A Mind Behind: The Unification of Italy

By Margreet Knoester

Embark on an extraordinary journey alongside Laura as she ventures from the shores of England to the vibrant landscapes of Italy.

Set against the backdrop of Italy’s struggle for independence, A Mind Behind unravels the compelling story of one woman’s courageous odyssey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Dec 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9781035819775

Margreet Knoester

Born in the Netherlands and living in Israel.

Book preview

Chapter I

She closed the door to Lord Seaple’s study as quietly as possible, as she had learned so many years ago. When turning she looked straight into the eyes of a total stranger who took her completely by surprise. Knowing she had been caught, she froze on the spot while holding her breath. He was standing in front of the large window on the landing, the sun shining abundantly inside and created a light glow around his head while his body remained in shadow. With one glance, she saw the intense long look he gave her from his inquiring eyes. Then she heard Lady Seaple’s voice calling from the drawing room: ‘Oh my dear chap here you are, have you lost your way? Please do come in!’ He turned to the lady, made a slight bow, and when he looked back he heaved a deep sigh as the girl had completely disappeared.

When Geoffrey entered the drawing room, he saw that besides Lady Seaple and her son John Jr, another boy was present; this must be his younger brother Marcus, he thought absentmindedly.

‘Geoffrey, dear chap,’ his friend John Jr welcomed him cordially as he came to him with outstretched arms, ‘I hope you had a pleasant journey to this God-forbidden end of the world.’ Before Geoffrey could answer, two slim, vivacious girls burst into the room. With his keen eye for perfection, he noticed that both were dressed in the latest fashion that accentuated their elegant figures and soft milky skin as well as their light ash hair, blue eyes and pink button-shaped mouths, which seemed to be unable to stop from moving. The girls giggled and twirled around each other as if dancing, soon joined by their beautiful mother Lady Seaple. They fluttered their fans and looked like butterflies entering the salon, thinking it was a garden. The swirling of their brightly coloured dresses that illuminated the room, accompanied by their merry laughter, soon washed away the somewhat old classic look that had lingered there just a moment before.

His friend offered him a drink which he gladly took and then looked back at Marcel, to whom he had not been introduced yet. Geoffrey thought that the boy was certainly not one of the handsomest in the room. And yet, after he turned his head away, he couldn’t help but look again at the boy and give him more attention. His interesting face was long, thin and very pale, as if he never went outside, with a lock of light brown hair falling partly over his high forehead.

What wasn’t apparent at first glance were his deep-set eyes beneath finely arched eyebrows that were unexpectedly bright blue and intense looking. He was a little lanky, as boys at that age usually are, and don’t know how to shape their fast-growing body in an unobtrusive posture. He stood as far away as possible as if he didn’t belong there, and watched the scene with obviously mixed feelings with thin, pursed lips.

The continuous chatter of the three ladies made it impossible to have a decent conversation, and Geoffrey soon found himself thinking about the creature he had just seen. The expression on her face had still showed a memory of the pleasant encounter she’d had before she left the room. This had completely turned into a startled one when she caught him standing there. Despite her simple dress and old-fashioned brown bonnet, usually worn by servants, she looked at him unashamed with her dark lashed piercing green eyes, directly into his.

The sun shining through the window from behind him had made them shine with tiny golden flecks. The speed with which she had stabilised herself after his unexpected appearance, as well as her sudden disappearance, was nothing short of breath-taking. How could such a young girl restrain herself so quickly? He was sure that only the best trained servants could do this to perfection. But a girl her age should react with a guilty look on her face. Immediately look down and bow after being caught closing a door in such a quiet and almost conspiratorial manner, of what appears to be the master of the house’s study. Most likely she knew she had done something wrong, given her behaviour, but she certainly didn’t acknowledge it, and how did she disappear so fast? Could John Jr answer these questions?

It took a while for the young ladies to be satisfied with the attention received and ready to settle down. This was exactly when Lord Seaple entered the drawing room. Geoffrey could not help thinking that even in middle age he was so good looking. He was a tall, well-built man, his strong features enhanced by excellent coiffed, and thick, light brown hair. He was dressed in an expensive custom Italian-designed silver-grey afternoon costume that suited him perfectly. It was impossible not to notice his long fingers almost caressing the large gold watch that hung from a gold chain attached to his silk waistcoat.

This was a priceless eye-catcher and the owner knew it all too well as he paraded his treasure in front of his audience. Was it a message to let him know what wealth he possessed, knowing that the hapless young man seeking easy fortune had none? Yet Geoffrey had to admit that Sir John wore it with an easiness born out of his indifference to this wealth, which clearly distinguished him from others. Bolstered by his absolute confidence and natural charm, he felt that this man was born to attract people with ease. Smiling with a sensually curled top corner lip, he completely ignored the scene, instead turning his cool grey eyes to Marcel, making them light up for just a split second.

