| Before Time Page 11 |
| Music : Bard Dance |
| Mothair stood up tall, accentuating her height which was nae near Bowman's atall |
| Her look was as stern as she could manage, and in truth she feared a bout of laughter. Ah yes, Maire got her cheek from her mothair. |
| 'Now then Bowman, ye have spent the night with me daughter. Ye've ruined her chance fer a suitable match. What will ye do ta remedy that, young man ? ' |
| Bowman blanched, There was nothing he feared more than to dishonor Maire in any way. He was so disturbed he missed the mischief in her tone. |
| Maire knew her only too well but it was a long time since she stayed in such a joyous manner. She didnae know whether to be delighted or not, for she could see HerOwn suffering. |
| Bowman swallowed hard. 'I've come ta ask fer her M'am, if ye find me suitable. I'd cause her no shame, if I had to give me life, I'd bring her no shame . |
| The weaver woman near relented, for he was such a grand boyo, but she pressed on. Maire was in agony, nae knowin ta laugh or cry. |
| And what is yer offer Bowman. What will ye offer fer me Maire ? Will it be what ye've already brought ? |
| 'Aye' replied Bowman in a dry voice, for he felt parched. ' All I've brought and more, all I have if tis yer wish. |
| Maire spoke semi aloud to her mothair, she knew this was a day none of them would forget ... 'Ask fer another cabbage Mothair, sure I'm worth another cabbage ! |
| Bowman recovered his wits. He had been so nervous, so fearful his suit would nae be good enough, his humor was all but lost. It returned with gusto as his soul soared. His voice was loud, firm,'Nae a cabbage, mayhaps 2 more turnips. Tis me final offer !' |
| The laughter exploded, had any walked past they'd have thought it an assylum for the mad. ' Ahh, Maire, if he was a bit older, ye'd have mighty competition from yer Ma! ' |
| Bowman was still tired, but he knew there was much to do. When the merriment abated, he went to the kettle, added some meat, some potatoes and some onion. ' It should cook through he thought, when I've finished the cart.' |
| 'Are ye hungry then Bowman, or just tryin ta get yer offerin back ? ' |
| 'Nae, no hunger yet mothair, but I'm thinkin when the cart is unloaded I maight be. There's a few things more, includin some candles ta match the stubs.' |
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| Then I must go back to me cottage and clean up and have a change o' clothes. |
| Maire's voice was anxious, though she didnae mean it to seem so. 'Will ye return today then Bow ? ' |
| ' Ah yes Maire, I'll return, no worries. I need ta visit the carter and pay him fer the overage of time. I'll hire the cart fer another day or so. I want ta bring Mothair's loom ta me cottage. |
| ' Are ye gonna take up weavin then Bowman ?' asked the mothair. |
| His laughter had returned as had his ease.It rolled across the room like a soft low thunder. ' Ah, nae mothair, I'm gonna move ye ta me cottage whilst we repair this one, ye'll have ta earn yer keep ' |
| Maire wondered how she could have doubted they'd love each other. Were they not two pieces from the same bolt. Were they nae gentility no matter what hut they were born to ? |
| The Mothair, pondered and pondered, lost in thought. It'd been a long time since she had used the loom. A long time since she and Maire used the loom, for she had instructed Maire in its use at a tender age. From her reverie she spoke in her soft way 'Aye... t'will be a good exercise, an enjoyment. |
| 'We'll think on it then, Bowman, for tis a misery ta have company fer a new married pair'. |
| 'Aye mothair, we'll think on it. If ye get too vexin we'll put ye in the patch with the chickens .' |
| 'Maire nudged him in the ribs,the joy in the room seemed touchable. |
| He couldnae take the smile from his face, nor could the others. '' Let me nae tarry. The sooner I leave the sooner I'll return ' He bowed to them and forced himself to leave. |
| He went directly to the carter, taking only the horse,to settle the bill owed and to arrange for a few more days. Then back to his own cottage. |