The Ringmaster's Wife (41 page)

A woman said to possess both uncommon wisdom and kindness, Mable also exhibited a poise and warmth that were the perfect complement to John Ringling's more reserved and sometimes serious nature. Though it's uncertain how they first met, we imagine how a relationship might have begun and how their shared passion for the circus, travel, and fine art, and a matching sense of wit and humor, may have formed the foundation for the deep love and affection in their twenty-four years of marriage. Though much research went into telling this story, the account is fiction—one I hope helps readers discover the Ringlings' legacy anew.

Along with the intimate look at the lives of John and Mable Ringling, readers will find other familiar historical figures in this book: Dulcey Burton (Mable's sister), Charles Ringling (one of John's six brothers), Hollywood entertainer Florenz “Flo” Ziegfeld and his wife, actress Billie Burke (who were frequent guests at the Cà d'Zan), and William “Willy” Pogany (a celebrated Hungarian illustrator who contributed many playful designs to Mable's vision for the Cà d'Zan). There is also an implied appearance by creative genius Walt Disney himself, who was an acquaintance of Willy Pogany, though there is no evidence that he actually visited the Ringlings' winter home.

In addition, real-life vaudeville and circus performers May Wirth (equestrienne), Lillian Leitzel (acrobatics), Edith Burchett (tattooed woman), Rebecca Lyon (bearded lady), and even Mary, the Ringling Brothers' first rhinoceros, are all included as a part of this eclectic mix of characters.

Though the Ringling Brothers' winter lodgings (as seen in the 1952 Hollywood film
The Greatest Show on Earth
) no longer stand, guests can still tour circus sites in Peru, Indiana; Baraboo,
Wisconsin; and Sarasota, Florida. Just as our family did to research this novel, readers who want to learn more about the Ringlings' legacy can walk through the immaculately restored Cà d'Zan mansion and tour the treasury of art at the acclaimed John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

I've been enchanted by depictions of the circus in books and film since childhood. It is every storyteller's dream to fall in love with a story that includes this kind of nostalgia. Thank you, dear reader friends, for taking this journey with me.

Mable Ringling

Photo courtesy of the Ida Ringling North family archive

Our Midwest landscape in September is one of transition: hills tall with corn, still green but beginning to burnish the horizon in autumn's gold. The mornings are cool and the afternoons steamy.

It was on one of those “almost autumn” mornings that I began editing this book. I sat down to coffee with Annie—a new friend from our sons' school. As we chatted about the usual things moms do, it surprised us when our conversation began to go deeper. Walls came down and authenticity edged in. We admitted honest struggles. Shed a few tears. Took sips of our lattes in between shared truths. And as we prayed together that day, hand in hand, I was overcome with the unexpected blessing of transitions.

Much like the landscape in our rural town or the blossoming of a new friendship, it's usually easier to define the beginning or ending points of a journey than it is to see clearly through the middle. This book had many of those “in between” moments—the transitional kind of experiences that can forever change a story. The heart of this book felt very much like Mable's real-life and Rosamund's fictional journeys; both women stepped out, daring to imagine a new life for themselves. Each braved the transition time in her own way, knowing that eventually, gold lay out on the horizon.

I wake each day astounded by my publishing family at
HarperCollins Christian Publishing. The team that guided the creation of this story! You are my heart: Daisy Hutton, Amanda Bostic, Becky Monds, Jodi Hughes, and Kristen “Goldie” Golden, who should claim the title of Inspiration-Yoda for bringing me the vintage soundtracks and classic movies that flavored the words penned in this book. To Kristen Ingebretson: Of you I remain in awe! This art history–loving gal never could have dreamt of such masterful cover art to call my own. I am officially your biggest fan. To editors Becky Monds (my heart!); my fellow
Once Upon a Time
fandom queen, Jodi Hughes; and LB Norton (who is an ever-patient joy to me), I owe a heaping debt of gratitude. Your editing instincts are spot-on, and this story enveloped my heart because of them. Thank you for your brilliance in cleaning up my literary “oopsies” and for your grace every time you have to. You're so posh, ladies.

To the mentors who counseled this writer-gal's heart along this storytelling journey, I'm so grateful for each of you. Our family is indebted to the investment you've made in us. Thank you, Katie Bond (who just
knew
Mable had a story to tell); Colleen Coble; Allen Arnold; and to my amazing agent, Rachelle Gardner, for leading with integrity, wisdom, and Christlike grace. You go above and beyond the job title to be a true friend. To dear friends Mary Weber, Joanna Politano, and my sweet author sisters on TheGroveStory.com: Katherine Reay, Beth Vogt, Cara Putman, Sarah Ladd, Courtney Walsh, Katie Ganshert, Melissa Tagg, Jeane Wynn, and Casey Herringshaw. You saved me this year. Love all around.

Many writers will attest to the fact that coffee and prayer play critical roles in any book that comes to market. It's true in this case. I have to thank my beloved Bible study sisters for the prayers, the laughs and support, and especially for keeping me caffeinated during the writing of this novel. My forever-hugs are yours: Kerry,
Carla, Denise, MJ, Katie, Diane, Leah, Jasmyne, Toni, Judy, Pam, Joyce, Sue Linn, Janet, and Alisa Roberts, our study sister whom we will fondly remember. A very special thanks goes to Coffee Crossings and Kölkin Coffee, for allowing me to take over hidden corners of your shops. Keep the coffee coming! And to Todd Mullins, Cami Gomez, and family: We thank you for welcoming our family of Ringling researchers into your home with such love and care. Your every kindness made this story possible.

To my pillars—besties Maggie Walker and Sharon Tavera; my almost-twin sis, Jenny Thompson; and my momma, Linda Wedge: I couldn't smile without your uplifting presence in my days. Thank you for your unconditional love. To Jeremy, husband and best friend: My heart is yours. You've supported and remained steadfast in my every corner. I'm humbled by the man God has given me to journey alongside in this life.

To the performers and professionals who tell the circus's story each day, I feel as much wide-eyed wonder in you as the children who packed the Big Top for generations. To the incredibly helpful staff at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Cà d'Zan mansion in Sarasota, Florida, I send a most dedicated thank-you. And especially to curator Mr. Ron McCarty (whom readers will recognize as a character in this book): You made John and Mable come alive for this story. The time you spent touring every corner of the mansion and grounds with us has become one of the most vivid memories of our family's life. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for framing the fictionalized story of a truly remarkable couple. It was a researcher's dream.

The photo in this book (page 347) was graciously donated by Lara Brightwell, Ida Ringling North's great-granddaughter, and her husband, Jim Dexheimer, from the family photo archive that Jim has collected over the last several years. It is to his credit we
have this image of Mable today. To the Burton and Ringling-North families, who shared their rich family legacy with me, I extend my most sincere appreciation. You help us all imagine what the Ringlings' circus world must have been like—a world of enchantment I hope will live on in this book.

To Brady, Carson, and Colt: You are my world. I am so blessed to be your mom. And to the hearts of children and readers alike, this book belongs to you. To the nostalgia we hold in childhood memories, to the starry-eyed, laughter-filled, and silly, I dedicate this book. And for every adult out there (and those of us who secretly cling to the memory of youth), remember that we're never too old to be Someone's child.

And to my Savior—Jesus, You are my everything.

With joy,

Apps, Jerry.
Ringlingville USA
. Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2005.

De Groft, Aaron H., and David C. Weeks.
Cà d'Zan: Inside the Ringling Mansion
. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 2004.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Cà d'Zan: www.ringling.org/ca-dzan.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Education Center: www.ringling.org/education-center.

LaHurd, Jeff.
Hidden History of Sarasota
. The History Press, 2009.

Weeks, David C.
Ringling: The Florida Years
. University Press of Florida, 1993.

1. Lady Rosamund Easling was born into a family heritage of wealth and opportunity. Armilda (Mable) Burton wasn't born with such advantages, but found them later in life. Though these two women began their journeys in very different places, both shared a longing for something more—the courage to step out and live the life they'd imagined. How would their lives have been different if Rosamund and Mable hadn't been willing to risk everything in order to pursue their calling? Would Rosamund have stayed with the circus if Mable hadn't been a mentor in her life?

2. The circus welcomed an eclectic mix of performers from varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This was eye-opening to Rosamund, whose relatively sheltered life was dramatically changed when she became a part of the Ringling Brothers' circus show. How does Rosamund's view of the world around her change through her first years as a performer?

3. Despite finding his niche as an agent for the circus, Colin Keary carried a pocket watch from his youth—a constant reminder that he was attempting to outrun the brokenness of his past. How can past brokenness affect our decision
making in the future? Would Colin have let go of his past and hoped for a future with Rosamund if Mable hadn't urged him to do so?

4. For all of the happiness John and Mable Ringling enjoyed in their life together, they had to overcome numerous obstacles. How did their shared interests, love, and faith in each other allow them to weather the difficulties in their marriage?

5. Rosamund's journey begins with her pursuit of a calling outside her family's strict expectations for her life. Though she did eventually find love with Colin, the journey wasn't without loss—she never fully regained her sight. When an unforeseen experience changes our expectations about life, can we still find contentment in new circumstances? How did Rosamund and Colin move on from great losses in their lives?