Passing as Elias - By Kate Bloomfield Page 0,38

burning sensation in the pit of her stomach, not unlike that of immense hatred and jealousy. Yet how could she hate an entire family without ever meeting them?

‘Their son, John I think his name was … he walked over and kissed my hand. He was dark, tall, broad shouldered, and smelled stale.’ She frowned.

Elizabeth felt immense dislike for this John character.

‘My Pa,’ Merrill said, suddenly angry, ‘He has betrothed me to this stranger out of convenience for our family. He said I would do him proud to marry John Blanc for he was a successful businessman, and I would put our family in a better position for it.’

Merrill’s fury subsided and she avoided Elizabeth gaze, ‘I thought I might be able to seek your council. I ran from the house, and sought your residence.’

Merrill’s shoulders trembled as she broke down into tears, and Elizabeth was so utterly shocked that she did not know what to do. Here was a seventeen-year-old girl, sobbing before her, because her father had bargained with a wealthy family over the liberty of his daughter.

Elizabeth took an almost clean handkerchief from her sleeve and handed it to Merrill, who accepted it with a sniff, and dabbed her eyes.

Elizabeth was not quite sure what to do, so she rubbed Merrill’s arm in what she hoped was a soothing manner.

‘It is all right, Merrill.’ Elizabeth cooed, ‘I will help you in any way that I can.’

Merrill broke down into fresh sobs and launched herself at Elizabeth, crying into her chest. Elizabeth, completely taken-aback by this fresh wave of emotion, patted Merrill’s hair awkwardly. She did indeed feel quite protective of Merrill despite the fact that she had only known her a week. In many ways Merrill was a lot like Elizabeth had been at seventeen. However she could not explain the immense jealousy that had taken over when she had heard of this John person. Perhaps she did not like the idea of losing her first employee to a man.

‘I am sorry, Sir.’ She said once she had gained control over herself, ‘I am not usually this mad, I promise.’

‘I do not think you are mad.’ Elizabeth gave a small smile as Merrill relinquished her hold upon her.

‘You are so kind.’ Merrill said, ‘I know I keep saying it, Sir, but I have never met a man like you.’

Elizabeth’s mouth twitched. No, Merrill had not met a man like Elizabeth before. How many men had breasts that were strapped down with linen, and socks packed into their breeches?

‘I believe women deserve to have every right a man does.’ Elizabeth said, ‘my sister … she has had some troubles because of her gender. ‘

‘Has she, Sir?’

‘Oh yes. Our mother wanted her to marry very badly.’ Elizabeth said, ‘But she is a very clever woman, my sister, and wanted a career. She did not wish to be a housewife.’

‘What did she do?’ Merrill whispered.

Elizabeth could not tell the truth, ‘She … she met a man. They got married not two months ago.’

Merrill’s face fell, and Elizabeth knew she had been expecting a story of a woman’s successful battle against repression. Yet Elizabeth could not reveal the true story for it would lead to this very apothecary, and Merrill would know the true nature of who stood before her.

‘But that is not important.’ Elizabeth waved a hand impatiently, ‘what is important is that you do not do as you are told. You are your own boss, and you must make your own decisions in life otherwise you will regret it forever. Could you really imagine yourself laying with this man on your wedding night … a complete stranger?’ Elizabeth did not know why, but she wanted to steer Merrill far away from this betrothal.

Merrill gave a shudder, ‘No, Sir. I do not wish to think of it.’

‘Then you shall not marry.’

‘I think I would like to get married one day, Sir.’ Merrill gave a small shrug, ‘But I would like to decide when, and to whom.’

‘And so you shall.’ Elizabeth insisted, making Merrill smile.

‘Thank you, Sir, but what shall I tell my father? His colleagues would be so displeased to hear the news. I fear it might shame him if I refused.’

Elizabeth did not know the answer to this question. Her mother had never forced marriage upon her – only nagged about it. Elizabeth had ultimately decided to marry in order to reopen the apothecary.

‘I do not know what is best for you, Merrill.’ Elizabeth said putting her hands into her