Romance Through the Ages

by Amy Harmon

  “What do you think?” Gina asked.

  She turned and smiled. “Perfect. I’ll take it.”

  “Like we have a choice.” Gina laughed. “Let’s go have some tea.”

  They descended the stairs together and the housekeeper, Rochelle, brought in tea.

  Mr. and Mrs. Graydon only stayed a few moments before going off to meet friends. Gina pled a headache, so Eliza stayed behind with her. A cozy fire glimmered in the fireplace, and Eliza was content to sit and watch it while sipping her hot drink.

  “I feel so grown-up traveling Europe,” Gina said.

  “Somehow you look older.”

  “I hope that is a compliment.”

  Eliza laughed. “So, what are you going to do with all of your freedom tonight?”

  “I don’t know. Perhaps freedom is overrated. I’ll just do what you do.” She let out a sigh. “Cambridge is quite close, and surely there are plenty of eligible bachelors there. Maybe we can visit.”

  Eliza took another sip of her tea. “I already know one of those eager bachelors at Cambridge.”

  “Oh?” Gina asked, leaning forward. “Do tell.”

  “Nathaniel Prann.”

  “The one from Maybrook who proposed to you?” Gina asked.

  “One and the same.”

  “You know, love isn’t everything in a marriage,” Gina teased. “But since you’re obviously not in love with Nathaniel… who comes to mind when you think of love?”

  Immediately the image of Jon’s dark eyes and unruly hair appeared in Eliza’s mind.

  “Why, you’re blushing. Tell me his name. Is it another mysterious Puritan?”

  “I—It’s no one,” she stammered. “Just an ideal every woman carries, I suppose.”

  “Very well, keep your mystery man to yourself,” Gina said. “As for me, I’m going to scour the bookcases and find the most scandalous novel to read.”

  * * *

  The following morning, the sun was high in the sky by the time Eliza awoke. Stretching, she realized that it had been months since she’d slept so well, and without dreaming. She looked over at the other bed and saw that Gina had already risen.

  After wrapping her robe about her, Eliza went into the adjoining bathroom to brush her teeth. She gazed at her image in the mirror and fancied that she seemed older as well—perhaps twenty or twenty-one. She certainly felt wiser. After washing her face, she went downstairs in search of breakfast. Mr. and Mrs. Graydon were already gone, and Gina was reading in the parlor. Apparently she’d found quite a good gothic novel.

  “Oh, there you are,” Gina said. “Eggs and toast are in the kitchen. When you’ve finished come sit with me.”

  Eliza found the breakfast covered with a lid and still warm. She ate then joined Gina, who asked, “Did you sleep well?”

  “Like a dream.” Eliza stifled a yawn.

  Gina closed her book. “I have some good news. The funniest thing happened last night when my parents went to dinner.” A small smile crept to Gina’s lips. “They told me all about it this morning over breakfast. Last night, they were eating at the new restaurant down the street and couldn’t help but overhear what was being said at the table next to them.” She paused.

  “And…?” Eliza prompted.

  “It was a group of college students from Cambridge,” Gina continued. “My parents heard someone speaking like a Puritan.”

  “No,” Eliza said.

  “Yes. My parents were curious and got to talking to them. A young man at the table was none other than Nathaniel Prann.’”

  “You’re teasing.”

  “No.” Gina’s eyes danced with amusement. “My parents asked if he knew your family, and he pulled his chair over to their table and joined them for dinner. My mother said she thinks his thee’s and thou’s are simply charming.”

  Eliza was speechless. But there was no mistaking that it was Nathaniel whom Gina’s parents had spoken about. Her friend continued to talk; all Eliza heard was a faint murmur. What were the odds of this encounter? What did Nathaniel think when learning that she was in town? Had he received her letter?

  “…and he said he’d stop by this afternoon.”

  Eliza’s mouth fell open. “Here?”

  “Don’t look so surprised. Of course he wants to see you. I’m sure only as a friend, though,” Gina said, her voice teasing.

