Read The Old Cape House for Free Online Page A

again, “Matthew, how are your parents?”
    “Oh...they’re fine.”
    Embarrassed at his inattention to her question, he took a deep breath and blurted out, “Father is having a good year on the boat, and Mother’s gout is much better.”
    Maria returned a smile to Matthew, unaware of his secret thoughts. She was only thinking of Sam holding her...kissing her...anticipating her meeting with him again.
    As they came to Maria’s house, she turned and said, “Good bye Matthew. It was nice to see you.”
    He tipped his hat in silence; placed one hand in his pocket and waved goodbye with the other.
    Maria hurried into the house to gather the items she was going to bring to her next meeting with Sam. She never noticed Matthew as he walked away, because if she had, she would have seen him looking back for glimpses of her as he loudly berated himself for not saying what he felt in his heart.
     
     
     

8
    April 1715
    EASTHAM – CAPE COD
    THE MORNING FOLLOWING THE SABBATH, Maria waited for her father to leave for the landing dock to get his supplies from Barnstable. After he’d gone, she rushed out the door carrying her basket close to her, being careful not to drop anything as she hurried toward the pine grove to meet Sam.
    Maria found him waiting by the McKeon house. When Sam saw her, he ran down the path to meet her halfway. He plucked the basket from her hand, grabbed her around the waist, twirled her once in the air and then kissed her. “I missed you, my Maria.”
    “I, too, missed you.” She kissed him back with equal passion.
    Arms entwined, they walked the short path to the old house.
    As Sam closed the door behind them, the dust and shabbiness of the deserted house seemed to disappear for both of them. Their eyes could only see each other, and their bodies filled with a yearning that flowed quickly between them. Few words needed to be spoken. Sam and Maria understood each other. Lustful passion took control of their bodies and as the hours lingered for the lovers, they each satisfied their deep desires.
    ***
    Sam spoke just as the sun began to set for the day. “Maria, tomorrow I must leave.”
    Her eyes moistened. “Oh, Sam, can’t it be another day?”
    “I’m sorry. The winds are in our favor, and my men await me.” He gently assured her, “Don’t worry.”
    He rolled his strong body over hers. Looking into her eyes, he continued, “I may only need to be away from you a short time, but if not, you must remember I will return for you with my ship filled with riches.” He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “I will carry a wedding ring next to my heart to give to you upon my return,” and then in her other ear, “I promise to take you as my wife.” He moved next to Maria and traced the outline of her lips with his fingertip as he murmured, “Stay the night with me.”
    She softly kissed his finger and then his lips. Stroking his long black hair she wrapped her arms around his strong back, pulling her body closer to his as he entered her again.
    Maria fell asleep in Sam’s arms.
    He wanted to hold her forever. As the night grew darker, the song of the whippoorwill and the gentle breezes of the spring night accompanied the two eager lovers as they surrendered to a night of contented slumber.
    ***
    Early dawn came too quickly. Sam had held Maria as long as he could but knew it was time for him to take his leave. He pulled his arm from underneath the nape of her neck, kissed her on the cheek and prepared to leave, hoping not to wake his beloved. Goodbyes were difficult for Sam and it took all of his courage to step quietly into the early-misted morning without waking her. He paused in the doorway, looked back once more, and whispered, “Be safe, my Maria...I will love you forever and will return to you.”
    He then ran with all his strength towards the harbor for fear that his feelings for Maria would make him turn around and go back. His face and body, wet with perspiration, mingled with his