Guardian

by Marnie Leighton

  My father stepped forward leaving me exposed. He grasped the man’s hand firmly. ‘It is a pleasure to meet you Mr. James, welcome to our estate. This is my daughter,’ he added, casting a quick smile in my direction.

  Mr. James nodded kindly. I dipped into my best curtsy, trying to hide my annoyance—this was so like Papa, forgetting to introduce me by name.

  Papa turned to the boy. ‘So lad, are you looking forward to working with the horses?’

  I regarded him curiously. He didn’t look at all disturbed by the sudden question.

  ‘Very much Lord Williams,’ he answered in a clear, polite voice. I was surprised by how well he spoke.

  ‘Good to hear it.’

  Papa gave him a firm pat on the shoulder then turned back to Mr. James. Aydin’s attention remained fixed on the conversation, my eyes narrowed as I studied him. He was taller than I expected, but Papa had said he was twelve. His skin was pale like mine, and except for a tawny birthmark on his neck, he had no freckles at all. I had to admit, he didn’t seem too unpleasant, but I still wasn’t convinced.

  Suddenly Aydin’s focus shifted, and his dark eyes caught mine mid-examination. Mortified, heat flooded my face, and I drew closer to my father. Aydin gave me a quick wink and a grin, causing the heat in my cheeks to flare. I cast my eyes downwards. Didn’t he know it was inappropriate to wink at a lady? Another male voice joined the conversation, and thankfully the boy looked away.

  ‘Good morning Lord Williams.’ It was one of our senior stablemen, Isaac Ward.

  ‘Good morning Ward,’ my father replied. ‘Allow me to introduce to you Mr. James, and his son Aydin.’

   Ward shook Mr. James’ and Aydin’s hands. ‘Pleasure to meet you both. We have been looking forward to your arrival. If you like, Lord Williams, I can show them to their quarters.’

  ‘That would be good Ward, and perhaps this afternoon Callie can show Aydin around the estate.’

  I scowled at my father, but he paid me no attention.

  Aydin’s smile grew noticeably wider, and he placed his cap back on his head, tipping it in my direction. ‘Thanks Miss. Callie, that would be great.’

  I was most unimpressed, Miss. Callie indeed—I was Lady Callie. First a wink and now this. Maybe he wasn’t so pleasant after all.

  Later that afternoon I couldn’t wait to see Aydin again. My initial shock at his poor manners had subsided, and I was desperate to assess his playmate skills.

  Skipping down to the stables I snuck inside. At the end of the building, Aydin and his father were being shown around. A surge of pity ran through me. Papa had told me Aydin lost his mother at a young age. I tried to imagine how that would feel and it nearly brought me to tears.

  Aydin caught sight of me, and he tugged his father’s sleeve, whispering excitedly. His father glanced at me and nodded. Spinning on his heels, Aydin sprinted the length of the barn in no time. It appeared he was quite a fast runner: that would be useful.

  ‘Hello again Miss. Callie,’ he said breathlessly.

  I examined him with suspicion. ‘Good evening Mister James,’ I replied. ‘Please allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Lady Carolyn Elizabeth Williams, but you may call me Lady Callie.’ His head tilted, and a glint lit his eyes. ‘I welcome you to our estate and hope you realize it is your job to play with me.’

  His eyebrows lifted, and a cheeky grin formed. ‘My apologies Lady Callie, and thank you for helping clarify my duties. If I may be so bold, could I inquire as to which games you like to play?’

  I scowled, unsure if he was making fun, but he didn’t flinch. ‘Well, I have never been one for dolls, but I do like hopscotch and marbles.’ I replied. ‘You will also be required to ride frequently, and swim in the river.’

  Aydin gave a soft laugh and dipped into a mock bow. ‘I will do my best Lady Callie.’

  The sound of his laugh brought a strange feeling to my chest. I cleared my throat. ‘Well, now we have that sorted, shall we go for a ride?’

  Aydin righted himself, nodding enthusiastically. He grabbed my hand and broke into a sprint, dragging me behind—he really was a very fast runner.

