Chapter Seven
"Harriet's Beau"
Late August, 1855
Sunday after church, eight well-dressed figures walked towards the Thorvald residence. In front, Catherine walked with her two daughters, all three wearing fancy hats, though Victoria's lacked the ornate feathers of her mother and sister's, due to her age. Behind them, walked Russell, his uncle Gerald, and William having an animated conversation about horses. Bring up the rear, were the two lovebirds, Patrick and Olivia, who were, as usual, lost in their own world.
As Catherine walked with her daughters, up ahead they noticed a large family, dressed simply in hand-sewn clothes. The mother held a baby in her arms. The father held the hands of two more children. In front of them, the three eldest children walked together holding hands.
The three Thorvald women exchanged a look.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," said Catherine. "Such a poor choice of clothing for church!" she whispered, looking back to make sure no one behind them overhead. She did not need a lecture from Gerald Simmons.
"They might as well as wear burlap sacks!" Harriet agreed in a low voice.
"I bet all the children have to share one room!" Victoria declared in a loud whisper.
"I'll never understand the poor," Catherine continued. "Why do they keep having children when they can't even properly clothe the ones they have? For heaven's sake, no family needs more than two children."
Victoria stopped abruptly and stared at her mother, and then began walking again, a look of rage on her features.
"Well," Catherine began quickly, "of course, sometimes things happen. But at least we can afford it. You have your own room, don't you Vicki? And your Papa can buy you pretty dresses, can't he?" Victoria nodded with satisfaction.
"Besides," Catherine continued, "when your father gets promoted, we'll show the Bellmonts, the Danforths and all of them. Well-bred people always get the money they deserve. Yes, after I was a well-bred enough to raise three children and gave them luxuries."
Harriet saw this as an opportunity. "Mama, can I have a new dress for Patrick and Olivia's wedding?"
"Me, too!" Victoria chimed in.
"Well now, neither of you is getting married!" countered Catherine.
"But Mama," said Harriet "You just said you can afford to give us luxuries."
"That is true, Mama," Victoria agreed.
Catherine sighed. "Oh well fine," she muttered, wondering where in the world her two daughters learned to be so selfish…
…
The party arrived at the Thorvald residence. After they hang up their hats and coats, Victoria headed towards the piano with some sheet music.
"Victoria," said Catherine quickly "why don't you let Harriet play? You played all day yesterday"
"But Mama," Victoria protested pouting, "I need to practice for my recital!"
Catherine gave her youngest daughter a dirty look. "I need your help in the kitchen warming the food."
Victoria gave Harriet the dirtiest look she could muster. It simply wasn't fair! Harriet was getting off easy because of Russell. Victoria followed her mother into the kitchen, pouting.
William chuckled nervously. "Vicki's at a temperamental age," he explained to Russell.
"And what long age it's been," Patrick muttered. Olivia shushed him.
William smiled again. "Now then, Harriet, why don't you play something for our guests?"
"Certainly, Papa," said Harriet. She pretended to consider. "Russell, why don't you pick something from our music collection you'd like to hear?"
"Do you know that song we sang in church today? 'Nearer My God to Thee'?"
""Well," Harriet said hesitantly, "I think it's in one of these books somewhere…"
"Oh," said Russell. "You don't have to trouble yourself, Harriet," he said.
"Oh, it's no trouble…for you Russell," she said looking down and blushing.
William smirked to himself. His daughter played coy very well.
Harriet found the song in a book, and sat at the piano and played. Harriet was a good piano player, though she struggled a bit with sight-reading; still, her playing was pleasant enough to be enjoyable.
As Harriet was playing another verse, Victoria chose that moment to come out of the kitchen. She was wearing an apron and held a rag in her hand. She smiled wickedly.
"Harriet," she said. "You play so well."
While still playing, Harriet glanced up from her music and looked at her sister. "Thank you, Vicki," she said rather surprised. Since went did her sister compliment her?
"Why don't you sing for all of us?" said Vicki with a mischievous grin.
"Uh, certainly," said Harriet. William looked at his youngest daughter in alarm.
It wasn't that Harriet had a bad voice by any means; in fact she had quite a good voice. It was that Harriet had a tendency to over-sing.
After the short chorus, Harriet sang a verse "Neeeearrrrrrrer, my Gooood, to Theeeeeeee!" she sang in an odd operatic manner. "Neeeearrrrr-errrrrr to Theeeeeeeeeeeeeee…."
