"Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing." –Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Montreal, 1908
Elizabeth sighed as the car continued down the street. She had agreed to come to Montreal with her parents and sisters as she was on a short holiday from school, but she hadn't expected the visit to include quite so many dinner parties and functions. This evening's gathering would be the third in as many nights, and she was already dreading it.
As much as she enjoyed going shopping with her sisters for new gowns and getting dressed up, she would have rather stayed at the hotel, curled up with a good book.
The parties had gotten even worse as she got older, with her parents introducing her to countless eligible bachelors, wanting to see their daughters in secure relationships that would ensure a comfortable future. Though plenty of the young men were perfectly nice and would be a good match for somebody, she still wasn't searching for a relationship. She still had her eyes on a future beyond the high society she came from.
"Mother, who did you say was hosting this evening's function?" Julie questioned as the town center grew smaller behind them.
"The Bouchards."
Elizabeth perked up at the name, but said nothing. Her sister noticed, though, a mischievous grin appearing on her face.
"Lucas Bouchard's parents?"
"Yes, although I don't expect Lucas to be there. Helen mentioned that he's been traveling in Europe."
Elizabeth's heart sank just as quickly as her excitement had grown. The evening would have been much more enjoyable with her friend there, but now it would just be another night of forced smiles and small talk.
A few minutes later, they pulled up to the large estate, and Elizabeth found her curiosity piqued. She knew that she and Lucas had similar upbringings, but this would be an even deeper glimpse into his childhood and what it was like for him growing up.
She couldn't hide the fascination on her face as they were ushered into the house. The walls were dark, but covered in souvenirs and memorabilia from countless trips abroad. She couldn't even begin to guess where everything was from, and she wished Lucas was there to tell her.
She followed her parents deeper into the house, but stopped before entering the parlor when she saw a slight movement out of the corner of her eye.
"Hey there, stranger," the familiar voice sounded from the shadows.
"Lucas?" Elizabeth's eyes lit up when she saw the young man. She hurried down the hallway, slowing a bit as she approached him. He had filled out over the years, growing into a very handsome young man. Impulsively, she hugged him, blushing when she pulled back. "I'm sorry. That wasn't very appropriate. I just…I'm glad to see you."
He gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay. I'm glad to see you, too."
They had seen each other once or twice since their first meeting, but they had written more frequently than that. Always discussing books and life, though these letters had grown fewer and further between as they got older and moved from adolescence into adulthood.
"Elizabeth, would you like to take a walk through the gardens before dinner? I promise that we won't be missed."
Her lips curled up into a smile. "I'd like that."
His hand hovered near her back, not quite touching her, as he led her to the back door. Once outside, they walked side by side down the steps and into the grass, his hands clasped behind his back.
"It's beautiful out here." Elizabeth slowed her pace, looking around at the plants and flowers surrounding them, all beautifully landscaped.
"It is. I never understood why my parents insisted on having such an immaculate garden, though. They travel so much, they're hardly ever here to appreciate it."
"Speaking of travel…" she flicked her eyes over to him, just briefly, "my mother had mentioned she didn't expect you to be here tonight, because your mother told her that you've been traveling."
"That's right. I was in Europe for two months, visiting London, Paris, and Berlin for most of that time. I just got back from Dublin two days ago, though."
"Dublin. I've never been there, but I've always wanted to go. I actually haven't been to Europe in a long while." She sighed. "I'd like to visit again, but I don't know when or if that will happen."
"Why not?"
"I'm too busy now. I'm attending the teacher's college in Hamilton, and I can't just up and leave to wander around the world. And once I graduate, I hope to find a good teaching position, and I won't be able to leave that to travel, either."
He let out a soft laugh. "You are much more disciplined than I. I finished school and never looked back."
"There has to be something you want to do with your life."
He shrugged. "I haven't figured that out yet. Do you have any thoughts about where you'd like to teach once you graduate?"
She glanced over at him, quiet for a few moments. "I haven't told anyone this, but my dream is to teach out West, in a frontier town."
"Really?" He raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Any particular reason why?"
"Well, you could tell shortly after meeting me that this isn't exactly the life I want to lead forever," she motioned around them, referring to a life of parties and dressing up. "I found a journal that my Aunt Elizabeth wrote. She was a teacher in a small town out west, and it all seems so fascinating. The children out West deserve the same education as the children here, and I'd like to be a part of helping that happen." She paused again before continuing. "This might sound silly, but I feel like I'm being called there; like that's where I'm meant to be."
"I don't think that's silly. I think that's very admirable."
"You do?" She took a step toward him.
"Of course. Sometimes it's more comfortable to run away from a calling, but you're embracing yours. That's definitely admirable."
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"What does Charles Kensington think about your desire to become a teacher?"
"Charles Kensington?" She furrowed her brow. "What does he have to do with anything?"
"Well, I've heard talk in our circle that he's sweet on you. I've also heard quite a few people saying they expect the two of you…to get married." He peered at her through the corner of his eye.
