Bound by Duty

Chapter 1: A Day in the Village

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the small village of Ashcroft, nestled in the rolling hills of the English countryside. The village was just stirring awake, with the smoke from early fires curling into the crisp air. Eliza Davenport, a 16-year-old girl with auburn hair and a spirit as vibrant as the dawn, was already hard at work. Her day began before the first light, as it always did.

Eliza stood in the yard, her hands steady as she milked the family cow. The rhythmic sound of milk hitting the pail was soothing, almost meditative. She glanced around the farm, taking in the familiar sights: the weathered barn that leaned slightly to one side, the chicken coop bustling with activity, and the fields that stretched out towards the horizon, promising a bountiful harvest.

The Davenport farm was modest but full of life. Eliza's mother, a woman of sturdy build and gentle demeanor, was in the kitchen preparing breakfast, the scent was carried across the field. Her three younger brothers, James, Robert, and William, were already up, chasing each other around the yard, their laughter echoing through the morning air. 

"Come on! Faster!" James hollered at his brothers that chased close behind.

"Not fair, Robert and I are much smaller than you!" William cried out running as fast as his little legs would let him.

Despite the chaos, Eliza managed to maintain a sense of order, her presence a calming influence on the household.

Once the milking was done, Eliza carried the pail to the kitchen. Her mother looked up and smiled, her face lined with the traces of a hard life but softened by love.

"Thank you, Eliza," she said, taking the pail. "You're always such a help."

Eliza returned the smile. "It's nothing, Mother. Have you seen Father this morning?"

Her mother's smile faltered slightly. "He's off to town again, trying to find more work. He left before dawn."

Eliza nodded, a familiar pang of worry tugging at her heart. Her father's frequent trips to town seldom brought back much-needed money. She sighed inwardly, pushing the worry aside for now. There were chores to be done, and worrying wouldn't help.

"Darling, would you grab the jam and cut the bread on the counter? It's nice and fresh baked just this morning. The boys have been on my tails about being hungry they might float away before breakfast." Her mother asked with a smile Eliza replied with a chuckle. She went to the basin full of spring water and washed her hands before going to the door.

"Boys, Wash up and come get bread and jam!" Eliza said, to which her brothers brushed passed her. She went back to the kitchen to find it now empty, she proceeded to cut the bread.

After breakfast, Eliza set about her daily tasks. The village was coming to life as she made her way to the market, a basket of fresh eggs in hand. The cobblestone streets were bustling with activity. Villagers greeted each other warmly, exchanging gossip and pleasantries. The scent of fresh bread wafted from the baker's shop, mingling with the earthy smell of the market stalls.

"Eliza!" called a voice. She turned to see her best friend, Mary, hurrying towards her. Mary was a cheerful girl with a quick smile and a heart full of dreams. They had been friends since they were children, their bond unshaken by the years.

"Good morning, Mary," Eliza said, her face lighting up.

Mary linked arms with her. "How are you? Have you heard the latest news? Mrs. Hargrove's cow got loose again. They found it in the Vicar's garden, eating his roses!"

Eliza laughed, the sound clear and bright. "That poor Vicar. Those roses were his pride and joy."

As they walked through the market, Eliza couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Despite the hard work and the worries that often clouded her mind, moments like these made everything worthwhile. She traded the eggs for some wool and cheese, exchanging a few kind words with the shopkeepers.

Later, Eliza made her way to the edge of the village, where the Davenport farm met the open fields. There, waiting under the shade of an old oak tree, was Thomas. He looked up as she approached, his face breaking into a warm smile. Thomas was a farmhand who had worked for the Davenports for the past two years. His presence had become a source of comfort and joy for Eliza.

"Eliza," he greeted, his voice soft but filled with affection. "I've been waiting for you."

"I'm sorry, Thomas. The market was busy today," she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly.

He grabbed her by the hand pulling her against him in the shadows away from prying eyes. Eliza pressed her lips to his, the heat of their body together made her head fuzzy. His hand went to her back pulling her closer, she let out a small sound of pleasure and longing. "Oh Thomas" She whispered, pulling away slightly.

"I wish we could spend more time together," Thomas said, his eyes searching hers. "Sometimes, I dream of running away, just the two of us."

Eliza's heart ached at his words. She felt the same, but the practicalities of their world weighed heavily on her. "I do too, Thomas. But what would we do? Where would we go?"

Thomas took her hand once again, his grip warm and reassuring. "We'd find a way. We could work on a farm together, build a small house and barn. You would have a spacious kitchen with a desk in it from your meal books. A living area with a fireplace and a window that looks out to the field in front of the house, with gardens full of fruit and veggies. We'd start a new life. A life where we don't have to hide in the barn and behind trees. We'd be together, for real."

Eliza smiled, her hopes mingling with her fears. "Maybe one day. But for now, we have to be patient."

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they reluctantly parted ways. Eliza returned to her chores, her heart lighter from their meeting but still burdened by the uncertainties of the future. She knew that her life was about to change in ways she couldn't yet imagine, but for now, she found solace in the familiar rhythms of village life and the quiet strength of her love for Thomas.