Chapter 16: A Mixed reception
Trace looked over to Anaisa as she finished climbing down from the wagon. She looked at him with a complex expression but said nothing. Clearly she was nervous and conflicted about meeting his family, but it didn't fully occur to him until this moment the significance of this introduction.
Until now, she'd been thrust upon him by a king's edict. A guest, a stranger in his home.
By showing her to his family now, he would be claiming her, ratifying a decision that had been made for them. Did she want that? Did he?
"What did you ring the dinner bell for, Mom?" Seth asked hurriedly, out of breath as he came to a stop beside Sarah.
His emotion was understandable. The bell was normally used to summon the men from the far fields for supper. If it was rung at a different time, that usually meant some kind of emergency that required everyone's immediate presence.
Trace's father and brother were both worried that someone was hurt.
"Your brother is about to introduce us to someone," Sarah, Seth's wife, patted his shoulder and gestured to the guests.
"Oh, Good Morning, Trace," Seth blinked at his brother as he noticed him for the first time.
Trace nodded before taking a deep breath and plunged ahead. "Good Morning. Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my wife, Anaisa."
He sort of hoped that by putting the title first, by not making "wife" the last word in the sentence, it might soften the impact of the news.
"Your wife?" Trace's brother was the first to react, and Sarah hit him with the dishrag in her hand.
"Be kind," She whispered, barely loud enough to be overheard.
"Well, isn't this wonderful!" Trace's mother gave him a perplexed look, "I didn't know you'd met somebody special! Come in, and tell us all about yourself. When did you two meet?"
"A couple of weeks ago in the city," Trace realized the answer painted their relationship in a very different light. The whole family trooped inside as he continued. "She was employed as a server in the inn where I stayed after being released from the army."
"And we didn't hear about her the moment you returned home a week ago because…" His mother quirked an eyebrow at him. Normally he told his mother a lot, so he could see how she found this strange.
"He probably did not think anything of it then, and I did not intend at the time to become a volunteer." Anaisa replied before Trace could think of a good answer.
"A volunteer?" Sarah tilted her head. "For the army?"
There was an awkward pause.
"I heard gossip in town yesterday afternoon about a wagon of volunteer brides ordered by the king to marry all the veteran soldiers," Trace's father eyed the couple. "I suppose that must be true."
Trace nodded, and his mother pursed her lips, her gaze darting between the couple. Doubtlessly she was putting new significance to the physical distance between the pair, and the fact that Trace had breached the good manners she'd taught him by not helping Anaisa down from the wagon.
"It must be fate, then," His mother finally declared with a smile. "I'm sure no other soldier got a bride he'd already met before!"
She came forward with her arms open and hugged Anaisa gently. "Welcome to the family, Anaisa. We are glad to have you."
Trace's wife stiffened, and he grimaced slightly. He had yet to touch her at all, even in handing her things or showing her around.
Sarah came forward to hug her next, and this time Anaisa hugged back, releasing some of the tension in Trace's shoulders. His father and brother each shook her hand in turn, and the children looked up at her in awe.
"You're our aunt? What do we call you?" The eldest asked with a glance at Sarah.
Anaisa paused, glancing at Trace. He shrugged. "They call me Uncle Trace. I suppose you would be Aunt Anaisa."
"I can't say all that!" Mia whined. Anaisa smiled at the little girl gently.
"My sister calls me Annie sometimes," She volunteered after a moment. "You could call me Auntie Annie, if that's easier."
"Auntie Annie," Mia nodded. "That's easier. Do you want cookies?"
The whole family laughed, and Anaisa looked to Trace in confusion.
"Cookies are normally reserved for special occasions, like when there is a guest. Mia is always trying to invite people over so that cookies will be served and she can have some." He explained with a smile.
"I'm not sure how long we can stay today," Anaisa told the child, "I think we may have a lot of shopping to do in town?"
She phrased it as a question, clearly uncertain about her place in all of this.
"Oh, Goodness, Trace, you didn't prepare for her to come at all, did you?" His mother suddenly blustered, and he reddened.
"Well, no," He said. "The king did announce the edict when I was in the city, but I forgot about it until the wagon showed up yesterday afternoon and dropped Anaisa off."
"And I bet your home was as dirty as ever," She clucked lightly. "Anaisa, I'm sure you'll forgive my son's lapse in manners! We'll get you fixed up soon enough–Did you bring anything with you? Did your mother send you with her pewter dishes or fabrics?"
Trace grimaced, but Anaisa spoke frankly. "My parents are dead. I have nothing but the clothes provided to me by the king's organizers."
A shocked silence followed the announcement.
"Children, go see if there are any chores in the barn that need doing," Sarah said quietly. "Auntie Annie is going to need to try on some clothes and you'd best be out of the way."
"Yes, Mama," The trio chorused before looking curiously at their new aunt and obeying.
"Come along," Trace's father said to him, "You'll need another chair if I'm not mistaken."
