Lizzie and the Rebel

by Stephy Smith

  “What would you like served for the meal?” Polly kept her voice calm. There was still a slight edginess radiating from her.

  Frank walked in the room after his short nap. He took a seat next to Lizzie. “Are you all holding a family meeting without me?”

  “We’re planning your wedding, now hush,” Hannah commanded. Lizzie positioned the chair for Frank to sit in.

  “Something in the vicinity of deer would be fine. The stable hands know where to hunt them. How many do you need to feed the town, Polly?”

  Overwhelming dread devoured Lizzie. “I only want enough to feed the family and a few special friends. Most of the townspeople can have refreshments at the reception.” Polly set her pen to paper and furiously scribbled words on the page. She stood and took her leave from the room.

  “It would be nice in the garden out front. Frank and I can come down the double stairs and join on the landing where they meet.”

  Frank agreed to the idea. “If the weather turns bad, we can have it in the family room. It’s large enough to hold the town.” Frank winked at Lizzie.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll make the arrangements to have the photographer present. Oh, I need a time and date,” Elijah said, and sat once more.

  “Did Mary say she would be returning home in a week?” Frank asked.

  “Yes.” Lizzie cocked her head to the side.

  Mindful of the long, tedious train ride with the children, Frank asked Lizzie, “How about three days after their return? Do you think they would be rested from the trip?”

  “I believe so. It’ll take Mary’s mind off the exam. Will she have to wait for an answer, or will they tell her as soon as she’s finished?” Lizzie twisted to Elijah.

  “She’ll know before she comes home. After the test, they post it on the public board so everyone can see.”

  “Good. I told Abel to wire ahead to let us know the results if they get them. I would like to have the unveiling of the sign when they return and her congratulations party at the same time. I think the two of them have earned their own ‘family’ party. Will the sign be finished by the time they get back?”

  “I finished it this morning.” Frank nudged Lizzie.

  “Oh, dear,” Hannah said, in deep thought.

  “What is it, Mother?” Jean asked.

  “Where in blazes are we going to get fresh flowers?”

  “No problem, Hannah. Abel has been growing roses in the greenhouse for years. They are in constant bloom out there. That was the first place Dad took him when he brought him home. Abel was amazed at the blooming flowers and the shelter from the winter. It took Dad two weeks to convince Abel to sleep in the house and not out there with those roses.” Lizzie harbored the memory. “Come, I’ll show you.”

  The group casually walked to the large greenhouse out behind the mansion and storage room. The strong aroma met their noses before they reached the structure.

  Opening the door, Lizzie waited until all had entered.

  “I have never seen the likes of such perfectly formed roses in winter. These are, by far, the most outstanding beauties I have ever laid eyes on,” Hannah squealed.

  “They most certainly are. I’m sure Abel is the best rose grower in the country.” Jean glanced at Betty.

  “Just look at how many there are. These bushes are loaded with buds and blooms.” Betty reached to grab a thorny stem.

  The thrill of discovery by the women filled the beautiful enclosure. Eyes shone with serenity as hands reached to touch delicate petals. The red, white, pink, and yellow reflected from the opaque sides of the building.

  “Even my garden club back home would have to agree these are the most perfect roses I’ve ever come across,” Hannah said. “Do you think Abel will allow me out here sometime?”

  “He will be thrilled to display his gardening talents to appreciative fellow gardeners,” Lizzie said.

  “How did you know I like rose gardens?”

  Putting on her most educated, high-class manner Lizzie said, “Surely you jest, Hannah. A woman of your stature and social climbing, one who gave up the peaceful existence in the country to city life, couldn’t possibly survive without the appreciation of the pure art of nature and keep her mind.”

  Bart’s roar surrounded the teasing atmosphere taking place in the encasement. “She has you down pretty good, I would say.”

  “Yes, Mother. You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.” Frank chuckled with his father.

  “I can’t wait for spring,” Hannah said as they followed the brick garden path back to the house. “I bet this is paradise. I don’t think I’m going to miss Texas as much as I thought I would.”

