Ladies of the House

By Victoria Pearle Hart

Liz wasn’t always in a wheel chair, but she was going to prove to the world that she could do it, she was intelligent and still had a great mined. Her man Mitchell Maxwell has stood by Liz for nearly twenty years and he wants her more than ever. She had Bertha, who was there for her one hundred percent, helping her through her pregnancy, teaching how to be a mother. What Liz didn’t know was Bertha had a secret, one she will never share, it was to bad to share. Taking care of Liz’s son, her house and her was all Bertha needed. It wasn’t what she wanted.
Denise was in love with Liz’s son, Robert, Denise was lovingly known as Denny, a shy nondescript girl with more love than she knew she had. There are other ladies in this story that will intrigue you. Caitlin the police officer, she loves her job, just not her chief. She cares about her town and the people that live there. She can wait for Stan, but not much longer. You will also meet Carol, shy, easily hurt and used by the men around her. Liz does a good job of pulling them all into the family and getting them on their feet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781664136502

Victoria Pearle Hart

Victoria Pearle Hart is a young, old person. By that, I mean she is not a right out of literary arts school and eager to prove she can write. She wanted to write, but life just got in the way. It wasn’t until she was in her fifties that she learned how to use a computer and wrote this book. She loves nature and all it has to offer in every season. To watch the earth, awake in spring, turn green, and bring the warmth that turns into summer. Autumn brings all the colours of the trees and plants as they prepare to sleep. Winter turns everything white with the hope of sledding, skating, skiing, just having fun. Due to an accident, she is unable to enjoy winter anymore but still loves to watch the seasons come and go. Just like life, the seasons come and go. She enjoys knitting and crocheting, mainly for the babies coming into the family. Loves to make cakes and decorate them for special occasions. Weddings and anniversaries. Her favourite time of year is Christmas—she loves the decorations and lights all around the house. She even decorates her bathroom for Christmas. Victoria is a happy person who loves to laugh and play with her family and grandchildren

Book preview

Introduction

L iz head lady of the house, in a wheel chair put there by a drunk, who simply can not remember even leaving the bar. Leaves his lunch on the officers feet. She bound to proved to her family, house keeper and her man she is still ,

‘I AM WOMAM HEAR ME ROAR’ which does frequently. She’s intelligent, wise and fears the unknown or thing she does not understand. Liz is the strongest of the young women

Bertha a nice, quiet Scotch lady older than the rest, but plays and being slow when she is very quick and sharp of tongue. Her accent is thick, but her love is deep and strong. Her secret is deep held and she prays for help to her keep hat secret until she dies.

Denise, called Denny by friends and her fiancé is shy and feels unworthy because her parents have raised her to believe she is just a woman, her sole purpose Is to do what is is told. Her love for the family keeps her tied to them and she learns she is worth more than she ever thought.

Carol, sweet, extremely shy, afraid of men, although her secret, never get out, most who know her, know it. Nick names Mouse, Fantastic architect and works hard toward her own firm.

Caitlin, police officer, hard worker, raising her daughter o her own. Her husband was killed. She is strong and she is trusted. Will protect the ladies of he house with her life. Even if her Chief of Police is more a glory hound than an on hands hero.

Tara, thinks she is a daughter to a geologist, totally subservient until someone comes a long to teach her life as a whole lot more to offer. What he has to offer is more than she could ever want.

Erica, a solider, markswoman an dedicated to her job, still looking for mister right. She to is completely loyal to this family.

The men in the family are helpful and pamper their women, which they really don’t want.

Chapter One

E lizabeth Downing King was a beautiful woman and even though an accident put her in a wheelchair she still turned heads when entering a room. Stopping by the front bay window to wave good-bye to her son Robert, her thoughts drifted. Today is my day to challenge my confidence. I have to take charge of myself and my independence, after all, I am still me. Intelligent, and articulate. I take a back seat no one when I know I am right. I studied hard to get the degrees I received. All I have to do is prove it to myself, I can do this chair or no chair.

