Book Series: Barrington Family Saga
Publishing Date: 2007
Author: Anita Stansfield
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Category: LDS Contemporary Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited- Eleanore Layne
Chapter Count: 15
Page Count: 273
FOREWARD (it's LONG, 3 pages too long to include here in its entirety so I've summarized it)
For 30 years this author has been fascinated by human relationships and behavior. Topics and storylines just...come to her. Living vicariously through her characters has made her more aware of how God and Satan work in our lives. The topic of human intimacy is one she feels especially qualified to base a story on for she KNOWS this is THE BIGGEST TOOL Satan is using in these latter days to distort God-ordained human relationships. Calling evil good and good evil. When it comes to human intimacy, the way God intended it for his children, she is absolutely certain this story was given to her as an effort to shed light on what is right and good. It is her hope this story might spark some discussion between both spouses and the "birds and the bees" talk they have with their children. May God be with us all.
No dedication
Chapter 1 The Book
England-1838
Meet Eleanore Layne. She is plaiting her dark, auburn hair into a simple braid because today is Wednesday, her anticipated half-day off, the day she looks forward to all week, except maybe Sundays when she attends church with the other servants in the grand Barrington home in which she lives. But Eleanore finds most of the sermons troubling-not meeting her high standards for what Jesus' true church most likely taught. Mrs. Bixby, the kind housekeeper, allows Eleanore this weekly excursion into town because Eleanore LOVES to read! She spends most of these hours browsing the only bookshop in town before settling under a tree to read away the remainder of her afternoon.
That night, unable to sleep, white skin in linen, candle in her grip, Eleanore steals downstairs to the family library, a place completely off limits to the staff during daytime hours. Lest the reader be worried, next to Jane Austin, Eleanore's most favorite book in all the world is...the Bible! Eleanore licks her lips before diving into the written word, her heart nearly bursting, stretched out on the rug behind one of the many leather couches, the large Family Bible spread open before her, lost in the story of Esther. How she LOVES this book! And how grateful she is-able to come here all these years burning her candle at both ends and indulge without ever being disturbed...
Just then, she hears voices and snuffs her candle just in time before Lord and Lady Barrington-in the flesh!-enter the room. They are arguing, albeit quietly so as not to disturb the rest of the household. Mrs. Barrington feels her high maintenance lifestyle as Lady-of-the-House doesn't include motherly responsibilities to her two young children-can't a governess be hired to babysit them? Thirty-eight year old, black-haired, formidable James Barrington's deep voice retorts. If his currently-pregnant-with-their-third-child wife is not interested in having children, perhaps she should do something to prevent getting pregnant in the first place. Clutching her pearls, Eleanore claps a hand over mouth to stifle a gasp-what a horrible thing to say to one's wife!
Next day, this teenage girl apparently has no friends her own age as her two favorite fellow-servants include Lizzie, the middle aged assistant cook and her deceased mother's best friend, and the even older in age, Higgins, Mr. Barrington's personal servant, valet and Butler (once again, Anita Stansfield has obviously never watched a single episode of Downton Abbey). The three of them often share their lunch hour together in the kitchen, chatting about the family upstairs or hearing Eleanore relate the latest novel she's reading. Today, they speculate over the upcoming birth of the new baby.
One week later, Eleanore returns from her usual half-day off excursion into town to find the entire house in an uproar. Mrs. Barrington went into premature labor and may not survive to bear her stillborn baby. Eleanore joins the rest of the staff as they all hold hands and pray for their good, kind, decent employers. That night, racked with insomnia, Eleanore has just pulled the large, heavy volume from the library shelf only to turn and find James Barrington! She explains how she finds comfort, peace and understanding from this Good Book. James gives her a condescending grunt and leaves, allowing her to stay and read uninterrupted. Next day, Mrs. Barrington dies. Along with the baby. Eleanor has to find a private place where she can be alone to cry. Her poor employers! Wealthy in everything but the love and peace reading the Bible would bring them.
