Chapter 3: A Black Delivery: Part Three
Matilda's breathing gradually shifted back, closer to normal, as she began to relax somewhat. She stuck her tongue out allowing it to peek through her tiny pink lips and her eyes slowly lit up, revealing how relieved she felt to have a plan. "I do believe, Hugh, you are a true and proper genius."
"I do try, Matilda. Now shall we proceed? You, my dear, have become heavy." Hugh put a comically strained expression on his face, not really meaning what he was saying.
"Well then, Hugh, let me down, I can walk," Matilda pouted.
"Oh, nonsense, you had a spell." Hugh jokingly chastised Matilda and shuffled her weight around.
"People will talk." She raised her eyebrows as she spoke. But her tone of voice indicated that she was amused, and a smile gradually crept across her lovely face.
"Let them talk, for no man is luckier than I. For no man holds a treasure like I do." After Hugh responded, he finally began to walk.
Matilda squealed with delight, kicking around. "Hugh put me down!" she teased. "Be careful. This path is full of exposed tree roots."
Hugh continued walking, ignoring Matilda's comments. Teasingly, he jostled her around every so often as if he were going to drop her. And each time he jostled Matilda pretending to drop her, she clung with her arms tighter around his neck, encouraging him even more.
"Sir, I do believe we are at an impasse."Matilda threw her head back laughing softly, her long hair glistening with every move.
"Is that so, my fair lady? Then how about a dance?" Hugh spun Matilda around, her delicate body now completely relaxing in his arms. Her dress cascaded down over his arm, creating a half-circle as they spun. Hugh showed no signs of tiring.
"How do you do it, Hugh? How do you make me forget all my troubles, especially today?"
"Perhaps, Matilda, I am your dial. James Mill believed the mind was a clock functioning upon external stimuli," Hugh stated, quickly reverting to his more mature attitude.
Matilda retorted, "James Mill again, Love. I refute the ridiculous claim that humans are always comparable to clocks and their minds are passive. You could disprove his theories. I am much more for his son, John Stewart Mill. I do believe the brain is active, and the sum of two is better than one."
"How romantic, Matilda, but his ideas still pertain to some unique individuals, including us sometimes. That is why I do not discredit him."
"Humph, if you say so. I still think his son was more well-rounded in the field of minds. Someday soon, we must continue this subject of discourse." Matilda released her hold from around Hugh's neck and he gently placed her down. They walked side-by-side, exiting the park from the entrance.
The handsome couple scoured the cobbled street for their driver. Matilda spotted the carriage with the driver perched on his bench up front, reading a newspaper.
"Benjamin!" Matilda called out to her driver.
Startled, the carriage driver quickly flipped around to heed her call. "Aye, Ma'am. Are we ready to depart for the manor? Please permit me to offer my thanks to you for allowing me time off to attend the service today."
"Benjamin, thank you is not necessary. You have not attended a service since your wife passed. I was not going to have you miss another one."
Hugh accepted Matilda's outstretched hand to assist her into their carriage. She slid ever so lightly across the plush seat. With an exaggerated wiggle, she settled down, then patted the seat beside her to encourage Hugh to enter from the same side.
"Sir, I can do that!" Benjamin cried out in alarm, as if to boldly remind Hugh that helping the lady into the carriage should be his responsibility.
"Nonsense, Benjamin. Keep your eyes on the horses." Hugh then climbed into the carriage beside Matilda, gently tucking her dress to avoid sitting on it. He placed his arm around her, caressing her shoulder. Matilda smiled lovingly, moving her hand to rest on his leg. Hugh immediately covered her hand with his. Then leaning ever so gently, he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
Hugh removed his hand momentarily and Benjamin heard the knock on the carriage glass. He immediately flapped the reins down on the horses. The horses lurched forward, their hooves beginning a click-clack rhythm on the cobblestones. The busy street reflected the town's usual Sunday family outings with carriages beside, behind, and in front of them. The driver fell in line slowly.
Hugh relaxed and leaned back, holding Matilda tight against him. They sat quietly, not needing more discussion of the day's events or to contemplate the situation they now seemed to be thrust into.
Benjamin restrained the reins on the horses, traveling at a slow trot until they reached the black iron gates of Larkin Manor. Then he pulled the horses to a halt. He jumped down from the driver's seat and pushed the heavy gates to either side. Once the gates were opened, he climbed back onto the carriage seat and trotted the horses toward the front porch of the manor.
"We are here," Benjamin announced.
Hugh swung open the carriage door and stepped out directly in front of the marble staircase that led to the porch. After his feet were firmly planted, he held out his hand to assist Matilda down. They both walked up the stairs, hand-in-hand, and approached the front door which immediately swung open.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone