Not quite the end...

I have finished this story and now my mom is editing it. I plan to write/finish my current story and then get back to this story to edit it when I am done with grad-school. I am not going to post any more of this story so I hopefully one day can get it published. 

He said his goodbyes to Mrs. Dumont then left twenty-nine Chestnut street not sure when he would return. Laurel's sickness just brought to light how much he wanted her to be the companion for his life not Sally Lawrence. They had gotten engaged when he was in school, so young and immature in the ways of the world. Her father would never agree of marrying off that didn't have a career and Ethan hardly had any money unless his aunt supported him. His aunt did agree to the match because the Lawrence's were a good family and had immense wealth. His aunt was the one that set him up in Mr. Danford's firm to earn some establishment.  But now with all that has happened his mind could not focus, he knew he could not stay in the city with Laurel so close so he decided to leave and visit his aunt. He thought that he might be able to convince her to give him his inheritance before he was thirty with that then he could surely marry whoever he desired.

            The next day Aunt Victoria and Julia came to call on Fiona and Emmy.

            "My dear sister, I am so sorry I just heard about Laurel's health, believe me my sister if I know Laurel's health was so bad I would have done all I could do to help."

            "Oh I know my sweet sister, you are so kind but from what I can see my friend, Mrs. Dumont, has bent over backwards for my daughters," Fiona patted Emmy on the leg affectionately.

            "Yes absolutely, they have Dr. Clark here around the clock for Laurel and the servants are at our beck and call. We could not be better placed."

            "See, mother I told you not worry so much," Julia said sounding rather annoyed.

            "How could I not be concerned first Laurel gets sick and has only grown worse, then Emmy passed out."

            Fiona shot Emmy a look, she had not know of Emmy collapsing at Julia and Mr. Caleb James' engagement announcement. Emmy sunk a bit in her seat letting Fiona know she should not ask about it.

            "Well you are kind to be so concerned about my daughters."

            "Of course I was concerned they are my only nieces."

            Victoria was good enough to then ask after Gloria and Grandma Danford and was happy there was no ill news on that front. She told Fiona that she could have brought Gloria along and they would have been happy to host her but Fiona thought Gloria was better off staying in Pine Haven. Afterwards Aunt Victoria invited Emmy to stay with them. Aunt Victoria was certain that Emmy would be happier staying with them and still maintaining a social life. Both Julia and Emmy rolled their eyes at this suggestion.

            "It was hard enough to leave her to go to mother, I could not imagine leaving her."

            "You are such a good sister," Aunt Victoria said.

            "Yes we are lucky to have Mr. Foster who was so generous to drive Emmy out to come get me. It would have taken so much longer if we were forced on a train schedule."

            "Mr. Foster has been a great asset since he came to Mr. Danford's firm. I had long thought he would attach himself to Julia but now that she is engaged to Mr. Caleb James I suppose it is good Mr. Foster has attached himself to Laurel."   

            "Oh my heavens I am so sorry Julia, I had not been informed of your engagement, that is wonderful news. Best wished to you and Mr. James."

            "Thank you aunt, our wedding is to in June but I wish it would be sooner, June seems like an eternity from now and James is far off in New York."

            "Do not fret dear Julia you have the rest of your life to be together. June is such a wonderful month to marry, Boston is warm and the flowers are in bloom. Plus they say when you marry in June you will always be a bride."

            "Keep talking that way my sister, perhaps she will believe you for she does believe me."

            Emmy's stomach was growing sick from all the wedding talk and she was very relieved to see Sarah come in.

            "Mam, Miss Cromwell is requesting you."

            "Oh thank you Sarah." Fiona was about to go up but Emmy stepped her.

            "No mother I will tend to Laurel, it has been months since you have seen Aunt Victoria you should stay and talk."

            "Thank you Emmy."

            After Emmy left the room they continued talking about the wedding. Then the conversation turned to idle gossip and as Fiona replayed the conversation to Emmy over dinner Emmy was happy she stayed by Laurel's side till she was certain they were gone.

            The days passed slowly and with each passing day Laurel grew healthier. Her color returned, then she was able to sit up, and soon enough she was able to take in broth. By the end of a fortnight sine her mother's arrival she could even stand and walk a bit. Soon it was almost Christmas, Dr. Clark gave Laurel a clean bill of health and the Cromwell girls made plans on return to Pine Haven. They all agreed that there was no place better for Christmas than Pine Haven.

Laurel the Damsel in Distress

        Two weeks had passed, the Cromwell girls had seen Mr. Foster almost every day, he still came and sat with them at church and Mrs. Dumont always insisted on him coming to lunch afterwards which he gladly accepted. While he always acted caring during the moments they found them alone nothing had changed between them. In fact Laurel felt they were emotionally further apart than they had been in Pine Haven. All of this began to play havoc on Laurel's health. Laurel's health was growing worse with each passing day though she tried to ignore it, by end of the fortnight she looked pale and stayed in bed most beds.

            "Aunt, I don't think Laurel and I should stay any longer. She is getting worse and Mr. Foster is clearly not making any intention towards her. I think she should be at home with mother she will feel better there with the fresh air and room to breathe also she can start putting Mr. Foster behind her," Emmy said.

            "Yes I agree. I think I have pushed Laurel beyond her limit."

            "Please Aunt Iris let us go home."

            "All right, just stay till the end of the week then I can throw you a proper goodbye dinner party," Aunt Iris kissed Emmy's forehead much in the same way mother did to tell her everything would be all right.

            The dinner party, however, was not to happen the night before the party Laurel came down with a horrible fever. It was so hot and so sudden that Mrs. Dumont sent for the doctor in the middle of the night. He came within the hour, by that time the whole household was awake. Emmy paced the floor in front of Laurel's door even though Aunt Iris kept insisting that Emmy sit down but Emmy could not. She would walk to the little bench, sit next to Aunt Iris then would pop right back up. She also began chewing on pinky nail out of nervousness.

            "It is all right Emmy, she will be fine," Mrs. Dumont said leaning against the back of his chair.

            "If she will be fine then why did Aunt Iris insist on calling the doctor."

            Mr. Dumont looked over at his wife with a "I told you look."

            "I am a nervous Nelly. I worry so much about you girls, a slight fever and I call the doctor," Aunt Iris was now holding Emmy close. "I am just a nervous Nelly and I love you girls so much. I don't want to see you girls go through any pain I promise though everything will be all right."

            "Oh I wish we had just gone home weeks ago. None of the would happen." Emmy pulled away from Aunt Iris and paced the floor again.

           

            The doctor came out of the room shaking his head.

            "What is it doctor?" Emmy asked frantically.

            "She has a high fever but I fear more."

            "What do you mean?"

            "Her heart beat is erratic and she shakes from the cold."

            "What can we do?"

            "I have given her some medicine for her heart. The shakes are due to the fever."

            "Will she be all right?"

            "Yes, oh yes in a few days. Medicine, rest, and comforting words that is what she needs."

            "Thank you Dr. Clark, I will show you out," Mr. Dumont said and tool him down stairs.

            "I will write to our guest in the morning to inform them the party is cancelled," Aunt Iris said.

           

            Emmy just nodded not taking her gaze off Laurel's bedroom door.

            "I am glad Dr. Clark came so quickly, he is a good man."

            Emmy nodded again.

            "Do you want me to write your mother?"

            "No I will do it," Emmy finally spoke.

            "All right," Aunt Iris was about to go down stairs "I am sorry this has happened Emmy, I never thought all this would happen."

