I groaned in agony as my mother was holding many of my old ties for church. I was given the day off from the farm since it was Christmas Eve.
"Mum-" I started to protest since I was trying to eat my dinner.
She flicked the side of my head. She had been spending too much time trying to find outfits for my siblings and I, as well I heard for both Bob and William.
The Christmas Eve church service was always followed by parents rushing their tiny children home and then taking their children of age to the Christmas Eve dance.
The Christmas Eve dance at Black Creek Village was commonly called: "The matchmaker Dance." Since each boy and girl would be in their absolute best outfit and everyone was free that night. Parents would set up their children to dance with others to see if they could find a match, then arrange a courtship.
"I already am courting Charlotte, why are you in such a fuss to dress me like you're selling me off?" I asked her as my father came into the kitchen, asking to see what ties she had since he couldn't find one.
She showed him and spoke to her husband as I continued eating along with my siblings. "He doesn't know. Did you not tell him? I told you to speak to him the other day."
He shook his head and nodded to my sister. "Take your brother upstairs and find the dress your mother put out for you." My sister took our little brother upstairs as I continued to eat with my elbows on the table and slurping, making my mother smack me upside the head for that.
"Charlotte may just leave your disgusting behind at the door if you continue to act like such a boy." My mother was just very nervous for some reason.
My father did his tie as he spoke to me and my mother held ties against me again.
"Alster told me how he would like to give you his farm as a dowry to marry Charlotte since she can be hot headed, but feels that he can trust you with his family's farm."
I already knew that.
"Alright." I said as I nodded, making my mother tip my chin up so she could try ties against me still. I rolled my eyes at that.
"Well? You could very well propose to her tonight. Many men would like her as their own, and if someone gets whiff that Alster is willing to give his farm as a dowry for his daughter? Men may swarm her."
I didn't want to just propose marriage to Charlotte because I was told to. I wanted to do it when the time was right.
"No, I'm not proposing marriage to her tonight."
My mother squeezed my chin tightly and asked why I wouldn't. "She takes care of you all day and makes you happy. Did something happen?"
I shook my head out of her grip and huffed. "I promised her I would not marry her until I had enough money to provide a comfortable life for us. I do not want to have to struggle with money while trying to start a life with her."
My parents nodded and thought that was very responsible of me. "Have you told Alster this? He seems to think you don't want to marry her any longer."
Of course I hadn't told Alster!
"No, of course I haven't told him."
My mother and father sighed. "You must tell him tonight at church before we go to the dance. You and Charlotte must stay close to each other. I'll ask Alster if you'd be able to hold her hand or something to indicate that you both are courting and serious."
"It's alright, I have something." I said to him, swallowing down my final gulp of soup and heading up the stairs.
I rummaged around my room for the gift I had gotten Charlotte for Christmas, but knew I would have to give it to her early. I figured she wouldn't mind since I knew she liked the holidays.
