Harriet snuggled their son Walter. Outside of Walter being a very big baby his delivery had gone perfectly fine, according to her Mother Clara. Clara had stayed the first week to make sure Harriet was recovering fine and that she was able to feed without problem. Conri had been so nervous about touching her that he'd slept in his old cot in the attic for the first month after Walter's birth. Harriet learned from her mother that by all accounts hers had been both a smooth pregnancy and delivery. Whereas Abigail Smith had nearly died during premature labor and only one of the twins she'd been carrying had survived. Harriet also learned to appreciate Conri's gentle approach after learning that one of her former school mates nearly died of infection when her husband hadn't waited for her to recover from delivering her third child in less than three years. While Conri didn't fuss to much about how much time and care a baby took, Harriet knew that like herself he was looking forward to a solid night's sleep. Some days when she had finished feeding Walter Conri would take him outside and walk around the garden and yard with him. The first time Conri took Walter for a short walk she'd fallen asleep instead of tending to the neglected laundry. When she'd tried to apologize for falling asleep Conri had gently shaken his head and kissed her on the forehead. After that day he made it a habit to take Walter at least twice a week so she could get some extra rest. Walter was close to nine months of age and eating small bits of mashed peas in addition to the nursing when Harriet decided to stop waiting for Conri to resume some of their pre baby cuddling. Before falling asleep she murmured her contentment to Conri who hushed her with another deep kiss. He whispered they had time, and there was no rush. Harriet carried the ever growing Walter on her hip for his bath and decided it was past time for him to have a bed of his own. Especially as she suspected she wouldn't be able to lift and carry him for to much longer. Harriet thanked Conri for the years anniversary gift. It had taken him and two other men the better part of a day to move the old fireplace back outside. Now though it was facing the garden and close to the door so she could use it in the summer when it was hot out. In it's place she had a proper cast iron stove and oven. Once the hired men had left Harriet pulled Conri in close and whispered her news in his ear. Harriet wasn't sure she'd ever seen someone look both giddy and shaken at the same time before. Yet that was the only way she could think to describe expression. She watched intently as his eyes glazed and unglazed, he started to get a dopey grin and then their was a bolt of something fear or perhaps panic across his face before he suddenly bolted out the door. When she cracked the door open just a little she could hear him shifting through his wood and tools. Smiling she closed the door gently so as not to distract him. There had been a flurry of activity, and more hired men had come along with her father Harry and Johnson Smith. Her mother Clara and Abigail Smith had shown up too with hampers of food. Harriet had wanted to object to muddy tracks across her clean floor, but instead Clara had insisted that they bundle the toddling and very independent Walter up in warm clothes since the fall was colder this year than last and herded them off towards the abandoned apple orchard. Every so often one of the men would take a break and come over for a beverage or a cold sandwich. There were a few times when Harriet or all three women would hold their breath as the men took the fates on a ride raising beams where an attic had once been. By the end of the day everyone sat down to eat warm hand pies as they admired the days work. Unsure of what to expect as Conri held the door open and gestured for Harriet to enter, she was thrilled to see that the worst of the dust and dirt from the construction had already been swept away. Turning to take a tired Walter to his bed she was shocked to see the wall gone from the far side of the room. The table was now full center and two new chairs had been added to it. Leading her through what had been the door to their room Conri pointed to a small bed and encouraged Walter to check it out. Conri also pointed to a small child sized chamber pot by the door to the wash room, and explained that it would probably be safer to teach Walter on a chamber pot than in the outhouse where he might fall in. Conri managed to apologize for the lack of banister in the same breathe that he used to usher Harriet up the stairs to their new spacious room which did at least have a railing around the stair well. Walter, who made Harriet think of Conri at every turn with his matching lavender eyes and red hair, kept his parents very much on their toes. On days when the new pregnancy was making Clara tire faster than usual Conri would step in take over the care of Walter. Whether it was helping him with lessons, playing outside, showing him the tools he used for wood working, or answering a why question for the millionth time in a row Conri did his best to see that Harriet was able to rest when she needed it. Something was wrong Harriet knew her husband well enough to know when something was bothering him. She was fairly certain he wasn't overly upset about the unrest in the Caribbean, yet his edginess was making her worry. Finally he blurted out that he'd been recognized from his days as a pirate while delivering a tub to a general's home to the north. He explained that he was to return to Riverview the following week to discuss the charges. Conri also explained that he would be taking her father, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Wallace with him as character witnesses and solicitor. Harriet asked why he couldn't ask his half brother to intervene on his behalf. Conri shook his head and reminded her that legally all ties to his life as a Dukes son were severed. Plus it would be very improper for a Duke to meddle in another countries legal affairs. Harriet burst into tears, and bawled that she didn't care she didn't want to loose her husband. Harriet didn't like her husbands news when he returned from Riverview. His change in course and hard work within the community had been taken into account. It was decided however that he still had to atone for his time as a pirate, no matter how he'd ended up sailing under the black flag. That a solicitor from the Dukes estate had been there to verify Conri's story of being sold into service as a child surprised him. He suspected that had been Harriet's doing which his father in law Harry confirmed in private. Conri was grateful that the judge was willing to listen to the full story, as well as his witnesses to his new life, as a hard working joiner supporting a gravid wife and small son. As he had expected the judge wasn't willing to let him walk free, but he was allowed to choose between prison or the military. After Conri reviewed the choices carefully along with careful consideration of what the living conditions of each option were likely to be like, Conri told the judge that he would like to serve his time with the military. To alleviate any concerns anyone might have regarding his name it was decided that Conri would use his mother's maiden name of Ross while serving. He kept reminding himself that with the military he'd be allowed leave once in awhile to spend with his family. That Harriet was less than thrilled was obvious by the shrillness of her voice. Conri tried his best to explain that he couldn't just get out of it. He also tried to explain how the barracks would be cleaner