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An Arranged Marriage - 4





    The birds were singing when Ilona awoke.  She stretched, feeling the delicious coolness of blue silk sheets against her skin.  Cordula’s plump form appeared in her vision, holding up a pink gown.  

     ā€œWill this gown suit you for today?ā€

    ā€œAye.ā€  Ilona rubbed the sleep from her eyes and accepted Cordula’s help in dressing.

    ā€œDid you enjoy the dancing last night?ā€ Cordula cinched Ilona’s laces firmly.

    ā€œI did.  I had more partners than I knew what to do with.ā€

    ā€œAny of them catch your fancy?ā€  She smoothed Ilona’s hem with a practiced hand.

    Ilona leaned against her mahogany bedpost and played with the edge of the blue silk covers.  ā€œTwo…I think.ā€

    ā€œTwo!ā€  Cordula scowled.  ā€œWell, you cannot marry but one.ā€

    ā€œI know.ā€

    ā€œSit down while I do your hair, and tell me what you liked about them,ā€ Cordula ordered.

    Ilona sat by the window and crossed her arms on the windowsill.  ā€œThey were both very handsome.ā€

    Cordula snorted, yanking the comb through Ilona’s hair.

    Ilona winced as Cordula found a tangle.  ā€œEmil said all manner of nice things and seemed to like me a great deal.  And he had a good sense of humor.  Plus he seems to be well-educated and well-traveled.ā€  An involuntary shiver ran over Ilona’s head as Cordula parted her hair into strands.  ā€œAnd Detlef…he was so mysterious…and yet I felt as if I knew him…and liked him.ā€

    ā€œKing Rowan’s son?  Aye, he came here when you were but a wee girl.  The two of you would play for hours.  A sweet boy, he was.ā€

     ā€œI don’t remember him.ā€

    Cordula thoughtfully pinned Ilona’s hair up.  ā€œMmmm…no, I reckon not.  You were…let me think…four years old?ā€

    Ilona sighed and pressed her fingers to her forehead.  ā€œCordula, how do I pick the right husband?ā€

     Cordula rubbed her dimpled chin and propped her other hand on her hip.  ā€œYou want a husband that will be kind to you.  No beating or yelling.  He should rub your feet when you’re tired from a long day.  And he should know how to use money wisely – no wasting it on useless things.  He should be a hard worker.  He should like your cooking, and he should be good with childrens.  And you should like being together.ā€

     Ilona tried not to smile over her plebian requirements.  ā€œAre you married?ā€

    ā€œLands, no!  What do I want a husband for?ā€  Cordula bustled away to fluff Ilona’s pillows and make her bed.  ā€œI have enough to do here with you.ā€

    ā€œAm I trouble?ā€

     Cordula straightened up, her eyes alight with love for her young charge.  ā€œNever.ā€  She rubbed her nose vigorously.  ā€œNow you run along outside and walk out any kinks leftover from a night of dancing.ā€

     Ilona wrinkled her face reluctantly and glanced out the window.  But as she caught sight of a tall dark-haired young man strolling into the shrubbery, her legs began to ache for a stretch, and she found herself saying, ā€œThank you, Cordula.  I think I shall.ā€


(by Esther Brooksmith)

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