Country Lady Ch 5-6

Chapter 5

         The next morning started the same as many others.  Lizzie woke, prepared, and served Morgan, James, and Michael their breakfast.  She noticed Derek did not join them as he had yesterday.  She found she was nervous as she served breakfast, and chastised herself for being silly.  Why should she be nervous to ask her own brothers to help her?
         “James, I was wondering if you and Michael could do me a favor today.”
         “Sure, what do you need?”  James looked up briefly.
         “Oh, I was just hoping you could take care of the stalls and feed the animals for me.”
         “I suppose we could.  Why?” 
         Lizzie was a little surprised he needed a reason.  “Well I need to go to town today and get a few supplies.  I thought it would be much easier if I didn’t have to worry about those chores today on top of all the other things that need done.” 
         “You couldn’t do it when you return?”  Morgan asked.
         “I suppose I could, but it would make dinner a bit late, and since we have a guest in the house…” she trailed off, looking at her stepfather.  She didn’t think it was any of his business.  Why was she justifying her actions to him?
         “We could always pick up what you need in town,” Michael offered.
         “I need the items for dinner tonight.  I wanted cook something a little extra for our guest.”
         Morgan sipped his coffee and shrugged.  “I don’t know if we need anything extra, just because we have a guest.”
         Lizzie was starting to get a bit aggravated.  “It was you who told me he would be more comfortable and better provided for if he stayed here.  We are nearly out of salt, butter, and flour and since we don’t have a cow or grow our own wheat, I am not likely to find any more around here.  If you would like to throw slop on the table while there is company in the house, you may, but I will not!”  She crossed her arms in front of her chest.
         James hurried to soothe his sister, wishing Morgan would have remained quiet and his sister didn’t get so aggravated by him.  “We will take care of it, Lizzie.  Don’t worry, it isn’t a problem.”
         “Thank you, James.”  She smiled at him, glared at Morgan, and went out into the get the wash tub.  She wanted to get clothes washed and on the line before she left.  She picked up the washtub and found her hands were trembling in anger.  Damn Derek Cargill anyway.  She wouldn’t have been forced to have an altercation this early in the morning if it hadn’t been for his ridiculous dare.  She started washing the clothes with a vengeance, taking out her anger at the men on their poor defenseless work shirts. 
         Lizzie finally calmed down by the time she was hanging the clothes on the line to dry.  She glanced up at the sun, knowing soon she needed to change and get ready for town.  She went out to the barn to ready the buggy and found it was already hooked up and the horse was drowsing in the shade tied to the hitching post.  She smiled broadly, certain that James must have hooked it up for her.  And Derek thought they did not ever do anything to help.  She would have a few choice words for him when she saw him.
         She went back into the house and quickly did the breakfast dishes.  She went to her room, changed into her best day dress, and put on her hat.  She gathered her reticule and went out to the buggy only to find it gone.  She clenched her fists in anger.  She walked back into the house yelling for Karen and received no answer.  She could not believe the girl had left with the buggy and hadn’t even inquired if she was going to use it, especially since it was already hooked up!  Lizzie walked out of the house and started walking towards town.  She immediately realized the mile walk in the late summer heat was going to be miserable. 
         By the time she had walked half the distance to town,  Lizzie could feel the sweat rolling down her back.  She desperately wanted to turn around and go home.  She was hot, tired, and angry.  She also had plenty she could be doing at home and this foray into town seemed like a huge waste of time.  She had actually been looking forward to getting out of the house and eating someone else’s cooking for a change, but now she only felt depressed and hot.  She heard hoof beats approaching and she looked up and saw Derek riding towards her.  He slowed his mount and stopped before her.
         “I saw Karen in town with the buggy and figured you might have some difficulties coming to meet me.  So, I came back for you.” 
         Lizzie wasn’t sure she was happy about his arrival or not.  “I don’t think this was a good idea.  I am glad you came, so I can tell you I am going home.” 
         “Oh, no you don’t.”  He quickly slid out of the saddle.  “You promised to have lunch with me, and I am holding you to it.”
         “I refuse to walk the remaining way into town just to eat.  By the time I arrived, I wouldn’t feel like eating anyway.”
         “You can ride with me.”
         “Oh, and that would be a fine idea.  Wouldn’t that set the tongues of Bonne Terre wagging?  No, I won’t ride with you.  Besides I don’t ride, I have never been on the back of a horse, and don’t plan to start today.”  Lizzie stated adamantly and she turned back the way she came. 
         Derek caught her arm with one hand and prevented her departure.  “I wouldn’t have guessed you were afraid of horses.”  He said in surprise.
         “I’m not!  I really like horses, I just don’t ride.”  She refused to turn and face this aggravating man.
         “So, you are afraid of riding.”  He believed he was discovering the quickest way to get Lizzie to do something, and that was with a challenge.  “I can understand that.  They are big animals.”
         “I am not afraid of riding and you can let go of me.”  Lizzie insisted turning towards him glowering.
         “If you weren’t afraid, you would ride with me and go have lunch as planned.  We won’t go near a soul if it makes you feel better.  I will make sure no one sees us.”
         “And just what are we going to eat?  Grass?”
         Derek laughed and dropped his hand to hers, pulling her towards the roan.  “Trust me, I came prepared.”
         Lizzie heart skipped a beat when he took her hand in his and pulled gently, but her feet remained rooted in the same place.  Their eyes met and locked, and Lizzie felt her stomach do a funny little flip. 
         He could see her resolve was wavering.  “What if I ask very nicely?  Elizabeth Jennings, will you please do the honor of having lunch with me?”
         Lizzie was surprised she didn’t mind the way her full name sounded when Derek said it.  “What will you do if I say no?”
         “I just might have to sweep you up and carry you off like the knights of old.  I am very persistent.” 
         “You would have a fine time trying to accomplish that.  I am not some little girl one can easily toss around.”  She realized he still held her hand and now he pulled her toward him.  Her feet carried her forward, despite her firm order for them to stay put.  She felt her breath tighten in her chest as the distance between them closed until they were separated by mere inches. 
         “Nor are you as stout as you seem to think.” 
Lizzie gasped as he quickly placed his hands at her waist and within moments she was sitting sideways in the saddle and she desperately latched onto the horn before her. 
         “I guess you are forcing me to abscond you.”  Derek told her as he quickly mounted behind her.  He chuckled slightly as she turned and buried her head in his shirt her arms immediately surrounding his waist in scared desperation.  He decided this arrangement suited him perfectly, and he turned his mount back towards the country.  “I knew you were afraid.”
         “I am not.”  Lizzie retorted into his chest.  She wasn’t afraid, she was terrified.  Her grip tightened as she felt the horse move under her.
         “Just relax.  I won’t let you fall.”
         “Do you know you have to be the most arrogant man I have ever met?”  Lizzie complained into his chest.  She couldn’t believe he had actually tossed her on a horse.  Imagine the nerve!
         “Yes, I believe you mentioned it last night as well.”  Derek chuckled again. He realized poise and confidence in his position in life was often mistaken as arrogance.  Whether she considered him arrogant or not, it didn’t change the fact the most interesting girl he had met in a very long time was sitting in front of him on his saddle.
