For most of the week, mother and father kept me busy with odd tasks. As Saturday quickly approached, there were more details that needed my attention, so I was forced to remain at the house. Reverend Garrison drove up one afternoon to discuss the specifics of the ceremony. I shared several letters from Donovan so the reverend would be familiar with my husband to be. After glancing through the third letter, the reverend could not refrain from yawning. He appeared to be in dire need of a nap or was the underlying cause Donovan's letters?

Guests from our hometown had begun to arrive, girlfriends that I had not seen since my teenage years in private school. If it wasn’t for the upcoming wedding, the entire reunion would have been festive. Everyone expressed such excitement about my future and I found nothing in the situation worth sharing in that sentiment.

Sophia Avery a long time friend since childhood, appeared envious about my endeavor. "How can you not be excited Elizabeth?" She asked over tea Thursday evening.

"Would you be happy about a wedding to a man you know nothing about?" I questioned.

"My father claims he’s a Duke! You’re marrying into royalty Liz!"

"I don’t love him!" I said falling into my famous pout.

"So what, love is by far over-rated!" Sophia replied.

"Yes and what do you know about love my friend?" I asked with interest.

"Let’s just say that I know enough to realize that men can be rather idiotic and sometimes it’s best to avoid becoming too attached." Sophia managed staring down at her China.

"So, am I to assume that you’ve been burned in recent years?"

Sophia narrowed her eyes in response and I understood she did not intend to discuss her problems. She sighed as I shared my dreams of romance.

"I just want to feel that excitement when my love walks into a room! I want to count the minutes until we are united. When I walk down that aisle I want to hear fireworks......I want to know my husband shares the same affection in his heart! Why can’t I have that Sophia? Am I wanting too much?"

"No Liz, you’re not." Sophia managed gazing away. There was something bothering her and it wasn’t until that moment that it struck me.

"What is it Sophie?" I asked.

"Let’s walk." She managed grasping my hand.

The beach was peaceful as it normally was around sunset. Our shoes sank through the layer of wet top-sand as we strolled along. Seagulls took flight fleeing from our path. As we meandered towards the shoreline, my heart weighed heavy as the reality of my future appeared bleak.

Sophie broke the silence. "When I first arrived here, your father asked to meet with me. He asked that I promote your wedding to Donovan." Sophia changed her voice in imitation of my father. "Be positive in everything you say Sophia..."

"So you agree you would be less than excited about Saturday?"

"A funeral would have more appeal Elizabeth."

"Can I tell you a secret my friend?"

Sophia smirked and I realized she was the biggest mouth from the South.

"You can tell me but....keeping secrets is something I’ve always had a problem with!"

We both chuckled in unison recalling the days when Sophia was known to be a tremendous gossip.

"I’ve met someone!" I said feeling a burst of excitement just from the admission.

"Oh Liz!" She said pulling me into an embrace.

"Is he a gentleman?" She inquired.

"I believe so. He’s a friend of Donovan’s."

Sophia appeared startled by this revelation or was it concern?

"There's something about him Sophie, I don’t know....it’s as if an invitation were written centuries ago and our names were predetermined as a set!"

"Have you told your parents?"

I gazed at her in disbelief. "What do you think? How could I tell them such? They have prearranged things with Donovan the boor."

"You need to tell them! It will go over much better if he is financially stable. He does come from money, right?" Sophia asked boldly.

"I think so, I mean he’s implied it."

"If you like, I could do some checking..." Sophia offered.

"No. Regardless of what is inside my heart, I made a promise to wed on Saturday and I must follow through."

"You’re willing to risk a lifetime of unhappiness all for the bind of a promise?"

"I’m not a child Sophie, I realize what’s at stake here. My family’s counting on me. I suspect things have not been going well for my father in his business.... I will do this for him, for my mother too."

Sophia nodded her head in agreement. "I have heard some things....."

"Don’t bother with the details...I’ve overheard enough when my parents believed I was out of earshot."