Wednesday comes around again and Eleanore is trudging through the drizzly English rain when, right in the middle of the muddy road, she finds...A BOOK! And not just any book. As she picks it up and brushes it off she nearly has an orgasm as she reads the words of 2 Nephi chapters 31 and 32-no other way but through Christ...feast upon the word...pray always and not faint...Eleanore must still her beating heart! Forget Moroni's words, this book is TRUE! So overcome by the spirit she's ready to jump in the nearest river and baptize herself! That night, Eleanore has no desire to eat or sleep as she sits in her room, devouring 2 Nephi 29:6&7. Heaven be merciful! (On us or our poor Mary Sue heroine?)
Chapter 2 The Promotion
By her next half day, Eleanore has already read this book with the strange title twice and memorized many passages by heart. At the bookshop, she shows the owner, and friend behind the counter the book. He points out the book was printed in New York, America, and that only a few weeks ago missionaries came to town preaching of a new church, also founded in America. Elenore decides, right then and there, as soon as opportunity allows, she is going to America!
Her opportunity is not long in coming. The very next day, Eleanore finds herself sitting in James Barrington's office. With his wife gone, he's interviewing all eligible female staff for the position of governess. Eleanore gets the job. From that day on, her life will never be the same. James orders a new wardrobe for her. She will be moving into the family's quarters to be near the children. Next morning, Mrs. Bixby informs her Mr. Barrington wants Eleanore to go into town and purchase all the books and supplies she'll need for teaching the children. (Don't worry, he can afford it.) Mr. Barrington introduces her, formally, to David and Iris. While they miss their mother, they don't really have much to say about her. They take to Eleanore immediately, of course.
Chapter 3 Keeping Confidence
Weeks pass as Eleanore settles quite comfortably into her "heaven-sent" job. The children obey her in everything. Love every outing and lesson she introduces while James Barrington (aka Mr. Rochester) hovers on the sidelines, silently observing, making Eleanore nervous but also intrigued by this strong, silent man who may or may not have loved his deceased wife. Eleanore observes James Barrington's easy relationship with his children, who adore him. Iris, (age 5) speaks with a very annoying lisp and loves her governess like a mother. David (age 7) is quieter. While he is mostly well-behaved and never balks at learning his lessons, he keeps running off, much to the bewilderment of both Eleanore and James. When it happens again and Eleanore finds him, she finally asks him, straight out, why does he keep running away? After making sure Eleanore won't tell, David confides in her. Lucy, the mentally incompetent nanny, said inappropriate things about his Mom and Dad's dysfunctional relationship in front of him. Promising to leave that part out, Eleanore tells him she will talk to Mr. Barrington about Lucy. But Lucy tattles to James first, telling lies about Eleanore's irresponsibility with the children. Because James is a just man with a firm belief in integrity and honesty, he allows everyone a chance to explain themselves in an open discussion in his office-David is also called in. The truth comes out. The confidence Eleanore promised to keep is not exposed. Lucy is found guilty and is promptly demoted on the spot back to kitchen maid while Lizzie will be brought in as the children's new nanny.
After everyone else has been dismissed and they are alone, James personally thanks Eleanore for everything she's done so far these last six months in her extraordinary care of his children. She'll make a fine mother... someday.
Chapter 4 The Proposition
David runs away again. James talks to Eleanore who keeps insisting she won't break her promise, that James needs to question his son about what's REALLY troubling him about his mother's death. He breaks down and has that private talk with David. Both tell Eleanore later how glad they were to have done it.
After learning Eleanore wishes to go to America one day, James calls her into his office. In a remarkable change of character, he announces he ALSO wants to relocate his motherless family to America. And since they both share this urge to immigrate, why not get married and they can all go the Promised Land...together.
