Batso III

Samuel was on the other side of the village. He had never arrived at their secret spot. He was sure Hannah was furious. He let her down twice. First by not showing up and second by not telling Martha. When Martha came to call on him at work she invited him to supper. Although he had agreed to this his intentions were marred. He had hoped he could stop by Hannah's to tell her they would meet later on his way to Martha's. But to his utter surprise Martha was there at the end of the day waiting for him. As they walked to her house he never quite found the right time or the right words. This was to say the least a delicate matter. Instead Martha found them,
"I have begun to think of our marriage. I believe my parents have invited you to dinner to discuss a date."

"So you are ready to marry then?"
"Wherefore would I not be ready? I do not understand."
"I do not know what I meant...."
"You are a good, humble man. Any woman would be fortunate to marry you."
"Yes, maybe."
"Is something wrong?"
"Allow me to be frank. Have you ever cared for anyone?"
"What is your meaning?"
"Another man. Have you had feelings for another man?"
"I am not sure this conversation is entirely proper, Samuel."
"Perhaps not, Martha." They continued to walk in silence.

Once at Martha's her parents obliged him to stay for dinner. How could he refuse? What he did do is this: he informed Martha that since she will be working on the farm they may not see each other. He would also be busy. To which Martha asked, "Could we at least walk home together from church?"
Samuel replied, "Hopefully." He explained that there was much to be done due to their impending wedding. He would have to help his parents ready the house in case they moved in with them for a period of time, which is most likely probable. Secretly, Samuel hoped the distance would allow him time- time to find the right words and time to allow the empty space between him and Martha to grow so she would not be so hurt. During this time he hoped to see Hannah. Often he thought of eloping with her, but he did not know where they would elope to. Or he could pay someone to marry them. It did not matter how, she would be his and that is all that would matter.

On his way home, he passed by their spot. Hannah was not there. He went out of his way to pass her house. Her light was not on so he went home empty hearted. Early he woke to again pass by her house before work, but she was not there. On Sunday he finally saw her. She was wearing a green dress he had never seen before on her. He believed she never looked so beautiful. She could have been an angel sent down from God. After church he saw her talking with Richard and an intense feeling held him captive. It was something he had never quite felt before- something akin to anger, but also to sadness. He stood by as Richard whispered something in her ear, which made Hannah smile. Her smile is mine, he thought. Just then Martha interrupted his spectating.
"Good day Samuel."
"Martha."
"Shall we..."
"Shall we what?"
"Walk home now?"
"May as well."
"You seem troubled Samuel."
"I am not feeling quite well."
"What is it? Shall I fetch the doctor?"
"No, no. Nothing a doctor can fix."
"I see. I do not understand."
"It is better you do not." As they walked together, the wind filled the emptiness that fell before them.

Richard walked Hannah home. She had witnessed Samuel and Martha leave together, but she was used to seeing them do so by now. She had hoped for a chance to apologize to Samuel, but the moment never presented itself. Therefore, when Richard asked to escort her home she could find no reason to say no. Richard was not Samuel, but he would do.

"I love your dress. Is it new?"
"Yes, I designed it myself."
"Quite impressive. The dress compliments your beauty. You are very beautiful, Hannah."
"Richard, thank you."
"You know I was very happy you came into the store the other day. I did not have the courage to tell you how I have always felt about you."
"What do you  mean?"
"I have watched you grow up down the street from me. Watched you in school. And here I stand with quite possibly the most beautiful woman in all of Batso."
"Richard, I do not know what to say."
"Do not say anything at all. Maybe I will see more you. I would like to see more of you."
"Yes, well then you shall."
"Enjoy the rest of your day. I know mine will not be any better than this time I have spent with you today."
They parted, but Hannah felt slightly changed. She was sure Richard meant he was courting her now.

Samuel could not stop thinking of Hannah and Richard. He finally decided to go see her. On the way, he saw Emily, Hannah's dearest friend.
"Emily!"
"Samuel."
"Could you do a small favor for me?"
"Certainly."
"Could you go to Hannah's and see if her parents are home. I borrowed a tool from her father and have neglected to return it. He is quite mad and I would rather give it to Hannah. I will wait here for you to return."
Shortly thereafter, Emily reappeared and informed Samuel that Hannah was home alone. He thanked her and continued walking to Hannah's. He came upon her back door. He knocked, once, twice. Hannah opened the door just as his hand was clenched to knock again.
"Samuel." Her attempt to conceal her happiness revealed itself through a half smile which escaped her lips.
"You are alone?"
"Yes." Hannah blushed.
"Good. How long until they return?"
"A while. They are supping at my uncle's this evening."
As he made his way inside and stepped past Hannah, he managed to inhale some of her scent. Her hair was down, slightly  in her eyes all of which invoked a feeling he felt all too often before- a feeling he was not sure of since he had only ever felt it for Hannah.
"I am so sorry Samuel."
"For what? It is me who is sorry. I should be apologizing. I am sorry, my love." He gathered her in his arms, pressed her head upon his chest.
"But I overslept and di not come to our meeting place until an hour and a half past the time."
"Is that so? I was at Martha's. She came to see me at work and I offered to walk her home. Upon arriving her parents asked me to stay for dinner and I could not refuse."
"So neither of us went to our spot at the appointed time?" Hannah allowed a giggle to escape her mouth.
"No I suppose not."
"I was so worried you were angry."
"As was I, then I saw you with Richard."
"Oh, yes I believe he..."
"He what?"
"Desires me. He asked for permission to court me soon. He told me so himself."
"And what did you do?"
"What choice did I have? I can tell him I need time, but I am not sure how long that will last."
"I will tell Martha before this week si out. You have my word." He then kissed Hannah, put his fingers through her hair. She instinctively put her hand upon his back, leaned up with her body braced against his. When they finally pulled away he whispered, "How long do we have?"
"Enough time." She lead him upstairs to her room and closed the door behind them.

Their bodies lay entwined- bare skin upon bare skin. Sounds in the house beneath them roused Hannah and Samuel from their peaceful slumber.
"They are home."
"What should we do?"
"I will tell them I do not feel well and am in bed early. They will not disturb me. When they have gone to bed I will take you downstairs and lead you out."
As Hannah put on her night gown Samuel watched as if bewitched. Even now, even after he had felt her- all of her, his body still ached for hers.
"Should you dress?" she whispered.
"I will. Go." Hannah left the room leaving Samuel alone with his thoughts.

When she returned Samuel was not in bed although his clothes were still laying on the floor.
"Samuel?"
He came from behind the door. She jumped, attempted to scream, but he gently placed his hand over her mouth. She felt his longing for her upon her leg. Impulsively, he lifted her night gown and took what had been his, what would always be his. As they lay in bed, she listened to his heart beat. Counted the beats, followed the rhythm. This must be love. She heard the door t her parents room open and close.

"Now may be the time. I will check." She quickly surveyed the house. All candles had been put out. Now was in fact the time. She quickly returned to her room. "Get dressed. We must hurry."
Samuel obeyed; dressed and washed up with the basin. Hannah lead him down the stairs and unlocked the back door.
"I love you. Marry me tomorrow."
"If only. I love you too."
"For me, nothing else can bring us any closer. We are married. Tonight was our wedding night."
"Please then make it official."
"I will, my love."
They kissed and parted. When morning came, their parents had to rouse them. Both slept so soundly, so deep within their dreams.