  “You may want to give that a little longer, Mother. You live in the house you grew up in. At this moment, everything is new,” Betty said. “I, on the other hand, will never miss Texas as long as I’m beside my Elijah.”

  “Oh brother,” Jean said under her breath, and rolled her eyes. Hannah elbowed her in the ribs with a sideways glance of warning.

  Sitting back at the dining table, Polly said, “I’ve got the meal planned, and the reception will be in the ballroom on the third floor. We’ll need ushers to escort the guests?”

  “There’s a ballroom? Would you take me to see it?” Betty’s eyes beamed with glory.

  Pausing at the steps, Lizzie stood for a moment and led the way up the stairs. She threw open the double doors to the huge room with four fireplaces framed by the matching white marble mantles. Beautiful gold, velvet curtains pooled on the floor below the windows. A grand piano stood in the far corner. Three chandeliers suspended from a sculpted ceiling.

  Hands flew to the mouths of the women who fought to control the shrieks of overwhelming awe as the men braced themselves, waiting for the clamor to die down. Although the men’s reactions were more repressed than the women’s, they were still inspired by the elegant gallantry of the room.

  “Do you have any more secret rooms in this place? I would like you to shock my family into heart attacks,” Frank jokingly whispered in Lizzie’s ear. His breath tickle her neck. Goose bumps traveled her body.

  “There is one other room I would like to show you. It’s the drawing room.” Lizzie bowed her head. “It’s not as elegantly decorated as the rooms you have visited thus far.” She led the way across the ballroom floor to a room half its size. With the handle in reach, she twisted it. The door creaked open on its own. She stepped back, prepared for a grunt of disapproval.

  The walls were lined with portraits, landscapes, and still life paintings of flowers, fruit and wildlife. The speechless group lined in front of the beautiful paintings. They appraised each piece of artwork before they moved to the next, as if memorizing every stroke of the artist. A pain shot across her chest as she held her breath until Frank touched her elbow.

  She raised her questioning eyes to his. He responded in a hushed voice full of emotions. “Where did you get these? They must be worth millions.”

  Lizzie lowered her lashes as the blush rose then subsided. “I assure you, they are not worth millions. My brothers, sisters, and I painted them.”

  “My family is schooled in the arts. It’s one of their main past times. I’ve never seen them so quiet when looking at paintings. These are the best I have ever laid my eyes on. I dabble in oil myself, but these are full of life.” Frank caught his breath. Lizzie’s eyes grew large and fixed on him.

  “What would you sell this collection for?” Bart said. “These are worth a fortune. Do you know the artist?”

  Frank cleared his throat. His mother and father twisted to Frank’s pointing finger.

  “You painted these?” Hannah gave Lizzie a long, admiring look.

  “In the winter when we came to the mansion, my brothers, sisters, and I had to take painting lessons along with our other lessons. These were all painted by one of us. Mother insisted on hanging them.” Lizzie glanced around the room. Her eyes misted.

 
“Is there anything you don’t do?” Marcus asked.

  “I can play the piano. When Mother had to prove herself to the town, she swore her children would be schooled in the same arts as other children Father told her about.” Lizzie’s eyes darted nervously from one person to the other.

  “You never cease to amaze me,” Bart said.

  “As long as you’re living here, you can use whatever this mansion has to offer. You can redecorate the rooms if you like.” Lizzie swept a stray strand of hair from her eyes. “If any of you get the notion to relax and dabble in the paints,” she pointed her finger to a door, “there are supplies in that closet. You’re also welcome to the piano if you play.” Her days of painting and pounding on the piano had long since passed. She glanced at the family.

  “We may take you up on your offer. Are you sure you wouldn’t mind us displaying some of this art in the patients’ rooms. Sometimes the ill need a little coaxing from a homey atmosphere to help them cope with their illnesses. It seems to sooth their worries.” Bart raised his brows.

  “Whatever you need to make your clients happy, use it. Otherwise, it will hang on this wall unnoticed by anyone except those who enter this room.” Lizzie tipped her head at Bart.

