Free The Remembered by EH Lorenzo Page B

nicely in its intended location in the Saint Leonard's Priory. The priory building was already an old building, built during a time before large window openings were possible. This window would be in a section that was being repaired.

Richard's apprenticeship would be complete within the year and he was looking forward to being free to seek other employment and to earn a better wage. Returning the window to a safe resting place, Richard thought about that better wage and the opportunities that it might bring. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pendant that he had made for Elizabeth using a piece of blue glass, the same glass that he had broken when he saw her from the Glazier's shoppe. Right now it was attached to a strip of leather, but with the better wage of a journeyman, he hoped to eventually add a nice chain. He had decided that he would give it to her tonight.

After closing for the day, Richard walked quickly to Burghley. The family had not been expecting him and they had just finished their evening meal.

'Comb in Richard. Whot a surprise!' exclaimed Elizabeth's mother when she saw him approach the house. Elizabeth ran to his arms and he held her tightly. 'Rune Lass, and get 'im sume bread and but'er,' said Elizabeth's mother.

Later, after Richard finished the bread and butter, he invited Elizabeth to go outside with him. When they were alone, he pulled the pendant out of his pocket and presented it to her.

'O, Richard, it is luvly.'
    'I made it meself using some of the glass that I broke when I first saw you from the Glazier's shoppe. Sumedee I will replace it with a real pendant and a fine chain,' said Richard.
    'Nay, I luv it just as it is. I will wear it everydee. It is so kind of you, me luv.'

'Marry me, Elizabeth,' asked Richard. 'I am aboot finished with me apprenticeship and I will make a gud 'usband.'

'I know that you will, Richard, boot I do nay believe me father is ready to give 'is permission.'

'Bromley and Margaret will witness for our 'andfasting, then we do nay need 'is permission,' offered Richard.

'Whot is 'andfasting?' asked Elizabeth.

'One of the glaziers was married by 'andfasting. If we each consent, we can make it official by joining our right 'ands in the presence of witnesses. We will then be married for a year and a dee,' explained Richard.

'And then whot 'appens after a year and a dee?' asked Elizabeth. 'I want to be married to you forever.'

'We wuld make the 'andfasting known during the year and receive your father's blessing and then be married by the priest.'

'And whot 'appens during that year? Where do I live?'

'You wuld live with your parents, until we make the 'andfasting known,' urged Richard.

'Alright,' said Elizabeth tentatively.

'Gud,' exclaimed Richard. 'Let us do it tomorrow near the market. I will bring Bromley and Margaret.'

The next day, Bromley and Margaret met Richard outside the Glazier's shoppe and walked to the market. They planned to do the handfasting in the walkway that Richard had used to watch Elizabeth before he met her.

When they met Elizabeth, she was more quiet than normal. Once in the walkway, she said, 'Richard, I am nay going to do the 'andfasting, I will nay do it withoot me mum and father's permission.'

Richard was surprised and disappointed. Bromley and Margaret walked a little way away to give Richard and Elizabeth time to speak.

Richard looked down, taking a moment to gather his composure so by that he wouldn't say something that he would regret. Elizabeth could see Richard's disappointment and stepped close to him. 'Just ask me father. 'e may surprise you,' she urged.

Despite Richard's embarrassment he pulled Elizabeth closer to himself and smiled at her. 'I will then. When shuld I speak with 'im?'

'Ride the wagon with us and just speak with 'im.'

'I will,' responded Richard with a smile.

Bromley and Margaret left to return home and Richard and Elizabeth began helping her father load the wagon.