MOTHER

A novel written by Lucija Sipic

My dear Philippa,
I embrace this opportunity to tell you about my travel so far as well as to inform you on certain
matters. I have spent 43 long days on this boat thus far,I modestly hope we arrive to Baheeta before
the 50 day mark. By the time my word reaches you,I will already watch as the Sun sets on the other
side of the world. I do have to say you made a fine point about my horehound,it certainly didn't benefit
the maritime atmosphere. On the contrary,the marjoram plant my papa gifted me grew delightfully. I
was able to put it in good use and help an officer with his insomnia,he has been keeping me good
company in exchange. As for the matters I mentioned earlier,I trust you will take good care of my
library. Do not give my books for long periods of time,you know I treasure them with all my heart.
Also,I would be pleased if you could pay my father a visit every God's day,or at least until my beloved
brother Jacob returns home. Papa has been very silent since mother's passing,an occasional visit does
good to his soul. Please present my best wishes and compliments to your family,I look forward to
hearing from you.

Olivia Violet Attwood, September 15,1847.

'' Sir,how many days until the letters are delivered?''

'' We arrive in Pembrokeshire in 17 days. Smaller boats travel faster. Now,where do you need
your letter delivered Miss?''
'' Shrewsbury, Sir.''
'' That is a one day trip from Pembrokeshire. I'd say your letter should find it's way in about
20 days.''
'' Thank you.'' Olivia was far away from home but relieved her beloved friend Philippa was
there. No matter what,she could always rely on Philippa. The fact that she loved her so
much,made it even more difficult to understand why Jacob wouldn't marry her. Olivia blamed
it on Jacob's heart of a poet. He says that there is no such thing as a happily married poet,so
all Olivia could do was hope he would find his way back to Philippa one day. Olivia stood
there thinking about her brother's love life when a young officer came up to her.
'' Am I interrupting your thoughts?'' he asked. His blue eyes matched the ocean underneath
them and his dark,unruly hair looked like it had every wind of the Indian Ocean hidden in
between the curls.
'' No, Mr. Emery. These are hardly valuable thoughts.''
'' I wanted to thank you again for helping me. I can finally get some sleep.''
'' Pleased I could help. Just remember you mustn't take more than three drops per night.
Although,I believe your insomnia is caused by your restless mind. Is something bothering
you?'' she asked and lifted her dress off of the wooden floors. She proceeded to sit on one of
those rustical benches every boat deck had. Mr. Emery followed.
'' Plenty of things keep my mind busy,but I'd say it's fear that keeps me awake.''
'' Fear? Now what could a man like yourself possibly be afraid of? ''
The young officer sat down and gazed at the infinity of the Ocean that was everywhere around
them.
'' Why are you doing this? Why are you going down there? I..I was called by the Army,but
you? A beautiful woman,twenty two years of age, approaching danger on her own as if..''
He stopped for a second.
'' I apologize,my lady.'' he continued ''I have no right to question you or your
decisions,especially after you've helped me kindly.''
'' It's alright.'' Olivia stood up,took a few steps and then turned to Mr. Emery ''Dinner will be
served quite soon. Enjoy your meal,Seth.'' As he watched her walk away,young Seth Emery
couldn't help but notice once again how wonderful Olivia was. She even called him by his
first name. That is not something she would do often,but Mr.Emery loved every time she did
do it.
Seth was his parents' first born child,but he did have a younger sister Alice. People loved
Alice because she was born the same year Queen Victoria started her reign and that was
considered good luck. She had beautiful hazel eyes,much like Olivia's eyes,maybe that's why
he felt in peace whenever he was around Olivia. Seth wasn't able to sleep well for weeks
because he knew he was going away from home not knowing if he would return to his loved
ones. He had met Olivia as soon as they boarded the ship. Mr. Emery had been so tired he
didn't watch his steps and he fell over Olivia's suitcase.
'' Pardon,my lady,your humble servant didn't pay enough attention to his surroundings'' he
recalled the first words he said to her. A memory of her beautiful silhouette didn't want to
leave his mind.
'' Please,take my hand'' Olivia reached out to help him but instead of taking her hand to help
himself,Mr. Emery got up on his own and gave Olivia the softest kiss on her lace embroidered
gloves.
''Thank you,my lady. You are very kind. Officer Seth Emery,at your service.''
''Hello Mr. Emery. Olivia Attwood,it's lovely to meet you.''
''Excuse my curiosity,but are you lost? This ship transports Army officers.''
''I am very well aware of that. I,myself,am traveling to the British Army port in Baheeta.''
The minute she said that,Olivia had realised that she indeed was going away from home. Even
though she only has to go away for three months,she was scared. And so was Seth.
''Goodbye Mr.Emery '' she spoke right before another officer picked up her belongings and
escorted her to her cabin.
They have spent 43 days together on a ship but he didn't get to enjoy her company as often as
he'd hoped. Madame Attwood was very intelligent and charming and there wasn't a man on
board who didn't wish to keep her entertained. All of them had one thing in common,they
didn't know why she was traveling to their Army port and what in the world was she going to
do there. Whenever a man dared to ask her,she would reply with a witty smile and say '' I'm
making the best of a bad bargain.''