Then she ran out screaming “I never want to see ee again Tony Kytes, you…you” but she just sobbed and carried on running, her father trailing behind her for he was done with Tony.
After a while Hannah came to him and asked him whether or not he meant what he said when he said her name. What he would have said nobody knows for Hannah’s father came and told them both that he would have nothing to do with him anymore and with Hannah if she was ever caught seeing him again. When they had gone Tony looked up straight into the fist of his father who usually was a reasonable man who didn’t like fighting of at all.
The next day Tony sent a letter to Hannah saying ‘Dear Hannah will you meet me by Castimir Birch at sunset.’ Hannah did and nothing could have been more romantic except for the black cloud that hung over their heads like the sword of Damacles. They met regularly flitting between the shadows, dodging they’re ever suspicious fathers’. One night on top of the hill at Castimir Birch the green grass with daisies and dandelions in between, and the shadows were dancing as the dying sun was going in and out of the clouds.
Tony said “Hannah me darling I love you and I always have and I always will do, but…” as he looked away with a tear in is eye he carried on “… but I fear we may not be meant together if you know what I mean”.
Hannah moved around so she was looking at him straight in the eye and she wiped away his tears, but she said nothing only embracing him in a loving and warm hug.
After a while Tony said “Thank you Hannah my darling for I needed that” and down they went away from the hill going west away from the sun. Little did they know of the impending danger that awaited them at the bottom. Slowly they walked for the hill was steep and covered in long grass but neither was in any rush. However they heard voices ahead, one was Milly’s father and the other was Tony’s.
They were in some heated debate “My lad I followed now, why would I want to follow your daughter”
“Well in that case why is your lad and my lass doing here together”. Hannah’s and Tony’s fathers shouted at each other.
Tony and Hannah didn’t know what to do. They stood there as quiet as mice and as still as statues as this argument escalated. Finally Tony took Hannah in hand and led her into the opening and both fathers stopped and looked at the couple.
“Well a fine gathering this is” said Hannah’s father.
“Very nice indeed” sneered Tony’s
“We love each other, and what’s more we don’t care what you think. But if you care about us you would let us be and just give us your blessing.” Hannah said, which stunned everyone into silence including Tony. Neither parent could condone it after that and grew to accept it but only just. The bans went up the very next day and the wedding went smoothly. The reception was better than most could have hoped for and the food and drink was the best in the village. Now Tony he has bought the land on that hill there and is making the loveliest house in the area for him Hannah.
