Tch, tch, tch, his tongue lightly tapped
in his mouth. Trying not to look bemused, a concern flitting
around the eyes.
"Where have you been child?' He asked. "We
have been waiting half an hour, are you aware of your appointment?"
He watched her eyes flying around this room - not daring
to land, for fear they'd give her away.
"Yes, my lord, forgive me, the time flew by in the
sanctuary, my prayers, you know."
"Tut, it is alright, my child - come, sit, there
is plenty of time to get to know your intended."
"He is a patient man, I know..... quite a deal older
than yourself, but it will even out. These things always do,
you know. Now, let me se if we can come together on terms of
the endowments - your dowery."
"Can you Henry, accept the above portions of gold
and household items, the estate in Hillsburg, the cattle and
the horses, the servants?" "Is this agreeable?"
"You say yes, very well Henry, sign, if you can,
with your seal on this space. And Geraldine, here for you. There,
it's done. We have a agreement, not easily come too, but nevertheless
finalized."
"Geraldine, where are your parents,girl?
Not well, eh? We'll post the bands tomorrow, the ceremony simple,
a quiet wedding, child in your state not seemly to make much
ado."
"Now, Sir Henry has agreed to take you in, as it
were as his wife and will consider the child his to do with,
as he pleases. In exchange, you'll be the dutiful wife and will
run the household with respect. Girl, what are you saying, not
his baby? He knows that girl, you are needing a place -
he provides it. But the child, well it may be sent out
- don't fret, all will be....Don't look that way girl, your sailor
won't come back, you are just another easy maiden to him. No....No...Come
here, girl, stay away from that window.........No.......No........Noooooooooo!"
Kay Ekwall©1997
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