Passing as Elias - By Kate Bloomfield Page 0,6

Elizabeth found that she had nothing interesting to talk of. She realized that they had never had a conversation away from the apothecary, where she was forced to be kind and understanding to all clients. George Greenwood was pleasant, clever, and charming, it seemed, and he talked to her in an honest manner.

‘Indeed’ Captain Greenwood said ten minutes later, continuing a conversation that Elizabeth had not been listening to, ‘Though I do find the laws regarding marriage quite ridiculous in some instances. By marriage, the legal existence of a woman is consolidated into that of the husband, under whom she must obey. I find it wrong that a husband has complete financial control over his wife.’

Elizabeth’s attention was caught, ‘You do?’ She said looking up at him.

‘Of course.’ Captain Greenwood gave her a sideways glance and sighed, ‘I do apologize, Miss Searson. I fear I have a lot on my mind. Do forgive my incessant whining. I realize how inappropriate it might seem for me to be expressing my opinions so freely.’

‘Not at all, Captain. I quite agree.’ Elizabeth found her respect for Captain Greenwood increasing, ‘What is causing you so much worry?’

Captain Greenwood frowned and seemed to be deciding whether or not to confide in Elizabeth. After all, they barely knew each other.

‘It is my sister.’ He said after a moment silence, ‘She is set to marry in a months time.’ He did not seem pleased by this.

‘Well, Congratulations to her.’ Elizabeth said awkwardly.

‘She is quite happy.’ Greenwood admitted, ‘But she is only sixteen, and does not know what marriage entails. I happen to know for a fact that the man she is going to marry is not what one would call gentle. I fear he may not be so romantic once they have settled into married life. I find him drunk at the Inn regularly. She says she does not mind, and the idea of belonging to a man is quite appealing to her.’

‘Many women like the idea.’ Elizabeth admitted with a shrug.

‘Even you, Miss Searson?’ Greenwood gave her a sly smile.

Elizabeth scoffed, and noticed they had slowed to a leisurely stroll as they cross through a park, ‘That is rather personal, do you not think, Captain?’

‘Indeed, I did not think you would be the type of woman who would be content as a housewife, with the wage you earn belonging to your husband - that is - if he allowed you to work at all.’

‘You thought correct.’ Elizabeth said fairly, ‘I do not plan to wed at all.’

Captain Greenwood came to a halt in front of Elizabeth and looked at her in an unusual way, ‘Some might find that socially humiliating.’ He said.

Elizabeth frowned and looked up at Captain Greenwood defiantly, ‘You sound like my mother.’ She said haughtily, ‘What I believe is my own business, Captain.’

‘You … you are a very peculiar woman, Miss Searson.’ He said with a small crease in his brow. He was frowning, but not in an unkind way. He seemed to be deep in thought.

‘So I am told.’ Elizabeth said, rather annoyed.

‘Do not misunderstand me.’ He continued, waving a hand, ‘I find you extremely … uncommon.’

Elizabeth felt her face becoming pinker by the second. She was not sure whether she should be mad or not.

‘Have I offended you Miss Searson? I do apologize, but I find it extremely easy to talk plainly when in your company.’ he said, frowning.

Elizabeth sighed and relaxed her eyebrows from their knitted position, ‘No, Captain, I am not offended, and you may speak plainly for I find it difficult not to most of the time.’

They fell in step once again and continued walking through the park. Elizabeth felt slightly awkward at the silence that followed. It seemed Captain Greenwood had run out of issues to discuss, and Elizabeth did not help matters by remaining silent.

Eventually they came to her front door. Captain Greenwood looked up at the shabby townhouse, with it’s dirty windows, and the peeling paint on the front door.

‘Good night, Miss Searson.’ The captain gave a low bow.

‘Goodnight Captain.’ Elizabeth gave him a small nod before turning on her heel and walking through her front door.

Once inside, Elizabeth peered through the sitting room window, obscured by lacy curtains. She watched as the Captain gazed up at her house for a moment, before putting his hands behind his back and strolling away in the direction from which they had came.

‘You are home early.’ Came her mother’s voice from the kitchen.

‘Hello Mother.’ Elizabeth gave a small