When the son had seen his father enter the room, he immediately had turned his attention to him. Geoffrey watched as the former hint of a condescending smile gave way to an attribute of spontaneous love for his father as he caught the spark aimed at him. He returned it with wide-open eyes that sparkled with genuine youthful admiration for his papa, for who he had nothing to hide. This son didn’t have to bring himself to his father’s attention as he was the only person in the room who was completely noticed by him.

Geoffrey took this in with silent admiration for the man, whose presence, without making a sound, had made such an immediate impact on the small group. The girls and their mama gladly liked to make their coquettish bows while John Jr nodded silently. At last Geoffrey was officially introduced, and as the girls looked approvingly at this handsome young gentleman, Lady Seaple invited him to enjoy their tea together in the pavilion. The elegant, white-lacquered structure stood in a large, well-tended garden. And as he enjoyed the pleasant fragrance wafting in from the sea of many brightly radiant flowers, which was pleasantly enhanced by the charming company, he soon felt quite at ease.

After a while, the general conversation of two young ladies with little on their minds beyond their anticipated debut in the local community, became little more than pleasant background chatter.

Suddenly he awoke from his pleasant state of mind, when the subject of his former thoughts appeared, and the girl in the brown bonnet walked with swift steps between the flower beds towards a shady entrance in the woods. It almost completely hid her face, showing only the tip of her nose, while the dark skirts that swung around her legs stood out sharply against the cheerful flowers that bloomed and shone around her. It was obviously clear she didn’t want to be seen by the merry company. But Alice, the older of the two girls, caught her in an instant and called out in a demanding tone, ‘you girl, come here at once!’ Causing everyone to look in her direction.

The girl instinctively wanted to ignore the unwelcome attention given to her, but at the last minute decided to hold back on her step and turned around, clearly knowing she had no choice. He noticed how she immediately completely changed her posture and walked towards them with natural grace, her head held high. To his surprise, he wondered what her hair looked like under that ugly bonnet: ‘Was it reddish and curled, caught tightly at her neck, braided and held together at the top of her head by pins so that no mischievous locks ever would escape? It had to be so.’

She entered the pavilion and looked at Alice who said snobbishly that the family would have a small private music party tonight. For this event, she was expected to do Alice’s hair, and her younger sister Dolly’s, who gave her a mean look. It was Alice’s demanding tone that surprised him more than the fact that the young girl had to serve those girls, as if they had no competent servant to do their hair. Geoffrey had to bend over a little to get a closer look at her reaction when he saw a very pretty heart-shaped face with a delicate creamy youthful complexion.

‘And these little freckles around her little nose definitely indicate that her hair must be of a reddish colour,’ was his first thought. Satisfied that his earlier observation had been correct, he leaned back in his chair. But again he was drawn to her face and saw her pupils dilate for a moment of anger. As she slowly closed her eyes, her thick lashes didn’t completely hide the golden specks that lit up in her green angry eyes, turning them into a bright golden amber hue. She knows very well how to hide her anger while being commanded by a girl, who seemed younger than herself, because she was the daughter of the house, he thought with admiration.

The girl had no intention of bowing or acknowledging the so rude made request, but turned on her heels to walk away with her mouth shut tight and her head held high, which was taken for granted by all present. When Alice returned her attention to the party, she couldn’t quite hide the triumphant smile that enhanced her shapely lips, but left her eyes cold as ice. It had been answered very imperceptibly by her mother’s little triumphant nod. Her father didn’t seem to notice the little incident at all. But his deep-set eyes, which had been absent-minded during the conversation, suddenly beamed unexpectedly, turning pale grey in the sunlight, as they looked intently at the rapidly disappearing girl.

Making Geoffrey wanting to know what’s going on in his head, what does this girl mean to him who is walking in and out of his study?

After dinner, the guests entered the great hall, accompanied by loud greetings from the gentlemen and bows and polite smiles from the ladies. After the approving looks at each other’s dresses and the exchange of the latest news, the music began to fill the ballroom. It was only then that Geoffrey realised that there had been no opportunity to talk to his friend about the afternoon’s incident. As usual, John Jr was busy with the ladies, which was no surprise, as he knew him all too well. The flirtatious smiles to the most beautiful servants didn’t go unnoticed either. Geoffrey took another look at the ladies around the dance floor to make sure he hadn’t overlooked a potential candidate. Some of them hadn’t danced a single dance, but were still hopefully smiling; and then he turned his gaze to the dance floor and saw Sir John dancing.

