Throughout the next week, Jonathon's nerves were in a constant turmoil. Every morning when he went to school, he waited for Helen to say something about the dance, but she never did. Then every afternoon, he dreaded his mother angrily reporting she'd received a reply from Helen saying she wasn't coming.

It was now the Friday before the dance, the last possible day for Helen to refuse the invitation, and she'd still remained silent on the subject. Riding home in the back of the car, his stomach was in knots. Had she waited until the last moment to send his mother a note? That would surely make Mother angry.

He sighed as they drove through the open gate. No matter what excuse Helen had given, he'd come up with some sort of explanation that would soothe Mother's ruffled feathers. He could sense Helen was softening her stance towards him. Every day she seemed more comfortable, laughing at his jokes, and chatting easily with him. He couldn't let anything get between them now that he was so close.

When James pulled up to the house and stopped the car, Jonathon was surprised to see a moving truck parked by the front entrance and the front door wide open.

"Awe, jeez," Billy said, rolling his eyes. "What now?"

"Mother must be moving furniture out for the dance."

"Why does she have to make such a big deal out of everything?" Billy said, his eyes filled with desperation. "I didn't want a big party!"

"You know Mother. She never does anything half way," Jonathon said as James opened the door for them.

When they walked in the grand parlor, two middle aged men in denim overalls were in front of the fireplace at the far side of the room, rolling up the large Oriental rug. The sofas and chairs had been moved to edges of the room and all the small tables had already been taken out.

"Oh, good. You're home," Mother said, going to them.

"You didn't have to take out all the furniture," Billy said, his voice more measured than it had been in the car. "We don't need the whole floor for dancing."

"Don't be silly, darling. There wouldn't be room for the band."

"You hired a band?" he said with a pained expression.

"Well, of course!" she said as if she couldn't believe this was news to him. "You didn't think we'd have everyone dance to the Victrola, did you?"

"I was thinking the radio," he said faintly.

"That would never work," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "No one would hear it on the other side of the room." Billy dropped his head with defeat. "I need both of you go to your bedrooms. I've taken your suits out of moth balls and laid them out. I want you to put them on and come down here. A seamstress is arriving in a few minutes to make sure they fit."

"Alright, Mother," Jonathon said.

Billy didn't say anything when he headed for the stairs, but once his back was turned, his expression was thunderous. Following behind him, Jonathon was glad he hadn't let Mother see how angry he was. Father would surely hear of it, and then Billy would suffer the consequences.

In his room with the door closed, it occurred to him that his mother hadn't mentioned getting a reply from Helen. There was no way Mother would have forgotten to tell him Helen had refused the invitation, and his hopes rose. Was it possible she was coming after all?

Perhaps her aunt and uncle had decided to buy a dress for her. After all, Mr. Moore's bank was the only one his family used as well as being the main bank for Blackwell Iron and Mining. He wished he could know for sure, but if it wasn't the case, if she didn't show up, he could tell his mother it was a last minute illness. Mother couldn't hold that against Helen.

He grinned as he put on his black jacket. Everything was going to work out after all.

~~

"Don't you two look handsome!" Mother gushed, when Jonathon and Billy entered the grand parlor. Her silk gown swished quietly as she approached them.

"You look lovely too, Mother," Jonathon said. He kissed her on the cheek, smelling her Chanel No. 5, and she beamed up at him when he stepped back.

"Thank you, darling."

The room looked nice. Between the two fireplaces, tables were set up, some overflowing with party food while another held a large crystal punch bowl, bottles of soda pop lined up on either side. The band was setting up at the far end of the room and a few of them had begun to tune their instruments.

Watching them, Jonathon tried to dampen his nervous energy, but it was nearly impossible. He hoped with all his might Helen would show up tonight. It would be like heaven to finally hold her in his arms while they danced together. And he'd get to do it all night. Tonight was going to change everything. He could feel it – but only if she came.

"It won't be long before everyone arrives," Mother said while she straightened Billy's bow tie. "I don't want you to dance with just one girl tonight, William."

"What?" Billy said loudly. "I only want to dance with Kitty."

"You're the host and it's your responsibility to make sure each girl gets a dance." Billy scowled while moving away from her. "I want both of you to dance at least once with each unattached girl."

