Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where you’ll find entertaining excerpts from a group of hard-working writers. You can enjoy stories and see works in progress unfold. This week’s word prompt is stuff. This is a short story just for Thanksgiving. Make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Up with cock crow, Edith flew from the bed. Today was feast day, and she had work to do. It was an occasion for common folk to make merry, with the lord’s family away paying visit to relatives. She glanced at Audley, still resting peacefully with one hand tucked beneath his cheek. How youthful he appeared while slumbering. He could rest a while longer.
Thankfully the fire had kept its spark all night, and she barely shivered while changing clothes. She donned a fresh blue tunic and fussed with her long hair until it met her satisfaction.
Much of the meal been readied the night before, and now she arranged pots around the fire. She set porridge to cooking, as well.
Making her way through the curtains, she nudged the children awake, whispering to remind them of the special day. They darted up, excited and raring to go.
“Quiet now. Do not wake your father.”
Well behaved, they lowered their voices. The youngest, Harrell, questioned, “Is there porridge, Mother?”
“Of course.” Seeing his downturned mouth, she pinched his chin. “But there may be a sweet biscuit for you as well.”
His and Hilda’s faces both beamed up at her, making her laugh.
“Shh, Mother, do not wake Father.” They darted around her, donning clothes and shoes.
After they finished eating, she gave them a basket to pick berries at the edge of the lord’s fruit garden. “Only the red ones this time, for pies, not preserves. Stuff the basket full, but be back before the sun is overly high.”
Harrell’s face quivered. “The lord’s people are not home?”
“Nay, you know they have traveled south.”
“Good. I do not care for the little lord.”
“Nor I for the girls,” Hilda piped.
“You have no worries today, children, nor do I.”
“Do you think he will play with us when he awakens?”
“He usually does on feast days. Give him time to break his fast.”
She was standing before the hearth when two strong arms slipped around her waist, turning her into a cozy embrace. “I did not even hear you stir.” Her voice sounded breathless to her ears. That was always his effect. Smiling, her arms encircled his waist, and she rested her head beneath his chin.
He murmured warmly, “I am thankful for each and every feast day, my sweet Edith.”
“As am I, my lord.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt stuff. Thanks for stopping by. Read the other amazing excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2020 Flossie Benton Rogers
Lovely scene of domestic bliss. Hope they all have a wonderful day.
Such a lovely snippet!
Thank you, Vicki!
Such a sweet realistic snippet.
Thank you, Cathy!
This is a lovely extract, Flossie.
Thank you so much, Roberta!
What a beautiful scene of a loving family on a feast day. I love how you keep us in the period with ‘break his fast.’ I loved it!!
I’m glad you like it, Trisha!
Great beginning to a new story! Historical. I love it!
Thank you, Jean!
so sweet. I love it. And the kids are delightful. I’m looking forward to more. Jillian
Kids are fun, aren’t they! Thanks, Jillian!
I love the excitement they all have for feast day and that the lord’s family is away. And I really love her reaction to her husband. Very hot! Great job!
Appreciate it, Tricia!