  ***

  I had always been schooled at home, as my father was a great believer in education, so I wasn’t surprised when he insisted Aydin join me. With so much time together, Aydin and I soon became great friends. We would study together at an old wooden table while our tutor, Mr. Ashman, watched on.

  The first exam we ever sat was on an unusually cold morning just before Christmas. Halfway through the test my hand cramped, and I sat back to flex my fingers. I glanced at Aydin sitting across from me, a massive fire blazed behind him. I pouted with envy imagining the warmth on his back. Mr. Ashman sat at the other end of the room, reading an ancient book, and Aydin worked on oblivious to my gaze. His eyebrows dipped in concentration as he wound a small section of his fringe around one finger. I sat straighter trying to see his paper—he was almost done.

  Slumping back, I tapped my finger a touch too loudly in an attempt to get his attention. It was no use. The fire crackled away merrily and again I felt jealous of his proximity to it. How was I supposed to concentrate with my feet so numb?

  The monotonous silence dragged on, and I vowed to get Aydin’s attention. Tearing a small section of paper from my exam, I rolled it between my fingers and flicked it. It landed under his face. His head shot up, and he cast an impatient frown my way. Delighted by his sudden attention, I poked my tongue out. At first, his expression didn’t change, but a few seconds later the side of his mouth drew into an uneven grin. His brown eyes softened, and he shook his head. Returning to his paper, only an echo of a smile remained on his lips, but it was enough. I returned to my work, completing the rest of the exam.

  Half an hour later Mr. Ashman instructed us to put down pencils. He came over to mark the papers, and I sat there watching the quick flicks of his quill as he went through my test.

  ‘Well done Callie, only a few wrong. Your father will be pleased.’

  I gave him a small grin before raising an eyebrow at Aydin—surely he wouldn’t beat my mark. I had, after all, been privately tutored for several years now. I just hoped he didn’t do too badly.

  Mr. Ashman reached for his paper. I watched as the quill flicked away once more and my dismay began to grow. There wasn’t even one cross on the entire paper.

  ‘Everything correct Aydin, you are studying well.’

  I looked at Aydin stunned, but he didn’t return my stare; though the tiniest blush colored his cheeks. In my anger, I vowed to study as hard as I could to beat him next time. But I never did achieve the level of concentration that seemed to come so naturally to him.

  ***

  When I was twelve, my parents decided to send me to a girl’s boarding school. They felt it was time for me to become a lady, so one day I would make a suitable wife. I didn’t like the idea of being anyone’s wife, but arguing was pointless. Despite my imminent departure, father insisted Aydin continue he studies as he recognized his academic talent.

  And so, I was enrolled at St Margaret’s College for young ladies, in the nearby town of Youlgreave.

  Standing out the front of my house with my arms crossed, I watched unhappily as my trunks were loaded into a carriage.

  My father came to join me. ‘Is there anything you are not taking Callie?’ he stated in disbelief, surveying the endless luggage.

  I scowled at him. ‘Well, it wouldn’t be a problem if you weren’t sending me away for such a long time Papa.’

  ‘Now, now, it is for your own good. One day you might even thank me for the opportunity.’

  I huffed and turned away, looking towards the stables. ‘Is there time for me to say one last goodbye to the horses?’ I asked sullenly.

  My father’s face gathered into a deep frown. ‘Very well, but hurry. We must leave shortly.’

  Without hesitation, I ran towards the stables, loose stones scattering beneath my feet.

  As I entered the
dimly lit, wooden building I stopped to inhale the scents. The horses stood lazily in their stalls and birds fluttered around the rafters. A small ache burrowed into my chest. I would not see this place for many months, and I would miss it.

  ‘Callie?’ Startled, I spun—Aydin’s silhouette was in the doorway. ‘I was wondering where you were. I’ve been looking for you. I thought I’d missed you,’ he said, his voice sounding strange.

  ‘I wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye,’ I said cheerily, walking towards him. I could see him properly now, and my eyes were drawn to his chest. He’d grown so much over the past few years. His work in the stables had robbed him of his slender frame, giving him the beginnings of a man’s body. His jaw had widened, and his neck had taken on the curves of the muscles underneath. He regarded me curiously as I looked him over, his expression was unreadable. Something was wrong. ‘What’s the matter?’ I asked.

