Lavinia's Heart

By Michelle Weisen

Lavinia Spencer Rexford returns in this sequel to Lavinia’s Window.

We four are a patchwork of girls, born of different mothers,made sisters by birthright or chance, if there is such a thing.

It’s 1886. 15 year old Lavinia lives in New York City with her blended family of sisters: 13 year old Annie, 12 year old Mina, and 10 year old Olive. Grandmama decides that Mina’s health will improve in the country, and the family returns to Millstone Manor in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Lavinia and Annie look forward to their long awaited homecoming, but Mina and Olive are city girls who have serious reservations about the move. What they discover is that Millstone Pond will be sold by the government to the Pennsylvania Railroad under a law called Eminent Domain. As Lavinia’s family moves forward to challenge the government’s right to confiscate their land, Lavinia and her sisters forge strong bonds. They find that the distance between city and country is only as far apart as they want it to be. What matters most are the choices made and risks taken in a place where freedom means everything and courage abounds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Weisen
• Release date: May 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476076850

Michelle Weisen

I was raised in Red Wing, Minnesota and lived in Miami, Florida for many years. I received my bachelor's and master's degree in English at Florida International University where I taught until I moved to Pennsylvania. I researched girlhood in the Victorian era for my graduate work. I have a deep passion for the rights of children. I believe that they should be raised in love and given opportunities to succeed and fail. There are many powerful outside influences that disrupt the natural growth cycle - it is what I call, stealing childhood. My question is how does one create a moral compass for one's children so that they can make good decisions? My triology: Lavinia's Window, Lavinia's Heart and the last in progress Lavinia's Dance are uplifting and thoughtful and provide a moving reading experience that views the world from a different perspective - love, courage, creativity, empathy for others, and weighing circumstances versus impulse reactions. My partner, Paul Mahoney and I also wrote In My Own World for special needs kids and are working on a video sequel, Share my World. We donate to the National Austism Foundation. The smallest gesture of caring has a long reach. I write to make a difference.

Book preview

Lavinia’s Heart

By Michelle Weisen

Copyright © 2012 by Words of Mercy

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except for brief excerpts quoted for purposes of review. For information, address Words of Mercy 211 President’s Drive, State College, PA 16803.

Cover Design by Paul Mahoney

Photography by Paul & Tracy Mahoney

Photographs of Poppy (Lucille Louisa Consuelo) courtesy of Debra & Samantha Lee Illsey

Dedicated to Ian

Note from the author:

Dear Reader:

Welcome to the sequel of Lavinia’s Window. The following information is important to the central conflict in the book:

Eminent Domain refers to the power possessed by the state over all property within the state, specifically its power to appropriate property for a public use. Public use may be defined along the lines of public safety, health, interest, or convenience. Perhaps the most common example of public use is the taking of land to build or expand a public road or highway.

The Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the Pennsy, the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The PRR is addressed by both terms in the novel.

As we make our journey through life, it is the people around us who shape the way we see the world. Lavinia’s family and friends appear in this book along with a few others. As with most families today, it can get rather confusing what with everyone coming and going.

I hope the list of characters, old and new, on the next page will help you on your way.

Lavinia’s Family & Friends

Lavinia’s Parents

Alex Rexford - papa

Julia Spencer Rexford - mama

Lavinia’s Sisters

Annie Riley Rexford - sister to Kevin and adopted by Alex

Mina & Olive Rexford ¬children of Charlotte, Alex’s second wife, who died in a fire

Philadelphia

Claire Randolph Spencer ¬Lavinia’s aunt who owns Trousseau

Benjamin Stewart ¬Claire’s love interest

Margaret Pegs White Singer ¬Claire’s Business Partner

Aunt Mimi & Aunt Allie ¬elderly aunts of Edward & Constance

James & Belle Brewer ¬Constance’s cousins

Ella & Charlie Brewer ¬children of James & Belle

Millstone Manor - Chadds Ford, PA

Grandmama - Constance Randolph Spencer -mother to Julia & Claire

The General- Edward Randolph - brother of Constance

Mrs. Lawson - cook and chief housekeeper

Kevin Riley - caregiver to the General Oliver Piper - helps with the farm

Nancy -Mrs. Lawson’s niece who works at the Manor

Ellinor May Wynne - niece of the General’s former fiancé

Reverend Mitchell - pastor of the Methodist Church

Father O’Malley - priest of the Catholic Church

Pets

George & Martha -the General’s Irish Wolfhounds

Bubbles -Lavinia’s pug

Poppy - Mina & Olive’s pug

Sweet Pea - Annie’s cat

Pete - a black-billed Amazon parrot

Freedom - a Shetland pony

Introducing

Professor William Bertram - Alex’s friend

Agnes & Gerard - Claire’s household staff

Dr. William Harris - Ellinor May’s fiancé

Sgt. Warren Purdy & Mr.Chen - the General’s troop leaders

Mayor Bateson, Judge Richardson, Sheriff Hastings, Deputy Smith -Chadds Ford’s Officials

Prologue

1 January 1886

Journal Entry

It is a new year and I shall turn sixteen. I wonder, as I always do, what the future holds. Sometimes I think I would like to know beforehand, but when I look back on the past, I am satisfied that time unfolds in the way it does. After Papa came back into my life, I could not go on as I was before. Families are meant to be together and mine is no exception. We four are a patchwork of girls, born of different mothers, made sisters by birthright or chance, if there is such a thing.

It has not been easy for any of us, but I believe my thirteen-year-old Irish sister, Annie, has had the most difficult time. From the moment I set eyes on the underfed little waif who climbed through my window so many years ago, I was never the same. Annie’s hair is as black as her temper, flying every which way. She taught me to love and accept others despite their imperfections. Trust and loyalty are important to those the world discards as unworthy, and I can only imagine her fear at being left behind. The happiest day of my life was when Papa adopted Annie and gave her a forever home.

Papa has two daughters by his second marriage. Mina and Olive are as different from Annie and me as night and day. Both are very fair with straight blond hair and blue eyes. They have also endured much sorrow. Like Annie and me, they lost their mother. She died in a fire that also afflicted Mina, who is now twelve. She is plagued by consumption, due to the smoke she inhaled. Her legs are twisted and scarred, and she is confined to a wheelchair. There are days when Mina is so pale as to be nearly transparent, and I tremble at how fragile she is. Through it all, Mina maintains a deep resilience and passion for life. Mina never complains, although she is fully aware of her condition. The doctors have little to offer and I fear that we could lose her at any moment. Olive is spoiled and unpleasant to everyone. She flaunts her privileged background shamelessly, especially to Annie. Olive does not share and is particularly jealous of my relationship with Papa. I have seen her torment Mina on several occasions and take pleasure from her tears. At ten, Olive is the youngest and misses her mother terribly. Her grief has made her angry and she acts out her frustration on the rest of us. She is, as Annie says, very hard to love.

Grandmama has been our pillar of strength, and spends most of her time with us in New York. Although she and Papa have many differences, their common goal of our well-being comes first. The General visits on occasion, but spends most of his time back in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. He says that he is getting too old to travel, and prefers the peaceful company of George and Martha, his Irish wolfhounds.

Aunt Claire’s bridal shop, Trousseau, has branched out. She opened another shop in New York City, and we see her often. Her business partner, Pegs, manages the one in Philadelphia, and they are very successful indeed. Claire has spent several months in Paris and plans to shake up society with her new designs. My aunt has not lost her flair for the dramatic, but I sense that she is troubled. She has lost weight and become moody and distant. I wonder if it is because she feels overwhelmed by her work or distressed about her relationship with Mr. Stewart. He asked Aunt Claire to marry him before her Paris trip, but she was not ready. They have been apart for some time, and I do not know if they stay in touch. She refuses to discuss the subject with anyone, including Grandmama.

Grandmama has decided that we will return to Chadds Ford this year. She hopes the change in environment will benefit Mina’s health and improve Olive’s disposition. She says that Olive requires a new perspective on life. Old memories continue to haunt her, and she cannot move forward. Annie and I are delighted. We miss our home. Papa travels frequently, but promises to visit us in Chadds Ford every chance he gets.

I look forward to this New Year, come what may. LSR

Chapter 1

Come along, girls. Mother and Uncle Edward are waiting for us, said Claire. Make sure you collect everything, and for heaven’s sake, keep the pets in their baskets!

Annie tucked a mewling Sweet Pea into his basket while Olive took care of the two pugs, Bubbles and Poppy. Lavinia helped Mina into her wheelchair.

A light snow began to fall, covering the hard edges and dirty tracks.

Let me bundle you up, Mina. I don’t want you to catch pneumonia, cautioned Lavinia as she wrapped a thick shawl around Mina’s thin shoulders.

I feel quite well today and look forward to spending time in the country. I shall enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Good thing too because you look like a ghost,declared Olive.

Do you ever think before you speak? snapped Annie. That was hurtful.

Enough, you two. I’ll have the porter bring our luggage. Lavinia, take Mina first. Annie and Olive, follow Lavinia. It’s slippery, be careful. Claire ushered them out.

The entourage reached the platform. Grandmama and the General were waiting for them.

A fine bevy of beauties, exclaimed the General as he opened his arms wide. Annie and Olive dropped their satchels and jumped into a warm hug.

Grandmama kissed Lavinia. How was the trip, darling? She put her arms around Mina. Are you warm enough? she asked anxiously.

I am fine Grandmama, blushed Mina. Please don’t worry so.

Where is Claire? You four didn’t wander off, did you? inquired the General sternly.

We most certainly did not, Sir. Claire told us to meet you while she collects our things from the porter, replied Annie.

Five females and their luggage? Good Lord! A task of this magnitude requires compensation! He turned to the girls, Tip generously. Got that?

Yes, Sir, replied the girls.

Good. We are not a family of inconsiderate, penny-pinching snobs. Now stick together and follow me. It’s a madhouse here.

The General led them through the train station, waving his cane and barking orders. Claire arrived, and two porters transferred their mountain of luggage onto a cart.

Uncle Edward, how I have missed you, said Claire fondly, kissing his cheek. What? No wolfhounds?

Constance said there wouldn’t be room, and she is right as usual. They are back at the house.

Claire flung her arms around Constance. Mother, here we all are again. Do you long for the days when it was just one child? she laughed.

Never, replied Constance. I like a busy life. These girls keep me young, although I must say traveling between three cities remains a challenge.

But we are going home, aren’t we Grandmama? asked Annie.

Yes, but we will spend a few weeks with Claire in Philadelphia. We shall explore the city and brush up on our history.

That sounds exciting, said Mina.

I think it’s going to be boring, sulked Olive.

Not at all, Olive. I’m going to take you to the museum to see real dinosaur bones. What do you think of that? asked Lavinia.

I’ll see what I think when I get there.

Move along, prodded Grandmama.

I’ve decided to stop at the shop. Paris was amazing and I have many new ideas to discuss with Pegs, said Claire.

Claire, can’t you think about anything except work? You never stop.

I promise I won’t stay long, Mother.

Constance sighed. See that you don’t.

Claire, please take me with you, implored Lavinia.

Only if Mother agrees.

Grandmama, can you manage everything? Annie will help, won’t you?

You can count on me, grinned Annie, holding onto the General’s hand.

I’ll help too, said Olive, as she took the back of Mina’s wheelchair.

Thank you, Annie and Olive, smiled Constance.

She turned to Claire. Remember, the family is coming to dinner, and will arrive shortly.

Claire and Lavinia waited until passengers, pets, and luggage were settled in the carriage. Then Claire hailed a hansom cab to Walnut Street.

They rode in silence.

What are you thinking, Claire? asked Lavinia.

Claire looked at Lavinia in surprise. So you notice that my thoughts are deeper than usual.

Yes, I do. Is it about Mr. Stewart?

I’m thinking that I am tired of running around the world, at least for the moment. I’d like to find someone to manage the New York shop, and spend time designing a new collection.

You didn’t answer my question.

No, I did not.

Lavinia hesitated. Do you love Mr. Stewart?

Claire looked at Lavinia. Love is not just a feeling, it is also a commitment. I am thirty now and have enjoyed much success, but I also feel alone. Claire looked out the window. Love asks a great deal. I want to be fair to Benjamin, and also stay true to myself.

The carriage pulled up in front of Trousseau, a three-story Queen Anne rowhouse on Walnut Street. The building was constructed of glazed cane brick with leaded glass arch windows on each floor. Large round turrets flanked the corners of the building. A highly polished stained glass door in the shape of an arch topped a short marble stairway with intricately patterned wrought iron railings. A small brass sign above the bell was the only indication that a business existed there. All clients were received on an appointment only basis.

Claire and Lavinia climbed the stairs and opened the door. They entered an elegant parlor where a slim young woman sat behind a marble-topped desk, sorting correspondence. Her golden brown hair, pulled back from her forehead and secured in a knot, accentuated her high cheekbones and long neck. Her violet eyes reflected the colors of her lavender suit with purple piping.

Iris, how are you?

Miss Spencer, such a nice surprise. I must say I wasn’t expecting you. The young woman stood up. It’s good to see you.

Where is Pegs?

She is meeting with a client in the Ivy Room.

I’ll join them. I’ve brought some new designs from Paris, and it may be that our new client will be interested in something different for her wedding.

Iris hesitated. I believe Mrs. Singer wanted to discuss this client with you first. Perhaps it would be best to meet after her appointment to go over the Paris designs. Can I bring something to your office? Tea perhaps?

Nothing right now. Who is our mysterious client?

Arabella Moore.

Do I know her?

Irish flushed. I don’t believe so, although you are acquainted with her fiancé.

Excellent – then we have something in common. Lavinia, come along.

Claire pulled Lavinia down the hall, despite Iris’s objections. She knocked briskly, and entered the Ivy Room. The entire space reflected an ivy motif, the floral symbol of marriage. The walls were painted a pale green and the ceiling a darker green. Under the cream crown molding, an ivy pattern was hand-stenciled around the room. Ivy patterned silk curtains hung floor to ceiling, and sunlight brightened the room through fine Irish lace panels. Pegs was sipping tea with their client at a pink marble-topped table with carved rosewood legs. Large bouquets of fresh pink and white roses entwined with ivy sat on marble pedestals in front of the windows. A fire burned brightly in the pink marble fireplace embossed with an ivy emblem. Pegs looked up as Claire and Lavinia entered the room.

Well, darling, I see you have finally found your way back home. She rose to embrace them. You are quite the young lady, Lavinia. How old are you now?

I shall be sixteen in March, replied Lavinia.

Time passes far too quickly. Let me introduce you to Miss Arabella Moore. She is recently engaged and plans to marry in June.

The young woman was beautiful, yet fragile, like china. Her porcelain skin was devoid of color, and her black hair, swept back by two ivory combs, fell in ringlets down her back. Miss Moore’s hands trembled slightly as she held a lace handkerchief to her delicate lips. She was dressed like a school girl in a brown velvet jacket and tartan wool skirt. Lavinia guessed that she was probably eighteen or nineteen.

Miss Moore extended her frail hand. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am feeling a bit ill this morning, so I hope you won’t mind if I don’t stay long. I do want to extend my gratitude for taking me on as a client. I realize Trousseau is booked months in advance, and I appreciate this appointment. My father leaves for England this summer, and wishes the marriage to take place in mid-June.

Our small company has managed multiple assignments in the past, and I am proud to say that we have not disappointed anyone yet. Are you interested in a new style, or do you prefer a more traditional theme?

My fiancé is quite traditional, but I am open to suggestions. Unfortunately, my mother died several years ago, so I don’t have her counsel to rely upon.

My Aunt Claire is talented and creative. Everything she designs is exquisite. You can trust her implicitly, said Lavinia impulsively.

My niece boosts my morale and serves as my good luck charm, Claire said fondly. I am sorry for your loss, Miss Moore, but I am glad you managed to get an appointment on such short notice.

Arabella is Martin’s first cousin, replied Pegs. The wedding shall be a small family affair. I intend to carry out the arrangements myself.

Claire nodded her approval. Let me know if I can help Pegs. She took Miss Moore’s hand. I wish you a happy life. Your wedding will be wonderful and you shall make a stunning bride.

You are most kind. Benjamin and I are most appreciative.

Benjamin? inquired Claire.

Yes, he is an attorney. Perhaps you have heard of him? Benjamin Stewart. Claire’s cheeks flushed bright red. She stared at Arabella, clearly at a loss for words. Pegs