A/N I hope everyone who celebrates had a Very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving and I'm grateful for all of you!
It was going along so well for our couple, and then she was gone. This chapter we'll learn Beth's reasoning for going, and we'll see Daryl go through quite a few emotions before finally deciding what to do next.
Keep in mind, it's 1930 :) Enjoy!
00
She's been crying the entire drive home. Not loud sobbing cries. Her tears are the quiet kind, the sad little ones that trickle slowly from her eyes and silently slide one by one down her cheeks.
She'll never be able to forget this day. She saw Daryl in the morning and he was so sweet and wonderful. They shared a kiss goodbye with promises they'd see each other this evening. Those times with him are what get her through her day. How will she make it now? She can't believe how quickly everything has changed.
For the most part she's been almost completely bedridden and so her day mostly consists of reading and napping. She hasn't been eating much but she tells everyone, including herself, that's only because she hasn't been doing anything to cause herself to be hungry. When she can move around better, she'll eat more.
For now she still can't seem to manage walking and she's starting to worry she'll never be better, while everyone else just has to keep doing everything for her. They all tell her not to worry, but it's her ankle and she's convinced something's just not right.
She wonders if she should mention it to Daryl, but no, she thinks not. He already worries about her so much and he's got other things to tend to. Right now he's out there working so hard on his house. It's a house she wishes so much that she could see for herself. Maybe now that everything's out in the open she'll be able to. She just has to get a little better, then what's to stop them from taking a drive out that way?
Maybe when Daryl gets home tonight she'll ask him what he thinks of the idea. That's what's on her mind when there's a light tap on her door and Miss Erma walks in to tell her, "Beth, you have a visitor from home, it's Miss Olivia."
As the woman enters her room Beth tries desperately to prop herself up but Miss Olivia hurries to her and says, "Here now, you let me help you Sweet Girl." It's so comforting to hear the woman's voice and feel her embrace, it's the next best thing to having her own Mama there.
Miss Erma says, "I'm going to leave you two alone to catch up, just let me know if you need anything."
They thank her and she goes, and that's when the serious talk begins.
"Beth, I'm so sorry you've had this terrible trouble and I feel guilty that I encouraged you to come here."
Beth quickly takes the responsibility, "Oh no Ma'am, this was all my own doing, my own fault. There was no reason for me to be carrying that Vacuette down the stairs. I'd already had one incident trying to do that and Mister and Mrs. Horvath made it very clear to me I was never to attempt it again. Mr. Horvath would have gladly carried it for me, like he always has, but I was too impatient. It was no one's fault but my own."
"Well I'm still so sorry." She takes Beth's hand and continues, "Your Father has been beside himself with worry. He was already missing you so much and when he heard the news of your accident it broke his heart. He wants you home, he wants to see his daughter with his own eyes and know that you're alright."
Beth feels herself start to tear up, of course she doesn't want her Daddy to worry, but going home will only make things harder for him. She tries to gain control of her emotions, takes a breath and tells the woman, "No, I can't go home. It's not possible. There's no way my Daddy or my Uncle could help me get to and from that old outhouse, and at my age it would it be just awful to have my Daddy taking me to use the toilet."
Miss Olivia smiles knowingly, "I understand, you certainly can't have that. But Beth, the preacher and I have a big house. There's a room that's perfect for you and it's just sitting empty. There's a bathroom across the hall and I'm more than capable of seeing to your needs. Why Otis has even promised he'll bring your Daddy over to see you every day."
Beth isn't responding quite yet, she's busy thinking. It's true, Miss Olivia's home is big and it's lovely and it has all the modern conveniences. Miss Olivia herself is far younger than Miss Erma, she has the strength to help Beth. And she would be able to see her Daddy every day. All of that sounds just wonderful except for one very important problem, she'll be away from Daryl. That part wouldn't be wonderful at all.
Then Miss Olivia adds, "The Horvaths are wonderful people. I've known Erma for years and I know she'll do her best to take care of you for as long as you need it, but you and I are both aware that her health isn't the best. She's suffered with arthritis for a long time, that's why you were hired in the first place, and now caring for you has got to be adding to her pain."
That gets to Beth because she knows it's true and she feels the guilt of being a burden. She's seen how badly Miss Erma sometimes suffers, and how selfish would she be to add to that suffering when she could simply move elsewhere? And what about poor Carol? Besides the work she was hired to do, she has the added responsibility of taking care of Beth.
