Final Edited Story

A Conservative Tale

Laughter and singing filled the church halls and poured out through the beautifully crafted doors. Sunlight rushed throughout the stunning windows casting the church people into tinted red and yellow light. A month ago this church was not with such joy. The rooms were filled with worry and political talk for the French Revolution was coming to an end.
Now the Catholics rejoiced that their lives were less stressful and everything was settling back to the way it was supposed to be. Where young children played late in the streets, ‘till the sun lowered over the hills and the last rays turned to fluffy clouds. This was a time when commoners knew their place. But now, Europe was changing. The Leroy family had not been as affected by all the commotions.

I walked gracefully through the crowds with my older brother, Brian. Our curly golden hair was gleaming in the sunlight.
“What did you think of the service Brian?” I asked politely, for this is one of our normal jokes.
“I thought it was exquisite.” Brian replied in an uninterested manner. “Really Lily, do we have to do this each Sunday?”
“My darling brother how dare you deny your Catholic heritage?” I added slyly.
“I just think that there is so much more to life than doing everything the Monarchy says there is. My darling sister,” he mocked, “I would dare not deny our Catholic ancestry. For Mother would surely have my tongue for saying such a thing.”
“What are you two bickering about on this lovely spring morning?” Their mother chimed in.
“Oh nothing Mother, Lily was just being immature.” Brian said with a bored tone. “Let us find Father and we can go,” I said impatiently.
“Lily, honey, can’t we leave your brother alone this morning? You know he has been in a trying mood lately and it does not seem that you are helping,” Martha snapped. However the way she said this was not rude. Their mother was a remarkable woman. Even though she was aging, her brownish hair looked elegant with a few silver strands. One could not get away with any mischief when around her. I admired her, Brian loved her, and our father adored her.
As I walked I thought of how extraordinary my life was. How I could go anywhere I pleased and everyone seemed to treat me like royalty. Although I liked the attention sometimes I wished I could fit in with the less wealthy people. They all seemed so happy even though they didn’t have a lot of money. To my left my father, Joseph, had offered his arm to my mother. They were meant to be together. At times, it was as if they were one person. They never fought for her mother never disagreed with him.
Brian quickly came up behind me and lightly placed his arm around my side, guiding me gently toward the horse drawn carriage.
“Why do you have to be so childish?” he inquired.
“I like being childish sometimes,” I replied calmly.
“Well I think that you should behave like your age suggests you should.”
“Thank you for your input.” And just like that I composedly pulled away from him and stepped up to the carriage.


Once at home I changed out of my church clothes into something somewhat more comfortable; a corset that was not as restricting. While I changed and freshened up I thought about my brother’s behavior. I observed Brian being very distracted lately. He was always thinking about something else and it seemed he was in his own world. Our late talks at night had ceased to exist and I sensed something was troubling him. Should I talk to him about this? Well what is there to talk about? I argued with myself. “Ok the next time he comes upstairs I will talk to him.” I said out loud this time.
“Talk to me about what?” Brian asked curiously.
“Ah!” I jumped up out of my seat by the mirror in surprise. “It is not polite to sneak up on a lady,” I scolded as my cheeks flushed.
“It is not polite to talk about someone behind their back,” he reasoned.
“I was talking to myself thank you!” I added cheekily.
“Well you still haven’t told me what you wanted to tell me.”
“What are you always pondering about? Something is captivating your mind rather strongly.”
“This is a secret, I haven’t told anybody.”
“Spit it out! I can keep a secret,” I pleaded.
“Father is part of the conservatives and I respect him. I just don’t agree with the conservative beliefs anymore,” Brian said softly.
“I have never thought about it, I guess no one has asked me to consider how I feel.”
“Lily, I am part of the liberalist party now.”
“You are going to fight for a democratic government and individual rights? Brian, we are part of the ruling class. What does it matter?” I asked while returning to brushing my silky locks of hair.
“Lily, people of Britain are being unfairly put down because the Church is the one in control,” Brian said vehemently.
“You will be going against Father. What will he say about this?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t discussed it with him yet. And it doesn’t really matter what he thinks because I am an adult and I can make my own decisions.”
“Brian how could you say such a terrible thing? We should always honor Father.”
“Lily you know you can think for yourself! You don’t have to do everything the conservatives want,” he said furiously.
