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. 

Brothers and Sisters

No one knew that at that moment the James brothers were being reunited. Brandon was still in New York doing his business before he headed to London. He walked into Caleb's office, there was no there to greet him not a secretary or office assistant at all. The office felt like a grave yard with its spooky absence of people. It was not at all what Brandon had expected from the way Caleb boasted about his success. Brandon came to the end of the hall and knocked on the slightly open door.

            "We are closed!" Caleb shouted.

            He was sitting alone in an office with only chair that he sat in sipping slowly on his scotch.

            "I see that."

           

            Caleb did not have to turn around to recognize that the voice belonged to Brandon. "Come here to check up in me?"

            "No, I hear congratulations are in order."

           

            Caleb turned in his chair "that's why you’re here?"

           

            "Of course. Mrs. James wrote me and I came here to congratulate you. After all you are my younger brother and Miss Danford is a lovely lady with a lovely inheritance to go along with it."

            "What did you say?" Caleb voice raged.

            "I was just joking old chap. Well she is a lovely girl, that other part was a joke."

            "Well you must be happy," Caleb took a swig of his scotch. "That Miss Emmy is still available."

            "What do you mean?"

           

            "Oh come on Brandon you cannot fool me. I could see from the start you cared for Miss Emmy Cromwell but for me. If she had more than two pennies to her name I would have taken her as my wife but I need a girl with more than sweet looks. Unfortunately lad I think she sees you as only as an older brother. But maybe you could go after the elder Miss Cromwell she is looking for a wealthy husband to pull her family out of poverty, it would almost be a perfect marriage minus you being in love her sister. But there are ways around that too."

            Brandon couldn't stand it anymore he threw a punch right across Caleb's jaw. Caleb was so thrown off by the impact and his drinking that he fell flat on his back.

            "You don't deserve Miss Emmy," Brandon said before leaving his brother who was still on the floor.

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

            "Laurel please don't be mad at me I couldn't help but agree to Aunt Iris' wishes, your health is still not strong enough."

            "This has nothing to do with my health, I have been fine for a solid week now."

            "I know but Aunt Iris is still concerned about you. I thought it would be host to listen to her."

            "You both are silly, I can handle things on my own."

            "Oh Laurel please do not be mad."

            "Emmy make up your mind to you want to leave Boston or not?"

            "I do , you know I want to leave but Aunt Iris told me how she has made arrangements all over town to introduce us to the best society and we did promise her we would stay till the end of November. I just thought it best to do our social obligation. After all Aunt Iris has done so much for us."

            "You don’t care about social obligations. I have lived with you for sixteen years and you have never cared for what society demands."

            "Oh Laurel."

            "And I suppose most of these social obligation will put us in consistent contact with Ethan Foster, like today and that three ring circus you and Aunt Iris had today making sure we were together and making a fool out of all of us."

            "I am sorry Laurel, Aunt Iris thought it was a good idea and I thought I was doing it for your good, I promise Laurel."

            "You are so naïve Emmy."

            "I know."

            "Don't be too sad, Emmy, I am not just surprised."

            "Surprised at what?"

            "That you and Aunt Iris in all your hopeful romantic ideals seem to know better than I think."

            "What?"

            "Emmy, you are lucky in one way you at least know where you stand with Mr. Caleb James but I have no idea where I stand with Mr. Foster. When we first arrived here I went to Mr. Foster's house and I saw him leaving with a young girl then you told me you thought he was engaged, and all the time he was engaged, and all this time he hasn't said anything. Worse than that he has acted interested but something has stopped him, I could tell myself that this is his modesty and propriety but it so hard to live that way. I am stuck wondering and it hurts."

            Emmy had never seen Laurel cry, she wrapped her around her sister. "Laurel, I am so sorry."

            "It is not your fault."

            Laurel fell into Emmy's lap and began to stroke Laurel's hair just as Laurel had done just a few days ago. Emmy didn’t know what to say, Emmy was certain that Mr. Foster loved Laurel, it was clear from the way he looked at her to the way he tended to her needs. He was perfect for Laurel, they had to end up together, if this was a story book they would end up together. But this wasn't one of Emmy's story books and at this moment she wasn't sure if Laurel and Mr. Foster would end up together. 

