Down Salem Way by Meredith Allard

Author:Meredith Allard [Meredith Allard]
Language: eng
Format: epub

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The house rattled under the harsh thuds from the brass knocker against our door. Outside was Mistress Boxley.

Mistress Boxley comes round from time to time, mostly to cast her glance over our Delftware and silverware. She comments on the same carved English furniture and the same tapestries. She makes admiring remarks on whatever new items of clothing she has noticed Lizzie wearing, the bows and ribbons, the jewel-toned dresses fashioned by elite couturiers in Boston. Of course, Lizzie is often found round the house in her calico, and of course Mistress Boxley makes a point of how lovely Lizzie looks though she “did not make an effort at all this day.” Fortunately for the woman, Lizzie has more patience than I do.

After the matron had her usual say about our possessions, Lizzie invited her to stay for tea. The woman sets my teeth on edge, but Lizzie is kindhearted, and besides, she does not know anyone in the Town except for Father and me. Perhaps Lizzie enjoys the company. Other women of our social status do not call on Lizzie. People know her as a farmer’s daughter from the Village, which is all they need to know to make their pronouncements on how she married above her station and therefore does not require the condescension of their notice. Lizzie does not seem to mind. She says she is content with her life with me and our future child and I believe her.

To my chagrin, Mistress Boxley agreed to grace us with her presence and remained for tea, saying she could stay a bit before she was needed at a meeting for the Town Society matrons. She enjoyed an entire platter of candied fruits and nuts, a whole pitcher of sweet apple cider, and a potful of hot tea before the gossip began. She is one of those people I call a watcher. Her large pale-blue eyes glance everywhere at once under hooded lids, and even when you speak to her she does not look at you. Instead, she follows the gaze of everyone nearby as though she cannot take another breath without knowing who watches her in return. The woman is no beauty, certainly. Her round face is creviced with pock marks she tries to hide under layers of powder. I’m surprised she has not been brought before the Court for impropriety, but her husband is a wealthy man and the wealthy are not scrutinized like the poor. She dresses well, flaunting her husband’s success, and she is always seen in her finest silks and brocades, her shawls embroidered with gold and silver, her fingers flashing with rubies and sapphires. But even her finely stitched clothing and flashing jewels are no match for Lizzie’s pure, unadorned beauty. So many fail to realize that tis not what is on the outside that makes one beautiful. Tis what is on the inside. Lizzie’s heart is as big as the sky, and no amount of money can purchase that kind of beauty.

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