Chapter 13
Lizzy wakes up with her heart racing and she is unable to catch her breath. She says to herself (that was just a dream, like all the others. Then why did I see myself on that bed?) She decides to try and forget the dream. She had a party to get ready. She walks down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Hi, is there something I can help with?" She asks the cook. "No the Mrs. is getting the parlor ready for her guest tonight."
Lizzy leaves the kitchen and walks to the parlor, "Can I help Mrs. Martin?" Mrs. Martin turns towards Lizzy, "Oh are you feeling better?"
"Yes I am thank you for asking." Lizzy hates to kiss up to people but how was she going to feed herself and her family if she didn't. "Lizzy we are only having ten people for a quiet dinner. I need you to go to market and buy a few things; pick up the good lien from the cleaners, go buy five ducks, five chickens and bring them home."
"Yes madam I will go now and do as you ask." Lizzy grabs her coat and left to run her errands. She saw William come down the stairs as she leaves. "Son I need to speak with you, sit down." Mrs. Martin says as she glides her son to the sofa.
"What is Mom?" Will wonders if she has found out his secret. "You need to marry so tonight you find a bride or I will cut you lose; do you understand? This friendship with Lizzy is sweet but, she can't be your bride she is to low class. You have had your affair now it is time to marry. Have children and be a pillar of your community, so just tell Lizzy it is over and as of tonight you are finding a bride. The wedding is in six weeks from today and you will marry someone from your station in life." After firmly telling Will about the girls coming tonight she turns to leave.
Lizzy walks down the street. She has been so tired lately, but today she feels better. She is always nervous when she goes back home; they need her income to live since her mother died. Her sisters have married and had lots of children, the whole family lives in one building, and they share housing with each other. Lizzy steps up into the carriage that Mrs. Martin allows her to run errands in; "Hello Lizzy, where to today?" James, the carriage driver asks Lizzy.
"We need to collect the linen first at the cleaners. Then go to the butchers to collect the meat for tonight's dinner." Lizzy is happy that she doesn't have to walk the whole way. She just could not walk all the way down to the other side town.
"Here we are Lizzy, the cleaners." James says breaking Lizzy's chain of thought. "Thank you, I will be out in a few minutes."
"Take your time; enjoy your family for awhile." James tells her as he opens the door on the coach. "It will not be long, I promise."
Lizzy enters the shop, and everybody screamed her name; they were happy to see her. Her sisters all hugged her and showed affection towards her. Sally, the oldest, noticed that Lizzy look pale. "Lizzy, are you sick? You look so pale and have you gain weigh?"
"I need to talk to you." They walked to back of the shop, "How did you know you were with child?"
"Lizzy please tell me that you are not sexily active." By the way Lizzy held her head, she got her answer. "Have you missed a cycle?" Lizzy started to cry, "I love him but he is above us. He says he loves me but there are rumors that tonight he has to pick a wife."
"Maybe he does love you and you should tell him about the child. Then you will get your answer." Sally tells her leading her back to the front. "So I am with child?" "Yes, I am sorry to say."
Lizzy leaves the shop and all she can think about is that she has to tell Will. She gathers her items and enters the house. "Lizzy, I am loaning you to a newly married couple. They need to hire some help and you will help them until they do. Go pack a bag and James will take you there." Mrs. Martin does not give Lizzy a chance to even speak.