I set the brush down and looked at Brian for a moment. Searching for the brother I thought I knew. The young man standing before me looked the same but was so very different.
“I am thinking for myself,” I added defiantly.
“If you are thinking for yourself then tell me what conservatives do,” he challenged.
“Well…they believe…why does it matter?” I replied huffily.
The conversation was not going the way I had imagined and now I heard light footsteps out in the hallway.
“What are you two arguing about?” our sweet mother asked.
“Nothing Mother, Lily was just asking me about her homework for etiquette school. She should really be studying harder.” Brian lied with ease. Obviously he did not want to talk about this with Mother.
“We are expecting company for lunch in ten minutes I hope you both haven’t forgotten,” Mother warned. “The man works with your father. His family will be joining him. They have a son Brian's age and a daughter your age, Lily.”
“Please excuse me but I should make myself presentable for company,” I said
As I changed yet again I thought about what Brian had said to me. Lily you can think for yourself. You don’t have to do everything the conservatives want. Maybe I have only been brought up to think what society wants me to think. I am supposed to always behave and look elegant. I am not supposed to speak my mind and only speak when allowed or spoken to. I have not talked to my parents about dating but it seemed that I would have an arranged marriage. This is not what I want. But until I talk to someone and figure out why Brian is so against the Conservatives I guess I will behave through lunch.
I walked down to the parlor room where I heard a brilliant male voice. It was soft and friendly but masculine. Once the man came into view I couldn’t help but stare at him with scintillating eyes. He stood up as I walked in for he was a gentleman. I nodded him thanks and took my seat beside her father. The man looked at me for quite some time while his father spoke with mine. He had strong full lips and flawless skin. His eyes were deep with thought as he looked at me. I snuck peaks at him and saw short straight brown hair.
I was thinking of ways to talk to him but I knew I couldn’t address him first, as that is not how things are done. I excused myself from the parlor room and went out to the backyard where I sat on the cushioned bench under the cherry tree. I wondered if he would come and woo me. It took the young man less than ten minutes to appear by my side.
“Hello,” he said taking the seat beside me.
“How do you do,” I replied cordially.
“My name is Joey, what may yours be?”
“Lily,” I said meekly. There was just something about Joey that had me mesmerized.
“Lily,” he said thinking to himself. “What a pretty name.”
“Thank you,” was all I replied. What was I supposed to say to this man, who my mother had said was Brian’s age? Well that would mean that he was only two years older.
“How old are you Lily,” he asked
“Seventeen,” was my answer. “And you?”
“Nineteen,” he said. “Our fathers work together.”
“Are they very close?”
“Yes, I would say so.”
“Would it be rude if I asked what your father did?”
“No, I don’t think so. He is part of the group of conservatives that are trying to keep control of the government, just as your father is. Do you know anything about the struggle for power between conservatives and liberalists?”
“I know a little, but would you like to share what you know?”
Joey gave a little chuckle, “Why do we have to have such a deep conversation for our first?”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.” I said blushing now. Yet again, here is a man that does not want to have a meaningful conversation with me.
“No it’s okay. You are just the first young lady I have talked to about this. Not many would be so brave as to ask. I think I will begin by telling you that you probably know the French Revolution has recently come to an end. Well, because of that now the middle class and lower class citizens want more rights. And liberalists are people that want a democratic government instead of the Church ruling. Does that make sense?”
“Yes, thank you.” It made sense but was hard to grasp. What kind of man is he? He is talking to me as if I'm not just a silly girl with no thoughts. “So are you a conservative like your father?”
“Yes, I am but my sister is not. She is part of the Enlightenment.”
“Your father is okay with that?”
“Yes he wants her to make decisions by herself just as long as she doesn’t put her life at risk.”
“What do you mean?”
“There are many women acting as messengers for both the conservatives and the liberalists and this is a very dangerous job as you can imagine. Also my sister, Samantha, is not allowed to go to protests because they can get out of control,” Joey explained.
“Are you upset with your sister because she isn’t siding with you and your father?”
“No, I think it is important she thinks for herself also. I have observed that society does not wish for women to think for themselves. I think that the more powerful men think that if women have thoughts of their own they will be some kind of threat!” Again he laughed so lightly that it made me smile.
“Well, now did I explain all of these things thoroughly enough for you?”
