Chapter Eleven

Chapter 11





July 3rd 1891




“Are y’all going to the Independence Day celebration in town?” Charity asks me while we’re walking to town. I nod. I would not miss it for anything. Fours months have passed since I reconciled with Charity. We have become great friends. Its funny how one little thing can change your world in a blink.
We are walking toward the restaurant in the boarding house. Charity is wearing a light blue skirt with a black blouse. She’s wearing a matching hat. The blue really brings out her blue eyes. I’m wearing a deep red skirt and a white blouse, with a red hat.
I see people bustling around getting the town ready for the party tomorrow. I see Winnie walking toward the mercantile. I wave and she returns the wave and smiles. Two men are bickering in front of the mercantile. I hear a snippet of their conversation.
“I’m tellin’ ya Whispering Hills needs a saloon. As it is I’s need to go to New Hope to get some good whiskey. I ain’t likin’ to do that. The missus hates it.” The balding man says. The younger man shakes his head in disagreement.
“Sir, I hate to say this but I disagree. That’ll just add conflict to the town. I don’t take a liking to that.” The younger man has an English accent! The balding man grunts. I stop to listen.
“Whaddya know of town stuff anyway? Yore new in town.” The balding man spits tobacco on the sidewalk and nearly lands on my dress. I step back. “Hey lady, ya git outta here. This here is men folk talk.” He grunts again and turns back to the younger man. The younger man turns to the balding man and he glares.
“I apologize on behalf of this man. He obviously does not know how to talk to a lady.” He walks away from the balding man towards me. He bows in front of me. “Edward Walcott.”
“Elizabeth Winthorpe.” I curtsy. He takes my hand and kisses the top of it. When he lets go I hear the balding man curse. Mr. Walcott turns to the balding man and glares again.
“Sir, you need to learn how to speak in front of women.”
“I ain’t got no need to. Their too feebleminded to care.” I gasp. How could he say I’m feebleminded?
“Mr. Belden I ask that you apologize to Miss Winthorpe.” He turns back to me with astonishment. He quirks a brow up. “Wait. Winthorpe? As in Thomas Winthorpe the founder of Whispering Hills?”
“Yes, my Pa and Patrick Richardson are really close friends. They came to this vast area and decided to start a town here. I have lived in Tennessee all my life.” I smile remembering when I was just two Pa moved our family of four plus Gamma and Gampa here. Mr. Walcott’s smile is breathtaking. Mr. Belden grunts, spits more tobacco and stalks off. I hear someone call my name. I look to see Charity running toward me and Mr. Walcott. She stops within a few feet of us. I see confusion written on her face. She looks at Mr. Walcott and then back at me. “Lizzy, I make it to the boarding house and find you not next to me like you were. I then see you over here.” She looks again to Mr. Walcott.
“Charity this is Mr. Walcott. Mr. Walcott this is Charity Cook.” I make the introduction. Mr. Walcott bows and Charity curtsies. Mr. Walcott takes Charity’s hand a like he did with me kiss the top of it.
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Cook.”
“Likewise Mr. Walcott.” Charity turns to me and adds. “Come on Lizzy, I have them holding a table for us.” She grabs my elbow and starts to lead me toward the boarding house. I stop her and turn around to face Mr. Walcott.
“Mr. Walcott would you like to join us for dinner at the boarding house. Mrs. Ratcliff’s fried chicken with gravy is divine.” I smile. Mr. Walcott’s face splits into a grin.
“I would love to join you two lovely ladies.” He extends his arms for us to take. We each take an arm and head towards the boarding house.