than a prison cell and he'd be allowed leave to come home from time to time. Two nights before Conri was to leave they hosted Harriet's family and the Smith's for a going away dinner. Conri could've worn the uniform he'd been issued but didn't have the heart to do so. Late after the last guest had left Conri heard a gentle rap on the door. It was Harry, Conri's father in law. Together the two men talked about when Conri thought he'd be back to visit, and made arrangements for Harriet to sell produce and flowers through her fathers business. Conri had already moved the candle making station upstairs on the off chance she could find a few minutes free. Although she'd partially abandoned the candle making once Walter was born as he'd taken up so much of her time. They also agreed that Clara or Elisabeth would come stay for short periods as Harriet got closer to her due date. Harriet discovered that she hated the emptiness of their small home, it just wasn't the same without Conri around. She had never realized before just how much his presence had completely filled a room before. She found herself trying to figure out just when it was that she'd fallen in love with him. Eventually she realized that it hadn't been any one moment in particular. That her love for him came as a culmination of how he'd shown her respect even that first day that they'd met as teens. The ways he'd made her laugh at some of the silliest things like the dead mouse inside the jar of preserved black berries that hadn't been capped properly after a meal. Harriet smoothed her dress as she stood, and went to reread his latest letter again. As his letter had promised Conri was home for a days leave, he'd been accompanied by another soldier who was being hosted at her parents farm. Conri made jokes about the Sargent being his keeper, but Harriet understood from the other mans scowl that he wasn't pleased with being assigned to babysit a private on day leave. He asked the usual questions of how was she faring. How Walter was faring. What gender she thought their baby might be. Eventually Harriet cut him off and told him out with it. He was home two days sooner than expected and being way to cheerful. Conri sighed, it turned out there was a downside to being a former cabin boy and sailor. He'd been a little to good as a private on a rigging challenge and had been reassigned from the field unit to a battleship. He waived a thin sheet of type writer paper from his pocket. "I've been assigned to the Maine, it sets sail in a few days possibly for Havana I don't know for sure." Conri promised that he would write whenever he could, but he wasn't sure how often the battleships mail was sent out, let alone received. With the help of her mother Clara and Abigail smith Harriet delivered a healthy a baby girl, who was promptly named Sorcha after Conri's mom. Harriet asked her mom if second deliveries always went smoother than the first and Clara replied with a firm no. Once Clara was certain that Harriet and baby were both doing well she returned to her farm down the road. Walter had been taught how to go from their small home on the hill to his grandparents bigger farm. Harriet explained that it helped her rest easier knowing that her son knew where to go in an emergency. That Walter was learning at a good pace made Harriet happy. She wished Conri could see his son playing with the stacking blocks he'd made for their children. Harriet forced herself to eat. Walter had dragged the metal from the shelf to the table again. Papa's? Walter had questioned. Harriet didn't have the words, mind she had the telegraph that had accompanied the medal with it's short sentence. Conri H. Ross missing presumed dead. That same evening her parents had shown up with the evening paper. She'd sunk into the chair by the door as the headline sunk in Explosion Sinks The Maine, Sailors missing. Harriet found the page listing the assigned service members. "Conri's not here", her tone puzzled as she pointed at the list. Her father explained that Conri was unlikely to ever be listed given the nature of why he was in service. Harriet tried to say that it was a mistake and that Conri was fine and that he'd be home again soon. Her father Harry tapped the medal still on the table and shook his head gravely and mouthed, No. Clara hugged Harriet and rocked her gently as only a mother can do. Sorcha's wailing cut through, and Harriet dragged herself upstairs to tend to her daughters needs. It was about a week later when Harry and a military chaplain showed up at the door. Conri's remains had been found and identified. Harriet broke down and cried. So long as Conri's body had been missing she had held on to some glimmer of hope that he'd come home to stay with a full pardon. Now there was no more hope. He was gone for good. When her father suggested she sell the house and move back in with him and her mother, Harriet felt something inside snap. Straightening her spine and wiping her face dry with handkerchief she dryly thanked her father and told him that she had no intention of selling Walter's inheritance out from under him. When her father suggested that maybe Walter wouldn't want the house when he was older Harriet replied back calmly, because her son was watching them both intently, that when Walter was old enough to make that decision it would be his and his alone to make, and that in the meantime she would do her best to maintain their funds and home. Harry stood and pulled his daughter in and whispered "that's my Harriet, you had me worried for a moment there." Harriet did her best to explain to Walter that his Papa would never be coming back. Some days he seemed to get it, and other days he would tell her she was reading the book wrong, and that she needed to make papa come back and read it instead. Harriet did her best keep everything running smoothly, but it wasn't easy with two small children in the house. She was grateful that Conri had left them with a decent amount of funds set aside, she'd been shocked to learn that they had a few thousand in the bank. She knew that so long as she was frugal with the money, and kept up on the taxes everything would be in good order for Walter once he was old enough to obtain his majority. Sometimes Harriet's younger brother Henry would stop by instead of her parents. He claimed he was there to help. Harriet suspected that Henry was really trying to get out of going to the office out on the docks and helping out their father. Harriet tried to talk Henry into talking to their father about not being interested in shipping and receiving, but Henry wouldn't listen. Harriet stared at her daughter, trying vainly to keep her face straight as she reprimanded her wild child yet again that it was not okay to make messes all over the floor with grains from the cupboard.
Harriet struggled to not break down, those violet eyes were just like Conri's, the only difference was Sorcha stared at her from under dark brown bangs. It had been well over two years since she'd lost Conri, yet she felt no desire to set aside the black threads for grey as some younger widows did. Her mom had brought over some grey fabric, but Harriet had shaken her head no, and tried to explain that she just couldn't see letting someone else into Conri's home. Passing her hand across several of the wooden pieces of furniture that Conri had built she tried to explain to her mother that it wasn't just a house, rather a home built from love, and that she wasn't sure that another man would respect that. Clara admitted that she didn't understand what her daughter was talking about, and took the bolt of grey fabric with her when she left.
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Harriet watched as for the second week in a row nothing she was eating would stay down. Four months of married life, and everything up until now had been going fairly decently. Other than the constant nausea she felt fine. After cleaning herself up Harriet gathered up a few of the apples and vegetables from their small garden and told Conri that she was going to visit her parents and the Smith's. Conri grunted as he strained honey from the honey comb while trying not to get stung by the bees. Harriet stared at Conri as he talked about the latest commission he'd gotten, as well as events in the news. Trying to decide if she should share her suspicion now or wait until her condition was confirmed. Conri wasn't the sort to hold a person back she had learned, yet she was learning that she enjoyed helping out with some of the harder work and didn't want to suddenly be left out anything. When her sister Elisabeth stopped by with a small bundle of blankets and an extra pie tin, Harriet quickly ushered her inside. "What is all this for" Harriet inquired happy to see her sister, yet feeling slightly cross as she still hadn't shared her suspicion with Conri. "Mom wanted you to have these after your last trip home" Elisabeth answered nonchalantly. A sudden bang, followed by a thumb, and some very colorful language had an initially mortified Harriet doubling up with her sister in laughter. Harriet gave her sister a quick hug goodbye, saying she needed to go check on her husband. Conri almost ran smack dab into Elisabeth as she exited to leave. Seeing that they'd had a guest his face went redder than his hair and he started to stammer out an apology. Harriet waved her sister off and then pecked her husband on the cheek, before asking him if he was okay. He told her was, and then asked her to close her eyes. Harriet was tempted to peek when she felt him leading her towards their room. She was pretty sure she was facing the back wall when he asked her to open her eye's. Before her were two doors, she gave Conri a confused look. "You haven't complained, but I can tell that a sailors bucket method of cleaning up isn't what you really want to keep doing" Conri said opening the first door and showing Harriet a hand carved wooden tub. He then stepped over to the second door and opened it onto the yard. It took Harriet a few seconds to process what she was seeing. A small shack stood a short distance away with a door almost directly opposite the one she was looking out. Harriet would have never thought herself to be the sort to weep over an outhouse, but weep she did soaking Conri's vest with happy tears. When she finally lifted her face from his shoulder she shared her news with him as well. Conri quickly swept her into a crushing hug and just as quickly released her with a worried look on his face. Harriet laughed and reassured him that his hug hadn't hurt her or the coming child. Conri didn't complain about having grilled fruit for the umpteenth meal in a row. Not only was it what Harriet could consistently hold down, but it also seemed to be what she constantly craved. He was trying to find the right words to answer her question with, as he suspected that a glib answer of a potential customer wasn't going to work this time. He still wasn't sure she'd bought the answer the last time, but she had allowed the topic to drop. Harriet gritted her teeth and harshly exhaled "well?!" Taking a deep breath and letting out a small sigh Conri knew that nothing short of the truth would do, and as his wife she deserved the truth. "That was my half brother the new Duke of Bloxham. Somehow word got back to him and our father ... no his father, that I was not only still alive but doing quite well for myself. He wanted to come sooner but he had to wait until after the Duke passed from his consumption illness and wouldn't prevent him from traveling." Conri paused to take a bite and process, he could see the questions in Harriet's eyes. Before she could voice her questions he continued. "Algar had decided to see for himself that I was still alive. He also wanted to learn for himself if I had any plans on contesting him as the new Duke. Once I confirmed to him, and signed a legal document stating that not only did I have no desire to contest the title I also had no interest in suing for any part of the estate, he shared with me what had become of my mother." Harriet sat quietly, she had so many questions, but there had been a mountain of pain and anger in his last few words. Conri finally added "After she recovered from her wounds from that days fight, the Old Duke had her sent to a convent where she eventually died after jumping from the highest point she could find. Her remains were taken to her families estate in Northern Scotland." Conri abruptly stood and cleared both of their dishes and started washing them. Harriet wanted nothing more than to hug her husband, yet she recognized his body stance, the way his feet were spread yet firmly planted to the ground, back and shoulders stiff, arm movements harsh and jerky as he washed the few dishes from their meal. Instead she took her current book to their room and knew that in time he would come in and she could comfort him then. That night when Conri came to bed Harriet promised him that should their child be a girl they would name her after his mother. After that tense night Harriet finally pried more from Conri about his mother and learned that she had had her own title as an Earl's daughter. Harriet begged a trip into town with her mother one week and tried to make sense of a book on titles and rankings of the English aristocracy. The book also detailed what women and men of each ranking were expected and allowed to do as well as manner of dress. When Harriet got home she scrubbed the grill on the fireplace, and then went and splashed in the first puddle she could find. Conri poked his head around the corner and asked what she was up to. With a horrid accent Harriet gave a deep curtsy and replied "Why my Honor I'm appreciating my freedom as a simple farmers wife as compared to the stiff regiments foisted upon the Honorable Lady's of the Court." Her footing slipped and she fell backwards in the mud and dissolved into a fit of laughter. Conri tried to help her up, but instead she pulled him down beside her. Eventually they pulled themselves from the puddle after Prudence Wallace went by and gave Harriet a look of mortification. Conri helped Harriet into a warm bath to be sure she didn't catch cold. A few months later Harriet stared at the dormant vegetable garden and knew she wanted something more. Conri wasn't thrilled at the interruption, after all he only had so much time to finish making the bassinet, which had already been put off to many times as it was. Yet he'd been warned by both Harry and Johnson that the requests would get more and more interesting the closer a woman got the babies arrival date. Johnson equated it to nesting birds. So Conri took a little time out of his day to help Harriet plant a row of flowers on each side of the walk way leading up to the house. He was glad that neither of the other men had done more than nod and grin when he'd asked for flower cuttings. Conri made sure that the rose cuttings from Harriet's parents house were near the front door. Harriet contemplated the recipe in front of her wishing her back would stop hurting. Conri had built her a standing cupboard complete with bins for their vegetables for their anniversary and she wanted to make him a nice meal, and preserve some of their favorite foods for later. That is if she could stand long enough. These days she more waddled than walked, and could barley lift herself up from her chair. She sighed and closed the book she'd just read the same sentence four times and still hadn't actually read it. She called to Conri that she was going to go lie down for a nap. Harriet let out one of Conri's colorful words as she felt her belly tighten and loosen like ripples on the water. She'd sent Conri to fetch her mom earlier that morning, and right that second she wanted him there by her side. Whatever could be taking them so long. Surely Elisabeth was more than capable of watching over both of her little brothers for a few hours.
