The Wall People Read online

  “Good evening, Katie. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I might drop in for a friendly visit.”

  The likelihood that he was on his way to the local tavern was a much more realistic scenario. The landlord’s son, James Williams, had grown up with Katie in the town of Kinvara. His family had moved from England in order to manage several tenant farms in Galway. Most of her neighbor’s landlords still lived across the pond. This was not the case for the Williams family. They enjoyed being hands-on managers.

  The boy’s life had been one of excess, squander, and frivolity. He wanted for nothing and the result was a young man spoiled by wealth. As she reluctantly let him inside the cottage, he immediately stooped with an exaggerated bow, reaching to take Katie’s hand in his. James’s lips lingered longer than necessary on her skin. After kissing the top, he turned her hand over and examined the calloused skin. Katie slowly pulled her hand back and tried to keep her face from showing a growing impatience.

  “Would you like some tea, Mr. Williams?”

  “I’ve told you many times, Katie: call me James. No need for formality, we’ve known each other since we were kids, no?”

  Her forced smile caused her mouth twitch.

  “And yes, tea sounds lovely,” he answered with exaggerated formality.

  Katie struggled to hide her uneasiness. James had been nothing but forward and presumptuous since her father’s passing. This unannounced visit was just one more example of his growing arrogance and entitlement. She lowered the pot and set up two cups and saucers on the table. He pulled out a chair and insisted that she join him. She took her seat reluctantly. The proximity of their chairs made her uneasy. The heavy scent of whiskey permeated the air around him. She poured the tea into two porcelain cups adorned with violets and roses, making sure to leave room for milk.

  She took a small pitcher from the icebox and set it next to him on the table. He reached into his right hand pocket and retrieved a small silver flask. She noticed the ornate designs etched along its surface, and imagined that the value of the flask could easily pay her rent for several years.

  “Taste, my dear?” he smiled wickedly.

  She silently declined his offer.

  “Your loss…angel.”

  He poured a generous amount of whiskey into the cup and took a large swallow.

  “You know, Katie, you don’t have to struggle as you do.”

  His arrogant tone annoyed her. James had known only the best schools and tutors in his youth. The educated young man enjoyed using his knowledge as a powerful tool of persuasion when dealing with the tenement farmers. Many of the villagers were intimidated by his formal etiquette, but for Katie, his eagerness to show his superiority made him appear foolish.

  “It’s a shame to see such a lovely young lady forced to work as hard as you do. Your hands are beginning to look like well,” he paused with a look of disgust, “the hands of a washer woman.”

  He gazed across the table with a look of exaggerated sympathy.

  Anger welled in her chest and she found it difficult not to hurl something at his head. Katie shot him a defiant look and cautiously chose her words. She quipped, “Times are hard for everyone. I thank God everyday for the ability to provide for my ma and myself. I praise the Good Lord for the gifts and blessings that we have. A bit of hard work never hurt anyone,” she added.

  Whatever his intentions were, she did not like where this was heading. James chuckled to himself as if reading her thoughts.

  “Don’t worry, Ms. Katie. I am not proposing anything indecent.”

  To her amazement, the young lord suddenly took to one knee and gazed up earnestly.

  “My dear, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

  Katie took in a deep breath, before losing her temper. “Mr. Williams, this a great honor, but I am in no way in a position to take your hand in marriage. You are of noble birth, and I am but scraping by, alongside my ma, on our small farm.”

  He looked up at her scrutinizing her for several minutes.

  “Well are you not the charming one, young lass. I have told you many times to call me James. I would have you think long and hard on my proposition. A great famine is spreading in this God forsaken country. Your people will not be surviving long on their potatoes. Don’t doubt that this will not wreak havoc on this side of the isle. These foolish villagers will be scattering like rats once all of their crops are destroyed. How do you propose to make your monthly rent if you do not have any customers to sell to at the market?” He smiled cruelly.

  “Well, my lord, I will cross that bridge when I find myself on it. God willing. Our lands will be free of the blight in due time.”

