And for a long time, she said nothing more.
Then Victor Caldwell began visiting.
Victor was thirty-one, handsome in a polished, carefully groomed way, with dark-blond hair, expensive suits, and the confident manner of a man who had never been refused anything important.
His father owned one of the largest cattle operations in the region.
The Caldwell family possessed extensive grazing leases, strong banking relationships, and a growing interest in railroad development.
A marriage between Victor and Elizabeth would combine two influential families.
Judge Hawthorne considered the arrangement ideal.
Elizabeth considered it unbearable.
Victor was charming when other people watched.
He brought flowers.
Complimented her gowns.
Praised her singing.
And spoke about the magnificent house he would eventually build for his wife.
But when they were alone, his behavior changed.
He spoke to her as though she were already his possession.
He criticized the books she read.
Mocked her interest in painting.
And once told her that after marriage she would no longer need to worry about making decisions because he would handle everything.
Elizabeth laughed, assuming he was joking.
Victor didn't laugh.
“I'm serious,” he told her.
She stared.
“I'm perfectly capable of making decisions.”
He smiled.
“Of course you are, darling. But a wife shouldn't have to trouble herself with a man's responsibilities.”
Elizabeth's expression hardened.
“And who decides which responsibilities belong to whom?”
Victor's smile disappeared.
“Your father didn't mention you were argumentative.”
She looked directly into his eyes.
“Perhaps he should have.”
Victor laughed coldly.
“You'll learn.”
That evening, Elizabeth went to her mother.
She found her sitting in the sewing room, repairing delicate lace on a dinner gown.
“Mother?”
The older woman looked up.
“Yes, darling?”
“I don't want to marry Victor.”
Her mother's fingers stopped moving.
For several seconds, she stared at the needle.
Then she sighed.
“Elizabeth.”
“Please listen.”
Her mother looked toward her.
“Victor is a suitable young man.”