Michonne stood and looked around her small quarters one last time. She had tidied it so if looked the same way she found it a year ago.
"So Mr. Blake informed me you were his governess for little Penny." Mr. Walsh said, as he looked at the young, black woman in front of him. He immediately decided she was a serious little thing. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun of coily, curls. Although a few tiny curls escaped and rested against her forehead. She wore a bright, long-sleeved white blouse that had a collar buttoned all the way up to base of her neck. It was tucked into a long, dark skirt that failed to hide her shapely figure. Her hands clasped in front of her. If not for her youthful features and large sparkling, brown, almond shaped eyes she would be the spitting image of his governess. Do they all dress alike? He wondered.
"Yes sir." Michonne answered, she swallowed and looked as if she was blinking back tears. "Such a tragedy what happened to his wife and daughter." Mr. Walsh said. The wife and daughter of her former employer were killed when their horse got spooked and ran their carriage into a lake bringing them back from church. None of the passengers could swim. Mr. Blake wasn't fond of church service and he was not present. Michonne had saved enough to visit her father on weekends off from teaching, so she wasn't there with them that tragic day. " is certain he wants to part with you?" Mr. Walsh asked. When Mr. Blake had asked him to employ Michonne he didn't look to be in any state to be alone, as most of the staff had left, expect a few and Michonne. Michonne. The only one seemingly able to handle his grief…until now.
Something dark clouded her pretty brown eyes. "It's probably for the best." Michonne said softly. Mr. Walsh nodded in understanding. "Well I have no use for a governess, all my children are past that point." He said, waving his hands in the direction of a photograph of a tall dark haired boy and blonde girl. "I see." Michonne said looking down at her hands. "No one seems to be in need of a governess at the moment." Even those with small children and no governess, Michonne thought sadly. "I will do anything. I'm a very good gardner, I can cook, and I can clean. Surely a manor of this size could use more hands." Michonne said, looking back up at .
"A scholar like yourself wants to be a maid? It won't pay nearly as well." Mr. Walsh replied. "It's fine. I have a sick father. Anything at all I can put toward his treatments I will be grateful for." Michonne said quickly. "Is it the consumption?" Mr. Walsh asked. Michonne nodded. "Yes sir." She said quietly. Mr. Walsh sighed. "Go see my man, David, he's the one who escorted you in. Let him know you're the new maid and to show you the maid's quarters. Then ask for Andrea and she will show you your room." He said quickly standing from his desk. Michonne broke into a smile, briefly, before rushing forward to shake his hand. "Thank you so much, sir." Mr. Walsh smiled despite himself, delighting in the softness of her smooth skin.
Michonne walked to the door, picking up the lone bag that contained all her belongings. She glanced around at her former sanctuary, the room where she and Rick consummated their love, one last time before pushing the door open and walking out. Michonne made haste down the butler's corridor and knocked on David's door.
"There had better be a good reason why I am getting up and it's barely even dawn." David grumbled from inside. "It's not like the Walshs are away all the time and I get to sleep in you know." David said as he opened the door and saw Michonne standing there. David instantly forgot he was to be feeling put out and smiled down at the pretty maid, with her dark, smooth skin and sweet brown eyes.
"I am so sorry to disturb you so early David, but I am leaving." Michonne said, smiling at his ruffled hair. David was rarely out of sorts with his appearance. David frowned, blinking as he took in Michonne. She was wearing the brown cloak she had worn when she first arrived a year ago and clutching the same carpet bag.
"Leaving? To go where, dear? At this hour?" David said, confusion in his voice. "What about your father?"
David admired and respected Michonne straight away. She was thorough at any task, bright, the quickest wit he had ever seen from a maid. She didn't senselessly gossip with the other maids, even got them reading books. In just two months of working for the Walshs she was promoted to head of the kitchen staff when Jacqui retired. Michonne spoke little of herself but he knew that every Wednesday she sent her wages to London to pay for her father's treatment and housing.
"Its all been taken care of David." Michonne said simply, reaching her hand out to David. "Here, these are the keys to the pantry and silver cupboard. I also wrote a letter for Mr. Walsh, if you would be so kind to give him these."