            "I know but it has."

            Emmy wanted to climb into Laurel's bed as she had done when Laurel was first sick but knew right now all Laurel need rest and anything she did or say would just wake her up. But Emmy couldn't move away from Laurel's door. She took the chair Mr. Dumont had been sitting in and moved it right next to the door and sat there listening for Laurel to make any noise. As she was listening she fell asleep and that is where Aunt Dumont found her the next day.

            "Did you sleep here all night?"

            " I wanted to make sure I was here in case Laurel needed anything."

            "You are a good sister."

            "No Laurel is the good sister."

            "You are both good."

           

            "Mr. Foster is here," a maid announced.

            "It is not even breakfast time."

            "I know mam. I told him the house has not yet waken but he insisted on waiting. I put him in Mr. Dumont's study and got some coffee and some muffins for him."

            "That is very kind of you Sarah," Aunt Iris then looked back at Emmy. "I guess he should be told Laurel is too ill to see anyone."

            "Yes I will go down," Emmy said "Emmy tell him I will be down in ten minutes, I just need to change."

            "Yes miss."

            "Are you sure you want to go down, you look so ill yourself."

            "Someone has to and I fear Mr. Dumont will not express enough concern and you will express too much."

            "Yes you are right."

 

            It wasn't an important day but Emmy paid extra attention to how her hair looked, fixing any loose strands, she also adjusted her dress making sure the seams were in the right place. She checked herself in the mirror one last time before she headed down the stairs. Mr. Foster wouldn't care how she looked but she still thought it would be important for her to presentable. He became so worried at the dinner when she first told him Laurel was sick, now to tell him she was in a worse state she thought he would panic, and if she looked concerned it would only raise his worries more. No she had to look confident and calm. It would not be easy since all her emotions felt their complete opposite of what she had to convey. No matter what the doctor had said during the night Emmy knew something was not right. Laurel was the strong one, never getting sick or even tempting fat with sickness. Laurel was being quite the damsel in distress and that was not in Laurel's nature. This all made Emmy uneasy and now she had to push that all down to be composed for Mr. Foster.

            "Mr. Foster."

            "Miss Emmy," he said kind of surprised to see her."The maid said Miss Cromwell would be down shortly and I assumed it would be Miss Laurel."

            "I am sorry to disappoint you."

            "No disappointment at all."

            "My sister came down with a high fever in the night and she is still recovering."

            "Oh my. I am sorry to disturb."

            "My aunt is sending word that the dinner party we were planning is cancelled."

            "Yes, I wanted to see Miss Cromwell before you left and I know tonight would be busy and distracting."

            "Is there a message I can pass on?"

            "No, no message. I assume you will be in Boston a few more weeks."

            "Actually I am going to ask the doctor how quickly she can travel, I think Laurel would be better back home with mother, in her room and fresher air."

            "When does the doctor return?"

            "We expect him anytime?"

            "Well I will not keep you Miss Emmy but please let me know if I can be of any assistance."

            "Thank you Mr. Foster, your kindness is assistance enough."

            "Please Miss Emmy let me be of assistance, you and your family deserve much more than my kindness."

            "Will do Mr. Foster if I can think of anything I will write immediately."

            "Thank you." With that Mr. Foster left.

            Emmy did not stand in the room long before Sarah, the maid, came in to let her know the doctor had returned. Emmy nodded and told Sarah to him in and notify Mr. and Mrs. Dumont. Usually had just had was played over and over again but the doctor's visit took precedence. Emmy didn't hear Aunt Iris' hesitations of her going into Laurel's room, she going to be by Laurel's side no matter what. Laurel looked so small, it was a mix of her paleness and just how vulnerable she was at this moment and to be honest Emmy was not prepared to see Laurel look this way. She could not turn back though so she lifted her head higher and followed the doctor. Emmy tried not to get in the doctor's way staying off to the side but she watched him closely and when Laurel stirred she was there to hold Laurel's hand and tell her everything would be all right. The doctor was thorough and seemed to have a tendency to check things twice. Emmy felt as if he spent an hour in the room and with each passing moment Emmy grew more anxious, surely if Laurel had been fine he would just announce it, though Emmy knew Laurel was not fine. Finally the doctor repacked his bag and the left the room not saying much more than a few "hmms" and "umms". On the other side of the door was Aunt Iris and Mr. Dumont they could absorb anything Doctor Clark said and while Emmy thought of following the doctor she felt her place was by Laurel.

            "Oh Laurel you must get better. Promise me you will try," Emmy did not expect a response. "I cannot face this world alone."

            Laurel made no movement so Emmy just squeezed her hand tighter. She gripped it between her hands and kissed it repeating the words she said.

            "Emmy can you please come out here," Aunt Iris called Emmy from the hall.

           

            She got off her knees and adjusted her dress.

            "Yes aunt," Emmy said when she was in the hall.

            "Doctor Clark says that Laurel's fever is worse than he hoped with the medicine he gave her last night."

            "What do you mean?"

            "Well first it means you can't travel back home as you desire, but I do think we should your mother here in case the worst happens."

            "The worst?" Emmy took a deep breath. "Last night Dr. Clark said she would be fine."

            "I know dear but Dr. Clark said she has gotten worse. So I think your mother should be sent for. However, this news would be better in person than by letter."

            "You want me to go get her?" Emmy said reading into what her aunt was saying.

            "I can stay with Laurel and make sure she is well tended to."

Dear Mr. Foster,

            I have found need for your assistance much sooner than anticipated. As you know Laurel is sick, Dr. Clark recommends bringing mother to Boston, and Mrs. Dumont thinks it is best if I go to fetch her. However I cannot travel alone, I was hoping to impose on your generosity and ask you to escort me to Pine Haven and back with my mother.

Thankfully yours,

Emmy Cromwell

            Mr. Foster did better than escort her to Pine Haven he drove Emmy all the way back home.

            "Oh Mr. Foster what if something happens to her while we are gone?"

            "You must not think like that that."

            "I can't help it. Aunt Iris is sending me to get mother incase the worst happens. 'The worst' the words just echo in my head. The worst can't happen she is too young, and--" Emmy couldn't not say the rest of the words but she thought "I could not live without her."

            Ethan without thinking place his hand on hers. Emmy had never been touched in such away, it was completely unselfish, very tender and pressure was firm and somehow firm in a way that told Emmy not to worry even though her heart was racing a thousand miles an hour about all the "what ifs" that could not happen. It was not a romantic touch much more of how Emmy imagined an older brother comforting a younger sister. Emmy rested her head on the bench seat, she tried to close her eyes and sleep but she couldn't although she was very tired. Thoughts of Laurel passing away, thoughts of how she would tell mother how sick Laurel had become and every bump in the road kept her from truly falling asleep as much as she longed for it. Every time she closed her vision would flash back to her last sighting of Laurel, she was so pale and her looked a bit hopeless. Emmy had her promise that she would hold on till she got back she hadn't said the words "I promise" just nodded at Emmy's insistence. Emmy know if she would be able to ever erase that moment from her memory.

           

            "You needn't worry Miss Emmy, we will be back in Boston very quickly," Ethan said as if almost reading her mind.

            "Thank you Mr. Foster."

            The rest of the ride was in silence. Ethan did not force Emmy into small talk or anything of an idle nature. He also didn't use any generic comforting words  such as "It will be all right" as he knew these words would not actually comfort her at all. 