Harriet heard her named called out just as her belly squeezed harder than it had all day and she felt wet warmth running down the insides of her legs. Harriet tried to shift and the pressure intensified, she could feel a firm pressure below and tried to call back to whomever had called out her name. Unsure if she had said anything she focused on her breathing as her focus blurred and she wondered is she'd been wise to move so far from the bed. If she could just move a little she was sure she'd be okay. Another hard ripple, was that herself screaming. Was she standing or lying down and by all that was sacred why did she feel as if she was being torn in two. That Harriet was unimpressed with the accommodations of her new home quickly became apparent. Especially when she learned that Conri hadn't bothered to build himself an outhouse. Harriet tried a few foray's into town to see about working for the paper or at the girls school and was turned away. She then tried to find out if she could lease her own space at market and was turned away there as well. Tired of the repeated rejections she considered traveling to join the suffragists and learned that without a companion and chaperone she couldn't get train tickets or a space on a coach. She spent the first few months practically hiding behind the locked door of her room in a state of frustration and depression. Conri tried a few times to get Harriet to talk when she surfaced from her room. When she merely shook her head he decided to let her be so she could sort out what she wanted. Eventually Harriet confronted Conri about the lack things for her to do beyond dusting cobwebs away. She pointed out that they would both benefit if she had a way to properly cook meals. Knowing that his woodworking was bringing in a small steady income Conri did some checking on what might add to his income. He had planned on building an outhouse, having noticed Harriet's discomfort and awkwardness with his current arrangement. However since Harriet had asked for a way to cook he wanted to make that happen first. He learned from Johnson Smith that as long as he didn't advertise where he harvested the apples from no one would say anything about selling apples from the abandoned orchard that was by his home. Conri found that the apples added just enough of a bump to his income that he was able to get some used grates. Over time he was able to find or buy enough of the materials he needed. Late one night after Harriet went to bed he started on his project, it wasn't perfect, or very pretty, but it was functional. Conri stared at his tools and failed at making himself look busy as he impatiently waited for Harriet to emerge from her room and see the new fireplace. Harriet quickly added cooking to her limited duties around the house. On one of her younger sisters regular visit's they discussed how Conri, despite working hard all the time, never seemed to be caught up enough on orders to make her the candle station he had promised. Harriet had been set on confronting Conri about the space for making candles when she noticed that the recent storm was causing the rough stove to loosen and that the rocks were shifting. Some were even falling off. So instead of bringing up her desire to make candles, or her preference for not hiding in shrubs to relieve herself she brought up the need to shelter the fireplace. Conri took it all in between bites of his meal. He reminded her that it was her weekend off, and then tried to figure out what he'd done wrong working with the stones. Wood he decided was easier to work with than stone, but not good for building cooking surfaces. After watching Harriet walk down the road to her parents property he quickly cleaned his dishes up and took the back rout to the Smith farm. He was going to need help this time. It had been late the night before when Harriet got home from spending her weekend at her parents place, her tired mind hadn't taken in the change by her door. It had been so nice to get a proper bath, let alone the other comforts she had taken for granted while growing up. The following morning she grabbed her skillet and stared at the spot where the fireplace had been. With a determined set of shoulder she marched into the room to ask Conri what he'd done with the fireplace only to stop in shock. There against the wall where the rough table counter had stood was not only a freshly repaired fireplace, but a proper counter as well complete with scroll work and nice handles. Once the shock wore off she took in the rest of the changes. Conri had added a small room, where he was presumably sleeping, the stool he used was against the far wall instead of in the corner, and it had been joined by a very rough looking dining chair. Harriet also noticed a few new books in his worn collection, including one her favorites that she was forever borrowing from her mother. Harriet felt her lower lip start to tremble, it wasn't just that he had used wood meant for her long ago promised candle making station, it was what he had used it on and for. Opening the cupboard carefully she discovered that he'd also gotten a few of the cooking pots and utensils she had mentioned using at her parents house when she had helped in the kitchen there. After a quick swipe at the corner of her eyes she got down to work and fixed their morning meal. Conri could feel his frustration growing. Yes, Harriet had very politely and formally thanked him for the new cooking space. Yet she had instantly scolded him for being in his bed clothes and not properly dressed. A part of him wondered if she would always be so prim and proper about everything. Harriet watched Conri walking back after checking on the abandoned orchard and decided that maybe she should talk to him about the damage to her reputation should anyone see her with him when he was just in his bed clothes. Conri listened to Harriet ramble on, letting her say her word until she finally trailed off having run out ways to say 'don't ruin my reputation'. Knowing that she was probably going to hate him for it he pointed out that she had already caused plenty of dust ups regarding her reputation and was considered wild and not tameable before he had even invited her to stay with him. Taking an even deeper breath and holding up his hand for her to just listen he gave her a very abridged accounting of his life before he had landed in Windenberg. Conri even explained how he had ended up as a sailor without divulging that he came from an aristocratic family. He finished by explaining to her his conversation with her dad, that he was not interested in trying to tame or convert anyone, and that at anytime she wanted she was free to end the contract and return to her parents home, because he understood that a woman's reputation was her worth and he had no desire to harm hers let alone force her into being someone she wasn't. By the weeks end Conri had finished the dining table he'd meant to have ready sooner. Harriet complimented his work, and thanked him for providing a proper space to sit and have meals. Conri watched the chair shift under Harriet's slight weight and knew that he needed to use what he'd learned from making the shoddy chair and joining the joints on the table to make a better chair for Harriet, and maybe one for himself too. That was if his ever present past didn't catch up with him. Some days he wondered just how not a secret his upbringing and subsequent pirate days were. The following year Conri decided that Harriet had had plenty of time to get to know him and figure out what it was that she wanted. Hiding a rose from market carefully under his vest he knocked on Harriet's door and invited her for a walk. Conri watched Harriet's face closely as she took her time to appreciate the roses beauty and aroma before genuinely thanking him for the gift. Seeing none of the guarded expression that had marked the early months Conri felt it was time. Kneeling down on one knee, he reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a very small band, set with the stone he'd worn in his ear as a pirate's cabin boy. "Harriet will you do me the honor and privilege of becoming not just my wife but my help mate and companion." That evening, feeling like he was walking on air, Conri made his rounds first to the Lukkarila home, and then around to the Smiths farm. As a wedding gift to the young couple both Mr. Lukkarila and Mr. Smith paid for the travel expenses into the main part of town so that Conri could obtain the needed legal paperwork as well as pay the church fees for the wedding. Conri had to pay a little extra, since they were waiving the reading of the bans, not that he expected anyone to object to the marriage. Especially as Harriet hadn't exactly had any suitors clamoring for her hand. The minister wasn't thrilled that Conri wanted to do his own vows, but after an additional donation to the churches upkeep agreed to stand in the vestibule as an observer provided they listened to a short sermon afterwards. Harriet wondered if having the minister speak first would have gotten everyone to pay more attention. Yet once Conri kissed her she suddenly decided it didn't matter anymore and kissed him back with a fervor she hadn't realized she was holding in. Afterwards they listened to a short sermon on the sanctity of marriage vows by the minister and visited for awhile. While Conri got to know his new father in law and sister in law a little better Harriet talked with the Smith's. Mr. Smith went off to talk to the minister in private when the conversation turned to what he called "woman's talk" when Harriet inquired about Abigail Smith's current pregnancy. After arriving home Conri and Harriet found themselves awkwardly hanging out outside of their home making small talk. As the afternoon shifted towards evening Conri decided he'd better take charge and scooped a startled yet happy Harriet into his arms before carrying her across the thresh hold. When Conri opened the door to his room and held his hand out to Harriet, she peaked through at his narrow cot and shook her head an emphatic no before suggesting they use her room and bed. They walked around the side of the house to her door, and after she opened it Conri admitted it would be the better choice for two people to sleep the night away. He however objected to having to walk around the outside of the house to get to bed. Harriet held her tongue, knowing that that was exactly what she'd been doing for the last year or so. Harriet also held her tongue when Conri whipped out a pencil and a tape measure and started taking measurements before grabbing a hammer and saw from his work bench. It was a few hours later when the nervous and tired newly weds settled into bed for the first time as husband and wife.