“Yes, thank you,” I said more confidently now for I knew Joey did not mind a strong willed girl.
“Let us go see if lunch is prepared yet.” He held out his arm for me to take and we walked into the dinning room.
Throughout the rest of the day we talked about each others hobbies and thoughts. No one had ever taken the time to ask me what I thought of pretty much anything! This was so new to me and I was cautious at first especially because I had just met Joey. I just hoped Mother didn’t hear me talking so freely for I had been taught to never speak my mind like this. But times where changing and Joey was so handsome and sweet that I couldn’t help but share my thoughts with him.
Towards the end of the day I met Samantha. She was the same age as me but so much more outspoken. Samantha participated in all the conversations that took place. She even talked with Father. I was not sure how to receive her personality. I could tell that my mother did not approve of such an untrained girl. Father was cordial towards Samantha but I observed that he did not like this young lady that he hardly knew speaking with him as if they had been longtime friends.
Why am I just now realizing how women are being treated? I thought to myself. Before I could talk to Joey about this I thought it best to talk Father.
“Joey,” Joey’s father called to him from the parlor room.
“I think I have to leave now,” Joey said in a somewhat reluctant tone. We had been sitting in the library. He had been telling me about his favorite authors. “Lily, I had a brilliant time today. Not many girls would’ve been interested in poetry, and politics.”
His complement sent a sensation of warmth throughout my body. Not many men I knew would complement me so. The only ones that did were scum and I felt disgust when they talked to me. As he stood, I followed. He turned to me and was hesitant at showing any affection because we had just met that day. He took my hand tenderly and kissed it. His lips were soft on my silky skin.
“Farewell,” I murmured melodically. We walked together to the greeting room and he passed me a note very quickly as he brushed past out the door. He gave me such an amazing smile as his family left that I wanted to follow him. But of course that is something I could not do.
My room was cast into a brilliant orange light because the sun was setting. I was so tired from today I just wanted to curl up in bed and dream about Joey. Every conversation we had kept running through my head. My thoughts were soon interrupted by a knock on the door.

“I am going to a Liberalist meeting tonight and I want you to come with me.” Brian urged.
“Do Mother and Father know about this?” I exclaim in a hushed voice.
“No and they will not find out,” Brian declared, making sure I understood. “Get your coat and walking shoes. We need to leave now.”
The late summer air was brisk in my throat and the sun’s last rays turned the outside world into an eerie purple. It was growing darker every minute. The sounds of the night crept into my ears. Wispy branches silhouetted the night and the moon shown dimly through a thin layer of clouds. I could hear Brian’s excited breathing beside me and my own anxiety was starting to show. I could hardly breathe for my corset felt like it was tightening, but I had to keep up with Brian for I did not want to be left behind in the dark streets of London. There where no people out and I was starting to become tired.
We walked up a few more blocks and into an alleyway. I became on edge at every sound I heard. We were engulfed in the black of the night and the only light I could see was a thin crack coming out from the bottom of a door towards the middle of the alley. Once we reached the door Brian held a finger to his lips to keep me hushed. Knock. Knock. Knock. Brian knocked three times in close succession. Knock. Knock. Then two slower and softer knocks. The door swung open and Brian stepped inside and handed a man a note. He then beckoned me to follow. The door shut with a quiet thud and I could hear the dripping of a leaking pipe close by. I could make out a hallway in the dim light. The murmur of voices drifted up from a descending stairwell. The walls were wet from the leaking pipes and they smelled of mildew.
The wooden stairs creaked under my light foot. The voices grew louder in my ears and then I came to a corner that I could not see around. I did not know why I was so scared. I wasn’t even sure if I felt frightened. All I knew was that I did not want to go around that corner first. Brian took the hint of me staring at the floor, almost stock still. He took the lead once again. The room I entered was not shabby but not of the most kept quality, either. Rows of wooden benches filled the room from wall to wall. Every seat was filled and there were even some children present. Bodies of men were standing up against the walls so that women could sit. It was not warm from a heater but more from all the body heat. Apparently we had arrived right as the meeting was about to begin. Brian found his girlfriend sitting closer to the front and he had left me at the back. Her name is Jessie and they had met through these secret meetings. Brian always visited her at her home and they took long walks by the river. I couldn’t help but think about Joey and how I wished he were here. As I sat down I felt something rustle in the sleeve of my coat. I then remembered it was the letter that Joey had given me. I was so curious about the meeting that I had forgotten about it.
“Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the yet another Liberalists for Life meeting. I hope you all found your way without great trouble. I must ask you all to not talk to anyone about what we discuss in this meeting because it could endanger you and other members of the LFL if the wrong people found out we were meeting.” A small middle-aged man addressed the group.
We then discussed our place as liberalists and what actions we needed to talk to gain control over the government. The note was pushed into the back of mind once again as I focused on the meeting.
“They are scared of us! The conservatives, they are afraid of what change will bring. We must tell everyone about how only the church is benefiting from this non-democratic government,” said a powerful, girly voice. I realized the person that was speaking was none other than Samantha. “Can’t you all see? I am part of the enlightenment and we believe that all men and women are created equal. What is with all this control? Why should the Church have all the power? We are the ones working for our food and money. They then tax us, take our money, and trade with each other. Only the wealthy are living a full life right now and they are taking our hard earned money from us!” Her cries bounced off the thick brick walls. Then a huge banging and gun shots were heard from above.
Brian came running toward me with Jessie close behind.
“Follow me, NOW,” he yelled over the chaos.
We walked quickly through the startled crowd. Soon we saw masked men coming down the stairs trying to break up the meeting. They had guns and bats. I couldn’t tell what was happening exactly. Are these men conservatives? Is this what the man speaking earlier was talking about? Will people get hurt? I think they were only trying to scare the group but some men and even women were fighting back. I hear a cry as Jessie gets pushed into the rioting crowd. Brian looks back in horror and pushes me toward an emergency exit. I run tripping over the hem of my dress. I am too afraid to cry or to even think. I just run. I don’t know where I am or where I should go.
All I can think about is Brian and Jessie. It dawns on me that Samantha is in there as well! It might do me good to see if she is outside. The air has become cold and the wind slaps at my face wildly whipping my neatly kept hair. To my relief I see a young women walking briskly around the corner of the alley out of sight. I run and catch up to her.
“Samantha?” I ask.
“Is that Lily?” she replies.
“Yes, please I don’t know where to go. Brian is still inside because his girlfriend got pulled into the middle of the riot.”
“Follow me, we need to move quickly. I wasn’t supposed to be here tonight, Joey knew of this meeting. The conservatives were planning on crashing it. And it looks as if they did.”
“Was Joey a part of it? Was he one of the men?”
“No, he doesn’t believe in violence as the answer to liberalist and conservative conflict.”
We walked in silence the rest of the way to her house. Then we snuck in the back door but were surprised by Joey sitting at the kitchen table. He looked worried. Once he saw his sister come in his face turned from a relieved look to an angry one. As I stepped in behind her his eyes widened and he rushed over to us.
“Samantha, Lily, are you two ok?”
“Yes we are fine, you don’t need to fuss over us,” Samantha said with a yawn.
“You didn’t go to that meeting did you?!”
“Yes, we did. Thank you very much,” she said sassily.
“I thought I told you not to. Lily, didn’t you read the note I gave you?”
“I’m so sorry I forgot about it because of the meeting.” I took out the note and opened it with care. Conservatives are on the move tonight. Stay in. was the only thing written on it. He cared enough about my safety to try and stop me from going. “How did you know I would go or hear about the meeting,” I asked.
“Well, our fathers were a part of it and I heard them talking.” Joey said sullenly.
Tears appeared in my eyes and blurred my vision. I couldn’t believe that that was the reason Brian hadn’t told Father. Brian must’ve known what was going to happen. Joey guided me towards the family room and showed me to the sofa. I cried for my brother because I didn’t know if he was okay. I cried for my father for he was hurting innocent people. I cried for myself because I was so clueless. I cried on Joey’s shoulder while he just held me. I am sure that Samantha thought I was a bit dramatic but I think she understood this was all new to me. I think I feel asleep quickly after I finished crying. I faintly remember Joey carrying me into the guest bedroom. I awoke to yelling.

“A GIRL IS DEAD AND ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOUR MONEY!” Samantha screamed at her Father. “Your conservative friends killed her! This makes you responsible!”
“Samantha, you may not talk to me this way. We did not mean for anyone to get hurt.”
“That doesn’t make any difference in the fact that she is dead. And do you even know who that girl was? She was Lily’s brother’s girlfriend. He carried her dead body out of that meeting room. Lily was crying from the shock of last nights events.”
