by Carolyn Bond
The carriage ride was long and by the time they got to the edge of Lexington, Lily’s stomach was growling. Her back ached from the hard wooden seat and all the bouncing as the wheels hit ruts. She glanced at Bettie and saw she was lost in thought.
“I’m pretty well tired of this carriage ride,” she offered up.
Bettie focused back on reality, “Oh sure. It’s a long ride. You must be getting tired. Eileen will put out a nice spread for us, I’m sure.”
That sounded nice. Lily thought about how that would play out. She thought about the times her friends had come over and they would just go to the Mexican restaurant. “No one put out any spread,” she chuckled to herself.
The carriage pulled up a narrow street lined with Victorian homes. Every house had freshly painted trim accenting perfect stone masonry with sparkling windows. It was the most perfectly kept historic street she had ever seen, except it wasn’t historic yet.
The carriage slowed and they pulled to the curb in front of a two-story home. Black doors flanked with topiary trees rose above the front stairs. Lily saw a face dart from the window just before the doors swung open. A tiny woman glided down the steps followed by a tall man in a black suit trying to keep up. Lily assumed he must be a butler the way the woman nearly ran over him to get out the door.
The carriage rocked as the driver disembarked. Lily reached for a handle to steady herself. She was more convinced than ever that shock absorbers were invented as a necessity after life in this bumpy world. The carriage door swung open with a squeak of the hinge and a man’s hand presented itself.
“You go ahead, Bettie. I don’t know her.” Lily said softly.
“Oh, honey, she will love you. Don’t you worry.” Bettie sprang up and took the man’s hand. Then all at once, she slowed down and lightly stepped from the carriage.
Lily took her lead and did the same after taking the butler’s hand. Eileen was tiny. Lily couldn’t get over how small everyone was in this time.
The two ladies hugged and laughed at the delight of seeing each other again. “Oh, my word, Bettie, how long has it been?” Eileen said.
“Too long! Would you look at how you haven’t aged a day?” said Bettie.
“Now, Bettie, four babies have had their way with my figure since I saw you last. So you keep your indulging words to yourself!”
The two of them held both hands and looked at each other. “Eileen, it’s wonderful to see you again!” Bettie beamed with delight.
Turning to Lily, “Introduce me to your friend? I can’t wait to meet her!” said Eileen.
Bettie reached for Lily to bring her in close, “This is my sweet cousin Lily from Frankfort. She has been staying with us a while. She’s been teaching at the school. And,” she stretched out the word, “she is engaged to my vigorous farm hand, Evan McEwen.” Bettie winked at Lily and then made a duck lips expression at Eileen.
Both of them smiled with wide eyes and took Lily by the hand. They acted like giddy school girls laughing and hugging.
Eileen became the voice of reason, “Well, you both must be famished and worn out. I have a nice buffet set out for you to refresh yourself and then we will have a good visit. Let’s go inside.” She motioned for them to make their way inside.
The buffet was grander than any dinner buffet Lily had ever been to. Besides the dizzying array of food, the china and silverware were like something you would only see in a museum. Each piece of silverware looked like it was hand crafted into a unique shape with scrolled leaves and beaded designs. The china plates looked hand-painted with scenes of 18th century lovers walking in gardens and meadows. The closest thing she could associate it to was the elaborate DAR teas back when she was a junior member. Even so, they were a pale comparison to this.
The footman stood before Bettie with a plate and then waited. Lily watched to know what to do. Bettie would point at what she wanted and the footman would spoon some onto her plate. The footman took her plate to the table and then helped her to be seated. The footman did the same for Lily. Lastly, Eileen sat with them at the table with her plate. Lily hoped her modern good manners were good enough. She followed Bettie’s lead hoping she wouldn’t make a ghastly social faux pas.
They ate with light conversation until they were all satisfied and then retired to the sun room. The bright light from the windows and yellow striped fabric on the chairs gave the room a cheerful feeling.
When they all settled into their chairs, Eileen started the conversation, “So tell me about high society in Stephensport. What’s new there?”
Bettie paused and Lily understood now how much Bettie’s life had changed. Bettie had very little social life, certainly not anything as nice as even this visit, so far. “Well, darlin’,” Bettie started. “You know, I’m so busy with Carlton and the house, I hardly have time for socials.”
Eileen gave Bettie a heavy look of pity.
“Don’t you start with that sympathy look. You know that I chose my life. I chose William despite all convention. And we are fine. It’s just a different life than how it was. I love my William with all my heart and wouldn’t trade one minute of my life for something else. As far as I’m concerned, I am the most fortunate woman alive.”
“I’m sorry, Bettie. I just wish you could have William and the life to which you were accustomed.”
“I understand that. I really do. But don’t waste a tear on that. I am the happiest I have ever been.” She smiled with her whole face and Lily knew she was telling the truth.
“All right then, so now tell me, Lily, how is it going at your school?”
Bettie interjected, “Now don’t sugar-coat it, darlin’. Eileen is well aware of the struggles in education.