He danced with his wife. Oh, what a beautiful couple they were! Although they seemed to have the same body language, hers radiated desire as if challenging him, but at the same time there was also resentment. Her husband did not seem to notice this at all and guided her with light-footed movements, balancing her in perfect comfort over the dancefloor, as if he were a young man. Then she gave in and followed him resting comfortably in his arms, as if dancing on a cloud, looking up at him with a mysterious smile. How beautiful she was. But suddenly he felt that something was missing, what could it be?

Assuming, and very suddenly he knew what it was; there was no love between them, as they just put on a perfectly rehearsed show. After much dancing, drinking and flirting, the guests finally left. While his family was still waving to the leaving guests, John Jr turned around and made up an excuse to go to bed early. He hadn’t reached the second step of the stairs yet, when he was interrupted by his father. Who reminded him in his dry, authoritative voice that he had to get up early next morning to participate in the fencing competition.

John made a face that showed he wasn’t in the mood for this early appointment. And certainly had better things to do, or not to do, at that early hour. But the look on his father’s face made it clear he’d better be there. Realising that he had no choice but to obey him, he quickly turned to Geoffrey and said with a grin, ‘What did I tell you, my dear fellow, time is never mine in this house. But why don’t you come along with me and judge who will be the winner of this little contest.’ Then he ran up the stairs to dive into his bedroom, not waiting for his answer.

Since it was pretty clear to Geoffrey that this could be the only meeting with his friend, without the presence of women to get John Jr’s attention, he asked a servant to wake him early next morning. The first invitation from a wealthy family would be in the afternoon anyway, so there would be plenty of time to attend. He knew better than anyone that the purpose of this visit was to get a good look at John’s sisters. If they had known the dire financial situation his father had put him in, he would not have been invited; he was sure of that. But like most young heirs at age sixteen, this fact was easily overlooked at this point. He trusted that his good looks and future title would be enough for most young women with substantial dowries to fall into the marriage trap.

He was not interested in the two sisters, knowing full well that they would soon take their chance to get hold of wealthy husbands who could provide them with everything they needed. But later in the evening there had been some pretty girls at the party who looked promising enough to pay them a visit during his stay. After having receiving invitations to various teas, balls, picnics and other social events, which were part of the summer season in the country, he decided that the evening was not badly spent.

-<>-

The next morning came soon enough and he woke up to a beautiful clear sky and prepared to meet John Jr. As usual, his friend didn’t like early morning hours and apparently wasn’t in the mood to talk when they met in the stables. His father was also present, which ruled out any possibility of more information he wanted from his friend. Geoffrey was somehow more interested in this strange girl than he cared to admit, mostly because he was sure she definitely didn’t fit into his future plans. He was a little surprised that the horseback ride took quite long and thought the meeting place was chosen because the fencing rival lived further away. He knew it would be better not to ask his friend too many questions in his current state of mind, and decided to wait and see. Finally, the dense forest gave way to a wide-open, sun-lit space covered with soft green moss. A small hut was partially hidden in the shade of surrounding huge trees. He could have easily passed it by without noticing.

John Jr entered the hut without saying a word and soon came out dressed in his fencing clothes with his epee ready. The little figure who came out of the forest was also dressed in the protective fencing clothes with face mask down. After a slight bow the fight began, only the sound of steel upon steel and the quick movement of feet broke the silence. Geoffrey was speechless by the cleverness of the younger fencer who was able to attack John Jr without hesitation and with incredible swiftness. Only by sheer force could he keep his opponent at a distance and avoid direct attacks aimed at him with great fierceness. The fast-moving feet, which continued to build up speed, slowly drove him into a fully defensive position.

Geoffrey could see that his friend was sometimes caught careless and lost his balance. He thought with a smile that it could easily be the result of his night-time endeavours, and probably the number of drinks taken, that caused its after morning effect. All this began to cost him dearly, due to the seemingly relentless attacks he had to defend, which slowly but steadily reached the point of the required final score. Then, suddenly, as if waking from intoxication, John Jr shuddered, shrugged, the masked face lifted, and he was himself again. With a loud squeal, he jumped straight forward while avoiding a well-placed blow from his opponent. His epee moved with great force in a whirlwind of unexpected attacks, accompanied by a little madness unleashed. It was pure luck and probably not by clever calculation that he scored point after point and completely surprised his opponent without giving him a moment to recover.

The match took such an unexpected turn that Geoffrey became completely absorbed in the moves of both contenders. The match had carried them farther into the deep shadows of the trees, and he followed them to not miss a single move of the fencing game. He was still staring open-mouthed as he suddenly realised the game was over as John Jr had scored his last point. When he approached, he waited for them to take off their face masks, determined to know who was hiding behind his opponent’s mask. As he got closer, he was completely astonished to see that when the mask was lifted, it was no more than a girl who had fought this excellent fencing game. She bowed to John Jr and gave him a stoic smile.