After much discussion she agrees but asks, "Can we wait until after dinner? I'd like the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone before I go."
"That's so little to ask and I'm sorry we can't do that, but you know how the roads will be once we leave Albany. It will be so dark and that old dirt road is so narrow. The preacher does not want to be out on it after dark."
How can she be even more selfish than she's already been? Can she insist like a spoiled child? No. These people have all done so much for her. She doesn't want to go, but it seems to be what's best for everyone. So, with an unmistakable sadness in her voice she asks, "Can Carol come in to help me pack? I'll try to hurry."
"I don't think you need to rush too much, it's just 12:30 now. You take your time. I'll send her in."
Carol comes in and when they're alone Beth asks her to help her write a letter, "Of course I will." By the tone of the letter and the sadness in Beth's eyes Carol knows that although the young woman seems willing to go, she'll be leaving Horvath's with a very heavy heart.
Beth wants to dress but Carol suggests, "How about we go in the bathroom and I can help you wash up and do you hair, but I'm afraid you'll be uncomfortable if we get you all dressed up. How about your pretty coat over your gown? Besides, that way Miss Olivia won't have to change you again when you get there."
It's a good thing she's going, she realizes it more and more, she really is quite a bother. Beth sighs and agrees, "You're right, I guess I just never imagined I'd be traveling anywhere in my nightgown."
Carol sees her distress and decides she's having a hard enough time, "You know what, never mind. You're right. Let's get you all freshened up and then I'll get that pretty blue dress on you."
Now there's at least a hint of a smile, "Thank you Carol."
Leaving is so hard she can hardly make herself look at anyone. Carol and Olivia get her in the backseat of the Model-T and Miss Olivia tells her, "The trip is going to go much more quickly than when you took the bus. You go ahead and lay down if you want to, and there on the far side of the seat is a nice warm blanket, don't let yourself get cold."
Miss Erma sends them off with a sack of sandwiches and three pint jars of tea and as they drive away Miss Erma, Mister Dale, Carol and Sophia are all standing at the curb waving goodbye. As Beth waves back she can't take her eyes away from them and the big house she came to think of as her home.
A flood of memories come rushing back to her. The day she got there and how excited she was when she saw her room, her very own room. There was plumbing too and regular meals, and when she got that first little bit of money she got to buy herself things she hadn't been able to purchase in years.
Then there was that day weeks later when she answered the door and there he stood. How could she have known how their love would grow, and now when they are finally able to let others know of their feelings, they're being separated. Will he be angry with her? Or worse, will he be glad she's gone? She's been a burden to him too. Will he still even want her?
Just as the preacher is about to turn the corner and the people she now thinks of as her family are about to fade from sight, she sees Doctor Eugene. He's come to a stop watching them, she waves to the man and he waves back shyly, and then it's over. They're all gone. Everyone is behind her.
It's just before dark when they pull into the driveway of the preacher and Miss Olivia's house. Their home is lovely and she reminds herself to feel gratitude. These good people have opened their home to her. They've promised to care for her and she knows it will be the best of care. If only Daryl could be here too.
If only she hadn't tried to carry that dumb Vacuette down the stairs.
00
"I'll be happy to get you that address Daryl, but first I think we should have a seat and talk about a couple of things. Maybe I can explain how this happened."
Daryl's wary, he's not in the mood to have anyone try to change his mind about going to her, but he does want to hear what the man has to say, "Alright Sir, just so long as ya understand you ain't gonna talk me outta goin' after Beth."
"Oh no, I wouldn't even dream of trying to talk you out of it Son, in fact I'm on your side and I'm on her side. But you're not going anywhere tonight, you're too smart to make that mistake, so sit. Let me get us something cool to drink."
Just as he returns with two tall dark bottles of beer Erma walks in, "Dale…"
Before she can speak a word her husband cuts her off, "Now Dear One, don't scold. Us fellas need a little home brew now and then, don't we Daryl?"
He could damn sure use a beer, "Yessir."
"Erma, would you please be a dear and get your address book and a pen and paper, we need to give Daryl some information, Olivia's address." He smiles and adds, "And if it took you a while to get back we wouldn't mind, we have one or two other matters to discuss."
Erma's been dismissed and she knows it. She's not happy but she understands what her husband is doing. Still she shakes her head as she turns to go and they hear her muttering under her breath, "Men, I swear you'll be the death of me."
Dale takes a seat across from Daryl, they clink bottles and the older man starts the conversation on a light note, "I didn't make this brew but I have tasted of it, it's not bad at all. The boy down the street and his Dad make it. I suppose with this prohibition nonsense dang near everyone in the state is making beer at home."
"Yessir, I know I've made a batch or two." Daryl's going to humor the old boy because he thinks the man does have something to tell him, and he respects Dale Horvath. He knows the guy is a straight shooter and he wants to hear what he has to say about the people who took Beth. Besides, he's not planning to run out to the country tonight. Maybe at first he would have, but now he's thinking he needs a solid plan.
Dale's demeanor has become more serious, "The first thing I want to do is put your mind at ease about where Beth is and who she's with. She's in good hands. These folks who came for her? They've been good to her, especially the woman, Olivia. Erma tells me she's been like a mother to Beth since her own Mama passed. So, although I know you're not pleased and I don't blame you, at least you know Beth's being well taken care of."
Daryl has so many feelings and one of them is something like rejection. Why would she go? Why didn't she fight it? They're supposed to be in love and she just up and left. He doesn't just ask himself these questions, he verbalizes his thoughts, "She's my Sweetheart, we're supposed ta be in love. Why would she just up n go with them?"
Dale does his best to explain, "Son, you have to try to see this from a different point of view. Beth's a girl raised on the bible and she's been taught a certain way of thinking. You know she's a sweet girl, very respectful and you've got to have caught onto the fact she's a little innocent and old fashion."
"The way it is right now her Daddy is the man of her family and if he wants her to come home she's inclined to obey his wishes. She loves you but you're her Sweetheart, you're not her husband. If you were her husband her Daddy never would have expected her to go home and she never would have agreed to it."
Daryl has no immediate response, what Dale just said needs to sink in. He needs to think, and the older man has more, "We also have to think about what Beth was going through. I know she felt like she was a burden to us. Things aren't healing as fast as the Doc thought they would, she still can't walk on her own even with that dang crutch and she's only got one hand that's working right."
"Think how you'd feel if other folks had to do everything for you, then you'll understand how she's got to be feeling. She felt guilty staying here and being waited on, not doing any work herself. Maybe none of us was bothered one bit by any of that, we were happy to care for her, but I do believe your Sweetheart has a little pride."
He claps the side of Daryl's arm and says, "You have to know son, her heart was not in leaving. I know she would have preferred to be staying right here with you, but I think she was doing what she believed she was supposed to do when her Daddy said come home, she went home."
This talk, Dale's words, they've all worked to trigger something in Daryl, something he's prepared to act on immediately. "Sir, I…well ya know I been workin' on my place a long time, and for a long time there wasn't any hurry. Now I'm in a hurry. It's so close and I think it's best if I move out there. Besides needin' some furniture all I really got left to do is the paintin' and maybe a little sprucing up in the yard. I can get a lot of that done at night after work. I could have the place done in two or three weeks including finding the furniture."
Dale nods, "I understand why this suddenly got more important to you Son, and I don't blame you a bit. You're a good tenant and we hate to lose you, but you've got to do what your heart tells you is right. When are you planning this move?"
Daryl has that look on his face like he's about to share bad news, "Well sir, I was thinkin' I can pack everythin' up tonight and go in the mornin'. I just gotta make a fast stop at my place on the way ta see Beth and unload it." He purses his lips and adds, "But I hate ta leave you high and dry."
Dale answers, "Two things I have to say while I'm thinking about them. Before you do anything else tonight you should go see your sister in law. Beth wanted to leave you a note but she just couldn't write it, so Carol wrote it all down for her. I don't want you to worry about us either, we'll have another boarder within a day or two."
"Thanks for your understandin' Sir and for takin' such good care a Beth." He stands and says, "I'ma go ahead and go ta my brother's now."
As he speaks those words Erma walks in the room with the paper in hand. She holds it out to him with a sad smile on her face, "I don't think you'll have a bit of trouble finding the place, it's a flyspeck of a little town. And Daryl, I couldn't help overhearing what you said to Dale. I want you to know, we're going to miss you and Beth so much."
