Searching for Him

Chapter 2

Thursday, July 16, 1894 – Lewis’s carriage was waiting for us as we prepared for our first day at the World Columbian Exposition. His driver, a Mr. Jablonski, ushered us into the vehicle with efficiency but lacked the grace I expect from a driver without a footman. Robbie and Michael were excitedly chattering about what we were going to see and do. They had heard there was a giant Ferris Wheel which they wanted to ride. I was looking forward to a gondola ride through the grand canal. Lewis was waiting with his two sons at the main exposition entrance which was a short walk from his home in Hyde Park. He is such a handsome man and a lovely person.

Gran’s recollection of that morning makes me smile because that was the day my life started to change. Robbie and I had slept together and made each other quiver again the night before. We didn’t talk about it even though we had managed to do that three times before last night. After leaving the congestion around the hotel we entered a road along Lake Michigan for several miles to the Columbian Exposition. As the carriage drew to a stop I saw Mr. Brown followed by two of the most beautiful boys I had ever seen in my life. One boy was tall with light brown hair and the other boy, perhaps three inches shorter, had darker hair. Both boys were identically dressed in white full shirts unbuttoned two buttons down exposing more skin than English boys ever show in public. They were wearing tennis length short pants with suspenders, white short stockings and white canvas shoes. I will never forget how the taller boy smiled at me as they approached us.

Mr. Brown took Gran’s hand and helped her from the carriage. We followed. He addressed us, “Robbie and Michael I would like to introduce my sons –Leif and Jordan. I asked them to come and serve as your guides since they have been to the Exposition several times this summer. We shook hands and spoke “Hellos”. After entering the park we received instructions about meeting for tea at 4pm in the English Tea Garden. We were on our own. After Gran and Mr. Brown stepped away Leif took control. “Boys, where do you want to go first?”

Robbie said without asking me, “Other than the Ferris wheel don’t know what there is to see. We will follow you if that’s alright.”

“Sure, let’s go for a Ferris Wheel ride. You will see everything. How old are you boys?”

Robbie piped up, “I’m thirteen almost fourteen and Michael is twelve.” Immediately I felt embarrassed. I wished he hadn’t said that. “How old are you?” Robbie followed up.

“I’m sixteen and Jordy, he’s fourteen.” I admired their tight butts as they walked in front of us. Leif bought the tickets and we waited in a long line before entering our car. The slow climb gave us a complete view of the canals and water ways filled with gondolas and boats for punting.

After our ride was completed Leif led us into the electricity pavilion which was filled with new types of lighting, a moving stairway and a moving picture theater. There was an amazing kitchen where all appliances were electric. We walked and walked but could never see all there was to see. After a quick bathroom stop we walked through the curved archway of the transportation pavilion. Most of the vehicles on display were carriages and boats. I expected to see more automobiles.

As lunch approached Jordan indicated to Leif that he wanted to eat hot dogs. There was look of horror on Robbie’s face whose expression told me he didn’t know what a hot dog was either. We followed them to a stand that was handing out sausages on round buns. Jordan explained that these were not sausages but rather hot dogs that you covered in mustard, ketchup, onions and more. We each had two and were uncomfortably full but Jordy bought us ice cream cones anyway. We took a gondola ride across the grand canal to meet Gran and Mr. Brown. We had to sprint to reach the English Garden by 4pm. Robbie fell and scraped his knee and lower leg. Even though we were a few minutes late neither Lewis nor Gran seemed concerned.

I watched Jordan intently as he ate his scone with cream and jam. He crewed carefully as his scone began to crumble. A bit of jam dropped on his white shirt. Under his breath I heard him say, “Damn it.” Mr. Brown’s angry look told him he was in trouble. He said, “Sorry, father, I…”

“We’ll discuss it later,” and nothing more was said. Evening was descending and electric lights illuminated the exterior of all the buildings. The site of the White City was beautiful beyond description. We walked slowly and stopped to listen to a small orchestra playing in a lighted pavilion. Mr. Brown explained that we were having dinner in a steak house in the park but had to dress for dinner. I couldn’t figure out how we were going to do that until Mr. Brown led us into a small building with ‘Dressing rooms’ painted over the door. To my surprise Hilda stood waiting to assist Gran. Mr. Brown’s butler stood nearby. We went into a large private dressing room. Mr. Brown was concerned about Robbie leg and ordered some bandages be brought to cover Robbie’s wound. Leif and Jordan began undressing and I followed their lead not knowing exactly what was happening. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Leif and Jordan who were much bigger in the front than either Robbie or me. Their willie’s looked different in that they did not have skin covering the end. And they were bigger and, like Theodore, had hair all around their willies. The butler handed each of us a dressing gown and we followed Mr. Brown and the boys into a shower room. The warm water showering down was refreshing. After washing and drying ourselves our evening clothes were arranged. When I was dressed Mr. Brown’s butler helped me tie my white bow tie.

