So Far From I Expected

13

A small giggle was coming from the corner, Mr Avital was laughing at the three of us. ‘Jonah, this man loves your daughter, don’t put her down! She is kind, and caring, she doesn’t complain, she’s a fabulous mother figure to your boys and she’s the most beautiful girl I’ve seen in all my life, and that’s a very long time!’ Papa looked at him, surprised having been scolded but he seemed to look embarrassed too.

‘You lass, don’t be angry at your father, he’s no different than any other man in this village. If any other man’s daughter was out until all hours and he found out it was a rich man he’d think the same! And this young man, this man loves you. The reason you can’t decide who or what to be angry about is because you have a fancy on him too.’

He said, it, I was developing feelings for Theodore. I looked at him and I thought my heart would beat out of my chest. It was a ridiculous notion before; I’d not let myself think it before but Mr Avital knew the truth.

‘And you, young man. If you hurt this child I will haunt you! I don’t know how you’ll make this work but you will. Jonah you need to speak to your wife and make her understand. I remember him, I know it’s him who was here the day Frankie died. She can’t punish him for that.’

Papa had tears in his eyes. ‘Caireann, I’m sorry I was angry and I thought poor of you.’ I hugged Papa and he squeezed me tight. He held my hand when he continued speaking.

‘Mr Desala, I don’t like what you’ve done here. You told me you came here with a purpose; it seems that you have misled me. I feel like you have used the death of our son to get yourself my daughter. You had plenty of time to inform my wife and me of your feelings towards my daughter.’

What Papa was saying hurt, but I knew what he was saying. If Theodore’s purpose was to set our minds at ease about Frankie, why hadn’t he left straight after? I was so torn; I wanted to believe that the Theodore I had gotten to know in the barn was the man standing in front of me, proclaiming his love for me.

Theodore’s eyes were wide and his hands were tight against his sides. ‘Theodore?’

His eyes met mine and he moved towards me. Papa pulled me closer to him and shook his head. ‘No sir, Mr Black don’t shake your head. I was honest, I have been nothing but. I knew how I felt about Caireann, but I didn’t know how much until I saw her last night. I need your daughter in my life Mr Black. I will do anything to convince you and your wife that I have nothing but love for Caireann.’

Theodore’s gaze met my eyes, he smiled, his beautiful mouth and eyes were warm and affectionate. ‘Caireann, Caireann I love you. Please don’t doubt that.

Papa’s grasp on my hand loosened, and I moved closer to Theodore, He wrapped his arms around me and I nuzzled into his chest. I could feel his heart beating and the damp of his chest against my cheek. I had the urge to kiss him there and then.

‘I have to go, Caireann make sure and be home when your Mama gets there. Mr Desala, come after dark. I’ll speak to my wife and we will discuss Junaath with you. Lord Tumlus told me your offer is an honest one.’ He walked towards the cottage door wringing his hands, ‘Paddy, thank you.’

Mr Avital nodded and sucked on his pipe. The door closed and I pulled away from Theodore and knelt down before Mr Avital. ‘Thank you, thank you and God bless you.’

‘Yes, yes lass, you’re welcome. Now, make some tea, there’s some cake in the pantry. There’s soup on the side there and some bread. It’s not much son, but it’s all I can offer you.’

Theodore laughed and began to tell Mr Avital how the servants in his home in Junaath cooked for him their own food, how he ate with them.