"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.  

Our heroines

            If the heroine of this story was Kathryn James this would be a lovely end but heroines of this story sat in the third row of the church on grooms side, though in reality Emmy felt closer to Kathryn her own cousin. She took in all the beauty of the day and made sure to take active mental notes so she could write back to her mother in full detail. The ceremony was traditional, nothing to go into great detail about. Kathryn and Nicholas had five attendants on both side. Kathryn didn't have any sisters so her cousins and two friends schools stood to her side wearing matching crimson dresses, to complement the autumn colors and holding a smaller bouquet of white roses much like Kathryn's. Nicholas had Ethan Foster, Caleb James and three other friends standing next to him wearing their finest morning suits in a very traditional manor with tails.

            After the wedding Victoria Danford untraditionally threw a luncheon for the couple with the family and close friends. Even though it was just a luncheon it was a very formal meal with multiple courses. In very modern fashion Victoria served French cuisine that had become popular to serve all over Europe and the finest families in America. The newlyweds stayed through the meal then took off to train station. Kathryn told Emmy that they would go to New York than take a cruise line over to Italy and they planned to stay there at least till spring. Kathryn had never been to Italy and gushed over everything she wanted to see while they were there. Emmy was happy for Kathryn but was a little jealous as she had never been anywhere and wished she could be going to Europe. Once the couple left the party started to break up but Victoria insisted that the Cromwell girls stay around. She felt guilty that they spent so little time together after all they were family. Emmy rolled her eyes at the idea of family obligation.

            "I can stay if you like?" Brandon said seeing Emmy rolling her eyes.

            "Oh no Mrs. James you are too kind."

            " It is no problem I want to be useful to you."

            "Thank you Mrs. James."

            Emmy took a look around the room and did not see Caleb who she really wanted to see.

            "Are you all right?" Brandon asked noticing Emmy looked distracted.

            "Yes, fine I was just wondering where your brother is?"

            "He told me he had to go back to his mother's house to get some work done. Work on his sister's wedding day can you imagine?"

            "He must be very busy."

            Brandon could tell Emmy was still in love with Caleb just in the tone of her voice.

            "Yes his business keeps him quite occupied. Excuse me, Miss Emmy, I see Mrs. James waiving at me, she might want to leave."

            "Of course it has been a long day."

            Mrs. James did not really waive him over but he had to walk away. He could not see why Emmy still loved his brother when he has been nothing but cold to her since he left Pine Haven. Brandon had done everything he could think of to show Emmy how much he cared but she only had eyes for Caleb. That Monday Brandon went to the Ambassador to make plans to go back to England. But for today he left making his apologies to the hostess and Mrs. James but said nothing to Emmy.

            Laurel did not have a grand time at the luncheon either. Ethan Foster kept his distance, she tried to talk to him but he kept getting flustered. They used to talk for hours together now though she could not think of what to say leading to some awkward silent moments. Then he left the party shortly after Nicholas and Kathryn left. She wanted to leave then too and hated that there was family obligation to stay because Aunt Victoria felt guilty.

            The party was hardly a success for our heroines and with that in mind they would never have expect the following events. However without these events the story would not exist.

            The next day the Dumonts and Cromwell girls went to church as usual. When they arrived they saw Ethan Foster outside pacing in a nervous habit. Ethan was proclaimed Methodist so the fact he was outside of Congregational church was odd. As he greeted the party he asked if he could sit next to them. Laurel mad no objections but acted coldly towards him. Aunt Iris made sure Laurel and Ethan sat next to each other by pulling Emmy to her side Laurel rolled her eyes at this apparent set up. Then after church Aunt Iris eagerly invited Ethan to lunch and he eagerly accepted but Laurel showed no emotion. The lunch well, Mr. Dumont and Ethan talked continuously and when Ethan left Mr. Dumont patted him on the back and told him he was welcomed back at anytime. Ethan was happy to accept the invitation and Laurel was just cordial to this idea.

           

            When Emmy and Laure were alone she questioned her sister's behavior.

            "Why were you so cold to Mr. Foster? It is a good thing Mr. Dumont spoke so much to him for you barely said two words to him."

            "Yes I did."

