Chapter Two

Chapter 2

Welcome To Whispering Hills, Founders Thomas Winthorpe and Patrick Richardson. The sign read entering into Whispering Hills. Oh, Pa. I cannot wait to see you again. “Oh, I wished we lived closer.” I complained to Will.

“We live close enough.”

“No we do not; if we lived close I would see our house by now.” Will just chuckled. “Do not laugh at me! Try being away from your family for four years and see how you feel.”

He fell silent. Fine, gives me more time to think of the people I left four years ago. Pa, Ma, Jose or Josephine, I like to call Jose but she complains she likes being called Josephine. I shall remember that for when I see her again. Anna, dear sweet Anna, she was only eleven when I left so now she’s about fifteen. My, she should soon be having callers! Ma, in her letters says Anna has grown to a lovely little lady. She also is quite the piano player Ma says. I shall ask her to play for me. My little rascals of puppies I got them as a birthday present for my fourteenth birthday, Rocky and Sally. Rocky my big Boxer and Sally my Canaan Dog she’s a rare breed and Pa, got her just for me. I almost forgot my sweet Grandparents, Grandpa and Gamma, I called her that when I was little and it stuck. Grandpa served as a Brigadier General in the War Between the States; of course he fought for the South.

Will roused me from my reverie and pointed to a lady walking along the path. I recognized her at once. “Will, stop the buggy.”

“Already on it” he called to the horses to halt. He jumped down and ran around to my side to help me down but I had already jumped down and was running towards the girl. At first she did not know who it was but it registered and ran towards me as well. “Lizzy!” I ran into her embrace. My dearest friend, the one who stood by me when everyone thought I was crazy for spending time with Dot. I do not know how long we stood there hugging each other but soon she stepped back. “Oh, Lizzy, how I missed you.”

“As I you, Winnie” I have known Winnie Richardson as long as I can remember. We spent all our time together. With Will of course. “Where are you going to be walking on this road?”

“I was taking a walk to our secret creek. Mama gave me a couple hours to myself today so I thought I’d go there, but I did not know when you would be coming home.”

“Well, you could just hitch a ride with us we’re heading to town. Will would not mind would you Will.”

“No” he had been standing in the same position since we stopped.

“I would not want to impose….”

“You are not imposing! Winnie please, you are our dearest friend you would never be imposing.”

“Alright, if Will does not mind.”

“He doesn’t.” I took Winnie’s hand and led her to the buggy. She had always been shy, never wanting to put people out of their way. She always wanted peace, which led to our only disagreement. Charity Cook. I had always disliked Charity; she always flaunted her silky golden hair and big blue eyes. Her name never did her justice, she was far from nice. Her family was the richest family in Whispering Hills and they made others who were not regret ever being alive. Unfortunately we were neighbors to the Cooks, so they were at every gathering we threw. Charity was an only child so she got everything she ever wanted and more which made her even more spoiled. Winnie always said I needed to treat Charity with kindness, and she and I would be great friends. I never felt that way for every time I tried, she’d shoot one of her insults at me and I’d retort them.

We were almost into town, so I must stop dwelling on Charity Cook. The town was bursting with spring. The women wore all their pastel colored dresses, the town looked like a meadow of wildflowers with all the assortment of colors. I could not wait to see all of them again, of course minus Charity Cook, but she’s another matter completely. We were coming up to Dot’s herbalist shop. “Will! Oh, do please stop I would love to see Dot again.”

“Before your family?”

“Will, her shop is right there and I don’t know when I will have a chance, for you know my Ma she’ll have me busier than a farmer at harvest season. Please.”

“Oh alright, but you’re gonna let me help ya down this time right. We are in town and you don’t want the gossips tongues a wagging do ya.”

“No I guess that would be bad so fine.” He pulled the horses to a stop and jumped down and he made his way to my side of the buggy to help me down. I absolutely abhor people helping me with things I could do myself. He reached up and circled his arms around my waist, and gently placed me on the ground. He asked if Winnie wanted down but she declined saying she would just wait for me. “Will, why don’t you wonder around and find some man to talk to while I’m with Dot.”

“I’m fine waiting here.”

“Do as you please.”

