Enough Excitement to Last a Lifetime - Part 2

"Liza?"
I knew my cousin was somewhere upstairs, but I couldn't find her. I also knew that the episode between Maria and Leland had considerably ruffled her emotions. Then I heard a sniffle and muffled sob and found her huddle in a chair in one of the bedrooms.
"Oh, Liza." I put my arms around her. "Why are you crying?"

"I don't know!" Liza sniffles.

"Is it about Lee?" I asked gently. I had just spoken to Lizzy, and she had filled me in on all the excitement that had been going on while I had visiting with James and my siblings.

Liza turned her head to look at me, and I could see in her eyes what the problem was.

"I know I hurt him. How could I speak to him like that? I knew it wasn't his fault. I was feeling so....." She paused. "I just didn't realize until then how much....how much he meant...to me."

I smiled. "Leland is more than ready to forgive you if you ask. I'm sure you know that you mean alot to him. Come, wash your face , I'll help you fix your hair and outfit up again and then we'll go find Lee."

Liza's eyes began to glow and she pressed my hand gratefully. After she was feeling *mostly* herself again, we went downstairs.

"Wait here." I advised when we reached the private family parlor. "I'll find Leland and send him in." Liza gave me nervous, happy smile as I tripped away.

Lee was glaring moodily into the punch bowl. "Lee?" He turned slowly around.
"Oh, hello Bekah."

"Leland, there's someone who wants to see you. They're waiting in the parlor." A surprised, unguarded smile crossed his face. His eyes asked "Liza?" and my smile answered his question. He bowed, kissed my hand and was off to the parlor as fast as he could walk, yet still being a gentleman and not running anyone over.