New Year's Madness: Read online

  “Father,” Betty told him clearly, “any offer that was nothing more than machinations and false attempts at romance with little recognition of my soul is of no more worth than chalk paintings on the sidewalk.”

  “Betty!”

  “Father, it was a rather good plan. If I didn’t have the advice of clever women, I might have succumbed to the lies before I realized my fate.”

  “And what is that?”

  “Misery.”

  The simple word echoed between father and daughter more powerful than many a word.

  “He could give you children. A home.”

  Violet would have sipped her wine but Mr. Johns still clutched at it, watching his boss and the woman he loved argue. The heated exchange continued for several minutes with Betty refusing to apologize to Jensen and Mr. Grady finally throwing his hands up in despair and demanding a whiskey from a passing servant.

  “You did it,” Violet told Betty. “You found your bravery.”

  “If only others might do the same,” Betty replied with a pointed look at Mr. Johns before she left the room. They could see her step up to the rail just as the ship’s bell rang to declare that midnight and the new year had arrived. Betty leaned against the railing, staring up at the stars and both Jack and Violet turned to Mr. Johns.

  “I…” The expression on his face was so full of longing it was painful to witness.

  “She doesn’t want money,” Jack told Mr. Johns. “She wants someone to love her and treat her well. If you’re capable of it, then set aside the things people will say about you, the assumptions they will make, and love her with a fervency that will cause others to look on in envy.”

  Mr. Johns was back to being a rather painful-looking red, but when the fireworks started, he was rising, fists clenched, and following his love.

  Violet glanced over at Jack, who saw her reach for her wine glass and then realize that Mr. Johns had drained it in his agony.

  “You look rather done-up, love.”

  She nodded, too tired to speak.

  “Perhaps we might save our New Year’s dance for next year?” He lifted her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles. “Who would have thought we’d get to participate in so many love stories in just one evening?”

  Violet’s own face warmed when she recognized he meant their love story. He stood, slowly pulling her to her feet as he gave her his arm to lean on. They left the whirling dancers and both of them paused to take in the glittering throng before they left the crowd behind.

  Their last sight was of Mildred laughing up into the face of her husband. Whatever acerbic views he might have had earlier in the day, the expression on his face was besotted. Violet had thought that her own story or the burgeoning love story between Betty and Mr. Johns would have been all she needed. Vi had been wrong. The story she was witnessing between Mildred and her husband—one with children grown, fortunes made, decades behind them, yet still with hearts fixated on the other—it was all the happily ever after Violet needed.

  The End

  Hullo, my dahlings, hullo! You are all just wonderful! I so appreciate you reading my books and hope you enjoyed this special snippet of Violet’s steamship crossing. If you wouldn’t mind leaving a review, I would be so very grateful.

  To my British readers, this book is written in American English. I appreciate your patience with our differences.

  The next book in the Violet Carlyle mysteries is coming out soon and can be preordered here. If this is your first time with Violet, you may enjoy her first adventure which can be found here.

  New Year, New World

  By Bettie Jane

  A Piccadilly Ladies Club Mysteries Short Story

  Ladies and Unrefined Gentleman of London!

  Join Opal and Oscar Goodall aboard the Cutty Sark yacht for an International New Year’s Eve Bash.

  The Cutty Sark yacht, a Scottish-built ship, is recently returned from its inaugural world voyage via the Far East, through Hawaii and Panama, and then back home to London.

  View famed art and collectibles from the Far East and the Mediterranean, enjoy drinks and entertainment from all over the world, and ring in 1922 with an international flare.

  At the stroke of midnight on the River Thames, say goodbye to 1921 and kick off 1922 at the best, most exclusive New Year’s Gala in London.

  Boarding will commence from Westminster Pier at precisely 6pm. In order to gain entry, bring this passport-style invitation and one bottle of champagne per person in your company. Your friends are invited, but not your friend’s friends.

