Danford Abbey- Vol. 1: Fiona (Éireann)

4

Fiona had not heard from Nathan for some weeks, he had not came to Church either and Fiona had only exchanged a few words with the Abbotts.

Fiona was missing him, even though she had never mentioned him again with her folks.

One day they received a visit from a servant from Abbott hall, he asked to speak to Fiona and informed her of a Nathan's health problem: one of his wounds had inflammation, due to a piece of bullet that had remained inside and he had an operation to have it removed. Mrs. Abbott was asking her to visit them and Fiona, worried about Nathan, went immediately to Abbott hall.

When she arrived she asked about Nathan, "How is he?", she asked, "He is still in bed, but he is recovering", replied Mrs. Abbott, "He shall be happy to see you", Fiona said: "Do you believe I should do it? Maybe he rather to be left alone", Mrs. Abbott reassured her: "Receiving your visit shall cheer him up"; she accompanied her to Nathan's room.

Nathan was lying in bed, "Fiona is here to visit you", Mrs. Abbott told him, Nathan was surprised, "Good morning Nathan", Fiona said, Nathan was pleased to see her, but he also felt in awe, "Fiona...", he murmured rising and leaning the back on the headboard, "Fiona wanted to know how are you", Mrs. Abbott said, as she walked to the curtains opening them, "I am not in the best condition to receive you...", Nathan said, "Never mind, I am not staying for long", Fiona replied.

Mrs. Abbott left them alone, even if it was inconvenient, but she knew they needed to talk alone, Fiona did not feel any embarrassment, "Your mother informed me about the operation", Fiona said approaching the bed, "Thank you for your concern", Nathan replied, Fiona asked: "How do you feel now?",

"Better",

"I have not seen you in Church",

"I wasn't in the mood. And then... I was uncomfortable at the thought of meeting you",

"There is no reason for it, nothing precludes us to have a courtesy friendship",

"It would make it harder for me to keep you away from me...", he said with a melancholy tone, "I had made my choice before", Fiona said, doubtful Nathan asked her: "Are you sure it would be the right thing for you?",

"I am",

"What kind of leisures would you have without Society events to attend to? And even if we attended to events we would not be able to dance",

"Do you believe I care about these things? I have enough leisures managing the manor's works",

"And what about your family? Do you believe they would agree to see you married to someone in my condition?",

"My family has always had esteem for you since you were a boy. Your condition won't change nothing and they would never reject you because of it", Fiona touched his hand, "Your sorrow will leave you alone one day", Nathan felt relieved and joyful and he promised himself he would've done what he could to deserve Fiona.

Before he felt empty, now I was feeling to be brought to life again thanks to Fiona, he was feeling and experiencing again.

His life wasn't over as I had thought before, he had still much to give.

When he recovered, he and Fiona spent time together in the garden, sitting at the table, conversing long.

Then they announced their decision to the Abbotts, they were glad, "We could not hope for a daughter-in-law better than you are", Mrs. Abbott commented, "So your father and I will become relatives", Mr. Abbott said, "We are yet to ask for the Everdenes's consent", Nathan remarked.

When they were alone, Nathan and Fiona agreed to go to Mr. Everdene and speak to him, then Nathan kissed her.

The Everdenes had expected Nathan's required of courtship and, as much as they were aware of the difficulties, they knew Fiona was a responsible young lady and she was not making the decision lightly. 

Mr. Everdene asked her: "Have you considered carefully all the circumstances?", she said: "I have, dad. I am well aware of all the issues".

Later Nathan spoke to Mr. Everdene: "I know my conditions make it difficult for  you to consent, but I assure you that I am able to absolve husband's responsibilities", Mr. Everdene replied: "I know very well that you are trustworthy, Nathan", finally Mr. Everdene gave his blessing.

Fiona's sisters were thrilled for her and hugged her, Gwyneth said to her, taking her aside, "I am glad for you. Apparently my intuition was right!", she laughed, "...And I must admit I envy you a little", she added more seriously, 

"You don't have to. You have many suitors, there must be someone having the qualities you are looking for. You just have to get to know some of them.You always care about us, the younger, it's time to think of yourself",

"I wish you very happiness", Gwyneth said before going to congratulate to Nathan.

Nathan and Fiona decided that, for the first period, they would've lived at Abbott hall. Two weeks later they announced the engagement.

In those days Nathan offered to accompany Fiona to the theater, he had to face to show himself in public and get used to the awkwardness of people when they interacted with him.

After they were married, when he was with Fiona privately, to experience he used his senses and his touch as they were his eyes.

Nathan's eyesight gradually improved, he soon could recognize people. Even his nightmares began to leave him alone and he tried to control his mood and his "dark" periods, while Fiona always tried to show patience.

In the limit of his possibilities, Nathan managed to have a life pretty like anyone else's one.

                                                                THE END.