Читать книгу Always Have, Always Will - Jemma Price - Страница 3

As she looked out of the window, a blanket of white stretched as far as you could see, across the vast stretch of beautiful countryside. All the familiar features had disappeared, hidden under the lumps and bumps of the coverlet. The sun sparkled, picking out glittery diamonds clasped in frosty settings. The windows of the very few houses were taught by nature to draw frost flowers on the pane, with thick layers of ice blossoms, expanding the entire glass, forbidding people from watching the outside world. Elinor looked in utter amazement. The weather had completely changed from black to white. From the very darkest colour owing to the absence of or compete absorption of light to the colour of milk or fresh snow ,due to the reflection of all visible rays of light.

Elinor was sure the unexpected weather would be most talked off amongst their acquaintances the coming day. The village had always relished the elation of snow, although it was often thought a burden amongst many people, due to farms and mines being unable to work leaving many families destitute and in despair, it gave the children something to wonder about much to the relief of the parents. Elinor had often delighted in joining them, however often she would watch from afar, laughing at their wonderful ways and the happy atmosphere that they were creating. It would also do great wonders for her poetry writing and create an inspiration for her musical prerequisites. Brightening her father’s spirits, making the atmosphere around the cottage one that should be treasured.

Being the first one to venture out of bed each morning; not wanting to waste the day however feared the imminent events could bring, she would often sit downstairs and play her pianoforte. The gentle chirping of birds as the sun rises, the air crisp with silence, intimidating forestation around every corner of Cornwall. Elinor had always believed dreaming or doing is a choice that will mean the difference between failure and success. This was why she would dedicate hours of time each day, spending it doing something useful, improving what little she was able. Most people believe that dreaming will create your deepest desires to come true, this however is not correct, in order for them to come true you must work and do and you will, in the end, achieve success.

Elinor shivered as though ice had replaced her spine. The cold air enveloped the entire body. The multiple layer of clothing could not protect against the deathly cold. Each step intensified the moaning and creaking as if the steps could collapse at any moment. You could never run up or down the stairs in the old cottage. Every one of them was a different height from the last, making it impossible to judge how high or low to put your foot. Elinor really did believe her father’s health would be much better if they had changed the style of the steps, but her father had said that those being in that way made them unique and added a sense of character. Elinor, this being her father’s choice, had of course agreed, also liking the steps just the way they were. She glanced upon the fireplace.

The chair by the fire place was the one that no one knew where it was from or how it had come to be there, only that its presence was highly valued. The fireplace’s delicate features had often been observed with wonder, ornate and intricate, growing darker by the years. Often upon winter evenings and occasionally the summer ones, its outside frame would become illuminated and shadows would lurk the surrounding area, casting a dark yet warm feel upon the room. Although it is well known that a walk full of fresh air can be one of the most beneficial activities, it is also known amongst the more thoughtful of us that an evening reading by the side of a crackling fire can do the world of good. Setting your mind into a drive of tranquillity, like the fly as it waves towards the light, almost a requirement for the common places of general existence. A cave of pure darkness lit only in one corner by the light of a single candle, dancing to the cape of shadows, cast overhead and around, unable to detect from above, the darkness-like evil from within. This was often the view in the library on various winters, Elinor and her father, battling the elements that lay before them of what their imaginations could picture through the colour and texture of hope and danger, emitted from the fire. A faint sound of a bird pecking at the trees, brought her back to reality and she focused her eyes towards the windows, trying to see the creature through the dazzling rays.

The light streamed through the windows forcing Elinor to tilt her head towards the ground. She wondered what had happened to modify this sudden change in the weather. It is often found surprising how life changes not the way we expect it to, but in a completely different way, sometimes better than we imagined in the first place.

Her desk was positioned by the window; covered in books and writing pens. The table was no larger than a school desk, its crimson color barely visible in the dazzling, blinding light. The table was worn out and old, bits of plaster and paint were beginning to peel off, revealing a mahogany surface.