Jonathon looked at her with surprise. "Why me? It's not my party!"

"No, but it is your home."

"But Mother–"

"Jonathon, you're a host too!"

"What's going on in here?" Father demanded, glaring at both boys from the doorway, and Jonathon closed his mouth. It wouldn't do to start the evening on Father's bad side. "Well?" he practically shouted as he stalked towards them.

"Nothing, dear," Mother said, going to meet him. "I was just talking to the boys about etiquette. Would you like me to make you an old fashioned before the party starts?"

"A drink would be nice, thank you," he said, but he was still giving Jonathon and Billy a warning look.

"Since people will be arriving soon, why don't you boys go wait for them," she said, heading for the bar cabinet.

"Yes, Mother," Jonathon and Billy said at the same time, not wanting to give father a reason to start in on them.

While Jonathon walked to the door, he was seething. He couldn't believe his mother was forcing him to dance with other girls. Now if Helen did show up, he wasn't going to be able to enjoy the evening with her. It wasn't fair.

"I hate this!" Billy hissed under his breath when they reached the front door and were out of Mother's earshot. It was small comfort that he seemed even more angry than Jonathon.

Jonathon opened the door, and heard the sound of tires crunching on the gravel. Two cars stopped in front of the garage and another appeared from behind the trees, coming down the drive.

He plastered a smile on his face while Billy went down the front steps to greet his friends. When they reached the door, he shook hands and directed them to the put their gifts on a table by the door. Then some of his friends arrived and he gave them slaps on the back and led them inside, encouraging them to help themselves to food and punch. As more people arrived, he examined the cars, his heart sinking each time he didn't see her.

With a sizable crowd now in the grand parlor, the band struck up the first notes of 'Moonlight Serenade'. Jonathon heard a new group arrive, and when he looked up, his heart leapt in his chest.

She was there.

Helen's blonde curls were brushed out in waves and gleamed in the early evening sun that was pouring through the door behind her. As she stepped towards him, she smiled, and it was like time stood still. 

"Helen," he said, taking her hand. Her dark blue organdy gown made her blue eyes stand out more, and he struggled for a moment, trying for something to say.  He wanted tell her how beautiful she was, but the words escaped him. "You look lovely," he said finally.

She blushed and dropped her eyes. "Thank you."

"It's good to see you again, Helen," his mother said behind him, and he moved aside so she could shake Helen's hand.

"Thank you, Mrs. Blackwell."

Seeing them smile at each other, he couldn't help thinking how wonderfully things had worked out. She'd come after all, and his mother was clearly pleased to see her. Then his mother's smile dropped. Annie was in the doorway. 

"Hello, Mrs. Blackwell," she said, sticking her hand out.

Edna and Dorothy who were standing nearby gave Annie a once-over before giving each other a meaningful look on the way to the grand parlor. Jonathon's mother was giving her just as much scrutiny, and his stomach sank. Annie's cotton dress was clearly old. Covered in lacy frills, it had seen better days. Next to Helen and the other girls in their stylish dresses, she stuck out like a sore thumb. But from the grin on her face as she shook his mother's hand, she appeared clueless as always.

"Can I escort you gals inside," he offered, wanting to get Annie away from his mother before she said something in front of Helen.

Once the three of them were alone, he stole glances at Helen while he led them to the drinks table. Her dress was more simple than the other girls' with their sparkling beadwork and sequins, but in Jonathon's opinion, it allowed her natural beauty to shine through.

"Can I get you girls punch?" he said.

"Gee, thanks, Johnny!" Annie said, her eyes large as she took in the room.

"What about you, Helen?"

"I'm fine, but thank you," she said with a smile that he couldn't help returning.

Once he'd handed Annie her glass, he took immediate advantage of the opportunity. "Would you like to dance," he asked Helen, offering her his arm.

"I'd love to."

He could feel the warmth of her hand on the crook of his arm, and it made him feel alive. When they were in the center of the floor, he turned and she stepped close, putting her hand in his, her other hand resting on his shoulder. As they waltzed, he couldn't stop staring at her, and with her so close, he could smell her perfume. It was light and flowery. 

"You look beautiful tonight."

"That's very nice of you to say. I think you look good too."