  He smirked at her and stood back up.

  “Don’t wait too long, my love. My offer may not be so generous in the future.”

  And with that he grabbed her by the arm and forcibly kissed her mouth, exploring her breasts with his small hands. His awakened manhood was obvious as he pushed roughly against her dress. She stepped back in shock and shot out her hand to slap him as he grabbed it just inches from his face. The sickening taste of his whiskey lingered on her lips.

  “Don’t be a fool, girl. Believe it when I tell you, I do not give second chances.”

  His smile quickly disappeared as his mask came off. His eyes were dark and cruel as he quickly dismissed her with a wave of a gloved hand. He stormed to the front door, grabbed the knob, and slammed it behind him.

  Katie’s fury rose inside her. Tears of anger filled her eyes, threatening to spill over. Her mother called quietly from her bedroom.

  “What’s wrong, child?”

  She tried to regain her composure, brushed the tears from her eyes, and headed into her mother’s room. The elderly woman looked tired and pained. She walked to her side, bravely trying to hide her emotions.

  “It was nothing ma, I’m sorry I woke you, would you like a cup of nettle tea?”

  “Are you sure you’re alright, my child? I know that life hasn’t been easy on you these past couple of years.”

  “I’m alright, ma. Just had a long day. I need a good night’s rest, maybe a nice stroll in the field.”

  She poured her mother a cup of tea and gently kissed her on the head. Her soft gray hair smelled of violets. Katie headed outside and felt chilled by the evening air. She wrapped her shawl around her shoulders. Her pet goose was sitting in the field looking in her direction. He waddled up to her as she took her seat. She sat down on her porch swing and looked out at the lush fields. There was so much work to do. She sighed and took a sip of her tea. It was cold from setting too long. She heard hoof beats approaching from the dirt road.

  A lean black gelding trotted up to her front gate. Sitting atop it was a tall, muscular young man that she had known her whole life. He let himself down and smiled brightly. The goose honked his displeasure at the handsome youth. The gander enjoyed his alone time with Katie. The young gentleman’s clothes were clean and recently pressed. A silver pocket watch dangled from a chain attached to the front of his trousers. The setting sun highlighted the red in his dark, wavy brown hair, making his eyes sparkle like the sea.

  “Hello Daniel,” she greeted her good friend.

  “Good evening, Ms. Katie. He took off his hat as he approached her swing. Are you taking a break from all of your work to appreciate the beautiful sunset this evening?”

  She scooted over to make room on the swing.

  “Please join me, Daniel.”

  They had always had a natural way between them. As children, they had been constant playmates. Katie remembered climbing trees and exploring all the secret hideouts in the village of Kinvara with him by her side. The two had had many adventures together over the years. He sat down next to her. His long lean legs stretched out in front of him. He clasped his hands together across his chest and leaned back in the swing. His clean scent reminded her of the woods.

  “You know, my dear, they say the sunsets in Africa take your breath away. The color
s are rich with scarlet and gold, although I am sure the color could not do justice to your fair locks.”

  He gave her quick wink and a lopsided smile. Katie blushed hotly at his unexpected compliment.

  “Well aren’t you the charming one tonight?” she replied. “Africa, you say, now that’d be something to write home to ma about.”

  “Katie, we’re both young and full of spirit. I say we travel the world together.”

  She giggled at his enthusiasm.

  “Alright,” she played along, “where are we going first?”

  “Well young lass, as I mentioned before, we should start with Africa. I know you have quite the way with the critters. We will see the most amazing creatures on the plains. Lovely zebras will gallop across the vast prairie as lightning roars above their heads. Perhaps I’ll sit you on top of the back of one of the powerful beasts and you can go for a ride. Would you like that, Katie?”

  “That would be…exciting. How about traveling to Holland?” she implored. “I’ve always wanted to see their beautiful tulips and lush gardens.”

