The Somerton Man

A TRIP TO YORK

"Oh, I am so glad that my father decided we could spend a week in York for my sixteenth birthday. I am looking forward to meeting your cousin's at last," Clara said as she sat next to Eleanor in the carriage as it rattled its way along the road on its way to York. Miss Targlinto sat across from them dozing.

She had been pleasantly surprised to see the change in Clara when she returned to Somerton Manor, and had confided in Eleanor that the change in Mr Somerton's demeanour had been a welcome change, that she had not felt very comfortable at first in his presence when she had first arrived.

She had been even more pleased when she discovered they would be going to York also, but now half way on their journey there she had grown weary and given into her tiredness, so much so that even Clara's chattering did not stir her.

Which was why Eleanor just smiled at Claras excitement, whilst finding she was filled with mixed emotions about the trip Daniel had arranged as a surprise the previous week, for Clara's birthday.

They would be staying at Daniel's Aunt Mary's house for the four day trip, and whilst they were there, Daniel suggested it would also give Eleanor to catch up with her own family whilst they were there.

It would be the first time she would have the chance to visit her family since her marriage to Daniel, and travelling along the same road that had first brought her to Somerton Manor all those months ago, it felt a little strange as she recalled how nervous and uncertain she had been. So much had changed since then in ways she had never imagined.

But still the memories of the first few months of her marriage made her still feel uneasy

When she had written the odd letter back to her relatives, she had not mentioned her misery. Instead she had concentrated on the small positive things, telling them her task of bringing Somerton manor up to scratch, and about the local people and workers, she visited and helped on Daniel's estate.

She had no desire for her cousins to know how much her marriage to Daniel had been humiliating in many ways.

Which was why she decided now was a good as time as any to make sure Clara didn't haplessly drop some remark in front of anyone about how things had been less than pleasant between them all at one time

"I will look forward to introduce you to my cousin Kate, I think you two will deal very well with each other, as there is only a few years difference" Eleanor now spoke up,

"Though I think it would be much easier and wiser for us all, if we did not speak of the enmity that existed at Somerton Manor on your first arrival. I believe it would just lead to awkwardness" she then advised

"Yes, of course," Clara realised, her excited countenance suddenly becoming a little grave at the unhappy memories.

"In honesty, I do not think I would speak them aloud to anyone, because it would only reveal my own foolish and shameless behaviour towards you, which I do my best not to think about" she then admitted soberly.

"Well the good part is we have managed to put all that behind us now, and we get on famously, that is the most important thing." Eleanor replied with an encouraging smile

"Yes, so have no fear that I will reveal otherwise, I have no wish or desire to spoil things on our first family trip" Clara assured her, making Eleanor relieved, so now she was feeling she could look forward to the time in York, without this worry hanging over her.

Daniel wasn't travelling with them presently. but he intended to join them the following day, and still be there on time for Clara's Birthday.

Eleanor had only met Daniel's Aunt Mary, briefly during her wedding day, and even then she had been feeling so miserable she had not been in a very sociable mood.