His heart skipped a beat. Did she just say he was handsome?

She leaned her head closer. "I hope I'm dancing okay," she said quietly, looking at the other couples as if she was afraid they would overhear. "Aunt Irene has been practicing with me every day after school."

"It's perfect," he said, and she smiled with pleasure.  "What are your plans now that high school is almost over?"

"My uncle is giving me a job at the bank."

"That's swell!" he said loudly, and then coughed as she laughed. "I mean, it's swell he's giving you a job." He hadn't intended to sound so excited, but it was fantastic news. A job at the bank meant she'd be staying in town permanently.

She shifted her attention to the other couples dancing near them. "Yes, a job is good," she said, but her smile had dropped.

"You're not happy about working at the bank?"

"I am," she said, turning her attention back to him. "I'm grateful Uncle Charlie gave me the job, it's just... he's paying me a lot less than the other tellers. I understand why wants me to pay him back for taking me in, and room and board while I'm living with them, only – I was hoping to send money to my parents, enough so they could bring my sisters home. Now I don't know if I'll be able to give them enough to get Ruthie back."

Looking in her sad eyes, anger flared inside him. How could Mr. Moore make Helen pay for staying with him, as if she was some stranger off the street? It seemed a low down thing to do to his own niece. Didn't he have enough money from his bank?

"Maybe - maybe you'll be able to save up more than you think, and you'll be able to help them."

"Maybe," she said, but from her tone, he knew she didn't believe it.

He hated that he could only offer her vague hope instead of money. He had plenty, probably more than she needed, but he was helpless to act. Someday you'll have it all, he thought as he looked down at her. I'll make sure you and your family never struggle again.

"What about your plans after school?" she said, looking up at him with a bright smile. "I suppose a big college campus is in your future."

"No, not really," he said, grateful she'd changed the subject for them. "Father doesn't think extra schooling is necessary. And besides, he wants me by his side at the mine. Things are going to get a lot busier when war breaks out."

"War?" she said, looking taken aback. "What war?"

"In Europe," he replied easily. "Father says the way things are going, Germany will probably start one, and you can't have a war without iron. Business will be booming."

"You seem almost happy about it!"

"Oh, no!" he said, trying to sound as horrified as she just had. "If people over there are determined to start a war, it's not like we can stop them. We're just being practical. If the demand for iron is going to go up, we have to be ready, the jobs of everyone in town will be affected if we aren't. A lot of people depend on us."

"I guess you're right, but I hate the idea of another war. I lost three uncles in the last one. You don't think we'll be pulled into it, do you?"

"Roosevelt has a lot of faults, but he's not that stupid."

At that moment, the song ended and he reluctantly let go of her. The band began another waltz, and Helen waited expectantly. "Uh, my mother is insisting Billy and I make sure all the girls get a chance to dance."

"Oh," she said, disappointment evident in her face, and he shook his head. This wasn't fair.

"If it wasn't for my mother, I would dance all night with you."

"Don't worry about me!" Helen said, attempting to change their mood with a smile. "I'm fine, really."

She put her hand on his arm so he could lead her off the floor, but it only made him more reluctant to leave her. "Would you like some punch?" At least that would prolong his time with her for a few more minutes.

"I would," she said, still smiling.

After he got her a glass of punch, he reluctantly went to Dorothy who grinned broadly when she accepted his invitation. He tried to pay attention as she made small talk, but he couldn't help glancing in Helen's direction. She was standing with Annie, both of them swaying slightly to the music as they watched the other couples dancing. She never once looked in his direction. Maybe it hurt her to see him dancing with another girl?

During the next song, he was dancing with Edna when to his astonishment, Leonard Melleville walked up to Helen. When she placed her hand on his arm so he could lead her to the dance floor, rage boiled through him. What did he think he was doing?

"Johnny, you're squeezing me too tight," Edna whispered.

"Oh, I'm sorry," he said, loosening his grip on her hand.

"It's okay," she said, smiling at him anyway.

He maneuvered them through the dancers until he caught Leonard's eye, giving him a withering glare. Leonard had the decency to look chastened, and as soon as the song was over, he let go of Helen and escorted her back to Annie.