The pages of the books had started to turn a yellowish colour and emitted a pleasant aromatic smell. The pages fell open in your hand and a faint scented musty smell would touch your nostrils. One of the many wonders of reading an accomplished piece of intricate ideas. Her favourite book lay at the center of her desk, she would sometimes pick it up and read the first page, reminding her of the hours of joy she had experienced when reading it. The different mind sets she had experienced and the journey she went through with each and every character, unique in their quirks and flaws, the tunnels of emotions she felt for them and their intentions and losses.

Elinor’s mind wondered as she was about to sit down. She wondered what the day ahead would bring, but she quickly came to the conclusion that today would be the same as any other day, no adventures, no revelations and no excitement. Elinor felt that her daily routine had become something of a chore and something in which she would have to put a lot of effort into, in order to succeed in carrying them out. You can easily believe, with enough understanding that there are two enemies of human happiness, and they are pain and boredom. Each one a major part in Elinor’s life.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door; echoing through the seemingly empty cottage. It was as though it vibrated the walls, from which Elinor deduced that it was the knock of a man, strong and confident. Who could be calling at this hour in the morning? She looked out of the transparent framed glass, it was her brother, his wife and a clear relative of the new Mrs. Clark; presumably a cousin, knowing she had no brothers. Elinor relieved that she had decided to change in to one of her best dresses, unlocked the door. Taking a deep breath in order to create high spirits for her guests.

“, Henry, Mrs. Clark and …..”

“Surely you remember Mrs. Clarks Cousin, Mr. William Hugo” Replied Elinor’s brother.

“Mr. Hugo, you remember my sister Miss Elinor Clark” said Henry to Mr. Hugo.

“Oh yes…..replied Mr Hugo, “I do indeed remember…” He continued as he bowed to Elinor, a ton of memories coming back into his mind from some years past, “I thought I might join my cousin in Cornwall, change of society and surroundings.”

“Yes sir….,” bowed Elinor, also experiencing the same ton of memories that had been locked in her mind ever since their first meeting, which had been an eventful one at that.

“Sorry sister for the early arrival, the carriages were all ahead of time, which is surprising as they are usually always late. There had been no problems on the journey and it had been a pleasant trip, considering the unexpected weather,” Henry said, his blonde thick hair reflecting vibrant rays into Elinor’s eyes, reflecting from the sun.

“Come in, Come in, “said Elinor “father has been detained in bed due to a slight cold, but any sign of illness must be treated immediately due to his weak immune system”.

“Oh dear, I hope his spirits have not deteriorated, he always has the most lively countenance,” Henry said.

“He is still as lively as ever, I assure you!” Elinor replied.

“I am glad to hear it,” Henry declared.

They sat on the table near the two armchairs that framed the coffee table. Elinor called for tea.

“So how was France?” Elinor questioned as they were handed their saucers and cup.

“Oh it was just the best, wasn’t it dear,” Mrs Clark exclaimed,” I tell you Elinor it was one of the best experiences of my life. I mean of course my cousin goes frequently, but for us it was just heaven. I was glad that Henry could speak French though or else who knows where we would have ended up, isn’t that right dear,” She said as she turned to Henry for conformation.

“Oh yes we had the time of our lives and Elinor if you ever get the chance I would tell you to waste no time in deciding for you must and you will go,” Henry replied turning to Mrs Clark as she had to him, little but two minutes before.

“I am glad you enjoyed yourselves for father was quite worried that you may catch something life threatening. But you know how he is since his condition, always worrying about people’s health. I mean being a doctor himself all those years ago doesn’t help much. But I am very happy that you had a wonderful experience. Are you planning on taking another or are you settling down yet?” Elinor questioned.

“Nope we plan to continue with our travels for a little while longer which reminds me, would you mind if I and Mrs Clark went to collect the Atlas because we intend to take a tour of America in a few months’ time?” Henry said to Elinor.