Catherine came out of the kitchen at this moment and saw Victoria giggling behind her hand. Catherine, who in her heels, stood several inches over Victoria, narrowed her eyes, and stared down at her youngest daughter. The smile quickly melted from Victoria's face as Catherine locked eyes with her.
After Harriet finished singing, everyone looked at Russell, to see his reaction. Gerald especially was curious at what his nephew would say.
Russell smiled gently and looked at Harriet with kind eyes. He thought carefully for a moment before speaking. "I admire your…enthusiasm when you sing, Harriet," he said.
Russell wasn't one for lying, but he could circumvent the truth when necessary.
…
They gathered around the dining room table for dinner, William sat at the head while Catherine sat at the foot. Gerald sat to the right of William, then Russell, and Harriet next to Catherine. Victoria was on the other side of Catherine, and then Patrick. Between Patrick and William, playing peacekeeper, was Olivia.
Russell asked to say the blessing, and they began eating.
"Mrs. Thorvald, the roast is delicious," said Russell after a while.
"I baked it myself," said Catherine proudly. She didn't add that it was a recipe she had copied from a tablet she found in the kitchen of Tallulah Walters that summer.
"Do you ever cook, Harriet?" Russell asked.
"Well," Harriet began. "I can do anything I put my mind to." The truth was that Harriet despised cooking. Often her "creations" turned out badly simply because she lacked the patience and attention span needed to cook, but like most bad cooks, she could make a few things well…a few.
"Harriet should cook the meal next time," Victoria offered. One look from Catherine and William silenced her. Sitting across from Victoria, Harriet kicked her younger sister under the table.
Patrick rolled his eyes at his sisters.
"I really would like to thank you for inviting us, Mrs. Thorvald," Russell continued choosing to ignore the glares Harriet and Victoria were giving each other.
"Yes," said Gerald chiming in quickly. "It's always a pleasure to see William," he said smiling at his friend. He didn't exactly feel the same about William's wife, but there was no sense in saying anything about that,..
"Yes, well you two will have to return," said Catherine she looked at William for some help.
"Yes," he said quickly. "We would love to share our family meals with you anytime, Russell."
At this point, Patrick put his fork down. "Do those 'family meals' extend to our entire family, Father?" he asked.
Catherine titled her head towards her son and spoke through clenched. "Not now, Patrick," she said warningly.
Patrick stood up. "Well then when Mother? Russell, if you are to get to know my sister better, you must know the truth about our so-called family. Mother and Father may talk of how close we are, but do you know my Father barely speaks to his own brother? Father never forgave my uncle for marrying a woman from the country and becoming a farmer. Sorry Papa, but we can't all fall in love with the daughter of a college Dean," he said looking at Catherine.
"Patrick-" Catherine said angrily. "Sit down, and be quiet!"
"I just thought Russell should know the truth, Mother" he said. "You and Father are so concerned with appearances that you've failed to see what's right in front of you. Now I love my sisters, and they are intelligent but they are also two of the most spoiled and selfish people I know." Harriet and Victoria gasped and looked at Patrick.
"How dare you!" Harriet cried standing up.
Now it was William's turn to stand up. "That is enough!" he said pointing at his son. "You will not speak that way about your sisters."
"But you can speak any way you want about your brother-"
"Patrick, enough!" Catherine cried, also standing up. She hit her hand on the table for emphasis, smashing her hand right into the mashed potatoes on her plate. Some potatoes flew into Victoria's face. The youngest Thorvald daughter did not look pleased.
Gerald and Russell glanced at each other. "Well thank you very much for dinner, Catherine," said Gerald. "It was lovely."
"Yes," said Russell. "Thank you Mrs. Thorvald."
The two men got up quickly and headed out of the kitchen. Victoria followed them, using a napkin to wipe her face.
"Russell," Harriet cried softly as the door between the kitchen and sitting room swung shut. A moment later, they heard the front door close.
"Harriet," said Patrick softly looking at the tears on his sister's face. "I'm sorry-"
"Ugh!" she cried. How could Patrick do this to her! He was about to be married. Didn't she deserve to be happy, too? She raised her hand towards his face…
William quickly reached and grabbed Harriet's hand. He shook his head at her.
She turned, ran out the kitchen, and up the stairs to her bedroom.
After a few tense moments, William said. "Son," he said getting Patrick's attention with the unusually affectionate term, "I think it would be best of we did not see each other until the week of wedding,"
Patrick nodded. "I agree Father," he said.
William turned and left the kitchen. Olivia followed after him.
Catherine looked at her son and shook her head.
"How could you Patrick? Despite everything, your sister is still a person with feelings."
