| Music : Get Me to The Church On Time |
| Before Time Page Seven |
| The voice, now lighter, called out again, 'Did ye bring many pears Maire ? ' |
| Bowman was silent for a minute, as though he were ponderin the mysteries of the universe. When he did speak, he 'looked off in the distance ' and said to them both. "Aye, well there is a matter I wanted to discuss. I'll go back to me cottage, get ye some wood and be back before long. We'll have our wee chat. ' |
| Maire's eyes flew open wide as she mouthed the words to Bowman ' THE PEARS ! ' |
| ' Ahhh ... nae Mothair Darlin. I brought ye something much better ' |
| By this time they were into the main room .. which near was the only room. |
| The weaver woman sat up a bit 'taller' glanced up and down Bowman. 'Ye've brought me a house boy have ye ? ' |
| 'Aye, mothair, but his price is dear. ' |
| Bowman was perplexed... until he heard them both laugh and his nervousness disappeared. |
| The Weaver woman felt in her soul what she always knew . This day would come she'd be alone. |
| She wouldnae allow her fear to ruin Maire's happiness. For her happiness was sure, strong. Her whole being showed it to be so. |
| Give the young man a bowl of our best stew Maire. Whe're are yer manners ? ' They're with our best stew ' was her impish reply. |
| Bowman pondered the best way to handle this. He coudnae, WOULDNAE demean the offering, so gracious, so telling of the family that .. with the help of the Fae would soon be his. |
| He finally brought his reply to his tongue. ' T'would be more than welcome m'lady, for the walk was wet and chilled. I'll have enough ta set me on me way to me own home. I have me dinner on the fire.' ( at this point he noticed her own fire was near extinguished. ) He spoke softly, respedtfully, for he knew a gentlelady when he saw one. Where's yer wood M'am I'll retrieve some ta stoke the fire fer ya |
| She smiled, felt a comfort she hadnae known for a long time. Maire had done well. She cleared her throat and used the same humor Maire had learned so well. 'Will take a bit of stokin Lad. The wood, what there is, is out in the wet. |
| He spoke even softer now, Maire watched him close, wondering if the squalor affected his want of her. Twas impeccably clean and tidy, Maire saw to that. Still, there was no doubt twas a peasant's home. |
| He took the mother's hand and felt the chill to it ' I'll have the stew Mum, it will keep me satisfied on me walk home. Maire 'started' at his words. He had changed his mind. Bowman glanced at her with a smile, and his thought sent to her. 'Trust me, MeOwn ' |
| Both women watched him, thinking their own thoughts. He had been long dear to Maire, and becoming so to mothair, with no idea he was. |
| He stood, tall and strong from his many years of physical work. With the grace of a deer, he crossed to both women sat on their bedding, He bent and kissed their hands. It wasnae false, he had no artifice. What he did, he did as if it was the only thing to do. |
| He passed over the threshold out into the rain. It had abated some, which pleased him, for he noticed many places where it seeped through the thatching. |
| He went further into the village before he left for his cottage. He would be bringing more than wood, and he would need a wagon, or at least a cart to carry it. |
| Once he was out of hearing, Maire's mothair said softly 'Aye, better than pears Love. He seems gentle, with a tender side ta belie his strength, if me instincts are right.' |
| Maire's voice was soft , almost quavering as she answered her mother simply, 'Aye, Mothair , yer instincts are right, ' |
| Bowman walked swiftly. He had much to do and twas near the end of dusk, drawing on to night. His first stop was at the Carter. He made arrangements with the carter for a fair sized cart and a strong horse to pull it. He chose the horse nae for beauty, though he thought all horses so, but more he wanted one of stamina.twould have a load to pull. |
| Bowman next drove the rig to his home at a fair pace, nae enough to tire the animal, but enough to get there in good time to load the wagon. The horse could rest, he reasoned, whilst he loaded up the cart. |
| The cart had been indoors when the rains fell, it was for that reason, more than any other, that Bowman chose it. All he loaded would be clean, fresh... and nae tainted by dampness. |
| Bowman secured he horse, gave her a fill in her bag o' oats, 'Dine now bonny one, whilst I load up the cart ' he whispered to her. |
| He worked diligently, but swiftly, for he knew Maire would be concerned about his absence, and the reason for it. She knew his heart fair well, her knowing would grow with time. |