* * *
The shaking of the wagon over a jagged surface woke Matilda from her sleep.
Stephen smiled as she peeled her eyes open.
“How long have I been asleep?” She sat straight up in her seat.
“A while.”
Matilda looked around. “Where are we?”
“We’re in Newport now,” Stephen said. “We’re in the clear.”
She gazed in awe as the sun slowly rose above the horizon. “It’s so beautiful.”
“It surely is.” Stephen nodded. “We’re going to have a wonderful life, you know – you and me, just like we always spoke about.”
Matilda shifted in her seat again, this time to the left. “I just thought that life we spoke about would include my family. It doesn’t seem...”
“Possible anymore?” Stephen asked, worriedly.
“I’m not sure.” She sighed. “We’ve just left and I miss them terribly.”
“I understand. And it will take a while for us to get accustomed to being on our own, but it will happen and we will be happy together. You’ll see.”
She reached for his hand. “I love you Stephen.”
It was only the second time in five years that he had ever heard her utter those words and they instantly rejuvenated him.
“Thanks for always standing by me,” she added.
“I love you too, Matilda.” He never shortened her name, as he adored every syllable attached to it, just as he loved every single thing about her. He knew her mother was right: he would, without forethought, give his very life for Matilda. Six years her elder, he had never felt such love before and had desired to marry her on her seventeenth birthday. But Matilda was not yet ready. Finding herself and coming to terms with her odd abilities were what governed her life. She had promised to be his bride later on if they made it through the earlier years and Stephen, like a child clinging to his mother’s every word, held on to that promise. Given the times, he was aware she had gone against what was normal for a young woman. However, he understood that in Matilda, he was getting more than just an ordinary young lady. If he stuck around, he would be getting something that is most cherished by every man lucky enough to find it in his lifetime – he’d be getting his soulmate. To Stephen, this is all that mattered.
They made a left turn and passed what appeared to be a local farmer’s market, then a church building. Further down were a number of clothing shops and a convenience store. The next turn took them into a quiet, residential neighborhood, lined on each side with quaint, single-storey and split-level houses situated approximately ten feet apart.
With interest, Matilda observed her surroundings as Stephen quietly drove. Minutes later, they pulled in front of a little, white cottage.
“This is it?” she asked, looking ahead.
“It is,” Stephen replied. “Uncle John said it was kept in fairly good condition by one of our relatives before he moved away. Do you like it?”
“It seems... lovely.”
Stephen exited the carriage and went around to help her out.
As they walked toward the front door, Matilda noticed a curtain slide back in the house to their right, but she could not see the person who stood next to it.
After mounting the porch, Stephen unlocked the door and once inside, he swooped Matilda into his strong, muscular arms.
“Whoo!” she cried, wiping a pebble of sweat from her brow.
He planted a kiss on her lips, then gently put her down. Now, in a better mood than when they had left home, Matilda immediately went to have a look through the house.
“I’ll go and grab our bags,” Stephen said.
“Yes, you do that.”
Moments later, there was a light tap on the front door.
Matilda advanced from the kitchen into the main room.
“Hi!” A woman was standing in the doorway. “I saw you arrive with your husband out there and thought I should introduce myself.” Fairly attractive, she appeared to be in her mid-twenties and had straight blonde, shoulder-length hair.
Matilda extended a hand to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name’s Matilda.”
“And I’m Stephen...” Stephen said behind the woman, which prompted her to immediately step aside.
“I’m sorry I blocked the doorway. My name’s Ann Sheffield. I live next door with my three children, Buster, Bradley and Ruth.”
“Ah, it’s great to meet a neighbor! Please come inside.” Stephen jammed a bag under his arm and extended his hand to her as well. “We’d love to meet your children. Won’t we?” Stephen looked at Matilda as he placed their bags on the floor.
“Yes! Yes, we would,” Matilda eagerly replied.
“By the way, just to be clear... I’m not her husband,” Stephen said. “We’re actually cousins.”
“Oh, I see! Where are you from?” Ann asked.
Stephen and Matilda glanced at each other.
“We’re from up north - a little town I doubt you heard of,” Stephen replied.
“Are you married?” Matilda quickly interjected, hoping to divert Ann’s focus in another direction.
“I’m a widow. My husband died two years ago of heart trouble.”
“I’m very sorry,” Matilda replied.
“That’s too bad,” Stephen added.
“How are your children coping with the loss of their father?” Matilda was concerned.
“At first, it was very difficult for all of them, but my eldest, Buster, went overboard trying to assure the others that we would be all right and their father was now looking out for us from Heaven. In time, they all started to adjust to our new life without him.”
Stephen and Matilda were momentarily at a loss for words. Matilda contemplated whether expressing her understanding of their plight would be a wise move or possibly to her own detriment.
“My father died when I was a teenager,” she finally said. “So I think I can understand how your children might feel. I have three sisters, and my mother had sole responsibility to take care of all of us after he passed. She was sick a lot, but still went out there to work in order to make sure we were provided for. So, I understand the struggles and would like to say that anything Stephen and I can do to help you with the children, please let us know.”
“Yes indeed,” Stephen added.
“How very kind of you both!” Ann’s face lit up. “My! I must say I could not be blessed with a better pair of neighbors. Seems like you two have really good blood running through your veins.”
Matilda instantly felt awkward. That family thing again!
“Well, I guess I’d better be going,” Ann said. “By the way, I would really love if you both would join us for supper this evening. I’ll be cooking lamb and potatoes, and that way you get to meet the children too.”
“Um… we would love to,” Stephen responded. He gave Matilda a slight nudge with his pinky out of the view of their neighbor.
“Yes, that would be awfully nice,” Matilda agreed.
“Well, it’s set then! Please come over at five o’clock.”
“Will do.” Matilda walked her to the door and closed it only after Ann had made the turn for her house.
“We’re cousins?” She whispered loudly.
“I didn’t know what else to say,” Stephen admitted. “I would imagine they’d be shocked to know we are unwed and living together in this house. It’s practically unheard of.”
“I know that, but did you consider how we would explain ourselves if one day we do make that trip to the altar, Stephen?”
He lowered his head. “Hadn’t thought of it.” Then a thought crossed his mind and he dashed over to her. “Are you saying, you will soon be ready to wed?”
She shook her head. “I never imagined we would find ourselves in a situation such as this. I suppose if we are going to be together, just the two of us, then… maybe we should. But at the same time, we have to get settled here and I must not have any lingering doubts about whether I am ready o
r not.”
He snatched her into his arms, twirled her around and did not let her go without kissing her passionately.
“I did not say we’re going to wed now!” She stated after he put her down again. “So, I don’t understand your excitement.”
“You’ve never been this close to making this all-important decision, my love. And now you are. That’s why I am so excited.” He was smiling widely.
“But now, you have introduced me as your cousin. The problem is the townsfolk might not accept or respect us when they find out we’ve lied to them.”
“We will cross that bridge when we must.” Stephen replied. “When the time comes, I promise to take full responsibility in clearing up the entire matter.”
“I’m certain you will.”
Matilda walked away.
4
_________________
The table was neatly set and just enough chairs encircled it to comfortably seat a family of eight. Thirteen-year-old Buster, twelve-year-old Bradley and ten-year-old Ruth were smartly dressed and seated, along with their mother, Ann. Matilda had sat next to Ann and Stephen, next to Buster.
Ruth confidently said Grace, then primly tucked her pressed, white napkin inside the top of her blouse.
“You have such mannerly children, Ann.” Matilda smiled.
“Thank you. I do my best with them. These days so many out there are going astray because parents have fallen into the trap of running a slack home. Know what I mean?”
Matilda nodded.
“So Buster,” Stephen turned to the boy who had eagerly started eating his meal, “how are you doing with your lessons?”
“Fine, thank you, sir,” Buster replied with his mouth half full.
“That’s good.” Stephen nodded and then directed his attention to Bradley. “And you, young man?”
“I find some subjects challenging, sir, but I believe I cope well enough.”
“He certainly does,” Ann chimed in. “Bradley’s doing very well now, despite the recent setback. He’s had a lot to deal with, as you might understand, but thankfully, he’s risen above those challenges.”
“And sweet, prim, little Ruth?” Matilda queried.
Ruth’s smile was angelic and she had the whitest teeth Matilda had ever seen. Matilda was certain because of her beauty, she would break many a man’s heart when she grew up.
“I am doing okay, I suppose.” Ruth glanced her mother’s way for approval. “I love learning new things.”
“She’s doing more than okay,” Ann said proudly. “She catches on to everything very quickly and has been gifted with a photographic memory. She got that from her father.”
The children’s mood seemed to be suddenly dampened by the mention of their father.
Just then, the front door creaked open and a man of medium height and build entered the house.
“Sorry I’m late!” He said as he hung his hat on the rack near the door.
Matilda and Stephen were obviously caught off guard.
The man went over and extended his hand to Stephen. “I’m George Macintosh. Ann’s fiancé.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Stephen returned the handshake.
“Madam…” George hailed Matilda with a slight bow, who smiled in return.
“Please forgive me,” Ann said as George took his place at the table next to Ruth. “I failed to mention that George here would be joining us for supper. I hope that is all right.”
“Yes, it is,” Matilda said before taking a bite of her lamb.
“No worries at all,” Stephen added.
“George, these are my new neighbors, Matilda and Stephen...” She turned to them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your surnames.”
“Curry – we both are,” Stephen said. “Two brothers’ children.”
“A pleasure to meet you both,” George said.
“They’ve just moved to town and trying to settle in.”
“I’d be happy to take you to a few places and introduce you to some of the townsfolk,” George offered.
Stephen glanced at Matilda who was looking down momentarily. “That would be very gracious of you, George.”