         Lizzie opened her eyes briefly and saw the ground moving far too quickly underneath her, and she queezed them shut again.  Her arms tightened reflexively around Derek’s waist.  “Can’t you just take me home?”
         “And miss an opportunity to have you tell me again how arrogant and pigheaded I am?  Never.”
         “Why are you doing this?”  Lizzie asked against his chest, still terrified she would fall.
         “When was the last time you had a meal you didn’t cook yourself?  Or better yet, when was the last time you spent an hour doing absolutely nothing?” 
         Lizzie really didn’t know.  She couldn’t remember.  It would have had to have been when her mother was still alive, before she had become sick.  “I am not sure.”
         “Well, that would be why I am doing this.”  Derek told her honestly.
         Lizzie fell quiet, her fear of being on a horse started to wane slightly with each step she didn’t fall off.  She opened her eyes, realizing how ridiculous she must look clinging to this man for dear life, but she couldn’t quite convince herself to let go.  She realized his arm encircled her back and wrapped around her waist snugly, ensuring she would not fall and she felt a wave of gratitude.  She wasn’t sure why she felt grateful, especially since he was the one who put her in this predicament.  Yet, she couldn’t help but feel safe tucked up against his large frame and she liked the clean, fresh scent of his cologne. 
         Derek moved the horse into a lope and he heard a gasp and the arms around him tightened even more.  He smiled above her head and headed for a quiet spot he had discovered yesterday.
         When they arrived, he pulled his horse to a stop at a nice shady spot near a stream.  Although they weren’t moving, Lizzie had not relaxed her grip at all.  “If you release me, I will help you down.”  He said softly, looking down upon her hair which had been braided and wrapped into a bun.  Her bonnet had fallen off, and hung down her back by the strings.  He had to admit he rather enjoyed their somewhat intimate arrangement, and was a little disappointed they did not have to travel far to the spot he had chosen.
              “He isn’t going to take off with me if you get off?”  Lizzie asked.  She couldn’t help but feel nervous as she shifted slightly to look up at him, her eyes wide and scared as they met the calm green ones.
              Derek had not meant to scare her into submission, and felt badly she was obviously so frightened.  “I promise he will not.  I will hold on to one of the reins if it makes you feel better.” 
              “It would.”
                Derek looked down into her blue gray eyes and found himself intrigued by the changing depths of color in them.  His gaze dropped to her soft full lips and he found himself wondering if she had ever been kissed.  He blinked and quickly snapped himself out of those thoughts.  He wasn’t here to seduce the girl, just give her a taste of freedom.  “I need you to take your hand and hold onto the horn, and shift your leg so it lays more on the saddle and sit up a little straighter.  That’s right.” 
              Lizzie found her hands trembling as he took each of them from his waist and placed them where he wanted them to be.  She didn’t think her unsteady hands were totally to do with being afraid of the horse.  Instead, she attributed half of the reaction to the briefest hint of interest she had just witnessed in Derek’s eyes when he looked down at her.  She had seen the look on men’s faces often enough, but it was always directed at Karen, never at her.  She found that look had caused her nerves to go haywire. She suddenly realized she was in the middle of nowhere with a man she hardly knew and wondered what she had been thinking.  She should insist he take her home immediately. 
                Derek dismounted and held his hands up to her with a smile.  Lizzie found she couldn’t voice an objection as she looked down at his handsome features.  She leaned forward slightly and placed her hands on his shoulders and slid into his hands which quickly caught her waist and eased her down.
              “See, nothing at all to be afraid of.”  He let go of her quickly, not wishing to be tempted any more by this girl, who was becoming more appealing by the minute.
              “That is what you think.  I think I would much rather walk on my own two feet.”
                He pulled the two sets of saddle bags from his mount and threw them on his shoulder.  “You would get used to it in time, maybe even enjoy it.  It is very liberating.”
                “You have a thing about liberation don’t you?  You even try to liberate people who don’t need it.”  She followed him to the edge of the bank were he pulled out a tablecloth from one of the packs and laid it on the ground. 
                “I think you are more in need than you realize.  Please, have a seat, my fair lady.”  He gestured to the cloth and she sat carefully upon the edge.  Derek knelt across from her and began to carefully pull out bundles wrapped in several napkins and white paper and set them down upon the cloth between them.
                “I don’t quite understand how you managed to have all this prepared and be on the road to meet me at our prearranged time.  I realize you saw Karen in the buggy, but how did you know I still wouldn’t be there on time?”
                  “A hunch really.  I didn’t figure you would realize until far too late Karen had taken the buggy I hitched up for you.”
                “You hitched up the buggy?”  Lizzie felt her heart drop a little, she had been so sure James or Michael had done it.
                “Of course—oh, you thought—” he broke off.  “Well anyway, I assumed you would be late and walking, so I took the liberty to order some food and brought it with me.”
                  Lizzie realized he had obviously put together the fact Karen took the buggy without informing her, only further proving his point her family took advantage of her.  “You were wrong about my brother’s not helping, they agreed immediately to help out.  So I will be expecting an apology.”
                  Derek was not sure they would agree so immediately.  “Oh really?  I would love to be proven wrong.  It isn’t as if I enjoy finding people being taken advantage of, but the proof is in the pudding so to speak.  I will wait until tonight to beg for your forgiveness.”
                  “Why?”  Lizzie watched as he unwrapped a loaf of bread and another filled with cheese.  In the largest cloth, was sliced roast beef, and he had even managed to bring two pieces of a white flour cake.  She was further surprised when he pulled a bottle of wine and an opener from his bags and two tin cups. 
                  “Because I want to make sure they keep their promise to you.  Now, this isn’t exactly the meal I had planned for us to enjoy, but it will do.”  He took two slices of beef and placed it on the bread with some cheese and took a bite.  “It is good, not quite up to your standards I would guess, but filling.”
                  Lizzie took a piece of cheese and bread and took a small bite.  She watched as he opened the wine and poured them each a cup full.  “I don’t typically drink spirits of any kind.”
                “Then, you will want to sip it, and make sure you actually eat something so you won’t feel lightheaded.”
                “Is it strong?”  She asked looking at the cup doubtfully.
                “It is when you aren’t used to it, and I don’t want to be blamed for intoxicating you.  So, you had better eat something more than a miniscule piece of bread and cheese.”  He said pointing at the beef.
                Lizzie added a piece of meat to her bread and they ate for a few minutes in a companionable silence.  She found she liked the strange, bitter sweet taste of the wine and found herself slowly relaxing and actually enjoying the forced break from her everyday life.  “Can I ask you something?” 
                Derek leaned over on his side comfortably, stretching his legs out.  “Of course, you can ask me anything.”
                “How old are you?”
                “Twenty-seven.” 
                “I must say that surprises me.  You don’t act twenty seven.”
                Derek laughed.  “Really?  And tell me how does a twenty seven year old act?” 
                Lizzie flushed a little. “Well, I am not sure, but I wouldn’t have guessed you to be older than me.”
