The Wind Whispers

Chapter One

"Your not sewing at your normal pace Marie...Marie?...are you listening to me?" I snapped my head up and looked politely into my mother's eyes,

"I'm very sorry mother, I'm just a bit tired today I suppose" my hands were sore and my fingers red. My mother sighed and nodded her head,

"Very well, why dont you go and take a little walk through the garden to clear your mind, supper will be on the table shortly" I smiled thoughtfully and set my things on the ottoman and rose from my chair. I took a sip of my tea before I set out to wander the garden. My happy place.

It was sunny outside which ment the flowers would smell radiant. My parents were very proud of this garden, infact when I was just a little girl my mother would let me plant some of the very flowers that still bloom here every year. Now that I was 19 my parents wanted me inside doing things that every women should know how to do when she is married. Only I didnt wish to be married, I enjoy being free. My name had traveled a distance once I hit 18 and ever since I've had men on my doorstep asking for my hand in marriage but I always refuse. How can you marry someone whom dosnt even take the time to know you?

The tulips had fresh morning dew on them and butterflies came from every direction to get a taste of the sweet nectar I had provided for them. I sat down on an old wooden bench and closed my eyes, listening to the beautiful sound of my little world. Spring was in the air and my dress seemed to go rather fittingly with the garden this morning.

All was well and peaceful until I heard voices coming from the house. I stood rather quickly and made my way around to the front of our home where I saw two gentlemen speaking with my parents. I sighed and pondered whether I should wonder back to the garden or be polite and meet them. They looked to be older then me by at least 6 years. They wore business like attire unlike most of the men that showed up at our door. 

(Yes if they look familiar its Alfie and Tommy from peaky blinders but these were the people I imagined so they are now these characters for my story🤷‍♀️)

I hurried back around the side of the house but not quick enough. My fathers voice rang out like he was calling for cows,

"Marie we have guests!" I sighed quite loudly and made my way back to the front of the house. I tried not to make eye contact with the strange men because they didnt quite look like all the other men whom asked for my hand in marriage, they were more stern looking, like they had no souls. I stepped onto our patio and kept my head at eye level trying to make myself look unbothered by these mens sudden appearances. My father smiled gingerly and looked over at me,

"This is my only daughter Marie Chapmen, heir to my beautiful estate, being as I have no son" I looked over at my father and shot him daggers. I was already nervous around these two idling men, but now they know not only that we are the Chapmen's but also that I am to claim my fathers land and anything else residing in his will. My parents didnt seem to notice my gaze upon them so I opened my mouth looking to pry,

"Well now that you know my name what are yours?" My mother scoffed and I didnt even look her way. The taller of the two tipped his hat with a slight smirk forming on his lips,

"John Carrigan, owner of the pub just outside of town, pleasure to make your acquaintance" he blew a hefty amount of smoke out of the side of his mouth after he spoke, his voice was low and deep. His friend locked eyes with me,

"The names Thomas Bailey and it is indeed a pleasure to meet such a smart, beautiful young woman such as yourself" I looked away distracted by another carriage pulling up to our home and I looked over at my father,

"Father, what in gods name is going on? Have you invited the whole town to tea?" My parents had beaming smiles upon their faces and my father patted my shoulder as he drew me near,

"Oh darling I must have forgotten to tell you, your mother and I have decided to invite a few of the towns finest bachelors over this evening in the hopes of you meeting a nice fellow" my skin went cold and the color must have drained from my face because my mother's eyes filled with worry,

"Oh darling your so beautiful and too smart for your own good, you cant find a husband if you keep turning them all away, you'll end up all alone at this rate" I lost all words, all mindset at my mother's statement. The two men still stood awkwardly on my front patio and my parents had the audacity to basically auction me off like a packmule,

"So this is your way of helping me? By practically selling me to the finest man in town?" My father opened his mouth but before he could speak I shook my head,

"I'm your daughter, not your slave" I turned and ran off the front porch and strode off in search of Lidia. I found her brushing my horse, Duke, in the stables and before she could speak i held up my hand,

"Lidia i dont have time to explain, i need to leave this place before I lose my mind" I jumped on Duke and nudged him just enough that he took off at a decent speed. I heard my father call out to me but I didnt look back, I was ashamed of my parents for going behind my back. I didnt know where I was going but I knew I had to put distance between myself and my family. My father had always been good to me up until I turned 16. That's when the grooming started, always make sure your suitable for any man who may take interest in you. My mother started keeping me from the outside world that I loved, because a woman was to know how to cook, clean and treat her husband the way she would her own father, with the upmost respect. I giggled at the fact that I still had my parents rules to becoming a fine young woman memorized.

I was shaken by my thoughts when a gust of wind blew my hair into my face. I groaned and slowed Duke to a stop. I looked around only to realize that whilst in my own head I hadnt been paying attention to where I was going and was now slightly lost. I brushed the hair from my face and sighed, every time I tried to be independent it seemed like I always ended up in a mess. My parents had surely gone mad by now and likely had Winfrey, our steward, out looking for me. I usually went into town to seek out my dear old friend May. She was much older then me and widowed but she was wise and always understood me. Once my parents don't find me there then likely they will alert the towns police. I didnt always enjoy the perks of being the only daughter to the second richest man in New York. I grew up well and I was always treated better then most, but my parents weren't always aware of people trying to take advantage of their status, and sometimes I picked up on their habits which then led me to their same mistakes. Now that I'm older I've learned the hard way that not everyone wants to be my friend. Just like the men I'd met today, John and Thomas. I kept repeating their names and seeing their faces in my mind. It was like i knew them from somewhere but I couldnt put my finger on it.

The wind was now getting colder and I knew that i had to be finding my way back home soon. I was still upset at my parents behavior but they were all i really had. Deep down i had to tell myself they wanted the best for me, they were just going about it all wrong. I sighed and looked around. I was in a well wooded area which seemed vaguely familiar but with no land marks I couldnt be sure. I ushered Duke to go forward and he seemed about as confused as I was. I rode for a bit heading back in the opposite direction in which I thought I had originally came from and hoped it would prove to be correct. It seemed like I had been riding for ages until I came across a little river crossing. A howl somewhere off in the distance spooked Duke and before I had time to calm him he raised up and I flew off his back. The last thing I remember was a sharp pain on the back of my head followed by darkness.