Chapter 11
After going home, Max Evans was at a loss as to where to find Liz Parker. She had moved out of her apartment. Only her mother and Jeff Parker lived there now.
He paced his room wondering who to talk to next. He had decided that it would be best if he went back to New Mexico until Michael could once again join him. His business was too new to leave alone for such a time.
Maybe Jim Valenti knew where they had moved to. Grabbing his coat he was sure he did.
****
“Hi, Mr. Evans.” Cassidy said looking up. She was holding a tiny Scottish terrier in her lap. “Aunt Liz is talking to Grandpapa.” She said petting its head. A larger one, with a bow in its fur, came and snatched her out her lap. Cassidy giggled as she followed her to where there was an entire nest of Scotties. “You have to be quiet.” Cassidy whispered.
“Who are these?” He asked.
“The big one is Duchess, she’s my doggie.” She said proudly. “Grandpapa gave her to me because she likes me. Duke is with Grandpapa, he’s his favorite friend.” She stroked Duchess’ head.
“How have you been, Miss Cassidy?” Max asked.
“Fine. I got top marks at school.” She said proudly. “I’m top of my class.”
”Very good.” He congratulated her. “You’re going to be as smart as your aunt one day. You’re going to go to college one day.”
“Aunt Liz isn’t going to go to school.” She said quietly, as if sharing a secret.
This startled Max. “Why not?”
“Grandpapa won’t let her.” She said and petted the big dog again. “Daddy tried to talk him into it, but Grandpapa says no.”
“Grandpapa is Jim Valenti.”
“Yes.” Cassidy answered.
“Cassidy, up off the floor please.”
Max looked up. Seeing Cassidy in fine clothes had become normal for Max once she had started school. Seeing Serena dressed the part of a perfect society lady he was astounded.
“Mrs. Parker.” He greeted.
“Mr. Evans.” Serena looked at their guest. “What brings you here?” She already knew the answer to that.
“I’ve come to see Liz.” Max said. “Is that your baby, Logan?”
“Yes.” Serena jostled the little boy in her arms. Jim had tried to insist that he stay with a nanny but Serena would have none of it.
Serena had a feeling Jim didn’t like her. That she wasn’t good enough from them. She kept quiet around him, especially when they had guests. Cassidy seemed to be the only one who took easily to the man. Kyle was polite to his father, and if Jim said anything mean to his wife, Kyle took quick offense, often ending in an argument with everyone going to bed angry.
“Leave Duchess and her puppies alone, dear.” Serena said to her daughter. “Go on up to the nursery and get ready for supper.”
“Alright.” She dusted off her skirt like the perfect daughter. When she stood four puppies followed her out of the room in a line.
Duchess looked up but made no attempt to stop them.
“They’ll start whining at the bottom of the stairs because they can’t climb them. Then Duchess will go get them one by one.” Serena watched her daughter.
Max smirked when he heard the whimpers and Duchess hopped up on her short legs to go retrieve her puppies.
“So what’s this about Liz not going to college?” Max asked after Duchess had left the room as well.
“Nancy Parker wants Liz to marry well, and doesn’t think Liz will benefit from going to college.” Serena regurgitated what she had heard. Her mouth twisted in a mirthless smile. “You never can guess what that woman wants. She doesn’t want Liz to marry you, but when she’s close to marrying someone else she pushes him away from him as well. Kyle and I cannot figure out what the woman wants for her.” She hadn’t realized she let slip how Liz had felt about him.
“Back to the subject on hand.” Serena set her son on the floor and held his hands so he could stand. “Rarely does Jim deny Nancy anything so he has demanded that she will not go.”
“Because Nancy wishes it so?”
“Yes. I think they’ve broken her. I don’t know how much she can take. She’s always wanted to be a nurse. She was going to start school in the fall, but then she fell ill and lost almost two months of wages which set her back till spring term. Now this.”
“Would Nancy Parker let me marry her now?” Max asked.
“Who knows. Why wouldn’t she let her marry you in the first place?” Serena shrugged. “You’ll have to meet with Jim. I’ll let Liz know you’re here.”
“Thank you.” He nodded to her as she collected her son and left the room.
“Mr. Evans?” Max turned to the voice a few minutes later. “I thought you would be in New Mexico for the next couple of years.”
“Me too, my friend’s wife is with child and they would like to stay in the city. I brought them back. I return in a few weeks, I would like if you would return with me.”
“I can’t.” Liz answered looking at her hands. She wasn’t sure she could do anything anymore. “I’ve yet to reach my majority and my f-father won’t give his permission.”
“What about Kyle.”
“Kyle has no say anymore. Not even really over his own family.” She said quietly.
She looked so trapped. Like a caged bird who just wanted to spread her wings and fly.
“If we elope he can’t stop us.” Max said.
”We’re not getting married. If I signed the marriage contract it wouldn’t be worth the paper it’s written on. As I explained before I haven’t reached my majority. I’m not going to get married. To anyone.”
“Why not?”
“I’m going to be a nurse. I’m going to make it on my own.”
“He won’t let you go to college.”
“We have a deal. I go to college during the day, act the perfect young miss at night. He just doesn’t know I’m not going to get married.”
“Not even me?”
”Not you.”
It was then he noticed the tear streaks on her cheeks.
“He’s made you cry.”
“A lot of people have made me cry the past few months, Mr. Evans.” She said. “I was never one to cry when I was young, but I’ve had plenty to cry over since I got employed by your family.”
“I’m sorry.”
”You have nothing to be sorry for.” Liz said quietly.
“I have plenty of things to be sorry for.” He stepped closer to her and tilted her head up by grasping her chin.
“Not too much, I’m sorry I never wrote to you, Max. I was so confused and messed up. I got your letter. I can’t be your wife. I can’t be anybody’s wife. I don’t want to feel owned, like I have to obey a man’s rules. While living with Papa he was never sober enough to exhibit control.” She stopped and snickered. “Who would be when they have two of their spouses bastards under their roof?”
“Liz.”
“No, it’s alright. I’m completely illegitimate. I know that, you know that, society knows that but because my sire is rich I’m accepted.”
“Did Kyle not rule your house then?”
“Kyle trusted me.” Liz said. She had lost her ally. He was as powerless as she. “I’m sorry about what I said to you, when I was sick.”
“I deserved it.”
“No.”
Liz crouched down when a puppy pulled on her skirt. “No, Lady.” She scolded.
“Are all your animals named after nobility.”
“No.” She smiled. “Duke came first, and then came another female dog, so Duchess was only so fitting. This here.” She held up the puppy. “Is mine, the runt, and the only female of Duchess’ litter. Her name is Lady. Her brothers don’t have names because we’re not going to keep them.”
“She’s wonderful.”
”Thank you.” Liz stroked her. “Thank you for caring about me, Max.”
“I don’t care about you, Liz. I love you.” He told her softly.
She looked up at him.
“Don’t.” She said. “Please leave, Mr. Evans.”
“Come back with me, Liz, you can go to college with me.”
“There are no colleges out west.” Liz said. “I’m not going to marry you.”
Max studied her and noticed her heartbroken expression. She was dead set.
“Alright. I’ll let you go to college here. How long does it take for you if you start this fall?”
“Two years for nurses training.”
“I’ll see you in two years.” He turned and walked away. “But then it’s the last time I’m coming for you, Liz. Some men might call me crazy for waiting so long. I may be crazy, but I love you, and I’m going to give you another chance. You’re still young. Maybe in two years you’ll be ready for me.”
He turned and started towards the door. Then stopped with his hand on the doorknob.
“Just tell me this, Liz, you love me, don’t you?” He asked.
She was silent for a second, and he could see the indecision on her face. Then she looked up and straight into his eyes. “Yes, I do. But I still can’t marry you.”
That was a step forward, Max thought, at least he could now convince her, now that he had his foot in the door.
Liz slumped onto the couch as she watched him go. Maybe in two years she would be ready, maybe in two years she’d be a different person. Independent, in charge of her own life, and ready to marry the man she loved.
“Oh, Lady, what is wrong with me?” She asked the dog as she cried silently.
tbc
Don't Give Up Forever (AU M/L TEEN) Ch. 21 07/19/05 [WIP]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
Chapter 12
Two Years Later
Max sat straight up in bed. He heard his nephew’s wild chatter outside his chambers. Then remembered he was home, in New York City, not in New Mexico.
There was commotion in the hallway and his first thought was his sister.
Slipping on some clothes he entered the hallway.
“Lucas.” He picked the boy up.
“Mama’s in there.”
“Why aren’t you in the nursery?” Max turned toward the stairs that led to the nursery.
“No, I want Mama.”
“Lucas, Mama needs you to be a good boy.” He pleaded with him.
“Daddy!” Lucas leapt into his father’s arms.
“Alex, is Isabel alright?” Max asked her sister’s husband.
“Yes. We just sent for the doctor.” He looked at his son. “Why don’t we just take you upstairs and get you settled.”
Max went downstairs and waited outside Isabel’s door for the doctor.
A few minutes later he heard footsteps.
“Her pains are coming fast, Miss Parker.” He heard Mrs. Higgins voice.
“Alright, I’ll tell you if I need a doctor. I should be ok, though.” He then heard an achingly familiar voice. One he hadn’t heard in two years.
He heard a scamper of paws behind her and immediately recognized Lady. Liz walked right past him to the room. “This is it, Mrs. Higgins?”
“Yes, go on in dear.” She encouraged. “Hurry.”
Liz turned and gave a sharp order to the dog, who plopped herself onto her behind.
Max stared at the dog who was intent on watching the door for any sign of movement. He heard people talking and rushing around. Maids hurried in and out of the room with water and towels and linens.
He wondered why the doctor hadn’t come.
“Lady, come here, girl.” He called to dog when he too sat in the chair across the hall.
The dog turned its head and eyed the man. Tilting her head she studied him and Max briefly wondered if she remembered him. She turned back and watched the door and ignored all attempts to get her to come to him.
Max didn’t know how much longer it was but dawn was breaking when he heard a baby cry. Alex startled awake and waited for the nurse to come out.
Lady looked up when her mistress exited the room for the first time that night.
“Mr. Whitman, would you like to meet your daughter?” Liz asked. “She’s a healthy one.”
“A daughter?” He jumped up from the chair.
“Yes. Congratulations.”
”Thank you.” He spun her around and kissed her cheek. “Max, you can come meet your niece in a few moments.”
“I can wait.” Max nodded. “Few more moments won’t hurt.”
Liz talked to the dog and Lady stood, stretched and began to follow Liz down the hallway.
“Miss Parker, wait.”
Liz had been so involved in her work that she wasn’t aware of Max sitting there and now following along beside her. Lady began growling at him when he got too close and reached out to grab Liz’s arm.
“Lady.” Liz looked down at the dog. She whispered something to her and the dog sat but kept her eyes on Max as a warning.
“You trained your dog in Gaelic?” He asked amused.
“Yes, she understands English as well. Let go of my arm Mr. Evans or I won’t be responsible for your ankle.”
“Point taken.” He held up his hands in surrender. “I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”
“Nor I you.” She looked up into his eyes. His eyes were the same, she noticed, but something in them had changed. His face was harder, more tan. Not like the men here who stayed inside all day. “You work outside?” She reached up and stroked his face.
“Yes. I spend a lot of my time outside. It’s warmer there. Almost all year round.”
“I’ve heard.” She pulled her hand back as if she’d been stung.
“I promised you I’d come back.”
“You did, and you came. I never promised I would go West with you.” She looked at the dog. “I have commitments here, Mr. Evans.”
“I know.” He said and noticed how tired she must have been. It was almost dawn and it had been somewhere around midnight when she had been summoned. “Why don’t you work with a doctor?”
“I do.” She said and began walking towards the door.
“Where was he tonight?”
“He’s old, Mr. Evans.” She turned to him again. “We’ve decided that I can handle all the births. As long as nothing goes wrong he sees no reason why I shouldn’t deliver the babies. Most men actually feel more comfortable with a woman being there.”
“I see.” He nodded. “I have something I need to talk with you about, Liz.” He used her given name.
“So soon?” She pinched the bridge of her nose. When she had graduated from school she had been thinking of him, or if he would come back.
“I’ll be here for a few weeks. I’ll get it over soon, the sooner the better I think. It’s important, and goes further than us.”
She nodded. “Lady, come.”
“You’re walking?” He asked. “Alone?”
”Yes, my parents have moved around the corner. My Papa died a year ago.” It still hurt her to say it. He may not have been the best man, but he had been around since she was born. Had taken in two children not his own and traveled three thousand miles with them. “They moved in together six months later.” And she was bitter at both of them for that.
“Can I walk you home?”
“No. I have Lady, and if anyone were to see us I’d be ruined.”
“What would Lady do?”
“Set up such a racket anyone within two miles would come running.” Liz smiled. “She’s a good dog. I’ll be fine, Max.”
He smiled when she used his first name. “If you say so.”
“We’ll be fine.”
”Alright.”
“Goodnight, Max.”
”Goodnight, Liz, little Lady.”
The dog scurried along beside Liz without the need for a leash.
Max smiled and watched them disappear around the corner.
****
“Mr. Valenti, there is a Mr. Evans for you.”
“I thought the boy was gone.” He muttered. He had heard rumors of him being back but he didn’t think they were true. He wondered if he had seen Liz yet. “Bring him in here please.” He stated.
“Mr. Evans.”
”Mr. Valenti.” He nodded.
“Please sit. I’m betting this is about my daughter.”
“Yes.” He sat down when Valenti nodded to the chair. “I want to discuss something with you.”
“You want to marry her.” He guessed.
“I do.” Max nodded. “But she doesn’t want to marry me.”
“She has informed me she doesn’t want to marry anyone, earlier this week.” Jim said. “She’s had three proposals in the last year but she insists she wants nothing but to be a nurse.”
“So I’ve heard.” Max nodded.
“My wife is insistent that she be married.” Jim said and looked at the man. “So are you interested in her?”
“Yes, but not for what you’re thinking.” Max said. “I want to marry her, but we also need her out west.”
“What do you mean?” Jim asked.
“There is a shortage of medical aid, out west, Valenti.” Max said. “Childbirths often go unaided because a doctor is too busy, we don’t have any nurses.”
“My daughter isn’t going to be a nurse for the rest of her life. She’s going to marry and have children.”
“Your wife will destroy her.” Max said quietly. He thought of Liz’s insistence that she wanted nothing more than to be a nurse, not to get married.
“She’s doing what is best for our daughter.” Jim insisted.
“That’s what you think.” Max said.
“Do not speak about my wife in such a way.” Jim warned.
“How long were you going to let her practice nursing?” Max asked. “Because I know you were going to force her to stop. I was just wondering when.”
“I was going to give her a year.”
“A year and then take all her dreams away.”
“You make it seem so harsh.” Jim scratched his neck.
“It is. Do I have permission to marry your daughter?” Max asked.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because Nancy would not like that.” Jim said.
“Are you the kind of man to let your wife rule what you do?” Max raised an eyebrow.
“When a man loves a woman, he does crazy things.”
“Who would know that better than me?” Max asked with a smile.
Jim froze and stood.
“If you marry her, you can’t possibly mean to keep her as a nurse, your wife?”
“Why not?”
“Surely a husband doesn’t do such things, make his wife work.”
“I’m not making her and as my wife she’ll be free to do as she pleases.”
“That’s no way to run a household.” Jim slammed his hand down on his desk.
“Its how yours is run.” Max quipped. “Yes or no.”
“Fine. Fine.” He waved him out. “Would you like me to speak with her?”
“No, I’ll do it.” Max turned to exit. “Thank you, Valenti.” He nodded and left the room.
****
Liz was returning from a call when she heard someone calling her name.
Lady let out a howl before Liz could silence her.
“Elizabeth, it’s me.” Sean said coming around from the back.
“Sean?” She asked, surprised to see him. Despite her command Lady began barking fiercely.
“Elizabeth, I have something, someone who needs you.” He stayed where he was. “I know it’s been a long time.”
“Lady, hush.” She commanded the dog. “Sit.”
The dog sat and looked threateningly at Sean.
“Who?” Liz asked stepping closer. She was tired, her hair was mussed, but she needed to help who she could. She also knew it was difficult to get a physician to go down to the Lower East Side. She hoped it was something she could deal with.
“My wife.”
Shocked, Liz stared at him and tilted his head. “When?”
“A year ago, I’ll tell you on the way. Please.”
“Of course.” Liz let out a small smile, happy for Sean.
tbc
Two Years Later
Max sat straight up in bed. He heard his nephew’s wild chatter outside his chambers. Then remembered he was home, in New York City, not in New Mexico.
There was commotion in the hallway and his first thought was his sister.
Slipping on some clothes he entered the hallway.
“Lucas.” He picked the boy up.
“Mama’s in there.”
“Why aren’t you in the nursery?” Max turned toward the stairs that led to the nursery.
“No, I want Mama.”
“Lucas, Mama needs you to be a good boy.” He pleaded with him.
“Daddy!” Lucas leapt into his father’s arms.
“Alex, is Isabel alright?” Max asked her sister’s husband.
“Yes. We just sent for the doctor.” He looked at his son. “Why don’t we just take you upstairs and get you settled.”
Max went downstairs and waited outside Isabel’s door for the doctor.
A few minutes later he heard footsteps.
“Her pains are coming fast, Miss Parker.” He heard Mrs. Higgins voice.
“Alright, I’ll tell you if I need a doctor. I should be ok, though.” He then heard an achingly familiar voice. One he hadn’t heard in two years.
He heard a scamper of paws behind her and immediately recognized Lady. Liz walked right past him to the room. “This is it, Mrs. Higgins?”
“Yes, go on in dear.” She encouraged. “Hurry.”
Liz turned and gave a sharp order to the dog, who plopped herself onto her behind.
Max stared at the dog who was intent on watching the door for any sign of movement. He heard people talking and rushing around. Maids hurried in and out of the room with water and towels and linens.
He wondered why the doctor hadn’t come.
“Lady, come here, girl.” He called to dog when he too sat in the chair across the hall.
The dog turned its head and eyed the man. Tilting her head she studied him and Max briefly wondered if she remembered him. She turned back and watched the door and ignored all attempts to get her to come to him.
Max didn’t know how much longer it was but dawn was breaking when he heard a baby cry. Alex startled awake and waited for the nurse to come out.
Lady looked up when her mistress exited the room for the first time that night.
“Mr. Whitman, would you like to meet your daughter?” Liz asked. “She’s a healthy one.”
“A daughter?” He jumped up from the chair.
“Yes. Congratulations.”
”Thank you.” He spun her around and kissed her cheek. “Max, you can come meet your niece in a few moments.”
“I can wait.” Max nodded. “Few more moments won’t hurt.”
Liz talked to the dog and Lady stood, stretched and began to follow Liz down the hallway.
“Miss Parker, wait.”
Liz had been so involved in her work that she wasn’t aware of Max sitting there and now following along beside her. Lady began growling at him when he got too close and reached out to grab Liz’s arm.
“Lady.” Liz looked down at the dog. She whispered something to her and the dog sat but kept her eyes on Max as a warning.
“You trained your dog in Gaelic?” He asked amused.
“Yes, she understands English as well. Let go of my arm Mr. Evans or I won’t be responsible for your ankle.”
“Point taken.” He held up his hands in surrender. “I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon.”
“Nor I you.” She looked up into his eyes. His eyes were the same, she noticed, but something in them had changed. His face was harder, more tan. Not like the men here who stayed inside all day. “You work outside?” She reached up and stroked his face.
“Yes. I spend a lot of my time outside. It’s warmer there. Almost all year round.”
“I’ve heard.” She pulled her hand back as if she’d been stung.
“I promised you I’d come back.”
“You did, and you came. I never promised I would go West with you.” She looked at the dog. “I have commitments here, Mr. Evans.”
“I know.” He said and noticed how tired she must have been. It was almost dawn and it had been somewhere around midnight when she had been summoned. “Why don’t you work with a doctor?”
“I do.” She said and began walking towards the door.
“Where was he tonight?”
“He’s old, Mr. Evans.” She turned to him again. “We’ve decided that I can handle all the births. As long as nothing goes wrong he sees no reason why I shouldn’t deliver the babies. Most men actually feel more comfortable with a woman being there.”
“I see.” He nodded. “I have something I need to talk with you about, Liz.” He used her given name.
“So soon?” She pinched the bridge of her nose. When she had graduated from school she had been thinking of him, or if he would come back.
“I’ll be here for a few weeks. I’ll get it over soon, the sooner the better I think. It’s important, and goes further than us.”
She nodded. “Lady, come.”
“You’re walking?” He asked. “Alone?”
”Yes, my parents have moved around the corner. My Papa died a year ago.” It still hurt her to say it. He may not have been the best man, but he had been around since she was born. Had taken in two children not his own and traveled three thousand miles with them. “They moved in together six months later.” And she was bitter at both of them for that.
“Can I walk you home?”
“No. I have Lady, and if anyone were to see us I’d be ruined.”
“What would Lady do?”
“Set up such a racket anyone within two miles would come running.” Liz smiled. “She’s a good dog. I’ll be fine, Max.”
He smiled when she used his first name. “If you say so.”
“We’ll be fine.”
”Alright.”
“Goodnight, Max.”
”Goodnight, Liz, little Lady.”
The dog scurried along beside Liz without the need for a leash.
Max smiled and watched them disappear around the corner.
****
“Mr. Valenti, there is a Mr. Evans for you.”
“I thought the boy was gone.” He muttered. He had heard rumors of him being back but he didn’t think they were true. He wondered if he had seen Liz yet. “Bring him in here please.” He stated.
“Mr. Evans.”
”Mr. Valenti.” He nodded.
“Please sit. I’m betting this is about my daughter.”
“Yes.” He sat down when Valenti nodded to the chair. “I want to discuss something with you.”
“You want to marry her.” He guessed.
“I do.” Max nodded. “But she doesn’t want to marry me.”
“She has informed me she doesn’t want to marry anyone, earlier this week.” Jim said. “She’s had three proposals in the last year but she insists she wants nothing but to be a nurse.”
“So I’ve heard.” Max nodded.
“My wife is insistent that she be married.” Jim said and looked at the man. “So are you interested in her?”
“Yes, but not for what you’re thinking.” Max said. “I want to marry her, but we also need her out west.”
“What do you mean?” Jim asked.
“There is a shortage of medical aid, out west, Valenti.” Max said. “Childbirths often go unaided because a doctor is too busy, we don’t have any nurses.”
“My daughter isn’t going to be a nurse for the rest of her life. She’s going to marry and have children.”
“Your wife will destroy her.” Max said quietly. He thought of Liz’s insistence that she wanted nothing more than to be a nurse, not to get married.
“She’s doing what is best for our daughter.” Jim insisted.
“That’s what you think.” Max said.
“Do not speak about my wife in such a way.” Jim warned.
“How long were you going to let her practice nursing?” Max asked. “Because I know you were going to force her to stop. I was just wondering when.”
“I was going to give her a year.”
“A year and then take all her dreams away.”
“You make it seem so harsh.” Jim scratched his neck.
