A Stitch in Time

by Susette Williams

  “That sounds perfect.” Mother clasped her hands together.

  “But what about me?” Olivia’s bottom lip curled in a pout. “Shouldn’t they have to take me out for the day if they want my dress? That way, my dress and I can have one last fun day together.”

  “I’m sure that can be arranged,” Lizzie said, happy that her youngest sister wasn’t beyond bribery. “Provided Mother approves.”

  When Mother agreed, Olivia jumped up and down, causing her curly brown hair to bounce with her movements.

  Lizzie’s heart melted at her sister’s excitement. She treasured this time to experience having sisters. Her brothers would have pounced on her or blackmailed her forever if they knew she wanted something.

  “We could go for a walk in the park, and then stop for lunch.” Lillian clasped her hands. Her face lit up with excitement. It was hard to tell who was more excited—Lillian or Olivia.

  “Do you have a ball or something we could play with at the park?” Lizzie asked.

  “I could take my dolly for a stroll.” Olivia ran off before Lizzie could respond.

  She was a bit too old to be pushing a doll around or playing with one. Playing ball would keep them active enough that she wouldn’t have to talk in depth with Lillian. Lizzie’s smile quivered as she stood. “We could take a picnic lunch.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea.” Lillian stood. “I’ll help you prepare it.”

  While Lillian and Lizzie sat on a black wrought iron bench, Olivia knelt on a blanket in the grass and played with her doll, Miss Mayberry. Olivia thought Miss Mayberry might be cold, so she put a sweater on her and wrapped her in a pink blanket.

  Lizzie smiled.

  “I’ve told you all about the quilt that I am making,” Lillian said. “Tell me about yours.”

  She shrugged. “It is going to have three different color flowers with five petals. The center of the flowers—” Lizzie paused, not wanting to tell Lillian about Jeremiah, in case the girl couldn’t keep a secret. “I’m using some dark blue fabric that a friend gave me.”

  “A friend?” Tears welled up in her eyes. “Is that why you haven’t had time for me?”

  “No.” Lizzie shook her head and sighed. “I’ve met someone, but Father doesn’t approve because he doesn’t have a college degree.”

  “A boy?” Lillian’s eyes lit up. “And you’ve been keeping him a secret?” Lillian squealed. “You should know it’s safe to tell me about him, Elizabeth Ruth Ambrewster.”

  Unfortunately, she didn’t know, and she didn’t like her full name being used, or being called by her great-great-grandmother’s last name. “Well, I’m telling you now, and he has a sister named Ruth.”

  Lillian became like an animated child whom you’d just told them they were getting a puppy. “Her name is the same as your middle name.” Her face contorted into a frown. “You aren’t making this up, are you?”

  Lizzie shook her head. “No, and Ruth agreed to help me learn how to sew, which has also given us an excuse for her brother to be around.”

  “You know…” A smile creased Lillian’s face. “…if he happened to have a brother or a friend my age, we could tell your parents that he was courting me and that he had to help chaperone. That way you could also be my chaperone. Then we could all go out on adventures together. Think of all the fun we would have.”

  Her great-great-grandmother’s friend was incorrigible. Lillian was funny and very likeable. “Jeremiah has a friend in town that he stays with sometimes. Perhaps I could see if he would introduce the two of you.”

  Without warning, Lillian’s arms flew around Lizzie. She was giddier than a kid at Christmas. “Thank you.”

  Lizzie hoped she wouldn’t come to regret her decision to fix Lillian up with one of Jeremiah’s friends. Hopefully he would realize it was for his benefit as well as Lizzie’s.

  Chapter Fourteen

  July 4, 1904

  L illian joined Lizzie’s family on their overnight trip to the World’s Fair for the fourth of July. They’d even talked Father into letting them spend the afternoon with Lillian’s male suitor, who happened to be Jeremiah’s friend, Thomas.

  Lizzie hadn’t known any other blind dates to work out before, but Thomas and Lillian were suited for each other. His wide-eyed innocence and boisterous enthusiasm mirrored Lizzie’s personality. With the two of them dating for the past month, made it easier for Lizzie to see Jeremiah.