Jonathon longed to go get her, but instead he danced with Betsy Hill. While she chatted about how much her new dress cost and how much her shoes hurt, he kept looking in Helen's direction. Each time she came into view, she was still with Annie, but as the song progressed, she looked bored. He was going to dance with her next, he decided firmly, even if Mother didn't approve.

The song thankfully ended, and he let go of Betsy. Once he'd left her near the band, he headed across the room to get Helen, but when he reached the spot where she'd been standing, Annie was alone. "Where's Helen?" he demanded.

"Walt Dwyer asked her to dance," Annie said, pointing towards the couples.

Walt was easy to find. He was a tall fellow, towering over the other boys. He and Helen were talking as they danced, and worse, Jonathon was dismayed to see the way Helen was smiling at him. Now what was he going to do? "Do you – want to dance?" he asked Annie halfheartedly.

"Really?" she said, her eyes widening. "Gee, thanks!"

He led her to the floor, making sure to position them close to Helen and Walt. Annie's dancing skills weren't what he was used to, and while he struggled to lead her through the steps of the fox trot, he tried to overhear what Helen and Walt were discussing. But between Annie prattling on about his house and the band being so loud, he couldn't hear a word.

What he could clearly see was that Helen was enjoying herself with Walt, and it made him boiling mad. He'd dance the next one with her, but what about the rest of the evening? How was he going to keep the other fellows away from her?

Once the song finished, he rushed Annie off the dance floor, eager to get to Helen. Then he heard his mother's voice behind him. "Do you mind if I have the next dance?"

Damn. "Of course," he said, turning around with a forced smile.

"I think the party's going well," Mother said, expertly following his lead as they tangoed. "Everyone seems to be having a good time."

Everyone except me and Billy, Jonathon thought sourly, but he smiled and said, "Yes, they certainly do."

"Helen looks lovely," she said, and Jonathon followed her gaze.

What the heck? Walt was dancing with her again. If he knew him better, he could tell him to knock it off. But the two of them had never been in the same circle of friends. He tore his eyes away from them.

"Her friend, however..." Mother said. She pursed her lips when she found Annie where Jonathon had left her. "That dress is a disgrace. It must be at least twenty years old. If she couldn't find something suitable to wear, you'd think she'd have declined our invitation."

"I know," he said tiredly.

"I don't want her coming here anymore. Helen seems perfectly comfortable around us now, she doesn't need her."

"Alright."

"I mean it, Jonathon," she stated emphatically. "This stops tonight."

"I understand, Mother," he said, but he was worried. Helen wouldn't like Annie being left out of any future get-togethers. But if he could get Helen to agree to go on a date, the problem of Annie would be solved. He was just going to have to make that happen tonight.

When the band finished, Mother led Jonathon to Billy. He was by the punch bowl downing a bottle of Coca Cola. "Your friends are enjoying themselves," Mother said to him. "You see what a good idea this was?"

"Yes, Mother," he said with a tight smile.

"It looks like we're running low on petit fours again," she said, surveying the food tables. "Excuse me, boys."

"I hate this party," Billy said as soon as she disappeared in the crowd.

"I'm not having any fun either," Jonathon muttered, watching Helen with Walt, who was having his third dance in a row with her. "Hey, let's dance with each other's girls."

"You want me to dance with Helen?" Billy said with surprise.

"I'm tired of watching her dance with other fellows. You haven't danced with her yet, and I haven't danced with Kitty."

"Well, alright. You think we can trade partners after that? I've only gotten one dance with her."

"Yeah, you cut in towards the end, and then we'll continue with the next song."

Billy grinned. "I'll get Helen now," he said, and hurried away while Jonathon scanned the room for Billy's sweetheart. He spotted her in a crowd of young girls, and headed towards her.

He wasn't sure why his brother had fallen so hard for Kitty. Perhaps Billy faced the same problem that Jonathon had. After growing up with the same small group of girls, they all seemed more like sisters than someone you'd want to take out on a date.

Kitty had moved to town the summer before when her father was hired at the mine. Even though he was a Bulgarian, he was a brilliant engineer, and Father had moved quickly to hire him. Kitty had inherited her father's thick dark hair and olive complexion, which made her stand out among the mostly pale northern girls. He had to admit, when Billy had pointed her out during the first week of school, he'd thought she was a cute little thing.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked when he reached her, ignoring her giggling friends.