  “Your wish is my command. We will even find you a lovely pair of wooden shoes for your pretty feet.”

  They laughed. His deep voice soothed away her troubles.

  “Next stop will be America. We’ll travel the frontier and meet many cowboys and Indians.”

  “Will you protect me from all of the dangers of the Wild West?” Katie asked.

  “Of course my lass, nothing will harm a hair on your ginger head,” he smiled reassuringly.

  “So you are going to be my guardian angel?” she teased.

  “I will be whatever you want me to be, my love.”

  His smile slowly faded. Their eyes locked in quiet passion. He reached forward, gently touching the back of her hair as their lips met. Katie completely lost herself in his embrace. Her body warmed at his touch, awakening to previously unexplored desire. After a moment of complete bliss, the two young lovers smiled openly at one another. Katie nestled into his shoulder as he gently brushed the curls from her forehead. Nightingales cried out in the meadow, announcing the approaching evening.

  Behind the great oak tree, in the darkness of shadow, James Williams observed the two lovers in their silence. Hatred and jealousy raged in him. He mounted his horse and cruelly yanked the reins. Rocks and dust scattered as he galloped away.

  CHAPTER 17

  The days and weeks that followed were full of both joy and pain. The young romance grew and blossomed with each passing day. Daniel had proposed to Katie in the middle of the cherry tree orchard on his property. Her heart was overjoyed, and soon, the entire village had heard the news. The villagers eagerly offered their help planning the wedding. It was a much needed distraction from the harsh reality of the failing crops. They held desperately to any traces of hope or happiness. Meanwhile, the whispering signs of famine lingered in the shadows.

  Days drifted by like soft, autumn leaves. As the weather grew colder, Katie often found her mother unresponsive in her room, curled up under the covers. The daily treatments no longer seemed to help as the disease continued to progress. By the end of September, her mother began to fail. She was laid to rest on the first of October. It seemed that the entire village was at attendance on the day of the funeral. Shortly before her passing, her mother had a final gift to bestow on her beloved daughter. One rainy evening, by firelight, Mrs. O’Brien softly requested Katie to sit by her side. She instructed her to open the hope chest at the foot of her bed. A gorgeous ivory wedding dress had been placed inside the cedar box. The beauty of the gown took her daughter’s breath away. Her mother had secretly worked over many years to purchase the materials. The lovely gown had been crafted in secret with the hope of giving it to Katie on her wedding day. Her hands ached with each delicate stitch bravely enduring the pain of her advancing arthritis. It was her final gift. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she kissed her mother’s face. Mrs. O’Brien insisted that her daughter continue on with her wedding plans. In keeping her word, the date was set for All Hallows Eve.

  The matron of Dunguaire Castle approached the grieving daughter on the day of her mother’s funeral. Katie had known the wealthy woman since she was a young child. Mrs. O’Brien had sewn some of her finest gowns over the years. She had accompanied her during several of the dress fittings. Both of her parents had been of service to the family over the years. Patrick O’Brien had overseen several renovation projects on the castle. His days were very long between assisting the restoration and running the family farm.

  Because of the O’Brien’s loyal service to the family, Lady McClain offered to host their wedding reception inside the towering walls of the castle. Presently, the grand building was in a state of disrepair and it was not currently occupied. But, the benevolent matriarch suggested that the grand ballroom would be perfect to host their wedding reception. Katie was touched by the gesture and accepted her offer.

  The night before their wedding, Daniel stopped by her cottage. He held a small, velvet jewelry case. With great excitement, Katie opened it. Inside was a polished golden locket.

  “This belonged to my ma. I know she would want you to have it.”

  Inside the locket was a picture of Daniel. She was overjoyed with the thoughtful gift. He took the necklace out and gently placed it around her neck. They kissed and said their goodbyes. As he made his way down the steps, she teasingly warned him, “Don’t come back before the wedding, my love. It’s bad luck.”

  “You have my word,” he answered.

