The New Life

a novel by Mark Robert Whitten

Chapter 15

The next few days were the most exciting of his entire life. Jess could hardly eat, barely sleep. He just kept thinking about everything he would see and do and experience. His family was more light-hearted than he ever remembered. Father exchanged two of the three gold marks for silver and came home with purses of silver pieces and a pouch full of copper. He explained that he had bought some food and a fine wine to celebrate his son's good fortune yet still had so much left over he would have to save it. Mother prepared a grand feast for them that very night and everyone agreed it was the best meal ever. It seemed that Jess' good fortune meant good fortune for all. Father had lost his job with the blacksmith but with the gold they were paid it didn't matter; they could eat for a month on half what they were paid. With so much extra money they could afford new clothes, shoes, pottery and some toys and dolls for May belle. There was even talk of buying more land and starting up a proper farm. May belle fancied the idea of having the upper room when Jess was gone and Ellie said she was proud of him. Everyone seemed in a good mood—except for Brenda, who was too jealous to be happy for him.

Jess didn't feel all that great. He wished he knew what to do about Leslie. He had broken her heart; that wasn't something you just forgive. He knew he had to do something for her, something to show her that he was sorry, but he was at a loss as to what he could do. She was a noble after all. What could he possibly get her that she didn't already have? He decided it would have to be something she wouldn't expect, something special and beautiful, something like Leslie. He had the coin Leslie's father had given him and he was more than eager to spend it. Jess knew Leslie deserved more than a humble apology but after three days of searching, he realized that there was nothing in Westwood that suited her.

He finally decided that he would just apologize and hope it was enough.

With all the money coming in and the possibility of living with Leslie, Jess felt like life had just begun. He didn't even worry about chores anymore. His family kept him busy but he knew it was to calm him; he talked so often about what was to come that he was driving everyone crazy. He lay awake at night thinking about Leslie, about her almond shaped eyes, her easy laugh, about the way she smiled. He thought about how much he enjoyed talking to her. He only hoped she would want to talk to him again.

As he rolled over and felt himself drifting, he caught the glimmer of an idea for her gift, but in the blink of an eye, it was gone.

* * *

The final day came at last. Jess awoke with a smile on his face; he had dreamt of Leslie.

As he pulled himself up, he brushed off the straw, satisfied with the thought that he would never again have to sleep on a pallet. He would sleep in a bed that night. He would eat fine meals and read books and wear proper livery. He would be like a noble himself.

As he went downstairs, everyone smiled at him. The family smiled more often of late. Jess smiled back. Breakfast was cooking and as he took his seat on the bench, he wondered what breakfast in the castle would be like.

Jess was told that he wouldn't have to do his chores. He knew it was because the day had finally arrived. Lord Burke was to send for him and he guessed he wasn't supposed to get dirty. Jess sighed. After breakfast, he sat idle. He didn't know what he would do with his day but mother tossed a sack and told him to get a bath and change into the clean clothes she had given him. He thanked her as she shooed him out the door.

The pond came into view after only a few minutes, its dark surface sparkling in warm greeting. The trees screened it from view, affording him some much-valued privacy. He dropped his pack on the shore and stripped off his clothes.

As he opened the pack, he rummaged through its contents, finding the towel his mother had promised. He set his spare clothes on a nearby rock along with his towel and slipped into the welcoming pond. As he settled down to his waist, he savored the cooling feeling of the lapping waters washing away the dirt along with his concerns for the future.

Bathed and dried, he pulled out the clothes mother had given him. They were his good temple clothes. He didn't like how they itched but he liked the idea of looking his best. Smiling, he slipped on the dark trousers and red shirt with the nice vest. He had a good hour before noon, and with nothing else to do, Jess decided to walk to town. He took the bridge so as not to ruin his clothes and soon found himself wandering though the street on the hunt for Leslie's gift. He still had no idea of what to bring her. She would forgive him if he had the right gift. He only had a few more hours to think about it, he knew.

If only there were some sign…

Then he saw it: the very thing that would put a permanent smile on Leslie's beautiful face. He was ready to rush back home for the gold coin that Lord Burke had given him, but when he inquired about the gift, he was delighted to find it was free.

Lifting the squirming dog in his arms, he laughed aloud as it tried to lick his face. It would be perfect. He took it home and showed his mother. She laughed and told him to be careful, lest it make him a mess.

May belle rushed in then and told them somebody was here. Jess rushed out and saw the carriage waiting with a few soldiers surrounding it. The door stood open and Jess immediately headed for it. He placed Leslie's gift inside and closed the door. As he turned back, he saw his mother standing before him, father at her side. She was twisting a dishrag in her hands and smiling through her tears. Jess just stood there; he couldn't think of anything to say. She pulled him into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered. "I love you, Jess."