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



“That meal was delightful Mrs. Ratcliff.” Mr. Walcott compliments Mrs. Ratcliff. Mrs. Ratcliff smiles in response to Mr. Walcott.
“Oh, how you flatter me Mr. Walcott. I simply am using my Grandma’s recipe. She taught me everything I know.”
“Well, it’s too bad she is not here so I can think her in person for teaching you some wonderful recipes.” Mr. Walcott smiles one his wonderful smiles. I look over to Charity. She looks like she’s hanging on every word he says. Well, Charity is smitten with Mr. Walcott. I stand hoping to send Charity a silent cue. Does not work she’s still entranced by Mr. Walcott. I clear my throat to catch their attention. Nothing.
“Charity, I think we should start heading home. It’s a long walk home.” Charity finally looks at me. She blushes profusely. She nods and gets up.
“I hate to leave Mr. Walcott, but we have quite a walk home. It was a pleasure meeting you.” Mr. Walcott stands.
“Why don’t you let me escort you lovely ladies home? I would love to talk some more with you two.” He smiles at Charity. Oh, so the feelings are reciprocal.
“That would be great. I’d love for you to escort us home.” Mr. Walcott smiles and offers his arms to us once again. We head out of the boarding house and down the road leading toward our homes. Once we were out of town Charity starts asking Mr. Walcott questions.
“Mr. Walcott where are you from? Its obvious you’re not from Tennessee.”
“England, Miss Cook. I’m from Bath England.”
“Fascinating! I would love to visit England. Why are you here in Tennessee?”
“Business, my father does business with someone here so he sent me to finish it.”
“I see. Do you have any siblings?”
“Yes I do. I have three brothers and three siblings. I am the middle child.”
“Six siblings! Amazing, I wish I had siblings. I’m the only child of my parents.”
“What about you Miss Winthorpe? Do you have siblings?” Mr. Walcott asks me.
“I do, I have two sisters. I’m the middle child as well.”
“And Miss Cook are you from Tennessee?” Mr. Walcott asks Charity.
“No, I’m not. I’m from New York.” Charity answers.
“Why did your family decide to move to Tennessee?”
“Papa wanted to move us from the tension going on up north. The War Between the States was quite bad up there. And people were still mad up there.”
“Ah, yes I heard of the war that was being fought. Miss Winthorpe, were your family here during the war?”
“No, they weren’t. My Gamma, Grandpa and Ma lived in Georgia during it. My Grandpa served on the South during it. My Pa lived in South Carolina during the war. His family then relocated to Georgia and that’s when he met my Ma.” Ma has told me that story over and over.
“Mr. Walcott how long are you planning on staying in Tennessee?” Charity asks.
“I’m not sure a month maybe.” He smiles. We walk in silence for awhile. I sneak a look at Mr. Walcott and Charity. They seem totally unaware of the sights or people around them. I see a courting between them coming up soon. Even if it’s just for a month he might come back. I smile. I’m truly happy for Charity.
“Miss Winthorpe you look like the cat that caught the canary. Whatever are you smiling about?” Mr. Walcott asks me. I look at him.
“Oh, just thinking.” We walk some more in silence. Soon I see the rise of Charity’s house. We head up the path towards her house. Charity heads up the porch and turns to us. She wraps me in a hug. I return the embrace. “I’ll see you tomorrow Lizzy.” She turns to Mr. Walcott. “It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Walcott. I hope to see you again real soon.”
“Likewise Miss Cook.” He takes her hand and kisses the top of it.
“Oh! Mr. Walcott we’re having festivities for Independence Day. Why don’t you accompany us? We’re going to have loads of food. And band to dance to and tons of games. Please say you’ll come.” She pleads.
“I’d be honored to accompany you two lovely ladies.”
“It’s not just us. It’s the entire Cook family which is just her and her parents. My whole family is coming. Plus Mr. John and Will. I’m sure you can ride with Charity and her family. My family does not have enough room for us!”
“Of course you can ride with my family. Meet us here at around noon.” Charity smiles.
“I shall be here at noon then.” He takes my arm and we head out to my house. I turn around and wave at Charity. She waves back. This is turning out better than I thought.

