Alberta Chp. 6

6

Alberta sat by the bed. She felt her sister’s forehead. She sighed discouragingly. “Oh, Lizzie. Why?”

“Why what? Do you mean why I have persistence?” Elizabeth’s eyes barely opened.

“Oh, you’re awake. I didn’t mean it in that way.” Alberta rested her hand on the bed. “But what do you mean about persistence?”

“I mean, that I won’t let you live a life, living a shack with some mail boy. He’d probably tire—no, he couldn’t get tired of someone like you, but he could leave you anyway and find someone more…ladylike. That’s what most peasants do.”

Alberta put her hands on her hips. “You’re no more of a better person than he is! Folks who live in fancy houses, are not grander or more value, they are simply…lucky, I guess.”

“It’s not just about the house, it’s also that we—or I have had more schooling and education and am living a civilized life. Your mail deliverer lives like a dog. I’ve even seen him stealing!”

“But he doesn’t just steal. He gives food to hungry children and families who can’t afford anything. That’s kind of him.”

“Doesn’t matter what he does with his food, he steals it plain and clear.”

“Oh, Lizzie, you stubborn old mule. When will you except that, well, we want—” Alberta hesitated. 

“You want to run away and get married, right? And leave me here, with three youngsters?”

“They’re not really youngsters anymore, Elizabeth. Franz is seventeen, and the others—well they can almost take care of themselves.”

“No, Alberta! No! I won’t allow it! You want to leave, let me find a suitable husband for you.”

Alberta immediately stood up furiously and left the room.

She went to her room and sobbed. Her sister had been cold and mean ever since Miss Albury’s death. But was there something she could do about it?

It was late. Alberta refused to come down at dinner. She heard her sister tell her siblings, what a disgrace she is. Alberta tightened her fists, but still refused to come down. She had other plans.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Alberta locked her door and opened her window. She had once asked Matthias to nail in little wooden stubs that stuck out, so she could climb down. But Elizabeth had found it, and had her servants destroy them.

But this was an emergency. Her whole life, she wanted to read. And this was her only chance. Alberta kept thinking, when suddenly she heard her sister’s voice through the door.

“Alberta. You may hate me forever. But I have been keeping something—someone, from you.”

“Who is,” Alberta said.

“He’s a gentleman. His name is Clark. And—” She hesitated. “We’ve arranged your marriage.”

Alberta flung open the door. “What? You can’t do that! Mother would’ve never let you!”

“I am in charge. And I’m—I’m going to die soon. And I need to know you’re in good hands.”

“No!” Alberta burst out in tears. “I’ll run away! I’ll never have to see you again!” She buried her face in her hands.

Elizabeth, not feeling an ounce of pity, took out a key from her pocket and locked the door.

Alberta quickly ran to the door and tried to stop it from shutting, but it was too late.