Emily lost track of time. She knew her father wouldn't come looking for her. He would let her come to terms with his decision on her own time. She wished Barkis were here. He was preparing to leave town no doubt. He had no reason to stay. She leaned back against the oak tree, calming her breaths.
She heard footsteps approaching, and silenced herself. They were coming towards her. Her body tensed. She remained completely still.
"Emily?" a voice called. It was Barkis. Emily peeked her head from around the tree. Worry was spread across his face. Upon seeing her, he sped up his gait and let the worry melt away. He held her in his arms, gently. Seeing Barkis only made Emily lose the control that she'd just gained over herself. She sobbed quietly into his arm.
"Barkis, what are we going to do?" She whispered. He ran his fingers through her hair, and looked down at her calmly.
"We'll work things out, I know it. I wasn't about to take no for an answer," he smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Barkis, what will happen when you leave?" she asked him. She was worried. There was little that could be done to ease her troubled mind.
"I'll take you with me," he said, confidently. "I have an idea. What we're going to do won't be easy, but we'll manage. I love you, Emily Bowett, and I'm not about to leave you here. Come with me. Tonight. We'll get married in some other town." Emily brightened at this. Barkis was always good at planning things.
"What will we do for money? You haven't got any, and we'll need some no doubt," Emily wondered aloud. Barkis laughed.
"That's where you come in, silly. Now, can you meet me here at three in the morning?" he asked her. She nodded. "Your father has plenty of money. Just take some from him. We'll only need enough to last us a couple years. We'll repay him once I start earning money of my own," he looked at Emily. She made no motion of protest. "See, love works itself out. It finds ways." He kissed her. Emily sensed an urgency in his kiss. There seemed to be an unbridled excitement. She couldn't judge. She was just as excited. He turned to leave.
"I'll see you in the morning, my love," he said, as he disappeared. Emily sat on the ground at the base of the tree. Her heart was back in her throat again, fluttering away. She was going to be with Barkis regardless of her father's disapproval of their marriage. She loved Barkis Bittern. And he loved her, too. She knew it. They were mere hours away from proving their love to each other. Emily Bowett had faith that Barkis Bittern wouldn't disappoint.
