The Thornton Trust
Chapter 11:
Decisions and Debutantes
So, here I am, #Hearties! I hope this chapter was well worth your wait. I'm nervous, as it has been so long since I've had the time and 'penspiration' to come back to any of these stories. I am on my fourth day off, after working 8 days straight...So, please enjoy this chapter! Hope to #write2work someday, but until then, I'll give my current job 110%...
Thank you to all my readers! I have been spurred on by all your reviews of this story, with one in particular that I wish to thank for helping me land on an idea for this chapter...I came up with the title and the direction, but seeing as you have followed and favorited my story, I had to give a shout out.
Thank you, angelaSBI for the recent follow/favorite! I'm glad that I'm still entertaining new readers. This Chapter 11 Preview is dedicated to you!
I do site an article that was indeed written in 2013, but for the sake of the story, lets imagine that it was an article that Mrs. Thatcher read to her daughter regarding a certain 'London season' adopted by the Americans. Lets get to it, shall we?
This picks up as Elizabeth is being dropped off from her dance lesson...
Elizabeth stepped through the front door and rushed upstairs, hoping that her return would go unnoticed for the remainder of the evening, but she knew she most likely only had a small window to capture her thoughts on paper. Once at her dresser, she pulled out the journal and sat propped up on her bed, tucking her knees under her. She held the pen, expecting the ink to flow out and onto the page...coming to life as she recaptured her dance lesson with Jack Thornton. The words at length came to her, but she omitted his name as she knew that her younger sister would inevitably try to get to her journal and read it, living vicariously through her much more mature older sister.
I danced the afternoon away as my new dancing partner proved to be most skilled at taking me on the dance floor and transporting me to a place that he and I were only aware of...our own dream land. He held me tightly, yet gently. My head is still spinning from his touch, from his kiss.
How will we continue to see each other should my parents find out who my dance partner is. I don't want to lose him. Is it too soon to admit that I love him? No! You, dear journal are my best friend. You will keep my secrets. Lets just keep this between us and not let my sister's discover who this mystery man is...promise to keep our secret, journal? Of course, you do. That's what best friends do...although, some day, I may have a new best friend to keep my secrets...
Elizabeth sighed as she closed her journal, thoughts of Jack Thornton flooding her mind.
The next day...
Jack sat on his bed, finishing his reading assignment for the day. Elizabeth requested that he read this book as it was her favorite. He laughed at the fact that the heroine's name was the same as hers and wondered if she was named after her. His mind often wandered to the 'Elizabeth' who had stolen his heart, rather than focus on 'Elizabeth Bennett'. He sighed heavily as he tried to finish reading the chapter regarding a 'Mr. Darcy' and his best friend, 'Mr. Bingley'. Jack couldn't decide if he actually liked 'Mr. Darcy', but he was going to find out even if it killed him.
Jack closed the book and looked out the window. He was glad that it was still light outside so he ran to meet his brother in the yard. They were going to rake the leaves so they could jump into them. Granted he was getting too old for such frivolity, but his younger brother, Tommy, had begged him to help him as the leaves had grown in number since the previous morning. Jack took the rake that Tommy had offered him and began to build an enormous pile of leaves.
After several minutes of play, Jack looked up from building yet another pile for Tommy and he to jump into, Jack saw Elizabeth walk down the lane with a stack of books. He nodded to Tommy in her direction. Tommy rolled his eyes and sighed as he knew that Jack was silently asking him to let him go walk with that Elizabeth girl. Tommy smiled slightly, wishing that Elizabeth had not chosen that particular path.
"Good afternoon, Elizabeth!" Jack greeted her. He moved to take her books.
"Good day, Jack!" Elizabeth replied, releasing her stack of books to him.
They ambled down the lane as Elizabeth sighed deeply.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Jack inquired good-natured.
"My father is planning something with Mr. Kensington's father." She paused to look at him, gauging his reaction. "Charles has asked my father to accompany me to a ball at the beginning of the 'season', which was introduced in the 1890's according to London society. I guess I should be honored to have someone pursue me, but I had hoped that someone else could do the honor..." Elizabeth trailed off as she looked at Jack who seemed to be at a loss for words.