She had an appointment this very afternoon to see a Mr. Giles about doing a receptionist job. Robert didn’t approve nor did Bertha but she was going to try. She had chosen a white linen suit. Short jacket, long skirt. A soft pale green silk blouse close to the colour of her eyes finished the outfit. Her soft ash blonde hair did her justice, it always had that bright youthful bounce, so no real fuss or bother about it. The one thing Liz had going for her was she in no way looked like a woman in her forties. She had always looked younger than her hears. Earlier in life, it had been a curse, now it was a blessing. Off she went rolling her way toward the kitchen to have a coffee before Bertha helped her into the tub. Bertha was more a best friend and companion than a cook and housekeeper. Her broad Scotch accent and noisy banging about in the kitchen to let you know she most definitely did not approve of whatever you did or said made her that much more lovable. She was like a mother to Liz. Always there to help, love, teach, and sometimes reprimand her as only a mother would do. It was thanks to her Robert had his mother always. Before the accident, Bertha was Robert and his friends. After Liz’s accident, during the long struggle to recover Bertha was there for all the questions about mom and love and life in general for Robert. It was she who named him Robbie, for short because she loved his so, he needed a good scot name, Robbie Burns. Bless her overstuffed heart.

Coffee perking sent the warm distinct aroma through the kitchen out into the enclosed sun porch where Liz usually had her coffee and sometimes breakfast if Bertha pushed her into it. Here Liz again felt the nerves shake her about the approaching interview. The lilting musical brogue brought Liz out of her revere, to smile admiringly up at the loving full face of Bertha standing with two cups of steaming brew in her hands. Good morn me gal, jest a wee nervous are we this day. Bertha sang out. Liz tried hard not to let it show she was more than a wee nervous, but Bertha knew. Yes, butterflies are doing a mating flight across my stomach have you a good remedy in your old Scotch bag for me? As she sat down by Liz she smiled, Ach drink yer coffee and we’ll see Bessie we’ll see. Oh, how Liz detested being called Bessie but had no way of telling Bertha this without hurting her feelings because to Bertha, ‘Bessie’ meant to love. By the time she had finished her breakfast and her second cup of coffee she was more relaxed and her confidence was up.

Returning to her room she was met by Bertha, standing inside the private bathroom attached to Liz’s bedroom ready to lift her into the full tub. There was no way of being ladylike when getting in or out of the tub for Liz. When she had tried to do it on her own, she damn near drowned herself. Robert, totally embarrassed had lifted her out, laid her on her bed, threw a cover over her, and made for the door yelling for Bertha. From then on it was Bertha who took over the bathtub duties. Now it was routine there was no room in Bertha’s life for embarrassment or turned eyes. Liz was Liz and no more, in fact, a lot less of size than Bertha. God gave us the same equipment me lassie, we’re jest rounded out a wee more than yerself lass. Be damned if I’ll watch ya struggle yer Bonnie rump over the edge of the tub if I canna help it. Liz had a special tub made for her disability. She could safely bathe no that she had it but could not get herself in or out of it.

Dressed and makeup applied hair is done to perfection she was ready, or almost, wait something was missing. Shoes, oh LORD LOVE A DUCK, she had forgotten about shoes! Bertha, Bertha Oh Lord Bertha Stop yer shooting at me Bessie, I’m here what’s the bother aboot. Liz completely exasperated, lamented I’ve my shoes to wear, only my house slippers or my sneakers, a bloody fine way to go for a job interview!"

Leaving the room without a word Bertha knew what to do. Returning smartly. She lifted the hem of Liz’s long skirt and placed a pair of mint green ballerina slippers on her feet. They were so close in Colour to her eyes, so perfect for her outfit. Why, where on earth did you find them, oh there exactly right. Bertha beamed. I got them last month fer yer birthday comin up in jest a fortnight, ya canna wear them now fer good luck Bessie. Now, none of yer tears, or I’ll have me own runner down me nose. I’ve no needen to do me face again fer doin the wash." Both were laughing as they headed for the ramp at the front door.

Mr. Giles was the head of Mitchell’s export office here in town. She was so nervous she couldn’t drink the iced tea in front of her and he was already late. Fifteen minutes past twelve he showed up for a meeting that was to be at eleven-thirty. Brief but efficient came the apologies for his tardiness. Mr. Giles did not want to interview Liz at all. He felt that being disabled, in a wheelchair, was not his idea of a prompt capable receptionist. After all, she would have other duties besides answering the phone and taking messages. Really at forty- four, - it was time for her to retire not start a bloody job. As you know, Mrs. King, I’m not an easy man to work for. Mr. Maxwell must have warned you about my unusual office habits. My people must be quick, efficient, and reliable. I take no excuse for a job not finished on time. Your inability to move about the office at a normal rate because of your, ah because of your, ah chair I don’t think you would suit this position. Perhaps if something comes up in our cataloging department or the typing pool we could talk again. It was nice to see you, Mrs. King, I must get back to the office, I have an appointment with Mr. Maxwell at twelve for lunch. With that, he left without even a courteous good-bye.

