Page 50 of Duchess Material

“The VA will take one look at me and tell me to fuck off. I’m fine. I’m not some sort of European pansy who runs to the doctor after a little spill.”

Winston backed off. He didn’t take the bait. By now, Francie arrived. She looked on in horror.

Lucy wiped her tears away and hugged her sister. “I think we’re going to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Okay. Well, I don’t have a ride to the Metra station—”

“I can take you,” Winston insisted. “We can drive you there.”

“You okay to drive here? You won’t kill us?” Lucy asked him as Francie gathered her things.

“I’m good. I’m sober. You’re in no shape to drive, Luce.”

She acquiesced. Driving Francine and taking directions in a strange place was confounding, but they returned her safely to the commuter train. With Francie gone, Lucy burst into tears. Winston, unsure what to say, let her cry until they reached the hotel, parked, and made it to their room.

“I am so… so embarrassed. Sorry. Please don’t think I’m a terrible person.”

Winston squeezed her tightly in his arms. “Oh, darling, you did nothing wrong. Jesus Christ! Your Dad is a trainwreck. I am mostly dumbfounded by your persistence. It’s a wonder all you girls turned out okay. I am sorry you ever had to deal with his abuse. He’s sick. You aren’t at fault for that. I love you, Lucy.”

She looked up at him, chin on his chest. “Warts and all?”

He wiped tears away with his sleeve. “You haven’t a wart in sight. Dwight is a wanker.”

“I am so ashamed he did that. I… I should have left.”

“Don’t be.”

“You deserve someone with class—”

Winston wanted so badly to fix things. “Oh, baby, I want you. I don’t give a flying fuck what your father does. He’s a sperm donor—much like mine. You forged a life without him. Don’t let him take away from that, Lulu.”

“I shouldn’t but hearing that... my inability to procreate. it set me off. It’s stupid.”

“It’s not. It wasn’t dumb. It was hurtful. I am sorry you had to hear him say those things. Don’t let him steal your shine, Luce. You are so wonderful. You move mountains with your tiny shoulders, alright? Don’t let him rain on that parade.”

“Do you think that?” Lucy asked, voice small.

“Of course I do! Lucy, you’re on my team. I’m so lucky! You get things done. Don’t forget that.”

* * *

Lucy slept in late, waking as Winston brought her room service. She needed that. The night before had been a mortifying disaster, but Winston never left her side. They watched shitty American kids cartoons on WGN while eating breakfast. They agreed to meet Francie downtown but postponed the call to fit in a round of sex. Finally, Lucy asked if she wanted to go to Nieman’s. Winston was about to spoil them. He couldn’t help himself. He was also convinced American shopping would be the best shopping yet. Lucy suspected he might be disappointed.

They met Francie at what was once Marshall Field’s on State Street. They took in lunch at the legendary Walnut Room, which Winston found charming. He made friends with a baby sitting near them having lunch with her mother and older sisters. It was sickeningly sweet. Lucy was dying of cute. Her ovaries cried out for help.

After some perusing in the purses, the three made a long walk down to Nieman’s. Winston’s day of taking the commuter train, the El, eating at the same department store which inspired Selfridges, and even more was about to get even wilder. Francie insisted they take a picture of him by The Bean, like any tourist. Winston was game. They walked down Michigan Ave, pointing out the beautiful buildings, across the Chicago River and Wacker Dr to the Wrigley Building, Lucy’s favourite. Like tourists, Francine insisted she take a picture of them there. Winston kissed her, making the photo even sweeter. It made Lucy blush. She had such a mix of emotions—trauma from last night and true love for Winston from that morning. She was falling in love in the best way possible.

Lucy held Winston’s hand as they entered the lobby of the luxurious store.

“It’s not anything too big, baby,” Lucy laughed. “See.”

“Oh, whisky bar!” Winston stared like a distracted toddler.

She grabbed him playfully by the shoulders. “We can end with that. Earth to Winston. Focus!”

“Okay, okay, sorry, it’s all new. I’m excited.”

“It’s cute. We’ll forgive you, Winston,” Francie giggled.

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