  Although, once Father realized that Thomas was Jeremiah’s friend, he gave Lizzie a disapproving look. More than a hundred years later, fathers would still be giving their children those looks, but it wouldn’t be as affective. Which is why Lizzie so easily shirked it off. Her great-great-grandmother’s happiness could be at stake, but how would that change her future? If she never made it back, she’d be doomed to live out this life—which became less and less gloomy every day.

  She squeezed the small wrapped box in her right hand as she and Lillian headed down to the hotel lobby to meet Jeremiah and Thomas. Jeremiah turned twenty-three today. His birthday was what motivated her a few weeks ago to beg Father to go to the fair for the holiday. The promise of a wonderful fireworks display was all it took to convince Mary Margaret and Olivia to help persuade him. Lizzie waited nearly a week after Father had agreed to suggest that Lillian come along. Mother had been so happy that the girls were spending time again, she petitioned Father to give in—even though this was supposed to be a family trip.

  “There they are,” Lillian practically squealed. “Thomas is so handsome.”

  Thomas and Jeremiah were both dressed in charcoal gray suits, something Lizzie had grown accustomed to. She wished she had the ability to make or buy Jeremiah a pair of blue jeans. He would have been more comfortable than wearing a suit all day in the heat—not that she enjoyed wearing a long dress either, although the navy-blue dress with white lace was fitting for the holiday. She’d pared it with a small red reticule, making her ensemble even more patriotic.

  “Hello,” Jeremiah was the first to speak. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, then smiled and put his hands in his trousers. “How are both of you today?”

  Lizzie’s face warmed. She couldn’t help smiling like a silly school girl. Her hand with the present darted out awkwardly. “Happy Birthday.”

  “Thank you.” Jeremiah accepted the present and hugged her.

  “That’s right,” Thomas said. “How could I forget it was your birthday? It’s not like thousands of people have come here to celebrate with you at the fair.”

  Everyone chuckled.

  “And instead of birthday candles, you’ll have fireworks.” Lizzie wished she could have made Jeremiah a cake. Perhaps they’d stumble across a place that sold cupcakes today.

  “Open your present.” Lillian beamed. You would have thought the gift was for her.

  Lizzie had fun keeping the actual gift a secret, refusing to give Lillian any hints, or tell her unless she guessed the right answer. The closest she’d come to guessing was to suggest it was cufflinks.

  Thomas and Lillian stared intently as Jeremiah carefully removed the blue and white wrapping paper from the box. The wide-eyed enthusiasm and innocence of her friends was endearing.

  Jeremiah’s jaw dropped, and his eyes widened when he took the lid off the box. He pulled out the silver pocket watch she’d given him.

  “I don’t know what to say… It’s incredible.” Warmth filled his eyes. “Thank you.”

  For a moment time stood still as their gazes locked. She saw love in his eyes, the same love she felt in her heart. In the past three months, they’d transitioned from total strangers on a train, to falling in love. It wasn’t something she meant to happen, but it did.

  If she were honest with herself, she’d admit that her only desire to work on the quilt any more was to have adventures to go on with Jeremiah in search of their conquest for the other fabrics. She enjoyed her time with Lillian as they each worked on their own sewing project. Lillian hoped to win the
contest at the World’s Fair. Lizzie’s original intent was to get back home. Now—she didn’t know.

  Jeremiah smiled as he inspected his gift, running his thumb over the intricate engraved detailing.

  “I’d noticed your other pocket watch was older and the glass had a small crack.” Lizzie’s voice trembled.

  “Thank you for the very thoughtful gift.” Jeremiah tipped her chin up to look at her. “If we were alone, I would kiss you.”

  Lizzie smiled. “I wish we were.”

  Jeremiah leaned closer. “Such talk from a lady.”

  His cheeks would turn red if he knew how deeply she longed to kiss him. “We’d best get going. Father said it’s close to seven blocks to the fairgrounds.”

  “I wish we could walk barefooted,” Lillian said.