When Geoffrey got over his astonishment, he took a closer look and held his breath when, to his surprise, he recognised the girl from the landing. She already mounted her big stout mare, wrapping a cloak around her shoulders and covering her head with the hood. The only remark Sir Joh made, who had been watching from horseback, and was ready to leave as he reined in his horse without looking at them was: ‘After you have finished your rounds, Laura, I expect you in my study this afternoon at four o’clock sharp.’

The girl disappeared into the woods, her black mare laden with packed saddlebags. Geoffrey was still in shock when John Jr came up to him, smiling mockingly, ‘A little surprised old fellow?’

Geoffrey watched him walk away to the hut, a small smile on his lips as he waved his epee around with a casualness that was second nature to him.

‘So who is this Laura? And why did this have to be a bet?’ Geoffrey asked his younger friend when he was finally ready to talk. ‘Oh, she is our steward’s daughter, and if I had lost the game, my father would not have paid the debts I incurred playing cards,’ said John in a noncommittal voice, shrugging his shoulders.

‘But how come she is such a wonderfully skilled fencer and what is the purpose of this? I mean, I’m sure she’s already engaged to a local farmhand,’ Geoffrey said with a chuckle.

‘Oh no, not this one, she’s a very well-educated girl, and my father likes to keep her to himself,’ John said in an indifferent tone. ‘You don’t expect me to believe this, do you?’

‘Well, no, I didn’t mean it like this, she’s kind of assisting him with the estate affairs.’

Geoffrey cleared his throat relieved, ‘I understand, but how do you know her so well?’

‘Oh, I’ve known her since she was a little girl. Despite her lower status, we used to play together because we’re not much different in age, well; of course I’m a bit older than her. Later she joined my martial arts and horse-riding training, she is also very good at shooting with pistols and rifles. In addition, my father had her attend all the lessons given to us by a private tutor. I can assure you that her brain is much more developed than mine. I don’t understand the unfairness of the gods who bestow the most useless gifts to Girls. What do you say old chap, is it not their beauty only, which makes them useful for us. Not necessary to say that my father thinks her too valuable to give her away to the locals. No need to tell you that my mother and sisters are deadly jealous of her. She is only the steward’s daughter, can you imagine?’

‘So, is that why he is hiding your games in the deep forest?’ Geoffrey asked not understanding such a strange arrangement.

‘Yes, this could well be because my father shows more interest in her then he can arouse for my sisters or me and young Marcel together. He prefers to keep these events far away from unwanted looks and gossip. I know he even gives her special fighting training without involving me.’ John said in an even tone, though Geoffrey could see how his stoic face had suddenly changed into an ugly grim expression.

He thought in amazement; how is it possible that this handsome young man, who will inherit a fortune when he grows up, and with many girls already at his feet, has jealous feelings for a girl, a servant, who was indeed gifted, but no more than a steward’s daughter. As if reading his mind, John said: ‘Don’t think I’m jealous, dear friend, for she’s way below my standard. But my father is adamant to get his own way, for whatever reason suits him. I can assure you that he makes good use of her sharp mind to keep his ledgers in order as her father the steward is not that overly bright. As you might understand for certes, I don’t have a clue about these small ciphers. They will never interest me as long as my bills are paid, and I can live my life the way I want. No surprise here, what are you saying old chap.’

-<>-

It wasn’t until a few years later that Geoffrey saw Laura deep in the woods again. He had been a guest at the mansion for a month and didn’t want to miss the fencing spectacle. Everybody knew by now that he was financially ruined and had accepted the summer season invitation, generously offered by John Jr, because he had nowhere else to go. Geoffrey’s time was pleasantly enough spent with the two sisters with whom he was now more intimate. They both seemed very pleased with him, as did their mama who showed great affection for him and made no secret of the fact that he should propose to one of her daughters. Sir John had just returned from abroad and maybe he should try his luck and take this opportunity to ask for the hand of one of the girls. He was not quite sure which one though!

This time the fencing bet took a different turn. Again only the sound of clicking epees and the fast movement of feet could be heard in the forest. Laura’s left hand was raised high in the air while her right hand moved her epee at the speed of lightning as if cutting through a moth. Even though John Jr was fighting very efficiently, Laura won the necessary scores in a few well-placed attacks. It was over in no time. She had already changed in the hut and was now mounting her horse when Sir John turned to Geoffrey and said in his calm, soft voice: ‘Geoffrey, please join Laura on her rounds, for I need to talk to my son for a moment.’

Laura didn’t know what to think of this terrible company that suddenly rode beside her. She had other things on her mind than being accompanied by him. It had always escaped her why those young gentlemen had to get the highest education, only to throw it away at the gambling tables. This Geoffrey boy seemed to be no different; no wonder that John Jr was such a good friend of his. She made sure that her eyes told him precisely what she thought of him, knowing very well that she was not really in a position to be taken seriously.

Also in her heart she wished things would be different and that this handsome guy would give her his attention instead of bestowing it upon the two sisters. Without a word she spurred her horse and galloped away, leaving him ample time to follow. Her first visit was to Beth at the home farm, who was in the last month of her pregnancy. Mrs Greenfinger, the local herbalist and midwife, had told her yesterday that she didn’t have time to check on her. But after years as an apprentice Laura had enough experience to know what to do. She didn’t think it necessary to give Geoffrey any clue to where she was going, when the horse broke into a canter he was left behind. Being a good horseman himself he caught up with her soon.

When they arrived at the farmhouse, she could hear Beth screaming out in pain. ‘My goodness, she was only due in ten days.’ Laura ran in and knew right away that the baby had plans of his own. It was Beth’s first and she was all alone in her agony. She leaned on a table as she stood in a pool of water, gasping for air among her cries for help. Laura put her on the bed as comfortably as possible, knowing how to handle the situation. She had accompanied Mrs Greenfinger for years and helped deliver countless babies. But she needed boiled water to mix the herbal drink to soothe the mother’s pain, and more to mix the herbal paste to massage into her belly. Her contractions were coming very quickly now.

‘Can I help you with anything, ma’am?’ was offered to her great surprise by her useless companion standing next to her. She forgot her previous negative thoughts and told him where to go and get what she needed and right now! She put her hands on Beth’s swollen belly and felt that the baby was moving, wanting very much to be born. The mother-to-be was now in so much pain and so afraid that she fell victim to the waves of contraction that attacked her mercilessly. In no time Geoffrey was standing in front of her and handing her what she’d asked for. She added some water to her herb potion which slowly had a calming effect on Beth.

Laura massaged her belly with the herbal paste and in a soothing voice told her to take a breath at the right time. It took a while for the potion and herbs to take effect, but by then Laura had control of the situation. Now the mother and her unborn child were ready to work together. When her husband finally came in, he was just in time to see his child on the way out.

Only then did she realise that Geoffrey had helped her as confidently as if it were one of his usual occupations. Seeing her surprised look, he smiled at her as if reading her mind. After taking care of mother and child, Laura heard a cart rattle in the yard accompanied by a loudly screaming woman. Out came Beth’s mother who had just missed all the fun, but never mind, she’d seen this so many times. She happily commented that she was lucky that her daughter was of the same breeding stock as her mother. Before anyone could say anything, she’d taken the situation into her capable hands and scolded the father for not letting her know sooner.

After checking that the child was perfectly all right, she told Laura to give her regards to Mrs Greenfinger, and it was a shame for all the trouble she had put in because it was only a gal. Beth almost apologised to her mother and thanked a pensive Laura for her help. Being accompanied by many smiles Laura and Geoffrey mounted their horses and off they went. Just out of earshot, Laura reined in her horse and looked at him in surprise saying: ‘This is the first time I’ve met a gentleman who made himself useful in a situation like this.’

He looked her straight in the eye and convinced her that it had only been his pleasure. She was surprised by this bold answer and couldn’t help asking how he had known so well to be of help. ‘When the calves had to be born on my father’s estate, the vet was usually not around,’ was his stoic reply, ‘but I must say that you did handle it very well, given your age.’

She didn’t know how to respond to this compliment simply because she never got one. After all, this event was considered a very natural affair, and she was already seventeen. Ignoring her confused look, he asked her if she had learned the skill of applying herbs from her mother. ‘I never knew my mother as she died a week after I was born,’ was her short answer.

Her eyes stared into his and didn’t ask for his sympathy, which made it clear that she wouldn’t answer the question further. The horses had taken them deep into the forest when he heard the sound of splashing water. He felt a change come over her as she reined in her horse and dismounted beside the stream. She sat on a rock, her feet dangling in the fast-flowing water, looking like an elf. Her little nose lifted to welcome the rays of the sun shining through the leaves of the forest.

Coming closer he could see the tiny freckles on the white skin of her face reflecting the small golden flecks in her green eyes. Her shapely mouth was slightly open as if she were tasting the gentle breeze blowing through the forest. He admired her long russet braided hair, tied together by a blue ribbon, which stood out against her soft, pale skin. She seemed to be a creature from another world and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She had definitely grown into a beautiful woman. How come he had not noticed this before? But he could not remember having seen her at the house during his stay at all, was she hiding from him? Perhaps he had been too busy courting the sisters. Laura turned away from him and said in a low voice, ‘come with me.’

