Roswell Fanatics

Title: Don't Give Up Forever

Rating: TEEN

Pairings: All conventional, except I have Kyle and Serena together (again, I’m very unoriginal.)

Disclaimer: The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.

Summary: Liz is a poor Irish Immigrant working for a rich New York Family, the Evans. Of course interest is sparked but their romance ignites fire throughout the early 20th century New York Society, as well as opening old wounds within their own families.

Author’s Note: I just thought this would be a fun time period to publish in. I’m obsessed with historicals, because I’m obsessed with history, but I hope you enjoy. I know it’s not all historically accurate, but what is really? I have had this idea for a long time but I wanted to finish my other two fics before starting on a brand new one. I’m hoping to get a post a week up. Also if anyone knows of a story that goes by this title, please let me know, because it sounds very familiar.


Galway, Ireland 1895

Run, run far away from the city. Faster, faster, you’re going to get caught.

Her little legs carried her straight into a dead end. She looked around for a crawl space as her brother had taught her. She was small enough to fit almost anywhere.

Dear God certainly she was old enough to not need her brother looking after her. At eight, most girls usually had younger siblings to look after. She didn’t need him.

But how she ached for Kyle now. She was shivering cold and she was trapped.

“Come here, you.” The voice was rough and as smelly as the hand that reached for her. She knew better than to scream. It would only bring more.

“Don’t please, sir.” She twisted away but the hand held even tighter.

”Hold still.” His breath was in her face and she couldn’t breath. She had heard of this happening but she couldn’t believe it.

“No.” She struggled. Remembering something her brother told her she brought her knee up. Hard.

“You little wench!” He rolled off of her.

She took the moment to stand and dash off around the corner and straight into someone else.

She began kicking and screaming not again, not again.

“Stop. Hold still, Lizzie.”

She felt arms go around her, arms she knew well. She snuggled into them, hoping he would take her away. “Kyle.”

“Come along home now, little girl.” He swept her into his arms. He was ten years older than she. “What have I told you about being on the streets alone?”

“Papa needed something.”

“What is so darned important you had to go outside?”

“Papa.” Liz just shook her head.

“I told you many a times, Elizabeth. It’s not safe.” He pulled her against him. God he wanted to get her out of here, this isn’t somewhere where a little girl should have to grow up.

He pulled her inside the old building and up the rickety stairs. They avoided the people in the hallways. The smell of liquor hung heavily in the halls.

“It’s about time you children be getting home.” Jeff Parker was in the living room.

“Why’d you let, Lizzie out?” Kyle asked shaking visibly. His father was drunk again.

“What happened to her?” Nancy Parker asked her son and took the small girl from his arms.

“Papa sent her out.” Kyle glared at the man.

She had no idea, not like she could have done anything to stop him anyway. She was a failure as a mother.

“We’re going to America.” Jeff announced to the kids.

“Don’t jest, Papa.” They didn’t have the kind of money it took to get passage.

“Aunt Amy sent money and we’ve been saving up our own.” Nancy said, speaking of her sister. “We need to leave soon, we’ll be going to New York.” Her voice changed when she spoke of New York, there was a softer tone to her voice.

“America then.” He nodded and headed out the door.

****

Three Months Later, Ellis Island

“Mama!” Liz shouted as she was taken from her arms.

“Hush, child.” Spoke the man whose arms she was in.

She sniffed and wiped her eyes. It was loud here and she could barely hear anything. She strained to hear him.

“Can you stand?” The man asked.

She nodded and he set her on the floor. She stood tall as her parents and Kyle had told her to do. It was one of the few times that her father was sober enough to help her.

“Good.” The man gave her an uncaring smile and told her to walk.

She did and without the tiniest limp.

“Go on.” He pointed to the next man and she flew to her father. She had no idea where they had taken Kyle.

“Open your mouth, Girl.” The next doctor said.

She did so and a tongue depressor was shoved down her throat. “Move on.” He said and her mother lead her to the next inspection officer.

This man had a cruel button holder to flip her eye up to check for trachoma. She blinked hard and flinched back.

He marked something on her card and passed on. He did the same thing to her papa and mama.

“What is your name?” A man at a table asked.

“Elizabeth Anne Parker, sir” She told him.

“And your age.”

“Eight years, sir.”

“Is this your father?”

“Yes, sir”

“And your mother?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And your mother’s name?”

“Nancy McCormick Parker, Sir.”

“And your father?”

“Jeffery Ryan Parker, Sir.”

“Where do you come from?”

“Galway, Sir.”

He passed her along.

She was directed to another stand away from her parents. She screamed for her but they pulled Liz away from her. “Mama!” She cried.

“Hush, girl, we just need to check you over.”

She stopped struggling because there was no use. She could still see her father holding her mother and staring after her making sure she was ok.

They unbuttoned her dress and pulled it down to her waist. She shivered even though she wasn’t cold.

They put a cold instrument up to her back.

“Deep breath, girl.”

She took a deep breath.

“Again.”

She did so.

She stepped back when they were finished and waited for them to button her dress up. They didn’t and pushed her out of the room.

Liz ran to her father who spun her around and buttoned up her dress for her before giving a glare to the people who had done it to her.

They walked to another room crowded with people. The air was thick in the summer heat. She held on tight and waited patiently next to her father while her mother’s lungs were inspected twice by two different doctors.

Five hours later, they walked towards the doors to America.

“Well, we did it, Nancy.”

“Are we going to America, Papa?”

“Yes, as soon as we find your brother.”

Liz was once again lifted into her father’s arms where she felt the safest—provided he was sober and Kyle wasn’t around.

“Where is he?” He had been pulled aside earlier.

They walked outside to where the ferry would take them across to New York. They hoped he would be waiting for them.

“Look, Papa. There’s Kyle, he has our belongings!” She hopped down and ran to him. “Kyle where’d you go?” She hugged him.

“I had to get a few more tests, they didn’t like the way my mouth looked.” He hid the fear he had felt when he thought that he would be left alone in America without his sister or worse—be sent back. He hugged her close. “You passed without problem, I see?”

“Yes.” Her eye still blinked fiercely. “I was so scared.”

“So was I, little girl.” He told her as he lifted her onto his shoulders and headed towards the ferry to take them to America.

****

“Max, come along.” Diane Evans called to her son.

“Mom, who are all these people?”

“They come from other parts of the world.” His father answered with a deep disdain in his voice.

“Didn’t we?” Asked Max.

“Way before the revolution, we came from England, Max.”

“Where are they from?” He stopped and looked at the boat full of people. A little girl caught his eye. She looked to be about his age.

Her eyes were large and brown as he stared at her. Her face was dirty and she held tight to an older man’s hand. “Come along, Elizabeth.”

Max and Liz stopped to stare at each other. “They come from Ireland, come Max.” Diane grabbed his hand and pulled her along behind her.

He turned to look at her once more but she was gone.


TBC

Thank you, everyone, for all the encouraging feedback, I hope you enjoy this fic!


1903, Outside New York City

She couldn’t work in another factory her lungs hurt and she was tired. Her mama had told her that this position had been open for several weeks.

She walked wearily to the side door. She hoped she didn’t look too shabby she had tried to straighten up. Mama had coached her on what to wear, and what to say to the wealthy families in town since her mother worked in one herself.

This job paid well and hopefully, with Kyle and Serena’s income from the factory she would be able to save up and go to nursing school, as well as keep Cassidy out of factory life. The former was foremost on her mind. Cassidy had come home from work today coughing, sputtering and wheezing, Kyle was, at the moment, going down to the factory to resign his daughter’s position.

“Can I help you miss?” The young woman opened the door.

Good Lord she was English. She was not going to make this easy. “I came to interview for the position of a maid that I have heard about.” Liz tried desperately to erase the lilt that she still had in her voice.

“You are Irish, then?” The lady looked down her nose at her.

“Yes, ma’am.” Liz told her.

“From the factory, I presume?”

“Yes, ma’am.” It was like this at every house she had gone to.

“Come along, then, I don’t have all day.” The woman turned around walked through the kitchen. The house was quite large and the kitchen and dining room took up a good portion of the bottom floor.

“Sit here, I’ll go retrieve Mrs. Higgins, she shall tell you if we will hire you.”

A few moments later an old woman and the young woman returned. “Here she is, Mrs. Higgins, another Irish from the factory.”

“Thank you, Martha that is all I needed.” The woman dusted her hands on her apron as she dismissed Martha.

“What is your name?” This woman had no trace of an accent and so Liz could not place where she was from.

“My name is Elizabeth Parker.” Liz replied.

“And when did you come to America?” The old woman asked kindly.

“When I was eight years old, in 1895.” She spoke quietly.

“It’s alright, don’t be afraid to look me in the eye. I’m no more a servant than you are. Just because I’m given the position of housekeeper doesn’t mean I’m better than you.”

“Thank you.” Liz looked up. She was suddenly more relaxed.

“How often are you able to work and what are you able to do?”

“I’m able to work whenever you need me to and I can be taught to do anything.” She said desperately.

“Well then, when can you start?”

“Today, if possible.” Liz said with hopeful eyes.

“Come along then. We have to find you a new uniform.” She turned and Liz followed.

“Mrs. Higgins!” A young man entered the room. “Father just told me I’ll be going to the Southwest to run the business out there, he needs a new manager, and he selected me.”

“Well, now.” Mrs. Higgins beamed. “Mr. Evans, when did you earn yourself the honor of running one of your father’s business?”

“Since I graduated this past week, Mrs. Higgins.” He said proudly.

Liz was stunned. This man was handsome. More handsome than any man she had ever seen, and she’d been looking.

As if sensing eyes on her the man looked at her. Their eyes locked. Liz’s breathing hitched in her throat, she could get lost in those eyes.

“Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met before.” He extended a hand.

Did he mean to shake her hand? She was merely a servant girl.

“Hello.” She returned shyly as a blush crept up her cheeks.

“This is our new girl. Her name is Elizabeth Parker.” Mrs. Higgins introduced. “Max Evans, son of Phillip Evans.”

“Pleased to meet you, Miss Parker.” He turned.

“Mr. Evans.” She looked at him. The Phillip Evans. One of the wealthiest men in New York. This was his son.

He smiled.

It was disarming, that smile. She was stunned.

“Well, I was just about to show Miss Parker the ropes, if you’ll excuse us.” Mrs. Higgins stepped around him and through the door.

“Have we met before?” Max took a step closer.

“I don’t think so.” Liz shook her head. But his eyes were so familiar.

They stood staring at each other for a little while longer.

“Miss Parker!”

“I better go.” Liz scurried out of the kitchen without further conversation.

****

“Mama, I got the job.” Elizabeth unwrapped her coat.

Her mother looked up from the sewing she took in for the house she worked at.

“That’s wonderful, Elizabeth, Cassidy, stop playing so close to the clothes.” She informed her daughter and granddaughter.

“Where’s Papa?” Liz asked, setting her things aside and then getting her sewing needle out to help her mother.

“Out.”

Liz didn’t ask anymore because she knew what that meant. Sometime in the middle of the night Kyle would drag his drunken body off the street and into the apartment.

“You don’t seem that surprised, Mama.” Liz looked at the hole in the knee of the pants she was sewing and was happy she didn’t have any little boys’ clothes in their family to mend.

“About your Papa? Why should I be?”

“About my job.” Liz slid easily into the familiar accent of home. The temptation to slide into Gaelic was even greater, but it was forbidden in their workplaces so they chose to speak only English at home as well.

“They needed someone to work and you came along, there’s nothing surprising about that.” Her mother explained. “Please start dinner, Kyle and Serena will be home soon.”

“Yes, Mama.” Her mother had shut down, there would be no more conversations until dinner was ready.

Ever since coming to America, her mother had been tightlipped, running a shrewd and uptight household. Everything was precise, and Mama always had the last word, even over Kyle, whose name the apartment was in.

****

Liz pulled on her coat as she exited the house through the side door. It had been three months since she started working for the Evans and was adjusted to her work schedule. The conditions were far more favorable to her than life at the factory.

And the view was definitely better.

She had run into the young Mr. Evans on numerous accounts. At meal times it was unavoidable now that she served them.

