Days became weeks. Nanny spent less time at the window checking on Natasha. Enjoying the freedom, Natasha wandered the massive grounds. She thanked Nanny on numerous occasions for the privilege of self-study, admitting that she took short strolls around the property.
* * *
Natasha sat on the grass, mesmerized as the sunlight glistened on the surface of the river. Although tempted to remove her shoes and stockings and wade in, her pink dress would not dry in reasonable time. She could not risk Nanny’s lecture or the possibility of her lost freedom.
The following morning Natasha pulled her beige dress over her bathing attire. After eating her breakfast, she joined her father and brothers for a walk. Returning indoors, Natasha took the prepared picnic lunch and snack from Nanny’s desk and ventured outside. After completing the day’s lesson, she tucked her books, dress, and shoes under a bush, tied her hair back with old ribbons, and waded into the river.
Refreshed, Natasha stretched out on her back, closed her eyes, and floated, allowing her mind to drift. An unrecognizable sound broke her tranquility. Startled, she rolled onto her stomach, and looked about. The surroundings were different. The castle was nowhere in sight. Looking down at the current, the water moved with a steady pace.
“My gosh,” she whispered to herself. “I have floated past the castle grounds. How foolish I am.” The river was nearly four hundred feet wide. She should never have taken a lengthy swim while alone. She looked toward the sun, thankful to discover she was still on the proper side of the waterway.
The playful sound of young voices brought her back to reality. Giggling and laughter. People. She worked her way to the edge.
Curious, she looked up the grass-covered slope. School-aged children played with a ball. To the right, a young man sat under a large oak tree, reading a book. A dog nestled by his side. Envious of their freedom, she relaxed on the grass and watched as they played. Uncertain of the hour, and not wanting to be tardy, she stood and slipped away to follow the river back toward the castle.
Chapter Three
Stewart’s parents, Elizabeth and Willard, met in their one-room schoolhouse and married weeks after his momma graduated. A carpenter by trade, his poppa was devoted to both his profession and family. Stewart’s parents were pleased to discover she was with child a year after their marriage. His momma dedicated her life to her husband and infant son. Eight years later they were thrilled to discover she was carrying the couple’s second child. Baby Victoria was welcomed into their family.
Stewart attended class in a one-room schoolhouse and dedicated most of his spare time to his studies. Today he was settled under an oak tree, his back against the trunk as he worked on an assignment. His sister was content, playing a short distance from him with a school chum.
His dog let out a soft whimper. Scanning the area for the cause, he noticed a young woman on the grass by the water. Attractive, she appeared to be his age. Is she new to the area? Perhaps she will be attending my school? The dog whimpered again.
“I see her.” He rubbed the dog’s back. “I need to finish my paragraph.” He turned his attention back to his textbook, but his mind remained on the stranger by the water. Curious, he glanced toward the river. Why is she alone? What is she waiting for? Who is she waiting for? “Perhaps I should go down and introduce myself. It’s possible she may be lost,” he informed the dog. He closed his book, stood up, and looked toward his sister. Vicki and her friend were turning somersaults on the grass. “Stay,” he informed his pet. He turned in the direction of the water. The stranger was gone, disappeared. “I procrastinated. I should’ve gone when you alerted me that we had company. From a distance, she had a pleasant appearance.”
He settled back on the grass, picked up his book, and continued reading.
* * *
It took Natasha almost a half hour to reach the castle. She picked up the books, dress, and shoes she had left under one of the shrubs at the edge of the castle grounds. Breathing deeply, it was imperative she regain her composure, tired as she was from the fast-paced journey. If Nanny suspected she had left the castle grounds Natasha would be chastised and forced to remain indoors with her brothers.
She entered the study room as Nanny closed the textbooks for the day. The twins were chatting as they left the room, impatient for their promised swim in the river. Natasha followed her brothers to the wing where their chambers were located. Leaving them, she entered her room. Growing up, her parents’ nonchalant attitude toward her existence bothered her. Nanny was the only adult that showed any empathy and concern for her well-being. She cherished the rapport they shared as she grew. Now, for the first time in her life, she was pleased Nanny had not missed her. Instead, the woman was completely dedicated to her brothers, which pleased their father.
“I’m confident I was not missed. I enjoyed my day immensely, especially watching the children play. I will return to the neighbouring property.” A few minutes later, she stepped from her chamber door in her bathing attire and spent the next hour in the water with her brothers.
* * *
The next day Natasha read the assigned chapters for her studies and then walked alongside the water. It was a wonderful journey. The river was straight where she and her brothers swam, but once she was beyond the bushes it became winding, only allowing her to see a few hundred feet at a time. Trees grew on the other side of the flowing water. Long grass poked through the water on either side, the tips blowing in the warm breeze. Small fish swam just below the surface. There was an abundance of multi-coloured wildflowers growing amongst the grass shimmering in the sunlight. Mother Nature provided a spectacular display.
