Brier Vingettes: Biweekly Prompt: Family

Published Jul 8, 2022, 4:05:46 AM UTC | Last updated Nov 17, 2022, 4:37:14 AM | Total Chapters 3

Story Summary

Biweekly Challenges For Brier Delman

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Chapter 2: Biweekly Prompt: Family

“It isn’t too late.” Brier’s mother had told her, as she deftly braided her daughter’s hair.  Brier had long since taken over care of it, but this morning Cecile had insisted on doing it herself.  

“I want to get my fingers into it.  You’ll be aways for so long.” She’d said “I won’t even know you when you come back.” 

“That’s silly, Mama, Albin has been away for ages and ages and you still know him every time he comes. “ 

Cecile didn’t say anything, though she did glance towards the door where her oldest son had exited with his father and his brothers this morning.  

“When I come see you again maybe I’ll be reading books and dressed in a smart uniform.  You’ll be proud.  I know it.”  

Cecile had smoothed down her daughter’s hair.  “I’m proud now,  Daisy.”  She tugged at the bit of ribbon she was working into the braid.  Then she said it.  

“It isn’t too late.  You could still change your mind and marry Anton.” 

But that was silly.  Her family needed the money.  Someone was going to have to find a job in one of the cities and send money home and the best pay was in signing a contract with the army the navy or the guard.    Darys was missing fingers - well and good for farm work but the army wouldn’t let him in - and everyone said Emmett’s personality wasn’t suited to soldiering or sailing.  The twins were too young yet - so that left Brier.  

From the look she gave Brier when she finished with her hair and gave her head one last pat, Brier suspected that her mother knew her secret - that in her heart Brier was not so sorry to be leaving and going to the capital and not marrying Anton. 

“Well.  There is no time for idleness.” Cecile said, throwing Brier an apron.  “Help me with the basket I am packing for you and Albin.  

Brier would have preferred to go outside and help the men - she always seemed to be happier working outside with her brothers than working with Mama and Cici - but she knew it would be rude to say so.  Besides, Mama seemed so sad.  

They packed the basket with apples and bread, cheese and dried ham, cut and carefully wrapped. 

“So much?” Brier asked. 

“You have a long way to go.” Mama said.  “And I don’t like the idea of you having to eat at one of those inns.  I know you will have to sleep at one, but I can at least keep you fed.”   

Brier eyed the basket and told her self that soon, with two of them sending money home and one less mouth to feed here there would be plenty to go around.  

Emmett pulled Brier into a hug as she stepped outside, and Darys took the basket from her hands to load it onto the cart.  They would ride with Papa as far as Norvie, two towns over where they were having a market day, and walk from there.  

“You can write to me, soon.” Emmett said. “I know you’ll get a chance to learn.  Smart girl like you.” 

“I hope I’ll have time.” She said.  

There were cheek kisses all around - first Emmet, then the twins (Luc first and then Jean), then her mother.  Albin stood still for this gesture, but he did not return it.  No doubt he was growing impatient with all the fuss.  

Darys, who had long since set down the basket, turned to help Brier onto the back of the cart - as if she hadn’t climbed on herself a thousand times.   The dog, Button, jumped up beside her. 

“You’re not ever crying!” She said 

“You be careful around all those city men!” Darys responded.  

“I’ll beat them if they try anything. “  She said.    Albin climbed onto the front of the cart beside their father.  

The cart started to move.  Brier watched Emmett wrap an arm around his mother’s shoulders as the twins waved.  She waved back.  She kept waving, until they went around the bend and the house disappeared behind some trees.  A moment later she could catch one final glimpse of everyone - the twins watching what they could see of the cart, Darys picking up firewood and her mother resting her head on Emmett’s shoulders.   Then they fell from view entirely.  

 

“You’re not bringing that.” Albin said, motioning to the basket in Brier’s hand as they hopped off of Papa’s cart. 

“The lunch Mama packed? Of course I am.” 

“Leave it behind.  It’s not worth carrying.” 

Brier held the basket to herself “I’ll carry it.” 

Albin shrugged “Suit yourself.” He started down the path, leaving Brier to catch up. 

 

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