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I awoke to find the majority of the house empty, and all of its interior peacefully quiet. It was a bright, sunlit morning, and I made my way down to the small parlor where I witnessed Mary Stillst, in a secluded window seat corner, gazing out of the window. She looked up at my entrance, the sun illuminating her lovely face and figure.
“Ah, you have discovered my hiding place.” she uttered with a rueful smile. “I am hidden away in this little happy corner, for I am not at all accustomed to such space around me.” She lifted her arms to the expanse of the grand room in a dramatic gesture. “I am afraid I shall become quite lost in such a great place. Would you care to join me?” As soon as I was seated, she carried on, although with a somewhat quieter and melancholy tone. “You see, Mother and Uncle Thomas are out. What strange they are still to me. It is the most peculiar happening, to call a stranger 'Mother'. I have no doubt that I will love her as much as the wonderful woman deserves, but it is rather uncomfortable starting out, you must admit.” To this I said nothing, though I looked at her a moment. “A beautifully phrased response.” she said, quite seriously. I gave her a peculiar stare. “Oh, you had no need to say a word, I understood you quite clearly.” I smiled at this, and she continued. “You must understand, Vincent-for that is what I have decided to address you by. Mr. Quiller sounds far too formal for such close friends as we shall be.” She paused for an instant to determine if I was comfortable with such a statement. I assured her I was, and she continued. “You must understand Vincent, that the very best quality about yourself is that you listen stupendously, and you think and ponder even better. It is quite remarkable, truly.” I was bashful at this point, so I said nothing. “Ah, I see I have embarrassed you! My deepest apologies, dear sir. Now I do believe we should continue on to other sings, and breakfast is like to be served soon now.” She talked pleasantly away, delighting in the idea of a real morning meal after almost two years of porridge. She was happy to share her thoughts, and I was happy to hear them, and the day continued on in a similar pleasant manner. Margaret and Mary Stillst grew intimately close, and their love for each other blossomed more with every passing day. They shared a deep respect and understanding of each other I have not seen since. Harry Loffemoore, when called back from London, took over his father's affair, although I am afraid he was very unhappy in his new position as house-head. As for myself, I stayed at the Foreman Estate until late spring, since neither Margaret Stillst nor her brother would hear of my departure. Mary and I became the closest of confidantes, and once I was more at ease in her company, she maneuvered me into speaking much more than I was accustomed to, although it was very beneficial for myself. She however, never mentioned her lonely years in details, but on occasion, a great sadness would engulf her, and she would come to me for solace. In such ways did we support each other.
On a lovely afternoon in mid-may, Ms. Stillst and myself were on the open-roofed balcony situated at the rear of the Foreman house. The flowers,trees, and gardens were a beautiful display, but I was admiring the most lovely object -in my eyes- within sight. She was leaning slightly over the balcony, with her fair curls falling over her shoulders, and her light, girlish skirts were gathered in the breeze. Suddenly she turned, with an idea glowing freshly in her face.
“Vincent?”
“Yes, madam?” I said as I returned the book I had vainly attempted to read to it's place.
“I should be quite beside myself if ever bereft of your companionship.” she stated simply.
“Indeed, I am loathe myself to think of a time without your company, dear lady.” I said quietly.
“Well, I do suppose we shall have to be married.”
“Married?” I queried.
“Yes, you don't suppose this shall go on forever, do you?”
“No, I suppose it could not.”
“Don't trouble yourself, friend, if the idea does not suit you.” she said sweetly.
“Oh, I am quite the opposite, I assure you. The idea suits my tastes very well.” I replied quickly.
“Well that is absolutely splendid then, darling -I may call you darling, mightn't I?” “You certainly may, if you wish to.” I said as I smiled very broadly.