Then Joey spoke, “I don’t think she knows about this death yet. Have we talked to her parents? If not we should send a message immediately. I bet they are extremely concerned.”
I had worked my way down the hallways and to where I heard them speaking in the kitchen.
“Yes, send a maid with the message right away,” Their father said.
I heard footsteps coming toward me but I was so shocked about this news that I couldn’t move. Joey stood in front of me his face distressed. He took my hand and led me to the guest bedroom.
“Lily, I'm sorry this happened. And I'm sorry you had to find out this way.”
“Can we just walk home please?” I said sadly between sniffles.
“Of course, I’ll go get your coat. Meet me at the front door.”
We walked arms linked, talking every once in a while. I felt so happy with Joey even though all these terrible things were happening. I felt so safe. As we reached my house my mother ran outside for she had been waiting by the window. We embraced and held each other.
“I told your father not to go and I told your brother not to as well. Thank god we didn’t loose you, too,” she sobbed. “I’m sorry Joey. Please, come inside.”
Brian glared at Joey as we entered. Joey pretended not to notice this confrontation. “How could you like him Lily, that conservative?” Brian sneered.
I felt like slapping him. But as I stepped forward Joey gently pulled me back and gave me a look that said it’s ok, don’t fret about it. “Get your hands off of her!” Brian said lunging at Joey. Since Joey did not believe in violence he just watched as Brian pushed him.
Father stepped in between them. “Brian this is no way to behave in front of a guest.” He said sternly. “I cannot believe that you took your sister to that meeting. You knew that there would be a tumult. You put her life in a dangerous situation. The liberalists are not safe to be around. What they want is chaos.”
“You and your men killed Jessie and all you care about is to keep control? I’m not staying here with you and your violence. I’m not staying here with Lily and her beloved and safe conservative boyfriend.” Brian said the last part sarcastically. He walked briskly upstairs and packed his things. In a matter of minutes he was gone.
What was happening to my perfect world? My family was falling apart and yet I had met someone new. I had been exposed to something my parents had never planned on me witnessing. All of a sudden, I had two choices. I could follow my brother and leave my safe life far behind. I could jump right into the liberalists’ acts. Or, I could stay and live a sheltered life, only talking to Joey about these things. My mother had made me tea and I sat in the kitchen with a blanket around me. It felt as if I was five again.
Joey and my father were in the parlor talking business. I washed my face and changed into fresh clothes. My own house seemed strange now. Almost unwelcoming because of the lies its walls kept secret. In one day my world had turned upside down. But I had made my decision. “Father, Joey,” I acknowledged them. “I have decided that joining or even thinking about being a liberalist is not the right path for me. Joey and Samantha have showed me that it’s ok to care about someone that doesn’t have the same beliefs. I hope Brian will not be terribly mad with me.”
“I think you made the right choice Lily,” my father said.
I looked at Joey seeking for approval. He smiled tiredly at me.

Two Months Later-
Trouble was still in the air. Not many people talked openly with each other on the streets for fear of being overheard. There had not been anymore riots and the Church had tried to keep that one riot a secret. I had not been around the liberalists except Brian and Samantha. Brian still had not returned to stay. He did visit briefly to see Mother and me.
Joey and I have been almost inseparable. He brings me over for dinner and takes me out on weekends. When I am with him all I feel is joy. The sun shines more brightly. The birds sing more beautifully and life seems like nothing could go wrong. We have had some disagreements but worked them out quite smoothly. Today we are walking down to the park to have a picnic.
We sat under the big trees with autumn colored leaves. Our fingers intertwined. Joey had seemed nervous about something all day and I was about to ask what was going on but it was as if he read my mind.
“Lily these last few months have been remarkable. You are the most marvelous girl in the whole world and I couldn’t picture my life without you now. I have something for you but you have to close your eyes first.”
I closed my eyes tightly wondering what it could be.
“Ok open your eyes.”
Before me was the most astonishing ring I had ever seen. It was gold with one simple five carrot diamond.
“Lily, will you marry me?”
I sat there as my wildest dreams were coming true. Yet at that moment, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was my true path.
I was speechless. I heard the echo of Brian’s voice in my head:

Lily you can think for yourself. You don’t have to do everything the conservatives want.