David begrudgingly accepted the items in one hand. "I feel like I am losing a daughter." David said gazing down at Michonne. Michonne laughed softly and reached up to hug her friend good bye. Tears fell from her eyes, as if she hadn't cried enough. "Please tell everyone I said goodbye." Michonne said through her sniffles as she pulled from the friendly embrace. David nodded.
Michonne walked away and out of the servants quarters exiting through the staff entrance. The sun was weak in the sky, just peaking up over the trees. Michonne could hear the clip clop of a horse's shoes on the gravel driveway and saw a carriage coming down the path. The carriage pulled in front of Michonne and stopped.
"Whoa, whoa" Daryl said as he pulled on the reigns, slowing the horse. He tipped his hat at Michonne. "See you got Rick's letter." Daryl Said as he hopped down and opened the carriage door for Michonne.
Daryl Dixon had been Rick's valet and right hand man since Rick was a young boy. It was no surprise to Michonne she had entrusted this task to him.
"I did indeed." Michonne said, smiling, as she put her bag in the back seat and climbs inside the carriage. Daryl closed the door and climbed up in the front, he grabbed the reins, gave them a quick snap and the carriage headed back down the path it came. Michonne turned around to look at the Walsh manor for the last time. Michonne turned away and starred straight ahead.
"Rick." Michonne said softly. A slow smile spread on his face. "Michonne, with the voice of an angel, I quite like the way you say my name." Michonne's eyes widened in surprise. Rick chuckled softly. "I am not as daft as I look, I remembered your name. I couldn't forget it." Michonne opened her mouth to speak but something caught her eye in the doorway and she turned from Rick and resumed monitoring the kitchen staff. Rick frowned, turning in the direction of where she had looked to see his best friend, Shane walking in the kitchen. "There you are. Hiding are we?" Shane asked as he leaned against the doorframe. "No, I just came to, uh,-" Rick looked around catching Michonne looking at him out of the corner of her eyes. She looked at a bowl of apples behind them on the countertop before again turning her gaze to her staff. "I, uh, just came to get an apple." Rick said lamely. Shane had already stopped paying attention and was exchanging flirty glances with a blonde maid. "Yea, alright. Well your aunt expects everyone to listen to her piano playing tonight." Shane said, finally looking away from the blonde maid and back at him. "Right, I am coming. I just wanna thank your wonderful staff for the apple." Rick explained.
The little blonde maid made a show of scrubbing the countertop, throwing little glances back at Shane. "Andrea, I think the rest of the countertop could some attention." Michonne called to her, trying not laugh at Andrea's flirtations. "Right away, miss." Andrea said moving further down the counter. Shane smiled at her before looking at Rick. "I don't need a chaperone, Shane." Rick said, sighing as he plunked an apple from the bowl. "Oh, if I am going to suffer through your aunt's music you are most certainly going to as well. No sneaking off." Michonne struggled not to laugh as she now began her inspection of the silverware. Rick looked thoughtful for a moment. He glanced down the kitchen at the blonde maid who was filling a bucket with water. "What if you couldn't find me? Better yet, what if we both just disappear for a little while." Rick said eagerly, tossing his apple in the air and catching it before taking a bite. "Besides, poor Andrea has to carry that heavy bucket all herself. Maybe you should help her." Rick said as he chewed through his apple. Shane stared at his friend before looking at Andrea. He pushed himself off the doorframe shaking his finger at Rick, as if scolding a child. "I like this mischievous side of you." He said, as he made his way over to Andrea. Rick snorted. Michonne had stopped her inspection to watch the scene unfold. Rick turned back to her, smiling triumphantly. "That should buy us some time. Now where we?"
Michonne was jolted awake as the carriage came to an abrupt stop. She didn't remember even falling asleep. Disoriented, Michonne looked about at her surroundings. She was still in the carriage but the sky was no one longer alive with the sun as night had settled in, the moon shone brightly. Daryl peered through the window from his spot in front of the carriage. "Ah, you're awake." Michonne nodded as she got her bearings, "How long was I asleep?"
"All day. I stopped for lunch and I was gonna wake ya, but ya looked like ya needed the rest." Daryl said, he looked away from Michonne for a moment. "I guess ya not sleeping well 'ither." Michonne closed her eyes against a wave of emotional pain. During her slumber in the carriage she dreamed of Rick and all their happy moments, to hear he wasn't sleeping well conjured up the last time she saw him, broken and crying in Mr. Walsh's study. It hurt to be unable to comfort her love.
