Welcome to Chapter 12 of my legacy! After five generations of Bradfords, they‟ve gone through quite a bit.

I suggest you go and read the prologue and first 11 chapters, but the short version of where we are is: the

family began to wonder about Jan, Matthew‟s wife. She gave birth to twins, Jefferson and Elizabeth.

Cousin Lawrence found happiness with Lorraine Phoenix, and his brother, Robert and his wife Matilda

gave birth to a boy, George Horace. The youngest spares, Alex and Phily, headed off to college, and

made new friends. Anne continued to recover from the birth of her children, but her son, Eldon, tuned out

to have a delicate constitution. And Henrietta‟s struggle in her marriage of convenience continued, despite

the birth of a son.

As you know, I‟m not shy about dealing with touchy subjects in history. As I hinted in my last chapter, we‟ll

be touching on immigration; specifically, how the Irish were often treated (you can‟t have a legacy that

takes part in a fictionalized Boston and not deal with Irish immigration, now can you?). I would remind you

that the views expressed by my characters are not my views. I hope that you approve of how I‟ve dealt

with another rather sensitive subject.

And now, please enjoy Chapter 12 of my little tale.

Winter had settled over Massimchusetts, though it would prove to be what was dubbed “streaky.” The

snow fell thick, heavy, and frequently, but thawed and melted between storms.. The foul weather,

however, did not keep its residents from moving forward with their lives. It was a busy season for all the

members of the Bradford clan.

Jefferson Bradford and his twin sister, Elizabeth, were enjoying an afternoon together before their

childhood birthday. The pair was extremely close, despite Matthew‟s continued ignoring of his daughter

and doting on his son.

“Jefferson, why we have party?”

“Birthday today, Lizzie. We grow up.”

“Don‟t want party,” the little girl pouted. Elizabeth was tremendously shy, and hated being the center of

attention.

“Not a big party, Lizzie. Just Grandmamma and Grandpapa, and Mama and Papa, and Aunt Phily and

Uncle Alex and Aunt Henri. Gonna be fun, Lizzie.”

“Still don‟t want party,” she muttered, tears filling her blue eyes.

“Party fun. Don‟t cry, Lizzie,” he said, toddling over to where his sister was.

The little boy put his arms around his sister.

“Be okay, Lizzie. Just family.”

“Okay,” she said, swallowing her tears. “I try to have fun, Jefferson.”

“Will be lots of fun. And cake! We gets cake!”

A smile finally crossed Elizabeth‟s face. “I likes cake.”

While Jefferson was busy soothing his sister‟s worries, Matthew and Jan were busy in the parlor of the

house.

“What are you painting, my dear?” she asked.

“Your portrait. It‟s high time that it was added to the collection that we already have.”

Jan smiled. “The foyer walls are getting rather full. Where will you hang it?”

“I‟m going to have all the family portraits moved upstairs. There‟s enough wall space up there for

generations of portraits to hang.”

“You think of everything. Shall I leave you in peace for a while?”

“You may stay if you like.”

Jan contemplated for a moment, and then spoke. “I do have a few more things that I need to attend to

before the birthday party tonight. I‟ll leave you, and come check on your progress later.”

Matthew nodded. “I‟m quite the artist, as you know, so this shouldn‟t take me too long.”

True to his word, Matthew was putting the finishing touches on the portrait when Jan came back a few

hours later. He left it on the easel to dry and went upstairs to ready himself for his guests.

Carolina Bui Bradford was sitting in her garden, enjoying the warm winter afternoon. Jan had shooed her

from the kitchen not too long ago, saying that Carolina “didn‟t need to worry about a thing for the party.”

Carolina, used to being the hostess, was somewhat off put.

As she stared out at the pond, she found her thoughts wandering once again to her daughter-in-law‟s

behavior. Jan continued to show little to no interest in either child, while Matthew cared only about

Jefferson. Carolina sighed. I just don’t understand why Jan hasn’t connected with the children. They’re

such sweet little things, she thought. She closed her eyes and shook her head. There wasn‟t anything she

could do right now, other than to make sure that the little darlings knew that Grandmamma loved them and

thought they were important.

Reluctantly, she rose. She would see that the twins were ready for their party, while Jan bustled about

downstairs getting the house and food ready.

Carolina went upstairs, and found the children playing at their activity table again.

“What are you two up to?” she asked.

Elizabeth looked up at Carolina with big eyes. “Building a castle, Grandmamma. But Jefferson keeps

knocking it over.”

“Jefferson, that‟s not very nice,” Carolina chided gently.

“Don‟t mean to, Grandmamma.. Castle‟s awful wobbly,” Jefferson replied earnestly.

Carolina laughed. “I suppose it is. Now, you two need to pick up your toys. Our guest will be here soon,

and they‟re looking forward to meeting the birthday girl and boy.”

“Yes, Grandmamma,” the pair replied as they began to put the blocks back into the webbing in the center of

the table.

After Alex and Phily arrived from SimHarvard and Mrs. Seymour‟s, it was time for the party to begin. As

Matthew had scooped up Jefferson as soon as the festivities began, Jan was forced to hold Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had a sudden fit of shyness, and refused to blow out her candles. Even coaxing from Jan and

Carolina couldn‟t convince her to do so, and Jan was forced to do it as everyone looked on. Jefferson, on

the other hand, was so eager to blow out his candles that he nearly fell headfirst into his cake. Matthew‟s

quick reflexes, honed by his job in athletics, were the only thing that kept the little boy safely in his father‟s

arms.

Elizabeth and Jefferson‟s birthday party was a rousing success. The two grew very well, and everyone

marveled at how much they resembled their mother. Other than Matthew‟s brown hair, it was hard to see

much of their father in them.

While Elizabeth, still overcome with shyness, and Jefferson elected to play upstairs, the party continued

downstairs. After cake, the family remained around the dining room table, catching up on Alex and Phily‟s

goings on at school.

“Are you enjoying Mrs. Seymour‟s, Phily?” queried Thomas.

“Very much so, Papa.”

“Have you made any particular friends, dear?” asked Carolina.

Phily nodded enthusiastically. “Miss Meadow Thayer. Her family is from Portsimouth, and she and I have

many of the same classes.”

“I‟m glad to hear that, dear, but what I meant to enquire about was whether or not you have met any eligible

young men.”

Phily sighed. “No, Mama.”

“Philomena, do you not remember what we talked about before you went off to school?”

“Aw, Mama. Cut her some slack,” interjected Alex. “Phily‟s got plenty of time left before she needs to

worry about settling down. Besides, she has been going to lots of the socials, and Mr. and Mrs. Thayer

have taken her and Miss Thayer to the theater loads. She‟s doing exactly as you asked.”

Carolina dropped her shoulders in defeat. “Very well, Alexander. I‟ll leave your sister be for now. But I

trust that you and Andrew will help by introducing her to some of your friends.”

“Don‟t worry, Mama. By the time Andrew and I are done, Phily will have so many suitors that she won‟t

know what to do.”

A few weeks later, in the dining room of Phily and Meadow‟s boarding house, Mrs. Seymour‟s was hosting

another one of its socials. It was meant to be an opportunity for the young ladies attending the finishing

school to meet the eligible young men of the city. Phily begrudgingly attended, knowing that her mother

would hear and scold her if she did not.

True to his word, Alex had dragged Andrew with him to the gathering. As was the case with most of the

events, the men and women stood in separate groups, eyeing one another. As Phily and Meadow stood

conversing, Andrew was busy checking out the prospects in the room.

“Say, Alex, who‟s that young lady that your sister‟s talking to?”

Alex turned his head slightly, and smiled. “That‟s Miss Meadow Thayer. She and Phily are particular

friends. I rarely see my sister out in the city without Miss Thayer by her side.”

“So you know her, then? Can I beg an introduction to her?”

Alex shook his head. “I don‟t know her that well. Ask Phily; I‟m sure she‟d do it.”

“I‟m going to do just that. Miss Thayer looks like someone I‟d like to know better.”

“Be careful, Andrew. If you upset Miss Thayer, Phily will have your head.”

“No worries, chap. My mother raised me to be a perfect gentleman. I‟ll sweep Miss Thayer right off feet.

Excuse me.”

