Cold season has struck our house pretty hard these past few days, and man is everyone miserable. The three boy’s are all suffering from the all-knowing man-cold, while Momma is left to wipe snotty nostrils, medicated low fever’s, force fluids and foods, and clean the house. As two of the three are currently sleeping off some of their illness, I am wide awake finding my quiet time to write, which feels almost like a treat. I have decided to give this blog thing a shot, who knows maybe it could ignite the fire I need to start writing stories again. I have decided to share with you a story I had written for a class I took in college many, many moons ago. The assignment was to pick a story that had already been published and expound on it in some way. I chose the characters from one of the American Girl stories featuring Samantha Edwards. The fact that I have a fascination with older time periods is the reason for choosing the characters for my short story. I own the story, but the characters within my story belong to American Girl. Sit back and enjoy.

A Walk In The Park

The morning was bright and clear with a slight breeze causing the leaves on the tree’s to dance. Gardner Edwards walked lazily down the stone path through the park, forehead furrowed and a slight frown upon his lips. Something was troubling him, but he could not figure out what that something was. Perhaps it was the fact that even though he had wealth, a nice home in New York City, and wonderful mother and niece, he still felt alone.

He had almost been walking an hour, when he caught glimpse of a young woman strolling lazily along the path not far in front of him. Something about her made his heart skip a beat, perhaps it was the simple, pale blue tea dress that she was wearing, or even so the fine large brimmed hat with intricate blue flowers as décor, whatever the matter he was astonished by her and he hadn’t even yet saw her face.

                He had to meet this woman; he had to know her name. Quickly searching through the pocket of his vest he found what he was looking for, and then he hurried to catch up to the mystery woman. “Excuse me Ma’am”, he said while holding out his handkerchief, “Does this belong to you?”

                When she turned to face him, his heart almost stopped completely for he found himself starring straight into the eyes of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her auburn hair was nearly hidden by her hat, but even that couldn’t hide the radiance of it, her piercing green eyes were like starring straight into the green fields of Ireland, and when she smiled, well it took his breath away.

                “No, I am sorry it is not.” She replied in polite, dignified manner.

                As she turned to walk away, he panicked thinking he may never see this beautiful creature again. “Excuse me, but would you mind terribly if I joined you on your walk?” He extended his arm towards her while gearing himself up for the polite rejection she was sure to offer. She glanced at him for a moment seeming to consider the idea of allowing him to join her.

                “I don’t see why you couldn’t; I do enjoy the company of another on my walks.”  She timidly hooked her arm with his and they both continued their stroll along the path. They made small talk for nearly an hour, talking about each other’s interests, families, and future dreams. Gardner learned that she often took this route through the park on her way home from women’s suffrage meetings that she spoke at during the afternoons.

                “I believe that women should have just as much right to vote as the men do, after all we have our opinions as well. Shouldn’t we be able to voice them?” Her spirit and passion caused him to adore her even more, and as she spoke her mind on the subject he found himself agreeing with her.

                “I do believe that you are the most astonishing woman that I have ever met Miss…” He caught her eyes and then looked at her with a look of surprise, “Why, I do believe that we have been walking nearly an hour and I do not yet know your name.”

                Smiling she replied, “My name is Cornelia Pitt.”

                He returned her smile with his own, “Well Miss Pitt, you are the most astonishing woman that I have ever met.” He couldn’t be sure, but he thought he caught a glimpse of her blushing.

                “Thank you, Mr. Edwards and please, call me Cornelia.” She replied, “You are astonishing yourself.”

                “Well then Cornelia, you may call me Gardner.” They continued a short while down the path, until they came to the end of the park walkway and walked out onto a city sidewalk. “Well, I do believe that this is where we shall part ways. Forgive me, but would it be too forward to ask if I may join you again sometime in the future?”

                “I would enjoy that.” She replied.