Elizabeth's father drove on in silence. Richard glanced backward at Elizabeth with a look of desperation. After what seem an eternity to Richard and Elizabeth, her father turned to Richard and said, 'Aye, that wuld make me very 'appy. I know that you will take care of 'er. 'er mum will be pleased.'
Richard could hardly believe what he had heard. He was so excited that he lighted from the wagon to the ground and ran a few paces ahead and then back. Elizabeth gave her father a hug around the neck from behind as he drove the ox.
'I am so 'appy, Father,' she whispered quietly in his ear.
'Your mum will be pleased,' he replied.
Chapter Six
November 1437
Stamford, England
'Gud morning, me luv,' Richard whispered into Elizabeth's ear.
Elizabeth rolled over and smiled and took her husband into her arms. They had been married one month and she could not have been happier. She was saddened every day that she had to send him off to the Glazier's shoppe, and she looked forward to his return each evening. On market days he was able to come and see her in the market briefly for a midday meal and he was able to accompany her and her father home in the evenings.
Today was Richard's last day as an apprentice. He hoped to soon go to Bourne and secure work and lodging and then to return for Elizabeth. During the course of the last month since their marriage they lived in a room behind the cottage of Elizabeth's parents. It was a good life, but no place to raise a family. They needed a place of their own. They were hopeful that Elizabeth would conceive a child soon. Richard and Elizabeth wanted several children of their own and were saddened that Bromley and Margaret had not been able to conceive after a few years of marriage.
'Todee is me last dee at the Glazier's shoppe,' whispered Richard with an air of excitement.
'Aye, and that is wonderful,' whispered Elizabeth with a hint of sadness, 'boot, then you will leave me.'
'Only for a brief time, me luv, nuthing can separate us for long.'
''ow soon will you return then?'
'I will either find work in Bourne right away and will be back within a week to fetch you, or per'aps they will put me to work right away and then I will be back within the fortnight. Either way, I will comb back to you soon. Nuthing shall keep me away from you. I promise.'
'I believe you, still I do nay want to let you go,' Elizabeth whispered and held him closer and closed her eyes for a time.
Richard got out of bed and dressed for the day. He then loaded the wagon for Elizabeth's father. As he ate his morning meal, he mentioned to Elizabeth that he had not seen her father yet and that he was going to have to leave for the Glazier's shoppe. Elizabeth hugged him and sent him on his way then went to the cottage to check on her father. She met her mother coming outside.
'Your father is nay well todee. Your brothers will be going to the market with you,' explained her mother.
Elizabeth went inside and spoke with her father. He looked older than she had noticed before. He lay upon a course mattress filled with straw. He smiled as she approached, coughed a little and spoke her name.
'Be still, Father,' urged Elizabeth. 'You are nay well todee.'
'Nay, I am nay well. I will be fine on the morrow. The boys will go with you to the market todee.'
'That will be fine, Father.'
'Todee is Richard's last dee at the shoppe, aye?'
'Aye, Father, todee is 'is last dee.'
'I suppose that 'e will be wanting to move to you Bourne then.'
'Aye, Father, boot I will nay go until you are well.'
'Nay, your place is with your 'usband.'
'Aye, boot you will be well soon enuf.'
'The boys can 'elp me. You will go with your 'usband.'
'Aye, the boys will 'elp,' Elizabeth assured her father.
The boys entered the cottage then and announced to Elizabeth that it was time to leave for Stamford. Elizabeth kissed her father and hugged her mother and left the cottage. It seemed odd, she thought to see her father so weak. She couldn't remember a time when she had seen him ill. She had been with him everyday of her life and had always assumed that he would be healthy and strong. Her mother too looked weak and vulnerable