Love Lullaby

It was rare for it to be a bright and sunny day in London. That’s probably why I’m in my room. Not by force but by choice. Why did I choose to stay in my room on such a nice day? Easy because Allen my father kept scowling and comparing me, plain Elizabeth to my 3 perfectly married siblings, Kate, Norman and Jake. Is it I who hate my father? No, no, no… It’s my father who hates me. As for my mother she always tried to help me- she still does. 1

I heard footsteps echoing loudly on the hollow floorboards. They were coming towards me. Then a slight knock touched my door.
“Elizabeth dear. It’s me, your mother. Get ready dear. You’ll be coming with me to the bakery.”2

From behind the door I heard my mother sigh. Not of anger or distress- but one of comfort. Whatever had that meant? What was with her voice? Always so gentle and soothing. My father doesn’t deserve my mother. Not my dear, soothing mother, Eleanor. She deserves better than an incompetent man, who is an uptight bank manager. She knew that, I hope she did. 3

I dressed in a blue and white day dress. I placed my white hat on my dull black hair. I looked at my reflection and saw me for who I was. Light black hair, brown eyes, pale skin and pink lips. Plain and simple. I could never be as beautiful or interesting as the people around me. Never. 4

I walked down the stairs hoping my father wasn’t home. But of course luck was not on my side. There he was. Standing near the door getting ready to go to work. I saw his gently brown eyes turn fierce as soon as he saw me. I felt like a mistake. I knew a tear would come out. I took a deep breath and kept walking down the stairs. 5

I could see that my father was about to snap something out at me.
“Took you long enough!” 6

As he said this his face crumpled and turned bright red. Why did he have to dislike me so much? At least my mother doesn’t- that’s all I need. 7

“Sorry father. I won’t take long next time.”8

I wasn’t sure if he even heard me. My voice came out in that of a quiet mumble. Unlike my 3 siblings’ voices. Bright and loud. It showed the people how strong they were and that our father was proud of them. Not me. I sigh not quite sure why. I’m not quite sure of anything anymore- not even myself. But I am sure that I will be alone forever. 9

As my father left, my mother signalled for me to come to her. The bakery recently opened and was apparently very good at business, well according to my mother. I just nod to be polite. I didn’t really care. 10

“Elizabeth it’s out of town. So we’ll be taking a ride in a carriage. Is that ok with you?”11

“Of course it would be ok with me, what better things to do than look at cakes all day long, mothers?”12

My mother smiled at me. Didn’t she notice the sarcasm in my voice? I took in a deep breath. How was it that my mother loved me for who I was? I guess I could go to the bakery with her. Why did she need to go to the bakery?13

“Well I guess I could come with you to keep you company. But just tell me this, why do we- you, need to go to a bakery? And why does it have to be outside of town?”14

She looked at me with surprised eyes and answered my questions with a smile.15

“Dear. Did you forget? It’s your fathers and my anniversary! But I think he remembered so that’s why we’re going to a bakery outside of the town to delete suspicion!”16

She sighed. I laughed at her expression. Did she really think my father would remember their anniversary? It was always Kate who reminded him.17

“Well fine. But I doubt we’ll delete suspicion if we go out of town everyday.”18

I hope she noticed the lack of concern in my voice. 19

“We’ll work it out there. I’ve only met the caterer who by the way is also known as a baker and his son a couple of times before. But they seem nice dear.” As she said this her right hand was prodding me to the door.20

I breathed deeply and reached for the door knob with my right hand and pulled back the heavy wooden door. The sunlight shone through nearly blinding me. It was indeed an unusually sunny and its not even 10 in the morning. As I gained my sight back I took a step forward out onto the street, my mother behind me. 21

“Elizabeth this way. The carriage is by the corner of this street.” She looked pleased and triumphant as she said this- most likely because she was surprised that her plan to delete suspicion was working. 22

We prodded along arm in arm to the corner of the street. A man of about 20 opened the door and helped us in. As I sat at the far corner of the carriage I looked outside the window. How long was this going to take? 23

“Mother how long is this going to take?” I said dully.24

As the carriage started to move finally, my mother spoke in her normal soft tone. Though my normal tone sounded dull like … straight maybe even flat… what a shame. I sighed at the thought. 25

“Well its a few months away- the anniversary I mean and the trip here to there is roughly an hour and a bit. Not that long.” She smiled.26


I remained looking out of the window. It must have been an hour into the trip. I yawned then slightly rested my head in my hand. My gaze still locked outside. My head propped up. Was that a person?27

Who is he? Wearing a white shirt over his bare pale soft skin. His brown hair flying behind him as he rode his beautiful chestnut coloured horse. Is he real? The carriage came to a halt and the door opened. I looked back outside the window and he was gone.28

“Come Elizabeth, we must get a move on. The anniversary is going to be…different.” She smiled warily. 29

She led me from the carriage to the small shop on the corner of the lane. The town almost seemed empty. I couldn’t see how they could have a great business. It seemed very unlikely.30

We stood in front of the shop just looking. Well I was anyway. My mother opened the door and slightly pushed me in.31

As I walked in I saw a man of my mother’s age. He had black hair. Soft brown eyes. Clean teeth and a soft tan barely noticeable.
Some one was next to him sitting in a chair. It was a young man of around my age 17-18. He had brown hair. Deep brown eyes and pale skin. He looked familiar. But I’d never been here before… odd.32

The young man met my gaze and smiled crookedly. I felt a flush of scarlet come to my cheeks but I couldn’t look down. Finally my mother broke the silence and my gaze.33

“Edmund, Edward please meet my daughter Elizabeth.”34


The older one of my mother’s age held out his hand. Surprisingly his voice too seemed like hers. 35

“Ah. The Elizabeth Garner. Well I’m Edmund Triffe and this young man beside me is no other than my dearest son Edward.” 36

I took his hand and shook it. Edward stood and took my hand. His hand is so warm and his skin seems so soft. Was he real? OH NO! I think my palms are about to start sweating. NO! Why now? 37

“Pleasure to meet you Elizabeth.”38

His voice sound so angelic. Are his eyes gleaming? Someone pinch me I think I might be dying! 39

He slowly let go of my hand and stood next to his father. I looked at the ground. I could still feel his eyes on me and I couldn’t bear blushing again!40

“Well now that we all met. Let’s go over what we’re doing. Come now. Into the back.” Said Mr. Triffe smoothly.41

We all went to the back of the store. It seemed cosy. There were two tables and four chairs. I looked at my mother. She just smiled back. Of course she did she always did. What else did I expect?
She seated me on the first table and sat on the second. Why were we sitting apart? Mr. Triffe and Edward just stood at the front smiling broadly. Probably because we were their first and only customers. 42

“Ok, can I ask what we are doing now?’ I said impatiently43

Edward took a few strides towards me, still smiling broadly as ever then sat across me and turned to face his father.44

“Well Elizabeth your mother and I will be teamed for the preparations of the anniversary. While you and Edward will be teamed to… to keep out of harms way. Yes out of harms way.”45

Mr. Triffe smiled. I frowned. I rested my head on my hand and just kept sighing. Edward chuckled darkly. I stopped sighing and looked at Mr. Triffe.46

“Ok. That’s a good plan. Here’s a better one. I bake a cake and throw it at Edward. He can be the grand cake. It’s brilliant!” 47

“Ha, ha Elizabeth. But don’t you think I can dodge cakes?”48

I glowered at him and hoped he understood that I could make his life a misery. But instead he laughed at my expression. Laughed!49

“Ok, ok people. Listen! All you and Edward have to do is nothing. Just keep an eye out for the store. Now shoo- off both of you.”50

I sighed in delight. Then threw Edward a dark look and grimaced broadly. He should be scared now.51

“You look so funny when you try to threaten me you know…” he laughed out. 52

Huh? I looked funny? Did he need glasses! I stood up and lightly took hold of his arm. 53

“Oh get your bottom off this seat and look after the store…”54

“Well Elizabeth. This store hasn’t had a customer for a very long time and I pretty much doubt anyone will be here- at all. So I have other plans.” He said matter-of-factly.55

He chuckled darkly then slowly got a hold of my arm. I looked back at my mother who was already busy and working with Mr. Triffe.56

“What other plans?’ I demanded.57

“Are you scared… I’m warning you though because you should be. Eve though it’s only 11:40 in the morning.” He sniggered. 58

I would have to admit he is far better at threatening than I am. But I’m not scared. How could he think I’m scared…? Oh My God. His shirt. I grabbed a hold of his white shirt- he looked back with a curious expression. 59

“Its you…” I said softly.60

“Hmm… yes I’m Edward?” He said questioningly.61

“No, no that’s not what I meant; I mean I saw you this morning riding a horse.”62

He smiled crookedly then dragged me off back to his father’s store. Why isn’t he telling me yet …?63

“Yes. I rode a horse and past your carriage. But don’t tell my father…” 64

He said this in such a low whisper I had to strain my ears to hear what he had to say. It was in my nature to be curious! I had to know why I couldn’t tell his father. I had to!
“Why? Please tell me. I can’t help being curious.” I mumbled.65

He laughed lightly and then looked at me with his rich brown eyes and came a few steps closer towards me and whispered ‘tomorrow’. 66

After hours of provoking Edward then giving up miserably each time, my mother and I returned home from the bakery. It was around 3 pm at the time we arrived. Whilst in the carriage my mother and I had discussed our plans. We would go everyday in a different carriage. I couldn’t wait until tomorrow.67

I rushed through everything that remainder of the day- cooking, cleaning, even sleeping it seemed. I didn’t mind anything my father said either.68

I awoke just after Allen left. I dressed in a yellow and cream dress. I didn’t even bother eating. I brushed my teeth and we were in a carriage at last!69

“You were in quite a rush Elizabeth. Why?”70

She couldn’t keep the curiousity out of her voice. I didn’t answer. We were silent for the rest of the journey there.71

