The Astor Connection PG-13

[cassysj]

I do not own the Moonlight Universe but I play in it every once in a while This story is completely inspired by Allegrita's comment on my photo thread. Thanks.


Charles and Plum were staying at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Plum asked. “Honey, why couldn’t we stay at the Solita Soho? It seems a little disloyal to not give our friend money.”

“No, this weekend needs to be the Waldorf Astoria. I have a suite here, at least I do until the deal goes through with China.

Plum rolled her eyes. “You and Conrad Hilton.”

Charles shook his head. “No…..I mean I was friends with the Hiltons, that’s why I still design jewels for Paris and Nicky but my connection to the Waldorf Astoria goes back long before Hilton bought this hotel. It goes back to the Astors.

“Like Astor Place where we saw Blue Man Group?”

“The subway station was named for the Astors, just like The Waldorf Astoria and Astoria, Queens.”

“So, how did you know them?”

Charles laughed. “I know it’s before your time but did you ever see the movie Titanic?

“Oh please, with four older sisters, I saw It a million times.

“Do you remember the character John Jacob Astor IV?

Plum yawned. “Not really. We looked at Leo.”

“Well, I had done work for the Astors when I was human and after…..



1911

Charles stepped out of his store on Maiden Lane. He tried to hurry past his horse and carriage, but the driver said.

“Mr. Riley, heading home early?

“No, Malcolm, I’m actually going to take the subway.”

Malcolm frowned. “Mr. Riley, the subway is not for a gentleman like you. Let me take you.

Charles sighed. “Drive me up to the City Hall station. I’ll take it from there.

When they got to the station Charles reassured his driver that he wasn’t going to replace him with the subway. Charles climbed down the stairs into the gorgeous City Hall station paid his nickel and took the train uptown to 42nd Street. He got out and walked the platform searching for The Knickerbocker Door. He went through and was in the lobby of the exquisite Astor hotel. He went over to the Concierge and said.

“Matthew Collins to see Mr. Astor.”

“Mr. Astor is expecting you. The Concierge snapped his fingers and a page appeared. “Escort Mr. Collins to Mr. Astor’s office.”

Charles followed the young man into the elevator and was lead to the office of John Jacob Astor IV.

“Mr. Collins, thank you for coming. Thomas, you can go.

Charles waited until the page left. ‘Mr. Astor, how can I help you?

“Charles, please have a seat. I appreciate you coming here

“Of course, but why all the secrecy? Your note said I couldn’t arrive in my carriage or use my name.”

John Jacob Astor let out a deep breath. “Charles, I’m getting married again.

“Mr. Astor, I do read the paper.”

“Several jewelers have turned me down. They consider it scandalous that it’s only been a year since the divorce and the……age difference is significant.”

Charles shrugged. “Sir, it’s none of my business.”

“I wish more people would mind their own business. I didn’t ask you first Charles because…..you’re Catholic.

“My religion has never gotten in the way of making jewels. I mean, I don’t work on Sundays….but

“Charles, I know the Church doesn’t approve of divorce.”

Charles looked down at the ground. “Divorce isn’t the sin. It’s remarriage.”

“Well, I am getting remarried.”

Charles shrugged. “Yes, but…..you’re not Catholic.”

John Astor laughed. “Certainly not.”

Charles seemed to be working this out in his head. “So, if I made you a ring, I wouldn’t be participating in a sin.”

Astor nodded. “So if I was Catholic, your answer would be no?”

“Maybe, I’d have to think about, talk to my confessor, and see if it became my sin. I can’t say for sure, but if you’re asking me to make you a ring for your upcoming marriage, I’m willing to do it.

“You’re a decent man Riley. I won’t forget it.”

“Thank you Sir.”



Present Day

“So I made the ring, he got married, went on his honeymoon and was on the Titanic with his pregnant wife. He died but she lived and gave birth to a son. I’ve always had a suite at every Astor hotel buy I guess this is the end of an era.”

Plum rolled her eyes. “Charles, if he had been Catholic would you have really refused to make a ring for him?

Charles laughed. “In 1911….probably, today it’s different. I’m more concerned with the plank in my eye then the speck in my neighbor’s eye

[allegrita]

Oh Carol--what a great story! I really love this. Charles has so many wonderful memories, and this one is really special. It's kind of sad that there will never be another Astor hotel.

I love Charles's comment to Plum about comparing the plank in his eye to the speck in someone else's. In his long life, he's had a lot of time to learn tolerance. We could all take a lesson from him.

I've only seen Titanic once, but I remember the Astors. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmCF8ARk1A4