| Before Time Page 12 |
| Music : I Know Where I'm Going |
| Bowman spent a wee amount o' time with the carter, so as nae ta be rude. He even went so far as ta mention he would be taking a wife. He didnae reveal her name, but Carter, as well as everyone else in the shire could correctly guess. Carter looked at him and nodded in approval. 'Well Bowman, 'she's' made a good choice ' They shook hands warmly and Carter added, 'I hope she brings ye as much a happy life as me wife has brought me. A bit of advice Bowman, if she get's vexed as they often do fer the oddest of reasons, duck lad, for their aim is accurate and the pots hurt fierce ' Bowman's head snapped up to protest but noticed the older man was havin him on. They both laughed and Bowman remarked again to himself ' When have I laughed this much before ? ' |
| As he took his leave, Bowman turned back to Carter and spoke as an afterthought, ' Carter, sir, would ye be knowing anyone who maight like ta farm some land ? One that could keep all he grows except fer a share of the crop fer the owner ? ' Let me think on it Bowman, and I'll make some inquiries if ye'd like. ''Thank you Carter, as I'll be fair busy fer a few days' and off he went whistling a lilting melody. |
| Though he had nae much length to his rest, his stamina was back in full measure. Being so, he knew that he wasnae what ye might term ' an experienced ' rider. So he clung ta bonny's neck and rode at a clip, but nae a dangerous pace. He pondered on the fact that oft ideas bubbled in his head like a fine stew, then boiled to a finish and made themselves known. |
| Thus with the farmland, If he found the right person or family, to farm the mothair's land, with a share goin ta her, He neednae worry, should something befall him. His two ladies would have food forever, at least earth grown. As ta meat, that would come ta him too. |
| He was soon back at the Weaver cottage. The cart was still full, more or less and he was in a quandry, If he was ta move the Mum ta his cottage, should he unload the cart here ? |
| Maire heard the horse approach and jumped up again. Mothair as was her way, remarked just loud enough ta hear ' Whatever it is that makes him bound up so, she has caught from him ' Maire laughed at the jest and called out merrily 'Have ye finished so quick Bow ?' 'Nae Maire ' he called back. 'But I have made ammends with the carter and now I feel a hunger again. Is the stew warm ? ' |
| Maire tidied herself with one hand and went to the kettle to check it's readiness. ' Aye come in Bow, rest a bit whilst I liven the fire ta be sure ' |
| ' Bow ' came in with a smile that niver seemed to lose it's place on his lips. His exuberance was nae ta be missed.He bowed to them both and turned to the mothair as Maire prepared the dishes for the meal. 'I've an idea Mothair, one I want ye ta hear. If ye donnae like it, we'll let it wither' |
| The mothair watched in amusement as he nibbled a piece of cheese and awaited his serving. His nervousness was all but gone. His ease was sublime. ' What have ye ta say Bow ? Cannae we speak and eat t'once ? ' |
| ' Aye, we can, M'am. We'll go ta me cottage soon and I have something fer ye ta think on. If the cottage is to yer aproval, If ye'll honor us by stayin mothair and I fix up yerown cottage, mayhaps ye'd consider 'letting it out '. We'll find a hardworkin fella, or a family. Let them live in the cottage and plant the land. If he wishes a few critters too, he can do so. His payment in kind would be a share of the bounty he grows. It can go in yer larder. Ye'll niver be in want should yer Bow prove a slacker' ' With that, he cleared his throat and sipped of his ale. |
| Once again she was amazed by this wise young man. Her eyes flickered to Maire before settling back on Bow, In her way she replied low key 'Aye Bow, provided the cottage meets me standards. ' |