Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I'm just playing with them for a little while.
A Bit of Earth
Chapter 2
It had been three months since Colin's departure and still, everyday without fail Mary and Dickon would meet each other in the garden for lunch. On the occasions that it rained Dickon came into the kitchens and they shared a meal there. Mary continued her studies and Dickon continued to work when they were not spending time together. Perhaps it was inappropriate for a young lady to spend so much time with a lad unaccompanied but Archibald insisted they be left alone. He knew they would not do anything wrong and just how much it would hurt his Mary if she were separated from Dickon.
Martha was more than a little pleased to see Miss Mary and her younger brother together still. She had feared that they would not be allowed together anymore but still Master Craven allowed it. Martha knew that the pair loved one another though they were yet to admit it. She was sure Dickon held back for fear of disgracing Mary. She was of a higher class that he and it would not necessarily be accepted for them to be together. Martha was also certain that when, and not if, Dickon and Mary did wish to take things further between then they would have the support of Miss Mary's uncle. He could not deny the girl anything so he would never deny her the happiness of love.
When Mary awoke she got up and dressed quickly before looking outside. Winter had just begun and the moor looked quite desolate but Mary still loved it. She looked worriedly at the dark clouds that threatened rain and hoped it would hold until after lunch. Even when the garden was not in bloom it was still her garden, her sanctuary.
A knock sounded at the door and Mary bid Martha enter.
"Good mornin' Miss Mary. How are ye today?"
"I'm alright Martha. How are you?"
"I'm well Miss," Martha said with a bright smile before setting down the breakfast tray she had brought for Mary. "There's also a letter there from Master Colin for you Miss Mary."
"Thank you." She was silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Martha?"
"Yes Miss Mary?"
"Could I speak with you a moment? I know you have other duties but-"
"That's alright Miss Mary. What did tha wish to say?"
"I wanted to talk about Dickon. It's just that, well I know he cares for me as a friend as I him, but I think I'm beginning to want more Martha."
"Aye Miss, do you mind if I speak freely?"
"Of course not Martha, and please have a seat."
Martha sat across from Mary and then spoke, still smiling. "Miss, I've been watching you and my brother and I can see it plainly in your faces how much he cares for thee and you for him. I fear I may sound too forward with what I'm about to say miss but if you and my brother were to wish for something more then I believe Lord Craven would not object. But that's enough from me. I'd best go before Mrs. Medlock comes and finds us chattin' away up here."
After Martha left the room Mary sat in silence, barely touching her breakfast. She believed Martha when she said Dickon cared for her but she was still wary about mentioning anything to him. What if Martha was wrong and Dickon cared for her as a friend and nothing more.
Mary cleared her throat, it was bothering her but not too much so she decided to just try and ignore it. She decided she needed a distraction and opened the letter from Colin.
As she read she smiled knowing he was happy. He was doing well at school and told her more details of the many friends he had written about so often in previous letters. He had also mentioned a girl in this letter and though Mary felt a little possessive, after all he was her cousin and she had saved him, she also felt happy for him. She knew when they were younger he had told her he wanted to marry her, she had laughed it off at the time but since he had proven to be jealous of Dickon from time to time. So she was happy he had found someone other than her because she knew it could never work. Not only were they cousins but her heart belonged to another. She started a little at her own thoughts but then conceded to the truth in them, she really did love Dickon; she only wished he returned her affections.
XXX
Colin was lying on his bed in the dorm room he shared with a few other boys. He loved London, there was so much going on while back home the days consisted of very little. He loved the time he had spent with Mary and Dickon in their garden but he was almost sixteen now and felt the need to get out and experience more of the world.
He had spent the majority of his life cooped up in bed and felt the need to make up for it. He enjoyed playing sports with the other boys at school and having so many more people to talk to. In the fewmonths he had been here he felt as if he had learned so much and made so many friends.
He had also met a girl, Emily; she was a year younger than him and although they could not spend much time together it was still nice to know people were interested in him.
He hoped Mary had his letter by now because that would mean he would receive one in return. He would have like to see her, as well as his father.
"Three more months," he whispered.
Despite being happy here, it would be wonderful to see everyone again.
It wasn't long before he had to get to class so Colin sat up and grabbed his things before leaving the room.
AN: Thank you to all my reviewers. Hope this chapter was alright and I'll update soon.