This Mr. Hargrove seemed to have lived a bit of the same life as she in his younger days. But did leaving it bring him to this state sooner or later she wondered. And was she glimpsing her future of she went down a similar path? Annabel did not like where her thoughts were headed and concentrated on something else.

   "No Mr. Hargrove," she said with a shake of her head, "I am not married, in fact avoiding marriage is one of the reasons I became Dr. Elias's assistant. It's a long story, one I won't bore you with; but I would rather see the world than be stuck in a sitting room as some man's pretty trophy."

  She took a drink finishing off her wine as she listened to Dr. Elias request people for Jackson's little jaunt. She was surprised when Hargrove asked her if she was joining.

  "Me Mr. Hargrove?" She gave a slight laugh. "What could I contribute to that little group? I am merely an assistant barely escaped from her dear Mother's embrace. I am not the equal of those who have explored and seen the wonders of the world. Sadly I fear I would just slow the group down if I went."

   Annabel looked a little forlorn when she said that. "I am sure though you will go, you don't want to miss out again at one of his expeditions."

This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Thu 17 July 2014.

"No, I never married.  Nearly, once," she replied to Walter.  "But his wandering eyes led to wandering hands and several indiscretions with other women while we were engaged.  Better to break it off than to suffer through marriage with a man that could not love me enough to be faithful."  She banished the painful memory with a dismissive wave of her hand.  "Besides, I have been far too busy these past few years to worry about starting a family.  There has simply been too much of the world to see." 

Her words sounded a little hollow, even to herself.  In her youth, she'd been too preoccupied to worry about marriage.  Her family was wealthy enough that she needed not worry about living a comfortable life, and as she was an only child and female, there was no need for her to further the Elias name.  She would inherit her father's estate no matter her situation.  Now, however, as her age continued to creep upward, the opportunities of her youth had long since disappeared.

Thankful for her uncle's appearance and announcement, she gave him her full attention.  "I shall go along with the party, if only to see Jackson.  What time did you wish to depart?  I would like to change before we leave the house, and you cannot drag Annabel out into the cold in her evening dress."

      Annabel looked up at Rosalie when she said her name. She had grown to know her over the time she had been with Dr. Elias, and had become quite fond of the woman.
"Oh, don't worry about me Rosalie," she said, feeling a little embarrassed being focused on among the Elias family. "There's no reason for me to go, I can catch a cab back to my place."

Leo frowned and again pulled out his watch before replacing it. The time hadn't changed very much since his last check. "I should like to have the party heading toward the cars at around half-past six. He said around 8, and I wouldn't mind a bit of conversation in the lobby of Hotel Chelsea before we see Jackie should we be too early for him. In these road conditions I'd like to take the drive easy."

He looked around at those gathered mulling over who else might be willing to get involved, then responding to the other comments he had received directly or had overheard. "Jackson would be fortunate to have you, Rosie, should you choose to provide assistance. As for Annabel-"

He turned to face Annabel. "I will not compel you to join us unless you are interested in doing so. You know well that you are my assistant during business hours, but free to do as you wish outside the office. You may join us if you like - your interest in seeing the world may be sated ever-so-slightly by some of Jackson's stories. Otherwise we can drop you off wherever you like, or have you driven should your desired destination be at odds with ours."

He then looked over at Abraham. "Opportunity has come knocking again, Abraham. Is it your intention to join us as well?" Leo's Lambda seated six, but he also had other cars at his disposal.

"You all go ahead, dear," she told her husband. "All that will happen if I go is that the cold will light up my joint pains again and I'll slow everyone down. I'll see Jackson when he packs up his papers and comes home." On account of her health, Catherine rarely left home during the winter.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Thu 17 July 2014.

”Your attitude and dedication are admirable.” Who was he to argue with a woman who did not want to marry?  They were in a new age.  Why look back?  Oh, he could answer his own question and one character in his novel had responded to a similarly phrased inquiring with an eloquent soliloquy.