She could feel his eyes watching her every move as she worked around the table. It made her hands shake and made her unsteady which angered and frustrated her.

She was even wearier because the household had been preparing for the arrival of Max’s older sister, who was currently carrying the first of the next generation of Evans.

“Miss Parker!” She heard a whispered voice.

She spun around quickly to come face to face with Max.

“Mr. Evans.” She said stunned.

“Sorry, if I startled you.” He apologized. “I needed to speak with you.”

“Was there something you needed?” She asked. Her heart was still beating frantically within her chest.

“No, well, yes.” He stepped closer. She took a step back.

“Do I frighten you, Miss Parker?” He asked giving her a hurt look.

“Of course not.” She shook her head. “It’s just, I-my brother warns me from men.” More like men of his station. Men who looked down on people like her.

“Really?” He questioned. “Your brother is a smart man.”

“I like to think so.”

He wanted to keep her talking. He loved the slight accent, she hid it well, but it still added something attractive to her voice.

How could he think a servant girl attractive? He had been raised better than that.

“You are Irish, Miss Parker.”

“Yes.” She lifted her chin. Many people looked down on her because of that.

“It’s alright.” He disregarded everything his father had ever told him.

“Is there something you wanted?”

“I just wanted to say hello.” He couldn’t think of a real reason he had stopped her.

“Oh. Well I have to be going along, my brother will worry.” She pulled her wrap around her and hurried away.

“Goodnight, Miss Parker.”

****

Liz brushed her feet on the rug on the inside of the door. “Aunt Liz!” Her eldest niece greeted her.

“Hello, Cassidy.” She picked up the five year old. “Where’s your Mummy?”

“In back.” Cassidy smiled and held onto her favorite—albeit only—aunt.

Liz walked the few feet it took to get to the kitchen.

“Hello, Liz.” Serena’s accent was even thicker than Liz’s. “I was just going to start that.”

“No go rest.” Liz directed. Serena was heavily pregnant with her second child.

“No, I’ll help. You’ve been working all day as surely as I’ve been.”

“But you forget, I am only sixteen, while you are going on twenty three, and you’re carrying.”

“Carrying what?” Cassidy asked.

“Nothing.” Both Serena and Liz answered with a smile.

“Well, I am tired.” Serena conceded and sat across from her daughter.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do once I have to take leave from the factory, Liz.”

“I make enough from the Evans’ that you don’t have to worry, Serena.” Liz told her. “Don’t worry about it.”

“We weren’t planning for another one, Liz. Really. We knew what trouble and strain it would have on the family. Thank you so much for your help.” Serena had tears in her eyes. They both knew the family was barely keeping their head afloat with everyone working, save Cassidy. With a new baby it was an added burden on them, but it was one no one minded adding.

“I know. But you’re not sorry, and neither am I.” She waited for Serena to shake her head in the negative.

“No, I’m not. You’re a strong girl, Liz.”

“Only because I have you to lean on. Now I’m going to start dinner.” Liz stood up abruptly.

****

She got off work late the next day and knew that Kyle would either meet her on the way or would already be out there.

“Miss Parker.”

“Mr. Evans.” She said. She didn’t want anything to do with him. Kyle had warned her away from men of the upper class because they didn’t respect girls like her.

“Miss Parker, where do you live?” He asked.

“That is none of your concern, sir.” She said her eyes widening.

“Oh, but it is, Miss Parker.” He took a step closer to her.

“Mr. Evans, please.” She stepped back. She was trembling but she wasn’t afraid of him. She knew she had no reason to be.

“Please what, Miss Parker?” He asked as he backed her into the wall of the shed, completely out of the view of the house.

“Please…” She didn’t know. The young man was handsome, and unlike the lads she was used to he smelled good, he was freshly shaven and he was beautifully clean.

“Would you object if I kissed you, Miss Parker?”

She didn’t answer, she knew she should say no to his kiss but she didn’t want to.

He took her silence as acquiescence.

She was pulled into a world that she’d never been to before. Everything was spinning and the only still thing to hold on to was Max. Her arms wrapped around his neck of their own accord. His hand came up to her chin to open her mouth and when she realized what he wanted she complied.

He pulled back and she rested her head on his chest.

“You can trust me, Miss Parker.” He told her gently.

She couldn’t, what would a man of his station want with her?

“Sit, Miss Parker.” He directed her to a bench. “Tell me about yourself, please.” He said.

Against her better judgment, she told him all her plans to become a nurse, her life and all of her ambitions. She didn’t know what made her feel safe or comfortable with divesting all her information. Before she knew it the sun had gone down.

“Mr. Evans, I insist I must go.” She stood feeling foolish. Talking about dreams to such a person! Kyle would surely be out and he’d be angry. “I believe I must have bored you with my talk.”

“No, Liz, you are a dreamer.” It was refreshing from the girls he had known in society. “Please, call me Max.” He took her hand.

“Max.” She said it slowly, let it roll off her tongue. “I am Liz.”

“Liz, where are you?” It was Kyle’s voice.

”That’s my brother, he must not see you, he’ll get the wrong idea.” She shook out her skirt and hurried towards him. “Here I am, Kyle.”

“Where have you been?” He stepped out.

“Here.” Stay where you are, Max. She thought to herself, willing him to hear her. Just stay.

“She was with me.” He wasn’t listening.

“Max.”

“Liz, start home.” Kyle ordered her.

“Kyle.”

”Now.” His voice didn’t leave any room for argument.

“I meant your sister no harm, sir.”

“I’m sure you didn’t. Men of your caliber have perfect intentions toward ladies, don’t they? But my sister wouldn’t fit in your category of a lady, Mr. Evans. I do not want her to be around you. You will not ruin her, she is an upstanding girl in our community and I would like to keep it that way.”

“I have no intention of hurting her, Mr. Parker. But I commend you on your attempts to protect your sister.”

“Do you have a sister, Mr. Evans?”

“Why, yes.” He nodded.

“Then you know the protectiveness I feel?”

”Absolutely.” Max nodded.

“But you don’t know the helplessness I feel. I can only protect my sister to a certain extent. Against men like you, I’m powerless. I would appreciate it if you were to stay away from her.”

“I can’t promise you that.” Max turned his back on the older man and made the way back to the house.

“Come along, Elizabeth.” Kyle called. Liz flinched at the use of her full name but followed her brother after one last glance back at Max.

tbc

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Chapter 3

Max and Isabel walked into the sitting room; Max anxiously making sure his sister was situated.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’d feel better if you stopped hovering, baby brother.” Isabel smiled at him.

“I have to, you have my nephew in there.”

“Max!” She blushed wildly.

Liz straightened when she heard them enter the room. “Excuse me.” She said and turned to leave the room. She held the dust rag behind her back.

“Miss Parker!” Max greeted with a smile. “This is my sister.”

He could not be introducing her. Servants went unnoticed. She shouldn’t have even said anything.

“My pleasure, Mrs. Whitman.” Liz mumbled before turning around to leave.

“Wait, Miss Parker.”

Would he just let her leave? She wasn’t a maid to be summoned, she cleaned and served dinner, and if he wanted something he should call someone else. “Yes, Mr. Evans?”

“Why don’t you join us?”

“Max, I’m sure she has plenty of things to do with her time.” Isabel told her brother pointedly.

“Yes, Mr. Evans, if you will excuse me, we have a lot to prepare for.” She waited for leave.

“My apologies.” He mumbled and signaled his permission to leave.

“Mr. Evans, Mrs. Whitman.” Liz said fully embarrassed.

Max chided himself, he didn’t know what had gotten over him. He knew better than that. One never asks a servant to join. He had done nothing but cause suspicion, on both his part, and Liz’s. He had embarrassed Liz.

Standing to look out the window he startled when he heard Isabel’s voice.

“Max, what has gotten into you?” Isabel asked.

“Nothing.” He said and looked out the window. Liz had carried a load of sheets out. Setting them on the table she tied on her apron. She threw one over the line, and then stood on tip-toe to put the pin on. She was so short. He smiled as he watched her stretch time and time again.

“You’re obsessed with that little servant girl.”

“No.” He shook his head.

“You are.” Her brother had always been a stickler for propriety. “You would never have made a blunder like that. What is she to you, Max?”

Max didn’t like what his sister was implying, at all. She scowled at her. “Nothing.” She brushed off a sheet that had fallen and he could imagine her soft voice reprimanding herself. She set the sheet aside and picked up the basket. She turned and looked up at the house, caught sight of Max and stopped all movement. They stared for endless moments and then Max remembered his sister was still there. “She means absolutely nothing to me.”

****

Liz felt Isabel’s eyes on her at dinner. What she must think of her. She kept her hands steady as she carefully laid each dish on the table.

“It looks wonderful, Miss Parker.” Isabel casually remarked.

“Thank you, I shall give your thanks to Mrs. Higgins.” Liz said, trying not to let her see her hands fumble.

Conversation continued on around her. Liz looked at the clock and realized she would get home later, which meant she would have to walk home after dark. She had told Kyle that she was expected to stay late and not to worry, but she knew he would anyway.

“Miss Parker.” Mrs. Higgins called from the kitchen.

Liz looked up and walked to the side door.

“There is a young man waiting for you at the side door. He insists he talk to you. I’ll take over for you here, dear.”

“Thank you.” Liz hurried through the door.

“Lizzie.” Kyle called.

“Kyle, what are you doing here?” Liz asked surprised.

“I came to walk you home.”

“I won’t be off for at least another two hours, Kyle.”

“I know, I’ll just wait here for you until you’re off.”

“Kyle, Serena and Cassidy are at the apartment by themselves, you need to go to them.”

“I’m not going to let you walk home by yourself, Lizzie.” He said and took a seat on the step. “I’ll wait here, you go on and do your job, Mama is with them, you don’t have to worry about it.”

“What was that all about?” Mrs. Higgins asked.

“My brother is a bit of overprotective.” Liz told her as she returned to the dining room.

“That’s sweet of him to wait for you.” Mrs. Higgins said. “I’ll tell him to come in and make him something to eat in the kitchens.”

Liz rolled her eyes and returned to her post at the sideboard.

****

Liz slipped her shawl around her shoulders and waited for Kyle to join her.

“So there was a party tonight?” Kyle asked as he swung an arm around her.

“The oldest daughter from upstate came home for a week, and so there was a celebratory dinner.”

“So you’re going to be working late every night this week.”

“Yeah.” Liz said. “It’s extra pay.”

“That’s wonderful.” He smiled. “You can put that towards nursing school.”

Liz beamed “I’m so close to my dream Kyle. Just a few more years and I’ll be able to go.”

“I wish we could get you there sooner.”

“We’re trying.” Liz said. “And we’re doing better than most. And Cassidy doesn’t have to work.” Liz said happily. “I’d work as a servant girl for the rest of my life as long as our children can stay out of the factories.”

“I know, Liz.” He shuddered. His life as a bricklayer was preferably better to the early days in America as a factory boy.

****

“Aunt Liz!” Cassidy said when Liz stepped out the back door at the Evans’ house the next evening.

“Cassidy, where’s your mummy and daddy.”

“I’m here.” Kyle said standing up. “Serena’s at home with Logan.”

“Logan?” Liz asked. Then her eyes widened with happiness.

“My new brother. Mummy brought him home today.” Cassidy said excitedly.

“Did she?” Liz stroked her hair as she held her. “How is she doing?”

“She’s tired, but she’s doing well.” Kyle beamed proudly. “Baby too.”

“I’ll tell Mrs. Higgins to give me a few days off so I can help with Cassidy.”

“No.” Kyle said firmly.

“Kyle.” Liz set Cassidy on the ground and turned to go speak with Mrs. Higgins.

“Mrs. Higgins.” Liz said quietly walking into the kitchen.

“Is there something you needed?” The old woman looked up startled.

“Actually, my brother’s wife just had their second child, today, and they have a four year old. Is it possible that I could take a few days leave to help care for the young girl?”

“She’s four you say?” Mrs. Higgins asked.

“Yes.” Liz nodded.

“We’re tightly pressed for help right now, with Isabel being home.” Mrs. Higgins sighed. “Is she a good girl?”

