Patrick Bradford returns home to Simsfield after 10 years away to reconnect with his family. He is accompanied by his wife Margaret and their toddler son Andrew. When they arrive at the Bradford family home, Patrick's mother Uma is overjoyed to be reunited with her long lost son. Uma meets Andrew and takes an instant liking to her grandson. Patrick apologizes for his past actions that caused the family pain. His brother Thomas also arrives and is pleased to see Patrick home. The family is made whole again now that Patrick has returned.
This document provides an overview of Chapter 12 of a fictional family legacy story set in 19th century Boston. It summarizes events involving the Bradford family, including Elizabeth Bradford's shy reluctance to have a birthday party and her twin brother Jefferson comforting her. It also discusses Matthew Bradford painting his wife Jan's portrait and Carolina Bradford's concerns about Jan's lack of connection with the children. Additionally, it covers Phily Bradford attending a social event at her finishing school where her cousin Andrew is introduced to her friend Meadow and they hit it off.
This summary provides context and key details from the document in 3 sentences:
The document is a chapter summary that describes Eliza Bradford meeting her brother Patrick's friend Horace Alcott, and their immediate attraction and budding romance. It also briefly touches on Patrick leaving for university and Carolina giving birth to twins Anne and Diana. Horace invites the Bradford family to dinner, where they learn he freed his family's slaves and brought one north with him.
The passage provides context for the Bradford family and introduces several key events. It begins with a family dinner where Carolina shares news from Anne and Diana, who are attending finishing school. Matthew disapproves of Anne's women's suffrage activities. Later, Diana accepts a marriage proposal from Lee Pasang. Anne also gets engaged to Joseph Bear and debates women's rights with her cousin Wendy. The summaries introduce the characters and set up some differing views around women's roles that will likely continue in subsequent chapters.
This chapter provides background on the Bradford family and introduces some new characters. Elias Bradford, the patriarch, suddenly passes away at his home, devastating the family. His death occurs just as his son Thomas hopes to find Patrick, Elias' youngest son, who has been missing for years. The chapter also shows Patrick in a bar, now an alcoholic after leaving his family, where he runs into Margaret Turner, a woman from his hometown. She invites him to lunch to catch up.
The document provides an overview of recent events in the Bradford family, including Henrietta's upcoming wedding to Professor Hutchins. At the wedding, Henrietta has doubts but goes through with the marriage. She finds Professor Hutchins to be distant. Meanwhile, Jan Danaher arrives to marry Matthew Bradford, hoping to gain status. Their lavish wedding is a success. Matthew is pleased with how events have unfolded, leaving Henrietta isolated in her new marriage.
This summary provides the key details from Chapter 11 of an unnamed story in 3 sentences:
Matthew and his wife Jan welcome their first child while Jan's health is delicate, Anne continues to struggle after giving birth to twins last year, and Lawrence attends a dinner where his cousin and friends try to set him up but he insists he isn't ready for marriage like his mother and cousin want.
This document provides an excerpt from a fictional legacy story set during the American Civil War era. It describes celebrations for twins' birthdays taking place amidst the war. It also includes scenes of three cousins in the Union army preparing for an upcoming battle, and Patrick Bradford scouting for the Confederate army. The story hints at the possibility that the cousins and Patrick may meet in battle the next day.
This document provides an overview of events in the Bradford family. Elias helps his son Thomas blow out candles on his birthday, marking his transition to school. Uma gives birth to a third child, Patrick. Elias leaves his career in theater to enter politics. Eliza has a birthday party as she transitions to school. The Gavigan twins, Rhoda and Roger, have a party to mark their transition to teenagers. John expresses to his family that he is feeling his age and his time left is growing short.
This document provides an overview of Chapter 12 of a fictional family legacy story set in 19th century Boston. It summarizes events involving the Bradford family, including Elizabeth Bradford's shy reluctance to have a birthday party and her twin brother Jefferson comforting her. It also discusses Matthew Bradford painting his wife Jan's portrait and Carolina Bradford's concerns about Jan's lack of connection with the children. Additionally, it covers Phily Bradford attending a social event at her finishing school where her cousin Andrew is introduced to her friend Meadow and they hit it off.
This summary provides context and key details from the document in 3 sentences:
The document is a chapter summary that describes Eliza Bradford meeting her brother Patrick's friend Horace Alcott, and their immediate attraction and budding romance. It also briefly touches on Patrick leaving for university and Carolina giving birth to twins Anne and Diana. Horace invites the Bradford family to dinner, where they learn he freed his family's slaves and brought one north with him.
The passage provides context for the Bradford family and introduces several key events. It begins with a family dinner where Carolina shares news from Anne and Diana, who are attending finishing school. Matthew disapproves of Anne's women's suffrage activities. Later, Diana accepts a marriage proposal from Lee Pasang. Anne also gets engaged to Joseph Bear and debates women's rights with her cousin Wendy. The summaries introduce the characters and set up some differing views around women's roles that will likely continue in subsequent chapters.
This chapter provides background on the Bradford family and introduces some new characters. Elias Bradford, the patriarch, suddenly passes away at his home, devastating the family. His death occurs just as his son Thomas hopes to find Patrick, Elias' youngest son, who has been missing for years. The chapter also shows Patrick in a bar, now an alcoholic after leaving his family, where he runs into Margaret Turner, a woman from his hometown. She invites him to lunch to catch up.
The document provides an overview of recent events in the Bradford family, including Henrietta's upcoming wedding to Professor Hutchins. At the wedding, Henrietta has doubts but goes through with the marriage. She finds Professor Hutchins to be distant. Meanwhile, Jan Danaher arrives to marry Matthew Bradford, hoping to gain status. Their lavish wedding is a success. Matthew is pleased with how events have unfolded, leaving Henrietta isolated in her new marriage.
This summary provides the key details from Chapter 11 of an unnamed story in 3 sentences:
Matthew and his wife Jan welcome their first child while Jan's health is delicate, Anne continues to struggle after giving birth to twins last year, and Lawrence attends a dinner where his cousin and friends try to set him up but he insists he isn't ready for marriage like his mother and cousin want.
This document provides an excerpt from a fictional legacy story set during the American Civil War era. It describes celebrations for twins' birthdays taking place amidst the war. It also includes scenes of three cousins in the Union army preparing for an upcoming battle, and Patrick Bradford scouting for the Confederate army. The story hints at the possibility that the cousins and Patrick may meet in battle the next day.
This document provides an overview of events in the Bradford family. Elias helps his son Thomas blow out candles on his birthday, marking his transition to school. Uma gives birth to a third child, Patrick. Elias leaves his career in theater to enter politics. Eliza has a birthday party as she transitions to school. The Gavigan twins, Rhoda and Roger, have a party to mark their transition to teenagers. John expresses to his family that he is feeling his age and his time left is growing short.
This document provides background on the Langerak family and introduces the main characters. Kaylynn Langerak lives with her family in poverty in Portsmouth after her father's death. She works as a lady's maid for the wealthy Traveller family to help support her mother and siblings. After Tina Traveller gets married, Kaylynn loses her job and must find new work to continue providing for her ill mother and siblings. The story sets up Kaylynn's motivation to seek opportunities for a better life out west.
This chapter provides context for the Bradford family legacy story and introduces some plot developments. It warns readers about upcoming themes around the American Civil War. The family is still grieving the loss of Chris Bradford. Patrick celebrates a birthday. Elias struggles with the loss of his mother. Concerns are raised about the growing political tensions between the northern and southern states around the issue of slavery.
Elias Bradford has returned home from university to visit his family on the Bradford farm. He tells his father John that he has decided to pursue a career in theater, which his father disapproves of due to the hours and lack of respectability. Elias is also engaged to Miss Uma Chen but must wait four years to marry her per her late father's wishes, giving Elias time to advance in his chosen profession.
This summary provides the key events and context from the document in 3 sentences:
Jefferson and Elizabeth continue to face unequal treatment from their parents Matthew and Jan, who favor Jefferson. Meanwhile, various members of the extended Bradford family experience notable life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. Rebecca informs Matilda that her recently deceased father Timothy left his entire fortune to Rebecca, and she offers for Matilda and her family to move back and inherit the estate, presenting a difficult decision for them.
This chapter provides context for the previous chapters and introduces several new storylines. Jefferson tries unsuccessfully to convince his father Matthew to let Lizzie attend the theater after she is punished. Carolina gifts Lizzie a dog to cheer her up. Jefferson enjoys meeting Marsha at the theater but his parents want to find him a suitable match. Phily worries about her sister Henri not seeming happy after the death of her abusive husband.
This chapter provides context for the upcoming wedding of Jefferson Bradford and Melanie Miller. It is revealed that Jason Seiff proposed to and was accepted by Lizzie Bradford. Jefferson's cousin Victor questions if Jefferson is making the right decision in marrying Melanie so quickly without properly considering his feelings for Marsha Bruenig, who is distraught upon learning of the engagement. The chapter sets up relationship dynamics that will be explored in the next installment.
- Jefferson and Matthew's relationship is strained after Matthew purchases land across the street to turn into a family cemetery, disturbing previous family graves, against Jefferson's wishes.
- Jefferson is worried about finances to support his growing family as his father Matthew continues extravagant spending. Marsha supports Jefferson and believes they will find a way to manage.
- In other family news, Cordelia's mother Ericka gives birth to a baby boy named William Eldon, after Cordelia's late father Eldon. William brings Anne joy as a reminder of her late son.
- Asher turns one and continues to be doted on by his grandmother Meadow. Jane is heavily pregnant again and eager to prove Victor
This document provides a prologue and introduction to the story "The Bradford Legacy". It summarizes:
1) John Bradford is the third son of a wealthy family in England, but has limited inheritance prospects. He sees an advertisement for settlers in New Simland colonies.
2) John convinces his father to let him emigrate to New Simland, hoping to become a doctor and establish his own land and legacy.
3) After a long ocean crossing, John arrives in New Simland and is greeted by Governor Gavigan. The Governor shows him fertile land that can be his, and John is optimistic about founding a new life in the colonies.
- John writes a long letter to his family back home updating them on his life in New Simland. He has become a farmer, apprenticed as a physician, and married a woman named Chris. They have had three children together - Elias, Primrose, and Phineas.
- Henry responds with both good and bad news. He congratulates John on his marriage and children but informs him of their mother's passing. He later writes that their father has also died.
- In subsequent letters, John provides more updates on his growing family. He expresses sadness to hear of losses within Henry's own family, including Henry's wife Phila.
This summary provides the key events and context from the document in 3 sentences:
Matthew Bradford had a meeting with the schoolmaster Mr. Simon to discuss Elizabeth's education, with Mr. Simon advocating for her to attend college instead of finishing school. Matthew was persuaded and decided to send Elizabeth to SimRadcliffe college against Jan's wishes. The chapter also showed Jane Thayer celebrating her 13th birthday with her adopted family in Portsmouth and developing feelings for her cousin Victor.
This document provides a summary of recent events in the lives of several characters from The Bradford Legacy series. It summarizes that Marsha had another son named James and daughter named Viola. It then discusses James' birthday party where he becomes friends with his cousin Taddy. The document also summarizes Victor and Jane's wedding, including details of the ceremony and reception. It concludes by discussing concerns about Eldon Bear's declining health and his mother Anne's worries about him.
This document provides an introduction and summary of Chapter 17 of "The Bradford Legacy". It discusses the births of babies to Lizzie, Melanie, and Marsha. Jane prepares to leave for college while Victor helps her. Marsha gives birth to Jefferson's son James at the Bradford home, pleasing Matthew but causing trouble with Jan. The document ends by discussing wedding planning for Victor and Jane.
This summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences:
Matthew enjoys wine alone in his study and reflects on family issues, including his sister Henrietta and arguments with his brother Jefferson. Viola grows cold while supervising her cousin Taddy and his girlfriend at the pond, but Sterling brings her inside for hot chocolate where James notices them getting comfortable. An uninvited woman, Mrs. Alcott, bursts into Marsha's home screaming accusations that Viola and Sterling are courting, upsetting her plans for her son.
Phily writes a letter to her parents describing her trip to France with her friend Meadow Thayer and Meadow's parents. Some key details include:
- They took a train from London to Calais and another train to Paris, staying in a luxurious hotel.
- They visited the Louvre museum and Phily struggled to appreciate some of the artwork, finding it more relatable when sculptures reminded her of things at home.
- They walked around the Eiffel Tower and Phily thought it seemed out of place amongst the historic architecture of Paris.
- In Paris, Phily realized her true romantic feelings for Meadow, but they agreed to keep their relationship discreet due to social
The document recaps the Devereaux Legacy story so far and introduces some new developments: Lillian is planning something mysterious with Thaddeus. Eden finally stood up to Mary, who then died. Erin has exciting news to share with Quinn at lunch. Quinn feels inadequate compared to his sister Erin, but Emily reassures him that he is equal and important as well.
