The Story of John S. Hudson

Hudson, a traveler, and part time worker here in Amsterdam.’
 "Regina offered me her hand as if I were one of a million men she had met tonight.  But how could it be?  Had I not seen heaven itself just a moment ago?  ‘Delighted, I’m sure,’ she returned and without any hesitation instructed her suitor to get her another drink.
 "Fate once again came at the request of the Baron to occupy his Lady while he produced a drink from the bar in the next room.  It appeared that this could take the larger part of five minutes, as many visitors to his house tonight selected this moment to refill their draught.  Inside I trembled at the thought of having to form my own words to this creature of unimaginable beauty.  She relieved me of all duty and softly spoke, in the tone I imagined her voice to be when mesmerized moments ago.  ‘Where do you come from John Hudson?’
 "It was like a choir of angels sang in unison.  I fumbled, at best, an answer.  ‘I from, uh, come to America.’  She smiled at my uneasiness and added to my nervousness.  I cleared my throat and mustered what will I own, digging deep to the harkened places I stowed strength for trying times as these.  ‘I come from America, in the northern part of New York state, a town called Canton, which is quite lovely at his time of year, owning to the autumn colors which decorate the main avenues of the town, awaiting the first snows.’  I then realized I babbled incessantly and offered my apology for the banter.
 "She said, ‘Do not worry, I get this reaction a lot from gentlemen.  I am flattered.  Tell me, why did you come to Amsterdam?’
 "We discussed such topics for what seemed like an eternity, but actually was only a few minutes.  I spoke about my affairs which brought me here to Amsterdam; the loss of my job and the alienation which followed, and the need to get out of the small town trap.  When my existence back in beloved America would be hardly missed, I made the decision to take residence in this magnificent city for an untold amount of time.  She listened intently and absorbed every word befalling my lips.  By the by, Baron von Genderstien returned with three full mugs, handing one to his betrothed first, the next to me, and the third he held high and proposed a toast to friendship and heartened acquaintance.  We both raised our glasses and I noticed the fire go out in her eyes in regards to my disposition.  She drank graciously and put down a portion of her ale before lowering the glass to the level of her eyes.  Here she gave me one last look before turning to the Baron.  She kissed him softly on the lips and I could feel the first pains of a jealously so incredible that it would have me conjure ill thoughts of my crony and friend."
 And here I observed a change in John Hudson.  The hardened exterior he purported to the rest of the world gave way to a heart suffering from the pains so commonly known to many a man; pains I am well versed in.  He then lit another cigarette and savored the smoke as before.  He continued, through the new cloud of dull gray, "It was the last I saw of her that night, and for quite some time, I attained to my minute duties in Amsterdam, while spending many a night engulfed in the atmosphere of the city.  However, her image nil faded from my mind’s eye and I could behold the beauty in front of my face as if I were still at the Baron’s residence, talking of petty doings with her.  I had not seen nor heard of both of them for about a month, having thought of their marriage complete, the vows exchanged.  During the mid afternoon, on a blustery July day, typical of the Dutch country at this time, I ran into the Baron, in the midst of some scurrying business.  His hands were full of misconstrued and unraveled papers he so desperately clung onto.  I came to him immediately and offered assistance.  The Baron gave me a quick hello.&n bsp; He accepted my offer and unburdened the bulk of his disheveled load onto my open arms.  The papers were quite a mess, and the steady gust proved to further their awkwardness.  ‘Come my friend, it is not far.  Many thanks for your help.’
 "He described his whereabouts for the past weeks.  As I suspected, he quickly wed the Lady Regina, in secrecy to avoid any exposure to the media and gossip circles.  I asked why he had not invited even his closest friends, and the Baron only grunted an utterance that I did not understand.  The wind galed hard and I strained to not let a single paper fly free.  He held down the flappings rising into my face, so I could see more clearly.  And then I noticed her once more.  She stood like a beacon of white pure fire on the porch amid the plain and modest surroundings of red-bricked buildings.  I had not known it, but I wondered starry-eyed into Baron’s neighborhood just adjacent to the royal museum.  Regina seemed surprised as to my sudden an unprecedented appearance, and her face showed a bit of hesitation.  I slowed my gait and let the Baron take the lead.  Once again, he neglected to notice any exchange between his bride and myself.  He happily invited me into his dressy estate without thinking anything of what possible thoughts conjured in the back of mind; frightful thoughts of what I would do to be the one who looked into those eyes every night I did not want to admit it to even myself.
 "And to the generosity he so constantly showed, I nodded respectfully as I entered his house, my burden still in hand.  I cast any thoughts of ill repute, driving from my mind what swelling feelings for the Lady Regina emerged.  Even as she entered the room, with nice pot of coffee steaming and ready, did I place those thoughts that have been my consortium out of complete reach of my consciousness.  She gestured as any housewife would and heeded us to sit.  A lengthy couch took center stage in front of an equally impressive entertainment ensemble.  The Baron quickly relieved me of the mess that had become of his papers.  I apologized for their disheveled state and he neither responded nor acknowledged my plea of innocence, his gratitude too humble to accept solstice for any slack in condition.  He appeared not at all interested in the papers, but my sudden visit; which I granted him to think, for I had not actually intended on a visit.  The Baron talked with me about minute affairs and proceeded through this for the course of about a half hour.  We finished a few cups of coffee before he came out with what he had been so anxiously holding back.  I knew that something lay on the tip of his tongue, just by the uneasiness he discussed matters of a general sort.  He said that he had been sequestered to go to Paris on company business, to help close a deal that would be worth millions to his company, and a great windfall for his own benefit.  I was happy for him, but once again, the thoughts crept into the back of my mind.  Through the hysterics of his description, I dared to steal a glance at the Lady, and she had an eye for me back.  Our silent communication could not have been more crystal.  Baron Von Genderstien finished, smiling like the Cheshire cat, and with the utmost confidence that his journey would meet with grand bounds of success.  I congratulated him on his endeavors and he beamed like a schoolboy with a perfect report.  In all my days, I had not seen him this happy."
 The man detailing this story took a break in his narrative to grab a breath.  I broke my fastened stare to see what the rest of the patrons tonight were involved in.  They laughed and drank, discussed their matters, they exchanged sorrowful, and gleeful gestures; much typical of this particular cafe.  At length, Mr. Hudson cleared his throat, kindly requesting my attention once again.  He continued, "To pass by any parts wit hout much relevance, the Baron made good on his intention to leave town, rather abruptly, and I bade him no good-bye’s as he was too hurried to wait for any formal departure.  As for the Lady Regina, the implication was clear; I was to present myself at her residence at the soonest possible time."