Secrets of the Heartland

Portrait of a Woman

“Mr. Delaney, I--”

“Oh, that? Just a little hobby of mine. I think it makes this room feel a bit more.. ..enchanting.” Mr. Delaney said, placing his hand on my shoulder smiling at me

“You painted that..? But, I never once modeled for you. Mr. Delaney, how did you..?”

“I never forget a gorgeous face. That portrait was painted from memory.” Mr. Delaney said, stroking my face, and slowly lifting my chin

“I don’t mean to be rude, but I really must be going.” I said, pulling away

“Oh, Sarah.. do come back whenever you like. My door will always be open for you.”

‘I had turned back toward town, it was nearly dusk by the time I had reached the cottage where I lived with my father.’

“Sarah, you were out a while..”

“Father, I apologize, I got held up. I assure you I didn’t intend on coming home this late. I’m sorry. I never meant to worry you.”

“It’s quite alright.”

‘The thing I love most about my father; he’s protective, but understanding. I just couldn’t tell him about Mr. Delaney’s advances. Mr. Delaney said that a proper lady should hold her tongue unless it was necessary to speak. Though, I never really understood why.’

THE NEXT MORNING..

“Mr. Delaney, if this is about the rent, I’ve almost collected enough.” Everett said

“Slow down, Everett. I’m not here about the rent.”

“Then, why are you here, Mr. Delaney?”

“I’ve long admired your daughter, and I’ve come here to ask you for your blessing.”

“My blessing..?” Everett repeated, somewhat confused

“Your blessing to ask Sarah for her hand in marriage.”

“Marry my daughter? Mr. Delaney, she is your tenant. Wouldn’t that request be deemed rather inappropriate?” Everett asked

“Your daughter marrying me would keep you both from being penniless on the streets. Sarah is a woman now, and she needs to settle down and find a man who can provide for her needs.” Mr. Delaney said, shoving past my father and entering our home

‘I had watched from the rail. They were unaware of my spying, I felt I couldn’t breathe. I wanted to say something, but no sound came out. I had no other choice, but to continue to watch in silence.’

“We are getting by just fine, Mr. Delaney.. my daughter will not marry unless she chooses to.” Everett said

“It would be a shame to watch your precious darling Sarah begging for coins and various scraps on the streets. All you have to do is give me Sarah’s hand in marriage, and you  needn’t worry again.” Mr. Delaney said

“I won’t force this marriage on her, Mr. Delaney.”

‘I had let out a tiny yell as I trip. I quickly cover my mouth upon catching myself. Mr. Delaney looks up, smiling at me.’

“Even as she awakens, your daughter bears the angelic breathtaking resemblance of Rosemarie. Come on down, Sarah. Don’t be shy.” Mr. Delaney said, reaching for my hand as I step closer toward him

“What was all this talk of my hand in marriage, Mr. Delaney?” I ask, looking at him

“We were just discussing your future.”

“Forgive me for sounding harsh, but I don’t think I see anything happening between us, Mr. Delaney. I’m sorry.”

“Nonsense, you’re just not used to having men call on you, my dear.” Mr. Delaney said, taking my hand in his

“Mr. Delaney, please..”

“I offer you my hand in exchange for keeping you and your father from living on the streets.”

“Mr. Delaney, I..”

“Need some time to think about it. Take all the time you need, sweet Sarah. But, I will require your answer before the rent is due.”

“That’s only a few weeks from now. It’s barely enough time.” I said

“Then, I suggest you think of your answer while you can.. until then..” Mr. Delaney paused, pressing his lips to my hand before departing

‘I watch as Silas Delaney had disappeared down the dirt road, a cloud of dust rising behind him. I could still feel his lips on the back of my hand, I continue to stare off into the horizon after raising my head to see the dust settling. I clench my teeth in disgust turning toward the gate. I scrub at my hand in the soapy water as I grab a dish from the sink. I had tried to picture myself as the wife of that nasty, cold-hearted and selfish man, but I saw no real future between us.’

“Sarah, is everything alright? You seem troubled about something.” Everett said, walking toward me

“How could you tell?” I asked, my voice breaking from fear

“A father can always tell when his daughter is feeling troubled.” Everett said, putting his arm around me

“I just couldn’t imagine it, Father. Being the wife of that nasty vile man. And after what happened at the market yesterday.. I..”

“What happened at the market yesterday?”

“Well, I was picking up the ingredients from the market, he claimed it was a coincidence we ran into one another and he asked me to help him home with his bags.. On the way there, he made certain advances toward me, he claimed he didn't know what got into him and then we got there, I insisted on coming home but he wouldn't take no for an answer and then I saw this painted portrait of myself in his parlor hanging above his piano. And that’s when I knew..” I paused, fighting to hold my tears back

“Sarah, it’s alright. He can’t force you to marry him.” Everett said

“I know, but he can try. Mr. Delaney is a very relentless man. He may not give us another choice.” I said, looking over at my father with great concern in my eyes

“We will find a way to make sure it doesn’t happen. I know if you married Mr. Delaney, it would make you unhappy. And that’s the last thing I’d ever want for you.” Everett said, comfortingly rubbing my back

“And if we can't find a way?” I asked

“We’ll find a way to get by. Don’t you worry.”

‘My father was right. We would find a way to elude and keep Silas Delaney at bay, I couldn’t think of a worse fate than marrying the most vile and feared man in town. I would gladly take to living on the streets before that happened. I’d sooner die an unwed spinster on the street than wed a cruel wealthy gentleman and live well into old age.’

“I promise, Sarah. I won’t force you into this marriage. You will marry who you choose when you choose.”

“I know you wouldn't, but he might.” I said, staring out the window across the horizon, looking out over the hills, the wind dancing with the long green blades of grass as the clouds move past the sky revealing the bright light of the sun

~End of Chapter Two~