Chapter 4: Getting to Know You

When Elizabeth got close enough to be able to see that her aunt was having fun with the clan, Elizabeth turned and headed for the stream she had noticed earlier that day. She knew that not many people would have seen it, and that no one would notice her there, seeing as it was down a little hill.

When she got there she carefully stepped from stone to stone out to a large one in the middle of the water. She leaned over, splashed some water on her face and washed her hands, happy to feel clean. Then she looked up at the birds flying around above her.

After a few minutes she thought-called out, 'Firefly, I need to talk to you!'

It didn't take long for the little red and orange fairy to fly over and hover in front of Elizabeth, 'Yes?'

'You remember Charlie, from this morning?' Elizabeth started.

Firefly giggled, 'Oh yes. I remember Charlie.'

'Well, I was wondering. Could he be.… well… Could he be the reincarnation of Edward?'

Firefly giggled again, but all she said was 'Anything is possible.'

Elizabeth made a face, 'You're a big help. I thought we were friends.'

'We are friends. But some things you just have to figure out on your own.'

'I know. But the reason I'm asking is because I think I might of also meet the reincarnation of Patrick. Not Edward's father Patrick, but Prince Patrick.'

'What makes you think this?'

'Well, for starters it's just this feeling I have. Like I've meet the two of them before. And when we were all walking together it just felt so normal, so… right. Also, they both recognize Cat's song. And no one ever really heard it except for Pat and Henry. You know she didn't sing them much after… everything around other people because they had to much meaning.' Firefly just smiled at her. 'Oh, come now, can't you give me any help at all?' Elizabeth cried.

Firefly landed on her shoulder and stroked her hair, 'All I can say is that the Fae knew you would meet them again on this trip. We didn't know who they would be or how you would meet any more then we know what will happen after you meet. That's why I was sent along. To make sure that everything happened as it should. And to make sure you had the information you needed. But I've helped you all I can with your past lives. You remember them as well as I remember Emily. And you know enough about yourself to be able to follow your own heart and let it tell you the truth. You don't need me to tell you what you already know.'

Elizabeth looked down at her friend, 'That's the most serious I think I've ever seen you. And you're right. I do know the truth. I just wanted someone else to remind me of that. Thank you.'

'So now what are you going to do?'

'Me? Nothing. I might know who they were, and what they were to me, but they don't. And besides. I don't like the idea of living my life based off of what happened before. This is a new chance. Who knows, it might end up different this time around. Though, I wonder if their memories will start to awaken now that they are getting reminders of the past from me?'

Firefly hoped off Elizabeth's shoulder to hover again, 'Well, they should. Assuming the boys are open to the idea in the first place. And to be on the safe side I'll play least in sight for a while so they don't start to ask questions.'

Elizabeth frowned slightly, 'You'll still come to see me though, right?'

'Of course I will. But you better go back to your family soon. You don't want people to start wondering where you are.'

Elizabeth nodded, splashed some more water on her face, determined to be cool as long as she could, and hoped to the stream bank. Firefly giggled, 'Be careful not to let the others see you use your wings like that. People are bond to talk.'

Elizabeth giggled, 'I wont. I'll be good. But they just needed to be stretched a little.' Elizabeth glanced over her should at the transparent wings that where there, and then quickly folded them away. They where her favorite heirloom from Emily. She skipped off towards the clan and thanked her aunt for the break.

Just before sunset both Charlie and Thomas came to visit Elizabeth. Elizabeth introduced Thomas to her family, and they all welcomed him as warmly as they had Charlie. The boys loved Thomas' sense of humor. Elizabeth started to wonder if there was going to be a new addition to the clans play group. Meanwhile Elizabeth's parents and aunt and uncle smiled at each other and, very quietly, commented on Elizabeth befriending two such handsome young men.

When the younger children started to fall asleep, Elizabeth was encouraged to walk a while with Charlie and Thomas. Elizabeth readily suggested this to the boys who just as readily agreed. They walked off enjoying the cool evening air. Thomas commented, "I'm glad to have meet you, Elizabeth. I think you'll make this trip much more enjoyable."