“It is. Do I have permission to marry your daughter?” Max asked.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because Nancy would not like that.” Jim said.
“Are you the kind of man to let your wife rule what you do?” Max raised an eyebrow.
“When a man loves a woman, he does crazy things.”
“Who would know that better than me?” Max asked with a smile.
Jim froze and stood.
“If you marry her, you can’t possibly mean to keep her as a nurse, your wife?”
“Why not?”
“Surely a husband doesn’t do such things, make his wife work.”
“I’m not making her and as my wife she’ll be free to do as she pleases.”
“That’s no way to run a household.” Jim slammed his hand down on his desk.
“Its how yours is run.” Max quipped. “Yes or no.”
“Fine. Fine.” He waved him out. “Would you like me to speak with her?”
“No, I’ll do it.” Max turned to exit. “Thank you, Valenti.” He nodded and left the room.
****
Liz was returning from a call when she heard someone calling her name.
Lady let out a howl before Liz could silence her.
“Elizabeth, it’s me.” Sean said coming around from the back.
“Sean?” She asked, surprised to see him. Despite her command Lady began barking fiercely.
“Elizabeth, I have something, someone who needs you.” He stayed where he was. “I know it’s been a long time.”
“Lady, hush.” She commanded the dog. “Sit.”
The dog sat and looked threateningly at Sean.
“Who?” Liz asked stepping closer. She was tired, her hair was mussed, but she needed to help who she could. She also knew it was difficult to get a physician to go down to the Lower East Side. She hoped it was something she could deal with.
“My wife.”
Shocked, Liz stared at him and tilted his head. “When?”
“A year ago, I’ll tell you on the way. Please.”
“Of course.” Liz let out a small smile, happy for Sean.
tbc
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
To answer some questions:
Yes, Max and Liz do end up together, I’m too much of a dreamer to do anything else, I’ve tried.
No Sean, has good intentions, I’m just trying to put Max and Liz together, and introduce something else.
Thanks for asking and reading!
Chapter 13
“This way, Elizabeth.” Sean hurried up the narrow stairs. Being in the neighborhood brought back memories. Happy ones as well as the sad ones.
He knocked on a door then opened it. “Maggie?” He called.
There was a small yelp from near the back. “Sarah?”
“We’re in here.” A woman called. “Thank heavens you’re back, we were getting worried.”
“It’s alright.” He said and gripped the older woman’s hand. “Maggie, this is Miss Parker, she’s a nurse.”
The old woman gave her a once over. “You’re sure you know what you’re doing?”
“Yes, ma’am. Take me to her.” Liz slid her shawl off, delivered a command to Lady and went to the back.
There was so much blood. “Dear Lord.” Liz whispered and knew she would need help. The doctor didn’t make calls down here as much as she had pleaded him to he was adamant that she was on her own when she came here. Thinking quickly she looked around.
“You, Maggie, can you read?” she asked.
“Yes, Miss.” The woman came forward.
“Good, take this back up town.” She said quickly. “Tell the butler that Elizabeth Parker-Valenti sent you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Miss.” She quickly left the room.
“Sean, do you have anymore towels?” Liz turned to him.
“Yes, of course.” He said.
“Bring them please, she can’t lose much more.” Liz rolled up her sleeves and went to the young woman.
“Does she speak Gaelic?” Liz asked him.
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Good, it will make her more comfortable.” She whispered something to the girl.
“Are you due now?” Liz asked as she ran a cool cloth over the girl’s head.
“Yes.” Sarah managed to get out.
“Excellent.” Liz breathed a sigh of relief that was one problem down. She whispered something to Sarah again.
Sarah muttered something back before she was taken over by another pain.
Liz checked to see how everything was going. “You’re doing fine.” There was so much blood; Liz knew the girl would not make it. Something hitched in her throat as she looked at Sean, so expectant.
“Looking forward to your first?” Liz asked trying to sound cheerful, as she tried to feel for the baby. It was breached. Feeling the girl’s hardened tummy Liz prayed hard.
“Well, we sort of already have one. It’s out first together.”
“What do you mean?” She asked.
“We have Sarah’s niece.” Sean explained. Liz focused on how to turn the baby. It was large and the girl was small, narrow-hipped. “Sarah came over with her Da and her niece.”
“Oh, what’s her name?” Liz asked to keep him distracted.
“Katie.” He smiled. “She calls me Da.” He said proudly. “We were going to raise her like she was ours.”
“That’s wonderful. Sean, how long has she been laboring?”
“This is the thirtieth hour.” Sean said, seeing the uncertainty in her eyes.
Liz cursed under her breath. The girl was pale, barely able to speak. “Will you keep her niece?” Liz asked looking down.
“Yes.” He said. “Of course.” And then he knew. There was nothing Liz could do.
The front door opened and there was a flurry of motion in the front of the house.
“Liz?” She turned and let out a sigh of relief.
“We’re in the back, Nellie.” She called.
“Oh, what’s going on?” Nellie knelt next to Liz. Cornelia Brighton had secretly joined Liz throughout her years of college. If Nellie had to miss class because of a social engagement, Liz would fill her in.
Liz just shook her head and took her hand and pushed it to the belly. “Thirtieth hour.”
Nellie’s gaze flew to Liz’s and then fell. “We can save the baby.”
“Yes we can.” Liz said and looked at Sean. “Would you like to think about it?”
Sean looked shocked.
Liz rose and went to him and left Cornelia to work with Sarah. “Sean, we can save your baby, we need your permission. There is no sense in losing both mother and child.” She explained gently.
“I guess I’m not meant to be fully happy?” Sean said and looked at his delicate wife.
“Sean.” She called softly. Sean went to his wife’s side with tears in his eyes.
“Do it.” She said. “Please, for the baby.”
“Sarah.” He took her hand.
“Please, Sean.” She pleaded with him and fought with every breath the pain that was wracking her body.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” Sean said to his wife and then looked at Liz and nodded.
“Did you bring it?” Liz turned to Nellie.
”Yes.” Going to her bag Cornelia brought back the bottle and handkerchief.
“We can make the pain go away.” Liz said softly.
Sean nodded and broke down in sobs. He let go of his wife’s hand exited the room.
A half hour later, he heard the squawk of a baby. A seemingly healthy baby.
Nellie walked out of the room and held the child to him. “Here is your daughter, Mr. Malloy.”
Sean looked up smiled at the beautiful girl in his arms. “She looks like her mother.”
“She does. What are you going to name her?” Nellie asked, and tried not to notice Sean’s deep blue eyes.
“Mary.” He said and rocked when the baby fussed. “Mary Sarah Malloy.”
“That’s a grand name, Mr. Malloy.” She turned and went back to help Liz clean up the room.
A few hours later, Liz exited the small room. They had found a woman to nurse the baby for the first three months, from there the baby would hopefully survive on regular milk. Nellie was in the apartment finishing up and comforting the other daughter, Katie. Liz leaned against the outer door and slid down to the floor. She finally lead her tears come. She had lost patients before but never in such a way.
Lady hurried over to her and cuddled up to her. Liz let the sobs consume her. She didn’t hear anyone around her.
“Liz?” She heard the voice and froze.
”Max, what are you doing here?” She asked, surprised and tried to wipe away the tears.
“I was waiting for you when Sean found you.” He said and stepped closer, his heart hurting at her distress. “You did what you could. How long have you and Cornelia Brighton been sneaking around together?”
“Two years.” Liz said, not caring who heard. “Two years and we’ve never lost one like this.” Liz threw her hands down and shoved herself up. “You know, that woman didn’t have to die?” She said.
“What?” Max said astonished.
“If she could have had a doctor early on, or even if Nellie and I would have gotten here sooner, we could have stopped it.”
“Liz, don’t do this.”
“It’s true. But because the doctors are too good to come down here, and because medical aid is so hard to get, mothers die here all the time. Needlessly. If that would have been Isabel’s pregnancy she would have been saved.”
A pain slid through Max. “Liz don’t speak like that.”
“That’s reality, Max! This is what I grew up in. It’s not fair is it?”
“No, it’s not fair.” Max took a step closer. “It shouldn’t have happened.”
“No, it shouldn’t. I couldn’t help her.” Liz said. “I couldn’t help her, Max.”
“You tried, Love.” Max took her into his arms. “You can’t help everybody.” He stroked her hair as she sobbed into his chest.
****
”Nice of you to join us, Elizabeth.” Nancy Parker exclaimed when Liz made her way into the ballroom.
“You are only saved since Miss Brighton just got here as well.”
Liz glared at her mother.
”You are not to go down there again, Elizabeth.”
Liz turned to her father. “How did you know?”
”I always know.” He gave her a grin.
“But…”
“There will be no buts.” He said quietly, sternly. “Understood?”
”Yes.” She looked down and glanced around the room. She caught sight of Cornelia they eyed each other carefully. Liz turned away before her eyes filled with tears. She saw Cornelia dab at her eye before smiling up at an admirer. Cornelia was a year older than Liz and as much sought after. Nellie had confided to her that it was only for a connection to her family, not her they wanted.
“Miss Parker.” Liz turned and stared at Max. “May I speak with you?”
“Yes.” She turned to him, and let him escort out to the terrace. “Thank you for bringing me out here.”
“You’re welcome.” He studied her. He had seen her in her rags, and the day dress she had been wearing earlier, but the ball gown she had dawned made her look stunning. “You look beautiful.” He told her.
She flushed. “Thank you.”
“Are you adjusting to your new life?”
“As much as I can, it’s been two years.” She looked across the way. There was a garden below and the skyline of the other roofs surrounding the house. “I still don’t know how I’m supposed to feel.”
“You seem to be doing fine.” Max said. Her hair was caught up from her face. He knew if she would have had more time, she would have had fancier. “Lots of admirers.”
“Unfortunately.” She answered. “They don’t understand I don’t want to be married.”
“Liz,” He said and stepped toward her. He took both of her hands and looked earnestly at her. “Give me a chance to explain before you reject me again.”
“Max.” She stepped back, but he wouldn’t let her.
”No, Liz listen.” He said and pulled her close and into the shadows. “Remember what happened today?”
“Please don’t remind me of it, Mr. Evans.” She felt trapped and so she used his formal name.
“Answer the question.”
“I can’t forget it!” She almost screamed at him. “You held me while I sobbed, and while I thank you, I don’t want to remember right now.”
“Liz, that sort of thing happens all the time out west.” He took a firmer grip on her arms, adding pressure but not hurting her.
She froze. “What?”
“There aren’t enough doctors.” He said. “The ones there are stretched thin. There are no nurses.”
He could see he had her attention.
“The other day, I heard of a woman dying in childbirth. I heard that if she could have had medical help, she would have survived. Unlike Mary Sarah, the baby wasn’t saved either.”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Yes, Liz. There is now a man out there left to raise four children on his own because he couldn’t get help.” Max held her eye and said every word carefully. “Liz, we need help out there. The situation is getting out of control.”
“I-I can’t go out there by myself.” She said. “I would. I can’t Jim…my father, wouldn’t let me.” She said breathlessly. All those people she could help.
“I’m not asking you to go alone.” He said.
“Nellie’s parent’s don’t even know.”
“No, not Nellie. Me.” He said. “As my wife.”
She stopped. She took a step back and he let her. “I couldn’t just be a nurse, could I, Max?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m offering you the chance to fulfill your dream without limits. I just want you to be your wife.”
“And have your children.”
“When the time comes.” He dreamed of children. If she was honest with herself, she did too. Max’s.
She searched his gaze, and her heart begged her to say yes. Those last two years, she knew that he would come back, she had been fighting off her love for him but it was difficult. Knowing that Max loved her, how could she deny her feelings?
“Fine.” She nodded.
“Fine?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, Max, I will marry you.”
Smiling, Max looked down at her. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” She said.
“Are you doing it for the people or for us?” Max asked as he took her hand.
“I haven’t figured it out yet.” She told him honestly.
“That’s good enough.” He took another step towards her and framed her face with his hardened hands. “For now.” And he kissed her.
****
When they went back into the party, Max nodded at Jim.
Within the hour, the engagement was announced.
Liz caught Cornelia’s glance and instead of the betrayal that she had been expecting, there was a burst of excitement.
Disregarding society’s standards, Cornelia crossed the room to her friend. “Liz, this is exciting!”
“You’re not upset?”
“No.” She hugged her. “You’re to go west then?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “There are people who need help.”
“I know.” Nellie looked over at her sister who was on her husband’s arm. “Aaron is going west too. He just told the family tonight. Ella knows about my nursing and convinced him to take me with. I’m going too!” The Brighton’s were the Evans’ bankers and needed a branch out west with them.
“That’s so exciting, Nellie, I would have missed you dreadfully, and we make a good team.”
“Yes.”
“You’re not upset, about Max?”
“No. He never would have loved me.” She smiled at Liz. “I’ll find someone else.”
“I hope he makes you happy.” Liz answered.
”I’ll make sure of it.”
TBC (No we’re not almost done)
Yes, Max and Liz do end up together, I’m too much of a dreamer to do anything else, I’ve tried.
No Sean, has good intentions, I’m just trying to put Max and Liz together, and introduce something else.
Thanks for asking and reading!
Chapter 13
“This way, Elizabeth.” Sean hurried up the narrow stairs. Being in the neighborhood brought back memories. Happy ones as well as the sad ones.
He knocked on a door then opened it. “Maggie?” He called.
There was a small yelp from near the back. “Sarah?”
“We’re in here.” A woman called. “Thank heavens you’re back, we were getting worried.”
“It’s alright.” He said and gripped the older woman’s hand. “Maggie, this is Miss Parker, she’s a nurse.”
The old woman gave her a once over. “You’re sure you know what you’re doing?”
“Yes, ma’am. Take me to her.” Liz slid her shawl off, delivered a command to Lady and went to the back.
There was so much blood. “Dear Lord.” Liz whispered and knew she would need help. The doctor didn’t make calls down here as much as she had pleaded him to he was adamant that she was on her own when she came here. Thinking quickly she looked around.
“You, Maggie, can you read?” she asked.
“Yes, Miss.” The woman came forward.
“Good, take this back up town.” She said quickly. “Tell the butler that Elizabeth Parker-Valenti sent you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Miss.” She quickly left the room.
“Sean, do you have anymore towels?” Liz turned to him.
“Yes, of course.” He said.
“Bring them please, she can’t lose much more.” Liz rolled up her sleeves and went to the young woman.
“Does she speak Gaelic?” Liz asked him.
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Good, it will make her more comfortable.” She whispered something to the girl.
“Are you due now?” Liz asked as she ran a cool cloth over the girl’s head.
“Yes.” Sarah managed to get out.
“Excellent.” Liz breathed a sigh of relief that was one problem down. She whispered something to Sarah again.
Sarah muttered something back before she was taken over by another pain.
Liz checked to see how everything was going. “You’re doing fine.” There was so much blood; Liz knew the girl would not make it. Something hitched in her throat as she looked at Sean, so expectant.
“Looking forward to your first?” Liz asked trying to sound cheerful, as she tried to feel for the baby. It was breached. Feeling the girl’s hardened tummy Liz prayed hard.
“Well, we sort of already have one. It’s out first together.”
“What do you mean?” She asked.
“We have Sarah’s niece.” Sean explained. Liz focused on how to turn the baby. It was large and the girl was small, narrow-hipped. “Sarah came over with her Da and her niece.”
“Oh, what’s her name?” Liz asked to keep him distracted.
“Katie.” He smiled. “She calls me Da.” He said proudly. “We were going to raise her like she was ours.”
“That’s wonderful. Sean, how long has she been laboring?”
“This is the thirtieth hour.” Sean said, seeing the uncertainty in her eyes.
Liz cursed under her breath. The girl was pale, barely able to speak. “Will you keep her niece?” Liz asked looking down.
“Yes.” He said. “Of course.” And then he knew. There was nothing Liz could do.
The front door opened and there was a flurry of motion in the front of the house.
“Liz?” She turned and let out a sigh of relief.
“We’re in the back, Nellie.” She called.
“Oh, what’s going on?” Nellie knelt next to Liz. Cornelia Brighton had secretly joined Liz throughout her years of college. If Nellie had to miss class because of a social engagement, Liz would fill her in.
Liz just shook her head and took her hand and pushed it to the belly. “Thirtieth hour.”
Nellie’s gaze flew to Liz’s and then fell. “We can save the baby.”
“Yes we can.” Liz said and looked at Sean. “Would you like to think about it?”
Sean looked shocked.
Liz rose and went to him and left Cornelia to work with Sarah. “Sean, we can save your baby, we need your permission. There is no sense in losing both mother and child.” She explained gently.
“I guess I’m not meant to be fully happy?” Sean said and looked at his delicate wife.
“Sean.” She called softly. Sean went to his wife’s side with tears in his eyes.
“Do it.” She said. “Please, for the baby.”
“Sarah.” He took her hand.
“Please, Sean.” She pleaded with him and fought with every breath the pain that was wracking her body.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.” Sean said to his wife and then looked at Liz and nodded.
“Did you bring it?” Liz turned to Nellie.
”Yes.” Going to her bag Cornelia brought back the bottle and handkerchief.
“We can make the pain go away.” Liz said softly.
Sean nodded and broke down in sobs. He let go of his wife’s hand exited the room.
A half hour later, he heard the squawk of a baby. A seemingly healthy baby.
Nellie walked out of the room and held the child to him. “Here is your daughter, Mr. Malloy.”
Sean looked up smiled at the beautiful girl in his arms. “She looks like her mother.”
“She does. What are you going to name her?” Nellie asked, and tried not to notice Sean’s deep blue eyes.
“Mary.” He said and rocked when the baby fussed. “Mary Sarah Malloy.”
“That’s a grand name, Mr. Malloy.” She turned and went back to help Liz clean up the room.
A few hours later, Liz exited the small room. They had found a woman to nurse the baby for the first three months, from there the baby would hopefully survive on regular milk. Nellie was in the apartment finishing up and comforting the other daughter, Katie. Liz leaned against the outer door and slid down to the floor. She finally lead her tears come. She had lost patients before but never in such a way.
Lady hurried over to her and cuddled up to her. Liz let the sobs consume her. She didn’t hear anyone around her.
“Liz?” She heard the voice and froze.
”Max, what are you doing here?” She asked, surprised and tried to wipe away the tears.
“I was waiting for you when Sean found you.” He said and stepped closer, his heart hurting at her distress. “You did what you could. How long have you and Cornelia Brighton been sneaking around together?”
“Two years.” Liz said, not caring who heard. “Two years and we’ve never lost one like this.” Liz threw her hands down and shoved herself up. “You know, that woman didn’t have to die?” She said.
“What?” Max said astonished.
“If she could have had a doctor early on, or even if Nellie and I would have gotten here sooner, we could have stopped it.”
“Liz, don’t do this.”
“It’s true. But because the doctors are too good to come down here, and because medical aid is so hard to get, mothers die here all the time. Needlessly. If that would have been Isabel’s pregnancy she would have been saved.”
A pain slid through Max. “Liz don’t speak like that.”
“That’s reality, Max! This is what I grew up in. It’s not fair is it?”
“No, it’s not fair.” Max took a step closer. “It shouldn’t have happened.”
“No, it shouldn’t. I couldn’t help her.” Liz said. “I couldn’t help her, Max.”
“You tried, Love.” Max took her into his arms. “You can’t help everybody.” He stroked her hair as she sobbed into his chest.
****
”Nice of you to join us, Elizabeth.” Nancy Parker exclaimed when Liz made her way into the ballroom.
“You are only saved since Miss Brighton just got here as well.”
Liz glared at her mother.
”You are not to go down there again, Elizabeth.”
Liz turned to her father. “How did you know?”
”I always know.” He gave her a grin.
“But…”
“There will be no buts.” He said quietly, sternly. “Understood?”
”Yes.” She looked down and glanced around the room. She caught sight of Cornelia they eyed each other carefully. Liz turned away before her eyes filled with tears. She saw Cornelia dab at her eye before smiling up at an admirer. Cornelia was a year older than Liz and as much sought after. Nellie had confided to her that it was only for a connection to her family, not her they wanted.
“Miss Parker.” Liz turned and stared at Max. “May I speak with you?”
“Yes.” She turned to him, and let him escort out to the terrace. “Thank you for bringing me out here.”
“You’re welcome.” He studied her. He had seen her in her rags, and the day dress she had been wearing earlier, but the ball gown she had dawned made her look stunning. “You look beautiful.” He told her.
She flushed. “Thank you.”
“Are you adjusting to your new life?”
“As much as I can, it’s been two years.” She looked across the way. There was a garden below and the skyline of the other roofs surrounding the house. “I still don’t know how I’m supposed to feel.”
“You seem to be doing fine.” Max said. Her hair was caught up from her face. He knew if she would have had more time, she would have had fancier. “Lots of admirers.”
“Unfortunately.” She answered. “They don’t understand I don’t want to be married.”
“Liz,” He said and stepped toward her. He took both of her hands and looked earnestly at her. “Give me a chance to explain before you reject me again.”
“Max.” She stepped back, but he wouldn’t let her.
”No, Liz listen.” He said and pulled her close and into the shadows. “Remember what happened today?”
“Please don’t remind me of it, Mr. Evans.” She felt trapped and so she used his formal name.
“Answer the question.”
“I can’t forget it!” She almost screamed at him. “You held me while I sobbed, and while I thank you, I don’t want to remember right now.”
“Liz, that sort of thing happens all the time out west.” He took a firmer grip on her arms, adding pressure but not hurting her.
She froze. “What?”
“There aren’t enough doctors.” He said. “The ones there are stretched thin. There are no nurses.”
He could see he had her attention.
“The other day, I heard of a woman dying in childbirth. I heard that if she could have had medical help, she would have survived. Unlike Mary Sarah, the baby wasn’t saved either.”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Yes, Liz. There is now a man out there left to raise four children on his own because he couldn’t get help.” Max held her eye and said every word carefully. “Liz, we need help out there. The situation is getting out of control.”
“I-I can’t go out there by myself.” She said. “I would. I can’t Jim…my father, wouldn’t let me.” She said breathlessly. All those people she could help.
“I’m not asking you to go alone.” He said.
“Nellie’s parent’s don’t even know.”
“No, not Nellie. Me.” He said. “As my wife.”
She stopped. She took a step back and he let her. “I couldn’t just be a nurse, could I, Max?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m offering you the chance to fulfill your dream without limits. I just want you to be your wife.”
“And have your children.”
“When the time comes.” He dreamed of children. If she was honest with herself, she did too. Max’s.
She searched his gaze, and her heart begged her to say yes. Those last two years, she knew that he would come back, she had been fighting off her love for him but it was difficult. Knowing that Max loved her, how could she deny her feelings?
“Fine.” She nodded.
“Fine?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, Max, I will marry you.”
Smiling, Max looked down at her. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” She said.
“Are you doing it for the people or for us?” Max asked as he took her hand.
“I haven’t figured it out yet.” She told him honestly.
“That’s good enough.” He took another step towards her and framed her face with his hardened hands. “For now.” And he kissed her.
****
When they went back into the party, Max nodded at Jim.
Within the hour, the engagement was announced.
Liz caught Cornelia’s glance and instead of the betrayal that she had been expecting, there was a burst of excitement.
Disregarding society’s standards, Cornelia crossed the room to her friend. “Liz, this is exciting!”
“You’re not upset?”
“No.” She hugged her. “You’re to go west then?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “There are people who need help.”
“I know.” Nellie looked over at her sister who was on her husband’s arm. “Aaron is going west too. He just told the family tonight. Ella knows about my nursing and convinced him to take me with. I’m going too!” The Brighton’s were the Evans’ bankers and needed a branch out west with them.
“That’s so exciting, Nellie, I would have missed you dreadfully, and we make a good team.”
“Yes.”
“You’re not upset, about Max?”
“No. He never would have loved me.” She smiled at Liz. “I’ll find someone else.”
“I hope he makes you happy.” Liz answered.
”I’ll make sure of it.”
TBC (No we’re not almost done)
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
Thank you for being patient, I meant to post on Friday but got distracted and had a busy weekend. Thank you all for the feedback. I'm glad you all enjoy!
This is just a transition chapter. It’s just moving us west and getting settled, the next chapter will have more in it.
Chapter 14
The train depot was crowded and Liz stayed close to her new husband. Clutching his arm she strained for a last view of her family. They had married earlier that day, Liz had changed from her beautiful wedding gown into a simple traveling gown.
Cassidy had been devastated when she learned that both her dear Mr. Evans and Aunt were going to leave. Though she was now thrilled that could call him Uncle Max. Serena had shed her own tears for her sister-in-law. But the breaking point was for Kyle. Liz had clutched him and was reluctant to let go when Max tugged her gently to his side. Kyle had been her best friend, had looked out for her since she was born, and been her confidant. Liz knew his heart had been breaking when she let go as well. Her mother and father were there as well, but their goodbyes had been less tearful. It had been polite and Liz was none to sorry to leave them.
The news that Nellie would not be joining her for another year at least was heartbreaking, but Liz assured her that they would in time see each other again.
“Come on, Love.” Max directed her to the train compartment. Lady scampered along behind them and yapped. “Liz…”
“Lady, hush, that’s enough.” She laughed. “If you spoke to her more, she’d respond to your commands.”
“She’s your dog.” Max said and bent to lift the dog onto the train. For once the dog didn’t snap at him. Lady still viewed Max as the enemy, no matter how much he was around.
Lady growled. “Hush, dog.” Max snipped.
Max took her hand and gently squeezed it. “Did you pack your light clothes on top? When we get closer to New Mexico it’s going to get pretty warm.”
“I’ll be alright.”
”You brought parasols right?” He said looking at her and touching her cheek. “You’re skin is so pale I don’t want you to burn.”
“I won’t.” She said.
“Liz…” He stopped.
”Max, we’re going to be fine, I’m going to be fine, Lady is going to be fine.” Liz assured him.
“Are you sorry you had to leave your family?”
Liz paused for a moment. “Not sorry. We’re going to start a new one, right?” She asked.
“Yes, our own.” He caressed her cheek and was content. “When you’re ready, as I promised.”
****
The heat was more than Liz ever could have imagined. Poor Lady couldn’t even find it in her to bark.
“Michael!” Max directed his wife through the crowd. He could see the heat was getting to her and he hoped she wouldn’t faint on him.
“Maxwell, good to see you again.” Michael greeted.
“Michael, Maria, this is my wife, Liz.” Max said and held Liz close to him.
“Pleasure.” Michael greeted her.
The two women eyed each other, gauging how the other would respond.
Liz felt the heavy gaze of the other woman and looked down. She tried to smile but decided it was safer to scoot closer to Max. Under her lashes Liz studied the woman. She wasn’t much taller than herself, but was blonde as Liz was dark. Her eyes as blue as Liz’s were brown.
“Hello, Mrs. Evans.” The woman said over brightly.
“Mrs. Guerin.” Liz said quietly. She looked up at Max and knew she had to look a mess. She had just stepped off a train after five days travel. Her clothes were wrinkled and her hair mussed. “I hope you excuse my appearance, we’ve come a long way.”
Studying the woman across from her, Maria Guerin decided she like her.
“You should have seen me when I got off the train, at least you’re amiable.” Maria grabbed her arm and drew her to her side. “I was a horrible, and it wasn’t even my first day.”
Liz let out a nervous laugh and looked back at Max to save her.
Maria ignored her new friend’s appeal for help and tugged her along. “Your accent, Mrs. Evans, where are you from?” She asked bravely. “And excuse me if I’m impolite in asking.”
Liz’s nervous eyes flew to Max, back East no one had dared question, though they all knew. “Please, call me, Liz. And it’s Irish, I was born in Galway.”
“Liz, please call me Maria then.” She stopped. “Looks like we’ll fit in perfectly.” Maria said happily. “I’m just a coal miner’s daughter.”
Liz let a surprised laugh escape her. “Out here, honey,” Maria started. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from. Our men marry whom they please, when they please. Is that your dog?”
“Yes, her name is Lady.” Liz said liking Maria as time passed.
“She’s for protection?”
“Sort of, more of a companion.”
“Good, she’d do nothing for you out here.” Maria said and then glanced at her attire. “You must be hot, honey.”
“Desperately.” Liz laughed. “I didn’t think Max really meant this hot.”
“You’ve got a lot to learn about hot, honey.”
“I guessed that.” Liz breathed as they began their journey to her new home.
****
They had been home the whole afternoon and Maria and Liz still had yet to part company. Max wanted to show his wife her home in peace but Liz seemed to be enjoying the other woman so much he couldn’t bear to send the Guerins home.
Max climbed the stairs to his wife’s rooms and heard the eager chatter; he had never heard Liz so lively, chatting so much. He imagined this was how she was in a setting where she was comfortable and wondered if she would become eager to talk to him in the near future.
Max smiled when he found them discussing clothing.
“Here, I’ll send over a few of my clothes until you can have some made for you. What you brought is light for New York, honey.”
“I’ll have to speak to Max first.” Liz said unsure. Maria’s lighter blouse and skirt felt wonderful. “And I couldn’t possibly take your clothes.”
“Oh please, I have plenty, and you’re the only woman I can share with.”
“Alright.” She nodded.
Lady started barking and Liz ignored her. She walked over to the window to study her new yard. There were little patches of grass and she wondered how they survived.
“Maria, how much of this does my husband own?”
“As far as you can see.” Maria said.
“Truly?” Liz asked.
“Yes.” Maria said. “It’s hard to accept at first.” She walked over to the window. “Michael owns nearly as much. I’m just a coal miner’s daughter, never in a hundred years would I ever even thought I'd be married to this. Liz, why is your dog barking?”
“Hmm?” She really needed to get on Lady’s case about her barking. “Oh, Max is coming.”
“She barks at Max?”
”She doesn’t like him.” Liz explained. “Come on Lady, that’s enough now.”
The dog started barking more.
“What in the world?” Liz went to the hall to see why her dog hadn’t obeyed. Max held the squirming animal in his arms as he climbed the stairs.
“Max, put my dog down.” Liz laughed.
“She’s going to bite me.”
“She won’t bite you.” Liz said trying to hold her laughter.
“She will.” He said.
“Give her to me.” Liz said and took the dog into her arms. The dog quieted then Liz turned to him. “Come here, Max.”
Max stepped closer. Liz took his hand and held it to the dogs face. “Good girl.” She said quietly to Lady. Lady sniffed his hand. She licked it. Max grimaced but the dog ceased it’s barking. “Now hold her.”
Max didn’t want anything to do with the dog, but he saw the look of hope on his wife’s face and held the dog. She didn’t bark but neither was comfortable.
Max stopped when he noticed it was one of the few times his wife had voluntarily touched him. He smiled gently at her. “I’ll be nice to your dog.”
“You were never mean to her.” Liz said. “She’s just testy.”
“Is Maria staying for supper?” Max asked.
“Yes.” She nodded and looked at him. “If that is ok?”
“Yes, yes, that’s fine. You’re mistress of the house; you decide who will join us now. You just have to tell the cook how many.”
“I’ll do that now.”
****
Later, after Maria had gone home, Max escorted Liz to their rooms.
He stopped outside their room.
Liz looked up at him. Here came the awkward part. They hadn’t felt right on the train, they had slept next to each other, but had not made love. “Max.”
“It’s alright.” He smiled gently at her. “Just change love, and meet me in my room.”
Her eyes widened. “Walk through the hall in my nightclothes?”
“No, there’s a connecting door, love.” He smiled.
“Oh.” She nodded and her cheeks flushed. “I hadn’t noticed.”
“Don’t be nervous.” He said and nudged her towards the door. “You have nothing to be nervous about.”
She nodded and turned into her room and shut the door behind her. She went through her necessaries and sat down at her vanity. Her hands shaking, she wondered if she would make it through the night intact. The brush shook as she gently brushed it from the thick knot at her neck, that Maria had shown her kept the heat from her neck.
Hair brushed and neatly braided she stood and grabbed her dressing gown. Slipping it on she tied the belt tight at her waist before walking to the joining door.
She knocked. “Come in.”
With one last breath she opened the door. She stepped into the room with Lady trailing behind her.
“Is she going to stay?” Max asked.
“You know she’ll have a fit if she’s not.” Liz turned to her and spoke softly to the dog who in turn went to the fire and laid down within seconds she was in a deep sleep. “There.”
“Come here, Liz.” Max held his hand to her.
She placed her hand in his and he looked her in the eye. “You don’t have to be afraid.”
“I don’t know what I’m doing.” She said quietly.
“I know.” And it pleased him. “You’ll be fine. You’ve slept by my side for three nights.” And in those nights she had snuggled so close to him, he knew she trusted him on some level. With every jostle of the train she had moved towards him, every sudden noise had startled her and in her slumber, she had turned to him for comfort.
She nodded but looked away from him.
“Come just sleep by me, Liz, we’ll work on the rest slowly.” He led her to the bed.
Trusting him she let him lead her to the bed.
****
The next morning Liz woke to a small noise in the room. It was warm and she had removed all covers but the thin sheet. A maid bustled happily in the room, setting things about. She turned when she heard Liz shift.
“Morning.” The woman bustled brightly. “I’m Ellie, the upstairs maid.” She introduced. “Mr. Evans told me to tell you he went down to breakfast.”
“I shall join him there then.” Liz said and blushed when she realized she was still in Max’s bed.
“It’s good to have you, Mrs. Evans.” The maid excused herself as she let her mistress get ready.
Liz couldn’t find her dog but didn’t worry too much about it. She was probably about exploring her new home, something she had yet to do. She made her way downstairs to the informal dining room. Lady sat at Max’s side, her tail wagging furiously.
“Morning, Max.” She smiled shyly at her new husband.
”Good morning, beautiful.” He stood. “Have a seat, I was just waiting for you to come down.”
“Thank you.” She said and took her seat to her right. “You’ll show me around the house today?”
“Yes, I was planning to yesterday.”
“I apologize.”
“No need.” He said. “You were having fun. I was thinking I could take you to meet the doctor later as well.”
“I would love that. Does he know I’m here?”
”Yes, he looked vastly relieved that he would receive some help. He has a young family at home to worry about as well.”
“I see.” She nodded. “I would be delighted.”
“I know.” He said. “And we’ll go into town and order you new outfits.”
Liz nodded. “Sounds wonderful.”
tbc
This is just a transition chapter. It’s just moving us west and getting settled, the next chapter will have more in it.
Chapter 14
The train depot was crowded and Liz stayed close to her new husband. Clutching his arm she strained for a last view of her family. They had married earlier that day, Liz had changed from her beautiful wedding gown into a simple traveling gown.
Cassidy had been devastated when she learned that both her dear Mr. Evans and Aunt were going to leave. Though she was now thrilled that could call him Uncle Max. Serena had shed her own tears for her sister-in-law. But the breaking point was for Kyle. Liz had clutched him and was reluctant to let go when Max tugged her gently to his side. Kyle had been her best friend, had looked out for her since she was born, and been her confidant. Liz knew his heart had been breaking when she let go as well. Her mother and father were there as well, but their goodbyes had been less tearful. It had been polite and Liz was none to sorry to leave them.
The news that Nellie would not be joining her for another year at least was heartbreaking, but Liz assured her that they would in time see each other again.
“Come on, Love.” Max directed her to the train compartment. Lady scampered along behind them and yapped. “Liz…”
“Lady, hush, that’s enough.” She laughed. “If you spoke to her more, she’d respond to your commands.”
“She’s your dog.” Max said and bent to lift the dog onto the train. For once the dog didn’t snap at him. Lady still viewed Max as the enemy, no matter how much he was around.
Lady growled. “Hush, dog.” Max snipped.
Max took her hand and gently squeezed it. “Did you pack your light clothes on top? When we get closer to New Mexico it’s going to get pretty warm.”
“I’ll be alright.”
”You brought parasols right?” He said looking at her and touching her cheek. “You’re skin is so pale I don’t want you to burn.”
“I won’t.” She said.
“Liz…” He stopped.
”Max, we’re going to be fine, I’m going to be fine, Lady is going to be fine.” Liz assured him.
“Are you sorry you had to leave your family?”
Liz paused for a moment. “Not sorry. We’re going to start a new one, right?” She asked.
“Yes, our own.” He caressed her cheek and was content. “When you’re ready, as I promised.”
****
The heat was more than Liz ever could have imagined. Poor Lady couldn’t even find it in her to bark.
“Michael!” Max directed his wife through the crowd. He could see the heat was getting to her and he hoped she wouldn’t faint on him.
“Maxwell, good to see you again.” Michael greeted.
“Michael, Maria, this is my wife, Liz.” Max said and held Liz close to him.
“Pleasure.” Michael greeted her.
The two women eyed each other, gauging how the other would respond.
Liz felt the heavy gaze of the other woman and looked down. She tried to smile but decided it was safer to scoot closer to Max. Under her lashes Liz studied the woman. She wasn’t much taller than herself, but was blonde as Liz was dark. Her eyes as blue as Liz’s were brown.
“Hello, Mrs. Evans.” The woman said over brightly.
“Mrs. Guerin.” Liz said quietly. She looked up at Max and knew she had to look a mess. She had just stepped off a train after five days travel. Her clothes were wrinkled and her hair mussed. “I hope you excuse my appearance, we’ve come a long way.”
Studying the woman across from her, Maria Guerin decided she like her.
“You should have seen me when I got off the train, at least you’re amiable.” Maria grabbed her arm and drew her to her side. “I was a horrible, and it wasn’t even my first day.”
Liz let out a nervous laugh and looked back at Max to save her.
Maria ignored her new friend’s appeal for help and tugged her along. “Your accent, Mrs. Evans, where are you from?” She asked bravely. “And excuse me if I’m impolite in asking.”
Liz’s nervous eyes flew to Max, back East no one had dared question, though they all knew. “Please, call me, Liz. And it’s Irish, I was born in Galway.”
“Liz, please call me Maria then.” She stopped. “Looks like we’ll fit in perfectly.” Maria said happily. “I’m just a coal miner’s daughter.”
Liz let a surprised laugh escape her. “Out here, honey,” Maria started. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from. Our men marry whom they please, when they please. Is that your dog?”
“Yes, her name is Lady.” Liz said liking Maria as time passed.
“She’s for protection?”
“Sort of, more of a companion.”
“Good, she’d do nothing for you out here.” Maria said and then glanced at her attire. “You must be hot, honey.”
“Desperately.” Liz laughed. “I didn’t think Max really meant this hot.”
“You’ve got a lot to learn about hot, honey.”
“I guessed that.” Liz breathed as they began their journey to her new home.
****
They had been home the whole afternoon and Maria and Liz still had yet to part company. Max wanted to show his wife her home in peace but Liz seemed to be enjoying the other woman so much he couldn’t bear to send the Guerins home.
Max climbed the stairs to his wife’s rooms and heard the eager chatter; he had never heard Liz so lively, chatting so much. He imagined this was how she was in a setting where she was comfortable and wondered if she would become eager to talk to him in the near future.
Max smiled when he found them discussing clothing.
“Here, I’ll send over a few of my clothes until you can have some made for you. What you brought is light for New York, honey.”
“I’ll have to speak to Max first.” Liz said unsure. Maria’s lighter blouse and skirt felt wonderful. “And I couldn’t possibly take your clothes.”
“Oh please, I have plenty, and you’re the only woman I can share with.”
“Alright.” She nodded.
Lady started barking and Liz ignored her. She walked over to the window to study her new yard. There were little patches of grass and she wondered how they survived.
“Maria, how much of this does my husband own?”
“As far as you can see.” Maria said.
“Truly?” Liz asked.
“Yes.” Maria said. “It’s hard to accept at first.” She walked over to the window. “Michael owns nearly as much. I’m just a coal miner’s daughter, never in a hundred years would I ever even thought I'd be married to this. Liz, why is your dog barking?”
“Hmm?” She really needed to get on Lady’s case about her barking. “Oh, Max is coming.”
“She barks at Max?”
”She doesn’t like him.” Liz explained. “Come on Lady, that’s enough now.”
The dog started barking more.
“What in the world?” Liz went to the hall to see why her dog hadn’t obeyed. Max held the squirming animal in his arms as he climbed the stairs.
“Max, put my dog down.” Liz laughed.
“She’s going to bite me.”
“She won’t bite you.” Liz said trying to hold her laughter.
“She will.” He said.
“Give her to me.” Liz said and took the dog into her arms. The dog quieted then Liz turned to him. “Come here, Max.”
Max stepped closer. Liz took his hand and held it to the dogs face. “Good girl.” She said quietly to Lady. Lady sniffed his hand. She licked it. Max grimaced but the dog ceased it’s barking. “Now hold her.”
Max didn’t want anything to do with the dog, but he saw the look of hope on his wife’s face and held the dog. She didn’t bark but neither was comfortable.
Max stopped when he noticed it was one of the few times his wife had voluntarily touched him. He smiled gently at her. “I’ll be nice to your dog.”
“You were never mean to her.” Liz said. “She’s just testy.”
“Is Maria staying for supper?” Max asked.
“Yes.” She nodded and looked at him. “If that is ok?”
“Yes, yes, that’s fine. You’re mistress of the house; you decide who will join us now. You just have to tell the cook how many.”
“I’ll do that now.”
****
Later, after Maria had gone home, Max escorted Liz to their rooms.
He stopped outside their room.
Liz looked up at him. Here came the awkward part. They hadn’t felt right on the train, they had slept next to each other, but had not made love. “Max.”
“It’s alright.” He smiled gently at her. “Just change love, and meet me in my room.”
Her eyes widened. “Walk through the hall in my nightclothes?”
“No, there’s a connecting door, love.” He smiled.
“Oh.” She nodded and her cheeks flushed. “I hadn’t noticed.”
“Don’t be nervous.” He said and nudged her towards the door. “You have nothing to be nervous about.”
She nodded and turned into her room and shut the door behind her. She went through her necessaries and sat down at her vanity. Her hands shaking, she wondered if she would make it through the night intact. The brush shook as she gently brushed it from the thick knot at her neck, that Maria had shown her kept the heat from her neck.
Hair brushed and neatly braided she stood and grabbed her dressing gown. Slipping it on she tied the belt tight at her waist before walking to the joining door.
She knocked. “Come in.”
With one last breath she opened the door. She stepped into the room with Lady trailing behind her.
“Is she going to stay?” Max asked.
“You know she’ll have a fit if she’s not.” Liz turned to her and spoke softly to the dog who in turn went to the fire and laid down within seconds she was in a deep sleep. “There.”
“Come here, Liz.” Max held his hand to her.
She placed her hand in his and he looked her in the eye. “You don’t have to be afraid.”
“I don’t know what I’m doing.” She said quietly.
“I know.” And it pleased him. “You’ll be fine. You’ve slept by my side for three nights.” And in those nights she had snuggled so close to him, he knew she trusted him on some level. With every jostle of the train she had moved towards him, every sudden noise had startled her and in her slumber, she had turned to him for comfort.
She nodded but looked away from him.
“Come just sleep by me, Liz, we’ll work on the rest slowly.” He led her to the bed.
Trusting him she let him lead her to the bed.
****
The next morning Liz woke to a small noise in the room. It was warm and she had removed all covers but the thin sheet. A maid bustled happily in the room, setting things about. She turned when she heard Liz shift.
“Morning.” The woman bustled brightly. “I’m Ellie, the upstairs maid.” She introduced. “Mr. Evans told me to tell you he went down to breakfast.”
“I shall join him there then.” Liz said and blushed when she realized she was still in Max’s bed.
“It’s good to have you, Mrs. Evans.” The maid excused herself as she let her mistress get ready.
Liz couldn’t find her dog but didn’t worry too much about it. She was probably about exploring her new home, something she had yet to do. She made her way downstairs to the informal dining room. Lady sat at Max’s side, her tail wagging furiously.
“Morning, Max.” She smiled shyly at her new husband.
”Good morning, beautiful.” He stood. “Have a seat, I was just waiting for you to come down.”
“Thank you.” She said and took her seat to her right. “You’ll show me around the house today?”
“Yes, I was planning to yesterday.”
“I apologize.”
“No need.” He said. “You were having fun. I was thinking I could take you to meet the doctor later as well.”
“I would love that. Does he know I’m here?”
”Yes, he looked vastly relieved that he would receive some help. He has a young family at home to worry about as well.”
“I see.” She nodded. “I would be delighted.”
“I know.” He said. “And we’ll go into town and order you new outfits.”
Liz nodded. “Sounds wonderful.”
tbc
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
Sorry for the wait!
Chapter 15
It had been three weeks since the Evans had moved west.
Liz ran into the house and upstairs to her room to change. She was already late for supper and wondered if Max would be angry with her. She had never been late before, but there was an emergency and she couldn’t leave. Hurrying down the stairs and into the dining room, Liz paused to study her husband’s reaction.
“Good evening.” He stood.
Liz approached cautiously. Jim Valenti had always been angry if she was late for anything on account of a patient. She sat at the chair to her husband’s right.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” She said quietly.
“It’s alright.” Max said. “Did everything go as planned?”
“Yes.” Liz answered and glanced up at her husband. “You’re not angry, for me being late?”
“Why would I be, you’ve work to do. There will be times when I am late or miss supper all together.”
She smiled gratefully. “It won’t happen often.”
“I know.” He pulled something from his vest pocket. “You’ve got two letters in the mail today.”
Her eyes lit up. “From who?”
“One from Cassidy and one from Serena.” He handed them to her. “Go ahead and read them.”
The first one was addressed to Mrs. Max Evans, Aunt Liz.
Dear Aunt Liz,
It has been a long time or so it seems since you and Uncle Max left. Our assignment for school was to write a letter to a relative using correct form. Other girls do not have relatives far away so I’m lucky. I miss you.
Patricia Delaney and her friends are already wearing long dresses, instead of the frocks we wear at Miss Milton’s school for young girls. It does not seem fair. Mummy says in time I will be old enough. We are also designing proper calling cards and I have enclosed one for you. If you leave it on your calling plate you can pretend I visited you. I love you and Uncle Max, Aunt Liz. I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours,
Cassidy Parker-Valenti
Liz smiled as she read the letter out loud to Max.
