Episode NINE

            Early morning arrives and Ellie begrudgingly pulls herself out of bed. Even after these past five years, she still isn’t a morning person. If only Jacob was in bed next to her, at least she’d have someone to cuddle up against until she fully wakes up. As she places another log on the fire, to liven the flames back up, she finds herself thinking about her family. A lump in her throat grows from the many thoughts. Just as yesterday, how her heart ached, when she brought up about her being engaged before the accident.

            While getting herself dressed, she shakes her head to push all thoughts away. Knowing there’s no going back, she must accept the fact and keep moving forward. Besides, after all the hard work she put in these past few years, she’s come a long way and hasn’t been killed yet for who she is. Once or twice, she’s been heckled at and called a witch, but thankfully kindness goes a long way around these parts. 

            Now dressed and hair is brushed and braided, all that’s next is to grab a bite to eat and pack up the wagon. As she passes through the family room on the way to the kitchen, she stops by the guest room and checks on Lilly and her father. Lilly is fast asleep and is apparently a tummy sleeper. Ellie softly chuckles to herself as she sees Lilly’s foot sticking out of bed. She quietly walks over and tucks her back into bed.

            Lilly, upon being moved, half consciously awakens and asks, “Where are you going?”

            “I go to town on Saturday mornings to sell and buy some things. Do you need anything from town sweetheart?” Ellie soothes Lilly’s hair and places a gentle kiss on her forehead.

            Sleepily the little girl responds, “Oh yes now I remember…” Lilly points towards the desk on the other side of the room, “…I wrote a letter for my mother, so she knows we’re alright. Could you…”

            Ellie hushes Lilly in a soothing voice, “…you need not say more, I’ll take care of it. Now you go back to sleep. I’ll see you all later on.”

            Lillianne nods her head and turns to cuddle against her father for more warmth before she mumbles out one last question, “How long will you be gone?”

            “Well, it’ll take me about four hours doing a round trip, we’re quite a while away from town. And it takes me about two hours to do and finish up the errands. So altogether I should only be gone for six hours. The kids have daily chores, you can just relax since you’ve had quite some hectic past few days. You kids behave yourself and listen to Henry. Okay?”

            Lilly mumbles out a soft “Okay.” Before falling asleep again.

Elouise softly shuts the door behind her as she walks out. Grabbing a slice of apple pie, she munches on it while gathering some meat, cheese, and day-old bread slices, then wraps them all in a clean linen to place in her pocket. Heading out the back door she crosses the courtyard, over to the horse shed she greets Myrtle and Agnes, “Good morning my beauties,” Rubbing their ears and patting their heads lovingly, “We ought to get a head start, looks as if the sun is going to rise soon.” 

As Ellie is leading Agnes by the reins to the wagon, she’s greeted by Henry and pronounces, “You ought to still be in bed sweetie.”

“I know”, says Henry, “But I want to help you load the wagon. Plus…you forgot the cargo list.” Holding up the piece of paper he gives a slight grin.

Handing him the reins and tousling his hair, “I’m so very thankful for you my dearest Henry. You’re a life saver. I guess you set up Agnes, and I’ll get Myrtle.”

Once the two donkeys are reined up to the wagon, they continue to work in silence picking up crate after crate and loading it in a neat and orderly fashion, the cargo is soon loaded rather quickly. 

“Now you all each have your chores that I know will be done, but there is one more thing I need you to do my dear.” Elouise asks of Henry.

“You name it and it’ll be done mother.” Henry confidently accepts already.

“I need you to check on Lillianne’s father every now and then to be sure he doesn’t mess himself. I have towels wrapped under him. Can you do that?”

Without hesitation, wanting to make her proud of him he agrees to do what is asked of him. Without anything further said, Henry waves Ellie off and heads back inside as she departs for the Market at a slow and steady pace.

Singing a hum the long two-hour journey begins, first crossing open fields, then lush meadows and forests, then finally the roaring river Aire. Leeds is in the distance still a few miles to go. A few familiar friendly faces begin to appear while riding on horseback and walking along the muddy road. “It seems to have rained last night around here, eh Mister Beckett?” Ellie greets a scruffily dressed old man who’s walking towards town as well.

“Aye, that it did. A real down pour, Miss Rosie. Though good for the growing crops since this past winter’s famine, but not these ole’ joints of mine.” Jake Beckett replies walking shabbily.

Chuckling out loud, “Would you like a ride to get to town faster?”

“I would be more than happy to accept that offer young lass.” He reaches for her offering hand, he is helped up and sits soulfully down, “Bit depressing if you ask me, these past few rainy days, almost like a curse or bad omen…Want a swig?” He offers Ellie a drink from his flask.

“I’ll decline as I have no taste for such drinks.” Smiling she shakes her head.

“More for me then I guess.” Jake takes a long gulp before continuing, “So what’s new down your way? Haven’t seen ya since last week. Those kids keeping you busy?”

Elouise answers, “The children are doing well. Studying and becoming more curious.”

“Aye, sounds like their mother.” Mister Beckett retorts pointing at Ellie.

“I do have a question that is off the subject.” Ellie asks.

He raises an eyebrow, “Oh and what’s that?”

“Have you heard anything about Robert’s whereabouts lately?” She looks at him in the eye, for a straight to the point question.

“Aye, I remember seeing his bashed-up face at the tavern…night before last. Must have gotten his arse handed to him, was drinking up a storm and hardly yapped a word. I took off before he got too drunk as he normally does after a brawl.”