  Afterwards, she went inside to her vanity mirror and admired the beautiful gift. Just as soon as she’d sat down, a loud knocking shook the front door. She laughed and ran to open it.

  “Daniel, did you come back so soon?”

  She opened the door to find her front porch vacant. Looking down, she noticed a small burlap bag and a bouquet of pink roses.

  “You silly man,” she giggled to herself.

  She lifted the roses and breathed in the fragrant blossoms. Strangely, another less pleasant aroma lingered underneath. Reaching inside the bag, she discovered a cinnamon colored teddy bear. As she held the stuffed animal her smile slowly faded. It reeked of whiskey. A small card was attached to the bouquet of roses. It read:

  My dear Ms. Katie,

  Please accept these gifts as a symbol of my deep regard for you. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. Let this small token of my affection bring a smile to your lovely face. I look forward to seeing you very soon.

  Yours Always,

  James

  The strange letter gave her an uneasy feeling. Images of their last meeting flooded her memory. She could still feel the grip of his hands on her body and his unwanted advances. The thought made her shudder.

  Katie and Daniel McCarthy would be moving to their own farm after the wedding. The McCarthy family owned their land. Daniel’s father had gifted a generous parcel of farming property for his son and his new wife. It would be bittersweet for her to leave her childhood home, but by doing so her ties to James would be cut forever. No longer would she have to live in fear of his frightening advances. The strange note was ominous. Heading to the back of the cottage with the package, the trashcan was quickly opened and the items went down into the bin. She headed back inside the cottage to prepare for her big day.

  If the young woman had not been busy with preparations, she would have heard the heavy footsteps treading just outside the cottage window. They were followed by the sound of furious hoof beats galloping across the road.

  A full harvest moon lit the sky. In its glow, there appeared an old woman dressed in black lace. A shimmering veil covered her head. With her back to the old oak tree, she keened wildly. Her cry was carried by the autumn winds and lost on the wings of the nightingales.

  CHAPTER 18

  The next day was a whirlwind of excitement and preparations. Many of the local women stopped by to help Katie get ready. Lady McClain assisted the nervous bride with her wedding d
ress. The kind matriarch did her best to fill her mother’s shoes. She was grateful for her kindness.

  Locks of auburn curls cascaded softly down her delicate shoulders. Tiny white flowers covered her train and veil. The women fussed over her and smiled happily at the final result. Katie was a vision in white. Her friends and neighbors eventually said their goodbyes and slowly made their way back to the church. Numerous times, they offered her a ride, and yet she insisted on going alone. She wanted a few moments to herself. Their vows would take place at sunset according to their wishes. A large reception of Dunguaire Castle would follow their church service. It would be a childhood dream come true.

  The sky was taking on a foreboding quality as she approached the old cemetery. The afternoon light flickered like ruby garnets on the graves. Her faithful pony slowed as they neared the graveyard. She dismounted her buggy and carefully made her way to her mother’s grave. She lifted her dress as she walked so it would not drag on the ground. She placed a small bouquet of violets under the Celtic cross. The grand stone had been generously donated by Lady McClain and her family.

  “I know you will be watching from Heaven today, ma and da. I miss you so. Not a day goes by that you are not in my heart and prayers.”

  Katie prayed silently for her departed parents. Afterwards, she slowly walked back to her pony cart. To her surprise, she realized that someone was holding Sassy’s reins. The sunlight was shining in her eyes and it took her a moment to adjust to the glare. As a cloud obscured the sun’s rays, she realized that it was James Williams. Intoxicated, he stumbled forward.

  “My dear Ms. Katie,” he slurred. “I couldn’t let you go off and get married without a proper sendoff.”

  His eyes were filled with lust and fury. She began moving backwards retreating in alarm and fear.

  “I have no time for this, Mr. Williams. I need to get back to the church,” Katie remarked.

  “I told you to call me James, you little hussy!” These words came out in a sharp hiss. He lunged forward, grabbing her by the arm. “It’s time for your special wedding present, Katie.”