Chapter Twenty Six:

"We must hurry." Elouise exclaimed grabbing ahold of Laurie's hand, both jumping off the train onto the grass. They ran around the back of the train, climbing onto the platform. "The sooner we get to Marmee, the sooner we can get her to Beth."

When they reached the end of the platform, Elouise came to a stop.

Marmee and Mr Brooke we're running towards them, one train ticket and her luggage in hand.

"Elouise!" Marmee gasped spotting her, "And Laurie! What are you two doing here?"

Elouise pursed her lips, "To fetch you. I thought it would be quicker than waiting for a letter to get to you."

Marmee stopped in front of her, pulling her into a hug. "Oh dear, you're filthy. What happened?"

"Chickens need personal space." She said, remembering the chickens charge at her. She had shrieked and tumbled to the ground, Laurie had tried to catch her but fell with her. "How did you know to come home?"

"They phoned me."

Laurie made a noise, nodding. He nudged her arm, "They phoned her."

"That... that would have been good to think of."

"Yes." Laurie nodded, "A brilliant idea."

Marmee looked between them, "Well, we better hurry. You will tell me of your adventure on the train."

Laurie nodded, rushing to the booth. Marmee took Elouise by the hand, "It means a great deal that you care for my girls like this. Rushing here without a second thought, my my, thank you very much."

Mr Brooke coughed, "I must get back to your husband, Mrs March."

The woman turned and smiled at him, "Thank you for everything."

He nodded, turning and walking away.

Marmee pulled Elouise along as they made their way towards Laurie at the ticket booth. "Now, tell me how you got here."

Elouise pursed her lips, "Well, you see... we hid in the last train cabin. Moments before we began to move someone added dozens of chickens, I'm still not sure why."

"Elouise!" Marmee gasped, "I cannot believe you did that. Or, how you managed to drag Laurie with you."

"I'm not exactly sure either." Laurie joined their stride towards another train, he handed her a ticket. "But this time will be more comfortable, I presume."

"You're not allowed to run around this way." Elouise pointed out, "Or have dance lessons."

"This way has no chickens."

Marmee shook her head, "The things you've gotten into."

The woman boarded first, followed by Elouise and Laurie. The train ride back was quiet and tense, nobody said a word the entire way.

•••

Elouise had never seen Marmee move as fast as she did as she stormed into her house, running up the stairs and to Beth's bedroom. They followed in behind, wanting to see how the girl was doing.

"You were right to send for me, my girls— but you've been very good nurses indeed." Marmee knelt next to her daughter, feeling her forehead.

"It's mostly been Jo, she's hardly slept."

Jo looked panicked, "I didn't know what else to do."

Hannah stood by the end of the bed, Marmee looked to her with worried eyes. "Hannah, go make a clear broth and Jo get ice— we need to cool her."

"Who is with Father?" Meg cut in.

"John is staying with him." She stood up, "We need to change the linens."

Elouise scurried downstairs with Hannah as the other girls tended to Beth. She poured a glass of water, staring at it as it sat still on the counter.

"Are you alright?"

She jumped, turning to see Laurie. "Yes. I only want to help."

"Elouise, sometimes the best help is to stand back and let fate take its stride." Hannah looked at her, "Beth is in good hands. To many hands, that will not stop trying to make her better. You've had a long day, going out to find Marmee and bringing her back. You've done more than enough."

Laurie took a small breath, "Why don't you leave the girls to spend time together as a family. You may stay with us, for the night I suppose."

"That sounds like a lovely idea." Hannah nodded, "Now go."

Elouise pursed her lips, nodding slowly. Laurie lead her out of the house and out into the night. They had got back after the sun set, right according to her plan.

"Beth will be alright." Laurie said, "She's got all of us looking out for her."

Elouise nodded again, "Perhaps I should have left already."

"Why do you say that?"

"I am only an added cost, an extra person in an already crowded home." She looked at him, even in the dark his eyes still managed to sparkle. "I've already overdone my stay—"

"They love you, Elouise. Like family, you can try to leave but they will not let you go so easy."

"Laurie—"

He grabbed her hands, "You belong here. With the March's and with me."

Elouise pursed her lips as they made their way across the field and to his front door. "Will your grandfather mind?"

He shook his head, knocking on the locked door. A few moments later it opened to reveal a younger man, he smiled and let them in. "Mr Laurence." He nodded, "And guest."

Laurie pulled her up the stairs, he lead them down a long hallway to an open door.

"Grandfather?" Laurie peaked in, earning a startled noise from the man inside.

"Theodore, you are back late."

He yanked her into the doorway, she waved sheepishly.

"Oh, Elouise!" Mr Laurence smiled, "I did not realize you were here."

It appeared to be his office, a large desk was placed in the middle of the room where he sat. Bookshelves lined the walls and a fireplace loomed on the other side.

Laurie cleared his throat, "May she spend a night? Beth is being tended by Mrs March and she wanted to let them spend this time together, as a family."

Mr Laurence clasped his hands together and placed them on the desk, "I suppose that is alright. She may stay in one of the guest rooms."

"Thank you." Laurie said, dragging her down the hallway again. "I have something to show you."

Elouise raised an eyebrow, "Really?"

He lead her back downstairs, they passed by many rooms she snuck glances in before slipping out the back door into the backyard. It was a large space, a white fence marked off where the property ended but it felt as if it could go on forever. Laurie lead her towards one of the stables they had, he kept sneaking glances at her as they walked.

"What are you going to show me?

He let go of her hand and walked to the gate, moments later he pushed it all the way open and motioned her inside. "Close your eyes."

It was dark and she couldn't see anything, "I already can't see."

He chuckled, "Give me a few more seconds."

She could see the outline of his body before he disappeared, it sounded like he was running up steps.

"Close your eyes."

"Fine." And she did, standing in a creepy barn in the darkness. She kept her hands at her sides, swaying back and forth. Winter was indeed here, and it was very cold.

Minutes later she heard Laurie's voice, mumbling something under his breath.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes." His voice echoed, "A little mishap, nothing more."

"Are you sure?"

"Elouise." He said, "You may open your eyes."

Her eyes flew open, widening at the sight. The stable was empty of any animals, and wire that hung burning lanterns went back and fourth across the top floor, hanging over her.

"It's beautiful." She looked around, "When did you have time to do this?"

Laurie appeared in front of her, "Merry Christmas, Elouise."

She had completely forgotten about Christmas, or what particular day it was. Laurie smiled across from her, offering a hand.

The tip of his index finger was red, she snickered grabbing his hand to examine it. "You burnt yourself."

"No." He yanked it away, buckling under her gaze. "Yes."

Elouise laughed, running around him and to the stairs where she climbed up. "This is amazing!"

He smiled watching her, a new feeling settling deep within him. "I hoped you would like it."

Elouise sat down, legs dangling off the edge. "Come up with me and admire your work."

"If you insist."

He made his way up the stairs, finding a spot next to her. Elouise took a deep breath, "I don't want to leave."

He glanced at her, "It's not that beautiful."

"No." She chuckled, "I don't want to leave here. This town, these people. I like it here."

Laurie inched closer to her side, "You say that now, but you've already made the most of this place. The world needs to meet you, Elouise."

She met his gaze, grabbing his hand and holding it tight. "Thank you."

He said nothing, only wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close.