A merchant cottage. A lord like himself moving into a merchant's cottage...right next door to the widow that paid him rent.
At least there were flowers. Lady Yarrow did love her flowers. And good solid walls - without the fancy paper upon them that the last place had. The land was much smaller, but far prettier. Please let Yarrow notice the pretty parts.
Richard heard footsteps that settled before his home. He turned to see.
His family has arrived.
Lord Henry gave his brother a look. His silent opinion upon his face.
Lord Alexander gave him a look back.
Lord Henry noticed his father watching them and hoped he had not seen.
"Come on then Alexander. Let's check out the rest of the place."
"And then we can have us a drink, eh?"
"You know you can't hold your ale."
"I can drink you both under the table. Come on my boys. We'll give your mother a moment alone. Lord knows she doesn't drink the way her men do."
For a moment Lady Yarrow just stood there.
"He loves me, he loves me not." She assaulted the poor flower in girlish fashion. "He loves me. Thank you little flower. I just needed to know." She tossed it aside.
Finally she ventured indoors. Her family would need to eat, and she would need to feed them. At least she knew how to make a few things.
After a time she had some soup ready.
"Thank you mother." Alexander took a bowl from her hands. Ah, my darling son. She watched him pull up a bench to their worn table.
She hurried over and gave him a spoon.
"Thank you mother." He tasted it. "A fine soup."
Lady Yarrow smiled.
"Richard, Henry, dinner is ready."
Henry rushed in first.
"Starting without me Alexander?"
The four had a nice meal in their new home.
After cleaning up, Yarrow found Richard upon the bed waiting for her.
"I think we shall be quite comfortable here Richard."
"Are you just saying that?"
"So long as I'm with you dear husband."
"Good night Mother, Father."
"Good night Henry." Yarrow said sweetly.
"Alexander is already asleep so good night from him too."
Yarrow couldn't help smiling.
"Good night Henry." Richard said firmly.
Henry skipped out of the room.
"I can still see the little boys in our grown men."
"I'd like to give you more little boys." Richard's eyes sparkled as he said this.
And when there marital deeds were done they both felt the little cottage to be more of a home. For it was love that made their home, not the wealth they had started with.
Ack! If they did conceive a child, I do hope it's actually another boy, not the poor girl that Richard promised to the harem!
ReplyDeleteI like Henry. He seemed like a typical, slightly spoiled little nobleman in his first appearance, but his cheerfulness here makes me curious about him. Either he's grown up enough to try to make the best of the situation, or he's repressing his actual, more negative feelings. Either way would be interesting. ;)