by Sharon Gibbs
‘Well, it’s good to see you’re still a spirited lass and no man has been able to tame you.’
‘How did Hannah end up married to Mosely?’
‘Who knows? The day the manor burnt to the ground, Hannah and her mother lost everything. Homeless and destitute, Barret and his wife took pity on them and gave cook a job working in the kitchen at the inn. We hardly saw Hannah for a while. Then one day when Mosely was preaching in the square, I noticed her standing at the back of the crowd and since that day wherever the man went, she was right there in the crowd cheering him on. Obviously one thing led to another and they married.’
‘Strange,’ Elle said.
‘Stranger things have been known to happen, lass.’
It was a while before Christopher returned carrying a parcel under his arm.
‘It’s about time you arrived,’ Clarence said. ‘We’ll need to get ready soon. I’m sure we’ll be expected to perform some type of presentation tonight.’
‘Well in that case I think we had better dress for the occasion,’ Christopher said, and he handed the item he’d purchased to Elle.
‘What’s this?’
‘It’s something I thought you might need for tonight.’
Elle untied the ribbon around the box. Carefully she removed the covering and folded the paper back. Within the crisp white lining of the box lay an emerald green dress. As Elle removed the garment from the box she noticed a pair of satin slippers neatly placed beneath the folds of the gown. ‘Oh, Christopher,’ she said as she placed it back in the box and rose to her feet. ‘Thank you,’ she said and kissed him tenderly. ‘And here I was worried I’d have to wear a flour sack.’
The three of them laughed, but Christopher looked confused.
‘Don’t try and understand it, lad,’ Clarence said. ‘You missed the whole point of the story.’
‘It’s a beautiful dress, Christopher. Thank you for thinking of me. But what are you and Clarence going to wear?’
‘I packed a few things for Christopher and myself, just in case something like this were to arise,’ Clarence said.
‘You did?’
‘Yes, lad. Just a few wizardly necessities.’
‘Well come on then,’ Hank said, rising from his chair. ‘We better get ready.’
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The men waited in the front parlour, and as Elle entered the room they rose to their feet. All three had never seen her dressed so finely and it brought smiles to their faces and a tear to one. Hank had always thought of Elle as his own daughter. Walking towards him now, she was no longer the girl he’d once known. Before him he saw a woman, elegant and poised, one that could outshine any other in the land. He turned to Clarence and Clarence nodded his acknowledgement. Hank wiped the tear that ran down his cheek and stepped forward to her.
‘Lass, you look fine. Yes, fine indeed,’ he said. ‘Your Ma would be busting at the seams if she could see you now.’ She reached out to hug him but he held his hand up to stop her. ‘Now, lass, I wouldn’t want to wrinkle your dress.’ Carefully he kissed her on the cheek and then, clearing his throat, he left her to finish his drink.
Enchanted, Christopher walked towards her. He stopped. Reaching out, he took her by the hand and bowed his head. ‘My eyes have never been tantalized by beauty such as yours, my love.’
She blushed and bobbed a curtsy in reply. ‘And you, my love, look more handsome than the day I met you.’ She reached out to touch the lustrous wizard’s cape he wore. Clarence had packed two ceremonial robes just in case they needed to formally present the new Governors.
‘Come on then, we’re already a little late,’ Hank said as he ushered them out the back door so they could make their way around to the market square.
The market had been decorated with assorted flowers, their perfume wafting on the warm evening breeze. Paper lanterns dangled from rope which had been strung from the bell tower and attached to the stalls on the outer edges of the market. Light flickered from basins which had been scattered about to provide warmth and visibility for the evening’s festivities. Not far from the tables set up throughout the square stood a podium where the Governor would make his speech, and a space had been allocated for dancing close to where the musicians were positioned.
Meat sizzled over the open fires where it was liberally basted to keep it moist. As they found a place to sit for the evening Christopher removed his cape and lay it over the back of his chair.
‘I’ll find us some refreshments,’ he said as he seated Elle at the table and then wandered over to the bar on the other side of the market.