“Yes. Cassidy is the best one could ask for.” She said.

“You could bring her to work with you. If she’s as good as you say, and she heeds the orders of adults she won’t do any harm here.” Mrs. Higgins smiled.

“Would you like to meet her first?” Liz asked. “She’s here now.”

“That would be nice.”

“Cassie, come here.” Liz called through the door.

Cassidy came running forward.

“How would you like to come to work with me?” Liz asked.

“Could I?”

“If you’re really good, and listen to your aunt.”

“I will, I will.” Cassidy nodded quickly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Higgins.” Liz said quickly.

“It’ll be fun to have a little one in the house again.” Mrs. Higgins said. “Don’t worry about being a little late tomorrow.” She called.

“We won’t be late.” Liz promised. And dashed out the door to tell Kyle the good news.

****

Max watched the young girl that had the same color hair as Liz and whose greeting wasn’t that of a stranger. He could see how her entire face lit up when she saw her. Who was she, sister, cousin, niece?

She returned the smile just as easily and looked quite cozy with her. He wanted to be that familiar with her, to be the one to cause her laughter.

How could he be jealous of the life that she lived? He had the world at his feet and he was jealous of the ones who bowed down to him? He shook his head as if to clear the unwanted thought.

It wasn’t fair that someone as pretty as her had to work so hard. She should have someone catering at her feet. She deserved it.

How did he know if she deserved it? He didn’t even know her.

His heart sank as he turned from the window.

****

Liz sighed when she heard her parents inside. “Papa came home tonight?”

“He has a job.” Kyle rolled his eyes as he came up the stairs with a sleeping Cassidy in his arms.

“Since when?” Liz pushed the door open.

“He came home today with a new contract, we couldn’t exactly turn him out could we?” Kyle said. “Mama’s ok with it. As long as he has a job he can stay, and he has to leave Serena and Logan alone.”

“Hello, Papa.” Liz greeted him as she took off her cloak. “I heard you have a job.”

“Shut up girl, and get started on supper.” He snarled at her.

“You never change, do you Papa?” Liz walked to the kitchen, not liking her father’s changes since they moved to America. It was supposed to be the land of dreams, but it had become a nightmare.

****

“Serena, I’ve come to see my new nephew.” Liz entered their only bedroom. “How are you?”

“Great.” Serena held up the tiny bundle. “He’s strong, and hungry.”

“I’m glad, oh, he looks like his Daddy.” Liz smiled.

“I know.” Serena said proudly.

“Do you want anything?” Liz asked her sister-in-law.

“No, Mama’s been taking really good care of me.” She said. “Or until Papa came home. They’ve been fighting since four and it’s given me a headache and it keeps waking up Logan. I don’t like to complain, but I think I’m entitled.”

“I know, I’ll see what I can do, although Kyle had them quieted down.” Liz said.

“I’m starting to think Papa’s scared of him.” Serena said proud of her husband.

“He has to be, the apartment is in Kyle’s name. He has no where to go without this.” She smiled, also proud of her brother. “Kyle’s come a long way from what we were back in Ireland.”

“I know.” Serena said. She had come over later than Kyle but when he had found her wandering lost on the street they had fallen instantly in love. “He’s wonderful, Liz. I hope you find someone like him.”

“Me too.” She sighed, and wondered what kind of man she would end up with.

“Serena, when you met Kyle how did he make you feel? Did you know he would be the one you would marry?”

“Well, no.” She said slowly. “Not right then. I was lost, frightened and alone when I had found Kyle—or rather he found me. Marrying was the last thing on my mind, but he did make my heart go a fluttering. I suppose I had taken a liking to him, but not the marrying sort. But now, I know it was always there, I just didn’t recognize it.”

Liz was silent and tried to recall what her feelings for Max were. He was the son of one of the richest men in America, and she his mother’s servant girl.

“Is there someone you’re feeling for?” Serena asked quietly.

“No.” She shook her head a little too quickly.

“It’s better for you if you admit it, honey, if you don’t you might lose him.”

“I’ll not lose him,” she whispered to her sister in law in Gaelic, “I’ll never have him.” She stood abruptly and exited the room.

TBC

Thanks for all the wonderful comments! I’m glad that everyone is liking this.

I know I’m probably getting a little ahead of myself right now because further down the line there is bound to be a lull in postings but I’m on a high right now. I just got the acceptance letter from the college that I’ve wanted to go to since I was in eighth grade. I’m so happy right now, so I figured I’d do something good with that energy!

Chapter 4

“Come on, Cassidy, time to get up.” Liz whispered. She tried not to wake Serena or Kyle.

“Aunt Liz?” Cassidy asked.

“Yes, put your clothes on and your shoes, we’ve got to leave.” She said. “Hurry up, I let you sleep in as long as I could, love. We’ll have to hurry.”

Cassidy got dressed quickly and was waiting by the door when Liz got there with everything they needed.

“No lunch?”

“No.” Liz said. “Mrs. Higgins makes us lunch.”

“Alright.” Cassidy said, her excitement showing despite the early hour.

“Be a good girl, Cassie.” Kyle called from the bedroom doorway. “Or you can’t go with Aunt Liz again.”

“I will, Daddy.” Cassidy said excitedly.

“Alright, let’s go.” Kyle said.

“Where are you going, Kyle, you don’t need to leave for another hour?” Liz asked.

“I’ll walk you out of the neighborhood.” He said.

“Alright.” Liz got the message. He wouldn’t stop worrying about her if he didn’t see her out of the neighborhood himself.

****

“Hello, Miss Cassidy.” Mrs. Higgins greeted them when they reached the house.

“Hello, Ma’am.” Cassidy said delighted at the huge house.

“Come in, Cassidy. There is some hot chocolate and toast for you at the table.” She said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Higgins.” Liz said. “You’ll have her bending to your every whim now.” Liz smiled.

“Good. We have a lot of work to do today.” Mrs. Higgins said.

****

“Come, Cassidy, and be quiet.” Liz whispered as she entered the master suite.

“Set that down there.” Liz whispered. Cassidy gladly put the heavy pot down. “Now move.”

Cassidy backed up so Liz could poor the heated water into it. “Now come along, don’t slam the door.”

Cassidy scurried after her, always remaining three steps behind her.

A few hours later she returned to the master suite, Cassidy holding a tray of biscuits steadily.

She followed Liz into the room and waited for further direction.

“Put it here.” Liz said.

“Good morning, Miss Parker.” Mrs. Evans greeted. “And who might this be?” She looked down at the little girl.

“Good morning, Mrs. Evans. This is my niece Cassidy. Mrs. Higgins gave me permission to bring her along today. She has a new brother as of yesterday.”

“Cassidy.” Mrs. Evans’ eyes shined. “You’re a good little helper.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Cassidy said shyly.

“Come here.” Mrs. Evans took a fascination in the young girl.

Cassidy obediently walked closer.

“Closer.”

Mrs. Evans reached out a hand to her hair. “How old are you?”

“I’ll be five on the eleventh.” She said.

“Wow, that’s a nice age, are you going to go to school?”

Liz started at the question.

“Yes.” Cassidy nodded.

“Very good. What school?”

“Washington ma’am.” Liz answered for her.

“A good school.” Mrs. Evans nodded.

“Yes.” Liz said. It was public, it wouldn’t be the best. “If you would excuse us, Mrs. Evans, we have things to get done.”

“Of course.” Mrs. Evans gave them leave and they both scurried out of the room.

Cassidy followed Liz dutifully around the house stopping only when Liz did at noon to lunch and then move along in her day.

****

Later in the evening when Cassidy was resting in a kitchen chair Mrs. Higgins bustled in. “Miss Parker, the missus wishes to speak to you.”

“Alright.” Liz looked up from the board she was scrubbing. She wiped her hands clean on her apron before removing it. Cassidy moved to get up.

“No, love. Stay there.” Liz told her.

She yawned and nodded.

Liz made her way into the front sitting room.

“You wished to speak with me?” Liz asked.

“About your niece.” Mrs. Evans started. “Is she a bright girl?”

“Yes, ma’am. She already writes her letters and can read fairly well.”

“Very good. What are your ambitions for her?”

“Anything, as long as she doesn’t have to work in a factory at her tender age or ever, or serve some rich family.” Liz looked down blushing. She had let her words run. “I apologize, Mrs. Evans.”

“No, it’s alright, I understand.” She smiled. “Well not really, but, well I’ll get to the point. I like that little girl.”

“Mrs. Evans, you don’t even know her.” Liz said.

“I know her enough that I don’t want to see her grow up as another maid or factory worker.” Mrs. Evans pressed. “She will go to school, a private school. Understood?”

“Mrs. Evans, I-we would love to send Cassidy to a private school but there is no way we’re able to afford it.” Liz looked down. Her accent grew heavy as she became more stubborn and embarrassed.

“Exactly. I want to take the girl in under my care.”

“Mrs. Evans.” Liz grew bolder. “We may not live in the best conditions and Cassidy might not attend the best schools but she will live with her mother and father, and she is perfectly happy that way.” Her eyes flamed and her accent was back full force.

“I know.” Mrs. Evans told her. “Miss Cassidy will live with her family. She will come to work with you every morning until she starts school. I will pay her one penny everyday she comes. That penny will go towards anything she wants. I will pay her schooling, dresses, and anything other thing pertaining to her schooling.”

“Mrs. Evans, you cannot.” Liz shook her head. “What will happen when she comes of age? She cannot just show up in society like she belongs there, who would marry her?”

“And why not?” Mrs. Evans. “You agreed with me, you want what is best for her, correct?”

“Yes.” Liz nodded. “But Mrs. Evans. That is too much.”

“Nonsense. My husband has more money than he can ever hope to spend. Doing this will help a child.”

“And when she’s seventeen? Where will that leave her, Mrs. Evans, she has the education of an upper crust girl but the funds of the lowest in the city.” Liz asked again defiantly.

“She’ll have her come out, of course.” Mrs. Evans stated slowly, as if talking to down to her.

“Who will marry her?” She bit out angrily. “Who will accept the poor daughter of Irish immigrants? Who will allow their sons to marry her, their daughters to be her friends?”

“Everyone, Mr. Evans has a large influence, my dear.”

“Not so large as to change who Cassidy Parker is.” Liz said more quietly.

“You’d be surprised.” Mrs. Evans had a strong respect for the way the young girl was talking to her.

“You’re only sixteen, Miss Parker?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Think about it; talk it over with her parents.” Mrs. Evans directed.

“I’ll discuss it with her parents.” Liz told her. “It’s a wonderful opportunity.”

“Yes it is.” Diane Evans said.

“Thank you, Mrs. Evans. This is very nice of you.” Liz said. “I’m willing to work more hours, if need be.”

“Nonsense. If you worked more hours you couldn’t go to nursing school.”

“How did you know?”

“Max told me. He’s very concerned about you.” Mrs. Evans said.

“Why?” Liz asked suspicious.

“I don’t know.” Mrs. Evans shook her head. “Well, I’m sure you have duties to attend to. We’ll discuss the details of schooling later. Go on.”

“Thank you very much, Mrs. Evans.” Liz said.

“You’re an admirable young lady, Miss Parker.” Mrs. Evans smiled at the girl as she dismissed her.

“I’m not a lady, Mrs. Evans.” She curtsied and exited the room.

"You'd be surprised, Elizabeth." Mrs. Evans said to the closed door.

****

“What did her parents think of it, Miss Parker?” Mrs. Evans asked the next morning.

“Her father was a little nervous, prideful, but his wife convinced him it would be for the best.” Liz said wearily. They had stayed up late into the night convincing Kyle the good of it. “But he said if there was anything you wanted. If you ever need anything repaired, painted, destroyed, he will do it, if he can, if he can’t he’ll find the cheapest person.”

“That is very kind of him.”

“He’s full of pride. Cassidy and Logan are the center of their world.” Liz said.

“Send the girl to me please.”

Liz did and she didn’t see Cassidy again till she was getting ready to leave.

“Mrs. Evans says I’m going to go to a private school!” Cassidy was bouncing with excitement. “Wait until I tell Mummy and Daddy.”

