The Davenports: Chapters 1–6

by Krystal Marquis
This first book of the series introduces the Davenport sisters, Olivia and Helen, their maid Amy-Rose Shepherd, and friend Ruby Tremaine—all of whom are trying to figure out what their futures might be like in 1910 Chicago, after Reconstruction had enabled former slaves and their descendants to rise in status and wealth.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–6, Chapters 7–13, Chapters 14–20, Chapters 21–30, Chapters 31–47
40 words 9 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. enact
    order by virtue of superior authority; decree
    Chicago may have been a beacon in the North, where many Black people thrived under laws enacted during and after the Reconstruction, but painful encounters due to the color of her skin still caught her off guard.
  2. decorum
    propriety in manners and conduct
    A second attendant, an older woman with more decorum, appeared from the crowd.
  3. preen
    pride or congratulate oneself for an achievement
    Ruby pulled on the gloves and cupped her face, preening.
  4. affluent
    having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
    Harold stopped the carriage at the intersection. Straight would take them to the North Side, where Chicago’s wealthiest and most affluent residents lived.
  5. stifle
    smother or suppress
    She stifled a laugh.
  6. spartan
    marked by simplicity, frugality, or self-denial
    The phaeton was spartan in design.
  7. lacquer
    coat with varnish
    Matte black with thin spindly wheels and no driver, the opposite of the Davenport models with their velvet-tufted seating, thick sturdy tires for a smooth ride, and a finish so lacquered, one could see their reflection above the gold-leaf Davenport crest emblazoned on the back.
  8. emblazon
    decorate, adorn, or inscribe with a design
    Matte black with thin spindly wheels and no driver, the opposite of the Davenport models with their velvet-tufted seating, thick sturdy tires for a smooth ride, and a finish so lacquered, one could see their reflection above the gold-leaf Davenport crest emblazoned on the back.
  9. nonchalance
    the trait of remaining calm and seeming not to care
    “Will John be at dinner tonight?” Ruby asked, feigning nonchalance.
    Olivia rolled her eyes. Her best friend was terrible at hiding her interest in her brother.
  10. turret
    a small tower extending above a building
    The three-story Victorian was painted a pale blue with steep, gabled roofs and a pair of turrets.
  11. cupola
    a roof or part of a roof in the form of a dome
    Large oak doors opened before them, revealing a grand staircase that snaked up the side of the foyer, brightly lit by the late afternoon sun filtering through the stained-glass cupola above.
  12. breadth
    the extent of something from side to side
    He towered over her, forcing her to take in the breadth of his shoulders.
  13. intimate
    having or fostering a friendly and informal atmosphere
    “The Tremaines’ ballroom isn’t as grand as ours, but it’s sure to be a cozy, intimate gathering.”
  14. suitor
    a man who courts a woman
    The season had only just begun, and here the most eligible suitor she’d ever laid eyes on was quite literally in her drawing room.
  15. entrails
    internal organs collectively
    She stared at the deformed entrails of his latest find, convinced that her brother gave her the wrong schematics to study. The sketches appeared simple enough, but looking at the inner workings of the automobile now was like staring at a tangled web.
  16. swoon
    be overwhelmed with ecstasy, especially when encountering something or someone you admire
    His easy smile and smooth manners made every lady swoon over him.
  17. threshold
    the entrance for passing through a room or building
    Amy-Rose tripped over the threshold.
  18. subside
    wear off or die down
    When the ache eventually subsided, happy memories would fill her mind.
  19. overbearing
    having or showing arrogant superiority
    Amy-Rose looked at the older woman who, for years, had hovered over her like an overbearing godmother.
  20. sidle
    move unobtrusively or furtively
    Hetty sidled up to Amy-Rose and said in what she may have thought was a whisper, “What about Mr. John?”
  21. fervor
    the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
    There was an unusual fervor in his eyes and an energy about him that filled her with both excitement and dread.
  22. bridle
    headgear for a horse
    I’m not trading in a bridle for a shoe-shine kit when they eventually switch to horseless carriages.
  23. salve
    anything that remedies, heals, or soothes
    Tommy was a salve to her battered soul when she needed a friend.
  24. fringe
    an ornamental border of short lengths of hanging threads
    Ruby looked down and realized she had unraveled the pillow’s braided fringe.
  25. demure
    shy or modest, often in a playful or provocative way
    “Weather permitting, we should arrange an afternoon ride for next week.”
    Ruby kept her grin demure. “I’m sure we can find the shade of an oak tree when the sun is high.”
  26. rouge
    makeup consisting of powder applied to the cheeks
    Ruby had never seen a girl whose features, unadorned with jewels, gloss, or rouge, appeared so flawless up close.
  27. alight
    come down
    Ruby alighted the carriage in front of the grand entrance.
  28. trinket
    a small cheap ornament, knickknack, or piece of jewelry
    She was glad for the darkness. It hid the changes that opened a hollow sadness in her—missing paintings, sold mementos, items that were, to her, priceless trinkets.
  29. transgression
    the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
    Ruby came to a stop before them as if called to the mat for some transgression.
  30. composed
    serenely self-possessed and free from agitation
    Mrs. Tremaine didn’t raise her voice, but there was something in her calm, composed tone that made the hairs on Ruby’s arms rise.
  31. modest
    humble in spirit or manner
    Ruby had been trying with every modest smile and well-timed laugh, with every arch of her eyebrow or accidental run-in on the estate grounds.
  32. chide
    scold or reprimand severely or angrily
    Olivia was more than a little annoyed, though she chided herself for the feeling.
  33. permeate
    spread or diffuse through
    Here, music seemed to be the dominant sound as brassy jazz permeated the air like fresh baked bread.
  34. humble
    cause to be unpretentious
    Visiting the community center was always humbling. She knew her life was much different from those of the people who lined up for canned goods or a hot meal.
  35. edifice
    a structure that has a roof and walls
    The group stopped in front of a nondescript house on a cobblestone street. The plain brick edifice was clean. The shades were drawn.
  36. disarming
    capable of allaying hostility
    His strong jaw tilted back to her, and Olivia was struck by the light honeyed color of his eyes, high cheekbones, and bright white teeth revealed by a disarming smile.
  37. assume
    take to be the case or to be true
    She assumed some, like her, were one generation beyond enslavement.
  38. veracity
    unwillingness to tell lies
    He painted a picture so unlike the world she knew, despite insulting behavior from the occasional store clerk, that she couldn’t help but question its veracity.
  39. indignation
    a feeling of righteous anger
    “They are not your friends. They are my employees. Malcolm expressed some concern—”
    “Malcolm!” Helen said. Indignation twisted her stomach.
  40. ornery
    having a difficult and contrary disposition
    The ornery mechanic held fast to outdated notions.
Created on Fri Aug 09 12:36:26 EDT 2024 (updated Sat Aug 10 13:07:27 EDT 2024)

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