I walked up to Dot’s store and read the sign. Dorothy’s Herb Tinctures and Poultices. The place I spent hours at in the summers. I opened the door and smelled the aroma of Rosemary, Thyme, and Garlic. The smells I remember so well. I found Dot shaking up some bottle. Probably some new herb she found. I stood there watching Dot for awhile. She was humming some hymn from church. She had hair the same color as mine, there were some gray streaks interwoven into her black hair, and she had grey eyes that missed nothing. Some people in town thought she was crazy, I on the other hand thought her perfectly sane. Just because she had tinctures and poultices of herbs that could cure anything, does not mean you’re crazy.

She was like a second mother to me. I love my Ma dearly but she was never there for me. She was always flitting about looking for the newest fashion or planning another party. Dot had always been there for me. She taught me everything I needed to know about herbs, and the Bible. If I had a question she always had an answer. Even for the silliest of questions. She even looked more like my mother than my actual mother. We had the same hair color and the same high cheekbones. Sometimes when I was little I used to think she was my mother. I always stood out in my family.

Dot turned around to put the jar on the shelf when she noticed me. “Oh, Lizzy Dear!”

“Dot!”

“Come here and give this ol’ crazy woman a hug.”

“Oh, Dot you’re never crazy to me. If trying to find ways to help people and loving the Lord is crazy, then I must be crazy too!” We both laughed and hugged each other. “Dot I missed you so much. There was not one single herbalist in Boston I checked!”

“Dear, not everyone knows of the healing plants God gave us. I think God knew what would plague us on earth and He gave us a plant to heal us.”

“I know, so what is this in the jar?” I picked up the jar to examine it. It looked like some purple liquid. “Dot what is this?”

“Dear, those are Elder berries, mixed with Brandy. It helps build up your immune system and helps with coughs.”

“Wow, how do you use it? Like do you drink it, do you rub it on what?”

“You just take a little sip of it.”

“Okay, it smells herby in here.” That brought another burst of laughter.

“Lizzy how I missed you. You are the only person in this town that does not think I’ve gone mad.”

“They may think you’re crazy but they do not mess with you. They just let you be. Plus some of them have been in here to ask medical help and what do you have that would help.” I wondered around smelling and looking at all the herbs. One of my favorite places in this town was this shop.

“Dear, how is your family. I do not know what goes on for no one cares to inform me.”

“Well I am not sure right now, I came here first. I knew my Ma would gallivant me around town showing off how much of a lady I’ve become.” I did my best imitation of my snooty housemother. “Now Elizabeth Dear, you must not use that fork for the meat that’s the salad fork. Chin up Elizabeth, you’re not looking at your feet. Always stay quiet dear, only speak when spoken to. Never slump, hold your head up high you’re a lady!” We laughed some more. I always had fun with Dot.

“Dear, you must not make fun of your housemother, she means well.”

“Now you’re sounding like her!” We laughed till I had tears running down my face. I never have a dull moment with Dot.

“Lizzy, it’s so dreary around here without you and your infectious laugh.”

“As much fun as it’s been seeing you again I must be off. My family is expecting me.”

“Dear, you know you’re always welcome here. I am always here.”

“I know and I will come back as soon as I can.” I hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. She put her arm around my waist and hugged me back. She followed me to the door and kissed my cheek. “Know you’re always welcome here. If you need a listening ear I have two.” We laughed some more and hugged again.

“I’ll see you soon Dot!”

“Good-bye Dearie!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There it is home. The three story Victorian styled home with ivy branches and vines climbing up the sides. I always loved this house; it made me feel like I was living in a castle from one of those fairytale books Gamma always read to me. I could see the barn that housed the horses Pa bred and sold. He also tamed and trained horses. That’s what Will helped with was the taming and training. Will was excellent with the horses he was so careful and patient with them. I could see the bunkhouse that housed the workers that help Pa with the horses. Next to that was the private house that Mr. John and Will stayed in. Mr. John was the foreman for Pa he made sure the workers were doing what they were told.

We were almost to the house. We had a very long driveway to the house. The buggy bumped and swayed on the driveway, for the minuscule rocks on the path. On the path I saw the acres and acres of meadow for the horses to prance in. I saw my favorite horse Desert Wind the Arabian horse. He always pranced in the most majestic way like he was the horse for a king. Pa traded a full bred Mustang for Desert Wind. When I went riding I always rode him.

Running towards us was my two favorite puppies Rocky and Sally. Rocky had gotten big since I left and he was nearly as tall as me! Will yelled for the horses to halt. He hurried and handed the reins to George and ran to my side of the buggy. Always the gentleman. He wrapped his arms around my waist and gently placed me down. My heart did a little flip-flop. I was uncertain what that feeling was for I had never experienced it. I placed it in the back of my mind to process later. He grabbed my bags and flung them over his shoulder with ease. Rocky and Sally came bounding to me. Their tails were wagging so much I was afraid their little tails would have them flying.

Rocky placed his big paws on me and almost knocked me over. If it was not for Will steadying me I would have been on the ground. “Down Rocky, down” Will commanded. Little Sally gently sat in front of me and wagged her tail. Such a little lady she was. “Hey Sally haven’t you grown? And Rocky my you’re almost the height of me!”

“Yep and ever the rascal.” I raised my head to see the figure of my father.

“Pa” I ran t his embrace he hugged me tight.

“Little Lizzy, my how you’ve grown” Pa commented.

“But I’m still your little half-pint.” He placed his arm around my waist and led me toward the house. Entering into the house I saw Ma and Jose err... Josephine and Anna. Anna was so beautiful. Definitely took after Ma. Behind Josephine was her husband Arthur Jenkins. They had married two years ago. I was not able to be there but Ma had sent a letter telling me all about it. “My little Lizzy” Ma exclaimed.

“Ma” she quickly hugged me and smiled. “Anna” she ran towards me and hugged me.

“Lizzy I’m so glad you’re back! How was it? How much did you learn? Was there any suitable boys there?”

“Anna! You must not mention such things.” Ma scolded.

“Sorry Ma.” I tried to not smile. Little Anna all grown up.

“Hello Elizabeth.” Josephine greeted.

“Josephine, Arthur, how are you?”

“We’re fine.” Some greeting I get from her.

“Lizzy, you must be tried from the trip why don’t you rest for awhile then we will take a trip over to the Cooks place. They cannot wait to see you again, especially Charity.” Charity wanting to see me? Ha, when pigs fly.

“I’m sure she does. I would like to rest awhile, how we go over there towards dinner time. I must unpack get rest.”

“Great then it’s settled. I will have Will head over there and announce we are coming.”

Great soon I will be thrown into the lions den.

God Bless!

Chapter One

Chapter 1

May, 22^nd 1890

I’m home, I breathed into the cool Tennessee mountain air getting off the train. I’m home, I’m actually home! I felt like singing hallelujah on the top of my lungs, but then the people of Nashville might think I’ve gone mad since my four year absence. I could not wait to get home to see Dorothy or Dot as she likes me calling her. Dot was the town's herbalist, when I was a mere child I spent my summer's alternating between spending time with Dot and Will.

I looked around trying to find Will. I wrote a letter before I left saying when I’d arrive, and they replied that they would send Will to meet me. I wandered around looking; when I spotted him, the man of my dreams the one guy I could not wait to see again. He looked even more handsome than I remembered his sandy colored hair that was desperately in need of a cut and his wide built shoulders. He had not spotted me yet. Could it have really been fours long years since I saw his green eyes sparkle with concentration, watching him tame a wild mustang? I sighed as I neared him, the love of my life.

I tapped him on the shoulder, getting his attention; he grew at least five inches since I last saw him. He turned around and looked down upon me with those green eyes I remembered so well, the ones that always sparkled. Once he realized who tapped him, his face split into a brimming grin and his green eyes sparkled. “Lizzy!”

“Will!” He grabbed me into a big hug, and swung me around till I laughed. Oh, how I missed him. “I thought it would be forever, since I saw you again.”

“Oh, Lizzy I’m so glad you’re back!”

“Me too, Boston’s just not as grand as Tennessee.”

“You can say that again. Let’s go get your bags.” I did not want him to release me, but I had to let him, after all we were not officially courting, yet. We made our way to my bags and he picked them up with ease. As we walked back to the buggy, he caught me up on all that’s been going on since I left. It seemed strange all that happened and I missed out. I sighed; becoming a proper lady sometimes did not seem worth going away from my family and friends.

“Lizzy? Why the big sigh?”

“Oh, just being home seeing you and smelling the mountain air again. It was a contented sigh being home again.”

“Lizzy, how long have I known you?”

“Over ten years now why?”

“I’m pretty sure I would know the difference between your sighs, and that one was not a contented sigh. It was more like a heavyhearted sigh.”

“Oh all right you know me way too well, you’re telling me all about what’s happened in the four years I was gone, and I was thinking all the things I missed out on. I missed out on Maria and George’s wedding! Last I heard they were just sweet on each other, now their married. I bet there are new people here that know everybody and I don’t know anyone anymore. Who all has changed and has moved on? Who’s courting who? Who has had babies since I left? I would have known if I had not left to become a ‘proper lady’. Was it even worth it, going off to Boston to some snooty school just to know which fork to use when! I could have spent those four years doing something useful, like spending it with Dot!”

“Dot? The town's herbalist?”
"Yes, if you did not realize, I spent quite a bit of time with Dot during the summers. I learned a lot being in her presence."
"I know you tried to sample your 'concoctions' on me once before."
"Oh, it did no harm to you now did it? If I recall it helped you."
"Not really, and by the way just putting grass into boiling water is not considered a poultice. Now the closer we are to Nashville's hotel the closer you are to your family and Dot." He flicked the reins and yelled to the horses to go. We started off down the road leading to Whispering Hills and the life I left four years ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~

We arrived at the Hotel we were staying in till we head out for Whispering Hills in the morning. Since Whispering Hills is such a small town we are not known by most people in Tennessee. Whispering Hills is far from Nashville where my train left me. So Will decided we would get separate hotel rooms for the night and head off in the morning. I had no objections to this since I get even more time alone with Will.

Will checked us in the hotel, I had a room upstairs and he had one downstairs. He gave me some time to freshen up then we were going to meet up for supper. I walked up to my room; it was pleasant enough not at all like my room at home, but it will do for one night. It had a nice four poster canopy bed, a nice writing desk in the corner. The room had a lovely window with a great view of Nashville’s mountains. Next to the bed was an elegant pitcher and washbowl filled with warm water all ready. I selected one of my new dresses I had purchased in Boston thinking Will will like it. The dress was made of fine light green velvet, with bustles in the back; it had puffy sleeves with a bodice that fit perfectly. It was hard putting it on with no maid helping with buttoning up the back, but I made do. I pulled out my hair pins and shook out my black straight hair. Oh, how I wish for golden curly hair, but God made with plain black straight hair for a reason so I shall rejoice for my hair. I quickly re-pinned my hair in a fashionable hair-do I saw in Boston. I pulled the gloves that match my dress from my trunk and the green hat I selected to complete my assemble. I looked at my self in the wall mirror and concluded I looked presentable enough.

I hurried to meet Will in the dining room. I walked into the lobby to wait for him. I chose I nice embroidered settee to wait for him. I chose this time to observe the people around me. The lobby was large enough for several chairs and sofas and settees to be placed in here. It was pretty crowded; there was a couple in the corner that looked to be having a very intimate conversation. I looked away quickly to give them some privacy. There were several men that looked like they were waiting for someone, probably a certain female someone. I sighed; I wonder if Will looked like that waiting for me at the train station. What I had not realized when I was daydreaming was a rough looking man was walking up to me. I had never seen him before, so I was a little frightened.

“Excuse me ma’am, but I was sitting over there” He pointed to a corner close to me. “Wondering what a pretty little lady like you was doing over here all alone.”

“Sir, I am waiting for someone he will be here soon.”

“Well, what kind of man is he to make you wait.”

“Well Sir, I actually chose to wait for him here.”

“Well why don’t I entertain you while you’re waiting? We can have some fun.” He came closer to me, close enough I could smell the whisky on his breath. He kept coming closer, I felt like I was going to pass out with the strength of the smell. “Come here, little missy, I can make you forget about the little buddy you’re waiting for.” He made a grab for me and I screamed as I stumbled away from him. “Now, little lady no need to fight I won’t do anything you don’t want.” He kept trying to grab me. Why wasn’t anyone trying to help me?

“Stop, stop. Please stop!” I cried.

“Come on now, you know you want this.”

“No I most certainly do not!” I struggled to get out of his grip. Where was Will? He grabbed my upper arm really tight and pulled me into the dining room where unfortunately no one was in. He slammed me into the wall. Great, now I’m trapped and I can’t get free. He leaned in trying to kiss me and I tried to break free from his grasp. It was no use he was much stronger than me. I maneuvered my head where he kissed the wall just in time. He shouted out a bunch on curses so foul I never had heard anyone use any of those words. “Now lady, I won’t stop till I get what I want.”

I screamed again hoping to get someone’s attention! He smelled strongly of whiskey and cigar smoke. I tried with all my might to wrench free of his grasp. I continued to struggle out of his grasp. Every time I struggled he tightened his grip on my uppers arms. It felt like he was going to break right through my arms with his hands.

What felt like hours of struggling to break free, someone finally came to my rescue. It was the hotel manager. Thank You Lord! Caught off guard my attacker swung around to face the hotel manager. I had my opportunity to get free. I raised my foot as high as I could in the dress I was wearing and stomped with all my force on his foot. He yelped and cursed and shot daggers at me as I ran away. Before he had a chance to come after me again the hotel manager grabbed him and slammed him into the wall.

“Now, Mister I don’t take highly to men assaultin’ women in the way you were doin’ to this little lady here. So I think its time for you to leave on your own will or I will have to escort you to the county jail. It’s your choice Mister.” Obviously my attacker wanted to go to jail for he struggled to get of the man’s grip towards me. “I see, ya want to spend a night in jail. I would not have chosen that but it’s your decision. Come on scoundrel.”

The hotel manager pushed my attacker out of the room leaving me alone in the room. I was visibly shaky. I had not experienced anything like that in my life, and do not plan to experience it again. I rubbed my arms where his grip was the worst on my arms. I winced at the pain. I had not moved from my spot since I got away from my attacker. I heard someone enter from the kitchen door. I look up to a lady approach me. She has a sweet enough face, kind eyes. “Hello little lady, Henry asked me to make ya up a tray of some food and some tea to calm ya down.” She was she was carrying a tray of delicious looking food.

“Where’s, where’s Will?”

“Oh, the nice looking man that’s travelin’ with you?”

“Yes”

“Well I don’t rightly know, for sure. I saw ‘im leave about an hour ago sayin’ he’d be back in a little while. I reckon Henry’ll tell ‘im what happened. Now don’t fret little lady, your man will be back soon enough so you just eat and wait for ‘im.”

“Thanks” I replied blushing. She handed me the tray. Then she started to leave but I called her back. There was something that was still bothering me about the horrible incident.

“Yes, miss?”

“I, I, I was wondering what happen to the man that, that, that attacked me.”

“Well, Henry, the hotel manager, took ‘im to the county jail, and I reckon he’ll stay for a night or two, depending on how long they want to keep the rascal.”

“Thank you so much, I don’t think I could ever forgive you and Mr. Henry for all you all have done for me.”

“Now do not get all sentimental on me, I just did what I had to for a fellow lady.” She left then and I was left alone. I tried to get the image of that man out of my head but I could not. It felt like he would be etched into my memory forever. Lord, why did this have to happen to me? Lord, help me get him out of my mind!

It felt like hours till I heard someone enter in the dining room, when in fact it was just a couple of minutes. I looked up to see Will enter the room. I jumped up and ran into his embrace. “Oh, Will, it was so terrifying! I thought I would never get away from him!” I released Will and looked him in his green eyes. “Will, what took you so long? I was waiting for you!”

“Sorry, I feel terrible about what happened, Henry told me about it. If I knew that was going to happen, I would never have checked on the horses. Can you ever forgive me Lizzy?”

“I suppose in time I could forgive you, but not now I’m too angry at that man you had the nerve to attack me!”

“Don’t worry, Henry told me the sheriff is gonna keep that man in there for a day or two. You’ll be safe.”

“Well I don’t rightly feel safe but I’ll have to take your word on it now won’t I”

That night in my room I was afraid to blow out the candles. I know I was acting like a little child, but until you experience such a thing you won’t know. I kept seeing his face in my mind, I slept little that night. When I was ready I did not leave my room instead I waited with my bags ready in my room for Will. By noon we were on our way to Whispering Hills the only place I will ever feel safe again.

Hope ya'll like the first chapter. God bless!

Prologue

“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:12-13

Prologue

June 15^th, 1880

“I promise you Mr. Winthorpe, little Willy is the best stable boy you’ll ever have.” Mr. John said to Papa, patting a boy about my age on the back.

“If he is half as good as you, I know I’m not making a mistake.” Papa replied, shaking Mr. John’s hand. “Now if you’ll come this way I’ll show ya your new quarters. You’ll be sharing it with your boy Willy here.” Papa said looking at the boy.

“Now Willy you stay here I’ll be right back.” Mr. John said to the boy.

“Yes sir.” The boy replied. Mr. John and Papa left the stables heading towards Mr. John’s new quarters. I figured this was a good time as any to meet the new boy. I came from my hiding place on the loft. Climbing down, I see the boy has sandy blonde hair that curls at the ends. I thump down, making the boy turn around and notice me. I notice he has the same green eyes as me. “You must be the new stable boy Papa was talking about.”

“Yes, ma’am”

“I’m not ma’am I’m Elisabeth Mary Winthorpe.” I say with a little giggle, why would he call me ma’am.

“Yes, Miss ‘Lisabeth.”

“You can call me Lizzy if you want my friends call me Lizzy.” I say bobbing my head up and down making my black braids bobble. “What’s your name?”

“William Duncan, but my father calls me Willy.”

“Good ‘cause William sounds old. Willy sounds better.” I give him my best smile showing my dimples on each cheek. “How old are ya Willy?”

“I’m eight ‘nd a half.”

“I’m seven.”

“Where are ya from Willy?”

“’Irginia Lizzy.”

“Irginia? You mean Virginia?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve always been here in Whispering Hills, Tennessee. You’re gonna love it here Willy.” I say doing a twirl. “It’s always beautiful here, and the people are nice too.”

“I’m sure I will.”

“Willy is Mr. John your Pa?”

“Yes”

“Where’s your Ma?”

“She’s not here Lizzy.”

“Where is she silly Willy?”

“She’s in Heaven.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry Willy.”

“It’s okay; she died when I was really little so I don’t remember her much.”

“Oh, well Mama’s always there for me. Come and meet her Willy she’ll love you I know she will.”

“My Pa told me to stay here.”

“Oh, fiddlesticks, you’re with me it ain’t gonna matter.” I reach for his hand to lead him to Mama.

“Okay.” He takes my hand and I swing it with mine. We race down the hill leading toward our house when I see Josephine my older sister. “Jose! Come meet the new stable boy Papa hired.”

“I don’t have time Lizzy, Mama told me I can go to town to play with Charity Cook today.”

“You can at least to say hello to him. This is Willy, he’s Mr. John’s son.”

“Hello, I’m Josephine Winthorpe.”

“Hi”

“Now I need to go, Mama told George to hitch up the buggy to take me.” With that Jose ran off.

“Don’t mind her she thinks she’s so much better than anybody. Let’s go.” I took his hand again and ran to the front of the house. “This is my house. I live here with Papa and Mama and my two sisters Josephine, you met her, and Anna she’s younger than me. I also live with my Gampa and Gamma. We also have servants who live in the attic room.” I led Willy to the sitting room where Mama spent most of her days. “Mama, Mama, I have someone I want you to meet.” Instead of Mama it was Gamma. “Gamma!” I let go of his hand and ran to Gamma. “Oh. Gamma, meet Willy he’s our new stable boy.” I ran to him and pulled him to Gamma.

“Well, look at you. You must be Mr. John’s son William. He’s told me a lot about you.”

“Yes, Ma’am”

“Willy, she’s not ma’am she’s Gamma. You can call her that too. She’s likes it.”

“Yes, I do, you can call me Gamma, and I’ll be your Gamma. Don’t worry little Willy, everything’s gonna be fine.” Gamma said smiling.

This will get you acquainted with the people in the story. God bless!