Eleanore doesn't know what to think. "Surely you jest, sir," but James is quite condescending and misogynistic on the matter. Thanks to those silly Jane Austen books he's seen her reading, he knows Eleanore is a hopeless romantic. He reminds her she is a woman without title or family. No man in his right mind would have her. Marrying for love is a ridiculous idea. When she asks him, straight out, he admits he did not love his wife. But he did trust her and she broke that trust (the baby wasn't his). Eleanore is a woman he can trust. He can also provide for her and she will be a good mother-both to the children she's already come to love and the future children they will have together. A million girls would kill for this kind of proposal.
Instead of slapping his face and exiting the room with her head held high, Eleanore contemplates how marriage is sanctioned by God. That James Barrington is a good man who takes care of his own. He may not love her (while she has been slowly falling in love with him though she won't admit it, even to herself) she agrees to the proposal before going to her room to ponder the feelings in her heart.
Dear God help her!
Chapter 5 The Agreement
So far, nobody knows about the book Eleanore found and the feelings she has about finding the American religion that shares her beliefs. This is why she will agree to marry James who informs Eleanore she will be fitted for (another) new wardrobe and Lizzie will be promoted to Ladies Maid in addition to her Nanny duties (She won't this mind at all). Eleanore and James then sit down in his office and discuss the importance of trust and the importance of talking openly and honestly about everything in a relationship...except love. Eleanore has to go for a walk and cry in order to make sense of her confusing feelings. She knows marrying James Barrington is the right thing to do. She weeps for the lack of love James shared with his adulterous wife (thank goodness the children never knew). But he's not marrying her for love.
This will torment Eleanore for many more chapters to come-to the annoyance of the reader.
For some strange reason, Eleanore is allowed to continue helping in the kitchen. She's busy scrubbing a pot when James Barrington enters to announce Eleanore will be dining with HIM tonight before exiting just as promptly. The entire kitchen staff stare at Eleanore in shock. As well they should. She's MUCH too good for him.
Chapter 6 The Future Mrs. Barrington
Eating from the same plates and utensils this once lowly kitchen maid used to wash and polish makes dining so intimately with The Lord of the Manner very awkward indeed. James reassures her they have nothing to be ashamed of; besides, once they relocate to America they will be equals. Eleanore raises an eyebrow. They finish their meal and James leads her into the library where Eleanore has to stop and inhale the intoxicating fragrance of dry paper and leather while James smiles with something akin to pity. He invites her to read anything she likes. Eleanore only has eyes for one book. You'll never guess which one. Ever patronizing, James makes a present of it to her and they retire upstairs-both to say goodnight to the children and to announce their engagement. Like David, Iris is "twuly" delighted at the news.
Next morning, James escorts Eleanore downstairs to the kitchens where he immediately stops the staff from rising in respect (you can just see Robert Crawley cringing) so he can announce he and "Miss Layne" will be marrying soon and departing for America with the children, Lizzie, and Higgins. The rest of these suckers will be quite comfortable with the new owners (as soon as Century 21 closes the sale on the house). James then leads Eleanore outside to the stables so he can introduce her to the arousing experience of her very first ride on horseback-with himself mounted behind her of course. Eleanore is relieved her many layers of petticoats allow her to straddle the animal and still remain modest. No sidesaddle for THIS rebel female. After breakfast, bringing the children along, they take the carriage into town to do some shopping. Eleanore is fitted for her new wardrobe, picks out a wedding dress from a book of drawings (Iris helps) and is allowed to purchase as many books as she likes in the bookshop. Everyone they meet congratulates Mr. Barrington (not Lord Barrington) on his forthcoming marriage and don't even bat an eye when they learn who the lucky woman is.
The next day is Sunday. The banns are posted and while some people look down their nose at the quaint nobody marrying this disgustingly rich aristocrat, others are truly happy for them both. Sunday meetings adjourned, the family goes home where James presents his fiancée with a Bible of her very own-smaller than the large family one. Eleanore has never felt so blessed in her life.
