copyright Roger Bultot
Competing Vows
We met at the garden gate after dark, both trembling and nervous. She was still beautiful, even swathed in the crisp, new habit.
“Hello, wife,” I said, still unused to that glorious word.
She looked troubled. “The abbess said the cardinal has annulled it.”
“We didn’t agree to that! Did you?” She shook her head. “Let’s run away. Tonight.”
“Where?”
“There hasta be somewhere your family can’t find us.” I tried to draw her outside, my body aching for her. “Do you have some time, at least?”
She resisted. “They made me take other vows here.”
“But ours came first.”
The Green-Walled Tower 
April 12th, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Oh my! So much left unsaid and yet, so very clear.
I do hope they can find a way.
I really enjoyed this, David (the struggle in writing is not felt 😉 )
April 16th, 2019 at 8:09 pm
Thanks, Dale. Once I start writing, it’s easy. It’s getting that first spark sometimes that’s the challenge. Like lighting a fire in a rainstorm. 🙂
April 16th, 2019 at 8:10 pm
You are preaching to the choir, David!!
😀
April 12th, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Time to make a big choice.
April 12th, 2019 at 5:26 pm
the first vow takes precedence and should be respected especially if both parties agree. 🙂
April 13th, 2019 at 3:51 am
How sad some youngsters decided to take vows or were forced to at such an early age. That isn’t done any more for good reason. What child of seventeen or thereabouts knows what they want for the rest of their lives. It was a common practice in olden times for landed gentry to stick one of their many children into a convent or monastery. A good story, David.
April 16th, 2019 at 8:08 pm
Thanks, Patricia. People didn’t have much control over their own lives a lot of times back then (even today, to be fair).
April 13th, 2019 at 7:36 am
Her parents must really hate him. Perhaps his name is Rustle and he’s trying to wrangle their daughter. Yeah, that’s it.
April 16th, 2019 at 8:06 pm
I like that version. 🙂
April 13th, 2019 at 10:58 am
What a terrible situation! I hope they do escape!
April 16th, 2019 at 8:06 pm
I’ll have to think about that and write more about it later. 🙂
April 13th, 2019 at 12:42 pm
I wonder why her family hates him so much? I hope she does what her heart tells her to.
-Rachel
April 16th, 2019 at 8:05 pm
It wasn’t an approved marriage, although I haven’t detailed the exact reason yet.
April 13th, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Dear David,
Quite a story in a few words. You left me wanting to know so much more. As always, well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
April 16th, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Several female relative, including my wife, wanted to know about the story, so I may write a longer version at some point, although not for FF.
April 13th, 2019 at 5:07 pm
How can vows that have been forced be binding I wonder. They can never be honest. In any case, that solution is slightly better than the Romeo/juliat one. Interesting story, wants me to know more.
April 16th, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Thanks. I may write a longer version of this with more explanation at some point in the future.
April 13th, 2019 at 7:06 pm
Coming first should count, but I’m guessing not if you’re up against the cardinal. I’m always a sucker for a tragic love story. Great title!
April 16th, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Thanks, Joy. My wife requested a longer version, so if I post that, I’ll include the link in a future FF post for the interested. 🙂
April 15th, 2019 at 8:31 am
I choose the vow of the heart, not the one made to please the family. Excellent tale.
April 15th, 2019 at 7:18 pm
I ached for him, as well.
April 16th, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Thanks, Dawn. 🙂
April 18th, 2019 at 12:48 pm
I wish you’d write these weekly again. Almost missed this one. and I’m an optimist and know, they’ll escape just fine. One of your best. Make sure you save it now.
April 23rd, 2019 at 8:50 pm
I’m trying to get back into writing and posting regularly. It’s my goal to do at least one a week, if not more. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
April 24th, 2019 at 4:27 am
Like working out at the gym.
April 23rd, 2019 at 11:55 am
[…] April 12, I posted a 100-word story called Competing Vows. There were people who were curious about the situation surrounding it, both what had come before […]