Andrew made his way over to his cousin, who was standing by herself as Meadow went to find another

glass of wine.

“Phily,” he said, kissing his cousin on the cheek. “How are you getting on?”

“Very well, Andrew. And yourself?”

“Excellent, excellent,” he replied. “Say, I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”

“What do you want, Andrew?”

“Introduce me to your friend.”

“Meadow? Why?”

“Because she looks like someone I‟d like to get to know better.”

Phily hesitated for a moment. “I suppose. Let me ask her.”

“Thanks, Phily.”

Phily walked over to Meadow.

“Meadow, my cousin, Andrew Turner, would like an introduction. Would you be willing to meet him?”

“The gentleman you were just speaking with?”

Phily nodded. “He‟s the same age as us.”

“I would love to meet your cousin, Phily.”

Phily gestured to Andrew to join them, and then introduced her best friend to her cousin.

“Come on Phily. Let‟s allow these two a few moments to get better acquainted,” said Alex, as he steered

his sister away from the pair.

“Of course,” she replied, a tight smile on her face.

Andrew and Meadow spent the better part of the evening talking and laughing. The two of them had

obviously hit it off, and Andrew appeared to be quite smitten with Meadow.

Phily stood within earshot of the pair, half listening to their conversation. She should have been happy for

her friend, but something wasn‟t sitting right. Phily kept a forced smile on her face for much of the social.

Why can’t I help but feel that I’m jealous? she wondered. That must be it. I’m jealous that Meadow has

found a suitor before me.

Phily continued to mingle for the remainder of the evening, and was glad when the house mistress

announced that it was time for the young men to leave.

Before Alex took off, he found Phily and gave her a strong hung.

“I saw your face as you were watching Andrew and Miss Thayer,” he said in a low tone. “Don‟t worry;

Andrew knows that he‟ll have to face your wrath if he does anything to harm her.”

“Thank you, Alex,” she replied. “Be sure to call on us soon.”

“Will do. Have a good rest of your evening,” he said, as he pulled away and raced to catch up with his

cousin.

Once the gentlemen had departed, the ladies settled down to a late supper.

“Was that not fun, Phily?” asked Meadow. “You cousin is a truly delightful young man.”

“Andrew?” asked Phily with disbelief. “I‟ve always seen him as an instigator. He and Alex were always

getting up to such larks when they were younger.”

“He seems as though he‟s grown up quite a bit. I do hope he calls again, and soon.”

That feeling of jealousy crept over Phily once more. “I have asked Alex to make sure he does so.”

“Marvelous. Now, let us enjoy our supper, because I have much work that I need to complete before

classes tomorrow.”

“As do I. Perhaps we can aide each other, and it will not take as long?”

“A perfect idea, Phily.”

Phily smiled her first genuine smile of the evening. “Lovely.”

Isaac Thompson, youngest son of Richard and Renee, had been wandering aimlessly since his graduation

from SimHarvard. Richard had helped him to find a job, but Isaac was concerned with only one thing:

spending as much time with as many young ladies as he possibly could. One evening while the rest of the

family was out, Isaac felt bold enough to invite one of his lady friends, Marion Shaw, to come over to the

house.

Marion‟s reputation was somewhat questionable, or she would never have agreed to this unchaperoned

rendezvous.

As they stole kisses in the night, it suddenly occurred to Isaac that there might be spying eyes in the

houses nearby.

“Come on, Marion. Let‟s go inside.”

She readily responded to the pull of his hand, and the giggling pair hurried into the house.

The two soon found themselves in Isaac‟s attic bedroom. As their kisses grew more passionate, Isaac

pulled back and looked down at Marion.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked.

“Silly man,” she laughed. “Why do you think I agreed to come over tonight?”

Isaac returned her laughter, before returning his attention to kissing her.

The rest of the family had returned to the house, and Renee went to find her youngest son, to see if

everything was all right. After searching the rest of the house, she climbed the stairs to the third floor and

knocked on his door.

“Isaac? We have returned. Did you find the plate I left in the oven for your dinner?” she asked as she

opened the door.

“Merciful heavens!” Renee cried, as she saw her son and the strange women on the bed.

“Mama!” chided Isaac. “Can‟t you see I‟m entertaining a guest?”

“My apologies…I didn‟t know…that is…I thought…”

“Mama, just go!”

“Of course,” she muttered, hurrying out of the room with a dazed look on her face.

A short time later, Renee was in the foyer as Marion hurried down the stairs and out the front door. Renee

regarded the younger woman as she scurried away.

She doesn’t even look ashamed at her actions, marveled Renee. I wonder if her parents know what she

has been up to this evening.

Renee went into the dining room, the same dazed expression still on her face. Richard, upon entering the

room, could tell that something was wrong and sat down in the chair next to her.

“My love, what is on your mind?”

“Our son had a caller while we were out.”

“What‟s wrong with that?”

“A lady caller. They were in the house unchaperoned.”

Richard face betrayed no emotion at his wife‟s revelation. He had kept rumors of his

son‟s…indiscretions… from his wife for some time, but it appeared that he would be unable to do so any

longer.

“My dear, it appears our son has been behaving in a fashion unsuitable to a gentleman. I will speak with

him, and help him to see the error of his ways.”

“You must, Richard. If word gets out about this…just think of our granddaughter. She will be unable to find

a suitable husband if her uncle is a known philanderer.”

“Of course, Renee.”

“Richard, you must make him marry the lady in question. Her reputation, as well at that of our family, will

be ruined if you don‟t.”

“I‟ll speak to him first thing in the morning,” he promised.

“You wanted to see me, Papa?”

“Yes, Isaac. Have a seat,” Richard said, gesturing with his hand.

“What‟s on your mind?”

“Son, I have been avoiding this conversation with you for some time, but cannot put it off any longer.”

“Is something wrong? Are you ill?” worried Isaac.

“Something is wrong, Isaac, but not with me. Your behavior as of late has come to my attention.”

“My behavior?”

“Yes, Isaac. It is common knowledge that you are turning into a cad, and ruining the reputation of many

respectable young ladies in the process.”

“Aw, Papa, it‟s just flirtation that goes a little too far sometimes.”

“Is inviting a young woman up to your room what you call a flirtation?”

“Okay, you may be right there,” acquiesced Isaac. “But I didn‟t force her to do anything, Papa. I promise.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” murmured Richard. “Isaac, this behavior must stop. The young

lady you saw last night…”

“Marion Shaw.”

“Miss Shaw, yes. Isaac, you will have to marry her. It‟s the simplest way to solve this problem that you‟ve

created.”

“No.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I‟m not marrying Marion, or anyone else for that matter. Marriage has no appeal to me.”

“Isaac! Think about what your actions will do the family. Little Sally…what kind of a match can she expect

to make with someone with your reputation in the immediate family?”

“She‟ll be fine, Papa. The family has enough money now to make it worth someone‟s while to marry her.”

“Son, I am most displeased with how your character has turned out. I think that it would be best for

everyone if you found lodgings elsewhere.”

“You‟re kicking me out of my own house?”

“Not your house, your brother Abraham‟s house. It will be his when I pass, you know.”

“I am very much aware of the burden a second son must bear. I‟ll have my things packed and be out of

here by the end of the day. Good day, Papa.”

Later that same day, Esther Bear was enjoying a game of catch with her mother, Anne Bradford Bear.

“Mama, why can‟t Eldon play with me?”

“Because Eldon needs to rest, sweat pea. He gets tired so easily, as you know.”

“Is something wrong with him?”

Anne was grateful that the twilight shadows hid her worry from her daughter.

“I‟m not sure, Esther. That‟s why the doctor is coming over to see him soon. In fact,” Anne said, as she

saw an approaching carriage, “That should be him now. Please go inside and start your bath. I‟ll be up to

see you once I‟ve brought the doctor up to see your brother.”

“Yes, Mama,” replied the little girl, as she hurried up the front steps and into the house.

Eldon was in his room, sitting on the bed, when Anne came into the room.

“How are you feeling today?”

“Better. I took a nap when I got home from school because I was so tired after it.”

“I know, dear. Eldon, there is someone here to see you. May I call him in?”

“Yes, Mama.”

