Chapter 3 Let the Fair begin.
Elisabeth got up suddenly and realised she was late for the fair. She brushed the moss and twigs of her dress and ran swiftly through the fields. She breathed a sigh of relief , when she reached the village. She spotted her laughing with a man. There was music playing , the decorations hung high , and the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries lingered in the air.
" Elisabeth called her Father. Do you see what I see". He pointed to the decorations. " I had to put them up myself with the shoemaker. Not one man arrived to do the job. Why is that".
Elisabeth held back her rage. " You want to know why she said , because they know what an ignorent man you are. A man who will cheat decent people , and not even blink an eye. You should be ashamed of yourself Father, as I am of you".
" Daughters shouldn't speak tho their Father's like that Elisabeth".
Elisabeth laughed serenely , " You are right , but then again. Fathers shouldn't give them a reason to speak like that".
Elisabeth rushed off into the stalls with the shade from the sun. She slipped under one of them and waved her hand trying to cool herself off. It really was hot today. She screamed when something caught her dress and pulled her. Looking up , she saw Alex. Two young men had also rushed over.
" Is this boy bothering you Miss".
" Ah ...no thankyou it's alright."
Alex smiled and pulled her out of sight. But Elisabeth pushed his hand away.
" Get away from me" she snarled.
" I know why you are angry".
" Thats good of you , how long did it take you to figure that out".
" I saved both of us Elisabeth".
" Saved us from what " cried Elisabeth. You denied knowing me. You made me feel like an idiot. Back at the store you made me feel , you were... you denied me , why.
" Do you know who we are Elisabeth. You are the daughter of a wealthy man , and I am the son of a poor tennant. Back in my old village a wealthy girl secretly married a poor boy. The girls father found out , and the boy was hanged. It is a crime. I denied knowing you because I didn't want trouble , now tell me I did wrong. That girl killed herself after he was hung. She shot herself with his rifle."
" I love you Elisabeth so much that , I was prepared to deny you just to save you."
" I dont want it to end , cried Elisabeth".
" It doesn't have to cried Alex. But you must not reveal this to anyone. All the tennants are angry Elisabeth. They work really hard , most of them are decent people , and it's awful to see your kind get wealthly for doing nothing and then gloat about it."
Elisabeth nodded and kissed him. A hand grabbed her and Alex and threw them both out onto the middle of all the people , rich and poor alike. It was Mr O' Toole , the shoemaker.
" Richard he yelled. It's your daughter , she is with this filthy creature."
Elisabeth's Father rushed over with his wife by his side. She gave an almightly gasp and practially fainted on the spot. He on the other hand grabbed Alex and flung him on the ground.
" Dont you ever touch her again , you dirty street...
Elisabeth did he harm you".
" Leave him alone cried Elisabeth as she fell beside Alex. If you come any closer Father."
Her Father's face lit up with rage. " You were with this...you turned your back on your parents and got involved with that."
" He is human shrieked Elisabeth , why can any of you see that."
Mrs O' Connor spotted her son. " What have you done to my boy you bullies."
" Your son has being mixing with the Superior Class" , yelled Richard.
Mr O' Connor stepped forward and hoisted his son up , ignoring his shrieks of pain.
" Boy ,I have told you to stay away from these people , what lured you to them".
" She did" , yelled Mr O' Toole pointng at Elisabeth.
Mr O' Connor scowled. " A female he cried. You stupid boy cant you see , she has no interest in you. She will marry for wealth. You are nothing to her."
Mr and Mrs O' Connor left supporting Alex who hobbled slightly.
Richard grabbed Elisabeth by the hair and dragged her screaming home.
" You will stay in your room , you hear me".
" No Father , I will not. Every time you punish me , I will try to escape even more".
" Why cant you be normal like other girls your age. Why dont you want to marry a fine young man who can give you anything you want".
" I have found someone who has given me everything , I want."
" Dont be foolish girl."
" I will be with him , yelled Elisabeth. I can promise you that , I will do anything to be with him".
Richard called his wife in.
" Very well then Elisabeth , we didn't want to do this , but we have no choice. Your Mother and I had decided to go live in America. We knew you liked it here , and your Uncle agreed to take you in , while we were gone. However if it means seperating you from that boy , we will of course bring you to America. Dont push your luck on this one Elisabeth. If you run for it , or refuse to go. That boy you like will pay for it , with his life. "
" No Father , you cant do this".
" The point is Elisabeth , I can do this and I will".
" It is for you Lizzie said her Mother. We are shaping your future".
" It is called the Titanic Lizzie. Its a huge wonderful ship. It will be great. We have first class tickets. You better pack , we are leaving tomorrow evening".
Elisabeth felt sick clutching her throat ,she ran out of the room and into the garden. Screaming furiously she kicked the iron garden chairs , and then howled in pain. Her pure white dress was caked in mud. A figure emerged from the trees. It was Alex. Elisabeth fell into his arms.
" They are taking me away she choked , to America aboard the Titanic". How can they be so cruel". Tears streamed down her face.
" I thought this would happen said Alex. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon. Did you not promise them , you would stay away from me."
" What's the point of lying cried Elisabeth. I could never stay away."
" What have I done , said Alex. Look at you Lizzie , crying over some silly guy like me. Why the day , I walked into your store , you were strong ,happy and confident. Now you are love sick and weak".
" I know now , that I was never happy until I found you Alex cried Elisabeth. I know that all my life , no one has ever cared about me as much as you have.
Alex silenced her , with his hand. " I have to go Elisabeth , but I promise you. You wont be alone".
Elisabeth nodded and quickly slipped inside. Her heart was beating rapidly. Slowly she walked into her house. Her Father was smiling as she closed the door.
" I'm glad you'v seen it our way Elisabeth. That young lad Tom is coming with us. He would like to meet you".
Elisabeth snarled as she walked past him. You haven't won Father she muttered , not by a long shot."
Chapter 4 will be added soon.