Eadenwood: December 2009

Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Web Fiction

I don’t think I need to describe what a thrill it was to see my family and celebrate Christmas with them – it was wonderful - for the most part.

I know I have not been gone from them that long but I have never been away from my family. I found their companionship to be a large comfort which filled my heart with cheer.

Milly was overjoyed to see me and, taking charge in her usual way, set Thomas to work building up a cheerful fire then helping my Father with rearranging the furniture to accommodate everyone at the dinner table. As it turned out, that was the best thing for the boy. As we came closer to town he seemed more agitated and worried but giving him small chores to do made him feel at home.

Mother was surprisingly bright and carefree. She played a few carols on the piano and I sang along with her. Other then that, she did not spend a lot of time with me. I didn’t really mind.

It felt good being home. It felt safe and comforting. I had not realized how tense and anxious I have been in William’s house. Elijah was the only one to notice. Everyone else questioned me constantly. Have you heard from William? Where is he now? How large is the house? How many rooms? How big of a field? Does it have a garden space? Are their any neighbors?

Elijah took me on a walk after dinner. It was a quiet relief – quiet and safe. We hardly said anything the entire time. After our walk he leaned forward and kissed my forehead gently as he slipped a small slender box into my hand. I have not opened it. Not yet. It was a special moment, or so I had thought, before I saw the exchange between Milly and Elija before he left.

They were standing in the little hall beside the stairs and as he said goodbye to her she ran her hand down his forearm, held his hand, and gave him a kiss that was far more than sisterly affection. I turned away before they could see me and ran upstairs.

I know it is not proper - not appropriate - but I feel betrayal? No, worse than that. I am jealous. The more I reflect on the scene the more resentful and desirous I become. It upset me – she upset me.

Part of me keeps asking, “Why didn’t Milly tell me? How could she do this?” The other part of me is astonished at my behavior. I am an engaged woman. My fiancé is at war. My dear sister deserves happiness. But why him?

I went into my old room and looked out at the dimming street. It was empty.

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Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Web Fiction

We are in the middle of Winter but I can hardly wait for spring when the rosebush outside the window blooms. Thomas says the flowers are little pink tea roses. They will be such a cheerful addition to the view. I wish I had taken a greater liking to painting as I am sure it will be very scenic.

I am sure William will be thrilled with the changes we have made to the house.

Also, I am happy to say, Thomas and I have finished making small gifts for my parents and Milly. Thomas is quite crafty when he gets an idea in his head. He made my father a holder for his pipe from some wood pieces we found in the back. The idea came to him as we discussed the art on a collection of tobacco advertisements we found pressed in the pages of a book. Thomas is also going to assist me in some holiday baking.

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Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Web Fiction

We have been skating nearly every day. It is a great distraction and we both feel invigorated by the fresh air. We spend most of our time taking turns performing some trick or another which usually consists of spinning or, more aptly described, a spectacular fall on our backside. Sometimes we are left laughing so hard we both end up sitting on the ice.

I don’t know when I have had so much fun.

When we are indoors we huddle next to the fire and tell stories or make Christmas cards for my family. I have told him all about Christmas traditions and am teaching him a few carols I remember from when I was his age.

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Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Web Fiction

You would not believe our luck! We found a a set of blades at the bottom of a linen closet downstairs and there are some that fit Thomas and myself perfectly! Thomas will have to be very careful on the ice because of his arm but he thinks the pond ice is thick enough to go skating on. We walked down there and I agreed with him. Now all we need is a strong wind to blow off the snow and it looks like that is coming tonight.

Speaking of his arm – I am worried. Once I took the bandages off I was surprised to see that his wounds were much more than just a simple break or sprain. His skin was bruised and very tender to the touch. I can’t believe he has been helping me without complaint. I forbade him to help me any longer. Instead, I set him to work investigating the other rooms. Once we get a space cleared out and cleaned we often find ourselves missing some of the essentials like rugs, pillows, matching tables, and the like. It is his job to rummage around and find them.

We have become good friends. He is still very quiet about his past but shares his opinions and ideas freely. He is a strong lad and I am sure he will grow up to be a dashing young man. He showed me a picture of his mother today. He keeps it close to him always. She was a fair and beautiful girl and Thomas strongly resembles her. I said so and he beamed with pride.

He is becoming very dear to me.

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Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Historic Fiction

Thomas woke up with his arm aching pretty badly. I should not have allowed him to exert himself so much the last couple of days. We really thought his arm was getting better but I will have to bandage it again. Fortunately, William left me with ample medical supplies for the everyday accidents that are bound to happen.

I feel a little silly. I just realized that Christmas will be here shortly. I really would like to take Thomas to town with me and attend church with my family. Thomas says there is a little sleigh in one of the out buildings and that it would be no trouble to harness one of the horses to it if I help him. We would have to start out very early in the morning to make it by evening services but if he does not mind and the weather holds, I imagine we will have a good time of it.

What a striking family the three of us would make - William, Thomas, and me. I can picture all three of us, some Christmas, setting out together in the morning, celebrating with family, and returning to our own warm home happy and full of cheer. It’s a beautiful picture.

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Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Historic Fiction

It is still bitterly cold outside but Thomas and I are very comfortable. We actually spend a great deal of time cleaning and chatting. The movement keeps up warm and we take advantage of every opportunities to sit in the kitchen as I heat water and cook our simple meals.

Thomas is opening up just a little. I do most of the talking and he confirms, denies, or asks polite questions. His fear of me is ebbing. He shared just a little about himself and I am already learning what he likes, what interests him, and I am fairly positive that he can not read – or read very much. After we finish going through the house I may try to school him. It will be a nice way to spend the days together. I would love for him to have time to be a little boy instead of a premature adult. He looks so serious all the time.

Our progress on the house has already made a miraculous change to the overall atmosphere. After we cleaned the entry hall we went to work on the kitchen. I am sure Milly would have told me to begin my efforts there but that is just one of the many practical concepts I am still learning.

As we were cleaning the entry it became very apparent that finding anything in the kitchen and pantry was almost impossible – or at least finding what we desired was. We found the ammonia and lye among the earthenware baking dishes. The dishes were covered in spider webs and in some cases dead spiders. New cleaning rags had to be made from some old moth-eaten material we found at the bottom of the pantry. I can only assume that the material was meant for men’s clothing. Thomas actually found one of Madam Darion’s ball gowns stuffed into a wooden crate near the rear door. The list of interesting discoveries is ever-growing.

The portions of the kitchen that we have managed to arrange make a large difference. Thomas helped me arrange the everyday items so that they are easily accessible and an actual pleasure to use.

I even discovered a second stove stored in the back. I believe William meant to change them out and I am wondering if, with a little ingenuity, Thomas and I could set the beastly thing in place.

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Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Historic Fiction

Winter has announced its presence with howling winds and biting cold. I am ever thankful for the warm fire and the amply stocked wood shed.

I refuse to let Thomas sleep in the drafty shack he calls a home. I was only in there for a brief time in November but it was enough to make an impression on me. It isn’t a place I would want to live in and shouldn’t be a place he lives in either. To remedy his situation I have taken it upon myself to make him a warm and comfortable place in this house.

He seems very reluctant to even entertain the idea of living in this large house with me. I tried to bring him around a few times but was met with nervous glances which, I could see, was quickly developing into stout refusal.

It was clear that he would not agree to move in despite my best efforts to assure him of the comforts he would receive. Therefore, I turned the focus on myself. I insisted that I would feel much safer with his company in the house, especially at night, and that it would help to alleviate my worries. I insisted that I was used to having people about and did not feel comfortable occupying these rooms alone without anyone to call upon.

I think he is starting to sway. I mentioned to him that he may take the room next to mine if he likes. I have not been in there, but I am sure it is a beautiful room.

I don’t see why William would allow such a quiet spirited lad to live out in the back. Perhaps he was sure Thomas would be more comfortable. A boy who was raised in the streets has to be used to his own ways and certain freedoms – but it still does not make it right. I believe that I will have to use the same argument with William as I have with Thomas. I will have to assure him that it was for my safety and comfort – purely a selfish arrangement. He couldn’t argue with that.

I have not heard anything from William and I do not expect to until he reached his company.

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Posted in The diary of Elizabeth Whetherby - A Historic Fiction

Has it really been that long?

Since William left I have been mourning his absence. I am ashamed to admit that I have spent all my time in my room, eating what is available in the kitchen without cooking, and listening to the self-sufficient Thomas doing his chores.

But this morning I woke feeling different. The room seemed brighter and the day seems full of possibilities. My mind is clear and I am feeling a little adventurous. I have the entire house to myself, the freedom to do with it as I like, and the energy to do so.

The human spirit is an amazing thing! We keep striving and coping with life’s troubles whether we like it or not. I trust these same qualities to bring my William back to me.

I believe I will celebrate this rejuvenated spirit with a heavy breakfast. Perhaps some eggs, salt pork, and biscuits and invite Thomas to share my meal. Then, just maybe, I can convince him to help me locate everything I need to start cleaning. I think we will start with the entry hall today. It has a beautiful rug which, once cleaned, will be even more spectacular. It also has rich warm wood paneling and two small tables with matching vases.

I can picture this house as being very welcoming and bright. It has been shut up for so long – a place like this deserves to be treated better than it has. I wish it were spring - that would make cleaning much easier!

Anyway, off to start! As the bible says, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

It’s going to be a wonderful day.

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Dec. 13, 1904 - The Diary of Miss. Whetherby Found in Abandoned House

Elizabeth Whetherby, a bright and intelligent woman, and the youngest child of Wilhelm and Josephina Whetherby, vanished on the night of April 7, 1862. To the dismay of her family and friends, there were no suspects in the case though a few local men had been questioned. The case became the property of the Unsolved Crime Division and buried amongst the other files. Years later, a stained and weather-beaten diary has been found in the basement of an abandoned building in Redinshire. The cover, ripped and water-damaged, bears the embossed name "Elizabeth Whetherby."