“Doctor GilsCarbo? You may come in now.”

The doctor entered the room, and looked at Eldon.

“Is this my patient?”

“Yes, doctor. This is my son, Eldon.”

“How do you do, sir?” inquired Eldon politely as he went to get up from his bed.

“Very well, young man. And please, you may remain seated. Mrs. Bear, if you will excuse us, I will

examine your son.”

“Of course. I‟ll have coffee waiting in the dining room for when you have finished.”

“Thank you.”

About a half hour later, Doctor GilsCarbo joined Anne in her dining room.

“Well, Doctor, what is your diagnosis?”

“Mrs. Bear, let me be quite frank with you. Your son has a delicate constitution. He will never be able to

play as other children do without tiring. I would advise that you keep his activities well monitored. Some

physical exertion is good, but you must be careful! During the warmer months, let him get as much fresh

air as possible. Keep him warm, and mind what he eats. Simple, plain meals are best. If you follow my

instructions, you son will get along well.”

“Is there any chance that he will fully recover?”

The doctor shook his head. “Because he was born early, I do not believe that will be a possibility.”

At his words, Anne‟s heart dropped. Her little boy would never be able to play ball with his friends, or exert

himself in any way. My poor baby.

“Thank you, Doctor GilsCarbo. I will follow your directions,” she said, rising.

“Of course, Mrs. Bear. Please do not hesitate to call on me if you need any further assistance.”

The two shook hands, and Anne showed him to the door.

After the doctor‟s departure, Anne returned to the dining room to pick up the coffee service. Tears pooled

in her eyes, and her face fell.

“Why did this have to happen?” she sighed. “I would give my own health to have Eldon be a normal,

healthy boy.”

Anne forced back the tears. She would put on a brave face for her son. In fact, she would go tuck him into

bed right then, and worry about cleaning things up later.

Anne found Eldon playing with his blocks.

“Eldon, it‟s time to get ready for bed.”

“Yes, Mama. Will you read me to sleep?”

“Of course I will, dear. Go put on your nightshirt while I get a book,” she said, kissing her son. “I‟ll be right

back.”

Anne hadn‟t been reading for long before she heard Eldon‟s soft snores. She gently closed the book and

looked at her son.

The doctor must be wrong, she thought. With the right care, Eldon will be able to be a normal boy.

She hear the front door open and close, and the sound of footsteps on the stairs, alerting her to the fact

that Joseph, her husband, was home. She rose, and went into their bedroom to tell him the grim news.

Anne had no idea where to begin her tale of woe, but she found that she didn‟t have to say a word. Joseph

looked up as she entered the room, and upon seeing the look on her face said simply, “I know, Anne.”

“Oh, Joseph,” she choked, rushing to his arms. “I don‟t know how I‟ll be able to bear it.”

“I know, my darling. I know,” he soothed. “But take heart. The doctor‟s prognoses wasn‟t completely grim.

We just need to pay attention to his instructions, and Eldon will be able to live a somewhat normal life.”

“I know. I just wish that he could run and play like the other boys do.”

“So do I dear. But we must remember how lucky we are that he survived at all.”

Anne nodded. “We‟ll take good care of him.”

“Yes, we will.”

Over in Portsimouth, Henrietta Bradford Hutchins was busy raking up the last of the fall‟s leaves. True to

his word, her husband, Professor Leonid, had dismissed the maid and the gardener. Henri‟s time was now

filled with chores and caring for her son. Phily had called several times, but Henri had only been able to

visit with her for a few minutes.

Today, Henri was in a special rush to get her chores completed early. It was Victor, her son‟s, birthday,

and Henri had a cake to bake.

As she mixed the ingredients, Henri hummed to herself. Victor‟s growing up would mean that he would be

a little more self-sufficient, and she might even be able to show him how to do some of the work in the

garden. She might even have a little more time to be social.

Later that day, Henri picked up Victor and carried him over to his cake.

“Are you ready to become a big boy, Victor?” she asked.

“What is the meaning of this?” a voice demanded.

Henri turned to see that her husband was home.

“It‟s Victor‟s birthday. I baked him a cake to celebrate.”

“Don‟t you think that you‟re being a bit extravagant, Henrietta?”

“No. I always had a cake for my birthday.”

“Cake, Mama!” interjected Victor as he reached down.

“Careful now. You must blow out the candles first before you can have your cake.”

Victor did as he was instructed, and soon, the toddler became a child.

Later, as Victor and Henri enjoyed the cake, Henri noticed a troubled expression on her son‟s face. She

asked him what was wrong.

“Mama, why is Papa always so cross?”

Henri sighed. She had hoped that she had managed to hide her disgust for Professor Leonid from Victor,

but apparently that was not the case.

“Victor, your father is very set in his ways. I don‟t believe that he ever intended on having children, and he

is not accustomed to having one around.”

Victor looked up at his mother, and pouted.

“Does that mean that Papa doesn‟t love me?”

Henri gasped. “No, Victor,” she lied. “Your father cares about you very much. He just has a different way

of showing it.”

“It doesn‟t feel like it, Mama.”

“I know, Victor. Give him time. Perhaps now that you are older he will be able to show you in a way that

you can understand.”

The next morning, Victor rose before either of his parents. For much of his toddlerhood, he had wondered

about the violin in the parlor. He was finally big enough to play it, and while the rest of the house slept, he

was determined to give it a go.

He picked it up, tucked it to his chin, and drew the bow across the strings. It made a sound that more

closely resembled a yowling cat than a musical note, but Victor was determined to make the instrument

sing. He moved his fingers about until he was able to produce something that sounded like music.

Eventually, he was able to play something that resembled “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

“What is that abominable sound?” asked Professor Leonid as he came into the parlor. Upon seeing Victor

with the violin, he demanded, “What do you think you are doing, boy?”

“I always wanted to try, Papa. I‟m sorry that I‟m not very good yet.”

“Put that down!” he demanded. As Victor did so, he continued. “Do not touch anything without permission.

That is a very expensive instrument. You may have done serious damage to it by not knowing how to play

it properly.”

“I‟m sorry, Papa,” the boy choked as he fled from the room.

He flew upstairs to his mother‟s room, his sobs awaking her from her slumber.

“Victor, whatever is the matter?” she asked, trying to wipe the sleep from her eyes.

“Papa yelled at me,” he whimpered.

At once, Henri was wide awake. She knelt down before her son and gently placed her hands on his

shoulders.

“Victor, I‟m sure he didn‟t mean it. Did you apologize to him?”

Victor nodded as he hiccupped from his tears.

“Then I am certain that all will be forgiven.”

“I just wanted to try playing the violin.”

“Then you must have lessons. I will look into it today. Now, let me get dressed while you do the same, and

I‟ll go over your homework with you before you go to school. How does that sound?”

Victor nodded, and reached his arms up for a hug. Henri held her son close.

“I love you, Mama.”

“I love you too, darling. Now go and get dressed, and I‟ll be right in to help you with your homework.”

“Yes, Mama,” he replied, tears now dry.

After Henri had helped Victor with his schoolwork, she saw him off to school with a kiss. He was still small

enough that he did not mind his friends seeing his mother‟s displays of affection. Henri sighed, thinking

that all too soon the time would come when her son would feel differently.

That afternoon, Victor strutted into his mother‟s room.

“Guess what, Mama?” he asked.

“What, Victor?”

He proudly held up his paper. “I got an A+, Mama! See! Teacher said she really liked my work!”

Henri smiled at her son. “I‟m very proud of you, Victor. Now, why don‟t you put on your coat and play

outside for a while.”

“I can?” Thanks, Mama,” he cried, clambering out of the room and down the stairs.

Henri sighed. Her son seemed to have so few moments of happiness. She would have to do more to

make sure that her husband didn‟t make their son upset.

Though they were now older, Jefferson and Elizabeth could still often be found at their activity table,

playing with the blocks.

“Jefferson, do you think that Mama is displeased with me?”

“I don‟t think so, Lizzie. Why do you ask?”

“She never wants to spend time with me. I asked her to teach me to play the piano, and she replied that

Grandmamma would be a better teacher as she can play better. I wanted to make calls with her, and she

said that I was still too small, but Cousin Sally makes calls with her Mama. She told me so in school. And

this morning, I asked if she would let me help with dinner, but she said I‟d just get in the way.”