                “You, my dear, are being aged well before your time.  You need to take an opportunity now and again to live a little, and not just live to work.  It is one of the reasons I wanted you to meet me today.”  He gestured with his hand around their secluded spot.  “How can you not feel young and be thankful to be alive on such a day as this? Life is too short to work all the time.  You need to live life to the fullest, experience the best each day has to offer.”
                  Lizzie took another sip of wine, feeling it warm her belly.  She looked around and noticed the wind rustling through the tops of the tall oaks surrounding them.  She could hear the trickle of water as it splashed over the rocks nearby, and noticed birds flitted from one tree branch to another and sang happy songs above them.  Her glance shifted again to the man across from her.  “So is that what you do?  Live each day to the fullest?” 
                  “I try.  Some days are better than others.  Some experiences are more fulfilling than others.  To me, it is the experiences in life that make each day worth living.”
                  “My mother always said love and family made each day worth living.”  She looked down tracing the pattern on the checkered tablecloth.  Lizzie often wondered if she ever find love.  There had been no doubt in her mind, how much her parents had loved each other.  One could tell from the way her parents had looked at each other, even after years of marriage. 
                  “Our views aren’t much different.  Love and family would each go hand in hand with their own set of experiences.”  Derek replied.
                  “I guess you are right.”  Lizzie looked over at him.  “So have you ever experienced love?” 
                  “No, I can’t say that I have.  My parents are quite aggravated with that fact.”
                  “Why?” 
                  “I am their only son.  They want grandchildren, heirs for the family name and fortune.  They started to try to marry me off at nineteen.  I was not interested in settling down at that point in my life.”
Lizzie took another sip of the wine, enjoying how relaxed she was beginning to feel.  “So what about now?  Still not ready?”
         “I haven’t met a woman I can say with certainty I want to spend the rest of my life with.  Until I do, I won’t marry.  I am not about to let them force my hand.  I do not want a loveless marriage.”  He had seen that in his own family.  His parents didn’t love each other, they merely put up with one another.  He had no desire for a relationship like theirs.
         “What would your ideal woman be like?  Maybe I can find a match for you in Bonne Terre.”
         Derek stared at the woman across from him thoughtfully.  “I am not sure what my ideal woman would be like, and it may be the reason I haven’t found her.  I know what I don’t want, and that is frivolous girls like your stepsister.  I have no patience for them, and I wish my parents would figure that particular fact out.  Those types of girls are the only kind they continue to thrust my direction.  They say it is important for me to make a good social match.”
         “Karen will be so disappointed.  She was certain you would immediately fall in love with her grace and beauty.”  Derek’s jaw dropped, and Lizzie laughed.
         “She said that?”
         “And much more—Karen has a high opinion of herself.”  Lizzie giggled at the bewildered look on his face.  “I think Morgan also had hopes for a match as well.  I think it is why he invited you to stay with us.”
         “It wouldn’t be the first time a friend of my father’s has hoped to marry me to his daughter.”  He found himself slightly annoyed by the discovery, but not surprised.  They fell silent and finished eating, enjoying the comfortable feeling of companionship between them. 
         Lizzie sighed and leaned back on her elbows.  She looked up at the bright blue sky, feeling more content and relaxed than she had in a very long time.  She wasn’t sure if it was due to the effects of the wine, her companion, or just a quiet peaceful moment, but whatever the reason she found herself thankful.  “This was good idea.  I think I owe you an apology.  Since my mother died, I have not had an opportunity to relax and let my hair down.”
              “Apology accepted.” 
              “Speaking of which,” Lizzie sat up with a grin and an gleam in her eye and pulled the pins from her hair.  She gave a big sigh as the mass of hair tumbled down her back.  “You don’t know how I wish I didn’t have to wear it up all the time.”
Derek could only watch in shocked surprise as she shook her head and allowed her hair to tumble from the tight bun.  Waves of dark golden hair fell down and around her shoulders and back, transforming and softening her face.  His fingers itched to run through the heavy mass of hair that now draped down her back. 
              “I hate having my hair up all the time.  I suppose you probably think I am crazy, but it seemed to be the day for doing things you never do.”  Lizzie leaned back on her elbows shaking her head slightly and looking back up at the sky again, she couldn’t remember when she had felt so free. 
            “No, not at all.”  He swallowed with difficulty as his eyes flowed over down the length of her frame, taking in every detail of her female form that she so unwittingly presented to him in a most appealing manner.  Lizzie was different than any woman he had met, and he didn’t think he’d ever met a woman like her.  Usually, every female he met was hanging on him as Karen did, or attempting other methods to gain his interest.  Lizzie didn’t do either.  Well, he grinned slightly to himself, she did hang on him quite tightly when she was on his horse.
            He knew he was attractive and it wasn’t unusual for women to seek his company and dote on him.  He had tried not to let it go to his head, but he never had trouble getting a female companion when he desired one.  Lizzie seemed indifferent to him, and yet, attempted to be companionable and friendly unless he pushed her limits.  He had to admit she intrigued him.  She mentioned she considered herself an old maid, but she didn’t act like a woman seeking a husband either.  “So, Elizabeth Jennings, why aren’t you married?”
            She shrugged and glanced over to him before sitting up and wrapping her arms around her knees staring at the stream in front of them with a serious gaze.  “I don’t know.  No one is interested in me, I guess.” 
            “I find that hard to believe.”  He took a sip of the wine in his cup, studying her features intently.
            “Well it is true.  It probably doesn’t help I’m not in Bonne Terre much and it is a small community.” 
            “Maybe your problem is men don’t realize you’re interested.” 
Her gaze shifted to his.  “What do you mean?  I always believed the man was supposed to approach the woman.”
            “Well yes, but a man is going to have to be the most confident person in the world to approach a woman out of the blue, especially if she doesn’t show a hint of interest.” 
            “Surely you aren’t suggesting I am the one to walk up to some man on the street and ask him to propose to me.”
              He had to laugh at such a ridiculous thought.  “No, but I notice unlike Karen, you haven’t seemed to learn the fine art of flirtation.” 
              “Oh good lord, there is no way I could act like she does.  She bats her eyelashes at every man who is within her line of vision.”
              “Well, Karen would be an example of someone who takes flirtations a bit too far, and you don’t want to do that either.  Men are typically put off by that as well.”
              “Wonderful!  You know this sounds entirely too complicated.  You are saying you can’t do too little, and you can’t do too much.”
              “Which is why I called it an art, you want to let a man know you are accepting of further advances without begging for them.” 
              “And how, pray tell, do you accomplish that?  I take it that you are well schooled in this art?”
                Derek ignored her sarcastic comment.  “You have to let the man know you notice him.  Perhaps compliment him on something he does well or some trait you like about him.”
                “And do you bat your eyelashes before or after your compliment?  Or both?”
                Derek threw his hand up in disgust and lay back on the ground, shutting his eyes.  “You don’t have to listen to me.  Perhaps you will be happy as an old maid.”
