"Did you have any luck with your trade today?" I asked my father on our way back to our home.
"Well…" My father creased his lips and paused, "No luck today, dear. And you mustn't tell your mother, we wouldn't want to give her any more grief."
"Of course not."
I didn't stop thinking about Edmond on our journey home. He seemed like a promising young man, I wouldn't mind being with him. I decided that since I wanted him, I would have him. I got whatever I wanted, and if I didn't then I would take it. It seemed to me that being pouty and needy made me only more attractive.
When we got home I had to continue with my chores. I took the eggs from our one good chicken, I named her Amy when I was younger. We also had a goat that I named Florent. My parents were nice to let me name our animals. They raised me well, we didn't have much but we had each other. After I finished my last chores I went and began spinning wool by the fire next to my mother who was sewing my skirt that I had snagged on a tree during my walk through the forest. My mother looked peaceful and beautiful with the light from the fire adding color to her pale skin.
"Did you have a nice time in town today?" She asked me.
"I did." I said simply.
"Did your father's trade go well?"
"Um well, perhaps you should ask him." I said, trying to avoid the question.
"Now don't give me any lip." She said, smiling.
I decided to change the subject to something more interesting, "I met someone today."
"A man I presume?"
My mother expected this of me because, although I never introduced them to my parents, my mother or father would always find out. This had happened countless times and each time my father would forbid me from seeing the boy again. They couldn't afford for me to be with a boy because they wanted to marry me off to a wealthy man, a man who could take care of me. I didn't protest to be taken care of by a man, but I couldn't help it if I drew men towards me. I was also quite lustful towards the boys in town.
"Of course not." I shrugged her off politely.
"Of course not," My mother smiled me, "Liar."
"Hmph," I sighed, "Maybe."
I decided to leave the question open because I didn't yet know who I wanted to marry. On occasion I took marriage lightly but other times I felt that my life depended upon it. I didn't like the idea of being forced to marry someone who I didn't love but I knew that my parents would find someone worthy of me. And above all, I had to marry someone who was attractive. If I didn't love them I wouldn't be too concerned because ultimately love doesn't matter. My parents had an arranged marriage and they seemed to get along just fine. Although my mother was gorgeous and my father was, well, lacking in his looks.
I left my mother and went to bed shortly after our conversation. The little talk we had only made me more anxious about being married or even finding someone.