"I wouldn’t care to be in your place Elizabeth, this Donovan Winslow is no prince!"

________________________________________________________________________

There was more than the sky that appeared overcast on Saturday, my mood was in synch with the weather. The air was thick with humidity, rain was almost certain. Mother and Father shifted the plans for an outdoor ceremony and had the staff accommodate by arranging everything in the grand entryway of the estate. A long streamer of white was leveled neatly and a makeshift alter appeared at the end. Long candles were positioned around the floral arrangements and everything appeared in a simple elegance. Thick upholstered chairs were placed in a precise line followed by dozens of extending rows.

By ten o’clock, a brigade of automobiles pulled into the drive.

Mother clapped her hands to pull all attention to her. "The Winslow’s are here!" She exclaimed. "Everyone must put their best foot forward!"

Mother and father rushed to the door as plastered smiles animated both of their faces.

A rather plump woman with tiny framed glasses sauntered in through the doorway. She eyed my parents and the surroundings with intense scrutiny. Her expression reflected distaste as if nothing about our summer home met her standards.

I chose to wear a simple dress for the formal introductions. Baldwin Winslow entered the home and extended his hand to my father. All politeness seemed to be forced and a moment later, a prudish man entered the home. My Aunt Denita appeared next, since she had accompanied the Winslow’s from Europe. She smiled in a prim way and everything about her posture hinted that she was to the end of her patience with the English family.

Mother and Leona Winslow chatted in a superior tone. Everything that was said followed an undeclared rule of etiquette. A moment later, mother called me over to meet my new family. After a few words of courtesy, Baldwin Winslow introduced me to his son, my soon to be husband.

As if his letters were not a true indicator of his pompous attitude, Donovan in person was pretentious and rude. He gazed at my wardrobe as if appalled at the simple style. "You must do things much differently here in the States." He commented under his breath.

Donovan Winslow was a homely man, his nose was too large for his face. His eyes were shifty and dishonest. His mouth, he kept in an expression that was usually accomplished if someone had bitten straight into a ripe lemon.

Within my deepest of thoughts the reality of my future slapped me awake.

The entire group moved to the sun room to discuss the upcoming event. A staff of help surrounded everyone, ready to jump at the hint of a want. Beatrice and the others were wearing the formal uniforms only brought out for such an occasion.

Tea was served along with fine crumpets. I hurried from the room, through the house and out the back door. No explanation for my rude behavior was given and I suspected I escaped unnoticed.

Wind had picked up along the beech as thunder roared in the distance. I had no destination in mind, just that of flight. I used the narrow rutted path that was considered a road and I fled.

When I was about a mile down the road, I slid in through a break in the foliage and hiked to Three Corners. I could live here, I thought gazing out at the wonderful view around me.

I climbed the high dune and collapsed on the summit. White caps began to splash the shore with fury. A storm was heading in and yet I didn’t care. I sat upright and pondered as my future flashed before my eyes. I was destined for a life of emotional despair. I could envision a husband of ill spirit, children who gazed at life with the same disposition and I felt powerless.

I was there an hour when it began to drizzle. Like a woman loosing all sanity, I began to laugh in hysterics. Three hairdressers appeared at daybreak in order to ready my hair for the wedding. "Spare no expense!" Mother had announced. Now, what took forever, was destroyed by rain in a matter of moments.

"Tears from heaven!" I shouted as I waved my fist towards the sky.

I began to dance around as the drizzle shifted to a sudden downpour. Laughter now replaced sadness as I realized I would not go through with the marriage to Donovan Winslow. Money was no reason to sacrifice love. I realized it in that moment and my inner self was ultimately restored.

I hurried on my dissent and slid down the dune. Water was washing out the fine sand and with every step I began to sink. It took incredible stamina just to reach the waterline and that appeared to be of great peril. Large waves arose like mammoth hands as they slammed against my stride. Lightning crackled overhead, but I would not be deterred from my objective.

