Amy settled herself down on the settee into a comfortable position as if getting ready for a long talk. Bess watched rather mournfully as the four adults chatted cheerfully, with Daemon participating in the men's.
She couldn't help but notice how Daemon kept dusting off his coat jacket every few minutes, as though a particle of dust had landed on it. Then there were his shoes; he kept leaning over and rubbing furiously at them. Even I'm not that worried about my clothes…Bess drew up a hand to cover her mouth. And I can't wait until they leave! I'm so tired of his babble of how wonderful he, his school and teachers are! No one -- not even Dan -- is capable of bragging as much as he has! I'm tired of his prissy clothes, and everything else about him! Thoughts collected in her head. But I'm going to attend school with him…
"I'm so glad that Elizabeth had decided to attend Mistleswaith with Daemon." Victoria smiled sincerely, and placed a hand on top of Amy's.
"Laurie and I were delighted to find such a school. Plumfield is wonderful, but it doesn't quite offer the music and art that Bess had been interested in for so long." Amy looked over and smiled proudly at her daughter.
Bess offered a wobbly smile, trying to control her fidgeting hands. You've got to tell everyone some time…And Dan…What will he think with my leaving? He'll probably just be glad that I'm gone and out of the way. She pondered, lost in her own thoughts. Just think…You'll get to study art and music! Mozart! You'll be able to hear his music every day. And all the paintings I'll be able to do…Mother and Father are so happy about my being able to attend Mistleswaith. Excited thoughts coursed through her veins. But laughter and screaming was heard through the glass panes, catching her attention.
But why can't I be happy like they are? Oh Bess don't fool yourself! You know why…There will be no more Sunday afternoon fishing contests with Nan, or hiking in the woods, swimming in the stream, jumping off the bridge…No more bickering and teasing with Dan…And you'll have to spend what seems like the rest of your life with Daemon! Tears suddenly burned at the back of her eyes. She sniffed once, bringing the dainty lace handkerchief to her nose.
"Bess, are you all right, dear?"
Bess was quickly aware of her mother's blue eyes looking her over. "Um,
yes, I'm fine. But if you don't mind, I think I'll just step out for a
moment. Excuse me." She bowed her head politely and slipped away from the
parlor. I just need some time to think. That's all.
With a trembling lip, Bess threw another stone across the stream. It
landed with a small splash and sunk to the bottom. A tear slipped down
her cheek before she could stop it. Face it, Bess Laurence not matter
how wonderful Mistleswaith may sound, you're going to miss Plumfield and
everyone here. A lot. A distressed sigh escaped from her mouth.
Dan swayed, missing a log in the path. Better watch your step. He chastised mentally. 'Trying that crazy catchin' attention thing ain't gonna work… Fool…' He'd constantly thought about those little words of wisdom – although they didn't exactly seem that at the time. "The best thing to do is talk to Bess." Rang Nick's voice again. Fine, I'll go talk to her now. Dan squared his shoulders and pulled his hands out of his pockets.
"Quicker it's over the easier it'll be." But he knew that wasn't true
– at least not for him.
"I better get back, or Mother will surely go into hysterics." She grumbled, tossing one last rock. "Maybe I ought to see if I can find someone on the way. The quicker I get this out in the open, the better." Maybe Dan…
As if reading her thoughts, he jumped from the brush and nearly knocked her over. "Dan!" Bess rocked back on her heels, reaching up to grab her hat that was slipping from the pins.
"I-uh, I'm sorry, Bess, er Elizabeth. Didn't know you where there." Dan fumbled, stepping back.
She rolled her eyes. "Not you too." A most unladylike moan came next.
"Me too? What do you mean?" He said, with etching harshness.
"Calling me Elizabeth."
"Oh, forgive me. Is only Mr. Sophisticated Daemon aloud to call you that?" He shouted suddenly.
"No, I just don't – Oh, never mind!" She threw her hands up, not even wanting to explain. He was so exasperating at times!
"So, I'm not good enough for ya to talk to now?" Dan pointed a finger at himself.
"Well, Daniel. If you maybe you would stop talking a listen for once, you'd get to hear my explanation. Although, I don't think you'd listen, so there would be not use anyway!" She shot back, getting angry.
"Stop talkin'? Bess, are you feelin' okay? I don't have a pretty little friend named Daemon that prefers to stay inside drinkin' tea and talkin' over goin' for a hike." He replied haughtily.
"If you would please excuse me, I've got to get back to my company! I've wasted enough time talking to you." Bess shook her hair haughtily, fighting the urge to reach up and knock some sense into him.
"Wasted time, huh? Wel-"
"Excuse me, Elizabeth. Your mother asked me to come and bring you in. We're about to head to the art exhibit in Boston." Daemon disrupted their 'conversation' appearing at Bess's side, staring at her intently. "And wished to speak to you more about your arrangements for leaving with us to attend Mistleswaith."
Dan's mouth dropped open, jaw touching the ground.
"You're leavin'?"
"Yes, I tried to tell you, but as usual, you were being impossible and wouldn't have listened." She smirked, not looking at him. "Ready?" Bess glanced at Daemon, who was now looking at Dan.
"Yes, I am. She's going to attend Mistleswaith Academy with me, in the study of art and music. I'm sure a boy of your caliber would never tolerate that – being as you much prefer being outdoors. Good day, Daniel." Daemon smiled and tipped his head, walking off toward Plumfield with Bess following on his arm.
Dan growled, balling his fists. "You're not as good as you think you are, Daemon!" He shouted angrily.
Bess looked back, glowering at him. Don't say another word, Dan.
You've embarrassed me enough already with your childish behavior.
"You're leavin' Plumfield, Bess?" Nan plopped on the bed, aghast at the news she had heard from Tommy and Emil.
Bess didn't reply, but shook her head. She was still mad and humiliated at Dan's earlier behavior. After a minute, she spoke in response to Nan's question. "Yes, I'm attending Mistleswaith with Daemon. Mother and Father only want what's best and they feel I should be studying more on art and music." She shrugged simply, flipping through her book.
"You're goin' ta school with him?" Nan's eyes showed her disbelief.
"Yes, I am."
"I know it ain't none of my business, but I don't see what you see in 'im. He's too fancied up, and prim. Dan's better for you." She stated bluntly, staring directly at Bess.
"Nan!" Bess said loudly, not thinking.
"Just because I'm trying to be polite to him, doesn't have anything to do with who's better for me! Besides, Dan has been acting like a two-year-old since Daemon arrived and he's embarrassed me to no end. I wouldn't care if I got to speak to him again." She said impudently, turning her head and crossing her arms tightly.
Nan giggled.
"You are clueless. Don't ya know that he's only doin' that 'cause he's jealous? He's head over heals in love with you, and pea-green with envy."
Bess jumped up, appalled that Nan would say such a thing. "I hope you're teasing, Nan, because I don't find that very funny."
Nan smiled, and shrugged impishly. Rolling her eyes, she fell back on the bed.
"Love? You've got to be kidding. Dan doesn't even know what love is. I think you're mixing it up with his normal, obnoxious self."
Nan shook her head and sighed. Was it always this hard?