Fairytale Finders: A Disney Princess Challenge, Snow White 2animeangel1983
Snow White and Prince Caspian have seven children together - triplets Rapunzel, Charming, and Fieval, followed by twins Cinderella and Eric. Cinderella is destined to become the heir but the Mirror predicts she will have future troubles related to Countess Romelda's schemes. Snow White is distraught over not being able to prevent her daughter's unhappiness and worries for Cinderella's innocence against future evil.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 14.1 Back to NormalityDi Meeeee
This summary provides context and key details from the Victorian Legacy document in 3 sentences:
The document is a chapter in a story about the Legacy family set in Victorian England. It introduces William Legacy, who has just been released from prison, and focuses on his daughter Alexandra seeking permission to invite her boyfriend Joe to stay with the family. The chapter also includes scenes of the family attending a birthday party for William's sister and discussing Alexandra's request, which William ultimately agrees to after some hesitation.
The Morgan Legacy, Chapter VII: Determinationfireflowersims
The Morgan family moves into a new home after the death of Danielle Morgan. While most of the family enjoys the change, Faye thinks it was too fast. On Cory's birthday, his brother Stephen misses the celebration due to work. Cory wishes to be a good heir and find love. He becomes a teenager and catches the interest of girls, like his mother and aunts before him. The family supports each other during this time of change and loss.
Challenge Island - Rotation 6 - Wheeler, Leive, ArgiderLady Lark
This document provides an overview of several Sims families and their activities. It introduces Beau, an extremely unattractive Sim, who goes on dates to find a spouse with good genetics to have one child with. He ends up marrying Dido. It also checks in on the Wheeler family, noting the parents' differences, and children's birthdays. The document describes a "Miserable Sims Challenge" with Tiffany and her unhappy family, which ends with her death.
This summary provides an overview of the key events and developments in Chapter 20 of The Bradford Legacy:
1) Jan Bradford passes away alone at the Bradford farm while the rest of the family is out. Marsha finds her body when she returns home early.
2) Jefferson and the rest of the family are upset to learn that Jan died alone, though Marsha notes that Jan lived to spite the family. Jefferson decides they will not go into mourning for Jan like they did for Matthew.
3) Melanie continues recovering in Sarsimsota Springs but remains estranged from her son Sterling. Sterling finally reads Melanie's letters and realizes she has changed.
4) George writes to Melanie
This document summarizes parts of a longer story. It describes the adoption process of a baby boy named Kaiser by Thomas and Sarah. As Kaiser and Sarah's daughter Nala grow up, Kaiser feels different and develops romantic feelings for Nala, which causes tension. The document ends with Thomas revealing to his family the mysterious circumstances around finding Kaiser as a baby, and that the man who left him said he was destined to save the world.
This chapter provides updates on various members of the Kennedy family. Jake is enjoying his new social life as a teenager and focusing on school, fitness, and trying to impress girls. His uncle Thomas has recently come to stay with the family after losing his home, and is giving Jake questionable advice about relationships. The family is also adjusting to changes like Vanessa's growing career and Forrest's promotion.
This document provides background on the Langerak family and introduces the main characters. Kaylynn Langerak lives with her family in poverty in Portsmouth after her father's death. She works as a lady's maid for the wealthy Traveller family to help support her mother and siblings. After Tina Traveller gets married, Kaylynn loses her job and must find new work to continue providing for her ill mother and siblings. The story sets up Kaylynn's motivation to seek opportunities for a better life out west.
This chapter provides context for the Bradford family legacy story and introduces some plot developments. It warns readers about upcoming themes around the American Civil War. The family is still grieving the loss of Chris Bradford. Patrick celebrates a birthday. Elias struggles with the loss of his mother. Concerns are raised about the growing political tensions between the northern and southern states around the issue of slavery.
Elias Bradford has returned home from university to visit his family on the Bradford farm. He tells his father John that he has decided to pursue a career in theater, which his father disapproves of due to the hours and lack of respectability. Elias is also engaged to Miss Uma Chen but must wait four years to marry her per her late father's wishes, giving Elias time to advance in his chosen profession.
This summary provides the key events and context from the document in 3 sentences:
Jefferson and Elizabeth continue to face unequal treatment from their parents Matthew and Jan, who favor Jefferson. Meanwhile, various members of the extended Bradford family experience notable life events such as births, marriages, and deaths. Rebecca informs Matilda that her recently deceased father Timothy left his entire fortune to Rebecca, and she offers for Matilda and her family to move back and inherit the estate, presenting a difficult decision for them.
This chapter provides context for the previous chapters and introduces several new storylines. Jefferson tries unsuccessfully to convince his father Matthew to let Lizzie attend the theater after she is punished. Carolina gifts Lizzie a dog to cheer her up. Jefferson enjoys meeting Marsha at the theater but his parents want to find him a suitable match. Phily worries about her sister Henri not seeming happy after the death of her abusive husband.
This chapter provides context for the upcoming wedding of Jefferson Bradford and Melanie Miller. It is revealed that Jason Seiff proposed to and was accepted by Lizzie Bradford. Jefferson's cousin Victor questions if Jefferson is making the right decision in marrying Melanie so quickly without properly considering his feelings for Marsha Bruenig, who is distraught upon learning of the engagement. The chapter sets up relationship dynamics that will be explored in the next installment.
- Jefferson and Matthew's relationship is strained after Matthew purchases land across the street to turn into a family cemetery, disturbing previous family graves, against Jefferson's wishes.
- Jefferson is worried about finances to support his growing family as his father Matthew continues extravagant spending. Marsha supports Jefferson and believes they will find a way to manage.
- In other family news, Cordelia's mother Ericka gives birth to a baby boy named William Eldon, after Cordelia's late father Eldon. William brings Anne joy as a reminder of her late son.
- Asher turns one and continues to be doted on by his grandmother Meadow. Jane is heavily pregnant again and eager to prove Victor
This document provides a prologue and introduction to the story "The Bradford Legacy". It summarizes:
1) John Bradford is the third son of a wealthy family in England, but has limited inheritance prospects. He sees an advertisement for settlers in New Simland colonies.
2) John convinces his father to let him emigrate to New Simland, hoping to become a doctor and establish his own land and legacy.
3) After a long ocean crossing, John arrives in New Simland and is greeted by Governor Gavigan. The Governor shows him fertile land that can be his, and John is optimistic about founding a new life in the colonies.
- John writes a long letter to his family back home updating them on his life in New Simland. He has become a farmer, apprenticed as a physician, and married a woman named Chris. They have had three children together - Elias, Primrose, and Phineas.
- Henry responds with both good and bad news. He congratulates John on his marriage and children but informs him of their mother's passing. He later writes that their father has also died.
- In subsequent letters, John provides more updates on his growing family. He expresses sadness to hear of losses within Henry's own family, including Henry's wife Phila.
This summary provides the key events and context from the document in 3 sentences:
Matthew Bradford had a meeting with the schoolmaster Mr. Simon to discuss Elizabeth's education, with Mr. Simon advocating for her to attend college instead of finishing school. Matthew was persuaded and decided to send Elizabeth to SimRadcliffe college against Jan's wishes. The chapter also showed Jane Thayer celebrating her 13th birthday with her adopted family in Portsmouth and developing feelings for her cousin Victor.
This document provides a summary of recent events in the lives of several characters from The Bradford Legacy series. It summarizes that Marsha had another son named James and daughter named Viola. It then discusses James' birthday party where he becomes friends with his cousin Taddy. The document also summarizes Victor and Jane's wedding, including details of the ceremony and reception. It concludes by discussing concerns about Eldon Bear's declining health and his mother Anne's worries about him.
This document provides an introduction and summary of Chapter 17 of "The Bradford Legacy". It discusses the births of babies to Lizzie, Melanie, and Marsha. Jane prepares to leave for college while Victor helps her. Marsha gives birth to Jefferson's son James at the Bradford home, pleasing Matthew but causing trouble with Jan. The document ends by discussing wedding planning for Victor and Jane.
This summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences:
Matthew enjoys wine alone in his study and reflects on family issues, including his sister Henrietta and arguments with his brother Jefferson. Viola grows cold while supervising her cousin Taddy and his girlfriend at the pond, but Sterling brings her inside for hot chocolate where James notices them getting comfortable. An uninvited woman, Mrs. Alcott, bursts into Marsha's home screaming accusations that Viola and Sterling are courting, upsetting her plans for her son.
Phily writes a letter to her parents describing her trip to France with her friend Meadow Thayer and Meadow's parents. Some key details include:
- They took a train from London to Calais and another train to Paris, staying in a luxurious hotel.
- They visited the Louvre museum and Phily struggled to appreciate some of the artwork, finding it more relatable when sculptures reminded her of things at home.
- They walked around the Eiffel Tower and Phily thought it seemed out of place amongst the historic architecture of Paris.
- In Paris, Phily realized her true romantic feelings for Meadow, but they agreed to keep their relationship discreet due to social
The document recaps the Devereaux Legacy story so far and introduces some new developments: Lillian is planning something mysterious with Thaddeus. Eden finally stood up to Mary, who then died. Erin has exciting news to share with Quinn at lunch. Quinn feels inadequate compared to his sister Erin, but Emily reassures him that he is equal and important as well.
Fairytale Finders: A Disney Princess Challenge, Snow White 2animeangel1983
Snow White and Prince Caspian have seven children together - triplets Rapunzel, Charming, and Fieval, followed by twins Cinderella and Eric. Cinderella is destined to become the heir but the Mirror predicts she will have future troubles related to Countess Romelda's schemes. Snow White is distraught over not being able to prevent her daughter's unhappiness and worries for Cinderella's innocence against future evil.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 14.1 Back to NormalityDi Meeeee
This summary provides context and key details from the Victorian Legacy document in 3 sentences:
The document is a chapter in a story about the Legacy family set in Victorian England. It introduces William Legacy, who has just been released from prison, and focuses on his daughter Alexandra seeking permission to invite her boyfriend Joe to stay with the family. The chapter also includes scenes of the family attending a birthday party for William's sister and discussing Alexandra's request, which William ultimately agrees to after some hesitation.
The Morgan Legacy, Chapter VII: Determinationfireflowersims
The Morgan family moves into a new home after the death of Danielle Morgan. While most of the family enjoys the change, Faye thinks it was too fast. On Cory's birthday, his brother Stephen misses the celebration due to work. Cory wishes to be a good heir and find love. He becomes a teenager and catches the interest of girls, like his mother and aunts before him. The family supports each other during this time of change and loss.
Challenge Island - Rotation 6 - Wheeler, Leive, ArgiderLady Lark
This document provides an overview of several Sims families and their activities. It introduces Beau, an extremely unattractive Sim, who goes on dates to find a spouse with good genetics to have one child with. He ends up marrying Dido. It also checks in on the Wheeler family, noting the parents' differences, and children's birthdays. The document describes a "Miserable Sims Challenge" with Tiffany and her unhappy family, which ends with her death.
This summary provides an overview of the key events and developments in Chapter 20 of The Bradford Legacy:
1) Jan Bradford passes away alone at the Bradford farm while the rest of the family is out. Marsha finds her body when she returns home early.
2) Jefferson and the rest of the family are upset to learn that Jan died alone, though Marsha notes that Jan lived to spite the family. Jefferson decides they will not go into mourning for Jan like they did for Matthew.
3) Melanie continues recovering in Sarsimsota Springs but remains estranged from her son Sterling. Sterling finally reads Melanie's letters and realizes she has changed.
4) George writes to Melanie
This document summarizes parts of a longer story. It describes the adoption process of a baby boy named Kaiser by Thomas and Sarah. As Kaiser and Sarah's daughter Nala grow up, Kaiser feels different and develops romantic feelings for Nala, which causes tension. The document ends with Thomas revealing to his family the mysterious circumstances around finding Kaiser as a baby, and that the man who left him said he was destined to save the world.
This chapter provides updates on various members of the Kennedy family. Jake is enjoying his new social life as a teenager and focusing on school, fitness, and trying to impress girls. His uncle Thomas has recently come to stay with the family after losing his home, and is giving Jake questionable advice about relationships. The family is also adjusting to changes like Vanessa's growing career and Forrest's promotion.
The speakers discuss preparing for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, where participants aim to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. Jeff recommends doing preparatory work before November 1st to increase chances of success. For first-time novelists, simply writing is most important. For experienced writers, focus on strengths but also weaknesses - outline characters if a character-driven writer, or plot if plot-driven. Most important is finding a core idea or kernel for the novel by writing down exciting potential concepts. Preparing key elements like characters or plot helps ensure ready to write productively on November 1st.
