“Mary, are you all right?” Beth grabbed Mary by the shoulders and gave her a quick once-over. All Mary could do was nod her head.
Why would I put myself in danger to save Beth?
“Thank you for pulling me out of the way,” Beth said and smiled. “That was very brave.” Mary tried to smile back but the muscles in her face felt frozen.
“Or very stupid,” Mary retorted, “I can’t believe we came that close to getting hurt.”Or dying,she thought,I need to be more careful and avoid putting myself in any kind of danger.
Mary steadied herself up against the railing and watched the water below. Pulling out the letter, she let her tears fall freely again.
Between the events at tea and her near death experience with the horse, her emotions felt bigger than she could properly express. Her fiancé's words assured her that everything would be all right. In her heart, she hoped that would be true.
The letter danced in the wind, and in a quick moment she let go. She watched as the letter danced slowly to the waters below. With it, her heart sank, because now she faced a new unknown. Mary was determined to make it into the life she always wanted.
The breeze brushed across her face, and her attention was drawn away from her letter and to the river’s surface below. The sun danced in reflection as the water moved in the wind’s direction. A shimmer hovered, hidden carefully in the streak of bright white against the dark water.
It was close enough to the surface that it would be splashed by the rain drops. Mary realized it wasn’t the sun’s light reflecting on the water. Whatever the strange shimmer was, it looked like a round orb with streaks of light jutting in every direction. She looked up into the sky to find the light’s source but found none.
That is odd,she mused, as the rain sprinkled across her upward face.
“We should return home, Miss Mary. The rain is going to wash us away any moment.” Beth gently squeezed Mary’s arm and gave a reassuring smile. Mary tried to return it, but the movement felt rigid and forced.
The ladies turned back towards home, and Mary stole one more glance at the strange blue shimmer that continued to hoveron the water. She couldn’t help but feel like the shimmer was returning the same watchful gaze.
The carriage rocked back and forth as the early morning sun trickled in through the edges of the drawn curtains. Mary fidgeted with the ring on her left hand, catching the small rays. The small diamond created a rainbow of colors against the carriage wall.
She watched the reflections change shape and continued to wallow as the carriage made her final journey through London. She could feel her parent’s gaze and continued to use the kaleidoscope of colors as a distraction from conversation.
Catherine wore a solid black dress, her way of mourning her only daughter’s departure. She had made it clear that Mary was as good as dead in her mind. Mary felt the same way, except it seemed more like a banishment followed by a death sentence. The streets of London slowly woke up as they rode in silence.
“I’ve heard there are savage natives there.” Her mother’s small voice broke the awkward silence. Tears filled her eyes as she continued. “Oh Mary, do take care to not venture too far into the wilderness. I know how much you enjoy your morning strolls.”
Mary fought the urge to roll her eyes, and looked down at her lap.
Makes sense: even on my way out, she needs to make snide comments,Mary thought to herself as she fiddled with the fabric of her dress.
Mary’s father squeezed her mother’s hand, “Mary understands what is ahead of her. I am sure Eduard has found them a suitable homestead to live on. Nowhere near the natives. His letters have been promising.” Gregory’s stone eyes looked between the two women. Mary knew the look all too well. The subject must be dropped.
Catherine pulled her hand away from Gregory and rubbed her fingers. Mary’s heart swelled for a moment but then looked away.
I can’t feel too sorry for her, I am the one forced to leave my home.
Mary peeked out her window to distract herself from her parent’s words of caution as she thought back to Eduard’s latest letter. It was folded and tucked in the pocket of her hunter green cloak. It was clear he had begun and finished writing the letter weeks apart as the handwriting started in his neat script and ended in something closer to a scrawl.
My dearest Mary,
Thoughts of your face are scorched into my memory as I toil in the fields, working to bring you here to me, to bring you home. Knowing we'll be together again gives me the strength to continue. We will be happy here in the simple life that farming offers, and the community is welcoming and helpful.
I am trying to find the right words to finish this last letter to you. Our barn burned down so I spent a small fortune to rebuild it. The community did their best to scrape together as many supplies as they could spare. I am hoping it will be complete by the time you arrive.
At this time, I wonder if we made the right choice to continue with our engagement, not because my love for you has faded. Rather I am worried I won’t be able to give you the life you deserve. I hope to see you on the next ship here, but I am willing to release you from the engagement if you wish. My truest hope is your happiness.
With all my love,
Eduard
“What is the settlement called? I keep forgetting,” her mother said between sniffles, pulling Mary out of her rumination.
“Buffalo. I spoke to his father and he told me that he used his inheritance to purchase a modest-sized farm,” he replied, keeping his stoic expression fixed on Mary. “It is nothing extravagant but he has apparently done well to make a decent life for himself. And for our Mary,” he added.
