Enclosed, p.15
Enclosed, page 15
“Do I need to know why you are traveling alone?” she asked straightforwardly, catching me off guard that she didn’t ease her way into the purpose of the conversation. It was all about trust and she had no reason to suspect I was an awful person. However, being as old as she was, she probably didn’t have any care either for mindless chatter.
“Well,” I said, gripping my hands. I didn’t know if I should tell her everything or just keep it simple and purposeful like her. I decided on the latter.
“Well,” I said again. “I lost a dear friend of mine and I am seeking him out. I was wondering if you have seen him. Brown hair, tall, his name is Gavan? He loved horses and other animals and probably was looking for outdoor work.” I twisted my hands as I said this, afraid of her answer.
“Hmm,” she said and leaned back in her chair. I think this was a sign of approval. “Can’t say I saw him in this town and I usually take the stragglers, as rare as they come. Was this recent, losing this Gavan?”
“Yes,” I replied, but my answer choked on the back of my throat. All of that for nothing.
“Girl, don’t cry.” She got up and walked to grab me a handkerchief which I grabbed but put in my lap. I was not going to cry, but my hope that he was here created shock and sadness over me. I wondered where he could have gone.
“Well, you will find him soon enough I am sure,” she said with authority. “Name’s Charlotte by the way, but you can call me Char.”
“Pleasure,” I choked out. I told myself I was not going to cry and I wasn’t. “My name is Lisbeth. Thank you, Char, for everything.”
“Polite girl you are.” She nodded at the kitchen and pointed at the shelf where some wooden cups sat out. “Help yourself to some water from the pitcher over there. We will eat soon, I am sure you are starving. Take the day to rest and you can owe it to me tomorrow by cleaning up my place. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be so I have others clean it when they visit. I never liked a dirty house you know?”
I nodded in agreement and got myself a glass of water. It felt cool and refreshing and my aching stomach rejoiced over having something to fill it with. I went to the dish basin and cleaned it thoroughly before putting it back.
“Go take a nap upstairs. First door to the left is yours. I’ll call you down when dinner is ready.”
“Thanks, a bed sounds amazing.”
“Girl, stop saying thanks. I am not doing this out of the kindness of my own heart.” She laughed ironically as she got herself up. I thought she was but if she wanted to be viewed as a crotchety old lady, I was not going to defend her.
I climbed a few steps and found the room. It was clean and simple with a quilt on the bed, a stand with a basin and a chest at the foot where I assumed the dress came from. I sat upon the bed and my excitement for rest grew as I took off the outer layer and laid under the blankets. I didn’t hide the moan that welled inside as I sank into the soft mattress and limp pillow and felt myself drift immediately to sleep, not thinking about anything but comfort.
Chapter 25
I awoke with a gentle bang downstairs and rose lightheaded from the bed. My dry mouth requested water and I gently straightened the long dress that hung from the back of the chair and dressed myself, rolling the sleeves and holding onto the bottom of the dress. Feeling awkward being in a stranger’s home, I quietly closed the door to the guest room and crept downstairs to the sound of mumbling from the kitchen. Before I could come to a conclusion of how I wanted to enter the kitchen, I heard Char’s voice.
“How did you sleep, girl?” she crowed, her back still not facing me. I flinched at her finding me, but realized that most people who are going blind can usually hear better than most.
“Better than in a long time, thank you for your hospitality,” I said politely, as I entered the kitchen. I stood by the table, but stared longingly at the pitcher that held the desired water. I wanted to rinse the sandy taste from my mouth. Hoping not to sound too rude, I made a small cough, hoping she would invite me to have a glass.
“Help yourself to some water,” offered Char, obviously taking the hint.
I didn’t wait a second longer before grabbing a glass and gulping down the cool wet water which soothed my throat. Trying not to make any sound, I instead dribbled over the front of the dress, dampening it.
“Take it easy, girl,” announced Char as she turned to face me.
