The Young and Weary

By Skyler Nicole Talley

Philippa Parker spends her time reading of far-off adventures and voyages, dreaming that one day she might have a journey like the characters in her books.

But when a terrible event changes her and her sisters' lives forever, Philippa has the opportunity to step up and become the hero in her own story.

Will she be able to navigate the pitfalls of

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyler Talley
• Release date: Mar 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781637958414

Skyler Nicole Talley

Skyler Talley was born in 2002 in Las Vegas, NV. She spends most of her time reading, playing piano, and styling outfits to share on social media. She writes throughout the day, often taking a moment to write down an idea in the ever-growing notes section on her phone. The Young and Weary is her first book.

Book preview

1

The Girl on the Hill

The water flowed with a familiar tide as it rocked the wooden docks with a powerful rhythm of predictability and power. The young girl admired the beauty of the sea and watched the sway of the boats from the hillside beside the waves.  

It was a habit of hers, reclining on the spritely grass as she dreamed of har off adventures. With her, she always brought along a book of fantastical old tales. That evening, she was deep in her contemplation for voyaging and so she hurled herself into the story of oceans and whales and revenge. The words came to life and she was pulled into the novel, so much so that she felt the sea spray against her cheek and sensed the depth of the world on a keen level.  

She had become so swept up in her imagination that she had completely forgotten the life she must return to at afternoon’s end. She was no longer Philippa, the reader, but a character of fierceness, traveling across the sea with unwavering strength.  

But suddenly, she was snapped back to reality as she found it increasingly difficult to read the ink of text. As she inspected the novel in her hands, her senses were sparked to life and she realized just how late it was! Time had gotten away from her, as it often did- a terrible habit that her family always lectured her about. 

Upon realizing how late in the evening it was, the girl gathered her book and abandoned her perch in the valley. Clutching the story firm in her grasp, she took off running from her paradise. Philippa sprinted through town and up the road until she reached her home, secretly enjoying the thrill of being late. 

The Parkers’ house was homely and not too extravagant considering the wealth the family possessed. They kept the home in remarkable shape- despite the messy girls who resided inside it- and frequently swept the dust off the porch and painted fresh coats of white on the walls. The family refused to hire a housekeeper, for Mrs. Parker believed in one doing hard work no matter economic class and she raised her daughters to take care of the household just as she had for many years. It raised opposing beliefs from some of the neighbors, but Mrs. Parker stood fast in her doings and soon enough, nobody questioned their dealings because they were such respectable people. 

Our girl, Philippa Parker, clomped up the steps and burst into her home, exclaiming through ragged breaths, Don’t mind me! I’m very aware of how late I am. 

Yet, her disclosure did nothing to ward off the worried shouts of her younger sisters, who rushed to her side, urging her to get dressed for the special occasion. 

Oh, Philippa! You’re over an hour late! I was about to send Jenny to fetch you from the hills, but the oaf ripped her dress on the way out and I had to sew it up for her! explained George.  

"Don’t call me an oaf, Georgiana," the youngest retorted, emphasizing the dreaded first name, simply to tease her sister.  

I never would have sewn your dress if you were going to act like that. 

Amidst their bickering, they helped Philippa out of her muddy boots and led her to the room to get her dressed as quickly as possible. Laid out on her mattress was a proper, elegant dress suited for a princess. Philippa looked upon it with disdain at the frills and lace, not to mention the attention-seeking bows. The eldest’s face scrunched in displeasure, for in all her years, the girl still had not mastered the concept of polite inscrutability.  

What is this? Philippa demanded, pointing at the rose dress outstretched in all its splendor. 

It’s a darling dress, Jenny offered, meekly. 

"But it is not my dress. Not the one I laid out to wear tonight." 

Jenny and George exchanged a series of suggestive glances before confessing the truth. 

This is a ball, Philippa. You can’t wear your simple dress to an event such as tonight! George scoffed. The dress we’ve laid out for you is more suitable for the occasion. 

Philippa rolled her eyes and contemplated the new outfit while her sisters rushed her to get dressed in the delightful style. However, Philippa never liked dresses of the sort, for they required a corset, which pained her ribs, and a ridiculous petticoat, which itched her restless legs. But she couldn’t argue much more on the matter, not with so little time to spare.  

I still need to fix your hair, so put on that dress or I’ll yank it over your head myself, threatened George, in the loving way that only a dear sister could manage. 

Philippa waved the girl off and got dressed independently, savoring her dignity before she saw herself in the despised fabric. She huffed as she adjusted the hated thing. George and Jenny began braiding the untamable hair, leaving poor Philippa with nothing more to do than examine her new wardrobe in the mirror, glaring at it with stark displeasure. Her eyes drooped in anger as she inspected her silhouette, pompous and full, curved in all the places a fine young woman should be, but exaggerated in more ways than one.  

Is this grass in your locks? Jenny wondered aloud, pulling at the chartreuse flecks. 

I was admiring the sea and reading a grand novel of sailors, if you must know, Philippa responded with an upturned nose. And stop tugging at my hair! If you pull any more, you’ll rip it all out and I’ll have to go to the ball as your bald sister. 

She made a face and Jenny giggled at the thought of it, but George was not amused with Philippa’s teasing, not even in the slightest. She slapped the wrist of the instigator, which only succeeded in commencing further arguments and play fighting. At last, the sisters had succeeded in getting their group ready for the night’s event and George did not hesitate before jubilating, There! You look like royalty! Such a pretty doll. She was fully pleased with how beautiful her subject turned out to be.  

Come on, come on! Let’s go or else we’ll be dreadfully late. George, you don’t want to miss your dance with Charlie! Jenny teased, running out of the room before George could grab hold of her in vengeance.   

The three left the room, Philippa dragging her feet at the back of the parade, loathing her style and wishing desperately that she had only ignored the time and carried on with her thrilling novel. If only she had, Philippa would not have to worry about the way the material itched and bunched and nagged and she would not have to endure George's lectures about proper behavior or participate in the shallow speech of the ladies that were present. The girl hated such talk more than anything, for she did not enjoy meaningless pleasantries, but instead craved a conversation which stimulated the mind and heart. She enjoyed colloquies and heart-to-hearts and was dreadfully bored of the elegant ladies’ chatter.  

Mrs. Parker joined her daughters near the door, taking note of their hurried scrambles from their room. Mrs. Parker was an outstanding woman of many talents, possibly her most admirable being her ability to lighten even the darkest of moods. She was a soothing soul and put people at ease with remarkable gracefulness. She was a peacemaker, which aided the troublesome sisters on numerous occasions, for their dear mother was often the one who put an end to their bickering with nothing more than a sweet glance in their direction. The girls cherished their mother’s kind character and wished to follow her example when they grew up, for they desired to be women of good souls, though they struggled in their youth to become ones of that nature. Yet, Mrs. Parker, too, had dealt with the difficulty of improving faults when she was young, and encouraged the girls to keep strong in their fight against their imperfections. Her words always heightened the girls’ faith in themselves and in the world, so they took her gestures of comfort to heart. It was these traits that caused the people who knew Mrs. Parker to believe that she was a darling woman, better than the lot of them.  

The sisters rushed for the door, kissing their mother goodbye in the hurry. In the mayhem, Mrs. Parker almost missed the sight of her eldest daughter in such a lavish gown. 

Philippa, dear! mused Mrs. Parker. Are you having tea with the queen? The woman suppressed a laugh, though a giggle managed to escape from her lips. 

Don’t mention it, Philippa replied with a despicable tone. George believed my old dress was ‘unsuitable for the occasion’ and forced me into this. 

Jenny burst into a fit of laughter and George slapped a hand over the giggling mouth, trying to quiet down the amused girl. She dragged the child out of the house, expressing only the smallest traces of apologies, for she too found the situation quite funny. The younger sisters waved and exited the house, waiting for the older to stop dragging her feet and join them on their journey. 

It’s only for a night, reminded Mrs. Parker with a smile. I’m sure you can manage for a few short hours. 

It’s going to be a horrid struggle, murmured Philippa. 

Don’t mumble! George called from the porch. It’s impolite and unladylike! 

Philippa gave her mother a pleading look, but Mrs. Parker simply embraced her daughter with a laugh and reminded her, Be on your best behavior. Complain of nothing at the ball and when you arrive home, you can vent to me all you want. 

