nicely. Amy, will you accompany me on my journey to Northern England? Please? I promise you; it shall be worth it. You are my best friend, and so wish to have you by my side.”
Amy said nothing for a moment. She looked to be lost in thought, and Judith prayed that she would agree.
Finally, she spoke. “I suppose you are right. It would be quite the adventure. Who knows what we might find along the way? Yes.”
“Yes!” Judith chimed.
Impulsively, she threw her arms around Amy and hugged her tight. She was aware there was still the small matter of getting her Father’s permission but, at the very least, she now stood a chance.
The notion filled her with joy.
“Oh dear, you have no inkling how happy you have made me. Thank you for agreeing to this.”
Amy simply nodded; her eyes lit up by the smile on her lips.
No more words were spoken, while Judith finished dressing for dinner. Finally, the two women went their separate ways, with Judith heading down to the dining hall to join her mother and father.
***
Dinner went by quietly. It was an unspoken rule in the household that no one talked while eating unless absolutely necessary.
So, while Judith itched to make her announcement, she waited until they had all cleared their plates and were about to rise.
“Father, Mother, please stay for a while. There is something I wish to discuss.”
She heard her father’s resigned sigh. Her mother however, clueless in the matter, raised her brow in question.
“If this is about what we discussed earlier this evening, Judith, I have made my decision. I’m afraid I do not intend to change it,” her father said, his voice gruff.
“Please, Father, hear me out. I believe what I’m about to say will change your mind.”
Her mother looked from her husband to Judith, her confusion evident. “What is this about?”
It was her father who answered. “Your child wishes to visit your sister, Letitia. She says the journey, and being away from home, might help her discover herself. Apparently, she’s unhappy.”
“Unhappy? Why?” her mother asked swiftly, the surprise in her voice clearly apparent. “Do you lack anything, Judith? Do we not show you enough love? Why would you want to leave home?”
Judith let out a sigh. “It’s nothing of the sort, Mother. I … I simply feel there is nothing special about me. You have your art. Father has his business. Edward has his books, and Theresa has her music. I … I have nothing. It cannot be. There must be something I, too, am gifted at. I think some time away will help me find it. Lord knows my time here hasn’t.”
Her mother’s eyes immediately turned sad, and she reached out to cup Judith’s face.
She felt her heart warm at her mother’s loving touch. She closed her eyes and leaned into it.
“Oh dear, I had no inkling you felt that way.”
Her eyes fluttered open. “No, Mother. You have done nothing wrong. It is I who cannot stop feeling … ordinary.”
“Oh, that is nonsense! You are anything but ordinary, Judith. You are special in your own way.”
“How, Mother? What way is that?”
“Well… You… I…” her mother stuttered, “You play the pianoforte really beautifully.”
Judith shook her head. “Just about as beautifully as anyone who has had to practice since they could walk. That’s not special, Mother. It’s normal. Now, you see what I am trying to say?”
Her mother sighed, saying nothing more.
Judith felt her heart twist in her chest, but she ignored the pain. She could not fault her mother for finally seeing the truth she had always known.
She pulled away from her mother’s hand and turned to her father.
“You said you would only let me go if I have company. Amy has agreed to come with me. Now, I shall not be alone. So now, Father, will you change your decision? Will you grant me this freedom?”
This time, he was the one who sighed.
“Judith … Amy is a woman. You two are vulnerable. Anything could happen.”
“Father, please. Have I ever asked you for anything so desperately? You must grant me this one wish. Nothing would make me happier. I beg you.”
She could see him visibly struggle with himself. She waited as he tried to reconsider his decision. Her heart beat harder in her chest. Her stomach quivered in fear of rejection again.
The minutes seemed to turn into hours, and she wondered how much longer she would have to wait.
Finally, he said, “I wish I did not have to do this, but I