Freedom Bound - Part Three

Andrew took Abigail fishing in a stream that flowed on the south side of the little village. Abigail laughed in surprise when she discovered his intent. He spent some time teaching her how to bait and use a fishing rod, and even more time chuckling patiently while she tried it. After several tries, Abigail finally reeled in a fish.

“Good work,” said Andrew, “But he’s too small. You’ll have to let him go.”

“Let him go?” repeated Abigail, holding the fishing line up while the little fish flapped his tail for all he was worth.

“Yes, before he suffocates,” Andrew insisted. He took hold of the little fish and pried it away from the hook.

Abigail protested, “That hook must hurt.”

Andrew shook his head. “He’s okay,” he assured her as he let the fish slip into the water, “We’re not eating him.”

“Only eat the big fish,” Abigail commented before casting her line into the water.

“Yes, they have more flesh on them and they’re easier to share with others,” Andrew offered in explanation.

Abigail smiled. “What others?”

“Friends of mine. You will like them.” Andrew smiled reassuringly as he watched her.

Abigail’s eyes were the colour of the sky on a clear summer day. They were clear, but so guarded that even while she smiled, Andrew could not know the thoughts behind them.

“You promised you would keep me secret,” she reminded him.

Andrew nodded. “Yes, a secret from the palace household. If you trust me, you can trust my friends.”

When they had caught a moderate share of fish, Andrew gathered them up and led Abigail back into the village. Instead of returning to his house, they followed the road until they reached a little house where three children – two boys and a girl – played in the grass.

“Uncle Andrew!” they called, running to him with hugs.

Andrew responded warmly to the children’s greeting, his smile widening on his face. The door to the house opened and a pretty young blonde woman stepped out.

“Andrew,” said the woman, smiling before her eyes caught Abigail’s.

Andrew spoke before the young woman could continue, “Good morning Madelyn. I’ve brought a guest.” He approached the door with Abigail following. He turned to Abigail. “Madelyn is my sister-in-law.”

Madelyn smiled and offered a slight bow as she extended her hand. “Princess.”

“It’s Abbey,” Abigail replied, as she shook Madelyn’s hand, “I’m happy to meet you.”

“Children, come back to your studies,” Madelyn called, looking past Andrew at the three on the lawn. The children scurried past Andrew and Abigail and through the doorway. Madelyn turned back to Andrew. “Jonathan won’t be back for another hour or two, but you are welcome to come in.”

Madelyn moved aside as Andrew thanked her. He allowed Abigail in before him. The house inside was a welcoming home, simply and pleasantly decorated. The children sat around a table, concentrating over their paper and pencils.

Madelyn smiled at Abigail. “Make yourself at home.” She turned to Andrew. “I see you brought some fish. Thank you, they will make a great dinner. Could you help me with them in the kitchen?”

Andrew followed Madelyn into the adjoining kitchen, separated by a wall with an open doorway. He saw Abigail stand awkwardly by the table with the children just as he and Madelyn left. Madelyn took the fish from Andrew and waited a minute before she spoke.

“Andrew, the princess is not here on a royal visit, is she?” she began quietly.

“No, Madelyn, and I count on you to be a good hostess,” he replied calmly.

“I will be, I promise you, but,” she glanced through the doorway and lowered her voice, “You could be in great trouble for having her here. No doubt they will search for her.”

“I’m sure they will and they may even find her here,” said Andrew, “I found her by the lake this morning. She had no destination, only a horse, and food to keep a bird alive. Were it not for me, she may have been found out already. She doesn’t want to go back to the palace.”

“And who are you to give her what she does or does not want?” Madelyn countered.

Andrew sighed, looking at Abigail. She was sitting at the table smiling at the children while they talked blithely with her. “Regardless of who she is, I just feel she needs our help,” he insisted, “Please, Maddy.”

Madelyn shook her head with a gentle sigh. “You and Jonathan both.”

Andrew grinned. His brother may have done the same were he in the same position. Andrew knew this was why Madelyn understood him. Andrew and Madelyn returned to the table, where the children were no longer studying, but chatting away with Abigail.

“Can Abbey stay for dinner, Mama?” asked Alexa, an energetic, six year old image of her mother.

“If you finish your studies for today,” answered Madelyn. She turned to Abigail. “You are welcome, Abbey.”

“Thank you,” said Abigail, “Your children are lovely.”

Madelyn smiled. As she thanked Abigail and began to converse with her, Andrew was approached by Samuel, the oldest of the children.

“Uncle Andrew,” he said, tapping the man’s arm lightly, “Want to see what I made?”

“Of course,” replied Andrew.

He followed the boy to the boys’ bedroom, where Samuel presented him with a small wooden boat. It resembled a small model of a hollowed-out log, but had been carved into a canoe-like shape and sported a mast and sail. Andrew took the boat from the boy’s hands and praised his craftsmanship.

“I even put tar on it so it would float without leaking,” said Samuel, pointing at the little boat, “See? I learned it from you, uncle Andrew.”

Andrew smiled proudly at his nephew. Samuel was a quickly growing eleven year old who had yet to fill out in any way but height. He greatly resembled his father, and consequently his uncle, with dark hair and brown eyes. He had taken an interest in working with wood, and Andrew had taught him a little.

“Do you think Abbey would like it, uncle Andrew?” asked Samuel suddenly.

“Perhaps you should show it to her and find out,” Andrew replied, handing the little sailboat back to the boy.

When they returned to the sitting room where they had left the others, Madelyn and Abigail were laughing like they were good friends. Andrew watched as Samuel shyly interrupted them to show off his wooden sailboat. Abigail showed interest in him and all the children and Andrew found himself pleased with the fact.

Jonathan arrived shortly thereafter and Andrew and Abigail remained with his family for the rest of the afternoon. They cooked the fish that evening over an open fire in the yard, enjoying a hearty dinner. After dinner, Jonathan brought out a guitar.

“Let’s have some music, shall we?” he said, seating himself with the guitar in his lap.

He began to strum and the children joined in as he sang a tune. His voice was a smooth baritone, although at times rough. Madelyn’s voice was sweet and clear as she sang softly along. Abigail was unfamiliar with the songs the family sang, but listened with delight. She looked at Andrew to see a peaceful smile on his face and it made her smile as well.

At the end of the evening, after the children had gone to sleep and the sun was setting, Abigail requested to return to her horse. Andrew and Abigail bid Madelyn and Jonathan goodnight and strolled toward Andrew’s house, where they had left Sky earlier. The horse had wandered only a little from where Abigail had left him. He responded positively to her as she patted his nose and spoke softly. Andrew watched her quietly.

Abigail turned her gaze to him. “Your family is very nice, Andrew.”

Andrew nodded. “Thank you.” He stepped closer and also pet the horse.

“I should be on my way,” said Abigail.

“Where would you go, especially at this time of the evening?” asked Andrew. Abigail only shrugged. Andrew sighed gently, shaking his head. “No. You can stay here… at least until the morning.”

Abigail ducked her head. “That’s good of you,” she mumbled, “but…”

“Just stay, Abbey,” he interrupted, “And I’ll teach you how to make good bread.”

Read Freedom Bound Part Two Here. Read Part Four Here.