Conri woke early Johnson Smith's words echoing in his mind with images of hung pirates swaying in the wind outside of Fort Charles. Knowing that wasn't the fate he wanted for himself Conri swore to himself that he would do whatever it took to lead an honest and honorable life here in Windenburg. Hearing a croak Conri investigated and found a few frogs along lakes edge. Knowing that if needed he could roast them for food he stuffed them into a pocket that fastened shut before heading for the fork in the road where he was to meet Harriet Lukkarila to learn the route to school. During the course of the school day one of the frogs almost escaped Conri's pocket. Mr. Jones, the schools teacher for upper grades, got very excited and asked to see Conri's catches. Conri left school with one hundred and 30 simoleans and an agreement to bring Mr. Jones frogs when ever he could find them. After school he would receive a little help from Mrs. Lukkarila on his homework in exchange for bringing her bluebells. Conri was a fast learner and by the end of the first week had mastered his alphabet, and needed less extra tutoring. For which he was grateful. He was finding that time spent in Harriet's company was rather unpleasant, as she always had some subtle or not so subtle barbed comment to make regarding him, his appearance, or how he was living. The Lukkarila's also traded him simple ready to eat sandwiches and small hand pies in exchange for freshly caught fish. On weekends Conri spent time with the Smith's where he learned how to harvest and cure wood to be made into boards. In exchange Conri got to bring home a few boards from each session. In time he found a sapling from the bushy shrubs and moved it to the back corner of his land. Once he had enough saved up he bought a pane of window glass, and a sink basin with stand from Mr. Lukkarila's catalog company. Conri was glad that there were no witnesses to his smashing his thumb when he assembled the sink. One particular weekend after helping the Smiths out on their farm, only to have a sow get a hold of his homework book and eat it, Conri was feeling completely dejected and wondering if he'd made the right choice when Harriet, who was a few months older than him, reached out and pulled him into the hedges. Conri started to let out a startled yelp when she placed her hand over his mouth to silence him. Harriet held up a thin dime book and asked him if there really were women pirates. Unsure of what she had already figured out for herself and recognizing the determined set of face and body as one often used by Captain Halloran Conri didn't bother trying to hedge his answer. He was however wise enough to leave his own parts out. Conri was doing his best to make life on the sea sound even deadlier than it was, yet Harriet's eyes and face gleaned with a bright determination that Conri realized could lead to trouble for him if he didn't act fast. "Look Harriet I get the dime books make life on the sea sound romantic, but it's anything but." He paused to choose his words carefully. "You went with your father last month to Port Charles, surely you saw for yourself a pirates life almost always ends with a drop and sudden stop. Only to be left swinging in the wind for the birds." The look of recognition flared in her eyes at the truth of his words and her shoulders sloped down in defeat. "Then there's no choice in it, I'll have to wed Mr. Wallace even though his eldest daughter just graduated." Her tone was so woe begotten that Conri forgot that she usually treated him with disdain when other people were around. Taking a deep breath, knowing as soon as he asked that he was going to regret himself, Conri asked why she was unhappy with the match. For as he understood from the whispered classroom conversations between her and Anna Louise Mr. Wallace was considered a good match. That afternoon Conri learned far more about Harriet than he ever expected to as she decided to take him into her confidence and share her dreams. None of which included becoming wife to anyone, let alone a widower. Over time Conri helped Harriet come up with a plausible excuse to get out of being married off before her 18th birthday. Part of the excuse was explaining how a well educated wife would be a better help mate for any future spouse. Conri surveyed the interior of his tiny cabin. It was rough and much needed to be done for it yet, but it was a home. As added bonus when he'd stopped by the clerks office to pay his taxes on the land, he'd been granted full title and deed to the land. He was now a full fledged landowner and resident of Windenburg. The one thing he wasn't enjoying about his small home was no longer seeing the stars at night. Some evenings he would lay outside just so he could watch the stars. Conri had gotten himself a bee hive started along with a small garden, when Harriet suddenly started making herself a regular visitor. At first it was with the excuse of dropping off some cooked dish or the other for her mom, along with collecting dishes from previous meals. Conri was unsure of what to make of Harriet and her sudden desire to visit almost daily. They weren't exactly best of friends, however since that afternoon so many months ago she had stopped making barbed comments about him, which had been a good thing in Conri's mind. One afternoon as Conri was watching the clouds pass overhead, Harriet flopped down beside him. She lay silently beside him for a little bit before blurting out "did you know that if anything happens to my father, my little brother becomes my keeper and decides my fate." Conri had been unaware or semi aware that that was how things worked, but decided that in this case it might be wise to stay silent. Harriet continued to ramble on regarding the unjust place women had in polite society. How they weren't expected or allowed to have their own opinions, let alone business or vote. "I asked mother to let me attend a meeting for women's suffrage Ms. Susan B. Anthony was going to be the keynote speaker." There was an undertone of wispy excitement to Harriet's voice that took Conri by surprise. What shook him even further was how he felt as if his heart was suddenly lodged in his throat at the thought of Harriet going away to Boston. "Mother not only forbade the trip but made sure that either she or father were by my side for the entire week." Harriet had continued on unaware of Conri's unexpected moment of shock and epiphany. After a few moments more of rambling she lifted herself from the ground and dusted of her clothes, grabbing the empty pie plate from the previous days meal she stated that she'd best be off before they sent one of her siblings to find her. After that day Harriet's visits became shorter as she often had a younger sibling in tow. Conri knew he needed to get better clothes to work in, but for now he was happy. He would graduate soon. He'd seen less of Harriet over the last several months which hadn't bothered him overly much as he knew exactly where she was at all times. Constantly supervised by either her parents or the lady from the finishing school, a Mrs. Couture. At first he missed their daily chats, but he'd recognized