I blushed, embarrassed that I was so rude and awkward to this very kind woman. It was to my notice though, that the thing she was working on was food and my stomach cramped from hunger.
“You poor dear.” she shook her head as she said it. “I will get you fed, then we can talk about payment.”
I started to drink slower as she stirred the pot in front of her. Not caring how it tasted, something cooking made my mouth drool and I waited patiently for her to finish.
After some agonizing minutes, she turned to grab a bowl and scooped me some brown grain in the bowl. Trying to keep my manners and wits with me, I silently urged her on to grab her own bowl, take a seat and take a bite quickly so that I can devour the food in front of me. After her bite, I didn’t even hesitate to wait any longer and shoveled the food into my mouth, not even tasting what I was eating.
After enjoying a silent breakfast, with me finishing long before Char, I silently got up when she pushed her dish away and went to the already full bucket she had in the corner to wash the bowl.
“Help yourself to another helping first before you clean the dish,” Char mused as she leaned back from her contented breakfast. I washed her bowl and utensil quickly before grabbing my own and scooping out the rest of the food from the pot. This time, I ate slower, and tasted the chalky grain with no depth of flavor. I did not care as the warmth crept down to my stomach and expanded to a happy contentedness as I finished my breakfast and cleaned up.
Char seemed relaxed in her chair as she watched me clean up. I made sure to put extra emphasis on wiping down the tiny table we sat at and soaking the pot for a minute before scrubbing out the burnt ends at the bottom of it.
After about ten minutes of fiddling in her kitchen, she smirked and said, “You are the first traveler to get to work immediately after I fed you. I knew I liked you for a reason.”
I blushed at her announcement but felt a sense of pride knowing that I did the right thing and would be able to stay here longer if I need to, in order to regain my strength.
“Is there anything particular you would like me to do?” I questioned as I rested against the chair I sat at. She smiled her first genuine smile and I relaxed even more.
“I needed to clean out one of my daughters' rooms for a long time. The one you stayed in has been cleaned enough but the other is grimy and full of dust. I think the linen is due for some cleaning too. Can I trust you to the task?”
“Yes. You can count on me,” I announced proudly.
“Great. I will show you where to find the supplies then. I have some errands to run into town. I figured since I have a guest, I can cook us up a real meal full of vegetables and a nice slab of meat to go with it. I also kneaded some dough today for some fresh bread.”
Her announcement of dinner made my stomach roll with anticipation and I nodded along as she proceeded to show me where she kept rags, buckets and the collected rainfall water that she uses for cleaning.
I spent the day sore and slowly working through the room. Though I wished I had more energy to show Char I could do great work, my strength was limited and my mind kept racing to Gavin and how he was fairing in this world without any connections. I heard Char return hours after I started, and I assumed she spent the day shopping and gossiping with the locals. I didn’t hear from her again until I was scrubbing the floor with a brush and heard her cry that dinner was to be ready soon and I should clean up.
The frigid water that was left for me soothed my tight face and sore muscles, but the thought of being clean after days of uncleanliness lifted my spirits as I went back to the kitchen to find Char over the fireplace. The array of food made my mouth water and I helped set the table and move the delicious food faster to the table to get it inside me quicker. I served big helpings for both of us and we both ate in silence, savoring what was a treat for us both.
When finished with the feast, Char leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. “I haven’t had that much delicious food since my daughter got married.”
“It was so delicious, Char. Thank you for sharing this with me.”
She nodded and grunted at my kindness. “When your belly stops aching, please be a dear and clean up for me. I am afraid I cannot move another muscle.”
Laughing at her obvious state of comfort, I immediately stood up and grabbed our plates to stack next to the bucket where dishes were done. I was able grab what I needed and started washing with urgency, the bed calling to me upstairs and the sun starting to set.
