17 July 1810
Elizabeth POV
With white plates in my hand, I help Abigail set the dining room table. Papa should be coming home soon from the ministry.
As I set the last plate on the table, Mary, my younger sister comes charging in sitting down in her usual placement. Her over the top enthusiasm for supper makes me laugh. She is the most charismatic girl I have ever met. As well as one of the most beautiful. If you were to look at both of us we are complete opposites. She is the epitome of beauty, with her cherry blonde hair and tall figure. While I am short with brown hair.
"Lizzy, mama was looking for you earlier where were you?" She knows exactly where I was. Yet, she feels it necessary to ask me. She's the only person that knows about Thomas.
I squint my eyes at her warning her to keep her mouth shut. She only smiles at me in return.
"Where were you, Lizzy?" Papa walks into the dining room, removing his coat and black hat. Handing them both to Abigail.
"Out on a walk," I say avoiding his gaze. I'm not technically lying I did walk... to see Thomas.
"Papa, you know Lizzy only does two things, she's either out on her walks or reading one of her books," Mary says
"Well, I believe Lizzy is doing great things. You should read more." Papa tells Mary while winking at me.
"Why should I read? I much rather prefer to live my life than spend it reading about others living theirs."
"That's not the point." I roll my eyes at her "One reads to learn, to escape, and to experience. It's a journey, not just a pastime."
"Well, I much prefer to do other things, like singing or dancing. Now that sounds more fun."
Abigail pours our stew onto our plates.
"Before I forget, the messenger boy left us an invitation to a ball at Mr. Brookshire's estate," Papa exclaims.
"Didn't he pass last summer?" Mamma asks. We did not know much about Mr. Brookshire just that he was an aloof man who kept to himself. And definitely, one who passed. Dead men don't send messenger boys.
"It's his son a Mr. Edward Brookshire. He has invited most of Northern England to this ball." He chuckles.
"I have never heard of a Mr. Edward Brookshire, let alone that Mr. Brookshire had a son. Where has he been all these years? He didn't even have a wife." Mama exclaims.
Knowing her she will be at the forefront of finding out about Mr. Brookshire's unknowing son.
"Maybe a gypsy's son but all of Mr. Brookshire estate and vast fortune went to his boy." Mama's eyes go wide.
Mr. Brookshire was an extremely wealthy man who owned a vast amount of land. More wealth than one could manage in one lifetime. I, for one, have never seen the point of having so much, for what? To die and never see it again? Mr. Brookshire is the perfect example of that.
"An illegitimate child?" My mother gasps. Placing both hands on her chest.
"We don't know that. We barely knew Mr. Brookshire woman." My father reprimands my mother for her quick assumptions.
"Why the ball? To celebrate his arrival?"
"Apparently Mr. Brookshire is in need of a wife."
"A wife?" my mother stands to look at us. "Perfect!" she rejoices
All thoughts of a possibly unnamed son forgotten but as soon as wealth is mentioned she soon rejoices. Oh, mother, I'm afraid to know what do you have in mind.
I don't like the look in her eyes. She can't possibly be thinking of Mary and I to go to this ball. No, absolutely not! We are not cattle to be sold off to the highest bidder. The thought of being someone's wife so soon makes my heart race with panic. Thomas is the perfect suitor but it's too soon. I am not ready for that. I'm not ready for anyone. Let alone a stranger.
"I will not be attending." I say lowly
I turn to look at Mary for help but her face is with a wide grin. While this may be her dream, it is my nightmare.
"What do you mean? Of course, you are attending!" mamma says in a strong tone.
"I'm not in need of a husband. Therefore, why should I even attend?"
"Because daughter of mine," she says through her teeth, "what would people think if they do not see my eligible daughters out for the perfect opportunity! If it is not Mr. Brookshire, maybe there would be other men."
"Lizzy, your mother is right. This is a fabulous opportunity but we would not force you to do anything you do not want to" Pappa smiles softly at me taking my hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze
"He will not, but you must go!" Mamma exclaims again
"Catherine" My father reprimands my mother in a strong tone.
I stand and begin to walk away
"Elizabeth Anne Howard!" mamma screams.
"So are we going?" Mary asks excitedly, oblivious to the argument around her. I know for sure this would be the perfect opportunity for her to wear one of her new gowns. While I for one prefer to stay home.
"Of course we are going, we must meet this Mr. Edward Brookshire." Mamma says, "All of us." She looks towards me as I walk away.
There is no way I am going to that ball.
A/N: If you liked this chapter please follow, review, and vote! That's the only way I know it would that you enjoyed my story. The more votes and follows I get the faster I would post the next chapter.
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YOU ARE READING
Elizabeth
Historical Fiction"If you believe that you own me because I am your wife, you are sadly mistaken." I say as I snatch my arms from his grip. Elizabeth has always lived a calm life, until one day she meets Mr. Edward who is in need of a wife. He sets his eyes on Eliza...