“Surely she’s too young to wear long dresses.”
“Oh yes, she has a few more years.” Liz giggled. “She won’t wear them until she attends Mrs. Milton’s for Girls.” The three levels of schools Cassidy was to attend was confusing, and Liz often wondered who came up with the name. There was Miss Milton’s for Young girls. Mrs. Milton’s for girls, and Madame Milton’s for young ladies—which was a finishing school.
“I see, and the next one, from Serena.” He nodded towards it; he had already gotten a letter from Kyle and knew what it contained.
Dear Liz,
I hope you’re happy there, in your new life. Things have been going well. Logan saw a mini portrait of you yesterday in my bedroom and asked “Aunt Liz?” I think he misses you. The portraits of your wedding reached us today; Nancy says she’ll forward them to you, although I wonder why she did not have them sent to you straight away.
I never know what is on that woman’s mind.
I’m sure Cassidy wrote to you about her frocks, the girl is growing up too fast for my liking, Liz. You are as well. When I married Kyle you were only twelve years old, now you’re a wise old eighteen, soon to have a family of your own.
Liz, I do not understand how you have put up with your mother for so long. I told myself that I wouldn’t tell you about what was going on here, but please answer me this, how did you have the guts to defy her? I must admit that I’m lonely here, without you, sister. Say hello to your husband for me, and be happy.
Yours,
Serena Parker-Valenti
“She’s sad.” Liz whispered. She hadn’t read this one aloud knowing this was a more private, woman to woman conversation.
Max knew a lot more of what was going on at the Valenti household. Nancy had gone on a rampage since her only daughter had left. Part of Max felt guilty for leaving the rest of Liz’s family to deal with the wrath without Liz, the one person who could control her. The rest resented Jim Valenti for not putting his foot down.
“I hope she’ll be alright.” She set the letter down and stared at it, her eyes filling with tears. “Mama can be…difficult.” She shrugged. “I don’t know what has gotten into her, really. In Ireland she was never so…controlling I would use.”
“Do you miss it?” Max asked gently, to steer her mind away from such a hurtful topic. “Ireland?”
“Sometimes.” She said. “There’s something of your homeland that will always be with you, whether it’s another country or state. Do you miss New York?”
“Yes.” He answered. “Though not nearly as much as I thought I would, if I’m honest. I like the openness here.”
“Me too.” She smiled shyly at him.
“So was it a boy or girl?”
“Twin boys.” Liz smiled. “That’s why it took so long; we weren’t expecting the second one.”
“That’s exciting.” Max acknowledged his wife’s happiness. He also studied her carefully, knowing that she could very well be carrying his child now.
****
Max heard the clang of a sewing machine as he walked upstairs. He had left early that morning and was anxious to see his wife.
He stopped in the doorway to watch expecting to see her reading or some other form of entertainment. It had never dawned on him that it would be her that would be at the sewing machine. She was humming a tune to herself in time with her foot, pumping the large metal pedal.
The sun was streaming threw the open windows and lit her face. Contrary to his belief that she would burn in the harsh New Mexican sun, her skin had turned a lovely golden hue. He knew the ladies of New York would be scandalized but the women here envied her.
“What are you doing?” He asked walking slowly inside.
“Oh, I’m making more skirts. The material came in this morning and I can’t continue to wear Maria’s.” She said quickly.
“You do know I can hire someone to make your clothing for you.”
“Yeah, I know.” Liz said but looked away. “But…”
“What?”
“I sort of like to do it myself.”
“Why?”
The week before she had knit a new quilt for the bed. It was beautiful but not necessary.
“I…” She kept avoiding his eyes.
“What, Liz?” He asked lightly gripping her chin so she had to keep eye contact.
“I have to…I…I’m bored, Max.”
“Bored?” It had never occurred to him that she would be bored.
“I know it sounds absurd.” She said wringing her hands in embarrassment. “I should be happy that I have servants and the like.”
“Liz, talk to me.”
“But, I’m so used to having something to do. There are only so many women out here who can give birth. The rest of the time I’m just here. In New York, I was cleaning when I was young, and studying and attending college when I was older. I didn’t have time to be bored.”
“I see.” He said and looked out the window.
“I’m sorry. You work so hard, you don’t have time to worry about entertaining me.”
“I’m your husband, it’s my job to worry about if you’re happy or not.”
“I am happy.”
“You can’t be if you’re bored.”
“I said I’m bored, not unhappy.” She clarified. “I’m very happy.”
“Good.” He smiled and stepped closer to her. “I’ll see what I can do to make you unbored.”
She laughed right before his mouth closed down on hers, instantly her whole body went lax.
****
“Liz.” Max bent and kissed his wife awake the next morning. “Wake up, darling.”
She burrowed under her pillows and tried to curl closer to the warmth Max’s body usually provided. Feeling the emptiness, she immediately opened her eyes. She had started to sense when he wasn’t in bed with her any longer. In the morning she woke just minutes after he left the bed.
“Good morning, my darling.” He smiled at her confused look. “It’s about time you woke.”
“It can’t have been too long since you’ve gotten out of bed.” Liz stretched. The sun was streaming through the open windows, a warm breeze filtered in.
“It’s not.” He said. It was later than he usually slept but with his wife snug against him he could have easily slept all day. “Get up, Maria and Michael are coming.”
“Really?” She scrunched her eyebrows it was Wednesday, what could they be doing, usually Max had lots of work. “Why?”
“We’re going out, I don’t want you to be bored.”
She stepped from the bed and reached for her wrapper. Max smiled when he noticed she didn’t shy from being naked in his presence.
“Do you have work?”
“It can wait, darling, put these on.” He handed her clothes.
Expecting a skirt she shook out the garment. “Max, these are riding pants.”
“Yes.” He nodded, watching closely for her reaction. “We’re going riding.”
“I figured that, but we have two problems. One, I don’t know how to ride, and two these are pants and I don’t have a riding skirt.”
“I’m going to teach you to ride, and you’re going to wear those pants.”
“I can’t wear pants, not with Michael or Maria.” She looked at him her face full of shock.
“But you can with me?”
“Of course.” She said and looked again at the pants.
He smirked, delighted with her acceptance of him. “Maria is going to wear pants. Out here ladies ride astride.” Max smiled. “It’s perfectly acceptable. If you wear a skirt they’re going to think you are crazy.”
Liz looked skeptically at the pants. “If you insist.”
“I’ll meet you downstairs in a half hour.”
“Alright.”
****
Holding onto the rail she stepped carefully down the stairs. The unfamiliar pants covered her every bit as well as her skirts, but gave her a great deal of freedom.
Max met her at the bottom of the stairs. “Don’t be nervous you’re fine.”
“Couldn’t I wear bloomers or something?” She asked taking his arm. “I feel scandalous in these.”
“Bloomers, they allow a lady no freedom.” Maria tisked.
As Max indeed had promised she was wearing riding pants as well.
“You ready to head out, Maxwell, my son is getting a little restless.” The boy riding in Michael Guerin’s arms was the miniature of his father. Both had on a loose shirt and Levis. When the boy was stood on his own chubby little legs, his belt buckle had a MG on it, identical to his father’s.
“Liz, this is our son, Matthew.” Maria said. “He’s going to be turning three this summer.”
Liz’s face broke out in a smile. “Quite the western man there.”
“Yes.” Maria beamed proudly.
“Ready to go?” Max asked turning to his wife.
“Yes.” Liz took a deep breath.
Max led her across the yard. She watched as Maria swung easily into the saddle, settling herself. Max waited till Michael was seated to pass up the straw-haired boy. A cowboy hat was settled on both father and son’s head. Maria had one as well, though hers was more feminine.
Max walked over and took two hats from the groom who held the horse steady.
“Where’s you’re horse?” Liz asked looking at the animal.
“We’ll share for today, until you get used to being on a horse.” Max lifted her into the saddle. Her legs tightened instinctively and the horse nickered softly. “Relax, darling.”
“It’s really high.” She said holding desperately to the saddle horn. “You’re coming up right?”
“Right behind you, darling.” He said. With an ease that surprised her, Max was behind her. He took the reigns from the groom and thanked him.
“Let go of the horn.” He said softly in her ear.
She did, he gripped it around her keeping her close within his arms.
Her hands held his arms and she relaxed.
Max nodded to Michael.
Maria gave Liz a reassuring look as she clicked to the horse to set it off at a slow canter out. Liz watched as Michael’s arms came securely around his son as he too sent his horse off, the child I a wild fit of laughter.
Max started off at a walk until he felt Liz relax against him and then he clicked to the horse and he took to a canter, not wanting to be left in the dust by his friends.
****
Exhausted, smiling and happy, Liz washed herself in the porcelain bathtub. The indoor plumbing was a luxury Liz was getting used to. The warm water smoothed away her cramped legs and washed the sweet smell of horses away.
Max heard the water pipes overhead shut off, and the water begin to drain. He closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair, wondering if he should give Liz the letters her mother had sent. The last one from Kyle had stated how upset Nancy Parker was at Liz for not returning them. Max had not read them, but knew they would bring nothing but sadness for his young wife.
The news Kyle had written him about was not good, and Liz was going to want to fix it.
“Enter.” Max called when someone knocked on the door.
“Mr. Evans, the doctor is here, requesting Mrs. Evans’ presence.”
Thankful for the reprieve, Max nodded. “She just stepped out of the bath, but I’ll send a maid up to her. She’ll be down soon. I’ll tell her where to meet you?”
“Yes, the Brown’s, edge of town. There was an accident at the construction site. Mr. Brown was deeply injured, it will be a miracle if we can save his leg. The shock of it has sent Mrs. Brown into early labor.” The doctor straightened. He was young and handsome and if he hadn’t been happily married, Max would not allow Liz to work beside the man.
“Ok.” He said. “I’ll tell her to hurry.”
“I’d appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Evans.”
“You’re welcome, Doctor, but please call me Max.”
“Then I am Adam.”
Max nodded and watched the man walk out before going up to get Liz himself.
TBC
Chapter 15
It had been three weeks since the Evans had moved west.
Liz ran into the house and upstairs to her room to change. She was already late for supper and wondered if Max would be angry with her. She had never been late before, but there was an emergency and she couldn’t leave. Hurrying down the stairs and into the dining room, Liz paused to study her husband’s reaction.
“Good evening.” He stood.
Liz approached cautiously. Jim Valenti had always been angry if she was late for anything on account of a patient. She sat at the chair to her husband’s right.
“I’m sorry I’m late.” She said quietly.
“It’s alright.” Max said. “Did everything go as planned?”
“Yes.” Liz answered and glanced up at her husband. “You’re not angry, for me being late?”
“Why would I be, you’ve work to do. There will be times when I am late or miss supper all together.”
She smiled gratefully. “It won’t happen often.”
“I know.” He pulled something from his vest pocket. “You’ve got two letters in the mail today.”
Her eyes lit up. “From who?”
“One from Cassidy and one from Serena.” He handed them to her. “Go ahead and read them.”
The first one was addressed to Mrs. Max Evans, Aunt Liz.
Dear Aunt Liz,
It has been a long time or so it seems since you and Uncle Max left. Our assignment for school was to write a letter to a relative using correct form. Other girls do not have relatives far away so I’m lucky. I miss you.
Patricia Delaney and her friends are already wearing long dresses, instead of the frocks we wear at Miss Milton’s school for young girls. It does not seem fair. Mummy says in time I will be old enough. We are also designing proper calling cards and I have enclosed one for you. If you leave it on your calling plate you can pretend I visited you. I love you and Uncle Max, Aunt Liz. I hope to hear from you soon.
Yours,
Cassidy Parker-Valenti
Liz smiled as she read the letter out loud to Max.
“Surely she’s too young to wear long dresses.”
“Oh yes, she has a few more years.” Liz giggled. “She won’t wear them until she attends Mrs. Milton’s for Girls.” The three levels of schools Cassidy was to attend was confusing, and Liz often wondered who came up with the name. There was Miss Milton’s for Young girls. Mrs. Milton’s for girls, and Madame Milton’s for young ladies—which was a finishing school.
“I see, and the next one, from Serena.” He nodded towards it; he had already gotten a letter from Kyle and knew what it contained.
Dear Liz,
I hope you’re happy there, in your new life. Things have been going well. Logan saw a mini portrait of you yesterday in my bedroom and asked “Aunt Liz?” I think he misses you. The portraits of your wedding reached us today; Nancy says she’ll forward them to you, although I wonder why she did not have them sent to you straight away.
I never know what is on that woman’s mind.
I’m sure Cassidy wrote to you about her frocks, the girl is growing up too fast for my liking, Liz. You are as well. When I married Kyle you were only twelve years old, now you’re a wise old eighteen, soon to have a family of your own.
Liz, I do not understand how you have put up with your mother for so long. I told myself that I wouldn’t tell you about what was going on here, but please answer me this, how did you have the guts to defy her? I must admit that I’m lonely here, without you, sister. Say hello to your husband for me, and be happy.
Yours,
Serena Parker-Valenti
“She’s sad.” Liz whispered. She hadn’t read this one aloud knowing this was a more private, woman to woman conversation.
Max knew a lot more of what was going on at the Valenti household. Nancy had gone on a rampage since her only daughter had left. Part of Max felt guilty for leaving the rest of Liz’s family to deal with the wrath without Liz, the one person who could control her. The rest resented Jim Valenti for not putting his foot down.
“I hope she’ll be alright.” She set the letter down and stared at it, her eyes filling with tears. “Mama can be…difficult.” She shrugged. “I don’t know what has gotten into her, really. In Ireland she was never so…controlling I would use.”
“Do you miss it?” Max asked gently, to steer her mind away from such a hurtful topic. “Ireland?”
“Sometimes.” She said. “There’s something of your homeland that will always be with you, whether it’s another country or state. Do you miss New York?”
“Yes.” He answered. “Though not nearly as much as I thought I would, if I’m honest. I like the openness here.”
“Me too.” She smiled shyly at him.
“So was it a boy or girl?”
“Twin boys.” Liz smiled. “That’s why it took so long; we weren’t expecting the second one.”
“That’s exciting.” Max acknowledged his wife’s happiness. He also studied her carefully, knowing that she could very well be carrying his child now.
****
Max heard the clang of a sewing machine as he walked upstairs. He had left early that morning and was anxious to see his wife.
He stopped in the doorway to watch expecting to see her reading or some other form of entertainment. It had never dawned on him that it would be her that would be at the sewing machine. She was humming a tune to herself in time with her foot, pumping the large metal pedal.
The sun was streaming threw the open windows and lit her face. Contrary to his belief that she would burn in the harsh New Mexican sun, her skin had turned a lovely golden hue. He knew the ladies of New York would be scandalized but the women here envied her.
“What are you doing?” He asked walking slowly inside.
“Oh, I’m making more skirts. The material came in this morning and I can’t continue to wear Maria’s.” She said quickly.
“You do know I can hire someone to make your clothing for you.”
“Yeah, I know.” Liz said but looked away. “But…”
“What?”
“I sort of like to do it myself.”
“Why?”
The week before she had knit a new quilt for the bed. It was beautiful but not necessary.
“I…” She kept avoiding his eyes.
“What, Liz?” He asked lightly gripping her chin so she had to keep eye contact.
“I have to…I…I’m bored, Max.”
“Bored?” It had never occurred to him that she would be bored.
“I know it sounds absurd.” She said wringing her hands in embarrassment. “I should be happy that I have servants and the like.”
“Liz, talk to me.”
“But, I’m so used to having something to do. There are only so many women out here who can give birth. The rest of the time I’m just here. In New York, I was cleaning when I was young, and studying and attending college when I was older. I didn’t have time to be bored.”
“I see.” He said and looked out the window.
“I’m sorry. You work so hard, you don’t have time to worry about entertaining me.”
“I’m your husband, it’s my job to worry about if you’re happy or not.”
“I am happy.”
“You can’t be if you’re bored.”
“I said I’m bored, not unhappy.” She clarified. “I’m very happy.”
“Good.” He smiled and stepped closer to her. “I’ll see what I can do to make you unbored.”
She laughed right before his mouth closed down on hers, instantly her whole body went lax.
****
“Liz.” Max bent and kissed his wife awake the next morning. “Wake up, darling.”
She burrowed under her pillows and tried to curl closer to the warmth Max’s body usually provided. Feeling the emptiness, she immediately opened her eyes. She had started to sense when he wasn’t in bed with her any longer. In the morning she woke just minutes after he left the bed.
“Good morning, my darling.” He smiled at her confused look. “It’s about time you woke.”
“It can’t have been too long since you’ve gotten out of bed.” Liz stretched. The sun was streaming through the open windows, a warm breeze filtered in.
“It’s not.” He said. It was later than he usually slept but with his wife snug against him he could have easily slept all day. “Get up, Maria and Michael are coming.”
“Really?” She scrunched her eyebrows it was Wednesday, what could they be doing, usually Max had lots of work. “Why?”
“We’re going out, I don’t want you to be bored.”
She stepped from the bed and reached for her wrapper. Max smiled when he noticed she didn’t shy from being naked in his presence.
“Do you have work?”
“It can wait, darling, put these on.” He handed her clothes.
Expecting a skirt she shook out the garment. “Max, these are riding pants.”
“Yes.” He nodded, watching closely for her reaction. “We’re going riding.”
“I figured that, but we have two problems. One, I don’t know how to ride, and two these are pants and I don’t have a riding skirt.”
“I’m going to teach you to ride, and you’re going to wear those pants.”
“I can’t wear pants, not with Michael or Maria.” She looked at him her face full of shock.
“But you can with me?”
“Of course.” She said and looked again at the pants.
He smirked, delighted with her acceptance of him. “Maria is going to wear pants. Out here ladies ride astride.” Max smiled. “It’s perfectly acceptable. If you wear a skirt they’re going to think you are crazy.”
Liz looked skeptically at the pants. “If you insist.”
“I’ll meet you downstairs in a half hour.”
“Alright.”
****
Holding onto the rail she stepped carefully down the stairs. The unfamiliar pants covered her every bit as well as her skirts, but gave her a great deal of freedom.
Max met her at the bottom of the stairs. “Don’t be nervous you’re fine.”
“Couldn’t I wear bloomers or something?” She asked taking his arm. “I feel scandalous in these.”
“Bloomers, they allow a lady no freedom.” Maria tisked.
As Max indeed had promised she was wearing riding pants as well.
“You ready to head out, Maxwell, my son is getting a little restless.” The boy riding in Michael Guerin’s arms was the miniature of his father. Both had on a loose shirt and Levis. When the boy was stood on his own chubby little legs, his belt buckle had a MG on it, identical to his father’s.
“Liz, this is our son, Matthew.” Maria said. “He’s going to be turning three this summer.”
Liz’s face broke out in a smile. “Quite the western man there.”
“Yes.” Maria beamed proudly.
“Ready to go?” Max asked turning to his wife.
“Yes.” Liz took a deep breath.
Max led her across the yard. She watched as Maria swung easily into the saddle, settling herself. Max waited till Michael was seated to pass up the straw-haired boy. A cowboy hat was settled on both father and son’s head. Maria had one as well, though hers was more feminine.
Max walked over and took two hats from the groom who held the horse steady.
“Where’s you’re horse?” Liz asked looking at the animal.
“We’ll share for today, until you get used to being on a horse.” Max lifted her into the saddle. Her legs tightened instinctively and the horse nickered softly. “Relax, darling.”
“It’s really high.” She said holding desperately to the saddle horn. “You’re coming up right?”
“Right behind you, darling.” He said. With an ease that surprised her, Max was behind her. He took the reigns from the groom and thanked him.
“Let go of the horn.” He said softly in her ear.
She did, he gripped it around her keeping her close within his arms.
Her hands held his arms and she relaxed.
Max nodded to Michael.
Maria gave Liz a reassuring look as she clicked to the horse to set it off at a slow canter out. Liz watched as Michael’s arms came securely around his son as he too sent his horse off, the child I a wild fit of laughter.
Max started off at a walk until he felt Liz relax against him and then he clicked to the horse and he took to a canter, not wanting to be left in the dust by his friends.
****
Exhausted, smiling and happy, Liz washed herself in the porcelain bathtub. The indoor plumbing was a luxury Liz was getting used to. The warm water smoothed away her cramped legs and washed the sweet smell of horses away.
Max heard the water pipes overhead shut off, and the water begin to drain. He closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair, wondering if he should give Liz the letters her mother had sent. The last one from Kyle had stated how upset Nancy Parker was at Liz for not returning them. Max had not read them, but knew they would bring nothing but sadness for his young wife.
The news Kyle had written him about was not good, and Liz was going to want to fix it.
“Enter.” Max called when someone knocked on the door.
“Mr. Evans, the doctor is here, requesting Mrs. Evans’ presence.”
Thankful for the reprieve, Max nodded. “She just stepped out of the bath, but I’ll send a maid up to her. She’ll be down soon. I’ll tell her where to meet you?”
“Yes, the Brown’s, edge of town. There was an accident at the construction site. Mr. Brown was deeply injured, it will be a miracle if we can save his leg. The shock of it has sent Mrs. Brown into early labor.” The doctor straightened. He was young and handsome and if he hadn’t been happily married, Max would not allow Liz to work beside the man.
“Ok.” He said. “I’ll tell her to hurry.”
“I’d appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Evans.”
“You’re welcome, Doctor, but please call me Max.”
“Then I am Adam.”
Max nodded and watched the man walk out before going up to get Liz himself.
TBC
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
Sorry for the wait again! Thank goodness for small miracles such as Spring Break! I always thought Senior year we were supposed to glide.
Chapter 16
Max listened as Lady’s claws clicked along the wooden floors. He knew Liz was home. She had told him not to wait up that it would be late when she returned home but he had been worried about her.
He heard the taps running again and knew Liz would wash up before going to bed. Lady hopped in through the open door. She took her place by the fire and settled down with a yawn. Max smiled at the little animal and settled back. The taps turned off and he heard Liz’s soft footfalls on the carpet. She went to the closet, took out her night dress and robe. Tying her hair back into a braid, she slipped the gown on and went through the door.
Not saying anything she went around the side of the bed and climbed in. She scooted into Max’s side his arms automatically came around her.
Despite the warm night air she was trembling.
“What’s wrong, darling?” He asked.
“You’re awake, I told you not to wait up.” She said into his chest. She had always burrowed into him in sleep and he found it sweet.
“I can’t sleep without you wrapped up in me.” He said into your hair. “I have to feel you else I’ll be awake all hours.”
She raised her head. He reached over and flipped on the small bedside lamp. The electricity in the house still shocked her. He saw the sadness in her eyes and the worry, and pulled her closer.
“What’s wrong, what happened?” He lifted her chin.
“Oh, Max.” She said clinging to him. “I just wasn’t prepared for it, that’s all.”
“Is there a new little Brown child?” He asked.
“Barely.” She said. “If he survives this night, then we’re one step closer. The babe is lucky he was born in the summer when the weather is warmer for him.”