Patrick, who was near tears himself nodded. "I know Ma, I know," he said. "I want Harriet to be as happy as I am with Olivia, but whoever she marries, needs to know who the real Harriet is. You and Father were making Harriet and our whole family out to be something we aren't. I want Harriet to find love, but that means finding someone who will love her, faults and all." He took his mother's hands. "If Russell truly cares for Harriet, this incident will not keep him away."
…
It was a few hours later. Harriet lay face down on her bed, her wavy hair rumpled and her face buried in her pillows. She had been crying for hours now, humiliated by her own brother! In the back of her mind a tiny voice said, maybe this is how Papa's brother felt when Papa almost disowned him. No, Harriet told herself. That's silly. Her uncle had become a farmer, of all things! It was a disgrace to the family name…not to mention her obnoxious cousin Opal that was result of her uncle's marriage…
"There was a knock on the door then. "Harriet dear, let me in," said Catherine as Harriet had locked the door.
"I want to be alone, Mama!" Harriet cried.
"Well that's too bad, because you have company," said Catharine.
Harriet knew immediately who it was. "Tell him I don't want to see him!" she sad.
Catherine's toned changed. "Open this door now, or I shall have your Father unhinge it"
Harriet got up and opened the door.
Catherine marched in carrying a water jug, rag, and basin. "Now," she said as she wiped Harriet's tear-stained face. "You come from a well-bred family, and well-bred women do not neglect their guests." As Harriet dried her face, Catherine smoothed out and re-pinned Harriet's hair. Catherine gave her daughter the once-over "Now, go downstairs and greet your guest."
…
"Hello, Russell," Harriet somberly entering the parlor.
"Harriet" said Russell standing. "I am so sorry if my uncle and my presence caused your family any discord this afternoon. I hate to see such tension between a Father and his son," he said sadly, thinking of his own deceased father
"Oh, no, no,' said Harriet. "It was bound to happen. I suppose you are here to tell me that it has been a pleasure, but due to other engagements you do not know when you will able to visit our family for dinner again-"
"Not at all, Harriet," said Russell. "Where did you get that idea?'
Harriet stared at Russell bewilderedly. She had had a few gentleman callers, but they had gone running the other direction once they got to know the "real" Harriet, or the real Harriet's family. She had expected the same from Russell.
"Now that you know, that well, I'm not…that is to say…sometimes my family is a bit…persnickety"
Russell shook his head and smiled. "Who among us is perfect? That is why Jesus died for our sins. I never thought you were without flaws." Harriet looked at him alarmed. "All of us have room for self-improvement," he explained quickly. I admire your passion, Harriet, and wit, and…I admire you."
Harriet gasped and looked up. "What are you saying Russell?"
"I-I would like it very much you…would…consent to being my sweetheart."
Harriet's blue eyes lit up. "Oh…yes, Russell, yes!" she cried. Russell took her hand and kissed it.
"I will ask your father tomorrow," he said.
Meanwhile on the other side of the kitchen door, Catherine lowered the glass she had been holding to the door to hear through the door, so she could eavesdrop on Harriet and Russell. She covered her mouth and laughed quietly to herself in triumph.
…
Several weeks passed. It Saturday and a week before the wedding. At Olivia's urging, she, Patrick, Gerald, and Russell had once again come over for supper, but not before Patrick and William had promised to be on their best behavior. After dessert, everyone was gathered in the parlor listening to Victoria play on the piano when there was a knock at the door.
William got up and answered it. "I have a telegram for a Mr. Patrick Thorvald. I was told by his neighbor that he was dining here today."
William stepped back as Patrick stepped forward. "I am Mr. Patrick Thorvald," Patrick said.
"I have an urgent wire for you," said the telegram man. Patrick signed and the man left.
After the door was closed, Catherine peered at her son curiously.
"Are you expecting a telegram, Patrick?" she said.
"No Mother," he said, "and certainly not on a Saturday."
He opened it. As he read, concern spread over his features. Olivia was immediacy at his side.
"What is it, Patrick?" she said softly.
"It's my friend Nathaniel," said Patrick sadly. "He has influenza."
"Oh no," said Olivia, putting her hand to her mouth. "Poor Nathan," she said quietly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, that is terrible," Catherine agreed. She stopped short. "Wait! He was supposed to be your best man! The wedding's in a week! Who will be your best man now?"
"Mother!" said Patrick aghast. "My friend could die and you're worried about the wedding?"
Catherine looked only slightly ashamed. "Patrick, I wish him well, I do, but what are we going to do, someone needs to be your best man."
