CHAPTER EXERPT
CHAPTER 5
Joseph carried the small trunk with all of Mathilda's possessions into the tumbledown shanty and placed it next to a narrow bed. "You weel sleep here tonight, Cherie, but we weel sail early in t'e morning. So don't unpack anyt'ing."
"What do you want me to do, Joseph? Is there anything I can help you with? I'm really not lazy, no matter what Mother Loretta told you."
"I know t'at. I weel cook some supper for us later. Right now, I need to get t'e boat ready for our trip." He disappeared out the door.
I could have fixed a nice meal for us. She looked about the room and felt tears begin to form for the disappointment she felt standing in such an ugly hovel. It looked like a strong wind could blow the place away. Thank goodness they would be going to Manitoulin where he assured her she would have a nice house all to herself. I must focus on the future!
She sat by the window and waited for Joseph's return. Her tummy had hunger spasms by the time Joseph reappeared. Without a word to her, he started a fire in the wood stove, and then dumped two cans of beans into a saucepan to heat on the stove. He opened a package tied with string that revealed a small loaf of bread. Thus, their wedding feast appeared on tin plates accompanied by a cup of hot tea.
Mathilda stated rather hesitatingly, "This food tastes quite good, I was getting hungry."
"Eat up! You have to go to sleep soon so you can be up early for t'e big trip." Then he picked up his plate and walked outside leaving Mathilda alone. I guess I was just being foolish to think we would enjoy our first evening together. It was clear that Joseph was not happy to be married. He hardly even looked at her.
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