Stefan nodded. “I see. Well then, if you have exhausted all the conditions you could think of for now, I want two promises from you, before we wed.”
Linna lifted away from him a bit. “What promises are those?”
“Promise never to lie to me.”
“I do not lie, sir. You insult me.”
“I mean no insult, but can you honestly tell me you never said false words to your father in order to protect your sister.”
Linna’s face colored. “No, I cannot say that honestly. But I say to you honestly that I will never lie to you as long as you are always truthful to me.”
“That is what I wish.”
“And the second promise?”
“You must always tell me what you want.”
“Only once I am certain of what I want.”
“I agree, you should be certain.”
“And will you do the same with me?”
“If that is your wish.”
“It is.” Hope shone in her eyes.
Finally, he had what he wanted most. Linna believed her life could change, and that her life should be with him. He stood there, his arms around the woman he loved, and thought about their future. About a house, no a home, with children, laughter and love. Growing old together, God willing.
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“When shall we wed, Stefan?”
Linna called me by my name. He grinned.
“Stefan?”
“I will need at least a week, perhaps two. To arrange the wedding as you have requested it.”
“Why so long?”
“Are you so eager to be a wife?”
“Yes. And no.”
“Linna, do not play with me. Not about our marriage.”
“I do want to wed you. But I also want to leave my father’s house.”
“We do not need to be married for that to happen.”
“I said I’d not live with you before marriage.”
“And you shall not.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Go home tonight. Rest if you can. Tomorrow put all your belongings into sacks along with your sister’s. Place the bags in the shed where your father stores his leather.”
“He never goes there, since his accident.”
“I know, and I will make certain the sacks are retrieved and brought here. After you are done with the bags go about your day as you usually would. Then when your father orders you to get him ale and pottage from the Pig & Pipe send Betty. When she does not return and your father grows impatient, tell him that you will go after Betty. Do not promise anything more. To do so would be to lie.”
“But if I go after Betty, won’t I be brining her home?”
“No. You and she will have a new home in the rooms above the tavern.”
“And where will you live?”
“I will live here in the lower rooms.”
“But our reputations, our honor?”
“Since you are both here together, there can be no question of dishonor. No one would believe Betty to be unfaithful to Mort….”
“Nor would they believe you and I anticipated our vows with Betty nearby,” Linna finished. She smiled up at him. “I knew wedding you was a good idea. Thank you.”
She bussed him on the cheek, then found his lips with hers.
Dear Readers, thank you for visiting. You may find past episodes of the Pig & Pipe Adventures by searching for Pig & Pipe on this blog. Happy Reading.
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