"I'm sure we'll find someone, Catherine" said Olivia reassuringly. "Patrick has plenty of friends."
Patrick looked up. "Wait a minute," he said. He approached Russell. "Russell, I know we have only recently become friends, but I wonder, would you possibly want to be my best man?"
Russell smiled at his friend. "I would be honored, but you must certainly have friends you have known longer, that you are closer to-"
"Nathan is my dearest friend in the world," Patrick admitted, "but you have become important to me, too. I have many friends who could do it, but given your association with my sister, I would be honored if you would, Russell."
"I would be honored to do it," Russell said agreeing. They shook hands.
Catherine had to control her breathing. "Yes, yes!" she cried. "Russell would be a excellent best man. Now, Russell, you must rehearse with Harriet, for she is Olivia's maid of honor, and you will have to walk down the aisle with her."
Russell looked at Harriet and smiled. "Of course, I will do everything to make sure the wedding runs smoothly."
"Excellent," said Catherine grinning.
….
Catherine knocked and entered Harriet's room that night.
"Oh, ho, Harriet! It's been a banner day!" Harriet smiled at her mother has she continued to roll her hair. "Just think," Catherine continued "you'll be walking down the isle with Russell Harmon…we can consider it a rehearsal…"
"Mother!" Harriet exclaimed.
"Well," Catherine continued. "He is your beau, and it's only a matter of time before he proposes.
Harriet smiled at the thought of that.
Catherine came and put her arms around her daughter. "And they all thought my daughter wasn't well bred enough to land someone with Mr. Harmon's background. But people of quality are attracted to people of quality, and Russell knows quality. You know, I was reluctant to get you a new dress for Patrick's wedding, but since you will be walking with Russell, I will ensure you are dressed to the nines. All eyes will be on you at that wedding."
"Mother," said Harriet feigning shock. "I can't look better than Olivia on her wedding day!"
"Of course not," Catherine agreed. "But you can look as good."
Harriet and Catherine shared a mother-daughter crackle.
…
The wedding day had arrived and eyes were indeed on Harriet and Russell as they walked down the aisle. By now, everyone knew that they had been courting. Some were happy for them, and others were annoyed that the Thorvalds were once again trying to ingratiate themselves into a higher rung of society. Still others looked Harriet's shimming new taffeta dress with disapproval. They thought it was tasteless that she was trying to outshine the bride.
But all that was soon forgotten as Olivia walked down the aisle with her father. She looked radiant. Patrick stared at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. Harriet and Russell stole a glance at each other and exchanged smiles.
All the difficulties between the Thorvalds were forgotten for the time being as Olivia and Patrick exchanged their vows.
…
Of course, the wedding reception included lots of dancing and eating. When Olivia tossed the bouquet, she tossed it in Harriet's direction, and it landed in Harriet's hands, much to the distain of May and Abigail Bellmont, who stood on either side of her attempting to usurp the bouquet away. Harriet jumped up and screamed in triumph and then ran and stuck the bouquet in Catherine's hands so she could dance with Russell.
"Well my dear," said William and Catherine held the bouquet and smelled it. "We may have another wedding to plan, yet."
"That's what I intend William," said Catherine. "That's what I intend."
…
Meanwhile, Harriet and Russell had managed to steal away to a hallway outside the main reception hall.
"Weddings are a beautiful thing," said Russell as they walked.
"Yes, they are," Harriet agreed.
"Just think," said Russell smiling, "You could be an aunt soon."
"Oh!" said Harriet waving her hand. "I'm not old enough for that…those I suppose I could buy my little niece the cutest dresses."
"It could be a boy," Russell warned playfully.
"That is true," Harriet said. She didn't tell Russell that she didn't think she would be a very good aunt to a boy. Baby girls were easy: You could buy them dolls and dresses. What could she buy a baby boy?
"I think marriage and children are a wonderful thing," Russell was saying. "After all, the Bible says to be fruitful and multiply."
"Yes," said Harriet. "I would love to be married.":
Russell and Harriet looked away from each other awkwardly. Russell, then looked down, and gathered his courage.
"I think you will be married one day Harriet," he said smiling down at her.
"I hope so, Russell," she said softly.
Russell leaned down and kissed her softly on the cheek.
Harriet smiled. It was not quite the kiss she had hoped for from Russell, but it was nice.
She had a job she loved at the family store, a new sister-in-law, a bedroom full of beautiful things, and a beau.
Life was good for Harriet Thorvald.
1, We get an example of Harriet's singing in the episode "The Stranger".
2. Harriet mentions a "Cousin Opal" in the episode "Stone Soup".