The girl let out a huff but nodded at her mother’s request before dashing out to join her sisters. She looped her arms through theirs and accompanied them to the road, trying earnestly to ignore the uncomfortable fabric. On their way to the ball at the Price’s estate, they happened upon their father as he walked on his way back from work. 

Mr. Parker was a successful businessman and owned many stores along the coast at the docks. He enjoyed his job and was quite fond of the scenery he encountered on the days he worked, for the sight of the waves swaying with rhythmic serenity encouraged his light-hearted soul. Although many looked down upon the fishermen and laborers, Mr. Parker took a distinct interest in the men, with whom he had grown strong bonds of friendship with over the many years. He had assisted them through numerous trials, taking some in when tragedy and financial turmoil overtook them, and he had taught his girls that hospitality and kindness was a right all men and women alike deserved. Mr. Parker’s warm friendliness was perhaps the attribute credited for the workers at the docks describing him as a stand-up sort of man.  

As he neared the girls, a smile stole over his face, for he was satisfied by the maturity that his daughters had developed. The three girls were a marvel to behold, all differing in stature but joining in unison with the magic of their souls. They could not have been more different, the lot of them, but they were each a treasure in their own forms, and Mr. Parker recognized this with beaming pride.  

The eldest was brawny but beautiful in her fiery ways. Seventeen had not matured her into the becoming figure that the middle sister possessed, but it transformed her face into one of zeal and determination. She had fought her fare deal of trials and won them all victoriously. She was independent and bounded with a wide stride of excited nature, enjoying the way in which her march coursed through her body.  

Philippa was a figure of informality, putting those around her at ease with her slouched posture and rotten habits of running fingers through her hair and cracking her knuckles as loudly as possible. Whenever she engaged in such frowned-upon activities, the corner of her cheek would dimple ever so simply as a tell of her satisfaction in rule-breaking. Her family members scolded her for doing so, but the thing hated to be bothered by societal customs and continued in her ways, skipping gleefully and letting her avid spirit shine through the shell of the character she was.  

Philippa was of smooth cheeks and dark eyes always peeled for the sight of adventure. Her toffee brown hair was that of her father’s side: wild and untamable, much unlike her mother’s elegant hairdos. Philippa did not dote much on looks, for she was strongly convinced in the belief that it was far better to be of good spirit than good looks. However, she was not ugly by any means, and perhaps the young men would have looked upon her romantically if she hadn’t befriended them as a pal of their own kind from such a young age. She roughhoused with the growing young men and enjoyed her fun alongside them; frankly, she preferred it to be kept that way.  

George, on the other hand, a fine young lady of sixteen, flirted and strutted endlessly, for she had a kind heart and beauty to match. She had her ways of impatience and short tempers with her own sisters, though she never dared to conduct herself in a less than perfect manner in public.  

George moved with grace, for she was aware of her prettiness and liked to show off her looks. She took pride in her fine bone structure of a good, delicate nose and high cheekbones, not to mention eyes of dreamy hazel, which only she in the entire Parker family possessed. George was thinner than Philippa and slightly taller than the eldest girl, giving the illusion of a bright young lady- a goddess, if you will- walking in their presence. She glowed of magic that only gorgeous young girls confident in their beauty can.  

Arguably, the most majestic quality about her was her long silky hair which was almost always spun into the latest trend in sophisticated fashion. Perhaps the only thing about her stunning appearance that the girl would have liked to change was her hair color, for she thought it perfectly lovely to have golden locks instead of her own dark ones. However, Philippa fondly enjoyed them, calling them mysterious just like the characters in my novels. The statement only made George’s disdain for her color grow; if she was going to be a character, she wanted to be of royal descent, not of exotic origin. But nonetheless, she took care of her curls and always had them tucked into extravagant looks, which she smiled upon.  

Jenny took after both girls prior to her birth, for although she had Philippa’s frizzy hair, she possessed the fresh look of a pretty, young thing, just as George had at the ripe age of twelve. The youngest had perfected the innocent daze of a child with her hopeful, almond eyes and her curious, parted lips.  

She was a thin girl but held her ground among the elder two; growing up in the Parker family, she had learned the squabble and chaos of sisterly fighting and, because of that, her skinny arms built a muscle for tolerance. She had a smile of vigor and was aware of the effect it had on others, for no one could resist her sweet little look and she had used it deceivingly on more than one occasion to obtain what she desired.  

Jenny was a plain, traditional girl of simple fashion, however she did arrange her hair in a tidy ribbon to keep her natural curls from straying across her face, though that decision was based more on the vexation she experienced when strands fell across her cheek than it was based on the inclination to present her upkept locks. There was nothing more aggravating than being in the middle of her scientific research, huddled over her notepad, focused solely on her calculations, only to be forced to pause to tie up her hair.  

With the exemption of her undomesticated hair, Jenny was prim and ordinary in her appearance, which didn’t bother her in the least. Being of logical mind, she thought it far better to be average and proper than frivolous and memorable, but that opinion led to many debates between her and George. Jenny was often called, a simple, old-fashioned, country girl by George, who insisted that she could be the prettiest girl in her class if only she put some effort into her looks. But at that comment, Jenny’s simple tendencies were defended by Philippa who argued that little girls should not be preoccupied with looks at such a young age.  

My girls! Mr. Parker exclaimed, running up to his daughters as they bounded to reach him. The man spun the girls around, with great strength, for although he had passed the prime of his life, the middle-aged man had kept himself in good shape and was still as burly as some of the young lads in their early twenties.  

Taking a good look at Philippa, he exclaimed, My apologies. I believe my eldest daughter has been replaced by a queen! he quipped, bowing in the presence of royalty.  

Oh, stop it! cried Philippa amidst the hearty snickers; yet even she could not stop the smile that spread slyly across her face.  

Mr. Parker stood up straight and kissed his daughters on their cheeks before wishing them a good evening. Have a wonderful time, my elegant girls! Don’t forget to sneak me out a cookie. 

A gingerbread one, we know! called back Jenny, gleefully. Then turning to her sisters, she added, I am quite glad Charlie doesn’t mind us taking a dessert home for Father. 

He only obliges in order to win himself Father’s favor when he asks George’s hand in marriage, replied Philippa, with an eye roll. She let out a scream when George punched her sharply on the arm.  

Don’t speak like that, George said. I’m only sixteen and two months. 

And you are to be married at eighteen, finished Jenny. Oh, it’s so romantic. You two have been thick as thieves for two years now. I’m sure he’ll ask the question any time now, Jenny implored with a delightful smirk on her face. Then with a sudden epiphany, I wonder if he’ll do so tonight! 

The mere suggestion of it came as a surprise to both girls and they spun on heels to face the young child.  

Get that thought out of your mind this instant. It’s awfully cruel to propose those sorts of fantasies, snapped George, although it was hard to deny the delight twinkling in her hazel eyes. But… she said in second thought, it would come as such a splendid surprise if he were to do so. 

Jenny clapped joyfully over the thought of dear George and Charlie getting engaged. She had drawn close to Charlie over the span of the past two years and looked upon her future brother-in-law with admiration. Philippa, on the other hand, had not prepared herself for an engagement that night and was taken aback by the idea of it.  

Do you really believe he will? she asked, suddenly overcome by fear of her younger sister being whisked away by a boy like Charlie Price. It wasn’t that Philippa didn’t have a bond with Charlie, for she liked him fine, but her naive heart had not come to the realization that, perhaps sooner than anticipated, the two would be married to one another. It twisted her stomach into nauseous knots as she imagined the change the Parker family would endure if Charlie were, in fact, going to propose at the ball.  

I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I suppose it is a possibility, said George.  

And you’d say yes to his offer?  

Well, yes, she laughed, much to Philippa’s dismay. It’s what I’ve been looking forward to for two years. I do love Charlie dearly and I think we’d make quite the duo, she said, excitedly. With Mother and Father’s permission, we’d be married as soon as I’m of age. 

Philippa scrunched up her nose at the words.  

Though, perhaps they’d want us to wait until I’m older. There is an age gap of a year and a half between the two of us, after all. They might suggest we wait a while longer, which, of course, we would be fine with, since we love each other so. 

George rambled on about the possibilities of her future with Charlie as the sisters completed their walk to the ball. By the end of the discussion, everyone was in high, hopeful spirits, except for Philippa, whose night had been ruined by the talks of her sister going away to live with Charlie Price.  

They entered the ball and immediately assumed the role of upright and good girls as they moved through the crowd. The lot was smiling and handsome, engaging in cheery small talk with one another. The girls split into their separate patterns: George heading straight off to find Charlie so they could please each other with a dance, Jenny joining her schoolmates who observed the older girls in all their majesty, and Philippa retreating to the side of the ballroom nearest the dessert table.  

It didn’t take long for Philippa to be requested for a dance because, although she did not take an interest in that romantic sort of thing, on occasion, a boy noticed her free spirit and allowed himself a good time. The eldest was not as dainty and delicate as George and did not have a fresh, angelic face as Jenny, but she did have her beauty. Her eyebrows were thick and her lips plump, her flesh rosy across sun-kissed cheeks. Yet, although she had pretty features, she was often outshined by her minor sister. The boys resigned to be as her friend, which pleased them, for she had a boyish character and got along famously with them and their trouble. Philippa, always one to join in on merrymaking, accepted one of the towns-boy’s offers and danced with a wildness none of the other girls could compete against.  

Jenny quite enjoyed her view of the event as she stood among the other girls, gazing longingly at their prospects, given a few years' time. Although she was not as taken with it as the other girls, she did find pleasure in watching the pairs of dancers enjoy themselves, as they exchanged romantic glances and hopeful embraces.  

Your sister, Georgiana, is so beautiful! exclaimed Sally, one of the most loved girls in her grade.  

Although Jenny knew Sally to be imperious, she did relish in the good treatment which resulted in being close friends with Sally, so the child ignored the flaws and went on as Sally’s pet. She was also aware that Sally’s affections were a result of her sister’s popularity in the town, rather than Jenny herself, but as long as Jenny was deemed like-able, she didn’t think it mattered much how she achieved that state.  

Yes, she is beautiful, isn’t she? Jenny emphasized. Upon seeing the younger girls growing bored of the lack of drama at the ball, Jenny began speaking of rumors regarding engagement.  

Now, listen up, girls, she clapped, drawing them in to hear what she had to say. Nothing is final... not yet anyway, but it is believed that perhaps Charlie Price will go down properly on one knee and ask for a certain young woman’s favor. 

At the mention of this fresh gossip, the young girls began murmuring among themselves, examining the couple to see for themselves if the pair might be engaged so soon.  

Do you really think so? speculated Sally.  

Jenny nodded eagerly. Look at them! They hold each other so fondly and it looks as though very important matters are weighing upon his mind. 

The girls watched, careful to note Jenny’s observations and they all wholeheartedly agreed.  

Their eyes happened upon Philippa and the sharp contrast in the two girls prompted Sally to remark, It is so odd that they could be sisters! Georgiana is so proper and mature and beautiful. All the boys dote on her, for she is a true prize to be won. But I’ve never heard a boy talk about Philippa if it wasn’t for her love of dares and the games that she joins the boys in playing. The girl is awfully misfortunate, to miss out on all the Parker beauty. 

The comment struck a nerve with poor Jenny and she did not use restraint in the least as she quipped, "At least my sister is thought highly of by the boys and is respected by them, because the only thing the boys say about your sister is what a minx she is, desperately flinging herself at them!" 

Jenny clasped her hand over her mouth, shocked by the utterance of her own words, for Jenny was usually the polite and somewhat reserved one of the bunch.  

Some of the girls giggled at Jenny’s defense, but Sally was not among them. Her eyebrows furrowed and she glared in a bloodthirsty manner, in which only young, spiteful girls can perfect.  

If it had been her own reputation being slandered, Jenny would have remained silent. However, Sally had not defamed Jenny’s standing; she had defamed Philippa’s. Jenny was motivated by her sisterly bond to defend the girl and she remained steadfast in her resolve to do so. Little Jenny refused to wither under the scowl, and instead puffed up her chest and stood tall in honor of her sister.  

Too preoccupied with their own argument, the younger girls did not notice the swift change in the atmosphere as Charlie Price took a deep breath, readying himself for the words he had been preparing all night. George, severely influenced by her younger sister’s hypothesis on a future engagement, broke into a knowing smile as he began to talk.

Charlie led the young thing to the side of the ballroom so they