Jack held the books as he contemplated Elizabeth's words. He blushed as he realized that she was hoping that he could accompany her to the ball. He truly wished he could escort her, no matter how frivolous the event sounded. But, he did not have the right kind of blood flowing through his veins. He was disgusted with the whole situation. Not only could he not escort her, she was to be escorted by none other than Charles Kensington, III.
"What exactly does the 'debutante' do, Elizabeth?" Jack inquired, as he stopped and faced her.
"The American debutante stood beside her mother, was presented to the guests, and was then introduced to and danced the German with the gentleman to whom her mother had selected to lead the dance-."* Elizabeth quoted her mother's reading of an article she read.
"Did you have to memorize that response?" Jack chuckled as he repositioned the books to his right side to grasp Elizabeth's hand with his.
"No, but it has certainly enlightened me as to how silly our society can be." Elizabeth chuckled. "Joking aside, I would much rather have someone else escort me to the ball." She blushed as their eyes met.
"I, uh, don't know what to say, Elizabeth!" Jack studdered. "I wish I could escort you, but as we both know..." Jack trailed off yet again, exasperated by the fact that Charles Kensington, III was able to escort Elizabeth and he was not.
"I understand, Jack. I truly do, but this isn't fair." Elizabeth breathed as she squeezed his hand.
Jack set her books on a nearby tree stump along the path to the park, taking her hands in his pulling her closer.
"Elizabeth, will you do me the honor of escorting me to the Debutante Ball this season?" Jack inquired.
"Jack, you are not allowed..." Elizabeth broke off, as Jack placed his finger to his lip.
"I will work out the details, Elizabeth. I just need you to trust me and meet me at half passed five o'clock on the evening of the debutante ball. Agreed?" Jack asked as he stroked her cheek.
"Agreed." Elizabeth responded as she leaned in to accept the kiss which Jack's eyes had asked her as he gazed into hers.
They sealed their promise to meet with a kiss.
That evening...
Elizabeth walked into her house to see Charles at the foot of the stairs. She didn't know he would be here and her cheery disposition suddenly vanished. She applied her faux smile and extended her hand to Charles.
"Good evening, Elizabeth." Charles stated, gripping her hand. "Your mother invited me tonight to discuss my escorting you to the Debutante Ball a fortnight from tomorrow." Charles smiled pleasantly, still holding her hand in his.
"Good evening, Charles." Elizabeth responded, trying to release his hold on her hand. "I don't really know what to say. I planned on not having an escort." Elizabeth replied, as she stepped back and looked towards the dining room where she assumed that her mother was listening.
Mrs. Thatcher stepped away from the door, preparing to open it to confront her daughter. Mrs. Thatcher believed that she knew exactly what she was doing to better her daughters future. She just couldn't understand why Elizabeth was so stubborn.
Elizabeth locked eyes with her mother. She didn't know what to say. She didn't want to go against her mother's wishes, but she couldn't lead Charles on like this. She wanted Jack to escort her, but propriety and social rules prohibited it. She never hated her position in society more than she did than at this moment. Elizabeth took a deep breath and said her peace.
"Mother, I will not be escorted by Charles to the Debutante Ball. I would rather go with Father on my arm." Elizabeth was adamant and quickly left the room.
Charles and Mrs. Thatcher stared at each other, aghast as they both turned to see Elizabeth storm up the stairs.
End of Preview
Charles was sitting at his desk, trying to figure out Elizabeth who had refused to see him a week ago. He wanted to escort her to the ball as her mother had promised that he would. He just couldn't shake the thought of her wanting to have Jack escort her instead. He knew that it was socially impossible, but even if he did succeed in taking her as her mother promised, Charles would know the truth. Would he care that she preferred someone else' company, or would he just be proud of himself for one upping Jack Thornton? He had to admit that beating him to win Elizabeth's affections, would be very pleasing to his ego, but he would prefer that she would rather have him on his arm. That would make this a true victory.
