The Proposal

Elizabeth sat wringing her hands, quite obviously feeling stressed. 

“Bessie my love, it is quite simple, I love you and you love me.  Who is to say that is wrong” Charles said pleadingly.

“But Charles, we are both already married!” Elizabeth cried, before bursting into tears again.  “Just because my William ran off and your Elizabeth is still in England, doesn’t make it so we can just start afresh!”

“Ah, but that is where you are wrong, I’ve been out here seven years now and your William well, he’s dead for all we know so you are a widow and I’m a bachelor.” 

Charles now had Elizabeth’s attention.  “What is this seven year thing Charles?”

“Well, Bessie I heard talk of it when I was living down south, near Hobart.  Folk who have been out here, not voluntarily, you might say;  after seven years and with no hope of going back home can find a new wife and get on with their life.  Why should we honest folk be any different Bessie?” 

Charles went on, knowing he was near to convincing her, “I love you Bessie and want to be with you; that can only be a good thing.  As for Elizabeth, she has the girls and family back in Bruton and she probably has herself a new husband by now too!”

Elizabeth rose from her chair and moved to Charles, he embraced her tenderly “I love you too Charles and yes, you are right, we should be able to move on with our lives too.”