Elizabeth sighed.

“I do so want to make her proud, but I don‟t know what to do.”

“I don‟t know what advice to give you, Lizzie,” replied Jefferson, hating to see his sister‟s distress.

“Papa takes such an interest in you; how do you hold his attention?”

“I don‟t think that I actually do anything,” he mused. “He just seems to want to teach me things, or play ball

with me. Maybe it‟s because I‟m a boy, and you‟re a girl.”

“That‟s not fair!”

“I know. But it‟s the way things are. You‟re just as smart as me, so it shouldn‟t matter that you‟re a girl.”

The two were silent as the worked on their block castle. Elizabeth was trying to figure out what she could

do to please her mother. Jefferson‟s thoughts were occupied with what his sister had just shared with him.

Why should his parents appear to care more about him than his sister. Was it because he was the son,

and Lizzie just the daughter?

He was still troubled the next morning over breakfast. Carolina noticed that her grandson didn‟t seem to be

enjoying his pancakes. She asked him what was wrong.

“I have a lot on my mind, Grandmamma,” was the response.

Carolina did her best not to laugh at his words. Such a profound statement from such a small child. But

she know that Jefferson‟s worries were real to him, so she asked him to elaborate.

“Grandmamma, is being a boy better than being a girl?”

Carolina was taken aback by his question. “Why do you ask?”

“Papa seems to like me better than Lizzie. Mama too. Lizzie is a good girl, and she‟s just as smart as I

am. The only difference between us is that I‟m a boy and she‟s a girl, so that‟s the only reason I can think

of as to why Mama and Papa want to spend time with me and not her.”

Carolina‟s heart fell at her grandson‟s remarks. She had worried for years that Matthew and Jan‟s obvious

favoring of their son would affect their daughter. She had not thought that Jefferson would be affected in

the way he was. It just goes to show what a sweet, unselfish little boy he is, she thought.

“Jefferson, you are the fifth generation of Bradfords here in Simerica. Your great-great grandfather John

came here years ago. The legacy that he founded has been carried on by the first born son since then.

You are the first born son of the fifth generation. I believe that is one of the reason that your parents take

such an interest in you.”

Jefferson contemplated his grandmother‟s words as he munched on his breakfast.

“So that means that Lizzie is just as good as I am?”

Carolina nodded. “Yes, she is.”

Jefferson‟s face instantly brightened. “Thank you, Grandmamma. Will you do something for me?”

“Of course, dear child. What is it that you want?”

“Will you tell Lizzie that she‟s just as good as me? I‟d tell her myself, but I think it would mean more

coming from you.”

“Of course I will. Where is she?”

“She will be right down. She wanted to put her room in order before breakfast.”

At that moment, Elizabeth came into the room. Jefferson excused himself, and Carolina and Elizabeth

were left alone at the dining room table.

Carolina waited a few moments before she spoke to Elizabeth. “You know, I have heard very pleasing

reports about you from your teacher. He is most pleased with how hard you work.”

“Thank you, Grandmamma,” the girl replied politely.

“You know, Elizabeth, you are just as smart as your brother.”

“Then why don‟t Mama or Papa seem to care?” Elizabeth burst out. She then gasped, realizing her

outburst. “I beg your pardon.”

“It‟s quite all right, Elizabeth. You‟re frustrated. I understand that. I‟m afraid that your parents focus more

on your brother because ever since your great-great grandfather, the first born son has inherited this

house. As their heir, they can‟t help but treat your brother specially.”

“So I haven‟t done anything to displease them?”

“No, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth‟s features relaxed into a smile. “Grandmamma, I would very much like to learn to play the piano.

Will you teach me?”

“Of course I shall. We can start when you get home from school today.”

“Thank you.”

“My heavens, look at the time!” cried Carolina as she saw the clock on the mantle. “You need to hurry, or

you‟ll be late for school!”

In the parlor of the Bradford Society House, Andrew was at the billiards table, preparing to break when Alex

walked into the room.

“Join me, chap?” he asked.

“For a few minutes,” agreed Alex.

“Why such a short game?”

“I‟m going into the city for a while. The coach I ordered should be here shortly.”

Alex picked up a cue stick and took his shot.

“Any particular reason for your trip?”

Alex shook his head. “Just a quick visit to my sister. It‟s been a while since I last saw her.”

“So you‟ll probably see Miss Thayer?”

“Probably. The two of them are nearly inseparable.”

“Tell me about it,” muttered Andrew.

“What‟s that supposed to mean?”

“It means that I‟ve had no chance to ask Miss Thayer if she‟d be willing to marry me with your sister

constantly about.”

“You want to marry Miss Thayer?”

“Why not? She‟s a sweet girl from a fine family. I spoke with her father not too long ago. He is amenable

to the match if Miss Thayer agrees.”

“I‟ll talk to Phily and invite the two of them over for dinner later this week. I‟ll keep my sister busy while you

talk to Miss Thayer.

“Thanks, Alex,” Andrew smiled.

Just then, the sound of the coach approaching caused Alex to put down his cue stick, and hurry out the

door.

“I don‟t want to be late to my sister‟s if I‟m going to beg a favor of her,” he laughed.

Alex hoped into the coach, gave the driver the address, and held on tight as the carriage lurched forward.

After taking longer with Phily than he intended, Alex decided to grab a quick bite in the city before heading

back to the Society house. As he wandered towards one of the bistros he enjoyed, he smiled as he

recognized a familiar face.

“Good evening, Miss Langerak. I hope that your mother is doing better.”

“She is. Thank you again, Mr. Bradford, for your generosity. The doctor was able to give her a tonic that

eased her discomfort.”

“I‟m glad to hear it, Miss Langerak. What brings you to this part of the city?”

“I was on my way home from work.”

“Why don‟t you join me for a quick dinner?”

“I‟ve already eaten, Mr. Bradford,” she began, when her stomach growled.

“It sounds like you could eat again. Please, I insist.”

“Very well, Mr. Bradford.”

Alex led Kaylynn into the bistro, where they were immediately seated at a table. Kaylynn noticed the raised

eyebrows and disapproving looks of the other diners when they saw her, but she ignored them by focusing

her attention on the menu. That turned out to be a bad idea, as she nearly gasped when she saw the

prices of the food.

“What can I get for you this evening?” asked the waiter, as he wearily eyed Kaylynn.

“I‟m not sure…” she hesitated, knowing that she couldn‟t afford anything on the menu.

“We‟ll both have the filet,” interjected Alex, sensing his dining companion's hesitation. “Medium, please.”

The waiter scratched their order down and left the table.

“Mr. Bradford, I can‟t afford…”

Alex shook his head. “I invited you to dinner, Miss Langerak. Of course I‟ll be paying.”

“You don‟t have to do that.”

“But I want to.”

Their food soon arrived, and Kaylynn unease continued. She had served in enough households that

regularly held fancy dinner parties that she had a basic understanding of the etiquette required in such a

situation, but she was worried that she would do something wrong and humiliate herself and Alex.

Alex noticed her distress. “Is the filet not to your liking? We can send it back and order something else, if

you prefer.”

“No, Mr. Bradford. It‟s actually one of the finest meals I‟ve had.”

“Then may I inquire as to what is bothering you?”

“It‟s noting, Mr. Bradford.”

“I beg to differ, Miss Langerak. Anything that has you looking so troubled cannot be „nothing.‟”

Kaylynn shook her head. “This isn‟t right, Mr. Bradford. You and I shouldn‟t be dining together.”

“I‟m not sure I understand.”

“You wouldn‟t. You and I see the world very differently.”

Alex looked at Kaylynn, confusion on his face. “Can you explain what you mean?”

Kaylynn drew in a breath. “Mr. Bradford, I‟m a maid. Your family…they have means. Look around you.

People are looking at us, and they don‟t approve.”

“But your manners are as impeccable, if not more so, than any of the ladies of my acquaintance.”

“That‟s just it, Mr. Bradford. I‟m not a lady.”

“Miss Langerak, I‟m not sure I understand what you‟re saying.”

“Then I beg your pardon for how blunt I‟m about to be. You and I cannot be friends because I‟m beneath

you, Mr. Bradford.”