After she jumped from the rock, she walked along the path that led further downstream. Mystified, he followed her as they walked under a canopy of tall chestnut trees, the dew-sprinkled leaves swaying in the wind almost touching the mossy surface. When he looked up, he saw dewdrops dancing around him, reflecting the sunshine that was turned into a thousand tiny rays of light. As he pushed the leaves aside to make way for Laura’s slow-moving feet, tiny droplets of the leaves fell on his hair, tickling mischievously on his forehead, caught for a moment by his eyebrows and were filtered by his eye lashes.

Suddenly blinded, he nearly tripped but was just able to stabilise when Laura grabbed his arm. Giggling, she caught the drops falling from his cheek into the palm of her hand, and then their eyes met. Looking straight into her wide-open eyes, he was pleased to see them express a pleasantly surprised look. This time she didn’t hold back, but let the cold barrier leave her heart. Just for a moment though. Suddenly the gentle rushing breeze grew stronger, causing a shower of tiny droplets to swirl around them as the leaves whistled a song of deep longing that touched his soul. As if alarmed by an inner feeling, she turned quickly, the movement spinning her long thick braid around her as she walked away. As he followed her slowly, the forest gave way to an open space where a small blue pond, fed by a waterfall that escaped from a rock formation, caught his eye.

High summer grass surrounded the banks and flowers blooming with thousands of different colours peeked through. He felt like he was entering a dream. Laura left him standing there and let her hair fall loosely over her shoulders. Then she dropped her riding clothes and flew into the pond with just her long shift and wavy hair for cover. He couldn’t move, still intoxicated by the whispering song of the trees. Then he heard the sound of the waterfall flowing into the pond and saw Laura’s sun-lit wet hair swirl around her in the water. The rays of the sun reached out to him and caught him with their magical radiant twinkle. It was as if heaven descended to touch earth, to envelop his body and soul in complete harmony.

There was nothing else, just pure light shining inside and out, luring his spirit back into his body. He came down to earth when he heard Laura’s happy noises as she splashed in the water and laughed at him: ‘Do come in Geoffrey, the water is not cold. Don’t be shy and don’t worry, I won’t drown you, or kick you under water.’ Within moments, he took off his boots and clothes and was in the water too. He saw her eyes slowly close as she drifted away and could only look at her and let it be. For a long time they both enjoyed the feeling of the water circling their bodies and giving them a gentle massage. The lisping sounds of the waterfall, gently caressing their ears, told its tale from faraway lands.

Then Laura said in a soft voice, turning her face to his: ‘This is where my mother often comes to talk to me. One day I saw this pool on my way home as if she had taken me by the hand. Since that moment I always feel her presence and know that she is still with me.’ As if realising she’d said too much, she jumped out of the water, quickly dressed, and mounted her horse. ‘Come, let’s take a ride Geoffrey, and enjoy the day.’ By now he had become accustomed to her sudden mood swings and let go of the fairy she had almost become.

He couldn’t imagine her the way he saw other women; there was no comparison. She was not a peasant girl, not a lady, certainly not a clerk’s daughter or a country house servant. Laura spurred her horse into a gentle trot as she left the woods behind and he saw the moors stretch out in all its glory before them to the wide horizon. The clouds steadily piling up in the east made it an even more beautiful sight. As if receiving a secret signal, both horses broke into a canter with straight legs as the riders bent over their necks. It felt like an eternity as they melted together as one in free space, maintaining this blinding speed while their hooves barely touched the ground.

The wind blew in their faces as Geoffrey felt his heart burst with joy. He just managed to follow her. The next moment he was fascinated by the view of the deep blue sea calling out to him while with a loud hiss. It attacked the shore and receded rapidly with lace-capped waves on the outgoing current. It was great fun to be with her, the unexpected situations, the wild ride, the jump in the pond. With a big scream she let her horse run into the sea causing the waves to splash high above horse and rider. He couldn’t take his eyes off her during his wild chase.

The bubbling salty foam around her slender body was illuminated by the sun, sending millions of tiny water particles into the sky. Her wet hair swung around her shoulders as her lifted body became one with horse, sun and sea. With all that splendour around her, she fully enjoyed pure freedom, perhaps the only thing she had in life that no one could take away from her. When the sun suddenly hid behind a cloud, she stopped her horse abruptly and raised her arms above her head. With a deep breath, inhaling her freedom that was all encompassing and greater than life, she turned and looked at him with wide, questioning eyes as if wondering if he felt it too.