  Chapter Fourteen

  A telegram arrived to announce Mary was a certified teacher. The mansion was in full swing with guests waiting on the front lawn for the carriage to bring the new teacher and her family home.

  Banners hung from the second floor balcony along with the veiled sign suspended by ropes. The pops and creaks floated on the soft breeze.

  The carriage brought Mary and Abel’s family to a stop. They stepped into the waiting arms of Lizzie and Frank. The cheers from the crowd drowned out any words they might have said to one another.

  Betty stepped up to take the baby, and Elijah reached down for the boys. Frank escorted Mary, and Lizzie escorted Abel to the decorated landing where the twin stairs met.

  Bowing to Mary, Frank placed her hand in the crook of Abel’s muscular arm. Bart stood beside Abel, facing the crowd, and said, “It is my honor to present the name and unveiling of the sign of this fine establishment with the help of Abel George.” Bart caught the rope, placed it in Abel’s hand and motioned him to pull the covering to reveal the sign.

  Astonishment caught in Abel’s and Mary’s eyes as they stood reading the sign. The Abel and Mary George Hospital and School was painted with intricate designs bordering the words. The pair’s glowing face showed their approval. Mary and Abel hugged each other and nodded to thank their friends and family.

  A few hours later, the crowd parted. Abel and Mary sat at the long dining room table with cups of tea in front of them.

  After cleaning the yard, the family grouped together. Now would be a perfect time to welcome Mary and Abel home. Lizzie led the group to the dining room to meet the returning couple.

  “The garden house is a beautiful school, but what did you do with Abel’s garden tools?” Mary’s brows furrowed.

  “They’re in the storage shed. Remember, we brought the furniture in for the hospital?” Frank touched Mary’s arm.

  Abel shook his head and said, “Thank you.”

  “I’ll furnish new desks, slates, and other items you’ll need. Take your list to Mrs. Lovelace to fill your order, and have her put them on my tab. I spoke to her and she’s expecting your order.” Lizzie squeezed Mary’s arm.

  “When’s the wedding? Have you made arrangements for it yet?” Mary’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

  “In three days. Will you be rested by then?” Lizzie clasped Frank’s arm.

  “Yes, we will!” Abel yelled, slapping Frank on the back. Mary touched his arm and Abel covered his mouth, realizing he was too loud.

  “Something is different in here.” Mary concentrated on what it could be.

  Pointing to Lizzie, Abel gazed at the wall. “You!”

  Mary asked with innocence, “What, Abel? What is it?”

  “Lizzie paint,” he said, pointing at the portraits on the wall. He rose and stood, staring at his adoptive parents, then paused in front of the portrait of himself.

  His laughter died down when his gaze settled on a new portrait. One he had never seen before. His Mary hung next to him.

  With tears in his eyes, Abel ran to Lizzie, yanked her to her feet, and hugged her so tightly she thought she would lose consciousness. “I love you, sister.”

  For many years Lizzie had longed to hear Abel’s voice. She’d wondered so many times what he was thinking, if he had problems she could help him with, and how he felt about the family. He loved them, but at times, she could tell he needed someone to talk with. Cherished memories of the life they had together remained with her. Now, he had Mary to teach him, love him, and their children to make his life complete.

  Lizzie nodded to Mary. “I’m so happy for you. You fulfilled your dreams of having a family, a career, and a man who will love you to the end of time. You are one lucky woman, Mary George.”

  Over the next two days, lightness filled the air in the mansion. Everyone was involved in preparing for the wedding. Everywhere Lizzie went, the hush-hush atmosphere greeted her. She wondered what this special family was hiding.

  Jamey had been released from the hospital. She and Marcus would be leaving for Texas. They’d married days ago when they had suddenly disappeared for a few days. Jamey and Marcus had already fulfilled their part of the wedding plans for Frank and Lizzie. They deserved a break before the big day. In addition, it got them out of the way so the others could finish their tasks in peace.

