THIRTY-THREE

 

Waking Father Laurence when they got to Elst took longer than Romein had expected. Both he and Julia yawned in between their vows, and by the time they returned to her balcony, dawn was already breaking.

Yet as his eyes met hers, he wished he could stay.

"Must you go? It is not yet day," Julia said.

Romeo laughed. "The sun's streaks lace the severing clouds in the east. Night's candles are burned out. It is day, or near enough. Do not fret, for night follows day, and our wedding night will come soon enough."

"Not soon enough. Today, I find I hate windows, for mine let day in, and love out," Julia complained.

"The mill has no windows. Meet me there in the hour after dusk, and I shall make you the happiest of brides, I swear it." But he was as tempted as she. "Farewell, farewell...give me but one more kiss, before I descend."

Julia threw her arms about his neck and kissed him, with all the eagerness he could ever wish for. Oh, that night would fall right now...

But no. It was day, and he wanted to finish the windmill before she arrived. And she would need rest, for they would not get much sleep tonight.

He forced himself down the ladder, until his boot sank into snow. Then he allowed himself one last glance up at her, a moment to blow a kiss, before he seized the ladder and was gone.