Natasha's Dream

by Heather Greenis

Stewart was unable to take his eyes off Natasha. She was unlike any girl he had courted. Intrigued, Natasha Hathaway was as intelligent as she was attractive. He was even more determined to spend more time with this shy woman.

  Natasha tapped her finger on his formula, a reminder to continue working. After being distracted only a minute or two, he rolled his eyes and refocused on his studies.

  With his assignment was completed, he pushed his book toward Natasha.

  “Review it carefully. I hope to benefit from your good opinion.”

  “Are you mocking me? I’m not a geometry major.”

  “Nay, quite the opposite. I value the opinion and attention to detail of my study partner.”

  Chapter Five

  That night, while the twins ate their dinner, their father quizzed them about their day and studies. With Natasha excelling at self-study, Nanny was able to focus all her time and energy on the boys’ academics. He expected to see improvements. Never questioned regarding her daily activity, Natasha’s time was of no concern unless a detail inconvenienced another member of the family or a servant. Natasha used the time to think and reminisce about Stewart.

  She became even more impressed by Stewart’s intelligence as time passed. Although she had spent her entire life sheltered by Nanny and her parents, she wasn’t blind to the fact a world existed beyond the secluded walls of the castle. She was determined to learn about that world and the events taking place around her. Her father had advisors, but he also read the newspaper. They were kept in the library. She could retrieve recent copies and educate herself about current events. It would make her sound more intelligent while speaking with Stewart. Once Natasha was excused from the table, Nanny conducted a review before she allowed Natasha to join her brothers for their evening activities.

  When the siblings had retired to their private quarters, Natasha snuck down the hallway to the castle library in search of the newspapers. With two in hand, she tucked them under her sweater, returned to her chambers and began to scan headlines. She found an article of interest on the third page. The British colonies of Canada were looking to become their own country. A meeting of the representatives of the regions was to be held in a place called Prince Edward Island.

  * * *

  “Canada’s Confederation?” Keeghan asked Alexander.

  He looked her way but never responded.

  “It must be.”

  Alexander turned his attention back to the screen and the newspaper. Keeghan could read the bold headline, but even with her twenty-twenty vision, she couldn’t read the smaller print.

  * * *

  Natasha read the article, put the paper under her bed, and returned to the library to find the world map. Back in her chamber, with the door closed, she looked at the globe and located British North America. It sounded like a wonderful place. After rereading the article, she retrieved her notebook from the bottom of her wardrobe.

  Dear Diary,

  I read an article today about a distant land. The land of the free! If only dreams could become reality, I would run away with him tomorrow….

  * * *

  Weeks passed and Natasha and Stewart’s friendship deepened. When he inquired, she fabricated stories about her family. She said her father owned a large business in the city, and her brothers were expected to join the company upon graduation. She elaborated, stating her parents kept a small apartment near the business where they reside throughout the week. They insisted, she told Stewart, that she and her brothers were raised in the country. She added that her mother spent her free time with charitable organizations. When Stewart inquired about her brothers, Natasha spoke the truth of how they spent the day under the heavy scrutiny of Nanny. With Nanny thus occupied, Natasha had some freedom during the day. Fortunately, she continued, Nanny was pleased with her self-study.

  Natasha cherished her time with Stewart. They sat by the river, took short strolls, and relaxed on the grass, reading poetry or discussing novels. She especially enjoyed intellectual conversations that included politics, current affairs, philosophy, and sports, finding Stewart’s opinions insightful. Natasha was able to forget about her stifling life within the walls of the castle. Listening to Stewart speak, she was envious of the warm and loving environment in which he was raised.

  * * *

  Natasha’s nonchalant attitude with regards to her parents amazed Stewart. He sympathized with her brothers, but was grateful for Natasha’s freedom. It enabled them to meet. Proud of his own family, Stewart’s eyes sparkled when he discussed his parents, younger sister, and their life together.

  Stewart watched Natasha disappear around the shrub, and headed home. He informed his momma he needed to speak with one of his schoolmates regarding an assignment.

  With his book tucked under his arm, Stewart began walking, hoping by chance he would happen to see Natasha or a person resembling a family member. He hadn’t travelled far before he gave serious thought to his mission. Living in the country, the houses were scattered. There was a slim possibility of success. Frustrated, he sat by the river. He would not meet members of Natasha’s family unless it was her wish. He returned home. Inside, he passed the stone staircase leading to the second floor and walked into the large sitting room. As always, the stone floors were swept clean. He stood looking out the east-facing window and then placed his school books on the table. His stomach gurgled. He wandered into the kitchen. His momma stood by the cast iron stove. She looked at him, her affectionate green eyes locking onto his face.

  “Were you able to speak with your friend?”

  “Nay, he was not home.”

  “Perhaps your poppa is able to assist.”

  Stewart walked to his momma and brushed strands of blonde hair away from her face.

  “You’re not only the image of your poppa, but have inherited his mannerisms as well.”

  Stewart smiled. He poured himself a glass of milk, removed two cookies from the jar on the wooden counter, and entered the parlour. His sister was seated, humming a song, working on her needlepoint. Stewart picked up his textbook and sat on the sofa to read until his poppa returned from work.