  Betty and Elijah had run off to marry the week before Jamey and Marcus. Both couples voiced their opinions. In their minds, one big wedding in a lifetime was enough for them, and they were glad they weren’t the recipients. All four agreed if anyone should have to be thrown to the lions it should definitely be Lizzie and Frank.

  They didn’t want to draw attention away from the big event of the true wedding couple. The two couples had avoided a scene by eloping.

  The final additions on food and decorations took up the three days, and passed quickly. As quick as the days passed, today of all days, lingered for Lizzie. Happiness, tears, and nervous energy ran rapidly around the mansion. Men carried tables; women placed fresh cut roses along stair casings.

  The knock on the door set Lizzie motionless. She sat in her room for hours on end listening to the hubbub filter in. She knew it was her escort to take her to the landing. Logical behavior sent her heart pounding in her chest. Her hands were so unstable she almost lost grip of the bouquet she held in them.

  Lizzie and Frank were to descend the winding stairs, joining each other on the platform below where a minister waited. She concentrated on every step, spellbound to her destination. The sight of Frank sent her head spiraling. His taut chest strained against the fabric of his snow-white shirt and black suit jacket. His thighs rippled with muscles under black fabric at each step. They made their descent. His eyes glowed with an undeniable passion.

  Frank’s breath sucked from his lungs when he spotted Lizzie on the balcony. The liquid blue of her eyes warmed his soul. Her green dress shimmered in the sunlight as they made the descent.

  His strong desire to be near her made him drunk with emotions, strong enough to reach the deep recesses of his essence. Mastering the decline of the stairs proved to be a chore for his weakened knees. His eyes pulled toward his woman.

  The crowd below sat in unwavering silence and the pair made the long walk to the landing below. Lizzie leaned into Frank and he thought they would both crumble into tiny pieces.

  The smell of roses floated from Lizzie’s hair and filled his senses with her sweet aroma. His heart swelled with pride as he gazed upon her perfectly formed face.

  Her arm wrapped tightly around his and he tried to steady the trembling of their arms. Her soft skin burned tingles into his as they clung to each other for comfort. He tried to push out the glaring eyes of the guests below.

  “
I do.” Abel’s voice boomed through the tops of trees when the questioned was asked, “who gives this bride away?” His shining smile and pride filled eyes added warmth to Frank’s heart. Abel joined Lizzie’s hand with Frank’s. With a steady grip on their hands, he patted them together and stepped back to the far side of Frank.

  It was late afternoon, the sky clear with a slightly cooler breeze than most guests were comfortable with; but for the most part, everyone was happy. The feast of deer roast and fresh vegetables Abel had grown, topped with luscious brown gravy and fresh baked bread, was served to the multitude.

  Ushers escorted guests to the ballroom where a reception and dance took full bloom. Polly sat at the piano, eyes closed, swaying with notes as her fingers danced across the keys. Dancers took to the floor with most waiting for the next song to begin.

  Frank and Lizzie enjoyed the lively festivities as best they could. Frank leaned into Lizzie, more interested in her than the atmosphere around them.

  He let out a sigh, his heart filled with happiness and contentment. He was ready to make a swift getaway to the cabin where he could be alone with his wife.

  Taking a break from the endless chatter, a crowded dance floor, and never ending interruptions, Lizzie and Frank walked down the stairs to the dining room. One moment of peace w WWhere they could enjoy a few moments alone from the long, joyous day, was all they needed.

  Abel and Mary had the children standing in front of the portraits. Abel held his son’s eye level with the pictures hanging on the wall. “Grandma, Grandpa, Mama, Dada.” The young boy’s voices rang out.

  “Mary, my Mary,” Abel pointed to the new portrait. He displayed white teeth through his upturned lips.

  “My mama,” one of the boys countered.

  “It’s my mama,” said the other one. Mary’s soft laughter sang in the air.

  Frank led Lizzie and they slipped out the front door, not wanting to disrupt the serenity of the quiet family get-together.

  On a tiny bench tucked in an alcove, Frank and Lizzie sat holding hands. “I didn’t know this bench was here,” Frank said.