‘It has certainly changed since last I was here, Hank,’ Elle said as she watched the joy and happiness of the people gathered. ‘Would you excuse me a moment? There’s someone I’d like to say hello to.’
‘Of course, dear.’
Hannah Mosely sat next to her husband and waited for everyone to arrive. ‘Are the wizards here yet, Johnathon?’
‘No, not yet. I’ll let you know when I see them.’
‘Well, I’m going to mingle. Let me know when they’ve arrived,’ she said, flouncing away from her seat. ‘Good evening, Sarah. Welcome Mr. Thornridge,’ Hannah called out as she meandered through the market, making her presence known. Feeling a little parched, she wandered over towards the beverage stall. As she approached the bar she noticed a tall stranger with raven black hair talking to Barret behind the counter. His presence struck her immediately, sending a warm tingle through her abdomen and she sauntered over to make his acquaintance. ‘Good evening, sir.’
Christopher turned as she greeted him. ‘Good evening,’ he said as he recognised her instantly.
‘Have we met before?’ She was sure she recognised his face but could not place his name.
‘No, I’m sure I would remember if we’d ever been introduced.’ Christopher turned back to the bar and paid for his drinks. Collecting them, he was about to return to his table when Hannah interrupted him again. After all he was terribly handsome.
‘Well let me formally introduce myself. I’m Hannah Mosely. Wife of the Governor,’ she said as she pushed out her ample bosom and held out her hand towards him.
Irritated, Christopher placed the drinks back on the counter. He took her hand and bowed his head. ‘Mrs. Mosely,’ he said and Hannah closed her fingers and held on to his. Christopher felt the pressure and waited for her to speak.
‘I’ll make sure I save room on my dance card for you,’ she said, making her availability clear.
Christopher smiled back politely. ‘I’m sure you’ll be too busy supporting your husband tonight to have any room left on your dance card for me,’ he said, and she promptly released her grip.
Too bad, she thought. She could see herself wrapped in his arms.
‘I’m sure he’ll be with the Wizards tonight. I’ll look for you later,’ she said and walked off.
Taking the drink Christopher offered him, Hank laughed at the young man. ‘So I see Hannah made your acquaintance then.’
‘Indeed, if that’s what you’d like to call it. The Governor isn’t as lucky as he thinks he is.’
Hannah Mosely sat next to her husband and openly stared at Christopher as he drank and talked with Hank. As Christopher took a draught of his ale, he spied Elle talking with some friends. He picked up her beverage and wandered towards her.
‘Hannah, dear, it’s rude to stare so,’ Mosely said. ‘I know you’re interested in the wizards but don’t you think it’s beneath you to act like a commoner?’
‘I don’t know what you mean? And I thought you said there were two of them. I’ve only seen one,’ she said, referring to the older man with the beard.
‘Well the other was there a moment ago,’ he said. ‘I’m surprised you didn’t see him. He’s quite tall.’
‘Christopher, I’d like you to meet some friends of mine,’ Elle said as she took the drink he offered. ‘Mr. and Mrs. Laughtner.’
‘Art and Helen, please. We don’t need formaliti
es between friends,’ Art said.
Christopher shook hands with the man and greeted his wife. ‘It’s nice to meet some of Elle’s friends.’
‘It’s nice to finally meet you, Christopher. Life has changed around here, for the better, and we’ve you two to thank.’
‘We didn’t act on our own. There were many who took part in the fight for freedom and many who cannot be here with us now to celebrate. They are the ones who should be thanked.’
As their mood became sombre in remembrance, the people in the square cheered and the musicians stuck up a tune. Gaiety flowed through the market as people clapped and tapped their feet to the music.
‘Would you care to dance, Miss?’ Christopher held out his hand to take hers. Helen took Elle’s drink and shooed her away and Christopher led her over to where the dancers had congregated. They joined in, stepping and turning in time with the music. As the song finished, a slower tune filled the air, allowing those who’d jigged around the circle to catch their breath. Christopher held Elle close and they danced to the rhythmic beat as the musicians plucked out the notes to the song. Drifting across the floor, Christopher twirled Elle and pulled her in close. Lost in the music she floated, guided by the man she loved amongst the crowd. As Christopher held her, she closed her eyes. Safe and protected, she followed his lead as time seemed to stand still. The notes to the music began to fade and all too soon the melody was over and the musicians struck up a livelier tune. Waking from her trance, with Christopher’s masculine scent still tantalizing her senses, Elle realized he’d released his grip on her and had taken her hand to lead her back to their table.
