Await My Return

By Sherri Romig

Seeking Gods will for her life brings Elizabeth Grafton to the small Ohio town of Dover to live with her brother and his family. On her wedding day, Elizabeth is left humiliated and abandoned by her fianc, Dirk Hampton, due to family matters in England. While Dirk is away, the new schoolteacher arrives in town. His intentions for Elizabeth are made known after the two work closely together. After eight months, should Elizabeth still await his return?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490822259

Sherri Romig

Sherri Romig has written numerous plays and skits. She has previously published another book, Pledge of Devotion. Sherri and her husband, Bruce, have four children and live in Dover, Ohio.

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Copyright © 2014 Sherri Romig.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-2224-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-2223-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-2225-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014900290

WestBow Press rev. date: 01/30/2014

This book is dedicated to my children:

Tyler, Taylor, Kierra and Trent

I wish to acknowledge the following people that have made this book a reality. First of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for giving me the imagination and ability to write. I also want to thank my husband for his unending love and support, my family Wesley Vaughn for his gift of editing, and my former teen Sunday school class for the inspiration.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 1

December 1850

O n a brisk December morning, just two days before Christmas, Elizabeth Grafton sat alone at her dressing table peering out the east side window. Ohio weather could be so unpredictable. Elizabeth had hoped for sunshine as opposed to the overcast sky above. With the small mirror clutched tightly in her hand, Elizabeth took one last look at herself before heading down the stairs. She inhaled a long, deep breath and let it out slowly. Her hair was flawless. Elizabeth’s sister-in-law, Katherine had had taken her light, brown hair and twisted it into a loose bun on the back of her head, leaving ringlets of curls to frame her face.

She rose to her feet and used her unoccupied hand to smooth over her white, lace-covered organdy dress. It wasn’t like Elizabeth to spend money unnecessarily, but she felt that for such a special day expenses could be allowed. She was so grateful to her mama and pa for bringing her trunk with them on the train. She had seriously considered not wearing the dress. After all, she had been engaged before. Two years to be exact.

It seemed like ages ago when she still lived with her parents in the small town of New Lexington. It was a mutual decision that had been made between her and John. They had both decided they were not ready to begin a marriage relationship.

Elizabeth had a restlessness about her that was hard to explain. She wanted to find God’s will for her life, which is what led her to Dover where she now lived with her brother, David and his family. Under the tutelage of her brother, the town doctor, Elizabeth had been so grateful to learn nursing skills, which she enjoyed immensely. Helping people through the medical field brought a deep sense of satisfaction and joy.

Elizabeth’s mind quickly wandered once more, and she smiled into the mirror as she thought of Dirk Hampton, David’s doctoring apprentice and the reason she was getting married today. As she recalled, from the very first day they met, Elizabeth had tried to completely ignore Dirk. After all, she had just ended one relationship and definitely had not wanted another anytime soon. It had taken Dirk about a year to win her heart.

The letter that Dirk had received from his grandfather in England had come as a complete surprise. Although Dirk had never had any contact with him before, Dirk felt compelled to honor the request and meet Lord Richard Hampton, and Elizabeth had encouraged him to do so. Now the very thought of Dirk being home after being gone since April and the two of them married sent a tinge of nervousness throughout her body. Another joyful reminder was the fresh aroma of cake, coffee and bread, which wafted up from the kitchen. Although it was causing Elizabeth to be slightly nauseous, it had all been prepared for the reception.

Elizabeth put down the mirror and cleared her throat as if to clear her mind. She needed to get downstairs. Pa was using David’s team of horses to take her, Mama, Katherine and the three children to the church. Her brother had left quite a while ago. He was to meet Dirk and his mother at the train station. Dirk’s father had died several years ago. Elizabeth had never met Dirk’s mother, Margaret Hampton, but thought if Dirk was any reflection of her she couldn’t wait. She somewhat felt like a silly schoolgirl, but didn’t care. Today was hers and Dirk’s day.

With her lace veil draped over one arm, Elizabeth opened the door of her bedroom with anticipation. As she descended the steps, she heard low murmurings coming from family members that were waiting for her.

The first one Elizabeth noticed was her pa. He was standing there in his dark gray frock coat and light trousers. Small splashes of silver accented his dark brown hair, which he parted on the side. He was looking at her very solemnly. It was not what she was expecting on her day. In his hands, Elizabeth noticed a white envelope.

Drawing closer to Pa, she noticed a postage mark in the corner. She was curious, but again dismissed it from her mind, and smiled, I’m all ready to go, Pa.

Seth Grafton looked down at his only daughter and swallowed hard. Elizabeth looked beautiful. He tried to return the happiness that his daughter deserved. He forced himself to speak. Carrie Carson from the post office just brought this by. When she saw it come out of the mail bag, she thought it might be important.

