As Luck Would Have it

Betsy handed Annabel a small white envelope. “I’m sorry we didn’t have time to make proper invitations.”

“Will and I will attend,” said Annabel.

“No, we won’t,” said Will.

“Henry is the closest in age to me,” said Annabel. “He’s only two years older. Martha is six years my senior and Kate is four years younger. I fondly remember Henry pushing my swingthe the backyard. We teased the nanny, waded in the pond and played many late night games of checkers. You can’t deny me this.”

“I don’t want you attending,” said Will. “We shall discuss it later. We shouldn’t air our dirty laundry around Betsy.”

“Betsy will be family in a week and a half whether you forbid me to attend or not. Betsy, I shall be going.” Annabel hugged Betsy. “That daughter of yours has a strong aura. Do you have any more invitations to deliver?”“You“You were the last one,” said Betsy. “We’re only inviting my parents, my older brother, your mother and you and your sisters and having a judge marry us since Henry doesn’t believe in religion.”

“Do you?” asked Annabel.

“I believe in God,” said Betsy.

Annabel patted Betsy on the back. “Henry says religion is the opium of the masses.”

“I agree,” said Betsy. “Sitting in church makes people feel good. Most people do not read the Bible for themselves. They listen to the preacher with half-closed eyes.”

“Many people who attend church every week don\'t take God into their hearts,” Annabel said.

Will gave Betsy a brief glance. “Annabel thinks she can see into people’s souls. She asks me to take God into my heart at least once a month.”

“Will, I’m taking Betsy to see the midwife,” said Annabel. “Let me get Sarah in the pram and we’ll go.”

“My parents will be attending the wedding,” said Betsy.

“Do not disobey me,” said Will.

“Or you’ll break my nose, too,” said Annabel.

Betsy, still wearing her coat, folded her arms. “My own brother won’t attend. He says I’m making a fool out of myself.”

“Plenty of woman marry because they have a bun in the oven.” Annabel put on her jersey than picked up the baby. Putting Sarah in the pram, she said, “We’re taking Betsy to see the midwife.”

Will didn’t say good-bye as they left the house. Betsy looked at the roses buds planted along side of the stone path. The grass was just starting to turn green after the cold winter. Annabel put her arm around Betsy’s shoulder. “Does your husband still think I am a man?”

“Not unless you\'re having an hysterical pregnancy.”

Betsy laughed. “Hysterical means womb madness.”

“I was in shock. Will is usually a gentleman.”

Betsy and Annabel walked the four blocks to the midwife’s house. “Has Will ever hit a woman before?”

“Not to my knowledge. He has been in several barroom brawls in his youth.”

Betsy’s mouth dropped open.

“Betsy, I’m sorry.”

“I have been ignored by men all my life. I have never been mistaken for one. Henry brought me a change of men’s clothes including shoes, belt and hat. I could see from his eyes that I look better as a man than I do as a woman.”

“Did he say anything?”

“He tried to look non-plussed, but he was stunned.”

“You carry yourself like a man.”

“How does a man carry himself?” Betsy asked.

Annabel reached outward as if she was looking at non-existent birds in the sky. “Like you do, tall, straight, like you have a purpose.”

Annabel introduced Betsy to Mary Jane Brooks, her trusted healer. Her office was attached to her house. In the waiting room she had two large worn beige sofas that looked as if one child too many mistook them for trampolines. In the center of the room sat a box of toys, mostly wooden blocks that had splinters and flecks of peeling paint. Mary Jane hugged Betsy upon meeting her. Betsy wiggled out of her embrace and put her arms tightly against her sides as if a solider at attention. “Ann tol told me that you need a midwife. Do you have any concerns? If not, we can schedule our next appointment for four months from now.”

Betsy sat down on the woman’s couch crossing her legs distancing herself from the overly affectionate woman. “I have one concern now. Why so long between appointments?”

“You’re a healthy woman. All you need from me is consultation and to hold your hand as you deliver your baby.”

“I know almost nothing about having a baby,” said Betsy, nervously uncrossing her legs and put her hands on her lap to stop her legs from moving.

“There is nothing to know. Eat well and get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Don’t overdo and get enough rest.”

“I kept myself very thin for years. It was the only thing that I could control in my life. It seems strange now to eat as much as I want. I want to stop myself from eating long before I am full since I’m not used to having enough food. When I lived alone, I rather buy books or clothing than a necessity like food.”

“Eat. The baby needs the calories.”

“My future husband loves to eat. I’m always cooking to feed him. He stops at the bakery before he visits me to surprise me with sweets.”

“You’re a little thin but eat three good meals a day and you’ll be fine. Annabel, help Betsy learn how to eat a healthy diet,” the midwife said.

“I will. My brother loves to eat. I’m sure he’ll encourage her to eat enough.”

“My dresses are already getting snug,” Betsy said. “I can’t ask my fiancé to buy me clothes.”

“You can borrow a few of my dresses for now. I’ll take you shopping after you are married,” said Annabel.

“Please, feel free to talk to me anytime you need,” Mary Jane said.

“I’ve been dieting for so long I’m uncomfortable about eating,” said Betsy.

“The general rule is eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full,” said Mary Jane. “It helps to eat small frequent meals; that aids with digestion.”

Betsy closed the door behind her. “What did say to Mary Jane?”

“Nothing. I told her that you were engaged to my brother. Nothing more.” Annabel shrugged her shoulders.

“Is she always this rude?”

“It was unlike her. She usually invites new patients in for tea.”

Betsy wondered if Mary Jane disliked for the same reasons that Will disliked her. Betsy didn’t think she was acting peculiar and deserved such a rude reception.

“Maybe she is having a bad day.” Annabel hugged Betsy. “Would you like me to screen another healer?”

“She’s the one closest to Henry’s house.”

“Betsy, you were rude to her. She was only hugging you to make you feel welcome.”

“The only woman to hug me was my mother and I hate it.”

“Can I hug you?” Annabel asked.

Betsy put her arms around Annabel enjoying her embrace. She was a soft and cuddly version of her brother. “I feel weird hugging a pregnant woman.”

“Most women like to be hugged when they learn they\'re expecting.”

“I never had a stranger hug me; it gave me the creeps.”

“I understand how you felt. I’ll tell Mary Jane that you meant no offense.”

“Thanks.”

“If I gave her a bad first impression, maybe I can change it.”

“She has always been polite to me before,” Annabel said. “Talk to me if you have problem before seeing Mary Jane. I’ll tell her that you aren’t used to being hugged. She’ll understand.”

“I hope you’re right; I’ll talk to you first.”

“Betsy.” Annabel put her arms around her. “Why isn’t your brother is going?”

“He told me that I was making a big mistake. He took one look at Henry and called him a pervert.” Betsy touched Annabel’s hand as they walked back to Annabel’s house. “I know Henry is a pervert. I love him because of it.”

“He was referring to the way my brother doesn’t see women the way other men see women.”

“That Henry doesn’t undress women with his eyes. I noticed it when we were ordering dinner at a pub. His eyes didn’t go to the barmaid. I think I noticed her low-cut dress before he did.”

“That doesn’t bother you.”

“Is that going to cause him to beat me or neglect our child? He wants to marry and raise a family.”

“You deserve to be loved.”

“I’m homely woman past marriageable age. I do the best I can. He has a nice house and respects me. I could do far worse. A gir my my position would never dream of marrying a man of his stature. My parents have a small business that they run out of their house. Henry is a well-respected businessman. I would have never dreamed about living in a fancy house with servants.”

“Many woman cry because they are left in a big house alone all their lives.”

“It won’t be me. I have a carpet and I intent to use it. I’m not going to become a bitter old woman.”

Before meeting Henry at his house, Betsy stopped in a bar and had a beer. She played a fast game of pool for another round of beer. Betsy drank the second beer quickly noticing the time on her lady’s diamond watch that Henry had just brought her.

“Slow down, lady,” the bartender said.

“I need another,” Betsy said.

“You shouldn’t be drinking this early in the day,” the bartender said.

“Are you my mother or a bartender?” Betsy asked.

“Lady, you had enough.”

“I need more. I’m getting married today.”

“You should be happy.”

“Look at me.”

“Can you cook?” the bartender said with a smile.

“Not really.” Betsy smiled slightly.

“Is this man of yours old, ugly or desperate?”

“None of the above. That is what frightens me.” Betsy left the bar feeling the effect of the two beers on an empty stomach. Betsy greeted Henry at the door of his house feeling nauseous. “Darling, we have to meet my parents at the justice of the peace.”

“You had a beer.” Henry probably smelled it on her breath.

“Two. I would have had three but the bartender wouldn’t sell me a third.”

Betsy was wearing a simple shirtdress and Henry, a gray worsted wool suit. They walked to a house with a mailbox stating ‘Justice of the Peace.’ Betsy admired the white picket fence and the small immaculate lawn in front of the small white cape cod house with yellow shutters and window boxes. The judge’s wife invited them inside the judge’s parlor. Mr. and Mrs. Logan were already sipping tea.

“Hello, dear,” said Mrs. Logan, waving to her daughter. Mr. Thaddeus Logan ran over to hug Betsy.

“Pop, please.” Betsy blushed.

“My younger child is getting married and we all know about your brother,” said Thaddeus. “A comet is more likely to hit the earth and kill humanity than he would get married.”

Wanda Logan gave Thaddeus a dirty look. “Pleasant thoughts. Today is our daughter’s wedding day.”

“The only reason Henry is marrying our daughter becauseknowknows I would change him into a toad if he didn’t do right by her.”

“Please, Pop.” Betsy sat beside her father. “Henry is talking to the judge. Henry is good to me; I don’t deserve his love.”

“His love is why we are sitting in a judge’s house, instead of having a large garden wedding after a year long engagement,” said Mrs. Logan. The veil attached to her hat covered her eyes, preventing Betsy from seeing her tears until they slid half way down her cheeks.

“Due my situation, we couldn’t have had a proper engagement. I wonder what Henry is telling the judge.” Betsy looked around the parlor to see Annabel walk through the door.

Annabel hugged Betsy. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“Henry has been talking to the judge for close to forever,” said Betsy. “You haven’t missed anything. Mrs. William Flynn, I’m pleased to introduce you to my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus Logan.”

Annabel sat on a chair across from Betsy’s parents. “I’m Henry’s sister, Annabel. His other sisters couldn’t make it. Betsy and I have become friends over the past few days.”

Betsy, feeling her cheeks grow warm, placed her hands on her face. “My emotions are all over the place. That must be the third time I’ve blushed today.”

“I’m surprised you aren’t crying at the drop of a hat,” said Mrs. Logan. “The sound of birds singing made me cry while I was expecting your brother. I toughened a bit by the time I had you.”

“Betsy told me that you\'re a powerful sorceress. What magic can you do?”

“I can see into the future. When I told Betsy she would have only daughters, she laughed at me. Now she’s expecting her first daughter.”

“We better not tell Henry,” said Annabel. “He probably wants a son.”

“No sons in Betsy’s future,” said Mrs. Logan. “Daughters.”

“Can you see into my future?” said Annabel.

Henry took Betsy by the arm. “The judge needs to see us now.”

“I’m ready,” Betsy said as she was pulled to the judge’s office.

The judge looked over Betsy. “So you are Miss Elizabeth Logan?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Are you sure you want to marry her?” the judge whispered to Henry.

“She’s the one for me,” Henry said proudly. “It’s time that I settled down and took a wife. I want children in my old age. I’m sure that Betsy will be a fine wife and mother.”

“I’m sure that she will,” the judge’s wife said. “Marry them.”

“I don’t think I ever saw an uglier woman,” the judge whispered to his wife.

Betsy started to cry. At least, he was only calling her ugly, if he had said that she looked like a man she would have been giving the judge a black eye. As it was, it took all her strength for her not to swing at the judge.

“Stuart, you’re being cruel,” the judge’s wife whispered back. “Marry the couple.”

Mrs. Logan stared the judge down. “I came here for a wedding. I won’t let you keep my granddaughter from having a name.”

The judge glanced at Betsy, standing a few steps in front of the door. “Miss Logan, are you with child?”

“About a month along,” said Betsy. “I’m still early enough along to hid that we had a rushed wedding. That won’t be the case if we need to find another judge.”

“You wouldn’t be here if you managed to keep your clothes on,” said the judge.

“I won’t have you speak to my daughter that way.” Mrs. Logan raised her hands as if to cast a spell. She winked at Betsy then lowered her hands.

“Mom, get Pop and Annabel. We’re having a wedding,” shouted Betsy.

Mrs. Logan opened the door and walknto nto the parlor.

“I love you.” Betsy hugged and kissed Henry. After dabbing her cheeks with her handkerchief, she placed the hanky in her dress pocket. “Your honor, I’m not usually like this.”

“Miss, it’s quite alright.” The judge walked around his desk toward Henry. “Do you have a ring?”

Henry took out a hammered gold ring, fitted to Betsy’s large fingers. “Yes, I do.”

Judge looked at Betsy and Henry holding hands. “We can begin anytime.”

Mr. Logan came in, followed by Mrs. Logan and Mrs. Flynn. Mr. Logan hugged Betsy. “Dear, how are you holding up?”

“My emotions are out of whack,” said Betsy. “I’m happy one second and crying the next. Did you cry at your wedding?”

“I wasn’t expecting then,” said her mother.

“Everyone here?” asked the judge.

“Yes, your honor,” said Henry.

After Henry and Betsy said their vows, Henry placed the ring on Betsy’s finger and they kissed. As the small wedding party left the house, the judge’s wife went over to Annabel.

Betsy dried her face. “Dear, let’s go home. We can have the party there. One day, I want to be able to kiss you and not have people gawking at us.”

“I understand completely.” Henry kissed her with abandonment.

Mrs. Logan took Betsy’s hand. “I need to talk to you alone.”

Betsy gave Henry a fast peck on the lips. “Darling, I have to talk to my mother. I’ll be right back.”

Betsy took her mother to the hallway. “What’s wrong now?”

“Those hands. They’re the ones,” her mother said.

“What hands?”

