Chapter Two: No Luck Yet
A couple days after that, Matthew was surprised when Mr. MacNamara gave him another package to deliver to the convent, as well as one going further from there on.
It was late afternoon on this day, the sun was already setting, and it wouldn't have been so cold accept for the shrieking wind that stung around Matthew's bare skin, his face and neck mainly, and his hand that he did not have shoved in his pocket but held the packages under his arm with. He did not expect to see anyone out in the garden this time, and he was right, for there wasn't a soul for the whole two mile walk.
He made his way around to the main entrance of the convent, a large, oak-wood door. There was a small peep-whole type door attached to the larger doorframe, which was used to see who was calling.
Matthew forced his free hand from his pocket, cringing slightly from the sudden burst of cold that hit his once warm hand. He knocked on the door quickly and shoved his hand back into his pocket. After about two minutes, he knocked again, but there still came no answer.
Bugger all, thought Matthew as he turned and started down the road. He'd have to stop again on his way back, perhaps they were in chapel or something. He was not allowed to leave the package on the doorstep, but truth be known, he didn't mind coming back again. Perhaps he would be able to get another glance at Sarah Elizabeth, maybe even talk with her!
He knew the chances of that ever happening again were slim, but he could always pray, right?
He took his time walking to the next drop-off, a small farm quite a distance down the road, then came back. This time his knock was rewarded with a response. The tiny door on the large doorframe opened to reveal an elderly woman's face. Even though she was a good deal shorter than Matthew, she seemed almost to look down upon him in distaste.
"May I help you?"
"Yes, I have a package to be delivered here". He held it up as if to prove he was not lying, and she squinted at it for a moment before speaking. "Wait there". She said, and then shut the little door.
About five minutes later the large doorframe was heaved open and a tall, middle aged man stepped out. "Hello, young man". He said, his voice strong and authoritive. His smile was kind, nothing like that of the old woman's, but it didn't make Matthew feel much more at ease.
"I'll take that, thank you". He said politely, and Matthew handed him the package. "You're welcome, Sir". Matthew said, and turned to go.
The man also turned and went back into the convent.
Blast, Matthew thought, trying not to drag his feet as he headed back to town.
A couple days after that, Matthew was surprised when Mr. MacNamara gave him another package to deliver to the convent, as well as one going further from there on.
It was late afternoon on this day, the sun was already setting, and it wouldn't have been so cold accept for the shrieking wind that stung around Matthew's bare skin, his face and neck mainly, and his hand that he did not have shoved in his pocket but held the packages under his arm with. He did not expect to see anyone out in the garden this time, and he was right, for there wasn't a soul for the whole two mile walk.
He made his way around to the main entrance of the convent, a large, oak-wood door. There was a small peep-whole type door attached to the larger doorframe, which was used to see who was calling.
Matthew forced his free hand from his pocket, cringing slightly from the sudden burst of cold that hit his once warm hand. He knocked on the door quickly and shoved his hand back into his pocket. After about two minutes, he knocked again, but there still came no answer.
Bugger all, thought Matthew as he turned and started down the road. He'd have to stop again on his way back, perhaps they were in chapel or something. He was not allowed to leave the package on the doorstep, but truth be known, he didn't mind coming back again. Perhaps he would be able to get another glance at Sarah Elizabeth, maybe even talk with her!
He knew the chances of that ever happening again were slim, but he could always pray, right?
He took his time walking to the next drop-off, a small farm quite a distance down the road, then came back. This time his knock was rewarded with a response. The tiny door on the large doorframe opened to reveal an elderly woman's face. Even though she was a good deal shorter than Matthew, she seemed almost to look down upon him in distaste.
"May I help you?"
"Yes, I have a package to be delivered here". He held it up as if to prove he was not lying, and she squinted at it for a moment before speaking. "Wait there". She said, and then shut the little door.
About five minutes later the large doorframe was heaved open and a tall, middle aged man stepped out. "Hello, young man". He said, his voice strong and authoritive. His smile was kind, nothing like that of the old woman's, but it didn't make Matthew feel much more at ease.
"I'll take that, thank you". He said politely, and Matthew handed him the package. "You're welcome, Sir". Matthew said, and turned to go.
The man also turned and went back into the convent.
Blast, Matthew thought, trying not to drag his feet as he headed back to town.
