Vivian Schurfranz - Laura

The next afternoon, as she was about to cut across Lafayette Square, Laura stopped to gaze over its rectangular shape. The impressive rows of stately elms around the square, along with an iron fence, were an appropriate border for the many statues. The large equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson and the many marble groups immortalizing the foreign generals that had helped Washington win the American Revolution dotted the area — Thaddeus Kosciuszko, von Steuben, Comte de Rochambeau, and Comte de Grasse. All of these men fought for freedom to rid the United States of British rule, and as she walked by Kosciuszko’s statue, the Polish patriot, she nodded to him, feeling a kinship with this European soldier. She halted, reading the inscription: "And Freedom shrieked as Kosciuszko fell."

Being in the midst of these freedom fighters made her more and more determined to shape her own future in step with the suffragists. Not that she didn’t want a home and babies, but that would come later. Shawn loved her, and it was now clear that Joe was no longer interested. Her future lay with Shawn.

She breathed in the crisp November air but thought of the summer when the scent was of heavy lemon from the southern magnolia trees.

When she entered the mansion, she was surrounded by the noise of clacking typewriters, and she knew more heavy mailings would be sent out.

In the tearoom a number of women were sewing at a round table in the corner. Recognizing Rowena Green, Julia Emory, Lucy Burns, and Alice Paul, she went over to greet them.

"Laura!" Lucy exclaimed. "Good to see you looking so radiant. We’re stitching new banners. All our signs must be ready by the time Wilson sails for Europe. Every speech he makes in Italy or France will be burned." Lucy threw out her arm toward an empty chair. "Join us! We can use all the help we can get on this project."

The large tricolor was draped over the table, and the purple, gold, and white colors came alive rippling on the heavy satin. Lucy, threading her needle, looked up at Laura and winked, smiling broadly. Her ruddy face seemed lit by an inner fire. "You just missed an interesting delegation, Laura." She glanced at Alice. "Right?"

Alice smiled a rare smile. Her bright eyes fastened on Laura. "Yes, three sailors and one petty officer came to apologize to me for the action of the men in uniform who attacked any suffragist or tore any banners."

"Isn’t that a fascinating wrinkle?" Lucy chortled with satisfaction. "We’re making an impression, Laura, my girl. When four burly men come in shamefaced at what their compatriots have done, that’s progress!" She shifted the heavy cloth folds. "Here," she said, "start hemming."

Dutifully Laura fitted a thimble on her finger and took the offered needle. She enjoyed the camaraderie of these four women.

"Speaking of servicemen," Rowena said. "Here comes a handsome one now!"

Laura glanced up, and her eyes grew round. There was Shawn striding purposefully toward her, without glancing to the right or left, as if he were afraid that this jungle of vipers might attack him.

"Welcome," Alice Paul said dryly, sensing his discomfort. "We can always use another hand."

Shawn did not so much as acknowledge Alice’s presence.

"Shawn," Laura began, flustered. "I’d like to introduce you…."

Abruptly he cut her off. "Laura, I need to talk to you."

Flushing to the roots of her hair at his disregard for her friends, and embarrassed at his disrespect for Alice Paul, she frowned. "Shawn," she said, trying to control her anger, "I’m busy."

Lucy’s laugh boomed forth. "Run along, Laura. We’ll still be here when you return."

Pushing back her chair, she ignored Shawn’s hand and moved quickly toward the door. What on earth did he want that couldn’t wait until she was home?

"Shawn, what is it?" she demanded impatiently. "Is something wrong?"

"Everything is wonderful." His step was jaunty. "I just had to talk to you."

"Fine," she said curtly. "Let’s sit over here and have a cup of tea."

He glanced around disdainfully. "I can’t talk in this place. You know I don’t approve of suffragists!"

"I realize that," she said coolly. "So why did you come here?"

He grinned at her. "Come on, the car’s outside and we’ll take a spin down by the river."

"Well," she said hesitantly. "I really should stay and complete what I’ve started."

He looked deeply into her eyes. "For once in your life put me ahead of the suffragists. This means a lot to me, Laura. I promise I’ll have you back within the hour."

"Only for ten minutes," she admonished.