“When do you plan on continuing your journey?” mumbled Char with her closed eyes. Glad to have my hands kept busy, I felt guilty about not continuing on soon and finding Gavin just because I found comfort. I also did not want to take up too much of Char’s hospitality.
“I will be out of your hair the day after tomorrow if you allow it. I am almost done with the spare room and I am happy to do another big task tomorrow to make up for your hospitality.”
Char grunted her understanding and the silence filled us as I finished the dishes.
“Not sure if you can even go through the barrier and we are the only town big enough this close to Conkett. Besides, aren’t you looking for someone? Don’t you need another day to look for him?” she asked solemnly and my heart ached at her generosity in thinking about my needs.
“Thank you, Char,” I said. “I should take a day to ask around to see if anyone saw him coming this way. I desperately need to find him and my thoughts are that he ended up in this village, if this is the only town big enough in the barrier.
“I am going back into town tomorrow,” Char said, eyes open and her body more alert now that the conversation was serious. “I can ask around the townsfolk and see if they have seen your man. It would be better if I ask them anyways, seeing as I am a trustworthy person they knew since I was a wee lass.”
A tear escaped my eyes. “I appreciate all your help, Char. I could never make it up to you.”
“Clean my house and do it with some effort before you leave to continue on and you and I are even. I wouldn’t complain about yard work if you want to really owe me.” Char coughed out a laughter and I smiled at our comradery.
“It’s a deal,” I announced and walked around to her and grabbed her hand to shake it. Shock showed on her normally neutral face but it softened as she grabbed her other hand to place on top of mine.
“You remind me so much of my daughter,” she whispered, a hint of sadness in her voice.
My heart broke at her statement, but I tried to ignore it to keep the positivity in our night and built a tower with my final hand to embrace both of her hands. I shook them both with purpose and squeezed them with encouragement.
“You might not feel that way when you see my attempt at yard work. It is nothing I am very good at,” I announced yet, I laughed at the inside joke of weeding and leaving patches of holes in place of the roots.
“Well, we shall see tomorrow girl.” She groaned as she stood up. “Off to bed, or you will regret not weeding when the sun is still down. This has been a very brutal summer.”
I nodded and walked towards the steps. My mind racing I turned back. “Char,” I started. She turned to face me, her eyes half closed. “Thank you for everything.” Her face showed nothing as I climbed the stairs, closed the door and fell asleep.
****
I was up before the sun and ran out to do the weeding. Char appeared to still be asleep, but I didn’t mind as I grabbed the materials that were left by the door and started my task. Trying to be extra careful in order to not tear holes in her yard, I took my time and soon had a small pile ready. To my surprise, the weeds were not awful, it appeared someone touched them recently and I was relieved that the task was easier than I expected. As the sun was rising, Char stepped outside, bonnet on her head and a cane in her hand.
“I am going to town early,” she called. “Please finish cleaning the upstairs rooms if you can. I left a bowl of food for you on the table when you are ready. Please clean up out here, I don’t want any dirt inside the house.”
Saluting her as she left, I looked at the last of the crops and decided to water them, though the soil still felt moist. After I started to feel the sun hit my back, I rinsed off my hands, arms and face and entered inside, to help myself to the breakfast she laid out.
It was a beautiful spread of day-old bread, a hard boiled egg, and a small apple that must have been on the early side. I enjoyed every bite, glad to keep feeling full after a few days of rations.
After chugging the last of the water from the pitcher, I wiped my mouth and trudged away in the room I cleaned yesterday. The day went much faster as my limbs were not as tight and the sore achiness from the walking has numbed. I was just sweeping out the room when I heard the door closed downstairs and the sounds of Char’s footsteps scurrying around the house.
Fifteen minutes later, I opened the window to bring in some light and I smiled at the cleanliness of the room and the work I put into it. It was not my best, but it made my stay here more rewarding now that I returned the hospitality. I grabbed the materials and went downstairs, thinking I had to tell Char that I was leaving in the morning and to instruct any last minute things she wanted me to do before I left. No matter what happened, news or no news, it was time for me to continue on or I was losing ground.
