Page 32 of The Queen of Roses

“It’s good business for me to understand it all. The society ladies are the driving force behind every single club and organization in Pasadena, and all those societies need places to host balls and society meetings. Not to mention all those relatives who like to visit for a month when the snow is two feet deep in Boston, Pittsburgh, and Chicago every January.”

They broke through the gap in the chaparral, and the road came into view. Mr. Whitley removed his gold pocket watch from his navy waistcoat to check the time. “I would see you to the door of your hotel’s stables, but I am afraid I need to return to the Andalusian for a meeting.”

“Please, don’t trouble yourself,” she said. “Thank you, Mr. Whitley. This has been quite the diverting end to my morning ride.”

“I hope that is a good thing, Miss Pearce.”

She smiled despite herself. “It has been informative.”

He laughed. “I suppose I shall have to be happy with ‘informative.’ Good day, Miss Pearce. Perhaps I will see you again.”

He touched the brim of his hat and then turned, waiting until he was at a polite distance to urge his horse into a trot so that dust did not blow in her direction.

Dear Miss Pearce,

Please accept these flowers as a token of my appreciation. Their beauty reminded me of you.

—Sterling Blythe

November 9, 1903

Avonmore, Pasadena

Dear Mrs. Pearce,

It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance and that of your husband and your charming daughter at Mrs. Barnes’s dinner last Friday. Perhaps I might be permitted to call upon Miss Pearce on Wednesday and escort her on a drive.

Yours respectfully,

Cecil Henry

November 9, 1903

Raymond Avenue, Pasadena

Dear Mrs. Pearce,

How delightful to meet you at Mrs. Barnes’s home! It was good to see Judith and Miss Pearce get along so well. It is heartening to know that young people can find friendship amid all the hustle and bustle of the winter season.

I wonder if you and Miss Pearce should like to join Judith and me at the Valley Hunt Club for a little card party on Thursday afternoon. I know Miss Pearce is still very new to Pasadena, and I believe several young ladies will be in attendance whose company she might enjoy.

Yours respectfully,

Mrs. Horace Lydgate

November 10, 1903

Raymond Hotel, Pasadena

Dear Mrs. Pearce,

What a pleasure it was to make your acquaintance at Mrs. Barnes’s dinner party. I should be delighted to know you and your daughter better. I know you will understand how staying in a hotel causes such inconvenience when it comes to making calls. Perhaps you would not begrudge me the suggestion that we break with convention and take tea at the Raymond this week. Would Friday suit?

Yours respectfully,

Mrs. Patrick Blythe

November 13, 1903