“That is good.” Max nodded. “And Mr. and Mrs. Brown?”
“Mrs. Brown came out alright. She’s had five children and carried easily each time. Mr. Brown though, he might lose his leg. If it cleans and goes well, then he might have use of it again, but if not he’ll lose it.”
“You did fine.” Max said. “You did everything you could.”
“I know.”
“Go to sleep, love. You’re a wonderful nurse.”
“Thank you.” She settled back down with his hands in her hair and let him comfort her.
****
Liz awoke shortly after Max again and rose to get dressed. She heard the water running in the bath and knew he would be shaving. Putting on her skirt and blouse she gathered Maria’s clothes and planned to return them later that day.
“I have something for you.” Max exited the adjoining bathroom.
“What?” Liz looked up. She wrapped her hair in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, leaving no hair to get in her face as she worked. Picking up the light bonnet she set it on her head.
“You’re going out now?” Max asked holding a package.
“Yes.” She gently tied the strings so it wouldn’t blow in the breeze. “I’m going to check on the Browns. I asked Madeline to fix something for the family.” She said speaking of the cook.
“Open your present first, darling.” He said as she stood up.
She took the package from him and was surprised at it’s weight. Setting it down on the bed she opened the package. Her breath caught.
A magnifying glass along with a book on desert plants lay before her. Another smaller book was on insects of the west.
“Kyle told me you were into biology.” Max said when she didn’t say anything. “I wasn’t sure what to get you, so I got you this.”
She picked up the magnifying glass and turned it in her hands.
“There’s a whole catalog downstairs on biology. There’s an article on that French Chemist and his wife.”
“The Currie’s?” She looked, it was the first time she had said anything.
“Yes.”
“Thank you.” She said it simply. “Thank you, so much, Max.” She held the books.
“The catalog, downstairs, you can order anything you want from it. There’s a room, upstairs, that you can make into your lab if you wish.” He stuttered through. “I won’t be able to keep you entertained all the time, and I thought I should give you something to do. So you won’t be bored. I know now with the Browns you’ll be busy, but when you have time. I can have a carpenter come in and make shelves and things. Anything.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him. Her heart was bursting with love for him. She didn’t know how to say the words. If there was any doubt in her that he didn’t love her it fled.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He took a step towards her.
“No.” She held the books closer, her voice was clogged with tears. “You can’t know what this means to me.”
He could see it in her eyes. He wanted to hear the words. He needed to hear them.
She set the books down and walked slowly towards him. Liz took his face between his palms.
“You don’t know what you’ve done for me.” She told him quietly. “And I’m not just talking about the science kit and books. Everything.”
“I think I know.”
“No.” She told him. “You don’t. I don’t express it. You brought me away from everything. I was being suffocated there. You let me be me.” She looked over at the bed where her present laid. “You even encourage it.”
“Liz.”
“I love you, Max.” She said it quickly before she ran out of courage. “I’ve always loved you.” Her accent was thick. “Gráim thú.” she whispered.
He pulled her snug against him. “You know I’ve always loved you, Liz.”
“That, I’ve always known.” She said and stepped back. “I have to get over to the Browns. I’ll be home this evening. Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome, my darling.”
****
Max reread the telegram for the fourth time. He rubbed his eyes tiredly. He heard the tell-tale scamper of paws on the floor outside his study and knew his wife would be joining him any minute.
BRINGING FAMILY WEST. stop. HAVE FATHER’S APPROVAL. stop. SEE YOU AT STATION. stop. THANK YOU.
She was going to want to know why they were coming, and he was going to have to explain it to her.
The door swung open and Liz walked in her face rosy, her eyes lit up. “There’s so much in here, Max.”
“I know.” He didn’t want to see the light leave her eyes.
She noticed his tone anyway.
“What?” Her heart tripped in her throat. “What, Max?”
“Liz, there’s something, I need to tell you.”
Her knees buckled. He caught her around the waist and led her to a chair. “What, Max.”
“Kyle and Serena are going to bring their family out here.”
“That’s not bad.” Liz said her eyes lighting up.
“I know. But there reason they’re coming here is.”
“It’s Mama, isn’t it?”
Max was stunned. “How’d you know.”
“I knew she would be difficult once I left.” She said. “It’s something I’ve always known and I’ve been wondering about. It’s a wonder she hasn’t started writing to me yet.”
Max gulped. His hesitation had Liz looking up.
“She has, hasn’t she?” She tilted her head, studying her husband. She pulled her hands from his. “Do you have them at least?”
He went to his desk and pulled them out. He handed them to her and stared at the stack. He watched as her eyes, usually so full of expression, so easy to read, emptied. No emotion could be seen. She was blank. There was a bit of hurt, of anger, but she quickly suppressed that as well.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to ruin your day. You were so happy with the Brown’s progress.”
“Thank you for giving these to me, Max. I’m going to upstairs to read them.” She stood her back rigid. All laughter gone. The catalog she had dog-eared was left on the chair. He shivered at her treatment. The way she had closed herself off.
Max could only watch her. She stopped with her hand on the doorknob.
“Why do the people in my life feel like they need to run it?” She didn’t turn around. “They claim to love me, and then they hide things from me. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my self, making my own decisions.” He heard her voice squeeze on a sob. “I wish…I wish they would trust me to decide for myself.”
“Liz, wait, I love you.” He stepped towards her.
Now she turned around. Stared at him. “So does Mama.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “Funny, she says she loves me and only wants what’s best for me. Just like you.”
He hated that she was comparing him to her mother, he really did have what’s best at heart for her.
Shrugging she jerked open the door and shut it softly behind her.
****
Max lay in bed. He had looked in on Liz before coming up to bed. She had dressed in her nightclothes but refused to come to bed yet. He had a maid take dinner to her. He knew if he ordered it she would have joined him at the table. But he wouldn’t order her to do anything.
He heard the door next door creak open. He held his breath waiting to see what she would do. He heard her enter his room and stare at his bed. Then with a sigh she turned and closed the door separating the two rooms.
Max rolled over onto his side praying sleep would come.
And knew it wouldn’t.
****
“Max, where’s your wife?” Maria asked as she walked into Max’s study. He was in a business meeting with her husband so she had no qualms about interrupting the men.
“Out back.” He looked up. “Why?”
“Woman things.” She waved her hand impatiently as she turned. “I’ll see you at home, Michael, don’t wait for me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He muttered when his wife was already out of the room.
“How did you get such a sweet tempered wife?” Michael asked leaning back. “Liz wouldn’t dream of treating you that way.”
“Liz has her own way. She doesn’t burn you like your wife, she’ll freeze you instead. Don’t cross her, Michael, for one she’ll be angry at you, and two, I’ll be angry at you for upsetting my wife.” Max thought of the way she had closed down all emotion the week before when she had found out about the letters. She still wasn’t speaking to him.
“Is that what she’s done to you, Max? Frozen you out?”
“Yes.” Max said.
“When was the last time you slept?” Michael asked out of concern for his friend. He had been out of sorts all week and he hadn’t been able to pin down why.
“Last week sometime.” Max answered. “I would rather not talk about it.”
“You should.”
“I said I would rather not.”
“Your call, Maxwell, but we have an important meeting coming up and if you’re not rested then I’m going to be angry.”
“I’ll be fine.” Max growled. “Just drop it.”
“If you insist.” Michael held up his hand in peace.
“I do.” Max nodded and looked back down at the stack of papers on his desk hoping to get his mind of Liz and actual work done.
****
Liz startled when Max walked into her room. She had thought it odd at first that she had her own room in her husband’s house. Then she had discovered she spent her nights in his room and hers was nothing more than storage space. For the past week it had been her sleeping space as well.
She didn’t look at him. Not directly. She stared at him through her mirrors.
“Liz.”
“Hmmn?” She lifted an eyebrow. Something she had perfected after a week with the Brown children.
”Is there something you need to share with me?” Max asked as he took the brush from her hand.
“What?” She asked. He couldn’t know could he?
“I think you know what I mean.” He said gently.
“Max, I don’t.” She shook her head. How could he know she wasn’t even sure himself.
“Would you like some breakfast, wife, Madeline made bacon and sausage and eggs.” He said watching her face in the mirrors. “I would like you to join me.”
Her face turned pale as her stomach rolled in revulsion. If he didn’t move she would be sick on him.
She made it to the bathroom in time.
“It’s been a week since you’ve joined me, is there something you’d like to discuss?”
“I’d rather you not watch me be sick.” She said into the bowl. “And I don’t want to discuss anything.”
“It’s been three months since our marriage, Liz, two of which you had no…”
”Alright, don’t say it!” She would have flushed if she hadn’t been heaving her guts out.
“You’re a nurse, you shouldn’t be embarrassed.”
“I may be nurse, but I’m still a woman!” She said. “In case you’ve forgotten.”
He hadn’t forgotten and now that she was carrying his baby he couldn’t.
“You’ve seen the doctor.” He asked quietly.
“Yes.” She stayed kneeling and let her stomach settle again.
“Were you going to tell me or just let me think you gained weight?” He asked.
“It’s not fun when someone keeps secrets from you.” She said quietly. “I was going to tell you, Max. I just got the confirmation yesterday.”
He walked towards her and took her hair in his hands, pulling it away from her face. “How do you feel about this, Liz?”
“Ask me in a few minutes.” She said trying to make it sound light. “You’ll like the answer better then.”
“Liz.” He said.
“I’m happy about it.” She said after a moment. “Hand me my cloth?”
He stood and got it for her after wetting it.
“Thank you.” She washed her face and set it back down. He swept her into his arms and carried her through the door and into his room. He laid her gently on the bed and pulled the covers down. Stripping her down till she was in her undergarments he pulled the covers back up. “I’m not a child, Max, and I have things to do.”
“Rest.” He said and pushed her hair back. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “You need it.” His hand rested under the sheets over her abdomen. His face filled with wonder as he stared down at it. She put her hand over his.
“You’re happy about it too?” She asked her eyes searching his face.
“I’m very happy about it.” He said.
“Then lay down with me?” She asked. “I haven’t slept in a week. Remember what you told me about you needing me in your arms? I need to be in your arms.” She whispered. “I need to feel you, to feel safe.”
He removed his clothes and slipped under the covers with her. She fit perfectly against him sighing much at the time he had.
“Rest now, my darling.” He whispered. “I’m here.”
“Don’t hide anything from me anymore, Max.”
“No.” He said quietly. “I won’t.” Then he paused a moment. Smiled.
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What?”
“Did I mention twins run in my family?”
“Really?” She leaned on elbows to see his face.
“Sure as the sky’s blue.”
She looked away a moment thinking then looking back at him with sparkling eyes. “If I have two little boys that look like you, I’d be happy.”
“How about two little girls, that look like you?” He kissed her nose. “Then I’d be happy.”
“One of each?” She compromised.
“Perfect.” He nodded. “Whatever we have is perfect.”
TBC
Chapter 16
Max listened as Lady’s claws clicked along the wooden floors. He knew Liz was home. She had told him not to wait up that it would be late when she returned home but he had been worried about her.
He heard the taps running again and knew Liz would wash up before going to bed. Lady hopped in through the open door. She took her place by the fire and settled down with a yawn. Max smiled at the little animal and settled back. The taps turned off and he heard Liz’s soft footfalls on the carpet. She went to the closet, took out her night dress and robe. Tying her hair back into a braid, she slipped the gown on and went through the door.
Not saying anything she went around the side of the bed and climbed in. She scooted into Max’s side his arms automatically came around her.
Despite the warm night air she was trembling.
“What’s wrong, darling?” He asked.
“You’re awake, I told you not to wait up.” She said into his chest. She had always burrowed into him in sleep and he found it sweet.
“I can’t sleep without you wrapped up in me.” He said into your hair. “I have to feel you else I’ll be awake all hours.”
She raised her head. He reached over and flipped on the small bedside lamp. The electricity in the house still shocked her. He saw the sadness in her eyes and the worry, and pulled her closer.
“What’s wrong, what happened?” He lifted her chin.
“Oh, Max.” She said clinging to him. “I just wasn’t prepared for it, that’s all.”
“Is there a new little Brown child?” He asked.
“Barely.” She said. “If he survives this night, then we’re one step closer. The babe is lucky he was born in the summer when the weather is warmer for him.”
“That is good.” Max nodded. “And Mr. and Mrs. Brown?”
“Mrs. Brown came out alright. She’s had five children and carried easily each time. Mr. Brown though, he might lose his leg. If it cleans and goes well, then he might have use of it again, but if not he’ll lose it.”
“You did fine.” Max said. “You did everything you could.”
“I know.”
“Go to sleep, love. You’re a wonderful nurse.”
“Thank you.” She settled back down with his hands in her hair and let him comfort her.
****
Liz awoke shortly after Max again and rose to get dressed. She heard the water running in the bath and knew he would be shaving. Putting on her skirt and blouse she gathered Maria’s clothes and planned to return them later that day.
“I have something for you.” Max exited the adjoining bathroom.
“What?” Liz looked up. She wrapped her hair in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, leaving no hair to get in her face as she worked. Picking up the light bonnet she set it on her head.
“You’re going out now?” Max asked holding a package.
“Yes.” She gently tied the strings so it wouldn’t blow in the breeze. “I’m going to check on the Browns. I asked Madeline to fix something for the family.” She said speaking of the cook.
“Open your present first, darling.” He said as she stood up.
She took the package from him and was surprised at it’s weight. Setting it down on the bed she opened the package. Her breath caught.
A magnifying glass along with a book on desert plants lay before her. Another smaller book was on insects of the west.
“Kyle told me you were into biology.” Max said when she didn’t say anything. “I wasn’t sure what to get you, so I got you this.”
She picked up the magnifying glass and turned it in her hands.
“There’s a whole catalog downstairs on biology. There’s an article on that French Chemist and his wife.”
“The Currie’s?” She looked, it was the first time she had said anything.
“Yes.”
“Thank you.” She said it simply. “Thank you, so much, Max.” She held the books.
“The catalog, downstairs, you can order anything you want from it. There’s a room, upstairs, that you can make into your lab if you wish.” He stuttered through. “I won’t be able to keep you entertained all the time, and I thought I should give you something to do. So you won’t be bored. I know now with the Browns you’ll be busy, but when you have time. I can have a carpenter come in and make shelves and things. Anything.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him. Her heart was bursting with love for him. She didn’t know how to say the words. If there was any doubt in her that he didn’t love her it fled.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to make you cry.” He took a step towards her.
“No.” She held the books closer, her voice was clogged with tears. “You can’t know what this means to me.”
He could see it in her eyes. He wanted to hear the words. He needed to hear them.
She set the books down and walked slowly towards him. Liz took his face between his palms.
“You don’t know what you’ve done for me.” She told him quietly. “And I’m not just talking about the science kit and books. Everything.”
“I think I know.”
“No.” She told him. “You don’t. I don’t express it. You brought me away from everything. I was being suffocated there. You let me be me.” She looked over at the bed where her present laid. “You even encourage it.”
“Liz.”
“I love you, Max.” She said it quickly before she ran out of courage. “I’ve always loved you.” Her accent was thick. “Gráim thú.” she whispered.
He pulled her snug against him. “You know I’ve always loved you, Liz.”
“That, I’ve always known.” She said and stepped back. “I have to get over to the Browns. I’ll be home this evening. Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome, my darling.”
****
Max reread the telegram for the fourth time. He rubbed his eyes tiredly. He heard the tell-tale scamper of paws on the floor outside his study and knew his wife would be joining him any minute.
BRINGING FAMILY WEST. stop. HAVE FATHER’S APPROVAL. stop. SEE YOU AT STATION. stop. THANK YOU.
She was going to want to know why they were coming, and he was going to have to explain it to her.
The door swung open and Liz walked in her face rosy, her eyes lit up. “There’s so much in here, Max.”
“I know.” He didn’t want to see the light leave her eyes.
She noticed his tone anyway.
“What?” Her heart tripped in her throat. “What, Max?”
“Liz, there’s something, I need to tell you.”
Her knees buckled. He caught her around the waist and led her to a chair. “What, Max.”
“Kyle and Serena are going to bring their family out here.”
“That’s not bad.” Liz said her eyes lighting up.
“I know. But there reason they’re coming here is.”
“It’s Mama, isn’t it?”
Max was stunned. “How’d you know.”
“I knew she would be difficult once I left.” She said. “It’s something I’ve always known and I’ve been wondering about. It’s a wonder she hasn’t started writing to me yet.”
Max gulped. His hesitation had Liz looking up.
“She has, hasn’t she?” She tilted her head, studying her husband. She pulled her hands from his. “Do you have them at least?”
He went to his desk and pulled them out. He handed them to her and stared at the stack. He watched as her eyes, usually so full of expression, so easy to read, emptied. No emotion could be seen. She was blank. There was a bit of hurt, of anger, but she quickly suppressed that as well.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to ruin your day. You were so happy with the Brown’s progress.”
“Thank you for giving these to me, Max. I’m going to upstairs to read them.” She stood her back rigid. All laughter gone. The catalog she had dog-eared was left on the chair. He shivered at her treatment. The way she had closed herself off.
Max could only watch her. She stopped with her hand on the doorknob.
“Why do the people in my life feel like they need to run it?” She didn’t turn around. “They claim to love me, and then they hide things from me. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my self, making my own decisions.” He heard her voice squeeze on a sob. “I wish…I wish they would trust me to decide for myself.”
“Liz, wait, I love you.” He stepped towards her.
Now she turned around. Stared at him. “So does Mama.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “Funny, she says she loves me and only wants what’s best for me. Just like you.”
He hated that she was comparing him to her mother, he really did have what’s best at heart for her.
Shrugging she jerked open the door and shut it softly behind her.
****
Max lay in bed. He had looked in on Liz before coming up to bed. She had dressed in her nightclothes but refused to come to bed yet. He had a maid take dinner to her. He knew if he ordered it she would have joined him at the table. But he wouldn’t order her to do anything.
He heard the door next door creak open. He held his breath waiting to see what she would do. He heard her enter his room and stare at his bed. Then with a sigh she turned and closed the door separating the two rooms.
Max rolled over onto his side praying sleep would come.
And knew it wouldn’t.
****
“Max, where’s your wife?” Maria asked as she walked into Max’s study. He was in a business meeting with her husband so she had no qualms about interrupting the men.
“Out back.” He looked up. “Why?”
“Woman things.” She waved her hand impatiently as she turned. “I’ll see you at home, Michael, don’t wait for me.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He muttered when his wife was already out of the room.
“How did you get such a sweet tempered wife?” Michael asked leaning back. “Liz wouldn’t dream of treating you that way.”
“Liz has her own way. She doesn’t burn you like your wife, she’ll freeze you instead. Don’t cross her, Michael, for one she’ll be angry at you, and two, I’ll be angry at you for upsetting my wife.” Max thought of the way she had closed down all emotion the week before when she had found out about the letters. She still wasn’t speaking to him.
“Is that what she’s done to you, Max? Frozen you out?”
“Yes.” Max said.
“When was the last time you slept?” Michael asked out of concern for his friend. He had been out of sorts all week and he hadn’t been able to pin down why.
“Last week sometime.” Max answered. “I would rather not talk about it.”
“You should.”
“I said I would rather not.”
“Your call, Maxwell, but we have an important meeting coming up and if you’re not rested then I’m going to be angry.”
“I’ll be fine.” Max growled. “Just drop it.”
“If you insist.” Michael held up his hand in peace.
“I do.” Max nodded and looked back down at the stack of papers on his desk hoping to get his mind of Liz and actual work done.
****
Liz startled when Max walked into her room. She had thought it odd at first that she had her own room in her husband’s house. Then she had discovered she spent her nights in his room and hers was nothing more than storage space. For the past week it had been her sleeping space as well.
She didn’t look at him. Not directly. She stared at him through her mirrors.
“Liz.”
“Hmmn?” She lifted an eyebrow. Something she had perfected after a week with the Brown children.
”Is there something you need to share with me?” Max asked as he took the brush from her hand.
“What?” She asked. He couldn’t know could he?
“I think you know what I mean.” He said gently.
“Max, I don’t.” She shook her head. How could he know she wasn’t even sure himself.
“Would you like some breakfast, wife, Madeline made bacon and sausage and eggs.” He said watching her face in the mirrors. “I would like you to join me.”
Her face turned pale as her stomach rolled in revulsion. If he didn’t move she would be sick on him.
She made it to the bathroom in time.
“It’s been a week since you’ve joined me, is there something you’d like to discuss?”
“I’d rather you not watch me be sick.” She said into the bowl. “And I don’t want to discuss anything.”
“It’s been three months since our marriage, Liz, two of which you had no…”
”Alright, don’t say it!” She would have flushed if she hadn’t been heaving her guts out.
“You’re a nurse, you shouldn’t be embarrassed.”
“I may be nurse, but I’m still a woman!” She said. “In case you’ve forgotten.”
He hadn’t forgotten and now that she was carrying his baby he couldn’t.
“You’ve seen the doctor.” He asked quietly.
“Yes.” She stayed kneeling and let her stomach settle again.
“Were you going to tell me or just let me think you gained weight?” He asked.
“It’s not fun when someone keeps secrets from you.” She said quietly. “I was going to tell you, Max. I just got the confirmation yesterday.”
He walked towards her and took her hair in his hands, pulling it away from her face. “How do you feel about this, Liz?”
“Ask me in a few minutes.” She said trying to make it sound light. “You’ll like the answer better then.”
“Liz.” He said.
“I’m happy about it.” She said after a moment. “Hand me my cloth?”
He stood and got it for her after wetting it.
“Thank you.” She washed her face and set it back down. He swept her into his arms and carried her through the door and into his room. He laid her gently on the bed and pulled the covers down. Stripping her down till she was in her undergarments he pulled the covers back up. “I’m not a child, Max, and I have things to do.”
“Rest.” He said and pushed her hair back. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “You need it.” His hand rested under the sheets over her abdomen. His face filled with wonder as he stared down at it. She put her hand over his.
“You’re happy about it too?” She asked her eyes searching his face.
“I’m very happy about it.” He said.
“Then lay down with me?” She asked. “I haven’t slept in a week. Remember what you told me about you needing me in your arms? I need to be in your arms.” She whispered. “I need to feel you, to feel safe.”
He removed his clothes and slipped under the covers with her. She fit perfectly against him sighing much at the time he had.
“Rest now, my darling.” He whispered. “I’m here.”
“Don’t hide anything from me anymore, Max.”
“No.” He said quietly. “I won’t.” Then he paused a moment. Smiled.
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What?”
“Did I mention twins run in my family?”
“Really?” She leaned on elbows to see his face.
“Sure as the sky’s blue.”
She looked away a moment thinking then looking back at him with sparkling eyes. “If I have two little boys that look like you, I’d be happy.”
“How about two little girls, that look like you?” He kissed her nose. “Then I’d be happy.”
“One of each?” She compromised.
“Perfect.” He nodded. “Whatever we have is perfect.”
TBC
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
The next chapter may be a little late in coming. I'm going to work on it but it'll be hard. I just got a notice that I have to go back to Iowa and take placement tests for fall college courses in May. Here in California we're in school until the end of June, so I'm going to have alot of make-up work, so I may not get so much written. I'll try, but bear with me, i'm not going to give up!
Chapter 17
Maria walked in with Matthew secure on her hip.
Maria told her to remember to remind Liz what a generous husband she had. A young child was screaming from the back of the house that served as a clinic.
Maria didn’t know the whole story but Max, had allowed his wife to set up clinic in the far back of the house. The clinic was made up of two rooms, a waiting room and an examining room. Liz had few patients usually cuts and bruises and anything that didn’t need the doctors attention. With the town growing the doctor had more matters on his mind than what he could handle. Both Liz and the doctor were eagerly awaiting the coming of Nellie Brighton, a nurse from New York, and old friend of Liz’s.
Someone Maria wasn’t so sure about.
“Hi, Aunt Liz.” Matthew said walking into the waiting room. She had just sent out a colicky baby and had been hoping for a rest.
“Hello, Matthew.” She smiled. “Mrs. Sullivan, if you would give the baby this,” she handed the woman a tonic, “he should be alright. And make sure to burp him after meals.”
“Yes, thank you Mrs. Evans.” The woman said again, thankful that her child had settled down. “I’ll bring him back next week.”
“Good, have a nice day.”
“You too.” The woman walked out.
“So, Matthew what are you and your mother up to today?”
“We go to the lake.” He said happily. “Aunt Liz come too?”
“I can’t, I’m busy, sweetheart.” She said, and a hand smoothed over her gently rounded belly. “And my husband would be upset if I went out without him.”
“Oh, Liz, he can’t watch you all the time. You’re a nurse for heaven’s sake you know what you’re doing.”
“I know.” Liz smiled. “But I like to humor him, make him feel like he’s in charge.”
“That’s the way we have to play it.” Maria said. She loved seeing her friend happy.
“True.” Liz smiled. Her face focused outside where her husband was talking with Michael.
****
Nancy Parker-Valenti stood watching her daughter-in-law pack. Her arms were over her chest, obviously she was upset.
Serena ignored her.
“You know a maid could do that for you.”
“I prefer to do it myself.” Serena said calmly adding another outfit to Logan’s pack.
“Why are you doing this, taking my only son and grandchildren from me?” Nancy asked looking hurt.
Serena didn’t bother to glance up. She knew there would be tears in her mother-in-law’s eyes and her face would be a mask of hurt. All of it fake.
“Because your son is my husband, and your grandchildren are my children. I do believe that makes me able to take them where I want to go.”
“You talked Kyle into this he would have never hurt me like this.” Nancy accused.
Serena let that go. It had been Kyle’s idea but he didn’t want Nancy wrath coming down on Kyle.
“We will bring the children to visit you.” Serena said calmly. She had long since given up trying to deal with her husband’s mother. “We will hardly keep them from you. Cassidy will write you directly and Logan will once he’s older.”
“There can’t be any decent schooling out there for a young girl like her. You should leave her with me and Jim. She can stay at Miss Milton’s that way.”
Serena straightened. “No.”
“I could convince Jim. I think it would be best if she were to stay with us.”
“No.” Serena said again, her voice bland. She couldn’t do that, Kyle would stop her right? Not her baby girl. “Kyle would not allow it.”
“Kyle does what my husband says.” Nancy said smugly.
“Not,” Serena replied with a deadly calm. “When it involves his children.” She hoped.
“We’ll see.”
“We will.” Serena said bravely. She walked to the padded window seat where Logan had fallen asleep. Closing her eyes she prayed Nancy wouldn’t keep her baby.
****
Max watched his wife in her excitement, happy that she was happy. Her small frame showed the evidence of their child beneath her skirts. Her skin was flushed and her eyes sparkled as they looked up at him.
“This is their train, Max.” She gripped his hand tighter. She hadn’t let go since they got to the station. Three months after their first argument his wife was fully open with him. If she had something on her mind she said it, if she was sad she told him, if she was happy…well if she was happy it burst through her.
“I know, darling.” He smiled at her.
”Do you think Cassidy will like the pony we got her? I don’t think she’s ever ridden before.”
“Everything will be fine.” Max reassured her. “I’ll teach her how to ride.”
“I know, I know.” She was jumpy, something she rarely was. Her hands fidgeted she reached up to smooth her hair, smooth it over her tummy. All the while her left hand stayed securely in his.
“Aunt Liz!” She heard the shout. Liz turned excitedly, “Aunt Liz!”
“I’m right here, sweetie.” She bent down as the girl barreled into her. She let go of Max’s hand for the moment. “Oh,I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Aunt Liz.” She said excitedly and looked around. “Hi, Uncle Max, I missed you too.”
“I missed you too, Cassidy.” He smiled down at her. “I’m glad you’ll be joining us.”
Kyle and Serena joined them with Logan firm in Serena’s arms.
“Do you remember me, Logan?” Liz asked tentatively. It had been months and young children had short memories.
His face lit up with a smile. “Aunt Liz!”
“Yes, sweetheart, Aunt Liz.” She hugged him.
Serena and Liz eyed each other and slow smiles spread across their faces.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Serena asked.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Liz quipped. Both women were clearly carrying another child.
“It’s hardly something I would write in a letter.” Serena blushed. “Especially to my younger sister.”
“Same reason, except you’re older.” Liz studied the other woman. Her eyes looked tired and her body looked frail, despite the child she carried. “Are you alright?”
“I will be.” Serena answered honestly.
“Was it bad, I’m sorry I left you to deal with her? I’m really sorry.”
“It’s ok.” Serena said. “It wouldn’t do for both of us to be unhappy, would it?”
“Now we’ll both be happy. Serena, I hope you like your home, it’s not finished yet, but it will be by next month, you’ll stay with us.”
“We’ll be able to catch up then.” Serena shifted Logan and passed him to her husband when he grew too heavy.
“Good.” Liz didn’t miss the quick glance around and Serena reach out to pull her daughter closer to her.
****
“We’re not supposed to have Cassidy.” They sat in Liz’s sitting room while Liz let her hair down. She sighed when the weight fell against the back of the chair. Taking her brush, she began to brush it straight.
“Why not?” Liz asked surprise evident in her expression. “Where is she supposed to be?”
“If Nancy had her way she would be in New York.” Serena said.
“But why?”
“To hurt me.” Serena said simply. “She hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you.”
“Oh, yes, she does, Elizabeth.” Serena began to undo her own hair. “If it weren’t for me, Kyle would have made some advantageous marriage, preferably to one of the Brightons. Without me, your family would forget that they were ever part of the…the poorer part of society.”
“What?” Liz asked stepping closer to her sister-in-law. “How can you say that?”
“I have no connection to anyone.”
“And my mother does?” Liz asked.
“She’s married to Jim Valenti. The love of his life.” She said. “Your father loves your mother.”
“I know.” Liz said. “That’s true, but you’re married to his son. The love of his son’s life.” She took her face in her hands. “My mother would hate Nellie Brighton if she married Kyle, she hates Max because he married me. She doesn’t like anyone who threatens her family.”
“But, Liz.” Serena tried to get her to see, to understand. “She looks at me and sees all that she’s tried to get away from. I open my mouth and its Ireland she hears.”
“And what do you think she hears from me?” Liz asked. She let her accent become more pronounced. “I speak just like you do.”
“She’s becoming unbearable, Liz.” Serena said quietly. “We got into arguments everyday.”
“It’s safe here, now.” Liz tried to comfort her sister-in-law. “You don’t have to worry about her.”
“She’s coming.”
Liz froze. Setting the brush on the table she stood. “When, Serena?”
“Three weeks.”
“Three weeks!” Liz sputtered. “Why?”
“Wants to make sure we’re settled in.”
“She’ll never leave if she sees we’re both carrying.” Liz said with dismay. “She won’t leave until after the babies are born.”
“When is yours due?” She asked.
“June.” Liz rubbed her stomach.
“Me too.” She said quietly. “Liz it’s the beginning of December.”
Liz sighed. “I know.” She paused thinking. “I’ll discuss it with Max.”
“I was hoping you would say that.”
****
“Absolutely not.” Max said his eyes leveled on Kyle. “I don’t need my wife to be stressed right now.”
“I noticed.” Kyle said. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Max looked out the window and wanted to shout. Bringing Liz out west had been one of the best things for her. And now the problem was following her. “I won’t have my wife upset.”
”Am I supposed to say no to my own mother.”
“When it comes to your wife and unborn child, yes.” Max said he fisted his hand. “Damn Jim Valenti!”
“My sentiments exactly.” Kyle muttered.
“She will stay until New Year’s and then she’s gone.” Max said.
”Kyle out here, it is our territory. You have your own savings correct?” Max asked.
“Enough.” Kyle answered. “Nowhere near to you but yes.”
“Good, so if you anger your father, you’ll be alright until you’re back into his good graces.”
“I can take care of my family, yes.” Kyle answered. Proud that he could say that but frustrated because it was a result of what his father did for him that he could.
“Good.” Max said walking back to his desk. “You may need it.”
“I realize that.” He stood.
“Max, thank you for taking care of my sister, I couldn’t.”
“You did fine for eighteen years.” Max said easily. “You did just fine.”
****
“You talked to Kyle?” Liz asked that night in bed.
“Yes.” He stroked her hair. He wondered how much longer he’d be able to hold her like this. Her stomach wasn’t in the way yet, but it was going to be soon. He moved his hand down to where it swelled.
“You fix it?” She asked already half asleep.
“Yes.” Max assured her. “Go to sleep. Don’t worry about it.”
“I won’t.” She settled. “Love you.”
“Love you too, darling.” He kissed her hair as she drifted. He remained awake for a long while after.
tbc
Chapter 17
Maria walked in with Matthew secure on her hip.
Maria told her to remember to remind Liz what a generous husband she had. A young child was screaming from the back of the house that served as a clinic.
Maria didn’t know the whole story but Max, had allowed his wife to set up clinic in the far back of the house. The clinic was made up of two rooms, a waiting room and an examining room. Liz had few patients usually cuts and bruises and anything that didn’t need the doctors attention. With the town growing the doctor had more matters on his mind than what he could handle. Both Liz and the doctor were eagerly awaiting the coming of Nellie Brighton, a nurse from New York, and old friend of Liz’s.
Someone Maria wasn’t so sure about.
“Hi, Aunt Liz.” Matthew said walking into the waiting room. She had just sent out a colicky baby and had been hoping for a rest.
“Hello, Matthew.” She smiled. “Mrs. Sullivan, if you would give the baby this,” she handed the woman a tonic, “he should be alright. And make sure to burp him after meals.”
“Yes, thank you Mrs. Evans.” The woman said again, thankful that her child had settled down. “I’ll bring him back next week.”
“Good, have a nice day.”
“You too.” The woman walked out.
“So, Matthew what are you and your mother up to today?”
“We go to the lake.” He said happily. “Aunt Liz come too?”
“I can’t, I’m busy, sweetheart.” She said, and a hand smoothed over her gently rounded belly. “And my husband would be upset if I went out without him.”
“Oh, Liz, he can’t watch you all the time. You’re a nurse for heaven’s sake you know what you’re doing.”
“I know.” Liz smiled. “But I like to humor him, make him feel like he’s in charge.”
“That’s the way we have to play it.” Maria said. She loved seeing her friend happy.
“True.” Liz smiled. Her face focused outside where her husband was talking with Michael.
****
Nancy Parker-Valenti stood watching her daughter-in-law pack. Her arms were over her chest, obviously she was upset.
Serena ignored her.
“You know a maid could do that for you.”
“I prefer to do it myself.” Serena said calmly adding another outfit to Logan’s pack.
“Why are you doing this, taking my only son and grandchildren from me?” Nancy asked looking hurt.
Serena didn’t bother to glance up. She knew there would be tears in her mother-in-law’s eyes and her face would be a mask of hurt. All of it fake.
“Because your son is my husband, and your grandchildren are my children. I do believe that makes me able to take them where I want to go.”
“You talked Kyle into this he would have never hurt me like this.” Nancy accused.
Serena let that go. It had been Kyle’s idea but he didn’t want Nancy wrath coming down on Kyle.
“We will bring the children to visit you.” Serena said calmly. She had long since given up trying to deal with her husband’s mother. “We will hardly keep them from you. Cassidy will write you directly and Logan will once he’s older.”
“There can’t be any decent schooling out there for a young girl like her. You should leave her with me and Jim. She can stay at Miss Milton’s that way.”
Serena straightened. “No.”
“I could convince Jim. I think it would be best if she were to stay with us.”
“No.” Serena said again, her voice bland. She couldn’t do that, Kyle would stop her right? Not her baby girl. “Kyle would not allow it.”
“Kyle does what my husband says.” Nancy said smugly.
“Not,” Serena replied with a deadly calm. “When it involves his children.” She hoped.
“We’ll see.”
“We will.” Serena said bravely. She walked to the padded window seat where Logan had fallen asleep. Closing her eyes she prayed Nancy wouldn’t keep her baby.
****
Max watched his wife in her excitement, happy that she was happy. Her small frame showed the evidence of their child beneath her skirts. Her skin was flushed and her eyes sparkled as they looked up at him.
“This is their train, Max.” She gripped his hand tighter. She hadn’t let go since they got to the station. Three months after their first argument his wife was fully open with him. If she had something on her mind she said it, if she was sad she told him, if she was happy…well if she was happy it burst through her.
“I know, darling.” He smiled at her.
”Do you think Cassidy will like the pony we got her? I don’t think she’s ever ridden before.”
“Everything will be fine.” Max reassured her. “I’ll teach her how to ride.”
“I know, I know.” She was jumpy, something she rarely was. Her hands fidgeted she reached up to smooth her hair, smooth it over her tummy. All the while her left hand stayed securely in his.
“Aunt Liz!” She heard the shout. Liz turned excitedly, “Aunt Liz!”
“I’m right here, sweetie.” She bent down as the girl barreled into her. She let go of Max’s hand for the moment. “Oh,I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Aunt Liz.” She said excitedly and looked around. “Hi, Uncle Max, I missed you too.”
“I missed you too, Cassidy.” He smiled down at her. “I’m glad you’ll be joining us.”
Kyle and Serena joined them with Logan firm in Serena’s arms.
“Do you remember me, Logan?” Liz asked tentatively. It had been months and young children had short memories.
His face lit up with a smile. “Aunt Liz!”
“Yes, sweetheart, Aunt Liz.” She hugged him.
Serena and Liz eyed each other and slow smiles spread across their faces.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Serena asked.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Liz quipped. Both women were clearly carrying another child.
“It’s hardly something I would write in a letter.” Serena blushed. “Especially to my younger sister.”
“Same reason, except you’re older.” Liz studied the other woman. Her eyes looked tired and her body looked frail, despite the child she carried. “Are you alright?”
“I will be.” Serena answered honestly.
“Was it bad, I’m sorry I left you to deal with her? I’m really sorry.”
“It’s ok.” Serena said. “It wouldn’t do for both of us to be unhappy, would it?”
“Now we’ll both be happy. Serena, I hope you like your home, it’s not finished yet, but it will be by next month, you’ll stay with us.”
“We’ll be able to catch up then.” Serena shifted Logan and passed him to her husband when he grew too heavy.
“Good.” Liz didn’t miss the quick glance around and Serena reach out to pull her daughter closer to her.
****
“We’re not supposed to have Cassidy.” They sat in Liz’s sitting room while Liz let her hair down. She sighed when the weight fell against the back of the chair. Taking her brush, she began to brush it straight.
“Why not?” Liz asked surprise evident in her expression. “Where is she supposed to be?”
“If Nancy had her way she would be in New York.” Serena said.
“But why?”
“To hurt me.” Serena said simply. “She hates me.”
“She doesn’t hate you.”
“Oh, yes, she does, Elizabeth.” Serena began to undo her own hair. “If it weren’t for me, Kyle would have made some advantageous marriage, preferably to one of the Brightons. Without me, your family would forget that they were ever part of the…the poorer part of society.”
“What?” Liz asked stepping closer to her sister-in-law. “How can you say that?”
“I have no connection to anyone.”
“And my mother does?” Liz asked.
“She’s married to Jim Valenti. The love of his life.” She said. “Your father loves your mother.”
“I know.” Liz said. “That’s true, but you’re married to his son. The love of his son’s life.” She took her face in her hands. “My mother would hate Nellie Brighton if she married Kyle, she hates Max because he married me. She doesn’t like anyone who threatens her family.”
“But, Liz.” Serena tried to get her to see, to understand. “She looks at me and sees all that she’s tried to get away from. I open my mouth and its Ireland she hears.”
“And what do you think she hears from me?” Liz asked. She let her accent become more pronounced. “I speak just like you do.”
“She’s becoming unbearable, Liz.” Serena said quietly. “We got into arguments everyday.”
“It’s safe here, now.” Liz tried to comfort her sister-in-law. “You don’t have to worry about her.”
“She’s coming.”
Liz froze. Setting the brush on the table she stood. “When, Serena?”
“Three weeks.”
“Three weeks!” Liz sputtered. “Why?”
“Wants to make sure we’re settled in.”
“She’ll never leave if she sees we’re both carrying.” Liz said with dismay. “She won’t leave until after the babies are born.”
“When is yours due?” She asked.
“June.” Liz rubbed her stomach.
“Me too.” She said quietly. “Liz it’s the beginning of December.”
Liz sighed. “I know.” She paused thinking. “I’ll discuss it with Max.”
“I was hoping you would say that.”
****
“Absolutely not.” Max said his eyes leveled on Kyle. “I don’t need my wife to be stressed right now.”
“I noticed.” Kyle said. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Max looked out the window and wanted to shout. Bringing Liz out west had been one of the best things for her. And now the problem was following her. “I won’t have my wife upset.”
”Am I supposed to say no to my own mother.”
“When it comes to your wife and unborn child, yes.” Max said he fisted his hand. “Damn Jim Valenti!”
“My sentiments exactly.” Kyle muttered.
“She will stay until New Year’s and then she’s gone.” Max said.
”Kyle out here, it is our territory. You have your own savings correct?” Max asked.
“Enough.” Kyle answered. “Nowhere near to you but yes.”
“Good, so if you anger your father, you’ll be alright until you’re back into his good graces.”
“I can take care of my family, yes.” Kyle answered. Proud that he could say that but frustrated because it was a result of what his father did for him that he could.
“Good.” Max said walking back to his desk. “You may need it.”
“I realize that.” He stood.
“Max, thank you for taking care of my sister, I couldn’t.”
“You did fine for eighteen years.” Max said easily. “You did just fine.”
****
“You talked to Kyle?” Liz asked that night in bed.
“Yes.” He stroked her hair. He wondered how much longer he’d be able to hold her like this. Her stomach wasn’t in the way yet, but it was going to be soon. He moved his hand down to where it swelled.
“You fix it?” She asked already half asleep.
“Yes.” Max assured her. “Go to sleep. Don’t worry about it.”
“I won’t.” She settled. “Love you.”
“Love you too, darling.” He kissed her hair as she drifted. He remained awake for a long while after.
tbc
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
Hey everyone! I made a grave error in my calculations (math is not my strong point), the babies are due in April, not June. They are supposed to be five months pregnant. Sorry, about the confusion. I went back and changed the last chapter. Thanks for your patience! Less than a month till graduation! I am so sorry for the wait. The next part would be quicker. I’ve been so busy, but the load is lightening up. We’re at the point in school where it is “Can we please have our diploma now?”
Mattie
Chapter 18
Liz woke expecting to hear the steady beat of her husband’s heart. Puzzled when she didn’t she turned to sit up. The sun was streaming in and she was dressed. Finally realizing that it was the middle of the day she shook her head to clear it. She had something to do today but she couldn’t remember what.
Then she heard the voice. Her mother was here.
Rising and checking herself in the mirror Liz smoothed her hair down knowing she was going to get criticism. Her face was flushed from sleep, but there was nothing she could do about that. She was pregnant; she was allowed to nap during the day. No one, not even her mother, was going to put her down.
“How dare my daughter not be here to greet her guests?” Nancy Parker-Valenti huffed. She was in the front entryway.
“She’s resting, Mrs. Valenti.” Max said again. She was going to wake Liz up in a moment if she kept yelling. “Mary here will show you up to your rooms, please be quiet, she needs her sleep.”
“Well, if you wouldn’t allow her to work, over exhausting herself, she wouldn’t need to sleep now.” Nancy huffed. “Come on, Jim. I cannot believe I raised a daughter like this.”
“Sorry, Mama, I fell asleep.” Liz stood on the stairs overlooking them.
“Liz, what are you doing up?” Max asked. She had been down for little more than half an hour. “You need to rest.” He said as she joined him.
“I’m fine.” She accepted his kiss on her forehead before turning to look at her mother. “Hello, Mama.”
“Elizabeth, you know better than to keep your guests waiting.” Nancy stepped closer to her daughter. She hugged her and pulled back with a puzzled look on her face. “Why…” A smile spread across her face.
Liz flushed when she noticed her mother had felt her stomach.
“Elizabeth, why didn’t you tell me? A girl should have her mother with her when she delivers.” Nancy said delighted.
Liz shrugged and looked up at Max. “This was why she was resting.” Max explained as he held his wife’s hand.
“I see.” Nancy nodded. “When are you due?” She asked.
“April.” Liz informed her. “Same as Serena.”
“Yes.” Nancy said. There was a gleam in her eye and Liz didn’t like it. “Where are Serena and my grandchildren?”
“Kyle took them into town.” Liz said.
“Why?” Nancy asked. “They knew I was coming and they went into town?”
“They had things that needed to be done.” Liz said patiently. And a little something for Max as well, though Max didn’t know. “She’ll be back in the evening. Why don’t you and father go put your things down and rest?”
“Fine.” She said. “We have things to discuss, Elizabeth.”
“I know, Mama.” Liz said, “I’m glad you made the trip alright, it wasn’t too hard?”
“Not something I hope to repeat soon.”
Liz smiled and looked up at her husband when Nancy and Jim started up the stairs.
Max turned to Liz and studied her face carefully. There was already a strain in her eye that Max wanted to clear away. She smiled up at him, reassuring him.
“I’ll be alright.” She told him, taking his hand in hers. “You’ll be here with me.”
“Yes.”
Lifting unsteadily onto her tiptoes she pressed a kiss to his cheek. He wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her against him.
“Elizabeth.” Her mother snapped.
Pulling back abruptly, Liz turned to her mother. “Yes?”
“Do not show displays of affection in public, it is offensive and vulgar.”
Her cheeks flushed but she looked up at her mother, with fists at her side.
“We are not in public, we are in my home, if it offends you, I cannot apologize, Mama. If you find it vulgar, look elsewhere.”
Nancy Valenti looked stunned for a moment before shooting a look at Max. With a last look that could kill, she turned and continued up the stairs.
****
Liz sat facing her mother discussing their Christmas plans. She tried to keep a look on her face that didn’t speak of the boredom she was feeling inside.
“I understand where you’re coming from, Elizabeth, but we’ve always eaten Christmas meal together on Christmas day, not Eve.” Her mother insisted.
