Main Entrance

The journey had been no longer than usual. Anthony rode by Joan’s side for most of the journey, occasionally riding ahead for a while to lead the way. Eventually they arrived in the late afternoon, the sun burned golden and the candles had already been lit for the night in his house as they road to the main entrance.

Setting of in the early morning rise we had finally arrived at Anthonys' home. The clouds were turning grey and in all the windows a candle was glowing. Their was a sense of romance to it which cheered my spirits. All this riding had left me sore and I wanted to bathe in some warm water. I slowed my horse coming up to the side of Anthony.

Anthony sighed with relief to get off his horse. The young stable boy scuttled forward, cap in hand with a toothy grin. Anthony smiled and handed his horses reins over, walking to Joan and helping her off the horse.

"I need to give you something," he mumbled as he helped her down.

He laughed good-naturedly at her appearance, she looked like a nymph-just emerging from the forest. He then produced the small box he had in his pocket for the whole journey, "It's yours," he said simply and brushed down his dusty doublet, handing her horses reins to the stable boy-supplying him with a few golden ducats.
He then looked at Joan, tilting his head a little, "It may not fit. Probably too big but...well you may as well have it now."

With a grin I looked at the box cautiously. I wasn't expecting anything from Anthony well, except his heart. I opened the box putting a hand to my mouth. Anthony it is... I... I started to cry I genuinely wasn't expecting such a generous gift. Can you put it on my finger please. I asked between sobs as I outstretched my hand. The realisation was finally sinking in, we were to marry I his wife he my man.

Anthony was a bit startled as she wept, "I don't really know about these things Joan," he said gruffly,"And, I'm not sure how they are done or what women like. I hope it didn't offend you," he said rather apologetically and prized the ring from the box.

He knew only that it was thing done when people were to marry, he just didn't bet on her reaction. Anthony was naive about nothing, except marital conventions-that was one subject he was in ignorance about. He had never lived with a women, except his sisters or the kitchen maid. Yet, even then, his sisters stayed together away from Anthony and his brothers apart from meal times and his kitchen maid and occasional girl servant only came to Anthony when he called upon them.

Anthony leaned down to put it on her hand, "But do you like it?" he asked with an unsure smile, "Are you glad?"

He sighed, wrapping his arms around her hips, "Well my mother was given a ring before she married my father, my brother did the same for his wife."

He brushed his lips against hers, "As long as you are happy-then I am contented."

Anthony smiled beneath her kiss, "We'll go inside and let you rest," he said warmly, touching her unruly hair with an amused smile.

I placed my hand in his weaving his fingers through mine. With a tub full of hot water. Then you can finally answer my question I asked you earlier. I chimed playfully as we walked towards his home together. This home would be the home where our children might be born. And where I would watch him grow older.

Anthony took one of her hands and pressed his lips against it as they disappeared inside.