01.encontro sobre podcasts pal portugal_200609_d1Echirley
The document discusses the IMPALA (Informal Mobile Podcasting And Learning Adaptation) project. It investigates the impact of podcasting on student learning and develops models and exemplars of podcasting in higher education. IMPALA partners include universities in the UK, Portugal, South Africa, and Australia. The project examines uses of podcasting in various subjects. It also discusses technology, pedagogy, research methods, and how podcasting can support student learning through various formats and tools. An example is described of podcasts created for an undergraduate engineering course that complement other teaching activities. Feedback from students indicates that the podcasts help engage them and provide useful course information.
This document provides details about an upcoming Sunday night service at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi on March 30, 2014. It includes the memory verse for March and details for May 4th. The bulk of the document is a lesson based on John 20:19-31 about Jesus appearing to the disciples after his resurrection. It discusses how Thomas doubted until he saw Jesus himself. The document aims to encourage church attendance and faith in Jesus' resurrection based on this biblical story.
Thomas Edison was an American inventor born in 1847 in Ohio who is best known for improving the light bulb. He dropped out of high school but went on to receive numerous awards for his inventions including the light bulb, which he was the first to improve to last longer. Edison was influenced by society's need for a better light bulb and worked to redesign it into the modern version still used today.
Thomas, Kate, and their parents went on vacation to visit Uncle Ben on his farm. Uncle Ben's dog had puppies and Kate chose one, named Jet, to keep. While playing outside, Jet ran into the nearby forest and got lost. That night it rained heavily. The next morning, Pup led Kate to the chicken coop where a dirty but unharmed Jet had returned, answering Kate's prayer. From then on, the children obeyed their mother and came inside promptly when called.
Norris visits his father Allozyme for the first time after discovering the truth about his family history. They bond over games and conversation, and Allozyme invites Norris to live with him. Meanwhile, Fred and Billy's romantic relationship blossoms, while Gadus struggles to find meaning in his string of failed dates.
The chapter introduces new characters including Caractacus, Esther, and Orlando who become friends at school. Caractacus realizes he has romantic feelings for Orlando but knows he shouldn't. He starts dating Esther instead. Coggins becomes a popular teenager and musician but struggles with relationships. Truly and Jeremy grow up, with Truly questioning the realism of fairy tales.
The document is a prologue to a Sims 2 fan fiction story. It introduces Evangeline and Cassandra Goth, who are best friends and cousins. After a car accident, Evangeline comes to live with the Goth family. Cassandra is engaged to Don Lothario, but Evangeline discovers he has been unfaithful. Mortimer Goth pressures Evangeline to continue the Goth family lineage, threatening to end the family if she does not. Evangeline reluctantly agrees at the wedding to start a legacy of her own and try to change the world.
Tyler has arrived at La Fiesta Tech university after being sent by his father Jon Smith to find Marella. Marella is excited to see Tyler again after searching for him all semester. They plan to meet up again soon. Meanwhile, Evil Susan is annoyed by Marella's constant talking about Tyler. Vauxia has been interrupted during a date by a crying mascot cow but manages to scare it away. He plans a toga party with Sorex for the next day.
Tyler has a difficult conversation with Marella in which he apologizes for abruptly ending their date. Marella forgives him but says she cannot stay as she needs to pack for university. Tyler is unsure if he can also attend university but Marella encourages him to try. Their conversation is cut short as Marella needs to return home before her parents notice she is gone.
Tara, Scarlett, and Colby complain about a homework assignment in their history class. They run into Sirius Obsession, who Tara finds egotistical. Later, Tara's family is invited to dinner at another family's house. It is revealed that Sirius lives there, and he claims Tara will be his girlfriend. Tara yells in frustration and storms off. She vents to Sirius's father outside about not liking Sirius. A few days later, the twins have their birthday party. Tara and her cousins take the twins out to a new club that allows minors.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 22.1 HappinessDi Meeeee
The document provides an update on the Victorian Legacy story. It summarizes that the author is returning to share the next part of the story, which sees Edward getting engaged. It then describes several events that have occurred, including birthdays, births, university starts, and a kidnapping. It previews that more events are upcoming that will demand the characters' attention, beginning with Alexandra reflecting on her children growing up as they celebrate their birthdays. It also shares that Charlotta has passed away, deeply upsetting her twin sister Anne.
This document is a summary of chapter 1 part 7 of the story "Fortune's Fancy". It describes Alex explaining to her children what happened after their wedding. Her sister Belinda had kidnapped Alex's baby son Blake and demanded money in exchange. Alex contacted her mother's old lawyer for help removing a curse on her inheritance money. A friend of the lawyer's agreed to help but said there would be a price. Alex and her family were led to a dwelling cut into a mountain, where a large wooden door stood at the base of a path.
Eddie confronts his aunt Banyan about his mother's death, believing she is still alive. Banyan reveals that Eddie's mother faked her death and is hiding out in a green house at the end of the street. Meanwhile, Marco goes on many dates in an attempt to fulfill his lifetime want of 50 first dates. The neighborhood teens invade the Prettacy for a party while the elders celebrate birthdays without signs of aging.
Charming meets a woman named Tina who is interested in his legacy family. She warns him that strange magical things have been happening and to keep a close eye on his twin sons, Changeling and Griffin, as well as any women they bring home. Charming rushes home where he finds his father Ethan caring for the crying baby Changeling. The family celebrates the twins' birthday with their grandparents. Griffin is tired and goes to bed while Ethan begins teaching toddler skills to Changeling.
This document discusses a man who fell deeply in love through Facebook but his online romance led to disaster. To get out of a bad situation from an unfruitful date with a woman he met online, he lied and said his uncle had died. Later when speaking to his mother, he lied again about having found love and that he would soon introduce her to his prospective daughter-in-law. Feeling ashamed of his deception and poor choices, he vowed not to pursue online romances again before falling asleep.
This document discusses a man who fell deeply in love through Facebook but his online romance led to disaster. He went on a date with the woman from Facebook but was overwhelmed by her unpleasant physical appearance. He lied and pretended that a family member had died so he could leave the bad date. He realized the dangers of online romance and vowed to never pursue women through social media again.
I.M. Bored: A Legacy in 10 Generations - Gen 8 Part 2Lady Lark
Penelope gets married to her brother Booth and moves out of the main house with him. She quickly becomes pregnant with twins. Back at the main house, life continues as normal, with ghosts scaring the heirs and other typical hijinks.
Running head GRANDMOTHER1GRANDMOTHER5Grandm.docxwlynn1
Running head: GRANDMOTHER 1
GRANDMOTHER 5
Grandmother
EW
Grandmother
When thinking of the characteristics of a grandmother what does one think about? In the story “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor it is written from the perspective of the grandmother. With it being told from her perspective it shows how she feels and her opinion. Even if the grandmother looks down on someone she still can find the good in others, well if it is to her advantage. A characteristic of this grandmother is someone who tries to manipulate others to get her way.
At the beginning of the story, the grandmother tries to manipulate the son from going on vacation to Florida. She did not want to go to Florida; she wanted to go to Tennessee. She had friends she wanted to visit in Tennessee and was disappointed that she was not getting her way to go there. She had even noticed an article in the newspaper that her son was reading about how a guy “that calls himself The Misfit is aloose from Federal Pen and headed toward Florida” (Glaspell, 1916, p. 117). She gave this as a reason that going to Florida would not be a good idea. Neither the son nor the daughter-in-law listened to her, and she then turned to her grandkids in hopes that trying to scare them would make them upset and get her sons attention. The kids did not get scared but rather turned her manipulation back on her letting her know they did not care if she went on the trip. Her granddaughter June Star even stated the reason her grandmother would not stay home was that she was “afraid she’d miss something” (Glaspell, 1916, p. 117).
When the family first got in the car going on the trip, the grandmother hid her cat so it would not be left behind. Her son would not approve so manipulating the situation by hiding the cat was her best option. She wore a very nice outfit that she felt a lady should wear. Her daughter-in-law was dressed as though she was wearing clothing someone would wear to do chores around the house. The grandmother wanted everyone to know she was a lady by just looking at her. If they had a wreck on the way to Florida and she passed away, she wanted anyone coming up to the scene to know she was a lady when they first laid eyes on her. To pass the time she told the kids a story about how when she was a young lady a man named Mr. Teagarden, that she had dated would bring her a “watermelon every Saturday afternoon” (Glaspell, 1916, p. 117). She stated, “she would have done well to marry Mr. Teagarden” (Glaspell, 1916, p. 117) because he became rich when he was older. Even though she would be manipulative with something’s, she still was very interactive with the kids and kept them entertained.
When the family drove through the town of Toombsboro Georgia, the grandmother began to talk about a plantation that she used to visit when she was young. She started to describe the house and lied by saying it had a secret room that no one knew about, but the people living there. The gra.
1) Daniel travels from the Marlow's home to his uncle's estate called Highgates, where his mother grew up.
2) Daniel explores the estate and discovers that his dollhouse is a replica of Highgates, making him feel connected to his mother.
3) Daniel learns from the gardener and his uncle that his mother was energetic as a child at Highgates, in contrast to how she cared for Daniel, leaving him feeling confused about his mother.
The Offically Wacky BoolProp Challenge by PetTech Part 13Stephanie Sahr
The document summarizes the results of a 13-part Sims 2 challenge. It details the points earned throughout the challenge for completing various goals, such as obtaining an alien, graduating college, and creating zombies or vampires. It also shares stories from weddings of the heir's generation and describes the relationships and lives that developed over the course of the challenge. The challenge included playing multiple generations of one founding matriarch's family.
Frank has to choose between Star and Mary as the winner of his bachelor challenge. He cares for both women but knows he must pick one. After confronting the women about his decision, Star storms off upset. Mary comforts Star and they discuss how neither wants to lose the other's friendship after Frank's choice is made. Frank then tells Mary he has chosen Star, but loves them both. Mary understands his decision and says she could never hate Frank.
Morgause is searching for her biological parents and has received a tip that Miguel's father used to date a redheaded woman named Helled. Miguel now theorizes that Helled may be Morgause's biological mother and that Miguel's uncle Lawrence could be her biological father, as they were dating until around the time Morgause would have been conceived. Miguel offers to talk to his uncle Lawrence to help Morgause learn more about what happened between Helled and Lawrence.
- James Bradford, patriarch of the Bradford family, has passed away. His wife Cindy is struggling with grief and loneliness without him.
- Steven Bradford has entered politics at the encouragement of his wife Mary and been elected to the state legislature. James had concerns about Mary's influence over Steven.
- New babies continue to join the Bradford family, including Peggy giving birth to Curtis after Denise, and Mary giving birth to Nathan after Gregory. Cindy finds joy in her great-grandsons.
This summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences:
Steven Bradford proposed to his girlfriend Mary, though his sisters Peggy and Nettie were skeptical of Mary and didn't trust her intentions. Mary lost her virginity to Steven on the night he proposed in an attempt to cement his loyalty to her. The document concludes with Steven and Mary's wedding day arriving amid the Bradford family celebrating the union, while Peggy and Nettie remained wary of Mary.
Steven went off to college while the rest of the Bradford family dealt with various life changes. Shirley had a baby girl named Pauline. Dorothy joined the Peace Corps to work as a nurse abroad. Rosalie convinced Bruce to have another baby to stop rumors that their marriage was failing. Concerns grew about the US involvement in Vietnam. Peggy helped keep her friend Doug out of trouble as political and social tensions continued both at home and abroad for the Bradford family.
Howard questions Rosalie about her husband Bruce's suspected involvement with Simmunists. Rosalie is shocked by the evidence Howie shows her from the FBI's investigation file. She had no knowledge of Bruce's activities. Howie feels badly for Rosalie but says the investigation is ongoing. Rosalie is left worried about what will happen to Bruce given the treatment of suspected Simmunists.
Boolprop Round Robin Legacy Spare Story - Desdemona Doran Part ThreeSilverBelle1220 .
Desdemona has a dream where her deceased mother tells her to stop blaming herself for what happened to her sister Lily and to choose happiness. She decides to open up to Jimmy about her past. She tells him the full story of her family's history with the vampire council and what led to her being banished. Jimmy understands why she has trust issues but encourages her to let people in. They start dating and their relationship grows closer over time, though Jimmy remains hesitant to fully commit due to his werewolf condition.
Boolprop Round Robin Legacy Spare Story - Desdemona Doran Part TwoSilverBelle1220 .
Desdemona encounters a threatening vampire in the park who warns her not to let her father encroach on her territory. A mysterious man comes to Desdemona's aid and the vampire leaves. Later, Desdemona's cat Shadow scratches her arm unexpectedly. The next morning, Shadow is affectionate again. Several months later, Desdemona is playing solitaire at work between calls.