“I know.” Liz said calmly replacing her tea cup and smoothing a hand over her round tummy.
“Stop rubbing your stomach and drawing attention to yourself.” Nancy said. “It’s most unladylike.”
“It’s also a most uncomfortable position to be in, Mama.” Liz retorted angrily. She would not be harassed in her husband’s home. “And we will be eating on Christmas Eve like Max’s family does on tradition.”
“Elizabeth.”
“That is how it will be Mama.” Liz said firmly. “This is my home. I became part of my husband’s family and I will uphold his traditions and my children will be raised in his traditions.”
Nancy was about to say more when Cassidy came bursting into the room.
“Aunt Liz!” She ran to her aunt and hurriedly kissed her cheek.
“Hello, Cassidy darling.” Liz smiled at her niece.
“Daddy took us by the new house, and it’s so pretty and it overlooks most of Uncle Max’s land and all of ours. We also got Uncle Max’s…”
“Cassidy.”
Cassidy stopped and turned around, looked at her grandmother.
Her heart beat faster and she realized she was in trouble. She had not acknowledged her grandmother because she had not noticed her grandmother was there.
She dipped into a curtsy and rose to press a kiss to her cheek. “Good afternoon, Grandmamma.”
“Good afternoon, Cassidy.” Her grandmother said. “Next time you will wait to see who is in the room before you come barging in. It was very rude that you acknowledged your aunt before your grandmother.”
“I apologize.” Cassidy said again before stepping back and sitting on the footstool at Liz’s feet.
“She did not realize you were there, Mama.” Liz tried to make it right. Cassidy had greeted her out of affection, not from any sense of protocol.
“She should stop to look before she comes stomping in here like some street child.”
“We do not stand on ceremony here.” Liz said again. “Cassidy is not expected to treat her own family as she does strangers.”
“Do you mean for three weeks this child has been running around without any manners or any sense of propriety?”
“No.” Liz said calmly. “She understands everything very well. We just don’t stand on ceremony in the privacy of our own homes.”
“Where does she attend school?” Nancy shot out. “Answer me, Cassidy?”
“Jefferson, madam.” Cassidy answered.
“It is public?”
“Yes, madam.”
“Why?”
“Mama.” Liz said looking her mother in the eye. “Cassidy attends a very good public school. Her parents have agreed upon her attendance there and have decided it is perfectly acceptable. I do not want you interfering with anything. This is our life, and Kyle and Serena’s child. Not yours.”
“You will not talk to you me that way.”
“I will talk to you as I must.” Liz said standing. “If you would excuse me I must tell the cook that Kyle and Serena are back for dinner. Cassidy, come with me.”
****
The Guerins joined them for Christmas Eve dinner.
Surprisingly Nancy put on a nice face and made nice with everyone there. After dinner everyone retired to the parlor and Maria played a few Christmas songs on the piano.
Cassidy skipped over to Maria and whispered something in her ear.
“Sure.” Maria answered. “Have a seat next to me. You ready?”
She nodded.
Cassidy started softly at first, a pretty rendition of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. Her soprano voice picked up volume as she gained confidence. After the first verse Maria joined her adding a nice harmony.
When they were done the room exploded in applause Cassidy flushed and curtsied before she returned to her mother’s feet.
“Aunt Liz, please tell us about ‘A Visit from St. Nick.’” Cassidy pleaded trying to draw the attention away from her. “Please?”
“Alright.”
“’Twas the night before Christmas…”
Cassidy, Logan, and Matthew were asleep by the end of the story.
****
“Next year at this time we’ll have our baby.” Max said as Liz entered his room. He smiled as she walked over to him. She lacked Serena’s grace in carrying the baby, but this was only her first. Of many Max hoped.
Liz nodded, and looked up at him. Her hands behind her back, Lady prancing at her feet, she looked incredibly young to him, with her eyes shining so brightly.
“What?” He asked. He took a step towards her and she took one back.
“Nope.” She sang as she stepped from his reach. “I have your Christmas present.”
“Early?”
“Just by an evening. I thought you were a little old for Father Christmas to visit you.”
He smiled and waited.
“It took me a little while to figure out what to buy for you.” She said shyly as she stood. “I think I got the right thing for you.”
“I have you, I don’t need anything else.”
“No.” She smiled. “I wanted to get something special for you. It took me a while because you never really show a strong interest in anything. But then I realized you spend a lot of your free time, when you’re not with me, in the library.”
“Yes.” He said.
“And I know you like Oscar Wilde.”
“Very much.”
“I got us two tickets for a showing of The Importance of Being Ernest.”
“You didn’t.” He said. “I’ve been trying to get tickets to that forever but they’ve sold out.” He said.
“I know.” She said. “I got them as soon as they came out. They’re for Santa Fe.”
“Is it safe for you to travel?”
“Yes.” She said. “The doctor said it was ok. The tickets are for January. I’ve always wanted to see Santa Fe.”
“We’ll go.” He said and pulled her close. “You’re sure it will be ok?”
“Yes.” Taking a step closer she looked up at him, her eyes clear of all the laughter. “You know I love you, right Max?”
“Very much, darling.”
“I don’t always say it.” Her voice trembled a little bit. “But I feel it just the same.”
“I know, I love you too.” He pulled her to him, his hand resting lightly on her stomach. “Both of you.”
“We know.” She rested her head on her chin. “We leave next week, right after my mother.”
”Does she know she’s leaving?”
“Not yet.” Liz sighed. “I thought we’d let her have a pleasant Christmas and then send her on her way.”
“Sounds good.” He pulled her closer. “Your present is coming in a few weeks, my mother is going to send the cradle I used when I was an infant.”
Her eyes lit and filled with laughter. “I wasn’t going to tell you until tomorrow as a last Christmas present, but that spoils it.”
“What?”
“We’re going to need two cradles, we’re going to have twins.”
TBC
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
Hello everyone. Still no diploma. 211 hours till graduation, but who's counting? 
Many of people's questions are answered. Sort of. I think we're winding down to the last five chapters or so. I hope to be done with this by mid-July. Thank you all for reading and I love all your feedback. It makes me happy. Thank you!
mattie
Chapter 19
Liz paused outside her parents’ room. She heard her mother ranting to Jim Valenti and her poor maid.
Lifting a hand she formed a fist and knocked on the door.
A very composed looking maid opened the door.
“It’s your daughter, ma’am.” She called.
“Now, she decides to see me.” Nancy called. “Let her in.”
“Mrs. Evans.” The maid stepped aside.
“Will you please give us a moment?” Liz asked, looking at both her father and her mother’s maid.
The maid left the room immediately, eager to be out. Jim took his time, giving a warning look before leaving.
“I would appreciate it if you didn’t dismiss people without my permission.” Nancy started.
“Stop.” Liz said before her mother could say anything more. “This is my house and you will listen to me.” Liz looked her mother in the face and took her handkerchief from her so her mother had her full attention.
“Look at me.” Liz said gently. “I have something I want to talk to you about.”
“Now’s a fine time, now that you’ve kicked me out of your house, out of your life and out of my grandchildren’s lives.”
“Oh, stop.” Liz rolled her eyes. “Stop being so dramatic. I’m not kicking you out of anyone’s life. I just want to live mine, Mama. I’m married now, so is Kyle we’ll be ok by ourselves.”
“I just want…”
“My turn.” Liz held up a hand for quiet. “I don’t understand why you don’t want us to be happy. Why you hurt Serena when you know it makes Kyle unhappy, why you tried to keep me from marrying Max, when you knew that would have made me the happiest girl in the world.”
“Liz I…”
“Do you have any good reasons, Mama?” She asked desperately.
Nancy moved her mouth, trying to get something out.
“See you don’t even have a reason for acting like you do.” Liz sat on the bed next to her mother. “I know at first you were worried for me, and when we were poor, and living in the slums of the city, I could understand why you would want me to stay away from Max. But once you introduced us to Jim…Father…you changed the rules. You began to hate Serena, when she had been perfectly good enough for Kyle four years before. Why?”
“Liz our position in society…”
“That doesn’t matter.” Liz interrupted. “Mama, have you realized something, where are you from? What high born father sired you?” Liz said harshly.
Nancy stopped, and studied. “I didn’t come from anywhere, Elizabeth.” She spoke slowly. “Unlike you and your brother I have no claim to anybody.”
“Then why do you insist on being above those who are just like you?” Liz grew impatient. “That’s they only question I have is why. Why are you the way you are and why do you insist on hurting your own family?”
“Because, Elizabeth, they didn’t need to be a part of your family, they could have been so much better. You could have had so much better. I should have come down on you harder as a child, I should have told you about your father before and never let you and your brother fall for such common people.”
“Mama, look at this house, is Max Evans common?”
“I was talking about Serena!”
“She’s no less than you are.” Liz raised her voice to match her mother. “She’s no less than I am.” She said after a moment, when her voice was calm again.
“Why couldn’t I have a daughter like the Troys or the Whitmans? They have such wonderful daughters. Obedient.”
“Because that’s not who I am.” Liz ground out through her teeth.
“Oh no, I had to have a daughter who dirties her hands being a nurse, a daughter who gives up on everything she’s been handed. A daughter who throws everything in her mother’s face for. All I’ve ever done is try to help me and you act ungrateful and want to hurt me. It’s like you don’t even love me.” She finished. “Sometimes I have to remind myself why I give so much up for you, why I continue to love you.”
Liz drew back as if she’d been slapped. Everything in her system revolted and the room spun. Closing her eyes she opened them a moment later, looking at her mother, her expression glassy.
“Liz, I…” Nancy started.
“No.” Liz stood she laid her hand on the bedpost to steady herself, she ordered her stomach to stop swirling.
”Elizabeth, I didn’t…”
“If that is the way you feel.” Liz spoke quietly. But to Nancy’s astonishment her daughter’s voice wasn’t full of anger or frustration. It was defeat. And something in that stirred Nancy to her inner soul. “I’m going to go lie down.”
“Wait.” Nancy stood.
Liz shook her head and quietly shut the door behind her with a soft click.
****
Max had been in the bedroom when Liz had entered pale and drawn. He had immediately ushered her into bed and was only able to get that she had been to see her mother. Nervous he had sent for the doctor. Now he was standing in his wife’s sitting room outside their bedroom while the doctor was examining her.
He looked up and had to keep from shouting when Nancy Valenti walked in.
“What do you want?” He ground out, his hand forming a fist at her side.
“Is she going to be alright?” She asked ignoring the question.
“Maybe.” He looked at her.
“Why do you do it?” He asked. “Why do you make her sick, why do you make her feel guilty, why do you not let her alone?”
“I…” She started, then stopped. “I don’t know why I do it. I wasn’t happy I don’t expect them to be happy. You know, Jim Valenti asked me to marry him right there, after our first time together. I wasn’t married yet; I could have gone with him.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “Now, I don’t know why I went back to Jeff Parker. He was a good man then, but once I told him neither of the children were his, he just lost it.”
“So you’re ruining your daughter’s life because of a mistake you made?”
“No. I’m trying to make her see the correct way. I gave up my life, my happiness, for what I thought was right. I don’t want her, or Kyle to give up forever chasing a dream that’s not there.”
“If you would have followed yours you would have gone to New York with Jim Valenti.” Max said. “Let them follow their dreams, you gave up yours, don’t make them give up theirs.”
The doctor came out looking frazzled but with a smile. “She’s fine, just don’t let her stress herself.”
”What about the trip next week?”
“She’ll be fine.” The doctor smiled. “I’ve patients to see. Don’t let her come down today or tomorrow I already told her I’d send her right back, but I thought it would be best to tell you because she only listens to what she wants.”
“I know.”
“Do you think I could see her?”
“No.” Both the doctor and Max said.
“Ok.” Nancy said accepting she’d lost her chance. “Tell her…” She paused looking at the closed door. “Tell her I said goodbye, and that I love her.”
Max nodded. “We look forward to seeing you this summer. Here.” Max said making it clear that whatever was going on between them would be solved by then.
“I’m not making this trip twice a year.” Nancy protested.
“If you wish to see you daughter and new grandchildren you will. Liz will not travel with the babies.” He said folding his arms. “You do wish to meet them don’t you?”
“Yes. Goodbye, Max.”
“Goodbye.” He turned and entered his wife’s chamber.
****
Three weeks later
“Matthew, love how did you manage to break your arm?”
“He fell off the fence.” His worried mother, Maria, told Liz as she hovered by his side. “Even though his father told him countless times to stay off it.”
Liz was in the back of the house setting his broken arm when she heard a great commotion in the front. Finishing up and handing Matthew Guerin a mint she went to find out what was going on.
“Nellie!” She squealed.
“Liz!” They embraced and began chattering. Nellie commenting on Liz’s condition caused Liz to flush. “How are you and little one doing?”
“Good.” Liz said. “How are you?”
“Oh fine, fine.” She breathed as she looked around. “Looks like Max has quite the little set up here doesn’t he?”
“Yes.” Liz said looking around. “Come back here; let me show you what Max has done.” She said. They wound their way through the house.
“Maria, this is my friend from New York. She’s also a nurse.” Liz introduced. Matthew was still on the table.
“Oh, my, what happened to you, sweetheart?” Nellie asked examining the arm.
Finding another woman to fawn over him he promptly broke into tears as he explained his situation.
“So this is the Nellie, you’ve been telling me about?” Maria eyed the woman with obvious dislike. Someone who had been friends with Liz before her, she didn’t want anything to do with her.
“Yes.” Liz tried to fight back her smile, she could hear the wheels turning in her head already. “No, Maria, she’s not going to take your place but I will need your help showing her around and things. Like for me.”
“Where is she going to stay?”
“I don’t know.” Liz was suddenly puzzled what was Nellie doing here so early in the year?”
“Nellie.” Liz asked.
“Hmm?” She held the arm up and inspected it. “You did a fine job, here, Elizabeth.”
“Nellie, you don’t need to inspect my work, I’ve been doing fine for the past months.” Liz said. “What are you doing here?”
“I can see I’m wanted.” Nellie smiled as she studied Maria. So this was the Maria who had become friends with Liz. “Max wanted a nurse out here to help you sooner than a year.” She glanced at Maria one more time before she turned to Liz. “And I thought I would accommodate him, and now, I see why.”
“Nellie.” Liz said and batted her hand away when the other woman put her hand to her belly. “Have you been settled in?”
“I’m staying with Kyle and Serena.” Nellie explained. “I’m to come to the clinic in the morning and stay till the afternoon.”
“My husband needs to stay out of my work.” Liz gritted out.
“He only wants you to be safe.” Nellie said.
“We’re going to head home.” Maria said and picked Matthew up.
“Bye Aunt Liz! Bye Miss Nellie.” Matthew waved his good arm. His blue eyes adoring.
“Bye.” The women called.
Walking away Maria still wasn’t sure how she felt about Miss Cornelia Brighton coming west.
tbc
Many of people's questions are answered. Sort of. I think we're winding down to the last five chapters or so. I hope to be done with this by mid-July. Thank you all for reading and I love all your feedback. It makes me happy. Thank you!mattie
Chapter 19
Liz paused outside her parents’ room. She heard her mother ranting to Jim Valenti and her poor maid.
Lifting a hand she formed a fist and knocked on the door.
A very composed looking maid opened the door.
“It’s your daughter, ma’am.” She called.
“Now, she decides to see me.” Nancy called. “Let her in.”
“Mrs. Evans.” The maid stepped aside.
“Will you please give us a moment?” Liz asked, looking at both her father and her mother’s maid.
The maid left the room immediately, eager to be out. Jim took his time, giving a warning look before leaving.
“I would appreciate it if you didn’t dismiss people without my permission.” Nancy started.
“Stop.” Liz said before her mother could say anything more. “This is my house and you will listen to me.” Liz looked her mother in the face and took her handkerchief from her so her mother had her full attention.
“Look at me.” Liz said gently. “I have something I want to talk to you about.”
“Now’s a fine time, now that you’ve kicked me out of your house, out of your life and out of my grandchildren’s lives.”
“Oh, stop.” Liz rolled her eyes. “Stop being so dramatic. I’m not kicking you out of anyone’s life. I just want to live mine, Mama. I’m married now, so is Kyle we’ll be ok by ourselves.”
“I just want…”
“My turn.” Liz held up a hand for quiet. “I don’t understand why you don’t want us to be happy. Why you hurt Serena when you know it makes Kyle unhappy, why you tried to keep me from marrying Max, when you knew that would have made me the happiest girl in the world.”
“Liz I…”
“Do you have any good reasons, Mama?” She asked desperately.
Nancy moved her mouth, trying to get something out.
“See you don’t even have a reason for acting like you do.” Liz sat on the bed next to her mother. “I know at first you were worried for me, and when we were poor, and living in the slums of the city, I could understand why you would want me to stay away from Max. But once you introduced us to Jim…Father…you changed the rules. You began to hate Serena, when she had been perfectly good enough for Kyle four years before. Why?”
“Liz our position in society…”
“That doesn’t matter.” Liz interrupted. “Mama, have you realized something, where are you from? What high born father sired you?” Liz said harshly.
Nancy stopped, and studied. “I didn’t come from anywhere, Elizabeth.” She spoke slowly. “Unlike you and your brother I have no claim to anybody.”
“Then why do you insist on being above those who are just like you?” Liz grew impatient. “That’s they only question I have is why. Why are you the way you are and why do you insist on hurting your own family?”
“Because, Elizabeth, they didn’t need to be a part of your family, they could have been so much better. You could have had so much better. I should have come down on you harder as a child, I should have told you about your father before and never let you and your brother fall for such common people.”
“Mama, look at this house, is Max Evans common?”
“I was talking about Serena!”
“She’s no less than you are.” Liz raised her voice to match her mother. “She’s no less than I am.” She said after a moment, when her voice was calm again.
“Why couldn’t I have a daughter like the Troys or the Whitmans? They have such wonderful daughters. Obedient.”
“Because that’s not who I am.” Liz ground out through her teeth.
“Oh no, I had to have a daughter who dirties her hands being a nurse, a daughter who gives up on everything she’s been handed. A daughter who throws everything in her mother’s face for. All I’ve ever done is try to help me and you act ungrateful and want to hurt me. It’s like you don’t even love me.” She finished. “Sometimes I have to remind myself why I give so much up for you, why I continue to love you.”
Liz drew back as if she’d been slapped. Everything in her system revolted and the room spun. Closing her eyes she opened them a moment later, looking at her mother, her expression glassy.
“Liz, I…” Nancy started.
“No.” Liz stood she laid her hand on the bedpost to steady herself, she ordered her stomach to stop swirling.
”Elizabeth, I didn’t…”
“If that is the way you feel.” Liz spoke quietly. But to Nancy’s astonishment her daughter’s voice wasn’t full of anger or frustration. It was defeat. And something in that stirred Nancy to her inner soul. “I’m going to go lie down.”
“Wait.” Nancy stood.
Liz shook her head and quietly shut the door behind her with a soft click.
****
Max had been in the bedroom when Liz had entered pale and drawn. He had immediately ushered her into bed and was only able to get that she had been to see her mother. Nervous he had sent for the doctor. Now he was standing in his wife’s sitting room outside their bedroom while the doctor was examining her.
He looked up and had to keep from shouting when Nancy Valenti walked in.
“What do you want?” He ground out, his hand forming a fist at her side.
“Is she going to be alright?” She asked ignoring the question.
“Maybe.” He looked at her.
“Why do you do it?” He asked. “Why do you make her sick, why do you make her feel guilty, why do you not let her alone?”
“I…” She started, then stopped. “I don’t know why I do it. I wasn’t happy I don’t expect them to be happy. You know, Jim Valenti asked me to marry him right there, after our first time together. I wasn’t married yet; I could have gone with him.” She gave a mirthless laugh. “Now, I don’t know why I went back to Jeff Parker. He was a good man then, but once I told him neither of the children were his, he just lost it.”
“So you’re ruining your daughter’s life because of a mistake you made?”
“No. I’m trying to make her see the correct way. I gave up my life, my happiness, for what I thought was right. I don’t want her, or Kyle to give up forever chasing a dream that’s not there.”
“If you would have followed yours you would have gone to New York with Jim Valenti.” Max said. “Let them follow their dreams, you gave up yours, don’t make them give up theirs.”
The doctor came out looking frazzled but with a smile. “She’s fine, just don’t let her stress herself.”
”What about the trip next week?”
“She’ll be fine.” The doctor smiled. “I’ve patients to see. Don’t let her come down today or tomorrow I already told her I’d send her right back, but I thought it would be best to tell you because she only listens to what she wants.”
“I know.”
“Do you think I could see her?”
“No.” Both the doctor and Max said.
“Ok.” Nancy said accepting she’d lost her chance. “Tell her…” She paused looking at the closed door. “Tell her I said goodbye, and that I love her.”
Max nodded. “We look forward to seeing you this summer. Here.” Max said making it clear that whatever was going on between them would be solved by then.
“I’m not making this trip twice a year.” Nancy protested.
“If you wish to see you daughter and new grandchildren you will. Liz will not travel with the babies.” He said folding his arms. “You do wish to meet them don’t you?”
“Yes. Goodbye, Max.”
“Goodbye.” He turned and entered his wife’s chamber.
****
Three weeks later
“Matthew, love how did you manage to break your arm?”
“He fell off the fence.” His worried mother, Maria, told Liz as she hovered by his side. “Even though his father told him countless times to stay off it.”
Liz was in the back of the house setting his broken arm when she heard a great commotion in the front. Finishing up and handing Matthew Guerin a mint she went to find out what was going on.
“Nellie!” She squealed.
“Liz!” They embraced and began chattering. Nellie commenting on Liz’s condition caused Liz to flush. “How are you and little one doing?”
“Good.” Liz said. “How are you?”
“Oh fine, fine.” She breathed as she looked around. “Looks like Max has quite the little set up here doesn’t he?”
“Yes.” Liz said looking around. “Come back here; let me show you what Max has done.” She said. They wound their way through the house.
“Maria, this is my friend from New York. She’s also a nurse.” Liz introduced. Matthew was still on the table.
“Oh, my, what happened to you, sweetheart?” Nellie asked examining the arm.
Finding another woman to fawn over him he promptly broke into tears as he explained his situation.
“So this is the Nellie, you’ve been telling me about?” Maria eyed the woman with obvious dislike. Someone who had been friends with Liz before her, she didn’t want anything to do with her.
“Yes.” Liz tried to fight back her smile, she could hear the wheels turning in her head already. “No, Maria, she’s not going to take your place but I will need your help showing her around and things. Like for me.”
“Where is she going to stay?”
“I don’t know.” Liz was suddenly puzzled what was Nellie doing here so early in the year?”
“Nellie.” Liz asked.
“Hmm?” She held the arm up and inspected it. “You did a fine job, here, Elizabeth.”
“Nellie, you don’t need to inspect my work, I’ve been doing fine for the past months.” Liz said. “What are you doing here?”
“I can see I’m wanted.” Nellie smiled as she studied Maria. So this was the Maria who had become friends with Liz. “Max wanted a nurse out here to help you sooner than a year.” She glanced at Maria one more time before she turned to Liz. “And I thought I would accommodate him, and now, I see why.”