Him and Beth. Like they're a team. Or partners. Or…or what?
It's getting close to eight by the time he gets to Merle and Carol's and when his brother answers the door the first thing he says is, "We been expectin' ya."
"Yeah, I s'pose ya have. I'm anxious ta know what this letter says."
Before another word is spoken between them Sophia, clutching her doll, has run over to him and as she hugs him the little girl says so sweetly, "I'm sorry Uncle Daryl. I didn't want Miss Beth to go either. Nobody wanted her to go."
Her uncle roughs her hair and tries to have a brave face and a smile when he says, "I know Honey, thanks. We'll get her back here soon. K?"
Merle claps his brother's back and says, "Carol's got that letter for ya. Me n Sophia's goin' in the kitchen and have ourselves a bowl of ice cream while you two talk."
Daryl and Carol sit on the couch but before she hands him the letter she explains, "You must know Beth loves you, and it wasn't that she wanted to leave. I think it was more like she thought it was best. Not the part about being away from you, but being near her Dad and her uncle and this woman who she's quite close to, Olivia, who by the way seems very nice."
"They shoulda at least waited til I got home."
"They waited as long as they could Daryl, but the preacher, he didn't want to be driving after dark." She pats his hand and reminds him, "And Daryl you know what it's like helping Beth. It's very difficult for Erma, I'm glad I'm there to help but I can't be there all the time."
He understands all of that but that doesn't mean he likes the way things are, and then Carol says something he hadn't expected to hear coming from her. Well from anyone really, "You know Daryl, you and Beth have been seeing each other for a while and I know…well I'm just going to say it, I know it's never beyond kissing."
She can see how uncomfortable she's made him but she's in this now and she forges ahead., "I'm sure you would have probably liked it to go a little further with her, it's a natural thing with men and women, but you respect her. You know Beth's a young woman who's been raised to think that even the little bit of closeness you two have had should have been saved for marriage."
She smiles her pretty smile and her eyes sparkle when she tells him, "You're a lucky man Daryl, you've got yourself the sweetest little country girl in the world. You might have to give some serious thought to how you're going to keep that country girl, what kind of commitment you're willing to make to her and to her Daddy."
He doesn't know what to say about all that. He knows he needs to do something but he feels overwhelmed with the way everything seems to be hitting him all at once. For now there's one thing he can't wait for any longer, "Lemme see Beth's letter Carol, please."
"Sure, I wasn't trying to keep it from you and I wrote it down word for word, exactly what she said." She laughs and adds, "She was looking over my shoulder to make sure I got it right."
She hands it over and as she's getting to her feet she mentions, "I'll be in the kitchen. Ice cream sounds good."
He nods, "Thanks Carol." And waits until she's through the kitchen doorway before carefully opening the seal of the envelop. He removes the letter slowly, almost like he's suddenly afraid to read what she has to say. What if she tells him she doesn't want him? He has to know either way. He takes a deep breath and begins to read her words.
My Dear Sweetheart,
I hope you understand why I have to leave. My Daddy sent for me Daryl, I couldn't very well tell him no. I can't disobey my Father.
I'm also very aware that I'm a lot of work and trouble right now. I'm a burden to poor Miss Erma and I'm extra work for Carol and for you. It will be easier for everyone if I'm gone. Miss Olivia has no children and no employment; she promises it will be far less trouble for her to care for me.
I know you must be terribly hurt and I am too, and I don't want to leave you Daryl. Yet, when the preacher and Miss Olivia came for me and made their case, I knew I had go. I believe it's the right thing for now.
I'm so sad I won't get to see you before I go. I want to stay and give you a kiss goodbye, but the preacher is nervous about driving after dark.
When I get better everything will be different. Maybe I can come back to work at Horvath's again, then you and I will get to see each other every day.
I'm disappointed I never got to see your place. I've wanted to for so long. I know you've put so much work into it and I know you're proud. You have every right to be. I'm sure it's wonderful.
For now I pray you're not angry with me for going back home, and I hope with all my heart you'll come to visit me when you can.
I love you Daryl and no matter where I am or where you are, nothing can ever change that.
I miss you already.
Love and Kisses,
Your Sweetheart Beth
Sadness grips his heart and he feels that feeling again, the one like he might start to cry. He stands, trying to shake it off and then calls to his family. "Thanks y'all, I gotta go now." It's like his blood is pumping fast and if he doesn't get on the move he'll explode.
His family hurries into the room and his brother speaks. Every once in a while the big blowhard knows what he's talking about, and this is one of those times, "Remember little brother, them people are country folks. That means her Daddy is the boss. Ya show that man all the respect you're able to, whether ya wanna or not. That's how ya get the girl, and that's what ya want, ain't it?"
It's simple truth simply put. Daryl shrugs and mutters, "Yeah."
Carol smiles and confirms, "Your brother's right Daryl."
He climbs in his truck with the plan fully formed and laid out in his mind. Just like he told Mister Horvath, he'll be packing up his things tonight and leaving for his place early in the morning. He'll shower and put on a clean suit of clothes, and then he's going to her. To Beth.
When he gets to the boarding house he's surprised to see Dale Horvath is waiting for him. The man tells him, "Son, before you go up and start packing, I want you to have these letters. One is addressed to Beth's Father, the other to the preacher and his wife."
He goes on to explain, "They're letters of introduction from Erma and myself. We speak of your good character and your best intentions toward Beth. We let it be known that you have our trust and respect." He smiles, "We don't fail to mention something else that matters to a girl's Daddy, that you have a steady job and a good income, or the help you've been to us with food. These letters will go a long way in making your case with these folks."
Daryl's not completely oblivious to this sort of thing. He grew up in the hills and he's seen it firsthand. It seems mighty old fashioned, after all this is 1930, but whatever he has to do that's what he's going to do. He takes the letters and says, "Thank you Sir, and thank Miss Erma too please. If I don't see ya in the morning I just wanna say it's been real nice stayin' here with y'all."
Once in his room he retrieves the cardboard boxes he moved in with from the bottom of the closet, and it doesn't take long to get his things packed up. Two trips to the truck in the morning and he'll be loaded and ready to go.
He quickly does what he needs to do in the bathroom and gets in bed. Tomorrow's a big day and a long day. He tries to make himself relax as by the glow of the bedside lamp he reads her letter over and over until sleep finally comes.
Morning arrives early. He still has things he needs to do and he does his best to concentrate on those. He also tries to be considerate of the other guys in the house, this is the only day of the week a lot of them get to sleep a little longer, so he's as quiet as he's able to be. He dresses quickly, takes his boxes down the stairs and leaves the note of gratitude he wrote to Dale and Erma Horvath on the kitchen table.
He's at his place in no time and quickly has his things unpacked and put away. He chooses his best suit of clothes and takes his shower. He trims as much of his hair as he can without messing it up completely, trims his facial hair and dresses. He's nervous but he tells himself her Daddy can't possibly be any tougher on him than his drill sergeant was, except her Daddy could tell him he can't come around his daughter and that would be the end of Daryl's world.
He goes out to a spot near the pond and picks wildflowers, gets a couple of mason jars and arranges one for Beth and one for the woman, Miss Olivia. He secures them on the floorboard of his truck and then runs back in the house. He damn near forgot to take the directions and his letters of introduction.
His mind spins the entire drive until he finally pulls up to the pretty two-story home. He thinks it looks like something from a picture book with its big wrap around porch and white railing. But the best thing about what he sees is her. She's sitting in a porch chair with her legs propped up on something and covered in a blanket.
There's an old man sitting in a chair next to her and he's sure that must be her Daddy. He remembers Beth telling him that by the time she was born it was grandchildren her Daddy should have been having.
As he turns in the driveway he notices Beth and the man look up to see who's coming, and the smile that spreads across Beth's face is all he needs in the way of encouragement. He's more determined than ever, he's going to make her Daddy see he's a good man, a man who's worthy of his daughter.
He rehearses the plan in his head as he steps from the truck. He's dillydallied for too long, he should have done this weeks ago. Well, he's doing it now. He's going to have a talk with her Daddy and he's going to plead his case. He's going to ask for Beth's hand.
00
A/N There it is. Thanks so much for reading along and please leave a comment. The chapter photo is on my tumblr blogs, gneebee and bethylmethbrick, please check it out. If you haven't yet, I'd appreciate you taking the time to read my Bethyl Thanksgiving story, Giving Thanks. I'll be back next Friday with a new chapter of The Stranger Upstairs and I hope to see you here. Until then, stay safe and remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee