"He left," Clive sat back down at the table and picked up his newspaper.
"Why, Father? What did you say to him?" Izzy's voice began to rise.
"I told him no. You are not going to marry Felix King. I won't allow it."
"What do you mean won't allow it?"
"Just what I said, Izzy. Felix King isn't right for you."
"You mean he's not right for YOU. This is because he quit the military, isn't it?" Izzy accused. "He's no longer a military man, and he's definitely not the son of one. You want me to marry somebody with the military?"
"Oh, come on Izzy. Jonathan could give you everything you want and more. He's perfect for you if you'd just give him a chance."
"Chance? Maybe I don't want to!" Izzy yelled.
"Don't you talk to me like that, Izzy Pettibone."
Izzy started to run toward the front door, but Clive stopped her. "Izzy, you will NOT see Felix King again, do you hear me? I forbid it."
Izzy looked up at her father with tears running down her cheeks. "Forbid it," she said softly. "I hate you," she added before running up to her bedroom to cry.
* * * * * * * * * *
Muriel sighed as she answered the knock at the door. "Cecily," Muriel smiled.
"Muriel," Cecily stepped inside and looked around cautiously.
Muriel read her thoughts correctly. "He's not here. He left about a half hour ago to do some business somewhere."
"May I see Izzy?"
"Yeah, maybe she'll talk to you. I can't get her to talk to me. You know what happened, I take it?"
Cecily nodded. "Felix stopped by the farm," was all she said.
"Go on up," she pointed towards the stairs.
* * * * * * * * * *
As Izzy lay in bed muffling her sobs with her pillow, she heard a knock on her bedroom door. "Go away," she called out.
"Izzy, it's Cecily. Please let me in."
Izzy sat up in bed and rubbed the tears from her eyes. "I'm coming." She stood up and walked over to unlock her door. "Come in, Cecily," she motioned her into the room. Izzy shut the door and sat back down on her bed. She gazed up at her friend. "Do you know?"
Cecily signed. "Yes. Felix came by about 45 minutes ago. He was pretty upset."
"Yeah, well, he's not the only one," Izzy groaned.
"Felix wanted me to come by and talk to you since he isn't allowed to come around here."
Izzy took a handkerchief and blew her nose before responding. "Thanks for coming."
"No problem," she sat down on the bed next to Izzy. "Why won't your father let you marry Felix? My parents love you. They were all for you and Felix getting married. So am I."
"Muriel was thrilled at the idea too till Father ruined it."
"Buy why, Izzy? What's wrong with my brother?"
"I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with him quitting the military," Izzy shook her head. "I don't know. He just wants me to marry who HE wants me to marry, not who I want to marry."
"He's still got Jonathan in mind, doesn't he?"
"Yes. I don't even know where that guy is. I'm surprised I haven't seen him around here lately."
"Maybe your father will change his mind," Cecily tried to encourage Izzy.
"MY father? Clive Pettibone? Mr. Military Man? Cecily, he's too stubborn. Father will never change his mind. We might as well just elope or else live separate lives of unhappiness." Izzy's eyes lit up as she thought about what she had just said. "Wait a second! That's it!" Izzy got excited.
Cecily looked confused. "What's it?"
Izzy stood up and paced back and forth. "That's it!"
"What's it?" Cecily repeated.
"Cecily? Will you give Felix a message for me?"
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