“They already know.” Liz said.

“Oh. Mrs. Evans says she’s going to buy me new dresses and pretty things.” Cassidy relayed as they wiped their feet on the mat inside their apartment. “And she even said I can grow my hair out not short like the factory girls.”

“Is that what she told you?” Serena asked walking into the kitchen.

“You’re up Mummy!” She hugged her.

“Yes.” Serena smiled at her. “I see you’re going to go to school.”

“Yes!” Cassidy shrieked.

Later that night, when Cassidy was asleep, Kyle, Serena, Liz and Nancy Parker sat around the table, as usual they didn’t know where Jeff Parker was.

“I’m sorry, Kyle. I know it’s hard for you to accept, but I didn’t want to offend Mrs. Evans.”

“I know.” Kyle looked over at his daughter. “She’s smart. She’ll do well in a private school. I just feel funny using somebody else’s kindness, and for such a long period of time.”

“She’ll be well taken care of, and she’ll get a good education.” Serena tried to justify. “I just wish we could do it.” She leaned her head on Kyle.

Liz’s heart yearned for that kind of connection, and her mind began to drift towards Max. Her cheeks flushed when she thought of him and she looked down.

“It still seems kind of odd to me.” Kyle stated looking at his little sister. “What exactly did you say to the young Mr. Evans?”

“Nothing.” Liz shook her head insistently.

“Liz?” Nancy studied her only daughter. “Did something happen between you and Mr. Evans?”

“No, nothing.” Liz said again and stood. “If you’ll excuse me?”

“Sit, Liz.” Nancy said sternly. “Kyle, why would you ask about Mr. Evans?” Nancy’s heart was racing when she looked at her daughter.

“No reason, Mama.” Liz stammered desperately hoping her brother wouldn’t tattle.

“Kyle.” Nancy said more adamantly.

Throwing an apologetic look at his sister, he launched into his story of when he had caught Liz and Max behind the Evans home three months earlier.

“Elizabeth, is this true?” Nancy asked her heart was pounding. Not her daughter, this couldn’t be happening to her, not again.

“Yes, Mama, but nothing happened.” She said quietly not looking at anybody.

“Have you had any contact with him since them?”

“Yes, Mama,” she said truthfully.

“Has he done anything inappropriate?”

“No.” Liz said, she hated lying, but if she told them that he had kissed her who knew what would happen.

“See that it doesn’t, Elizabeth.” Nancy stood up and went to the door, grabbing her coat. “Maybe it would be best if we refused Mrs. Evans’ offer and Liz will get employment elsewhere.”

“We can’t refuse.” Kyle stood as well. It was well past dark and he didn’t want his mother going out. “Where are you going?”

“Out, Kyle, stay here and take care of your family. Elizabeth…” She started to say something but shook her head and closed the door behind her.

Kyle followed her out only to see that she got out of the building.

“Oh, Liz.” Serena said, once they were alone, she reached across the table and took her hand in hers.

Liz removed her hand and went to her bed. She pulled the cover over her head and laid there, hoping for sleep. It wasn’t to be, she was still awake when the grandfather clock struck five for her to wake up. Her mother still wasn’t home.

****

Nancy Parker strode out on the sidewalk and went the opposite direction of where she wanted, needed to be. Kyle was watching and she had to go the other way to catch the last tram. If she didn’t hurry she’d miss the eleven o’clock out of the city and she’d have to walk the whole way.

Pulling out the extra money he had given her to visit him, she paid her fare and took a seat. Her mind was racing, not Liz, not her baby Elizabeth.

She stepped off the tram despite the looks she got from the passengers about where she was.

Nancy pulled her coat tighter around her as she neared the house. The row of carriages were evidence of a party. She cursed and went around back to the servant’s entrance. She crept up the back steps and pushed the door open. The room was dark. It was only past midnight, he wouldn’t be up for another hour or two.

Pulling off her coat, she sat on the wing backed chair and waited.

TBC

I know I said this would be all conventional coupling, but I added one unconventional. It’s nothing major but it’s just for the storyline to run smoothly. It makes sense, well at least to me. Just as a warning.

Oh and to answer one question: Yes Michael and Maria will be in this, but I’m not quite sure where I want them yet. There are two places in my mind and they both work perfectly. So it may be a while before we see them.

I’m sorry for the wait. Between three band concerts, a choir concert, and a band/choir concert, and rehearsals for all three I don’t have a lot of time. Mix in the holidays and FAFSA forms, it’s been a nightmare. Should be smoother these next two weeks though.

Thanks for all the feedback, it makes me happy.

Chapter 5

“Nancy.” He said soon as he walked into the room he knew she was there, he could feel her.

“James.” She stated. Her heart thumped in her chest. She had seen him only hours before but it seemed like forever.

“What’s wrong?” He knew there must be something wrong for her to come to him like this, in the night.

“It’s happening again, John, all over again.” She stated, her voice cracking.

“What’s happening?” He crossed the room and sank down on his knees before her and took her hands, his eyes searching for something.

“Our daughter, Jim, she’s falling for Max Evans.” She said and broke down in tears. She had held them in for her family’s sake, but here in her love’s arms she didn’t need to be so strong.

“Oh, Nancy.” He lifted her and sat her on his lap in the chair. “Are you sure?”

“Almost positive. I won’t let her do it, I’ll send her back to Ireland if I have to, I’m not letting her give up her life for something that can never be.” She said vehemently, before her body was overtaken by sobs.

“That didn’t keep us from each other did it?” He asked, with a smile. “The Evans have millions, darling, and those millions can have a long arm.”

“Did I make a mistake bringing them back here?”

“No, my darling.” He held her close. “No, we should tell her, Nancy.”

“Do you think so?” She sat up and looked him in the eye.

“Yes.” Gently he nudged her off his lap. “Maybe we can make this work, Nancy. I still don’t have an heir.”

“I know, why didn’t you ever marry, Jim?” She asked looking at the floor.

“Because the only woman I’ve ever loved was already taken.” He answered honestly. “Come here, this is what we’ll do.”

“Jim, are you…do you…is it possible for Kyle to be your heir?”

He smiled at her, but it wasn’t a happy smile, but one full of hope. “We can try.”

“Jim, if it is possible, are you going to bring Liz into society?”

“If you would like that, yes.” He nodded.

“I would like that very much, for her sake.”

“And what about you?” He asked softly raising her chin to look at him. “What do you want me to do with you?”

“I’m still married.” She said sadly. “Not me, but our daughter would glow Jim.”

He nodded and went to his drawer. “Come here, darling I’ll show you what you need to do.”

****

“Morning, Miss Parker.” Max greeted as he walked into one of the rooms she was cleaning. “Where’s your shadow?”

“With your mother, picking out new dresses.” She put the cloth down and looked at him.

“Really?” He smiled and folded his hands behind his back. “I bet she’s enjoying that.”

“Yes, she is, Mr. Evans.” She said with anger in her voice. “What little girl wouldn’t?”

“You’re angry.” He said walking closer.

She didn’t answer him but picked up the rag and continued to polish the wooden cabinet. “I’m busy, Mr. Evans, please leave me to my duties.”

“Liz, look at me.” He walked closer and took the rag from her hand.

Her hands were still but she still kept her chin down.

“Darling, please look at me.” He said quietly.

“This is inappropriate, Mr. Evans, please leave me.” She squeaked out.

“Why are you angry?” He asked. It was then that she noticed there was true concern in his voice. There was none of the snobbery she had thought was there. He was always nice to her, never really ignoring her, treating her like one of his own—which she was not.

“You had no right to tell your mother about me, Mr. Evans. Now we’re forced to live off her charity, not that we don’t appreciated it, but we would offend her if we didn’t, which in turn insults my brother’s pride.”

“Is that all you’re angry about?” He said with a smile.

“All, all?” She exploded in a string of Gaelic. It was a beautiful language even if she was cursing at him. Her face was a wonderful shade of red. She cut off abruptly when she realized what language she was speaking. “I’m sorry, Mr. Evans I know we’re not supposed to speak it.”

“No, no, it’s a nice language.” He smiled at her. “I apologize if my mother offended you, Liz, I thought it would be a great help to you.”

“Oh it is, we love that she’s going to go to a good school, Mr. Evans, but Kyle wants to do it himself. No, his pride isn’t so great he’ll deny it his daughter but it hurts him, deeply.”

“But you’re working it off, are you not?”

“No, not really.” She shook her head.

“Don’t worry about it.” He whispered to her as his lips took hers.

Before she knew it she was pinned against the wall her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. His hands were roaming everywhere and she knew she should stop him but it felt too good. There was no harm in just touching was there? His mouth left hers and made a trail down her throat, automatically she lifted her head to give him better access. Then his mouth was on hers again.

She dropped the rag she was holding and the thought made her remember where she was. He lifted his head when she stopped responding. “Liz.” He said her name quietly leaning his forehead on hers.

Her eyes searched his. Her body was aching for his touch; her mouth wanted his on hers again. But it couldn’t be. Tears of frustration started down her cheek.

“What’s wrong, darling?” He asked.

“Mr. Evans, you can’t, we can’t be together.” She said and tried to push him away.

“Liz…” He said again.


“Stop, Mr. Evans.” She pleaded, before her voice broke. “I have, I have to get Cassidy, and it’s time for us to be going home.”

“No, Liz we have to talk.” He wouldn’t let her move.

She didn’t like being imprisoned by him, but she felt safe. She wanted to stay in his arms forever and something told her that if she asked he would hold her.

“About what?” She asked. “Mr. Evans…Max, we can’t let this get anywhere, we’ll only get hurt.” Or she would at least.

“I know.” He nodded. “I just wanted to know if you felt the same way.” He said quietly.

She looked into his eyes, and saw he cared for her. His eyes were specked with amber and she could get lost in them.

“You know I do.” She answered honestly. “Now, Max, would you please let me pass.”

“Certainly.” He moved out of the way and watched her run for the door.

He closed his eyes as he collapsed on the chair. She was right this could only lead to bad things. But she fascinated him. He stood and went to the window, his favorite place for him to watch her. She was holding Cassidy’s hand as she skipped happily beside her.

“Max, you need to leave her alone.” His mother said gently from behind.

“I know.” He said. But he wasn’t so sure that he could. There was a heavy ache in his heart anytime she was around him. A yearning only her closeness could stop. It wasn’t lust, he knew the difference, but he was afraid to admit what it really was.

****

Here we come a wassailing among the leaves so green…” Cassidy sung as she made the drink and poured it into a cup.

Liz listened to the familiar carol as she folded dough over onto it self. It had been two months, two weeks, and six days since Max Evans had kissed her. She didn’t know what to do about him. Her mother knew something was going on but couldn’t figure it out.

Her mother had secrets of her own.

She had warned her to stay away from him with a conviction that surprised Liz. Her mother had been introducing her to nice boys from around the neighborhood. Boys that serenaded her with ballads from their homeland, boys who had voices that caressed her inner soul with sounds of home. Boys who were not Max Evans, so she paid no attention to any of them.

“Afternoon, Miss Cassidy.”

“Afternoon, Mr. Evans.” Cassidy greeted happily.

“Are you getting ready to go caroling?” He asked.

“Yes,” she exclaimed. “I got a new muff, it’s snow white.”

“That’s good, I bet you look very pretty.”

“Would you like to try some wassail?”

Liz was about to explain that he really didn’t need to, that Cassidy wasn’t the greatest cook, but she caught the look of determination on Cassidy’s face and couldn’t disappoint her.

Liz caught Max’s eyes and shook her head—softly laughing at him.

Cassidy set the glass of liquid on the table before Max at the same time Liz set a glass of water on the counter by her, her eyes were dancing.

He took a big gulp, and almost gagged. He swallowed.

“Delicious, Miss Cassidy.” He said trying to not choke.

“Thank you,” She said happily, Liz never took her eyes off Max as he took another gulp, and finished off the glass.

“Would you like some more?” Cassidy asked.

“No, thank you, my mother was looking for you; she says it’s time to go caroling.” He sputtered.

Liz watched in fascination. She, herself had yet gotten the courage worked up to try some of what Cassidy called Wassail. Mrs. Higgins had helped her make it, but Cassidy had taken the lead.