Chapter 7 Two Worlds
We now get James' POV. He is reading in an upstairs room when he hears a happy commotion outside, spies Eleanore, Iris and David frolicking on the lawn and hurries down to join them.
Back to Eleanore, she is talking with Mrs. Bixby when it occurs to her she needs to discuss what kind of wedding reception she and James should have (she's no Meghan Markle, that's for sure!). She finds James in the stable currying a horse and shares her feelings with him. James comes up with the (perfect?) solution. Since they come from two entirely different worlds, they will have TWO wedding receptions-one at the church where Eleanore can be properly introduced to all of James' high society friends and another one at home with the lowly servants and tenant farmers of his estate where they can all sing a rousing rendition of "This is Me." Problem solved.
Back to James. It is now late at night. Unable to sleep, he wanders the house, agonizing over the failure of his first marriage, visiting the old room he and his wife once shared before settling down in the dark library where Eleanore finds him. She immediately resorts back to their old "master and servant" relationship before James reminds her she is equal to him now. No more calling him "sir" when he's been referring to her as "my dear" for a few pages now. And once they're married he intends to get her out of that prudish nightgown she's wearing and into a proper teddy. Eleanore promptly changes the subject to the Bible and, learning James feels no sadness over his late wife's death but extreme guilt instead, bears her testimony of its truthfulness throwing in a verse from Mosiah 16:6-9 for good measure (sheesh, why not just quote 1 Nephi 3:7 like a normal member of the church would). James is stunned at this young girl's purity and insightfulness.
Placing a hand on Eleanore's face, he brings her closer so he can inhale her distinctive scent (except she doesn't have one-she's too poor to afford any perfume) he smells her hair (Again, nothing. Guess she's also too poor to afford shampoo?) thinking to himself how, as a child, he'd always had an almost obsessive-compulsive fascination with different smells and fragrances-including those that haven't been invented yet like shampoos, bath salts and shaving lotions.
James kisses her cheek while fingering her odorless hair. Confused at the conflicting actions from a man who keeps insisting he'll never marry a woman for love, Eleanor bolts. Nonplussed, James picks up the Bible and starts reading...
Ever the creepy boyfriend, James snoops around in Eleanor's empty bedroom the next morning while he assumes she's out with the children. He finds no perfume, just odorless soap, shampoo...and an empty bottle of Rose Oil and Vanilla perfume. Before he has time to wonder about it, Eleanor enters and is only mildly alarmed at his presence. She explains the empty bottle is the only thing she has left that once belonged to her angel mother. She can remove the top and sniff and remember...Embarrassed, James hurriedly thanks her for her scripture teaching moment last night and exits as fast as he can.
Later that afternoon, Eleanor is called into James' office where he presents her with a small gift-wrapped box. She opens it to find a crystal bottle of Rose and Vanilla perfume-the kind that sprays. Chuckling at her pleased and surprised reactions to the presumptuous gift, he holds out her arm and spritzes her wrist for her, then walks behind her so he can spray her neck. Instead of feeling violated, like she's being groomed by a sexual predator, Eleanor giggles then impulsively hugs him. James hands her the bottle, instructing her to use it generously from now on. He can always afford to buy her more.
And if this is not the most creepy thing you've ever read in what is supposed to be a romance novel, we all owe a HUGE apology to E. L. James.
Chapter 8 The Lady of the House
It has also been decided that, instead of taking a honeymoon trip, the two newlyweds will consider the move to America as the honeymoon. Before Eleanore can decide how she feels about this, the door opens and an elegantly dressed lady sweeps in. She openly condones James for marrying the governess before James holds out his hand for Eleanor to take and tells the woman where she can go. She turns and leaves in a huff without ever telling us what kind of rank and title James has. Eleanor thanks him again for the gift and leaves to check on the children. James removes one of the hair ribbons he swiped from Eleanor's room this morning and sniffs it-he sprayed it with the perfume before presenting it to Eleanore, you see.
