A Daughter's Love - Book 2 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Sixteen

The morning of the first 'Lord's Day' was the most enjoyable morning the children could remember. 

Dressed in their best clothes, they went with servants, slaves and soldiers to the Chanoine Town Square where the Scriptures were read.

The baron read the story of Zacchaeus who climbed the sycamore tree so that he could see Jesus.

His deep voice carried to all in the square, and he emphasized; "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

Baron Chatelain then spoke of how God had changed his life and how he was pledged to serve the Creator.

Those who gathered in the square listened in fascination and awe.

Unlike the residents of Valdemar, these villagers were ready not only to listen, but to believe.

The family walked together back to the Manor House.

Feelings of well-being and peace drew them closer to each other.

Talking together, reading together, sharing and praying —all four children sensed fulfilment at the realization that once a week they would share this family time together.

"Each Lord's day afternoon, I'll spend time with one child, beginning with the youngest," Louis announced.

"One of you will have a special time with Mother, beginning with Marcus today. Ellie and Luke may do as they wish, but not work, it must be a quiet pastime, and you must stay within the Manor House walls, not ride the horses."

He caught Luke's partially concealed look of mutiny and said, "The animals are resting today too. If you're in doubt about anything, ask. 

"Luke, change your attitude and happy-up! It'll be your turn to go with me next week." He smiled at the lad and was relieved when Luke apologized and smiled back.

Marcus elected to read with his mother and chose the Book of Genesis, stating he especially liked the story of Joseph. Ellie and Luke asked if they might sit in and listen as well. 

"If Marcus agrees," the mother said.

"Of course I do, I'm just glad you two want to listen to God's Words too."

"And what would my green-eyed daughter like to do?" Louis asked.

"I hasn't got green eyes, has I?" Jobyna rushed over to a small wall-mirror.

"Oh, no!" she exclaimed, her hands on her cheeks in horror. 

She recoiled as her father turned her around to look at him.

"I love your green eyes, Jobyna." He saw her stare of disbelief and repeated, "I love your green eyes. God made them very beautiful. Now, what shall we do? Shall we go up to your..." he whispered, "your castle?"

"I'd like to go and see Birthday and the Janes and Johns, please, Papa. But we has to walk and it's a long way. It'll take us the rest of the Lord's Day..."

"Then we'll get started, now. It's a good day for walking." Louis took her hand and they set off.

Obeying the orders of the baron of Chanoine, Shepherd John, his wife Jane, and their daughter, were all in the cottage, chatting and resting. It was a wonderful thing, this rest!

John Junior had gone to milk the ewes for the second milking of the day. Each of the family was going to take a turn at this task each week so that they would only have to work one Lord's Day in four.

Jobyna skipped off to the milking pen, hoping John would soon be finished so he could go with her to see her lamb. She chatted merrily, non-stop, to the lad; and the baron moved back to the house to sit with the shepherd and his wife and daughter.