Hannah searched for Christopher. He had vanished and as she scanned the crowd hoping to again find the mysterious man, the musicians struck up a tune. The crowd gathered their partners and made their way to dance. Watching the sudden swirl of movement, Hannah spied the handsome stranger leading a woman with long auburn hair through the crowd. The woman was dressed impeccably, her hair pinned back from her face allowing soft curls to gently fall over her shoulders and then Hannah recognised the woman to be Elle. Jealousy bit at Hannah and a wave of heat flushed over her as she watched Christopher haul a laughing Elle towards the swarm of people already stepping in time to the music. As soon as the music began to die down Hannah watched as the tall dark stranger pulled Elle into his arms. Hussy, she thought, but at the same time she wished it was her who was enfolded in the man’s clutches. Hannah watched as they swirled through the crowd and as the music faded she rushed over to the two of them.
‘Oh there you are, Elle,’ Hannah said as her eyes devoured Christopher’s muscular form. ‘Where did you find such a fine man to dance with?’
‘Hannah this is Christopher. He’s—’
‘Christopher,’ she said as she let his name roll off her tongue. ‘We did meet earlier, and I distinctly remember promising you a dance. I find myself free at the moment. You don’t mind, do you, Elle?’
‘Well,’ Elle began.
‘Mrs. Mosely, I’m afraid my card has already been filled,’ Christopher said. ‘You see, Elle and I are soon to be married and we rarely find the time to enjoy each other’s company, so I’m sure you will understand that I have to regrettably decline your invitation.’
Rebuked in front of the girl, Hannah took a step back. ‘Well yes… I… Johnathon, dear,’ she said as her husband joined the three of them. ‘This is Elle and Christopher.’
‘Yes, I met Christopher earlier today,’ he said as he offered him his hand. ‘Elle, it’s nice to see you again,’ he said, failing to recognise the woman.
‘Thank you, Governor. It’s nice to see you too.’
‘Well dear, dinner is ready,’ Johnathon said to his wife and then he addressed the couple. ‘Would you like to join us?’
‘Johnathon, I’m sure these two love birds have more interesting things to do than sit with us,’ she said. ‘And besides, I thought we were eating with the wizards?’
‘Christopher is one of the wizards from Canistar, dear.’
‘What?’ she said and as she looked at him her cheeks radiated with warmth and she remembered her earlier conversation with the man.
‘I’m… pleased to meet you… Wiz… uh…’
‘Just Christopher, please,’ he said to the embarrassed woman.
‘We’d be delighted to join you,’ Elle said as she took Johnathon’s arm and they wandered off in the direction of the Governor’s table.
‘Please excuse me, Mrs. Mosely,’ Christopher said. ‘I’ll just fetch Clarence and we’ll be right over.’ Christopher hadn’t really wanted to sit at the Governor’s table but he knew Elle was annoyed by Hannah’s insult and conceded to play along.
‘We’ve been asked to join the Governor and his wife for dinner,’ Christopher said to Clarence, ‘and I’m afraid there’s no way out of it. Elle has already accepted on our behalf and is taking her seat next to Mosely as we speak.’
Clarence peered over to see Elle at the Governor’s side and was surprised to see her familiarity with the man. ‘A tiff between lovers?’
‘No, I think Elle’s just had enough of Hannah’s little games,’ he said.
‘Oh well then, carry on as they say.’ Clarence rose from his seat and excused himself to the council. He handed Christopher his cloak and they walked over to take their seat on the Governor’s table.
‘Good evening, Clarence,’ Mosely said as he rose to shake the man’s hand.
‘It’s quite a party you’ve thrown in celebration of your ascent to Governor,’ Clarence said.
