Page 29 of The Book of Unwritten Stories

‘You have hurt my nose.’

Lucine’s eyes widened in fear. She saw the wetness from his eyes as it ran down his cheeks and blood as red as the scarf Lenora had bought from the market that she would never wear but had fallen in love with because of how bright it made her bleak Puritan dress look.

‘I am so sorry, John. I know not what came over me.’ She flinched expecting his fist to hit her back.

‘Nay, Lucine, do not be afraid. I am not angry with you. I am in awe of the fire that burns deep inside you. You’re so beautiful and yet so fierce. ’Tis my fault, I am sorry I angered you. But let us stop that damned animal from eating any more of your sister’s vegetables afore she throws rocks at my already damaged face.’

Lucine felt her cheeks burn deep red with shame at the thought of hurting this kind man who dared to make her laugh. He rubbed at his nose then swiped the trickle of blood away with his sleeve then took great strides towards the cow who had not even looked up from her carrot feast. John slapped her flank hard enough to shock her, and she let out a loud, disgruntled moo. He took of the silken scarf wrapped around his neck and hooked it around the cow’s neck, leading her gently back in to the pasture.

‘What are we to do?’ Lucine asked him.

‘Yes, quite, what are we to do?’ Seraphina’s voice was heavy with anger, and Lucine felt a sickness inside of her stomach at the thought of her sister being furious with her.

‘We are to do nothing. I did cause this upset and I will right my wrongs. I will mend the fence and dig the garden. I am afraid my thoughtful idea was not thought of enough. Ladies, please take your good selves back inside and let me sort this mess out. ’Tis the least I can do.’

Seraphina looked at John, then Lucine and her eyes widened in fright. ‘Lucine, get inside this instant. You are dressed most improperly if anyone was to see.’

Lucine gasped, realising she was outside in only her petticoat, turned and ran back towards the cabin. Leaving Seraphina glaring at John. ‘I fear, Mr Hadden, thou art corrupting my sister.’

‘Ah, but she is a lovely sister to corrupt, is she not?’

Seraphina planted her feet apart and put her hands on her hips.

‘I jest. I am truly sorry. I do like your sister, she is a fine woman, and I do not wish to cause her or you any sorrow. She reminds me of my wife; I miss her more than I thought was possible.’

‘Then perhaps thou should go back to thy wife.’

‘Oh, but how I wish that I could. She died in childbirth three summers ago and I have been mourning her loss ever since. Lucine is the first woman who made me forget about that pain in my heart for a little while. She is very special, is she not.’

‘I am most sorry for your loss, Mr Hadden. What of your child? Did it survive the birth?’

He nodded. ‘She did, such an angry little thing with a head full of black curls and a face as red as the setting sun. My wife’s sister took her in. She cannot carry a child to birth and was overjoyed at the prospect of raising her. I in a moment of madness decided to leave them be, to be a family without the interference of a sad widower imposing on their lives.’

Seraphina reached out and touched his arm. ‘’Tis very sad and very brave that you were able to walk away. You are a much better man than I thought. Have you told Lucine this?’

He shook his head. ‘I have never told any other person my story, but there is something about you, Seraphina, that makes me want to unburden my soul. You and your sisters are truly very special women. I have travelled much since that dreadful day and come across many different people and cultures, but I have never met anyone like the three of you.’

She laughed. ‘I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing, Mr Hadden.’

‘’Tis most definitely good and please, now that you know my sad story, will you not address me as John. I do not want to be a stranger to you all. I want to help and be a friend.’

Seraphina smiled at him, then did something quite unheard of and hooked her arm through his. ‘Come break fast with us, John. Those carrots were rotten, but I was far too proud to admit it. Let May do us all a favour by eating them and save me the trouble of digging them out.’

John laughed. ‘If you are quite sure. I would love to and then I will mend the fence and build May her own enclosure where she can keep herself out of mischief. For I fear May and I may be our own worst enemies when it comes to keeping ourselves out of trouble.’

They walked arm in arm towards the cabin. Lucine and Lenora who were watching both turned to each other and gasped.

TWENTY-TWO

SALEM, PRESENT DAY

Morana had been staring at the book for hours, waiting for something else to happen. It had almost fried that bird who was hanging around judging her worse than her momma had ever done before she’d upped and left her to look after herself when she was twelve years old. She had walked out of her life and into the passenger seat of Duane’s car faster than she ever thought was possible in those six-inch platform heels she wore no matter the occasion. Telling Morana they were going on a road trip to have some fun and because she was a sulky twelve-year-old she had to stay behind. She could hear her mom’s voice; those last words she ever spoke to her. ‘Baby girl, if you weren’t so angry and sulky, we would take you with us honest to God, but I need to have fun and you tagging along isn’t fun. Duane hates kids so you’ll be okay for a couple of days on your own. There’s food in the freezer, cereal in the cupboard. Try not to burn the apartment down while I’m away, and don’t tell that snot-nosed teacher, Mrs Macey, I’ve left you on your own. She will call the social and get you taken away for good. If you want that fine you go ahead and tell her. If you want to still be here when I get back, then keep your mouth shut.’

Morana had cried hot tears of anger and fear at being left alone again. ‘But, Momma, I’m scared, when will you be back?’

‘What you all got to be scared of is Mrs Macey finding out. You’re a big girl; you can handle yourself. You feed yourself when I’m working in the club, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Just keep the door locked and don’t answer it to no one.’

Then she ran down the steps to their apartment and into Duane’s souped-up Cadillac before Morana could chase after her and beg her not to go. Her mom didn’t even turn around and wave at her.