He held his mother for a long time. He tried to hold back the tears. They whispered how much they cared for each other and when the carriage driver called to him, he knew it was time. Mother held tight for a little while longer and when he finally convinced her to let go, Jess saw Ellie and Brenda standing at her side. Ellie gave him a hug, but Brenda refused, preferring to pout. Jess didn't mind; he didn't expect anything from her anyway.

Then he looked past them. Hiding behind mother's skirts, clutching her little doll, stood May belle, her plump face wet with tears. He came to her and offered her a hug. She shook her head and sobbed. Jess nodded and, patting her head, turned to leave. He nearly fell over as May belle tackled him. She clung to him, as if afraid that he would float away the moment she let go. He patted her head again and told her to be brave. "I'll write to you," he promised.

"I can't read," she sniffled.

"Father will teach you."

May belle nodded against his stomach. Then she let go clinging instead to mother who placed a tender hand on her back. Jess looked at his family and past them towards his old house. He didn't have anything to take with him except the fine clothes he wore. The Duke would provide everything he would ever need.

Finally, he opened the door and stepped into the carriage. Mother handed him a sack of food and some waterskins. Father joined him and signaled the driver. Jess heard the snap of a whip and felt the coach lurch forward.

His family waved in the window.

Quick as thought, Jess realized, he was on his way to a better life.

* * *

The trip took only the better part of the day. Jess knew it was because the coach was drawn by six horses; when they had journeyed to find Leslie, they had only two and those were pulling a full-size wagon. The journey was swift and as Jess peered out the window of the coach, he was amazed to see the world flashing by in a blur. He never thought anyone could travel so swiftly. Jess looked to his father, but he didn't seem impressed by the coach. Leslie's gift stirred in his lap, trying to get comfortable as Jess ran his hand over the leather padding of the seat. He smiled, guessing that he would just have to learn to get used to such fine things.

When they reached the city, the sun had long since set. He thought they would stop at the inn for the night, but they continued onward, towards the castle. The drawbridge was raised but when they announced themselves, the bridge lowered and allowed them entry. Jess found the darkness took away some of the castle's intimidation, realizing that if he couldn't see it, it wasn't quite so frightening.

When the carriage door swung open, Jess stepped out, father handing him his gift for Leslie before following towards the castle door. Jess stared at the coach, watching it pull away into the darkness. He guessed the stables were somewhere off to the side. As he turned towards the entryway, he realized that it was so late that he probably wouldn't see Leslie at all.

"Jess?"

He turned to the sound of Judy's voice and smiled as she waved him in. When he reached the top of the steps, Judy moved to hug him but stopped as she found she couldn't get around his squirming gift. "Jess," she managed between licks of her face, "Where ever did you get this?"

Jess smiled proudly. "I got him back in Westwood." He laughed as he tried to keep the dog's licking tongue out of his own mouth. "He's for Leslie."

"She'll love it!" Judy laughed. "Oh, Jess, I'm so glad you've come back."

"So am I, My Lady."

As they went inside, Father looked around the candle-lit anteroom, as if expecting something bad to happen. Jess knew he was only there to make sure he became settled. He appreciated his father's concern but he didn't think he needed someone looking after him anymore. He was practically a man.

A man entrusted to protect nobles.

"Well, supper is long over, but if you're hungry, I'm sure we could find something."

"Actually, I really want to see Leslie, first. I have to talk to her."

That brought a smile to Judy's face. "Of course, Jess." She extended her hand. "Right this way."

He followed her down the familiar halls and up the stairs to Leslie's room. Jess glanced back to see father trailing behind. When they arrived at the door, Leslie's present was so frantic, Jess could barely hold onto him. Judy knocked on her door.

Jess heard the muffled steps he knew well and when the door squeaked open, he could see Leslie peeking out. She looked from her mother to Jess and silently opened the door the rest of the way. Her face was blank, but when she saw the dog her face melted into a look of wonder. "Oh," she cried, in a sweet voice. "Look at you!"

Jess immediately handed the dog over to her.

"What's his name?" she asked as the dog licked her face.

"I don't know, yet." He shrugged. "You have to choose."

Leslie gaped at him. "He's for me?" Her almond-shaped eyes went wide as he nodded and then she threw her free arm around his neck in an awkward embrace. "Wow, Jess," she whispered, "Thank you!"

She set the struggling dog on the floor. "I'll name you Prince Terrian—P.T. for short."

As Prince Terrian yapped his approval, Jess watched Leslie laugh. She looked so happy, like before. He wanted to talk to her, to ask her forgiveness, but when he saw how she took to her gift, he realized it wasn't necessary; she had already forgiven him.

"So…do you like him?"

She met his gaze with a warm smile. "I love him!" She hugged him again, and as he held her, he heard her whisper, "I'm so glad you came back."

"I missed you, Leslie. I didn't want to leave you."

As they separated, she looked him over. "You're wearing your temple clothes."

"Yeah, well, they were the nicest clothes I have."

Judy and father excused themselves to talk about "grown-up things" which Jess figured meant how he would be treated and what was expected of him. Judy would have to convince father of the safety and security of his moving but Jess was certain father would be more than pleased.

Just then, Jess felt his stomach grumble.

As he rubbed his belly, Leslie noticed. "Haven't you eaten?"

"Not for a while," he said. "I had something on the road but that was awhile ago. Your mother promised me something to eat…" he gestured towards the two adults, engaged in their hushed conversation. "But I guess she's busy."

Leslie patted his shoulder. "I'll have something brought up."

Jess was about to tell her it wasn't necessary, when she glanced down the hall. Just as Jess caught sight of a girl about Brenda's age walking past the intersection, Leslie snapped her fingers. The girl stopped short at the sound and rushed over to them, stopping before Leslie and dipping a deep curtsy.

"Yes, my lady?"

Leslie smiled. "Gretchen, good." Leslie motioned toward Jess. "This is Jess. He will be serving me directly from now on." Jess dipped his head towards the young woman as Leslie continued. "He's hungry, and I need some food brought up for him right away." She counted off the food on her fingers. "Chicken, bread and cheese—with a few grapes on the side."

The Gretchen girl nodded. "Would you care for anything else, my lady?"

Leslie thought a moment. "Yes, a pot of tea and some strawberries with cream."

Gretchen nodded and dipped another low curtsy before rushing off. Leslie turned back to Jess and shrugged. "She won't be long."

Jess nodded. He didn't know what to say; he had never seen Leslie so commanding, so assertive. She always seemed so shy around older girls and to see her so casually ordering around a girl his older sister's size was startling. She seemed so much unlike the helpless girl sprawled across father's lap, howling as she received a spanking for being late for supper or hiding from Brenda when she was being moody.

Jess couldn't help but stare at her now.

Leslie frowned. "What's wrong?"

"I didn't say anything."

She folded her arms. "You're staring at me, Jess. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no, I just…" He shook his head. "It's nothing."

Her frown deepened. "Well, something's bothering you."

Jess knew she wouldn't let this go. He sighed. "Well, it's just that you told that lady what to do and all…"

"And?"

"And you didn't even say 'please' or 'thank you' to her—not even once."

Leslie blinked. "I don't have to say those things."

"Oh, okay." He shrugged. "I just always thought we were supposed to thank people who did favors for us."

"This is my house, Jess. She serves me because she's paid with shelter, food and money. She's not doing me a favor; she's doing her job."

Jess had to admit that he hadn't thought of it like that. He felt his face flush and was certain she would notice. He was relieved when she said nothing of it.

"You have a lot to learn about serving nobles," she said, her smile returning. "Don't worry; I'll teach you."

Father came over after a moment. "Jess, you all right, son?"

He met his father with a grin. "Oh yeah, I'm fine."

"Good, cause I'm gonna head home now."

Leslie spoke up then. "Are you sure you won't stay, Mr. Aarons—we have plenty of extra rooms."

Father acknowledged her kindness with a dip of his head but he dismissed the idea. "I've got a long journey ahead of me and the family's waiting."

Just then father did something he didn't expect. Kneeling down, he unfastened his belt and wrapped it around Jess waist, securing at his hip the knife his father had passed down to him. "You'll be needing it, son." He raised a finger to him in stern warning. "Don't play with it; it's to protect your friend. Find a teacher to instruct you and learn well its use."

He stood then and patted Jess on the shoulder. Realizing that he would be on his own from this point, Jess took the opportunity to throw his arms around his father's waist for one last hug. He felt father's big hand pat his back and as he took in one last deep breath of his father's earthy scent, he finally forced himself to let go.

He stared up into his father's weathered face.

I love you, son.

Father didn't say it, but Jess found it there, in his eyes. "Take care, son." father told him and as Jess nodded, he felt hot tears slip down his face. He turned away as Lady Judy gently took father's arm, offering to show him out. Father turned with her and walked down the hall and as he left the castle Jess began to realize how much he would miss him. As he watched him go, it occurred to him that father probably didn't feel very comfortable in the castle. He supposed living his whole life in the open air of a farm was what made him so uneasy in soft surroundings.