                Lizzie realized he was upset she wasn’t listening to his advice.  It was kind of him to offer a suggestion, but she knew it wouldn’t work for her.  She didn’t flirt.  She eyed the cake with a mischievous grin, and picked up half of a piece and stood.  “I appreciate your help, but I couldn’t make it work.  I am not a seductress or a flirt.”  She casually walked towards his side of the cloth.  “I have to come up with something else—perhaps a more direct approach.”
                Derek opened his eyes and watched her, wondering what she was up to.  “Like what?”
                “Well I could always make my male interest a peach cobbler.  You seemed to like it.  Don’t they say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?”
Derek shrugged.  “Hopefully he likes peaches.”  Lizzie squatted down next to him and he began to get a sense of unease.  What was she up to?
                “Or maybe I could make him a cake.”  Lizzie quickly leaned forward and smeared cake on Derek’s forehead and laughed at his stunned expression.  She got up and ran as he quickly sat up grabbed the other half of the cake and took off after her.  She knew she couldn’t outrun him so she dodge behind one tree then another laughing and feeling like a kid again.
                She wished she had more ammunition as he took a small piece and threw it at her as she peered from behind the tree and the confection hit her on the neck.  She made a break for the blanket and the other piece of cake as he ran towards her.  She felt his arm catch her around the waist and she let out a yell as they tumbled to the ground.  She felt him press the piece of cake on the side of her cheek and she couldn’t help but squirm and laugh, trying to get away.  He didn’t let her escape and she finally turned her head and faced him with a smile.
                “So, I have to ask.  Why did you decide to shove a piece of perfectly good cake into my face?”  Derek asked grinning at the strange picture she made with icing and cake crumbs all over the side of her face.
“You deserved it.  How else could I get even with you for throwing me on the back of that infernal horse?” 
         Derek noticed for the first time how intimate their position was, she was laying half underneath him and his body was starting to take notice of the soft womanly frame next to his.  He stared into those beautiful eyes and was tempted to lean down and kiss those smiling lips for a second time that day, and he wondered what she would do if he followed through on the impulse. 
              Derek sat up quickly, and offered his hand to Lizzie to help her up.  He knew better than to stay in such a compromising position with this woman.  “You better save the other piece of cake for when we return home because I will have to put you back on that horse again.”  He found he couldn’t release her just yet and he put his arm back around her waist, guiding her to the stream. 
         Lizzie planted her feet and leaned against his arm.  “You aren’t going to throw me into the creek are you?” 
         He grinned devilishly.  “Now that is one of the better ideas I have heard today, but no, I am not.  I have a handkerchief we can clean up with.  He pulled it from his pocket and handed it to her and he was rewarded with a giggle as she looked at him.  She took his proffered arm and strolled toward the water.
         Lizzie gave Derek a sidelong look. “Cake looks good on you.”  The icing was beginning to melt and run down his nose giving him a clownlike appearance, and she could only imagine how strange she looked. 
                “Well, despite the fact you believe it enhances my appearance, I think I will still wash it off.”  He knelt by the stream and splashed water on his face, scrubbing off the sticky icing.
                  Lizzie dampened the handkerchief and squeezed out the water and wiped the cake from her cheek.
         Derek stood and wiped his face on his sleeve and looked at Lizzie critically.  “You missed some.  Here let me.”  He took the handkerchief from her hand, rinsed it, and began to wash her cheek.  “It wouldn’t do to go back to the house with cake on your face, I am not sure your family would see the humor in it.”
         “Probably not, they aren’t a very humorous bunch.” Lizzie said softly.  She studied him as he so tenderly cleaned her face.  What a strange man he was.  Why had he chosen her to pay attention to and not Karen?  Her eyes dropped to his mouth, and she wondered what it would be like to kiss him, her cheeks immediately reddened with the thought.  She brought her eyes back to his.
         Derek paused in his ministrations as his eyes met and held the clear blue ones across from his.  “Have you ever been kissed, Elizabeth?” 
                Her eyes widened and all her breath seemed to leave her lungs.  She couldn’t find her voice as she shook her head no. 
                “Well, unless you object, you are about to be.”  He brought his other hand up and touched her soft cheek, and he leaned forward and touched his lips gently to hers. 
                Lizzie stared as he slowly lowered his head to hers.  She knew she couldn’t have stopped Derek even if she wanted to, which she didn’t.  Her eyes shut automatically as his lips touched hers lightly, and she felt as if her body had suddenly lost it’s will to function. His mouth moved over the top of hers and she gasped slightly as strange feelings began to bombard her.  His hand slid from her face to her neck and caused her to tremble as a path of white hot feeling followed in its wake.  She leaned into him, her arms automatically moving to his shoulders.
                Derek felt her instantly respond to his kiss and couldn’t have been more surprised, he had expected a very chaste and virginal kiss.  He dropped his other arm to her waist and pulled her close to him, finding himself inflamed by her carefree and eager reaction.  Her mouth parted under his and he deepened the kiss between them.  Lizzie gasped when his tongue traced her lips and he trembled with the effort it took to keep his body from responding with all the passion her innocent surrender invoked.  He pulled his head away from hers with difficulty.  Her eyes opened slowly and met his.  He fought the urge to continue to kiss her when he was confronted by the innocent desire he saw within their depths.
                “I think you need to kiss me again.”  Her voice sounded low and husky in her ears.
                Derek did not object and captured her lips once again in his.  His tongue moved to touch her lips and he was surprised when hers instantly met his and the unexpected touch sent fire lancing through his abdomen.  He had never in his wildest dreams expected her to return his kisses so eagerly and with such abandon.  He pulled her body even closer his mouth moving in unison with hers in an age old dance. 
                Lizzie lost herself in his kiss.  She had never guessed kissing would feel so wonderful.  His mouth possessed hers and she felt as if her bones disintegrated, leaving only a slow burning sensation coiling in her stomach and radiating out to her limbs.  She felt her chest tighten in excitement when he pulled her closer and molded her frame to his, and she continued to match the movements of his lips and tongue with her own.
         Derek quickly felt his emotions spiraling out of control, and with a groan he broke away, hardly believing the passion she inspired in him. Lizzie head followed his and he found himself drawn to taste her sweetness once again.  “Stop…Lizzie…Please.”
                Lizzie only barely heard his desperate plea and something in his voice made her pull back slightly, uncertain of what was wrong.  She met his eyes and his expression was almost pained.
                Derek fought his bodily reaction to the golden temptress in front of him.  Her eyes were bright and her lips swollen from his kisses.  He wished for nothing more than to continue where they had left off, but he knew he couldn’t.  He had not expected things to get so out of hand.  He had expected a very chaste and virginal tight mouthed kiss, but instead had somehow unlocked a passion within her he could still barely believe. 
                “Did I do something wrong?”  Lizzie asked confused.
                “No!  Lord, No.  You unfortunately did far too much right.  If we continue, it will be the death of me, most likely at gunpoint.”
                Lizzie could not live her entire life on a farm and not know a little about what occurred between men and women, even if her mother had never fully explained it.  She flushed bright red, but she did not pull her arms from his shoulders and his hands still encircled her waist.  “I never realized a kiss would feel like that.”
                  Her innocent response caused a stab of guilt.
                  “Are you sure you don’t want to kiss me again?”
