22 July 1810
Elizabeth POV
"Mr. Brookshire, my family and I would be delighted if you joined us for supper tomorrow," Papa says.
Just like Mr. Brookshire, papa's voice is laced with confidence. A demeanor he holds exclusively for people he admires and business acquaintances.
I look towards mama who has the widest grin on her face. That is definitely not a good sign.
Please say no! The idea of Mr. Brookshire at my house could give mama leeway to push Mr. Brookshire on me. While he does seems like a good man, I have Thomas. Even if no one knows about him.
"Please say yes, I know Lizzy here would be delighted," Mama says.
I look up at Mr. Brookshire, silently begging him with my eyes to say no.
However, my silent pleas are no help when his voice fills the air.
"I'd love to." Mr. Brookshire says as he looks down at me with a slight grin crossing his mouth.
Oh hell.
The rest of the night consists of a stare off between Mr. Brookshire and I. It is as if I can't move without his eyes following me. And I do the same. Staring him down with the same velocity that he stares at me.
——
23 July 1810
Next day
"It seems that Mr. Brookshire took a liking to you," Mary says wiggling her brow at me. As she combs my hair in front of our vanity.
"He can like all he wants," I respond with an edge in my voice. Mr. Brookshire was nothing but gentleman last night, however, I know I must let go of any idle strange feeling I get when I am around him. Thomas is the man for me, he is the one I love. And the only want I should be feeling anything towards.
"He wants a wife and you need a husband." She says as if it is the most obvious thing ever.
"I do not need a husband," I say slowly, I roll my eyes. "There are plenty of girls in town that will be more than willing to be his wife."
"But he seems to have his eyes on you, like last night." It seems I was not the only one who noticed Mr. Brookshire's consistent gaze on me.
I wonder who else noticed.
"I saw you with his friend..." I divert the conversation. It seems like it does the trick since her face becomes red and her eyes sparkle.
"William!" She exclaims with her hands to her heart.
"Who?" I ask.
"His name is William, William Goodman, he is the most handsome man I've ever met. We spoke to what seemed like hours and he is so sweet," she says her voice filled with giddy delight as she throws herself back on the bed.
"What did you talk about with William?" I giggle with her. Only my sister could make it possible to see the best of any situation. She is a hopeless romantic.
"Everything." She sighs, "Especially, Mr. Brookshire. Apparently, he met Mr. Brookshire three years ago while serving with him in the military. They are great friends but he says Mr. Brookshire can sometimes be distant and aloo but very giving and kind."
"He did not seem distant and aloof when he was with me yesterday." I defend him.
"That is because he likes you." He says obviously.
"Did he say anything about Mr. Brookshire's father and why he was not living with him?" I ask curiously.
"No, he said it was due to an unconventional circumstance. Whatever that means," she says waving her hand in the air.
Mary continues talking about Mr. William and how fond she is becoming of him. Her glee and happiness make me hope that Mr. William will be around much more. Maybe...with Mr. Brookshire. And while there seems to be a mystery that surrounds Mr. Brookshire and while I know I must stay away from him for my own sake, the pull makes it harder to get him out of my head.
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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...
