| Before Time Page 15 |
| Music : Book Of Days |
| The meal was excellent. Maire was indaid a fine cook. Bow was savoring it with eyes half open. He pretended nae ta notice Fionna wink and smile at Maire |
| Maire, still a bit anxious, though she knew it was a grand repast, asked Bow timidly ' Did it meet yer favor sire ? ' |
| He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, thinkin of teasin her, but thought better of it. 'Aye, yer Ladyship. T'was perfection, just a hint of mint I notice. ' I'm so glad sir. T'is the way I thought maight please the Laird. |
| The trio sat, enjoying the chatter amongst themselves. The candles burned softly,Bow was loathe ta snuff them out. The flame light danced on the walls and on the faces of Maire and her mothair. Occasionally Bow would reach across and caress Maire's hands, for he couldnae resist to touch her. |
| His eyes at times seemed to be searching. Maire, and by now Fionna, kinew that look. There was something he wanted to work on, He was looking fer a suitable place. |
| Maire covered his hand with one of hers. She spoke in words of love and jest at once. 'What is it Bow ? Are ye lookin fer the best place fer a grand salon ? ' |
| His twinkling eyes focused on hers and his laughter filled every corner. ' Ahh, nae Darlin, if I build a ballroom, M'um would have me legs danced off in two days. Nae, nae, I've been alone so long, I had nae need ta be concerned with privacy. Now, I'm thinking I must set off a space where ye and Mum can bathe with nary an eye peerin at ye. |
| What do ye think, Maire, Mum ? Will it go next ta the hearth. so ye can keep cozy whilst ye clean up ? I can put up a table fer the handwash ... and a larger piece ta hold a bathin tub. Aye and can surround the space with some fabric, and... his voice trailed off. Maire just let her head drop on her hands in mock exasperation and Fionna just laughed and said ... 'Aye Bow, will be grand. But it can wait til tamara yes ? We've niver had such grandness, it can wait another night ' |
| Bow smiled his sweet tired smile. Aye mothair. It can wait. I'll freshen the fire so ye keep warm the night thru, whilst ye and Maire prepare fer sleep. |
| From behind the curtaining he could hear sounds of joy and contentment. Fionna''s voice came floating over the fabric. 'Maire, I didnae notice chickens did ye ? I wonder how long I can vex him. Before Maire's giggle could reach a crescendo, Bow's voice floated back to them. ' Maire, remind me ta stop at the chicken man's place ... TAMARRA ! ' Oh, yes, the love was there, and would remain. |
| Bow insured their privacy, festooning long pieces of cloth or lamb skins about the bed, so they could undress and prepare for sleep. He was still restless. He kept going over things in his head. ' Did he forget anything ? ' |
| Although much remained on Bow's list of things to do. His thoughts now turned to the marriage ceremony. He must see the magistrate and arrange for the celebration feast. Ah yes, Maire would have a great hand in the arrangements, but she and Fionna would no doubt be discussing the life of a man and his wife. Maire was clever, Ohhh he admired her cleverness, but in some ways she was an Innocent. Bow had already made up his mind to having Fionna with them for the rest of her days. |
| Bow sat in quiet contemplation,m his chin on his hands. Maire noticed, but let him have his private thoughts. |
| He spoke softlty as if his thoughts aloud. ' I must make arrangements Darlin. I need see Tailorman. I've niver had a suit made by another. 'Tis time, yes ? And I must reserve the common in the village, we can set up the dining tables there, if it suits ye. If nae, ye'll pick a place.' |
| Once again Maire was astonished by him. 'Bow, the common ? Who will be coming to take up all that space ? |
| If 'twere up ta me Maire, the whole kingdom would come, tis how pleased I am. But none will be turned away. All will be fed and given a slake to their thirst. ' He paused, cleared his throat and whispered huskily ... 'Tis that much I love ye Maire ' Then with a slight cough 'And I tend ta brag ! ' |
| Maire, felt the tears come again, this time didnae even question them |
| For the next few days Bow set about tending to details. And all the while , he felt his happy heart would burst from his chest. If he had his own wishes, he'd have married her with no delay atall, but he would give his Maire the wedding she deserved. |
| He also spent a few hours each day, teaching Maire her ' letters '. He wanted to share his pride when they wrote their names in the Magistrate's registry. Maire was thrilled at the task, and true ta form, she was a clever Girleen, she learned to write it quickly, as Bow knew she would. Yet she dawdled so he'd sit longer with her. Even Fionna seemed interested, but she wouldnae have to sign. He made a note in his brain ta teach her later. She would enjoy it so, whilst pretendin t'was a bother. |