A Home for Her Heart (16 page)

“Your aunt?”

“Yes. You’ve met her. She’s Beatrice Watson.”

“I should have known. She has your smile—or, you have hers. She’s very nice. And...you were the flower girl that helped her at the masquerade party, weren’t you?”

“I was. And I was so afraid you’d find out who I was that night and be angry with me. That was when I knew I had to tell you soon. You and Kathleen first, before anyone else.”

He should have felt some comfort that she’d wanted him to be one of the first to know, but there was little comfort in knowing for certain that he was indeed out of her league. “Have you told her?”

“Yes. I told her last night. I can’t begin to tell you what a relief it is to have it out. And I feel so bad that all this time my aunt could have enjoyed knowing you all and you could have known her. She would love the atmosphere at Heaton House as much as I do.”

“Well, I’m sure that can be remedied now. Mrs. Heaton would be glad to have her for Sunday dinner.”

“Oh, I know she would. She’s told me to invite her anytime.”

“Then she knows?”

Elizabeth nodded. “She does. And so does Michael. I felt I had to tell them when I applied for the room. They understood my reasons for using my mother’s last name at the time. But they told me anytime I wanted to let everyone know they would stand behind me.”

“They are loyal to us all, aren’t they?”

“Yes. I’m very thankful that my aunt had heard of Mrs. Heaton and insisted I board with her.”

“So am I.” John couldn’t imagine not having Elizabeth in his life and he prayed he’d never have to. But the dreams he’d begun to weave would have to come to a stop. “I’ll be there when you tell the others, but I don’t think you have to worry about it. They know the kind of person you are, Elizabeth. They’ll understand.”

* * *

Elizabeth prayed John was right the next morning as she went downstairs early and sought out Mrs. Heaton. She was in her study to Elizabeth’s relief and she looked up when she knocked on the door frame.

“Why, Elizabeth, dear. You’re down very early. Is something wrong?”

“Not really, but I would like to talk to you, if you have time.”

“You know I always have time for you. Come in.”

Elizabeth shut the door behind her and took a seat across from Mrs. Heaton’s desk.

“What is it, dear?”

“Well, I wanted to let you know that I’m going to let everyone know who I really am. I’ve told Kathleen and John and I want the others to know, as well.”

“I see. It became too much to worry about, didn’t it?” Mrs. Heaton’s blue eyes were kind behind her spectacles. Her auburn hair was done up on top of her head and she looked much the same as the day Elizabeth had come asking for a room.

“It did. I finally realized I’d jumped out ahead of the Lord and made a decision that only complicated my life. The more I came to care about everyone the worse I felt for not being totally honest from the beginning. And the more fearful I was of them finding out and feeling as if I’d somehow betrayed their trust in me.”

“Oh, my dear. Elizabeth, they aren’t going to think that. You had reasons for not giving your whole name at the time. But I am glad you aren’t worried about that any longer.”

“So am I. And I’ll no longer feel anxious that someone besides me would reveal to anyone I care about who I really am.”

“That is perfectly understandable. Are you going to tell them today?”

“I think so. I’d like to get it over with.”

“I’m proud of the decision you’ve made, Elizabeth. There is absolutely no reason you should hide your wealth. I know firsthand what you do to help others, many who don’t know where the help comes from.” She glanced up at the clock on the wall. “Come, it’s time for breakfast. Let’s go get this all out in the open so you can live your life the way the Lord wants you to.”

Several boarders were already at the table when she and Mrs. Heaton entered the dining room. She breathed a sigh of relief when she was greeted by smiles from John and Kathleen. She fixed her plate and slipped into her chair beside John.

“You all right this morning?” His eyes looked deeply into hers and she nodded.

“I am. Or I will be once breakfast is over.”

It was as if the Lord knew she wanted to do this only one more time, for in just minutes, everyone was gathered around the table—something that rarely happened on a Saturday morning.

She gave them time to eat before tapping the side of her coffee cup to get everyone’s attention. “I’m not sure there is ever a good time for this kind of thing but since everyone is here...I have something I need to tell you all.”

“What is it?” Millicent asked. “You aren’t leaving Heaton House, are you?”

“No. But you might wish I would once you hear what I have to tell you.”

“No, they won’t,” Kathleen assured her as the table quieted, waiting for Elizabeth to speak.

“When I came to Heaton House, I was determined to be independent and make my own way. And I wanted to fit in and be considered just like the rest of you. And I am and I plan on continuing to be, if possible. But there were a few details I left out when I was introduced to you all.”

She had everyone’s attention now. Fear that they wouldn’t accept her for who she was gripped her, but she wanted it over with, no matter how they all took it.