As I rounded the bend, Robert meandered from the property adjoining my parents’ home. He grinned sheepishly at my soggy appearance.

"I arrived for the ceremony a bit early. Donovan was about to introduce me to his bride to be, but somehow no one could find you."

"Why didn’t you tell me how horrible he truly was?"

Robert released a burst of laughter. "That’s Donovan! Why do you suppose he agreed to a marriage of arrangement?"

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Any woman with an ounce of common sense wouldn't have much to do with Donovan! He is enamored with one and one alone, himself!" Robert said.

"I can’t marry him!" I said announcing the obvious.

Robert laughed hysterically. "I knew you wouldn’t."

"I’m in love with someone else!" I said, as Robert pulled me into him.

"I knew that right off!" He whispered placing his lips to mine.

"What are you going to do now?" Robert asked swiping at the water that was now pelting my brow.

"What else is there to do, I’m going to cancel the ceremony!"

"Let’s go Lizzy!" Robert said escorting me up the walkway and into the back entry of the summer home.

Leaving Robert at the back foyer, I hurried up the stairs, trailing mud caked footprints. When I entered the bedroom, mother was perched on the bed gazing to the wall in a depressed state.

"I was worried sick!" She exclaimed as her gaze shifted in a demented manner.

"I had a lot to consider." I replied.

"We’ve got two hours before the wedding. You must get cleaned up... OH and look at you!" Mother managed, voicing her disapproval.

"Mother, I can’t marry Donovan Winslow."

Her eyes narrowed with disdain. "You can’t or you won’t?"

"Does it matter?" I asked, as my mother appeared shaken.

"Your father and I have never really asked much of you Elizabeth."

I nodded in agreement with the truth of her statement.

"I am asking you to do this, for us." Mother stood from her position and extended her hand. The warmth of her fingertips flooded my memory of the many times we would stroll along the beach, hand in hand. Years of fondness for my mother confused me.

Mother grasped a towel and began to dab my hair. There was something endearing about the attention. Through the years such a gesture was only performed by my nannies.

"I know Donovan Winslow may not be the person you would have chosen." Mother said in the understatement of the year.

"Do you believe I would have chosen your father to marry?" Mother shook her head no. "Sometimes you must trust those that love you most."

"He’s dreadful mother!" I whispered as she kissed my forehead.

"You may believe that now, but in ten years when you look back to this, you will understand. By then, with a little luck, you will have some babies of your own. You’ll want to look out for them and make the best decisions on their behalf. That is all your father and I are doing today. We are securing your future, and you must trust us on this."

Mothers voice was almost hypnotic, her pitch was steady and controlled. If she was angry for me running off, she didn’t show it.

After brushing away the dampness, she removed the gown that I was wearing. A slight smile pursed her lips. "My baby is all grown up now."

I felt extreme warmth at the sight of my mother showing emotion. "Give me this moment Liz, give me today!"

"But mother..." I began as she placed her fingertip to my mouth.

"Shh." She whispered soothing me.

Mother went to great pains at cleaning me up and assisting me into my wedding gown. She had such a power over me that I had no idea existed. As if following along path into destruction, I obeyed.

She redid my hair herself. It felt wonderful to have her stroke the long strands like she used to. I recalled the many evenings we spent in conversation about current events and brushing my hair was the one task she enjoyed doing.

I became putty in her hands.

An hour and a half later, we stood in front of the full length mirror. "Daughter you look radiant!" Mother said as I smiled with pride.

Mother slid into the hallway and returned a moment later. "The guests have all arrived and oh, what horrid weather..." She commented.

"Mom, I’m very uncertain about this."

"Elizabeth, please." She scolded leading me from the room and into the hallway. My father was pacing on the upper level outside of their suite. He gazed at me then winked. "You’re so lovely my child, go now and live a wonderful life....be happy!"

I bit my lower lip, preventing the outburst of rebellion.