"Uh, sure, Johnny," she said with obvious surprise.

She was much shorter than he was, but she followed his lead well. He looked over her head, trying to find Billy and Helen so he could maneuver them closer.

"Do you think Billy's having a good time?" she asked just as he'd spotted his brother.

"What?" he said, tearing his eyes away from Helen.

"He's been so low about this party, but it's his birthday. I want him to enjoy it."

Jonathon smiled. It was sweet how she cared about him. "You shouldn't worry about Billy. He'll be okay. He gets riled about things, but he always gets over it."

"I hope so," she said, looking over at him worriedly.

For two people so young, it was unusual for them to have gotten so close, and normally it wouldn't be allowed. Kitty's parents hadn't put a stop to it, probably afraid it would upset Father if they insisted Kitty keep her distance from Billy. But what they didn't realize, neither he nor Mother cared.

They'd never paid attention to who Billy was interested in, not like they did with Jonathon. It was to be expected though, since he was the eldest and set to inherit everything. But even if his parents didn't bother themselves with Billy, Jonathon did, and he approved of Billy's choice. She was a good kid. And unlike most girls, she cared more about Billy's well-being than his money or status in town.

Jonathon positioned them so they were dancing next to Billy and Helen, and as soon as Billy noticed them, he said, "Want to swap partners?" even though the song was only half way through.

Kitty's face lit up. "Is it okay?" she asked Jonathon.

"What about you?" he said to Helen.

"I'd like to."

His heart swelled, seeing her happiness when he took her in his arms again, and at that moment he made a decision. It didn't matter if Mother didn't approve, he wasn't going to let her go. He'd dance with her for the rest of the night. Even if he had to face Father's wrath tomorrow for disobeying her, it would be worth it.

They twirled around the floor, song after song, only stopping when Helen said she was thirsty. He almost hesitated when he saw his mother near the punch bowl, but without any choice, he crossed the floor. He knew Mother wouldn't make a scene, but she still might say something about him only dancing with Helen. He'd just try to reason with her if she did.

"Having a good time?" Mother inquired pleasantly, and Jonathon let out a breath.

"Yes, Mrs. Blackwell," Helen said. "Thank you for inviting me. It's been so much fun."

Mother's face brightened, and Jonathon knew he had nothing to worry about. "It was my pleasure. I know Jonathon would want you here."

"Can I get you punch, Mother," he said after handing Helen a filled glass.

"That's alright.  I'm fine, dear. I was very sorry to hear about what happened to your family," she said to Helen, and Jonathon nearly spilled the punch he was pouring into his glass.

"Thank you, Mrs. Blackwell," Helen said, emotion filling her eyes.

Father appeared at the table, and Jonathon was suddenly finding it difficult to breathe. He'd completely forgotten about the lie he'd told his mother about Helen's family. 

"I'm sure it must have been terrible for your parents to go through that," Mother said. He had to set down the glass because his hand was shaking too much.

"It has been hard, but we're getting through it," Helen said.

"I'm sure you are," Mother said, patting her hand. "Please give them my best."

"I will.  The next time I write them."

"Would you like to dance?" Jonathon asked Helen quickly. If he could get her away now, it would be alright.

"Yes, thank you," she said with a smile.

"What are we talking about," Father said loudly as Jonathon took Helen's glass to put on the table. "What happened with her family?"

"I already told you, dear," Mother said.

If Jonathon could have grabbed Helen's hand and started running, he would have. Instead, he gave her a smile while he offered his arm.

"You did?" Father grunted.

"Yes, her family was in banking, like the Moore's."

****

Just when everything was looking like it was going to work out for Jonathon, this happens.  I sincerely hope you enjoyed this chapter!  I resisted cutting it shorter because there was too much good stuff going on.  What do you think Helen's reaction is going to be to what she's heard?  Is this the thing that drives them apart, or will Jonathon manage to fix it?  You've also learned a bit more about Jess's mother, and seen Walt Dwyer coming more into the picture.  I can't wait to hear what you think! 

Thank you again for reading!  Your support is super appreciated!

Katherine