She looked around the table and saw Mrs. Heaton’s encouraging nod, Kathleen’s smile—even Luke seemed to be encouraging, although she wasn’t sure if he knew or not. And John, who whispered, “Go ahead. It’ll be all right.”

The most important ones in her life were still her friends and that was a blessing she wouldn’t take for granted.

She swallowed around the knot in her throat and took a deep breath.

“I am Elizabeth Anderson, but I left off part of my name when I came here. My real name is Elizabeth Anderson Reynolds and my father is Edward Reynolds of Boston. He owns a shipping company and has interests in all manner of other things. I work because I want to, but I don’t have to.”

“In other words, you’re wealthy,” Millicent bluntly said.

“I am. Yes.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I wondered why you always had a little extra cash and offered it whenever one of us was running short. I thought you just managed money a whole lot better than I did.”

“You didn’t think we’d treat you the same as we treat each other if we knew at the start?” Julia’s tone was cool.

“I was afraid you might not. And I so wanted to be accepted by you all.”

“Perhaps we would have treated you differently,” Julia said. “I don’t know, although I would hope not. But still, I wish you’d given us a chance, Elizabeth.”

“I’m sorry, Julia. That’s all I can say. I wish I’d been totally truthful with you all, too. But I can’t go back and do it all over again.”

“No. I suppose not.” Julia sighed and shook her head. “I’d stay mad at you, but you’ve been too good a friend for that. Besides, we know you now, and it doesn’t matter if you have more money than we do. You’re the Elizabeth we love.”

“And the one we know we can come to if we come up short at the end of the month,” Millicent added. Her smile said she was teasing, but Elizabeth was glad they realized she could and would help any of them.

“So you don’t hate me for not telling you everything from the start?”

“Elizabeth, it’s not like you committed a crime. I’m sure you’ve suffered the consequences of not being totally truthful and that you wrestled with it all this time or you wouldn’t be telling us now,” Ben said from across the table. “We all have parts of ourselves we don’t share with others. You are like us in that respect and there’s no way we can hold it against you.”

“Thank you, Ben.” She looked around the table once more. “Thank you all. I’m an only child with no cousins and well, you all mean so much to me.”

She hadn’t told them everything—not about her broken engagement or her mistrust of men. There was no need to go into all of that, at least not now and not with everyone.

Chapter Sixteen

T
hey set out for the ball game that afternoon in high spirits. Elizabeth felt freer than she had in years, now that she’d told her story and everyone knew who she was.

Her heart was light as she walked along with John and the others, enjoying the mild afternoon. The men had all worn light-colored pants, striped shirts and suspenders, with straw bowlers topping off their outfits.

Elizabeth had chosen a dark green skirt with a pale green shirtwaist. Her hat was straw with a large brim trimmed with flowers. The other women were dressed similarly. She liked dressing like the others and not having to change clothes for every different outing. She’d always thought doing so was a terrible waste of time.

When talk turned to the next weekend and what they’d planned for the day, she tried not to feel jealous, but she so wanted to be part of that weekend. If only her father would cancel his trip and come another time. But she knew that wasn’t going to happen and she reminded herself it was only for a few days.

They caught the trolley that would take them to the polo field where the game was being played. When they arrived, Elizabeth saw there were trees around the area and she thought the doubled-deck grandstand was impressive. A line was forming to buy tickets to get in.

“We’re lucky to get here this early, some of the good seats are still left,” John said, grasping Elizabeth’s arm and leading her up into the grandstand.

The seats they chose were midway over and up so as to be able to see everything. Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice several teenage boys on the very top. They all had baseball gloves with them.

“Are they part of the team?”

John chuckled. “No. They’re just hoping to catch a home-run ball before it goes out of the park.”

“A home run?”

John nodded. “That’s when a batter hits a ball outside of the field, where no one on the other team can catch it. The player goes around all the bases, and gets to home without fear of being tagged out. Sometimes the fans get to catch that ball and take it home for a souvenir.”

“Oh! That would be fun, wouldn’t it?”

“Sure would. I used to be like those boys. Actually caught a few when I was their age.”

Elizabeth had a feeling all the men there might miss some of the game, just trying to teach it to the women. “If I ask a question at the wrong time, I’ll understand if you don’t answer right away.”

“Don’t worry about that. I want you to learn the game. You’ll enjoy it much more if you do.”

She was already enjoying it. There was a soft breeze that cooled the afternoon air and she could feel the excitement all around as the team took to the field and the first batter began to swing his bat.

“I do hate to show my ignorance, but which team is ours?”

“We’re for the Giants and we’re first up at bat. The other team is the Brooklyn Bridegrooms.”

“That seems an odd name for a baseball team.”

John laughed. “We kind of think so, too. But they are pretty good. They beat us yesterday.”