the value in her absence, that allowed him to set some personal plans in motion. From his time with the Smith's he'd gained a solid appreciation for working with wood. He even built himself a wood working station, although he did have to buy the tools and clamps needed. His creations quickly became a hit at market, and Mr. Lukkarila even requested a few commissions from him. It had become very important to Conri that Mr. Lukkarila see him not just in a positive and dependable light, but as someone who had the potential to become his equal in the world of business. Graduation day arrived and went without a hitch. Two days after graduation Conri presented himself to Mr. Lukkarila at his office near the wharves. Conri let himself be ushered into a back office, and politely declined the drink that was offered. Taking a deep breath, and hoping his voice wouldn't crack and betray him Conri plunged into what he'd come to ask. "Mr. Lukkarila, Sir, as you know I've worked hard to get my small homestead up and going and have a deft hand with wood." Conri paused as Mr. Lukkarila settled into his chair with his brandy and added "But?" Taking a quick deep breath Conri continued with a calm clear voice that broke no personal emotion or attachment to the subject of discussion, no matter his true feelings. "But, to keep up with market orders as well as commissions, on top of the houses, no matter how small, needs is proving a stretch for me. I find that I am in need of someone, preferably a house keeper, who can take some of the work off my shoulders. It would of course be most beneficial if said housekeeper was well trained in the ways of polite society and could help me expand my business." Without fidgeting Conri boldly looked Mr. Lukkarila in the eyes and asked "you sir wouldn't by any chance know of any young women who might be interested in the position? I have a room with a door that locks from the inside, and exits not into my part of the house, built for a housekeeper. Should I find someone willing to take on the position." The men locked eyes for what to Conri felt like an eternity. Eventually, after swishing his brandy and taking a sip Mr. Lukkarila asked "Did Harriet set you up to this?" "No sir, I've not seen Miss Harriet since before her class graduated." Conri answered honestly, and then added "I suspect that if she knew, or even thought I was here to talk to you, or to ask your permission regarding anything she does she'd be most put out and furious with me." ... "Sir." Conri felt his voice threatening to crack as he added the sir. "I suppose you're hoping to trick Harriet or myself into allowing a common law marriage?" Mr. Lukkarila countered. Conri felt heat rising up his face, from his past life on the sea he full well understood the implications of the question. "In truth Sir, that while I am hoping that you will promote your daughter Miss Harriet for the position, it need not be her. However I want it fully understood that I fully respect Miss Harriet and wish in no way to damage her, or any other woman's reputation. Which is why I built the extra room with only an outside exit. I will respect if you choose to promote another young woman or an older matron to the position." Conri shifted from one foot to another, wishing that this was something that could be solved with a sword and a run to high sea. Just as Conri was beginning to give up hope on any amicable answer or help from Mr. Lukkarila, the older man set his brandy down on the desk. "I suppose you're presenting me with the only other possible solution for a rebellious and uncontrite eldest daughter, short of sending her off to an asylum." Mr. Lukkarila stated. A few seconds more of locking eye's and Mr. Lukkarila finally said "You have my permission to ask Harriet if she'd like to be your housekeeper." Conri was in the process of sticking his hand out for a hand shake when Mr. Lukkarila added "Should the relationship betwixt the two of you change, make sure you do the honorable as I'm not in favor of any of my children having common law marriages." As Mr. Lukkarila was shaking Conri's hand he added "Oh and Conri, I trust this means you'll not be renewing any of your ties to the pirate community in Tortuga." after a slight pause the older man added "Which is something of a shame, as I need someone to help with a few delicate jobs." Conri stood rooted to the spot as if all of the air had been sucked from the sails, after two breaths he responded "Those days are far and long gone behind me sir with no regret on the change of course, but if it's absolutely needed I might be able to send word through the shipping channels to see if any of those past connections are still alive and available for work." Mr. Lukkarila shook his head as he shook Conri's hand again "no lad, that won't be necessary. It's far to risky to what's needed, and I know I can trust you to keep this to yourself." That evening Conri stopped by the Lukkarila's just at the hour that he knew that they'd be finished with their super. When Mrs. Lukkarila made to ushering him to the sitting room where suitors were expected to sit court, Conri shook his head. "Thank you much ma'am, but I've come on business." Conri then turned to Harriet who was clearing the last of the dishes from the tabble, taking note of Mr. Lukkarila giving his wife a subtle 'it's okay' nod in the background. "Miss Harriet, I find myself in need of a house keeper who is also good with numbers, can converse at ease in fine sitting rooms, and not adverse to a temporarily rough living environment. At this time the only pay I can offer is room, board, and 50 percent of any made goods that I sell on your behalf. You would have a small room with locking exterior door completely to yourself, with no expectations of romantic attachment. Would you by chance be amicable to such a business agreement." Mr. Lukkarila chimed in as Conri held both his breath and Harriet's gaze. "I've inspected the room when I stopped by to pick up the mirror I'd commissioned for your mother. It is as stated completely separated from the main room of his house. It is a fair business offer as you already know, and you have my blessings should you accept the offer." Mrs. Lukkarila looked as if she might want to disagree with her husband, but her upbringing and her husbands hand at her elbow and waist stilled any opinion she might have voiced. Conri spotted a moment of anger flare in Harriet's eyes as she realized that Conri had asked her fathers permission before coming to ask her. Finally after what had felt like an eternity she answered with a stiff and formal tone "Why Mr. Halloran I thank you for such a generous business offer? I shall be by on the marrow to start our business venture. Shall we have my father draft the contract this night" As Conri shook hands with Harriet and then Mr. & Mrs. Lukkarila before sitting down to draft the formal contract he hoped that she hadn't noticed the relief he'd felt at her yes, or the pounding of his heart and sweaty palms. An exhausted Conri gave Harriet the very brief tour, and promised to provide her with a wax working station after his back log of orders for market was cleared.
