Re: Knowl Park
Chapter 2 Part 3
“Hey Clem,” Philip called out. Miss Prentice has brought me a lovely pasty for lunch and I’m not going to be able to manage the food I already brought with me. It would be a shame to waste it so would you do me a favour and add it to yours?”
Clem got up from his sitting position and walked over to collect the packet being proffered. As he reached to take it, Philip asked, “Are you worried about Gemma’s leg?”
Puzzled, Clem nodded, wondering why he was being asked.
“Do you think it would be a good idea for someone to walk her home? Philip continued, puzzling Clem even more.
Everyone knew Clem was sweet on Gemma, despite her disfigured features, and many were sure she liked Clem, but she never had the courage to say anything.
In a stumbling voice, Clem replied that yes, he thought it would be a good idea.
Speaking quietly so he couldn’t be overheard, Philip said, “I’m going to ask Ged to let you walk Gemma home. I’m sure he will say yes.”
Quickly shuffling round until he was sitting next to Amanda, Philip crooked an elbow towards her saying, “This is how a gentleman offers to escort a lady.”
Nodding to his friend, she took the hint, and his arm, responding with, “And this is how a lady accepts”.
Philip continued, “When you get to the stile, let go of her arm …”
Doing exactly that as he spoke, Philip then held out his hand, palm upwards, “… and offer your hand like this so you can then help her over,” nodding to the girl again, who this time delicately placed her hand in his.
“Now Clem, remember what I have just shown you, then go and finish your lunch”
Turning his attention to the pasty, Philip realised he was still holding his friend’s hand.
“Oh,” he said. “I’m going to need this if you don’t mind” Breaking the pasty in half he offered some to his friend without looking at her. If he had done so, he would have seen the look of disappointment on her face when he released her hand.
“Gemma,” Philip called out. “Clem is worried about your leg and about you getting home. He thinks it would be a good idea if someone were to escort you in case you have any problems walking.”
“Would you mind if he walked home with you to make sure you get there safely?”
Gemma’s face lit up briefly for a moment before asking her father if he would mind.
“Oh, I think it’s a kind offer, and it would be a good idea if someone went with you.” Looking across to Clem he said, “That’s very thoughtful of you and I would be grateful if you could see Gemma home safely. We’ll just have to manage without you until you return, but don’t rush a-cause I wouldn’t want Gemma to trip and fall for undue haste.”
Everyone surreptitiously watched as Clem made his way over to Ged and his daughter, awkwardly offered a gentlemanly arm, and then began to walk Gemma back home.
“Tell Gemma about your new foal,” Philip called out. “In fact,” he continued whilst looking to Ged for approval, “why don’t you show Gemma the baby if she feels up to it when you pass your place?”
Philip and Amanda got up and slowly walked over to where Ged was sitting open mouthed. Ged was about to say something when Philip quieted him with a gesture of his hand, and told him to, “See what they do when they get to the stile.”.
As if on cue, Clem let go of Gemma’s arm, climbed over the stile, then offered his hand exactly as Philip had shown him.
Everyone could see the sudden change in Gemma’s posture as she first straightened, then placed her hand in Clem’s.
Once she was safely over the stile, the two continued walking, still hand in hand.
Philip turned to Ged saying, “He doesn’t see her scars, and she doesn’t hear his stammer. I truly think your daughter is going to be alright.”
Ged couldn’t speak at first. Wiping tears from his eyes with a rather grubby hand-kerchief, he looked at Philip and simply mouthed “Thank-you”.
The young man clapped Ged on the shoulder then said to those in earshot, “I hope you will excuse my absence for a short while, but I need to escort Miss Prentice home. I shall return as soon as I can.”
With that he offered his young friend a gentlemanly arm just as Clem had done, and the pair set off to towards the girl’s home in the village.
© December 2020