An Inconstant Heart
An inconstant heart is thrown into an array of breathtaking joy and excitement, only to be quenched by a mother’s overprotective nature. A formidable twist of events slowly unfolds when she shares the news with her parents. Unsettled by her mother’s reaction, she soon realised all was not as it seemed—a short romantic story by A I Moffat, full of emotion.
When a whelm of emotion causes palpitations in one’s heart.
Together they stood under a willow tree in a glorious array of pale green; the summer heat had caused them to seek shelter and privacy. Mathew looked curiously at her smile, then up at her enchanting, almost bewildering gaze. He was thinking adoringly.
In a shallow subdued voice, Mary smiled at him, ‘It’s not fair that we should have to meet like this, in secret.’
With an attentive flicker, the boy replied, ‘I know.’ Then he pulled a small box from the pocket of his jeans and added, ‘That’s why I’ve bought you this.’
‘Oh, my God! — It isn’t? — Is it?
He watched her sudden, almost hysterical glow of excitement, ‘If you’ll have me?’
‘Oh — Mathew,’ she responded in a fading breath, her eyes fell then rose suddenly, ‘you know I will.’ Her inconstant heart seemed to fluctuate with joy and trepidation. The thrill of it took her by surprise until she looked into his adoring, child-like eyes, ‘B—b, but,’ she stuttered, ‘what about mother?’ Then, as his gaze slowly fell into a shallow gape, she tenderly whispered, ‘You know she would never allow it.’
Instantly the boy knelt on one knee in the subtle shades before her. His dark fringe lay exposed to a streak of direct sunlight, which made the depths of his eyes sparkle mischievously. ‘I’ve been thinking — we could elope — run away together.’
Mary was a little taken aback, then the boy offered the ring, ‘A diamond!’ she gasped, ‘I never expected a diamond.’
An Inconstant Heart
Carefully her hands reached down and cupped his open hand; then, slowly, she eased herself down on one knee. Her eyes seem to purr in awe at his delicate desire, his wanting, ‘I can’t, Mathew, it’s not fair on you.’
The silent pause of emotion bound them in the same wanting desire, magnified by the glow of the weeping willow. Until the boy announced in defeat, ‘Then, I’ll ask your mother and father if you can marry me.’
As if accepting his staunch response, her eyes lightly closed before she drew herself up, drawing him gently with her, ‘You know, she won’t hear of my getting married.’
‘I know.’ Mathew whispered, ‘I just hope she will listen and realise how much I care about you.’
‘When — when will you ask them?’
‘Why not tonight.’ He said with a look of surprise.
Mary gently folded his fingers over the small blue box, ‘Until tonight — then.’ she replied softly.
He seemed transfixed by her delicate commands to his proposal. It felt as though she had, in some way, decided their fate. Never before had he felt this presence of belonging; it made him think they were somehow already married.
She turned with a smile, ‘I’d better be getting back to the library. You know how mother likes to get there early.’
‘Yes —’ he replied sadly.
An Inconstant Heart
Original short story by A I Moffat
Illustrations by justanemotion.com
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Imagery
The first image and featured image are by Stocksnap.
Illustrations by Annaliseart.