Rain

Release

“A branch, you say?” Aunt Gertrude fussed over me, grimacing at the flow of blood down my face. The carriage jolted, sending her hand crashing into my nose. I groaned.

“Yes, Aunt,” I managed, tipping my head back against the cushions. “I was rushing to the courtyard after I was called to get in the carriage and I collided with a branch.”

“You poor soul!” Aunt cried, patting my leg. “Do rest awhile, Evan, dear. We will be there soon.”

I looked in Liliane’s direction, but she would not meet my gaze. Her mother eyed her suspiciously, and I hoped to God Liliane wouldn’t fall deeper into Mrs Fairfield’s disapproval. As much as Liliane should not have hit me, I’d provoked her… I did not wish her harm.

It still caused me to wonder whom the portrait had been of, but during the journey it seemed difficult to get a word in edgewise. Liliane remained reclusive, eyes transfixed on the window, rhythmically sweeping her fan to her face, while Aunt and Mrs Fairfield tried to entice me into conversation. I ignored them; naturally—I had a tendency to tune things out if they bored me. Mother had always said it to be rude, but I could not recall a time when she took her own advice.

“At first I was hesitant myself, dear Gertrude. Traveling to the seaside in India is very different from England, you see, but it is absolutely glorious!”

This piqued my interest. “That is where we are going; then? Why did the General keep it a secret?”

Mrs Fairfield blinked at my sudden interruption, but shrugged. “Perhaps he wished to surprise you! My husband does love a good adventure,” she added afterwards, more to herself.

I’d hear about the tropical beaches—dreamed of them, in fact. The white, fine sand, the crystal turquoise waters… the refreshing sea breeze as the sun shone on the shore, making one feel luxuriously drowsy. It was almost too good to be true. I grinned. “A surprise indeed, Aunt Gertrude! We shall actually see a real beach!” I clasped her hand tightly, and began to almost leap with joy.

My excitement must have been infectious, for even Aunt Gertrude, began to grin as well. “Is the water warm, Henrietta?”  she asked Mrs Fairfield with unmasked enthusiasm.

“Oh, very warm, Gertrude, you need not worry about the icy water jolly old England’s beaches are known for,” she replied with a slight chuckle.

Somewhere in the span of a microsecond, I was positive I saw a flash of a smile light on the somber gaze of Liliane Fairfield.

(#)

“Just this once, Etta, let her be a real child!” my father pleaded, flashing Moth a look to melt. He was tugging on my arm, pulling me up and out from other the canopy where the ladies were sitting. “She hasn’t felt salt water on her skin since you bundled her up in petticoats!”

My mother’s frown began to recede, but her voice was still even. “I cannot imagine why you insist so much upon Liliane swimming, darling,” she begun indifferently, but Papa cut her short.

“We can spare decorum out here, my love,” my Papa said gently, handing my mother and me both a pair of breeches and shirts. “There is no one on this beach to frown upon a family for simply enjoying each other’s company.” He then leaned down to my mother, whispering something that made her blush.

I smiled, my dismal mood passing like the fluffy white clouds in the sky. Finally, after years of longing, I would finally swim in the Indian Sea! “Thank you, Mama!” I said, wrapping my arms about her neck. “You are wonderful!”

Mama smiled. Right at me. And then she grabbed my hand and stood, pulling me to the bushes so we could change. “It will do no harm, Liliane,” Mama said for her benefit more than mine. “We will dress as boys and thoroughly enjoy ourselves without restriction.”