  Eliza began to feel lightheaded. Maybe Nathaniel hadn’t received her letter. “Did he say something about me?”

  Gina laughed. “He didn’t need to. My mother said it was written all over his face.”

  By afternoon, Eliza was pacing the floor of the bedroom, ignoring the fact Gina watched from the bed with amusement. Eliza wore a pale green dress, and her hair was piled on top of her head. What could she possibly say to Nathaniel?

  “Let me put a few ribbons in your hair,” Gina said.

  “No. I don’t want to look like I primped too much.”

  “Men don’t notice those things,” Gina said.

  “Then why do it?” Eliza faced her friend. “Look, there’s something you don’t know.”

  Gina clasped her hands together in eagerness. “Do tell.”

  “Nathaniel has proposed to me twice.” Eliza sighed and sank on the bed. “I’ve told him over and over that we are not meant for each other, but he won’t give up. Meeting him will encourage him further.” She groaned and covered her face with her hands.

  “Simply be honest with him,” Gina suggested, patting Eliza’s shoulder.

  “I have been, but he won’t take no for an answer,” Eliza said.

  “You must admit,” Gina said, “this all seems so romantic.”

  Eliza moaned.

  “Was that the doorbell? I think he’s here.”

  Eliza dropped her hands and reached for Gina’s arm. “What am I to say?”

  “Talk about the weather; that always works for me.” She flashed a smile.

  “This is the last time I’m ever going to see him.” Eliza left the room and descended the stairs. Take deep breaths.

  In the entryway stood Nathaniel, handing his overcoat and hat to Rochelle.

  He was just as she remembered—a little taller perhaps. His regular clothing made him look older than the young man who had wooed her on the countryside of Maybrook.

  “Eliza,” he said simply.

  She crossed the hallway, and he took her hands and kissed her cheek.

  “Thou are beautiful.”

  “I see you haven’t changed your opinion of me,” she said.

  Nathaniel laughed. “Never.”

  Eliza offered a nervous smile and led the way into the parlor, where they sat across from each other. “What a coincidence that you met the Graydons last night.”

  For a moment, Nathaniel didn’t say anything—so intent he was on studying her. “’Tis a miracle.”

  Eliza flushed. “Nonsense. Just a… coincidence.”

  “The Lord works in mysterious ways.”

  Her neck grew hot. “You’re very presumptuous.”

  He grinned. “I’ve made some changes that I know thou wilt be pleased with.”

  “Oh?” Eliza shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She didn’t want him making any changes with her in mind.

  “I’ve decided not to return to Maybrook as a farmer.”

  “I know. I received your letter while we were in France.”

  Nathaniel continued, his eyes bright. “And I received your reply.” If he had, he certainly didn’t seem upset over her answer.

  “I plan to repay Reverend Clement the money for the first year of school, then procure a scholarship to help pay for the rest.” He leaned forward. “I’m going to start my own religious branch—a more modern form of Puritanism.”

  “Is there such a thing? I thought that Puritanism was a reformation in itself.”

  “Don’t you see, Eliza?” he said. “Thou wilt not have to settle for being a farmer’s wife. I’ll have my own congregation, and I’ve already started wri
ting a book about my ideas. Once people become converted to my true doctrines, I’ll make a living on the proceeds on my book.”

  Eliza shrank back in her chair, glancing desperately at the door, wishing that Gina would come in.

  “I’ll build thee a beautiful home, and our daughters will wear dresses with petticoats and ruffles—”

  “Please stop, Nathaniel Prann.” Eliza’s throat constricted, and her cheeks flamed. She stood abruptly. “I’m so very sorry. I spoke the absolute truth in my last letter—I still feel the same. You must stop hoping that it will change.”

  Nathaniel’s smile faded. “But I thought that was what thou wanted, and if I provided, thou wouldst change thy mind.”

  Eliza crossed her arms. “No, I won’t change my mind.” The look on his face made her want to cry. She moved to the door, holding it open for his exit.