"Darling, load your mother's pewter dishes in the wagon for them to take. They're in the shed, I believe," Trace's mother said to her husband as she took Anaisa by the shoulders and led her into the house.
"You've given your mother a great delight today, Son," His dad confided as he went to comply, "She's been wanting to get rid of your grandmother's things for ages, and you've given her the perfect excuse to do it."
"She didn't like them?" Trace asked, growing amused.
"Your mother had her mother's things, and had no use for more. Luckily for you, she would never throw out anything sentimental. We'll get you fixed up right."
"Thanks, Dad," Trace nodded gratefully. He'd been honest with Anaisa that he would afford whatever they needed, but the less he needed to buy, the better.
"Your table should be big enough, and your kitchen… the bed we built you was pretty narrow, though. I wish I had a larger one to offer, but we can come out and build one as soon as I buy some lumber for it. That and a rocking chair; every wife needs a rocking chair." He mused.
"You just think everyone needs rocking chairs because you love building them, Dad." Seth elbowed the elder man as they came to the lean-to where everything unneeded was stored. "And that wasn't quite a subtle way of asking how the wedding night went."
"It was incredibly subtle!" Their father rolled his eyes.
"I slept on the floor," Trace interrupted, not wanting the conversation to stray into suggestive places. "We're strangers."
"That won't last long," Seth smirked.
"We don't have to discuss this." Trace shot back.
"Now, now, when your brother married, he got a very straightforward talk about the responsibilities and joys of being a husband. It would only be fair if you got the same lecture." Their father said seriously.
"That's something I'd rather not relive," Seth covered his mouth with his hand. "If you need me, I'll be loading this box in your wagon very slowly and then whatever other tasks my wife can find to keep me out of this conversation."
"Thanks, Brother." Trace rolled his eyes as Seth walked away. A laugh that was very near a cackle rose from the departing man.
"Now, then," Their father stroked his chin with one hand. "It's been a few years since I gave this talk last, but I remember the important parts."
"Can we please not?" The younger man begged.
"Oh, don't worry, the main part of the lecture is about honesty, leading a family, and responsibility," his father laid a hand on his shoulder, "It's only at the end when we get to the part your brother truly despised talking about with me. We can start there, however, if that's your preference."
Trace shook his head vehemently, wondering if he could get everything loaded, collect his wife, and leave before they got to that part of the talk.
"Well all right, then, we can start somewhere that's perhaps a little bit more pressing. How long are you planning on keeping your secret from your wife?"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
TheOtherNoble
TheOtherNoble Marriage is a very serious matter. You definitely shouldn't cackle about your younger sibling getting "the talk." I know I never would do such a thing.
Chapter 17: A new family
Anaisa was overwhelmed by the attention of her new mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Their expressions of profound surprise and, as expected, pity, had quickly shifted into a muted excitement.
"I have two dresses that don't fit since I had children and hadn't yet gotten around to altering," Sarah was saying as she dug through a trunk, "I bet they'll fit you!"
Trace's mother was carefully going through a small box of items and finally pulled out a simple ring.
"If you want something new, I will understand, but since you're part of the family, I thought you might like to wear an heirloom as a wedding ring." She smiled softly down at the circle of gold in her hand. "This was my grandmother's. If you like it, it can be yours."
She held out the delicate band of gold in her palm for Anaisa's examination. Some unnamed emotion closed the younger woman's throat.
Jewelry?
Her mother's jewelry had all been taken by Barnabas, and was likely being sold even now since he had no wife to adorn with them. The beautiful things would possibly never be within Anaisa's reach again. She had barely a possession in the world, and yet her new mother in law was offering her something incredibly precious.
Anaisa's fingers trembled as she reached out to touch the simple ring.
"Are you sure?" She whispered. Guilt flooded her. She should reject the offer outright, even if it offended the woman.
"Of course I am. You're my new daughter!" The older woman held her hand out a little further and placed it in Anaisa's hand.
Gently picking up the ring, Anaisa slipped it onto the proper finger. It fit as if it were made for her. No one had ever been so kind to her, except Katia. Did these women truly consider her to be part of their family so quickly?
"I call her Mom, like Trace and Seth do," Sarah smiled. "I'm sure she won't mind if you do the same."
"I wouldn't mind a bit, but I don't want to intrude on the memory of your own mother or make you uncomfortable if you don't want to." Trace's mother assured Anaisa.
"May I be excused?" The younger woman recalled her manners before she bolted from the room. "I need to step out for a moment."
"Of course you may," Mom assured her. "We don't stand on ceremony here."
Anaisa nodded once and fled, making her way outside with deep breaths. She was drowning in unfamiliar emotion, and needed space immediately.
Leaning against one of the porch's supports, she sank down and sat for a moment, trying to absorb what was going on. What she was feeling. Why her head felt like it might explode.
Guilt was the primary emotion. She made a mental note to make sure to leave the ring with Trace when she ran away. The family was too kind. She didn't want to hurt these people. These women. They didn't deserve what was going to happen.