Giggling Elizabeth agreed, "I think you'll make it more enjoyable too. Both of you." Suddenly Elizabeth gasped in surprise.

"What is it?" Charlie exclaimed.

Elizabeth bent over and giggled, "It's a groundhog." Silently she ask, 'What are you doing here, friend?'

The groundhog sniffed Elizabeth's fingers, 'I heard tell of you and wanted to meet you myself before you moved on any further.' Elizabeth petted the small flurry animal.

"Be careful Lisbeth," Thomas cautioned. "It could bight."

"Oh don't worry. It wont bight me. Animals like me," Elizabeth observe.

Thomas was going to argue this until he noticed how much the animal seemed to be enjoying Elizabeth's attention. "Well, I'll be," he whispered. "I'd never think I'd see that. What's your secret."

Elizabeth just giggled, but silently told the groundhog, 'I think you better go. They don't know about me yet, and I don't want them to get to suspicious.'

The groundhog rubbed against Elizabeth one last time, then turned and left, calling back, 'It was wonderful to meet you. And I don't think these two males will be uninformed for long. They have a nice smell to them.'

Charlie watched Elizabeth watch the groundhog leave. "You really do love animals don't you?"

Elizabeth nodded, blinking her over bright eyes, thankful for the darkness that hid them. "Yes. And they've always liked me.

Charlie reached out to stroke Elizabeth's hair, realizing to late that she might find this too forward. But she only smiled at him, and Thomas when he patted her shoulder. Watching the stars for a moment Charlie saw a owl fly by, and then a bat. This surprised him, knowing that bats generally stayed away from owls, on account of owls eating them.

Slowly the new friends turned the subject to something that didn't cause Elizabeth to think of what she had left behind. When the boys noticed that Elizabeth seemed to be getting tiered they left her, but not before they'd both agreed to come and see her and the clan the next day. Elizabeth returned to her family and fell asleep happily.

After this the days started to fall into a pattern. Charlie would join the clan after breakfast and walk with them until lunch. An hour or so after lunch either Elizabeth's mom or aunt would take over the job of watching the children for about two hours while Elizabeth hunted out Charlie and Thomas. They would all three then come and play with the clan until it was time for dinner. Sometimes Charlie and Thomas would stay for dinner and other times Thomas would invite Elizabeth and Charlie to join his family.

Elizabeth soon learned that Thomas had three older, and married sisters who had not come with him and his parents on the trip to Carvot Town. Thomas had got his sense of humor from his mother, and both his parents greatly enjoyed having the other two around. His mother especially liked having Elizabeth around, seeing as she was starting to miss her own daughters. Elizabeth also realized that, though Charlie was quickly getting over his shyness, he still would not talk about his family. She had a feeling that Thomas knew something about this but he never mentioned it.

After a few days of this Sunday rolled around again. On Sundays the wagon train did not travel. In the morning there was a sermon by a reverend who was traveling with them, and then generally the afternoon was spent doing things that couldn't easily be done while traveling. Elizabeth always took this time to wash out the clan's clothes and hair, to try and get as much dust off of them as possible.

This Sunday, however held a surprise for Elizabeth. After the sermon Mr. Carvot always got up and talked to the pioneers. He would tell them how good they were doing, and how far they had gotten. Also, he'd tell them what they could expect over the next week's travels. What surprised Elizabeth, as she stood there listening with Thomas next to her (for Charlie had been no where to be found that day), was when Mr. Carvot introduced his son to the travelers. Elizabeth had heard that Mr. Carvot's son traveled with him, but had never seen this boy. When Charlie walked over to his father and, with a very red face, greeted the gathering Elizabeth let out a gasp of shock.

Thomas looked down at her, "Yeah. It's a shock isn't it. Charlie didn't tell me either, until he introduced me to his father about a week ago."

Elizabeth looked up at Tom, "Why did he tell me?"

"You should probably ask him that. But don't be to hard on him. It's got to be tough having people treat you different because of who you're parents are."

Elizabeth recognized the sentiment from when she'd asked Charlie for his life story, "Yes, I'm sure it must be." Then she went back to listening to what was being said by Mr. Carvot.