                  Derek wondered if Satan was standing here tempting him.  What did she think he was made out of?  He dropped his head to her shoulder, inhaling the scent of her.  His lips automatically moved to her neck and she gasped when they touched the sensitive skin.  “No I am not sure, but if we continue our actions may conclude in something we both regret,” he murmured into her ear.  He felt her shiver in his arms and he took hold of her shoulders and firmly set her away from him.  He turned his back to her and took a deep breath, walking back over to the cloth on the ground.  “I think it would be best to take you back home now.”
                  Lizzie wrapped her arms around her middle, feeling disappointed for some reason.  Something in the way he gazed at her made her stomach clench in anticipation.  She was surprised by the fact she had wanted to continue to explore the strange, exciting feelings he had made her feel.  She walked over to retrieve the horse from where it grazed nearby, picked up the reins, and led him over to Derek.     
                She sighed deeply, not wishing to return to her world of work.  Derek had given her a memory she would never forget and it made her wonder exactly how much she was missing by becoming the sole caregiver of her family.  Today she had experienced her first kiss, and it was amazing.  Karen, who was years younger than herself had experienced many such kisses and dates with young men, although she was never left unchaperoned for long.  Obviously Derek found her attractive enough to kiss her, so wouldn’t some other gentlemen find her looks to be appealing?  But how was she to find anyone else when she was always tucked away on the farm.  She frowned slightly.
                Derek gathered the remaining items in his saddlebags quickly, not trusting himself to remain in this place alone with Lizzie for another minute.  He wasn’t sure what had come over him, but his body still ached for hers and he knew the return ride would not be a comfortable one.  He looked up at her holding the reins of the horse in one hand as she pulled her hair over her shoulder with the other with a thoughtful look on her face.  The sun struck her hair and shone on her head in such a way it made it look as if she were an angel.  Lord, what he wouldn’t give to keep her here with him, but he was not in the habit of despoiling innocent virgins.  He walked over to where she stood and fixed the saddlebags to the saddle.  “Ready?”
                She eyed the horse nervously.  “I guess I am.”  Derek moved beside her and lifted her into the saddle.  She set her hands on the saddle as he instructed and he mounted behind her once again.
              “This time turn forward a bit, and put your knee over the horn.  You can hold on there as well.”  Lizzie did as he instructed and he picked up the reins and curled an arm around her waist.  She automatically leaned back against him and he rolled his eyes heavenward.  He supposed he had asked for this torture, and torture it was as he remembered the way she responded to him.  He turned his thoughts firmly back to the present.
                He took his time walking his mount back to the farm.  It didn’t take Lizzie very long to lose her nervous stiffness and soon her body was completely relaxed next to his and her head had dropped back to lean against his shoulder.  He felt very peaceful as they walked through the open country together, and found it funny that this woman seemed to fit against him so well.  It was almost as if she were made especially for him.  He had to smile as he saw her eyes shut once or twice in sleepy contentment. 
                They returned to the farm and found that Karen had yet to return and Derek rode the horse up to the garden fence and let her down. 
She looked up at him and smiled.  “I appreciate your trouble to give me a much needed break today.  I haven’t felt so young and carefree in a very long time.”
Derek tipped his hat with a smile.  “Like I said, you are being aged far before your time.  You are too young to think this farm and all the work it takes to run it is the way you will or should spend the rest of your days.  It is okay to take time for yourself now and then.  Tomorrow you should go and buy a new dress…do something frivolous—something you want to do, not have to.”
              “Maybe I will.”  Lizzie said honestly considering the idea.  “Well I have loafed enough today.  I have some real work to accomplish before dinner.  I will see you then.” 
              Derek nodded and gave her a warm smile and a wink and set off down the road at a quick pace.  Lizzie stood for a moment wondering why on earth Derek had taken such an interest in her affairs then shrugged and turned back towards her home.  She had a lot of work to do.


Chapter 6

            Derek had not returned by the time dinner was to be served, and after waiting for a short time Morgan made the announcement that they should eat and he might have business elsewhere that was detaining him.
            Lizzie brought out the food and they all sat and after grace dinner progressed in its usual silent fashion.  Lizzie took two bites and looked at Karen, her brothers and Morgan and decided she had enough. 
            “Well, since our guest is absent, I have an opportunity to bring some issues I think we should discuss as a family,” she began.
            Morgan raised his eyes to her in surprise.  “Really?  What would that be?”
            “We can start that I am done taking care of every task that revolves around this farm.  I am tired of working from dawn to dusk to keep this place running.”
Morgan sat down his fork, wondering at this sudden change of attitude.  “Whatever do you mean?”
              Lizzie met his eyes squarely.  “Yes, I suppose you wouldn’t know what I mean.  I mean that I do everything here on a daily basis.  I wash, clean, cook, mend fences, take care of the animals, muck stalls, and I am not doing it anymore.  What is men’s work will be done by the men in this house and what is women’s work will be done by the women—all the women.”  Lizzie said firmly looking around the table, noting Karen had a horrified look on her face.
              “I don’t think we should discuss this further.  We can discuss it later.  We don’t want to upset everyone’s digestion with such matters.”
              “And what other time is this family together?  I think this is a perfectly good time to discuss whatever anyone desires.” 
              Morgan gave her a patronizing smile.  “Well I don’t and as head of this household I say when we will discuss such matters and it isn’t now.”
              Lizzie stood with grim determination.  “Fine.”  She walked around to his chair and whisked his plate away, along with John and Michaels.  She bit back a smile at their stunned expressions.  “Dinner is over.  I made the food and if no one is going to give one whit about my concerns, I will not be concerned when your bellies are aching and empty.  She took the main serving tray and headed to the kitchen with her head high, nearly running into Derek as he entered the room as she rounded the end of the table. 
              She met his surprised eyes when he noted her burden.  “Sorry Mr.Cargill.  Dinner is over.  I am afraid you will be forced to find a meal elsewhere.”
              “Elizabeth!”  Morgan ground out, angry and dismayed at her outburst especially in front of their guest. 
              Lizzie ignored him and continued to the kitchen, dumping all the plates on the table and returning to gather the rest of the side dishes, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes.  She was more angry than she could remember being in a long time. 
              “Elizabeth, we need to have a discussion in the study.”  Morgan stated angrily.
              She looked up at him with an innocent expression.  “Why I didn’t think you wanted to discuss anything right now…we were going to discuss it later remember?”  She asked sweetly.  She walked back to the kitchen with the mostly full bowls, ignoring his dark look. 
              Derek realized he had walked in on something that most likely had been somewhat responsible for starting and hid a smile.  So, it seemed Miss Jennings did have a backbone after all. 
              Morgan looked up at him apologetically.  “I have no idea what has gotten into the girl.  I apologize for such a lack of hospitality.”
              “Do not be concerned about me,” he replied as Lizzie returned to gather more of the unfinished meal.  “I am not too hungry because I had a late lunch.”  Lizzie looked up at him, and he smiled at her.  “I think I will head up to my room.” 
Morgan waited until Derek was out of sight before he stood with a thunderous expression.  “Elizabeth, I want to see you in my study now!” 
              Lizzie set the dishes she was gathering down, and calmly walked out of the dining room with Morgan following close behind.  John and Michael looked at each other in consternation before getting up and heading to the kitchen to get their plates.
              Morgan held the door open and waited until Elizabeth entered, before he headed straight for his whiskey decanter.  He poured himself a drink as he scowled at the young woman.  She had been nothing but a thorn in his side since her mother’s death.  The girls was far too opinionated and independent, she would never agree to anything he thought was a good idea, such as giving up this godforsaken farm.  He took a deep breath.  “Now, what has brought all this on?  You have never made mention of having a problem with the work you do here before.  After all, it was your idea to keep living in this place.”
              “I realize that, but when did I agree to do every chore that revolved around this farm?  I am little more than a slave in my own home.”
              “Well if you can’t handle it—we will surely help.”  Morgan told her in a patronizing tone.
              Lizzie wanted to get up and smack the arrogant smirk off Morgan’s face.  “I obviously can handle it, since I have done it since my mother’s death, but I refuse to be the only one who cares if this place is kept up anymore.  Karen is able to help but won’t.  She is spoiled rotten, you don’t make her do anything for herself and unless she marries money she will never be able to care for a family.  What man around here is going to want a woman who is helpless?  Today she took the buggy which was hitched up for my use, without even asking if I might need it.  So I was never able to go to town and get the supplies I needed.”
              “Well you never go to town that often, you can’t blame her for not knowing.”
              “I can and I will—she would have known if she asked.  And why is it she can go to town most everyday and shop and do nothing while I work here?  She should handle her fair share of the chores.  And I am not just picking on Karen, my brothers are just as spoiled.  They have plenty of time before and after supper to do some chores, but instead they clean up so they can go to town and court pretty girls.  I am the only one in this family who has no time to themselves and I am sick of it!”  Lizzie did not give Morgan a chance to speak.  “I have the right to go to town and go to the socials and things other girls my age do.  When was the last time I even bought a new dress?  A year?  More?  Karen has bought six in just as many weeks.”
              Morgan went and sat behind his desk.  “So just what do you want from us exactly?”
              I want the men to do the work men should do on the farm, cleaning stalls, and tending the animals.  Karen needs to start caring for the two of you, it will help her prepare for marriage.  She needs to do your mending, washing, it wouldn’t hurt for her to help set the table and help clear the table after meals.”
Morgan studied Elizabeth’s defiant attitude, wondering at the sudden turn around.  “And if we don’t comply?” 
              Lizzie crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes staring straight into Morgan’s.  She wasn’t going to back down.  “Then you will fend for yourself for your meals and clothing, because I won’t be doing it anymore.”
              Morgan studied her, realizing she was stubborn enough to do it.  “Well I hope that giving you a little time to yourself is worth setting this entire family into an uproar.”  He groused studying his whiskey. 
            Lizzie wanted to scream.  Instead she took a deep breath.  “I see no reason I should not have what everyone else in this family gets by default.  I will send Karen into you so you can break the news.  I will let John and Michael know of the new arrangements.”  She abruptly turned and left the room before she said something she regretted. 
              Morgan stared after her grinding his teeth.  That girl was nothing but a problem to him.  She tested and challenged him at every opportunity.  He had to find a way to get rid of her, then he could sell this godforsaken farm, his stable, and leave this place with a healthy amount of money in his pockets.  He downed his whiskey quickly before his daughter came in.  He would find a way…somehow he would deal with Elizabeth and rid himself the baggage that was the Jennings family.

              Lizzie told Karen her father wanted to see her and she hastened to the kitchen noticing John and Michael were nowhere to be seen, but empty plates sat on the trestle table.  She should have figured they would have just helped themselves to the food after she left with Morgan. 
              She sighed and began picking up slowly, feeling exhausted after her emotional outburst.  She wanted to cry. It took a stranger like Derek to make her realize that everything he said about her family was true.  They were spoiled, selfish, and ungrateful.  No one cared about her feelings, wants, or desires.  No one cared as long as their happy little existence wasn’t disrupted.  She sat heavily staring at the remnants of dinner forlornly.  When had she allowed such a thing to happen?  Why had she let it happen?  Had it made her feel needed? Wanted? Independent?  Derek didn’t owe her an apology—she owed him one. 
              The object of her thoughts stuck his head in through the half kitchen door, leaning his arms upon the jam.  He studied her thoughtfully.  “Need a sympathetic ear?” 
              His smile was kind and understanding and she blinked quickly, looking away as she fought the sudden onslaught of tears.  “You were right.  I suppose I owe you an apology.  I didn’t realize what I was allowing to happen—I thought I was simply picking up where my mother left off—”  she sighed deeply. 
              Derek opened the door and walked over to where Elizabeth sat, squatting before her.  “But you are not your mother.  You are a beautiful, intelligent young woman with her whole life ahead of her.”  He took her hands in his.  “It is a waste to have you hiding away here.”
              Lizzie looked up at him slowly, wondering why he cared about her at all.  “You are too kind.  I am not beautiful, and if I was as smart as you claim I wouldn’t have let this situation get to this point.  A complete stranger had to point out what was happening before my very eyes.”
              Derek stood, drawing her up with him.  “Sometimes we are blind to what those we love do.  It takes someone with a different perspective to open our eyes.” 
              “You sound if you have experience with that as well.”  Lizzie stated.
              “Which proves you are as intelligent as I claim.”  He did have experience. It took a friend of his to point out how his father’s company treated its employees, which eventually forced a rift between him and his father.  It was one of the main reasons he left home.  “But let us leave serious thoughts and problems here tonight.  It is a beautiful evening, and I have come to ask you to walk with me and enjoy such a night.”
                “But I have to clean up this mess, and –” 
Derek held up a finger and shook it side to side.  “It can wait.  You only live once Lizzie.  For once, forget responsibility and enjoy what life has to offer.”
                Lizzie looked over his shoulder and out the door.  She took a deep breath, inhaling the cooler air of the August night, she could barely hear the insects buzzing in the dark and she looked up at the man before her.  He was right, and she could think of nothing she would rather do at that moment.  She turned her gaze back to his feeling a little thrill as their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.  “You are right.”
                Derek gave her a triumphant grin, and tucked her arm into his.  “Come then, the evening awaits,” and he led her out the door and into the warm, quiet night. 


                Karen entered the kitchen in a pout.  She stopped cold when she realized Lizzie wasn’t there.  She frowned and went back to the hall and down to Lizzie’s room.  She knocked on the door, but there was no response.  Maybe she was sick, which is why she had reacted as she had at dinner.  If that was the case, Karen would accept her apology graciously and not be as angry at all her insane demands.  Imagine her doing laundry and mending!  The idea was preposterous. 
                She opened the door and found the room dark and obviously empty.  She frowned further, wondering where her sister in law might have gone.  She shrugged, it made no matter.  It simply meant she would not be forced to help with dishes tonight and she could retreat to the safety of her room.  She headed upstairs and noticed Derek’s door was slightly ajar.  She peered inside, deciding she would ask him to perhaps walk with her and was surprised to find the room empty. 
                She shook her head wondering at the coincidence of both Derek and Lizzie being absent from their rooms.  Surely they were not together?  What interest could Derek possibly have in Lizzie, especially when she was obviously unattached and very available?  Still, Derek had not seemed overly enthralled with her, not like her beaus in town and it troubled her.  He couldn’t have an interest in Lizzie, could he? 
                The thought had her running back down the stairs and sneaking past her father’s study to the front door.  She looked about, and saw no one in sight and she walked out to the barn, but saw and heard nothing.  Then, in the distance, beyond the garden she thought she heard laughter.  She hurried back to the house and hid in the shadows beside the porch waiting patiently.  Then she saw them, Lizzie and Derek, walking back from the orchard arm and arm.  They did not see her as he opened the garden gate and led her inside. 
                Lizzie laughed softly again at something Derek said, and Karen gritted her teeth in anger.  How dare she try to take Derek from her!  She wouldn’t stand for it.  She stormed back into the house and up to her room, making plans for tomorrow.  There was no way plain, dowdy Lizzie would stand a chance next to her.


         Two days had passed since Lizzie’s memorable lunch with Derek.  She stepped into her kitchen, surprised to see Karen already up and nibbling on some bread.  Karen had been very short with her the last couple days, but she had expected that reaction.  She gave her a cheery good morning as she pulled out the ingredients for breakfast.  Karen was dressed, as usual, in a gown not suited at all for any type of labor.  Her breasts nearly spilling out of the low cut décolletage.  She shook her head, figuring it didn’t concern her and went about preparing breakfast.  Morgan and her brothers always entered first and were usually finishing up by the time Derek arrived in the kitchen. 
                His arrival sparked an immediate reversal in Karen’s attitude and she jumped up briskly and informed him she would get him a plate.  Lizzie watched from the corner of her eye as for the second day in a row, she heaped a plate full for their guest.  She paused to give her father a dutiful kiss as he left for the day, before handing Derek his plate, making certain to lean far over the table, giving him an eyeful of her assets and her best alluring smile.  Derek thanked her politely and immediately turned his attention to the food before him.  Lizzie had to smile at the waspish look which passed over Karen’s features, when he refused to rise to take the bait she was offering. 
                She supposed he was telling the truth when he said that girls like Karen held no appeal to him, because despites Karen’s every effort to draw his attention, he staunchly, yet politely ignored her.
                Derek ate silently, refusing to look up and invite any type of conversation with Karen.  He had tried to seek Lizzie out in private several times since their walk, but the fates appeared to be against him.  He had sought her out a couple of times after dinner, hoping to steal her away to walk with him again only to find Karen morosely and silently helping with dishes and he thought it best to wait until she was alone.  However, that opportunity had not presented itself. 
                Karen assisting with nightly chores was only one of  some very notable changes in the house.  It pleased him to see that Lizzie must have realized some of what he told her had been right, and she had taken immediate action to rectify the unequal division of labor. 
         In the morning, James and Michael could be found mucking the stalls before breakfast, and also doing the outdoor chores every day when they returned home from the mine.  Lizzie still did all the cooking, cleaning, and washing, but she had set Karen to work on the mending.  Derek had to hide a smile last night at dinner when Morgan complained quite loudly about the poor job his daughter had done mending a sock and asked Lizzie to fix it.
         Lizzie had paused in serving the food she prepared and looked at him with a resolute expression.  “She will not learn to do it correctly if I do it.  Make her do it again, or go purchase a pair of new socks.”  She had set the platter before him and moved to sit by Derek.  He had looked up, and had been quite surprised when she winked at him with the slightest quirk of a smile on her lips. 
         Derek had also noticed Lizzie had been to town both days in the buggy.  He was not sure why she had gone to town, but had seen her eating at Mae’s at lunch.  He would have joined her, but she had been accompanied by Karen and two of Karen’s friends. 
         Karen—she was another problem.  She had taken to throwing herself at him at every opportunity.  He could hardly take a step from his room without her suddenly appearing, wearing her most provocative gowns and making certain to find every opportunity to touch him.  He had managed to find polite ways to extricate himself from her company, but he was fast running out of ideas, and it seemed now she was even rising earlier to have an opportunity to see him before he left for the day. 
         The only consolation to the strange situation he currently found himself in was the last two days had been very productive on his surveying a site for the mill.  Although the mine owned the best site for a mill, he had found two other spots that might work nearly as well.  He had met with both the owners and found them to be reasonably accepting to selling their land—at the right price.  He had met and spoke with the mayor of Bonne Terre, and he found him very enthusiastic about the idea.  The man had been thrilled to find out that Bonne Terre was being considered for such a large and potentially prosperous venture. 
         All in all, Derek was close to wrapping up his business here, but for one reason—Miss Elizabeth Jennings.  He couldn’t get that kiss they had shared out of his mind, he felt somewhat guilty taking advantage of the situation and allowing it to progress as it had.  He found himself wishing he could at least talk with her without Karen being a constant presence.  Today he had decided he must make his own opportunity.             


                Derek noticed immediately when they gathered for dinner that evening Lizzie looked upset about something.  She had a gown on he hadn’t seen before, and it was very flattering blue and white muslin with a more fashionable low décolletage.  She placed dish upon dish upon the table until it practically bowed from the weight.  He looked forward to tasting the succulent turkey and stuffing she had prepared, but wondered why she had gone to such lengths for this evening’s meal. 
         Lizzie sat down and dinner commenced in its typical silent fashion.  Derek had not made too much of an effort to break the silence the last two days, instead eating quickly and going up to his room to make his daily notes about his findings.  He watched Lizzie covertly and noticed she didn’t take anything to eat, instead she watched her brothers expectantly. 
         Derek quickly offered a compliment, as he always did, on her fine meal and her brother’s quickly followed suit.  Morgan and Karen remained silent and Lizzie watched as her brothers began eating once more. 
         Lizzie couldn’t believe they didn’t remember.  They had not told her happy birthday, and she thought they had simply been in a hurry to get to work this morning.  However, she realized now as she sat in front of her birthday meal she had taken all day to prepare, no one was going to remember.  James and Michael hadn’t even commented on the new dress she had bought.  “I am not feeling well, and I think I need some fresh air.  Excuse me.”  She got up and quickly left the room.
         Derek watched in concern as Lizzie quickly departed.  He had thought he saw tears in her eyes and he turned his attention back to the table.  James and Michael glanced at one another, shrugged their shoulders, and went back to eating.  Derek thought this was callous behavior in the extreme.  If it had been his sister, he would have made a point to go check on her.  He was tempted to go find her and make sure she was alright but he was wary of causing in more undo stress in the family.  It didn’t help he was certain Morgan still believed the worse occurred between himself and Lizzie that afternoon.  Derek remained seated, but ate much less than he would have normally and quickly excused himself.  He didn’t notice the strange look Morgan sent his direction.
