For the past year, Irene had stayed home grieving for her husband. Now, she was ready to live again, but without Robert. Her new life would begin tonight in downtown Los Angeles at one of her favorite places, the Biltmore Hotel.
The lavender tails of her Hermès scarf fluttered as she entered the limousine and slid in beside her best friend. The fragrance of Beatrice’s White Shoulders perfume gave her comfort.
Beatrice reached over and squeezed her hand. “It’s good to see you, dear. Thank you for inviting me to this important occasion.”
“It’s good to be with you too,” Irene said.
“I can’t wait to hear Yogananda speak.”
For the past seven years, Beatrice had been a patron of the Indian guru and studied yoga and meditation at his headquarters in Mount Washington.
Beatrice patted her poodle cut with the palm of her hand. “Do you think it’s too short, dear?”
“It becomes you.”
The chauffeur navigated the driveway of Irene’s South Pasadena estate. As she surveyed the grounds, the feathers in her hat swept across the roof. The jacaranda tree had dropped its winter leaves, a golden buttery hue. In two months it would bloom purple. Robert would never see that splendid display again.
“I’ve missed you, dear. The French twist is so attractive, especially with that hat. And the scarf goes beautifully with your auburn hair.”
“I feel fragile. Like I’ll break.”
Beatrice moved her matronly body next to Irene’s and put her hand on top of hers. “Of course you do.”
Irene drew strength from her friend’s closeness. They had met ten years before when they were docents at the Huntington Hartford Museum.
“You’ve been so kind. The baskets of food and flowers were lovely,” Irene said. “And the phone calls. Brief as I made them.”
“I’ve missed our afternoon teas at the Biltmore, and here we are,” Beatrice chuckled, “on our way there.” She removed her hand. “I’m glad you chose to come out for Ambassador Sen. You’ve done so much to help the people of India.”
“Helping others is what saved me from despair.”
Continue reading “1952 – The Biltmore Hotel” by DC Diamondopolous
THE CITY KEY 