We got to the convent first going around the huge rocky fence that made it impossible to see the old abbey the nuns lived in until we got to the huge gate where the security guard of the church stood in the smaller house. He was in his usual armor and shields and inside I could see many of them gallivanting in the compound. I guess the Earl of the city assigned some to them. There was a time when an attack was done on the children and nuns who stayed here and they were kidnapped to who knows where. But with effort, they were returned by the state army.
It had been a topic of discussion that year at the university and it was used as a case study then. It was good to see the improvement.
"What can we…"
He stopped when he saw Nora who waved at him nonchalantly.
"Open the gate, Sir Tim."
"You." He said with amusement in his chill face which he was trying not to break. But how can one hold their smile with such a girl?
"You're welcome, Sir."
I dropped her this time to straighten my back and she was smiling and looking around.
"We came along with Mrs Williams, they are…,"
"Oh, her. I know of her." His eyes twinkle with some emotion I know not what to call.
"Alright. Shall we Nora." I gave my hand and she took it.
"With pleasure sir."
She led me through the compound going to the Rocky Abbey. I would tell you this abbey was as old as time. With its ancient rectangular windows and towers. But in all, it still looked the same with its park and grass that surrounded both sides of the pathway.
"Which side do you live in Nora?"
The knights passing by gave looks at us and I was sure if it hadn't been that we were let in by the first guard I would have been undergoing questioning now.
"In the hall, with the nuns. Come, I will take you to Mother Superior." She began to run dragging my hands.
"Easy Nora you would fall."
"I would tell her how kind you are to me."
We soon entered the huge hall through the hallways of the abbey.
She pushed the two doors open to reveal a whole hall of Young girls with one nun.
All eyes turned to us at the back as the silence befell.
"It's Nora," they whispered amongst themselves. "What is she doing with him?"
The callous old nun walked towards us peeking at me through her glasses until she came near.
"Who are you, gentleman?"
"I am…."
"He is Mrs Houton's son!"
"Quiet girl!" She scolded her and she shrank back.
"I ask again, Who are you, gentleman?"
"I am…"
"He is with me Mother Superior."
Another interruption.
I turned to see Mrs Williams and the other girls.
"Oh, Madame." Her tone and face softened immediately when she saw her.
"I never knew that." she scrutinized me more pushing up her large goggles.
"He is the son of the Lady I work for."
"The Houstons?"
"Yes. Ma'am."
"I think I know him." She seemed unsure.
"And I do know you, Mother, superior. The little boy you scolded for pouring the soup at the hall? Twelve, ten years ago?"
It dawned on her and he eyes widened. "Ah! The boy!" For the first time since she saw me, she smiled.
"The naughty child with his parents!"
Everyone was staring at us as if we were talking balderdash. The look on Mrs Williams's face was priceless.
"You know each other, mother?" Nora broke the ice.
"We do, child. Quiet girls!" she turned to them. "I would be back in a minute. You girls join the class. I would be right back."
The girls bowed and thanked us both, especially Mrs Williams in the hope of seeing her again.
Nora didn't want to leave my hand until she scolded her. And she left me with a sulky countenance.
"Visit us again, Uncle. I will tell them all about you."
"To your seat!"
She flinched and scampered to join the other girls at the pew.
"Follow me." She ushered the both of us.