And why shouldn’t she? ”I don’t think you’re committing to anything but a ride in a short auto by going with us now.  Leo’s got a point.  Whatever Jackson’s discovered, he’ll have a lot to tell about his travels.  And don’t underestimate your usefulness.  You’re young and you’ve a different perspective from everyone else.”

”Thornton will have words for me if I get involved,” Through the past few weeks, Abraham had been discussing a compilation of short stories with publishing agent Benjamin Thornton at Scribner’s.  Two-thirds of the shorts were pieces either written while in Paris or Algiers, with the remaining third to be written over the next several months.  ”I might have to do a little negotiating, but I can apologize over a letter after we’re underway.  Yes, I’ll come with this time.”
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:31, Thu 17 July 2014.

  Annabel thought for a moment, then brightened; "well if you insist Dr. Elias. After all, I am your assistant and will go where I am needed in or out of the office; and after all, isn't the world your office at times?  Someone should take notes in case they're needed."

 "Well Mr. Hargrove, it looks like I am coming after all, it should be an interesting diversion from the daily life of mine. I am sure I will fine Jackson's stories fascinating." Annabel looked considerably cheered up, whether from being part of the group or just feeling useful one could not tell.

Leo blinked a couple times in silence at Annabel's response - it seemed she had heard the exact opposite of what he was intending to convey. At any rate, he was glad to see that she had brightened, so he chose not to add any more commentary on the matter.

Leo quickly looked around, and noticed for the first time that the only people that remained at the party besides the staff were his wife and the five folks that had volunteered. "There is one other thing that you should all know - Jackson seemed to be acting a bit odd when speaking with me on the telephone. For a man that is never frightened of anything, always willing to jump in where angels fear to tread, he sounded as if he were quite anxious and possibly frightened of something. I am unsure as to what the source of his anxiety might be, though I suppose I can get to the bottom of it when we see him." Leo could speculate, but chose not to voice any of his own thoughts - they would see Jackson soon enough.

Leo frowned briefly, then continued. "It's all very uncharacteristic of him, in truth. Many of you know him as being rock-steady in the face of anything. To my knowledge his make-up has not changed in the slightest over these years, so I found the conversation to be peculiar."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:59, Thu 17 July 2014.

As Elias was on the phone with Jackson, Bishop was quiet and just listened. Truth was it was all a bit odd.

When he heard the hotel mentioned, he masked his disdain. Bishop was familiar with most of the hotels in the city, and the Chelsea was no exception. It was massive Victorian hulk with a grand façade and dominated West 23rd Street. But its glory days were behind it and it's clientele were bohemians and ne'er-do-wells. It was not too much of a surprise that Jackson had selected the place.

"Dr. Elias, I have my car with me."

"I can take four people with me. The snow is really coming down so I think departing early makes good sense." Bishop said.

"Best we caravan in case we have some trouble. I have a shovel and a few boards and some sand in the trunk in case that get stuck." Stan added. His father, a long time chauffeur for the Elias family had taught him to always be prepared for such trouble. Bishop had learned the lesson well, and his trunk continued all sorts of tools for all sorts of problems.

"But if Jackson sounds shook it must be serious. Maybe we should set off now."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Thu 17 July 2014.

Walter chuckles: "I know what you mean, Rosalie. I guess we've both been too busy for the ordinary joys of life and now-- Well, perhaps we'll grow old together on the shelf."

He turns to his aunt as she speaks.

"Maybe we can get him to forfeit the dubious comforts of the Chelsea and grace the familial fireside tonight, Aunt Catherine."

Taking Lawrence aside, Walter asks, "Any chance of finding a pair of galoshes for me? I don't have any and these shoes aren't meant for a New York winter, just incase we have to get out and push. Something like a size 10 should do."

"Certainly, sir. If you will but give me a few minutes, I will shortly return with such." With that, Avery departed the room briefly to locate the requested footwear.