Boolprop Round Robin Legacy Spare Story - Desdemona Doran Part OneSilverBelle1220 .
The protagonist, Desdemona, has been plagued by nightmares of a traumatic event from her past that caused her to withdraw from her family and friends. She is constantly moving from place to place to escape these nightmares. The story begins with her having a nightmare and deciding to leave her current city of Kingston after seeing two vampires. She meets an older couple, Keith and Tammy Jiles, who help her when her car breaks down and offer her a place to stay at their farm while Keith works on her car. Desdemona finds peace in their rural home for the first time in a long while.
This summary provides an overview of the lives of several families in Simsfield after World War II. Rosalie and Bruce Thorne now have eight children keeping Rosalie busy. Shirley and Walter Gavigan only have one child, Dwight, which Shirley finds difficult. Alice and Nick Bradford are happy with their three children. Everyone remains concerned about the threat of communism and the Soviet Union.
The document provides excerpts from letters and diary entries written by Danny Bradford, a US naval officer serving during World War II. It describes his training, assignments aboard a destroyer tender in the Pacific, and experiences receiving sporadic news and worrying about family and friends involved in the war. Major events mentioned include the Allied invasion of Europe, battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa, firebombing of Tokyo, and Germany's surrender.
Dotty writes a letter to Alice recounting her memories of meeting and marrying Edward Haywood during World War 2. They met while Dotty was in college and fell in love, though Edward was soon deployed overseas. With little time left together, they decided to marry quickly in a small ceremony before he left. Dotty promises to move on with her life if anything happens to Edward, though hopes they will be reunited after the war ends.
The document provides an update on Alice and Nick's story. It begins Alice feeling unwell and going to the doctor with her mother-in-law Cindy. At the doctor's office, Cindy smiles knowingly at Alice. When Alice returns home, her husband James asks how the doctor's visit went. Cindy replies vaguely that it went "just fine" without elaborating, leaving James curious about Alice's condition.
Shirley finds a war job working at her cousin Silas' shipyard in Portsmouth. Her parents are apprehensive due to the dangers of industrial work but Shirley argues that she needs to contribute to the war effort like her brother Howie and boyfriend Walter. She promises her parents she will be careful and go to and from work with trusted companions. They reluctantly agree to let her take the job.
This summary provides an overview of the document in 3 sentences:
The document is a collection of memoirs from Rosalie Seiff Thorne describing her experiences during World War 2, including getting married to prevent her husband from being drafted, volunteering with the Red Cross, and her brother Gilbert enlisting in the Marines despite family concerns. Rosalie adjusts to married life, returns home when her husband is deployed, and keeps busy with household and volunteer duties while providing support for her mother and correspondence with her absent husband and brother through letters.
This document provides backstory for characters in a fictional Sims-based novel. It describes events in the lives of several generations of the Bradford family as World War II begins. Key details include Nick and Alice heading off to college as the war starts in Europe, different family members having differing views on the war and its implications for America, and Nick worrying about his brother Danny enlisting once America enters the war.
This summary provides context and key details from the document in 3 sentences:
The document discusses recent world events that have increased tensions in Europe, with Sterling expressing concern that Germany will continue expanding its territory now that the Soviet Union has signed a non-aggression pact. Alice has been keeping up with the news and understands Nick and Sterling's worries about Germany's actions. The summary concludes with Sterling pouring himself a drink after Alice leaves, reflecting on the troubled state of international affairs.
The document provides an update on the events in the fictional Bradford Legacy story. It summarizes that Marsha Bradford passed away, upsetting the Bradford family. It also describes a picnic outing with Nick, Alice and their friends that is interrupted by an insensitive comment from Rosalie. The summary concludes with James confronting his disapproving grandparents' graves after his mother's funeral.
The document is a short story summarizing how the four founders of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Alexander, Philomena, Henrietta, and Matthew - came together to establish the famous school. They realized the need for a school to properly educate young witches and wizards in magic. While they agreed on the idea, they struggled to agree on admissions criteria until Philomena proposed creating houses for each founder to select their preferred type of student. They settled on this idea and finally agreed on a name for the school - Hogwarts.
This document provides an update on the Bradford family during the Great Depression. Sterling hires James as the clerk at his family store in hopes of improving relations with James' sister Viola, who blames James for Sterling getting shot. Viola is angry about James working at the store but Sterling stands firm in his decision. Their daughter Shirley is happy that she can now play with her cousin Nicky again. James enjoys his new job at the store and finds he is well-suited to it.
This summary provides an overview of the key events and changes affecting the Bradford family and their neighbors after the stock market crash in 3 sentences:
The stock market crash had widespread negative financial impacts, with many families like the Bradfords, Phoenixes, and Menons facing job losses, home foreclosures, and the passing of patriarch Jason Menon from stress of the crash. Jefferson Bradford also lost his job, but plans to make toys in the billiards room to possibly sell and provide Christmas gifts for neighborhood children. The family adjusts to tighter finances with Cindy sewing clothes, Jefferson and James doing extra work, and Marsha preserving their harvest.
Melanie achieved her goal of becoming a Criminal Mastermind, completing her asylum challenge. While conditions in the asylum deteriorated for many of the inmates, Jan was able to max her Body skill. In the end, the document recaps the states and scores of each inmate, with Melanie scoring highest and achieving her goal, while Muriel went into aspirational failure.
Understanding of Self - Applied Social Psychology - Psychology SuperNotesPsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
ProSocial Behaviour - Applied Social Psychology - Psychology SuperNotesPsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
Covey says most people look for quick fixes. They see a big success and want to know how he did it, believing (and hoping) they can do the same following a quick bullet list.
But real change, the author says, comes not from the outside in, but from the inside out. And the most fundamental way of changing yourself is through a paradigm shift.
That paradigm shift is a new way of looking at the world. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People presents an approach to effectiveness based on character and principles.
The first three habits indeed deal with yourself because it all starts with you. The first three habits move you from dependence from the world to the independence of making your own world.
Habits 4, 5 and 6 are about people and relationships. The will move you from independence to interdependence. Such, cooperating to achieve more than you could have by yourself.
The last habit, habit number 7, focuses on continuous growth and improvement.
Aggression - Applied Social Psychology - Psychology SuperNotesPsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
Aggression - Applied Social Psychology - Psychology SuperNotes
The Bradford Legacy - Chapter 8
1. Welcome to Chapter 8 of my legacy! At this point, so much has happened that a few
sentences can‟t do the story justice. I suggest that you read the prologue and first seven
chapters to get the full story. Last chapter, Thomas, generation three heir, did his best to
find his missing brother, Patrick, but was unable to do so. The generation two heir, Elias,
died without ever seeing his son again. Sister Eliza continued to mourn her husband, but
eventually found happiness with George McCarthy. And the eldest of generation four,
Anne, finally found Patrick and begged him to come home for the sake of Uma.
And now, on with the story.
2. Patrick and Margaret Turner sat on the sofa in the parlor of their Portsimouth apartment.
Patrick‟s niece, Anne Bradford, had just left after begging her uncle to come home and
visit with his ailing, aging mother. Before he could contemplate a family reunion, he had
a very important conversation to have with his wife. He had not been honest with her
about the path that had brought him to her, and it was time to confess.
He looked at his wife, hoping that what he was about to tell her would not change her
feelings for him. These past few years, with their marriage and the birth of their son, had
been the happiest Patrick had ever known
“I hardly know where to start,” he said.
“The beginning is always a good place,” smiled Margaret.
3. “I guess the beginning goes back to my childhood. Thomas was always the center of
attention. Mother always doted on me, but my parents had waited so long for Thomas to
be born that they couldn‟t help but spoil him. And Eliza was the only girl, and so clever at
that. I wanted for nothing, but I always felt that I was the least important of the bunch.
So I tried to find ways to stand out. I never was much of a scholar, or an athlete. The
only thing I seemed to excel at was debating. But it wasn‟t until I met Horace Alcott that I
found what I had been looking for. He was from South Simolina, and he spoke with such
passion about the cause of states‟ rights. I was enthralled by him.”
4. “Horace was a good friend of yours,” stated Margaret.
“He was a great friend. Though I was barely sixteen, he treated me as an adult. He
valued my opinions, and he encouraged me to express them. Though I am certain he
didn‟t mean for me to be as forceful as I was. Looking back, I realize that I was rude,
pushy, and disrespectful. I picked fights with everyone constantly, to the point where no
one could bear to me around me. Eliza was the only one who would spend any time with
me. I introduced her to Horace, hoping that he could help me bring her around to our
side of things. Instead, he was enamored by her, and begged me to help him court her.”
“And you did,” smiled Margaret, “because you wanted Horace to be a true brother to
you.”
5. Patrick nodded. “You know me so well. Yes, I helped bring them together. Everything
was going so well. And then, the war came.”
Patrick paused as images of his years on the march swam before his eyes. He never
thought about that time willingly, and it came rushing back with such force now.
Margaret noticed the far away look in his eyes. “Patrick, come back to me.”
He shook his head, as if to shake the memories away. “I‟m sorry. It‟s been so long, but
at times it feels like yesterday. Believing as strongly as I did in states‟ rights, I knew
there was just one thing for me to do. I enlisted in the South Simolina army. I went to
Horace and Eliza‟s to share the news, and Horace decided to come with me.”
6. “I never knew you fought for the South until Anne mentioned it.”
“What else did she tell you?”
“Nothing. She thought I knew.”
Patrick sighed. “I‟m not proud of many things I‟ve done in my life, Margaret. I had hoped
to keep some of the follies of my youth from you.”
“Nonsense,” dismissed Margaret. “I cannot know who you are now unless I understand
who you were as a young man. Now, you left off when you and Horace went off to war.”
“Yes, I had.”
7. “Things were well for a few years. Sure, we grew tired of the constant marching and
fighting. But we were fighting for a cause we believed in. Eventually, we got to
Pennsimvania, and there we were to engage the Union troops in battle. The night
before, Horace had gotten a batch of letters from Eliza letting him know that she had
given birth to twin boys. I begged him to go home to them, but he refused.”
Patrick shook his head. “I should have insisted that he go. If he had gone, he‟d still be
alive. The next day, he was killed by a Union sniper as our advance unit moved forward.
It‟s my fault that he‟s dead. My fault that my sister‟s a widow. My fault that my nephews
never knew their father.” His voice had dropped to a whisper by the time he finished his
speech.
8. “What happened then?” she asked gently.
“I had to stay and fight, but my heart wasn‟t in it anymore. I just wanted to come home to
my family. I wanted nothing more that my Mother‟s comfort, but I had to tell Eliza about
Horace first. She slapped me; I can still feel the sting of it to this day. And then she
threw me out of her house, saying that she never wanted to se me again. So I ran.”
“Where did you go?”
“Here. Well, to that horrible rooming house that you found me in. I had almost no
money to my name, and I was afraid to face my family after Eliza‟s reaction.”
“So you have not seen or spoken with your family in over ten years?”
9. Patrick nodded. “I read about my father‟s death in the paper the day we met. I was so
mad at Thomas for not coming and telling me in person. Of course, he couldn‟t tell me
because he had no idea where I was.” He chuckled darkly. “It‟s almost comical how this
has played out. I didn‟t reach out to them, because I thought they hated me, and they
didn‟t find me because I didn‟t want to be found.”
He sighed. “So now you know my dark past. I‟m responsible for causing my family so
much pain over the years. I‟d hardly blame you if you took Andrew and walked out the
door. With all that I‟ve brought on you as well, I scarcely believe that you‟d stay.”
10. Margaret looked at Patrick, staring into his eyes for a long time. She saw the pain and
sadness that his estrangement from his family had brought on, and guilt for the death of
Horace and its consequences. Those emotions had been present in her husband‟s eyes
for years. But now there was a new emotion: fear. Fear that he would lose the life he
had built for himself. The other feelings would take more time to erase, but the last she
could alleviate straight away.
“Patrick, I am not going anywhere. Our vows were for better or for worse. I always knew
there was a reason for your behavior when we met…”
“Your polite way of referring to my drunken stupor.”
“…and now that I know it, I will do what I can to help you work through it.”
11. “You mean that.”
“Of course I do. We will work through this together. Now, first and foremost, what do
you intend to do about Anne‟s request?”
12. Patrick grew silent. He had spent so many years running from his past. Still, he had
made a promise to Anne, and he had always been a man of his word.
“I need to go home. Soon. Tomorrow. I‟ll take the train to Simsfield tomorrow.”
“You mean we’ll be taking the train to Simsfield tomorrow.”
“Margaret, you don‟t have to…” he began.
“But I want to. Besides, any anger your mother may have will be dissipated by the sight
of her grandson.”
13. “Andrew‟s still a baby,” stated Patrick. “Is such a journey a good idea?”