The day of the wedding arrives. Eleanor wishes it were already over. She reads the story of Leah, tricked into marrying a man who never loved her, and almost weeps in self-pity before reminding herself of her new duties as Mrs. James Barrington. She must face her new life with quiet dignity and courage.
The children are quite pleased with themselves standing up as ring-bearer and bridesmaid. Eleanore feels a bit envious as James seemingly has no trouble going from one wedding reception to another. When James guides her upstairs to what is now THEIR bedroom and carries her over the threshold, she feels almost sick with nerves. He leaves her and before Eleanore can wonder how he expects her to get out of this elegant white gown all by herself, Lizzie (the never-married-old-maid) enters to reassure her she has nothing to be afraid of as she unbuttons Eleanore's gown for her. Eleanore reminds Lizzie, she's a virgin too. Lizzie brushes it off before opening a box to show Eleanore the lacy white nightgown her husband bought for her to wear on their wedding night. Prudish Eleanore declares it downright scandalous. Again Lizzie scoffs. Conventions be hanged, Eleanore is about to fill the measure of her creation.
James romantically sweeps her into his arms, placing her tenderly on the bed. Not until then does he finally note how positively terrified Eleanore looks. He gently inquires and Eleanore bursts into tears. She doesn't know anything about what she should do or what to expect. James wastes several paragraphs silently reflecting on his own experience in intimacy and his first failed marriage. And here lies a woman who is everything Caroline was not. He takes Eleanore in his arms. Her tears are now HIS responsibility. As is her sex-ed which, narration tells us, he explains to her in a frank and open manner. Intrigued, Eleanore listens, amazed at the wisdom of such a man. He assures her, if she is not ready, he will wait. This is not some unpleasant duty she must bear while he indulges himself. He's not that kind of man.
For Eleanore, the wedding night passes in an almost dream-like state. He woos her and she responds. When it's over, she is left feeling both traumatized and in awe of what they just shared. The next time she wakes it is morning and James is already up and dressed. He kisses her brow and exits. Eleanore tries to draw her own bath and carry her breakfast tray downstairs but is quickly reprimanded by the staff. No more kitchen duties for her! Eleanore returns to her room where James finds her curled up on the floor, sobbing. Some "Lady of the House" she turned out to be! He laughs at her naivety, reminding her she needs to watch Downton Abbey.
That night, Eleanore experiences a relapse of nerves. Sharing a bed like this just seems so sinful and wrong! Again, James lectures her on the glories of what being husband and wife means. Eleanore sighs and resolves to his tender lovemaking. She has no regrets afterwards.
Five days later, she is being waited on by servants and making love to James like she's been doing it all her life. The children are already calling her Mama. And in less than three days, they will being leaving on the boat to America.
Chapter 9 The Runaway
James is out of the house. David and Iris are having one last reminisce in their mother's old bedroom. Eleanore is finishing some last minute packing in the master bedroom down the hall when she hears glass breaking, Iris screaming and David running out the door. Apparently, David related some disturbing things to Iris their mother once told him, smashing all her perfume and bath salt bottles to prove how much it still bothered him before running away again. Outside it is pouring rain, and freezing.
David is barely conscious as James carries him inside to a room already prepared by Eleanore with a warm bed and roaring fire. David hovers on the brink of death. Eleanore repeats what Iris told her and James hangs his head. Eleanore reassures him, because his children look like him, he mustn't harbor too much bitterness against his dead wife. James almost weeps with relief at Eleanore's comment. All this time, because of his wife's philandering ways, he'd been doubting their paternity.
Their shared vigil at David's bedside brings them even closer as husband and wife. The doctor comes and insists on bleeding the boy. Eleanore hotly refuses. The doctor leaves and James questions her reasoning. Eleanore quotes a phrase from Moroni 10 about the power of the Holy Ghost manifesting truth. She insists God will answer their prayers about David's recovery. They just need to have faith. Sure enough, David's fever breaks the following night. James has never been more in awe of his wife-the miracle maker. He insists she tell him what she wants (what she really, really wants!) anything in the world, he will give it to her. He's serious. Eleanore files this away to be pulled out in a later chapter...