Lily wished she could hear about Eileen’s struggles before she got into the frustrations of Stephensport. “Where to start? My biggest hurdle right now is getting the parents to believe that girls need to learn to read and write as much as the boys do.”
Apparently, that was all Eileen needed to commiserate. Her eyes rolled back in her head and she rested her wrist on her forehead. “Don’t I know it? If I had a penny for every time I have said that, I could open a free boarding school for every girl in this state!”
“So even here, in the city, you have the same issues?” Lily shook her head.
“Oh, most certainly. The wealthy girls get a fine education at private schools. The less fortunate girls are lucky to get past primary before they are pulled out. These families don’t realize there’s so much more these girls could be doing besides laundry or cooking.”
“Right!”
“Of course even if they did get through a complete education, it’s an uphill battle to get any man to realize they really can handle the work, though.”
“It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come,” Lily mumbled to herself thinking of the twenty-first century.
“How far we’ve come? I don’t think we have gotten anywhere. What do you mean?” Eileen asked.
“Oh! Right! I was being sarcastic.”
Eileen lowered her lids and looked down her nose at Lily skeptically. “You’re an odd girl, Lily.”
“I suppose I am. Sorry.”
Bettie interjected, “Now Eileen, she’s just tired. It’s been difficult in Stephensport. She has tried very hard to teach the girls to read and write and, even though the girls are all up for it, the parents and the town council is pitching a fit. William got a letter today from the council that said if she didn’t return to the previous curriculum, she was going to be asked to resign.”
“What are they so afraid of? Do they think the girls will take over the town?” said Lily.
“That’s exactly what they think. Women will be taking men’s jobs to start with and before you know it, women won’t even want to get married,” said Bettie.
“They don’t give themselves much credit, do they? I mean, are they that afraid of relying on a girl falling in love with them instead of just needing their money?” said Eileen.
The door opened quickly, banging into the chair railing molding on the wall with a crack. All three women jumped in their seats. Eileen sprang from her chair to see what happened.
A well-dressed man strode around the corner giving them all a cursory glance before spouting, “Eileen dear, I can’t be disturbed just now. You and your little friends will have to visit another time. I need quiet.” He pressed his lips together in annoyance.
“Of course dear,” Eileen curtseyed with a bob before turning back to Lily and Bettie, “Perhaps, you wouldn’t mind if I took them over to the Deshas’ for a while. I promise to be home before supper.”
It was a combination of asking him and her guests at the same time. Her husband didn’t bother to look at her while she spoke.
“You can do as you please as long as I am not disturbed,” he said as he headed toward the study.
Lily felt bad for her. He treated her like the hired help.
“Thank you, ladies. Bernard has a demanding job. He isn’t always like that.”
“No problem, Eileen. I would love to meet Mary Desha if she is home. What a treat!”
Eileen smiled gratefully. “Then let’s be on our way!”
***
Before long they were ushered into Miss Desha’s drawing room. They sat on the delicately curved chairs with blue velvet cushions welted into the dark wood.
“I had no idea she was back before the other day,” whispered Eileen. “She wasn’t there as long as she planned apparently. I’ve been meaning to pay her a visit to see what happened.”
A flurry of light footsteps was heard coming down the hall and the door opened wide. Lily tried to size up where the energy came from. The small woman stood before them with a warm smile as though she were delighted her best friends had come over. From what Eileen said about not knowing if Mary was in town, she knew Eileen could not have been a close friend. And yet, Mary appeared genuinely pleased to see them.
“Ladies! Welcome! I am so glad you are here. Your timing couldn’t be more perfect. I was just about to have tea and I really could use your input on something I am mulling over.”
“Oh, Mary! You are such a dear. I’d like to introduce my good friend Sarah Elizabeth Black. She’s called Bettie. She and I attended Transylvania Female Institute together, now Sayre, of course. And this is her cousin Lily Wallingsford. Lily is Bettie’s cousin from Frankfort and a school teacher.”
Mary didn’t miss a beat and smiled broadly at them both. “Well, am I just the luckiest lady ever to have you visit me? Please make yourselves at home. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.”
Lily immediately felt at ease. Mary Desha made her feel like they were long lost friends who’d been apart far too long. She marveled at the difference between hearing a lecture about a notable person in history or even watching an actor recreate a person versus being here in front of the real celebrity in the living and breathing flesh.
The four of them settled around a round table near the window overlooking a small garden with brick walls. Sparrows flitted around a bird bath outside under the long delicate dark arms of a Redbud tree with pink lavender blooms sprouting along every limb.
“My dear, Lily, how does your classroom in Stephensport fair?” Mary searched her eyes as though this was crucial information.
Lily swallowed hard, “The children are wonderful, eager to learn.”
Mary looked at her with a steadfastness that unsettled Lily. She clasped her hands in her lap to keep from fidgeting.
“That’s the first hurdle and it seems you have crossed it well. What is the real issue?”
“It’s the town. They think I am taking the girls away from their chores if I keep them at school too long. Or worse, if I teach them to read and do arithmetic, that the girls will be unmarriageable.”