“His birthday is tonight; besides, I think your mother would appreciate getting to know her
grandchild.”
Patrick looked at Margaret.
“What?” she asked, confused. “Do you not want your family to know about us?”
“Hardly,” he replied. “I‟m still trying to figure out what I ever did to deserve a woman
such as you.”
14. He pulled her close. “Thank you for offering to come. I‟m not sure I can face tomorrow
alone, even with Anne‟s encouragement.”
“It is nothing. You don‟t have to face anything alone anymore, Patrick. I‟ll always be
here to support you.”
The couple stayed locked in an embrace until they heard their son‟s cries from the
nursery. Reluctantly, they separated, Margaret to tend to Andrew‟s needs and Patrick to
reserve seats on the morning train.
15. Patrick brought his son downstairs to celebration his transition into toddlerhood.
“Tickle, tickle,” cooed Patrick to his son‟s delighted squeals.
“Patrick, we do have a long day ahead of us tomorrow,” reminded Margaret gently.
“Yes, yes,” he said.
16. Patrick blew out the candles on the cake as Andrew stared at the lights.
“Well, then,” said Patrick. “Let‟s see how you grow up.”
17. Andrew turned out to be a cute little boy with a blend of his parents‟ features. He was
very outgoing and nice, but a bit of a slob.
18. The next morning, the family rose before dawn to begin the journey into Simsfield.
Margaret bathed Andrew, and dressed him in his smartest outfit.
“Are you all set? The carriage is downstairs to take us to the train station,” said Patrick.
“Yes, I just need to put his winter coat on; the cold has come early this year.”
“Here, let me take him. He‟s gotten big, and I don‟t want you to get tired.”
Thank you,” replied Margaret, handing the toddler to Patrick. “He is getting heavy.”
19. Margaret went to fetch the coats. Patrick looked at his son.
“You‟re going to meet your grandmother today, Andrew. What do you think about that?”
“Gramma?”
Patrick laughed. “She is going to love you. Let‟s get going.”
20. It was still early when Patrick, Margaret, and Andrew arrived in Simsfield. They decided
to walk the short distance from the station to the farm.
“This is it,” said Patrick, as he paused in the front yard.
“What a lovely home,” comment Margaret. “I had forgotten how charming this village is.”
“Gramma?” asked Andrew.
“Grandma is inside. Come, let‟s go introduce you.”
Patrick walked up the steps and knocked on the door.
21. Uma went to answer the knock. She was not feeling up to callers. Carolina was sick in
bed with a nasty cold, Thomas was at work, the elder children at school, and Uma had
been forced to deal with toddler twins on her own. Still, social obligations must be kept,
and so she opened the door.
She froze as the callers came into the hallway, hardly believing her eyes.
22. Patrick didn‟t know how to react to his mother‟s silence. Luckily for him, Andrew broke
the tension.
“Gramma?” he asked.
“Yes, Andrew. That is your Grandma.”
“Patrick?” whispered Uma.
“Yes, Mother. I‟d like to introduce you to my wife, Margaret, and our son, Andrew.”
“Oh, Patrick!” Uma cried, rushing towards her youngest son. Patrick barely had time to
hand Andrew to Margaret.
23. Uma threw her arms around her son.
“Oh, thank heaven you are well,” she cried, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. “I
have worried about you for so long.”
“I‟m so sorry to have caused you that distress, Mother.”
“It doesn‟t matter now. All that matters is that you are here.”
“And I am not going to vanish again. Now, there is someone who is most anxious to
meet you,” he said pulling away from the hug to grab Andrew from Margaret‟s arms.
“Mother, this is Andrew. Andrew, this is your Grandma.”
24. Patrick place Andrew into Uma‟s arms. The toddler regarded her for a moment before
smiling. “Gramma pretty,” he declaired.
“Oh, aren‟t you a darling,” Uma said, snuggling the little boy close. “Oh, Patrick. You
have done well for yourself. I am so glad.”
25. Patrick looked at Margaret with relief. She smiled a knowing smile.
“You were right, dear,” he said softly.
“Goodness, where are my manners?” said Uma. “Here, let me take your coats and
hats.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Bradford,” replied Margaret. “Andrew‟s due for his nap. Is there
someplace…”
“The nursery is upstairs, last door on the right. Go and put him down, and then we can
have a nice visit.”
26. After getting Andrew settled, the three adults went into the music room. Uma could not
stop looking at Patrick as if she was afraid he would vanish at any moment.
“Mother, I am so sorry for running away. It was wrong of me to cut you out of my life.”
“Oh, dear,” she sighed. “Patrick, I do not fault you. There is blame all around. None of
us were especially supportive of you having a differing opinion.”
“Still, I am not proud of the way I acted. My youth doesn‟t excuse how I treated you,
Thomas, and Father. I was discourteous, and for that I must apologize.”
Uma beamed at her son. “What has brought about your change of heart, Patrick?”
27. Patrick paused and looked at Margaret. He was fairly certain that no one in the family
knew that Anne had called on him, and he didn‟t want to get his niece in any trouble.
“It was me,” lied Margaret smoothly, sensing Patrick‟s distress. “I wanted our son to
know his family.”
“That is so sweet of you,” said Uma. “You look so familiar to me. Have we met before?”
“Perhaps. I grew up here in the village, but my family moved to the city years ago.”
“I thought so. Tell me, how did the two of you meet?”
It was Margaret‟s turn to look uncomfortable, and Patrick‟s turn to rescue her.
28. “Margaret found me on the day I read Father‟s obituary in the paper. I was drowning my
sorrows…”
“Oh, Patrick,” admonished Uma. “That is not the answer.”
“I know, Mother, but I was at my lowest point. Margaret was a life raft for me, and I knew
that I couldn‟t let her get away.”
Uma looked at Margaret. “Thank you. You not only saved my son, but you have brought
him back to me. I can never repay you.”
“It was nothing, Mrs. Bradford. I am glad to have been able to be a part of this happy
reunion.”
29. “How is Eliza?” asked Patrick.
“Oh, she‟s just wonderful!” exclaimed Uma. “She and Mr. McCarthy were married, and
they are so happy. The twins are teenagers now, and they are expecting a new addition
to the family in a few months.”
“Does she still hate me?”
“Oh, Patrick, I do not know. She refused to speak about you, so I simply stopped asking.
But she has lost much of her bitterness. Perhaps enough time has passed for you two to
be friends again.”
“I hope that is the case. I have missed her gentle guidance over the years.”
30. In no time at all, several hours had passed. Uma had told Patrick all about his nieces
and nephews, and Patrick had caught his mother up on his new life in the city. The
conversation was interupted when Thomas arrived home from work.
“Mother, how is Carolina…” he began as he walked into the room. “Patrick?” he asked in
disbelief.
Uma nodded excitedly. “Patrick has come home, and he has brought his wife, Margaret,
and their son, Andrew. Is it not wonderful, Thomas? The family is whole again!”
31. Relief washed over Thomas as he crossed the room and hugged his brother.
“I am so glad to see you home, and doing well to boot! We have all hoped for this for so
long.”
32. Patrick returned his brother‟s embrace fiercely.
“It is good to be home. I wish I had been able to find the courage to do this years ago.”
“You are here now; that is all that matters,” replied Thomas.
Patrick laughed. “I have heard that already today, brother. Mother beat you to it.”
33. While Uma and Margaret kept conversed in the background, the brothers quickly caught
up.
“Your face…” commented Thomas.
“I was knocked down during the same battle where Horace was killed. I don‟t even know
exactly how I got this as I was unconscious. My wife thinks it adds to my rugged good
looks.”
“Hah! You‟re still as vain as ever, I see.”
“I‟ve changed over the years, Thomas, and come to see the error of my ways. I want to
apologize to you for how I treated you in my youth.”
34. Thomas shook his head. “And I should apologize to you, for how I treated you. We
make you feel an outcast for having a different opinion. Perhaps if we had acted
differently, you would not have been lost to us for so long.”
“Perhaps,” agreed Patrick. “But I was a headstrong youth, and I made mistakes. Let‟s
say it‟s water under the bridge and move forward.”
“An excellent idea,” agreed Thomas. “It is good to see you.”
“It is good to be home.”
“Well, isn‟t this a lovely reunion,” a female voice interjected.
35. Anne and Diana had returned home from school and joined the party. Diana looked
upon the gathering with a degree of indifference, but Anne wore a grin a mile wide with a
slightly smug expression.
“Patrick, these are my eldest girls. Anne and Diana.”
“I met them just before I went to war. They‟re practically grown up.”
“Hello, Uncle Patrick,” said Diana politely.
36. Anne walked right up to her uncle and greeted him with a hug and a kiss. “I‟m glad you
listened,” said Anne in a voice that she thought was quiet enough for just Patrick‟s ears.
Thomas looked at his daughter. “What do you mean by that, Anne?”
37. Anne laughed nervously. “I may have…meddled, Papa.”
“Explain.”
“When Mama, Diana and I went into Portsimouth, I…fibbed about my headache. I
actually had discovered where Uncle Patrick was living, and I called on him, begging him
to come home. And he listened! He‟s here; isn‟t it wonderful?”
Thomas scowled at his daughter. “You went walking about the city alone? What were
you thinking?”
“Thomas,” interrupted Uma.
38. “Anne may not have behaved properly, but she has brought Patrick home to us.
Perhaps you can forgive her actions this one time, as she was doing what she thought
best for the family.”
Thomas nodded. “Very well, Mother.”
39. He turned to face Anne again. “You are forgiven, because you were able to do
something that none of us have been able to accomplish. But you will never do such a
thing again, young lady. If you behave as such while you are at Mrs. Seymour‟s, I will
have you brought home so fast it will make your head spin. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Papa. Thank you.”
“No, thank you, dear child. This is truly a wonderful day for this family.”
40. Uma called Anne over and hugged her tight.
“Thank you, Anne. My family is together, and my heart is whole again.”
“You are welcome, Grandma. I did it for you.”
41. Before long, it was time for the Turners to return home.
“It was lovely to meet you, dear,” said Uma as she hugged Margaret. “You must come to
visit often, and bring that beautiful boy of yours.”
“I will. I‟ll go fetch him now,” replied Margaret.
42. Once Margaret came back downstairs with Andrew, Patrick knew it was time to go.
Uma pulled him close. “Do not stay away for so long again.”
“Never,” he agreed. “You will be sick of me before long.”
“Never,” she whispered. “My dear boy, I love you so much.”
“And I love you, too, Mother. I will call when we get back into the city to let you know we
have arrived safely.”
“Thank you. Good bye.”
43. Before he left Simsfield, Patrick had one more stop he needed to make. Margaret took
Andrew to call on an old acquaintance, and Patrick walked across town to his sister
Eliza‟s house. He stood outside the door for a long time, trying to gather up the courage
to knock. He wasn‟t sure how Eliza would react to him, and he feared another angry
tirade.
Drawing in a deep breath, Patrick raised his arm and knocked.
44. Eliza went to answer the door. George was at the store, and the boys were staying late
at school for university entrance exam preparation. She wasn‟t expecting any callers
that day, and was curious to see who had come for a visit.
45. “Hello, Eliza,” greeted Patrick as he came into the entryway.
“Patrick,” breathed Eliza, the shock of seeing her brother evident on her face.
“I won‟t take much of your time, but I was in town visiting Mother and I couldn‟t leave
without stopping. I just wanted to tell you again how sorry I am about what happened
with Horace all those years ago. I‟ve never been able to forgive myself for depriving you
of your husband, and my nephews of their father. I don‟t expect you to be able to forgive
me either, but I hope that someday we might be able to be civil for the sake of the family.
I‟m sorry to have barged in unannounced, and I‟ll take my leave now. Goodbye, Eliza.”
46. Patrick turned and opened the door to leave. Judging by his sister‟s lack of response, he
feared that this might be the last time he would see her. Just as his foot crossed the
threshold, Eliza‟s voice called out to him.
“Patrick, please wait.”
47. He turned to face his sister. “Yes?”
“I think…that is, perhaps we should…what I mean to say is…” she stuttered. There were
very few times Eliza was at a loss for words, and this was one of them. She looked at
her brother, and her thoughts steadied. “Won‟t you come in for a few moments? There
are a few things I would like to say as well.”
“Yes, of course.”
48. The siblings went to sit in the parlor. A rather uncomfortable silence passed for some
time. Finally, Eliza spoke.
“Patrick, I have spent so many years being angry at you.”
He made a nervous face. “As much as I know I deserve it, I‟m really not up for another
one of your tongue lashings, Eliza.”
“And that‟s the thing, Patrick, you didn‟t deserve it then, and you don‟t deserve it now.”
Patrick was even more confused now. “What do you mean, Eliza? It‟s my fault that
Horace is gone.”