Natasha stopped, picked a few blossoms, and then continued her walk. A tall bush blocked her path. She stepped into the clearing to avoid it and noticed a young man. It was the same person who sat beneath the oak tree in the middle of the clearing the previous day. He was skipping pebbles across the surface of the water. Terrified she’d be seen, she turned, dropping the blossoms. “It was a mistake leaving the comfort and familiarity of the castle grounds. A foolish mistake,” she groaned.
“Hello. Hello.”
She heard a male voice, his voice, but ignored him.
“Hello,” he repeated. “I have admired you as I sat under the tree and studied.”
Heat penetrated Natasha’s body. Stupid. Stupid. I hadn’t attempted to hide, but sat out in the open. Her cheeks burned. It would be rude to ignore him. She turned toward him, but kept her head tilted down.
“My humble apologies. I have embarrassed you. Allow me to introduce myself. Stewart, Stewart Donovan.”
Planning to show appropriate manner to acknowledge his presence and then leave in haste, she raised her head. Looking at him, she prayed he wouldn’t recognize her. Extraordinary blue eyes met her glance. The colour was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Mesmerizing. Then he smiled. Her heart began to pound. She shifted her attention away from his face but his features remained embedded in her memory. That handsome face. He was her brothers’ height, five feet eleven inches, with dark-brown hair, a medium complexion, and a slight build. He appeared to be her age. She reached under her dark, wavy ponytail to scratch the nervous twitch on the back of her neck. When she looked up, their eyes locked.
“Natasha,” she responded. Panic rose. Bile formed in her throat. I used my real name. Foolish. Foolish. Her mind raced for a fictitious name. Something he wouldn’t question. She could return to the castle and never see him again. But, for the first time in her life, her mind was blank.
Think, Natasha. Think. Names. I need names. Think of your studies. Only two came to mind: William Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway. Terrified of using the surname Shakespeare, she prayed Stewart would not make the connection.
“Natasha Hathaway,” she stammered.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Hathaway.”
“Please. Call me Natasha,” she insisted, heat burning in her cheeks. “My apologies. I�
��ve intruded on your privacy long enough.”
“Not at all. I am so pleased you’re here.” He tossed the remainder of the pebbles into the water and then pointed to the grass on the edge of the river. “I was hoping, perhaps, you might join me.”
“I would like that very much.”
The moment the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. Natasha was not accustomed to speaking to anyone her father hadn’t approved of. Uncomfortable in the company of such a handsome young man, Natasha’s heart continued to pound. Every beat urged her to return to the comfort of the castle. But she’d already agreed to join him. I will converse a few minutes, excuse myself, and then depart. He would never see her again. Natasha stepped out of the long grass and wildflowers and sat on the shorter grass. Stewart joined her. When their eyes met, he smiled again.
Natasha’s attention bolted to the water. In an effort to slow her pounding heart, she took a deep breath and leaned back. Closing her eyes, the sun’s heat warmed her face. She prayed the sounds of nature would help her relax. She listened to the birds sing in the trees, the leaves rustling from the slight breeze, and the water as it hit the stones and formed small white caps by the grassy bank. After a second deep breath she persuaded herself to settle. Stewart had not questioned her identity.
“I attend school a mile down the road, but am yet to see you there. Do you attend elsewhere?” he asked.
Natasha sat up straight and regarded her new friend.
“My brothers and I are home-schooled by Nanny.”
“Nanny?” he repeated.
His reaction embarrassed Natasha. Her mind filled with questions. Growing up she assumed every family had a nanny. Perhaps that was not the case. She considered his family’s place in society. She was expected to associate with families of the upper class. The people who were invited to socialize at the castle. It was doubtful Stewart’s family would be deemed appropriate by her father. She pushed her own upbringing from her mind. The previous day entered her thoughts. The young voices she heard playing. Natasha looked up the hill. She could not see or hear the children.
“Where are your acquaintances?”
“Ah, you must mean my sister, Vicki. After seeing you by the river yesterday, I had hoped for the opportunity to speak with you. I made alternate arrangements for my sister. She remained at home.”
“You saw me?” Natasha’s face burned. Her hands went to her cheeks.
“I am terribly sorry. I have embarrassed you again.”
Natasha folded her hands and placed them on her lap. Composed, she looked at her new friend. “You have me intrigued. You must tell me about your experiences at school.”
Stewart smiled and began to speak. To Natasha’s delight, she found herself enthralled by the sound of his voice. Captivated as his eyes sparkled. Witty and blunt, Natasha chuckled as she listened to his stories, a refreshing change from the conversations with her parents and brothers, or even Nanny. Unable to recall a more enjoyable time, she laughed to the point of tears, breathless and almost embarrassed by some of his comments. Not only was Stewart handsome, he was intelligent. As he spoke of yet another event at school, her stomach rumbled. There was no question, it was a loud rumble. She giggled. “Oh, dear.”
“Dear, oh dear, indeed,” he responded, raising an eyebrow.
“Obviously I’ve lost track of the hour. I must return home this minute.”
“Will I see you tomorrow?” he asked, his tone suddenly serious. “We could meet here.”
“I shall try.”
“I shall look forward to it.”
Natasha stood and walked toward her home. Certain Stewart could not see her, she began to jog, frantic Nanny might have missed her.
