Chapter 30

Sotheby’s, New York, 2017

“Next in our catalogue is Item #437.

Faberge Walking Stick, 1896. Once owned by the Duke of Windsor. Ebony, 14K gold, diamonds, rubies, Prussian Blue enamelware and rock crystal.

“We will start the bidding at $50,000.”

New York, February, 1936

It was a freezing winter night. It was the kind of cold that chills you to the bone upon contact. Heavy snow blanked the streets. However, Franklin and Sebastian were restless. The Gramercy Park house was warm and comfortable and afforded every convenience, but they wanted to enjoy a bit of the New York nightlife. The two had been sitting by a warm fire drinking Red Snappers and Sebastian was glancing through Time Magazine and reading about its Person of the Year.

“Let’s go to Club 21,” Sebastian suggested. “I’m sure they will let us in!” Franklin replied, your father may be the Ambassador from Cuba but I am not sure that is enough sway,” he chuckled.

Sebastian retorted, “let’s find out!” They ordered their car to be brought around at 10:00 pm. They dressed in black tie. (White tie had become passe)

The chauffeur motored them through the horrible weather to their destination on 52nd Street. The car stopped at the entrance of the club and valets opened the car doors. Once inside, the Maître d' told the young men that they were “full” for the evening and would not be admitted. Sebastian told him he was the son of the Ambassador from Cuba. The Maître d' was not moved or very impressed. "No" meant no. Franklin was taking all of this in a humorous stride when a sleek and elegant, 1936 Silver Phantom Rolls-Royce appeared at the entrance.

The car’s chauffeur and footman exited the car to assist their passengers. Alighting from the car was a couple of small but elegant proportions. The gentleman was impeccably dressed in evening wear and the woman was wearing a silver lame' gown and turban with a full-length white fox coat. The crowd around the front of the club started buzzing. As the gentleman was getting out of the car, he dropped his walking stick. Franklin rushed to the gentleman’s assistance to retrieve the cane but was roughly pushed to the ground by the chauffer.

Emerging from the car were none other than the Duke of Windsor and his wife Wallis.

Sebastian ran to his friend and heard The Duke order his footman to help Franklin to his feet. At the same time, Sebastian immediately recognized the gentleman, “Your Grace”, Sebastian responded with slight bow.

The Duke exclaimed “Sebastian, my dear boy, I am so sorry for the to do. Please join us. The Club has reserved a corner table for us.” He took Sebastian’s arm and said, “you must tell me how your parents are doing.” Introductions were made to his wife. Sebastian introduced his companion, Franklin Wilder.

Wallis approached Franklin and took his arm. She said, “Well, what a pleasant surprise to have such a handsome escort for the evening!” The young man from Savannah, Georgia remembered his genteel upbringing and said the pleasure was his. He was now escorting the woman he had just seen on the front cover of Time Magazine. The publication had just named her as the first female Person of the Year. It stated she was "the most-talked-about, written-about, headlined and interest-compelling person in the world.” He was amused to think that just moments before, he was being denied entry into the club.

The four spent a memorable time of drinking and laughing. At the conclusion of the evening, as the valets were helping them with their coats, The Duke turned to Franklin and said, “Again, sorry about the earlier business this evening, please take my cane as a sincere token of my appreciation and a memento of a lovely evening.”

Franklin gave a quick glance to Sebastian to see if it would be appropriate. Sebastian gave him a quick nod of ascent. He accepted the gift with the mark of a true gentleman. He simply replied, “Thank you.”

Wallis gave each boy a kiss on the cheek. She smiled and told Franklin, “I could have spent all night just listening to your lovely accent.

New York, 2017

“Sold. Item #437 for $185,700, Gentleman’s Walking Stick to the British Museum.”

Red Gin Snapper

A 1930’s Classic Reborn.

INGREDIENTS

5 ice cubes
1 (6 fl oz) can tomato juice
2 fl oz dry gin
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp hot pepper sauce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp brine from olive jar
2 Tbsp of the Southern Conserve’s Tomato Conserve
¼ tsp prepared horseradish
1 celery stalk
1 small dill pickle
2 stuffed green olives
1 wedge lemon

PREPARATION

Place ice cubes into a cocktail shaker, and pour in tomato juice, gin, lemon juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with The Tomato Conserve, and horseradish.

Cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted.

Pour contents (including ice) into a 12-ounce highball glass.

Garnish with celery, pickle, olives, and lemon wedge before serving.