I Wonder If I Shall Like My New Husband?
The day has been long and I am weary. My sandals are rubbing and my feet are sore. My brother smiles at my agony! Grrrrrrrrr.
Yesterday we set out from Combe Martin and we’re headed down to the Little White Town of Bideford. My new husband awaits.
I’m told he’s a good man…. And I’m told that he works hard and has a small business. Coal comes in by ship from South Wales and from his coal yard he makes daily deliveries to all of the towns parishes. Six carts with eleven horses and five delivery boys, he has…. A good business indeed!
Our path today, will be through the market town of Barnstaple, and there I am to see for the first time, and purchase, the wedding dress that awaits me. I am excited by the prospect, and my mama says that her favoured seamstress should have done a wonderful job of creating the garment. Apparently, It is a fine wool ‘round gown’ of emerald green and has matching shoes, that she took great delight in selecting. My father has spent his savings on it and I’m grateful.
I wonder if I shall like my new husband?
My brother hums quietly to himself as we walk. I wonder if he’ll miss me as much as I shall miss him….. he is my escort today, but my mother and father will join us in a couple of days in Bideford. There is some urgent business that my father must attend to and we must travel alone but it is OK because we have had a chance to discuss things…to discuss our futures.
We carry only the necessities today because more items that will accompany me into my new life will be acquired at the pannier market in Barnstaple…. new items… items that I can be proud of. My father says to get what I need and WANT….. so I shall.
I know that my brother is looking forward to an ale in the Three Tuns and I am looking forward to a good meal and a comfortable bed in the same establishment. Our uncle owns the Inn and he’ll make us comfortable, I’m sure.
Travelling along the coastline by foot is a wonderful thing to do and I love the sight of the old stone pilgrims crosses on the wayside. I wonder at how long they have been sitting on the wayside, greeting travellers such as we……but next time I must wear proper shoes.