The day of the Debutante Ball…
Jack woke up bright and early to catch Elizabeth before she headed out to her first lesson of the day. He ran, pulling Tommy behind as he made it to her house with moments to spare. Elizabeth was waiting at the window, her smile spreading across her face as she saw Jack come into view. She cocked her ears to listen for any other movement in the house. It was early, for a Saturday, and her parents usually slept in an hour later. Satisfied that no one else was up yet, Elizabeth quietly walked out of the house and up to Jack. Tommy had let go of his hand and walked a few paces ahead in hopes that he couldn't hear the outpouring of 'grossness', as he had come to call it.
"Good morning, Elizabeth!" Jack enthused, albeit a bit breathless.
"Good morning, Jack!" Elizabeth blushed as his smile revealed the dimples that always got her into trouble.
"I love the way I make you feel!" Jack expressed, resting his hand on her cheek.
"Jack!" Elizabeth breathed. "I only have a few minutes before my chauffeur takes me to my first lesson."
"Why do you think I'm here this early on a Saturday, Elizabeth?" Jack furrowed his brow.
"I see." Elizabeth's blush deepened. "Well, I look forward to tonight. What are you up to, Jack?"
"You'll just have to wait until tonight. Remember meet me at half passed five under the tree in the park!" Jack instructed.
"It's all I've thought about the passed two weeks." Elizabeth admitted.
"Good." Jack looked down the street towards the school and then back towards his home. Confirming that they were still alone, Jack took a deep breath and pulled her into his arms.
Elizabeth caught her breath as he tightened his hold on her waist. Jack lifted her chin to his and pressed his lips on hers, gently, but with great emotion. Elizabeth slipped her hands around his neck. 'Could this be how Romeo and Juliet felt when they kissed?' Elizabeth questioned inwardly as Jack pressed her head closer to him. His hands tangled in her hair. After a few more moments, Elizabeth stepped back slightly, catching her breath.
"Elizabeth!" Jack spoke breathlessly. 'Please say you'll be mine?'* Jack pleaded inwardly. 'Don't let me go without a promise this time?'* Jack exhaled as his emotions were starting to overwhelm his thoughts.
"What is it, Jack?" Elizabeth questioned, concern spreading across her lovely face.
"It's nothing." Jack stated, running his hand up and down her arm. "I'll see you this evening."
"It's a promise." Elizabeth replied as she walked back to her door. Looking back at him one last time, she smiled as she closed the door behind her.
Jack's dimples brightened at the prospect of seeing her later that evening. He had a spring in his step, but he couldn't make the day go any faster if he tried. He arrived at his house, Tommy out in the front playing with his train. Jack ruffled his head and headed to his room. Charlotte and Tom watched enter his room and shut the door.
A few moments later...*knock*knock*
"Come in." Jack replied.
"Son?" Tom walked in, leaning against the door jamb, he studied his sons shoulders. Jack seemed downcast and Tom wanted to help if he could. "What's wrong, son?"
"I'm getting ready for tonight." Jack stated.
'Tonight? Tonight, what's tonight?' Tom wondered inwardly.
Jack looked over his shoulder at his father. He waited for him to say something, but Tom just stood there, apparently lost in thought. Jack continued to pack his satchel for the evening.
"The Debutante Ball is tonight, isn't it?" Tom finally questioned, breaking out of his reverie.
"Yes." Jack began and turned to face his father. "Before you say anything, I know that I am not allowed, but Elizabeth and I are meeting up at the park. I better go get the morning chores done so I can set up for this evening." Jack announced as he brushed passed his father, heading to the kitchen to take care of the dishes and wipe down the table for his mom.
Tom scratched his head and smiled at how much Jack reminded him of himself. Tom patted his pocket and pulled his letter out to re~read it. He had to tell Charlotte his news, but he did not want to ruin a beautiful morning.
'I'll tell her this afternoon.' He decided inwardly. He tucked his letter into his pocket, then headed for the kitchen to say good bye before heading out to headquarters.
"Tom, are you leaving soon?" Charlotte asked him as he entered the kitchen.
"Yes, Dear. I just had to kiss you good bye first." Tom smiled broadly as he wrapped his arms around his Char. He kissed her chastely as their two boys were still in the kitchen.