Alex flinched at the harshness of Kaylynn‟s words, then his face hardened. “I believe, Miss Langerak, that I

am more than capable of deciding who I should and should not be friends with. Excuse me,” he said with

frosty tones. He rose, threw some money on the table, and walked out the door.

Kaylynn bit her lip, blinking back tears. Against her better judgment, she hurried after him.

Kaylynn looked around upon exiting the restaurant, and saw Alex‟s curly locks headed down toward the

shore. She followed him, and when he stopped, she tentatively walked up to him.

“I apologize for offending you, Mr. Bradford.”

“You didn‟t offend me, Miss Langerak. I just…I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”

“How do you see me, Mr. Bradford?”

Alex continued to stare off at the ocean as he spoke. “I see a young woman who cares for the well-being

of her family. A young woman who is smart, capable, industrious, and kind. The ladies who run in my

circles…well, let‟s just say that they‟re more concerned with exterior appearances than with the content of

their characters. You‟re a breath of fresh air, Kaylynn.”

“I think that‟s one of the nicest things anyone‟s ever said to me.”

“You deserve it,” he smiled, as he turned to face her. “You‟re worth ten of the ladies you serve.”

“You flatter me,” she blushed.

Alex took a step towards Kaylynn. “No, I‟m just the first person who sees you clearly and is willing to say it

aloud.”

Alex pressed a soft kiss to Kaylynn‟s lips. “I know it‟s not conventional, Kaylynn, but I‟d like permission to

court you.”

“Oh Alex,” she sighed. “There‟s nothing I‟d like more, but…”

“Shh,” he said, placing a finger to her lips. “We‟ll figure it out. I promise. Now, let me walk you home.”

Later that week, Phily and Meadow joined Alex and Andrew at the Bradford Society house for dinner. After

the meal, coffee was served, and Andrew gave a meaningful look to Alex.

“Phily, why don‟t you come into the sitting room with me? We recently purchased a new painting that I‟d

like to get your opinion on.”

“Of course,” she replied, her eyes flitting between Meadow and Andrew. She had an idea of what was

about to happen, and that now familiar feeling of jealousy settled into her stomach again.

“I‟ll join you as soon as I‟ve finished my coffee,” smiled Meadow.

Alex and Phily left the room, and Andrew turned to face Meadow.

“Miss Thayer, I‟ve been trying to find an opportunity to speak with you for some time now, so I would

appreciate it if you would let me speak interrupted.”

“Of course, Mr. Turner. What is on you mind?”

“Miss Thayer, I‟ve been thinking. You and I get along quite well, and our families are of similar situations. I

have spoken to your father, and he agrees with me. What do you say, Miss Thayer? Will you marry me?”

Meadow fought to keep her expression neutral. Andrew‟s proposal was, quite possibly, the most ridiculous

thing she had ever heard.

“Mr. Turner, I appreciate the honor you have bestowed upon me by wanting me to become your wife.

However, the only answer that I can give you is „no.‟ While we are friends, I do not care for you in the way

that a wife should care for her husband.”

Andrew‟s face fell. “Can you give me no hope?”

Meadow shook her head. “I am sorry.”

Andrew put on a brave face, and tried to brush off his disappointment. “I‟m sure that I‟ll find the woman I‟m

meant to marry someday.”

“I may be able to help you there,” said Meadow. “My friend, Miss Lydsay Louie, was asking me about you

the other day. She thought that you were quite handsome.”

“Really? Which one is she?”

“She‟s the one that was with Phily and I in the park last week when we bumped into you.”

“She‟s pretty. Will you introduce me to her?”

“Yes, I will.”

While Meadow was declining Andrew‟s proposal, Phily was pacing in the sitting room.

“Phily, relax. Andrew‟s a good guy. I‟m sure that he and Meadow will be happy together.”

“I know, I know,” she muttered.

“Say, I know what will distract you. How about I introduce you to my girl?”

Phily reacted in shock. “I didn‟t know that you were courting anyone.”

“It‟s kind of a recent development,” he admitted. “Let me go get her.”

Kaylynn came into the room, and Phily smiled. “I‟m Philomena, Alex‟s sister, but my friends call me Phily.

I hope that you‟ll do the same.”

“Thank you, Phily,” replied Kaylynn, extending her hand. “I must say that your family has been very kind to

me.”

“We‟re a pretty decent lot, I like to think. I look forward to getting to know you better. You‟re obviously

someone special if you managed to catch my brother‟s eye.”

When Phily and Meadow returned to their boarding house, they went into the parlor and sat in silence for

some time. Phily wanted to ask when had transpired between her friend and cousin, but the words kept

sticking in her throat. Finally, Meadow spoke.

“Andrew proposed to me tonight.”

Phily closed her eyes to keep the tears in. “Congratulations.”

“I turned him down, Phily.”

“Why?”

“Because I don‟t love him,” the blonde woman replied simply.

“But he would be a good match.”

“I don‟t doubt that. But there would always be something missing from a relationship with him. I don‟t want

to live like that.”

“I supposed I can‟t argue with that.”

“No, you can‟t. Now, let us speak of something more pleasant. I spoke with my parents about an idea that

I had not too long ago, and they are in agreement with me.”

“What is this idea that you had, Meadow?”

“My parents and I wish for you to come abroad with us when we go after graduation.”

Phily rose, and Meadow did the same.

“Me? But why?”

“You‟re my dearest friend, and I know how much you want to see SimEurope. Think of the fun that we‟d

have, Phily!”

“Oh Meadow, I want to so badly. But I don‟t know if Mama and Papa will let me go.”

“Well, you must ask them, then. It would really be a huge favor to me. Mother and Father are wonderful,

but it would be so nice to have someone my own age with me. Please, say you‟ll ask.”

“Of course I‟ll ask them!” cried Phily, hugging her friend. “This is a wonderful opportunity, Meadow. I don‟t

know if I‟ll ever be able to thank you for this.”

“When will you ask your parents?”

“Right after graduation. I hope they let me go.”

“So do I.”

As Andrew, Alex, Phily and Meadow were making plans for their lives after school, the youngest member of

the fourth generation was getting ready to head off to Mrs. Seymour‟s.

“You‟re going to do just fine, Miss Amelia,” stated Mercy. “You going to make your parents proud, just like

Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Robert.”

“I had hoped that I would get to meet my niece or nephew before I left,” the teenager commented.

“I had hoped that too,” commented Lorraine Phoenix Alcott. “It seems that the baby is taking his or her

sweet time in making a grand entrance.”

Just then, Lorraine rose and grabbed her stomach. “I think you‟re going to get to meet your niece or

nephew after all, Amelia,” she gasped.

Before long, Lorraine brought down her son to meet his family. The little boy had his mother‟s black hair

and his father‟ s blue eyes. He was promptly christened Maurice.

The next morning, the family rose to see Amelia McCarthy off to Mrs. Seymour‟s. While everyone was

excited to see her go, Eliza couldn‟t help but sigh. Her youngest was now an adult. She wondered where

the time had gone.

As winter progressed, several major events occurred. Andrew Turner arrived home from college…

…and married Miss Lyndsay Louie, who Meadow had introduced him to. The couple was very happy…

…and soon, Lyndsay was showing signs that she and Andrew would soon be expanding their family.

Little George Horace celebrated his childhood birthday…

…and grew into a boy that remained the apple of his parents‟ eye.

Phily had returned home, and decided it was time to broach the subject of her joining Meadow on the grand

tour with her parents. She sat her parents down in the music room the day after her return, and shared the

invitation the Thayers had extended to her.

Thomas smiled at his daughter. “It is obvious to me that you would like to go, Phily.”

“I would, Papa. I doubt that I‟ll have such an opportunity again. Meadow really wants me to go, as do her

parents. Please, Papa. Please say yes.”

“I would love to agree with you right away, but there are things that I must know before I can allow you to

go off globetrotting,” Thomas replied. “Your mother and I barely know the Thayers, though I am certain

that they are fine people. I would like to meet them and discuss this trip in more detail. There‟s also the

matter of cost. We‟re not paupers by any means, but we need to be cautious with our expenditures, you

understand.”

