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December 1866
Months passed faster than Adeline ever thought possible. She felt happy and at ease. A proper home with the Carson family had made her feel welcome, for the first time since leaving London.
The Carsons treated her very well, as though she were family herself. She did not think that such a thing was possible and she was very glad that she had learned to read and write. It had served her well in this particular situation because she was delighted to be able to teach the very bold and brave Hilda. Hilda was unlike anyone she had met in London, as far as Adeline could remember.
“And what word is this one Hilda?” Adeline asked as she sat at the table next to Hilda as she taught her to read that evening, as she had many evenings before.
“That word be chicken,” Hilda said with a nice grin for her.
“Yes, very good. But we say, that word is chicken. You learn quite fast and I am very impressed,” Adeline smiled in return.
“Yes ma’am,” Hilda said properly.
Indeed Adeline found herself impressed with Hilda. She was a smart young woman, and had taught Hilda more than just reading and writing. She taught her how to curtsy, how to do some of the dances of refined society, and how set a table the way high society did. Adeline wished that she herself could remember how she learned such things, but was glad that she knew them all together.
Adeline felt very useful, and helpful in this manner to teach Hilda. She was very grateful to Hilda and Benson, for she knew that they did not have to take her in the way that they had.
“The chicken will cost one shilling,” Hilda read the sentence slowly.
Adeline smiled at her and nodded. Hilda seemed very proud as she smiled and clapped her hands together. Adeline laughed at her.
“By the time I am six and ten I will be able to read just as well as you Adeline,” Hilda said.
“Yes you will.”
Adeline suddenly realized that she herself could not remember her own age, among so many other details of her life.
“Should we try writing letters now?” Hilda asked.
“Yes indeed, I think that would be a great idea and then when we are done a bit of dance lesson,” Adeline handed her a piece of parchment.
“I would love that. Thank you for the gracious offer,” Hilda said with perfect annunciation. Adeline lifted her brows at her.
“Very good indeed, Miss Carson.”
“Thank you Miss Blakefield, you are too kind,” Hilda laughed and started to write.
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“Tell me of London,” Hilda asked. The two of them sat outside at the table, looking across the field.
“That is easy. London is quite dirty, the air is black with smoke, and it is filled with people that you cannot trust. People that want to take things from you.”
“It cannot be all that bad can it? I have heard many good things of London. There are parties to be had parties in the parks and whatnot.” Hilda said in astonishment.
Adeline looked up her, her brow rose in suspicion. “Please tell me you do not have aspirations to go live in London young lady. That is not a place for you, it is not a place for anyone except the very rich. You must trust me on this. I have had the experience.”
“I would like to visit London, see it. But that is not where my aspirations lie. I have my eyes on other things that I wish to see, and want to experience.”
“And what might that be?” Adeline said realizing that she did not know Hilda's deepest desires as a young girl. Everyone wanted to go to London if they were from the small countryside villages. It seemed to be everyone's goal, and hearing that it was not the goal of this young lady was quite intriguing indeed.
“I wish to see the sea,” Hilda said.
“You do? Whatever for?”
“I long for the ocean. I want to see the colour of the water. I want to see the tall high cliffs that loom over it. I want to sit there and watch the ships go back and forth. Such a peaceful way to be. I think I could be quite happy if I had that to look out on everyday of my life. That is what I want to see and I mean to do it. I am very determined, Adeline.” Hilda said with her jaw and a hard line.
Adeline had never seen her friend so serious before. The young woman was always bouncing with spirit, quite happy. One could even say she was jolly. Her red hair and green eyes always made her appear like a firecracker, ready to burst at the seams with energy. But at this moment, she saw something more in the young lady. There was determination in those eyes, and a serious nature that Adeline knew should be taken quite seriously indeed.
“So you want to return to your homeland of Scotland, be on the shores and look out to the ocean?” Adeline asked.
“No. Indeed I would like to see the homeland, I have never been to Scotland like my brother has, or my father. I would like to see Cornwall, for I heard many stories of its beauty, that is what I think of when I think of the ocean. Looking off to the west, that ocean there is nothing for thousands and thousands of miles until you reach America. What a vast void of water, I find it all fascinating indeed. That is what I want to see.” Hilda said.
“Then I feel very sorry for your father, as he will miss you when you set upon accomplishing this goal, and I have no doubt that you would accomplish it, dear Hilda. For you have a determination and strength that is not often seen in a small village, amongst the country girls. I quite believe that you will see the ocean of Cornwall. I wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you Adeline, and I also thank you for your education for I feel that it may play some part in my future. Indeed I know it will, knowing to read and write will be good for me. Wherever it may take me, and wherever I decide to go.” Hilda sat up proudly.
“You are most welcome.” Adeline smiled for she knew that she could not have bestowed the education on a much more gracious recipient.
Adeline knew that Hilda would have a very good future ahead of her, not because the education, but because Hilda was determined. She was a very strong young woman, and her inner joy would take her quite far through the hardships that life would be still upon her, and there would be some. Especially if she decided to leave the safety of her home and family and journey to the west as she wanted, for the road was no place for a woman, and it would prey upon her.
“What do you say we go to the Green Tavern? I would much enjoy the very long walk. Then I could beg my uncle to give us tea and biscuits. Then we can walk back and be home before dinner.” Hilda said to Adeline.
“I think I would like that very much. I would enjoy being at the tavern when I am not the one waiting on tables. Come let us get our cloaks and tell your father.” Adeline said jumping up from the table.
Hilda jumped up bouncing like a rabbit, filled with excitement for something to do. It made Adeline. Together they went inside and fussed over tying on their cloaks and boots, and pinning their hair back underneath their bonnets. Then they went to the blacksmith shed and ask her father for permission.
“It is a wonder you ask my permission after you are already dressed,” He said with a smile teasing them.
“Papa!” Hilda said.
“Be back before nightfall,” He said. Then he gave his daughter a quick wink and then the girls were off together.
There were short moments where Hilda would take off in a full sprint across the field and then stopped. Adeline admired her energy, knowing that she was very young and had no place to put that energy. It made Adeline feel somewhat sad that her energy of her youth had been put to use at the factory, and not frolicking in the countryside the way Hilda was able to. She envied the ease and happiness of her life.
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