We were posed for a photograph before entering the dimly lit dining room. The crystal chandeliers with tiny electric lights twinkled. I don’t remember much about the food but I do remember the orchestra played jazzy music during dinner. After dinner we stepped onto the grand promenade to watch fireworks that went on and on. I stood as close to Jordan as I dared. He seemed to like me because he put his hand around my shoulder and pulled me closer to him. We said “Good Bye” about 9:30pm as Gran, Robbie and me prepared to return to the hotel. Gran thanked Mr. Brown and we shook hands with him, Leif and Jordan before entering the carriage. His last words to us were, “We will see you on Saturday at the yacht club. Bring a jacket it may be cool on the lake.”

Once in bed Robbie and I dropped off to sleep immediately only to be woken by Hilda at 9:30am. She could see we weren’t wearing our pajamas because our pajamas were still lying folded where she had arranged them the night before. Hilda didn’t say anything about the pajamas but she informed us that we would be meeting Gran for lunch at the Marshall Field & Co department store where she had gone to shop. She left us. I noticed that under Robbie’s injured leg was a major blood spot on the sheets. Robbie didn’t seem to be in pain.

I was concerned and asked Hilda to call for a nurse sister to look at it. She seemed put off by my request but complied by making a telephone call to the medical department. Twenty minutes later a sister in white uniform knocked on our door. She firmly instructed Robbie to sit on the bed as she removed the bandage that had been applied the day before. She asked Robbie if the wound had been cleaned properly after he fell. He told her it happened at the exposition and we were too busy. Robbie have new bandages put on before putting on his knickers and stockings. With that done Robbie to put on his shoes and followed her to the medical department. Not wanting to be left alone I went along. Hilda told us to go to the main dining room for our breakfast after we finished in the medical department. I wished Theodore had come with us because he would have known what to do.

When we arrived at the medical department the sister went to find the doctor. A tall older man entered in his morning suit. He looked at Robbie’s leg and scolded him for not cleaning the wound properly the previous day. The doctor said there was mild infection. He put hot wraps on the wound. He proceeded to have Robbie take off his knickers so they did not get stained. He then proceeded to swab Robbie’s wound with a red liquid than caused Robbie to start crying because of the pain. I stood close to Robbie and held his shoulder as he squeezed my right hand. The doctor proceeded to bandage Robbie leg again with instruction to return the following morning for another treatment. Robbie didn’t say much but we promised to tell Gran what had happened.

Shortly after noon we walked under the elevated train tracks for three blocks to the Marshall Field department store. Noisy elevated trains passed overhead every few minutes. Once we were in the department store we inquired about the location of the restaurant and were told it was on the eighth floor. We found the lifts and proceeded to the restaurant called the Oak Room. Gran waved as we walked to up to the maitre d’. He greeted us and led us to Gran’s table. We ate what the waiter recommended which was an unusual salad made from a wedge of lettuce covered with a pink dressing and sprinkled with blue cheese and bacon pieces. This was followed by a small steak surrounded by French frites. For desert I had chocolate and Robbie had strawberry ice cream. Our conversation with Gran centered on our experiences at the Exposition.

Saturday, July 18, 1894 – Lewis invited me and the youngsters to sail on Lake Michigan. Because we were only a few blocks for the yacht club we decided to walk. We agreed to meet Lewis and his boys at the club at 10am. The wind was stiff but the temperature was pleasant. I insisted that the boys bring their caps which they resisted but I insisted. The sun was much more intense than they are used to. We arrived on time and were shuttled to Lewis’ yacht in a small motorized launch. The yacht was polished wood with a single mast. The crew was his sons and two other young men. Lewis looked so handsome in his yachtsman’s cap as he stood at the helm giving orders to his crew. We cast off and the yacht keeled suddenly as the main sail filled. I was a bit startled but assumed it was correct since no one else seemed surprised.

We returned to the yacht club for a late lunch even though we had snacks on the yacht. The conversation at lunch turned to our upcoming trip to Colorado. I could tell something was not right with Robbie. I followed him to the bathroom to find out what was wrong. When I asked him he said, “My leg is really hurting but I don’t want you to tell Gran. She might cancel the trip to Colorado.” I agreed not to say anything but I was worried.

Leif and Jordan asked to be excused and ushered Robbie and me into a room with four table tennis tables. I was familiar with the game but had never played. Leif instructed us on the way to hold the paddle and hit the ball. Even though the rules were similar to tennis keeping the ball on the table was more challenging that it looked. We tried and finally gave the paddles to Lief and Jordan who were quite skilled at the game. Robbie and I tried to play each other but I could tell moving was hurting Robbie’s leg. Gran and Mr. Brown joined us and the whole group walked back to the hotel. On the walk Gran informed us that we would be leaving Chicago for Colorado on Monday afternoon.