"What?!" she sputtered. "That's absurd. Charles and I are friends, and nothing more. And to answer your earlier question, he has no say in what I do with my life, because he is just my friend, and that's all he will ever be."
"Elizabeth! Lucas!" Julie called out from the back steps, interrupting their conversation. "It's time for dinner."
"Shall we?" Lucas tilted his head toward the house.
Elizabeth nodded, and they quickly made their way to where her sister was waiting. "Thank you for coming to find us."
Julie took her arm. "Of course. I saw you two head off together, and I thought I'd come get you before our parents started looking for you."
"So," Julie sidled up to her sister after dinner, both of them watching as Lucas chatted with one of the guests, "what's going on between you and young Mr. Bouchard?"
"Nothing," Elizabeth replied, a little too quickly. "We're friends."
"You two seem to get along well, and you have a lot in common."
"We both enjoy reading, but that's all. We like to talk about books."
"Are you sure that's all?"
"Julie." Elizabeth pursed her lips, trying to figure out what she could say to convince her sister that she and Lucas Bouchard were nothing but friends. "Even if there was anything between us, it wouldn't work out. Lucas is restless; he can't decide what he wants to do or where he wants to be. I have plans for my life, and those plans leave no room for a tumbleweed like Lucas."
"You would make a very lovely couple."
She shot her sister a look. "It's not going to happen, Julie. Let it go."
"Whatever you say." She raised her eyebrows, taking a sip of her drink.
Elizabeth hit her arm lightly. "I'm serious."
"Mother and father would definitely approve of him."
"Have any of the guests here caught your eye?" She asked, trying to get Julie to change the subject.
"Well," she gushed, "the Lawrences' youngest son has certainly grown into a handsome young man, and he and I spoke for a little while earlier this evening."
"So why aren't you over talking to him now?"
"Because I was curious as to why Lucas had you occupied for so long out in the gardens."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "I can't wait to get back to school and away from your incessant matchmaking attempts."
"I'm just telling you what I see."
"I have something to show you." Lucas approached Elizabeth.
She looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
"Just follow me." He took her drink and set it aside. "You'll like it. I promise. Come on."
She glanced around, making sure they weren't being watched, before following him. "This feels an awful lot like the day we first met," she said with a grin as he led her down a long corridor.
He chuckled. "It's about to feel even more like that day." He pushed open a large door, revealing a room filled with books.
"A library. Of course." She smiled, immediately moving toward one of the shelves. She ran her finger along the leather spines. "Are these first editions?"
"A lot of them are, yes. My mother is an editor, so she gets a lot of books early in the publication process."
"You've never mentioned that before!"
He shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. "It never came up."
"Never came up? All we talk about is books." She laughed. "There have been so many opportunities where you could have told me."
"Sorry," he apologized sheepishly.
"I'm just teasing you, Lucas. It is very interesting, though." She pulled a book from the shelf, flipping it open to the first page. "So, she works closely with authors?"
"Mhmm." He leaned against one of the shelves, watching her skim through the book in her hands. "Are you interested in editing?"
"In a way, I suppose." She returned the book to its place, then turned to face him. "Since I've already told you one secret today, I might as well tell you another. Another dream of mine—aside from being a teacher out west—is to be a writer."
"Really?"
"Yes." She nodded. "I've always loved writing as much as I love reading. I have a dream that someday, I'll be able to go to a library or a bookstore and see a book there with my name on the cover."
"I'm sure my mother would love to help you out if you ever have anything you'd like her to read."
"Thank you for that offer. I'll keep it in mind."
"Good. Just remember me when you're off on your first book tour." He winked.
She laughed. "You're a hard person to forget, Lucas Bouchard."
He smiled, dropping his gaze to the floor. "So, uh, what have you been reading lately?"
"Textbooks on teaching theories, mostly."
"Sounds fascinating," he joked. "School doesn't leave you much time to read for pleasure?"
"Not so much. I did read Villette recently, but I've read it before."
"You and the Brontë sisters." He shook his head and chuckled.
"Hey, you liked Jane Eyre! I probably still have the letter where you admitted that."
"Touché, Miss Thatcher."
"You should read Wuthering Heights now."
He eyed her playfully before turning toward a shelf to search for a book. "I will read Wuthering Heights is you read this." He pulled a volume from the shelf and held it out to her.
"The Call of the Wild?"
He nodded. "And White Fang after you finish this one. They're full of adventure, and I know you're craving some of that."
"Not this kind of adventure." She laughed, taking the book from him. "But I suppose reading about it isn't the same as living it."
He motioned to one of the oversized chairs tucked into the corner. "I'm sure it'll be a little while before your parents want to leave, so you can start reading, if you'd like."
"Are you going to read, too?"
"As soon as I find our copy of Wuthering Heights."
Elizabeth sank down into the chair, relaxing as she opened the book. "I'll try not to fall asleep this time."
"If you do, I'll be sure to wake you before anyone comes looking for us."
"Thank you, Lucas." She gave him a small smile. "You're a very good friend."