Elizabeth took the envelope and at once noticed the handwriting. Her heart skipped a beat: Dirk! She looked up at Pa, and saw Mama and Katherine standing close by. Why did she feel this was important? Dirk’s here, isn’t he? The train came in this morning. Has anyone seen him? A thousand thoughts flooded her mind.

Ruth Grafton, Elizabeth’s mama, gently reached out and tapped her daughter’s arm. Go ahead and open it, Elizabeth. Just find out what this is all about. It will put your mind to rest.

Elizabeth gently took the envelope. She closed her eyes briefly, and could see Dirk’s broad, inviting smile, and those chocolate brown eyes peering out from under his Stetson. Carefully opening the envelope, Elizabeth slowly pulled out the folded pieces of paper. Feeling totally unaware of any one else’s presence, Elizabeth began to read in silence.

The first thing Elizabeth took note of was the date, November 15, 1850. Dirk had penned these words a month ago. She continued.

My Dearest Beth,

You are in my thoughts daily. Much has happened here in England. I’ve come to know my grandfather in a special way. He is a Christian. That is a story in itself.

Elizabeth read on about all the people Dirk had met. He was still having a hard time adjusting to servants waiting on him. Dirk described his grandfather, Lord Richard Hampton’s home. It sounded like a place that Elizabeth had only read about in books. Further into the letter, Dirk had been sure to ask about her brother David, Katherine and their children.

The text that followed caused Elizabeth’s smile to disappear. Her heart felt as though it had been struck with a knife. Her legs began to waiver, and floods of nauseous ness began to rage in the pit of her stomach. The very oxygen she breathed seemed to be shut off from her grasp.

I know we planned to be married in December, but I fear I will not make it home. Please forgive me and try to understand. That is why I’m writing, so you can put off the wedding preparations. If there were any other way, I would have done so. I thought this would be a short matter to settle with my grandfather, but it’s just the opposite. In the few short weeks that I have been here, Grandfather has become so dependant on me. He wants me to inherit his estate when he dies, but I’ve turned him down. I have promised that I would help him find someone to run the estate before I return to America. I am truly sorry that I cannot put an exact date on my return. I feel I need to be here. I would love to bring you here someday. You would find it fascinating. I close for now.

With all my love,

Dirk

Not knowing what to do or say, Elizabeth dropped her arms to her sides and stood staring at the floor in disbelief.

Elizabeth, dear, come sit down. You look a little pale. Ruth led her daughter effortlessly to a nearby chair and helped her sit. What’s wrong?

After a few seconds, Elizabeth gained control of her being. She rose with the strength and confidence of a soldier. There will be no wedding. Without looking at anyone, she handed the letter to her mama. Elizabeth walked right past the trio without saying anything further, marched up the wooden steps, and closed the door to her room behind her.

Once the door was closed, Elizabeth managed to tediously get out of her wedding dress, which buttoned from the nap of her neck to her waist with hook and eye buttons. She let it fall into a reckless heap. She carelessly pulled all of the pins from her hair letting them fall scattering onto the small woolen rug in front of her bed. Elizabeth replaced her wedding dress with her brown riding habit and shoved her Coburg bonnet on her head and went back down the stairs.

When Elizabeth descended, her pa, mama, and Katherine were still standing there where she had left them, obviously stunned at the way she had departed their presence.

I’m going to saddle Belle and ride to the church and inform everyone.

Elizabeth could see the sorrow and disappointment on each of her family’s faces. She knew they ached for her, but they could not truly know to the depths of hurt she was feeling at this moment. Her pa stepped toward her.

Elizabeth, let me do this for you. Everyone will understand.

No, Elizabeth stated without emotion. I should be the one. Awaiting no further discussion, Elizabeth turned toward the kitchen, went out the back door and headed for the barn.

She saddled Belle in such a lackadaisical way that she couldn’t even remember doing it once she led her out of the barn. Once on top of her mount, she urged Belle to full gallop all the way to town. The raw, cold air blew against the two companions without mercy. Belle’s nostrils flared and steamed with each breath.

Belle did not receive the slightest pat on her nuzzle or a treat for the swift ride once they arrived at the church. Elizabeth jumped off in haste and tethered the horse carelessly before entering the front door.

Once she was inside, the warmth nearly suffocated her. The low murmur of voices representing those in attendance, coupled with the loud clanging of church bells, caused Elizabeth’s head to instantly throb. She would say what needed to be said and get out.

Once her presence was noticed, the noise seemed to cease immediately. You could have heard a pin drop. Elizabeth scanned the audience slightly, but caught her brother’s eyes as he stood in the front facing her. She spoke as if talking to him only.

I’m sorry for the inconvenience, but there will be no wedding today. Dirk was unable to return as he had planned.

Turning to leave, the once low murmurs increased in volume, but she didn’t care. Elizabeth did not want to speak to anyone. She shut the door behind her, raced down the steps, untethered Belle, and rode out of town as fast as she could.

