Читать книгу The Tarnished Necklace - Trish Inc. Duffin - Страница 18

Maria’s birthday was the turning point for Peter. Each day there was steady recovery. His blinding headache started easing and he could handle a bit more light and conversation. The day came when Andrew helped him out to rest on the porch in the shade. Jake lay beside him, tail gently wagging. Peter’s ribs still caused him considerable pain. The main trick was to not breathe too deeply, turn, stand, sit, laugh, sneeze, cough or talk loudly, some of which he could accomplish. He had broken his right collar bone and that was proving to be difficult as his arm was bandaged tightly to his chest. Even the simplest of tasks proved to be a challenge. Mercifully his appetite started coming back as well as his ability to keep food down. Since the attack Peter hadn’t worn a shirt due to the impracticalities of wearing one and his weight loss was becoming glaringly obvious.

Grace was often found near Peter. As he improved over the week she took to bringing her favourite books to read to him. Other times she brought out Daisy and her three horses. She would then sit beside him, quietly chattering away about their latest adventures. By the end of the second week Maria and Peter had started to take small walks to the chair under the walnut tree. The walk always resulted in Peter falling asleep on the chair for a while, his head pillowed on her lap.

During that week Andrew, Susan and Maria went into town to meet with Damien, Jasper, Ezra, John, their parents and the Reverend. The town was yet to get a sheriff, so the Reverend was often called upon in such moments as these. They discussed the events leading up to, and including, the fight. Initially the boys were reluctant to admit what had happened, but eventually the story came out. They said how Jasper was suspicious Maria wasn’t going to see a friend, so they had hidden near her house. They had watched her leave and return. Maria was secretly relieved to hear they hadn’t followed her to the lake, as that was a special time to her. They admitted they attacked Peter and he had merely defended himself. Their parents were both horrified and angry at their sons. Though they had obviously agreed to their sons labouring on the farm they found it perturbing to hear the full story come out. Andrew apologised to Jasper and explained about the lost note. Jasper begrudgingly accepted his apology, but was chastened when his father added that it didn’t excuse him in any fashion. It was agreed on that the young men would continue working until all the harvest was in, as that was seen as fitting punishment for the crime. Also the four of them were to pay a quarter each of the doctor’s increasing bill. Fortunately Peter was looking like he was going to make a full recovery. Damien had his own punishment as his leg was not healing well and caused him considerable pain. The doctor was considering re-breaking his leg. He had, at least, decided against partial amputation.

Andrew, Maria and Susan came home from the meeting, glad to have had everything clarified. They sat beside Peter and filled him in on the admissions and consequences. He nodded gravely, it all made sense and it was good to have this sorted out. By Saturday, two weeks after Jasper’s attack, Peter felt he was up to going back to his house. The family sat down and discussed how to help him, as he clearly wasn’t up to looking after himself. It was agreed that Andrew would come over each morning to get him started for the day and then Peter would join them for dinner each night. That evening, after the meal, Peter stood by the wagon giving Susan a hug and expressing his appreciation. “Thank you for everything Susan, I truly appreciate all that you did for me.” His words seemed insufficient as, he thought of all the time she had spent preparing small special meals for him, helping him when he was completely unable to help himself and tending to his wounds. He then gave Joanne, Alice and Grace a big hug each. For young girls they had spent hours upon hours beside his bed, being there for him. Their help and comfort meant a lot to him and he loved them dearly. They each gave him a big hug in return. It was good to see him now standing and getting stronger. They had been so scared when he first arrived in the house and there had been many events in the first week that frightened each girl.

Then he held Maria close. She had been there for him throughout the day and slept in the chair beside him for the first few days. He was reluctant to leave her daily company but knew he had to make this move. The deal with Jasper was definitely off.

Andrew took him home and got Peter settled in. Just before Andrew took his leave the two men sat down for a quick chat. “Thanks for all you have done Andrew,” said Peter. “Also thanks for sorting this entire situation out. It’s nice not to have the mystery of what happened hanging over me.”

Andrew shrugged, “It’s the least I could do, especially since I lost that letter.” He was clearly embarrassed about that and still hadn’t forgiven himself.

Peter thought for a second. “I reckon it is a good thing it did happen. Imagine if Jasper did win Maria over. She could have found herself engaged or married to someone with a really nasty temper. Now the truth is out and no woman within 200 miles will go near him. He is going to have a hard time finding a wife, what with all the gossiping that is happening.”

Andrew nodded. Peter had a good point, but what a painful way to discover what Jasper was like. “I don’t know if I can forgive either Jasper, or myself, for what happened.”

“I have a choice Andrew,” replied Peter. “I can live with resentment and anger or forgive and move on. I am going to choose to forgive and move on. I won’t let what happened get to me. The Lord’s Prayer has become rather relevant to me in the last week, especially the section where we ask God to forgive us in the same fashion we forgive other people. Think on that verse.”

Andrew realised it was time to go as Peter’s face said he was close to exhaustion. He made his farewell and headed off, chewing over what Peter had just said. He realised he also needed to forgive, starting with himself.

Peter settled into his bed that night, sleep quickly overcoming him. It was good to be home but he was already missing Maria’s company.