"It would all end well"

            The next day Emmy felt better until she remembered what happened and where she was. She was Aunt and Uncle's house knowing that her cousin Julia was probably just waiting for her to come just waiting for her to come out of her room so she could rub it in Emmy's nose. Emmy flashed back to that first party she had seen Julia at when she looked as if she was tenderly guarding a secret. At that time Emmy almost believed her to be sweet but now it all made sense Julia was guarding her secret about their engagement. Then at the rehearsal dinner how quick she was to tease Emmy for the way Caleb acted, it was all a fun joke to Julia. Her head now pounded and requested her breakfast in her room.

            "How long is going to stay," Julia moaned at breakfast.

            "She just fainted just last night darling," Victoria said.

            "I know but with the announcement last night I really thought we could start planning the wedding."

            "If we start today or tomorrow it will not make that big of difference. You have plenty of time till June."

            "June?" Julia moaned again "I want to be married as quickly as possible, I do not want to wait till June."

           

            "Yes June, Nicholas and Kathryn will not be back from Italy till at least March and March is far too cold. Besides how would it look if we took the attention from Kathryn, she deserves some time to be the bride of this family. I had to wait eight-teen months before my mother and father even announced my engagement after my sister was married. We announced your engagement barely a week after Nicholas and Kathryn's wedding because you moaned and begged so much but you will not beg your way into getting us to push up the wedding."

            "Then what if Caleb and I eloped?"

            "Then your father will cut you off without a dime and I hardly expect Mr. James can afford to risk it."

            Julia threw herself on the chair she felt she could hardly risk having Emmy and Caleb in the same city for one more day. While he acted coldly to her outwardly Julia felt from the way he talked about when they were alone that he could possible still have feeling for her and Julia would not risk him falling for her again as he did in Pine Haven. By then Julia knew a bit of the true story of Caleb's financial situation, only Mr. Danford made sure to know the whole truth before anything was settled, but Julia loved him with all her heart and did not care how little he brought to the table so Mr. Danford agreed as long as the money remained in Julia's possession and Caleb followed strict guidelines would they consent. Mr. Danford required that his future son-in-law start his new business and head quarter it in Boston so Mr. Danford and Mr. Danford's investors could watch it closely. Also if in three years the business had not done well Caleb would work for Mr. Danford in order to make sure his daughter was well provided for. Julia did not know of this arrangement for all she talked about was how wonderful life would be like in New York. Until June, Caleb would live in New York closing up his New York office and settling up his accounts. Caleb owed some money around town and there Mr. Danford helped him too. For all this Mr. Danford thought Julia's wedding cost him more than he would think but Caleb was always a smooth talker and had been able to convince Mr. Danford it would be worth his investment. Mr. Danford was quick to protect all his investments stating that if anything unsettling happened before the wedding then both Julia and Caleb would be left without a dime, making elopement impossible for the couple. Also if Caleb ill treated Julia in any way during their marriage Mr. Danford had every right to take his money away from Caleb. Julia told her parents that this was true love and she thought her parent were going to extreme measures. Still Mr. and Mrs. Danford would not acknowledge the engagement until after Caleb signed off on all of this, which he had done the night of the dinner party. And Julia had to follow her parents orders so the wedding date was set for June twelfth.

            Since Emmy had not been able to come down for breakfast Aunt Victoria thought it was best to keep Emmy at their home for the day giving her rest. Emmy felt as if Aunt Victoria was doing this completely out of family obligation, it would never look right for a family member to cast out their relative while they were ill. It wasn't that Emmy was ill she couldn't face her cousin and the gloating that would come if she saw her cousin. However she could not stay in this house another day so the next day she got up her strength came down to breakfast, acted pleasantly enough whenever anyone brought up Caleb's name which Julia did a lot she tried to change topics. After breakfast she asked Aunt Victoria if she could return to Mrs. Dumont's home. Aunt Victoria worried a bit that Emmy was not quite ready. Emmy assured her she was plenty healthy to satisfy Aunt Victoria to invite Mrs. Dumont to tea and then Mrs. Dumont could see Emmy safely home. Aunt Victoria consented to this arrangement and wrote Mrs. Dumont quickly about it. Emmy could see that Julia was cheerfully smiling. Emmy thought that it was because she wanted to gloat but Julia wanted her to leave so her mother and her could start planning her and Caleb's official engagement party.

            There is little conversation to record from that day Emmy tried to stay far away from her cousin as possible. She wished she was back in Pine Haven at least there if she wanted to away she could hide in her woods and none really came looking for her. Here in Boston the houses were smaller with maids running around everywhere and at every hour. She could not even escape outside for people crowded the sidewalks, carriages and motor coaches filled the streets, there seemed to be no place of absolute solitude and right now that is what Emmy needed. She need to get away and try to process it all that had happened in the last forty-eight hours for none of it made sense. Though Caleb never had said it he certainly acted as if he loved her, he had hinted at them running away together. surely that must of meant something. Then she came here to see him  so cold and distant did not make sense and now to learn he is engaged to her cousin it was all mind boggling. Uncle Charles had said they didn't want to announce their engagement till after Nicholas was married, could they could have been engaged that when time in Pine Haven? Was his flirtation to her been all a joke between Julia and Caleb? None of it made sense and in her time of needing her woods she was far away from all she knew. Her only comfort in that day was seeing Aunt Iris who promptly took her back home after tea.

            "Aunt Iris, I am so happy to be back, that house was torturous for me I do not know if could survive much longer. It tool all the strength I had to act normal so Aunt Victoria would allow me to come back."

            "Yes I am sure the news of your cousin's engagement would be quite unsettling."

            "It was and how I longed for my woods to escape into."

            "I would then encourage you to go back to Pine Haven but I feel luck has changed for Laurel. Mr. Foster came by today and stayed almost an hour and half."

            "Really?"

            "Yes he came under the pretenses of seeing you but he did not seem to hesitate staying when he learned you were still at the Danfords."

            "Did he say anything else about the party?"

            "Very little, just that before the announcement you were the talk of the party."

            "Anything else?"

            "No he just made sure to tell us that he made sure you had a wonderful evening." Emmy gave a sigh of relief. "Though Alfred did tell me about the gossip of you and Mr. Foster being a couple. Do not worry I did not tell Laurel, who would believe it anyway Mr. Foster so clearly has eyes for Laurel."

            "Thank you Aunt Iris, I was so humiliated when I thought people thought that about Mr. Foster and I. I could not bore to think what Laurel would do if she knew the gossip. I did not even know Mr. Dumont had heard the rumors he seemed so immune to it that night."

            "Alfred always knew everything, just certain things he cares not to talk about and to him had no validity so he cared not to pass it on."

            "I am very thankful to Mr. Dumont's modesty."

            Laurel and Emmy were happy to see each other again. Laurel was sorry she could not be there to pick up her sister, Aunt Iris was still concerned over Laurel's health and could not take any risk. Emmy understood perfectly, she told Laurel how awful it was to be in that house and how she kept replaying the announcement over and over again. Emmy wished she had never gone to that party, how she had longed to see Caleb James, and now every memory of him hurt. The only good news was that he returned to New York on the first train yesterday so she would not have to see his face. Laurel stroked Emmy's hair much in the same way mother had always done. Laurel knew mother would know the perfect thing to say and all Laurel could think to say was how everything would be all right. That wasn't true, she knew and Laurel doubted rather her sister believed her. You could never tell a crying girl that it would be all right because at that moment it felt as if the world would cave in. Laurel knew all this but still was all she say.