  If Lillian saw the future, she would faint. While she’d love to walk barefooted, or wear cute sandals and tennis shoes, Lillian would gasp at how revealing clothing had become. Lizzie chuckled envisioning Lillian dressed in bikini or short shorts, her hands scurrying to cover her exposed flesh. “It won’t be so bad if we talk while we walk.”

  The walk to the fair turned out to not be bad at all, compared to all the exhibits they visited. Lizzie couldn’t believe she actually got to see and touch the Liberty Bell. There were too many exhibits to visit in a day, or even a week.

  For dinner, they promised to meet Lizzie’s family at Jeremiah’s aunt’s restaurant. Lizzie’s stomach grumbled as they headed to meet her family. She enjoyed looping her arms around his as they walk. It was old-fashioned and cute. She smiled at Lillian and Thomas walking the same way in front of them, Thomas’ arm bent, and his elbow extended for Lillian to hold too.

  “I wish Father could meet your parents,” Lizzie said.

  “So, do I.” Jeremiah’s breath expelled slowly. “But if your father doesn’t approve of my position, he may not approve of my father being a miner.”

  Lizzie’s lips pursed. Her grip on Jeremiah’s arm tightened a fraction. “I promise I’ll try to talk to him again and get him to see that it doesn’t matter what type of work a person does as long as they’re providing for their family.”

  Jeremiah snickered. “Your father expects more. I can tell by the way he looks at me.”

  “Well, I don’t care what he thinks.” Lizzie’s nose jutted a fraction. “It’s not like we’ve even discussed a future together, and if we did, it’s nobody’s business but ours.”

  When they arrived at the restaurant, Lizzie’s parents and sisters were already seated at a table. Jeremiah and Thomas greeted her mother before shaking her father’s hand. Then the boys pulled another table over so that they could all sit together. Mother insisted that Lizzie sit next to her so that she could show Lizzie a swatch of the fabric that she was having curtains made from.

  Jeremiah held the seat out for Lizzie and scooted it in as she sat—a chivalrous act she silently enjoyed.

  “Why don’t you sit next to me, Jeremiah?” Father said before Jeremiah could take the seat next to Lizzie.

  She exchanged a brief glance with Jeremiah before he did as her father instructed.

  A waitress came to their table and took their order. Mother was about to pull out her sample of fabric when Jeremiah’s aunt approached the table.

  His aunt said hello to Jeremiah and introduced herself to Lizzie’s parents before coming to hug Lizzie’s neck. “You’ve got a mighty fine daughter,” his aunt said. “I’ve enjoyed getting to spend some time with her the last couple of months.”

  Father’s eyebrow arched as he looked quizzically at Lizzie.

  She met his gaze. Part of her wanted to sink beneath the table, the obstinate part of her screamed, I’m an adult and can do what I want to do.

  “I’m hopeful my daughter has set a good example,” Father said.

  “She’s a pure delight.” Jeremiah’s aunt smiled. “I best be getting back to the kitchen to get your supper ready.”

  “Thank you,” Father said. His attention turned to Jeremiah.

  Lizzie held her breath a moment but realized there was nothing she could do and nowhere to hide. As her grandmother always said, “let the chips fall where they may.” She would deal with that fallout later.

  “Don’t you just love this fabric?” Mother’s voice broke through Lizzie’s thoughts. “I’m going to have curtains made for the sitting room and maybe a couple pillows for the sofa.”

  Gasping, Lizzie grabbed the swatch from her mother’s hand. “That’s it.

  A light cream background, with what reminded Lizzie of a paisley design. There were multiple shades of green swirling leaves with burgundy, orange and a mustard color flowers—a very outdated design. The fabric was thicker than the other fabrics she was using to make the quilt.

  She smiled as she rubbed the fabric between her fingers. “I need a yard of this for the quilt.”

  “I guess we could stop back by the shop after dinner,” Mother said.

  “Thank you, Mother.” Lizzie hugged her. “I can’t wait to get back home and start cutting out this fabric. Then I’ll only have one more fabric I need. Maybe they’ll have that at the shop you got this from too?”

  Mother’s face looked downcast. “I’m afraid you’ll have to wait awhile around six weeks.”

  Lizzie’s eyes widened. “Six weeks?”

  “I’m sorry, sweetie, and I have more bad news.” Mother gently stroked Lizzie head with her hand. “The whole reason I went into that store was to look for the fabric you told me about, the one that woman’s dress was made from. They didn’t have it.” Mother offered an apologetic smile. “Since we were already looking at fabric, I saw this one and decided to have curtains made.”

  “It’s all right,” Lizzie said. “If you hadn’t of looked for me, you wouldn’t have found this one. So, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, dear.”

  Mother was thoughtful, but Lizzie still couldn’t get over the fact that it would take six weeks to get the fabric. That meant it wouldn’t arrive until mid-August, and she still had to finish making the quilt which was taking longer than she expected.

  Chapter Fifteen

  F ather had shown his disapproval upon returning from the family trip to the World’s Fair. The most frustrating part was his refusal to discuss it on the way home. Then when he flat out refused to let her see Jeremiah again—like he somehow had control over what she did at her age—infuriated her. Which he also refused to talk about.

  How did so many marriages survive in the 1900s if men had attitudes like this? Thankfully, Jeremiah listened and cared how she felt.

  This week, she decided to make the best of her time at home at night by working on her quilt since she couldn’t hang out with her friend. Lillian spent most of her evenings with Thomas. Lizzie wished she had the same opportunity with Jeremiah, but he lived in St. Louis and helped out at home. As strange as it was, she missed spending time with Lillian, or having the opportunity to go out on double-dates with her friend.

  Lizzie skipped going to the train station twice that week to keep the peace in their home. Guilt niggled at her on the days that she did sneak off to the train depot to catch a couple minutes with Jeremiah before the train had to leave.

  Friday, he’d told her he wished to speak with her father. She didn’t know why. They didn’t have long to discuss it, so she’d told him they would talk about it more on Sunday, after church. When she came home from the train station, she went in search of Mother.

  Lizzie found her in the sitting room. “Mother?”

  Mother looked up from the catalogue she was viewing. “Yes, dear?”

  Butterflies danced in her stomach. If she couldn’t talk to Father, perhaps Mother would be a go-between. Lizzie sat down on the settee next to Mother. “I’d like for Jeremiah to join us for lunch Sunday.”

  Mother’s brown eyes looked weary. “I think it is too soon to approach Father on this.”

  “Don’t you think it would be good for them to get to kno
w each other?”

  “I’ve already invited guests for lunch Sunday, and if you promise to do two things for me, I’ll talk to your father about Jeremiah coming to dinner next Sunday. What do you say?” Mother asked.

  Lizzie smiled. That sounded promising—a compromise. “Sure.”

  “Good.” Mother returned her smile. “Mrs. Adams and her grandson are joining us for lunch. I would like for you to meet him and keep him company this week during his visit since he doesn’t know anyone besides his grandmother.”

  “You want me to babysit?”

  “No.” Her mother laughed. “He’s twenty-four, surely old enough to fend for himself.”

  “Then why do I have to keep him company?”

  “So that he’s not lonely and has a good time and wants to come back and see his grandmother more often.” Mother frowned. “Who knows how many more years his grandmother has left. I don’t think it is asking too much for you to help her out.”

  “Jeremiah is expecting me to go out with him Sunday, and we’re going to be with Lillian and Thomas. Not to mention, Monday is Jeremiah’s day off.” Lizzie stared at her hands in her lap. “Can’t I wait to show her grandson around until Tuesday?”

  “I think you already know the answer to that.” Mother put her arm around Lizzie’s shoulders. “Sunday’s meal is the time for a proper introduction.”

  For months, Lizzie dreamed of getting back to her real life. It had taken her time to adjust to this era and what seemed like backwards ways at times. She’d learned things were more about formalities and proper etiquette. If she were back in her timeline, she could easily ignore her mother’s request. Mainly because she didn’t live at home. But here, now, she needed to make some concessions.

  Lizzie nodded reluctantly.

  Sunday morning, Lillian ran up to greet Lizzie outside of church when Lizzie’s family arrived. Lillian beamed like a school girl, excited as ever. She must have had something she was dying to share.