When we were set off to do our duties in the store. In my case nothing. Edward didn’t tell me anything about the horse. Instead we just kept looking at… one another. After two or three months Edward and I became very close… 72

This was my last journey with my mother to see Edward and my mother seemed awfully sad about something. Their anniversary was in a week and I had already fallen madly in love with Edward. That day we all sat together. I only noticed then that my mother was holding Mr. Triffe’s hand. What had this meant?73

As my mother was saying her thank you to Mr. Triffe ALONE, I got more and more suspicious of her. But for what reasons? 74

I looked at Edward and saw that he was sad. His smooth face crumpled up.
I took him to the front where it was deserted. As always. 75

“What’s wrong?” I asked.76

“Elizabeth don’t judge me but… the authorities were after me. That day you saw me. I have to go from here. I’m… I’m really sorry.”77

His voice sounded so soft and harmless. I couldn’t see why the darn authorities were after him! Why would they want someone so innocent? Who cared- I didn’t!78

“I’ll come with you!” I pleaded
Edward looked up with the crooked smile I loved. Hugged me then let me go. But his face seemed at unease. 79

“But what about your father. I don’t want him disliking you even more…” He said jokingly.80

I laughed then held his hand and traced the lines within it over and over again. 81

“When are you planning to leave?” I said in a whisper.82

He stroked my face with the tip of his fingers.83

“1 week from today at 9pm. I know that it’s the day of your fathers and mothers anniversary… but it’s when the streets will be empty. I can understand if you want to stay. But if you come there will be a surprise for you.”84

He put his arm down and held my hand. I smiled and edged closer towards him and answered his unmarked question.85

“It’ll be the perfect time to run away. It’s not like my father notices me… and I can’t believe you think I would want to stay here of all places.”86

“And what would that surprise just happen to be… not that I really care or anything…” I added trying to keep curiousity out of my tone.87

He just smiled and held my gaze for as long as possible.88

89

90


1 WEEK LATER… 91


I walked down the stairs. All ready and set. My belongings with Edward. Kate, Norman and Jake were occupying the guests. My mother signalled for me to come and talk to her. I walked briskly towards her. 92

“Yes mother, you wanted to talk?”93

She directed me to the kitchen. We entered through the door. It was empty. My mother told me to sit down. I sat and so did she.94

“Elizabeth. You’re my youngest child and I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry for everything. I love you so much dear. Nothing is your fault. Just remember that…”95

Tears were pouring down her cheeks. She wiped them away with the edges of her hands. Did my mother know I was running away? Why was she sorry? But of course. It has to be- Edmund.96

“Don’t be sorry mother. It’s neither of our faults. You remember that… I love you… and dad. Just have a good time tonight. It’s your ANNIVERSARY! But later… you’ll tell me.”97

I smiled and got up. I looked at the time and saw that it was nearly 9 pm. I had to go. I hugged my mother and left. But no one followed. Maybe she didn’t know? I dodged past the guests saying my hellos and goodbyes. I finally reached the stairs and climbed them for the last time. As soon as I reached the top I ran across to my room.98

I packed any last valuable belongings I wanted to take with me. I couldn’t believe that the authorities were in on it for Edward. I knew for a fact that my father hated Edward because somehow he knew I liked him and not some rich friend of his. That’s why my father doesn’t love me like Kate, Norman or Jake because unlike them I followed my heart and I didn’t go blind. I looked in the mirror on last time and saw absolutely nothing plain.99

I climbed out the window and lightly jumped into my loves arms. His eyes were glistening like always. We climbed on horseback. I held tightly onto Edward as I’d never rode on a barebacked horse before. 100

I heard Edward laugh and my heart filled with warmth again. Who would have known that I, yes I, Elizabeth Garner would’ve fallen in love? I certainly had me fooled that I would be alone forever! I don’t think that’s going to happen.101

We stopped on a road and I spotted a carriage parked at the corner. Edward smiled his dazzling smile and gave me a hand down. My heart was beating so fast I was surprised it didn’t burst.102

We entered the carriage. I took the far corner and Edward stay seated beside me. I took a look around and saw Mr. Triffe smiling broadly. His arm was wrapped around somebody. Who was it? 103

“Edward.” I whispered. He turned to look at my curious expression then understood.104

“You’ll be surprised how many Garners are mischievous and not very bright for running with outlaws.” He whispered back.
I gasped. How could it be? My eyes were about to bulge out from my eye sockets. I knew it that’s why she was packing. Not for a holiday- I was right! Oh how embarrassing for my father. I laughed at the thought of his expression and held tightly on to Edward then nudged him slightly.105

“Mother.” 106

“Yes, my dear Elizabeth… what is it?”107

“I guess I am smart after all… taking after you I mean. By the way how was dad’s expression when you told him?”108

My mother laughed. We were free in our own different ways. I never did ask Edward what his crime was either. But I knew mine was stealing his heart and it might not have been such a happy ending for everyone. But they had their turns- and now it was mine.