            "Laurel, would you be upset if we went back to Pine Haven, I cannot stand to be in this city any more, I hardly have space to breath?"

            "Of course I would not mind," Emmy knew Laurel in her selfless way would say that.

            At breakfast they told Aunt Iris their wish to go home. Actually Laurel told their aunt of their wish to go home, Emmy had a hard time admitting that she did not stay in Boston, it was almost like admitting defeat. All her life she wanted some grand adventures and now when she was on her first actual adventure she had to run home unable to face it anymore. Aunt Iris was sad that they had wanted to go but compassionately understood.

            "Emmy," Aunt Iris had found her alone in her room looking down on the street below. "Please don't make your sister go home."

            "What?"

            "I know she would never say anything so I am asking on her behalf, please stay. I believe very strongly that Laurel might have a chance of love with Mr. Foster. She might be very reserved but I know it is what she longs for and I think given a few more weeks we can allow that to blossom between Mr. Foster and Laurel."

            "You think a few more weeks will do it?"

            "Oh yes I wish you could have seen the way they look at each other, it was right there and if they had a chance I know only good could come from it."

            Emmy looked at her aunt she had such pleading in her eyes that Emmy knew she could only say one thing in this moment. "All right Aunt Iris, of course we will stay. I doubt the post has gone out, pull Laurel's note to mother that I am sure she has written. We will tell Laurel that we still have some social obligations to fulfill and in between those you will encourage Mr. Foster over here as much as we can."

            Aunt Iris smiled and Emmy knew she had done right. Aunt Iris left the room quickly making sure to grab Laurel's letter to Fiona. She did not read it but if she had this is what she would have found…

My Dearest Mother,

            You sent us away to Boston so we could both find love but plans have changed. Emmy and I both grieve with heartache. Mr. Caleb James and Julia have announced their engagement leaving Emmy at a total loss. I feel something deep inside of Mr. Foster keeps him from expressing any hope of marriage. I do not know what you expected from this grand journey you sent us on. We have changed though, Emmy has grown up in these last few weeks, I am sometimes surprised to look at her and see a young woman where a girl used to be. I have also changed but in subtle ways that you have to see for yourself. We will leave Boston as soon as we can arrange it, keep you posted.

Love your daughter,

Laurel

            Iris pulled out Laurel's letter tossing it into the trash bin and quickly jotted a quick note to Fiona stating that the girls' social obligation kept them in Boston at least another month she had already written to Fiona about Laurel's health so made sure to write that Laurel was making a full recovery and felt better with each passing day. She saw no reason to inform Fiona of Mr. James' and Julia's engagement and how Emmy reacted to it. Victoria Danford would surely inform her sister in law soon enough and Emmy's reaction would just worry Fiona and since Emmy had agreed to stay Iris saw no need to worry Fiona. Since Iris had not read Laurel's letter feelings towards both Mr. Foster and Emmy.

            "It would all end well," Iris could feel it. 

The sisters and the engagements

Once dinner was over Emmy politely excused herself to Laurel's room. Laurel was not awake but Emmy didn't care she undid her shoes and let down her hair and pulled up close to her sister.

            The next part was all said in a soft whisper as to not disturb her sleeping sister. "Oh Laurel I have not been a good sister, I don't know what happened to us we used to be as thick as thieves. You were always my best friend the one I told everything and sometimes I miss you. I guess you grow up after father died making sure our family kept above water. You were always there for us, always the head strong, common sense one, that we depend up to get things right and I was the non-sensible, foolishly idealistic one and after father died I just wanted to escape into a dreamy world of fantasy. It was a world of fantasy. It was a world we once shared but then you faced reality and I never could. Oh Laurel, I am sorry for any of my foolishness that I caused you pain, I am sorry I am not more dependable like you, I wish I could be?"

            "Don't be," Emmy looked and saw Laurel looking at her.

            "I am sorry Laurel, I didn't mean to wake you."

            "I am glad you did. Emmy don't be like me I am too structured and everyone thinks I am too unfeeling. I am sure that is what drove Ethan away."

            "What do you mean?"
            "I could not express my feelings to Ethan Foster not to him, not even to my sister or my mother because I am so structured I couldn't let someone know my heart. When I saw you gave your heart so openly to Mr. James I admit I was a little jealous of your spirit and heart."

            "Really?"

            "Yes, while sometimes you don't always think before you talk and you act as if everything was novel, you have such a passionate spirit."

            "Don't wish that, it sometimes causes more regrets than happiness."

            "We just need to figure out how I can be a little bit more like you and for you to be a little bit more like me then we will be the perfect puzzle piece."

            Emmy looked into Laurel's eyes and saw a happy tenderness she had not seen in a long time. The girls curled up next to each other for the night and the morning Laurel was able to come down for breakfast. Aunt Iris was so happy to see some color in her niece's cheeks she made sure to serve them an extra large helping. Though Laurel's color had returned she felt tired after breakfast and went back to bed.

            "Aunt, we have to figure out if what Caleb told me about Mr. Foster being engaged is true or not."

            "How are we going to do that? Spy on him."

            "No, I don't know."

            "Sweet heart I think we should stay out of Mr. Foster and Laurel's business."

            "I wish I could but she is my sister, I cannot risk seeing her potentially having her heart broken."

            "Emmy dear I know you mean well but I hate to admit it but broken hearts are a part of growing up. As much you like to live in a hopeful romantic world sometimes relationships do not work out and Mr. Foster and Laurel might not work out," Aunt Iris saw Emmy's face go sad. "Then again they could live happily ever after and if they are meant to be together they will be without our meddling."

            "All right Aunt Iris."

            "You promise Emmy you will not interfere."

            "Yes aunt I promise," Aunt Iris lifted Emmy's chin to look into her eyes.

           

            "Eyes never lie," was an expression Fiona was always telling Emmy and whenever she wanted to know whether Emmy was lying she looked her square in the eyes.

            Emmy was not lying this time she promised her aunt that she would not meddle and she would not meddle no matter what her romantic heart told her to do. 

            The next day Laurel came down stairs and saw a few of Aunt Iris' friends but in the afternoon she adjourned back to her room and she did not feel well enough to go to Uncle Charles' and Aunt Iris' dinner party. Aunt Iris did not feel comfortable leaving Laurel alone so Emmy was attended to party by Mr. Dumont. Mr. Dumont was not the most sociable person so people were a bit surprised to see him without his wife but accepted him just the same. Emmy apologized to host and hostess for the change of plans. Uncle Charles paid no mind and Aunt Victoria was sorry she didn't know of her niece's sickness, when she said this she almost had a look of remorse so Emmy believed her. The when she was out of the receiving line she looked around and realized besides Mr. Dumont she knew no one in the room. She recognized some of them from the wedding but could not think of the names to go with the faces so she didn't feel comfortable approaching anyone. She saw Caleb standing in the corner talking to another group of men, she caught his glance for a bit and smiled. He smiled back but then coldly returned to his conversation.

            "Miss Emmy," it was Mr. Foster.

            "Mr. Foster, I did not know you would be here."

            "Your aunt was kind enough to invite me. She needed a seat filler," he giggled a bit.

            "Aw for me it was a family obligation."

            "Where is your family?"

            "Mr. Dumont has been pulled in with the other married men. Laurel was not feeling well enough to come and Mrs. Dumont stayed home with her."

            "Miss Cromwell is sick?"

            "A slight fever, the doctor said she would be fine."

            "You called a doctor?"

            "Yes Mr. Foster but like I said, he said she will be fine she just needs rest."

            "Are you sure?"

            "Yes, he is coming back next week to check up on her but Dr. Clark has been Mr. and Mrs. Dumont's physical for years he is completely trustworthy." Emmy saw Ethan's face change to worry over this conversation she lightly touched his arm. "If you want Mr. Foster, I can send word when Dr. Clark comes back."

            "Yes Miss Emmy that will be nice."

            "Now, Laurel told me for me not to be worried about her and told me to have a good time, I suggest you to do the same."

            "Of course, I cannot having you go back to your sister with a bad report and since Mr. Dumont is preoccupied it is up to me show you off. Come on we can be second string invites together." Mr. Foster then stuck out his arm so he could escort her around. 

            "Thank you Mr. Foster," Emmy smiled one of her sweet smiles.

            When they were at Pine Haven she saw Mr. Foster as a quiet and reserved man almost to the point of boredom and could never figure out why Laurel liked him. Though after few minutes with him she saw a soft side of him that was very caring and he made her laugh more than once through the night the night with his little jokes. And he did his job of showing her off to all her the best of society.

            Eventually Aunt Victoria came up them. "My dear Mr. Foster, thank you so kind for entertaining my niece. Now Emmy tell me all about Laurel," she took her arm and started to pull her away.

           

            "Mr. Foster please find me after dinner," Emmy said before she could get away.

            "Yes Miss Emmy."

            When they were out of hearing range Aunt Victoria gave her real reason for pulling Emmy away. "Be careful Emmy dear, people are whispering."

            "Whispering about what?"

            "You and Mr. Foster, what else?"

            "What else indeed, he is a good friend of the family."

            "Yes everyone knows his connection to your family. Sitting with you at church, spending the day at your house and now you guys are joined at the hip."

            "What? You must be joking."

            "We all thought it was your older sister he admired but now you are raising questions and I must say it is quite unbecoming for a young lady especially a young lady being just presented into society. You cannot chance ruining your good reputation before you have one."

            "Aunt Victoria, I think you are worrying too much. I do not have any intentions towards Mr. Foster as far as I am concerned he and Laurel are meant to be together."

            "Then behave better."

            "Yes aunt," Emmy said as the dinner gong rung.

           

            Mr. Dumont was good for being at her side two seconds later to escort her into dinner. He apologized for leaving her alone but Emmy told him it was alright. He either didn't hear the whispers going around or he did not care, both of those reasons made sense for Emmy and she was glad he didn't have any time to ask her follow up questions.

            Though Emmy felt like a second string invite, she got a high seat of honor sitting at the right hand of her aunt. It was only correct that Emmy be giving a high spot of honor, after all she was the niece of the host and hostess but it was nice recognition. She might have had a high seat of honor, her aunt paid little attention to her and Emmy's other dinner partner was Reverend Cole, who was at least a hundred and had no interest in speaking. She looked diagonally across the table and saw Mr. Foster who sat three seats away Mr. Foster who sat three seats away from her on the opposite side allowing no conversation to happen but he smiled at her then rolled his eyes at the conversation his dinner partners were having.  Both girls looked like persnickety girls that cared more about the fashion of the party than having an actual intelligent conversation.

            "Why would he be so sweet to me and be so concerned about Laurel if he was engaged to another girl. No it could not be right Caleb must have been wrong," Emmy thought.

            "Well cousin, you are getting some whispering about, I hope you are proud of yourself," Julia said after dinner when the men and women separated.

            "All the whispering is ridiculous, I have no attentions towards Mr. Foster as I told your mother."

            "I hope not you would not want to crush her sister's heart."

            "I have no attentions."

            "You are such a good, sweet, innocent girl and way too idealistic."

            "Thank you cousin."

            "It will not do at all if you plan to stay in Boston. Everyone know to survive in the real world you must be sweet and innocent on the outside and cunning on the inside."

            "Perhaps then I don't belong in Boston."

            "Perhaps not."

            "But while I am here I will learn from your ways and then all the men will want me."

           

            The words could be sweet but the tone was far from anything sweet. Emmy could not tell you what it was about her cousin that brought out the worst in her. She used to love her cousin but after this summer she saw her cousin as a manipulative person always looking for trouble. Emmy thought her cousin would be great as a Shakespeare villain, much in the vein of Iago from Othello.

            After Emmy and Julia exchanged their pleasantries the men returned to their women. No one could miss what happened next Caleb nodded to Julia when he came in the room and she cut through the party to him. Uncle Charles then clinked his glass calling the attention to him

            "If my wife could join me, we have some pleasant news to announce," Aunt Victoria joined him in no time. "We kept it quiet till our eldest, Nicholas, was married bit now we are pleased to announce our daughter Julia will be marrying Mr. Caleb James."

            The room began spinning for Emmy. All the claps and clinks of glasses blurred together and she felt her knees go weak. Her vision then got hazy and then she was gone. The next thing she knew she woke up in one of aunt's guest room.

She had collapsed, and unlike Laurel who gained consciousness right away Emmy stayed out while Mr. Foster picked her up and at Aunt Victoria's insistence carried her up to a guest room. Then he was ushered out of the room so the maids could take off her dress and loosen her corset. Of course they thought it was her corsets pulled too tight, it was frequent for girls to lose breath with their corsets pulled too tight even with the more natural form styles that were in fashion.

            Little did they know Ethan Foster paced in the hall outside of Miss Emmy's door till he heard that she was alright. Mr. Dumont was there too but he just leaned against the wall not saying much.

            "How is she doing Mrs. Danford?" Ethan asked she came out of the room.

            "She is awake now."

            "Good, then I think should order my motor coach and we can bring her down when it arrives," Mr. Dumont said calmly.

            "I do not think that is a good idea, I would not want to upset her, I think she should spend the night her. We will send word after breakfast if she is up to leaving," Mrs. Danford said.

            Before Ethan could say he agreed Julia was at the top of the stairs.

            "Mother, come quickly the guest are talking about leaving. This is my night and I will not let Emmy is fainting ruin it," Julia had her temper fit tone.

            "Alright, darling, alright I will be right down."

            "No mother, I need you now or else this whole night will be ruined."

            This is left the gentlemen alone.

            "Mr. Foster thank you for being so concerned over Miss Emmy, I am sure my wife will want to express her thanks as well, they meant the world to her. When she is home please come by."

            "Thank you Mr. Dumont. Please send her my regards and give Miss Cromwell all my best wishes for her to feel better soon."

            " I will. I'd better be off, I am sure by now Mrs. Dumont would have received word of Miss Emmy and I will have to calm her down."

            Both Mr. Dumont and Ethan Foster snuck out of the party. Mr. Dumont did it quickly after saying his farewell to Ethan but Ethan stayed a bit, he could not leave the house thinking any second he could be needed to fetch a doctor, or send word to the Dumonts, or really anything. Then Mr. Danford came up stairs a little sloshed from the festivities below. Mr. Danford was usually the first one to turn in, he stat it was because he had business to attend to but in reality he was either too bored or too drunk or both to be in a party mood.

            "Go on son, go on home, we will notify you right away if she gets worse," was all he said when he passed by Ethan Foster in the hall.

            "Yes sir."

            Then Ethan slipped out. It was warm October night which was uncommon for how late in the season it was. The summer air had disappeared but there was still a sense of warmth that lingered. Because of this walk home. The Danfords lived near Berkley on Commonwealth and he lived near Dartmouth on Marlborough, it would not be worth hassle of ordering his automobile for the five blocks. Plus his thoughts were preoccupied and he needed the walk to clear his them out. They should have been on Miss Emmy after all she was the one that fainted, but Laurel was stuck in his brain. He pretended not to hear the whispers at the party as a man it was easier to ignore idle gossip. He had though, everyone snickering at his behavior to Emmy calling them suitors and making other false accusations. How would he ever be able to explain it to Laurel? She had seem so cold the other to him and now this would not help her thoughts of him. He thought he could put it all behind him, he never should have sent her the book, it would just give her hope and he could not lead on like that. The news of his engagement would crush her.  

Kathryn's Wedding

Kathryn had already told Emmy that Caleb would not be able to come until the week of the wedding so Emmy was surprised that Caleb did not arrive until Thursday when the wedding was on Saturday. He arrived late in the afternoon giving him little time to prepare for the rehearsal and the dinner that followed. When Emmy first saw Caleb she wanted to shout his name with all her heart but she could barely think of what to say. She had thought about this moment over and over again but all her wishful conversations did not go the way she hope. At first he did not come right up to her and hug her. He kept his distance from her and when he first saw her he just coldly nodded to her.

            "Men are so fickle aren't they," Julia said when she saw the exchange.

            "Yes it is good your father does not buy stock in a men's heart or your inheritance would be on a yoyo," Emmy gave her a polite smile.

            "I agree a man's heart jumps around till they find the right one."

            Emmy saw Aunt Iris waive her over.

            "Well then I am glad, cousin, you have so many suitors one is more than likely to decide you are the right one. Excuse me, Mrs. Dumont want me."

            Emmy walked over to her aunt.

            "Thank you."

            "For what?" Apparently Aunt Iris had not noticed the looks Julia and Emmy were giving each other.

            "Never mind, what do you need?"

            "Laurel insisted on coming but I have not seen her since the receiving line, have you?"

            "No why?"

            "Mr. Foster has just been introduced to me. I told him how I was connected to the wedding party and at the mention of her name his face lightened up. He asked after the entire family but I could tell he only wanted information only on Laurel. I tried to point her out but I could not find her."

            "Well where is he?"

            "Over there, Mrs. James wanted to speak to some of the wedding party."

            "You think they should they should be reunited here?"

            "I cannot think of a reason why not?"

            "Perhaps a scene should happen, I would hate to take this moment away from Miss James."

            "Laurel causing a scene is hard to believe."

            "Indeed but Laurel has been acting so abnormal lately I do not know what will happen here."

            No matter what Emmy and Aunt Iris thought they could not prevent the following. Laurel had gotten away from her hiding space, which had been talking to some of Kathryn's cousins. She headed towards the dessert table where there little cakes sets up. At that time Mrs. James had released the wedding party and Ethan too had headed to the dessert table.

            "Miss Cromwell."

            "Mr. Foster."

            "What brings you here?"

            "My cousin's wedding."

            "Oh yes how foolish. I just didn't know you were in Boston."

            "I am staying with Mrs. Dumont."

            "Yes I just met her, she said she knew the bride and groom through you and your sister. I am silly for not putting two and two together. It is nice to see you again."

            "It is nice to see you," he was about to walk away but then she said "I liked the book and I want to send you my thanks."

            At first he smiled but then he got anxious. "You need not thank me."

            "You are wrong," Laurel recognized his flustered tone but tried to talk pleasantly "It was beautiful and so kind for you to think of me."

            "Any friend would do the same."

            "Well I would thank any friend."

            "Excuse me Miss Cromwell I see Nicholas needs me."

            "Yes you must no ignore the groom."

            Laurel watched him dart across the room and begin speaking Nicholas. She did not know why he seemed so restless, he seemed at first very happy to see her but then his tone changed when she brought up the book. She did not know what she said or what he could have said. She wished she had said more to him but she could not think of what to say.

            "Miss Cromwell there you are," Mrs. James said, "I am so glad you and your sister were able to come. I do hope you would play something for us after dinner."

            "I would be happy to."

            "Wonderful you are so talented," Mrs. James looked closely at Laurel. "Miss Cromwell are you feeling all right? You look pale."

            "No I am fine," but then Laurel could feel herself get light headed.

            "Miss Cromwell" the voice spun around her. "Brandon!" Mrs. James called him as he was the closest.

           

            He dashed over barely catching Laurel as she fainted into his arms. She was out long enough to draw attention to herself but not long enough to have the room gathered around her.

            "Laurel? Laurel? Are you all right?" Emmy asked.

            "Yes, what happened?"

            "You fainted Miss Cromwell," Mrs. James said  concerned.

            "I did?" I was just feeling light headed and then I don't remember."

            "Come with me Miss Cromwell," Brandon took her arm. "Let us get you some fresh air."

            "Mr. James we are so grateful you were there to catch her," Aunt Iris said following them to the outer veranda.

            "It is nothing Mrs. Dumont, Mrs. James was smart to call me when she saw Miss Cromwell get dizzy."

            "No Mr. James you are a true sign of chivalry."

            "Thank you Miss Emmy," Brandon smiled at her.

            "Mr. James would you mind calling out motor coach for us."

            "I can do that Aunt."

            "No need Miss Emmy, I do not mind."

            "But you have done so much."

            "I am happy to be of service."

           

            Brandon walked away, leaving the three some alone.

            "Laurel, what happened?"

            "Nothing, I guess I felt a little claustrophobic, the dinner partied here are so different here than Pine Haven, more people and less space."

            "Laurel you have never been claustrophobic before."

            "I told you it is different."

            "Are you sure you are all right Laurel?"

            "Yes Aunt, I just needed fresh air, I am feeling better just being outside. I think the dressing maid pulled my corset too tight."

            "Oh my, I shall have to talk about that with her."

            "No do not do that I would not want to trouble her."

            "You are too kind Laurel."

            Laurel did not want to tell anyone that she had spoken to Ethan Foster or the fact that the idea of him made her faint. This knowledge of it would send Emmy into a romantic tizzy and Laurel have none that. She had to push down her desires at least until after the wedding after that he would not come into her life. It should not be that hard it was Thursday and the wedding was Saturday. Perhaps she could fake an illness that would make her unable to attend the wedding. However if she faked a sickness she knew her aunt would grow worried and perhaps write her mother who would insist on them coming back to Pine Haven. Yes being in Pine Haven would mean she would be far away from Ethan but she did not want that. Every time she saw him on her walks she did not want him to see her but at the same moment she wanted to be right next to him. She had never felt this way before and wondered if this is how Emmy felt every time she swooned over boys. So she had to go the wedding that was apparent, but hse had to be stronger than this.

           

            Friday passed uneventfully, Mrs. James threw a little dinner in Kathryn's honor. Mrs. James insisted that it end early to make sure the wedding party slept well. Truth be told no one slept very well. Kathryn woke up several time to make sure she had not over slept and she got up walk to the closet and looked her dress. They had found it last spring in one of the best shop in New York that imported directly from Paris. It was a beautiful cream white silk with lace cuff on the sleeves, lace around the neck and some subtle beading in the bust line and skirt that flowed into at least two foot train. Her veil came with its own tiara that fell half the way of the train of the dress and had the same beaded pattern along the edge. It would all be glamorous and while Kathryn longed for a quiet ceremony she loved this dress and felt like a princess when she stepped into it. Her mother told her face glowed when she first tried it on in that New York shop. She felt her face glow every time she looked at the dress. Looking at the dress now she could not wait till Nicholas saw her in it tomorrow.