Once we were back at the hotel Gran told Robbie she would call the hotel doctor. She was aware Robbie was not feeling his best. She uncharacteristically put her hand on Robbie’s forehead and shook her head. “You have a temperature. We will see what the doctor can give you to reduce your pain.” Robbie didn’t protest as we walked slowly to our room. He lied down on our bed and fell asleep. I waited anxiously for the doctor to arrive. It seemed like hours passed before there was a soft knock on the door. I opened it to find the doctor and Gran standing there. I told them Robbie was sleeping as they entered the bedroom. The doctor removed the bandage without waking Robbie. His face told me he was concerned. Gran covered her mouth with her gloved hand and her eyes showed her concern. The doctor asked Gran, “Does this child have diabetes? I am suspecting so or this would be healing. It was simply a scrape originally.”

“He has been well up until now. His mother never mentioned diabetes.”

“Ma’am, what is diabetes? All I know is he tripped the day we were at the Exposition and skinned his shin.”

Gran spoke to the doctor, “Doctor, what should we do?”

“Before I recommend anything let me ask you a few questions. I do not want to offend you, Ma’am but they have to do with bodily functions.”

“I understand. Michael you may know more than I know about Robbie’s personal habits.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

The doctor began, “Have you noticed if Robbie is sleeping more than usual?”

“Since we left England he seems to fall asleep every time we are alone even when we are playing checkers,” I announced.

“Have you noticed if he is shaky or loses his balance?”

“I think that is what happened at the Exposition. He seemed to wobble and then fall. I thought he tripped but he said he felt dizzy.”

“One final question – does Robbie go to the toilet to urinate often?” The doctor cleared his throat and didn’t look at Gran.

I was embarrassed at the question but Gran said firmly, “Michael, if you know the answer tell the doctor.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Robbie seems to need to pee wherever we go. I thought it was because he is always drinking water.”

“Thank you, Michael. Mrs. Walker I suspect Robbie has diabetes. I recommend that you make an appointment with Dr. Bates at Northwestern Medical College. He has been quite successful helping manage the disease. I understand you plan to leave Chicago soon so I suggest asking the concierge to call to see if the doctor can see you.”

“I will do that immediately. We will delay our trip to Colorado if necessary.” My heart sank fearing that we wouldn’t go. I knew Robbie more than me would be devastated. Robbie was awake as the doctor applied new bandages. He and Gran left.

“Michael, what happened? Help me up I have to pee badly.”

“Go to the toilet. I’ll tell you when you’re finished.” He was gone for a brief time and when he returned I said, “Robbie, the doctor suspects you have diabetes because your wound is not healing properly. He suggested to Gran that you go to a special doctor before we leave for Colorado.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know. Gran went to see about getting an appointment. She will tell us.”

“So we aren’t leaving Monday with Lief and Jordan and Lewis, I mean Mr.
Brown.” Robbie paused, “That reminds me he has asked that you and me call him by his given name, Lewis. Did he tell you the same thing? I know we wouldn’t do such a thing in England but if he wants it that way it is fine with me.”

“Mr. Brown didn’t say anything to me but I will do it after you address him as Lewis.”

Did the doctor say I would get better?”

“That’s why you’re going to the special doctor to find out.”

I suggested a game of checkers before we went to bed. Early the next morning we heard a knock, jumped out of bed and hurriedly put our pajamas on. Robbie opened the door and Gran came in. “Well, Robbie, we are fortunate that the doctor at Northwestern can see us next Friday.” I could see the disappointment in Robbie’s face.

We saw Lewis and his sons on Sunday before they left for Colorado. They joined us for Sunday lunch in the hotel’s Empire Dining Room. The walls of the room were covered in mirrors with gold sconces in between each mirror. Our chairs at the tables were dark wood with emerald green velvet seat covers. Because it was lunch we didn’t have to wear evening clothes but were well dressed in new knickers and jackets that Gran bought for us at Marshall Field’s. I wondered if there was a Mrs. Brown because she had never been mentioned. Nothing was said about her so I choose not to ask. Lewis was very attentive to Gran. They sat next to each other and he whispered in her ear frequently which I thought was rude. Several time she patted his arm indicating he should move away.

After the main course was cleared Lewis spoke, “Boys, you know that our plans have changed somewhat. As planned we will leave for Colorado on Monday. If we don’t Leif won’t be able to stay very long before he must return to St. Louis to prepare to enter the Washington University in September. As soon as the doctor allows Robbie to travel Mrs. Walker and you boys will come out. I am sending my railcar back to Chicago so it is ready for your trip west. We will be ready for you.”

We said our “Goodbyes” feeling disappointed we wouldn’t be going with them. After they left the table Gran told us she had engaged a tutor for us the following week to teach us about the art collection that Mrs. Potter Palmer had on display at the Exposition.” She told us that Mrs. Palmer was the wife of the hotel owner, Mr. Potter Palmer. She had a great interest in the new artistic painting style referred to as Impressionism. I personally wasn’t that interested but knew we had nothing else to do while we waited for Robbie’s doctor’s appointment. I was excited that we would be returning to the Exposition to see the paintings that Gran had mentioned.

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