“Oh yes of course I believe it is in the library as I remember dusting it the other day,” Elinor replied.

Mr Hugo throughout all of this had just sat silently taking in the view around him. He had come from the wealthiest region in Scotland to the poorest region in Cornwall, which meant that he found many things rather different, but was keen to explore them.

Henry and Mrs Clark walked out of the room and into the library, closing the door behind them. The hinges squeaked as the door was pushed to, reminding Elinor of a particular day in spring when she had spent the entire day sitting against it reading. She had intended to get up and perch herself upon her favourite armchair, however the thought of that escaped her as she became too immersed in her book and the life that was being created in front of her eyes. It had been the perfect escape from reality.

Mr Hugo and Elinor were left to sit awkwardly sipping tea and waiting for a subject of conversation to interrupt the atmosphere of uneasiness. However one would be scared that it would just make the situation even more awkward than it was in the first place. However much discomfort the situation proved to be there was an invisible rope attached between them, an understanding of sorts that neither had much idea of, but were yet to find out.

Elinor watched Mr Hugo, his eyes wondered, the windows to the world around us, shutters showing meaning and things beyond our imagination, things that alter our mood and paths of our life. Elinor watched as he looked towards her favourite book on her desk and smiled. A look of understanding which shed a light upon Mr Hugo which Elinor had never experienced. He must have read it and been through the same thoughts and questions as he turned every page, every line unique with hidden meanings all of their own.

“Are you a keen reader then?” Elinor questioned.

“Oh yes an extremely keen reader, I remember reading that book and not being able to put it down, it seemed to have hold on me completely.” Mr Hugo replied.

Elinor noticed his hands. They were large and very white yet is some ways narrow like gardener’s hands but cleaner. He seemed to have a sort of ribbon or string around his wrist, just about visible under his dark blue sleeve. She glanced up at him. He had finished his tea, and put the cup and saucer back on the tray. Elinor was glad she had a pen in her hand to occupy herself with, to make it as though she was doing something that made the atmosphere less full of discomfort and made her feel more like herself and less like a sleepwalker muddled by a dream , not in control of what to say or do. Although Henry and Mrs Clark had only been gone for a couple of minutes, For Elinor and Mr Hugo is felt like an eternity had passed. There were things she felt she should be doing, things she felt she should be saying, and there she was sitting like a fool, before the window, unable to collect her thoughts or impressions. He had the same presence(that he had all those years ago) that made you feel uneasy as though behind his intelligent blue eyes he was laughing at you, judging every move you made and seeing you for who you really are no matter how much you tried to hide it.

Mrs Clark and Henry then returned and Elinor sighed with relief, which Mr Hugo noticed quite profoundly. They sat down, Henry carrying the Atlas in his hand, he placed it upon his lap and Mrs Clark sat beside him.

“So dear sister, what have you been up to?” Henry questioned as he took his first sip of tea. “I hear you have been become quite the poet amongst our close acquaintances.”

“Oh yes ...”

“Poetry writing, how tedious! “Said Mr. Hugo, placing his cup upon the coffee table.

“I see you do not enjoy the art of poetry then Mr Hugo,” Elinor replied.

“Oh not at all,” Mr Hugo said, “I find it mostly disagreeable and I do not agree with it at all.”

“I have always heard that small minds cannot comprehend lively spirits,” Elinor replied.

“Exactly...” Mr Hugo said.

Elinor astonished replied, “If you do not agree with poetry I guess you do not agree with telling the truth. As it is the art of uniting pleasure with truth and is the language as its most distilled and powerful. It is a complex perfection, associable with nothing less complex than truth.”

“I was thinking more of the fact that poem writing is seen in my eyes as a condition not a profession, and it is only through madness and mystery that the soul is revealed and after all the poet is a liar who always speaks the truth….Secretly. “Said Mr. Hugo.

Elinor blushed and her eyebrows raised.

