Born To Love Again, Again, and Again, Part 4

Kenyon told my father who was sorry to see him leave. Papa had a lot of respect for him and the way he handled all the horses. Papa hired Kenyon's cousin Calion, who looked amazingly like Kenyon, except he had red hair like mine. Then Kenyon and I began to plan.

Mother stayed busy and there was a lot of excitement in the house. I was fitted for a new dress which I did not like at all, but I knew I had to go along with these plans. I must not let my true feelings show. I did not mean to disrespect my parents or bring dishonor to them, but I could not be stuck with a man for whom I had no love, no matter how nice he was.

Kenyon showed Calion around the barn, giving him explicit details of what to do for each horse. He told Calion that on the night of the big party we would make our escape. Kenyon would return for me and he would have Royal Secret ready for me to ride. Midnight would be the time he would come and wait in the shadow of the trees. If all was clear in the house, I could sneak down the steps, otherwise I would have to climb down a tree by my balcony to escape. "You must leave a letter explaining some of this for your parents. We do not want them to think you have been abducted and killed. Have it ready and leave it on your bed so they will find it the morning after the party," he instructed. Kenyon cautioned Calion that on the night of the party, he should stay in the front of the house with the guest's horses and carriages so he would have an alibi and would not be implicated in my disappearance.

On the day that Kenyon left I wept openly and told my parents I would never see him again. I spent my days riding and sketching out in the orchard, having little interest in the party plans. Dreams came to me. There was fire, smoke, pain and grief. Then there were visions of beautiful glaciers, tropical islands, and the blond haired man with his back to me, and little children all around me. What did this mean? Oh, how I missed Kenyon. Calion was very supportive, and I questioned him about the blond haired man, but like Kenyon, he said that I must remember for my self. He assured me that he was there to help me anyway he could.

For several nights before the party I did not sleep at all and became exhausted. My mind went over each step that I needed to take to make my getaway a success. On the day of the party I pretended to be excited about Henri, but my heart was with this unknown individual that I was soon to meet. I wanted to escape this arranged marriage and be with my one true love.

Finally May first arrived, and the household was hurrying and scurrying around making preparation. At seven o'clock the guests started to arrive. I stood before the mirror wondering how I was going to pull this off. I had to act natural, but how could I when I was so nervous with anticipation?

I put on my dress and walked down the stairs. My father escorted me to Henri and his parents. Henri took my hand and it was as cold as ice. He made some comment about the excitement, and I nodded. There were about a hundred guests. First there was a dinner, then toasting. Next the musicians began to play and I danced with Henri, my father and my brothers. I smiled sweetly and pretended to be happy about my engagement.

The party dragged on and on much later than I had expected. I knew I would have to escape by going over the balcony. Around quarter to twelve, I slipped away up the stairs, only to be caught by my mother. "Where are you going Marie?" she asked. I replied that I had stepped on the hem of my gown and I was going to pin it up. She waved me on. When I got to my room, I took off the dress, laid it across my bed and placed my farewell letter upon of it. Then I put on riding clothes and went out on my balcony.

Kenyon was waiting with two horses in a grove of trees across the yard. He made a sound like a bird to let me know he was there. He crossed the yard and reached a tree beside the balcony. Nimbly he climbed up and helped me over the rail. We grabbed tree, and climbed down. We carefully crossed the yard to where the horses were waiting. I jumped on mine and quickly trotted into the darkness with Kenyon close behind me.