Many years ago, the priest sat in the office and wondered what young Emilia would do now that her family had abandoned her. Emilia, a budding voluptuous girl, wondered off with Paul, the peasant who worked for the wealthiest and most influential person in the parish. He recalled how upset Mr. Tovar became upon hearing the news that his peasant Paul had befriended this young woman and wanted to leave his luxurious home to marry this girl.

Mr. Tovar, a grumpy forty-four-year-old, remained unmarried and had no intention of marrying. He lived alone is his lavish mansion overlooking the lake and extensive countryside. He trusted nobody and ensured his privacy was just that. The only person he employed was Paul an orphaned peasant whom one day surprised the grumpy old Mr. Tovar when he helped him up after a fall from a horse. Mr. Tovar made one mistake that day; he spoke to Paul and as an act of gratitude took the youngster home with him.

Paul delighted with his good fortune of being able to work for the famous Mr. Tovar, remained respectful and reliable for nearly three years. It is said the old man even managed to smile once in a while at the innocent, ignorant peasant.

Without fail, every Sunday, Mr. Tovar would attend a church service. Paul would follow close behind the grand old man, filled with pride and joy. The whole community would attend the service and always ensured that Mr. Tovar had the best seat near the front. He was always first to enter and first to leave. The villagers would watch as Mr. Tovar strolled home towards his mansion and Paul following behind.

Mr. Tovar had to leave the village for a month, and it was during this time when Paul found comfort in the beautiful Emilia who worked at the church. Daily he would visit the parish and befriend Emilia, who believed Paul to be the only relative of the great Mr. Tovar, and enjoyed the attention of a charming man.

It was a warm Wednesday afternoon, the blue skies displaying a few small clouds when Paul asked Emilia to return to the mansion with him. He knew nobody was around, and it would certainly make for some fun having another person stay with him. Emilia eagerly agreed and soon the two youngsters were enjoying the magnificent mansion exploring the different rooms, the antique furniture, and being overwhelmed by the vast amount of wealth displayed in this double storey house.

Thirsty and exhausted from darting about the large home, Paul asked Emilia to come with him to the kitchen for some refreshments. Soon they sat down and devoured delicious treats from the pantry of Mr. Tovar.

“Now I feel more comfortable and happy that you are here with me.”

“I loved this, I never in my entire life thought I would be privy to seeing this mansion. Now I must go now, it is late, and the Priest will wonder where I am.”

“No, don’t go, stay the night with me and I will explain to the Priest why you stayed.”

She agreed, it was fun, and the idea of returning to the dreary parish depressed her. Paul not aware of what the beautiful Emilia thought of him guided her to one of the master bedrooms and showered her with love. She was smiling, and he glanced at her and thought she was the most beautiful female he had ever seen. Enjoying the affection soon, they made passionate love again and again. Her stomach tightened. She saw nothing, looked at nothing, and was just there, breathing and loving the feeling of being united with such a handsome man.

Glowing light streamed into the bedroom across the bed, and Emilia rubbed her eyes, sat up and looked around the room. Realizing it was late in the morning, she roused Paul who grabbed her and made passionate love to her again. Famished and tired, they went down to the kitchen to eat.

“I must go back to the church, or else I will be in serious trouble.”

“Yes, I know, but you need to hear this, I am in love with you Emilia and want to marry you.”

“Paul, there is mustard on your mouth and yes I will marry you.”

Paul got up, walked around the table, and grabbed Emilia. He was thrilled and danced around the kitchen kissing and whispering sweet loving words into her ear.

Emilia reluctant to leave her new lover went back to the Parish and on her way down noticed the condemning cursing looks from the passersby. It felt as though the whole village knew about her escapade with Paul. Feeling guilty, she ran as fast as she could toward the parish and disappeared into her tiny dark room for the rest of the day. Ignoring the calls from the workers, she slept soundly.

The Priest surprised her with an early morning visit, reluctant she let him in. He demanded the truth and Emilia afraid and knowing how dangerous the man could be, told him about the visit to the Grand Mansion, spending the night with Paul and their lovemaking. He stood up, angry and slapped her across her face calling her a whore.

“I forbid you to ever see that man again,” the Priest said in an angry voice.

Tears streamed down her face, and she nodded her head, acknowledging his instruction. In his anger, he turned around and slammed the door shut.

Emilia cried and cried. Sitting on her bed, she felt betrayed and abandoned. The priest was angry, she had no doubt that he would never allow Paul into the parish and the idea of not seeing him again saddened her.

The next day, the workers of the parish had heard the story of Emilia and Paul, disgusted that this young woman whom they had raised from a child had turned into a whore. The gossip among the people steadily swelled out of control. The priest who always had an uncanny knack of what people were saying found out about the Emilia gossip and went into the courtyard.

“Gather around me and listen to what I have to say,” He said whilst raising his hand.

Eagerly the workers, who were mostly women stood silently in front of them and waited for his speech.

“Now you know that young Emilia was a baby when she arrived at the parish, abandoned and sickly. Many of you loyal women helped to raise this child.” He cleared his throat.

