Inette's Sanctuary: Part 3

Inette knew it was a possibility that she would see William again if she made her daily appointment with her haven. This was both exciting and upsetting. She did want to hear what else William had to say about being brave and free. But she was worried that she would have to speak.

Nonetheless, she kept her ritual, especially after her mother’s tea party. Inette could not resist the solitude she longed for, even if there was a threat of interruption.

She kept a watchful eye out for the captain, while soaking in all the solitude she could. All day she wondered if William might come. To her disappointment he never did, and she felt silly for the strange desire on her heart.

The next day she resolved to forget the young man and go back to life as always. But she was disappointed once again. Once her trip to the river was complete, she found William sitting on her log.

She stood silently pondering whether she should go or stay, but William saw her before she made a decision.

“I suppose this is becoming a habit. You were telling the truth when you said you are here all the time.”

“I never lie.”

“Of course.”

“Do you mock me, sir?”

“No. I’m sorry. This is your home, and I am intruding. I will leave now.”

“No, wait!” Inette burst out, to the surprise of William and herself. “I mean…”

“What is it?”

“I… I…” Inette blushed in embarrassment.

“I will stay if you wish it…”

“No,” Inette answered swiftly.

“I am confused.”

“Not here. Just the two of us.”

William thought a moment, attempting to understand what it was Inette tried to say.

“We shouldn’t be alone.”

“We shouldn’t?” William asked. “What should we be?”

“I don’t know.”

William thought some more and then said, “Will you accompany me to lunch in town?”

Inette was astonished. Did he just ask her on a date?

“Unless you…”

“No! I mean yes! I mean…”

“You will?”

“If my father permits it, of course.”

“I would not ask anything less.”

William accompanied Inette back to her house to ask her father for his permission on their going out. While Inette’s father hesitated, her mother readily agreed. Thus, her father consented and sent a maid to accompany them. But her mother told the maid to simply watch from a distance.

William attempted to get Inette to talk, but somehow, without words, Inette persuaded him to talk almost the whole time. He told her of the places he had travelled to, the people he had met. And while the list of places was small, the adventures were immense. Inette began to wish she was there with him. Everything sounded so exciting. She imagined the buildings, streets, smells, sounds, and colors of all that William described.

“I didn’t know there was so much out there in the world,” Inette said. “How could you have done so much in so little time? Isn’t it exhausting?”

“I love it!” William answered with renewed enthusiasm. “One may tire after a long day of hard work, but a good night’s sleep always sets me straight for new adventures.”

“I wish sleep was as beneficial to me.”

“With all due respect, you do not do enough in a day. Sleep won’t help if you court idleness.”

Inette turned her eyes to her feet. She felt ashamed of herself, thinking of the bread of idleness she had indulged herself of. She needed to change something.

William took her back home, telling her he wished to see her again before he left on his voyage. She readily agreed to the invitation, then he kissed her hand and left.