Summer Chapter 4

I lay in my bed, completely exhausted from the day’s activities. As I lay there, my mind wanders, it goes back to replay the events which occurred today. I remember the carriage ride like I was living it now. The smooth way that the carriage traveled, you could barely feel the bumps in the woodland floor. If you sat idle, you could hear a faint trail of wind rushing through the partially opened window. The wind was cool and inviting compared to the scorching heat which was held outside.

I remember that I was most curious about our destination, which turned out to be the beautiful Au Sable River. We had a picnic prepared and laid out for us upon arrival. We sat and ate. There was deliciously juicy strawberries that were as big as my fist, which Markus informed me wasn’t very large, but the strawberries were. An immaculate array of little finger sandwiches were placed on a silver plate. And I could never forget the sweet taste of the wine.

As we feasted, we talked. Just small talk, of course, but it felt exhilarating. He asked me what my Mama and Father were like. I could only reply, "I wish I knew!" He told me that he was a bastard child, when his own Mama was raped. She was immediately exiled. She shamed the family, so shortly after his birth she found life unbearable. When his uncle took him in, he had nothing to remind him of her and couldn’t visit her grave since suicides are never buried in a church yard. All he could do now was live his life to the fullest, in hopes that one day he can restore his family’s name. I should have told him that he already had, but I found that it might not be appropriate to show my love for him so early.

I found it easy to talk to Markus. I respected him for intrusting in me all of his most dearest thoughts and secrets. I knew somewhere inside that he felt the same towards me. He was so intriguing, and exciting to be around. I hoped to see him soon, although I knew that my Papa probably wouldn’t allow it, even with my Nana’s pressuring attitude.

I started to fall into a deep sleep, but just as I held on to the last grip of consciousness I could only think of Markus kissing me on the cheek as we loaded for departure. As I thought of that magical moment, a wide smile spread across my face. I could no longer live with out one thought relating to Markus, or some form of fantasy forming in my head of that charming man.

As I slept I held onto a picture of Markus and I in utter happiness. In the dream we were both dancing and singing in the fields. I was wearing a faded blue summer dress and matching bonnet. My long auburn hair was pinned under the bonnet and it was not powdered. I wore a little lip stick and had subtle blush tones. I looked beautiful. Markus didn’t look that bad either, in his riding habit. His hair was natural, as it always was when I saw him.

The corn was growing well, very high and the smell was astounding. The wheat fields in the background grew very silvery gold, to suggest that it was almost harvesting time. Wild flowers lined the fields, and Markus held one of the daisies up for my eager hand to accept it. I immediately pinned it behind my ear, while dancing. We never missed a beat!

Birds were flying over head, and you could tell everything around was also flourished in bliss. The bees were busy collecting honey, darting from one flower to the next; creating circular patterns and figure eights. The horses were stirring in the corral. They trotted in circles. Mystique, my horse was nestling with her colt, Arishma. They were both enjoying the summer heat. All of Summer was bustling with pleasure.

There was such merriment but I awoke before I could tell why. Although the cheerful mood was broken, I remained in an eccentric mood. And I found that all of my chores flew by while I waltzed around in a half dream state. I even took on my embroidery and sat in the parlor with Nana, against my Papa’s will of my help on the land. I didn’t quite want to come to terms with the true reason I was doing this. Moreover, it was because I was in love with Markus and I wanted to make sure I would make a good wife, as well as a farmer.

After two days of this dream walking state that I was caught in, I received word from Markus by telegram, that he would love it if I was to have dinner over at his Uncle’s hall that evening. Feelings of nervousness and energy came rushing at me. I had so many things to do in only 2 hours time before I should call Sam for the gig. I immediately retreated to my bedroom, where Maria picked out a deep violet ball gown. There were the violet petticoats, and the deep violet and lavender skirts that highlighted my curves. There were lace hems which added a little flair to the formalness of the gown and although it was very proper and bore long sleeves, it was the perfect choice for the first acquaintance with Markus’ Uncle.

I had Maria fasten all of my hair under the dark bonnet that was also bordered in lace. I needn’t any makeup for I was not impressing any eligible man, and it would seem more adequate if I went as natural as possible. To finish the array of beauty I was emitting, I took out my Mother’s locket and secured it around my neck. I peered into my looking glass to make sure I looked elegant and appropriate for the evening, which would surely come faster than necessary. And of course I did!
My gleaming and piercing icy, calm eyes stared at me under a mask of golden tan skin. I looked as if I was a goddess of the land, which would not always prove a positive asset. I hoped Mr. Chapman wouldn’t be bothered by it. My curves were well defined and the dress showed off the skinniness, but not lankiness, of my arms. I looked elegant.

Satisfied with my looks, I dashed out of my room to prepare the gig for the ride to the Chapman Estate. I could only think of Markus and how much I longed for his company. I had a great feeling about tonight; I just hoped that my feelings would always prove true like they did in the past. My first courting, my first solitaire dinner invitation, what else may I encounter on this road?