Now if only I can get my feelings for Will figured out. My feelings for him are an enigma for sure. I recall what Charity said the day we reconciled. She said Will only had eyes for me. If that’s true why does he not do anything about it? My feelings for him are all jumbled up I’m not sure what they are. Friendship? Affection? Or love? I wish I knew. I shake my head to try to clear it.
“Miss Winthorpe, who is this man that’s got you confused?” Mr. Walcott asks. I look at him. How did he know? He stops walking and places his finger under my chin forcing me to look at him. “Look at me.” He gently orders. I slowly raise my gaze to his face. “Better. Now who is he? Someone from town?” I shake my head. “A neighbor’s son?” Again I shake my head. “Ah, I know it’s that Will fellow you mentioned earlier.” I feel the blush creeping up my neck up to my hairline. I see him smile. “What are your feelings for him?” He starts walking again. How can I confess that I don’t know? I’m so confused. “How do you feel when he’s around you?” He looks at me.
“I’m not sure. I feel this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach and feel my heart do this weird flip. I feel like I’ll melt when he looks at me, like it’s just me and him in the room when he smiles at me.” I shrug.
“Ah, I see. So you’re in love with him?” I stop walking and stare up at him. Is he mad? I’m not in love with Will. I’m friends with Will. He just chuckles. “I see that look. You think I’m nuts. But I know the feeling. I’m in love myself. Has he confessed anything?” I shake my head. “Has tried to?” I think. Was that what he tried to say the night of the Church pageant practice? I’m not sure. I shrug. I’m not sure if he has. “I can bet on it, that he loves you as well.” I try to think of something to change the subject. Then I realize. He said he’s in love himself. Oh, Charity is going to be so upset.
“Mr. Walcott, now who’s this girl that’s caught your fancy?” I smile.
“Annie Goldberg. She’s the daughter of one of my father’s investors. Since the minute I saw her I knew she was the one. I plan to ask her to marry me when I get back.” He smiles that amazing smile. I return the smile. “Now back to you. Are you going to admit your feelings or are you going to keep denying your feelings.” I feel the red creeping back up again. “You look fetching when you blush, my dear Miss Winthorpe.” I see my house up the rise. I quicken my steps. The sooner I get home the less time I have to explain my feelings. Mr. Walcott quickens his steps as well.
“Miss Winthorpe, I’m not trying to make you feel uncomfortable. I just know you’ll feel better if you admit your feelings.”
I stop and turn around to look at him. Do I love Will? I think of all the times he looked at me. I noticed something in his eyes every time, but never took the time to examine them. I feel the flip-flop of my heart just thinking of him. I gasp. I love William Duncan! I place my hands on my face and giggle. I feel my smile going ever bigger. I start to twirl in a circle, not caring who saw me. I love Will! I stop twirling and look at Mr. Walcott. He’s grinning like the cat that caught the canary. I laugh. It took this stranger to get me to figure out my confusing feelings. I run and give Mr. Walcott a hug. He just chuckles all the more. He releases me and starts to run up the hill. I hike up my skirts and follow. I don’t care who sees me. I need to get to the man I love. I make it up the hill and accept Mr. Walcott’s hand to help me up. I finish running to the house. I see Ma and Pa sitting on the porch. I run up the steps and stop in front of them. Ma stands up and glares at me. I smile and look at Mr. Walcott coming up the porch steps.
