Zachary’s father was the grounds keeper
for the wealthiest family in Wickshaw.
Sebastian Sandley-Clarke
abided with his Lady-wife
as the Lord of Oakenwood End –
an imposing and majestic
Manor which formed
northern quarter of the village.

Zachary grew up a servant’s child.
To many this would state
a horrible and unkindly fate,
but the Lord Sebastian
was a gentle man
providing for his servants well.
Therefore their children
reaped a benefit
as if he were their grand-father.

Lord Sebastian had a brother
much younger than himself.
But that brother died
unexpectedly the spring before.
He left a wife and daughter.

Then rather suddenly
the daughter was left alone,
for the mother filled with grief,
took her own life –
rather gruesomely
by throwing herself
down the stairs
of the family’s city mansion.

With no one else to turn to
the Daughter bereft
was brought to Oakenwood End
to abide with Uncle Sebastian.

“Master Zachary, my lad”
“Yes Lord Sebastian”
“I would like to
introduce you to my niece”

Zachary turned to see
across the room a lovely girl
with golden curls
adorned in a blue dress
with lace and ribbons
flowing all about.

“Mary Alice –
I would like you to meet
Zachary Edwards.”

She smiled at the sight
of this very handsome boy.
“His father is the grounds keeper
for all of the manor.”
“Oh” she bristled “A Servant boy”
“Oh I assure you he is a good chap.
You’ll see.” Zachary,
would you do me a favour?”
“Yes, Lord Sebastian”
“Mary Alice has had some
rather bad luck of late,
and come to live with us for a while.
Therefore, she will be
attending school with you.
Would you be so kind
as to accompany her tomorrow?”

Zachary paused
and glanced at Mary Alice.
He was engaged to meet Penelope
the following morning at the bridge.
Mary Alice wore a smile that was large
but insincere
Zachary forced a reply
both of a smile and “Yes Sir”.

“Good, Good, Excellent.
I’m sure that you will have
many things to discuss”

“Yes, Lord Sebastian”
His heart was sinking
for he did not know
how to get word to Penelope.
His mind raced around
the magnificent dilemma.
If he met Penelope
with Mary Alice in tow,
it would cause an awkward scene.
If he missed their meeting,
it would cause her distress…

“Well, Master Zachary,
off you go –
Oh, would you tell your father
I shall need is assistance?”

He was so flummoxed,
all he could do was nod
and off he went to
fulfil his orders.

He did not sleep a wink
for he spent his night
full of consternation.

He was much too young
to know the sort of woman
that Mary Alice would grow to be.
And he was much too young
to understand the full extent
of the definition of intuition.
However, that budding trait
was needling him
and he had the suspicious feeling
that there was something about this girl
that was just not quite right.

To catch up on The Village:

• Love So Green
• The Betrayal
• A Coy and Lovely Maid