Daisy's Scene

I stared out the window as Nick’s house came into view. I saw Nick open his door and come down to my car.

“Is this absolutely where you live, my dearest one?” This requested meeting was quite suspicious; I was instructed not to bring my husband. Nick graciously offered his hand to help me out of my car.

“Are you in love with me,” I whispered to him, “or why did I have to come alone?”

“That’s the secret of Castle Rackrent. Tell your chauffer to go far away and spend an hour.”

I turned to my chauffer, “Come back in an hour Ferdie.” then to Nick, “His name is Ferdie.”

“Does the gasoline affect his nose?” asked Nick. That was a silly question. “I don’t think so. Why?”

We went in the house and he led me to the living room

The room contained a small coffee table, surrounded by a sofa and 2 stiff chairs. On the far wall was a small fireplace. I thought the room was quaint but classy.

There was a knock at the door and Nick left the room to go answer it. A minute later, JAY GATSBY walks in. I was shocked; I hadn’t seen him in years. Before I had even known my husband. This as a VERY unexpected surprise. Was this why I had to come alone? Did Nick know about our past? Why was he here? I was panicking, my thoughts were in disarray, but I managed to put on a composed Façade. With forced calm, I sat, and managed to squeak out:

“I certainly an awfully glad to see you again.”

What would his response be? Would he bring up our past? Would he explain himself? There was only silence. Jay looked very uncomfortable. He leaned against the mantel, hands in pockets, trying to look calm. His unease soothed me a little. It was reassuring that he appeared to be as nervous as I was.

“We’ve met before,” he muttered, addressing Nick, who had entered the room behind me.  So Nick didn’t know. Jay tried to laugh and caused the clock behind his head to tip, almost managing to drop over the edge before he whirled around to catch it. After he put it back in place, he walked to the sofa, opposite of me, and sat, still looking uncomfortable and nervous.

“I’m sorry about the clock,” he said.

Nick seemed flustered, “It’s an old clock,” he blurted.

“We haven’t met for many years,” I said, trying to break the silence.

“Five years next November,” Jay replies, quickly, automatically. Nick, frenetic, suggested we help him make tea in the kitchen, but just as we got to our feet, Finn brought some in.

There was a gladly received frenzy of tea cups and little pastries. Nick and I began talking, but I couldn’t help but notice Gatsby glancing between us with tense, unhappy eyes. Soon enough, Nick made a quick excuse and tried to duck out of the room.

“Where are you going?” the frightened edge to his voice stopped Nick quickly in his tracks.

He turned around “I’ll be back.”

"I’ve got to speak to you about something before you go.”

They both disappeared behind the closed door.

This scene takes place on p. 85-87