Elizabeth Laurier, Chp. 2, Gen. 1, 1702

~Late Fall, 1702~

Dear Diary:

     

     I really enjoy Detroit.  I've met many neighbors and they all seem very friendly.  But I still feel something is missing, especially in the mornings.  I sometimes invite Claude to dinner, but I feel empty when he leaves.  Maybe I'm just lonely.  I know sometimes it is the memory of my little sister.  We used to always share a small bedroom when I lived with my parents.  As children, every morning, we'd play with a wooden doll house that my father carved for us for my birthday.  We would play with grass woven dolls and we'd have the time of our lives.

     One day, she became very ill.  The doctor came.  He could not tell us what was wrong with her.  He would just shake his head sympathetically and would apologize to us.  A few days later, my little sister, my sweet, best friend died.  I wished I would have died with her.  I couldn't bear life without her.  I still miss Emilie to this day.  The first child I give birth to will have her name, if that child is a girl.  It is the least I can do.

     With love,

               Elizabeth

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     Elizabeth decided to visit the town park because she was going to visit her friend, Lucie Pointe (Lucie was a neighbor and the two quickly became friends).   

     "Bonjour!"  Elizabeth smiled at Lucie.

     "Bonjour, Elizabeth!  How are you?"  Lucie asked.

     "I'm going well, just still a little frightened of the idea of a fire in my fireplace!"  Elizabeth laughed.  Lucie nodded sympathetically.  

     "I'd just be careful, Elizabeth.  That was a few weeks ago, at least.  Don't worry about it." 

     "I just have no idea what I'd have done if Claude Beaumont had not been there.  I probably would have perished in the fire, along with my home." Elizabeth sighed.  Lucie looked around, then stepped closer to Elizabeth.

     "Since we are 'older ladies' you might want to consider getting married soon," she said to Elizabeth.  "It's not like we have a lot of time left to live.  Unmarried women are looked down upon, as you know.  I'm older like you.  I'm lucky to have found Jorge."

     Elizabeth frowned.  "What's that supposed to mean?"

     Lucie pursed her lips.  "Maybe Claude is the one for you..."  

     "It's not like I can propose to him!  And I never even thought of being married to him before!  I want to choose a special person and not just because I'm running out of time.  Let them talk about me and look down on me!  I want to enjoy my special person.  I don't even know if Claude is the one."  Elizabeth tried to hold back her anger.  She secretly did admire Claude, but was embarrassed that Lucie brought it up.  And Elizabeth was secretly hoping that Claude would, indeed propose.  He was friendly and brave.  He made Elizabeth happy.  Lucie, after all, was only trying to help.  Elizabeth thanked her for advice, said a quick goodbye, and started to walk home, when she ran into Claude.

     "Oh, sorry, Claude," she apologized.  "I did not see you there."

     "It's quite alright.  I was just on my way home from the printer's.  How are you getting along today?"

     "I'm doing well, I was able to get a job as a seamstress a few days ago.  I worked a little on a project earlier today."  Finally, Elizabeth had a steady income.  She hoped that she would soon be able to afford a cellar installment!

     

     There was a moment of silence.  Elizabeth gazed deep into Claude's eyes. Claude opened his mouth to speak.

     "You know, Elizabeth, I really haven't known you for that long, but I really want you to know how much I care about you.  I don't know, there's something about you...  You're different from other women I know.  You are not afraid to show your true strength.  You are a very special person.  I just wanted you to know that."

     Elizabeth smiled.  "Claude, I feel like you are always there to help me.  I would have died without you that night of the fire.  I really do care about you, too.  I'm often lonely, but you are always there to brighten up my day."

     They stood there.  

     They hugged.  It felt good to be in Claude's arms.  Suddenly, Elizabeth knew that he was the man for her.  She was not sure about how he felt, but, she knew that he was the someone she wanted to be with for the rest of her life.

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     A few days later, Elizabeth invited Claude over for dinner.  He arrived just as Elizabeth was tending to the fire.

     "I suppose you started that fire," Claude said, laughing.  Elizabeth blushed and nodded.

     "Yes, I did."

     "Elizabeth..." Claude said her name in such a way that it made her turn around.  She walked over to him.

     "Elizabeth," Claude repeated.  "I want to tell you something."  Elizabeth held her breath, waiting.

     Claude got down on one knee.  "Elizabeth," he said yet again (and FINALLY), "will you marry me?"

     Elizabeth, in shock, gasped. 

     "Oh my goodness!" Elizabeth whispered.  "Yes! YES! I will marry you! I do!"

     "I can't tell you how proud I am to have you as my wife," Claude said.
     

     "I love you, Claude.  You saved me from death; twice."  Elizabeth said.

     Claude frowned. "Twice?"  Elizabeth nodded:

     "Once from the fire, and twice- from being alone forever."  

     "I love you, too, Elizabeth.  I always will."

  

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Dear Diary:

     Since Claude and I are officially married, I am starting to think about those little pittering pattering children feet.  I haven't really discussed the fact of starting a family with Claude yet, but I have a feeling he wants children as well.  I plan to talk to him later.

     With love,

            Elizabeth (now Elizabeth Laurier-Beaumont!) 

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     Elizabeth headed upstairs to get ready for bed, with her dream of children on the mind.  I'll be the best mother I can be.  I'll dress them as young children, I'll teach them good manners, I'll tell them stories, and I'll...

     When she was ready for bed, Claude joined her.  

     "You have a beautiful smile, Elizabeth," Claude said.

     "Well, you know how to make me smile," she told him.  After a small silence, she said, "Claude, what do you think about starting a family?  It has always been my dream to be a mother of many beautiful, happy children."   

     Claude squeezed her shoulder.  "It has always been my dream to be a father of many beautiful, happy children."  

      Elizabeth looked at him and smiled.

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*The Antique Legacy*

Elizabeth Laurier