Curious, she went out to the limousine with Shawn.

As they sat in the warm car, overlooking the gray, sluggish river, she faced him. "All right, Shawn, what was so important that it couldn’t wait until tonight?"

"I’ve got my discharge papers," he said simply, his face aglow with a broad smile.

"That’s marvelous," she said, catching his boyish enthusiasm and almost clapping her hands. How quickly his mood changed and how quickly he could make her forget their differences.

"I’m leaving next week for New York to see Mom and Dad." He toyed with the steering wheel. "I’ll be there for Thanksgiving and Christmas but will take the train back to Washington in time to start the new term at Georgetown University."

"That’s so wonderfully quick," she said, "to be released from the army and shed that uniform." She touched the chevron on his sleeve.

"I’m ready to exchange this hat for a bowler," he said lightly, tilting his military hat far back on his head, causing a wavy lock to fall forward. "And to throw away this scratchy wool uniform for white flannels and a boating jacket."

She laughed cheerfully. "You’ll make a handsome student — quite the man about campus," she said approvingly.

"And you’re quite the most beautiful girl in Washington." He pulled her forward, kissing her lips.

Her eyes closed, fluttering excitement cascading through her veins.

When she opened her eyes, a smile twitched around Shawn’s generous mouth. "I’ve never known anyone like you, Laura." His eyes softened. "You’re the only girl for me. University life will be filled with good times. There won’t be a dance we’ll miss. When I begin my law degree, I want to know that you’re waiting for me." His eyes twinkled.

A laugh bubbled up inside as she leaned back against the velour seat. "Shawn," she said teasingly, "I’ll wait for you if you’ll wait for me!" She gave him a mischievous sidelong glance.

Puzzled, he stared at her, waiting for an explanation.

"You see, Shawn," she said proudly, "I’ve decided to enroll in law school, too."

"You’ve decided what?" he said lazily, grinning.

"I’m going to become a lawyer," she said earnestly.

He threw back his head, laughing uproariously. Finally he caught his breath, wiping his eyes. "Laura, tell me you’re joking! Not my beautiful doll an attorney-at-law!" He ducked his head forward, peering at her. "You are joking, aren’t you?"

"I’ve never been more serious in my life," she answered gravely.

For a long moment the silence was broken only by the oars of a boatman rowing.

Was this what Shawn thought of her? A beautiful doll? Her blood rose, warming her face and touching the tips of her ears. She had known all along that he had disapproved of suffragists. What had he called them? A bunch of cackling old hens. Well, she was a suffragist, but he refused to admit it. He’d said she was meant to keep a man happy and to have a man’s arms wrapped around her. She wouldn’t listen to this anymore, she thought bitterly. No more would she subject her interests to his. That was what he expected. The memory of his jealousy and the way he provoked a fight with Joe played again in her head. That night of Sarah’s illness when Shawn had deliberately kissed her on the dance floor was merely to taunt Joe. It was meant to transmit a message: "Hands off, she’s mine!"

Shawn, taking hold of her shoulders, gently turned her to face him. He chuckled. "Why so sober? We’ll work this out. After all, you haven’t even graduated from high school."

That was his solution, she thought, her heart plummeting. She was only a silly schoolgirl who would be easy to convince to follow his wishes. Tears brimmed, threatening to spill over, but she no longer cared. "I know exactly what my career will be," she said quietly. Shawn had to understand that there wasn’t a doubt in her mind and that she wasn’t his pawn. "Please," she begged, "take me back to Headquarters."

He moved his head close to hers. "Laura, sweetness…." He ran his hand up her arm.

"Take me back now," she repeated firmly.

He dropped his hand and petulantly ground the car into action, veering toward Jackson Street.

As she jumped out of the car Shawn called, "I’ll phone you tonight."

She broke into a run, a sob tearing at her throat. It was over, and Shawn didn’t realize it. Tears blinded her as she opened the door, closing it softly behind her. For a few seconds she stood with her back against the door, spirits low, but she determinedly wiped her eyes and moved into the tearoom.

After working two hours sewing banners, fingers flying, and losing herself in conversation, she bade everyone good night and slowly walked home.