            "Miss," a voice startled her.

            Kathryn flinched then turned to see her petite maid "Bea, you startled me."

            "I am sorry miss, I saw the light under the door and I was just making sure things were all right."

            "Yes Bea, things are wonderful. It is a pretty dress isn't it"

            "Yes Miss. You will be a princess in it."

            "Thank you Bea."

            "Do you need anything Miss?"

            "No Bea, you go back to bed, tomorrow is going to be a long day and mother will run you raged if you are not will rested."

            "Yes Miss, you need your sleep too, we would not want you falling asleep at your own wedding."

            "I won't Bea, I am too excited."

            "Yes Miss, good night Miss. The future Mrs. Nicholas Danford."

            The sound of her new name sent a thrill up her spine. She walked back to her bed and fell asleep till Bea woke up for good. The James house buzzed starting at sunrise. Mrs. James made sure everyone ate a full breakfast especially Kathryn. She was not going to have Kathryn gouge on food at the luncheon making her look wild beast on the biggest day of her life. Kathryn was then tugged into a corset. Kathryn could tell Bea was ordered to pull the strings extra tight, she could also tell that these orders made Bea uncomfortable as Kathryn winced. She took her last deep breath of the day and told Bea as happily as she could that it was all right. She tried to laugh it off that beauty was pain.

            The church was done to the tops filled with the fragrance of yellow and orange color trumpet lilies that made the air smell sweet for miles around and were the perfect color for autumn. Mrs. James thought lilies would be fragrant but Kathryn wanted lilies more than anything. They were no in season anymore, so they had to be specially grown for the occasion. No expense was spared and Kathryn used the fact that her mother wanted to prove to all of Boston that her daughter was worthy of the Danford name as leverage to get any lavish touch she wanted. Though the church was filled with yellow and orange lilies Kathryn just carried a simple bouquet of white roses that were the same shade of the cream that match her dress.

            Everyone was taken by her beauty as she made her grand appearance. Brandon was at her side holding her tenderly as they walked down the aisle but Kathryn felt as if she was floating on a cloud. After she saw Nicholas at the altar waiting for her the rest of the ceremony was in a haze thought she wanted to capture every detail it felt to her as if she was in a dream.  

Changes are happening

The party would not have to wait a week to see each other again. After church on Sunday Kathryn threw an impromptu party of dinner and cards. She invited the Cromwell sisters, Brandon, Nicholas and Julia. She also invited some of Nicholas' friends George Manfred and Leonard Hopefelt in order to even out the party. She said she invited Ethan Foster but he told her that he was previously engaged. Also Mr. and Mrs. Dumont could not attend as they had dinner plans but eagerly encouraged the girls to go on their own.

            "How odd that Mr. Foster would not wish to see us," Emmy said when Laurel and her were alone.

            "Kathryn said he had other plans."

            "Surely plans he could get out of for such dear friends as us, well you Laurel. He must not have known we were part of the party."

            "Do you not regard him highly Laurel?"

           

            But before Emmy could get an answer Laurel walked away.

            Emmy was able to get Kathryn a lone to inquire after Mr. Foster.

            "Kathryn, do you know Mr. Foster very well."

            "A little, he does not seem to socialize like other men of his fashion. He is Nicholas' dear friend though they seem so different but Nicholas and Mr. Danford always speaks highly of him so I take that as a good recommendation. Why? How do you know him?"

            "He came to visit us for awhile before you came to see us, it was just for a few weeks but I felt Laurel and him had an attachment but we have seen no word from him since he left. Also a few days before your brother left Pine Haven, he mentioned that a Ethan Foster was engaged to a Sally Lawrence. I say 'a' Ethan Foster because I cannot believe it would be Laurel's Ethan Foster."

            "As far I know I think Laurel and Mr. Foster would be a fine match if his aunt would ever allow him to marry. But I know nothing of any Sally Lawrence connected with him but he says so little when he is around me and men talk so little of their love lives but I will keep my ears on alert if I hear anything."

            "Oh thank you Kathryn, you must not mention this to Laurel I would not wish her to know anything till we are absolutely certain."

            "Of course not," Kathryn changed her tone to more of a somber one "I am glad you pulled me aside I received word from my brother he will not be able to come to Boston until the week before the wedding. I wish he would come sooner but he says he cannot."

            "Kathryn you are so kind to tell me privately about this but I am not concerned."

            "You're not?" she sounded a bit surprised.

            "Do not get me wrong as much I would like to see him Aunt Iris has taught me some valuable lessons when it comes to relationships."

            Kathryn kissed her on both cheeks then pulled her in for a hug."Miss Emmy you must know I so long to call you my sister."             

            "And I you."

            Brandon over heard the last part of their conversation and knew then that Emmy Cromwell was still very much attached to his brother and that nothing had changed in Emmy's heart. Emmy was confused of why Caleb stayed away from her, he did not write her since he left Pine Haven. She told herself that his emotions were too strong that he could not handle himself around her. He was being a gentleman but separating himself from her before he crossed the line of impropriety. Emmy tried not to let her confusion and worrisome show as the night went on.

            Fortunately for Emmy, Kathryn spent no more time discussing Caleb as Nicholas and Julia were next to arrive. As soon as Julia arrive the mood in the house changed. Julia pretended to be surprised to see her cousins again after short time apart. After the last summer with Julia, Emmy no longer bought her enthusiasm as genuine. It did seem to Emmy, Julia did seem sincerely happy even if she was not truly happy to see her cousins. Occasionally Emmy noticed that Julia would play with her necklace, taking the pedant in fingers and moving back and forth over the chain. When she did this she had a endearing look it looked as if she was guarding a little secret.

           

            After dinner Laurel took to the piano and played some soft music, any one would think that Laurel took to the piano because of her strong love of music but she mostly loved the solitary it allowed. Most of the dinner was full of small talk and Laurel hated small talk. Also her dinner partner, George Manfred, jabbered on about all the important people he knew and Laurel could care less of the name dropping he did. Kathryn, Nicholas, Leonard Hopefelt and Julia were playing a game of bridge. Kathryn initially invited Emmy to play but Emmy had to admit she never learned that game and did not want to waste their time having to teach her. Kathryn gave her one of her charming smiles and told Emmy that she should come over for some lessons. Emmy was thankful to Kathryn but knew Kathryn was far too busy to teach her cards. Instead, Emmy found a book on the shelf that looked interesting and nestled into a corner in the couch. Every once and awhile Emmy would look over hear Mr. Manfred talking to Brandon. Mr. Manfred had discovered they knew some of the same people and had pulled Brandon aside to discuss them. Emmy looked over at Brandon, her had tried to be polite but it was obvious he was very bored. When Brandon noticed Emmy looking at him he would give her a joking smile. He was so different here, Emmy thought, in Pine Haven he was quiet and reserved and when Caleb was there he seemed almost hostile. At dinner he was very attentive to her and they had a lovely conversation about books he recommend Emmy to read. Emmy had found one of the books on the shelf and it is why she pulled it aside.

            "Miss Emmy," Mrs. James caught her silently at Brandon "I do hope you reading is not a sign of boredom."

            "Oh no Mrs. James I am not bored at all, I enjoy reading," Emmy said cordially.

            "Well it is a good occupation of the mind."