“I’ll save some for you for later.” Cassidy went skipping out of the kitchen upstairs to Mrs. Evans.

Liz smirked and handed him the glass of water. “Good?”

He drank the glass in one gulp and Liz watched him try to get the taste out of his mouth. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow and she fell in love with him right then and there.

Max must have seen her change in face and took a step towards her.

“I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“I know.” She looked down, her heart thumping in her chest. She could feel his eyes on her, but she didn’t want to look up, her heart was in her eyes—or so Kyle told her.

“I’m leaving the first of the year.” He told her.

“I know.” She had been thinking about that, Mrs. Evans was upset about her son going so far away, and the whole household knew it.

“You shouldn’t be down here, Ma, it’s not proper.” She said quietly.

“It’s not proper to be in love with one of my mother’s servant girls is it?” He said and stepped next to her.

She looked up at him then, and realized that it was hopeless. So utterly hopeless.

“Max,” she said quietly. “We can’t.” She pushed him back.

“Yes, we can, Liz.” He took a step forward to close the space.

“Where’s this going to lead us, Max, where can this possibly go?” She said her eyes accusing. “We can’t get married.”

“Who said anything about getting married?” He asked, before he thought.

He hadn’t meant that. Max wanted to hurt himself, he needed to take those words back. He needed to be able to say them again. But the look in Liz’s eyes told him it was too late, he couldn’t take anything back.

“Liz I…”

She stepped back and looked up at him anger and hurt in her eyes.

He reached out to touch her.

“Don’t. Do not touch me.” She bit out at him. “I let you kiss me, I let you hold me, I let you touch me. What exactly did you have in mind?” She asked seething in anger. “Just because I am who I am, doesn’t mean I’m going to become your mistress. It doesn’t mean I’m going to be at your every beck and call. That is not who I am, who I was raised to be. And you know what, Mr. Evans,” She took a step towards him and pointed and accusing finger at him. “I don’t think that’s how you were raised either.”

He didn’t have anything to say to that and he just stared at her open-mouthed, that is not what he had meant either.

“You don’t have anything to say?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

There was nothing to say to Liz, she wouldn’t believe him anyway.

“Fine.” She nodded. “I have other things I could be doing, if you would excuse me?” She stepped around him and exited the kitchen, so he wouldn’t see her tears.

“I was going to ask you to wait for me, Liz, let me come back after I came back from the west, so I could have everything ready, for when you joined me.” She had already walked out and hadn’t heard a word he said.

He fell into a chair and cursed himself.

TBC

I know it's so soon, but I'm not going to be home this week and I probably won't be able to post. Don't worry, this is a total dreamer fic, and I have it all worked out in my head. It's going to work, I promise.

I hope you enjoy.



Chapter 6

Max paced outside the back door a few days following the kitchen incident. He was going to go in there right now, he was going to tell Liz exactly what he felt, exactly what he had meant by everything he’d said.

He had seen Liz and Cassidy, wrapped in warm clothes scurry into the house a little earlier. With a confidence he didn’t feel, he stepped through the door.

“Liz, we have to talk.” He began instantly.

Serena Parker looked up when she heard the young man’s voice.

“I’m sure Liz would like to talk to you if she were here.” She said with a smile. So this must be Max Evans. Liz had come home upset the other day. Serena had insisted she go lie down before Nancy Parker returned. Liz hadn’t told her anything, but she knew it had to do with Max Evans.

“Oh, where is she?” Max asked, turning red.

“Aunt Liz is ill.” Cassidy answered for her mother. “Her face was all red and hot this morning, so Mama sent Mummy with=’[ me today.”

“Really?” He asked, his face draining of color, “Does she have a proper physician? I’m sure my mother would hers over.”

“No, no, she’s in very capable hands.” Serena tied off the final bow in her daughter’s hair. “off you go, my sweet pea.”

“Bye, Mummy. I love you.” She hugged her mother and grabbed her lunch pail before turning to Max with a hint of mischief in her eyes. “I hope Aunt Liz gets better, she looked right bad when we left his morning.”

Serena smiled as her daughter left the kitchen. “That was my five year old’s attempt to get you to worry.” Her face turned serious. “Liz needs you to stay away no matter what you may of or what happens to her. You cannot interfere with her life. Please, for both your sakes stay away from her.”

“I can’t do that, Mrs. Parker, excuse me.” He turned and followed Cassidy out the back door.

“Miss Cassidy, wait.” He called to her up the street.

She turned, her eyes were bright when she looked up at him. “I knew you’d follow me, Mr. Evans, this is our address.” She handed him an envelope. “Mummy wrote it down in case I ever get lost. I’ve got to go, I’m going to be late now.”

“Alright, hurry.” Max called and turned back to the house. He ordered the carriage brought around and handed the driver the address.

“Sir, are you sure you’re wanting to go here?” The driver asked, with a look of wonder. “This isn’t a nice part of town, you know.”

“I understand, Norton.” He told the driver. “I just need you to take me there, not give your opinion.”

“Sorry, sir, didn’t mean to get ahead of myself.” He clicked to the horses and was on his way.

****

The stench in the hallway had Max gagging. He didn’t want to believe that Liz lived here, in these conditions. He heard coughing all the way up the staircases and up the halls. Could one of those be Liz?

He got to the door that Cassidy had written down and knocked. It took a moment, but soon the door creaked open.

“Who is it?” A male voice answered.

“Umm, is this where Elizabeth Parker lives?” He asked trying to see past the man.

“Yep, it’s my daughter you’re wanting. She’s not here.” Jeff Parker opened the door.

“Where is she?”

”Her mother took her to someone, won’t tell none of us where. Girl sure did look sick today.” He said. “Haven’t seen anyone like that since, well…” he paused, “since my ma died, when iw as thirteen.”

“She looks that bad?”

“Yeah, it’s a wonder where my wife took her. Mighty cold out now. Looks like we’re going to have a white Christmas.”

“Yeah.” Max was sick inside. Liz looked that bad.

“Look, boy if you don’t believe me, you can come in and have a look about yourself.”

Curious about where she lived, Max stepped inside the apartment.

The quarters were cramped and with seven people living there it had to be crowded. There was a small cradle in the corner next to the bed, piled high with blankets.

The place was surprisingly clean. The stench that had been in the hall had disappeared as soon as the door was closed behind them. Liz’s apron was hanging on a peg beside the stove. He went to run his hand over it.

“Lizzie did that while we were on our way over. She sat up on deck with it, she got sick below deck.”

“You’re Jeff Parker?”

“Yes.” He said.

Liz didn’t seem to open about her father, but what he had picked from Cassidy was that he was a broken down drunk, who never did anything good.

Max had the urge to hit the man. Instead he walked over to the cradle.

“They took the babe with them. There’s an epidemic going through the neighborhood. Nancy said she’d take him where he would be well.” He scoffed. “She always says these things, that’s my Nancy ‘I know what’s best for our kids, Jeff.” He raised his voice, mocking his wife.

“I’ll be on my way.” He didn’t want to be anywhere near this man. He needed to get out.

“Who should I tell them stopped by?”

“No one.” Max shook his head. “Thank you.”

He turned and fled the neighborhood, wondering where Liz could have gone.

****

“How is she?” Nancy paced outside her daughter’s room.

“The doctor said he’s going to give her a little more medicine, and then we just have to wait.”

“I don’t want to wait Jim.” Nancy said taking his hand. “She has always been so healthy.”

“I know, the doctor said that will help. She’s a fighter, our little girl can fight.”

Nancy nodded. When Serena had left with Cassidy and Liz’s fever had risen, she explained to Kyle where they could find help. He didn’t understand why Nancy’s employer would, but he had dutifully helped transport his sister to the house. There had been a lot of questions swirling in the man’s eyes, but he hadn’t asked, and for that she had been thankful.

Logan started to fuss in Nancy’s arms, missing his mummy. “I better get him down the kitchen’s, Serena said she’ll be here around noon to feed him. Thank you, Jim, for keeping my family safe.”

“You’re welcome, and it’s our family.” He told her and stroked a stray hair from her eye.

“Nancy, Max Evans leaves for the west in three weeks.”

“I know.” Nancy said relieved.

“It won’t be enough.”

“I know.” She said quietly. “Three thousand miles wasn’t enough to keep up apart, was it Jim?”

“No.” He looked at her, his eyes full of worry. “Join me tonight, there’s a Christmas party. Come with me.”

“No.” She said firmly.

“I need to you to do this, Max Evans will be there, I need to you to go with me, we won’t directly tell him who you are, but he’s a bright boy and he’ll figure it out. He won’t tell.”

“You’re sure.” She asked uncertainty had her shuffling the baby against her.

“Yes.”

“Alright, for our daughter.” She agreed and turned back down the stairs.

****

Max waited at the corner of the school for Cassidy. Maybe she would know where Liz would be taken. Surely Cassidy had been sick and Nancy Parker had taken her to wherever she had taken her daughter.

Walking a little further, he was anxious to find out what was taking her so long. Usually she was home by this time. The days were getting shorter so it wasn’t long before dark. He was starting to worry about her and knew Serena would be too.

Then he saw her. Could it really be her? Her neat bow was lopsided, there was a tear in both her stocking and her face was tear streaked. He saw a group of girls standing behind her laughing. A young boy was helping her up, probably from the boys’ school across the street.

She was limping and keeping her head high. She took her books from the boy and must have thanked him.

The boy turned and said something to the girls and then helped Cassidy along. Max immediately recognized him as the youngest of the Brightons. He was born twelve years after the last child, making him quite a scandal. But he looked exactly like the four other Brighton children to stop tongues from wagging too much.

“Cassidy.” He called, dropping the formal and proper ‘miss.’

She looked up at his voice. The look, even from where he could see, was one of desperation.

She dropped her books and shot for his outstretched arms. He enclosed them around her as she hit him full speed. She looked up at him, her tears now fully streaming. “Mr. Evans.” She sobbed against him.

“Oh, Cassidy, darling, what happened?” He asked rubbing her back.

She didn’t answer just hugged him tighter and let her tears come. She held on tight, and let her grief, and pain be let out.

“Mr. Evans.” The boy stepped up to them, softly. “I don’t mean to be a snitch.” He looked embarrassed, his older brothers told him only little girls were snitches.

“It’s alright, Jeremy.” He said. “Now is a good time to be a snitch.”

“Those girls, they said some mean things about Cassidy.” He reached out to touch her back as well.

“Like what?” Max said.

“I got mad and started shouting at them.” Cassidy said. “They were being so mean, Mr. Evans, not to me, but to Edwina. They were making fun of her, of her name because it sounds funny.”

“She was just trying to help, Mr. Evans.” He had seen Edwina run at Cassidy’s instructions and the girls turn their hatred towards the young girl. He could still hear their voices in his head. He didn’t think he could forget Cassidy yelp of pain when the first one tugged on her hair. “But she shouted in a funny language, it’s one that Daddy’s grooms use. Daddy says it’s Gaelic.”

“Oh, Cassidy.” Max closed his eyes. They were going to tear her apart for being Irish.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Evans, I just got so mad, it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t right.”

“I’m not mad at you, Cassidy.” He said. “I’m happy that you stood up for her, but we’re going to have to talk to my Mother.”

“I know.” Cassidy knew she wasn’t supposed to speak Gaelic, never, not even at home.

“Thank you, Jeremy.” Max stood with Cassidy firmly in his arms.

“I…I would like to go home with you, just to see that she makes it okay.” He said puffing.

“I’ll make sure, thank you, Jeremy.” Max said with amusement. “I’m sure you’re family will worry.”

“No.” He shook his head. “I’m seven now, I’m big enough. I would feel better if I took her home with you, Mr. Evans.”

Max smiled at the boys assertiveness. “Alright, it will help if you held her books.”

“Got it.” He smiled and held up the books.

“Thank you.”

****

“That was Max Evans!” Carla Delaney said appalled.

“I know!” Patricia Troy turned red faced. “Pam, my sister, wants to marry him, says he’s worth a few million a year.”

“Oh, bother, we just messed it up, didn’t we?”

