Read Online Lizabeth's Story by Thomas Kinkade - Free Book Online

right, it would be fun. I’m not saying anything against it—and I’d love to see you win—but you care so much, you’re talking about poisoning yourself!”
    â€œIt’s not only for Strawberry Queen,” Lizabeth said, “though that’s my dream, of course. It’s about being as pretty as I possibly can. So someone will fall madly in love with me.”
    â€œThere are lots of other reasons for someone to love you.”
    â€œPrettiness is what counts, and if you think it doesn’t, that’s plain childish.”
    Kat looked thoughtful. “It’s nice to feel pretty, but I wouldn’t for a minute want someone to love me for that. I’d want someone to love me for…well, my talent. And because I’m maybe funny, or adventurous, or brave sometimes. And mostly kindhearted.”
    â€œYou are all those things, Kat.”
    â€œI mean, I’d expect more from someone who’s supposed to love me. More than, ‘Oh, good, she has nice shiny eyes.’”
    That’s easy for Kat to say, Lizabeth thought, because she does have a special talent. And people are always drawn to her.
    Â 
    When Uncle Tom came in for dinner that night, he planted a kiss on Kat’s nose. “The best freckle, second from the right,” he said. “How’s my favorite daughter?”
    â€œI’m your only daughter!”
    â€œIf I had ten more, you’d still be my favorite!”
    The very same routine had been repeated every night since Lizabeth had been at Kat’s. Kat ducked her head when she noticed Lizabeth listening, probably feeling a little childish. But she has to be pleased, too, Lizabeth thought. Father would never be that affectionate with me or Tracy.
    No one loves me that much. It’s a good thing I have big blue eyes, Lizabeth thought, and a wardrobe full of exquisite clothes. She pictured the Strawberry Queen dress hanging in her closet at home. Heavens, the Festival was just around the corner! Tracy might take longer than Mabel to get well. She’d better get that dress and have it ready at Kat’s.
    At dinner Lizabeth dutifully nibbled at the fried chicken and corn fritters. She was grateful that no one said anything about another course. Except for Jamie, who piped up with, “When do we get the cucumber salad?” But Aunt Jean shushed him right away. And Uncle Tom’s lips twitched only a little, holding back his laughter. Kat must have warned her parents. So Lizabeth wasn’t too embarrassed and could keep her mind on making a plan. She’d just have to sneak into her room at home when everyone was asleep and grab the dress.
    Tonight she’d climb up the rose trellis that led to the window of her room. Chris had used the side trellis more than once to sneak out. If it could hold him, it was certainly strong enough for her. But what if the Williamses caught her leaving the cottage? Or if her parents heard her? She’d be sent away to Pittsfield for sure! But she couldn’t do without that dress. She’d have to take the chance.

eight
    I t seemed to Lizabeth that the evening was stretching on and on. She sat with Kat during her lighthouse shift and worried about all the things that could go wrong. Uncle Tom would be in the lighthouse tower for the overnight shift. The most difficult moment would be leaving the cottage and getting onto the road unseen.
    â€œYou’re so fidgety tonight,” Kat said. “What’s the matter?”
    â€œNothing,” Lizabeth answered. She glanced at her cousin. Should she ask Kat for help? It would be so much easier with Kat for company. It might even be fun. After all, Kat was the adventurous one. She even stowed away on a fishing boat last year to go to Boston!
    â€œKat, I’m going to…” Lizabeth started. Then she bit her lip. Better not. Kat didn’t understand how very important the right dress was. She’d just say to wear