Char paced in the kitchen, obvious anxiousness on her face. “Is everything okay?” I asked Char who stopped in her tracks. She looked bewildered and not like the composed lady I knew the last two days.
“Sorry, I was just thinking.” She pivoted and sat at the nearest seat at the table.
“What’s the matter?” I asked.
“Well, it’s just the crops aren’t selling well,” she said. “Money is tight and I just hope I have enough for winter. Enough about my woes.” She shied away from the topic. “How is the room coming along?”
“I finished!” I said delightfully. “I will be out of your hair in the morning. It will help you and your woes if I don't eat all your food.”
“It’s no trouble, lass.” She sat up straighter in her chair. “I actually have something else for you to do tomorrow if you can afford to stay another day.”
“I really should go,” I said softly, feeling some guilt for denying her work. “If I stay any longer, he can get ahead of me and I want to find him swiftly.”
“I mean, I do not know when I will have someone else in here.” She started fiddling with a loose thread of her shirt, and for the first time since I met her, her gaze was cast downwards instead of at me and my voice. “Besides, I haven’t inquired too much about your man and was going to go back out and ask tomorrow. Give it another day or two before you leave, lass. I think we can get you a lead.”
I sat for a minute and processed her words. It felt strange the way she said everything, but after her kindness I couldn’t ignore her plea for either more help around her tidy house or for me to keep her company, even if it was for one more day. Sighing regretfully, I knew I had to stay. “Fine,” I said as I started to climb the stairs. “I can afford only one more day but then I have to leave.”
I slept restlessly that night, wishing I was leaving in the morning instead of sticking around. I felt rejuvenated and prepared for moving forward but I couldn’t abandon Char when she was so kind to me. What should have been a relaxing evening in a bed, made me exhausted as I rose the next morning. Char was already gone and to my disgruntled surprise, I didn’t know what she wanted me to do or clean. I ate the food she left me, and decided to do some minor household chores but nothing was really as drastic as she made it out to be and I was done before the midmorning sun rose too high.
Taking my time, I changed back into my worn, dirtied dress and cleaned the borrowed one before putting it on the line to dry. Hoping she would find it, I decided that, as rude as it was, when she returned, I would say my farewells and leave the town, with or without her approval or news.
I sat for a long time in the stuffy kitchen with my small bag. Though I wanted to raid the pantry to have some food for my journey, I was no thief and I wasn’t going to betray Char any more than I had to.
Eventually, I heard the scuffle of steps outside and I prepared for the difficult conversation. Grabbing my bag, I stood up, waiting for Char to enter the room and prepare for the worst conversation I was about to have.
Char opened the door and I greeted her warmly. Ignoring me, she stepped in slowly with her cane and opened it wider to reveal Lord Duvan looking madder than I had ever seen him before.
Chapter 26
I balked at his presence and stared at his rising torso as he breathed heavily. Frozen, I waited for him to do something, either charge at me, grab me or yell. His fists, still gloved, clenched in his hands, but he made no move towards me.
“My lord, may I please close the door?” Char asked politely, in a tone I never heard her use with me. My first reaction was to scoff at her obvious betrayal and her fakeness as she tried to impress his lordship.
Without saying anything, he took a few more steps inside. The echo of his heels rang in my ears as he came closer to me. Fear gripped me as I watched Char close the door, trapping me inside with a man I betrayed.
“Now,” Char started as she came around to face him. “Would you like a cup of tea, my lord or should I provide you with anything else from a modest ladies home?” She giggled, sounding completely different from anything I ever heard escape Char’s lips and it once again woke me up enough to take a step back, and turn my brain on, trying to find an escape.
“No. You are dismissed. Go find somewhere else to be.” His curt reply brought a furrow brow on Char as she silently walked back to the door, grabbed her cane and left, closing the door behind her.