“Not if he doesn’t know who we are.” Pam said.

“Like that little girl will keep her mouth shut.” Carla said watching them.

“If she does, Jeremy Brighton won’t. He was giving us all death glares.”

“Blast!” Carla said. The girls watched them disappear around the corner.

****


“Cassidy!” Serena saw her daughter. “What happened, oh my baby.” She took her from Max’s arms.

“Mummy.” Cassidy went to her. “Oh, Mummy.”

“Jeremy, what you see in this house, you cannot repeat, you understand?” Max said.

Jeremy nodded, he had no problem protecting Cassidy.

“What happened?” Serena turned worried eyes to Max as he explained.

“I knew this would happen, I just knew it. Kyle and I had doubts.” She set her daughter on the counter and began to gather the necessary tools to clean the wounds.

“Can I help?” Jeremy asked.

“No, Jeremy.” Max said quietly. “Why don’t you go on home now?”

“Not yet.” He settled his worried gaze on Cassidy’s tear stained face.

Max knew then that the boy had a crush on Cassidy. He wouldn’t go anywhere until he made sure Cassidy was alright.

“Sit down, Jeremy.” Max said with reluctant admiration.

He sat and watched Cassidy intently as Serena cleaned her wounds and washed her face. She took her in her arms once she was done. “Do you want to go lay down? Daddy’s going to be here soon, we’re staying here. Mama came to say that it’s not safe to go home.”

“Aunt Liz is here?” Cassidy asked looking at Max.

“No, Mama won’t say where she is, but Mama’s going to stay with her.” Serena explained.

“I’m going to talk to Jeremy for a little, Mummy.” She said and strode to the table. “Can he stay here for dinner?”

“He’ll have to ask his parents.” Serena said, she didn’t like this new friendship her daughter was forming.

“It’ll be ok, my family’s going to the party this evening.” He piped up and his eyes glowed when Cassidy sat next to him.

“We’ll send a maid anyway, Cassidy go change first.” Serena said and turned back to her work.

“I’ll be right back.” Cassidy ran upstairs.

“Mr. Evans, shouldn’t you be getting ready for the party tonight?”

“Yes.” He stared hard at Serena’s back. She looked like a grown-up version of Cassidy and from Jeremy’s entranced stare, he thought so too. “You don’t know where Elizabeth is?”

“No, but this time I’m not asking you.” Serena looked at Max. “I’m telling you to stay away.”

Max raised his chin not liking her tone. He wanted to tell her, but Jeremy was watching them in earnest and so he turned and walked out the door.

TBC

I hope you all had a Happy New Year!

Chapter 7

Max heard Mrs. Brighton come in to retrieve her son and followed her up the stairs.

"Jeremy Jonathan Brighton, what on earth do you think you are doing?" His mother looked over the young boy many times to make certain that
he really was unharmed.

"I'm having tea with Cassidy, Mama." He said blushing as she scooped him up. "I walked her home, you got my note, didn't you Mama?"

"Yes, I did, dear." She said, then looked at Cassidy. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"

"Yes, Ma'am." She nodded and stood. "Are you going to take my tea mate away now?"

"Yes, I'm sorry." She patted Cassidy's hair. "Who were the girls who did this to you sweetheart?"

Cassidy looked at the floor and shifted her foot over the rug.

"It was the Troy girl, and Delaney, Mama." Jeremy filled in for her.

"Cassidy?"

She nodded but didn't look up.

Her daughters were well acquainted with them.

"Alright, I'll see you tonight, Mr. Evans."

"Bye, Jeremy." Cassidy waved.

"Goodbye." Jeremy said and blushed when his mother ushered him out of the room.

Max sat down for tea with Cassidy after Jeremy left.

"Cassidy." A voice from the doorway said a few minutes later.

"Daddy!" Cassidy jumped from the chair and dashed across the room to
Kyle. Max stood as well.

"Hello, princess." He hugged her. "Mummy said you got hurt at school today."

"Yes." She said and she promptly burst into tears as he scooped her up into his arms.

****

Max stood against the wall, bored as usual at these things. Young ladies flitted and flirted with him while trying to get him to ask them for a dance. He gave them all a bored expression until they left him to his solitude.

"Mr. Evans." He turned when he heard his name. While he could be bored his mother wouldn't stand rudeness.

"Valenti." He said surprised to see his father's friend.

"How are you this evening?" He asked.

"Same as I always am at these things.." Max said, looking at him and noticing the brunette beauty at his side.

"This is Mrs. Parker, a friend of mine." Valenti pulled her gently forward, "Mrs. Parker, Mr. Evans."

Max nodded in her direction, not saying more. He was unable to. The woman in front of him looked exactly like Liz, except with blue eyes. He looked back at Jim Valenti and saw Liz's dark brown ones.

"There a problem Mr. Evans?"

"No." He shook his head, unable to take his eyes off her. "You look like a friend of mine."

"They say my daughter is the spitting image of me, except she has her father's eyes."

He looked between the two again.

Jim raised his eyebrows as he turned to Nancy Parker.

"Told you he was a bright boy, Nancy."

Max just sputtered. How in the world! These were Liz's parents. Liz did say her mother was Nancy Parker, but Jim Valenti, what did he have to do with anything?

"Stay away from my daughter, Max." Jim said quietly.

"But..."

"There are no buts, Max, just stay away." Jim turned and directed Nancy away. Nancy gave one more glance back at the boy her daughter fell in love with before catching up to Jim.

****

Max glanced again over to where Pamela Troy and Victoria Delaney were standing. He smiled softly and headed towards their group.

The began fluttering around and Max had to fight the groan that was threatening to come up.

"I believe this dance is mine." He smiled, as he took Cornelia Brighton from the group. He did not even bother to acknowledge the other girls in the group.

"This is a pleasure, Mr. Evans." She smiled at him. They had been childhood friends and they never used their surnames.

"The pleasure is surely mine, Miss Brighton." He answered.

"Actually, It's Miss Cornelia." She laughed. She was the younger of a set of twins, giving the title of Miss Brighton to her sister, Ella, who was a full five minutes older than she. "Ella's over there."

"Pardon." He laughed with her. They were identical he never could tell them apart and he doubted that he ever would.

It was then that he noticed how she was looking at him.

"Nellie, don't." He said softly. "There's nothing between us."

"I know, Max." She knew in her hear he did not love her.

"You should have sent Ella."

"I would have been jealous. I would not like to hate my twin." She looked at him.

"You'll find someone, someday." He told her.

She nodded and looked away as tears filled her eyes.

"Come, we've done our damage." He directed her eyes towards Pamela Troy who looked like a hen who'd had her nest disturbed.

She smiled as he took her to her mother where she would be safe from the hurtful tongues of the other girls.

"Chin up, my Nellie." He said lightly.

She watched him as he walked away, wondering who held his heart so tight he couldn't share it with her.

****

Max woke early the next morning. There was a pile of work on his desk in the study that adjoined his father's.

He couldn't concentrate on any of it.

Cassidy came in to bid him goodbye before heading off to school.

"Hi." She looked fightened.

"Mr. Evans, will you walk me to school? Mummy said not to bother you because you're too busy, but I-I'm scared."

"I'm never too busy for you, Cassidy." He said as he stood. Nor would he be too busy for his daughters.

Jeremy was waiting by the fence.

"Morning," he called happily.

"Morning!" They said back.

Cassidy held Max's hand as they neared the gate. They stopped outside the schoolyard.

"Miss Milton's Academy for Girls." The sign glared in his face. Across the street was Milton's Academy for Boys.

As a male and not being Cassidy's father, his stop was here.

Two girls ran up to them.

"We're sorry, Cassidy." They said in unison. Cassidy just stared at them clutching tight to Max's leg.

"We really are." The other girls added.

She looked uncertain about what to do.

Finally she spoke.

"If you were sorry, you wouldn't have done it in the first place." She put her nose in the air so high; it would have done Isabel proud. She walked around them and grabbed another girl's hand. Max assumed it was Edwina.

"Jeremy will you walk her home from school?"

"Yes!" He said. "My pleasure."

"Thank you, I know she'll be safe with you."

****

Max started back home then changed directions.

He knocked on Jim Valenti's door and waited.

"Mr. Valenti was expecting you, please sit down." The butler said.

"A few moments later Jim Valenti entered. "I wondered when you would come see me."

Max glowered at the man.

"I bet you've got many questions about Elizabeth. Some of them I'll answer, some I won't."

"Does Liz know?"

"No." Jim said after a pause.

"How could you let her live there in that place, when you live here?" He asked.

"I've had to make many painful decisions, Max, they weren't always the best."

"You let her live in the poorest part of the city, have you ever been there?" Max couldn't forget how it had been there. The smell, the people, the disease that now had her family camped out at his house. "How could you do that to your own daughter?"

"I fell in love with her mother." He stated simply.

"But how can...why...God!" Max couldn't put a sentence together.

"How? The same way you did. Why? Why did you fall in love with her daughter?" Valenti fired back.

Max sighed.

"You can't explain it either." He said softly.

"No, I can't." Max said. "Kyle too?"

"Yes."

"You're Cassidy's grandfather?"

"Yes." Jim smiled. "I heard about yesterday, Thank you."

"It should have been you." Max bit out.

There was a long pause as the men faced each other.

"She's here, isn't she?"

"Yes."

"Can I see her?"

"No, her mother wouldn't like that." Jim said. "Sit down, we'll talk and then I'll convince Nancy to let you see her."

****

Liz rolled over in the unfamiliar bed.

"Liz, darling." She knew that voice but pulled away from the hand that was on her forehead.

"Max."

"Yes, darling."

"Go away, don't touch me." She shrank back into the covers. She still didn't open her eyes, there was too much light in the room and it took too much effort. "You broke my heart."

Max jerked his hand back. He told himself that it was the fever that was talking, it wasn’t really how she felt.

"I'm sorry, my darling." Max hurt. "I'll leave you now."

"Good, I don’t want you here.” She mumbled before she fell back into a restless sleep, tear slipping out the corner of her eye.

****

Max walked back to Liz's apartments, he knocked and a drunken Jeff Parker opened the door.
"I told you she ain't here."

"I know." Max said.

"What you want then?"

"Just to see something, may I come in?"

"Sure." He sat down on a chair, muttering curses.

"You don't speak that way in front of Cassidy do you?"

"Why should it matter, the little thing will learn it sooner or later."

Max raised an eyebrow. "She repeats anything and I'm coming after you." Max slipped a letter into Liz's apron pocket.

"Good day."

"Yeah, whatever." Jeff Parker mumbled as Max closed the door.

Max boarded a train to New Mexico three weeks later.

tbc

Sorry again that it took me so long. My school is relatively new and likes to come up with different graduation requirements whenever I've achieved the old ones, so I have a lot to catch up with. I try to post as much as possible though. Thanks for the FB and all your loyalty



Chapter Eight

“Elizabeth, I need to speak with you.” Nancy Parker looked at her daughter soon as Kyle shut the door behind his family. There was a Saint Patrick’s Day parade that he and Serena wanted to take the kids to.

“Sure, Mama.” Liz set the pan down on the counter. Her hands were shaking from the work. She was still weak from her sickness even though it had been three months since her recovery. She wiped them on her apron and then clasped them together hopefully to stop the trembling.

“There’s something I need to talk to you about, something I should have shared with you a long time ago.”

“What?” Liz asked sitting down. “Mama?” She got more worried every moment more her mother was delaying.

“I…found something.” Nancy started slowly. She took out the letter Max had written and set it down on the table.

“What did you find? It looks like a letter.”

“It is a letter. From Max.”

“Max, my Max?” She raised her eyebrows, not sure she was hearing her mother correctly. “When, how did you get it?”

“Your Max, Elizabeth?” Nancy asked.

Liz flushed and looked down at her hands, she knew the reprimand was coming.

“I discussed giving this letter to you with your father, I didn’t want to, but he insisted that we tell you our story, and then I’ll give you the letter.”

“How does yours and Papa’s relationship have to do with anything?”

“Just hear me out, Elizabeth.” She said quietly.

“Do I have a choice?” Liz asked her mother angrily. She wanted desperately to know what Max had written to her.