"And I was thinking, that after three weeks of travel we could do with a little fun," Mr. Carvot proclaimed. "So, tonight we will have a dance. I've already talked with a few of you who have fiddles and other instruments. I hope everyone here will join us."

"Oh a dance. How exciting!" Elizabeth cried.

Thomas smiled at her, "Will you be coming then?"

"Of course. You know how I love music."

"Will you be dancing?"

Elizabeth look startled, "Um… I don't know. I'll have to ask Mama. I've never dance anywhere but at home before."

Thomas looked sad for a moment, "Well, if she says you may, will you save at least one dance for me?"

Elizabeth giggled, "Of course Tom. It's not like I expect a lot of partners."

Tom smiled at this. "You may be surprised," he commented, softly. The gathering was starting to break up and Tom saw Charlie making his way over to them. "Well, I think Charlie will want to talk to you, so I'll see you at the dance later." Elizabeth agreed and waved as Tom walked off, patting Charlie on the shoulder as he passed.

When Charlie got up to Elizabeth his ears where very red, "Hello Elizabeth."

"Hello, Charles Carvot," Elizabeth emphasized the last word, and her voice was cold.

Charlie winced, "I knew you'd be mad. I'm sorry."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Charlie shuffled his feet a moment before replying, "Because I hate it when people are nice to me only because my father is Mr. Carvot. And I didn't want you to change the way you treated me because of that either."

Elizabeth could see that this was a soar point with Charlie. She wondered what had happened to cause this. But she only smiled a little and said, "I understand. I wouldn't like to be treated different because of something I couldn't control either." She reached out and brushed Charlie's curls off his face.

He smiled at her, "So you aren't angry with me then?"

"No. And I'm happy that your father has decided to hold a dance tonight."

"Do you like to dance?"

Elizabeth stammered a little, "Yes. But I've only ever danced with my family. I don't know if my mother will let me dance tonight. But I hope she does. Tom has already promised to dance with me if she says I can."

"Has he?" Charlie asked, looking almost annoyed. Quickly though he smiled, "You must promise to save a dance for me as well. Assuming of course your mother will let you. Do you think she will?"

Elizabeth thought for a moment, "Yes. I think she will. If we hadn't decided to come out West I would be changing the way I dressed and did my hair now. So I suppose that would mean I'm old enough to go to a dance."

Charlie smiled, "Good. I hope you're right."

Elizabeth smiled, and looked up at the sun. "Though, if there's going to be entertainment tonight I better get the washing done now so I have time to prepare." Charlie smiled as Elizabeth waved and skipped off to her families wagon, hoping that her mother would let him dance with her that night.

While Elizabeth was gathering up the clothes the clan had warn that week her mother came over to talk to her. "Elizabeth, dear. I was surprised to find that Charlie is Mr. Carvot's son."

Elizabeth pulled a face, "So was I. He hadn't told me anything. But he said it's because he doesn't like it when people treat him different just because of who his father is."

"That's very gallant of him. Many young men would use their families positions to help them as much as they can. So, are you excited about the dance tonight?" Mrs. Fuller helped Elizabeth carry the clothes to the stream that other women where also using to try and wash at.

"Oh yes Mama! You know how much I love music!" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"And what about dancing?"

Elizabeth looked at her mother for a moment, "You know I love to dance as well. But I wasn't sure you'd let me at something like this."

Mrs. Fuller smiled, "You're 16 now. You're old enough to go to a dance if you want. Especially sense your father and I and your aunt and uncle will be there too. And besides, I think there are at least two young men who will be very disappointed if you can't dance with them."

Elizabeth blushed as she washed out one of Mary's dresses, "Yes, well, Charlie and Tom did say they would dance with me, if you let me. I'm glad. I'd hate to be a wall flower. Though I guess now one would be a wall flower at this dance because there won't be any walls." Elizabeth laughed and rung out the dress before she put it on a bush to dry.

