Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

"Women's rights champion

Susan B. Anthony

visited Newport this week.

In my capacity

as the Women's and Society reporter,

I was lucky enough to interview Miss Anthony

on behalf of your Newport Observer..."

Oh!

Oh, good heavens,

will that blasted thing never cease to startle me?

Miss Vanderbilt-Cross?

Would you mind seeing to that?

I'm just in the middle of some very important work.

Of course, Mr. Milford.

Hello?

This is she.

This Wednesday?

3:00?

Yes, I believe I'm free to attend.

I'm certain your roses are truly spectacular,

but I can't make any promises.

I do cover many events.

Thank you so much, Mrs. Lehr.

I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

You are in high demand this time of year,

Miss Vanderbilt-Cross.

Yes, it certainly is shaping up to be a busy season.

Perhaps,

but it is you

that all the seasonal residents

are clamoring to have

at their garden parties and such.

Well, I do try to avoid any salaciousness in my writing,

unlike many society reporters in the cities.

Perhaps that's why.

It's because you're one of them,

a Vanderbilt.

They trust you in a way they do no other reporter,

and lucky for us.

Speaking of reporting,

I've nearly finished with a report

about Susan B. Anthony's visit,

which I think our readers will love.

Oh.

Just so long as you stay focused

on what's important.

Sir?

Well, the spectacle, of course.

There's a reason why the women's pages

are called "Fashions and Fancies," after all.

Indeed.

Though I do think many readers are curious

about the sort of reform Miss Anthony touts.

Trust me, Miss Vanderbilt-Cross.

I know women.

They don't want to read about politics.

Of course, Mr. Milford.

Miss Anthony was...

charmingly clad

in a blue silk gown

with lace cuffs

and simple pearl earrings.

"During her speech,

she maintained

that while proud of the work she's done

to advance women's causes,

it's time for a new generation to step up to the mantle.

It was a truly inspiring afternoon."

I'm pleased with what I wrote.

Whether I'll be pleased

with what Mr. Milford publishes after his revisions

is another matter entirely.

I'm sure it will be wonderful.

Maybe even change some minds.

How do you mean?

Well, my boss at the coroner's office

still thinks the women's movement is a fad,

so dissuading him from that notion

would be a good start.

What was it like speaking with Miss Anthony

one-on-one?

I'd have been so intimidated.

She is quite a formidable woman,

I'll say that.

Did she have any words of wisdom for you,

considering the question that's been front of mind

for you lately?

Of whether I ought to marry and start a family, you mean?

Is there any other for a 21-year-old woman?

She didn't give me any advice, per se,

but she did say that, for her,

it's independence which has brought happiness.

So, in other words,

remain unmarried for as long as you can?

I just hate feeling that I must choose

between having a family

and continuing to do the work that I love.

Do you really love writing the women's pages?

I enjoy it,

and it allows me to make a living off of my writing,

which is a challenge for anyone.

I still think you should write that novel

you've been dreaming about since we were children.

I do romanticize the idea of being that sort of writer,

but I wouldn't know where to begin,

and, even if I did,

Aunt Alice would be aghast.

Surely, you shouldn't let that bother you.

You're only half Vanderbilt.

True,

but even a poor relation like me

publishing a novel

would be considered scandalous.

Pish.

The creative spirit runs through your veins.

Your mother did marry an artist, after all.

Yes,

and now, she fancies herself one as well.

Uncle Cornelius still hasn't gotten over it.

What? It's 5:00 already?

I'm gonna be late for tonight's ball!

Two assignments in one day?

You work too hard, Emma.

Tonight is work and play.

It's a right shame she and your father aren't here.

I mean, aside from missing

Cousin Gertrude's coming-out ball,

they shouldn't be--

-"traipsing around Europe

trying to sell their paintings

when their only daughter's just come of age."

Yes, so you've said repeatedly.

Well,

I don't think it's right

that they left you here to work

to keep the roof over our heads.

Lots of women work these days, Nanny,

and Brady helps when he can.

When was the last time that half-brother of yours

gave you a cent towards the running of the house?

That's not fair, he's between jobs.

Aye.

Emma, you look beautiful.

I fear the gown is doing much of the work.

Wherever did you find it?

It was Carrie Astor's from last season.

Miss Dickerson over at Atelier Bellevue,

she's planning to refashion it into something new.

I suppose that means we have to return it

after the ball?

Unless you have the $75

to buy it from her.

Oh, if only I were an heiress like Miss Astor.

If Brady doesn't arrive soon,

you're gonna have to leave without him.

He'll be here.

Arriving late will not help

in getting the Vanderbilts to accept him.

I don't think anything will.

It's been more than 20 years,

and Uncle Cornelius still treats father

like a nuisance.

Why are you so intent on continuing to try with Brady?

I refuse to accept their snobbishness.

Just because father had a son before he met mother

- doesn't mean-- - Oh!

Stupid thing.

Come here, I'll do it for you.

You look as fresh as a daisy.

And you look like you ran all the way here.

What happened?

The tailors was mad.

Judging by the lines,

everyone in town's gonna be at tonight's ball.

Only the millionaires, if I know your Aunt Alice.

Ah, there you go.

What would I do without you, Nanny?

Oh!

Well, you'd be later than you already are,

for a start.

Off you go!

Thank you, Nanny!

Bye!

Good night.

I was expecting to be greeted by Mr. Mason this evening.

I can't believe Uncle Cornelius dismissed him so suddenly.

Yeah.

The old man was head butler for what, 15 years?

As long as I can remember.

I wonder what could have happened.

Perhaps Cousin Gertrude knows.

Perhaps.

Best not ask her about it tonight, though.

Why in heavens not?

It's her first ball.

Her debut into society.

I'm sure she's a basket of nerves.

Are you sure