Of course, Anaisa hadn't deserved to be ousted from her home and stripped of everything.
The whole world seemed unreal around her, from the moment she'd woken up in Trace's home. Their home, he called it. A husband that was kind and generous with what he had, a family that accepted her willingly–enthusiastically!--a home where she didn't have to hide from a drunken father or his abusive friends, or sneak away when she wanted to go outside the walls.
All things she'd never had before. Never dreamed of having. Because she wanted her own life and inheritance back.
Terror and hope warred in her for Katia.
Part of Anaisa refused to believe these people could be this kind. They were acting, but for what purpose? For the sake of harmony?
Her eyes drifted to the gold band on her finger, and she tried to calm her mind. They would not give something valuable to someone unless they wanted something from in return. That wasn't kindness, it was simply bartering.
A far-off chorus of children's laughter took her thoughts in a new direction.
Perhaps they wanted more grandchildren, to fill their family with descendants? And yet, that wasn't an exceptional thing to ask of a daughter-in-law; it was practically guaranteed that when a marriage occurred, children would follow sooner or later.
Her face burned. She would be long gone before that was a possibility.
"I told you, I don't know, Dad," Trace's voice drifted around the side of the house. "I may tell her, eventually, but does she really need to know?"
"That's a big secret to keep," His father warned, and Anaisa froze. "A good marriage is founded on honesty. I'm not saying you both need to know everything about each other right away, but it's part of what makes you who you are."
"I've kept it for so long," Trace sighed. "I don't want it getting out. I'm only beginning to see how much damage it can do, and I don't want anyone else getting wrapped up in it. I also don't know Anaisa well, yet. What if she's a gossip?"
The mention of her name startled the woman out of her eavesdropping. Despite her intensifying curiosity over her husband's apparent secret, she didn't want to get caught listening in when she clearly wasn't meant to hear.
"Does she seem to be a gossip?" Trace's father asked as Anaisa quietly stood and tiptoed back toward the front door. The men were around the corner of the house and just out of view, but she didn't want to make a sound that would attract attention.
She lingered just long enough to listen to Trace's answer.
"No. No, she seems wonderful." He replied.
Anaisa's stomach clenched. Was that what he honestly thought? She wasn't wonderful. If he only knew how she'd been disgraced and declared a fraud by the king, and weakly been cast out of her home, he would despise her. If he knew she was using him for food and shelter while she planned to get back at Barnabas, he would never want to see her again.
Perversely, she was glad he had some kind of dark secret to keep from her. It made her feel a little less wretched. If this kind family knew everything about her, they might have Trace throw her out in the street and hope she died so that he could marry someone better.
Perhaps he would have no qualms about doing it himself. After all, he had been a soldier. He should hate a deserter's daughter more than anyone else. Maybe telling him was an option so that she could leave without so much guilt. He would be better off without her.
Anaisa moved back to the bedroom where the other ladies had been showing her things, and Sarah brightened when she re-entered the room.
"Anaisa! Is everything all right? We're sorry we overwhelmed you." She seemed chagrined. "We don't get visitors every day, let alone new family. We were over-excited."
"No need to apologize," Anaisa replied with a small smile. "This is all just very different than what I'm used to."
"What are you used to? You don't need to tell us everything, but of course we do want to know you better." Trace's mother appeared to be folding clothing into a bag.
"I.." Anaisa hesitated. She had told Trace she didn't want to talk about her upbringing, but these people were so kind. It felt like lying to them in the extreme to pretend like she was better than she was. "My mother died when my sister and I were little and my father cared nothing about us. When he died near the end of the war, we were left destitute. Katia and I had to volunteer as brides because we had no food and no home, and could not find work."
She left out the most shameful part of the story, but everything she had told them was true. That should have been plenty to discourage her new family from liking her too much. To them she would appear as an urchin, a worthless, poor, creature of the streets.
If she disappeared, they would not be too sorry for their son. 'Good riddance' would likely be the attitude all around.
"Oh, you poor, poor thing." Trace's mother had tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry you went through all of that!"
"We'll make sure you're never left hungry," Sarah said firmly. "Neighbors here are great about looking out for each other, and family's even better."
That wasn't the reaction Anaisa expected at all. Why didn't they react how she anticipated?
"That, you are," Trace said from the doorway, making Anaisa jump. "Anaisa and I need to get going now to get some shopping done, but we'll stop by again another day for you ladies to all get to know each other better."
"Of course, of course." His mother finished putting clothing into the bag and handed it to him. "Here are some things that should fit her, we think, but you didn't stay long enough to see if they need altering."
"Next time, we can stay longer," He assured her, but he was looking at his wife.
"Next time," Anaisa heard the words leave her mouth like a promise she was sure she didn't want to make.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
TheOtherNoble
TheOtherNoble
Don't make promises you don't intend to keep. It's bad manners. On a side note, I received all of your promises for power stones and look very much forward to you keeping that promise…
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
8 Power
stone 
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