“Why don’t you delight us with a piece of music Elinor, I have always enjoyed your playing. “Said Henry.

But Elinor and Mr. Hugo had not finished.

“I do not doubt your poetry writing being very accomplished, a poet is a person being passionately in love with the language. “Said Mr. Hugo meaning no offense.

“And you seem very confident on what you are saying, how do you know anything about it? After all you just said you find it tedious. Do you think because you are richer than the whole village put together that everything you say and do is right?” Replied Elinor.

“I see you have kept up with your quality of not believing in covering up the truth Miss Clark,” Said Mr. Hugo as he lifted his eyes to meet hers.

“You would call it a quality, I see then,” Elinor replied,” I see you have still kept your quality of pointing out the hidden meaning or looking at me as though you know all the secrets of life within you.”

Mr. Hugo was a rich and well educated young man with a lively spirit and high propriety. He had black wavy hair and a bright complexion, suggesting good exercise and food. Witty and a lover of good conversation that he had acquired from being an avid reader. He was a keen fisherman and an excellent sportsman. Academic and non-academic he seemed excellent and enthusiastic at everything.

Elinor and Mr. Hugo had acquired a mutual dislike in a matter of seconds that showed clearly to the other guests watching in awe at the battle of wits that was taking place before them. Mr Hugo found Elinor’s need to be free most annoying and Elinor found Mr Hugo always able to have the freedom most irritating.

Then there was a sudden noise from above which made everyone stop and look towards the stairs, that Elinor found looking upon them like this made them seem even more ill-fated than she thought possible.

In a state of confusion, but blinded with happiness, Mr. Clark maneuvered down the poorly-made stairs to find his favorite people-his son and daughter. Elinor had gathered from the way he held himself that his night sleep had not been one that he would wish to replay. He had however quickly heightened his spirits and countenance for the unexpected guests. He was overjoyed and Elinor believed that this was exactly the sort of remedy he needed. They hugged and sat down, Mr. Clark elated with the coming of the guests.

His posture had grown from last night and the atmosphere had become high spirited, even Elinor had a smile painted on her face due to the excitement of her father and his immediate happiness.

“Ah so nice to see you son with your beautiful wife! Oh this must be Mr. Hugo of Wentworth in Scotland, Son of Sir and Lady Hugo and soon to be a baronet I believe, an honor Sir.”

Elinor stared in disbelief, if only she knew the extent of his class and situation, she would have behaved and kept her tongue to herself. She had no idea even when they were younger that he was so high up. Her eyes were forced to meet the ground in utter amazement.

“Yes Mr. Clark nice to make your acquaintance, I have just been having a rather interesting chat with your daughter.” Mr. Hugo replied as he turned to Eleanor.

“Oh yes indeed my daughters conversation never fails to excite! Oh this is wonderful!” Mr Clark replied, laughing and smiling, shaking hands and giving out hugs.

“It’s so good to see you father,” Henry said, a lot has happened since I have been home.

“Oh I would like to know every detail and all the gossip,” Mr Clark excitedly replied.

Mr Hugo smirked and smiled at Elinor for a while after she had sat down.

Elinor slightly ashamed, sat upon her desk and smiled and laughed on queue as to keep the spirits high; she tried as little as possible not to make eye contact with Mr. Hugo, blaming the streaming light, coming through her window.

Mr. Hugo proved himself to be a cheerful young man who lacked little and who possessed a pleasant countenance which everyone seemed well pleased with. He seemed open yet had an air of mystery about him, he delighted everyone with his knowledge of the world and his opinions on literature and music. His conduct towards people of the lower class was most agreeable and he treated them with the upmost pleasant manners in which he would have treated everyone, even more in fact as he knew that they had been through more than all of his acquaintances had ever dreamt of. His eyes were a sparkling blue and seemed to see right through you, piercing you through the mind, the one reason why Elinor kept her head turned away. She did however find him the same person which she had met all those years ago and hardly a little changed except of course for his appearance and intelligence.