49. “You still believe that, Patrick?”
He nodded. “If it weren‟t for me coming here after I enlisted, Horace would never have
gone to war, and he‟d still be here to be a husband to you, and a father to the boys.”
Eliza gently shook her head.
“If I am not mistaken, Horace is the one who convinced you of the cause of states‟ rights.
He is the one who got you so fired up that it alienated you from your family. You didn‟t
force him to go to war, Patrick; he went of his own volition. It‟s not your fault that he‟s
gone, Patrick. It never was, and I was wrong to say so. And for that, I am greatly sorry.”
50. “Eliza, why are you apologizing to me? It‟s my fault! You said so yourself.”
“Patrick, have you ever heard the old proverb about shooting the messenger?”
Patrick nodded.
“You were the messenger, delivering me the most devastating news I could have
imagined. I had to be mad at someone, and that someone was you.”
“But still…”
“No more, Patrick,” Eliza said firmly. “There is no one to blame for his death except the
soldier who shot him.” She sighed, and then admitted in a soft voice, “And perhaps
Horace himself.”
51. Patrick gasped at his sister‟s words.
“But you know it‟s true, Patrick. He decided to go. No, he didn‟t know that I was…in the
family way. But he still left his wife behind. He knew what the consequences might be.”
She paused, a thoughtful look on her face. “It has taken me a long time to admit this,
Patrick, but it was easier to be angry at you than it was to be mad at Horace.”
“Why were you mad at him?”
“Because he left me! Alone, with two little boys to raise. I was furious at him for years,
wallowing in my sorrows. Mother tried to encourage me to forgive you, but I held fast to
my anger at you; it made more sense than my anger at Horace.”
52. “So you hated me because it was easier to hate your brother than it was to hate your
husband?”
“It sounds so silly when you say it aloud. It was George who finally helped me to heal.”
Patrick smiled. “I see you will soon be a mother again.”
Eliza smiled at her brother. “Yes. We are both excited. The boys as well.”
At that moment, the front door opened, and two rowdy teenage boys entered.
“Boys,” called Eliza, “Hang your coats up and come into the parlor. There is someone I
would like you to meet.”
53. “Who is it, Mother?” asked Lawrence.
“Lawrence, Robert, this is your Uncle Patrick.”
Patrick rose from the sofa.
54. He extended his hand to Lawrence.
“It‟s very nice to meet you.”
“And you as well, Uncle Patrick,” replied Lawrence, returning the handshake. “What
brings you back to Simsfield?”
“I married and have a son, and wished for him to know his family.”
“Another cousin?” smiled Lawrence. “Will we get to meet him today?”
“No, he is with my wife calling on an old friend of hers. Perhaps another day soon.”
55. Patrick then turned to Robert and offered him his hand as well.
“You went to war with my father,” stated Robert.
“I did,” replied Patrick wearily.
“Will you tell me about it? Mother and Mercy have told me much about him, but they
won‟t talk about that.”
“Another time, Robert,” interjected Eliza. “You boys go finish your schoolwork. Patrick
will be joining us for dinner.”
“I will?” asked Patrick.
56. After a quick phone call to Margaret‟s friend‟s house to share his new plans, Patrick and
Eliza settled in to a game of chess to pass the time before dinner.
Just after six, George returned home. There he found his wife and her brother engaged
in a deep conversation. He couldn‟t help but smile. George had encouraged Eliza to
reach out to her brother, but she had been to scared. He had seen how close they had
been as children, and it was good to see that closeness restored.
“This is a lovely surprise,” he stated.
57. “George!” cried Eliza happily. She jumped up from her chair to embrace him.
“Easy there, dear. You are in a delicate condition, after all.”
“I tended a garden when I was carrying the twins,” she scoffed. “George, Patrick has
come home at last. Isn‟t it wonderful?”
“Yes, it is dear.”
58. Patrick rose and greeted George.
“I see you finally managed to win my sister‟s affections after all these years,” he said.
“I see you have finally managed to do the right thing and reconcile with your family,”
retorted George.
Patrick smiled. “Stubbornness runs in the family, as I‟m sure you‟ve found out by now.”
George pretended to contemplate Patrick‟s statement, and then smiled. “The Bradford
stubbornness is well-known in the village, and I have three who inherited it to deal with.”
Patrick laughed. “Good luck with that.”
59. “Gentlemen,” admonished Eliza.
“What? We were only having a little fun,” stated Patrick.
“At my expense, and that of my sons,” she retorted.
“I am sorry, Eliza,” replied George.
“As am I,” agreed Patrick.
“There have been enough apologies today. Let us sit down to dinner and enjoy getting to
know one another and catching up.”
60. Dinner that evening consisted of Patrick and Eliza getting each other caught up on the
events of the past ten or so years. Eventually, the conversation turned to the war, and
Patrick‟s involvement in it.
“Uncle Patrick, would you tell me about my father and why he went to war?” asked
Robert.
Patrick looked at Eliza, who nodded her head in consent. Patrick drew in deep breath
before he began.
61. “Your father and I went to fight for the South because we believed that individual states‟
rights took precedence over the national government. Neither of us believe in slavery;
the fact that your father freed the slaves his father had owned should tell you that. But
we did fight alongside those who wanted to keep the practice alive.
Your father was a brave solider. He often went on scouting missions to find us suitable
encampment sites, or to do reconnaissance on the Union soldiers. We looked out for
each other; he even gave the order to take cover when we were attacked.”
62. “Did he know about us? That is, had he received word that he was a father?” asked
Robert.
Patrick nodded. “I never saw prouder than he was after he read your mother‟s letter. He
wanted nothing more than to be a father, and to have it happen twice at once was almost
more than he could comprehend.”
Robert smiled for a moment, then his face fell slightly. “Then why did he not come home
to us straight away?”
63. “Robert, I don‟t think…” began Eliza, but she paused as Patrick held up a hand to silence
her.
“He‟s practically a man, Eliza,” reminded Patrick.
Eliza sighed. “It‟s hard for a mother to see that sometimes. Go ahead.”
“Robert, your father did want to come home; I practically begged him to. Two things
stopped him. First, he was afraid of what would happen if he was found to be a deserter.
Had he been caught, he would have been severely punished. But mostly, he wanted to
see the cause through to the end. He had made a promise of sorts by signing up for the
army, and he wanted to see it through to the end.”
64. The table was silent for a few moments, the only noise the sound of silverware gently
clinking on plates.
“I wish he could have kept both his promise to his cause, and his promise to Mother to
come home safely,” said Robert softly.
“As we all do,” said Lawrence. “But things are not so bad, Robert. We have Mr.
McCarthy now, and we will have a new brother or sister soon.”
“I suppose,” muttered Robert.
“Robert, I wish I could have saved your father. I truly do,” said Patrick.
“It‟s alright, Uncle Patrick. I don‟t blame you,” replied Robert.
65. George had listened to the exchange in silence. Though Eliza was now his wife, and in
many ways he looked at her boys as theirs, it still pained him slightly to hear about her
first husband.
Eliza noted George‟s distress, and covered his hand in hers. “I am glad that you were
able to have some of your questions about your father answered, Robert. Perhaps you
and your uncle can visit and discuss the issue further?”
“I would be happy to take you to the train station on my way into the store so the two of
you can visit in Portsimouth,” agreed George.
“Thank you very much, Mr. McCarthy,” said Robert.
66. A short time later, Patrick reluctantly put on his coat and hat.
“Must you go? I had hoped to meet your wife and son.”
“I spoke with Margaret, and Andrew is getting very fussy. We had best be getting home.”
“Of course. I can‟t imagine travelling with a toddler.”
“It‟s not so bad. We‟ll come back soon so that you can meet Margaret, and maybe they‟ll
get to meet the new addition to the family by then.”
67. The siblings hugged.
“I‟m so glad that things are right between us again, „Liza.”
“So am I, Patrick. So am I.”
68. Eliza kissed her brother goodbye.
“Don‟t wait ten years before calling again.”
Patrick laughed. “Nonsense. Margaret and I will need all the advice we can get on
raising a son. You seem to be the expert in that department.”
“Safe journey, Patrick.”
“I‟ll see you soon, Eliza.”
69. After Patrick left, Eliza smiled to herself contently. Things were finally fall back into
place. The baby moved, and she rubbed her stomach.
“Are you alright, dear?” asked George.
“Never better,” she replied. “I‟m so glad Patrick had the courage to come speak to me.
I don‟t know if I would ever have been able to.”
70. George walked over and kissed his wife.
“Yes, you would have.”
“Thank you,” replied Eliza. “And thank you for dealing with Robert‟s questions so well.”
“The boy has a right to know about his father.”
“But I know it pains you to hear about him. Lawrence has come around to seeing you
as his father. I‟m sure that Robert will too with time.”
“I hope so. Now, you‟ve had a busy day. Off to bed with you.”
71. “It is your birthday today, sweet girl,” Uma told Philomena.
“Gonna be big girl, Grandma!”
“Yes, you are. And you are going to have a proper party, with your Aunt Eliza and
Uncle George, and Uncle Patrick and Aunt Margaret in attendance. It is so nice to
have everyone together again.”
72. Later that afternoon, Uma was entertaining Alexander while Anne and Diane helped
Carolina get ready for the party.
“Who‟s Grandma‟s big boy?” she cooed.
“Me, Grandma! I go school tomorrow.”
“Yes, you will start school. And in a few weeks, your big sisters will depart for finishing
school. Where has the time gone?”
73. The party for Alexander and Philomena‟s birthday was a huge success. The entire
Bradford family, Patrick and Margaret included, were in attendance.
74. Thomas and Carolina did the honors of bringing the twins to their cakes. Everyone was
excited to see how the pair would grow up.
75. Of all the twins, Alexander and Philomena were the most identical. Their eye color was
the only difference between them.
76. A few weeks later, it was time for Anne and Diana to depart for Mrs. Seymour‟s Finishing
School. There were lots of farewell hugs and kisses to go around among the siblings.
78. Thomas hugged his oldest daughter close. “Remember what I told you. You will conduct
yourself like a lady, or I‟ll have you home so fast it will make your head spin.”
“Yes, Papa. I promise to be good.”
“Never mind your father,” said Carolina. “Learn all you can at school, and take care of
your sister. Make sure that she and Mr. Pasang behave properly, as I know that he will
be at college and that it is not far away from Mrs. Seymour‟s.”
“I will, Mama. Di and I always look out for each other.”
79. Diana also hugged her parents.
“Be certain you conduct yourself as a young lady should,” reminded Thomas.
“Always, Papa.”
“Remember to have Anne serve as chaperone when Mr. Pasang calls, dear,” reminded
Carolina.
“Yes, Mama.”
“Also,” said Thomas as he cleared his throat. “I expect Mr. Pasang to be calling on me
one day soon. Please let him know that.”
“Be nice to him when he does, Papa. I care about him a great deal.”
80. But the most tender goodbyes were reserved for Uma. Despite her newfound
exuberance over Patrick‟s return, the girls could see how frail she had become. They
knew that this might be the last time they saw her.
“Do not be sad,” Uma reminded them. “You are going on to great things. I wish school
had been an option for me as a young woman. Learn all that you can, and make many
friends. I am certain that you will do the Bradford name proud.”
81. “Are you ready for this?” asked Anne.
“As I will ever be, I supposed,” responded Diana.
The girls heard the coach wheels, and they put on their coats.
82. Thomas saw to their trunks, and Anne and Diana climbed aboard for the short ride to the
train station. Once there, they boarded a train that brought them to Mrs. Seymour‟s.
83. Anne and Diana settled into their new routine at finishing school quickly. Their shopping
excursion with their mother had paid off, and both girls were eager to show off their new
dresses. Diana took up an art course as most of the other ladies at school did, but Anne
decided she wanted to study philosophy.
84. As the eldest Bradford girls settled into school, there was much excitement going on at
the McCarthy house.
“Oh,” moaned Eliza. “Mercy! Come quickly.”
85. “Mercy, is outside, dear. Can I do something for you?” asked George, coming into the
room.
“The baby is coming! Unless you plan to deliver it yourself, I suggest to go and fetch
her,” cried Eliza through clenched teeth.
“Ah!” exclaimed George. “I‟ll go get her right now.”
86. “No need to worry about anything, Miss Eliza. I‟m here, and you‟ve done this twice
before already,” she soothed. “Mr. McCarthy, you go wait downstairs. I‟ll come get you
when it‟s time.”
87. It was not long before Mercy went back downstairs to fetch George. Upon entering the
room he shared with Eliza, he found his wife holding a small creature with brown hair and
eyes.
“George, I would like you to meet your daughter.”
“She‟s perfect,” he breathed. “Do you know what you‟d like to call her?”
“I thought we could call her Amelia, after your mother.”
“I like that idea very much.”
88. Lawrence and Robert were soon allowed into the room to see their sister.
“She‟s so tiny,” marveled Lawrence.
“You were that small once too, you know,” commented Eliza.
Lawrence shook his head in disbelief.
Robert simply stared at the baby for a few moments, before taking a few tentative steps
forward.
89. “Hello, Amelia,” he said. “I‟m Robert, your big brother.”
Amelia turned her head towards Robert‟s voice, so Eliza turned the baby so that she
could look at Robert.
“You‟re very pretty. I promise to beat up any boys that make you cry.”
“Robert,” admonished Eliza gently, but she was secretly pleased that he was taking such
an interest anything that George had a hand in.
90. “How are Anne and Diana doing at school?” asked Uma one afternoon over a game of
billiards.
“They are both doing well. Diana is enjoying her classes, and Anne tells me she does as
well. Mr. Pasang is bringing both of them to the theater tomorrow to celebrate the end of
term.”
“And has this Mr. Pasang called to let you know of his intentions towards Diana?”
Thomas grimaced. “He is supposed to meet me for coffee later this week.”
“Be kind to him, dear. It is obvious how much he cares for her.”
91. Thomas hugged his mother. “Was it as hard for you to watch your children grow up as it
is for me?”
“Harder, because I feared I had lost one of my babies forever. But you and Carolina
have done an excellent job raising your brood. I have no doubt that great things lie
ahead for all of them.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
92. “Grandma, they have selected me to recite on the Simerican Revolution at the school
exhibition next week!” cried Henrietta.
“That is wonderful, dear!” Uma exclaimed, giving her granddaughter a hug.
“Will you come and watch me?”
“I will be in the front row, dear child,” Uma promised.
“Oh, I must go find Mama and tell her!” Henrietta said, hurrying from the room.
93. Matthew came into the study just as Henrietta dashed out.
“Are you going to be reciting at the school exhibition as well?” Uma asked.
“No,” he replied sullenly. “Henrietta is always picked for those sort of things.”
“Oh, dear,” soothed Uma. “Perhaps recitation is not your strength. You will go to
University soon; I am certain you will find your calling there.”
“Thank you, Grandma,” he replied. “I supposed I should go and do my schoolwork now.”
“That‟s a good boy.”
94. Uma went to the music room, where Carolina was beaming.
“Henrietta has found you, then?” asked Uma.
“I am so proud of her,” smiled Carolina.
“You have been an excellent mother to all of them, dear.”
“Thank you, Mother. I could not have done it without your help.”
“Thank you, dear.”
95. Carolina left to go help Henrietta figure out what to wear for the exhibition, leaving Uma
alone. The elderly woman smiled to herself. All was finally right in her world. Patrick
was found, and had done well for himself. Eliza had found happiness again, and
Thomas and his family were poised to carry on the Bradford name. A wave of
contentment washed over her as she turned into the billiard room.
96. Before she could get very far, she was met with a eerie presence. It seemed that it was
time for Uma to join her beloved Elias in the Great Unknown.
97. The entire family rushed downstairs as Uma vanished. She took one last look towards
her youngest grandchildren, wishing that she could hug them one last time.
98. The entire Bradford family, Thomas and the children especially, took the loss of the
family matriarch hard.
99. Matthew was the only one of the children who wasn‟t visibly saddened by the loss.
“Why are you crying?” he asked Phily. “Grandma was old; you knew this was going to
happen soon.”
“But that doesn‟t mean I can‟t be sad and miss her,” replied Phily.
Matthew shrugged. “I‟m sad too, but I‟m not crying like a little girl about it,” he said as
he exited the room.
“But I am a little girl,” muttered Phily, as she wiped her eyes.
100. Thomas‟ heart was heavy after he lost his mother. He was dreading what he needed
to do next.
“Carolina, I need to go and tell the girls about Mother. I‟m going to take the train into
the city, and I‟ll call on Patrick while I‟m there.”
“Do you want me to go and tell Eliza?” she asked.
“Would you mind?”
“Not at all.”
“Thank you, dear. I may be late, so don‟t wait up for me.”
101. Patrick was at work, and Margaret was trying to teach Andrew a nursery rhyme.
Andrew was much more interested in the lighting fixture that hung from the ceiling.
“Andrew, please pay attention,” said Margaret gently.
“Light!”
“Yes, dear. Now…”
“Big light!”
102. “You have no interest in what I want to teach you today, do you?”
“No!”
Margaret laughed. “I wonder what has you so distracted. It‟s not at all like you.”
“Mama, when visit Gramma?”
“This weekend, dear. We will take the train and go see your Grandma.”
“Yay train! Yay Gramma!”
103. Margaret got Andrew settled down for his nap, and went to the parlor to work on her
embroidery. She heard the front door open, and place her needlepoint down on the
table.
“How was your day, dear?”
“Thomas called on me at the office. Mother passed away this afternoon.”
“Oh, Patrick,” she cried, rushing to him.
104. “I am so sorry. You only just got her back in your life, and now she is gone.”
Patrick sniffled. “But I made her happy in her final days, and that is all that matters.”
Margaret rubbed soothing circles on her husband‟s back as she held him close. “I am
glad you got to spend some time with her.”
Patrick nodded, too overcome with emotion to speak.
105. A few moments later, he pulled away.
“Andrew has been asking when he will get to see Grandma again.”
Patrick sighed. “How do you explain death to a toddler?”
“We‟ll figure it out together,” she replied, taking his hand and leading him towards the
nursery.
106. Time continued to march forward in the Bradford household. Thomas taught Philomena
to study…
108. Henrietta, despite her vow not to, continued to help Matthew with his schoolwork, often
writing his compositions.
He studies so hard and still struggles, she would think, The least I can do is help him
out by doing this. After all, he will inherit the house, and he needs a good education to
be able to run the farm. I’m doing my duty to my family by helping him out.
109. Matthew was often not studying as Henrietta thought. He could usually be found in the
billiards room, contemplating the finer points of the game.
Why can I never make that shot? he thought. It’s a good thing I hoodwinked Henrietta
into doing my composition again. At least I have time to practice this.
Matthew was not a strong student, but he had become quite good at convincing others
to do what he didn‟t want to do.
110. Henrietta was his most frequent victim. Matthew thought that by keeping his twin
occupied with his schoolwork he was doing his family a favor. She was developing a
relationship as a flirt, and by keeping her busy with his work she was unable to cavort
with her many beaus.
111. At the McCarthy house, Robert was brooding before bed. This was nothing new to
anyone in the house; he had always been a rather moody person. Tonight, though,
something seemed different.
“Is something wrong?” asked Lawrence, crossing over to his brother‟s side of the room.
“No.”
“You‟re lying.”
Robert shrugged.
Lawrence pushed on his brother‟s legs, making room for himself on the bed.
112. “Something‟s bothering you, and it‟s not the usual woe-is-me stuff. What is it?”
Robert sighed. “You know Matilda Ryan?”
Lawrence nodded. “Our second cousin. She‟s a year behind us in school.”
“Yes. She‟s smart, and she offered to help me with geography today.”
113. “I don‟t know how it happened…but we were flirting and laughing, and then she kissed
me, or I kissed her. It was so sudden.”
114. “She‟s a sweet girl,” said Lawrence.
“I know.”
“Are you two going together now?”
116. “Do you think it‟s strange, us being cousins and all?”
“Maybe a little. Still, our closest relative is what, four generations back? Not since great-
grandfather Bradford. Are you worried about what people think?”
“I‟m more worried about what her parents will say when they find out. You know how rich
Mr. Ryan is, and how much of a snob Mrs. Ryan is. I don‟t think they‟ll take too kindly to
me courting their only child.”
117. “Do you have anything you would like to share with us, Matilda?” asked Rebecca the
next day as the family sat in the parlor after dinner.
“No,” said Matilda slowly.
“Really? You don‟t want to tell us that you have been behaving like a common trollop
with the one of Alcott boys?”
“How did you find out about that?”
118. “The maid told me this morning. I expected better behavior from my daughter. You had
to take up with one of them, didn‟t you? Of all the families in town to associate with! The
son of a confederate whose mother remarried a store clerk. Really Matilda, I expected
better from you.”
“Robert is a lovely boy, mother. If you would just take the time to get to know him…”
“Enough,” stated Timothy. “We have bigger plans for you, dear.”
“Plans, Father?” asked Matilda slowly.
“Yes, dear. I have already decided who you will marry when you come of age.”
“But I love Robert!” she burst out.
119. “Now see here, daughter,” said Timothy. “I am your father, and I will decide who you will
marry. You will marry one of my business associates to strengthen my company.”
“But Father,” she pleaded.
“Silence!” he boomed. “You will do as you are told. You will not see that boy again,
Matilda. Do you understand?”
120. Matilda burst into tears. “I can‟t believe you would do this. I hate you! I hate both of
you!”
121. And with her outburst, Matilda got up and ran upstairs to her room, where she promptly
slammed and locked the door.
122. “Well, that went better than I expected,” commented Rebecca, rising. “I had expected a
full on temper tantrum.”
“We have indulged her,” agreed Timothy, “And this is how she repays us.”
“I suggest you speak with this Robert and make it clear to him that his is forbidden from
seeing Matilda.”
Timothy nodded. “I will invite him over later today.”
123. “Hello? Yes, this is Robert…Mr. Ryan, how are you? Of course, I would be happy to.
Just let me check with my mother, and I will be right over.”
124. “Thank you for coming, Robert.”
“Of course, Mr. Ryan. Why did you want to see me so quickly?”
“Robert, I understand you are quite taken with my daughter.”
125. “I think she is a lovely girl, Mr. Ryan. I would like to have your permission to court her.”
“Yes, I understand that. Robert, let us speak man-to-man. Matilda is the sole heir to this
family. I have planned her future for years. She is promised to an associate of mine.”
“Does Matilda know about this? And she is agreeable to the plan?”
126. “She was informed about her future earlier today. And whether or not she is agreeable is
of little importance. She will do what is best for the family.”
“So you do not approve my request to court her.”
Timothy nodded. “In fact, I do not wish for you to have any future contact with my
daughter. I cannot have her reputation sullied in any way.”
127. Think! Thought Robert. I have to come up with a way to see her again.
“Mr. Ryan, may I at least have your permission to say goodbye to her?”
“Of course,” Timothy replied with exaggerated graciousness. “Matilda, come down here
at once!”
“Thank you, sir.”
128. Matilda came down to see her father watching Robert.
“Father?” she questioned.
“Five minutes, boy,” he said, as he walked up the stairs.
Matilda turned to Robert. “Robert?”
129. “Your father says I am not to see you again.”
“No, Robert, you can‟t!”
“Your father tells me you are already engaged to one of his associates. I cannot go
against his wishes.”
“Robert, please,” she begged.
“Shh,” he said, caressing her cheek, and glancing over her shoulder up the stairs.
Seeing no one, he pulled her to him.
130. He whispered in her ear, “We‟ll figure this out. I promise. I love you, and I‟ll find a way
for us to be together.”
“Oh, Robert. I don‟t know how I‟ll bear this.”
“You must find a way. Don‟t do anything to upset your parents; it will only make things
worse.”
He pressed a quick kiss to her lips, and looked into her eyes for a moment. “Trust me,”
he implored.
“I trust you. I love you.”
“And I love you. And I must be going before I upset your father.”
131. “Goodnight, Mr. Ryan,” he called up the stairs. Matilda followed him to the door.
“Goodbye, Matilda,” he said as grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
“Goodbye,” she choked.
132. As the door clicked shut, Matilda burst into tears. Rebecca had come downstairs to
check on things, and she found her daughter sobbing.
“There, there,” she said, putting an awkward arm around Matilda. “You‟ll forget about
him in no time.”
133. Matilda stifled an insult. Instead, she pushed her mother‟s arm away, and fled to her
room.
“What did I say?” wondered Rebecca.
134. Matilda, in the safety of her room, collapsed on her bed. She trusted Robert to find a
way for them to be together, but it was hard to believe that it could happen. She fell into
a restless sleep.
135. “Is she alright?” asked Timothy.
“She‟ll be fine,” dismissed Rebecca. “She‟ll do her duty to the family. I can assure you
of that.”
“Yes, she will. I was thinking of having Sullivan over for dinner so they can begin to get
acquainted. What do you think?”
“An excellent idea,” agreed Rebecca. “When are you thinking?”
“At the end of the month. That should give her enough time to finish sulking.”
136. Before long, it was time for Thomas and Carolina to celebrate their transition into
elderhood. Despite Carolina‟s protests, Thomas insisted on a party. Anne and Diana
were able to come home for the occasion, and Patrick, Margaret, Eliza, and George
were all present.
137. Thomas was excited about moving into the next stage of his life; Carolina was a bit more
reluctant. Both wished for the continued health and happiness of their children.
138. Thomas‟ good looks became more distinguished with age. While still a beauty in the
eyes of her husband, Carolina did not age quite as gracefully.
139. There was soon another birthday to celebrate in the Bradford clan. Amelia McCarthy
was becoming a toddler.
140. While Amelia favored her mother in eyes and hair, she was entirely her father‟s daughter
in her features. She was an outgoing, playful little thing, but she was not very nice.
141. At Eliza‟s insistence, George decided to take Lawrence and Robert to mountains for the
weekend. Lawrence was excited, because he and George would finally get to go fishing.
Robert was still in a foul mood over being banned from seeing Matilda, so he was looking
forward to anything that might distract him.
“I‟m glad to see that you‟re looking forward to this trip, Robert,” stated George as they at
an early breakfast before departing.
“Anyplace is better than here,” muttered Robert.
Lawrence remained silent. Robert had told him all about the scene with Mr. Ryan, and
he knew why his twin was so miserable. But it was not his place to say anything, despite
his mother‟s best efforts to pry the secret from him.
142. “This is going to be great,” said Lawrence as he put his bags into the coach. “I can‟t wait
to go fishing!”
Robert glanced towards the Ryan house. I wonder what Matilda’s doing now, he
thought. I wish her room was at the front of the house; I might be able to catch a
glimpse of her.
“We‟ll go fishing as soon as we get settled in to the campground,” promised George.
143. After arriving at the campground and stowing their gear in tents, Lawrence and George
made their way to the edge of the lake. Lawrence‟s face fell as he saw that there were
already a few solid inches of ice covering it.
“I‟m sorry, son,” said George.
“It‟s not your fault,” Lawrence replied. “Perhaps we can come back in the summer?
Maybe Mama and Amelia would like to come with us too.”
George laughed. “We‟ll have to stay in the lodge if they come with us. Somehow I don‟t
think your mother would take to kindly to sleeping on the ground.”
Lawrence laughed too. “I‟ll get Robert and we can go explore the town.”
144. After walking about the town for a few house, the group came upon a party of locals who
were dancing.
“That looks like fun,” commented Lawrence.
“Do you mind if we join?” asked Robert.
“‟Course not. Keep up if you can!”
145. Later in the afternoon, while George was off in search of gifts to bring home to the
women in his life, the boys partook of one of the many saunas.
“How are you doing, Robert?”
“I can‟t get her out of my head. She looked so sad when I left, Lawrence. But what
other choice did I have?”
“None, really. What‟s your plan?”
“I don‟t have one. If her parents let her go to Mrs. Seymour‟s, we can run away and get
married. But other than that, I‟m clueless.”
146. That night, back at the campsite, Robert stared into the fire, lost in thought. The thought
of a life without Matilda in it terrified him, but he couldn‟t come up with a decent plan to
keep her becoming a pawn in her father‟s empire.
147. Robert was so lost in thought that he didn‟t notice George‟s approach.
“Do you mind if I join you?”
Robert shrugged. “It‟s a free country.”
148. The two sat in silence for a while. It was George who spoke first.
“Is there something troubling you, Robert? You‟ve seen a bit distracted as of late.”
Robert “hmphed” in response to the question.
George sighed softly. “Robert, I know I‟m not your father, but I still feel protective of you.
If something or someone is causing you distress, I‟d like to help.”
149. Robert looked at George for a moment. He had often wondered what his father would
advise him to do if her were still alive. George was a good man, and he had taken good
care of him and his mother over the years.
But can I trust him? Robert wondered. I suppose I have nothing to lose.
“You know Matilda Ryan?” he asked. George nodded.
“I‟m in love with her, and her father has forbidden us to see each other. He‟s forcing her
to marry one of his colleagues for business purposes. I guess he doesn‟t think I‟m good
enough to be part of the family.”
150. Anger twisted George‟s features, and Robert‟s eyes grew wide in shock. Had he made a
mistake by confiding in George?
George quickly recovered. “No, Robert, I‟m not angry at you. Quite the opposite,
actually; I‟m furious at Timothy.”
“Really?”
“The thought that you‟re not good enough for his daughter…Robert, any father would be
lucky to gain you as a son-in-law. You are a hard-working, level-headed, kind young
man. I‟ve half a mind to speak to him myself when we get back to Simsfield.”
“Thank you, Mr. McCarthy, but I‟m sure that would make things worse.”
151. “You‟re probably right,” agreed George.
“About what?” asked Lawrence as he joined them.
“That speaking to Timothy Ryan would make Robert‟s situation worse,” replied George.
“You told him?” asked Lawrence in astonishment.
“I did. I‟m hoping that together we can come up with a better solution than my feeble
plan.”
“Which is?” asked George.
“To run away with her when we both go off to school and get married.”
152. “You care enough about your young lady to risk that?” asked George.
Robert nodded. “I can‟t imagine my life without her in it, as cliché as that sounds.”
“Mr. Ryan is a powerful man, Robert. You need to be careful,” commented Lawrence.
“I don‟t care! He‟s using Matilda to for his own gains! I can‟t bear the thought of her
being unhappy.”
153. “I should be telling you that her father is right, and that you should leave her be,” said
George. “But I know what it‟s like to be in love with someone that society says you can‟t
have. If you love her, you should fight for her.”
“Really?” asked Robert.
“How do you think some people looked at your mother and I? They thought she was
acting inappropriately by remarrying. Lucky for me, your mother didn‟t care what they
thought. And you shouldn‟t either. Elopement isn‟t something you should take lightly,
but…”
Robert nodded. “I understand.”
154. After the fire died down, Lawrence and Robert stayed up late whispering in their tent.
“Are you really going to elope with Matilda?”
“If that‟s what I have to do, I will.”
“You‟ll break Mama‟s heart by not having a real wedding.”
“I know. But I think she‟ll understand.”
“Boys,” George‟s voice called out, “We have to be at the train station in a few hours. It‟s
time to go to sleep.”
“Yes, sir. Good night,” they both replied.
155. Sophia Phoenix had come to call on Eliza one afternoon, and she had brought her
daughter Lorraine with her. The task of entertaining the young woman fell to Lawrence,
who challenged her to a game of chess.
“I understand you spend the weekend in the mountains,” she said. “I‟ve always wanted
to go. Was it nice?”
“I enjoyed it very much. How did you pass the weekend?”
156. “Oh, I went to Andrew Turner‟s birthday party.”
157. “Did you have a good time?”
“It was very enjoyable.”
“I still haven‟t met him yet. What‟s he like?”
158. “He favors his mother quite a bit, both in looks and temperament. Altogether, a very
sweet little boy.”
159. “I see that you have a new telescope, Lawrence. You are interested in astronomy,
then?”
“I find the heavens fascinating,” he replied.
Lorraine sighed softly. “There are so many lights in the city that you can barely see the
stars at night. Please, tell me about some of the things you have seen.”
160. “I‟m not sure you‟d believe me if I told you,” said Robert.
161. “Sullivan!” greeted Timothy. “It‟s been far to long. I trust that you are well?”
“Never been better,” Sullivan replied. “And you?”
“I can‟t complain. Business is good, and it‟s about to get better. Come inside! We have
a fine dinner waiting for you, and Matilda is most anxious to meet you.”
“And I her. Lead the way.”
162. “It is good of you to join us this evening, Mr. Pratt,” said Rebecca.
“Thank you again for having me, Mrs. Ryan. This is a most delicious dinner.”
163. “My husband has been singing your praises for so long. I am so looking forward to you
joining the family,” Rebecca simpered.
164. “It will be a most advantageous match,” agreed Sullivan.
165. Timothy was pleased at how his wife was keeping up the conversation with their guest.
He was, however, displeased with his daughter. She had barely spoken two words the
entire evening.
“Matilda, what do you think of our guest?”
166. Matilda stared at her plate as she pushed her food around. Truthfully, she found Sullivan
boring and pompous, but she couldn‟t say that.
“I barely know enough about him to form an opinion, Father.”
“Well, you two must get to know each other. Why don‟t you go into the parlor and get
acquainted!”
167. Matilda and Sullivan moved to the parlor, while Rebecca and Timothy remained in the
dining room. Rather than engaging in polite conversation, Matilda challenged Sullivan to
a game of chess.
“You‟re rather good at this,” he commented. “I‟ve never met a woman who could play as
well as you.”
“I enjoy the strategy behind it,” she said.
“Tell me, Matilda, what type of engagement ring would you like?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“We are to be married when you come of age; I want others to know that you are taken.”
168. Matilda seethed at Sullivan‟s possessive attitude. He was already treating her as a piece
of his property.
“I have not given it much thought,” she replied.
“Then you will not object to my choosing something?”
“Of course not,” she grimaced.
As Sullivan contemplated his next move, Matilda stared at him. He was not at all
handsome, and she could not imagine spending a lifetime with him.
Robert said he would find a way for us to be together, but I’m going to need to help him
along, she thought. She decided to test Sullivan.
169. “Did you see that?” she asked, pointing towards the window.
170. “See what?” he asked, turning his head. As he did, she took one of his pawns.
“Oh, I though there was a carriage going by. I suppose I was mistaken.”
“Silly girl,” he said. “Now, where were we? I think it is your move.”
“Of course,” she said, moving a bishop across the board. “Checkmate.”
Oh, this will be far too easy, she thought.
171. “Goodness, look at the time!” cried Matilda. “I have school in the morning, and I really
must retire.”
“You still go to school? I would have thought you would be staying home to learn how to
manage a household.”
“Mother has her heart set on me going to Mrs. Seymour‟s, as she did.”
“Oh, your father implied that we would be married long before then. I shall have to speak
with him about it. Goodnight, Matilda.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Pratt.”
172. Matilda escaped up the stairs to the sanctuary of her room. There, she leaned against
the door, sighing in relief that the horrible evening was over.
A gentle knocking on the door interrupted her reprieve.
“Matilda, may I come in?” asked Rebecca.
“Of course, Mother.”
173. “Well, what did you think of Mr. Pratt?” demanded Rebecca.
“He is a man of means,” said Matilda. “Any woman would be lucky to become his wife.”
“Oh, I know! And he‟s chosen you! Your wedding will be the talk of the town! The state!”
“Mother,” Matilda said slowly, “I am still to go to Mrs. Seymour‟s, yes?”
“Of course. You will need to learn all can about social obligations, managing a house…”
“Mr. Pratt implied that we would be marrying as soon as I graduated from the village
school.”
“Nonsense. I‟ll speak with your father. You‟re going to Mrs. Seymour‟s as I did.”
174. After Rebecca left the room, Matilda sat on her bed, thinking about her dilemma.
If I can get to Mrs. Seymour’s, Robert and I can run away, she thought. Once we’re
married, there’s nothing Father will be able to do about it.
She sighed heavily. She was exhausted, and decide that it was time for bed. She rose
and changed into her night dress.
175. Matilda fell into a restless sleep that night. She soon began to dream.
176. Matilda was standing at the alter of a church, wearing a beautiful, elaborate wedding
gown and a hand-embroidered veil.
The sound of the large doors opening caught her attention, and she turned to look at
who dared arrive late to her wedding.
177. It was Robert, wearing a defeated expression. He did move from his position at the back
of the church; rather, he seemed to want to sink into the floor.
178. If Robert is not who I am marrying, then who? Matilda thought, turning to look at the
bridegroom who stood opposite her.
180. It was Sullivan Pratt standing with her at the alter.
“Are you ready,” said the minister softly.
“Yes, please begin,” Sullivan responded.
181. “Dearly beloved,” the minister began, “We are gathered here in the sight of God, and in
the presence of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in Holy
Matrimony, which is commended of St. Paul to be an honorable estate, instituted of God
and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or carelessly, but reverently, joyfully
and in the love of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be
joined.
"Who gives this bride to this groom in marriage?”
From somewhere, Matilda heard her father’s voice say, "I do.”
182. “I, Sullivan Pratt , take thee, Matilda Ryan, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from
this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to
love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I
plight thee my troth.”
183. “I, Matilda Ryan, take thee, Sullivan Pratt, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold
from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,
to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and
thereto I give thee my troth.”
185. Matilda saw her mother rise and applaud out of the corner of her eye.
“You may now kiss your bride,” said the Minister.
186. “NO!” gasped Matilda, sitting upright in bed. She saw that she was not in a church after
all, but in her room. She heaved a sigh of relief.
“It was all just a dream. A horrible, nightmarish dream.”
187. She turned and sat on the edge of her bed. That dream had been far too real for her
liking, and Matilda was quite shaken up.
It’s because that could really happen, she thought.
“No,” she said softly, shaking her head. “Never. I don‟t care what it takes, but I will never
marry Sullivan Pratt. Never.”