Chapter 4: Elizabeth Grouses
Abigail listened patiently during dinner that evening while Elizabeth complained about Rosemary's theater plans.
"Rosemary acts like it's her classroom – she takes over everything," Elizabeth pouted. "I have things I want to teach the children and lessons prepared. And I was supposed to show Filbert my teaching methods. It's not right!" Elizabeth complained.
Abigail tried to calm Elizabeth down. "Elizabeth, I don't think it's such a bad idea to have a special project for the students to work on these next two weeks. It'll be something fun for the townspeople to look forward to. You can get back to your regular lessons after that. And I'm sure you can discuss your teaching methods with Mr. Longstreet outside of class."
Elizabeth acted like she hadn't heard Abigail's very reasonable suggestions. "And the way Rosemary flirted with Filbert – it was almost scandalous! Maybe that's the way they do things in New York, but I certainly wasn't raised that way." Elizabeth huffed.
Abigail put her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "That's just Rosemary's way, Elizabeth. Every person is different. Filbert told me he appreciated the warm welcome he received from you and Rosemary and Jack, and he seemed to enjoy my pastries as well." Abigail remembered how good it felt to serve a customer again in her café.
Elizabeth sighed. "I know. It's just . . . I thought things were going to be different now that . . . well, you know. Now that Jack told me he cared for me. I thought Rosemary was going to leave town and that Jack and I would finally have some time together just the two of us. But Rosemary's still here, and things are just as complicated as ever."
Abigail chuckled. "Elizabeth, you'll learn that when you come out west, nothing is ever easy. What is it Shakespeare said . . . 'the course of true love never did run smooth'"?
Elizabeth suddenly felt ashamed that she was complaining about trivial things when Abigail was dealing with so many hardships. "I'm sorry, Abigail. I'm acting like a child. I guess I'm tired of always being upstaged by Rosemary." Elizabeth started to get angry again. "And then Jack took her side, of course." Elizabeth pouted again.
Abigail softly scolded Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, can't you see that Jack is trying to help the town? Perhaps, if you can't beat them, you should think about joining them . . . . "
Right at that moment, there was a knock at the door. Elizabeth went to open it, and saw Jack standing at the doorway, looking handsome as ever. Elizabeth, still annoyed, declared "Oh, it's you. Traitor . . . " She folded her arms over her chest and challenged Jack with her eyes.
Jack laughed and asked, "Can I come in?" Before Elizabeth could make another smart remark, Abigail came to the door and welcomed Jack, "Of course, come in and have some pie with us."
Jack walked past Elizabeth with a smile, "Thank you, don't mind if I do. Glad to see that someone in this house is happy to see me."
Elizabeth huffed while Abigail sliced Jack a piece of pie. "I'm just feeling overwhelmed. You know I hate organizing plays. And we only have two weeks to get ready. I don't think it's possible." Elizabeth was feeling sorry for herself again.
Jack gently disagreed with Elizabeth. "Everyone will help out, like this town always does - we'll all work together. I'll help paint the backdrops. Abigail and some of the other mothers have agreed to sew the costumes. You and Fillmore can help the children learn their lines. And Rosemary will do what she does best – tell us all what to do." Jack smiled while taking bites of his pie.
Elizabeth sighed. "I never thought I would be thrown together with Rosemary like this."
Jack kept his eyes on his pie, "Maybe that's not such a bad thing . . . "
Elizabeth worried, "I'm not so sure about that." Elizabeth sighed again and looked out the window, "Actually, I could use this opportunity to teach the children more about Shakespeare . . . "
Abigail chimed in, "Noah and I used to take turns reading Shakespeare plays to our son Peter at night." Abigail rose and retrieved a large book from the cabinet. "Here it is. I haven't opened it in a while." Abigail opened the book and smiled to herself. "We really enjoyed reading these plays together. We would always learn something new." Abigail handed the book to Elizabeth. "Perhaps you can use this book with your students."
Elizabeth clutched the book to her chest and looked lovingly at Abigail. "Thank you so much, Abigail. You're right, there's always something new we can learn." Elizabeth put the book on the table and turned to Jack. "I'm going to keep an open mind about this. If the children are learning and having fun, I'm sure everything will work out " Elizabeth's chin started to rise with determination.
Jack reached out to touch Elizabeth's arm and whispered "thank you" under his breath. Elizabeth's heart melted and she smiled at Jack.
"As long as I don't have to act in the play . . . I have terrible stage fright. My sisters used to try to get me to act in their ridiculous plays they would make up about knights in shining armor and maidens in distress . . . it was all very silly." Elizabeth scoffed.
Jack, still eating his pie, was surprised. "I would think you would be a good actress, since you're a natural in front of your students."
Elizabeth smiled at the compliment. "Oh, that's different. I don't mind teaching the children. I just don't like pretending I'm someone other than who I am. It makes me . . . uncomfortable."
"Hmmm," Jack replied, taking a sip of coffee. Abigail reassured Elizabeth, "Well then this is perfect, since you can help prepare the children behind the scenes, where you're most comfortable. "
Elizabeth nodded agreeably, "Yes, that should be okay."
Jack offered, "Maybe you'll even have some fun . . . "
Elizabeth replied tartly, "I doubt it!" Then she and Jack laughed – they had found their way back to each other again, at least for the time being.