Then the sun came out again and shone straight into her face, leaving Geoffrey in the shadows, his curly blond hair blowing in the wind. Eyes that sparkled like bright emeralds locked into hers, taking her in completely. Laura returned his gaze and felt her heartbeat faster; thinking he could be the man to share her life with. But her ever-present mind told her she could never be his. They lived in two worlds apart, he had a title and desperately needed money, while she had none. The sun stayed behind the clouds and the horses grew impatient. They had been out almost all day and she felt they longed for their stable. Where would be hers, she wondered. One day her father would no longer be there for her, Sir John would very soon find another steward, and then what would become of her?

Suddenly she became aware that she had never imagined being alone on the street. What could she expect from the life that awaited her, despite all her qualities and education? Would it be satisfying to earn a living, as Mrs Greenfinger did, delivering other’s babies and making healing potions? Could she pour all her love into a life like that and be satisfied? Suddenly the beautiful day with Geoffrey turned into a grey reality. The realisations were too strong; she couldn’t handle them. Geoffrey saw her happy, beautiful face suddenly change. He could never have imagined that she would look so beautiful out in the open, so free and carefree, not to be touched, just being herself. It had been the happiest day of his life, spent with her.

To share their joy, their thoughts, their youth and strength; and then she’d probably suddenly realised that he was a penniless person, on whom her time was not to be wasted. She certainly looked it as all of a sudden something had changed in her expression. It seemed as if she was afraid of something that had caused her to change her mind. He wanted to reach out to her, ask her what had happened. But the opportunity never came, because in a split second she turned her horse and rode back without saying a word.

Chapter II

Summer had become autumn and winter took possession of the land and for a long time would not free the earth from the cold frost that had caught the ground in an icy embrace, until it had to give up its deathly grip and spring finally arrived. In the woods around the estate new leaves sprang up in the chilly air, primroses streamed along the banks and bluebells emerged and looked expectantly through the hazel thickets, while spring fields sparkled with daisies and buttercups. But Laura was completely oblivious to this, having been too busy with her chores indoors and not having time to do her rounds.

Sir John had been taken to his bed because he was quite ill, and he needed her for administrative duties. When evening came she had fallen asleep after a long busy day only to wake up suddenly by a movement in the house in which she had lived all her life. Her father had left earlier in the day to visit old friends, and she was all alone. In a second she was out of bed and flew down the stairs without making a sound to see what had woken her up. ‘Laura, are you awake?’ Sarah’s voice came.

‘Yes Sarah, what’s going on?’ She said, even though it wasn’t uncommon to be woken up in the middle of the night. The reason may be to deliver an urgent message to the captain of the Seagull or to help a woman in labour. Mrs Greenfinger was not so young anymore and Laura was faster with her horse. And then there was the very ill Sir John, she realised with a pang when she asked her, ‘how is Sir John, is he feeling better?’

Sarah stood in front of her with a sad look on her face and held a long overcoat over her arm, ignoring her question completely. ‘Put this coat on Laura, immediately,’ she said.

‘Take your horse and ride as fast as you can to my husband James. He needs a medicinal potion for his stomach-ache that has been bothering him for several days. You will find him in the harbour by the Sea Gull, where he is waiting for you.’ Still sleepy, Laura did as she was told. The coat was heavy when she put it on and when she checked it she felt that there were several items in the lining. ‘Don’t inspect these now Laura,’ Sarah said in a whisper: ‘Just make haste.’

Then she gave her a very concerned look that made Laura feel quite uncomfortable. ‘Sarah, are you okay, or is your husband in such bad shape?’

‘No, no Laura, its best you leave as soon as possible, that’s all,’ Sarah said, seemingly struggling not to burst into tears. Laura understood the emergency and after putting on her clothes she ran to her saddled horse that was waiting for her. Without looking back she rode out into the cold night, leading her horse to the shore, soon she had to fight the sleep that slowly overtook her.

The Sea Gull was a merchant ship partly owned by Sir John and also had other questionable cargo hidden in its large holds. Since a young girl, Sir John had proudly shown her in his ledgers the profits he had made from his cargo, adding enormously to his steadily growing wealth. This information was carefully recorded and encrypted in his secret ledgers, hidden away from curious eyes. He had taught her the code many years ago and even encouraged her to decipher each entrance. She knew that no one in the great house had any idea of the ship’s illegal contents, or had ever tried to figure out where Sir John’s vast accumulated fortune came from.

When she arrived, the ship was anchored in the harbour, hidden between two large sailboats, while the first sun rays illuminated the spars of the masts. James was waiting for her on the dock by the ship. ‘That’s strange, he actually looks quite healthy,’ she thought, pleasantly surprised. He wore a large hat that almost completely covered his face and carried a bag. ‘James, how are you, Sarah told me you were ill.’ The words came out in a whisper.