  She avoided his gaze as he walked out of the door. She shut it firmly and leaned against it, realizing that she was shaking. She heard Nathaniel’s quiet thanks to Rochelle as he gathered his coat and hat. Despite her words to him, he was still the gentleman to the maid. Finally the outside door shut.

  Moments later, Gina burst into the parlor. Taking one look at Eliza’s pale features, she asked, “What happened?”

  Eliza sank into a chair. “I think he finally received the message.”

  Gina’s eyes strayed to the window. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that. He’s coming back.”

  Eliza turned her head and saw Nathaniel ascending the porch steps. “Tell him I’m busy.” She ran out of the room and up the stairs. There she hovered, listening to the voices coming from below.

  Soon the door shut, and Gina came upstairs. She entered the room, holding an envelope. “He gave this to me and asked me to assure you that he’s only inviting you as a friend.”

  Eliza took the envelope and opened it—inside was an invitation to a formal ball sponsored by the university. She looked at Gina. “Odd. He’s inviting me to a ball—he doesn’t dance.”

  “Puritan restrictions?” Gina took the invitation from Eliza and read the details.

  “This man has a lot of nerve,” Eliza mused. She lay back on her bed and stared at the ceiling. “This doesn’t sound innocent.”

  “It’s harmless. After all, there will be plenty of interesting men there. I’ll go with you.”

  “Just what I need… you coming so that you can pick out my future husband,” Eliza said and threw a pillow at Gina.

  Gina ducked and started laughing.

  * * *

  The next two weeks the weather was blustery. Gina and Eliza got out when they could, but mostly they stayed inside by the fire, visiting with whatever distant relation of the Graydons happened to stop in. Letters kept coming from Nathaniel.

  “A letter for you, Miss Eliza,” Rochelle announced one morning.

  “Thank you,” she said and glanced at the address. She placed the envelope on the side table, upon a growing stack of unopened letters.

  Gina watched with amusement. “Are you ever going to read them?”

  “Not unless I grow desperate.” Eliza stood before the fire to warm her hands.

  “What about the ball?” Gina asked.

  Eliza shrugged. “I’m not going.”

  “Poor Nathaniel.”

  “Don’t pity him. Pity me,” Eliza said.

  “I would never pity you, Eliza Robinson.” Gina sat on a chair. “Men fall at your feet wherever you go, and you don’t appreciate any of them.”

  Eliza remained silent.

  Rising, Gina joined Eliza at the hearth. “Are you going to tell me his name?” she asked quietly.

  “Whose?”

  “The man you think about when your thoughts are far away.”

  “I don’t have the slightest notion what you are talking about,” Eliza said. “Don’t you have a scandalous novel to read?”

  “That I do,” Gina said with a smile. She touched Eliza’s arm. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he feels the same way about you.”

  Eliza opened her mouth to protest, but Gina flounced out of the room and up the stairs.

  Taking a deep breath, Eliza knew she could never tell her friend that the man who occupied her dreams was about to marry another woman. She pulled a chair close to the fire and sat down, wrapping her arms about her. Clouds crowded the sky outside, making the light from the window dim.

  “I’m in the lighthouse.”

  Eliza froze at the sound of the voice. She’d thought Helena had left her alone for good. “What do you mean?” she asked the empty room. The fire sputtered, and a log crackled as if to answer. Eliza shivered despite the warmth. The journal had been found and Maeve’s murder solved. She’d even written to Jon about her dream.

  “Please,” she whispered. “Please tell me what you want me to do.”

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Eliza slept little, her mind wracked with why Helena continued to haunt her—even in England. There was nothing Eliza could do for Helena here. She didn’t dream, didn’t have nightmares, but maybe that was because she couldn’t sleep. When morning finally arrived, it dawned gray. When Eliza went down for breakfast, Mrs. Graydon met her at the bottom of the steps, a letter in hand.

  “Another letter from Mr. Prann,” she said. “I think you should read it.”

  Eliza took the envelope. Would she never be able to free herself of Maybrook? First Helena was speaking to her again, and now another letter from Nathaniel. She walked into the parlor and tore open the letter.

  Dearest Eliza,

  Tomorrow night is the university ball, which I would love to attend with thee. I hope all is well. Know that I’m praying for thy forgiveness for my bold assumptions. As stated in my other letters that you have not replied to, I am truly sorry for my behavior.

  I only want thy friendship.

  I’ll be on thy doorstep tomorrow night at eight. Answer my knock if thou wants to join me. If not, I’ll walk away and never contact thee again.

  Sincerely,

  Nathaniel

  Eliza closed her eyes for a moment. Had Nathaniel finally accepted the inevitable and only wanted a companion for the ball? Eliza had two choices: Cower in the townhouse, dreading Helena’s voice, or go out and forget Helena’s torments for an evening.

  She walked upstairs to the bedroom and sifted through the closet. There was one dress that she hadn’t worn yet since leaving New York, which might work. She pulled out the lavender gown and held it up to her figure. It would have to do.

  That evening, Eliza and Gina were ready by seven-thirty. She paced nervously in the parlor while Gina sat engrossed in her book.

  Eliza began doubting her decision. What if Nathaniel was trapping her into another long tirade about the alterations he was making in his life so that they could be married? She sighed at the thought. She had never asked him to make changes in the first place, and she’d told him that she wouldn’t marry him even if he did.

  The minutes ticked by, agonizingly slow, but finally she heard a carriage arrive. Gina looked up expectantly. Eliza went to the door and opened it before he could knock.

  Nathaniel stood on the porch, his hand raised. When he saw Eliza, his eyes widened. “Thou hast forgiven me,” he said, smiling. “I mean… you have forgiven me.”

  Was he changing his manner of speech too? For some reason, it sounded unnatural coming from him. “We’re only friends?” she asked.

  “Yes.” He agreed. “But I have to tell thee that you look heavenly.”

  Gina laughed behind them, and the two of them followed Nathaniel to the waiting carriage.

  The ball was in full swing when they arrived. Carriages lined the streets, unloading passengers. Nathaniel could barely contain his excitement and spoke non-stop about all of the friends he planned to introduce them to. “I’ve told them all about you.”

  Eliza held in a groan. “What have you told them?”

  “That thou are a wonderful young lady and maybe someday… I mean, yo
ur friendship is valuable, and I want them to meet you.”

  Eliza smiled politely, but inside she was nervous—what exactly had he told his friends about her? Gina elbowed her, stifling a giggle. The carriage came to a stop, and Nathaniel helped her down.

  They had arrived at a stately building, with dozens of stairs leading to the entrance. Nathaniel offered his arm to Eliza, and together they walked up the steps. The music grew louder as they approached. Soon after they entered the great hall, Nathaniel was greeted by another couple, then another. It seemed he knew almost everyone at the ball. Introductions were made and smiles shared. Gina was asked to dance almost immediately. By the time Nathaniel led Eliza to the dance floor, she was relieved to be away from introductions.

  He wrapped one arm about her and held her other hand in his—his palm was perspiring.

  “Are you all right?” she asked.

  “This is my first real dance,” he confessed.

  Eliza pulled away. “I don’t want you to do something against your religion.”

  “No, you don’t understand.” He drew her back into position, his brow creased. “I’ve been practicing for weeks; I wanted my first dance to be with you.”

  Eliza’s neck grew warm as Nathaniel led her around the floor. His steps were awkward, but accurate. No one seemed to notice that a Puritan had joined their ranks. “Relax,” she said. “You’re doing fine.”

  He smiled, sweat beading on his forehead. Glancing around, he whispered, “Do you think people are watching us?”

  “No one is.” Eliza couldn’t help but smile. “And if they are, they won’t notice anything different.”

  Nathaniel’s steps grew more fluid, and his shoulders straightened. Eliza found herself enjoying the evening, perhaps she was capable of maintaining a friendship with this ever-changing man.

  Time passed quickly. Eliza danced with several of Nathaniel’s friends. Each of them had amusing stories to tell about him, and she found herself laughing along with them. She started to see Nathaniel in a different light, although that didn’t change her resolve.