Rakel’s carriage arrived at Ovreid after Uncle Peder, her father, and Herr Disen, but no one was in the yard. The three men must have already gone inside.
Her grandmother was practically climbing out of the carriage before it had even come to a stop. She marched towards the house and stomped inside, no doubt to find Rakel’s father and give him a tongue-lashing. Her mother hurried after her. Rakel wasn’t in any hurry at all. She could hardly believe how lucky she’d been. With both feet planted firmly in the courtyard, it was only now that she truly grasped what had happened. Not only was she free from Syver, but they were also keeping the farm!
It felt as though a dark cloud had been lifted, allowing her to see the crisp, blue summer sky for the first time in a long time. She smiled to herself. When she’d woken up this morning, she’d thought she had to marry Syver and leave Ovreid. Now, everything had changed.
“Are you happy, Rakel?” Aunt Esther asked, smiling at her.
“Yes,” she replied. “I’m so happy I can’t find the words to describe it. But I’m worried about Mother. She’s beside herself.”
“Yes,” her aunt replied. “I suppose she doesn’t quite know what to think about all this, but don’t you worry about that. Uncle Peder and I will stay here for a few days, and I’ll keep an eye on her. Now you just relish in the fact that you got out of marrying Syver and that you get to stay here at Ovreid.”
“I will,” Rakel replied. “But first, I need to get out of this.” She peered down at her wedding dress, looking forward to taking it off.
When Rakel got inside, she could hear her grandmother’s hysterical voice screeching from her father’s office. She clearly wasn’t embarrassed by the fact that Herr Disen was present.
“We’re the laughing stock of the whole village!” she screamed. “How am I supposed to show my face after this? They’ll laugh at us, Halvor. Laugh at us!”
Rakel didn’t care about hearing what her father had to say in response and smiled as she ran up the stairs and into her room. Her grandmother had only herself to thank for the shame she thought she’d had inflicted upon her. She shouldn’t have encouraged Svartangen to claim the farm based on an invalid deed. Rakel didn’t feel sorry for her in the least.
Rakel took off the bridal wear and let out a sigh of relief. Then she put on a light green dress instead and regarded her reflection in the mirror. The sad, pale face that had met her there over the last few weeks had disappeared as if by magic, and she once again saw hope in her green eyes.
Rakel went into the kitchen and served herself a cup of coffee. Then she found her mother in the living room. She was sitting by the dining table, so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t look up until Rakel sat down on a chair next to her.
“How are you doing, Mother?” she asked cautiously.
“Hmm, well, I don’t know,” her mother replied, blinking quickly. “I just have a terrible headache. I think I’m going to go to bed.”
“Do you want a cold compress?”
“No, thank you,” her mother replied. “I’m fine. I just need to sleep a bit and put some distance between myself and this nightmare.”
She seemed to realise what she’d said because she clasped Rakel’s hand. “I didn’t mean it like that,” she said quickly. “It’s just that… Ugh, everything is just a mess. We set the tables, the food was made, and everything is ready. But no one is coming.”
Her mother sighed heavily and looked utterly lost.
“We’ll take care of the food, Mother. You don’t need to worry about that. Aunt Esther and Inga know what they need to do with it. Go rest a bit, and everything will feel better after you’ve slept.”
“Yes,” her mother replied, glassy-eyed, but she didn’t move. “How could your father do something like this?” she asked after a moment. “First, he pressures you to do this, then he calls it off at the last minute. Doesn’t he realise this is unbearable for you?”
“I don’t think Father looks at it that way,” she replied. “I think he mostly just thinks about the farm.” It stung when she said that, but she tried not to show it.
Her mother looked thoughtful.
“I don’t think that’s true,” she replied. “Well, yes, he was thinking about the farm, but only because you’re going to inherit it. He only has your best interest in mind. He just didn’t understand why you didn’t want to marry Syver, and I don’t either. He really is quite a good fellow, isn’t he? Even though he is a bit short-tempered,” she added. “I saw how he attacked the sheriff. But he did have a reason, then, since the sheriff interrupted the wedding.”
Was what her mother said really true? Did her father truly not understand how terrible it would be for her to marry Syver? Were they so blind to Syver’s flaws? She considered telling her mother about all of Syver’s bad sides, but decided not to.
“Syver is not a good man,” she settled on saying. “And unfortunately, I think Father will discover that soon. At least if he carries out his plans to throw out the Svartangens.”
