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It would be twelve weeks. and Evie had been with her papa who was elated at the sight of an ever increasing bump..
Confirmation of a child kept secret between them despite his urge to tell all she had forbidden him to say anything until after the secret wedding ceremony..
The fury, the rage that she had conceived out of wedlock was forgotten when he had been told WHO the father was.
He liked Joseph, One night in torrential rain he had had his carriage wheels stuck in heavy mud... Joseph had been on the same track when he had come across him,
Taking branches from the hedgerow, he had shoved them under the wheel to give some much needed traction which once onto harder ground freed the carriage allowing Luke to continue on his journey home. He had sent over a goose with salutory greetings AND his thanks.. Chrstmas was due and Joseph, had handed it, over to his sons..
Naomi was busy with ensuring the fire was kept going. The hearth and an old but reliable metal stove had been modified to provide a constant pot of hot water. Both of them would strip naked and wash each other down in front of that heat, during the winter with clothing hanging in front of it to dry.. she had become used to her daily routine much to Jo’s satisfaction.
Visitors, were few and far between. Evie had made it clear to Jo AND Naomi she would NOT intrude om them.
That did not mean Jo was allowed to be absent from her as and when time and intentions permitted by them both to desire to see each other.
Conception was no surprise. Evie already knew he was more than capable of making her fertile.
Their love making was loud VERY noisy and it was NOT him but HER.. She was insatiable even after realizing she was now pregnant. Sarah had been given to a young buck she had fancied and an agreement between the owner that the first of hers would be Evie’s the second would be his..
Sarah would have five and all would survive. 2 girls and 3 boys.. much to the delight of all concerned.
Evie would make sure that they were NOT sold on but remained as a family.. Emancipation would also see them more secure though there were still some who would continue the master slave abuses.
Summoned by Evie, Jo had turned up to see her dressed with a thick coat and footwear for outside..
A moonlit night and it was not raining as he followed her towards an old building, an archway. Beyond it an opening hidden by some wooden slats now shoved aside for them to step inside.
Taking care NOT to stumble on the uneven path, Evie had gripped his hand as she took him deeper into the cave area..
Lamps had been lit by ? that flickered casting shadows as some time later they had arrived in front of an open area.
A large slab of stone with some decorated sailcloth draped over it.
A figure in a robe and one that Joseph instantly recognised as a monk stood waiting for them.
A secret wedding ceremony and her father Luke was now stepping from the shadows..
Greeting them both and with gold rings in his hands that he now held out..
The ceremony was one of Druid origins. Binding them as one. A cloth tying their hands in holy matrimony well something like that,. Some wine.. a toast to the couple and that was it.. Her father left disappearing into the shadows with the priest.. monk whatever.
This place was ancient. The altar stone and the runic stone work had them both respectful of its religious significance.
NOW, Evie hissed at him.. we are blessed by the Gods.. ALL of the females of my kith and kin are married here.
A sacred tradition. Granting us health and blessed with good strong child births..
Placing holly and some mistletoe on the altar stone.. was a time honored tradition. A kiss beneath the mistletoe was now complete and a gold coin was now placed down as they turned and left.
From the shadows a figure moved. Unseen by any it now picked up the gold coin, the mistletoe flared with light across it as a soft voice spoke..
You are indeed blessed; 2 strong sons, will be the ones who will see your futures secured. Protected by us to ensure they live long lives.. generations to follow on after you, after them..
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