approved the loan, and the following week they asked him to dinner.

Harley liked people, and people liked him. Perhaps he was where he belonged, after all.

Pandora herself was so busy she needed to keep a diary. Adele gave Pandora a lavish luncheon introducing her to Hyde Park society and another smaller one at the townhouse in New York. She had afternoon teas and shopping excursions to Kingston. Pandora sewed the evening gown Vivian Clarkson had requested, and in her spare time she looked at spaces in Hyde Park to open a boutique.

She also spent time with Adele and had recently accompanied her to a committee meeting at Grand Street Settlement House. Afterward they visited Millie at her new offices and took her to lunch at the Hotel Algonquin. They talked about world events, and Pandora made a mental note to read the newspapers more often so she could be as well informed as Adele and Millie. It was refreshing to discuss current events with other women. The society women in Hyde Park occupied themselves with their afternoon teas, and working women were so exhausted from long days spent in an office or factory, they didn’t have time for anything else.

She thought about Virginia’s belief in education for girls. Women would never have the same opportunities as men if they didn’t learn about the world around them.

Pandora marveled at her own good fortune. She had a caring husband, a comfortable lifestyle, and a beautiful home.

And now she was having a baby. Except the baby wasn’t Harley’s.

Soon Harley would notice the changes in her body. Her breasts were larger. For the first time in her life, her waist wasn’t small, and her stomach wasn’t flat. Pandora would have to lie about the due date.

And then there was Archie. She’d barely seen him since the wedding. He’d been at the Vanderbilts’ house in Maine with Lucy. She missed him more than she had imagined she would. She missed their easy camaraderie. She missed his mischievous, boyish attitude. Archie never took things too seriously; he always cheered her up.

The happiness that had washed over her in Dr. Bancroft’s office soon disappeared. Despite the heat, she felt a slight chill. She had created such a mess; she couldn’t be more ashamed of herself. If anyone discovered the truth, it would create a scandal greater than anything to do with Harley’s homosexuality.

She wasn’t just worried about what people would say. Archie was Pandora’s oldest friend, and Harley was the man she loved. She couldn’t bear to hurt either of them.

Her hand instinctively went to her stomach. The baby came first. The rest she would have to figure out.





Adele was sitting in the morning room at Blythdale when Pandora returned from her doctor appointment.

“Pandora,” Adele said in greeting. “I was hoping I’d see you before I went into New York.”

Pandora took out her packages.

“I bought a jar of Harley’s favorite lozenges. He keeps them on his desk so his throat doesn’t get dry when he talks to clients.”

“Harley appreciates the little things you do for him,” Adele said. She patted the space beside her. “You’ve made him so happy; I can’t wait for you both to move into Summerhill.”

“If we’re in the way, we could leave sooner,” Pandora suggested. “I could furnish the bedrooms first, and we’ll live without downstairs furniture.”

“It’s not that. We love having you here.” Adele shook her head. “I just thought that you and Harley might want more space.” She looked at Pandora meaningfully. “Now that your family is growing.”

“What did you say?” Pandora gasped.

“I should have waited until you told me,” Adele apologized. Her green eyes were bright with anticipation. “Dr. Bancroft’s office called while you were out. I knew right away. Wives only go to Dr. Bancroft for one reason.”

Pandora spread her hands in her lap.

“I just came from there. I didn’t want to tell Harley until I was certain.”

“Don’t worry about Harley. All husbands are shocked the first time. Harley loves children; he’ll be thrilled.” Adele clapped her hands. “I’ll hold a baby shower next month. It will be a wonderful way to furnish the nursery.”

“Isn’t it too early? I’m hardly three months along.”

“The pregnancy will fly by. I have to go.” Adele stood up and hugged Pandora. “Wait until I tell Milton; he’ll be so excited.”

Pandora went upstairs to the bedroom. She sat on a chair in the small sitting area next to the fireplace. She could see her reflection in the oval mirror on the dressing table.