Mortimer

Chapter 8

“But the races, your grace.” Neville’s words were futile, however, for Mortimer had already lumbered past him muttering fervently about the ‘n***d aft of the Esquirer.’

With a flourish and a wave of his top hat the butler bowed once to the party… some of which had politely engaged themselves in other matters, while two of the gentlemen watched the scene with amusement. He then turned and followed Mortimer’s trail of sauerkraut, dust and no explanation whatsoever.

***

“He’s so dreamy.”

“He’s a buffoon.”

“Haven’t you seen his eyes, Cindy?” Lilly Lou Longhorn drew the brush through her crop of blonde hair. “They speak of adventure and mystery. They speak of romance.”

Cindy snorted and blew at the polish on her fingernails. “His eyes say, ‘don’t touch my sausage lest I give you a verbal thrashing that would put the world to sleep!’”

Lilly Lou tossed a pillow across the room at her friend. “I respect a man who has a keen grasp on the English language.”

“Take my advice, Lil: romance is the last thing on that man’s mind.”

“Oh, how would you know?”

“First of all, I’ve never seen him look twice at a woman.”

“He is a man of focus. I imagine he is deep in thought regarding more important matters.”

Cindy gave Lilly Lou a bland look. “A man who doesn’t appreciate a nice-looking dame has gotta make you wonder.”

“He’s a gentleman.” Lilly Lou went to work brushing the other side of her head as Cindy went on.

“Frank checks out ladies all the time and let me tell you, it gives me confidence to know my man has a well-oiled machine that’s ready to take me for a ride.”

“Shhh!” Lilly Lou twisted around on the vanity stool. “My parents will hear you!”

ShhhCindy rolled her eyes. “You know you were not immaculately conceived.”

“Don’t make me throw this hairbrush at you.”

“I don’t know what you see in Mortimer. He’s never once shown any interest in you. He’s clumsy and he says the weirdest things.”

“He’s an artist.” Lilly Lou insisted. “Artists are often misunderstood.”

artist“No one has seen his work. Is he really an artist?”

“He’s waiting for the right moment to debut his drawings. Perhaps he shall open a gallery?”

“I bet his bank account sweetens the deal a little, too.”

Lilly Lou let out a gasp of surprise. “I don’t know why I keep you as my best friend.”

“I’m good for you.” Cindy examined her craftsmanship with approval. “Who else would be so honest?”

“It’s not about his money.”

not“No?” Cindy glanced up. “Then tell me: What’s got you so loony for Mortimer Ascariot?”

Lilly Lou moved to her bed, sat down and clutched a pillow to her chest. “He’s unlike the other men.” Her eyes grew dreamy. “He doesn’t talk and talk about racing and horses and he doesn’t care what other people think.”

“He’s also unattainable.”

“Unattainable?” Lilly Lou’s cheeks pinked.

“All the men throw themselves at you. You’re bored and are looking for a challenge.”

Lilly Lou couldn’t deny that, but chose to ignore Cindy’s observation. “I love his long hair. He’s a man of the sea. Perhaps one day he will take me away from this place. Oh, how I long to leave Georgetown!”

“He has no social tact what-so-ever.”

“A man who doesn’t care about social norms is attractive to me. ”

“I’ll believe that as far as I can throw you.”

“It doesn’t matter. I love Mortimer. I love his brightly colored bow ties and his black lace capote oxfords.”

“And don’t forget that stupid captain’s hat.”

“I adore his hat.”

Cindy rolled her eyes. “You’ve gone mad.”

“He’s hapless, unassuming, and uncommonly sweet. Sure, sometimes he’s completely unaware of most social cues…” Lilly Lou lowered her voice. “But I think he’s actually a genius. Perhaps instead of babbling about useless things like business and the stock market, he’s coming up with ways to end the prohibition, cure world hunger, and build big, beautiful ships.”

I think“Are we talking about the same guy?” Cindy wrinkled her nose in disgust. “The fat one, with the bushy mustache?”

Lilly Lou pressed her lips together. “It is growing late. Perhaps you might wish to leave?”

“Oh! Come on Lil, don’t be a wet blanket.” Cindy quickly added color to the nails on her other foot. “So…. let’s say this Mortimer fellow is not an asexual and that—”

“Asexual?”

“Hear me out.” Cindy raised her hand to stop Lilly Lou. “So let’s assume Mortimer was into you.”

wasLilly Lou lifted her chin. “Yes?”

“Your father would never approve.”

never“He might.”

Cindy let out a hearty laugh. “Now I know you’ve gone mad.”

know“I have not!”

“Your dad hasn’t let anyone besides the milkman and Herbert Brenard near this place since you turned fifteen. The only reason he lets Herbert near you is because his father owns the bank that manages the Longhorn Foundation account.”

Lilly Lou pouted.

“Don’t take it so personally. As the second richest man on the continent, your dad has the right to send away whoever he wants.”

“I despise him trying to ruin all my fun.”

“But his over protective nature will save you from being sought out by fortune hunters.”