It's been a long time, I know, but this isn't a part of the story that I enjoy to much, so it's hard for me to write it. However, everything is a means to what I know will be a spectacular end. Though I know that end is still a long way off. As always, please read and review. I love your comments!
Hope was hiding in the Old Methodist Graveyard, watching as Mr. Meredith, Mrs. Meredith, and Una were greeted by some strange-looking man waiting on the verandah of the manse. She thought that the man looked like he was dressed up to go to town, but still yet was very dirty looking, and an odd odor floated down to where she silently watched.
The man stood up to greet the Merediths. "Una I believe that you have kept me waiting long enough, please introduce me to your family," the man commanded.
Una somewhat stammered, forgetting how commanding Samson could be. "Yes, yes. Father, Rosemary, this is Reverend Samson Bell, a friend of mine from my time in India. Samson, this is my father, Reverend John Knox Meredith and my step-mother, Rosemary."
"Yes, that is what I assumed, Una. Reverend, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have heard a great deal about you from Una and in circles amongst the Presbytery," he held out his clammy hand.
Mr. Meredith reluctantly took his hand. "Yes well, I wish that I could say the same. I assume that you have had a long journey," he surmised by the man's appearance.
"Why don't we all go inside for some refreshment?" Rosemary asked.
"Yes dear, that sounds like a good idea," Mr. Meredith agreed, wanting to get to know this man better.
"That does sound like a good idea. However would you allow me a moment alone with Una first?" He asked.
Mr. Meredith looked to Una who could only nod her head in what appeared to be a mixture of submission and shame. "Yes, well we will be inside. Do not be too long, Mr. Bell."
Mr. and Mrs. Meredith walked into the manse, leaving Una alone with her intended, they thought.
Once her parents were safely inside, Una spoke up for the first time since the introduction, with the response that she assumed a woman should have for her husband-to-be. "It is good to finally see you, Samson. I was afraid that something had happened to you as I have had no word from you."
He straightened the lapel of his suit, saying with little respect, "Yes well, I have been very occupied in securing our home and traveling. I have little time for such a trivial thing as correspondence. You knew that I promised that I would come for you, just as I trust that you will honor yours Una."
She looked to the ground and murmured, "I have no intention of breaking the promise I made, Samson. I will be your wife."
"I intend to have an obedient and respectful wife, Una. I see no respect in making your intended await your return from trifling."
"Yes Samson, I know. I am sorry."
"That you are, Una. Don't forget that I am doing you a great service in giving you a home and position as my wife. I expect you to repay such services with your own."
"I haven't forgotten, Samson."
Just then Jem and Faith walked up. Samson looked displeased to have his conversation interrupted, but Una looked relieved to no longer be alone with him.
Samson looked to Faith and said, "Mrs. Blythe, it appears that the information you had given me was incorrect."
Faith looked at Samson with utter sincerity, but smiled inside when she told him, "I'm sorry that I gave you false information, Mr. Bell. However I wasn't aware that my parents and Una had left to send my brother's family off to Avonlea. It was an innocent mistake."
"Yes mistakes to occur from time to time. I personally never like to see them repeated." Samson looked Faith over rather slowly, taking in her figure and features. So slow in fact that Jem stepped in between them.
"I am Dr. James Blythe, Faith's husband and Una's brother-in-law. You can call me Jem."
"I prefer to call people by their Christian names, James. That is how we were baptized, and that is how we will be known in Heaven." He looked to Faith again and stated, "Your parents are inside. If you would please allow me to finish my conversation with my betrothed."
Neither Jem nor Faith knew exactly how to react to being sent away, but they didn't dispute the command either. Faith's initial regard of the man only deepened, and Jem's soon equaled his wife's. When the couple was alone again, Samson began his rebuke of Una once again when yet another pair of intruders came upon their conversation.
Walter didn't like the man. That was obvious. Yet, he didn't like the way Una was acting toward him as they walked up any more. It wasn't his place to say anything, though. She had to live her own life and make her own decisions. He only needed to find his daughter.
"Excuse me, Una?" he called out.
Una's blue eyes lit up upon hearing his voice call her name, and Samson saw it immediately. He looked to Walter and his son with great disgust. "And who are you? One of her brothers come to inspect me?"
Una pulled Samson's arm and pled with him to be kinder. "Please have patience, Samson. This is Walter Blythe, Jem's brother, and a very dear, old friend of mine."
He calmed down a bit, at least in appearance. "I think that I recall how your family is so intertwined with the Blythe family. Your brother Gerald is married to one also, right?"
"Yes, Nan is my sister," Walter stepped up to where they were standing.
Feeling very uncomfortable standing between Walter and the man that she had promised to spend her life with, Una asked, "Walter, Tenny, what can I do for the two of you?"
Walter couldn't stop staring at this shameful excuse for a man next to Una. He tore his gaze away, but couldn't look her in the eyes. "Have you seen Hope, Una? She isn't in Rainbow Valley, and I assumed that she would be looking for you."
"I-I haven't seen her, Walter. However, if I do see her I will let her know that you are looking for her."
Just then, Hope decided that it was time to appear, she didn't like what she had been seeing anyway. "I'm right here, Daddy. I was just waiting to play with Miss Una."
Una was stressed that Hope had seen all that had occurred between she and Samson. "Hope, how long have you been here?"
"Since before you came home, Una."
Samson was enraged that she had been watching them. "Hasn't anyone ever taught you that little girls shouldn't spy on adults, little girl?"
This was something that Walter would not stand for; someone picking on his child. He pulled his daughter behind him and stated matter-of-factly, "My children are aware of what they should and should not do, Mr. Bell. If anyone is to scold them, it will be me." He took Tenny and Hope by the hands and started to walk away. "We will take our leave of you now. Una, good day."
The little family walked away, and left the two alone once again. "An impertinent child from what I can tell is an insolent family. When we have children, they will know to show proper respect and to speak only when spoken. They will definitely know to mind their own business."
Una only slightly nodded and then headed inside to the safety of her family. Samson had no choice but to follow her. Anyway, he thought to himself, he had many years to mold her into the wife that he demanded.
I know it looks bleak, but things will slowly begin to brighten up, though maybe not in the way you want. Another character will be making a return soon. Actually, several characters will return soon, though one will make a lasting impression on Walter, Rilla, and basically everyone in some way.