“Is he going to throw them out?” her mother asked, looking at her helplessly.
“We’ll see,” Rakel replied, noticing her mother was clenching her jaw. “But now you should go lie down before your headache gets worse.”
“Yes, yes, we’ll try to make the best out of this situation,” her mother said quietly. “Then we’ll pray to the Lord when times become dark and difficult to bear.”
Her mother gave her a weak smile before leaving.
Rakel stayed sitting at the dining table and finished her coffee. She tried to listen for voices coming from her father’s office but didn’t hear anything. It was good that both her uncle and Herr Disen were with her father now. They were sensible men who would give her father good advice.
It was quiet, but she could hear cutlery clinking from the dining room; Aunt Esther and Inga had started cleaning.
Rakel picked her empty cup of coffee up and put it in the kitchen, then went into the dining room to see if she could help with anything. She stopped in the doorway and stared at the festively decorated table. Her mother hadn’t wanted her to see it until after the ceremony since it was supposed to be a surprise. Now, she saw how beautiful it was; the table was decorated with flowers from the garden, and all the vases and silver candlesticks had been polished to a shine.
Her eyes wandered. She was supposed to be sitting there with Syver now. She felt sick at the thought and started cleaning instead. She cleared the plates quickly but knocked over a glass in her haste and dropped a knife on the floor. Aunt Esther hurried over to help then took Rakel by the shoulders and stared at her with a serious expression.
“You shouldn’t be dealing with this, Rakel. Go for a walk instead. Inga and I will take care of all of this. When you get back, there will be nothing to remind you of this terrible day.”
Rakel wanted to protest at first. She didn’t like being idle when so much needed to be done, but she knew her aunt was right and that it was best not to. Her hands were shaking, and she was afraid of breaking something. She thanked her for her thoughtfulness and left the beautifully decorated room as quickly as possible.
The sun shone warmly against her face as she stood on the porch, listening to the sound of the bell sheep out in the field. She turned toward the cowshed and saw that the cow with the new-born calf was out for the first time. The calf walked stiffly and looked curious about everything it saw. Every once in a while, it leapt and bounded high into the air before galloping around. It seemed like it couldn’t quite get control over its long legs, and the sight made Rakel giggle. She stood there for a long time without any intrusive thoughts entering her head. She was in a much better mood when she left the cow pasture a while later and walked down towards the horses.
Blakka strolled over for some cuddles right away and Rakel laid her cheek against the horse’s coarse coat and shut her eyes. The mare stood completely still, only snorting heavily a couple of times. The smell of horse and Blakka’s warmth helped Rakel finally relax. Joy filled her whole body. The nightmare was over, and she was home.
It was only when she heard voices and footsteps that she pulled away from the horse and looked up towards the farm. Her father and Herr Disen were walking down the road. Her father was speaking, and Herr Disen was looking around curiously.
“I thought we’d find you here,” her father said when they reached the field. “Can you show Herr Disen around the property? I have to go to the sheriff’s and get some more details about the deeds.”
“Yes, I can,” she replied. Blakka nuzzled her, and she patted her on the muzzle without taking her eyes off Herr Disen.
“I’ll be back shortly,” her father said to Herr Disen. “Then we can continue making plans.”
Her father strode down the farm road and Rakel was left alone with Herr Disen. He stood a few metres away from the fence.
“I’ll keep my distance,” he said, peering at Blakka nervously. “I’m not that accustomed to horses.”
“Blakka is good as gold,” Rakel said.
“I’m sure she is. She looks nice,” he continued. “But she’s quite big.”
Rakel laughed and let herself out of the enclosure. Herr Disen looked relieved as they started strolling back towards the farm.
“So you didn’t have horses when you lived in Christiania?” she asked.
“No, we hired horse taxis when necessary,” he replied. “I have rather limited experience with horses. But I’ve almost been run down by one a few times.”
She looked at him curiously.
“It was my own fault,” he admitted, pushing a hand through his dark curls. “Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts and don’t mind where I’m walking. I’ve stepped out into the road a few times without checking that it was clear. Luckily, it’s always been fine – both for me and the horses.” He smiled, looking embarrassed.
“Are you absent-minded, Herr Disen?” she asked with a small smile.
“I’m afraid so,” he replied with a laugh. “I can never really manage to put my work down when I’m done for the day. Sometimes I get hung up on things and ponder them for a long time afterwards.”
“Like what?” she asked.
“It can be all kinds of things. Right now, it’s Henrik Wergeland.”