Elizabeth was unsure of where she was going. The faster Belle ran the better. The cold air only began to sting and penetrate her very being as salty liquid seeped from her eyes. Unable to see where she was going, Elizabeth relied fully on Belle’s instincts. Unconcerned at the time, Elizabeth brought Belle to a trot where she tumbled off and fell into the tall, brown, stiff grasses where she beat her fists on the ground.

Why, Dirk, why? How could you do this to me? What about our plans? I’ve waited for weeks. Uncontrollable tears took over, and she lay in the meadow limp and weak as a rag doll.

After a few minutes, Elizabeth slowly sat up, clasping her head with her hands. Oh, how her head throbbed! She wiped the remaining tears on the back her hands, which she transported down the front of her skirt. What would she do now? How could she ever face anyone again? Dirk has no idea what he has put me through today. Deep down in her heart, Elizabeth knew that she shouldn’t be thinking so negatively. She had Dirk’s word. Besides, she saw the date on the letter that proved he hadn’t meant for it to turn out this way, but she didn’t want to think about that. She was hurt and humiliated, and felt abandoned. How could she continue to await his return?

Elizabeth began to shiver. She was completely chilled from the inside out. In her haste earlier, she had forgotten her cape. Elizabeth knew she needed to get back to the house, or she put herself in danger of becoming ill. David needed her assistance in his office more now than ever. There were several babies to be born in the coming months, and sickness prevailed in abundance during the winter months. She needed to stay healthy.

Rising to stand, Elizabeth picked up the bonnet that had fallen from her head when she had flung herself to the ground. Taking in a deep breath of the brisk air, she repositioned her bonnet and reached for the reigns that were hanging reckless about Belle’s neck. Elizabeth laid her cheek against her companion’s slender face. She reached her right hand under Belle’s neck and gently stroked her face while patting her nose with the opposite hand.

Oh, Belle, what would I do without you? You’re such a good horse to me even when I don’t deserve it.

Climbing up into the saddle, Elizabeth rode Belle back to David and Katherine’s with more gentleness and compassion.

When she got back, Elizabeth could see her pa standing in the barn with her cape.

Pa, you shouldn’t be out here, said Elizabeth leading Belle to her stall.

Pa ignored her rebuke. He tenderly placed the cape about her shoulders and retrieved the reigns from her frigid hands.

How’s my girl?

At the very sound of Pa’s tenderness, Elizabeth threw herself into his arms and buried her face in his chest and sobbed, Oh, Pa.

Elizabeth felt his strong arm wrap securely around her shoulders. She knew how much her pa loved each of his children, and how it saddened him to see her hurting. Elizabeth also knew that her pa always had a listening ear.

She pulled back and looked up into Pa’s strong face: I feel like such a fool. Everyone must think that I’m absolutely dreadful.

No, one thinks such a thing. I believe everyone understands, and God knows what’s best.

Elizabeth sighed and looked down at the dirt floor. The weight of her heart seemed unbearable. To be honest, Pa, right now I don’t see how God knows best. She absent-mindedly began to help unsaddle Belle.

Everything was quiet for some time. When Pa gave Belle a fork full of hay, Elizabeth caught a whiff of the grassy scent as she shut the stall door. A smell that had always been inviting was now repulsive. She quickly put her hand over her nose and turned away. She needed fresh air.

The two walked out of the barn arm-in-arm in silence until Seth spoke. I know it is hard to understand after everything that has happened, but God does care about you, Elizabeth. He hurts when you hurt. He knows what you are going through. I’m reminded of the scripture in Ecclesiastes: ‘To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.’

I know you’re just trying to help, Pa, but right now I’m feeling too poor to care.

I know you are, but just remember that I love you, Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard those words, her heavy heart lifted slightly. She smiled weakly up at her pa, I love you too.

Elizabeth quickly noticed the look of relief on her pa’s face.

Pa gave her shoulders a squeeze, then he picked up the walking pace, Let’s get you inside. Your mama’s worried sick.

Chapter 2

O h, these stuffy clothes, Dirk Hampton thought. Ties and formal wear were just one of the things that he would not miss when he left England. At the very thought of leaving, his mind went to Elizabeth, Beth as he called her. Dirk felt sure he had let her down terribly with his last letter. He had no intention of staying so long, but what with the winter weather, he was unsure of when he would make it back. Certainly Beth loved him enough to wait. On the day he had departed for England, Dirk could still see her as she came into the train station. He thought he could even smell a hint of lilac in the air. A sudden knock on the door brought his mind to atte ntion.

Master Hampton, all of the guests have arrived. Dinner will be served in ten minutes.

Thank you, Devon. I’ll be there.

Dirk tied his black necktie into a small bow, and pulled on his dark, gray