Chapter 11

Martha and I were almost inseparable in the months following our return to Hartford. We went shopping several times a week, and we attended numerous parties, dances and events. We had occasion to socialize with a large number of young men during that time. We always found ourselves comparing them to Jeremy and Tad, and we always found them lacking. Martha surprised me by how quickly, and how well, she had adapted to the role of a 19th century woman. She acted as if she had she had known no other life, and I believe that she was genuinely happy. I would have been happier if I had been able to see Jeremy more often. I was very envious of Elizabeth. She was living in New Haven, the home of Yale University. She got to see her Donald every evening that he was free. Jeremy and Tad could come to Hartford only on weekends during the four months following our return from the Westervelt's, even though Jeremy wrote to me almost every single day.

Daddy had been very impressed with Jeremy, and they hit it off together right away. Even Mummy approved of him. In April, Tad and Jeremy invited Martha and I to their June graduation ceremonies, and we started to make plans to go. Charles had invited Roberta, and she also planned to attend. We decided that Roberta would travel to my house, and then the three of us would travel to New Haven, and stay with Elizabeth.

We grew more excited as the day to leave for New Haven approached. Roberta arrived at my house two days before we would depart, and the three of us spent the entire next day shopping in Hartford. The following morning we went to the train station and boarded the train for our first trip together since February. It was a beautiful June day and we enjoyed each mile of the 35-mile trip.

Arriving at the New Haven station two hours later, we hired a carriage to take us to Elizabeth's home. Our reunion was joyous. After settling in, we spent some time with Elizabeth's family, then we went for a walk to a local park so that we could talk in private. We compared notes and discussed the things that we had not been willing to set down in ink. Anne's wedding was only two weeks away, and we didn't know if the completion of that event would effect our return to the 20th century, or not. But after a lengthily discussion, we decided that we would be happy either way. We had created new lives for ourselves in the 19th century, and we would not be upset if we were 'stranded' here. With that issue decided, we talked about the graduation dance the following evening. We had all bought new gowns for the dance, and couldn't wait to show them off.

The following evening, the boys called for us at Elizabeth's house. Elizabeth's father spelled out the rules for the evening, and we left for the dance in two carriages, along with Elizabeth's mother who functioned as a chaperone. It was wonderful to dance with Jeremy again. We danced every single dance that the band played. The evening ended much too quickly, and the boys had to return us to Elizabeth's house. The graduation ceremony would be in two days, and that would be the next time that we saw them. All of their families would be there as well. We all looked forward to seeing Anne and her father again.

On Saturday, we went to Yale for the graduation exercises. Jeremy and the other boys all looked so handsome in their caps and gowns. They had had their pictures taken in them several days before, and Jeremy gave me a picture of himself, plus a group picture.

We sat with Anne and her father for the ceremony. Beverly had come down on Harry Millar's invitation, and sat with us as well. After the ceremony was over, we had an opportunity to meet the families of each of the boys. Mr. Westervelt had reserved a private room in a restaurant, for a graduation lunch, and our entire group went there. After lunch, the party started to break up as people began to leave for home. I was sad that I had to part with Jeremy, but we would be back together in only a week. His father arranged a carriage for us, and we returned to Elizabeth's house.

Several days later, we all left for Hartford. After staying for several days at my house, we went on to the Westervelt's in New Bedford. Anne's wedding was only a week away and the house was caught up in the frenzy of hosting a major event once again. At least this time, weather would be less of a factor. We only hoped that it wouldn't rain on the day of the wedding. Martha and I took the room that we had shared previously. There were no dances scheduled until the eve of the wedding, but just spending the days with Jeremy was enough for me. We took long walks around the grounds during the days, and spent our evenings in the library with the others. Several times, I had seen the desire in his face to grab me and kiss me, but he always behaved like a perfect gentleman. For my own part, I wanted nothing more than to be held in his strong arms, and kissed long and hard. But the rules of propriety dictated a different conduct. Each night though, Martha and I found relief from our sexual frustration in each other arms.

The day of the wedding finally arrived. The house had filled with guests during the past two days, and hundreds more came just for the day. The other girls and myself looked wonderful in our bridesmaid dresses, but Anne was resplendent in her wedding dress of white silk. She was as happy as a bride should be on her special day. As she walked down the aisle later that afternoon, she positively glowed. I was reminded of the glow of the spirit that had brought us here, and wondered what our fates would be over the next few hours and days. But for now, I became reabsorbed in the ceremony. As the minister read the vows, I pictured myself in Anne's place, with Jeremy as the groom. Could such a union ever take place? Or would we be whisked away, back to our future lives, once Anne had left for her honeymoon? Only the spirit knew for sure.