He wanted a nap, and hoped that Harriet wasn't expecting something other than discussed the night before given she'd worn her best formal gown for the move. That he wanted more than a housekeeper might have already been understood by the senior Lukkarila's, but Conri had understood from all the unsupervised visits during their school years that Harriet would rather become a spinster than marry because it was expected. After all she very nearly was at 18 1/2 years of age when most of the other young women had already married off before their 17th birthday. He wasn't sure yet how he would win her over, but he planned on spending the rest of his days trying. As Conri jogged up the road he was able to see a small group of people waiting for him. As he got closer he noted that they seemed paired off. He also noted the difference in clothes. The younger man was dressed more formally, as had been Mr. Wallace in town. While the slightly older man had on the rough clothes of a person who worked hard. As Conri introduced himself to his neighbors, Harry and Clara Lukkarila, and Johnson and Abigail Smith he noticed a woman walking past. Thinking she was part of the welcoming committee Conri started to raise his hand in greeting, but a cart head nod from Mr. Smith and a quite "We don't associate with folk from the islands" from Mr. Lukkarila stayed Conri's hand. He kept his confusion to himself, having always known island folk to be good company whenever they'd put in to port. Refocusing his train of thought Mr. Lukkarila was discussing how the unpredictable cold snaps during spring made farming challenging. As if on cue the air turned colder than it had been and flakes of snow started drifting down. As the sun drifted towards early evening over head Conri got to know his new neighbors and community expectations a little bit better. He learned that for now, due to his youth and lack of means he would be able to get away with his shoulder length hair. That to sell goods at market he would either need to hide the length in a neat bun or get it cut short. He also learned that if he wanted to be accepted in certain circles it would be far better to cut it short. Conri noted a certain tension between the Lukkarila's and the Smith's. It wasn't that they disliked each other, but definitely an undercurrent of class division. Such as he vaguely recalled from his nursery days, and had witnessed in the ports when the fancy carriages would show up as goods were being unloaded. Conri had already learned that people's attitudes and behaviors toward him changed if he mentioned that his mother had been the youngest daughter of an Earl, a broke Earl, but an Earl none the less. Wanting this to be a fresh start with no chance of word getting back to either the current Earl or the Duke, Conri kept his heritage to himself. Conri froze up a little when Mrs. Smith suggested that should he desire to court any young ladies in town he'd need to smarten up his clothes. Both of the older men teased him lightly about freezing up at the mention of courting, and steered the conversation back to things like when taxes had to be paid, where to find good trees for curing boards from, and other useful tidbits. Such as for 50 coin one could get a bath and bed at the tavern down the way. The sun drifted closer towards the tree tops and the Lukkarila's paid Conri for a few of his fish and invited him to come down to their farm for the evening. As Conri was accepting the invite he noted Mrs. Smith giving her husband a knowing look. Not sure if he was up for what would probably be a formal dinner at the Lukkarila's Conri headed to the look out point just up the road from his land. Noting both a handy bush, with the type of dense foliage that was good for hiding a person relieving themselves, and a fire pit, Conri seriously considered staying at the outlook for the night. He quickly changed his mind when he almost set himself on fire trying to get a fire going. Conri arrived at the Lukkarila farm just as dusk was settling in. Mr. Lukkarila introduced Conri to their children and told Conri that if he came by the farm early the next morning that he could walk to school with them. The way Harriet sniffed and turned away Conri realized he'd better pay very close attention to the route as she didn't seem likely to wait for him on any other days. Henry started to ask Conri how he got his scars. Conri unsure of what to say was grateful when Harriet stiffly told her younger brother to go wash up. Mr. Lukkarila was just informing Conri that diner was running a bit late, when Mr. Smith showed up and asked Mr. Lukkarila if he objected to the borrowing of Conri for the rest of the evening. With the barest of pauses Mr. Lukkarila said he had no objections if Conri didn't mind. Noting the swift change in his hosts demeanor Conri recognized the dismissal of an unwanted guest when he saw it, and despite the hunger in his belly agreed to go with Mr. Smith. Conri had to lightly jog to keep pace with the silent Mr. Smith. Just as he wondered if they were going all the way back to town Mr. Smith turned into a small meadow with tables and cooking grills set up. Mr. smith jerked his thumb towards the building across the street "that there's the Llama tavern that Mr. Lukkarila was talking about. The second floor has the guest lodgings and bath, not that you look like you have the 50 coin needed for a night's stay with the bath. Without the bath a night's stay is 30 coin." Mr. Smith next motioned to the grill "by the way you've been movin' today I'd wager the 10 coin Mrs. Lukkarila gave you for the trout that you've spent most of your time at sea, which means you've probably not learned how to cook a proper meal." While showing Conri how to gut and clean his fish Mr. Smith, or Johnson as he preferred, explained that the Lukkarila's meant well, but both came from middle class merchant families so didn't always know how it was for those who worked the trades or farms. Conri quickly noted that the Lukkarila's lived on a farm, and Johnson explained that they had hired help come in and tend the crops during the summer season, but otherwise Mr. Lukkarila was focused on growing a mail order catalog business. Johnson also explained that he and Abigail had just finished paying for their small farm, and that before buying the farm he had worked as a sailor but chose to settle down after meeting Abigail. "Now that were done with our dinner, take these small sacks and bag up the leftovers. Just remember to scrape off the mold to get to the edible bits." Johnson paused before whispering in a barely audible tone "Conri, you stay on the even keel and I'll take that you sailed under Captain Halloran and a pirates banner to my grave with me, but know this if your intent is to cause trouble it's best you find a ship out before the night is over." Conri felt his body go cold as Johnson whispered the knowledge that could get him hung. Pale faced Conri turned and swore to Johnson that he had no ill intent towards the township of Windenburg and that he appreciated the fresh start that the storm had tossed him into. After a few moments of staring at each other in the waxing moon's glow Johnson finally nodded his acceptance, and cuffed Conri on the shoulder indicating that he should get the leftovers bagged up before the local wildlife made off with the food. As Conri stood he started to talk, but Johnson just shook his head and waved Conri to where the leftovers were sitting out. As they parted ways Johnson showed Conri where a more secluded meadow was with a comment of folks being able to sleep off a night's drink undisturbed in it. Tired and content of belly Conri took Johnson's hint and found himself a semi comfortable spot to nap the night away undisturbed.
Conri, a semi hardened and very broke 14 year old, stood at the edge of the road staring over the empty field before him. This was were the last 8 years and an unexpected storm at high sea had landed him. His survival was nothing short of a miracle. He was torn between a feeling of deep despair that he'd die alone of starvation, and hope that maybe this would give him the chance to start his life over with a clean slate completely free from his past. After a quick survey of the hillside showed Conri that the only way to the ponds, were he'd been told he could fish by the town clerk, was back down the road he'd come up past the Lukkarila farm. The clerk had also said that someone would be by about midday to welcome him to the town. As Conri fished he reflected on his life so far, he admitted to himself that up until he was washed ashore on Windenburg's outer island his life hadn't been going so well.