           Derek quickly went upstairs and shut his bedroom door before he silently crept down the backstairs to the kitchen.  Lizzie was no where to be found.  He went out the door to the garden, but still didn’t see any sign of her.  Determined to find her, he walked the path out of the garden to the front of the house.  Derek heard a tell tale sniffle from the front porch as he walked through the garden gate and noticed Lizzie sitting on the front swing. 
              She quickly wiped her eyes when she saw him and sat up straighter and he walked up to the porch and he looked down at her bowed head.  “Care if I sit down?”
              Lizzie shook her head, somewhat embarrassed Derek had appeared while she was sitting here feeling sorry for herself.
              “Want to talk about whatever is bothering you?”  Derek asked casually as he sat next to her.
              Lizzie felt her throat close up and her tears filled her eyes.  Her brothers hadn’t bothered to come out and check on her.  She shook her head again, unable to speak without bursting into more tears.  She hated crying in front of anyone.
         “Since, you don’t seem much in the mood for talking, I won’t bother you too long. For the last two days, I have looked for an opportunity to apologize for everything that happened the other day.  I didn’t mean to cause any strife in your household.  I thought you were being taken advantage of by your family and I was wrong.  I feel badly I was the cause of upsetting your balance here.  You obviously had things sorted out the way you wanted it, and because I saw you doing the Lion’s, or should I say the lionesses, share of the work, I thought it was because you didn’t have a choice.  You have proved to me that you do.”
         “You weren’t wrong.  You were absolutely right.”  Lizzie voice broke and she felt the tears spill onto her cheeks, but she couldn’t stop them.  “I was the one who had convinced myself I did everything around here because I wanted to.  I thought my family appreciated me and everything I did for them.  But they don’t.  You were right in saying they all do what they want and I can do nothing.  Morgan hates everything I do no matter what.  Karen and my brothers are selfish and spoiled, no one cares about me…”  she couldn’t continue as she bit back a sob.
         Derek pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to her and she hid her face within it and he felt his heart go out to this girl.  He should have left well enough alone, now she was more miserable than when he came to this place.  “I know your brothers care for you.” 
         Lizzie’s head shook slowly.  “I don’t matter to them.  They didn’t even remember today was my birthday.”
         Her voice was muffled in his handkerchief and he immediately understood why she was so upset.  The elaborate meal and the new dress were all for this special occasion.  “I’m sorry.”  He watched as she dabbed her eyes.
         “You have nothing to apologize for.  However, my family has no excuse.  Maybe forgetting my birthday is a punishment for my upset in changing their happy little existence and deciding it was time to start doing some things I wanted to do for a change.”
           “I am sure it isn’t. I am sure they just forgot.”  Derek added, picking up her hand “They might still remember.”
Lizzie rolled her eyes.  “They might remember when I bring out the cake I made and say—oh, by the way, it is my birthday today.”  She felt more and more miserable the longer she thought about it.
         “Cake, hmmm?  Will it make you feel better if I let you shove some in my face again?” 
         Lizzie couldn’t help but smile a little at his words.  “It might.”  She looked up at him through her tears.  “Would you be willing to do that?” 
         “I will do anything it takes to put a smile back on your face,” Derek told her seriously.
         Lizzie stood and walked to the edge of the porch, wrapping her arms around her middle.  “It would be nice if my family felt as you did.  You have been more kind and considerate to me than any of them.  It has been you that has thanked me for every meal, you who was considerate enough to hitch up the buggy for me, and you who showed me that my own family just uses me and then tosses me aside without…without a single thought.”  She dropped her head, trying to control the tears which kept surging to the surface.
                Derek got up and walked behind her.  He placed his hands on her bowed shoulders, turned her to face him, and pulled her unresisting frame into his arms.  He felt no end of remorse for causing this girl so much pain, why couldn’t he have kept his nose in his own business?  “I’m sorry.  This is my fault—you were content and happy with your life until I interfered.”
                Lizzie stood within the comforting circle of his arms and wished she didn’t have to leave.  She felt safe, warm, and cared for.  She realized  it was a feeling missing from her life.  She took care of everyone’s needs in this house, but no one had a thought about what she might want or desire.  She remained encased in his arms for a few minutes composing herself.  She lifted her head from his shoulder with a sigh. “It isn’t your fault.  I am sure I would have come to this conclusion on my own.  It might have just taken another year or two.  I tend to be terribly thick headed.  I apologize for being upset and emotional, this is not your burden to bear.”
              “I think today of all days you have the right to be upset and emotional,” Derek declared.  He took the handkerchief from her hand and wiped the remaining tears from her face. 
              “Your kindness has meant a lot to me.  I can’t every repay what you have done.  You brought me back to my senses, away from the daily toil I immersed myself in to try to forget how alone I am.  I think one of the hardest things to admit is I might always be alone.  I wonder if my tombstone will state, “Here lies the old spinster, Elizabeth Jennings, who nobody ever wanted.”  Her eyes welled up again and she looked away from him not wanting him to see her cry yet again.  “I know I am wallowing in self pity.  You can tell me to snap out of it at any time.”
Derek could not stand to see her tears.  He turned her face back to his.  “Elizabeth Jennings, you are a beautiful, strong, resilient woman—you will find what you seek someday.” 
              “Perhaps.”  She felt trapped by his gaze and found herself remembering the kiss they had shared.  “I am not sure why—but I don’t mind you calling me Elizabeth.  The only other person who I ever tolerated calling me Elizabeth was my father.”
              “It suits you.”  He looked down into her face. “It is a strong name for a strong woman.  One who is more giving and considerate than anyone I have ever met.”  His eyes dropped to her lips, unable to forget the last time he tasted them.    He stood up straighter taking a step back.  “I have an idea.” 
              Lizzie felt a little disappointed he had not kissed her, she could have sworn for a moment he was.  “What is that?”
              “Why don’t I take you to town for your birthday?  You’re already dressed and I overheard there is a dance tonight at the town hall.”
              Lizzie had only been to one dance in her life.  “Really?  I had no idea…but I couldn’t.”  His offer was tempting, but she didn’t know how to dance very well.  She was sure she would embarrass him.
              “Why not?”
              “Well, I don’t dance—not well anyway.” 
              “I will teach you.  It would be my pleasure to have that honor on your birthday.”
              She looked up at his face in the dim light.  When would she ever have such an opportunity again?  Lizzie decided he was right, she should take the opportunity.  “I think I would like that very much.”
                Derek’s face broke out in a smile.  “Good I will ready my horse, but we will have to ride together, unless you want to ask permission to take the carriage.”
                “No, if I go back in there, I won’t go anywhere.  I am certain I will only get in a fight with Morgan.  Let’s just go.”
                “Your wish is my command.”  He grabbed her hand and led her out to the barn triumphantly.  Pleased to have her to himself for the rest of the evening.  He promised himself he would make it a birthday she would always remember.
Karen searched the house and couldn’t find either Lizzie or Derek and she gritted her teeth in frustration.  She went out to the front porch, but they were not there and a brief walk around the barns, orchard, and garden revealed no clue to their presence.  She couldn’t believe Lizzie had gone off with him again.  She wasn’t sure where, but she was determined to find out.  It was time she went and talked to her father about her sisters sudden and most inappropriate behavior.  Something had to be done.