Leslie nudged his arm, bringing him back to attention.

"Are you alright?"

Jess wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his shirt and nodded. "What do I call you?"

"What do you mean?"

"The girl that was here—Gretchen—she called you 'My lady.' What do I call you, Leslie? My Lady? Ma'am? Maiden Leslie?"

She giggled. "Why don't you just call me what you've always called me?"

Jess smirked. "You mean 'trouble'?"

Prince Terrian barked his agreement. That brought a big Leslie-grin Jess had missed for a long time. She playfully shoved his shoulder and they both laughed.

As she turned back to her room, she looked as if she expected the very door to obey her command and open. When it didn't, she turned to him.

"Ahem."

"What?"

She leaned close to whisper, although there was no one else in the hall. "You're supposed to open the door for me."

He rushed over, opening the door and standing back so she could enter. She dipped her head in appreciation as she strode into the room. Once inside, she motioned for him to follow and as he entered, he looked about. The floor was covered with a beautiful blue carpet that made a whisper of his footsteps. He felt as if he were entering a sacred temple. Everything in the room was exquisite: the tables, the chairs, bed, even the bookshelves were all lit in the soft glow of a fireplace. He found the entire sweet-smelling room an opulent comfort. Nothing in the place spoke of anything less than the finest quality. It was a room fit for a queen. Even the windows were of fine quality, with glass panes keeping out the cool night air.

As he watched the candlelight reflected a soft glow against the glass, Leslie glided over to a small table. Jess noticed her watching him and immediately joined her.

As they sat, he asked her where she expected him to sleep.

"We have a room prepared for you."

Jess smiled. "Is it like this one?"

"No, it's more blues and reds and greens—you know; boy's colors."

He hadn't meant the choice of décor, but he guessed she meant he was to have a room as fine as hers. He grinned at the thought. As Prince Terrian scurried about the floor, sniffing out all the new scents, Leslie watched him with delight. She pulled back a stray lock of golden hair and laughed when he plopped down in front of the fire to sleep.

Something occurred to Jess that had been bothering him. "Leslie?" She turned to him. "Why is your hair so long?"

Her brow twitched in confusion. "I'm a person of standing. All women of rank have hair like mine."

"But you didn't have hair like that when I knew you."

She shrugged. "I kept it short because I was trying to hide."

"But how did your hair grow so long? You were only gone from us for three days."

"Oh." She stood then and walked over to a dresser. From his chair, Jess watched as she retrieved something from a polished wooden box. She wore a mischievous grin as she crossed the room. He fidgeted when he saw it; Jess knew that look to mean trouble. She stopped in front of him and held out the object: a small comb.

"This is it," she said, as if that were explanation enough.

He gently took the comb, turning it over. "What about it?"

"This comb has magic." When he frowned in doubt, her grin grew. She took the comb and placed it atop his head. He sat as still as he could as she ran it gently through his hair, combing it downward, over his eyes. With every stroke of the comb, his brown hair lengthened. Jess laughed in wonder. He could no longer see her for all the hair in his face.

"It's too long," he snickered. "How do I get rid of it?"

She grab a fistful of his lengthened hair and turned the comb over in her other hand. Pulling tight, she threaded the excess through a loop in the back of the comb and pulled across. Jess felt it all fall away as a hidden razor sliced through his thick mane. He blinked up at his friend. She now held the excess hair in her fist. "That's how I did it."

Without a word, she walked over to the fireplace and pitched the excess hair into the hearth. She watched it flare in brilliance for a moment before returning the comb to its box and resuming her place at the table.

Jess grinned at her. "I think I'm gonna like it here."

"I think so too," she said, as she rested her chin on the backs of her folded hands.

He wanted to ask about what other items of magic she had but there were things he didn't yet understand about her. "Leslie, why did you lie to me?"

His question stole the mirth from her face. "Lie about what?"

He answered, even though he suspected she knew exactly what he meant. "Why did you lie to me about who you really are?" He hoped he wasn't treading on anything too painful.

Leslie twisted her fingers on the table top. The only sound in the suddenly quiet room was the soft crackle of the fire. Jess didn't press her for the answer; he just waited for her to say something. She wouldn't meet his gaze as she answered softly. "I was afraid."

"What were you afraid of?"

She sighed. "Well, at first, I thought if you knew who I really was, you would turn me in; there was a big reward for my safe return." She shook her head and picked at a spot on the tabletop. "The bounty hunters were paid handsomely when they finally got me here."