That night, after Nanny reviewed her assignments, Natasha removed her personal notebook from her wardrobe. After writing the date below the previous entry, she began:
Dear Diary,
I met a handsome, intelligent man today with remarkable blue eyes….
Chapter Four
With a novel clutched in her hand, Natasha walked along the edge of the river. She passed the large shrub at the edge of the clearing. Sitting, she removed her shoes, and let her feet dangle in the water. She began to read. A distant voice captured her attention. Glancing up, Stewart rushed down the slope toward her, a book in his hand.
“Mr. Donovan. Please, do sit down.”
“Stewart,” he insisted. He set his book behind him and settled to her right. “Would you mind if I follow your lead?” he asked, pointing at her feet.
Natasha smiled. “Please.” She watched as Stewart removed his shoes and socks and placed his feet in the water.
“You’re fond of reading?” Stewart inquired.
Both her brothers detested literature. She did not expect Stewart to enjoy the written word. To her knowledge, only she and Nanny read for pleasure.
“Indeed. Very fond.”
“Utopia, by Sir Thomas More.”
“You know of it?” she questioned, both shocked and pleased.
“I read it, some time ago. I read most evenings once my studies are complete. I just started A Tale of Two Cities.”
This was indeed pleasing news. She and Nanny discussed novels, but Stewart would give a different perspective.
“Charles Dickens. An exceptional author. Nanny ensures I’m supplied with reading material, encouraging my admiration of the written word.”
The two continued to converse. Relaxing in Stewart’s company, they spent the remainder of the afternoon discussing novels they had read. The sun was lower in the sky.
“I must depart for home.”
Stewart jumped up and extended his hand to assist her to her feet. She stared at it, unsure how to react. Given her royal status, it wasn’t proper to allow any young man, especially a commoner, to touch her.
“Natasha,” he pleaded. “Allow me to assist you.”
Natasha looked into the compassionate glow of his eyes. She debated on the wisdom of allowing a commoner to touch her. It would be far more civilized to rise with his assistance. She moved her hand, allowing it to rest in his, and rose to her feet. Stewart crouched and retrieved his school book.
“I’ve intruded upon your studies,” she groaned, ashamed of herself. “I’ve been inconsiderate of your time.”
“Not at all. I welcome the company when it is accompanied by such a beautiful face and pleasant conversation. No regrets. I’ll complete my reading this evening. Will I see you tomorrow?”
Natasha looked up, glad to see a few random white fluffy clouds. It would be difficult to justify a day outdoors if it rained or became nasty.
“Unless the weather becomes inclement.”
He tilted his head upward. “Mind your manners,” he ordered.
She chuckled.
“I will be praying for a drought,” he admitted, and then winked. “Allow me the privilege of walking you home.”
Sighing, that was one request she could never allow. It was impossible to divulge her true identity. If she did, if her father were to discover the truth of how she spent her time, she would be confined to the castle. Nothing could be more dreadful.
“I regret, I must decline. I enjoy the solitude of the walk. You could use the time on your studies.”
She turned and began her journey back to the castle.
* * *
The following afternoon, Natasha was reading when Stewart appeared, rushing down the slope toward her. Eager to see him, she placed her novel at her side.
“That isn’t necessary,” he protested. He joined her. “I’m aware you’re capable of reading.”
Challenged by his wit, Natasha struggled for a response.
“What are you studying?” she managed.
“Geometry.” He showed her his textbook. “Do your studies include geometry?”
Natasha nodded, reached for the book, and scanned his assignment. “I’ve been taught the basics. Once you graduate, what are your plans?”
“My fath
er is a carpenter. As a young boy, I enjoyed watching him work, but I have no desire for a career of physical labour. My heart yearns to design. I plan to continue my education and study both architecture and engineering. As a combined course, I’ll have to attend university for four years, followed by two years to get my master’s degree. I’m certain I’ll be rewarded with a respectable job.”
“I’m certain you will. Your family must be proud.” She turned her attention back to his text. “If you plan a career, you must complete your assignments.”
She handed the school book back and picked up the novel she brought with her. With a sense of being watched, her eyes shifted toward him. His eyes were focused on her. Uncomfortable, she pointed toward his text. Not interested in rereading a favourite novel, Natasha watched Stewart as he worked. When he glanced toward her, her eyes darted to the page in front of her. Her face and torso heated.
A short time later, curious as to his progress, Natasha looked at Stewart’s figures. Confused by the formula, she leaned over to study his textbook. Even more perplexed, she re-examined his work.
“Forgive the intrusion, but I feel obliged to ask you to review your notes.”
Stewart looked at Natasha and then focused on his assignment. “Hmm. I see I owe great gratitude. Were you deceiving me when stating you only studied the basics?”
“No,” she assured him.
“Then I am certain with your capabilities, I could use your assistance as a study partner.”
Not at all comfortable with the eye contact, she turned her attention back to her novel. Her lips curled into a smile.
“I’d like that,” she admitted in a barely audible voice.
* * *
Natasha's Dream Page 3
