Subj: Together We Stand (5)
Date: 7/10/00 1:19:07 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
Eliot left Collinwood very early that morning in order not to shock the family. Being that Julia and Quentin were the only ones who knew of the marriage at Collinwood, it would certainly have caused a major scene if he were caught in Elizabeth's room. They also planned to inform Roger and the girls of thus happy event at the Old House.
Elizabeth tapped on Maggie's door, "Maggie, it's Elizabeth. May I come in?"
"Of course, Mrs. Stoddard," said Maggie, opening the door. "Please come in."
"Maggie, I have an unusual request to make of you," Elizabeth stated.
"I'd be happy to help you anyway that I can Mrs. Stoddard," commented Maggie.
"I know you would dear. I can't really explain at this moment why I need you to do this, but I need to get Hallie and David out of the way for a few hours this morning," said Elizabeth.
"I suppose that I could take them on a hike and a picinic, would that do?" asked a very puzzled Maggie.
"No. I have something that I need you to do while the children are out of the way," answered Elizabeth.
"Could we send them into town on their bikes, to the library to work on their themes? Then perhaps they could have lunch at the Coffee Shop as an added treat?" Maggie proposed.
"Splendid, Maggie! That's what we will do. I will explain everything shortly. Until then, please bear with me," temporized Elizabeth.
Roger and Carolyn were having breakfast in the dining room. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, Elizabeth perused Roger's face. He'd be sure to have an attitude after what he saw in the drawing room last night! 'Oh, how she dreaded this morning,' she thought to herself. Sitting down at the table, Elizabeth said, "Roger, I promised you an explanation for last night and I will explain. After breakfast, the children are going to town to work on their themes."
"To TOWN?! And what, may I ask, is wrong with the library in this house?" demanded Roger.
"Whoa, what did I miss?" Carolyn interjected.
"Listen to me, both of you. No questions or comments. The children are going to town. Roger, Carolyn and you will come with Maggie and I to the Old House after they leave. We are having a family meeting there of great importance. I cannot discuss any of it until then," Elizabeth commanded. Softening her voice, she added, "You will understand why it has to be this way very shortly.
To be Continued . . .