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"A great war leaves the country with three armies - an army of cripples, an army of mourners, and an army of thieves." ~German Proverb
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1918
When the trio at long last made their way into the barn Rosaline left Albert to tend to the captain while she went about ransacking the barn for something to keep the cold at bay. "We may be filthy," she thought opening the storage cupboard "but at least we can be warm." She paused for a moment in her quest to scrutinize the visiting soldier. He looked to be around thirty years in age and even though the mire from the yard obscured most of his features she could tell he was handsome. Sighing heavily Rosaline finally discovered what she was looking for underneath several rusty farm tools.
Lugging the horse blankets over to the hay bale where the two men had settled she handed one to each of them. As their guest reached for his she could not help but notice that the sleeve on his left side was pinned at the wrist. "So this poor man lost something in the war as well. No wonder Albert looks up to him." Her cousin however, gave her no time to dwell on this thought as he started making introductions with his customary fervor.
"Captain James Nicholls meet Saline…I mean Rosaline Narracott. My cousin" he announced making a grand flourish towards her. She could not help but smile broadly at Albert. He acted as if he were introducing the Queen herself and not merely a relative.
Nicholls extended his right hand to her while at the same time attempting to offset the blanket he had wrapped around his shoulders. "James please or Jamey if you prefer" he said smiling cordially. "A pleasure to meet you Rosaline."
His hand was rough yet she did not find the sensation of his touch unpleasant. "The pleasure is mine," she said meeting his amiable gaze. "Why his eyes are the loveliest I've ever seen on a man. They're bluer than the Clovelly lakes at dusk" Rosaline had to shake her head briefly to regain control of her senses when she realized that she must be staring.
"Forgive me for saying so, but yours is not a name that you hear often" he remarked running his fingers lazily through his tawny colored hair. "May I ask where it originates from?"
Albert let out a hearty laugh at Nicholls's question. "Uncle Bob was fond of William Shakespeare's writin' so 'e gave 'er the name of a lady from one of 'is plays." His smile only widened when Rosaline cut her eyes at him for interrupting.
Watching them Nicholls thought they acted more like siblings than cousins. "Ah, then I take it the work your father favored was Romeo and Juliet."
"My father preferred King Lear actually and wanted to name me Cordelia," she said pulling the blanket tightly about her.
"Personally I voted fer that one" Albert joked winking at her.
"Oh hush," Rosaline scolded, "You weren't even born as yet. That makes it a bit to have a vote." Turning back to Captain Nicholls "It was my mum who chose Rosaline. I imagine she hoped I would live up to it in a way."
"Of course," the captain exclaimed "The all-seeing sun, ne'er saw her match since first the world begun."
Rosaline's cheeks burned crimson at hearing those lines quoted so eloquently. "Umm, yes…I must say I am impressed James. There aren't many people who even make that connection."
His cheeks took on ruddiness at that comment and Rosaline could have sworn that he was blushing. "All of the boys in Eton were required to learn a bit of Shakespeare. It's not that impressive really" he insisted as the conversation lapsed into silence.
Without the sound of their voices filling the barn Albert became aware of the fact that he could no longer hear the thunderous clamor of rain on the barn roof. "Well it looks like we can head to the house now" he said standing and making his way to the door.
James got unsteadily to his feet and waved off Rosaline when she offered him her hand choosing to reach for his cane instead. "After you my lady" he said allowing her to go before him.
She grinned at his candid show of chivalry.