“I met your father twenty seven years ago, Liz. He was at a port in Galway, a business with a contractor. We locked eyes, Liz and it was over, I was young, engaged but I wasn’t happy. I knew in that moment that only in his arms would I ever truly be happy.”

“Why would Papa meet with a contractor?” She asked.

“Listen, don’t interrupt, baby.” Nancy told her daughter, evading the question.

“I tried to forget about him, went on with my life, three weeks later he found me. I was minding my own business, planning my wedding, but inside I was aching for a man who probably forgot about me.”

Liz’s mind was working, did her papa give up everything for her mother? He didn’t seem like the kind of man who would do such a thing. Maybe that was why he was the way he was.

“He wanted me as much as I had wanted him. That night I gave myself to him. He took me, it’s something I won’t ever regret. It gave me Kyle. I had a few weeks with him, and then I didn’t see him again for nearly ten years. I married one month later, two months following I was pregnant, but it wasn’t with my husband’s child.”

“But Papa—“ Liz didn’t know what to say. She studied her mother.

“Hush.” Nancy took a moment to collect herself. “I was faithful to Papa in body, once we were married, Elizabeth, but in spirit I was another man’s wife. We kept up correspondence nearly once a month. When I heard he was coming back to Ireland, I promised myself that I would stay away. That I had my family to think of now. It was hopeless, we both knew it, I went to him, I’m not ashamed to say it. Papa was a drunk and never came home at night, that was my excuse, so I sent Kyle to school one morning, and went to him. We had a short interlude of a week. One blissful week, my darling.”

Liz was till trying to process everything that her mother was telling her. Her Papa wasn’t her father. Part of her was relieved, but another part of him ached for him. She was angry at her mother for keeping something so important from her.

“Nine and a half months later, I got a pleasant little gift, and named her Elizabeth.”

“Mama, why didn’t you tell me before?” Liz’s voice was full of pain.

“I didn’t think I would have to.”

”Does Papa know?” Liz asked afraid of the answer. She knew now why her father wanted nothing to do with her or Kyle.

“Yes, I had to tell him.” Nancy said.

“Who is he, Mama, who’s my father?”

“I wasn’t going to tell you, I was just going to let it be, but in a few months, baby, your life may change. Your father is Jim Valenti.”

“I would like to be alone now.” Liz looked at the table. When her mother made no move to leave the table, Liz stood and went to the back bedroom and shut the door.

It was only then that she remembered her mother still held her letter.

****

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Max Evans rolled up his sleeves in an attempt to battle the heat. Who would have thought a heatwave would hit in the middle of March?

Max stared out his East staring at the glistening lake, listening with his new friend and his wife, Michael and Maria Guerin. It had been three months since he had been in New Mexico and Liz hadn’t written to him in that time.

His mother had written to him and assured him that she had recovered from her illness. She was still weak, though. Max scrubbed his hands over his eyes and focused on Maria’s words.

“Mr. Evans, you’re not paying attention to me.” Maria Guerin put her hands on her hips, letting her parasol drop.

“Mrs. Guerin, you’re getting too much sun.” Max teased.

“Please call me Maria.” She said exasperated.

“I don’t think your husband would like.”

“He wouldn’t.” Michael stepped up to his wife and handed her the parasol and kissed her cheek.

“He won’t mind.” Maria smacked him away. “Will you, honey?”

“No.”

Max knew Maria would do as she pleased. Michael was putty in the girl’s hands. Even his father who met him before had said Michael Guerin had changed in the skillful—and loving Max suspected—hands of Maria Deluca Guerin.

“Max, who are pining over?” Maria asked softly stepping closer to him.

“No one.” He stepped away and looked at the water. How he wished Maria weren’t here so he could just dive into the water. “Michael make your wife go home so I can swim.”

Michael raised his eyebrows and said it simply. “You.”

Max knew it would be impossible. “Mrs. Guerin,”

“Well at least you can marry her, if not then just move on.”

“If only it were that simple, Mrs. Guerin.”

“Max Evans, call me Mrs. Guerin one more time, and you’ll regret it.” She said her face turned an angry flush of red.

“Sorry.”

“You’re forgiven. It can be that simple.” She said more gently. “Has she written to you?”

He said nothing just continued to stare east.

“Have you written her?”

He gave a curt nod. At least a dozen times since he’d left, and there had never been any replies.

“Max…”

“There has to be a reason why she won’t.”

“Maybe there is, maybe she just…” She trailed off.

“No.” Max said firmly. “No, please drop it, Maria.”

“Alright.” She huffed. “But Michael is taking me to New York with him when he goes this fall, will you go with us and show us around?”

Max stared straight ahead, fall was six long months away.

****

”Liz?” Serena asked quietly, checking to see if she was awake.

“Yes, what is it?” Liz sat up. “Is something wrong with the baby?”

”No, I have something for you.”

“What?” Liz wasn’t sure she wanted it.

“Liz, I know about you and your papa. Mama explained to me and Kyle while you were sick.” She said quietly. “It upset Kyle terribly. I still think he is upset with them, but for the babies, he’s being cordial to her. But, Liz, I have something for you.”

Liz groaned and shoved her head under the pillow. “I don’t want it.”

“It’s from Max.” Serena said. “He’s been sending them here, and by some act of God I’ve been able to intercept the before your mother found out. You be grateful and sit up now.” She said tersely. “I know you’re hurting, but you can’t sulk.”

“Go away, Serena.”

“Alright.” Serena stood. “Mrs. Higgins expects you at work by noon.” She brushed off her dress and left the room.

Soon as Liz heard the front door slam, and the small apartment go silent, she pushed out of bed and made her way to the kitchen. Sitting on the table was a box and on top was a letter that had ‘Liz’ written on the outside of it.

tbc

Chapter Nine

Liz’s hands froze on the letters. Her heart pumping fast.

She picked it up and was disappointed when it was just a letter from her mother. Tempted not to read it and open the box, she thought better and slipped it from the envelope.

She took a breath before she began reading the words.

Elizabeth,
I know you feel yourself to be in love with this young man, and that is a beautiful thing, my baby, but he can never make you happy. You can never marry him.
I have lived twenty seven years of my life loving a man I can never have, and he, in return, has never married, never had any children. I have been lucky in having you and your brother and now my grandchildren. As of now, he will never get to know them for who they are. Cassidy has a chance. In case you haven’t realized it is not the Evans that are sponsoring the young girl into society, it is Jim Valenti. Yes, Max Evans knows who you are, but still it changes nothing, baby. Jim Valenti did it under the rouse of the Evans because there has already been talk of him having a mistress and illegitimate children. That’s what I am, baby, somebody’s mistress, something I never want you to be. I’m not ashamed of what I am, because I know we love each other very much, but I don’t want it to be like this for you.
The best you can do is forget about him, move on, and marry a nice boy from our neighborhood. Don’t give up forever, my baby, live your life, not someone else’s.
Love,
Mama

She was shaking so bad he had to sit down. Reaching inside the box she opened took out the first letter, it was addressed to her mother but Liz knew she had wanted her to read it. It was one of love and sorrow, of a longing so deep it seemed to be ripping them in two. She took out the next, a reply written by her mother telling of Kyle’s birth.

Letter after letter, Liz read of a hopeless romance between two people separated by not only an ocean but circumstances no one would ever have imagined. Her mother and her father. Liz wasn’t quite so sure she ever wanted to meet this man.

Then near the bottom, the letters were address to her. The first one simply had her name on it, no address, which Max must have delivered by hand.

She opened it and read it, tears running down her cheeks.

My Darling,
I know I’ll already be gone by the time you are well enough to read this. I want to apologize to you for what happened. I promise you my intentions are honorable. I really did mean to marry you; I just meant that we should wait. That I had to get my own fortune before I can marry you. I don’t know how my parents would feel about me marrying you and I have to tell you straight forward that they might cut me off. I want to be able to support you if that were to happen, I want to be on my own before I give you my name and take you under my wing to protect and love and cherish.
I didn’t mean to insult you, Liz, I want you to be my wife. I want you to have my children, lots of them, or however many you want. Daughters with your beautiful face, sons with your eyes. I just ask you to believe me, to love me. Like I love you. Wait for me, my beauty, and I will come for you. Soon.
Yours,
Max
Liz read the letters underneath and recognized that Max was quickly losing hope.

The last one had been sent last week. Liz scrambled around the apartment to find paper and writing utensil. Sitting down she began to write, cursing at how badly her hands shook. She had been set back in starting college, she was supposed to start in the fall, because she had gotten sick, was unable to.

She was lucky, the only one in her area that had survived, she still didn’t know why. Ignoring her shaky writing she penned the letter to him.

****

“I told her, Jim.” Nancy said quietly.

“And her reaction?” He asked.

“Elizabeth doesn’t react. She masks her feelings until she can be alone. She’ll process it and then tell me how she feels. It could be weeks.” Nancy sat down. “I think she was upset.”

“I would be too. I hear Max Evans is doing well for himself in the west.” Jim said.

“Any hope for a marriage?” She asked hopefully.

“The chances of an Eastern girl going West is slim, he’ll have to meet a girl out there.”

“That won’t be so bad, he won’t have any reason to come home anymore, right?”

“Not as many, his whole family is here, Nancy, you must remember that.”

“I know.” She said quietly. “She’s not interested in any of the boys from where we’re from.”

“Don’t push too hard, it’s hard enough that Kyle married a girl from there.”

“What do you mean?” Nancy met his eyes.

“It means that legally, I’m allowed to name anyone I like as my heir in my will. That I could accept Kyle into my home as my own.”

“And his wife?”

“That is where we have the problem, she has no connection to us whatsoever.” Jim said slowly. “It’ll be harder for them to accept her.”

“She’s the mother of our grandchildren.” Nancy looked worried.

“I know, honey.” He smoothed her hair. “She’s Kyle’s wife, they’ll try. We have the Evans’ backing and the Brighton’s.”

“We’ll all be fine.” Nancy said more relaxed.

“All of us except you, my love.” He said hurting inside because she could never belong. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” She caressed his cheek. “I made my choice, and I’m happy with it.”

****

“Evans there has to be a change in plans.” Michael Guerin strolled into the office.

“Why?” Max looked up from the paperwork.

“We have to go to New York with in the next few weeks.”

“Why?” Max asked again.

“Because I promised my wife I would take her to the city.” Michael said. “And I’ve yet to break a promise to her.”

“We’ll go, just not for a few months yet.” Max had no desire to go into the city yet.

“We have to go soon, my wife won’t be fit for travel in a few months time.”

“Why not…” Max stood, and a slow smile spread across Michael’s face. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you.” Michael said proudly. “Maria declared it shall be a son, and so it shall be so.”

Max wondered if God dare defy Maria’s edicts.

“We’ll go soon then.” He said. Ready or not he’d have to go back.

****

Liz stood with Cassidy while she picked out the candy of her choice. Liz tried to be patient with the young girl even though she’d had a long day at work. She was going to by penny candy from the grocer and was proud that she had earned it from Mrs. Evans for getting top marks in her class.

“Elizabeth.” Liz always got suspicious when a boy talked to her.

“Yes, Sean?” She turned. “Hurry up, sweetheart.”

“I’m trying Aunt Liz.” She said not wanting to be rushed in such a tough decision.

“What are you doing?” Sean asked. “Hello, Cassidy.”

Cassidy raised an eyebrow at the man and turned back. As much as they tried to instill their values into the girl, she was starting to look down on the people in their own neighborhood and people’s tongues were starting to wag.

“Cassidy.” Liz said sternly.

“Good Evening, Mr. Malloy.” She said and turned back to the counter.

“You got yourself a penny there?” He asked Cassidy.

“Two.” She said happily.

“Where’d you get two pennies from my lovely girl?” He asked.

“I got top marks at school, Mr. Malloy.” She said and chose a piece of candy.

“Thank you, Cassidy.” The grocer said when she handed over the money.

“You’re welcome.” She said happily. “Thank you.”

“Run along home, Cassidy, I have something to do.” Liz told the young girl.

“Alright, are you going to mail the letter to Mr. Evans?” Cassidy asked innocently.