"Well we 'ere now at least ya can get some food and a bed." Michonne opened her eyes and turned to look out the window. Her mouth dropped open at the sight of a two-story stone cottage, set back from the road among a lush green field. Michonne turned around and opened her bag, pulling an envelope from it. "Daryl, will you please give this to Rick?" Daryl took the letter. "I will, Miss."
Daryl opened the door and held his hand out, Michonne took it as she stepped down gazing out at her home. Daryl grabbed her bag and closed the carriage door. He pulled a folded piece of paper from coat pocket. "Tis the deed the to the property." Daryl said as he handed it to Michonne "Welcome home."
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"Paris in the spring, I can not imagine what could be better, darling. Well perhaps being Mrs. Rick Grimes of course." Lori prattled on, beaming as she looked at her new husband, as she sat in her new study with Rick going over their honeymoon plans. Rick wasn't listening, he stared out the window watching for Daryl.
"Rick!" He jumped in his seat and turned to face his new wife. "I am sorry, Lori. I suppose it's been a very exciting week." Rick said as he saw Daryl and his carriage pull into the estate out the corner of his eye. "Why don't you get some rest we have a long journey tomorrow." Rick said finally looking at Lori. Lori stood from her chair and nodded as she nervously played with her fingers. "I know we are husband and wife but I am grateful you have given me time before we consummate our marriage."
Daryl then walked into the room "Rick I - oh ma'am good evening." he said upon spotting Lori. "I am sorry to intrude."
"Oh it's quite alright, Daryl. Lori is going to retire for the evening. We have a busy day tomorrow." Rick said.
Lori smiled at her husband. She walked over and kissed him soundly on the cheek. "Goodnight my dear." "Good night, Lori." Rick whispered, he watched as Lori retired to her room. Once she disappeared up the stairs Rick closed the door to the sitting room. "Did you see Michonne? Did everything go well? How was she? Did she like the property?" Rick asked, staring into Daryl's eyes, grasping his arm.
Daryl chuckled as he gently dislodged himself from his friend. "Ay, sir. I saw her. There were no problems collecting her from the Walsh's. Michonne adores the property. As to how she is…she's not much better off than you." Rick looked away and walked over to the fireplace, staring into the flames. Daryl pulled Michonne's letter from his pocket and walked over to the fireplace."She wrote this for you." Daryl said softly handing Rick the envelope. Rick took it and stared at it. Daryl patted him on the shoulder before leaving the room. Rick observed Michonne's neat hand writing on the envelope To Rick. He sunk into a chair and began to read her words.
To my darling, Rick
It's bittersweet to write those words as by now I know you are no longer mine in the eyes of God. However, you are mine and I am yours for as long as you want me. I don't know if there is anyway I can express my gratitude for what you have done for me and my father. I must tell you I am so grateful to you my love. You have no idea the enormity of the gift you have given me.
As I write this I am haunted by the last image I have of you, standing in your godfather's study, heartbroken. I meant it when I said I will always love you, Rick Grimes. Please be happy my love. Find joy in your new life. Be happy even though we may never find one another again.
Your love for all of time,
Michonne Knighton
Rick reread her words over and over again until he knew it by heart. He gazed into the dying fire in the fireplace.
" Mr. Grimes, what are you doing here again? You do realize that you are not supposed to be in the kitchen." Michonne said exasperated, standing up from the kitchen table."Rick." He said simply as he walked further into the room, leaning against the counter. Michonne smiled. "Are you still hungry, Rick? I can make you something." she said looking into his blue eyes. "No breakfast was quite filling thank you." He replied looking deep into her brown eyes. "This may sound odd, but I am drawn to you."