            "Hello and goodbye do not count. Do you not care for him?"

            "It is not about that?"

            "Then what is it? Honestly Laurel, I do not understand you?"

            "How could you understand, the world is not one of your fairy tales," Laurel tone was so harsh it cut at Emmy.

            "Is it about his supposed engagement?"

            "What?" Laurel whipped around to Emmy.

            "I know about Sally Lawrence, but I don't believe it."

            "Who?"
            "Sally Lawrence. Caleb told me about her before he left."

            "Why were you discussing Mr. Foster."

            "It just slipped Laurel."

            "What slipped?"

            "I was telling Caleb that couldn't court anyone till you were engaged and I accidently mentioned how we thought you were going to get engaged to Mr. Foster. He then told me that Mr. Foster was engaged to Sally Lawrence. But I never believed that it was your Mr. Foster he is far too good of a man to be engaged to one woman and act the way he did to you, I told Caleb it must be another Mr. Foster."

           

            "You had no right discussing my life with anyone."      

            "I know Laurel, it was accident."

            "You are so foolish Emmy," then Laurel stormed off to her room.

            She acted mad in front of Emmy but when she got her room she could not even make it to her bed she just crumbled on the floor crying hysterically. She was so ill she excused herself from dinner. Aunt Iris sent a tray up to her but she didn't touch it. She just fell into her bed in her dress that she had been wearing all day and cried till she fell asleep.

            "Poor Laurel, I wonder what could have happened?" Aunt Iris asked.

            Emmy shrugged not looking out of her book. It ate at her the fact that she had let it slip that Mr. Foster was engaged. The way Laurel reacted it was apparent she knew nothing about it. Though Laurel didn't know about the engagement the woman that she first saw with Ethan now haunted her since. Now it all made sense and it plagued Laurel's heart.

            Laurel stayed in bed the next two days.

            "Perhaps I should write your mother tell what has happened."

            "No aunt you can't do that, if you do mother will insist on us coming home and I have barely said two words to Caleb James since he came and Julia told me he plans to go to their dinner party Thursday night if I can get a chance to talk to him I know things will be alright."

            "I don't see why you care so much about him I do not favor him as much as I would have thought, he is cold and uncaring, nothing like his brother."

            "Aunt you don't understand. He is not usually like this, when I met him he was so wonderful."

            "Well I am going to call for a doctor at least and if he says that it is best for you two to return home then you will. I will not risk Laurel's health for your idealism."

            "Yes aunt," Emmy lowered her head as her aunt walked out of the front parlor."

           

            In many ways Emmy thought herself grown up but she could see in moments when she put her thoughts above others she still had some growing up to do. Laurel would never act this way, she knew, Laurel would be packing them up right now and not worry about some dinner party.

            The doctor came within an hour of Aunt Iris sending for him. As Emmy paced the floor of the front parlor a note came for her from Brandon.

Dear Miss Emmy,

            I write to let you know that I am off to London, the ambassador has some business for me to attend to on his behalf. I leave tomorrow for New York and then in two weeks I leave for Liverpool, I am sorry I will not be able to attend Mr. and Mrs. Danford's dinner party. If I am not back by the time you leave Boston may your life bring you desire.

Yours faithfully,

B. James

            Emmy could hardly believe her eyes with Kathryn and now Brandon gone she barely had any true friends in Boston. She wanted to write him quickly but as soon as she had finished his letter the doctor and Aunt Iris walked in.

            "Is she alright doctor?" Emmy asked.

            "There is nothing really wrong with her besides lack of food these last few days. She seems to be running a slight fever but nothing that rest and cold compacts would not calm down."

            "Do you think she should go back home?" Emmy asked prepared to face whatever he said she would do it without hesitation.

            "No, no. A trip back home would probably agitate her more."

            "Yes doctor."

            "Thank you Doctor Clark, I will show you out," Aunt Iris said leading him to the front door. "I am going to have the maids prepare cold towels for Laurel to make sure they never run out," Aunt Iris said when she came back in the room, "Please Emmy write to you mother before the evening post goes out."

            "Aunt, I am sorry for being so self centered. I do want what is best for Laurel."

            "I know Emmy. It is a great bond sisters always looking out for each other."