“And the man behind the plate? The one with that funny mask and breast padding? What is he and why is he wearing all that?”

“He’s the umpire and that mask is to guard his face, the chest padding to keep the impact from hurting him in case a ball comes at him.”

It wasn’t long before Elizabeth understood the precautions. A ball whizzed by the batter and right by the catcher’s face. She held her breath as he reached out to catch it, and then she released a huge sigh. “Oh, I can see why all that is needed.”

John nodded. “They can still get hurt, but not nearly as bad as they could be without the protection.”

“I’m glad they have it. What about the pitcher? I’d think he might be afraid of a ball coming straight toward him.”

“Probably is. And a few have been hurt, but it’s easier for them to get out of the way than for a catcher squatting down behind the batter’s plate.”

“I had no idea it could be so dangerous.”

“It usually isn’t. Hopefully today will be just a regular game.” He smiled down at her and relief flooded her. He was still her friend after all she’d told him and that alone was enough to make the day special.
Thank You, Lord.

She tried to follow the game, but when the batter began to walk to first base without hitting the ball, she finally had to ask. “Why is he getting to do that?”

“He gets to walk. After four balls—that means the pitcher threw balls that weren’t over home plate—the batter gets to walk to first base. Good for us because our next batter is really good and we could get two runs out of it.”

“Really? I’m sorry. You must be getting tired of answering my questions.”

“Elizabeth, don’t you know we men love teaching women things?”

“Yes, well, I’m sure you like enjoying the game, too, and I’m taking your attention off of it.”

“I’m getting to see the game and teach you about it at the same time. I’m not going to miss anything important. I can watch the game and answer your questions at the same time.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m positive.”

She smiled at him. “Good. Then maybe by next time, I’ll understand it well enough to let you watch in peace.”

“Would you want to come again?”

“Oh, yes! It’s quite exciting.”

John grinned. “Well, there are still a lot of games left in the season. I’m sure we’ll come again—if you can tear yourself away from some of those wedding plans.”

Elizabeth leaned out and nodded toward Kathleen and Luke, who sat on the other side of John. “It appears Kathleen’s enjoying it as much as I am. I think we’ll be able to work around ball games.”

His smile shot straight to her heart and she could feel her face flush as she looked away just as the batter hit the second ball out of the ballpark.

John jumped up and cheered with the others to watch the batter and the man on first make it all the way in to home base. She jumped up and cheered with him. He turned to her, pulled her closer, knocking her hat eschew, before he quickly dropped his arms. Elizabeth reached up to straighten her hat, color high in her face.

“We’re up by two,” he said, smiling at Elizabeth. She couldn’t help but smile back.

Elizabeth sat back down beside John, trying to get her racing pulse to slow down. She’d nearly been hugged by John, only he’d seemed to think better of it just seconds before both arms had enveloped her. She could tell from the look in his eyes, he’d been acting spontaneously in excitement of the game. Luke was hugging Kathleen and others around them did the same thing. Still, it wasn’t something one did in public unless they were engaged or married.

But it had been an exciting moment in all kinds of ways. At least he hadn’t apologized, and she hoped that meant he wasn’t sorry. She, on the other hand,
was
sorry he stopped himself short of a full hug. She caught her breath. What was she thinking?

She gave herself a little shake and forced her thoughts back to the ball game. Trying to ease any embarrassment John might feel and wanting to let him know she wasn’t upset at him, she began asking questions again and they eased back into the game together.

A refreshment boy came around with his tray of cold lemonade and another one followed with freshly popped popcorn and a new snack called Cracker Jack that’d been introduced at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. It was a box of popped corn and peanuts coated with molasses.

“Have you had these before?” John asked.

“No, I haven’t, but I’ve heard they’re very good.”

John bought a box of Cracker Jack, two drinks and a bag of popcorn for them to share. The sweet and tart drink went well with the salty treat. And the Cracker Jack snacks were every bit as good as she’d heard they were.

Luke bought the same and they all shared with Ben, Julia, Millicent and Matt. The game ended with the Giants winning six to three.

As they filed out of the polo field, they all tried to figure out where they’d eat dinner. Mrs. Heaton had let Gretchen and Maida have the evening off, as none of them would be there for dinner. She’d gone to spend the day with her children, who’d decided against going to the game. Violet didn’t feel up to it and Rebecca, who wasn’t a big fan of baseball, thought spending time with her grandmother would be best for Jenny.

At Luke and Kathleen’s suggestion, they decided on going to an Italian restaurant they liked. It was still light out and a bit early for dinner, so they concluded it was a wonderful evening for a walk.

The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, with candles on each table, and they were seated at a huge round table that was just right for eight people.

Kathleen and Luke told them about their favorite dishes, and Elizabeth decided on the spaghetti and meatballs at Kathleen’s recommendation. John ordered the same while several others ordered a dish called
fettuccine burro e parmigiano.

By the time their orders got there, the aroma in the place had them all so hungry, Elizabeth wondered if it would have mattered what they ate—but her dish was wonderful.

“Mmm. This is delicious. I’ve never had Italian food before.”

“Neither have I,” John said.

“Luke brought me here one night before we became engaged,” Kathleen said. “It’s been one of our favorite places ever since.”

“I can certainly see why.”

“I love this place,” Millicent said. “I’ll have to write home about it. I’d love to get the recipe for this fettuccine dish.”

For the rest of the evening, they all talked, laughed and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

It’d been a wonderful day and Elizabeth hoped there would be more like it in the future. The chef did give the recipe to Millicent, but it was in Italian and they all chuckled as they said goodbye to the proprietors.

They filed out of the restaurant and headed back to Heaton House.

“I think I’ll catch a trolley if I can get one of you men to come with me,” Millicent said.

“You mean you’re actually afraid to go by yourself?” Matt asked with a teasing grin on his face.

“No, I don’t mean that and you know it. But I respect Mrs. Heaton’s rules, even if I don’t agree with them. Besides, if I took off by myself, one of you would probably tell her and—”

“I’ll go with you. Mrs. Heaton’s rules are in place for good reason and we wouldn’t have let you go by yourself,” Matt said. “Anyone else want to get back quickly?”

“I think I’ll go, too,” Julia said. “I need to press my dress for church tomorrow.”

“If you’re going, so am I,” Ben said. “I certainly don’t want to be the odd man here with two other couples.”

“Well, we have to stay if you all are going. Kathleen and Luke have to have some supervision,” John teased.

“Yeah, well, I’m not sure they’re the only ones. You all behave yourselves, you hear?” Ben said. He laughed and caught up with the others who’d reached the trolley stop.

Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. Was Ben insinuating she and John were a couple? He knew better. But...did he and the others see her and John that way? Would it be so bad if they did? She felt all fluttery at the very idea.

* * *

John was glad Elizabeth hadn’t insisted on going back with the others. He’d enjoyed the day and didn’t want it to come to an end just yet. He wouldn’t be seeing as much of her after tonight and he might as well enjoy each minute of the evening.

“I’d like a little time with my fiancé, but if you two are willing to walk far enough behind that we can converse out of your hearing, I suppose you can tag along home with us,” Luke said.

John chuckled and looked down at Elizabeth. “I don’t know. Think we should let them get that far ahead of us?”

“Long as you keep us in sight, we should be good,” Luke said. “No need to hear our every word.”

“I suppose they are right,” Elizabeth said. She motioned to the couple with her hands. “Shoo. Get along now.”

John chuckled as the couple took off. “I guess we can’t blame them for wanting some privacy.”

“No, we can’t. They don’t get much time to themselves living at Heaton House. Perhaps that’s not a bad thing, though.”

“Perhaps. But I know I’d find it hard to have so little time with the woman I was engaged to.” He couldn’t help but feel envious of his friend, who was leaning close to hear whatever it was Kathleen was saying.

Here the one woman who attracted him in ways he’d never experienced before had just let him know she was wealthy and now he was more certain than ever that she was out of his league. And yet, she was still the same woman she’d been before she told him all that and he couldn’t turn his feelings on and off like a lightbulb.

But there was no getting around the fact that she
was
wealthy. And he wasn’t. He could offer her nothing she couldn’t get for herself.

“John, is everything all right?”

“Yes, of course. It’s been a great day and I thank you for spending it with me.”

She smiled up at him. “Thank you for asking me to. I loved being out in the open watching the baseball game. And while I may not understand it all, I understood enough to enjoy it, thanks to you. Did you mean it about going again? Because I’d really like to.”

“I did mean it. We’ll do it again.” When he had his feelings for her more in control and thought of her as a good friend instead of longing for more. “You seemed to be more relaxed. How are you feeling after telling everyone?”

“Freer than I ever have, I believe.”

“And now you don’t have to worry about us finding out who you are, or how wealthy you are and—”

“I do still worry that my wealth might affect some of my relationships, but I’ll have to deal with that if it happens. Does it—does it bother you?”

“No.” Only that she’d never look to him to provide her with what she wanted. She’d never have to. “I do hope you don’t think all men you meet will be after your money, though.”

“That might be difficult.”

“Oh, Elizabeth, you aren’t the kind to—”

“I’m afraid I am the kind of woman who has vowed never to trust my heart to another man.”

“Another man?”

She sighed and looked up at him. “John, I have more to tell you.”

“More?”