Secrets of the Heartland

Loved in Innocence

‘My name is Sarah Roswell-Delaney. I live with my father, Everett in Redemption Valley, which was known as River Valley at that time. My mother, Rosemarie, died when I was six and it left my father to care for me alone. By the time I was 18, I had caught the eye of our landlord, Silas Delaney who had been born into obscene wealth while my father and I scraped together as much as we could. He was always mean to everyone in town but me, which meant he had something to hide. Around certain people, he hid behind a mask of deception and greed, which I immediately saw through. The day I turned 18, was the time I had to fear. It all started when I was in the town market running an errand for my father.’

“Dare my eyes deceive me.. Little Sarah Roswell. The last I saw you, you were a young child playing in the fields. Now look at you. You look just as beautiful as your mother.” A voice said

“Hello, Mr. Delaney..” I said, after looking at him. Seeing him smiling at me from over my shoulder

“I hear that your father has had a hard time with the rent these past few weeks.” Mr. Delaney said, suddenly walking beside me

“My apologies, Mr. Delaney, but I’ve been helping him collect the rent as best I can.” I say, turning to meet his stern light green eyes

“Such a giving soul. A very uncommon trait for many women anymore.” Mr. Delaney said, slowly wrapping his arm around me

“Thank you very much, Mr. Delaney.”

“Sarah, would you mind helping me to my house with these bags?”

‘Something about Mr. Delaney’s request had a part of me feeling a little worried, but, then again, he did pay for my father and I to stay in town, so I decided to spare a moment.’

“Small world, us running into one another in town.” Mr. Delaney said

“It’s a small town, and even wealthy people need to eat, so it’s not that big a coincidence, Mr. Delaney.”

“Sarah, you do know if there’s anything I can do to help you, remember, I’m just down the road.”

“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Delaney, thank you.”

‘Mr. Delaney suddenly stops, and turns to face me, looking into my light blue eyes, he takes my hands in his. I tremble a little at the feel of his hands on my own, he raises my left arm, pressing his lips to the back of my hand, I very gently pull my hand away, while looking at him with shock and disbelief in my eyes.’

“My apologies, I think I might have come on a bit too strong.”

“No.. it’s not that at all, Mr. Delaney, I was a little taken by surprise.”

“Sarah, I beg your forgiveness for my actions.”

“There’s no need to beg for my forgiveness. It was a mistake.”

“You are so much like Rosemarie. If only she could see how lovely you’ve become.”

“I wish I knew her better. I have very little memory of my mother.”

“I know what it’s like to be young and lose a parent. I lost my father to the plague when I was 11.”

“That’s about five years longer than I’ve had my mother.”

“My mother was the only one I had after my father died. I consider myself fortunate to still have her.” Mr. Delaney said, softly placing his hand on my forearm

“I’m very grateful to have my father, but I miss my mother terribly.” I said, gently removing his hand from my wrist

“Again, I apologize for my actions. I really have no idea what’s come over me.”

‘I knew exactly what came over Silas Delaney the moment he had kissed my hand and placed his hand near my wrist. I had just entered into womanhood and I knew that he also knew.’

“Come in, Sarah.” Mr. Delaney said, coaxing me to enter

“I would, Mr. Delaney, but my father’s waiting for me at home.” I say, nearly choking on the words caught in my throat

“I’m sure that you could spare a moment.” Mr. Delaney said, twirling me toward the door

“I suppose you would need a hand getting these inside. Alright, but only for a moment, then I have to get back.”

“My sweet Sarah, a moment is all I need.” Mr. Delaney said

“Oh, my. So, this is how the sophisticated half lives.” I said quietly to myself

“What do you think of my home?” He asked, turning to face me

“It’s quite.. lovely.” I answered

“Mind that first step, Sarah.”

“What step..?”

‘Mr. Delaney had caught me before I had stumbled to the floor. I gasp, smoothing out my skirt. I regain my balance, breathing slowly.’

“That step. I’m very sorry, I’ve been meaning to get it repaired, but I have been quite busy.”

“Yes, I’ll be more careful of where I step.”

“Here, I’ll just set these on the table, and then, I will show you the rest of my home.”

“I thought you said you only needed me for a moment.” I said, looking at him with confusion

“You’ll have plenty of time to get back. It will only take a minute or two.” Mr. Delaney said

‘I pause, stopping to see my portrait hanging in his parlor, above a piano. Mr. Delaney stops beside me, admiring it. His hands on top of my shoulderblades as he moves behind me. I had just stared, speechless and in shock to the large portrait that had been painted such a while ago.’

~End of Chapter One~