“Of course, Papa. I‟ll write to Meadow, and ask when we might call to discuss details.”

“That sounds like an excellent plan,” agreed Thomas.

“I do hope that we can send her,” interjected Carolina. “It‟s an excellent opportunity for Philomena. Think

of the sights she will see. Not to mention the people that she could meet! She‟ll probably make an

excellent match, with a family like the Thayers backing her. Oh, Thomas, think of the possibilities!”

“I am, my dear. But first, I must have my questions answered.”

“I‟ll go write and post my letter straight away. I‟m certain we‟ll be able to see them soon.”

Alex and Kaylynn continued their courtship. To help her feel more comfortable, Alex took to bringing her to

places that were less highbrow than the bistro where they shared their first meal. Kaylynn‟ confidence

grew with each of their meetings, and Alex soon confirmed his initial feelings that Kaylynn was worth ten of

his current female counterparts. After a quiet dinner in one of the many taverns in Portsimouth, Alex

decided it was time for him to do what he been planning to do for some time.

As they strolled by the pond in the park, he dropped to one knee.

“Kaylynn, I love you. Please, make me a very happy man…”

“…by agreeing to become my wife.”

“Alex!” she gasped. “I never imagined…yes! Yes, I‟ll marry you.”

Alex slipped the small diamond ring on her finger, and she leaped into his arms.

“This feels like a dream,” she whispered.

“If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up,” he replied. “I need to introduce you to my family. Can I bring

you out to Simsfield tomorrow?”

“That sounds like a lovely idea. If you and your sister is any indication, I‟m going to love the rest of your

family too.”

Early the next afternoon, Alex and Kaylynn stood on the steps of the Bradford Farm.

“Are you certain that I look all right? I want to make a good first impression on your family,” she said,

smoothing her hair and picking at non-existent lint on her coat.

“Kaylynn, stop,” he replied, gently taking her hands. “They‟re going to love you as much as I do. Ready?”

She nodded, and Alex knocked on the door as he opened it. “Mama? Papa? I‟ve come for a visit.”

“Alex!” cried Thomas, rushing out into the foyer to embrace his son. “How are you? And you‟ve brought a

guest!”

“Yes, Papa,” Alex beamed. “I‟d like to introduce you to Kaylynn Langerak, my fiancée.”

Thomas boomed out a laugh. “Fiancée! Alex, I had no idea. Miss Langerak, it is a pleasure to make your

acquaintance.”

Thomas planted a hearty kiss on Kaylynn‟s cheek.

“The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Bradford,” she replied.

“You‟re about to marry my son. I think you can call me „Thomas,‟ or „Papa,‟ if you prefer. Come, let‟s chat

in the music room. Carolina has quite the fire going in there. We can have a nice chat in there.”

“Alexander, how did you and Miss Kaylynn meet?” queried Carolina after the group had settled into the

sofas in the music room.

“She has been employed by the Bradford Society for some time. I came to admire her over the years, and

we became engaged last night.”

“That‟s lovely, son. And your family, Kaylynn? Are they excited by the match?”

Kaylynn hesitated for a moment before answering. “My family…well, perhaps the less said about them the

better.”

“You mean that Alexander didn‟t ask your father‟s permission before proposing?” gasped Carolina.

“My father has been dead for many years.”

“My condolences, dear. But what of an older brother? Or your mother?”

Kaylynn sighed. “Mrs. Bradford, my family is of SimIrish decent. There were not many opportunities for

my parents when the immigrated here in their youth. We made our way as best as we could, but after my

father‟s death, things became very bleak. My mother has been suffering from a mysterious illness, and my

older brother hasn‟t been seen for years. My sister…well, I no longer own her as kin. I have been caring

for myself and my mother for years. I feel quite comfortable in saying that I am free to make my own

decisions.”

Carolina smiled. “I hope that you and Alexander will be very happy together.”

While Carolina and Thomas were busy getting to know their future daughter-in-law, their current daughter-

in-law was busy eavesdropping on their conversation from the parlor.

Alexander intends on marrying this girl? she sneered. That will never do. She’s a servant, for heaven’s

sake! And SimIrish at that. He simply cannot go through with the wedding; it will bring shame onto the

entire family.

“This will never do,” she muttered.

“What will never do, Mama?” asked Elizabeth, who was busy studying in the corner.

“Children should not speak until spoken to, Elizabeth,” she chided. “Go upstairs.”

“Yes, Mama,” she replied, shoulders slumping.

Whatever is wrong with that child? She’s so dull and sullen all the time. Thank goodness we’ll be able to

give her a generous dowry, because she’ll never be able to catch a good husband on her own..

At that moment, Jan heard the carriage bringing her husband home from work pull up. Quickly, she

grabbed her coat and hat, and hurried out to meet him.

“Jan!” Matthew exclaimed when he saw her rush out to him. “Is everything all right?”

“No, Matthew, it is decidedly not. Your brother has brought home the woman he is calling his fiancée, and

she‟s completely unsuitable!”

“What do you mean?”

“She‟s a maid, for heaven‟s sake! A maid! And that‟s not the worst of it! She‟s SimIrish.”

Matthew was visibly taken aback by his wife‟s words.

“Are you certain?”

“Yes, I heard her admit it to your parents herself. And they don‟t seem to be bothered by it at all!”

“Jan, it will be all right. Calm down. Let me talk with my brother. I‟m sure I can bring him to see reason.”

“I certainly hope so. We cannot have her marry into the family, Matthew. We simply cannot.”

Matthew and Jan went into the house and the music room.

“I understand that Alex has someone to introduce us to,” Matthew said, a false smile plastered on his face.

“Matthew!” smiled Alex. “It‟s good to see you.”

“It‟s been far too long,” agreed Matthew. “What have you been up to?”

“Loads, brother. But the most recent development is that I‟m engaged.”

“So I‟ve heard. Who‟s the lucky lady?”

“Miss Kaylynn Langerak. I brought her over to meet Mama and Papa today.”

“What do you say you and I go into the study and get caught up?”

“Sounds good. Kaylynn, I‟ll be back in a little while.”

“Go ahead,” she smiled. “Enjoy your reunion with your brother, and I‟ll get to know your family better.”

The two brothers chatted for a short while before Matthew decided to broach the subject of Kaylynn.

“So, how did you meet Kaylynn?”

“She has been employed by the Bradford Society as a housemaid.”

“You really intend on marrying a maid, Alex?”

Alex stared at his brother.

“I don‟t see why that matters, Matthew. Kaylynn is an excellent woman. So what if she‟s not as well off as

we are? She‟s sweet and caring, and I love her. That should be all that matters.”

“Alex, she‟s SimIrish. Doesn‟t that mean anything to you?”

“No. Should it?”

“Yes! They‟re drunks and have short tempers. Do you really want to bring such a person into the family?”

“Matthew, those are just stereotypes. Kaylynn is one of the most patient people I have ever met, and I‟ve

never seen her touch a drop of alcohol.”

“But her family…what of them?”

“Her father is dead, her mother ill, her brother missing, and her sister disowned. What are you getting at?”

“I don‟t think she the type of person that should be marrying into this family.”

“I can‟t believe you,” muttered Alex as he got up from the sofa.

Matthew charged after him, put an arm around his shoulder and spun him around.

“Listen to me, Alex. This family has developed an excellent reputation over the years. You have no idea

the lengths I have gone through to keep tarnish off the Bradford name.”

“Matthew, why won‟t you…”

“Shut up! You aren‟t going to marry that girl, and that‟s final!”

“Matthew, what is your problem? I‟m a grown man, and you can‟t tell me what to do. Papa and Mama

have no objections to the match. Why can‟t you just let me be happy?”

“Alex, you are such a simpleton! You‟ll never be able to find a decent job with a wife like that! See

reason!”

“I don‟t think I‟m the one that needs to see reason, Matthew. I think I see things much more clearly than

you ever will.”

“Alex, if you insist on going through with this, I‟ll disown you!”

“You can‟t disown me! Only Papa can do that, and he likes Kaylynn.”

“He‟s old and will be gone soon. And then, you‟ll and your wife will not be welcome in this house!”

“Matthew, what happened to you? When did you become such a snob?”

“I am NOT a snob! I just don‟t want to see trash marrying into my family.”

“Kaylynn is not trash,” Alex said icily. “Take it back.”

“No, I will not take it back. If you‟re too naive to see the truth, that‟s she‟s probably just a gold-digging

tramp…”

Matthew‟s tirade ended when Alex‟s fist came up and connected with Matthew‟s jaw.

~

After many kicks and punches, Matthew emerged as the victor.

“So, brother of mine, have I managed to knock some sense into you?”

“Never,” hissed Alex through clenched teeth. “You may be able to beat me up, but you haven‟t been able

to change my mind. Kaylynn and I are getting married. If we aren‟t welcome here, so be it. I‟m sure that

my sisters will call on us.”

The two men returned to the music room.

“Kaylynn, get your things. We‟re leaving.”

Kaylynn saw her husband‟s rumpled suit, and saw Matthew rubbing his knuckles. She knew something

had happened, but decided to wait and question him later.

“Of course,” she said, rising. “Mr. Bradford, Mrs. Bradford, it was lovely to meet you. I‟m sure we‟ll see

each other again soon.”

Carolina followed the couple into the hallway, and hugged her son goodbye. “Come again soon.”

“I‟m not sure that will be possible, Mama, but I‟ll try.”

“Whatever do you mean by that?”

“Ask Matthew,” he said.

When Carolina had stepped out of the foyer, Kaylynn brought her hand up to touch a bruise that was

beginning to form on Alex‟s cheek.

“You and your brother were fighting.”

He nodded.

“Because of me,” she sighed.

“No, because he‟s an ignorant, self-centered, short-sighted numbskull. Come on, let me take you home.”

A short time later, Alex managed to secure a small home for himself and Kaylynn in Portsimouth. There,

on a warm afternoon, they exchanged vows in their very small garden.

Despite Matthew‟s predictions of doom and gloom for the pair, it was hard to imagine any two happier

people in all of Simerica at that moment.

Not too long after Alex‟s wedding, he joined Thomas and Carolina at Arabella and Humphrey Thayer‟s

house to discuss the prospect of Phily going abroad.

“Mr. Bradford, as I‟ve already said, the only thing you will need to provide to Philomena is a wardrobe. As

this is our invitation, we will take care of her passage and all accommodations while we are over there.”

“That is very generous of you, Mr. Thayer, but I cannot help but feel that this is an unfair trade, and that you

are putting out far more for our daughter that her mother and I are.”

“Nonsense! We had already booked Meadow her own stateroom on the ship and her own rooms at the

various hotels; to add another to the bill will be nothing at all. Besides, it would be a huge favor to us.

Meadow is so fond of Philomena that I worry should would not have nearly as enjoyable time without her. I

do hope you will allow her to go.”

Thomas looked from Carolina to Alex. “What do you think?”

“You already know my thoughts, Thomas,” replied Carolina with a sweet smile. “We should allow her to

go.”

“I agree with Mama,” interjected Alex. “She‟ll have an excellent experience, and make memories to last a

lifetime. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer will make good chaperones. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity,

Papa. Let her go.”

Thomas smiled at his youngest son. “You know her better than anyone, Alex. If you think it‟s a good idea,

then I‟ll consent to letting Phily accompany the Thayers to SimEurope.”

Carolina and Arabella both made exclamations of joy.

“Oh Thomas! This will be the making of our daughter.”

“Meadow will be very pleased. I cannot wait to share the news with her.”

“Shall we discuss a few more details before we tell the girls?” asked Humphrey.

The group nodded in agreement, and settled in to discuss ship departure times, countries to visit, and sites

to see.

Phily and Meadow sat in the parlor, awaiting the verdict from the meeting in the dining room.

“They just have to let you go, Phily. They just have to.”

“I know, Meadow. I feel the same way. Mama wants me to go, and Alex is in there too. He‟ll want me to

go. Between the two of them, they should be able to convince Papa.”

“But what if he says you can‟t go?”

“Then I suppose I‟ll have to be a stowaway,” she laughed.

Carolina and Thomas came into the parlor. Phily, upon seeing the brilliant smile on her mother‟s face,

leapt up from the sofa.

“You‟re letting me go!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, your father and I are letting you accompany the Thayers on their grand tour.”

“My darling daughter,” sighed Carolina. “This is a wonderful opportunity for you. Take advantage of it, and

remember to conduct yourself as a lady.”

“I will, Mama. Thank you so much.”

“My baby girl,” mutter Thomas. “Enjoy this journey, and bring home lots of stories to tell the rest of us.”

“Thank you so much, Papa. I‟m so grateful.”

“I know, my dear. Now, your mother insists on taking you shopping straight away. You‟ll be leaving just

before spring arrives. Mr. Thayer and I are going to get better acquainted at his club while you womenfolk

go fuss over dresses and hats and such.”

Meadow then threw her arms around her friend.

“Phily! This is going to me so much fun. You and I traipsing around the great cities of SimEurope. I can

hardly wait.”

“Neither can I,” agreed Phily. “Come, you must come shopping with Mama and I. I need your advice on

my travelling things.”

As spring was preparing to overtake winter, Kaylynn and Alexander Langerak were sitting down to dinner.

“Kaylynn, I‟ve been thinking. Neither of us are really happy here in the city. I miss the farm, and I know

you‟ve got too many bad memories here. I was thinking that maybe we should move.”

“Alex, you know there‟s nothing I‟d like more than to leave Portsimouth, but I don‟t think we can afford to by

land in Simsfield right now.”

“I‟m not talking about moving to Simsfield. I‟m talking about going west.”

“West?”

“Yes, Simta Fe to be precise. There‟s huge plots of land up for grabs to anyone with $25 and is willing to

live on it for 7 years. What do you say, Kaylynn? Do you have some of that pioneering spirit in you?”

“I don‟t have any reason to stay here any more, now that my mother has passed. But your entire family is

here. Won‟t you miss them?”

“Tremendously. But something tells me this is the right thing to do. I know you suffer because of your

heritage, but that won‟t matter so much in Simta Fe. It will almost be like making a fresh start.”

Kaylynn smiled. “When would we leave?”

“If we leave by the end of the month, we should get there in time to plant a small batch of crops.”

“And you‟ll still be able to see Phily off if we wait until then.”

“Yeah,” he sighed. “I‟m going to miss her the most of all.”

The next night, Alex invited his parents over to share the news of his departure.

“But why, Alexander? I don‟t understand why you need to go so far away. You can have a farm in

Simsfield if that‟s what you and Kaylynn want.”

“No, Mama. We can‟t afford it. The land in Simta Fe is practically free. 160 acres! There‟s not a parcel

that big left in all of Massimchusetts.”

“But it will be so hard.”

“It‟s just the initial journey that will be hard. There‟s a train, but we‟ll go out by wagon at first, with most of

the provision‟s we‟ll need. We can be back in Massimchusetts within a week by train.”

Carolina looked to Thomas in an appeal.

Thomas looked as his wife without really seeing her. His thoughts were on his grandfather, John Bradford,

who had left his family behind to cross an ocean. So far, none of the Bradfords had inherited his

adventurous nature. Alex, it seemed, was the first.

“Son, as a father, I want to keep you as close as possible. As a man, I understand the desire to be

independent. Your great-grandfather set out when this country was still a colony of the Simlish crown.

You‟re simply continuing the family tradition. I wish you all the best.”

Carolina sighed. “You must come to visit.”

“I will, Mama. I promise. Once we‟re settled, maybe you can even visit us.”

“Maybe.”

“We will certainly try,” agreed Thomas.

“Thank you both. Your blessing means much to me. Kaylynn and I are very much looking forward to this

adventure.”

“Have you told Philomena yet?”

“No, Mother. I‟m going to wait until our plans are finalized and I can answer all the questions I know she‟ll

have.”

When Thomas arrived home, he went and sat in his study, lost in thought. He was there for such a long

time that Matthew became worried, and went to check on his father.

“Your brother is going West, Matthew. I‟m happy for him, but I‟m going to miss him so.”

“I don‟t understand. I thought he was making a decent life for himself in the city.”

“I guess he misses the country, and he can‟t afford land here. They‟re practically giving it away out west,

and he and Kaylynn are going to go stake a claim on parcel.”

“I hardly know what to say.”

“There‟s not much to be said. Excuse me; your mother is upset by the news, and I must go comfort her.”

Matthew went into the music room, where Jan was reading. She put her book down when she saw her

husband enter.

“What is on you mind, dear?”

“My brother and his wife are going west to Simta Fe.”

“But that‟s marvelous news!”

“What do you mean, Jan? My parents are very upset by the news.”

“That will fade with time,” she said with a dismissive gesture. “But think! They‟ll be out of the city. Gone,

and soon, forgotten. It will allow us the opportunity to clear the blemish on the family name.”

“I never thought of that,” admitted Matthew. “My dear, you are right, as always. We‟ll soon be able to

ignore the fact that that we have anyone of a less than desirable character in our family.”

“Out of sight, out of mind, I always say. And it‟s soon enough that we‟ll be able to put it behind us before

we have to go about the business of arranging marriages for Jefferson and Elizabeth.”

“Once again, you have shown me that I was wise to marry you. You are correct; this is a good thing, and I

will treat it as such from here on out.”

Part of the preparation for Alex and Kaylynn‟s trip west was a round of farewell calls. Isaac came over one

afternoon, and stayed on into the evening.

“Say, Alex, I know we‟ve never been that close, but I wanted to ask you something.”

“What‟s that, Isaac?”

“Can I come with you?”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I want to go West, too. I‟ve kind of made a mess of things here, and I want a fresh start. Simta Fe sounds

like as good a place as any to do it. What do you say?”

Alex bit his lip. “I‟d be lying if I said I was excited for you to come, Isaac. I know why you‟re wanting to

make a fresh start, and I have to say, I‟m a little apprehensive about bringing you along with my wife.”

“Aw, Alex, do you really think so poorly of me?”

“Your reputation precedes you, Isaac.”

Isaac sighed. “Okay, I guess you‟re right. But I promise to behave myself. Please, Alex? It‟d be a lot

easier for you with another man in your party.”

“I can‟t argue with that. Let me speak with Kaylynn, but I‟m sure, if you promise to be a gentleman, she‟ll

let you go.”

“Fantastic. Give me the details, and I‟ll give notice to my landlord that I‟m leaving!”

The night before their mutual departure, Phily joined Alex for dinner at his house. After, they found

themselves outside. The pair sat on the bench in the garden, lost in their own thoughts.

“I really wish that you weren‟t going,” she sighed, a frown marring her pretty features. “I know why you‟re

doing it, but I‟m selfish enough to want you to stay here, no matter what everyone else thinks.”

He sighed. “I wish that I didn‟t have to go either, but you know it‟s what‟s best for everyone involved.”

“I just hate the idea of my best friend going so far away. I don‟t know when, or even if, I‟ll ever see you

again.”

He started at his twin in disbelief. “I‟m your best friend? I thought Miss Thayer…”

“Alex,” she said, taking his hand, “Who stood up for me when my classmates felt the need to pull on my

braids? Who punched Orlando Centowski when he tried to steal a kiss from me? Who stood up to Mama

and Papa when I wanted to go abroad with Meadow and her family? You did. That‟s why you‟re one of the

most important people in my life.”

Alexander looked sheepish. “But you‟re my baby sister, Phily. It‟s my job to protect you.”

“Matthew never protected any of us like you have. He‟s more concerned with himself. You‟re so giving. I

don‟t know what I‟m going to do without you.”

“To be honest, I‟m not sure what I‟m going to do without you either. We‟ve been a matched set for so

long.”

“Thank you,” she said, squeezing his hand.

“No problem, sis,” he replied.

They sat in silence for a few moments.

“You know, you can come and visit, once we get settled.”

“Not by myself I can‟t. You know Mama and Papa will never let me take the train that far alone.”

“Maybe you and Henri and the baby could make the trip. I have a funny feeling that she‟s going to be

needing a change of scenery soon.”

“For her sake, I hope you‟re right.”

Alex rose. “It‟s getting late. I‟ve got an early morning ahead of me, so I think I‟d better call it a night.”

Phily rose as well, and the pair hugged.

“Take care of yourself. I meant what I said. You‟re the best friend anyone could ask for.”

“Ditto, sis. Ditto.”

Early the next morning, the two girls awoke to a knock on their door. Meadow practically bounded out of

bed, while Phily was a little more subdued.

“This is so exciting! I can‟t wait to leave. What travelling dress do you think I should wear, Phily?”

“The red one,” she advised, wiping sleep from her eyes. “It complements your coloring nicely.”

“And you must wear the blue one. Your new hat will go so well with it. Come on, we need to get dressed.”

Once the girls were dressed, Meadow inspected Phily‟s appearance.

“You really are a beautiful woman, Phily. I wish I had your flawless complexion.”

“And I wish that I had your blonde hair! Really, Meadow, you‟re just as pretty as I am. We‟ll be the belles

of SimEurope.”

“Not if we don‟t get going. The coach will be here soon, so we‟d better make sure all our trunks are

downstairs. Let‟s go.”

The carriage took the Thayers and Phily to the docks from where their steamship would depart. The girls

smiled as they walked up the gangway, anticipation tingling in their bellies.

“Now I‟m nervous,” confessed Phily.

“Don‟t be,” said Meadow, taking her friend‟s hand. “This is going to be so much fun!”

“Welcome aboard the Majestic. My name is Officer Sampson. What party are you with?”

“The Thayer party. We should have two staterooms booked,” replied Meadow.

“Thayer…Thayer…ah! Here you are. Cabins 2F and 2G. Right this way, misses.”

Meadow and Phily surveyed their stateroom.

“It‟s lovely,” sighed Meadow. “All for us. We‟re sharing a washroom with Mother and Father, but that‟s

better than most of the staterooms on the ship.”

“It‟s very nice.”

“Oh, shake off the blues, darling! I know you‟re missing your family already, but let it go. This is the

beginning of a wonderful adventure.”

“I know, Meadow. I‟ll do my best.”

“I know you will. Come on; we‟ll be setting off soon. Let‟s go on deck and wave goodbye to lots of people

we don‟t know.”

As the shores of Portsimouth and Massimchusetts began to fade into the distance, Phily chocked back a

tear. “I never knew it would be so hard,” she whispered.

Meadow, who was all smiles as she gazed out on the seemingly endless ocean, looked over at her friend.

“Phily, it will be all right. Think of the stories you‟ll have to tell your brother when you see each other!”

“I know Meadow,” she sighed, resting her hands on the railing. “I‟ll have to write to them loads.”

“Yes, you will,” she replied, placing her hand over Phily‟s. Phily felt a wave of comfort wash over her. Yes,

everything would be all right, as long as she had Meadow‟s steadying presence near her.

That same morning, Alex and Kaylynn were preparing to set off for Simta Fe. Kaylynn‟s expression was so

dull that Alex wondered if he was making a mistake.

“Are you sure about this, sweetheart?”

“Yes, I am. I‟m just a little sad to be leaving all I know and love behind. But,” she said, her face

brightening, “I‟ll have you, and that‟s all I really need.”

“Good. I want us to be happy in Simta Fe.”

“We will be happy. It will just be hard work to get there, and I‟m not afraid of hard work.”

Alex smiled at his wife. “Isaac is waiting in the wagon. Let‟s get going.”

Kaylynn crawled into the back of the wagon as Alex took the reins. He looked at his cousin.

“Ready?”

“Westward ho!” Isaac cried.

Kaylynn laughed as Alex cracked the reins. The party set off with the rising sun at their backs.

*************************************************************************************************************************

And that is the end of chapter 12. John is haunting loads, and he is fascinated with the lamp in Jefferson‟s

room. It‟s always floating.

Chapter 13 will be a little longer in coming. Up next, will be an interlude that includes Kaylynn‟s back story

and the story of their journey to Simta Fe. This story has been in my head for a while, so I hope that you

enjoy it.

When Chapter 13 does come out, look for Matthew‟s fight with his brother to have repercussions. Henri

will finally catch a break, and Elizabeth and Jefferson cope with their parent‟s inequitable treatment.

As always, I thank you very much for reading. Please leave comments on the thread at Boolprop.com.