“The hands in my visions. The hands that are in my nightmares.”

“Mom, if this is to be, running away won’t make any difference. I belong to him now. He’s my destiny.”

“How can you do nothing?”

“Mother, you once told me that you would outlive Frank and I. You had us anyway. If he is meant to kill me, then he will. Running will change nothing.”

Betsy put her hand in Henry’s hand. “Darling, let’s gme ame and drink until we drop.”

“That isn’t good for the baby,” Mrs. Logan said.

“I’ll only have one or two,” Betsy said. “Henry doesn’t care for strong liquor. One or two beers and the big man is babbling like a baby.”

“I resent that,” Henry said.

“You think you’re talking about philosophy but you say the same thing over and over again. It’s like a broken gramophone, but you can’t turn him off.”

“Betsy, let’s get you home.” Henry pulled her to the door.

“How dare that man call me ugly?”

“Betsy, you’rerreerreacting.” Henry put his hand on her face. “The judge probably knew you were drunk. Everyone knew.”

“I don’t normally drink. I couldn’t face my parents sober. My mother is always prophesizing doom.”

“The judge only knows that you came drunk to your own wedding.”

“I need two or three more.”

“You need to go home and sleep it off.”

“Is Will right? Do I act like a man?”

“You act like you. Everybody is different.”

“I need another beer.”

“You need to take a nap.”

Betsy went to her bedroom and told Henry to wait. Betsy put on the men’s clothes including appropriate underwear. Betsy brushed her hair and pinned it up so all of it was under her hat. “I need a hair cut. People will see that my hair is pinned up under my hat.” Betsy hollered from the bedroom behind a closed door.

“I can’t cut hair,” Henry said. “Guests are waiting for us at my house. Movers, in a day or two, will move your things.”

Annabel knocked on the door. Henry opened it. “She’s in her room and won’t come out.”

“Betsy, come here,” Annabel said in a soft, sweet voice.

“I hate myself.” Betsy opened the door. “I can’t go out with my hair pinned up under my hat.”

“Do you havscisscissor?” Annabel asked.

“Yes.” Betsy handed Annabel a scissor from her drawer.

Annabel took the pins from Betsy’s hair and brushed it straight. It was layered like a barber had cut it anywhere from a year to a year and half ago. Annabel cried as the first lock that she cut fell on the floor. Betsy didn’t move as her nearly shoulder length locks hit the floor. Annabel combed Betsy’s hair and cut it again so it would be tampered down to her neck. “Comb it yourself.”

Betsy put her hand over her very short hair. “There isn’t enough left to comb.” Betsy put her hand on her hat. “Let’s meet everyone at Henry’s house. I’m ready to meet the family now.”

“Put your dress back on,” Annabel said. “You’ll be showing soon.”

“I want Will to meet the man he thought I was,” Betsy said.

“He’ll throw up,” Henry said.

“I think he can stomach it.” Betsy put her hat on her head. She put the man’s winter jacket that she bought for this occasion on before stepping out the door.

“You’ll give your mother a heart attack,” Annabel said. “Put your dress on.”

“I’ll start to show soon. Let me enjoy this now.” Betsy walked out the door as straight as ever. Henry walked beside her as if he was walking beside his drinking buddy.

Annabel took her brother’s hand. “She looks like a man. One would think she has done this before.”

“She has on election day,” Henry said.

As Henry unlocked the door, Betsy briefly kissed her mother. “Everyone come in,” Henry said, as he opened the door.

“Mom, don’t say a thing,” Betsy said, in a deep masculine voice.

“You can’t dress like this when you start to show,” her mother .
.

“I might hide in Henry’s house the whole time,” Betsy said. “I can’t believe I allowed him to talk me into cycling.”

“You’ll be happier when the baby is here,” her mother said.

“I look like a man,” Betsy said. “Will knew it.”

Will hugged Annabel. Will nodded at Betsy as he passed her to the bar. “Serve yourself,” Betsy said in a deep, gruff voice.

“No caterers?” Will asked.

“I didn’t have time to hire anyone,” Henry said. “I brought some deli this morning and made the plates up myself. Make yourself a sandwich.”

“What are you?” Will whispered to Betsy.

“Don’t you like what you see?” Betsy asked.

Henry sat down on his sofa and looked in Betsy’s direction. “Sit beside me.”

Betsy sat opposite Henry rather straight in the overstuffed chair. Betsy allowed herself to fall into it. “Will, you can put your eyes back into your head,” Betsy said still using a deep manly voice.

“If you were a man, I would give you a black eye,” Will said.

“Breaking my nose wasn’t enough,” Betsy said.

“Annabel, we’re leaving,” Will said, after finishing two fast drinks.

Betsy closed her eyes momentarily. Henry must have let her sleep. Henry waokinoking a cigar facing her when she woke.