Passing as Elias Read Free Page B

her whilst she was with a gentleman.
    Elizabeth walked swiftly up Eastmoreland place, and turned onto Baggot Street. Her heeled boots clicked and clacked noisily on the pavement, and in the distance she heard the drunken laughter of rowdy men. Elizabeth always made sure she was on the opposite side of the road when passing the Inn. The glow of the pub loomed into view, and music reached her ears. The singing was indistinguishable, but Elizabeth recognized the tune as a popular drinking song. After a sideways glance, Elizabeth noticed that the men inside were all wearing uniforms.
    “Sailors,” Elizabeth muttered under her breath. Back from their stint at sea, she presumed. What a life , she thought mildly. They were allowed freedom once their work was done. Elizabeth however, would never be free because she was a woman, and lacked the liberty that came with being a man. She wondered if her mother would pester her this week about finding a man. Why bother , she thought savagely, I might as well be dead if I get married . She would lose what little rights she had left as a woman. No husband would allow her to work, for it would be her duty to bear children and maintain a household. Her mothers voice penetrated her thoughts. “ It is not about rights, or love, Elizabeth. Marriage is about social status, benefits, and security!”
    Elizabeth was roused from her thoughts by the sound of her name being called. She turned to face the Inn, which she had passed several steps ago, and saw the figure of a man crossing the road towards her.
    “Miss Searson!” the man called, slowing to a walk as he reached her side of the pavement. He passed under a lamp, which illuminated his face, and Elizabeth was relieved to see that it was Captain Greenwood.
    “You do have a knack for frightening me, Captain.” Elizabeth put a hand to her heart, “I thought you were a drunken sailor come to leer at me!”
    “Only a regular sailor,” He gave a small bow of apology; “I have been keeping an eye out for you,” he added.
    Elizabeth pursed her lips, “For me? Why on earth for?”
    The Captain’s cheeks reddened, or perhaps he was just rosy from the intake of alcohol, “I thought I might ask, well, if it was all right to walk you home?”
    Elizabeth felt herself growing hot, “Oh, no, really,” she said as she waved a hand dismissively, “do not trouble yourself.”
    “I insist,” Captain Greenwood took another step towards her. “It is quite dangerous at this time of night. It really is no time for a lady to be out and about.”
    “Oh, well, thank you Captain. That is very kind of you.” Elizabeth said turning on the spot as Captain Greenwood fell in step beside her.
    He talked casually to her as they walked, his hands behind his back. Elizabeth found that she had nothing interesting to talk of. She realized that they had never had a conversation away from the apothecary, where she was forced to be kind and understanding to all clients. George Greenwood was pleasant, clever, and charming, it seemed, and he talked to her in an honest manner.
    “Indeed,” Captain Greenwood said ten minutes later, continuing a conversation that Elizabeth had not been listening to, “though I do find the laws regarding marriage quite ridiculous in some instances. By marriage, the legal existence of a woman is consolidated into that of the husband, under whom she must obey. I find it wrong that a husband has complete financial control over his wife.”
    Elizabeth’s attention was caught, “You do?” she said, looking up at him.
    “Of course.” Captain Greenwood gave her a sideways glance and sighed, “I do apologize, Miss Searson. I fear I have a lot on my mind. Do forgive my incessant whining. I realize how inappropriate it might seem for me to be expressing my opinions so freely.”
    “Not at all, Captain. I quite agree.” Elizabeth found her respect for Captain Greenwood increasing, “What is causing you so much worry?”
    Captain