With the trip rescheduled, the family takes an excursion into town for some shopping and eating out at the pub where their server turns out to be..."Wucy!" Iris greets her, "We be going to Amerwica!" The ex-nanny turns a perfect shade of green as she learns Eleanore won the servant's jackpot-married to her former employer and getting her just reward while Lucy had to take a job here at the local pub after being turned out of the grand house. It's almost too much to bear.
Riding home in the carriage, Eleanore worries (again) this was purely a marriage of convenience for both of them, until she opens the package James bought to find more of their special perfume-in case they don't have any in America. He sprays some on her and on Iris who is the one to giggle this time as she is hugged by her sick father who declares she smells beautiful. "Wike Mama!"
Chapter 10 The Dispute
Eleanore is brushing out her hair while James sits in bed reading (not scriptures). She comments on the earlier scene today at the pub and is SHOCKED when Mr. Barrington casually admits many a lowly kitchen maid, nanny (such as Lucy) and other female servants made passes at him a time or two-even when he was married. Titled men, such as himself, are God's gift to women, you see. Other wealthy Lords of the Manner might've succumbed to temptation, but not this one. He was just waiting for the right one to come along. With that he kisses her neck while Eleanore silently thanks God for being the woman God obviously guided into James Barrington's life.
There's not much of a dispute in this misleading chapter. Eleanore spends a few paragraphs obsessing over how physically attracted she is to her new husband. She shares her feelings with James and they spend a few more paragraphs discussing the topic. James wraps it up with how if this kind of attraction was what love was based on, then everyone would be living happily ever after in a brothel. Eleanore reminds him, he's never made any kind of declaration of love to her. He agrees, for he doesn't believe marriage needs love. She is beautiful, she has his name, and while he enjoys her company and is extremely fond of her...he will never love her.
Eleanore excuses herself to go have a good cry in the gardens outside.
The following night, sitting up in bed, James notices her reading her favorite book again (not Jane Austin) and asks after it. Deciding she can trust him, she shares her deepest feelings about finding this new book of scripture that changed her life and how much it means to her. He asks her if, once they reach America and she finds the religion that shares her testimony, she will abandon him and subsequently the children and run off to be somebody's plural wife join this cult. Eleanore is rightly offended. How little he knows her! James changes the subject to where they will be settling once they reach America. Eleanore is a little disappointed they won't be going to New York but, as she snuggles down with the good man she married, she thanks God he supports her. James, meanwhile, kisses the top of her head, smelling the shampoo (that hasn't been invented yet) and perfume that is her new scent. Whatever this new religion is, he muses, it can't be as good compared to what they already share.
Chapter 11 The Promised Land
Five weeks into the six week journey on the ship, Lizzie and Higgins approach their employers with some news. They have decided they are in love and wish to get married. The captain will perform the ceremony in the morning (why wait?) and both hope their favorite family will be there to wish them joy. Eleanore weeps through the entire event-happy for her best friend but also a bit of self-pity for herself as Mr. Barrington has never and probably will never declare his love so boldly as Higgins did for the frumpy Lizzie. She cries again the day after the wedding for she is not pregnant with James' baby. He merely kisses her and tells her not to worry. It will happen all in good time.
The ship docks in a Virginia port. The (now two) families travel several miles inland, still unsure where to permanently settle. James suggests to his wife they write down three places their "instincts" tell them would be a good place to raise a family (and keep servants). To the other's amazement, both included Iowa City in their lists. Guess that's where they're going. Now, that wasn't so hard, was it?
