Year 1884 in the capital Lansing, Michigan.
Matthew was out in the yard pruning the shrubs after the recent ball. Thinking about Emmeline and their declaration of love to one another. She had said she wanted to marry him and run away together. He had been elated, but he was nervous too, nervous that she would come to despise him and the life he could never give her.
When Matthew looked up he saw a beautiful woman, his beautiful woman with her lovely auburn hair and her emerald eyes. She was wearing a lovely bustle dress the same color as her eyes. She was the most beautiful and perfect woman he had ever had the opportunity of seeing. And to think that she liked him was almost beyond his comprehension.
Matthew stood up as Emmeline approached setting his shears down on the ground. Her eyes glittered as she walked towards him. "My love, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. But more so, you are strong and kind."
Emmeline began to blush and she gently slapped his shoulder, "Stop, you're making me blush."
"Why should I stop? I speak the truth." He grabbed her hands and kissed them. "You are perfect and the dance we shared in the gazebo under the rain was simply magical. It was if we were made for each other."
Emmeline smiled brightly and then frowned. "My father intends to marry me off to that man. I confirmed it with him. It is set and he would not take my refusal for an answer." She looked back and forth and seeing no one nearby Emmeline pulled him close and buried her head into Matthew's chest. "I meant what I said, let us run away. I want you and no one else." her voice was pleading.
Matthew put his hand on her back and caressed her softly, he backed up and moved her chin so there eyes met. "Are you sure you want to be a paupers wife? It will not be an easy life."
Emmeline paused for a moment, "Do you doubt me? Do you doubt my convictions towards you and my love for you?"
"No, of course not. I just want to make sure you understand I am not a wealthy man. I can't provide you a large home or servants. You have my heart, but I don't want you to regret your decision. Nothing would make me happier than to have you as my wife and I be your husband."
Emmeline wiggled her face out of his grasp and snuggled closer into his chest. "I would rather be dead than be with that man." She spoke with conviction. "You are my heart and soul and to live without you would be no life."
Matthew squeezed her tightly. He could understand what she was saying, he too felt that strange tug on his heart at the thought of her marrying somebody else. He wanted to be selfish, but he wanted to make sure she had the best life possible. Maybe all you needed was love? He chuckled to himself, love would not put food on the table. He shook his head, she would never want for anything. He would be sure to give her the world to the best of his ability the vows he spoke to himself.
"You are my heart and soul and it would make me happy to be with you forever. If you are sure, then we should leave soon especially if you fear you will be wedded off soon."
Emmeline nodded her head into his chest. She felt warm and safe and loved. Truly she could want for nothing more. She wanted to grow old with him and the mere thought of living a life without him was impossible. They parted ways and they would take a carriage south and keep going until they were ready to stop. "Let us leave tonite."
He nodded, "Then if that is the case, I will take my leave and pack my bags. Meet you at the stroke of midnight." He kissed her gently on the lips and they parted each others company. They would be together soon.
***
Later that evening Emmeline appeared as nothing was amiss. She ate with her Father, step-mother, and brother. They chatted and Emmeline pretended to be interested in the conversation. Her mind however, was making her plan of what she would pack and bring with them.
After Emmeline excused herself from the table she headed upstairs and began her plan. As she was packing her things, she couldn't help to recall that when they had left the Octagon House she felt sad and she didn't want to move to Lansing. As much as she didn't want to be here with the hustle and bustle of the city life, she was glad. She had met Matthew when they had first arrived. They started out as friends, but then became something more and her heart beat wildly at the thought. Emmeline would have to have a toast for Mr. Williams at the wedding, he was after all the one who helped them get together she chuckled and continued packing.
Emmeline made sure to grab anything that could be sold off. When the clock struck midnight, Emmeline carefully took her bags out the house and waited on the drive for Matthew; to bring all her bags it took 3 trips. It was unfortunate, because on the third trip out the house she had been seen. Henry watched as his sister entered the carriage with the laborer.
Henry quickly dressed and took a horse out of the stables, the fastest one they had he rode quickly to the house of Mr. Williams and informed him of what was happening. A wicked grin crossed Mr. Williams face. "Good Boy, you will be rewarded."
Henry nodded, he had always despised his sister. She was always the favorite and it was almost as if his father didn't even try to hide it.
Mr. Williams spoke again after a moments hesitation. "Where is she going?"
"She is headed South."