“How about one day Stephen tag along with George and I can show you around? We can have some ladies’ time?” Ann suggested to Matilda.
“I’d like that.” Matilda smiled.
“Well, it’s settled then.” Ann continued eating.
As various discussions at the table went on, Matilda noticed how eerily quiet the children had become, ever since George arrived. She occasionally glanced at them and noticed that Buster seemed most uncomfortable. He was almost sulking.
“Buster, are you all right, honey?” she asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, unconvincingly. Moments later, he looked at his mother. “Mommy, may I be excused?”
“Already, Buster?” George had a smirk on his face.
“I’m really tired. I think I need to lie down.” Buster again directed his comments to his mother.
“Yes, you may be excused,” Ann responded. “Have you two finished your meal?” She asked Bradley and Ruth.
“I’m stuffed.” Ruth rubbed her stomach.
“So am I,” Bradley replied.
“You may go to your room.”
As Bradley got up to follow the others down the hallway, he suddenly tripped and Matilda swiftly realized he was about to land face first onto the glass table in the center of the main room. Ann screamed in anticipation of what was about to transpire, but Matilda with intensely focused eyes, mentally pushed the table quickly aside and the boy landed safely on the floor.
Ann sprung to her feet and rushed to the child’s side. “Brad! Are you all right?”
“Yes, Mommy.” He nodded.
“Young man, you must be careful. You could’ve gotten seriously hurt,” she said.
“I’m all right now, Mommy.” He got up and joined his siblings who were waiting for him at the end of the hallway.
Matilda and Stephen heard a scrape of metal against the wooden floor. George had promptly stood up.
“Now, how in the world did that table move?” He pointed. “I literally, with my own two eyes, watched it slide inches across the floor! Didn’t anyone else notice it?” He turned to the others.
Stephen shook his head. “I didn’t.” He glanced at Matilda.
“No. Neither did I,” Matilda said.
Ann smoothed out the front of her dress with the palm of her hand. “I… I thought I noticed a shift in the table, but I can’t be sure. My gaze was more on Bradley than anything else. I’m just so grateful he missed that table. If not, he would have had to get stitches tonight for sure.”
“All is well that ends well, huh?” Stephen nervously grinned.
“Yes indeed,” Ann agreed, taking her seat at the table again.
George was still standing. He looked bewildered. “I’m telling you all, that table moved. I’ve never seen anything like that happen before.”
“It’s amazing how our eyes can sometimes play tricks on us,” Matilda said. “There were times I could have sworn I saw something out of the corner of my eyes and lo and behold, nothing was there. Maybe that’s what happened to you, George. We’ve all had those types of experiences.”
He muttered something, reached for his chair again, then said: “Perhaps, you’re right. Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me.”
Stephen cleared his throat and stood up slowly. “I guess we had better be going now. Ann, thank you very much for the splendid meal.”
“It was delicious.” Matilda stood with Stephen. “I’m sorry we must leave so soon, but we’re quite exhausted, as I’m sure you can imagine.”
“Yes, I can,” Ann replied. “Let’s do this again sometime. Shall we?”
“Most certainly. Next time, it will be our treat.” Matilda smiled.
“Where did you say you were from?” George asked them.
“Stephen mentioned that they moved here from a little to
wn up north, although he didn’t give the name.” Ann told George.
“Up north, huh?” George thought for a moment. “I have a few relatives living up north. Where about did you travel from?”
Matilda was getting uneasy. “It’s a little town called Aidersville. Do you know it?” She asked him.
He shook his head. “No, I don’t think I’ve heard of it.”
“We didn’t think you would’ve,” Stephen said. “That’s why we didn’t mention it before. Very small community up there.”
“Why’d you leave?”
“Excuse me?” Stephen was taken aback by George’s determination to pry.
“Why’d you leave Aidersville to come here? Sounds like it might’ve been a cozy community similar to this one. Most people these days live and lie in the town where they were born.”
“Uh… please excuse George’s distasteful inquisitiveness,” Ann interjected. “Really dear, people have a right to live anywhere they please. Some folks just need a healthy change of scenery. Am I right, neighbors?”
“You certainly are,” Stephen replied.
Ann got up. “Please, let us walk you to the door.”
George followed her lead and they saw Stephen and Matilda out, who could hear them quietly arguing after they left.
5
_________________
Stephen locked the door behind them as Matilda slipped off her shoes.
“Matilda, I thought we had an understanding before we left Mizpah that you would not use your abilities,” Stephen said sternly. “You don’t want to draw attention to yourself. That’s the whole point of us leaving – to start anew in order for you to be safe! What you did in there was unacceptable!”
“So you would have preferred that I allow the boy to fall and seriously injure himself? Would that have been acceptable to you, Stephen?”
After a few moments of silence, he sighed heavily. “I’m just saying that you must be careful, Matilda. I know you did what you thought was right, but in future, you must resist the temptation.” He gently gripped her shoulders. “Do you understand what I mean?”
The Cornelius Saga Series Box Set 2 Page 2