With James driving one wagon and Higgins (who gave him a very quick course in Wagon Driving 101) and Lizzie in the other, the party heads west. Not sure who taught them how to cook over an open fire but somehow they manage the trip. Aside from Eleanore discovering she's pregnant, nothing dramatic happens. They reach the mighty Mississippi and are ferried across. The late summer heat only elevates her pregnancy symptoms and Eleanore must ride in the wagon the rest of the trip. At last, they reach Iowa City. The prairie landscape is lovely compared to the bleak moors of England. With Higgins' as a companion, the two men seek out all available land and homes for sale in the area, finally settling on a cheery, two story white clapboard house with a red barn-completely furnished, including bottled fruit and veggies in the cellar, the entire place on the verge of becoming a beautiful, prosperous farm. Apparently the owners left this promised land in a hurry but nobody questions that. Eleanore declares it all perfect and they make plans to move in immediately.
Chapter 12 Life in America
With some amazing foresight, James already had the rest of their things shipped from the Virginia port town here. They can move in next week. Before leaving to return to town, (where Lizzie, Higgins and the children are probably hanging out by the hotel pool) they stop to meet their new neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Plummer. They have four children but all older than David and Iris. They inform the new English couple the previous family who owned the house was Sally Jensen and her husband and children. They are also glad someone is moving onto the neglected property. Such a shame. Mr. Plummer and James walk around outside while Mrs. Plummer serves a nauseous Eleanore some milk and biscuits. As soon as the Barringtons are settled the entire family is invited for Sunday dinner.
James asks if they know any women in town looking for work. With his wife in the family way, he'd like to hire a woman to help around the house. They are quickly introduced to Mrs. Leichty, a homely, middle-aged, widow woman with a twelve year old son named Ralph. Mrs. Leichty declares the job offer heaven sent.
Everyone works hard to make the house presentable and livable. James is startled to find his wife cleaning the parlor room fireplace and is about to reprimand her for it when she cheekily reminds him she used to do it all the time as a lowly servant in HIS household, remember? If all the Lucys in the world could see her now. He insists she rest on the sofa while he proceeds to finish the very dirty job. Welcome to America, everybody!
The family settles in. Eleanore loves attending the Christian church services every week, even if it doesn't share her new beliefs. They all enjoy dinner at the Plummers where Eleanore tries very hard not to mind the open affection and declarations of love between Mr. and Mrs. Plummer while the children all play nicely together outside.
Now that they are all settled in the land where all men are created equal, Mr. Barrington begins insisting their new staff join them for every meal, instead of eating in the kitchen by themselves. Also, James the Philanthropist made a point to purchase this property at twice the asking price, because he can afford it, you see.
Chapter 13 Pretending
The children are thriving in their new life. Eleanore is especially pleased to see them helping their father with the chores in the barn instead of having servants to wait on them hand and foot-yes, this new life suits everyone very well, indeed (except perhaps Lizzie, Higgins and Mrs. Leichty).
Life would be perfect for Eleanore...except for one teeny little problem. Her husband continues to treat her like a queen while continuing to withhold his heart. Eleanore muses he could at least call her by her Christian name instead of "Mrs. Barrington," and why does he never kiss HER as passionately as she caught Higgins making out with Lizzie in the hall one day. James kissed her at their wedding and his lips haven't touched hers since. Yet he's kissed her on every other part of her body.
She should divorce him.
Determined, Eleanore finds her husband in the barn, unsaddling the horse, and declares she's ready to take him up on that offer from Chapter 9-ask him for anything and he'll grant it. No, she doesn't want any material things, perfume, a trip around the world or new furniture for the house. She just wants him... to kiss her. He obliges. The experience is so powerful for both of them, Eleanore weeps then sobs while he's kissing her again. Never fear, these are not tears of sadness but of joy.
Properly addicted now, James and Eleanore are constantly sneaking off so they can make out in any empty room they can find. It would appear Eleanore's deepest desire of her heart has finally been granted until she dreams that night of James shouting in her face that what they share is NOT LOVE! This troubles her for days afterward. Does it strike you, reader, that Eleanore is a woman who could never be satisfied...
Christmas comes and is delightful with snow and presents and happy servants and family. Then, one morning, well into the new year, as the happy couple are dressing themselves for the day, James accidentally drops the black perfumed hair ribbon in front of Eleanore who is deeply touched by his sentiment but when he kisses her, she looks askance and James picks up on it. Something's been troubling her for weeks, what is it? Eleanore won't say. She exits leaving James to start fretting over her faithfulness to him. Once a week she goes into town for Oh, James!
When he finally gets it out of her, Eleanore admits the guilt he's glimpsed in her eyes was true, not because she was being adulterous but because she loves him (you idiot). There, she said it. And with that, Eleanore leaves the room. James comes to her later where they kiss passionately and finally reconcile. He'll try harder to open his cold heart to her while she will continue to give hers freely.
Chapter 14 Shattered Pride
Lizzie is pregnant. Everyone is surprised. But Eleanore is MORE pregnant. She goes into early labor. James is shoveling snow outside when he is summoned by the servants. Higgins has already gone for the doctor. Mrs. Leichty proves heaven sent for she was pregnant six times. Her son was the only baby she had that lived. She knows exactly what do to and coaches Eleanore to prepare herself. Losing a baby isn't easy but it is bearable.
Unable to observe this scene any longer, James finds an empty room where he falls to his knees in supplication to almighty God; begging Him not to take his wife. Mrs. Leichty reassures him Eleanore's life is not in danger and James returns to Eleanore's side so he can hold her while she cries over their dead baby boy. Eleanore cries herself to sleep and James slips out into the hallway to cry on Higgins' shoulder. We learn his first name is Fredrick. He will be called that in narration from now on. Fredrick counsels James to forgive. Not just Caroline but himself too. James knows he's right. The obscure words from Mosiah 16:6 Eleanore quoted to him way back in Chapter 7 come to his mind and his pride finally shatters. She's right. Everyone's right! The Savior's Atonement is the answer! He returns to Eleanore's bedside and is there when she wakes up to reassure her that everything is going to be all right,
A few days later, the letter Eleanore wrote months ago to the New York Publisher inquiring about her special book is answered by the postmaster in Palmyra, New York declaring his relief those Mormons left the area years ago. With luck, they all dropped off the face of the earth.
Refusing discouragement, bedridden Eleanore has James read aloud to her from The Book. James finds 2 Nephi 29:6&7 and is impressed. Perhaps his wife's search to find this religion isn't such a bad thing after all.
Chapter 15 Heaven
Apparently, this house is large enough to have a library which is where James finds his wife trying to read a novel but her mind keeps wandering. He has something to tell her. There was never any love between him and his first wife. Caroline never hesitated to let him know, from the very beginning of her marriage, she didn't marry him for love. Her heart had always belonged to another. The father of the baby that took her life. James groans recounting the tragic tale. He should never have married Caroline.
With tears in her eyes, Eleanore listens to this confession. James continues: She doesn't know this but these past weeks, their shared grief over Eleanore's baby, he started praying. Like he's never prayed in his life. It took great courage for him to turn the rusty key on his heart, open the door and look inside to find he is...hopelessly and irrevocably in love with his wife (take THAT Edward Cullen).
So, now that they've both declared their love for each other, James announces he wants to take her on that honeymoon trip. They take a buggy and head east to a small, quiet nameless town on the river. Upon arrival, narration tells us James instigated a deep discussion about their lost child making Eleanore cry long and hard-he cried with her of course. So that by the time they are ready to leave their hotel and see the town, Eleanore is feeling more at peace than ever before.
After spending four days relaxing in the small town (and seeing the sights?) they are strolling down Main Street when they come across an older man reading...a BOOK! And not just any book. Eleanore has to catch her breath before inquiring after it. The man smiles, finishing her sentence. Yes, this book contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and would she like to know more?
James offers to buy the man lunch.
And this story has come to a very abrupt
THE END
No comments:
Post a Comment