“Ma, Pa, I like you to meet Mr. Edward Walcott. Mr. Walcott meet my parents Thomas Winthorpe and Catherine Winthorpe.”
“Pleased to meet you sir.” Mr. Winthorpe says as he shakes Pa’s hand. He turns to Ma and kisses the top of her hand. “Now I know where Miss Winthorpe gets her beauty.” I see Ma blush. I can see why that Annie girl is smitten with him. He’s such a charmer.
“Ma, Pa Mr. Walcott is here on business. I met him in town while I was out with Charity. He offered to escort us home.”
I see Will in the barn entrance staring at Mr. Walcott. He notices me and I smile. I excuse myself and walk towards the barn. Will is still glaring at Mr. Walcott. I smile to myself. Will’s jealous. I reach Will and place my hand on his arm. He turns and smiles one of his amazing smiles. He looks back at Mr. Walcott.
“Will how was your day?” I ask hoping to make him stop glaring at Mr. Walcott. He turns to me and sighs.
“Great, Lizzy, I finally got place a saddle on ol’ Dutch today.”
“Oh, Will that’s great. I knew you’d break him soon. Soon you’ll be able to ride him.” I smile at him. I see Mr. Walcott leave the porch and head our way. I wave to him to come here. Will glares at Mr. Walcott again. Mr. Walcott reaches us and smiles at me. He winks at me. I see Will’s jaw clench. I place my hand on his arm again and turn to Mr. Walcott.
“Mr. Walcott I’d you to meet William Duncan. He’s the best stable boy/trainer this side of the Atlantic. Will I’d like you meet Mr. Edward Walcott. He’s here on business. I met him in town and he offered to escort me and Charity home.” I see Will’s jaw clench harder and reluctantly shake Mr. Walcott’s hand. “Unfortunately Mr. Walcott can’t stay long. He’s got to get back home to his Annie. Don’t you Mr. Walcott?” I add to relieve Will. Mr. Walcott winks again and nods.
“I do, it was nice meeting you all but I must get back. I shall see you tomorrow at the celebration. Noon right?”
“Yes. I shall see you tomorrow.” He smiles and walks off. I look at Will and see him visibly relax. I squeeze Will’s shoulder and turn to him. He looks at me with those amazing eyes. I sigh. I look quickly look at the porch and see Ma and Pa heading inside. I turn to Will again. I see an emotion in his eyes that I now know must be love. He leans towards me and I feel myself leaning towards him. He’s within inches of me.
I hear a barking and jump back. I see Rocky and Sally running towards us. A second later I feel Rocky’s paws on my shoulders. I feel his slobbery tongue on my face. I turn my head trying to him from licking me.
“Rocky down” Will commands. I smile, good ol’ Rocky. I start laughing. Will joins in and soon I feel tears streaming down my face. I see it’s getting late. I’m sure to be expected inside soon. I turn to Will and smile.
“Good night Will.”
“Sweet dreams.” He turns and walks off towards his cabin. I sigh and look at Rocky wagging his tail looking oh so innocent. I pat his head and walk inside. Hopefully next time there won’t be a dog nearby.