‘It’s really to thank the people of our great town and to remind them how life used to be. You know, the community gathering together as one is a thing of the past that I wish to revive.’
Christopher listened as Johnathon spoke and couldn’t fault the man’s vision. ‘Reinforcing the bonds which bind the community is a great thing, Governor.’ But, while Mosely said all the right things, there was still something that bothered Christopher about the man and it had nothing to do with Elle sitting next to him. Christopher could understand why Elle was annoyed. Hannah had insulted her, insinuating that their meeting was more than it had been.
Elle listened attentively to the Governor as he prattled on about the miniscule goals he envisioned, and while she thought some of them were quite good ideas, she realised they were sporadic and hadn’t been thought through.
‘So, Governor,’ Elle said.
‘Call me Johnathon, dear.’
‘Johnathon, what’s your main ambition for the town?’
‘Elle, I believe we need to build a strong foundation. Isn’t that right, Hannah? A place where the people can come when they need to seek guidance, and that is why I have decided to rebuild the manor house.’
‘Oh…’
‘Yes, Elle,’ Hannah said. ‘We feel the people will once again have security knowing that the Governor is there for them.’
Christopher had been listening to their conversation and the Governor had finally shown his true colours. He couldn’t allow Mosely to build his wife a fine home and not use the funds provided to forge a new path for the town. He thought quickly and then rose from his chair.
‘Good people of Canameer.’
Hank watched Christopher rise and signalled the musicians to cease playing.
‘Good people of Canameer. We are honoured to be here to celebrate this day with you and welcome the first Governor, elected by the people. To congratulate you and in the spirit of the celebration I’d like to give the people of Canameer a gift. I decree that the vacant land where the manor house once stood shall be transformed into a trading site. It will be a place where everyone, from near and far, can come and sell their bounty. From grain and fleece to cloth and fresh produce, the trading house will welcome all. With hard work it shall become the hub for export and the town of Canameer will become the largest trade centre in the land.’
Cheers rose from the crowd, and Hank smiled and clapped his hands at the lad.
Johnathon and Hannah’s plans to rebuild the manor for themselves had firmly been squashed. The people had a new vision, and the Governor and his wife would no longer be able to do as they wished.
‘Without further ado, I present you with Canameer’s first Governor, elected by the people, Johnathon Mosely.’
The crowd cheered and clapped. ‘That was extremely generous of you, Christopher,’ Clarence said as Christopher sat down.
‘Someone needed to give the people a vision of the future, and obviously the Governor has no substantial ideas.’
Johnathon Mosely was flustered as he rose from his chair. His gaze wandered over the excitement he saw in the people before him. Maybe he and Hannah had been wrong to think the people needed the manor rebuilt?
‘Thank you, thank you,’ he said as he found his voice. ‘And thank you, Christopher, for your exceedingly generous gift to our fair town. A hub you say. What a fantastic idea!’
‘Johnathon!’
Johnathon raised his hand to hush his wife. ‘We shall grow and prosper and make Canameer a place where all in the land come to trade,’ Johnathon said and the crowd cheered again.
Chapter Sixteen
As the evening drew to an end, the crowd dissipated and Christopher walked arm in arm with Elle back to the butcher’s shop. Entering the house, they found Hank and Clarence soaking in the warmth of the fire and the two men stopped their conversation as the couple entered the room.
‘So you two have finally returned,’ Hank said. ‘I thought we might have to send out a search party for you.’
‘It was such a glorious evening that I didn’t want it to end,’ Elle said. ‘I have missed the people here and to see everyone happy was extremely wonderful.’
‘Aye, lass. That it is. Can I fetch you two a drink?’ Hank asked as he rose to freshen his own glass.
‘Thank you, Hank,’ Christopher said.
‘None, for me. I can barely keep my eyes open as it is,’ Elle said, and she bid them a good night and left to turn in.
‘Here you go, lad,’ Hank said, handing Christopher a mug of spiced mead. ‘Now we were just talking about the trading hub. Do you have any thoughts to share on your plans?’
