Lord Handkerchief enjoys a life of luxury belonging to his suitor, Lord Yang. When Lord Handkerchief falls from the suit of Lord Yang during a night of entertainment, he finds himself in the presence of Lance Sterling, a working man, who has only heard stories of Lord Handkerchief never being able to afford him. For three days he lives with the Sterling’s where he finds himself faced with a decision, should he return to a life of luxury or engage in one of the most scandalous acts of his life to stay with the Sterling’s and live.     

Dedication

Cheryl and Jim Walton who have supported me from the beginning

Contents

Part I

Chapter 1: The Suitor and his Hanky

Chapter 2: Lord Chi Yang

Chapter 3: Madame Jessica D. Lanette

Chapter 4: Unsuitable Conditions for Lord Handkerchief   

Part II

Chapter 5: A Boy Makes a Child’s Mistake

Chapter 6: Lord Handkerchief

Chapter 7: Bobby Does Well

Chapter 8: Bobby Forgets

Part III

Chapter 9: The Wealth of Lance Sterling

Chapter 10: A Wife Remains Silent

Chapter 11: Morning Whispers

Chapter 12: A Decision of Scandalous Proportions

 Part I

Chapter 1: The Suitor and his Hanky

Lord Handkerchief, an awfully handsome handkerchief I might add, belonged to Lord Yang of the house of Blacksmith located west of Hinsdale. He often accompanied Lord Yang during visits to Lodge Court of Hinsdale, home to Madame Lanette, to discuss the most important matters of finance. Lord Yang was Madame Lanette’s business partner and sole financier. He served in this role for many years and was used to working with the head strong head of court who had a low tolerance for budgets and a very large appetite for all things new.

Lord Handkerchief was a handsome cloth, which of course needs to be repeated to emphasize his handsomeness. He was made from the finest silk found only in Raniere Lords, the finest retail of men’s fashion located in the District of Bloom in Hinsdale. Having been imported from France, Lord Handkerchief suited Monsieur Yang perfectly; for both man and hanky possessed an air of sophistication and desired the finer things in life.

Lord Handkerchief was not for sneezing, coughing, or touching. His sole purpose in life was to sit in the suit of his lord to attract the eye of fellow financiers and those gathering in court for business. Lord Yang took pride in his handkerchief’s appearance sending him daily to be steam-dried and pressed, enjoying the good life and never ever hand washed.

On occasions and in the presence of less fortunate handkerchiefs who themselves were hand washed and dried and whose fabrics often revealed such brutality, Lord handkerchief found himself a bit flustered becoming well, a bit perturbed; for he believed that these “handkermiffs” or “cottonaire’s” belonged elsewhere and not in his presence and immediately made his feelings known to those who dared to stand within feet of him. For all cottonaire’s knew the sound of “um-hume,” the clearing of Lord Handkerchiefs throat, which was quickly followed by any and all cottonaire’s immediate removal from his presence and a return to a mental PH balance to Lord Handkerchief.

On the evening of May 30, Lord Handkerchief gathered at Lodge Court to dine with Madame Lanette, her husband Lord Wellington and guests. Lord Wellington was the fifth cousin removed from the Wells family, owners of several estates and of enormous wealth. Having been recently seated at the dinner table, Lord Handkerchief found himself in the presence of Lady Jasper, the most distinguished daughter of Lady Agnes Roberts and cousin to Madame Lanette.

Lady Jasper sat next to Lord Yang at the bequest of Madame who thought the seating arrangements were most appropriate for what better potential suitor than Lord Yang who most undoubtedly would take charge of Lady Jasper’s finances keeping her from claiming inheritance entitlements against the purse of Madame Lanette; thus, reducing her shopping sprees by one or two.

Madame Lanette and Lord Yang dined at table 1b which so happened to be M. Lanette’s favorite table for no other reason than M. Lanette needing something to favor. A total of eight circular tables sat exuberating light from the most beautifully sculptured candles. Each table’s ambiance revealed a most splendid white and gold theme. Orchards and Magnolias surrounded each table in a most elegant display of opulence. Silk table cloths draped down with center pieces of Bud Orange Roses, a contrast to the beautiful array of all white Almond Blossoms, Carnations, Hyacinth, and roses. Gold salad plates sat upon opulent white colored china service plates.  White and gold laced napkins sat perfectly folded to the left of dinner plates. Bread plates sat directly above salad and dinner forks.  Three glasses sat still, two in which were to ensure a most entertaining evening. Every detail was absolutely perfect. The orchestra of Seńorita Madeline Romano played in the background.

The night’s temperature sat comfortably at 80 degrees. Laughter filled the air as glasses rose. Not one cloud dared to peak down on this grand event. Lake Bell sat 15 feet away from the estate to the right of Table 3b occasionally waving hello. The sweet smells of flowers, Chicken Corden Bleu and Meńot y Meńot were served by the most attentive attendants. All in attendance and who had all by the way frequented M. Lanette’s home many times concurred that this evening’s dinner should undoubtedly be repeated.

As the evening carried on with a spectacular night of entertainment, Lord Handkerchief found himself in a most peculiar situation; as Lady Jasper set about to powder her nose, she slipped into Lord Yang’s awaiting arms and as he held her, momentarily frozen by her beauty, he did not hear the cries of Lord Handkerchief falling which would forever change Lord Handkerchief’s life forever and a day.