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

July 4th 1891


The town of Whispering Hills went all out for this year’s celebration of Independence Day. I walk towards the food tables between Anna Mr. John. Ma and Pa trail behind. Josephine, Arthur and Will are ahead of us carrying the desserts. Josephine is wearing an odd mysterious smile. It’s like she’s glowing. I wonder if she and Arthur have an announcement today. I smile. It’s about time they had a little one.
I see the band setting up to play. I look to the food tables. It’s a miracle they don’t bend under the weight of all that food. I hear a whistle and look up at the head of the food tables. Pastor Franklin is about to bless the food. I hear someone approach me. I look to my left to see Mr. Walcott standing next to me. I smile acknowledging his presence. I feel rather than see Will approach my right. I turn to look at him and see he’s glaring at Mr. Walcott. I place my hand on his arm to get his attention. He looks at me and my heart does a flutter. I smile at him hoping he’ll forget about Mr. Walcott. Nope. His jaw is still clenched and he periodically glares at Mr. Walcott.
I turn back at Pastor Franklin. He is making a speech about freedom and how important it is. I zone out. Instead my thoughts go to the man on my right. Does he love me? He obviously feels something, or he would not be jealous of Mr. Walcott. I turn to look at Mr. Walcott. I feel nothing but friendship for him. I pray hoping Charity will find happiness with Mr. Walcott.
I see everyone bow their heads and do the same. I listen to Pastor Franklin thank God for America’s freedom from Briton, the freedom of speech. He also thanks God for the people of Whispering Hills and thanks God for Pa and Mr. Patrick for risking everything and founding this wonderful town. Everyone echoes amen and starts to dig in to the food.
I turn to Mr. Walcott but see he’s busy with Charity. I decide to talk to him later. I start to walk towards the food table when I feel Will walking to catch up with me. I turn to him and smile. He returns the smile with one of his amazing smiles. I feel a flutter in my stomach. Will I ever get used to this feeling? He falls in step beside me. We quickly fill our plates and silently head for the quilt Ma placed under a tree. I sit down near Josephine and Will sits Indian style next to me. We all eat in silence savoring the flavor of the food.
Arthur, sitting next to Josephine, clears his throat and smiles sheepishly. I turn to Josephine who’s looking at Arthur lovingly. She slowly nods to him. Arthur stands up and helps Josephine to stand. He places his arm around her shoulders in an affectionate manner.
“Josephine and I have an announcement.” He turns to Josephine and I see tears swimming in her eyes. All eyes turn to them. “We’re going to have a baby!” Cheers break out throughout our little group. Hugs and tears are shared. I hug Josephine.
“Is it odd that I already had a clue as to what was the announcement before you even mentioned it?”
“Of course not. We were going to wait but I could not hold my excitement. I went to see Doctor Morgan yesterday and he confirmed what I already suspected.” Josephine is glowing. I hug her again and then turn to Arthur and give him a hug.
“Arthur I’m immensely happy for you both.” I feel tears of joy in my eyes.
I turn to see Will staring at me. I cannot interpret what is the emotion in his eyes. I feel lost in his eyes. It feels like everyone around us vanished and it was just us. Not wanting to break the connection I continue to stare into his eyes. I feel someone tug on my arm and breaking the connection look at Charity looking at me oddly. I mentally shake my head. I look once more at Will then turn to Charity.
“What was with all the cheering going over here?” She asks. I steer her away from the blanket and head toward the band playing.
“Josephine and Arthur had an announcement.”
“Ooh, do tell.” She asks expectantly.
“It seems we will have another little one running around by next year.” I hear Charity squeal. She grabs my hands and spins me in a circle. I stop her. I try a scowl, but fail and end up grinning from ear to ear. We walk some in silence. She then stops and turns to me. “Lizzy, what’s going on between you and Will?” She asks suddenly. I turn to her with a look of shock. “Oh, don’t give that fake shocked face. I saw you two staring at each other like no one else was on earth but you two.”
“Honestly, I don’t know. There’s times where I feel there’s something between us. Then others I feel there’s a chasm between us.”
“Do you love him?” No reason to deny it.
“Yes.” Charity squeals again.
“Oh, honestly Charity do you have to squeal? The whole town’s gonna hear you.”
“I’m sorry, but something that big you can’t expect me to stay calm.” She starts walking towards the picnickers again.
I catch a glimpse of Will talking to one of the men. As if he could feel my eyes on him, he looks towards me. It feels like I fall even more in love with him, when he looks at me like that. I sigh. I walk away dreaming of him pulling me into his arms and declaring his love. The things my mind conjures up.