Liz didn’t answer. “Go home, Cassidy.”

She turned and Liz watched her scamper down the street and into their apartment building.

“So you’re too good for us poor men then, Elizabeth?” Sean sneered. “Have to go and be one of the rich bastard’s mistresses?”

“You’ll mind your tongue, Malloy.” She said quietly. Of all the boys that had been trying to get her attention Sean was the most persistent. And if Liz was truthful to herself she knew that if Max hadn’t been in the picture she might have become Mrs. Sean Malloy.

“Yes, Eilis.” He said her name in her native tongue.

He saw the flicker in her eyes and smiled. “I bet your Evans boy couldn’t do that could he.”

She lifted her head a notch higher.

“You have nothing to say to that?” He asked.

“Sean Malloy, what I do is none of your business.”

“But it is, Elizabeth. My mother was worried about you going to work for them. ‘The girl’s too pretty for her own good.’ My mother’d say. I didn’t worry about you, not our Elizabeth, but I guess I was wrong, huh.” He shrugged. “I thought you were better than that, Eilis.” He walked away.

Liz’s hand hesitated as she stepped up to the mail box.

Turning towards Sean as he walked away she put the letter into her pocket.

“Don’t give up forever, my Baby.” Her mother’s plea was fresh in her head.

“Sean, does this mean you’re willing to take me to the social tomorrow night?” She called after him.

He stopped and slowly turned. He walked back to her.

He took her hand in his and she tried not to pull away. “I’ll do that, and a whole lot more.”

She nodded and tried not to be repulsed by his touch.

“Live your life, not someone else’s.”

She thought of the letter she had written him, how she had been prepared to believe him and her eyes filled with tears and spilled over.

“Elizabeth, he didn’t hurt you did he?” He asked shakily. “Touch you?”

She shook her head. “No, he did nothing we would be ashamed of.” She said truthfully.

He took her into his arms then, right there on the street corner. “You’ll be ok, Elizabeth.”

Shakily she put her arms around him and cried.



TBC

Disclaimer: I don't speak Gaelic, but I hope it's right. I've searched the Internet for as much information as I could find and this what I've got.

Chapter 10

Liz sat and clapped her hands to the music, letting herself be absorbed into the world around her. Even her mother was dancing Cassidy running around with the other children.

Logan was squirming in her lap laughing at all the excitement.

“Come dance, Elizabeth.” Sean came up to her. “You too, Serena, you two always look gorgeous dancing together.”

“I couldn’t.” Serena said. “I’m the mother of two now, Liz can though, she’d be delighted.”

“Come on, Miss Parker.” The kids chanted.

“Sean…”Liz smiled. “Only if you dance with me, I know you dance as well if not better than me, Mr. Malloy.”

“Should I dance with the lady then?” He asked the kids.

“Aye!” they chorused.

“Hand me the baby.” Serena took her son who squealed when he landed back in his mother’s arms.

Liz stood. The band struck up a fast tune and Liz took Sean’s hand. “You’ll regret this, Sean Malloy. I’m not steady on my feet as I haven’t quite gotten well.” She warned

“I’ll catch you. It will be worth it if I can dance with you.” Their feet took up the beat and the audience took one with their hands.

A few breathless moments later Liz found herself fully engulfed in the festivities. She had forgotten about everything going from person to person, dancing with different partners, but each time they returned her to Sean, as if she was his and that unnerved her.

“Mr. Malloy, recite something!” One child cried. Sean was a very smart man who Liz wished could have the opportunity somewhere to be something. He had studied as often and as much as she when they had been in school. He was one of the few people in the neighborhood who had gone to high school. Liz knew marriage to him wouldn’t be bad, she’d be able to have conversation with him.

“Yes, Mr. Malloy, please.” They said. He turned from his conversation with Liz and smiled.

“What should I recite?” He asked already knowing what they would demand.

“The Shepherd one!” They said together.

“But it’s English.” He said teasingly.

“My teacher’s English, she’s not so bad, Mr. Malloy.” One little boy said. “She’s kind of pretty.”

“As pretty as Miss Parker here?”

“No one’s as pretty as Miss Parker.” The boy replied with a blush.

“I quite agree.” Sean said and stood to take the center seat.

COME live with me and be my Love,
And we will all the pleasures prove
That hills and valleys, dale and field,
And all the craggy mountains yield.

There will we sit upon the rocks 5
And see the shepherds feed their flocks,
By shallow rivers, to whose falls
Melodious birds sing madrigals.

There will I make thee beds of roses
And a thousand fragrant posies, 10
A cap of flowers, and a kirtle
Embroider'd all with leaves of myrtle.

A gown made of the finest wool
Which from our pretty lambs we pull,
Fair linèd slippers for the cold, 15
With buckles of the purest gold.

A belt of straw and ivy buds
With coral clasps and amber studs:
And if these pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me and be my Love. 20

Thy silver dishes for thy meat
As precious as the gods do eat,
Shall on an ivory table be
Prepared each day for thee and me.

The shepherd swains shall dance and sing 25
For thy delight each May-morning:
If these delights thy mind may move,
Then live with me and be my Love.

When he was finished his eyes had found Liz’s. All the kids looked over to her.

“What have you got to say to that Miss Parker?” One of the older boys asked.

Liz smiled at Sean with a hint of mischief in her eyes. “I have a lot to say, Timmy.”

Two could play, Liz said to herself.

Keeping her eyes locked on Sean’s she turned and recited the response.

If all the world and love were young,
And truth in every shepherd's tongue,
These pretty pleasures might me move
To live with thee and be thy love.

Time drives the flocks from field to fold
When rivers rage and rocks grow cold,
And Philomel becometh dumb;
The rest complains of cares to come.

The flowers do fade, and wanton fields
To wayward winter reckoning yields;
A honey tongue, a heart of gall,
Is fancy's spring, but sorrow's fall.

The gowns, thy shoes, thy beds of roses,
Thy cap, thy kirtle, and thy posies
Soon break, soon wither, soon forgotten,—
In folly ripe, in reason rotten.

Thy belt of straw and ivy buds,
Thy coral clasps and amber studs,
All these in me no means can move
To come to thee and be thy love.

But could youth last and love still breed,
Had joys no date nor age no need,
Then these delights my mind might move
To live with thee and be thy love.

One man guffawed and the rest of the boys chuckled.

“You wound me, Miss Parker.” Sean held his hand over his heart in mock sadness.

“It would take more than a simple poem, Mr. Malloy.” She smiled. “Or at least it should.”

That set all the children laughing, and Sean got up and made his way across the room towards her.

“You, Miss Parker, need to learn to speak to your future husband.” The room went silent and the Liz’s cheeks flushed.

“When I find him, I will.” She smiled. She didn’t know how she could be flirting and jesting when her heart was aching so badly for Max.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and smiled. “You’re looking at him, Miss Parker.” And he kissed her.

Stunned Liz held still. It felt nothing like Max, but she knew she would never have Max so she held on to him.

He pulled away and smiled down at her. The crowd cheered around them. “You’ll forget him, soon, my Elizabeth.” He said only for her ears. “I’ll make you happy, you’ll see.”

At her smile, Sean turned back to the children.

“And that, is how you get your lady to listen to you, my lads.”

Liz lightly smacked him and took her seat next to Serena.

****
Two months later

Liz came home from an evening out with Sean and was stunned to see her mother and Serena hurriedly putting things together.

“What are you doing?” She asked dreading the answer.

“We’re moving.” Nancy Parker said. Serena stood still looking down.

“Why…where?” Liz asked.

“We’re moving into Jim Valenti’s house.”

“Why?” She said sitting down.

“Because, you my girl, are his daughter.”

“I don’t want to go.” Liz sat down.

“Elizabeth.” Her mother said sternly.

“No, Mama, it’s not fair.” Liz said. “I’m going to marry Sean, isn’t that what you wanted?”

“Not anymore.” Nancy Parker replied and set her clothes in a box. “Cassidy’s already there and having a grand time with her grandfather.”

“That’s not fair to Sean or me, Mama.” Liz said. “I don’t want to go. Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

“Elizabeth what has gotten into you?”

“What about you? Are you just going to leave Papa?” she asked.

“I’ll be living with him here. He’s not your father.”

“I don’t care!” She stormed. “I don’t care, Mama. It’s not fair. You’re selfish! You don’t care about anyone other than yourself. I’m going to stay here, I’m going to marry Sean, I’m going to become a nurse, and I’m going to forget about you.”

“No you’re not. You, are going to become a society lady, you are going to marry a rich man and be well off. You are going to be what you were born to be.”

“No, Mama, you made it quite clear, a few weeks ago. I’m not a lady. I can’t marry Max Evans.” She said softly, she didn’t need to raise her voice. “You ensured that for me, Mama. Max Evans doesn’t want me.”

“You don’t know what you want.”

“You don’t know what I want, Mama. What I want is to become a nurse. I want to help other people. I want to help other people put there lives back together, unlike you who tears them apart.” She turned and walked back outside.

“Can you believe that girl?” Nancy turned to her daughter-in-law.

“I can, I can’t believe you though.” Serena straightened her spine. “You’re tearing that girl’s life apart. You just don’t want her to be happy, do you?”

“Of course, that’s all I want.”

“No, I don’t think so. She’s right, Nancy, you are selfish. You can’t keep interfering with her life. She has a chance to be happy. Leave her alone.”

“Of all the things I’ve done for you, Serena, you have no right to speak to me like that.” Nancy looked appalled.

“I do.” Serena said. “I thank you for what you’ve done for me. But you’re still a bitch, so leave the girl alone.”
“Serena.” But the door had slammed behind her. Nancy sat in one of the chairs.

****

The next evening Liz met with Sean.

“Hello, beautiful.” He kissed her forehead.

“Hello.” She said solemnly.

“What’s wrong?” His heart sank. “What is it?”

“I can’t marry you, Sean.” Liz said quietly her eyes filling with tears. “I haven’t been very truthful to you Sean.”

“Why not?” Sean took her hands.

“My mother.”

“What has she done?” Sean said.

“Sit, and I’ll explain.”

“I don’t want to hear this do I?” He said.

“I didn’t either.” Liz said. “I’m sorry.” They sat and Liz explained.

“Son of a—“ He said and held his tongue.

“I’m sorry. I was going to overlook it, but she won’t let it go and neither will he. Kyle wanted nothing to do with him either, but it can’t be helped, he’s a powerful man.” She said truthfully.

“You’re going to marry that Evans?” Sean asked feeling inadequate.

“No.” Liz shook her had. She wasn’t going to marry any man. “I’m going to become a nurse. I’ll make it on my own.”

“And if your father won’t allow you to go to college?”

“I don’t know what I’ll do.” Liz answered.

“You’ll not be happy, if you’re not happy come back to me?” He asked.

“Maybe, Sean. Most likely not.” She told him.

“Go then, Elizabeth, is it bad for me to wish you not to be happy, so you’ll come back to me?”

“No, it’s normal.” She told him. “I don’t think I’ll come back to you.”

“I’ll be here, I don’t know for how long though.” He said.

“Don’t wait too long, Sean, you’ll make some lass very happy one day.”

“I was hoping it would be you.”

“I think part of me was too.” She answered. “Have a good life.”

“You, too, Eilis.”

****
Two Months Later

Michael and Maria had decided to stay in the city and have the baby. It was still five months away and Max wasn’t sure he should stay or go back.

He knew the Parkers no longer worked for his parents and had no idea where to find Liz. He was on his way to her apartment. He knew she would have written to him if he wanted to see her.

He pulled up outside the apartment buildings and noticed the strange looks he was getting from people.

He was disappointed to find that once he got to the apartment that the Parkers no longer lived there.

On his way out he ran into a young man about his age.

“Do you by any chance, know where the Parkers went to?”

“Who’s asking?” The man asked.

“Max Evans.”

Max could have sworn his eyes turned black.

“No.”

“You know something.”

“No, nothing.” He smiled and Sean Malloy went on his way.



Disclaimer: The poems are by Christopher Marlowe and Sir Walter Raleigh, respectively. We read them in English and I’ve fallen in love with them.