Inette, a shy young
lady, enjoyed the solitude of the forest river that ran through her father’s
property. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, Inette was in every way an
introvert, long before there was a name for such a state of character. She did
not have many friends, but she enjoyed the company of a few furry critters. She
found energy to face all her daunting tasks in the quiet of the river. She felt
closer to God, and did not have to face her fear of people, which worried her
mother and father very much.
One day, as she was sitting by the river, a young man
intruded upon her sanctuary.
Inette, frightened by
the stranger, bolted upward from her seat and pulled the hood of her cloak over
her head. She glared at the man with a perturbed countenance.
“I apologize,” said the
man. “I did not mean to startle you.”
Inette recognized the
man as the newest member of her father’s fleet, Captain William. She said
nothing.
“I am sorry to intrude,
but your mother has sent me to bring you back to the house. You have a few
guests for dinner, and she wishes you to be there.”
Inette continued to
glare in silence, but obliged his endeavor, and walked with him to her house.
William attempted conversation, but Inette remained ever silent.
“Are you well?” William
asked.
“I am,” Inette answered,
voice trembling.
“Do I scare you, ma’am?”
Inette wanted to say
yes, but felt that it would be impolite. Instead she said nothing, the act of which
only proved rude, and confirmed the young man’s suspicion.
“I do not mean to do so.
But I am only doing what your mother asked of me.”
Upon returning to the
house Inette’s mother invited William to stay for dinner, at which he heartily accepted.
Inette was distraught! Another stranger for dinner, when there were already
three other men under her father’s employ joining them. Of these three she only
liked one. She was frightened of the other two because they were so rough and
glared at her often. But Captain Reigner was kind to the girl from her youth,
and she looked up to him as a grandfather. She sat next to him that night. Though
little was said between them, Inette felt strong by his side.
As the guests were
leaving, William thanked Inette’s mother for the food and said that he was
delighted to meet all the family, giving a nod to Inette. Inette only politely
curtsied and walked away.
Once the guests were
gone Inette reproached her mother. “How could you be so indifferent to my
feelings, mother?” she asked.
“Why do you persist in
discourtesy?” Her mother returned. “You will never be married if you continue
to hide from people.”
“I do not wish to marry.
I wish to be left alone.”
“Your father and I won’t
be around forever to protect you.” Inette’s mother burst out.
Inette was quiet.
“I know you are afraid
of people. What sparked that fear I wish I knew. But you must overcome it, or
you will never live a life worth living.”
Inette fought the tears
welling in her eyes. “I’m not afraid,” she said.
“But you are. And the
sooner you admit it, the sooner you can conquer it.”
“I only tire easily…”
“Oh, Inette.” Inette’s mother walked away, and Inette stood alone, ready
to cry.