  He swallowed nervously. ‘I…I have something for you. It’s not much really, just something I came across the other day, and well, I thought you might like it.’ Bringing his hand from behind his back he held out a large white feather.

  I took it gently. ‘Where did you find it?’

  ‘Down by the pond, I think it came from the swans.’

  ‘Thank you, it’s lovely.’

  I stroked the impossibly light object, watching the quills succumb to the pressure. An odd tightness embraced my throat, and I couldn’t bring myself to meet his gaze.

  ‘It’s something to remember me by while you enjoy the company of all those well-to-do young ladies.’ A small smile touched my lips. I nodded, still looking at my beautiful gift. ‘Well, you better go back to your father. He looks eager to leave… Goodbye, Lady Callie.’

  I watched his feet as he turned and strode away. ‘Goodbye Aydin,’ I replied, but he was already gone.

  ***

  My time at school went better than I thought. I fit in well and made friends quickly, but unfortunately, as my self-confidence grew, so did my self-importance. At the end of the first term my carriage arrived to collect me at nine am sharp. The driver leaped down from the carriage and busied himself with my trunks as I made my final farewells to my friends.

  I didn’t know the young man who’d arrived to collect me and I paid him little attention as he loaded my luggage. When he’d finished, he strode up beside me sweeping his hat off and bowing dramatically. His strange behavior stopped me mid-sentence, and a blush of humiliation colored my cheeks—I would be informing my father about my dislike for this new staff member. He stood upright.

  ‘Aydin.’ I cried in delight. ‘I didn’t recognize you.’ I’d completely forgotten my now silent companions. ‘No wonder. You’ve grown another foot.’

  His familiar grin erupted, and happiness washed over me. I wanted to hug him.

  ‘And you look more beautiful than ever Lady Callie.’

  His smooth response released a flood of butterflies. I cleared my throat and turned delicately to bid my friends farewell, the looks on their faces told me precisely what they thought of the situation. My embarrassment surged, and I felt an urgent need to leave. I nodded politely and without another word, I let Aydin help me into the carriage. The warmth of his skin tingled my fingers, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.

  After I settled, he turned to dip his hat at the group behind him. ‘Ladies.’

  Their disapproving looks morphed to a set of giddy smiles as they watched him bound gracefully into his seat. He urged the horse forward with a flick of the reins, and all I wanted to do was sink into the floor and disappear.

  The carriage was one of the smaller ones, and Aydin’s back sat only a few feet away. As we drove along in silence, my embarrassment slowly subsided. I sat there watching his shoulders sway back and forth. A faint smell of straw wafted from his tawny shirt, bringing an image of the stables. I smiled a little and leaned back in my seat as endless paddocks drifted past—I was going home.

  ‘So how is your new school?’ he asked.

  I straightened instinctively with his inquiry. ‘It was utterly delightful thank you. I met many young ladies from excellent stock, whose company I found to be most pleasant.’

  Aydin nearly snorted with laughter. ‘Excellent stock? You sound like you are talking about the horses.’

  His mockery stung. ‘My dear Aydin, I would not expect someone of your upbringing to understand.’

  His torso stiffened, and he tugged fiercely on the reins, halting the horse mid-stride. I slid off my seat and landed in an undignified heap on the buggy floor. I glanced around—thank goodness no one had seen. I picked myself up and sat back down. After smoothing the folds in my dress, I looked up ready to give Aydin a piece of my mind, but blazing, black eyes stole my ability to speak.

  ‘Now you look here Lady Carolyn Elizabeth Williams. You may think you are a person of great importance, but keep in mind only six months ago you were the girl catching and kissing frogs in the river. You are no more special than the maid or the gardener, you were simply born into luckier circumstances, and it would serve you well to heed this. Kindness and respect are worth more than all the gold in the world, and quite frankly, I prefer the girl who kissed frogs.’

  Shocked by his lecture, I wanted to shout back, to tell him to remember his place, but I knew he was right. Dropping my eyes to my skirt, I fiddled with a loose ribbon, trying very hard not to cry. ‘I’m sorry,’ I murmured.