He supposed his early years had been fairly idealistic growing up in the nursery of the Bloxham country estate. The sudden and abrupt change of status from presumed heir of the Duke to being shipped out as a cabin boy was seared into his memories as was the violence of his mother being flung like a rag doll across the room by the enraged Duke of Bloxham, while he and his younger siblings were shielded by the nanny. Conri tried to sort the pieces of his past, that his mother had loved him more and taken him on special trips around the country side was beyond any doubt to him. That only once had she let slip that she hadn't wanted to marry the Duke as she tousled his red hair, was a fuzzy memory fixed by that violent day in the nursery, as it had occurred not to long before hand. He had always looked different from his younger brothers, skinny, red hair, and lavender eyes. It was his lavender eyes that had caught the Dukes attention that day when he'd finally visited the country estate in Hidden Springs. Before that day, their mother had always gone into Les Champs during the season to be with the Duke. The Duke never came out to the countryside, preferring to stay in city where he could keep up his card games and other pursuits. His mothers family was from up near the northern border, she'd taken him just the once. The carriage ride had seemed endless. A man in a soldiers uniform met the carriage at the edge of the estate. That memory was seared in for more of what was never said than what was, as his mother and the mystery man just starred at each other, the air heavy with something that a very young Conri couldn't understand, before they both turned away and his mother tapped for the carriage to move on. The shouting match before the Duke had turned violent was also seared into Conri's mind. Mother had been reading them rhymes from Tales of Mother Goose when the Duke had stormed in slamming open the door roaring "Is it true?" His mother had stayed calm "is what true Duke Bloxham?" They had watched as the Dukes face had mottled purple and red with furry "you've been instructed how to address me!" "How silly of me to forget Duke Bloxham, you'll have to remind me again." His mother's voice had an undertone to it that Conri had never heard before. Before he could reach the safety of their nanny and the door to the bedroom the Duke had grabbed his arm and twisted his face upwards with a hard grip on Conri's chin. Just as harshly as Conri had been grabbed he'd been shoved away as the Duke was roaring "who's child is he ... and don't give me that excuse of looking like some distant ancestor ... no one in either of our families has those eyes!" Conri watched in shock as his mother started laughing, it wasn't a normal happy laugh, there was something dark, broken, and twisted about it. When his mother had finally spoken it was as if each sentence was being spat with a furry that equaled the rage obvious on the Dukes face "I told you I didn't want to marry you!" ... "That I loved another!" ... "Yet you bribed and blackmailed my parents into agreeing to the match!" ... "Well I made sure that I spent what time I could with my love before you stole me from my beloved highlands!" At six not quite seven Conri had had a sudden flash of understanding beyond his years. He knew who the mystery soldier had been, that he would never be Duke, that his mother hated the Duke. The next memory was the sickening crack of the Duke's hands against his mother's body, the breaking of wood as she landed on the dollhouse. Her maniacal laughter as she lifted blood soaked hands from her lap and the shards of wood protruding from her belly, and grinned "ah now look at what you've done ... if I'm lucky you've rendered me sterile." There was a lot of general bellowing from the Duke as servants poured into the nursery. Conri watched in shock as his mother was lifted onto a board and carried out, laughing. With the shock wearing off Conri had started to move towards the bedroom, but the Duke had grabbed him by the arm instead growling "strip down boy or I'll tear the clothes off of you!". Shaking Conri believed the threat carried in the Dukes growl and stripped down as quickly as he could, when he reached his knickers the Duke growled "that's good enough!" Grabbing the nearly naked child by the arm the Duke hauled Conri not only out of the nursery, but down the 4 flights of stairs and into the carriage parked at the front steps. Confused Conri wanted to cry, but the hardened rage that was till flickering across the Dukes face kept Conri silent. After what had felt like an eternity the Duke rapped for the driver to stop. They were at the docks. After a few minutes the driver came back and reported to the Duke that there was a ship about to leave for the West Indies. The Duke instructed for the ships captain to be fetched. By the time the captain arrived the Duke and a shivering Conri were standing next to the carriage. It was a short exchange in which the Duke convinced the captain that it wouldn't hurt to have two cabin boys on the ship. A purse clinked as it shifted between hands "see to it that the boy never sees these shores again!" Tying the fish together Conri reflected on his years at sea. The first Captain had fobbed him off to another captain while keeping the Dukes coins. His first couple of years at sea hadn't been easy. The captains hand being heavy if he'd felt that Conri was slacking. The pirates had struck mid day somewhere out along the southern trade route. Conri had hidden himself in behind several barrels near the galley during the fighting. He watched in horror as those who wouldn't swear allegiance to Pirate Captain Halloran were run through. Conri managed to not squeak as a rough hand grabbed him from behind while hollering out "what say ye captain what be done with this shrimp?" The captain, who to Conri's amazement was a woman, had stared at Conri for several moments before finally declaring a need for a new cabin boy. Eventually Captain Halloran started introducing Conri as her child when they made port, but at sea he was just another cabin boy and sailor with no special treatment from the captain. The only duty he'd ever gotten out of was galley duty as the cook barely tolerated anyone, including the captain, within the galley. The captain had been discussing the purchase of a second ship with her first mate when the storm had hit them out of the blue. Everyone on had scrambled to lash sails down, even the captain worked on securing hold doors and cargo. A calm came upon the ship, during which the captain called out names, it was obvious that over a third of the crew was missing. A sharp cracking sounded like gunshot and the captains face paled as the center mast splintered. Conri couldn't remember if he'd been shoved or if he'd dived for the jolly boat on his own. What he was sure of was that he'd ended up adrift in the jolly boat for a couple of days before a small squall had crashed the jolly and himself onto the island. The jolly took the brunt of the blow against the rocks and an exhausted Conri had managed to stagger the rest of the way to shore before the next set of waves could wash him back out to sea. The following morning a boat landed, the man on board said he was an estate aid to the Barbour family who'd wanted their land on the island inspected after the storm gave Conri passage to the main land, and pointed him towards the clerks office. While Conri registered himself with the town clerk he'd been able to honestly answer that he was no relation to the notorious pirate Captain Halloran, as he also honestly answered that he'd no clue where he was or how he'd gotten there. When it became evident that Conri could barely print his own first name let alone read any of the documents put before him the clerk had pulled the papers back with a grunt. They were replaced with two very simple documents which the clerk read out loud to him. The first granted him use of land at Coorinberg hill just south of the Von Haunt Estate. Furthermore if he could prove the land and maintain the taxes and other fees associated with it by the end of twelve years and a day past this date then the land would be his outright to pass on or sell as he wished. The second enrolled Conri at the local school, he was to attend all days that the school was open or the land grant would be revoked. "Tis the town councils decision that illiterate folk do not make the best citizens" the clerk explained. A Mr. Wallace who'd stopped in to pay taxes witnessed the papers for Conri before heading back out of the small office. Noting the suns position in the sky Conri decided he'd better head back up the road as someone would probably be waiting to great him and explain in greater detail the rules Windenburg township adhered to, and just maybe he could trade some of his fish for a meal. |