Blackmoore Academy (On Hold)

Chapter Two

Arthur groomed his horse, thinking about everything he had observed. Gwen was being very standoffish. She was fidgety and couldn't hold eye contact with him for more than a few minutes before she lowered her gaze. He would have liked to think that it was her mother's inevitable death that made her this way, however morbid the thought was. But he knew that wasn't the case. Something else made her this way.

Whatever it was, he intended to find out. Perhaps she'd found herself a lover who intended to court her. Arthur knew his daughter was afraid not necessarily of binding herself to another, but of leaving home; but perhaps if the right man asked for her hand, he would have it. But if it wasn't a proposal of Unity then what?

"Father? What are you thinking about?" Arthur jumped. He hadn't even heard her enter. "Is everything alright? You look worried."

"As do you, Gwendolyn. I was wondering what could ever make one so strong willed as you tremble so. Have you been asked to Unity then?"

Gwen's pale cheeks turned bright red. "Good heavens no! Father, I'm only sixteen!"

"The very age of your mother when she first married."

Gwen's stomach heaved. "How old was she when she...had me?"

"Custom says many women should marry at twelve or thirteen. She married late for our standards, and it appears so will you. She was seventeen."

"How many suitors have approached you, begging Unity?" Gwen asked, unable to help herself. Then she but her tongue. If hrr father had intended to speak with her on the matter, he would have approached her. It was something for him to bring up when he thought it appropriate. But Gwendolyn wasn't chided for her curiosity.

"I've had a proposal from Erich." Gwen's heart thumped a little faster. She had seen him ride with her father before. He was young but already a man. He had broad shoulders and well muscled arms to compliment them. Gwen had to admit, if she was to commit to Unity, at least she fancied him. "So you like him do you?" Arthur teased. Gwen could feel her skin burning. "Well, if you like him, I suppose I should set a Day of Unity then."

Gwendolyn couldn't argue. On such matters her father held the last word. She nervously clutched the fabric of her dress. Of course she thought Erich was attractive; it would be a lie to say otherwise, but she didn't know if she was ready to marry him...yet. She bit her lip in thought.

"Gwendolyn!" Her father's stern voice dragged her from her reverie back to reality.

She raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I asked you if you thought Erich made a suitable match." Gwendolyn's jaw almost dropped to the floor. He was actually asking her opinion. Usually custom required the daughter to accept whatever man her father chose.

She hurried to answer before she lost her opportunity, tripping over her own tongue in the process. "I'm not sure...I mean-he's um."

Arthur smiled at her. "You are speechless at the thought of him. I suppose I shall have to accept his offer." He cupped Gwen's chin gently with his hand.

"I-"

"You need not say more. The decision is made." Gwen almost cursed before she remembered she was standing right in front of her father. She had lost her chance. She gave him a small curtsy and ran for the house.

"Maris!" she called. Maris sauntered out of the kitchen. "I'm going for a short ride. I'll need an escort." Maris pursed her lips. She hated riding. She was too large to properly get herself up on her horse. It was one way Gwen could get revenge. But Maris followed Gwen regardless. The floorboards creaked under her weight as she made her way through the front door. The impression of her boot in the mud was small but deep. She trudged to the stables.