Chapter 4

Emeline stated to loose track of time. She wasn't sure how long she had been at the plantation. Her best guess was that she had been there for a little bit more than three weeks. She began to worry more and more frequently about when her family was coming for her. She had the nagging feeling that weren't coming for her.

She hated being in the house, mostly she hated being around all the people in the house. Even Martha, whom she had began to soften up to was becoming overbearing for Emeline to be around.

She spent most of her days out riding Penny or in the meadow reading. It was now a regular occurrence for her to miss several meals a day and she began to loose weight. Even Martha noticed her unhealthy appearance and would often leave a tray of food in Emeline's bedchamber when she missed dinner.

Martha tried to coax Emeline into eating more, but for some strange reason she wouldn't eat. Martha supposed that it was fueled from homesickness and didn't press much further into the issue. She did bring the girls health up to Ben though.

"Master Davidson, the child is not eating, as I'm sure you've noticed, I think she has fallen into a state of depression".

"Thank you for telling me Martha, Does it not look like she's lost a considerable amount of weight?"

"Aye"

"Well, we'll have to make sure that she stays healthy". Ben replied raising his eyebrow at Martha.

"Of course sir. I'll make sure she starts eating more".

Martha bustled out of the study and up to Emeline's room.

Martha cried out at once "Enough child! You must start coming to dinner! You look frail and sick and its starting to upset me".

"I eat plenty Martha". Emeline replied.

"You do not! Even Master Davidson has noticed! I must insist that you at least start coming to dinner!".

"Fine!" Emeline yelled exasperated. "I'll start coming to dinner again".

Martha left feeling pleased with herself.

The next morning Emeline ignored Martha's wishes that she eat and set off for the stables as soon as she had awakened.

It was a beautiful morning. The sun's rays hit the grass and the world according to Emeline was softened and hazy.

She sat down at her usual spot and began reading. She pulled out a quill and began writing in an empty diary she had found in the clothing press. She recounted everything that had happened the last few months. The more she wrote into the diary, the more dreadful she felt, the weight of missing home finally hit her.

She tried to hold back the oncoming sob but she couldn't but let out a sob. She put down the diary and let her head collapse into her hands.

Ben was walking out by the back of the property, he had awoken that day not quite feeling like himself and needed time to clear his head before he met with his troops.

He approached the meadow with the brook bubbling in the middle. When he saw her, she was underneath the tree and she was sobbing. He wasn't sure if he should approach her or leave hear alone. But he felt drawn to her, he wanted to comfort her.

He approached her gingerly.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

She looked up and was startled by his appearance.

"What are you doing here". She sniffled

"I was out walking and I heard you".

She sighed. "I just want to be left alone".

"Are you sure okay?" He asked again.

She was irritated by his kindness. Ever since she had arrived he had acted like everything was completely normal, that she was just a house guest. She hated him for it, she hated him for taking her from everything. Her sadness had boiled into rage.

She yelled "It's your fault!"

He turned around and looked at her not saying anything.

"Do you have any idea what it feels like to loose everything that you love?"

She knew right away that she had been careless with her words, she had let her temper get the better of her. He didn't say anything but she could tell that he was struggling. He shook his head and began to walk away. She let her face fall back into her hands.

"I do". He said.

She looked up startled.

"What?" she asked carefully.

"I do know what loss feels like." He said before turning around and walking away.

She stared at his back as he walked away. She felt her heart feel heavy. She knew that something awful had happened to his family, but Martha never talked about his past other than the occasional muttering of "Such a shame". She picked up her book again and began to read even though she couldn't quite focus.

He was surprised by how much the Claiborne girl reminded him of her. They had the same independent spirit, the same fiery temper, the same red hair, the same way with horses. He still hurt from loosing her and having Claiborne around made him relive his pain in a way that he hadn't experience in years. Everything about Claiborne reminded him about her. She had even been reading her favorite book "Gulliver's Travels". He sighed at his desk and put his worried thoughts to rest.