  As the family ate their meal, his momma spoke of his apparent lack of interest in socializing. Stewart did not wish to discuss the topic. He had declined invitations to attend social gatherings since the day he met Natasha. Although it would please his momma to hear of his new friend, he did not speak of her. Instead, he reminded his parents that his focus was on his studies. With Stewart’s final exams approaching, his poppa was content with his response. The man had no interest in social events after dealing with people every day at work.

  Chapter Six

  Stewart relayed a story of a comical incident at school. Natasha laughed so hard her stomach hurt. She wiped the tears from her eyes. Her body heated. The river looked too tempting. Stewart reached for his textbook to study. Natasha rose, pulled up the skirt of her dress to reveal her ankles, and waded into the water.

  “You were swimming earlier today, were you not?” he asked. “Your hair is damp.”

  “Indeed. I was in the water shortly before you arrived. Do you enjoy swimming?”

  “Very much. Momma believes my sister and I are as fish in the water. If the weather is agreeable, I shall wear proper attire and join you tomorrow. Please continue. I’m yet to have the pleasure of seeing you swim.”

  Intending to remove her dress, she stepped onto the grass and walked past Stewart. Glancing over her shoulder, he had shifted his body, watching her. She lowered the hem of her dress.

  “Stewart,” she pleaded.

  He didn’t move.

  “Please turn around.”

  “Am I to keep my back to you the entire time you are in the water? I have no intention of keeping my eyes closed when I join you tomorrow,” he informed her.

  “I admit this appears foolish, but I cannot contemplate removing my dress in front of a man. My husband will be the one and only man who witnesses such a display. Please,” she begg
ed. “It is not appropriate.”

  “Natasha. I am not suggesting anything that is inappropriate. You are about to reveal your swimwear. Nothing more.”

  “Stewart. Please,” she demanded, her voice more forceful.

  “You’re being foolish,” he grumbled. “But, as you wish.”

  Natasha pulled her dress off, ran past Stewart, and splashed into the water. Immersed, she turned and watched as he removed his shoes and socks and sat on a large rock, allowing his feet to dangle in the river. She was enjoying the water, but he was hot sitting in the sun.

  “I’m sorry. I’m overcome with regret. With guilt. I’ll return to the shore and sit by your side.”

  “Nonsense. Enjoy the river. I shall be by your side tomorrow.”

  Refreshed, Natasha swam to the edge and settled on the grass beside Stewart. With her palms behind her, she leaned back and closed her eyes, allowing the warm sun to dry her.

  “Natasha.”

  She sat upright and looked at Stewart.

  “I would be honoured if you would agree to dine with my family. I would like the opportunity to introduce you to my parents and sister.”

  She shifted her attention to the water. Her mind scrambled for an acceptable reason to decline. Natasha Hathaway would have accepted the invitation forthwith, but Princess Natasha could not consider the request. Her father forbade any association with commoners. She would lose her freedom if this topic were mentioned within the walls of the castle.

  “My humble apologies, Stewart, but I’m expected to dine with my family,” she replied, avoiding eye contact.

  “I would be honoured to accept an invitation to dine with your family. I would love to meet your brothers, your governess, as well as your parents.”

  Natasha’s heart broke. She would rather die a thousand deaths than subject Stewart to her father’s ridicule. That was, assuming he would even allow Stewart through the gates and into the building she called her home.

  “I beg of you. Please don’t ask again. My family assumes I spend my days on my assignments. If they knew how my time was spent, I’d lose what little freedom I have.”

  That night, once alone in her chambers, she wrote:

  Dear Diary,

  He asked me to meet his family today….

  * * *

  So absorbed in her novel, Natasha didn’t hear anyone approach.

  “I was expecting to find you in the water.”

  Natasha jumped, terrified she had been found by one of her father’s men.

  “My apologies. I assumed you heard me. I’ll make more noise as I approach in the future.”

  She placed her hand on her chest. “Stewart. You’re early,” she responded, trying to justify her reaction.

  “Nay. I couldn’t find my bathing attire. If Vicki or Momma knew I’d be in the water, my sister would be by my side at this moment.”

  Stewart began to undo his shirt. Natasha turned her head and covered her eyes. She heard him chuckle.

  “My dear, you will not see anything inappropriate.”

  Stewart was mocking her. She removed her hands and opened her eyes.

  “I assure you,” he continued, his eyebrows raised. “I’m properly attired.”

  He began to unfasten his trousers. Natasha closed her eyes again.

  “You have yet to begin removing your dress. I’ll be in the river and you’ll be standing in the grass watching me. The intent was to swim together. Vicki has been by my side when I prepare to go in the water.”

  Natasha did not appreciate the comparison. This situation was different. “Your sister. Your sibling.”

  “As you wish. Once refreshed, I will wait patiently for you to join me.”

  With her eyes still closed, Natasha considered the situation. Stewart would be able to watch her from the water. She regretted her decision to sit on the grass until he arrived that afternoon. She opened her eyes. Stewart kicked his trousers off.

  “Nanny would be appalled.”