Jess felt his brows go up at that news. He had been rewarded but he never thought there could be more. "I wouldn't do that," he told her, wondering if even he believed his own words. "You're my friend, Leslie. Nobody in my family would do that to you."

She gave him an even look. "What about Brenda?"

Jess scratched his head and grinned sheepishly. "Well, I guess she probably would."

Leslie leaned in with a mischievous smirk. "Did she have a fit when she found out about me?" She seemed eager for the farmland gossip.

"Oh yeah," he laughed. "I think she still might be having a fit." Leslie's laugh fell in easily with his. Jess forced himself to be serious. He still had questions. "Why didn't you just tell me, if you were afraid? I wouldn't have told."

"I've never had a friend before." She shrugged. "I was afraid you wouldn't like me anymore, if you knew."

Jess sat back, dumbstruck. "Leslie, you have a whole castle of people to serve you. Aren't any of those people your friends?" She shook her head. "They seemed nice; you don't like them or something?"

Her face lowered as she answered. "They don't like me."

"Why not?"

"They're afraid of me."

He made a face. "That doesn't make any sense."

Leslie leaned back in her chair, glaring at him as she crossed her arms. "Do you remember what happened when you found out I'm a noble?"

"I…well, I…"

"Exactly," she said. "You ran away and I thought I'd lost you. I didn't think you were ever coming back."

He tried to find the words to apologize, but a knock on the door saved him. He jumped up, grateful for the excuse of answering. Gretchen came in, followed by two other girls about her age, all wearing the simple brown dresses of servants. The all carried trays with everything Leslie had requested. Jess felt his mouth water at the sight of the roasted chicken and plates of cheese and bread. He strode quickly back to his seat as they set the table. The plates were all white with gold rims, not the simple wooden dishes he was accustomed to and as he pulled up his fine chair, Gretchen poured him some tea from a flowered pot that looked to be worth more than his old house. He smiled at her and was surprised to see her return the grin. She stood back from the table then and curtsied to Leslie before leaving. Jess watched her go, patiently savoring the aroma of roasted chicken as the other two servant girls followed her out. As the door closed he turned back to his meal and immediately plucked up a steaming piece of chicken. Jess put it to his lips and blew, cooling the meat before tearing into it with his teeth.

Leslie watched him, her head resting on the backs of her hands. She smirked.

"What?" he asked, licking his lips. "Did I do something wrong?"

Still smirking, Leslie shook her head. "I just enjoy watching you eat."

"Well, stop it," he grumbled. "Eat something yourself, don't just sit there watching me."

Leslie snatched up a strawberry between her delicate fingers and ran it through the bowl of sweet cream. She made an exaggerated show of it as she took a bite. Jess grunted his satisfaction and tore into the chicken. It was moist and savory and he found the bread that accompanied it soft and light, like a cloud with butter. He stopped eating only long enough to take a gulp of tea and when he drained his cup, Leslie refilled it and resumed her placid watching. He wondered if he should try to make conversation, get her to talk about what his life would be like at the castle. "So, what's going to happen now," he asked around a mouthful of chicken.

"Well, bedtime is soon, I guess. I'll take you on a tour tomorrow and show you around."

Jess made an agreeable sound as he stuffed some cheese into his mouth. He gestured with the chicken as he chewed. "Is my room this big?"

"Yes," said Leslie, "all the rooms on this floor are like mine. Most are guest rooms but we arranged for one to be yours, permanently."

Jess finished the rest of the meal in silence. He simply couldn't think of anything else to ask. He reached for a few grapes and Leslie took another strawberry, yawning before she could take a bite. As he fingered a few grapes from the little glass bowl, Jess wiped his mouth with a fancy embroidered napkin and stood. "I guess I'd better go to bed now."

She rose and saw him to the door. "I'll show you to your room."

He popped the grapes in his mouth and let her lead him down the hall to a door on the other side. She opened it without preamble. The darkness was thick but as he padded across the carpet, Leslie picked up a candle and lit a few lamps.

The golden glow illuminated the finest room Jess had seen since Leslie's. He saw much the same furniture, but without the frills and lace. The carpet was a rich blue so exquisite, he felt as if he weren't meant to stand on such a beautiful floor. Jess wondered if he could possibly jump to bed from the doorway.

Judging by the size of the room, he doubted it.

The bed itself was massive, with four posts of polished dark wood. He hadn't slept in beds much of his life and the one at the inn was just big enough for a man his father's size. The one before him now looked as if it could hold his whole family with room left for Leslie and Prince Terrian.

"Like it?"

Jess stared in wonder at the magnificent bed. He tried to find words to express his gratitude but found that he could only nod.