An Unlikely Suitor (49 page)
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Authors: Nancy Moser
An Unlikely Suitor
Chapter 6:
The skirt was a pale beige, settling somewhere between cream and tan. The bodice was a light yellow, accordion-pleated
mousseline de soie,
bisected with pearl buttons. The sleeves were of the current leg-o’-mutton fashion—voluminous from shoulder to elbow, padded with eiderdown, yet tight to the wrist. Just as the bustles of the eighties had grown ridiculous, these sleeves and the overt attention to the upper torso often went too far with layers of lace, festoons, and flounces threatening to choke.
Chapter 8:
Rowena stood very still while Lucy arranged a lace flourish on her blouse and attached a blue ribbon choker with flat bows that marked the back of her neck.
“The blue of the ocean sky,” Lucy said. . . . The pink satin in the oversized puffed sleeves was tucked into elbow ruffles of scalloped lace. A flat lace collar dipped low in a V, and the bodice was covered with a sheer lace overlay that flounced over a blue satin waistband. The skirt wasn’t gathered at the waist but folded in deep pleats, and the fabric was a floral sateen of blue and pink flowers.
Chapter 17:
Rowena began riffling through the rows of dresses. “What are you going to wear to see your Dante?” With a glance over her shoulder, she added, “For you
are
going to see him.” . . . Rowena pulled a pale olive pinstripe from the pack. “This one, I think.”
Chapter 18:
Rowena slipped her arms into the lavender satin dressing sacque that Lucy held for her. She pulled the lace-edged neck ties to the front and made a knot.
[1]
[
1
]Illustrations from
Victorian Fashions & Costumes from Harper’s Bazar 1867–1898
(Dover Publications, 1974), and
Victorian Fashions: A Pictorial Archive
(Dover Publications, 1999).
An Unlikely Suitor
- The Scarpellis need a new apartment. Lucy goes to find one, leaving Mamma to do the praying for her. There’s a fine line between doing our part because we shouldn’t remain idle and doing our part because we don’t trust God to do it. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord” (
niv
). What does this verse mean? How did Lucy fare in following the instruction in this verse? - In Chapter 2, Lucy comes home and says, “When I left this morning I didn’t realize it would be the last time I’d see the place as it’s always been.” Her mother responds, “Consider it a blessing, Lucia. Sometimes it’s best not to have time to wallow in the ‘last’ of things.” Think of a “last” in your life (moving, sending a child off to college, changing jobs). How did you deal with your “last”? How would following Mamma’s advice have helped?
- Lucy takes a big risk in catching Bonwitter in the act. There are repercussions for herself and her family. But what good came from her action? Have you ever risked much to see that justice was done? What did it cost you—or others? What were the rewards?
- In Chapter 10, Mrs. Garmin explains about men coming to Newport only on weekends, leaving their wives alone the rest of the time. Lucy considers, “What a life they had. As their husbands worked hard to pay for their lavish habits, all the women had to do was sit back and enjoy the benefits.” This was a positive aspect of being a woman during the Gilded Age. Or was it? What are some of the other positives and negatives of being a woman of that time? How would you have fared?
- In Chapter 13, Rowena struggles with jealousy over Lucy’s talents. She nearly takes credit for Lucy’s painting and is wary about giving Lucy an outlet to shine. And yet “Friends help friends be their best.” Name someone in your life who has many talents. How do they make you feel? How have you provided a way for them to showcase their talents? And/or . . . how has someone given you a chance to showcase your talents?
- In Chapter 14, the ladies of the dress shop finally take Sofia seriously. “Losing her title of ‘Baby Sofia’ made her feel like one of the group again, which made her want to work harder.” When have you felt separate from a group of peers? How did it make you feel? How did you respond? How did the situation change?
- In Chapter 17, Mamma is uncertain about going to a different church. Lucy pats her hand and whispers, “It’s all right, Mamma. God lives here too.” Where have you been where you had to remind yourself of God’s presence?
- In Chapter 18, Dante and Lucy “go ask the sunrise”—offer God their thoughts and requests. The “rising of the sun” can contain all sorts of symbolism. What do you see in the sunrise?
- Rowena realizes that without Lucy coming into her life
and
taking Edward away, Rowena would not have been open to acknowledge the love Morrie has for her, and realize her love for him. And without the scandal and the boundaries of society broken by Edward and Lucy, Rowena would never have been willing to break the bounds herself. God works through all things for good. When have you seen His hand in your life, where something “bad” turned into something “good”? - In the Epilogue, Edward tells Lucy to close her eyes and trust him, but she has trouble surrendering control. In the end he shows her a surprise beyond her imagining. Here are two verses that speak to this: “. . . watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told” (Habakkuk 1:5
niv
), and “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3
niv
). When have you surrendered to God? As a result, what amazing surprises has He shown you? If you haven’t surrendered . . . why not? And finally, why not do so now and see what amazing things He has in store!
NANCY MOSER is the author of three inspirational humor books and twenty-one novels, including
Mozart’s Sister
,
Just Jane
, and
Time Lottery
, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at
www.nancymoser.com
.
Books by
Nancy Moser
Mozart’s Sister
Just Jane
Washington’s Lady
How Do I Love Thee?
Masquerade
An Unlikely Suitor