”Are you sure it was fear you heard?” Abraham found it hard to believe.  Jackson’s research veered toward some of the darkest corners of mythology, and while Abraham had read account of terrible things done or alleged to be done by believers in odd supersiticons in his cousin’s books, the purpose of his work had been to dissipate the air of mystery, enmity, and fear surrounding the myths thus rendering them powerless.  Fear of retribution hadn’t stopped Jackson before.   There might be something else wrong but Abraham couldn’t think what it could be.

Abraham stood up, still a little wobbly, and took a sip of coffee.  ”One step at a time, Miss Ashcroft.”
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:32, Thu 17 July 2014.

  Annabel gave the man an understanding smile. "Good idea Mr. Hargrove, I think it will be a long evening and you need your wits about you. If you will excuse me, since it looks like I am going, I need to get ready."


 Leaving Mr. Hargrove to his efforts for sobriety. Annabel headed over to the cloak room to retrieve her things. Reaching it, she collected her cold weather gear and going to a changing room, put them on. Soon she was decked out in boots, coat, scarf, hat and mittens; all ready for a trek into the bitter cold. Her fine shoes she had put into a shoe bag for protection.

 Returning to the room, Annabel waited patiently for the others to get ready.

Leo listened to what the others had to say, and frowned as he mulled it over. "It was fear, Abraham, or one of its close cousins: alarm, trepidation, distress, or dread. Though I don't think there is any reason to split hairs on the precise emotion - the effect is the same. Perhaps Stanley is correct and we should move along with all due haste. I can't speak for the rest of you, but I won't be able to sit by the fire and relax any further this evening anyway."

He turned to face his niece, "Like Miss Ashcroft, it would probably be best if you changed now as well, Rosie."

Looking then at Stanley, "Stanley, I am glad you gave voice to the suggestion to go sooner than later. I was willing to put aside my own thoughts as the emotional bias of a parent - we have always given Jackson his space, and he's generally been appreciative of our role in his life. But this seems different somehow. Thank you for volunteering to drive - I'm certain I can trust your steady hand at the wheel as I have trusted your father's all these years."

"If everyone wants to get ready I will get the car, if we get there early we can always kill time at the hotel bar. This cold weather it will need to warm up. Do we have another car? With just mine it will be a tight fit." Bishop said.

It was already getting dark and the way the snow was coming down it might take hours to get downtown. It everyone was getting to be rush hour and the streets would be getting busy.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Fri 18 July 2014.

The woman was right about that, though he liked to think some of his gifts functioned at an elevated state when his wits weren’t bothering him so much.  Once the inhabitions were dropped, the words flowed more freely, peppering the page with the sort of original prose which caught his audience even before publishing his first novel.

”Then I don’t see why we should keep him waiting.  Some company, even if it’s only part of the group he requested, would ease his troubles.  I also agree with Stanley.  The sooner we arrive at the hotel, the better.  It’ll help subdue Jackson’s fear and ease our present concern.   And I have and additional auto, a four seat Superior, though someone else might want to drive.”  Abraham paused and then added, ”The weather’s still bad and I’m not sure I could handle the ice right now.”

"I'm afraid you've handled a bit too much ice already, old man," said Walter with a grin, patting Abraham on the shoulder, "I can take the wheel for you, if you like."

"Too right, uncle.  I'll just be a tick."  Rosalie finished off her wine and left the glass as she rose from the chaise, leaving the sitting room to head upstairs to her guest room.

She changed into a warmer dress, tights, and sturdy shoes that were far more practical for walking in snow and ice than her heels.  After collecting her outer garments, she took a moment to check in on her parents and inform them of where everyone was headed.  They agreed to stay to keep Catherine company at dinner as neither wished to brave the foul weather, though her father was intrigued and made her promise to give a full report upon her return.

Being a woman of action rather than vanity, she was only gone ten or fifteen minutes.  When she at last came down the stairs to join the others, she was dressed in a warm brown coat, fur-lined at the neck and wrists.  She also had donned a pair of brown kidskin gloves, also fur-lined, and a close-fitting cloche hat to keep her head warm.  She still looked stylish, though her clothes were also practical.  She paused a moment near the door to check her pocketbook before looping it over her wrist.

