Arranged Melancholia
They Have Two, We Have None
Chapter Two
1581
Hugh was an eerily beautiful child with his unruly brown hair, steel blue eyes and crooked teeth. He was a spoiled and aggressive child and normally got his way. His father admired him, and his mother adored him. Still Christine worried of the promise made just six short years before. The peasant woman still had not bore any children, but the peasant man was right, they were quite young; only fifteen or so at the time.
That morning, Hugh was to begin his first lessons, to which he anticipated with great joy; as do most young children. The family of three sat at the dining room table, enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Suddenly, Christine ran from the table. She went outside and vomited. It was the third time this week. Realization set in; she was unmistakably with child. She ran to tell her husband.
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That same morning
June Hayes had just finished eating a hearty breakfast. The Hayes family may have been very poor, but there was always plenty to eat. They had the richest farmland for miles.
“The child of the baron, Hugh, is becoming more beautiful every time we see him. I should think our first child should be very happy with him,” Robert said as he helped her clear the tiny wooden table.
“My dear husband,” June began, sarcasm hinting in her voice, “Have you forgotten that we have no children?”
“I am sorry dear, I was speaking with the intent that we shall have a child in the near future,” he tried, hoping not to further upset his wife.
“Well, I suggest we shouldn’t wait too much longer. I won’t stay young forever, and neither will Hugh. You don’t want our child to marry someone of such considerable age difference, do you?”
“No darling, I suppose not,” he said quietly.
“Aw dear, I didn’t mean to upset you,” she said, taking him in her arms. “It’s just frustrating. That child has more than we would ever be able to give any child of ours. I only hope we make it happy with Hugh, I know it will be better off. I only wish we could offer as much as a baron,” she said sadly.