            "I think so." Then Mrs. James sat down next to Emmy and Emmy closed her book realizing this conversation would be awhile.

           

            "Oh that is a great book," Mrs. James said but before Emmy could respond she said "I am sorry to keep you from it but you must all this old woman to be selfish, you don't always get a moment to have a long moment to have long conversation and I so want to get to know you better. Kathryn and Brandon had your attention at the teat that I hardly get to know the woman my daughter talked about so profusely. I know a lot about the Danford family they are one of the best families in Boston but I know so little about the Cromwells."

            Emmy took a deep breath. She thought about the truth her father dying a penniless book publisher, her mother force to sale all their valuables to pay off his debts, and then moving to Pine Haven to live by the charity of their Grandmother. What would Laurel say if Emmy told Mrs. James the truth, a truth Laurel wanted to bury away.

            "My father trained to be a lawyer, that is where he met my uncle, but my grandfather got sick so my father took over his publishing company."

            "That must be where your love of books come from."

            "Yes my father loved to read. He always encouraged Laurel and I have to read. Unfortunately he died before my younger sister was old enough to get his encouragement. But we continue on with his perseverance."

            "Oh you have a younger sister?"

            "Yes Gloria is almost twelve. She wanted to come to Boston with Laurel and I but mother thought she was too young."

            "Oh I wish you mother had come I would like to meet her. I remember when Fiona Danford was presented into society she made the papers up and down the east coast."

            "Yes my mother told me."

            "But then she disappeared almost and I remember nothing about the wedding to your father."

            Emmy took another deep breathing, how could she explain that her parents had eloped. Emmy knew it was not something people talked about. She used to think it was romantic but Laurel corrected her and told her it was a mark of shame.

            "Mother and father wanted a quiet wedding."

            "Kathryn wanted a quiet ceremony too but when great families come together Mrs. Danford and myself thought a lavish affair would only be appropriate. I am surprised Mrs. Danford allowed your mother to have a quiet ceremony."

            Emmy took another deep breath as her eyes nervously searched the room.

            "Mother are you making Miss Emmy uncomfortable?" Kathryn asked, she had sneaked up on the conversation. Now all the eyes of the party were on them.

            "No, Miss James, we were just talking. Mrs. James wanted to get to know me better, she was asking me about my mother."

            "Oh Mrs. Cromwell is divine."

            "Yes I was telling Miss Emmy I remember where her mother was presented how she made all the papers up and down the east coast."

            "Then she asked about my father." Emmy looked purposefully at Laurel who understood the look right away.

            "Emmy, I am not feeling very well do you mind if we go home," Laurel asked pretending to look ill.  

            "Oh I am sorry Mrs. James we should head home."

            "May I escort you Miss Cromwell and Miss Emmy," Brandon stood up.

            "That would be nice," Emmy said.

            It did not take long for them to get back to the Dumont home. Laurel went inside but Emmy stayed on the stoop to thank Brandon for the ride.

            "Miss Emmy, what was Mrs. James asking you about?"

            "I told you my mother and father."

            "Is that why you looked nervous and Laurel felt sick."

            "What?"

            "I know your look Miss Emmy, you had at it once at the tea, you had it a few times in Pine Haven. You have it whenever you look as if you don't know what to say. I want to save you but Mr. Manfred hardly me to say anything."

            "Thank you for wanting to save me but really Mrs. James was just asking me about my mother and father."

           

            Brandon could sense her tone had changed.

            "Miss Emmy do not get upset, I was not trying to offend you. I was just making sure my step mother was behaving herself she likes to get a little nosey."

            Emmy lightened her tone. "I am sorry Mr. James you have always been so kind to me and I get so defensive."

            "Defensive about what?" Brandon was not thinking and put his hand gently on her arm.

            "Laurel would not be happy, so you must not tell her what I am about to tell you. My mother and father eloped because my grandparents never approved of him, and then he died penniless. We now live at the generosity of my grandmother." Then she lowered her gaze "oh Laurel you must not tell Laurel I told you all that, no one knows outside the family."

            "Of course Miss Emmy your family's secret is safe with me." Brandon tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. "I promise."

            "Thank you Mr. James, I know.

            The door then swung open and Brandon stepped back quickly.

            "Oh Mr. James, what are you doing out here?" Aunt Iris asked.

            "He was making sure Laurel and I get home all right Aunt Iris," Emmy said trying to hide her blush. She could not help it but she felt a little something when Brandon touched her chin.

            "Yes Laurel came in five minutes ago, I got worried when you did not follow her."

            "I was confirming our meal Mrs. Dumont," Brandon said.

            "Oh it is Wednesday at seven. Now Emmy come in before you get a chill.

            "Yes Aunt Iris."

            "See you Wednesday Mr. James," Aunt Iris said before closing the door.

            Brandon did not even have time to say good night before the door was shut.

            "Emmy," Aunt Iris snapped "How could you stand outside talking alone to a man do you know what the neighbors might think if they saw such a thing."

            "What do you mean?"

            "A girl standing alone with a gentleman could be quite the scandal."

            "Mr. James and I a scandal?"

            "He is not married or family, you are still young and innocent but you standing with a man could give bad implications."

            "Oh Aunt, he is far too old for anyone to think we are suitors and besides he looks at me as if I were his sister."

            "Then why did he back away so quickly."

            "Believe me Aunt Iris if I thought anything wrong was going to happen I would have come in right away. He is a good friend that is all."

            "Just be careful Emmy, you are now out in society and I would not want to see you destroy the good reputation you have."

            "Yes Aunt Iris," Emmy was standing on the stair case two or three steps above Mrs. Dumont so she could lean a bit and kiss her forehead to wish her aunt a good night.

            The week passed by. The dinner with Mr. James went off without a hitch and Mrs. Dumont was Mr. Dumont and Mr. James did get along. Brandon wrote in his thank you note that he found Mr. Dumont of exceeding intelligent and a good conversationalist. Emmy giggled at this part as far as she could see Mr. James and Mr. Dumont hardly said two sentences to each other, maybe talked more when they shared brandy together. But Mrs. Dumont was happy Brandon found the evening a success. Mrs. Dumont watched Mr. James and saw the way he looked at Emmy the way he acted towards her, the way he seemed to notice only her when she was in the room, and Mrs. Dumont knew it Brandon saw Emmy more than a younger friend. No matter what Emmy said or thought.

           

            While Mrs. Dumont and Emmy were wrapped up in making calls Laurel found excuses to always be in attendance. She would tell her sister and aunt that she was calling on her friend. Some of the time that was true most of the time Laurel wanted to break free of the mindless tasks and the endless small talk but instead she would go on long walks. She would try to avoid the infamous address of 126 Marlborough street but it was hard for her not to go by Ethan's home. It was the only chance she had to catch a glimpse of him. For weeks he had not accepted any of Kathryn's invites, he never went to the opera, or to charity events that Aunt Iris took them to. He was always so focused, Laurel had seen no more of that woman that plagued her memory at the way they laughed, he just carried his brief case and a book under his arm. Laurel was very careful to never walk on the same side of the street as he and when she did see him she looked away as to not be noticed.

            If you did not know Laurel and Emmy before their trip to Boston you would think Laurel was the silly romantic one and Emmy was the sensible one. But Boston seemed to have changed the girls. Emmy fell favorably into society with her aunt guiding the way and Laurel was one hiding away in her own world. Soon three weeks had passed since the girls arrive in Boston and it was almost time for Kathryn and Nicholas' wedding.