  Within a minute, Stewart ran past her, splashing into the river. She continued to remove her dress. When she joined him in the water, he clapped his hands with delight.

  “The first race between Stewart and Natasha, and the victory with an indisputable lead goes to Stewart,” he boasted.

  “A race? You could have warned me.”

  “Would you have changed any quicker?”

  Natasha attempted to glare at him, but the humour of the situation curled her lips. She couldn’t argue. It was true. They were in the river almost an hour before Natasha worked her way back to the bank.

  “If you desire acceptance into university, you must complete your studies. As your study partner, I will not tolerate tardy assignments.”

  “You are worse than my parents,” he grumbled with mock resentment. “Such attitude.”

  “You are yet to meet Nanny.”

  “If that is an invitation, I would be honoured to accept,” he responded. His tone was filled with sincerity.

  Natasha ignored him, walked out of the water, sat on the grass and picked up her novel.

  “And your assignments?” he questioned, joining her on the grass.

  “I’m pleased to state my assignments were completed earlier today.”

  “Aren’t you proud,” he teased.

  Unsure how to respond to his wit, she continued reading, allowing her swimwear to dry.

  Chapter Seven

  Natasha dreaded mealtimes at the castle. When her parents were present, her father didn’t care to hear her view on any topic. Instead he seemed content to listen to the twins speak nonstop about their day. Her mother would occasionally look her way with a slight smile. Natasha knew her presence would not be missed if she did not appear at the table. Once the meal was over, Nanny joined Natasha in her chamber for an academic review. Nanny expressed her pleasure with Natasha’s progress. She remained well ahead of her brothers. In her diary, Natasha wrote of her friend by the river. How she cherished their time together. She also wrote of how she dreaded her future responsibility, to marry a man chosen by her father.

  * * *

  Stewart sat on the grass, leaning against a tree, reciting poetry. Natasha relaxed on her back with her hands resting on her stomach and listened to his calm, soothing voice. Staring into the clear blue sky, she thought of their relationship. It was based on a lie. She contemplated telling Stewart the truth, but her mind spun with ramifications. Speaking with his momma and poppa, he could inadvertently mention her. Word could get back to the castle. Back to her father and mother. She would be chastised. Forced to remain indoors, under tight scrutiny. What harm could deceiving Stewart cause? Their relationship would end when he leaves to further his education.

  Stewart rolled onto his side and propped his head up with his palm, bringing her back to reality. Neither heard the rustling sound of an intruder.

  “Thank goodness I found you,” a young female voice blurted out.

  Natasha’s heart pounded. She jolted upright turning in the direction of the voice. A golden Labrador charged in their direction. A young girl raced behind. Terrified of the animal, she shifted her body back toward Stewart.

  “Goldie, stop,” Stewart commanded.

  The lab slowed her momentum, lowered herself to her belly, and crawled toward Stewart, her tail motionless.

  “Good girl,” he acknowledged.

  Stewart rubbed the dog’s head and looked up. A young girl ran toward them in her swimwear.

  “Vicki,” he lectured. “You must be more careful. Goldie should be better mannered than to run at a stranger like that.”

  Goldie licked his hand and wagged her tail. She crawled in Natasha’s direction.

  “She won’t hurt you,” he assured Natasha. “Goldie is under a year in age and an incredibly gentle animal. A wonderful family pet since the day Poppa brought her home.”

  Goldie’s sniff of Natasha’s clothing quickly turned into a lick of affection on her hand. Her tail began to wag. The lick moved to her
cheek. Natasha closed her eyes and mouth, lacking the ability or knowledge to stop the animal.

  “That is a bad dog,” Stewart scolded, but with a chuckle to his tone. “Stop that.”

  Goldie’s tail stopped wagging. She backed up and returned to Vicki’s side. Natasha wiped her face with her hand. Stewart reached into his pocket for his handkerchief.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, grateful for the cloth.

  “Natasha, allow me to introduce you to my sister, Victoria.”

  At ten years of age, with long blonde hair and her brother’s blue eyes, Vicki would one day be a beautiful young woman.

  “I’m honoured to make your acquaintance,” Natasha responded.

  The young girl smiled, and then turned her attention to the river.

  “Momma promised I could swim if you’re able to watch me.”

  Without waiting for his response, Vicki tied her hair with a ribbon and ran into the river, the dog right behind her. Stewart stood and extended his hand to assist Natasha to her feet.

  “As I recall, I’m ahead when racing to the water,” he reminded her with a wink.

  Determined to win a race, Natasha pulled her dress off. Stewart removed his shirt. Pleased he was not quite ready, she ran down the slope ahead of him. In her haste, she tripped and tumbled toward the ground. Her hands extended. Falling, Natasha hit the ground with Stewart tumbling on top of her. Stewart’s hands appeared by her side. His chest touched her back. The weight from his body disappeared. Unable to see anything but the slope of the earth Natasha manoeuvred herself onto her back. Stewart’s face hovered directly above her. Her eyes locked on his. Shifting her attention down, his hands were by her waist. Just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, Goldie’s snoopy little nose appeared, sniffing between her face and Stewart’s. The dog looked at her and then licked Stewart’s cheek. Natasha giggled.