A Valentine's Affair

by Eliza Dawkins

  Leaving Cutter’s with her small pastry package in hand, Mattie sauntered around the corner and down the edge of the path, towards the outskirts of town. Her mind was a flutter and dreaming of Tom’s mouth, full lipped with a tip of his tongue nipping the edge of the coconut tart, when Tom’s horse caught Mattie’s attention. The colt rested against a fence post outside of the abandoned mill. As Mattie approached him, echoes of laughter filled her ears. She closed in towards the mill, allowing her curiosity to wonder. With her nose pressed against the pane, her eyes caught sight of Tom’s duplicity. Mattie was certain the ground beneath her had shifted.

  The walls were painted blue.

  The cocoanut tart lay forgotten in the tufts of dirt around her walking shoes.

  ‘I must ask, Miss Matilda, what keeps you out so far past dusk?’ The Printer’s voice startled Mattie aside.

  ‘Heavens, Linus. Must you sneak up on me so?’ Mattie hastily dabbed her weeping eyes with a handkerchief.

  ‘Miss Matilda, whatever is the matter?’

  The Printer scuttled to the window before Mattie had a chance to justify her blubbering. He slowly turned, his eyes fixed on the soggy ground.

  ‘I must say, I have always disliked Mister Tom.’ The Printer muttered in a hollow voice.

  ‘Please, do not speak of this to anyone.’ Mattie’s eyes searched for promise in his.

  ‘I swear it.’ The Printer nodded and straightened his jacket. ‘I must be off. Good night, Miss Matilda.’

  ‘Good night.’ Mattie curtsied. She turned back towards the mill and bit her lip, feigning off inevitable tears.

  ~~~

  ‘Good evening, sir. I am here for Mattie.’ Tom’s gruff voice filled the room.

  ‘Father, it’s alright.’ Mattie took a deep breath before stepping into view. Her father moved aside and disappeared down the corridor.

  Tom bowed his head, locking his gaze on Mattie’s. She examined his bold posture.

  His coat was the colour blue.

  Mattie winced at this realization.

  ‘Pleasant evening.’ Tom smiled, lingering outside the doorway.

  ‘Rather.’ Mattie’s voice fell flat.

  ‘Shall I join you inside?’

  ‘I suppose that depends.’ Mattie felt a fire boil in her heart. Merely two weeks’ prior, Tom had asked her hand in marriage.

  ‘Depends on what exactly?’

  She took a step forward and peered out into the darkness.

  ‘Whatever are you looking for?’ Tom’s voice was sharp.

  ‘Do you have any further company to receive before I allow you to come in?’

  ‘I can’t say I follow.’ Tom raised a curious eyebrow.

  ‘I was at the mill tonight.’ Mattie’s eyes were tortured with tears.

  Mattie stepped outside and closed the door behind her. Tom remained stoic.

  ‘Who is she?’ Mattie’s voice was broken.

  Somehow, Tom had the gall to laugh. He massaged his brow before turning his focus back to her.

  ‘My wife.’

  Mattie’s heart expelled. She turned on her heel and reached for the door, but Tom grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

  ‘What she doesn’t know can’t hurt her.’ Tom pulled Mattie in and brought his lips to hers.

  For a moment, Mattie’s mind spiraled considering this indirect proposition. She grabbed the back of his neck and buried herself into his embrace. Ending the kiss, Mattie rested her forehead against his. She looked up at him, unknowingly for the last time. The colour in his eyes reflected the silver light of the moon.

  His eyes the colour blue.

  Mattie thought she might be ill.

  ~~~

  End of sample. CLICK HERE to unlock the rest.