  Themed international costumes from the Far East, the Mediterranean, or Hawaii are strongly encouraged.

  When we return from our night’s voyage, you’ll be inspired for your own adventures in 1922.

  Chapter One

  “Welcome aboard, Jacob! I’m delighted you could make it.”

  Julia Barlow welcomed the handsome Scotland Yard Inspector aboard the Cutty Sark with a warm embrace.

  He kissed her cheek and smiled. “Of course. I couldn’t risk another kidnapping, could I? That was perhaps the most interesting invitation to a Christmas celebration that I can remember.”

  “I didn’t think you’d come willingly, given how angry you were at me for going to the Howard residence a few days prior. Truly, though, I’m certain you’d have done the same if you were in my shoes.”

  “Perhaps, but I didn’t agree to stay away like you did…let’s just put it behind us, shall we? Perhaps ring in the New Year with that firmly in our past? Besides, I had such a wonderful time with you at St. Ives. I think I’ve learned the futility of asking you to do something which you’ll only ignore later anyway. That should bring us some peace, don’t you suppose, Julia?”

  “Oh, darling. You are quite reasonable. I knew you’d come to understand me eventually. You’re a rather fast learner, really.”

  He laughed and took her hand. “Aren’t you going to show me around the world, my dear?”

  “Yes, Inspector. Certainly. First, though, you must understand that I am not familiar with nautical language…terms like aft, portside, starboard and the like…I’ll not even try to use them because I’m certain you’ll only make endless fun of me.”

  “I’m hardly a pirate or a member of the Royal Navy either, so I’d prefer to speak like the landlubbers that we are, if that’s quite all right with you.”

  “Well then, right this way. There are two small ballrooms and one grand ballroom,” Julia explained as they walked. “Each is themed for one of three countries the Cutty Sark traveled to on its maiden international voyage. I’ll take you on a tour of all of them and I might let you decide where exactly we’ll ring in the New Year with a proper kiss—which I’d like to note you still haven’t afforded me.”

  “Are you asking me to kiss you, Julia Barlow?”

  “Actually, I’ve been dropping not so subtle hints since I’ve met you, and I’ve just now decided that I’ll not go another day without a kiss from you.”

  “If you like, I could kiss you right this moment, before our tour begins.”

  “Now, now, Inspector. Don’t be silly. We’ll have a quite romantic kiss right at the stroke of midnight. We’ve waited all these weeks, what will a few more hours hurt?”

  “I’ll have to settle for the back of your hand until midnight then.”

  She winked at him and he kissed the back of her hand.

  “I think you’ll survive. Midnight is only a few hours away.”

  “Which three countries will we be visiting on this last day of 1921, then?”

  “First, I’ll need to your passport, sir.”

  Jacob pulled out his invitation, styled to look like a UK passport, and Julia thumbed through it.

  “No stamps yet, then?”

  “Not yet. I’ve only just arrived.”

  “Very well, then. Follow me.”

  She led him down the ramp and through the hallway.

  “First, we’ll visit Korea. We’ll be in thi
s ballroom until 9pm, then we’ll travel as a group to the next room. On display in the Korean ballroom are some valuable artifacts that the owner, Major Henry Keswick, brought back from his trip there that he graciously offered to display for our event. In the other smaller ballroom, you’ll find a Hawaiian theme, complete with grass skirts and a roasted pig. After the trip to the Far East, the Keswicks’ next stop was Honolulu and they sailed home through the Panama Canal. Later this summer, Opal and Oscar Goodall will take the yacht to the Mediterranean, so the largest party in the grand ballroom will be themed Mediterranean-style. We’ll travel to the Mediterranean as a group together around 11pm and ring in the New Year together. After midnight, guests will be free to revisit any of the areas and enjoy all the various cultures they have to offer until dawn greets us and we dock again, having truly been around the world. This party is a metaphor for where we’ve been and where we’ll go in the New Year. I think it’s quite perfect that we’ll ring it in together, don’t you?”

  “Writers are so sentimental. I knew you had a knack for investigating, but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen this side of you before.”

  “Well, let’s get you a drink and get this celebration started, Inspector. Perhaps there will be other things you’ll deduce about me this evening. There is a quite a lot you don’t know. After all, we’ve only recently met. I do hope you haven’t got me all figured out already.”

  They approached the closed ballroom doors and a steward dressed in a tuxedo flung open the doors with flair and said, “Welcome to Korea.”

  Stepping in to the ballroom was like stepping into another world. Women dressed in authentic, formal Korean robes were dancing gracefully to a small band composed of strings, wind, and percussion instruments. Couples had joined them, dancing around the room, while others nibbled on little bits like Korean short rib and other light appetizers.

  “This is lovely, Julia. You and your friends have outdone yourself. We’ve only been back from St. Ives for one day. How did you manage to pull all of this off?”

  “Sometimes I forget you don’t quite come from the same background as the rest of us. We have many servants on hand to make these sorts of things go perfectly. “

  “I certainly do not come from the same background as you.”

  She noticed a strain in his voice that hadn’t been there moments before.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean anything by that now, darling. Don’t be so sensitive. You’re quite lucky actually that you haven’t grown used to a life of such comfort and excess. Oh, bother. Don’t listen to me. I’m only making things worse.”

  She could see his facial expression tightening the more she spoke so she gave up.

  “You must be starving. Come and eat.”

  They made their way to the buffet-style serving table where their plates were loaded high with all variety of Korean fare.

  “Some of this food is quite hard to manage without a fork,” Julia said around a mouthful of rice and vegetables.

  “I rather like using chopsticks,” Jacob replied.

  “Oh, come here. I’d love for you to meet Opal and Oscar. Their father is dear friends with Major Keswick. It’s because of him that we are able to use this yacht for our party.”

  Opal and Oscar stood near the locked glass display. “Opal, Oscar, you remember Jacob, my Inspector friend from Scotland Yard?”

  “Of course,” Oscar said. “I remember being at the top of your list of suspects in the Lady Withers’ investigation. Good to see you again, sir, under much more pleasant circumstances.”

  They shook hands, and Jacob kissed the back of Opal’s hand when she offered it to him.

  “It’s wonderful to see you again, Jacob. It is all right if I call you Jacob?”

  “Of course, and the pleasure is all mine. You two have put together a fine party. Can you tell me more about what is on display here? These look to be some unique musical instruments.”

  “Oh, yes,” Oscar said. “Let me tell you all about them.”

  He pointed to a round object that looked like a drum. “This is called a Buk. It’s a traditional Korean drum. Also on display are gongs, cymbals, and this,” he pointed to a wooden clapper-looking instrument, “is called a Bak. It was used in rituals and ancient courts by the conductor. This one uses a silk cord although the more modern versions of the bak use a less expensive string. They would clap it to indicate the musical performance was about to begin, and then again at the end of the song. This very one is from the Joseon Dynasty, which existed between 1392-1905.”

  “I’m both impressed and surprised by your depth of knowledge about Korean culture, Oscar,” Julia said.

  “I’ve studied up on it lately. This bak is said to be priceless and the most significant of Major Keswick’s acquired treasures. Do you see those men there? The ones in suits on either side of the massive display case? They are here to guard the Bak. It’s worth a fortune. We assured the Major that his collection would be quite safe amongst our friends. I do hope I won’t live to regret making that promise. Our friends can be a bit bothersome.”

  Julia thought briefly about Eliza Withers’ stolen ring, the circumstances which had thrown their group together, and chuckled awkwardly.

  “Yes, well. Not many people know about the value of Major Keswick’s collection. I’m assuming Oscar here isn’t blabbing about it to all the guests?”

  “Oh, of course not, Julia. I trust your Inspector. Don’t you?”

  He grinned and then kissed her on the cheek. “I must be going. I need to mingle with all the guests before I make our first announcement of the evening.”

  “Off with you, Oscar Goodall, you scoundrel.”

  Chapter Two

  Julia watched with a thrill as Opal moved to the front of the ballroom where the traditional Korean band was performing. They slowed their performance as she approached and ended smoothly when she was situated in front of the microphone.

  “Welcome to Korea everyone. We have very special cultural treats for you this evening. If you’ve not already been told, Korea is the first destination on our three country international tour. I’ve hired several instructors who are experts on the intricacies of traditional Korean dance. The dance troupe is led by these two beautiful Korean women, Ha Rin and Ji Ah. Ha Rin, please step forward and model your traditional robes for us. And Ji Ah.”

  Opal extended her hand toward the two Korean women. “Aren’t they beautiful?”

  The crowd responded with fervor as the first woman stepped forward, then the second, their voluminous robes almost swallowing their tiny frames. They looked nearly identical, even in clothing, except one wore a black robe with a wide yellow belt and the other wore a red robe with an identical yellow belt.

  “Ji Ah, why don’t you tell our guests what is in store for them tonight?”

  Ji Ah, the woman in the black robe, took the microphone from Opal. “Welcome. First, we’ll perform several traditional Korean dances for you, with a bit of a history lesson for each one, then we’ll teach you how to do some of them yourselves. My dance partner and fellow instructor Ha Rin, her name means talented female unicorn, moved here from Korea only last year and so doesn’t speak English, save for a maybe a few words, but she is a most exquisite dancer. I’m sure you’ve noticed our traditional Korean instruments as well as our dance troupe of about a dozen or so. Once you’ve had your lessons, they’ll be lingering around the ballroom, ready to instruct and perform for you individually.”

  More applause. Julia could feel the energy in the room bubbling over. She was every bit as fascinated by this new-to-her culture as most of the other guests seemed to be. She leaned in to whisper to Jacob.

  “Oh, do say you’ll learn these dances with me?”

  “Of course. I plan on being on my best behavior this evening. You’ve clearly demonstrated what will happen to me if I don’t obey your every command.”

  She rolled her eyes at his repeated reference to her Christmas kidnapping, but played along with his sent
iment. “Good. I’m glad that you’ve got common sense.”

  Ji Ah continued to speak as Ha Rin stepped forward in her red robe along with one of the men from the dance troupe. The men all wore black baggy pants of a definite Asian style, although Julia couldn’t have named the specific style of pant and blousy yellow shirts. Their outfits were completed by a red sash that encircled their waists and hung down to almost touch the right knee. Julia presumed that red, yellow, and black were official colors from Korea. Maybe she’d have a chance later to ask Ji Ah.

  “The first dance we’ll show you this evening is called the Ghost Dance. In this dance, Ha Rin will meet with the ghost of her dead husband and experience moments of pure elation. Then, after a time, she’ll experience the desperate grief and loss as she loses him for the second time. It may add some poignancy for you to know that since 1910, as Korea has adjusted to Japan rule, many of our important cultural dances and music has been forced underground. It is a special treat for us this evening to be able to perform in the open for this wonderful audience.”

  Julia stood transfixed along with the rest of the crowd as the ghost dance unfolded in a breathtaking, heartbreaking sacred dance. After the applause, Ji Ah spoke again.

  “That was beautiful. Thank you, Ha Rin. One could almost imagine that Ha Rin represented the Korean people in this dance while her dance partner Min Joon danced as the Korean culture that our country is losing to the shadows. Was it not heartbreaking to see her lose her country, her lover?”

  She said something to Ha Rin in what Julia supposed was Korean, and Ha Rin blushed and bowed repeatedly.

  “Next up for you is the Great Drum Dance.”

  Loud gasps arose from the audience as several of the men in the troupe rolled out a giant drum that stood taller than Ji Ah.