March 14th
My word is final. You, my dear Eleanor, may stay angry with your father for as long as you wish, but I will not let you be given away to Ethan. I know everything: his charming smile, his sweet songs, the way his soul is rotten beneath. Do not argue, my girl. Choose Mack and that is that. With him you will live behind a stone wall, never hearing his foul tongue. He is a good man, understand? I tried to embrace you, Arthur Harper, but you would not go against my will. You slipped your hand from mine and, in tears, screamed, I have no strength for this!
I gazed into the blue eyes of my stubborn daughter. She is headstrong, but I will not let her be unhappy. So I said firmly, You will not be forced, my dear! Go, Eleanor!
By the River Avon, Ethan waited for her. Her heart leapt again. He seemed perfect, the man she imagined spending her whole life with. In those fleeting moments she loathed her father with a ferocity she had never felthe had been her pillar, her example. Yet neither pleading nor coaxing could change things.
Is his father angry or softened? Ethan asked, running his hand through her dark curls, his gaze fixed on her with eyes ringed by thick lashes. He said we cannot be together. All is lost He wont listen, she sobbed, clinging to his shirt.
Try again! Im not suited for marriage with him! The house, the farmhes stubborn, Ethan snapped, kicking at a duckling that waddled along the bank.
Watch out, youll kill the duck! Eleanor shrieked.
Ah, Ive found something to think about. The duck, the duck. Dont touch it, itll recover. Lets walk, he said, leading her toward the woods.
On their way home they ran into Mack. The moment he saw Eleanor his face flushed a deep crimson. He was of modest height, a light sprinkling of freckles across his nose, blond hair, and clear blue eyes that Eleanor teased as pale as milk. He was nothing like Ethan. When Eleanor tried to hurl an insult, Mack lifted a trembling duck in his hands.
Where have you been? she asked, smiling.
Just down by the river, gave it a bath. It was lying there, whimpering. I think its legs hurt. Ill show Father; he knows how to treat animals, Mack replied, eyeing Eleanors face.
She realized the poor duck had been the very one Ethan had stepped on. Their failure to help now made her blush furiously, and she hurried away, ashamed that the man she loved had harmed a creature while the one she despised saved it.
From that day the duck grew attached to Mack, following him around the village, even sleeping in the hayloft beside him. He watched it wobble along, ever vigilant that his master didnt lose it.
There are swineherds, and then theres a duck-herd buffoon, Ethan teased Mack, Theyre only fit for a dinner plate. Mack ignored the jab, walking past.
Soon the wedding day for Mack and Eleanor was set. She wept without cease. Ethan tried to persuade her to run away with him, but even though she loved him deeply, she refused, recalling her fathers furious scowl.
Father would not let her step over the threshold. Mother had no words against him. Eleanor had grown up as an only child; her mother was frail, two brothers had died in childhood. She stood before the mirror on her wedding morning, the white dress immaculate, her golden hair shining.
Most beautiful bride! Arthur kissed her and whispered, Are you angry with me, my girl? I wish you happiness, my golden lass. Thank me later.
No, Father, she turned to the window, I did as you wanted, but thank you never.
At the reception Ethan danced with Katherine, his former flame, and Eleanors jealousy flared each time she saw a lingering glance toward Ethan. She was now married, yet the sting lingered. She watched Mack quietly; the duck circled his feet. What a fool, she thought, bitterness souring her heart.
Mother helped her dress, casting nervous glances at the doorway where the unwanted man might appear. He entered, paused, looked at her clenched lips, and turned away.
What? Are you leaving? What will people think? That Im unlikable? Eleanor leapt from the bed and ran to him.
He stood silent, draped a scarf over his shoulders, and said, I like you. Very much. Youre my dear, my best. Yet I seem a vile man to you. If only you would come to me, perhaps I cannot. Then he walked away.
This will never happen! she shouted, fury trailing him.
Later she met Ethan again. He, reeking of whisky, tried to lure her into the woods with a kiss.
What are you doing? Have you lost your mind? she snapped.
You have a husband now. Can I still have you? he muttered, his voice dripping malice.
She fled.
Days passed. The newlyweds lived apart, and Mack kept busy. One afternoon, while gathering mushrooms in the woods, Eleanor twisted her ankle; Mack lifted her in his arms. In the evenings they swung together on a garden swing over the pond, the duck paddling nearby. Slowly, Ethans hatred faded.
She knew he still saw Katherine, and that a wedding was looming, but jealousy no longer burned. Mack never tried to come close; he remained a steady presence.
One night a neighbours house caught fire. Eleanor awoke to flames, rushed out, and found the neighbours gathered, a woman with three children. The eldest boy, Sam, had visited from the next village.
Your lads a hero, helped us all out. First on the scene, a golden lad, the neighbour praised Eleanors hand.
Wheres Mack? she asked, feeling a chill inside.
Hes inside. Our dog, Gally, got lost. I told her to fetch him, but shes still out there. Children are crying for the dog, the neighbour said, wiping her face with a kerchief.
A roof collapsed. Eleanor screamed and fainted. She awoke to rough hands stroking her cheek, a mans eyes watching her.
What happened? The roof fell, she managed.
I slipped through the window. Gally was barely found, stuck under the bed. Mack smiled at me, he whispered.
I was scared for you. I love you, she sobbed, pressing against his shoulder.
Nine months later their son, Michael, was born. Mack, having learned his fathers craft, healed cows, horses, even the most hopeless beasts. People traveled far to seek his aid.
Eleanor loved her husband. She still could not comprehend how she once fell for Ethan, a man now married to Katherine, a drunkard who abused his wife and left her crippled. She shivered at the thought of becoming like Katherine, if not for her fathers iron will.
She stepped outside, finding Arthur playing with little Michael.
Father I wanted to thank you. Thank you for not letting me marry Ethan. For seeing what was best for me. Forgive me, she said, kissing him.
Ah, youth, he chuckled. I understand now. We see clearer with age whos worthy. I could not give my beloved only child to that monster. You were angry, but it passed. Listen to your elders; weve lived long enough to see. May God grant you happiness. He smiled warmly.
Eleanor lived to a ripe old age. She and Mack worked side by side in the fields, raised five children, and were blessed with countless grandchildren. Their family flourished. The old saying, Theres no strength for courting, took on a new meaning for them.
Lesson learned: stubborn pride may shield us, but a father’s firm love can guide a daughter away from ruin.