"So who is driving and who is riding with whom?"

Leo took a few moments to prepare himself as well, retrieving heavy coat, galoshes, hat and gloves. Although he had several worthy vehicles, he allowed the others to take the lead on transport, nodding and thanking the gentlemen who had offered.

Upon Rosalie's quick return, he indicated his appreciation for her alacrity with a quick, tight smile. "Walter, Abraham, and you in one, the rest of us in the other." He took one more moment to check on his wife and give her a quick kiss before they set off.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:34, Fri 18 July 2014.

OUT OF CHARACTER

My two drivers, please roll Drive Auto.

"Rosie, I would feel better if you rode with me." Bishop said, hoping it did not sound odd.

As the others got ready and there departure grew immanent, Bishop headed out to his car and prepared for the drive. After starting up the car, a hard top Chevrolet Superior Sedan, Bishop let the engine warm up. With the engine purring the hardboiled detective headed back to the trunk and made preparations for any unforeseen troubles. Despite the weather he removed his coat and jacket and put on a shoulder holster for a pair of hammerless 1903 Colts. Replacing his jacket and coat he headed back to the car. He looked down at the trunk and decided to leave his other tools where they were.

Once the others were ready he helped the others to the cars and when everyone was ready, got in his car and led the way to the Chelsea Hotel.

21:27, Today: Stanley Bishop rolled 1 using 1d100 with rolls of 1. drive.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Fri 18 July 2014.

”If I’m old then you must be elderly and senile.  Don’t you have a few years on me, Walter?” commented Abraham as he handed the keys to ‘his’ vehicle over to his cousin.  ”Much appreciated.”

    Annabel watched as the others got ready and argued about how they were going to travel. Family squabbles, for better or worse they were a part of family life. Well, she certainly didn't miss hers... too much.

     Her attention was turned to Rosalie, who came down the stairs ready for travel. She looked practical yet still fashionable in her outfit, much like Annabel herself. Annabel though did not have a chance to change out of her dress; it was silly for them to take the time to drop her off to do so. She hoped her outer garments would be enough to ward off the cold.

    Finally seeing some semblance of order from those present, Annabel prepared herself to leave, making sure she had purse and shoebag in hand. Looking out the door, she frowned at the snow, which seemed to be falling even heaver then she remembered.
"Will it ever stop?" she said half to herself. "Enough is enough."

    She watched as the men prepared the cars, cleaning them off and revving the engines to warm them up for travel. When they were ready, Annabel entered the car chosen for her and tried to get comfortable. It should be an interesting trip and she was curious to see what Dr. Elias's son was like.

Rosalie gave Stanley a long look, finding his request puzzling, though there was really no reason to argue.  She was nothing if not flexible and she rarely took exception over trivial details.  Giving her uncle a smile as she passed, she followed Stan to the car once it was warmed up.

"I don't mind riding with you in the slightest, Stan, but if you call me Rosie again, I'll make you eat your hat," she said with a smirk.  She piled into the car with the others, snuggling into her jacket and rubbing her hands to keep them warm.

The snowfall had diminished a good deal over the course of the day, but even in the darkness by the light provided by streetlamps a consistent blanket of small flurries could be seen falling down from above. Stanley and Walter started the respective automobiles that they were to drive, and in short order their passengers poured out of the house, bundled up for what could be a long ride in the cold weather.

The roads they took had mostly been cleared from earlier, but even still, there was a fresh snowfall coating its surface that made staying pointed in the desired direction occasionally challenging. Stanley seemed to have a steady hand and was able to easily guide his vehicle as if he were driving on a bright morning of the clearest spring day, and while Walter followed behind with some intermittent difficulty, he managed to handle it with the poise and aplomb of a man who has faced many more difficult situations.

It wasn't long before they arrived at the hotel.

---

OOC:

On behalf of Walter:

14:58, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Walter 'Bo' Brandon, rolled 27 using 1d100 with rolls of 27. Drive Auto (35)

This thread is closed. Please begin posting in Chapter 1.1: The Chelsea Hotel