"Not many black girls where you're from?" Michonne said as she sat back down. Rick chuckled. "It's not that at all, I promise." Rick said as he stepped closer to the table. Michonne fiddled with her pen. "Hear my soul speak. Of the very instant that I saw you, Did my heart fly at your service." Rick said as he sat in the chair across from her. Michonne slowly smiled at Rick."Why are you quoting Shakespeare at me?" "Ah, so do you enjoy his work?" Rick asked as he smiled at her. "I do. I was even lucky enough to accompany two students to a production once." Michonne said, avoiding his eyes as she twirled the pen in her fingers. "Students?" Rick asked as he watched her elegant fingers. "I was a governess." Michonne said quietly. She took a deep breath and looked at Rick. "Why Shakespeare? Why The Tempest?" Rick looked away. "I don't know. It's about one's position and power. Love. I loved that part in the play when Ferdinand professes his love to Miranda. I couldn't ever imagine loving someone at first sight." Rick said as he looked into Michonne's eyes once again. Michonne closed her eyes shaking her head slightly. "You can't be here, Rick. You have to stop coming to this kitchen." Michonne said as she opened her eyes and looked into his. "Then tell me where to meet you." Rick said, as his eyes explored her own.
Xxxxxxxxx
Michonne took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet, fresh air. She exhaled slowly and surveyed her surroundings. She was in a pasture full of wildflowers. If the weather permitted Michonne walked there every morning, after helping tend to her father, to gather flowers for the house.
Michonne looked at her basket; it was overflowing. She smiled to herself. It was time to go back. The past two months had been the most peaceful she had know for some time. The physician Rick arranged to care for her father was a sweet man with two young daughters. Maggie and Beth were the sweetest, funniest girls. Always helping out around the house and just making Michonne laugh. Michonne became their governess and she hadn't realized how much joy teaching brought her until she was able to do it everyday.
Her father, Ezekiel Knighton's health hadn't improved but it hadn't gotten worse. Michonne was able to visit him everyday. It was wonderful talking to her father, a brilliant man who was an abolitionist as a young man who then settled into a simple life as a book dealer. Her mother died when she was very young and her father was devoted to her, Michonne's greatest joy was when he read to her as she fell asleep. Now she read to him as he fell asleep.
The days were long, full of chores and laughter. They occupied her mind but when night fell, Michonne would dream of Rick. Every single night and they were happy. Michonne awoke before the sun rose every morning and the reality of being alone, that the man she loved was married, and that she may never see him again set in. Michonne allowed the tears to spill before she began her chores. Getting water to wash with, preparing breakfast for the household, assisting Dr. Greene with her father, having lessons with Maggie and Beth, cleaning house, doing laundry, tending to the vegetable gardens, all of which Maggie and Beth assisted her with, it was an endless day of tasks.
Michonne finished chopping firewood to heat the oven for tonight's dinner. She gathered it up in her arms and headed for the house. Entering through the kitchen door, she placed the wood in a basket near the oven just as Beth entered with some freshly rinsed potatoes. "Thank you so much, Beth." "It's no trouble Ms. Michonne." They both heard a loud knock coming from the front hallway."Who could that be?" Michonne asked as she stood. "Maybe it's Mr. Porter. Perhaps, he lost a goat again." Beth said as she began to chop the potatoes. "Perhaps." Michonne said, lighting the fire for the stove. "I will get it." Maggie hollered from the hallway. "It's impolite to yell, Maggie." Beth hollered back. Michonne giggled as she stepped back from the stove and went to fetch a pot from the pantry.
Michonne reentered the kitchen to find Maggie standing there. "Maggie, was it Mr. Porter?" She asked placing the pot on the table. "No ma'am. He won't give his name he just wants to speak with you." Michonne frowned and grabbed a small log from the basket in the kitchen. Holding it close to her skirt, slightly hidden in its folds. Michonne looked at Maggie and Beth "If anything sounds strange get your father?" The girls nodded in unison.
Michonne headed down the corridor and made her way into the sitting room where the man was standing at a window looking out into the back gardens. She stared perplexed at his back, her eyes running over him from the brown curls on his head down to the boots on his feet, then she knew. "Rick?" He turned at the sound of her voice. It was him. It was truly him. The piece of wood fell from her grasp and she rushed into his arms. Rick, with all deftness, caught her in his arms, lifting her feet off of the ground, cradling her close to him.
Rick held her tight, her face buried in his neck as her hot tears wet his skin. He placed his love back on her feet and pulled back to look at her. Rick reached one hand up to caress away her tears. Michonne looked up at him through her blurry eyes, her hands against his chest. "How are you here, my love? Please don't be a dream." Michonne whispered looking deep into his blue eyes. Rick chuckled, deep and husky, "I'm no dream." he said as he pressed his lips against hers.