Liz deflated, unnerved, and wanting to cry had the maître di to call a taxi. Before the cab could arrive, Mitch walked in looking angry as hell, sat sown ordered lunch for the two of them then let out a long slow breath. What happened with your luncheon date with Mr. Giles, Mitch? Two things, he was late and I didn’t appreciate what he told me outside the restaurant when I bumped into him just now.

Liz was feeling sorry for herself, now she needed to make Mitch feel it was okay, nothing to worry about. "As Bertha would say, ‘no a thing ta git in a tither aboot’. They both laughed at Liz trying to imitate Bertha. Mitch told her Giles needed a good dose of Bertha. He drove her home after lunch, both feeling better about their day.

Robert would be home from work shortly. Bertha headed for the kitchen as did Liz after changing her outfit. Liz thought it would be nice to have Denise over for dinner this evening, she mentioned it to Bertha to see what she thought. Bertha’s reply gave her a shock. No Bessie, Robbie woulda called her if he was wanted her here, besides he always calls me if wee lass was Robert when he arrived home. I’m hame Bertha, what’s me lovey Made for sup this night? Bellowed the handsome {almost beautiful} young man at the sun porch door. Even the inside job had not stopped the sun from bronzing his skin or lightening his already while blonde hair. His deep blue eyes shone with love and care for the older lady standing at the stove. Robbie ya’ll be the death ah me yet hollerin like a banchee be’en scalped. You’ll be waited till is ready tis all I’ll be sayin ta ya she said smartly, Now go be stayed hello to yer Mum, she had a rough go today," Bertha replied, giving Robert a motherly hug.

Robert left the kitchen smiling, he found his mother in the exercise room, working out vigorously at her daily routines to keep strength and muscle tone in them. She felt nothing but she kept it up because the doctor said she needed to.

Robert could still see his mother walking across the store parking lot, arms loaded with groceries and party treats for the birthday party for Uncle Mitch. The car coming at her was moving wildly about as if it had no driver. It was as though it had a tractor beam attached to his mother. No matter where she moved that car followed, in fact, it followed her right up the back end of her car! The driver then seemed to realize what he’d done and tried to drive away and leave his mother crumpled on the concrete, party favors scattered all around her. His car struck a light pole and he moved no more. The police arrested him; he was in his late fifties so drunk he couldn’t stand up let alone talk to the police clearly. His mother was rushed to the hospital to save her life. He had to identify the car and driver. Robert could see his mothers’ blood on her car and the concrete parking lot. The man just leaned on the police car, looking at the ground, slowly he raised his head, slurring out the words, he didn’t remember anything after leaving the bar. At the time he was nineteen years old, a few months from his twentieth birthday. Still, the scene could play through his mind like it happened yesterday.

Giving himself a shake to shrug off the memory, he smiled and lifted his mom in his arms as he kissed her noisily on the cheek and asked how her day had been, his had been a real terror. Every machine in the place going down with overload problems. Laughing with each other, Robert carried her out to dinner.

Bertha retrieved her chair and he placed gently in it. They started in on the pot roast and veggies, during the meal Liz mentioned that it would have been nice to have Denise over to dinner. Robert although a little embarrassed said, She a bit ticked off with me, Mom, but I’m trying to make it up to her tonight, we’re going to the art show at the high school. Oh, I do hope its nothing serious Robert, I really like her. Now Bertha could see if she sat there any longer the quiet space between them would grow, well now the lass will do what she must ta git this barin’s heed cleared away.. At that, all of them roared with laughter. Not to worry Mom, Denise, and I are still okay, we still have a strong belief in each other and that’s what counts, right". Liz prayed the tiff wasn’t over the fact her son was so loyal to her.

Later that evening Bertha told Liz that Denise was angered at Robert because he had forgotten to ask Liz if she would like to spend a few nights with her. After all, her parents were leaving for Rome and thought it would be good for Liz to get away from the house and she would company for Denise. Robert didn’t forget and Denise knew it, that was the real rub, he wouldn’t all her to care for his mother as if she didn’t know-how. Liz vowed to call Denise herself and see what arrangements they could make together. Maybe they could have Denise stay with them for a while instead.

Sleep was the exact thing Liz needed. Slowly she took herself along the hall to her room. Thank God for small favours she could accomplish the normal bedtime toiletries of every woman, stand, or sitting. Ready for bed she somehow lost the want to sleep. Liz reached for the book on her nightstand, a novel she had been trying to finish for a few months now, trouble was she always fell asleep after fifteen minutes or so of reading. Morning would come only to find Liz asleep book lying on her breast or fallen to the floor. But was not the case this night she was still up when Robert returned home from his night out with Denise? Liz thought it better not to mention her knowing the problem they were having. Better to wait and see what came from their date tonight.

Robert was surprised, to say the least when he found her sitting in front of her bedroom window not really reading the book in her hand and definitely not sleeping. He knocked lightly on the door jam not to startle her then entered her private domain. Robert liked his mothers’ room, everything in here said this is Liz’s room. No up-to-date fancy frills, nor were there extremely bright colours, just shades of green, yellow and white, right down to the Ashe coloured hardwood on the floor. Usually, this was the room he came to when he needed his mother, even when she was working or in the hospital after the accident. No, he refused to let that creep into his thoughts again today, once was enough for anybody. He remembered lying on her bed with her talking out his childhood problems ones he didn’t share with Bertha. Or praying she was going to live and her bed smelled of her and he would feel closer to her.

Now he was going to find out what was troubling Mom, why on earth is she still up at this late hour, it was nearly two in the morning. Liz was a creature of habit, her usual time for bed was around midnight most nights before. Unless there was company she never stayed up past then.

Mom, are you okay. Are you in pain or something? He asked her hoping not to upset her as these questions usually did. No, I’m fine, just can’t seem to get sleepy enough to go to bed. Not to worry, at my age things like this are a common enough occurrence. I’ll probably sleep in tomorrow to Denise see anything you liked or was it all the same pieces they last year and the year before, and the year before that, they need to get people to donate new paintings and sculptures, they will never raise enough money to build that new gym they so desperately need, laughing at the thought Liz smiled up at her son hoping this would get him to tell her what went on tonight and if they had made up.

Your right about the show, all the same work was out except for one new painting, it was a sea scrape one in shades of blue, green, and just a hint of browns through it. It would have been perfect for your room Mom. Denise and I tried to buy it for your birthday but someone had already purchased it." Hr purposely forgot to say that the buyer had been Uncle Mitch and he was thinking the same way as he had, the perfect gift for Liz.

Well now, are aboot havin a tea party in the wee hours of the morn, jest ta keep the God fearen people awake too, came Berthas melodious voice from the door. She to was concerned that her lassie was still up at this time in the morning. Perhaps a cup a hot cocoa will ease yer wee heed down on yer pillows Bessie.

Oh damn, thought Liz now he won’t tell me anything, he’ll agree with Bertha and went to his room, thinking if he left her alone with Bertha, she would soon be asleep as she should be. Damn, damn your concerned heart Bertha. I wanted to talk with my son, damn it all to hell. Now she was upset and wide awake, hot chocolate or no she knew there would be little sleep for her tonight.

To her amazement, after Bertha left for the kitchen Robert sat down on the floor close to her feet and started to play the bedtime game they played many years ago when he was but five or six years old, Now if I were a white billowy cloud floating across a clear blue sky I would find myself———. Now it was her turn, she had to pick a place and situation for the cloud, I would find myself over a playground full of children crying for the snow to come so they could build snow forts, snowmen, and make angels in the self fluffy white puffs of snow on the ground.. Robert thought about this, he had to decide to be nice to the children or mean, ---- Well seeing that I have grown heavy and full I’ll oblige the kids———providing——— they are not mean to each other and throw me at passing vehicles or old people,. Oh, he had her at a disadvantage now, it would be up to Liz as to whether or not the children would be perfect angles like the ones they made in the snow or if they would turn mean and vindictive, The children have decided to obey the rules of your high and mighty ness with one provision Mr. Cloud, that if the town bullies start to trouble you. Punish them first, and not the ones who are thankful for your wonderful gift. Now she had him. Robert started to laugh he knew his mother all too well she would keep turning the screw back to him. No, if some are bad, they are all to be punished with great gusts of icy wind and heavy wet flakes of snow making it hard to play in,. Now who had who, he thought he had finally one game on her. Well just you go ahead Mr. Cloud, we’ll call on old Mr. Sol and he will just melt you away in the twinkling of an eye. She laughed at Roberts child-like face he made at her, tongue out, nose upturned and waffling his fingers beside his ears. Well Damn ya wee butt Robbie, I was no that long comin with the cocoa. At this burst of anger, both Robert and Liz broke into roars of laughter, tears of joy rolling down reddened cheeks for being caught out with his pants down so to speak. Liz explained what it was all about and now it was Bertha who laughed and had a red face. Liz had taught Robert this game when he was very little, she used it to expand his imagination make him an independent thinker, and to help him make his own decisions on how things should be. From what she could see it had worked and worked well.

It was the smell of fresh perked coffee and an old Scotch tune that she opened her eyes too. Good noon ta ya Bessie, its time you were risen yer self up ta see the werld, tis neigh on twelve-thirty an if ya stay a bed much longer ya’ll not have to git up a tall it’ll be bedtime agin. Was the greeting Liz received. Oh, my Lord, Bertha, why in heavens name didn’t you wake me at my usual time. I’ve slept so long, did Robert get off to work all right, I was to call Mitch this morning, did he call me.?, all poured out of Liz within a matter of seconds. Flushed and awake she wanted up and dressed and coffee and her daybook. Slow doon Bessie, you were up late so Robbie told me ta let ya sleep the day away if ya needed. Now to answer all yer queries, yes Robbie’s off in time and fed ta boot, Mitchell called, he would be by this noon fe lunch. Now up ya git and to the bath wit ya Bessie tis ready, I put yer coffee in there along wit the Gawd awful book ya keep written in. Now come on Bessie come on. Ya can tell what ya want to wear an I’ll fetch it out fer ya now if ya like, but a move on me gal.

While she was bathing, Bertha told her of the luncheon, she had prepared light enough for her and filling enough for Mitchell to finish his day without starving. She made tea for him and herself and of course coffee for her, and Liz’s favorite fruit compote for dessert. It all sounded great to Liz. Mitch should set his cap for the likes of you Bertha, the way you feed him and us. Ach Gawd Bessie, you carry on ya coulda has done the same and with a lot more fanfare ta boot, who do ya think yer kidden, gal tis old Bertha P here no flustered young lass still Wet behind her ears. Bessie, fer all that ails ya, yer far more a woman than most the prim and propers in toon, and I might add that Mitchell blood knows it. Ya know lass, I’ve been wanted ta tell ya this fer a long time, ya wanted ta git a job an prove ta the world ya canna be ‘Lizabeth no matter what the chair says, well-child ya are, Elizabeth, now before an always will be. If ya jest accept that so will everyone else darlin."

Liz had managed to have one coffee and had gathered her thoughts when Mitch had entered the side door to the sun porch, his ladies favourite place in the whole house. Hello night owl, did my lady have a good sleep in. I called you around ten this morning. Sorry I wasn’t up for your call hon, but you know how it is with us night owls, not to reliable in the morning. He was concerned about Liz and said as much, Sweetheart, did you have a bad night, a lot of pain or something. No, Mitch I just wasn’t that sleepy, that’s all. It’s not like I work up a sweat around here and sometimes my body just doesn’t want to go to sleep. Lord Bertha, has told him about last night too. Is that the reason ya no been sleeping thrice last week and twice this week. She was not going to shelter Liz anymore, she wanted to be independent than she would have to stand on her own and answer for herself. Bessie, did ya no git a wee pill from the doctor for helped ya sleep on nights like last. ‘What are you on about Bertha, it’s not every night I have trouble, in fact rarely ever, but everyone is allowed a few trips to the bathroom after all". Last night she allowed herself to be caught she wanted to speak with Robert. A mistake she would make sure never got repeated. She sipped his coffee avoiding both Bertha and Mitch’s eyes. She had t get her temper under control before she said or did another thing. Damn it all Bertha what I do at night is my affair no the whole bloody worlds.

Mitch could read between the lines; he could see the pained and angered look on Liz’s face because of Bertha’s out bust and tale. He could also see what the old girl was up to. He felt for Liz, but was Bertha right, did she realize what kettle of fish she was opening? He sure hoped she did, they were best friends, but friends can step on each other’s toes if they were not careful. Bertha, me lovely, is there a pot of tea brewing on the stove, I have a thrust that wants quenching. He would talk to Bertha privately, he had to think this through first. Knowing Robert, the way he did, he would be against this, and madder than great Zeus at Bertha for it. He idolized his mother and no one, not even Bertha had better cause her any pain worry, or strife. He had vowed as a young man when his mother was hurt, he would always protect her from harm and keep her for the rest of his life. I’ll get the tea Bertha, you start your lunch, knowing full well she’d follow him into the kitchen anyway. When he picked up the pot the strong, pungent scent of well-steeped tea arose in his face, as he predicted, Bertha was right on his heels, wanting to get the tea for him. Do you think it was wise Bertha, to open up on her like that now wait, I’m not starting on you I just want your opinion, call me later at the office when Liz is not about to hear our conversation. She has the ears of a night owl as well. By the way, be prepared for your Robbie, he will be screaming holy hell on you for not telling him earlier, if Liz brings it to his attention. With that, he returned to the sunroom to have lunch with his lady.

He made small talk with Liz and Bertha, keeping an eye on Liz’s mood, he wants to ask her something and he needed her in a better frame of mind than she was wight now. You know hon, I was thinking, we might take this weekend while the weather is still warm, and go up to my cabin on the lake. It’s all easy access for you just like before, and besides, I’m capable of handling a slightly built lass like yourself, he whispered into her hair. He mentally crossed his fingers and toes waiting for her answer. Liz had been lost in thought, still mulling over Bertha’s little tale, not listening to Mitch or the conversation around her. She knew he had just said something but, what the hell was it, well, she would bluff it through. I’m sure you are right dear, I guess I feel the same way. Both Mitch and Bertha were astonished, they stared at her, they weren’t at all sure they heard it, did she agree to a weekend with him? Bessie my love, I’ll start the packer right away, after lunch. There’s no sense wasten time doin chores, why I’ll have you ready by the time Mitchell comes back from toon,. Blurted Bertha. What have I just agreed to that has them both grinning like they just won the Grand Pix. Liz nearly swallowed her coffee cup whole, what did she say. Pack, pack what Bertha, what are you on about. Are ya daft girl, ya silly twit, ya did jest say ya’d go with Mitchell fer the week-end, are ya planen ta be naked the whole while yer gone then, Bertha knew right then and there Liz had not heard word one of Mitchels’ request of her, ‘git yerself oot ta this Bessie’. I can do some things for my self you know dear. We can clean up the luncheon and then we can get me ready to go. Mitch will wait for me won’t you, kind sir,. Oh crap, I agreed to go where with Mitch was all Liz could think of. Now she was in a real pickle, there was no way she could change her statement, he would know she didn’t hear him and was bluffing her way through an embarrassing situation. She was scared right out of her pants and wasn’t no damn it, would not admit it for her life. She would go on this weekend with Mitch no matter what. She couldn’t, no wouldn’t hurt him like that. It would crush him to think she was ignoring him and gave a pat answer to look like she was actually paying attention to her man. Bertha would never forgive her for that either. Right love, no offence taken, ya’ve made me so happy Bessie, tis proud of ya I am, yer taken the bull by the horns n he’s no runnin away with ya. Tears running down Bertha cheeks, she hoped that Liz would take heed to her talk seemed to be happening, just not quite the way she thought. ‘One wee step at a time my girl, one at a time. Chair or no, you canna do it, I know ya can.’ Bertha knew Liz was scared but would go to save face and not hurt Mitchell, but she would never let Liz know it. Liz didn’t need a job she needed to marry this man. He’s been hanging around the flower for nearly two decades, soon the bee would buzz off for more fertile gardens. I’d only be to glad to await my lady, if she is not prepared to leave upon my arrive this evening,. Mitch replied with a flourish of gallant bows. What time would be good for you my lady; I can come to get you whenever you are ready. Whatever time you think is best to get started for the cabin, you are the one working, I’m here and can be ready whenever you want. "When he wants, Lord, I don’t even want to go to the cabin, never made a wee-end. I’m not prepared, not ready. She smiled her braves smile at him. She kept drinking her coffee and playing with her food all the while thinking,’ what if he wants to make love, oh that I’m sure of if he wants the lights on, Bertha help me out,————oh but you won’t will you, you think this the best thing ever, well wait until he leaves old girl, then you will answer for it. You could have said not yet Bessie, maybe next year Mitchell, oh no you bloody said nothing’. She held her head up with confidence, smiling, and chatting and it was all pure unadulterated crap. She was scared to death of this upcoming event. Worse than a schoolgirl on her first date, a woman about to experience a sexual encounter for the very first time in her life and yet something like a little child proud as punch, who had just received the highest praise for a job well done. Well, she said she was going and now she most definitely would come whatever, whether she makes it like a lady or falls flat on her ass. He would have to accept her as she is, she was, Liz King, the lady of the wheelchair, and no one else thanked you.

Chapter Two

M itch walked back to his car with a spring in his step that hadn’t been there since his early twenties when he thought he was the cock of the walk. When young ladies fell over themselves to be at his side. His thoughts were full of Liz, falling in love with her was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He would wait for her for an eternity if need be all she had to do was realize she was everything she was before and more. It had been ten years since the accident that took her legs and feeling from her waist down. The day before his thirty-fifth birthday. Whistling as he drove towards the downtown section of St. Helen he was more excited than when he had received his doctorate of law at Harvard University. He knew all to ell there was no way his lady would have agreed to go if she had truly heard his question, she would have had a thousand and one reasons not to go, not barring the use of her son. Laughing out loud, his thoughts and prayers went out to Bertha. She was in the proverbial tub of shit. Bertha was probably, no surely getting the hard side of Liz’s tongue right now. The lady could cut ice with that tongue.

Pleased beyond reality Mitch would make this weekend the best for Liz. He knew she was, he could only hope for the right opportunity, if not he would wait forever for her. She was fragile for more that one reason, yes, her accident had a lot to do with it. But her first husband was the utmost of all her fears, Liz did not know Mitch was privileged with that information, some from Bertha. The rest he gleaned from court records of her divorce and from his Army discharge papers that his friend in the legal department of the army got for him. He still owed Matt one huge favour for that. The man was a monster, an alcoholic, and a fighter. He abused Liz verbally with recriminations of her intelligence. She was smarter than he and he hated her for it. He told how useless she was because she could not have as many children as he wanted. Bertha had told him many times she had been thrown out of their bedroom crying because she couldn’t perform the way he wanted nor say the words he wanted her to say. He wanted her to have oral sex anywhere, any time, poor Liz knew nothing of this kind of lovemaking. Her all-girl school chums and it is a religious school taught her zip about that end of the marriage. This would cause him to blindly beat her and throw her out of the bedroom calling her all kinds of lurid and disgusting names. Her father would find her wandering the streets near his home crying and sometimes bleeding.

Mitch pulled into the spot marked with his name, locked up the sports coupe, and headed for his office. A man dressed in an out of date blue suit walked up to him and asks if he were Mitchell Maxwell corporate lawyer for Maxwell, Maxwell, and Lamb. Mitch said he was and if the man had business with his company, he would do better to arrange an appointment with his secretary, Mr. Flag, Mitch would let her know he would be inquiring about an appointment. The man introduced himself as Stewart, just Stewart, and left.

Liz was flabbergasted she couldn’t think. Pack what in the hell was she going to pack. A night Gown that started at her chin and went to her feet then buttoned up under feet. Bertha could she was running on adrenaline fear coursing threw her as well as excitement, although she didn’t realize it. Mitch was a man, a real man, verbal, strong, and Liz knew what he wanted, her! Her thoughts about sex had gone only as far as the fact she didn’t know if she could or would for that matter feel anything. Beyond that, fear stopped her in her tracks. She knew nothing, only what stew had tried to teach her, and that only made her ill to think of. She had been a virgin when she married Stewart. Only because she was angry with her dad and wanted to pay him back. He was a warrant officer in the army when they had met. It was six months after they had met, they married. His best friend Buster Booze and his wife stood for them at the chaplain’s office. There was no honeymoon. Liz found out the very first night she had made the ultimate mistake of her life. He had to be drunk enough to touch her. That touch was not what Liz wanted ever again. He spoke to her as if she were a whore using language she had never heard before and some she didn’t know the meaning of, to which Stew was only to glad to show her exactly what it meant. Thank God Mitch knew nothing of this and if left up to her he never would.

One look at Bertha told Bertha she was in deep trouble. Now Bessie, I thought ya wanted ta go with yer man fer once, ya know We had that chat an well I thought that ya were taken it ta heart. At least Bertha hoped she had, knew for sure now she definitely did not. Bertha hoped this next statement would put her mind on a new track, not one for ripping her apart. Bessie, have ya thought of what ya’ll be tellen Robbie when the lad gits hame,. Bertha smiled at her. "Ya will be tellen