“Wergeland?” She looked at him in surprise.
“Yes, we’re reading his texts at school, and much of it is rather thought-provoking. ‘A secret is your prisoner as long as you keep it, but you are its prisoner if it becomes known’,” he quoted. “That’s true, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I suppose that’s a saying worth remembering.”
“I’m also fond of Holberg,” he continued. “He has quite a few gems, such as: ‘You say so truthfully that I am terribly frail of mind. I will readily admit that yours is much thicker’.” He said his words with conviction and looked at her cheerfully.
“Not quite what I expected,” she replied with a laugh. “I thought Holberg was more serious than that.”
“Oh, no,” Herr Disen replied. “On the contrary. He was quite capable of writing comedy with a satirical or tragic undertone. I seem to recall that well over twenty of his works are classified as comedies, and the most well-known is probably Jeppe on the Hill. Have you seen the play? Or perhaps read it?”
She was a bit embarrassed to admit that she hadn’t.
“Then I’ll loan you some books someday,” he replied. “It’s pleasant reading.”
“I enjoy reading,” she replied. “Unfortunately, I seldom have time for it, at least not at this time of year. This is the busiest time for us on the farm.”
“Yes, I understand that,” he replied, looking around. “There’s quite a bit to keep you busy. Perhaps you can show me around?”
“Gladly,” she replied. “We can start in the stables.”
He furrowed his brow. “Where the horses reside.”
“Yes, but they’re out in the field, so you won’t have to meet them again.”
He smiled. “Well, if I learn more about these large animals, I may eventually realise they are neither murderous nor vicious despite their size.”
Rakel had to laugh again.
“If it’s size that counts, then I would be the sweetest and kindest person in the world, as small as I am,” she said.
“Yes, but you are, aren’t you?” he replied, looking like he didn’t understand what she was talking about. That made her laugh again, and this time he laughed with her.
Rakel took Herr Disen inside the stable. He looked pensive as he studied the horses’ stalls and took his time examining the harnesses. She waited there without saying anything, just keeping an eye on him.
“It smells like horse,” he said after a while, wrinkling his nose.
“Did you expect differently?” she answered with a laugh. “Come, and we’ll go down to the cows.” She saw his eyes widen. He was hardly more accustomed to cows than horses. “But we can also begin with the chickens and sheep if you prefer?”
“A gentle start,” he replied with a small smile. “Yes, perhaps that would be best.” He held the door open for her. “You must think I’m the biggest cissy in the world,” he added.
“No,” she replied with a laugh. “I understand this is unfamiliar territory for you. Do you have any experience with farming, Herr Disen?”
“None at all,” he replied and followed her down towards the field where the sheep grazed. “My father is a scholar to the tips of his fingers and would never deign to partake in manual labour. I’m afraid he doesn’t have much understanding for those who choose to live a life different from his own.”
There was a bitter undertone in his words, Rakel thought.
“Do you have different views on this?” she asked cautiously.
“Yes, you can safely say that. My father wanted me to become a solicitor like him and make lots of money. That was never my dream, but I tried because I wanted to make him proud.”
Herr Disen pushed a hand through his dark curls. “I never understood what was expected of me. I thought the most important thing was respecting the law and ensuring it was being wielded fairly. But my father wanted me to find ways around the law so his wealthy clients would become even wealthier. It went against my morals and I didn’t like it.”
“No, I understand that,” she replied. “You seem like an honourable man who wants to do the right thing.”
“Yes, it is important to me. I’d rather do something good with my knowledge,” he continued. “I wanted to offer free advice to the poor and create an endowment to help disadvantaged children. But my father was furious when he heard about it, and we had a terrible falling-out. It ended with him threatening to cut me off if I didn’t give up what he called my ‘naive and juvenile plans’.”
“And what did you do then?”
“I refused to give in and he carried out his threat.”
“So he cut you off?” She looked at him in surprise. “Is that why you came to Carljohansværn?”
“Partly,” he answered. “I do have my own money. It’s not a lot, but I don’t want for anything. Unfortunately, I no longer had the opportunity to realise my dreams. It was a great disappointment, and I decided to leave Christiania for a while. When I saw the announcement for the position at the navy school, it was like a blessing.” He laughed. “I must admit I didn’t think much about the teaching part. I was mostly interested in being a church singer,” he said.
“Yes, you mentioned that before,” she replied. “But you haven’t gotten to sing very much yet, I suppose?”
