Finding Love

Chapter 8: The Beautiful Garden

"We're here," shouted Jack and I slowed my horse down to a stop with Michel right beside me. The street we'd passed through had been extremely quiet and quite far from the market place. It had been lit up however with numerous streetlamps placed at regular intervals. Despite this, the wild trees and bushes tainted its urban touch. It was so peaceful and serene but at 6:00, the silence was slightly unsettling. The three of us had stopped in front of a pathway, which led up to a small brick house with a tiny chimney at the top. It seemed to only have 2 floors but perhaps there was a cellar. Next to the house stood a barn and a huge tree that seemed to shade the whole house itself. However, it wasn't the house that had grasped my attention at first but it was the garden in front. It was massive with lilies and daisies at the front and vegetable and fruits towards the back. There were even a few apple trees and a small birdbath at the center. It was almost like a painting. It was at this precise moment that I felt 2 sets of eyes watching my face trying to gauge my reaction.

"It's breathtaking," I said out loud and I looked up to find 2 grinning faces, both seeming equally pleased. I then dismounted the horse and handed of the reins to Michel who took it back to the barn.

"You really like it," asked Jack. He seemed so earnest, almost like a schoolboy.

"The garden is beautiful."

"My mother and I usually tend to it. Michel mostly takes care of the animals."

"So where do you work?"

"Well me and Michel do some trading but I work as a blacksmith and Michel works in the mines. We also own some property nearby."

I nodded just as Michel rejoined us at the porch of the house. My hands were turning slightly clammy with sweat despite the cool breeze and I started fidgeting with my dress in an attempt to look more sophisticated.

"Ready to meet my mother?"

I nodded and swallowed slightly in nervousness as the front door opened.