Chapter 8
Carolyn (May 1957)
...
Carolyn did not want the bus ride to end. She listened to the sound of the motor mix with the sound of casual conversation that other passengers were engaged in. She sighed while staring at her packed suitcase. The leather was smooth to the touch. Another pretty item her parents pretended they could afford. Carolyn shifted her gaze to the window and watched the buildings she passed by. The florist, the bakery, the post office, and her favorite bookstore. All things of the past until she graduated and became a free young woman. Until a man was to take her hand that is. Her family would not have it any other way. Carolyn heard a rumor of a debutante ball occurring soon after her date of graduation. She hoped she didn't have a place in the event. It would be too soon. Maybe she could make her debut several months after she leaves finishing school. She could only hope to push it off. Carolyn noticed that the bus was getting closer to the hotel. She relished every stop the bus made and at each stop, she thought maybe this would be the time she'd hopped off and run for her life. She didn't have the guts to do so. In her seat she stayed. Finally, the bus turned the corner onto Sequoia Bay Drive; and there, towering over the other buildings, was the Sequoia Bay Hotel in all of its glory. Carolyn took note of the fabulous architecture of the building. It had beautiful brickwork and dark shutters on every window. She thought the building looked like a cake, with each layer perfectly symmetrical.
The bus stopped right in front of the hotel entrance and Carolyn noticed no one else was getting up to leave. She was the only one who would be leaving the oddly acquired security of the bus to become devoured by this luxurious hotel. Her heart sank as she gripped her luggage and stepped off of the bus. As she stood on the sidewalk, she heard the bus door close. No turning back now. And the bus sped off to its next stop, leaving Carolyn to face this new challenge in her life, the hardest challenge she was ever given.
She walked up and was greeted by a doorman. His uniform was shiny and his dark hair matched that shine.
"Good morning, miss," the doorman said. "Might you be here for Bradley Diamond's?"
Carolyn nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Go to the front desk. Someone will meet you there. Several other young ladies have already arrived." He pointed over to the hotel's front desk and Carolyn noticed that the interior was glistening in white marble. She saw a small group of other women, looking to be about her age, and they were all dressed so finely and carried suitcases with them as well.
"Thank you," she said to the doorman as he let her pass into the lobby. He smiled and tipped his hat. Carolyn smiled back halfheartedly.
She joined the group of other young ladies. A few smiled at her and others paid her no mind. The girls stood together quietly and waited.
"Mistress Laurier will be joining you all in a moment," the front desk man said to them. He had his nose stuck in a book and did not look up from it once. It was mostly quiet in the hotel lobby; aside from hotel guests checking in with the front desk man. Carolyn caught a glimpse of his silver name tag. His name was Roger. He lifted his nose out of the book for the guests who were not there for Bradley Diamond's but once they were out of his sight, he went right back to reading.
"Hello, ladies," a voice called out from behind the gaggle. The group of young women turned to see an older woman; she wore the finest gown, had her hair perfectly done, and had an outstanding posture. She held her nose up high.
"My name is Mistress Laurier. You will refer to me as such. Welcome to Sequoia Bay and Bradley Diamond's Finishing School for Rising Young Women."
"Hello, Mistress Laurier," the group answered together. Carolyn was silent and stunned.
"As you know, this program is a one-year course," Mistress Laurier continued. "You will learn how to cook, how to clean, and how to sew. As well as other home economics." The mistress slowly walked around the girls, observing them. "You will learn proper manners, table etiquette, posture, poise, and how to conduct polite conversation. You will learn how to dress to the best of your ability, to speak only when spoken to, and of course, family planning."
The group of young ladies seemed to listen intently. Carolyn did her best to steady her racing heart.
The mistress continued, "And of course, you fine young women will also engage in furthering your academic education. Here at Bradley Diamond's, we have a top-notch schedule to give you girls a well-rounded education and experience to prepare you for the world. How does that sound?"
"Very good, Mistress Laurier," the gaggle responded. Carolyn didn't know when she was supposed to chime in.
The mistress looked over the group once more. "Follow me, dears."
The women followed Mistress Laurier to the stairwell and began to climb the steps with her. She lifted her gown so she would not step on the fabric. The other ladies took note and followed her lead.
"The hotel was established in 1941," the mistress lectured. "The school was founded in 1882 by Master Bradley Diamond. Before it shared these walls with Sequoia Bay, Bradley Diamond's Finishing School was placed not too far from this very location. The school's original residence burnt down in 1939 and when the hotel was built, plans were put in place to accommodate the school and its fine students."
The group left the stairwell and began to tour the third floor. Mistress Laurier stopped the girls in the hallway and pointed for them to take in their surroundings. "This is floor C of Sequoia Bay. This is where we will reside for the next year. It is equipped to accommodate students' living areas, as well as spacious classrooms, a study hall, a day room, a small library, and my favorite, a kitchen." The mistress urged the girls to look around and see the wonderful place where they would be staying for the next year. After everyone had a peek at all of the exciting things, the mistress waved them back over.
Mistress Laurier pointed at one girl. "Elizabeth, you will be staying in room C1 with Janice." The girls nodded and replied, "Yes, Mistress Laurier."
The mistress continued, "Lara and Sarah will be in room C2." Carolyn watched those young women nod and reply obediently.
"Harper and Gwendolyn will reside in room C3."
Mistress Laurier went down her list; telling the girls which room they would be in and who their roommate would be.
"Carolyn," the mistress finally said, "you and Holly will be in room C7."
Carolyn nodded. "Yes, Mistress Laurier." She had caught on, though Carolyn was alone in her response to the mistress. Holly remained silent and Mistress Laurier took offense to this. Holly had a scowl on her face.
"Holly," the mistress said, "you will respond with a proper reply. Like your peers."
"How about no?" Holly crossed her arms.
"Dear, it is your first day here. Do you really want to start a scene?"
Holly scoffed. "Well, I don't wanna be here, lady. I bet none of us do!" She looked around to see if any of the other women would agree with her but the group remained hushed.
Mistress Laurier stepped close to Holly and in an elegant flash, swiped her palm across her face. Holly almost fell backward but Carolyn was quick to catch her.
The mistress glared at Holly. "Your father's money will not be able to save you if you do not adjust your attitude." Holly did not respond.
"Answer me!" the mistress shouted, causing the group of young women to flinch.
Holly stood up straight and while holding her hand to her pained face, she answered in defeat. "Yes, Mistress Laurier."