by Mercy Levy
“Lexi, I know you can hear me.” Mrs. Winter said from behind the door. “Breakfast is only good while it’s hot and today we’re going to Mrs. Flynn’s for tea. I expect your clean smiling face at the table in 5 minutes.” Mrs. Winter waited and then pounded on the door again to make sure Lexi was awake.
“Message received Mother. I’ll be down shortly.” Lexi sighed as she planted her stocking feet in her waiting slippers. Getting fully dressed for Mrs. Flynn’s would have to wait because it took so long. She pulled on a cream-colored frock for breakfast and pulled a brush through her hair, before scampering down to the dining room for breakfast.
****
“Good Morning Father, Mother.” Lexi took a seat at the table headed by Mr. Winter who had his nose in the newspaper.
“I had considered keeping my news a surprise, but I can no longer contain my excitement,” Mrs. Winter said. “Prepare yourself Lexi.”
Lexi expected earth shattering news like her Mother had come across a new fashionable dress. Penelope Winter was always concerned with appearances. “I cannot wait another moment Mother. The suspense is killing me,” Lexi joked.
“Barnabas Flynn is graduating from Harvard Law and that mousy girl he had been dating is a thing of the past. The door is wide open for you Lexi and all you have to do is flash those baby blues. He will undoubtedly have a place in Boston society and you will be by his side.” Mrs. Winter clapped her hands in excitement.
“I’m tired of being showed like a girl for sale. Barnabas is a nice boy, but he has little to offer in the way of travel and adventure.”
“Good luck finding a man on your own Lexi. You may as well be one of those mail order brides who head West with dreams of life on the frontier. Your sisters have done well for themselves thorough marriage and I’ve no doubt you will do the same.” Mrs. Winter had a serious look on her face, which meant she was determined. “Macy has your hair iron warming and she’ll deliver it to your room. I’ve had the peach and ivory dress laid out with your high boots.”
Lexi stood up from the table. “I’d best be getting ready. I have a show to put on and I don’t want to disappoint.” As Lexi walked out she grabbed the newspaper that her father had discarded. She wanted to check out the mail order bride advertisements that her Mother spoke of. She marched up to her bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Lexi primped and pulled her corset tight. The thought of going west grew more intriguing with each ringlet she formed and every time she applied rouge to her cheeks. A woman who called herself “The Preacher’s Wife” was looking for refined women to save men in West Texas from loneliness. Hmm, Lexi thought it was at least something to think about as she endured the afternoon at Mrs. Flynn’s.
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