Without a word, he took her horse by the reins and led her into a small backyard. At her questioning look, he made a sign not to speak. The next moment he helped her dismount, after he tethered her horse they walked down the gangway to the ship. She saw no crew member on board as he descended the narrow steps that led to a small passageway. Then he motioned her to enter an empty little cabin where he dropped the bag. He closed the door and looked at her with emotionless grey eyes and said before she could say a word: ‘please change into the clothes that are inside the bag as soon as possible, Laura.’ She couldn’t breathe and nearly choked as she looked at the contents of the bag. Finally she calmed herself and said, ‘But these are men’s clothes, James! Why?’

‘Please, Laura, don’t ask me too much and be a good girl and put on these clothes,’ he said slowly, turning around. When she heard the serious tone in his voice, she did as she was told and gave him her dress when he asked for it.

While tears came to her eyes, she looked at her ugly new clothes. ‘What’s the matter James? What am I doing here, please tell me, and this is surely a joke yes?’

James didn’t answer, he only took her hand while he looked straight at her, and said hesitantly in a sad tone: ‘Laura, here’s a letter for you. Please read it when the ship has reached the open sea. After that, you must destroy it immediately. Captain Wilkies will ensure you reach your destination safely, you can rely on that. God bless y child and no word to anybody. Have courage.’

Before she could answer he left her, and to her amazement she heard him locking the cabin door from outside. ‘What the hell is he doing, is he locking me in?’ At first she couldn’t believe this was happening to her, listening in amazement to the retreating steps of the man she had trusted completely all her life and left her alone in this smelly cabin. In her built-up anger, she couldn’t move and stared at the closed door, completely paralysed.

When she finally tried in vain to open the door, she felt the movements of the ship as it began to head out to sea. But strangely enough, no other sound could be heard. In her frustration, she turned and screamed as she kicked the cabin wall with her boot. When she realised she was a prisoner on Sir John’s ship, she threw herself on the bed. She became sick with misery, couldn’t cry or move, and curled up in her own humiliation and pain. Nobody had ever locked her up, maybe there must be a reason for this, but she couldn’t think of one. She kept going over every possible cause as she wept: ‘what did I do to deserve this treatment, what does this madness mean?’

Feeling completely alone and unable to think she could only stare at the letter she was holding in her hand. If this was meant to be a casual outing to help James, it wasn’t quite what she had expected. It took a lot of willpower to open the letter, because she was afraid of what it would say. She stumbled to the small porthole for better light. The letter was not sealed, but in the handwriting she knew so well, it made her long for the security once afforded by its owner, now seemingly gone. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she leaned against the cabin wall and began to read as her eyes widened with each sentence.

Dear Laura

If you are reading this, it can only mean that certain things have happened that I wish could have been prevented. But alas, the truth is that by following our destiny, the path we walk is not always certain. Opening this letter at least means you are in safe hands and I ask that you try to consider the following events as a little adventure. However, the sad fact is that you are reading this because I am no longer among the living. Also, I am ashamed to say that my death has put you in some danger, as I can no longer protect you. I know this must come as a shock to you but trust me there are people who will take care of you and guide you on your future path.

More letters will follow in which I hope to explain all the things that undoubtedly come to your mind at a rapid pace. For now, it is for your own safety that you know as little as possible about your mission and the events that will undoubtedly come your way. You will sail to a place where your Italian tutor will be waiting for you in the harbour. Please accept his demands without question, even if, as usual, they seem rather strange, just like his way of life. Do know that it is for your own good.

Yours, Sir John

She fell on the bed again with her head in her hands and felt as if the cabin had turned upside down and plunged her into darkness. She longed for air, which was mostly absent. Instead, she sucked in foul air that lingered in the cabin, nearly suffocating her. She wanted to hammer on the door and scream to be let out. But the futility and folly of such an action dawned on her in time. The captain was probably the only person who knew of her existence on this ship. While it had been impossible not to be aware of the potential danger she was in, nothing had prepared her for being locked up in a cabin.

‘This must be a mistake!’ She whispered instead. When she was finally able to face the facts, her mind started racing and she asked a lot of questions.

‘Sir John dead…? How had he died so suddenly…? From who was she in danger! How could she receive more letters from Sir John when he was dead! Was it a coincidence that her father, the steward, had gone to visit his friends, even in his poor health, on the very night Sir John had probably died? Would she ever see him again, or the steward’s house where she had grown up?’

Even the stately mansion and all its inhabitants flashed through her mind, though most quickly faded and were forgotten in an instant. But Mrs Greenfinger, whom she’d known forever and given her all the love she needed, most of all, she definitely had to see her again! And Sarah who had always been a part of her life. When