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


As the sun went down, the celebration moved to our extra barn built for this purpose. The band is setting up, ready to play for the eager people waiting to dance. All the older and the children residents of Whispering Hills had decided to call it night. Ma and Pa and a couple of other adults are staying. Afterward we’ll be shooting off fireworks in the back pasture. I always look forward to the fireworks. The display of different colors exploding in the sky is stunning. The fireworks are like God spreading specks of benediction as bright as day.
The band starts to play the cords of Dixie’s Land. I sway to the music. I see couples lining up to start the Virginia Reel. I stand off in the corner giving the dancers plenty of room. I see Will striding towards me. I smile at him. He bows in front of me and takes my hand in his.
“May I have this dance Lizzy?” He asks smiling.
“Aren’t you supposed to ask saying Miss Winthorpe?” I teasingly ask. I see his eyes sparkle with amusement. He playfully smacks his forehead.
“Of course. Miss Winthorpe may I have this dance?” He asks again. I giggle.
“I’d be honored Mr. Duncan.”
He takes my hand and leads toward the other dancers lined up and ready. He swings me around the dance floor. I don’t think I’ve laughed this much in a long time. Before I know it I’ve danced three dances with Will. When the fourth dance ended he led me to the table holding punch. He hands me a cup of punch and gets one for himself. The band gives the dancers some time to rest before continuing. I see Charity talking to Mr. Walcott. I smile sadly. The fact that he is taken, breaks my heart for Charity.
“Lizzy, why do ya have a melancholy smile on your face?” Will asks next to me.
I sigh. “Charity’s talking to Mr. Walcott over there.” I glance at him under my lashes. I see his jaw clench at the mention of Mr. Walcott’s name. I decide to give him relief.
“Yesterday when he walked me home, Mr. Walcott confined in me that he has a special lady back home. I’m smiling sadly because I know Charity will never have a chance with him.” I see him exhale. I hear the band starting to play Lorena.
“Miss Winthorpe will you grant me pleasure by dancing with me?” Will asks. I nod.
He leads me out and we start twirling on the dance floor. I feel safe and right in his arms. And the way he’s looking at me, nearly had me stumbling but fortunately he caught me before I did. The way his eyes bear into me, like he’s looking straight into my soul. I feel he pulls me closer, though just a little I felt it. I look into eyes, so much like mine, I see the emotion I’m sure is shining in mine.
I hear the music ending. I see Pa go up on stage. He whistles to get everyone’s attention. It must be time to start the fireworks.
“Could I get everyone to go towards the back pasture? We have a rope slung across the field telling you how close you can get. We’re about to shoot off the fireworks to end today’s festivities. I do hope everyone brought a blanket to sit on. I would not want the ladies’ dresses to soil. Now if y’all will follow me.” He leaves the stage and heads out. Everyone starts filing out. I feel Will grab hold of my elbow leading me out.
We are soon sitting on a blanket with Charity and Winnie. I sit next to Will and Winnie. Charity is sitting next to Winnie. I feel Will’s arm brush mine. I look at him and see he’s staring at me. I feel a flush creeping up my neck, glad it is dark so no one can see. I soon hear fireworks being shooting off, but cannot tear my gaze from Will’s eyes. He leans towards me. My breath catches. He leans in to where he can whisper in my ear.
“Lizzy, I know I shouldn’t but I love you.” I turn to look in his eyes. He smiles at me sheepishly. I feel the corners of my mouth turning up and with strain myself to throwing myself in his arms. “I’ve loved you since the first time I saw ya. With your little pigtails bouncing when you ran. I just never realized it till a couple of months ago. Lizzy you’re a beautiful woman inside and out. Even with your freckles ya hate so much.” He teaks my nose where I knew my freckles were. “I’ve waited for so long to say my feelings, and I can wait for you. You may not love me back, but I knew I needed to say them.” I couldn’t resist. I place my hand on his cheek. I feel my smile growing ever bigger, if that’s even possible. I lean towards him and kiss his cheek. I then lean to whisper.
“Oh, Will I love you too! I’ve loved you for a long time and did not determine my feelings till yesterday. I’ve been near to bursting waiting to hear you say those words.” I see him smile his amazing smile. I see the reflection of the fireworks in his green eyes. But his eyes are sparking with something different. Something much more precious. He leans in towards me again. I lean towards him not caring who saw us. He hesitates then slowly brushes his lips on mine. He places his hand on the back of my head and deepens the kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck. As soon as it started it ended. He pulls away.
“Elizabeth Louise Winthorpe, will you make me the happiest man and agree to be my wife?” Will asks. I place my hand on his cheek. I lean in and brush another kiss on his lips, then pull away.
“Does that answer your question?” Will nods and leans in to recapture my lips. I hear the boom of the fireworks exploding in the sky. I feel something similar in my heart. God truly answered my prayer, showing me the direction of my life. I don’t I could be any happier than in this moment in Will’s arms.

God bless!