Hated company or not, I was going with her today. I have thought it through and I think it is the best opportunity to visit some places. Life in the university was tough and lonely with less time for travel. It was also a good one to visit my uncle in Leighton.
I had woken early in the morning to pack my bags and the clock now was pointing at five am. Outside the windows, I saw the coachman getting the carriage ready. Mrs Williams was up before I did and I didn't think she slept an inch the last night. I kept hearing her doors open and close, walking to and fro downstairs and upstairs. Getting ready maybe.
Having all my items packed I went down the stairs and at the entrance of the hall I saw Mother in her long nightwear with a shawl to cover herself from the cold.
"Eugene?" She was surprised to see me. "You changed your mind?" She asked with a hidden excitement.
"I did," I answered holding firmly the bag. "And I hope Mrs Williams turns out to be more accommodative as I know her to be."
The atmosphere was still damp and thick with darkness and beyond the stairs, I saw her near the carriage with the coachman, lamp in hand.
"I have to speak to her."
"Is that necessary? I would go no matter what. As I have prepared there is no going back." I said as I went down the stairs towards them. When she saw me she was shocked, her mouth opened and closed back.
"Are you heading off somewhere this early in the morning sir?" The coachman asked.
"I am." I gave the bag to him. "I am going with Mrs. Williams to Lindgreen."
She turned with the speed of lightning. "You say what now?"
"I am going with you…..courtesy of Mother." I gestured to Mother who was already down the stairs, clutching her shawl.
"I asked him to," she told to her.
"No madame, I can go by myself, I have not given you a reason to doubt my service have I?" she coaxed.
"You have not, I am only concerned about you. You have never travelled that far for me and I want to ensure your safety by asking him to join you…. In case of any need for concern. It's a long journey dearest." She placed her hand on her shoulders which she squeezed later with closed eyes.
"As far as he doesn't give me trouble himself." She eyed me before she withdrew and climbed the carriage.
"I'm not a child to give you trouble madame." I retaliated but she faced the other end of the windows.
"Son,"
I turned to her. "Be careful, it is a long journey." She held my hand.
I kissed her cheeks. "I will. Send my regards to Dennis and the children, and the rest."
"Of course." She let go of my hand finally and shifted as I climbed the carriage and the coachman closed it.
"Safe journey." She waved as he motioned the horses.
"Go inside you will catch a cold," I told her and waved back with a smile as we rode out of the park.
"To Lindgreen it is."
I rested my head on the seat and ignored the woman who carefully stole herself away to the other end Keen on not looking or even speaking to me. Her head was faced at the window and that irksome shawl on her face. It was just us, what was to be hidden?
"I think if we are to embark on this journey together we should at least be communicative."
She acted as if I hadn't spoken.
I was about to let her be when she spoke.
"I am not on a journey with you Mr Houston and it will be better if you state where you are going for your escapade and youthful exuberance and Mr Clair would kindly drop you off."
"I don't care if you want me here or not, I am going no matter how cold and unfeeling you are."
She chuckled. A very low one. "Cold?" She murmured to herself eyes still on the windows. Nothing was interesting out there, it was just the trees we were bypassing.
"And don't think it is because of you that I am going."
"Is it?" She turned furious this time.
I wished it was daylight so I could see her reactions enough.
"Of course," I answered composed.
"Then why would you travel with me, can't you board another carriage or maybe go another day, it had to be TODAY, with ME!"
"You are overreacting and misunderstanding a lot of things here." I leaned back. "Why don't you tell me what you have with me? Are you keeping a grievance against me?"
She scoffed. "I have nothing to do with a little boy."
That hurt.
"You do."
"I don't!"
"Then stop acting this way! Stop itching whenever I'm around!"
"Whenever you are around?! What gave you the audacity to think such?" her voice was loaded with spitefulness.
"You did."
She clicked her tongue and turned away with a painful shake of her head.
Why doesn't she say what was on her mind?
This time she was relentless in her position.
Why do I feel like I have made it all worse?
But whatever it would turn out, I was happy I roused some reaction out of her.
This was going to be one hell of a journey.
I sighed to rest back on the seat.