Mrs. Fuller watched her daughter for a moment, thinking 'Elizabeth, you don't realize how many people are drawn to you, do you? But perhaps this dance will give you some idea that you could never be a wall flower.' Mrs. Fuller helped Elizabeth finish washing the clothes and put them out to dry. Some of the women near by couldn't understand how come the clan's clothes seemed to be drying faster then their own. But after the first few items they noticed their things were drying faster then usual as well. When Elizabeth was done she just smiled at the other women and brought her things back to the wagon. Then she rounded up the clan and brought them to a sheltered pool she'd hunted out early that morning, where she'd taken her own bath. Setting the boys to watch for any visitors she got the girls out of their dresses, and into the pool, and quickly washed the dust and dirt off their bodies and out of their hair. Drying them quickly with scrapes of flannel she put them in clean dresses and braided their hair up. Then it was the boys turn, though Nick and Justin insisted that she not watch. She promised as long as they helped Fred and Matthew and soon the boys where as clean as the girls. They ran off to play some more, full of more joy then usual having been told that they where all allowed to go to the dance to here the music.

Elizabeth made her way to the pool, and pulled off her boots and stalking and rolled up her pantaloons and put her feet in the water. She kicked them back and forth enjoying the feel of the water as she tried to decide which dress she'd wear to the dance tonight. She was so excited to be going to her first real dance. As she sat there several animals came over to see her, and she pet and talked to them all happily. But soon she had to run off to change for the dance.

Hopping out of the wagon, dressed in a pale green dress with a purple pinafore Elizabeth smiled at her mother as she combed out her hair. "What do you think Mama?"

Mrs. Fuller smiled, "Well, I'm surprised you're satisfied with that style of dress, but I must say that I think you look lovely." When she noticed her daughter start to braid her hair she objected, "Wouldn't you like to put your hair up in a different hair style?"

Elizabeth looked at her hair for a moment, "Really Mama? Can I?"

Mrs. Fuller smiled, "Of course you can."

Elizabeth combed her hair out again and then took the top section and pleated it. Then she spiraled the braid into a bun and secured it with a few hair pins and a purple ribbon to match her pinafore. The rest of her hair fell down her back in red curls, that reached past the bow on the back of her pinafore. "How's that Mama?"

"You look lovely," her mother said, and her aunt agreed when she came over. Susan and Rebecca wanted Elizabeth to do their hair that way, but their mother said they had to wait a few years first. Mary just said that she wanted her hair to be as long as Elizabeth's when she grew up. Elizabeth smiled at her and promised her it would be if she took good care of it.

Then the entire clan, including their parents, walked over to the area that had been sectioned off for the dance. There where some camp tables set up with some food out on it, that everyone had helped to prepare. And a small band had been made up of some of the pioneers who had brought their instruments with them. Elizabeth was so happy just looking around at everyone that she didn't notice the way that some of her acquaintances, especially the young men, where looking at her and commenting to each other how pretty she looked.

Thomas and Charlie had been standing together talking when they noticed Elizabeth. They both smiled with delight to see her looking so beautiful. And both agreed that she looked more grown up with her hair up that way. They quickly came over to her. "Good evening Elizabeth," Thomas started.

"Good evening Thomas, Charlie," Elizabeth grinned. "But you can call me Betty tonight." Elizabeth had been giving the boys a run down of some of the more common names she went by and what they meant. Both knew that Betty meant "love everything in the world" and that she used it when she was incredibly happy.

"So I take it your mother said you could dance tonight?" Charlie inquired.

"Oh yes. She did. I'm so excited."

Charlie and Thomas look at each other for a moment. Then Tom nodded to Charlie. Charlie smiled at his friend before turning to Elizabeth, "In that case, may I have the first dance?"

Elizabeth smiled went right into her eyes. She took his offered hand, "You may indeed." And Charlie lead her onto the floor as other couples got ready for the start of the dance. Elizabeth had no time to be nervous for the music started and she had to much fun to think about anything else. When the dance was over Thomas took her hand for the next dance. Then, to her utter amazement another young man she'd meet on the train asked to dance. The night continued on, with one person after another asking Elizabeth to dance. She was probably the only person there who was surprised at how popular she was. Many of the adults smiled to see her blush in surprise when a new partner asked for her hand. But most people noticed that Charlie and Tom were never far away and that they danced with her more often then any of the others. Also Elizabeth's winning smile was even more beautiful when she danced with one of her two closest friends. More then one person commented on who they thought more likely to win this bell of the ball in the end.