“I see. Yes. Marriage isn’t the end all. I have managed myself quite well and plan to continue in this fashion without a husband. I do wish girls were not compelled to saddle themselves into a marriage at the first opportunity. That’s just my opinion. To each, her own.”
Bettie shot a glance at Eileen.
Mary continued, “However, you must persist in training the girls to think and read and do arithmetic. I can only venture to guess that a women who can think must be far more appealing than one who requires constant instruction for the simplest endeavor. Perhaps if you were to show how an educated female would be an asset to a man? Meet them at their level of thinking. If the townspeople can only find good in marrying off their daughters, then sell them on how an educated mind is a better investment for a man.”
“That’s a direction I have not tried. It would be a compromise.”
“And if that won’t work, we can just start our own school for girls and hide them away.”
Lily, Bettie and Eileen’s eyes got as big as saucers.
“I’m not serious, ladies! A little humor, that’s all. Of course it might move things along faster but I suppose we should refrain from kidnapping.” She laughed at her own joke.
“So, Mary,” said Eileen, “what are your plans now? Will you be going back to Alaska?”
She sighed, “I think not. Talk about some difficult people. Now, don’t misunderstand, there are lovely people in Sitka. The governor and his wife were a delight. However, the parents at the school didn’t share my opinion of how to handle mischievous little boys.” She shook her head. “No, it was a grand experience for which I am grateful, however, I will pursue other endeavors. I have a friend in Washington, D.C. that may be able to find me a post. She has connections in the Pension Office. I expect to get word any day now. I really feel like great things are coming for women in this country and it will start there in the heart of democracy.”
Lily smiled. “I’m sure you’re right, Mary. Its women like you that will lay the foundation of equality for all women.”
Mary looked at Lily as though lost in thought, finally answering, “It is only with great determination and zeal that we will ever make progress. We need a compass which will keep us from wavering on the journey. I’m still searching for it, and I believe it will come soon. Then we will hold it steadfastly and move forward.”
Lily smiled. The future of the Daughters of the American Revolution was sitting in front of her, still in Mary Desha’s mind. The other three founders were out there somewhere and within a year, they would come together and it would be born from their passion for this country and the desire to make a difference as women. History was happening right in front of her eyes.
“Mary, if I could teach the girls in my school one thing, what would you say is the most important?” said Lily.
“Oh now, let me think.” She drummed her fingers while she thought. “Yes, I have it! You must teach them to keep within them the spirit of freedom upon which this country was founded, and to forever continue learning so that they will have an enlightened opinion to secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their children. Yes, that is what’s most important.”
What a charge! Thought Lily. She thought Mary might say teach them literacy or teach them logic. This was a much greater mission than she had endeavored to fulfill before. She had tried to help them fully self-actualize through opportunity that education could bring. This was more of a mission that would set in motion a revolution of its own. It’s so much more than helping them become a doctor or a business owner.
Armed with this directive, Lily knew what she had to do. She couldn’t back down. She already knew where the country was going to be going. It wasn’t like she would be alone in her thinking. Even though the town might not be ready for progressive education, the country was.
She turned to see Bettie eyeing her, “Looks like you got your marching orders, Lily,” said Bettie.
Lily nodded.
“Then we will strap on our helmets and get going.”
When they left that afternoon, Lily watched Mary Desha wave them off from her front porch. It was so hard to believe she had spent the
afternoon with her, in her home, sipping tea and discussing patriotism and the cost of liberty.
It seemed so simple to Mary. The “self” movement of the twentieth century seemed so petty from this side. Not that there wasn’t good reason to follow one’s dreams like Evan had coming to America, but to make everyone’s dream come true, she realized people must never cease to strive for intelligent citizenship in order to keep this democracy going.
They went by Eileen’s and gave her a tearful goodbye. Then the carriage turned toward Versailles and began the long trip to the Versailles Inn. As they left the edge of the city of Lexington, Lily’s thoughts turned to Evan. She missed him. She wondered what he would think of her ideas for teaching the girls in Stephensport. Her thoughts muddled together as images of him beside her on the blanket under the tree crept into her mind. She could feel the heat of his touch in her mind as she remembered. She closed her eyes and lost herself in the day dream.
“You getting tired, darlin’?” Bettie’s voice crept into Lily’s daydream.
“What?” Lily’s eye’s batted open. “Oh, I suppose so.” She lied.
Bettie smiled. “You don’t have to fool me, honey. It hasn’t been that long since I was a smitten young girl.” She paused a minute. “Oh wait. I still am!” she laughed at herself.
***
At the Versailles Inn, Everleigh and Malcolm joined them for dinner. Malcolm and Everleigh hung on each other’s words. They couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
“You all still act like newlyweds!” Lily laughed.
Everleigh smiled and said, “I feel like we are. The feeling never fades.” She turned and looked at Malcolm who had the same dewy look on his face.
“I hate to tear you both apart, but I wanted to speak to Everleigh privately if that’s okay,” Lily said.
“Oh, sure! Come on. Let’s sit on the porch.” Everleigh kissed Malcolm and then she and Lily filed out of the dining room.
They settled into a wicker love seat before Everleigh asked, “So what’s up?”