From Coal to Diamond

Chapter Seven

He couldn't stop thinking about her. This must have been what all the books spoke of when they spoke of being sickly in love. Henry had things he should have been paying attention to. Work was one of those things. But instead, he had to be thinking of Elizabeth, and how her hair had curled around her face.

"Henry!" Jolting to awareness, he glanced up from his book and saw his brother grinning from ear to ear. "And what has you so distracted that you don't even have time to say hello to your own brother? Or better yet, recognize your own name?"

Edward sat down in a chair across from Henry. Closing his book gently, his finger keeping his place, he examined his brother. It wouldn't do for him to know that he was feeling this way due to a woman. His brother would rejoice and then tell their mother.

"I spoke with Madam Marion last night. I think she needs some assistance at the school. I was just thinking of wandering over to offer my services." It was a lie, but it was a lie he was sure Madam Marion would corroborate. "I was just deciding when it was I might go over."

"Let me come with you! It's best that I make it known I'm home, and I'm sure Madam Marion may have an idea or two about a lovely bride for you. I'd love to get some gossip out of her." Edward grinned and slapped his hands on his knees. "That's it then! Come on Henry, we're going to that school."

Sighing, Henry shook his head. "There's far too much for me to do here. It will have to wait."

"Things to do? You've been sitting here for the past hour! I think it's time you stretched your legs anyway. I don't think you've turned the page once the whole time you've been sitting." Standing suddenly, Edward grabbed his brother's arm and dragged him to stand up. "What kinds of things did that wonderful old woman need done?"

"Don't call her old, that's just rude." Henry adjusted his vest as he put his book down on the table. "It was just a few odds and ends. I'm sure she can get one of her employees to do it."

Silence fell for a few moments as Edward stared at his brother. Henry averted his gaze and turned his attention out the window.

"What really happened at that party, brother? You're acting far too concerned about going to help Madam Marion, then not at all. Something must be going on."

I don't want you seeing me around Elizabeth. Henry thought, eyeing his brother. Not to mention he wasn't sure if he even wanted Edward around Elizabeth. His brother was far smoother with words, and was more the lady's man.

"Fine. Let's go. She's not expecting us, but I'm sure she will have something in mind that needs to get done." Henry ignored his brother's cheers as he walked past. He needed to try and get a letter to Madam Marion as soon as he could, to let her know they were coming. "Go get ready, I'll meet you at the car."

He felt the air rush past him as Edward walked quickly down the stairs. "Jeremy. Quick. Get a message to Madam Marion. I need her to know Edward and I are coming over. And if she would be much obliged to act as if this were already agreed upon. Go."

With the boy running off, he took the time to catch his breath. Jeremy was one of the faster ones, he knew how to get word to people. Henry just needed to buy him a little bit of time to be on the safe side. Pulling his watch out of his vest pocket, he frowned. It was too late to say he was hungry for a real meal before they went to see her.

Henry walked slowly through the hallways. There was no rush, for more reasons than one. Edward wouldn't leave without Henry. Henry was the reason they were going in the first place.

As the entrance came into view, he saw Edward put on his hat and cast his gaze about. His eyes lit on Henry and he held his arms out. "Still I manage to get here before you."