I'm just going to borrow this for a little while. I promise to return them unharmed.
Chapter 5
Throughout the long journey Isabella was silent. The lack of noise was unnerving to Dr. Cullen. He hadn't known many females who could keep quiet for so long. He struggled with what to say to her, how much information to give her with out scaring her. His son was not a bad man just in a bad place. Dr. Cullen did not know how his son would react to the quiet, shy girl. He did not know how his son would react to forced sobriety and fatherhood, but Dr. Cullen could not stand by any longer. Edward must step up and be the man Dr. Cullen knew him to be.
He cleared his throat, ignoring the flinch Isabella gave and started to speak.
"I know I gave you very little information yesterday but I wanted to let you know what to expect when we reach my home. As you know my son's wife died shortly after childbirth, leaving two daughters behind. They had only been married for a short time, just a year, and a very sudden marriage at that. We didn't even know he was courting the girl. We sent him abroad for a year to gain more medical education."
He stopped for a moment to think. Discussing family matters with a stranger was never his strong suit.
"His wife, Carmen, was an English girl whose parents were stationed overseas, hence the foreign name. She was the daughter of one of the host families we sent him to stay with. When he came home with her in tow we were shocked but happy to see him settled. They took up residence in an old farm that has been in my family for generations. It is clear on the other side of town and a bit of a journey by carriage so we did not see much of them. We wanted to give them time together to enjoy the beginning of their marriage. Edward sent note to us that Carmen was fairing poorly but was soon to deliver their first child."
They had been overjoyed with the news but concerned for the young lady about which they knew next to nothing
"She seemed to be suffering from some sort of influenza as well as a difficult pregnancy. Their housekeeper was ill as well. We arranged a midwife and wet nurse and arrived just in time for the birth. No one knew it was twins. My son did not seem himself but worry over one's delivering wife can be horrible for a new husband. When she died and he refused to have anything to do with the children we took them and the wet nurse home. I've been many times to see him but he is always locked in his study deep in a bottle."
Dr. Cullen paused to collect his thoughts. The next part could potentially scare the girl off. She had dealt with the demon rum with her horrible step-mother. He wanted to reassure her that she would be safe and unharmed while living with his son, that no harm would come to the children. He looked over at the girl again, her eyes were trained on her lap, her countenance stiff.
"Isabella, please look at me."
She slowly raised her eyes. It was the first time he had seen them. Her eyes looked a thousand years old, slightly red from the crying she had done earlier. She had a pale, heart shaped face, her large ancient eyes brown, as was the hair pinned under the small white cap. She resembled a barn swallow even more to him now. Nervous and skittish, yes, but he was praying for the fierce protectiveness the birds she reminded him of had for their young. He wanted her to swoop in and protect her nest with her life if she had to, just like those birds.
"I raised my son to never, ever raise his hand to another. Spare the rod, spoil the child was not used in my household. I raised him differently from all my peers, differently than I was raised myself. Mother Superior spoke to me a little about your childhood before you came to the orphanage. Even though my son may be in his cups now and despondent with grief, I am sure he will not strike you or the children. Of that I can be certain. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir." Isabella spoke to Dr. Cullen for the first time, her voice low and very pleasant much like the singing he had heard the day before. If she hadn't been so timid and withdrawing she would be a lovely creature.
Maybe a proper wardrobe, time and care could bring her out of her shell. Dr. Cullen decided to bring this possibility up to his wife when their lives had calmed and everything was well.