Arthur stood in the cozy kitchen of the farmhouse, the morning sun casting a warm glow through the small window. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton, stood before him, their faces etched with both pride and sadness. The old wooden table was set for breakfast, but today it held more than just plates and cupsâit held the weight of Arthur's decision.
"Arthur," his father Uncle Charlie began, his voice gruff but filled with emotion, "you're a good lad. We're proud of you for securing that position at the mill. It's a fine opportunity."
Arthur nodded, his heart heavy. The textile mill in Nilaton village was his chance to escape the quiet life of the farm, to make something of himself beyond tilling soil,mixing natural herbs to make medicines and to tend to animals. But leaving also meant saying goodbye to everything he'd ever knownâthe rolling hills, the smell of freshly cut hay, and the comforting creak of the farmhouse floorboards.It was certainly a far away from home and he wouldn't be seeing very often.
His mother wiped a tear from her eye with her apron. "Promise us you'll write, Arthur. And visit when you can."
"I will, Mother," he replied, his voice steady. "I'll send letters, and I'll come home whenever I can."
Matilda sat on the edge of the wooden chair,her eyes downcast. She'd been like a lover to Arthur.The only they friend she had ever had and she had to say goodbye. She found it of great excuse not to go home after her leg accident but now her heart was broken and the magic of the cottage seem to fly out the window as Arthur readied to go. They shared secrets, laughter and piles of love and memories all around the barn. She didn't want him to go.
As Arthur stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted him. The chickens clucked in their pen, and the scent of dew-kissed grass hung in the air. He glanced back at the farmhouse, its white walls and thatched roof a familiar sight. Matilda stood there now steadly, her hands twisting the bar of the chair."Matilda," he said softly, moving towards. "I love you" he said placing his hand ontop of hers.
"I love you too"
She looked up, her eyes wide and filled with unspoken words. "Arthur," she whispered, "promise me you'll be careful in the town. There are rumors of strange happenings..."
He chuckled. "Matilda don't you worry... I'll be fine." He kissed her forward and look up to see his parent's hugging each other tightly, tears welled up in their eyes.
"Arthur" Aunty Martha whispered.
He smiled at them and rushed past Matilda, flinging his arms around them.Matilda smiled but sadness set in as Arthur rushed out to his waiting friend on the horse cart.
After finishings a soothing cup of lavender tea Matilda with her woven basket went out to fetch the chickens eggs. She stepped out into the crisp morning air, her woven basket swinging gently by her side. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the dew-kissed grass. The chickens clucked and scratched in the yard, their feathers ruffled from their night's rest.
As Matilda slowly bent down to collect the eggs, she heard a rustling behind her. Startled, she turned to find Billy the horse boy leaning against the wooden fence, a mischievous grin on his face. His sandy hair fell across his forehead, and his bright blue eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Well, well," Billy said, pushing himself off the fence. "Look who we have hereâMatilda, the chicken whisperer."
Matilda straightened up, rolling her eyes. "Billy," she replied, trying to sound stern but failing miserably. "What are you doing here?"
Billy sauntered over, his hands in his pockets. "Just thought I'd see how my favorite farmer was doing," he said. "And maybe steal a kiss or two."
Matilda rolled her eyes."You know very well I fancy Arthur" Billy was known for his playful antics, but she secretly enjoyed their banter. "You'll have to work harder than that," she teased. "I'm not that easy."
"Now," Billy said, "how about that breakfast Martha promised me?"
Matilda hesitated. "You'll have to ask her yourself" They walked back to the farmhouse after feeding the chickens and collecting eggs.
Inside, the kitchen was warm and cozy. Matilda set down,rubbing her aching leg as Billy watched from the doorway, his eyes never leaving her.
Once they were all seated,fresh eggs were cooked and plated.Billys expression changed from delight to seriousness.
"The country is in turmoil," he said. "There's a deadly plague spreading, and people are dying. The authorities are urging everyone to stay indoors, but I had to see you."
Matilda's heart sank. She had heard rumors, but she hadn't wanted to believe them. "How bad is it?" Aunty Martha asked
Billy's eyes were haunted. "Bad," he said. "Entire villages wiped out. No one knows how to stop it."
"My parents" Matilda whispered
"What?" Billy asked not hearing her.
"I think Uncle Charlie,Aunty Martha I must set home"
"Dear..." Aunty Martha started."You still in pain and unable to walk far"
"Martha,if you wishes to go,let her...Afterall this is a deadly plague" Uncle Charlie.
"Very well then" Aunty Martha gave Matilda a weary smile. "If you wish, my dear"
"I need to stop at Mayfair Manor first.To fetch my belongings"
"Yes,of course" Martha added in quickly.
Uncle Charlie's eyes bore into Matilda's, his concern etched deeply on his face. "Matilda," he said, his voice gruff yet gentle, "perhaps it would be wise to have Billy accompany you to Mayfair Manor."
Matilda blinked, surprised by the suggestion. Billy was a horse boy and despite her been friends with him something about him haunted her and gave her the chills.His dark eyes from lack of sleep met hers, silently conveying his willingness to help.
"But Uncle," Matilda began, "Billy has been soo busy. I don't want to burden him further."
Uncle Charlie shook his head. "Nonsense," he said. "Billy is strong, and he knows the way. Besides, two pairs of eyes are better than one in these troubled times."
Aunty Martha leaned forward, her hand resting on Matilda's free hand on the table."Your safety is our priority," she said. "Billy can guide you, and you won't have to face this journey alone."
Matilda hesitated, torn between gratitude and guilt. She knew Uncle Charlie was rightâthe plague spared no one, and having Billy by her side might increase their chances of survival. But she also feared the emotional toll it would take on him.
Billy cleared his throat. "I'll go with you," he said quietly. "Matilda, we must make haste"
Matilda nodded, her resolve firm. "Thank you," she whispered. "Let's go, Billy. Mayfair Manor awaits, and so do your parents back home ."
Once two horses were ready,they set off, Matilda stole a glance at Uncle Charlie and Aunty Martha. Their worried expressions followed her, a silent prayer for her safety. She clung to hope, knowing that amidst the darkness, there was still a glimmer of humanityâa bond forged by love and shared purpose...