"Yuck!" Tommy gagged inwardly as he caught his parents' display of affection.
"Tommy, lets go." Jack stated, as he pulled his younger brother out of the kitchen.
Tom rested his forehead against Charlotte's. They were both chuckling at their kids' reaction. Tommy was disgusted and Jack seemed to ignore it all together.
"Char, my Char! I'll miss you and the boys. This is the part of the job that has always been the hardest since our wedding." Tom confessed. He caressed her cheek, and rested his thumb under her cheekbone.
"Tom!" She replied breathlessly as she pressed her cheek into his hand. "Your job is making a difference. It's what you do that will speak into the lives of our children and to the community." Charlotte couldn't keep her tears in any longer. Tom caught her tears with his hands as he cupped her face.
Tom covered his wife's lips as she pressed her body closer to him. Charlotte stroked Tom's back, bringing them up to play with the curls at the nape of his neck. Their kiss was slow and sweet, gentle, yet demanding. Tom had to go to work, so he reluctantly pulled away.
"Tonight, Char! Tonight!" Tom cleared his throat. "We'll take the buck board and camp outside the city like we did when we were first married." Tom smiled, awaiting her reply.
"What about Jack and Tommy?" Char asked.
"Constable Avery advised that he would watch them." Tom chuckled at his wife's dubious expression. "Don't worry, Char. He is a confirmed bachelor and he has always been fond of Jack and Tommy. They will have fun tonight." Tom promised as he kissed her once more than without another word, he was out the door before Charlotte could object any further.
…
School was out and Jack pulled his brother Tommy by the arm as he was ready to get set up for the evening. Tommy was resistant, but once he told Tommy that Constable Avery was going to watch them that evening, Tommy couldn't run fast enough to get home.
Constable Avery was waiting for the boys, when the house came into view. Constable Avery smiled at the two boys. Tommy hugged him and quickly pulled him into the house. Jack followed briefly just to let him know that he had plans that evening.
"Wait, Jack?" Constable Avery halted Jack as he tried to head to his room. "Where are you going? Do your parents know what you are up to?" He inquired.
"I spoke with my Pa about it the other day." Jack told him. 'He may not have agreed, but I talked to him.' Jack thought inwardly, while smiling up at Constable Avery.
"Alright, Jack. I'm trusting that you have his permission." Constable Avery acknowledged. "Just so you are back before ten o'clock, agreed?"
"Yes, sir!" Jack saluted him.
In the park...
Jack set up the turned over box as a table, covering it with his mother's lace tablecloth. He had a candle in a tin cup and fresh flowers in his Ma's one vase. He waited as patiently as he could. It was only a quarter after five. He knew that Elizabeth would be arriving soon.
…
Half passed five came around...still no Elizabeth. Jack was concerned. He thought she would be here by now. He continued to wait, albeit not as patient as he began.
A quarter after six came and went. He was about to start cleaning up. 'I'll give her twenty more minutes.' Jack thought to himself.
Elizabeth finally arrived with five minutes to spare. She smiled at Jack and he blushed at how lovely she looked in her new evening gown.
Elizabeth blushed under his stare, adjusting her dusty rose dress at the collar, suddenly feeling warm despite the cool weather.
"I'm sorry that I was so late." Elizabeth began. "My mother would not let me come. I had to sneak out when she went to the kitchen to check on dinner. I don't know how much time I have before I have to go." Elizabeth breathed deeply, as Jack pulled her into his arms.
"It's alright." Jack lifted her arms into a dancing position.
"There's no music." Elizabeth stated.
"I can hear it." Jack stated as he began to sing a melody that she had been practicing during her piano lessons.
"Oh, Jack!" Elizabeth exhaled.
"Tonight is ours, Elizabeth!" Jack pressed his lips to hers and then continued to twirl her around under the tree in the park.
Elizabeth was elated to be in the arms of the young man who had captured her heart from the first day that they met. Jack twirled her away from him and then pulled her in so tightly that her breath caught. She had not imagined to feel a love so strong before Jack. She blushed as he gazed into her crystal blue eyes, getting lost in it's seas. Elizabeth inhaled deeply, trying to make this moment in time stand still. She knew that she would have to go back to the manor to await her 'suitable' escort. She loathed the idea.