Father took my arm and escorted me down the stairway and through the hall. I felt as if I were locked in a trance as we paraded down. Many faces brightened at the sight of father and daughter on this special day. I peered about then realized Robert was still at his position near the side door. He gazed at me with question and I shrugged my shoulders making light in response.

"May I have a moment father?"

My father opened his watch and glanced at the time, he nodded with reluctance. "A moment is all that you have." He rounded the corner and a trio of violins began to harmonize a classical tune. Conversations died out as the ceremony was about to commence.

Robert hurried forth and his eyes reflected deep agony. "What happened to canceling the wedding?"

"I need to do this for them." I responded.

"They will not be the ones forced to live with the Winslow’s in England, you will. Your parents are behaving selfishly."

"I will not allow you to verbally attack my parents!" I said stomping my foot.

Beatrice peered in our direction from the top of the stairway. I managed a quick smile wavering her concern.

Thunder roared shaking the door behind Robert and hail began to slam in all directions. The wind picked up as a blast of beach sand pelted the windows.

"I won’t allow you to ruin your life and mine!" Robert said swinging me up onto his shoulder. I released a scream as he bolted through the door and into the storm.

"Robert put me down this instant!" I demanded kicking him with the tip of my shoes.

"Someday you’ll thank me for this." He said trying to keep sure footing.

Father’s voice radiated through the weather, his tone deep and commanding. "Elizabeth! You come back here this instant!"

"I can’t!" I shouted. "I’m being kidnapped."

Robert began to sprint, the slick terrain making every step treacherous. We reached my automobile on the far edge of the property. Robert opened the door and slid me inside. I stood in an attempt to return to my wedding.

"Just sit there, would you?" He shouted.

"I need to go back, everyone is counting on this."

"You’re not thinking clear Lizzy. We’ve got to get you out of here."

Robert darted outside of my automobile and used a crank to fire the engine. The motor purred rather loudly as he slid back into the seat and drove off. By this time, others were scampering to follow us. To my surprise, Donovan Winslow led the rescue.

This reality forced me to surrender. "Get this tin lizzy moving!" I demanded.

Robert grinned in triumph as he navigated the auto to the open gates.

The horrible downpour limited our range of visibility as we risked our lives pushing the car at maximum speed. Tires slid in the mud and in a few instances it appeared that we might end up in a ditch along the way.

"Where are we going?" I asked Robert.

"Anywhere but here. You name the place and I’ll take you there."

"Somewhere with great weather and plenty of beaches!" I exclaimed as he patted my hand with affection.

"Are you thanking me yet?" He asked.

"As a matter of fact, I am. When I saw Donovan back there coming after us, I saw a premonition of my future with him. I realize this is the right thing to do!"

Robert released a hoot then busted into a triumphant laughter.

As we reached the dip before the main road away from the lake, the car slid into an embankment. Robert gazed at me and his expression clouded with concern. "Well darling, I’m not sure this carriage is going any further."

He peered about surmising the situation through the window.

"I’ll try to push it out, get behind the wheel."

A moment after he hopped from the auto, he swung back to the door. "Be careful and.. as soon as you feel it move, hit the brake. If the car slides too far, you’ll end up at the bottom of the dune."

He grinned at me and my heart melted from his love.

"Robert, thanks for saving me back there!" I said with a sudden desire to say my peace.

"I did it for me too, for us, for our future children." He said as he began to put muscle into rocking the auto. The distant clatter of approaching vehicles began to echo as Robert shot a quick glance towards the road behind.

"...and if I had married him and moved to England?" I shouted.

"I would have followed you regardless. In fact, I would follow you just about anywhere... that’s how strongly I feel for you Lizzy."

With that, the auto lunged forward and in an instant treetops became visible.

The horse-less carriage was free falling and putting aside the fact that death was inevitable, the experience of being birdlike even for a moment was extraordinary. With ten seconds until impact, my final thoughts were of the man that I would never survive to be with... my mister wonderful, my Robert Wright.