Forget the Past

Forget the Past Part 18

The Future

"You are pensive." Erich could read the signs. "Never a good thing, I hate when you are pensive."

"It has been months. I need to visit...the village."

"To see your old lover?"

"To see...Davy." the girl shifted from his arms, sitting away from the man's reclined form.

Erich, quieted. "If that is what you wish." his palm smoothed a loving trek down the curve of her back.

"Your mother does not like when we spend time like this, Erich." Elsbeth issued a glance his way. "You must not constantly cause waves. She has accepted me to a point."

He smiled over. "It is only important that I accept you, Angel."

"No." she moved off the swing, walking beneath the rose arbor. "It is beautiful here in the Spring." Her eyes traveled over the blossoming gardens. "Spring."

The blue eyes sought him out. "My God, Erich...it is already Spring."

"Happens each year, I hear tell." He held out his hand. "I was most comfortable. Come lay with me."

She shyly turned away. "...How long, Erich?" The words were gently spoken and difficult to hear. The man sat up, swinging out of his spot.

"How long for what?"

"People in town are starting to...treat me differently. Talk is getting around." she hated to bring the matter up for she enjoyed being with him. "I fear Madame Cecily will be forced to confront the issue sooner than later."

"...What are you trying to say."

"The plan was for me to..." she trailed away. "The village is coming along nicely. As is the new textile factory."

"Yah?" he moved closer, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his dark breeches.

Elsbeth turned, her eyes gentle on him. "It is time. I think you know that."

"You wish to leave me." he did know, had known of her restlessness for some time.

"No." She told the truth for once. "But I must just, as you must allow it. We cannot embarrass your family any more than we have."

The man lifted his head, glancing about the area.

"When?" he put it on the line.

"I shall visit Davy and...travel to London this week. Friday." she had decided. "And from there to a place...Florida."

"You need me to..."

"I have my fare and enough." she warned with her eyes and manner.

"...So...it is decided."

Elsbeth nodded minutely, her hand reaching, gently tracing down the front of his shirt. "I...will miss you, although I have no idea why."

He nodded, then...strolled away, down the brick pathway, which led to the lake eventually.

She watched him go, tears welling in the lovely eyes.

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"I will ask her to be my wife, Mother and we shall go from this place." he began without preamble. "We go to a new place." He smiled wistfully. "In the Americas. Wilhelm will manage the estate. And Sean Powell will handle the matters with the village. I trust both to do a good job. You will be left in good hands."

"You cannot be serious. She is...simply not what you need. She isn't even of our station. She is of no station in life, Erich...none."

"I will do this thing." she was informed. "Nor do I wish you informing her of my decision, until I have the opportunity to do so myself."