  His posture softened, and he sighed heavily. A large hand tucked under my chin bringing my face back up. ‘I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have raised my voice,’ he said with a reassuring smile. ‘Now how about you come and sit up here, and tell me all the gossip about our local aristocrats.’

  Relieved by the return of his carefree attitude, I wondered how he knew that many of our conversations were indeed gossip—that was, of course, when we weren’t discussing who we’d marry. Letting go of my face, he held out his hand. I took it and clambered over the bench, flopping down beside him.

  ‘Bet your headmistress would have had a fit if she saw that little maneuver,’ he said with a chuckle urging the horse forward again.

  Giggling, I slid over till my whole arm touched his. The gentle sway of his body brought a sense of completeness and a small flutter settled in my tummy. I’d missed him more than I thought.

  ***

  For the next four years, Aydin was responsible for my journeys to and from school. I always looked forward to those carriage rides, and every time I saw him, I’d marvel at how much he’d grown and wonder if he’d ever stop.

  When I was at home during school breaks, I would try my best to steal Aydin away from his chores and study as often as possible. I always used riding as an excuse because it was a great way to get him alone and it forced him to give me his full attention.

  My father tolerated these outings even though I should have been devoting myself to more ladylike pursuits. But since he didn’t like me riding alone, and Aydin was the best rider on the estate, it was easy to convince Papa to let him accompany me.

  In the holidays before my final term of school, we were blessed with a particularly pleasant summer. I was sixteen and owned the world, and on an especially sunny day, I hunted Aydin down. He was in the stables brushing my father’s favorite chestnut mare, and each rhythmic stroke closed her eyes a little further. He was amazing with the horses, and there were several that only he could ride. I snuck up behind him.

  ‘Good morning Mr. James,’ I announced loudly.

  The mare started, but Aydin merely turned with a raised eyebrow. ‘Good morning Lady Callie,’ he replied with a cheeky grin. ‘To what do I owe this early visit?’

  ‘We are going for a ride,’ I declared.

  ‘No we are not,’ he replied, moving to the other side of the horse.

  I ducked under her neck, and she stamped her foot. I laid a calming hand on her nose. ‘Oh yes, we are.’

  His smile fell away, and he brushed his fringe from his face. ‘I can
’t Callie, your father has given me a mountain of work.’

  ‘Then I will help you.’

  He huffed. ‘It would mean getting your hands dirty.’

  My hands shot to my hips. ‘A bit of dirt never hurt anyone. What’s my first task?’

  He stopped brushing and looked at me quizzically. ‘Your father would be livid if he saw you working.’

  ‘Then we’d better not tell him.’

  Aydin shook his head and chuckled. ‘All right then. The three horses on the end need to be turned out, and their stables need mucking.’

  I stepped back. ‘Mucking? But that’s…’ I was going to say dirty work but stopped myself just in time. ‘Fine,’ I added tilting my chin.

  I walked to the end of the stable and set about releasing the horses. That was the easy part. Next, I found where the pitchforks were stored, and I picked up the smallest one, but it was still heavier than I expected. I returned to the now empty stalls and looked at the mess of straw and manure coating the floor—I instinctively screwed up my nose.

  Aydin appeared beside me and leaned on the stall fence. ‘Go on then,’ he said jovially.

  I pouted and marched into the stable, jabbing at the straw hardly any moved. How did he make this look so easy? I pushed harder but lost my balance, and I toppled over landing in a heap of straw that fortunately wasn’t too soiled.

  The sound of Aydin laughing quickly brought me into a sitting position. I scowled at him, but he was almost doubled over so didn’t see. His amusement was contagious, and I couldn’t contain the giggle that crept through and soon I was laughing just as hard. Once he could breathe again, he came over and offered his hand. I took it, and he pulled me to my feet as though I weighed nothing. His enormous grin lit his whole face and a deep pink stained his cheeks.

  He held my hand and gaze. ‘You really want to go for that ride, don’t you?’

  I nodded shyly, overwhelmed by his sudden display of attention. ‘But only if it’s with you,’ I dared add.