A frown crossed her face, which did not go unnoticed by Jack. He matched her expression, misinterpreting it as something he had done wrong.
"What is it? What did I do, Elizabeth?" Jack inquired, concern sweeping across his face.
"Nothing. You've done nothing. Well that's not true...You've done everything. Everything right." Elizabeth shook herself out of her reverie. "I was just thinking about tonight and how much I dread standing up with someone other than the one I want to spend the evening with...You!"
"You mean that?" Jack inquired, his grin spreading to his dimples.
"Of course, I mean it!" Elizabeth smiled. She pressed her hand to Jack's face. "I just wish my parents could see how special you are to me." A tear cascaded down her cheek.
"Don't cry, Elizabeth!" Jack pleaded as he swept her tear away. He kissed her cheek, then pulled her closer into his embrace. "It will be alright. We'll make it work." Jack assured her. 'I hope it will work.' He thought inwardly.
"I'm not so sure, Jack. My parents, Charles, his parents all want me to be with him. This is my Debutante Ball, but it surely doesn't feel like it. Everyone is telling me what to do...everyone, but you." Elizabeth smiled.
"I'll never tell you what to do, Elizabeth. I know that they are not being fair and it is really unfair of them to tell you what they think is best for you, but they are your parents. As for Charles and his parents, who cares what they think. I care what you think. What do you want, Elizabeth?" Jack inquired as he caressed her arm.
"I want people to let me make my own choices and let me live my life the way that I want to...as an independent young lady who wants to teach some day and marry for love." Elizabeth stated with conviction.
"I want the same things for you! I want your dreams to come true, whether I'm included or not!" Jack affirmed as he pressed his forehead to hers.
"In my heart, I know that you are included. You will always be in my life, if my heart has anything to say about it." Elizabeth pressed her lips to his cheek.
Jack lifted her lips to his and promised with all the love he felt for her, as he kissed her deeply. Elizabeth reciprocated his love and held tighter to his waist. She let all the thoughts of that night to fade away and allowed herself to melt into his embrace. This man who she vowed would always have her heart.
"I have to go." Elizabeth reluctantly broke free of his embrace. "My parents will be expecting me home to get ready for the Debutante Ball. I'm sorry, Jack! I'm so sorry." She tried to step away.
Jack clutched her to him and caressed her cheek once more. He gazed into her eyes, pleading her to stay with him. She hesitated, longing to just stay with him for a few more hours and completely forego the Ball. Her duty to her family would not allow her to do so, however, and she knew it. She must leave now if she was going to make it home before Charles would come to escort her to the Hamilton Regency Club.
"I can't, Jack! Please understand?" Elizabeth cried, not bothering to keep her tears locked away.
"I do, I do understand. This is just so unfair." Jack expressed. He kissed her quickly and stepped back slightly, still holding her in his arms. "Meet me tomorrow at the library?" Jack asked.
"I'll meet you." Elizabeth responded.
"Promise me?" Jack pressed.
"I promise!" Elizabeth tore away from his arms and ran back towards her home.
'I'll be there. I love you, Elizabeth!' Jack thought inwardly. He had planned to tell her, but a part of him wondered if he shouldn't be so bold in his declaration. 'I love you, my Elizabeth!'
"I choose you, Jack Thornton!" Elizabeth yelled back to him as she turned to face him, before she took off towards home.
Jack walked home with a smile that shined on for miles. Elizabeth chose him. He could get through this night after all. He suddenly thought, 'What if I made an appearance at this Ball? That's what I'll do...' Jack smiled as he continued towards the Hamilton Regency Club. He was going to see her again, whatever it took.
Author's Note: What say you, #Hearties? I hope I haven't gone too far...I just wrote from the heart. I better finish getting ready for work. Love you all and so appreciate all your kind words of encouragement! Stay Tuned for Chapter 12: The Debutante Ball.
*Gus Pike's lines taken from Road to Avonlea