Eduction isn't the only thing that matters - Anna Shires (nonfiction book recommendations TXT) 📗

I wake up to the sound of the normal hustle and bustle of the farm. As I woke up I brushed and braided my long, raven hair and, put on my gingham dress with a button down front, with a pair of thick stockings because it is cold in the Appalachian mountains. I find my lace up boots because it is harvest time in the mountains and there will be a big picnic in the square of the town of Black Mountain. I live there with my mom(Claire), dad(Henry), brother(Charlie) and me(Luella). I was the oldest of my brother and I so that means one of these days I would have to find a beau so I maybe can get a little bit of a better life, but I know that is only a dream because I am a farm girl. People look at me very differently because I wanted to further my education while most of the other girls wanted to just get married and move away from here.

But enough of sappiness the harvest festival is where most of the girls will find their beau. But not me all the boys tried to stay away from me because I was an odd girl I’m 16 and have a lot to look forward to with furthering my education I had applied to many different schools across the the whole eastern states and into the Luisiana territory. But no one wanted a girl in their school and the ones that did where very expensive schools.

So like I always did I walked my little brother to the festival and I let him run off with his school mates and I went to sit on a bench next to some kid who looked like he didn’t belong here. So I thought that would be the perfect person to sit with because he wouldn’t try to talk to me. Which to me was the best thing every because I hated when people tried to talk to me about things they think I will understand. But now even as I looked at the boy he had neat, red hair, he wore a button up shirt and some nice slacks which looked brand new so I thought I would talk to him for a bit.

“Hey. My name is Luella, whats yours?”

“My name is Simon, whats you surname?”

“My what? What you mean my last name?”

“I guess I don’t know what you all call it I am not from around here.”

“Clearly but if you want anybody to talk to you don’t use those words. Anyway where are you from?”

“Asheville, why what is it to you?”

“Nothing I just was curious.”

“You ask a lot of question for a girl, aren’t most supposed to be seen and not heard?”

“Your very rude to a girl, aren’t you supposed to be nice to pretty girls?”

I seen his face get a little red and I laugh at him.

“What wasn’t expecting a smart girl?”

“No because where I come from girls don’t really have an opinion. They aren’t really allowed to unless you go to school.”

“Well I guess I may be one of those few who speak their mind. Have you ever danced?”

He looked up and seen people dancing in what I guess would be a weird way for him although I was used to it so I reached my hand out.

“Come on I will show you.”

“I don’t know if I can do it.” But he takes my hand anyway and he follows along with what I am showing him. He must have never danced a square dance. After the dance he looked at his pocket watch which looked very expensive.

“I have to go.” he said and kissed me on the hand

“Uhm okay… see you sometime?”

“Definitely.”

He then ran off and I went to go find my brother he was playing happily with the other school children and I just sat there and watched how carefree he was. I noticed it was getting dark and I decided to go on and get my brother and head home and so we did. But I couldn’t get the thought of Simon out of my head. As we approached the house I could see mama and papa still outside getting fire wood for the house and so my brother and I got down and helped them.

A few days passed and I was heading down into town and I was going to pick up some fabrics for mama, and some sugar, when I walked into the general store I head for the sugar and fabrics, when I hear my name being called.

“Luella…Luella there is a letter for you.”

“What why would there be a letter for me? Who is it from?”

“It says Biltmore that is all it says.”

“What?” I take the letter and open it.

Dear Miss Luella,

We have heard that you are a very smart child so we would like to formally invite you to attend Biltmore. We have recently started this school for children who want to further their education. Enclosed is a train ticket and do not worry about finances we have taken care of that. You will be expected here September 4th of 1889.

Please write back to let us know you have gotten this letter,

Headmaster Vanderbilt

What how did they know about me and how did they find out that I wanted to further my education?

“Well Luella hunny what does it say?”

“I get to go to Biltmore to pursue my education.” I said in disbelief

“Really wouldn’t that cost you and your family a lot of money?”

“It says they have already payed for it and a train ticket.”

Publication Date: 11-13-2019

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Dedication: