I Promised You - William and Ophelia Read Free Page A

the
beautiful bed chambers that was assigned to her sister.

    “I admit that it is a beautiful place to
spend my time, sister, but only until the King and Mathew return. I
feel very uneasy in their company. I feel that there is something
amiss with Julia, for she seems to prefer her time away from her
husband to her time with him. He does have eyes that cut right
through you. As soon as I am sure that Julia and Hugo are safe and
can manage on their own I will come back home. But as long as the
King and Mathew are away, I am not in a great rush to do so.”
Gertie told her sister jumping on her big comfortable bed.

    “William mentioned the Great Evil’s arrival
will be soon. Be careful sister.” Ophelia said, giving Gertrude a
hug.

    Ophelia and Gertrude walked back into the
garden where Julia, Hugo and William were finishing the lunch of
bread, tea, cheeses and fruits they shared. Before Ophelia said her
goodbyes she asked if she could hold Hugo for a moment. Ophelia
loved children and this little boy was a beautiful child and smiled
easily.

    Ophelia put the baby over her shoulder to tap
his back to allow him to burp.

    Gertrude smiled at the sight of her sister
with Hugo. She knew that Ophelia always wanted to have children and
she knew that she would make an excellent mother someday. Gertrude
saw Ophelia’s eyes grow wide and Gertrude looked to see if she
could determine what Ophelia was looking at that was causing such a
reaction. Ophelia looked as if she had seen something shocking.

    “You are welcomed here any time, Ophelia.”
Julia told her as she took Hugo from her arms. Ophelia stammered
and said “thank you.”

    “William went to bring around the wagon, he
will take you home.” Julia said. “Gertie, could you help me
upstairs? I have suddenly grown very tired.”

    “Of course, Julia. God speed, sister. Thank
you for bringing my clothes. Commend me to our mother.”

    Ophelia did not have another private moment
with Gertrude. William took her arm. “The wagon is around front,
are you ready to depart?”

    Ophelia was still watching the staircase that
Gertrude, Julia and Hugo were ascending. “What? Oh, yes, thank you,
William.” She said, walking to the wagon.
    William spoke of many things on their way
back into the forest. Ophelia could not concentrate, for her mind
was elsewhere.

    Ophelia was puzzled and she wished she had a
few minutes with her own thoughts. She very much wanted to get to
know William better, but she was confused.

    “Tis something bothering ye, Ophelia?”
William finally asked her.

    “What?” Oh, no, why does thou ask,
William?”
    “I have asked ye twice now if we are still on
the right path to your house, thou have not answered me.”

    Ophelia looked around and then said “William,
we are very close. I would like to visit a friend of mine who lives
hither. Would thou mind very much if I left ye here? Thank you for
the ride.”

    “No problem to do that, if you wish, but I
would be happy to take you to your friend’s house and even wait
until thou are ready to leave again.” William said hopefully. Even
though she was not in a talkative mood this afternoon, he was
enjoying their time together. “I am not needed back at the Palace
any time soon.”

    “Thank you, but no. Could you let me off
here?” Ophelia asked, forcing herself to smile.

    “Of course. I hope to see you again soon,
Ophelia.” William said, stopping the wagon and helping Ophelia
down.

    Ophelia stood there and watched as William
turned around the wagon and headed back to the Palace. She sat down
on a rock and tried to gather herself. She was positive something
was not as it seemed in the Palace.

    “Hello, Ophelia, we be meetin up agin!” Alma
called out, breaking Ophelia’s concentration.

    “Good day, Alma.”

    “Could ye help out an old woman, luv? Me
branch broke and tis hard on me bones to walk.” Alma said.

    “Oh, of course.” Ophelia said. “Wait right
here, I think I see a