The Broken Duke

Chapter 4

Father had spoken to the coach men the entire way to the cottage. Marie would look at me and smile at the fact that he had to fill the silence. Father used to say that our mother was more reserved with her words. He'd say that it made him anxious not to hear what she was thinking about any specific situation or topic.

Turning in my seat I looked back in an effort to see our home. I hadn’t done so since climbing onto the wagon. I couldn’t even see any reminisce of the village in the snow filled air. We had been sitting for a while but it was impossible to gauge how far we’ve actually traveled. I now felt sorry for the coachmen who’d traveled all the way her just to have to travel right back. It must seem like an endless journey.

The only time I had left the village was when mother took Marie and I to visit our cousin Gizzelle. It was only once and all I can remember, was mother taking us home in a huff.

I don’t remember seeing the vast lands of woods and open fields that we passed on the road. I hadn’t ever had the urge to leave our quaint village. I was happy there and I never felt as though I was missing anything. Sitting in the wagon as it rocked back and forth with small stone and twig; the sharp pain in my lower back from sitting on the hard wood for long hours and still I couldn’t stop smiling. We passed wonderfully large open fields that our coachman had informed us that filled with tall grass and wildflowers in the spring.

I tricked myself into believing that I could go missing in the tall grass and never feel lost. Home may not be in sight, but my sense of wonder was growing by the moment. During the ride, we learned that the coachman who sat with us was named Mr. Porter and the coachman with my father was Mr. Decan.

“Sir, do you mind telling me what the village is like?” I asked Mr. Porter.

“I suppose it’s the same as any other village. There is a market, we have the traditional Spring festival coming up when the snow beings to thaw. My wife is excited about it. She has been working all year on her apricot preserves just to create the perfect pie. There is a pie contest, you see. And none can make a better pie than my Caroline.” Marie and I smiled at each other.

“Well, we can’t wait to try that pie. Eve is actually quite the baker herself. A handy skilled passed down by our mother.” There was a bit bitterness in her tone as Marie was gifted with our fathers’ skills in the baking department.

“Yes, but you can cook a better feast than anyone in our village. Your future husband will surely grow his riches in his trousers from eating your meals each night.”

“Eve!” We both laughed.

Before we knew it, the sky began to dim, and the glow of the village was on the horizon. “Is that it?” I stood so abruptly that I nearly fell over the front of the wagon. I would have, if not for Marie pulling at the back of my frock.

“Eve! You’d have fallen to your death!” Marie scolded me for the hundredth time.

“Look the buildings look sturdy!” I cried excitedly. Marie leaned forward in the wagon to attempt at a better view.

“Well of course. The village has the best master builder in the entire kingdom. He used to work in the palace, but these he’s the manages his son who’s become the master of the timber yard. It’s rare sight to see them agree on anything. Though it does keep thing lively around the village.” Mr. Porter chuckled to himself.

“Must be a true feat to work within such a shadow.” Marie commented quietly, so quietly that I’m not sure anyone but I heard her.

The coachmen guided the wagon past the glow of the village to the Duke’s estate. His manor was a magnificent sight to behold. We rounded the structure heading to a large barn that was attached to a smaller but still large building.

“And that there is the barn. There are a hundred acres of farmland. There are about three dozen cows and about a hundred chickens. The horses have their own stable attached to the manor.” Mr. Decan said.

“A hundred acers!” I asked astonished.

“Hush, Eve.” Marie stepped on my foot. “We will have to wake early to get chores done.” She said reassuringly to Mr. Decan.

“Don’t fret, miss. There are many hands to help you.” Mr. Porter said with a gentle smile. I decided that he may have daughters of his own. Perhaps a single son and three daughters.

We stopped in front of the building attached to the barn. The four of us unloaded everything fairly quickly. Although, we really didn’t have much to begin with. The only thing that Marie’s and my wagon held was mother’s mirror and chest. Our belongings were in a small pile in the large open area of the house. They took up no space at all.

“Well, that’s everything.” Father said while carrying in mother’s chest, aided by the stoic Mr. Decan.

“Father, do you think this is as big as the houses in town?” I asked. The house was larger than any building in our home village. I ran my hand along the wooden walls. They weren’t warm but they also weren’t ice cold despite the lack of a fire. The wooden walls of our village home were impossibly thin and did little to keep our the chill. However, this house was made from thick lumber and I couldn’t feel any cold sweeping through.

“Duke Cal will likely send someone to welcome you properly in the morn. There should be logs in the pit already to warm you all. Welcome to Wrightfort village.” Mr. Porter said as they both showed themselves out. We waved goodbyes and safe travels home.

Father and I spent the rest of the night taking orders from Marie. We were moved in only an hour after arriving. There was a moment of quiet as Marie set a fire. We watched the timber burn brightly. The wood itself glowed golden. Marie stepped back, standing beside me. The warmth of the flame enveloped us.

“We have wealth,” I said. They both looked at me. “The logs, they look like gold, don’t they?”

Marie touched the stone that decorated the marvelous fireplace. “Mother would love this fireplace.” I looked over at Marie, who was usually so levelheaded and a master at keeping her emotions in check. After our mother passed, I thought I’d never see her tears again. Yet, here I was, watching them roll down her cheeks like the seeds of a dandelion blowing through the wind. Quiet and gentle.

Instead of going to bed like father and Marie, I decided to tour the house, myself. I went to the kitchen with a small candle that glowed brightly in the darkened room and smiled. The first floor had a massive kitchen and two rooms, one of the rooms was a drawing room, the other looked like the master’s bedroom. The second story had two bedrooms and an office. I wondered if it was common to have such a beautiful home as a commoner. I shook the thought from my head. The duke granted us this home, for what reason should I question it? I smiled as my feet padded on the wooden floor, on my way to bed.