After a dance with Charlie Elizabeth claimed she was getting hot, and Charlie lead her over to the refreshments and got her a glass of juice. Handing her the glass he commented, "There is someone who asked me to introduce you to him, Betty. If that's agreeable to you."

Elizabeth smiled, her cheeks where flushed from the excitement. "Oh course. Who is it?"

"My father. He's been wanting to meet you for a while now."

Elizabeth looked surprised, "Your father wants to meet me? Oh course I'll meet him. I'm flattered."

Charlie smiled and lead her a little ways away from all the noise and bustle of the dance. He knew his father would be watching from a distance, happy to see these people he was leading to a new life have fun, but missing Charlie's mother to much to take part in the dance. As Charlie and Elizabeth approached Mr. Carvot smiled, "Well Charlie, I see you are finally going to introduce me to your friend."

Charlie smiled cockily at his father, "Well, it's not like she doesn't know who you are now. So I didn't see any reason not to introduced you anymore." Turning to Elizabeth his smile softened, "Elizabeth Fuller, may I introduce my father, George Carvot."

Elizabeth dropped a graceful curtsy, of the kind that one didn't see on many girls, even with the highest breeding, anymore. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Carvot."

Mr. Carvot had heard some marvelous things about the Elizabeth Fuller who was part of this wagon train. Suddenly he realized that everything might be true. Bowing he replied, "The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. For anyone who can get my son to talk to as many people as you seem to have done deserves the highest credit."

Elizabeth blushed slightly, "I don't deserve the credit. Charlie has a natural way with the children, and they all adore him."

When Elizabeth blushed, George Carvot was seised by a recognition of his wife in her. Suddenly he asked, "Elizabeth, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

Both Elizabeth and Charlie were shocked by this. But Elizabeth quickly recovered and said, "I'd be honored to." And taking Mr. Carvot's hand was lead back onto the dance floor, with Charlie coming behind, stunned.

Everyone was surprised to see Mr. Carvot dance, especially sense he hadn't been seen near the dance floor the entire night. And when they realized he was dancing with Elizabeth Fuller people started to think that some understand must have been reached between the two families. Thomas came to stand next to Charlie and inquired, "Why is your father dancing with Elizabeth?"

Charlie shook his head, "I have no idea. I could count on one hand the amount of times I've seen my father dance with someone besides my mother, and four of those women would be relatives or friends who are as good as."

Thomas quirked an eyebrow, "Who was the fifth then?"

Charlie nodded his head towards his father and Elizabeth, "Elizabeth."

Thomas whistled, "Well then. That's something. But then, I think everyone here would love for a chance to dance with her."

Charlie looked around at the people watching the dance and smiled, "Yes, and Elizabeth thought that we would be the only ones to dance with her."

"I almost wish she was right," Thomas commented, softly.

"So do I," Charlie agreed. "But I'm glad she's having fun."

Thomas nodded, "Yes. And she did dance with us more then any of the other fellows. So we should count ourselves luckily." Charlie and Tom laughed and enjoyed watching Elizabeth be the center of attention. But to Thomas, at least, something about that seemed familiar to him, but he couldn't figure out why.

When the song was over Mr. Carvot lead Elizabeth back to Charlie and Thomas. Bowing over her hand, "Thank you for the dance."

Elizabeth bobbed a curtsied, "You are most kindly welcome." Mr. Carvot smiled at Charlie and Thomas and returned to his place to watch the rest of the dance. Elizabeth beamed with delight and told Charlie how wonderfully agreeable his father was. Charlie was very glad she had liked him. Charlie, Tom and Elizabeth sat out the next few dances and talked. Elizabeth was getting tiered from all the dancing and excitement, and the young men wanted to have a chance to show that they were the ones she fancied most. But when the last song was announced to be a waltz Charlie eagerly asked Elizabeth for the honor. She smiled warmly and easily agreed. Thomas watched them dance, starting to wish that he was the one who had first heard the Gaelic fairy sing, so that he could of been the one to get the last dance with her.