“No, but that will change when the garrison church opens to the public.”
They’d reached the sheep enclosure and Herr Disen leaned against a fencepost. “I love to sing. It’s been a passion ever since I was a child.”
“I think the sheep might enjoy a song,” she said with a smile. “Perhaps you can lure them closer with a tune?”
“You want me to sing? For the sheep?”
“Yes,” she said. “Or don’t you dare to?”
He laughed. “I’m not afraid of singing, Frøken Ovreid, but I doubt that the animals appreciate hymns.” He cleared his throat. “But since you asked so nicely, I’ll still give it a try.”
He cleared his throat again, closed his eyes, and sang a note to get going. Then he started to sing.
It was a beautiful hymn Rakel had never heard before, but she was utterly captivated. His voice was full and deep with a tender undertone that seemed to speak directly to her. His eyes shone and she saw that he’d been telling the truth; singing was indeed a passion for him.
She was so moved she had tears in her eyes. When the hymn came to a close, she blinked quickly so he wouldn’t see.
“It didn’t help much,” he said dryly, looking out over the field. Some of the sheep had stopped eating and were looking at them curiously, but most didn’t seem to care in the least what the humans were getting up to.
“Oh, I think they liked it,” Rakel replied. “I did, at least. It was incredibly beautiful, Herr Disen. You have a warm and pleasant voice, and it was a lovely hymn.”
“Thank you,” he replied. “It’s one of my favourites. I’ll sing it at the opening of the garrison church in a few weeks.”
“Are you going to sing for the king?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes, and for Crown Prince Carl and Prince Oscar. It will be a nerve-racking experience.”
“You’re going to impress everyone,” she answered eagerly. “I’ve never heard such a beautiful song before.”
His face lit up and he smiled broadly.
“You flatter me, Frøken Ovreid.”
“I mean it,” she replied. “It was wonderful. I look forward to hearing you sing in church.”
“Thank you again,” he said. “But now I must clarify that I won’t be singing alone. A large choir has been put together for the occasion and I only have the lead on a few hymns.”
“It’s still impressive,” she said.
“Well, I just hope the congregation appreciates the song more than the sheep did.” He peered across the field, where the animals had resumed their grazing once again.
“Perhaps the cows will like it more?” Rakel suggested, leading the way towards the cow pasture. She heard Herr Disen laughing behind her.
Rakel continued to show him around the farm, and he did quite well – apart from at the pig pen. When the sow came towards the fence, he backed up a few steps. After expressing surprise at the size of the animal, he kept a safe distance. Rakel also saw that he grimaced at the strong smell and the sight of the mud. Still, he managed a humorous comment about the animals’ ability to enjoy themselves, and Rakel was having such a nice time that she managed to forget about what had happened earlier that day.
When they were on their way back to the house some time later, Herr Disen stopped beneath the big tree in the courtyard.
“You’ve taught me a lot about farming today, Frøken Ovreid,” he said. “It’s been a real pleasure to spend time with you.”
“Thank you. Likewise,” she replied. “If there’s anything else you’re wondering about, just let me know.”
He was about to say something when they were interrupted. A violent bang down by the mill made both of them jump. It sounded like an explosion. Rakel turned in terror and stared down at the river. A cloud of smoke was billowing up from behind the trees at the end of the horse pasture.
Rakel saw her father who was returning from the sheriff’s. He stopped abruptly on the road, but as soon as the booming subsided, he started sprinting towards the mill.
Rakel followed him, cautiously at first, but she then picked up the pace. As she passed the pasture, her father was already heading back. He was furious. His eyes were smouldering and he was moving with quick, determined steps.
“What is it, Father?” she asked anxiously.
“Those bastards,” he growled. “They won’t get away with this!”
“What are you talking about?” She had to jog to keep up with him. “What happened?”
“The dam at the mill!” he shouted. “It’s been destroyed. And I know exactly who’s behind it.”
Herr Disen caught up with them and stopped Rakel.
“What’s happened?”
“The dam at the mill burst,” she replied without taking her eyes off her father.
“The dam burst?” he repeated. “How could that happen?”
“It sounded as if it’s been blown up.”
Rakel started walking again. Her father had gotten a good head start and disappeared into the woodshed. When he came back out, Rakel saw to her horror that he had an axe with him.
“Father!” she shouted, running to catch up with him. “Where are you going with that?”
But her father didn’t reply. He’d already set his course straight for Svartangen Farm.