“Nellie.” Liz said and batted her hand away when the other woman put her hand to her belly. “Have you been settled in?”
“I’m staying with Kyle and Serena.” Nellie explained. “I’m to come to the clinic in the morning and stay till the afternoon.”
“My husband needs to stay out of my work.” Liz gritted out.
“He only wants you to be safe.” Nellie said.
“We’re going to head home.” Maria said and picked Matthew up.
“Bye Aunt Liz! Bye Miss Nellie.” Matthew waved his good arm. His blue eyes adoring.
“Bye.” The women called.
Walking away Maria still wasn’t sure how she felt about Miss Cornelia Brighton coming west.
tbc
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport
Nancy Parker seems to be making everyone upset. We’ll fix it. Don’t worry. Oh, and Nellie is not bad and she’s not going to try to take Max away, she’s Liz’s friend. I’m typing this from my graduation present. Tomorrow is my last day of actual classes before we begin senior week. BLAH! Final math class and then we’re free, well no diploma, but no more torture…I mean classes. Thanks for reading.
Chapter 20
It was early May and Liz had been delivered of healthy twins, a boy, Jacob Kyle, and girl, Helena Elizabeth.
Liz was upstairs with the twins, where Max could easily hover over her. He preferred to stay out of the clinic and so kept his wife out as well.
Nellie smiled when she heard Max’s office door open and shut. Liz had kicked him out of the nursery again. Nellie went back to tending the child who had burned her hands on the stove. She was happy for her two friends. She didn’t know how she would be able to deal with seeing the man she had once thought herself in love with marry another woman, her best friend. It didn’t bother her she was proud to say. She loved Max like a brother and she knew she would find someone else soon.
Maria Guerin was another story. The two rivaled for Liz’s attention and Liz gave of it freely. She seemed oblivious to her friends’ plight. Smiling Nellie secretly like the other woman her feistiness was a perfect match for Liz. Too bad the woman was so squeamish; she would have made the perfect nurse.
Nellie had just dried her hands when a frazzled woman walked in, a screaming baby in her arms and tiny blonde haired girl limped beside her.
“Sit right there, Katie, and hush.” The woman said. “Is Mrs. Evans here?”
“No, I’m filling in for her though.” Nellie said. “Did you need a nurse?”
“Yes.” She pointed to the girl the woman had called Katie. “Something is wrong with the girl. She was running off as usual and the girl came back limping. I don’t know what’s wrong with her and she won’t say.”
Nellie studied the girl and thought there was something oddly familiar about the child.
“Do you want to tell me what happened to you, Katie darling?” Nellie lifted her onto the examining table. “Will you?”
“I want my da.” She rubbed her eyes tiredly.
“The girl continually asks for her da. He’s a busy man now; he can’t spend every minute of the day with her.”
“I want my da.” She said again.
“We’ll find you da in a moment, sweetheart.” Nellie bent and gently began feeling for broken bones when the girl winced as she grabbed her ankle she knew she found the problem. “Did you fall down in a field?”
“I fall down.” The girl repeated, looking into her eyes, trusting this other woman.
“How old are you, Katie?”
“This many.” She held up three fingers.
“Did you fall in a gopher hole?”
“I fall in a hole.” The little girl said. “Hi, doggie.”
Nellie turned and saw Lady standing in the doorway sniffing.
“Lady, come.” Nellie called. The dog scampered over and she picked it up and held it to the girl. “You like the doggie?”
“Yes.” She reached out to touch her. Something about the child seemed so familiar but Nellie couldn’t place her.
“Well Lady will sit right here with you and let you pet her. I’m going to feel you leg and fix it, ok? It might hurt a little.”
“I want my da.” She stated again when Nellie mentioned her leg.
“This might be easier, ma’am if you were to stay outside.” She turned to the woman.
“Hmm.” She said. “I think I’ll stay here.”
”No.” Nellie said. “Please go.”
The woman left with a loud humpf and went to the waiting room.
Pulling the stockings down and off caused the little girl to wince.
“What?” Nellie asked watching the little girl’s face contort with pain. “Katie, do you hurt elsewhere?”
Looking at the door and then at Nellie she nodded.
“Show me where.” Nellie went to the door and shouted to Cassidy who was in the waiting room. Sometimes she was allowed to join Nellie and Liz in the examination room and she spent her days in the waiting room for when she could.
“Cassidy, I need you to go get your aunt.”
“But, Uncle Max said…”
“Your Uncle Max will deal with it. I need her.”
“Ok.” She jumped up and went to get her.
“Ok, Katie.” Nellie went back to her. “I’m going to take your dress of ok?”
She looked uncertain but allowed her to take off the tiny frock. Her tiny body was covered with welts and bruises.
“Katie, what happened?” Nellie asked.
She didn’t say anything but stared at the door. Liz came in a few minutes later, tying an apron behind her. “Hello.”
“Liz, look.” Nellie pointed to the girl on the table.
“That looks like when the boys get spanked with the ruler at school.” Cassidy said.
“Cassidy, out.” Liz said and approached the table.
“The nanny said she fell down.”
“That’s not a fall.” Liz said. “I’ll send for the doctor, to make sure there aren’t any internal injuries. Are there other children in the nanny’s care?”
“Just a baby, about eleven months.”
“Cassidy!” Liz called.
“Yes, Aunt Liz?” She poked her head in eagerly.
“Go tell Mr. March to go find the doctor please. And tell him to be quick.”
“Yes, ma’am.” She ducked out of the room.
“Go get the baby.”
“What should I tell the nanny?”
“Just that we’re doing a routine check-up for free and see if you can find out who this little girl’s da is.”
Fifteen minutes later the doctor walked in. “Elizabeth, you’re not supposed to be up.”
“It’s been three weeks since I’ve had the babies.” Liz said. “Look at this child.”
“What happened?” He asked as he began gently twisting joints, and feeling around for any other injuries. His brows creased as Liz explained. While they were doing that Nellie slipped out of the room and out of the house.
****
Disturbed at the information she had gotten out of the nanny, Georgia, Nellie left the Evans house. Something of the nanny’s tale just did not sit well with her, along with who they said the father was.
She reached the house at the end of town. The house had only been completed a month before and a new family had moved in. A widower, and that was all they knew about the family. But when the nanny had given the name, her heart had jumped.
She reached the house and knocked on the door.
“Can I help you Miss…:” A maid answered the door, Nellie assumed it was the housekeeper.
“Brighton, Cornelia Brighton.”
The house was nice size, no where near as large as Max’s but it was obvious the occupants had enough money.
“Mr. Malloy will see you in his office.”
Nellie stepped into the room. Seeing him again took her breath away. There was a hardness in his eye that wasn’t there before.
“Can I help you Miss Brighton?” He asked, raising one blonde eyebrow at her.
“You don’t remember me do you, Mr. Malloy?”
“I’m afraid not.” He said.
“I delivered your youngest child, Mary Sarah.” She said. That caught his attention. “In New York.”
“I don’t believe you did, Miss Brighton a friend of mine did.” He said, studying her more closely. That day and the weeks following it had been hectic and a blur for the man. Three months after Mary Sarah had been born he had left New York City. Tired of the masses, tired of the work, and tired of everything that made New York City, he had left for the wide open spaces of the west.
The death of his wife, Sarah had left a mark on him and he mourned for her. The only thing that kept him going were his young daughters, Kathryn and Mary Sarah.
“There was another girl there as well, Mr. Malloy.” She said quietly. It stung a little bit to realize that he hadn’t even known she was there or that he didn’t remember her. Her mind tried to tell her heart that he had been grieve had to still be grieving. But it was no use, her heart wouldn’t listen.
“No, I can’t seem to recall. If you were there you’d know that that was a rather hard day for me, Miss Brighton.”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“Is there something you needed to see me about?” He asked. “I’ve come quite a long way from where I was a year ago, but no where near where I want to be for my daughters.”
“I’m a friend of the Evans.”
His eyes perked.
“You do know that Liz is here right, her husband owns like half the town.” Nellie said.
“Yes, I do.” Sean said quietly He wasn’t sure how he felt about that yet, which is why he hadn’t made his presence known. “How did you know I was here?”
“Your daughter’s nanny brought in Katie because she fell into a gopher hole and now she’s limping.”
“What?” He was around the desk in an instant. At that moment she knew that he had no idea what was going on with his nanny and the children. “Is she ok?”
“We’re not sure. Your daughter, Mr. Malloy had many other injuries on her body.” She said slowly. “She seemed frightened of the nanny.”
“But they…where are they?”
“At the Evans’ house. Max Evans had the back of his house converted into a clinic so his wife can run a small practice there and relieve the overflow from the doctor.”
“He’s good to her then?”
“Yes.” Nellie told him. “He’s very good to her. Did you hear that she just had twins?”
“Twins, really?” He smiled. “I can’t see Elizabeth as a mother.”
“She’s a good one. Your children, Mr. Malloy?” She asked. “How often do you check on your children when they’re in the nursery?”
“I don’t see them as much, as I used to.” He said as he looked down. “I’ve been working. I’m going to go with you to collect them, and you’ll tell me what’s going on.”
“Ok.” She nodded, studying him. “You care about your daughters?”
“Very much, they’re all I have left, all that matters.”
Her heart hoped to one day matter to him as well.
****
They arrived back at the Evans residence a few minutes later.
Nellie led him around the back so that he could enter without the nanny being there.
“Da!” Katie said in surprised happiness, her tiny foot and ankle was wrapped in a cast, her tiny body ensconced in a blanket.
“Hello, my princess.” He said going to her. “What happened to you, my love?”
She shrugged and continued to pet Lady.
“Sean?” Liz asked surprised.
“Yeah.” He said shyly. “Surprise?”
“What are you doing here?” She asked.
“These are my daughters.” He took the baby from Liz’s arms. “You and Miss Brighton here delivered this one.”
“Really?” Liz said and realized why the baby looked so familiar. “Oh, Sean, when did you move out here?”
“I had money saved up. Sarah and I were going to move out here after the baby was born and I just decided to go on after…” He paused. “I have money in a small coal mine and it’s really producing. What’s wrong with my daughter?”
“You might consider hiring another nanny.” She stepped towards Katie. His face grimaced as he looked at his daughter. “Where is she?”
“In the waiting room.” Nellie said.
“I’ll be back.”
Liz began to get antsy and looking towards the door.
“Liz, go back up to your babies.”
She blushed and looked down. “I don’t…”
“Just go.” Nellie smiled.
“Thank you. You’ll be ok?” She was already taking off her apron and the doctor had already left.
“Yes.” Nellie nodded and watch Liz quickly leave the room.
****
“Uncle Max, guess what!” Cassidy skipped into his office. She was welcome in there in anytime she had been informed. Just like she was with her father.
“What?” He looked up at her. “Besides I see a very pretty little girl in my office.”
“Mr. Malloy is here, he moved in a few weeks ago. That house on the edge of town is his.” She informed him.
“Mr. Malloy As in Sean Malloy?” he asked,
“Yes.” She said. “I saw his daughters. They’re really cute. They’re only a little older than Helena and Jacob, and my little brother Robby.”
“Is he in the clinic?”
“Yeah. There’s something wrong with Katie, the bigger one. Miss Cornelia sent me to get the doctor so it must have been serious, and then Aunt Liz came.”
“Is he still here?” She asked.
“I think.”
Max stood and opened his office door. Nellie was holding one child while Sean Malloy was holding another.
“Hold it right there, Miss Brighton.” Max ground out. Just seeing the other man upset him.
“Max, I’m just going to help him get the girls home and then I’ll go over to Kyle and Serena’s.” Nellie said.
“No.”
“Max.” She stepped back and looked up at him. “I’m not your sister and I’m not your wife, I can take care of myself, and I do not have to obey you.”
“I promised your father that I would take care of you while you were here.”
“I know you did. I’m fine, I’ll be fine.” She said, looking back at Sean. The look in her eyes was so tender towards the man and his daughter that he couldn’t help but let her go.
“Be careful.” He said. “I’ll make sure Cassidy gets home.”
“Ok.” She said. “Thank you.”
tbc
Chapter 20
It was early May and Liz had been delivered of healthy twins, a boy, Jacob Kyle, and girl, Helena Elizabeth.
Liz was upstairs with the twins, where Max could easily hover over her. He preferred to stay out of the clinic and so kept his wife out as well.
Nellie smiled when she heard Max’s office door open and shut. Liz had kicked him out of the nursery again. Nellie went back to tending the child who had burned her hands on the stove. She was happy for her two friends. She didn’t know how she would be able to deal with seeing the man she had once thought herself in love with marry another woman, her best friend. It didn’t bother her she was proud to say. She loved Max like a brother and she knew she would find someone else soon.
Maria Guerin was another story. The two rivaled for Liz’s attention and Liz gave of it freely. She seemed oblivious to her friends’ plight. Smiling Nellie secretly like the other woman her feistiness was a perfect match for Liz. Too bad the woman was so squeamish; she would have made the perfect nurse.
Nellie had just dried her hands when a frazzled woman walked in, a screaming baby in her arms and tiny blonde haired girl limped beside her.
“Sit right there, Katie, and hush.” The woman said. “Is Mrs. Evans here?”
“No, I’m filling in for her though.” Nellie said. “Did you need a nurse?”
“Yes.” She pointed to the girl the woman had called Katie. “Something is wrong with the girl. She was running off as usual and the girl came back limping. I don’t know what’s wrong with her and she won’t say.”
Nellie studied the girl and thought there was something oddly familiar about the child.
“Do you want to tell me what happened to you, Katie darling?” Nellie lifted her onto the examining table. “Will you?”
“I want my da.” She rubbed her eyes tiredly.
“The girl continually asks for her da. He’s a busy man now; he can’t spend every minute of the day with her.”
“I want my da.” She said again.
“We’ll find you da in a moment, sweetheart.” Nellie bent and gently began feeling for broken bones when the girl winced as she grabbed her ankle she knew she found the problem. “Did you fall down in a field?”
“I fall down.” The girl repeated, looking into her eyes, trusting this other woman.
“How old are you, Katie?”
“This many.” She held up three fingers.
“Did you fall in a gopher hole?”
“I fall in a hole.” The little girl said. “Hi, doggie.”
Nellie turned and saw Lady standing in the doorway sniffing.
“Lady, come.” Nellie called. The dog scampered over and she picked it up and held it to the girl. “You like the doggie?”
“Yes.” She reached out to touch her. Something about the child seemed so familiar but Nellie couldn’t place her.
“Well Lady will sit right here with you and let you pet her. I’m going to feel you leg and fix it, ok? It might hurt a little.”
“I want my da.” She stated again when Nellie mentioned her leg.
“This might be easier, ma’am if you were to stay outside.” She turned to the woman.
“Hmm.” She said. “I think I’ll stay here.”
”No.” Nellie said. “Please go.”
The woman left with a loud humpf and went to the waiting room.
Pulling the stockings down and off caused the little girl to wince.
“What?” Nellie asked watching the little girl’s face contort with pain. “Katie, do you hurt elsewhere?”
Looking at the door and then at Nellie she nodded.
“Show me where.” Nellie went to the door and shouted to Cassidy who was in the waiting room. Sometimes she was allowed to join Nellie and Liz in the examination room and she spent her days in the waiting room for when she could.
“Cassidy, I need you to go get your aunt.”
“But, Uncle Max said…”
“Your Uncle Max will deal with it. I need her.”
“Ok.” She jumped up and went to get her.
“Ok, Katie.” Nellie went back to her. “I’m going to take your dress of ok?”
She looked uncertain but allowed her to take off the tiny frock. Her tiny body was covered with welts and bruises.
“Katie, what happened?” Nellie asked.
She didn’t say anything but stared at the door. Liz came in a few minutes later, tying an apron behind her. “Hello.”
“Liz, look.” Nellie pointed to the girl on the table.
“That looks like when the boys get spanked with the ruler at school.” Cassidy said.
“Cassidy, out.” Liz said and approached the table.
“The nanny said she fell down.”
“That’s not a fall.” Liz said. “I’ll send for the doctor, to make sure there aren’t any internal injuries. Are there other children in the nanny’s care?”
“Just a baby, about eleven months.”
“Cassidy!” Liz called.
“Yes, Aunt Liz?” She poked her head in eagerly.
“Go tell Mr. March to go find the doctor please. And tell him to be quick.”
“Yes, ma’am.” She ducked out of the room.
“Go get the baby.”
“What should I tell the nanny?”
“Just that we’re doing a routine check-up for free and see if you can find out who this little girl’s da is.”
Fifteen minutes later the doctor walked in. “Elizabeth, you’re not supposed to be up.”
“It’s been three weeks since I’ve had the babies.” Liz said. “Look at this child.”
“What happened?” He asked as he began gently twisting joints, and feeling around for any other injuries. His brows creased as Liz explained. While they were doing that Nellie slipped out of the room and out of the house.
****
Disturbed at the information she had gotten out of the nanny, Georgia, Nellie left the Evans house. Something of the nanny’s tale just did not sit well with her, along with who they said the father was.
She reached the house at the end of town. The house had only been completed a month before and a new family had moved in. A widower, and that was all they knew about the family. But when the nanny had given the name, her heart had jumped.
She reached the house and knocked on the door.
“Can I help you Miss…:” A maid answered the door, Nellie assumed it was the housekeeper.
“Brighton, Cornelia Brighton.”
The house was nice size, no where near as large as Max’s but it was obvious the occupants had enough money.
“Mr. Malloy will see you in his office.”
Nellie stepped into the room. Seeing him again took her breath away. There was a hardness in his eye that wasn’t there before.
“Can I help you Miss Brighton?” He asked, raising one blonde eyebrow at her.
“You don’t remember me do you, Mr. Malloy?”
“I’m afraid not.” He said.
“I delivered your youngest child, Mary Sarah.” She said. That caught his attention. “In New York.”
“I don’t believe you did, Miss Brighton a friend of mine did.” He said, studying her more closely. That day and the weeks following it had been hectic and a blur for the man. Three months after Mary Sarah had been born he had left New York City. Tired of the masses, tired of the work, and tired of everything that made New York City, he had left for the wide open spaces of the west.
The death of his wife, Sarah had left a mark on him and he mourned for her. The only thing that kept him going were his young daughters, Kathryn and Mary Sarah.
“There was another girl there as well, Mr. Malloy.” She said quietly. It stung a little bit to realize that he hadn’t even known she was there or that he didn’t remember her. Her mind tried to tell her heart that he had been grieve had to still be grieving. But it was no use, her heart wouldn’t listen.
“No, I can’t seem to recall. If you were there you’d know that that was a rather hard day for me, Miss Brighton.”
“Yes.” She nodded.
“Is there something you needed to see me about?” He asked. “I’ve come quite a long way from where I was a year ago, but no where near where I want to be for my daughters.”
“I’m a friend of the Evans.”
His eyes perked.
“You do know that Liz is here right, her husband owns like half the town.” Nellie said.
“Yes, I do.” Sean said quietly He wasn’t sure how he felt about that yet, which is why he hadn’t made his presence known. “How did you know I was here?”
“Your daughter’s nanny brought in Katie because she fell into a gopher hole and now she’s limping.”
“What?” He was around the desk in an instant. At that moment she knew that he had no idea what was going on with his nanny and the children. “Is she ok?”
“We’re not sure. Your daughter, Mr. Malloy had many other injuries on her body.” She said slowly. “She seemed frightened of the nanny.”
“But they…where are they?”
“At the Evans’ house. Max Evans had the back of his house converted into a clinic so his wife can run a small practice there and relieve the overflow from the doctor.”
“He’s good to her then?”
“Yes.” Nellie told him. “He’s very good to her. Did you hear that she just had twins?”
“Twins, really?” He smiled. “I can’t see Elizabeth as a mother.”
“She’s a good one. Your children, Mr. Malloy?” She asked. “How often do you check on your children when they’re in the nursery?”
“I don’t see them as much, as I used to.” He said as he looked down. “I’ve been working. I’m going to go with you to collect them, and you’ll tell me what’s going on.”
“Ok.” She nodded, studying him. “You care about your daughters?”
“Very much, they’re all I have left, all that matters.”
Her heart hoped to one day matter to him as well.
****
They arrived back at the Evans residence a few minutes later.
Nellie led him around the back so that he could enter without the nanny being there.
“Da!” Katie said in surprised happiness, her tiny foot and ankle was wrapped in a cast, her tiny body ensconced in a blanket.
“Hello, my princess.” He said going to her. “What happened to you, my love?”
She shrugged and continued to pet Lady.
“Sean?” Liz asked surprised.
“Yeah.” He said shyly. “Surprise?”
“What are you doing here?” She asked.
“These are my daughters.” He took the baby from Liz’s arms. “You and Miss Brighton here delivered this one.”
“Really?” Liz said and realized why the baby looked so familiar. “Oh, Sean, when did you move out here?”
“I had money saved up. Sarah and I were going to move out here after the baby was born and I just decided to go on after…” He paused. “I have money in a small coal mine and it’s really producing. What’s wrong with my daughter?”
“You might consider hiring another nanny.” She stepped towards Katie. His face grimaced as he looked at his daughter. “Where is she?”
“In the waiting room.” Nellie said.
“I’ll be back.”
Liz began to get antsy and looking towards the door.
“Liz, go back up to your babies.”
She blushed and looked down. “I don’t…”
“Just go.” Nellie smiled.
“Thank you. You’ll be ok?” She was already taking off her apron and the doctor had already left.
“Yes.” Nellie nodded and watch Liz quickly leave the room.
****
“Uncle Max, guess what!” Cassidy skipped into his office. She was welcome in there in anytime she had been informed. Just like she was with her father.
“What?” He looked up at her. “Besides I see a very pretty little girl in my office.”
“Mr. Malloy is here, he moved in a few weeks ago. That house on the edge of town is his.” She informed him.
“Mr. Malloy As in Sean Malloy?” he asked,
“Yes.” She said. “I saw his daughters. They’re really cute. They’re only a little older than Helena and Jacob, and my little brother Robby.”
“Is he in the clinic?”
“Yeah. There’s something wrong with Katie, the bigger one. Miss Cornelia sent me to get the doctor so it must have been serious, and then Aunt Liz came.”
“Is he still here?” She asked.
“I think.”
Max stood and opened his office door. Nellie was holding one child while Sean Malloy was holding another.
“Hold it right there, Miss Brighton.” Max ground out. Just seeing the other man upset him.
“Max, I’m just going to help him get the girls home and then I’ll go over to Kyle and Serena’s.” Nellie said.
“No.”
“Max.” She stepped back and looked up at him. “I’m not your sister and I’m not your wife, I can take care of myself, and I do not have to obey you.”
“I promised your father that I would take care of you while you were here.”
“I know you did. I’m fine, I’ll be fine.” She said, looking back at Sean. The look in her eyes was so tender towards the man and his daughter that he couldn’t help but let her go.
“Be careful.” He said. “I’ll make sure Cassidy gets home.”
“Ok.” She said. “Thank you.”
tbc
"Love does make the world go round... that's why it's so screwed up." Nora Roberts, Homeport