“Emilia has betrayed us, and we can all learn a lesson from her disobedience. Lust got the better of the young lass, and now she will have to stay under lock and key for the rest of her life. I pray she is not pregnant from the villain Paul. “

The women sighed and alarmed at the harsh punishment imposed on Emilia remained silent for fear of being reprimanded.

Mrs Carrington and Mrs Jones, you will be the custodians of Emilia; she is not to leave her room at all. Take her food and other provisions she might need, and never let her see the light of day again.” He said and walked away.

The priest looked back and saw the shock on the faces of the women. He smiled. He knew Mr. Tovar would be pleased with his commands. Back in his office, he walked over to a side table and poured a glass of water. He was thirsty and drank this quickly. He sat down and began to read his bible.

Both Mrs Carrington and Mrs Jones would visit the young Emilia daily and give her fresh food and water. The young girl hardly ate the food they gave her. The room was tiny, enough space for a bed, a small table with a washing bowl on top. A small set of drawers for her few belongings and nothing more. There was a small window, but it was too high for Emilia to see anything. She slept most of her time, there were no books to read, no paper to write on and nobody to talk to.

After four months of being confined to her small room, Emilia began to feel sick, her constant nausea and heartburn upset her. Mrs Jones suspected that the young girl was pregnant and would often visit a little longer with her. Mrs Jones expressed her disappointment at the Priest for not allowing her to sit in the courtyard and often would tell Emilia what was happening in the village. She managed to bring Emilia a bible to read, which pleased her immensely. Emilia would hide the holy book under her bed and out of the piercing eyes of Mrs Carrington.

Emilia began to appreciate the visits by Mrs Jones a kind-looking, white-haired woman, and often urged her to stay longer. Emilia did not like Mrs Carrington at all. She remained arrogant and would always remind her of how remorseful she had behaved. When she visited, Emilia always felt more depressed than before. She told Mrs Jones about her feelings, and the kind soul consoled her as best as she could.

Mrs Jones had to tell the priest that Emilia was pregnant and get her to the doctor. It was a hot day again; the summer was harsh this time with rising temperatures and humidity causing the residents to feel slightly uncomfortable. Mrs Jones went to the Parish and entered the Priest's office. He was seated behind his desk.

“Mrs Jones, this is an unexpected visit, do you have news for me.” He asked.

“Priest, both Mrs Carrington and I have been caring for the young Emilia as you requested. Now I fear the young girl is pregnant and should see a doctor.” Mrs Jones said in a hurried tone.

“Ah, I suspected that she would be with child. Do not repeat this to the village people or there will be serious consequences following. Does Mrs Carrington know?” He asked.

“I am the one who visits the most and I guess that Mrs Carrington does not know about the pregnancy. It is rumored that she does not enter the room, just places the plate of food and water at the door.”

“Good, then I will inform Mrs Carrington not to care for the young Emilia. Mrs Jones, this pregnancy must be kept secret. I will need your help during this time. Now I suggest that we move Emilia into the Parish house and give her some proper attention during her pregnancy.”

“Into your home, how will you keep her hidden from your frequent visitors?” Enquired Mrs Jones.

“That is easy; I have a basement, with all the facilities of a home. She will stay there, and you will stay with her. It is an ideal solution, don’t you think so?” He smiled at her.

“Priest I am not a person to question your authority and can only ask in the name of the Lord, will I to be confined to darkness for the duration of her pregnancy?”

“Of course not, Mrs Jones, you will leave the house daily and continue with your chores, we do not want the village to gossip. I will tell them that you are moving into the Parish house to help Edith, my housekeeper.” He smiled again.

“Oh Priest, you are such an intelligent man, to have thought of all the answers to this little dilemma, and may I have permission to ask one more question?” Folding her arms, she looked into his dark eyes.

“Ask.”

“Priest, what will happen when the baby is born?” Confidently she raised her concern.

“That is not a matter to consider now; however, I can assure you that the outcome will be a befitting one for the unborn child. Now go, I have work to do.” He pointed his arm toward the door expecting her to leave.

Mrs Jones had plenty of questions but knew the Priest could be mean and nasty if his was annoyed and she did not want to upset him. She left the office and went into the courtyard. The gossipmongers were ready to find out what had transpired, cornered her and asked questions. She held the image of Emilia in her head and told them that she was appointed assistant housekeeper for the Priest and would move into the main house during the course of the day. She walked away from the crowd and went to her quarters. She gathered her few belongings, stood at the door, and looked back. She knew she would not miss this room.

Mrs Jones hurried along to the main house and upon entering, was greeted by Edith. Edith reminded her of a strict schoolteacher with a no-nonsense approach to life. Mrs Jones did not insult or reply but nodded her head and followed the staunch Edith to the basement.

Mrs Jones walked down the concrete steps and entered a large room, dimly lit and stood still. She looked around and saw two beds with a small table in-between. Grey blankets covered the beds and a small lamp stood on the table. She saw a bible and was grateful for that. There were no suitable windows, just a small window in the upper left corner, which remained sealed. A small amount of light from there made no impact on the dark room. To her right, she viewed a small bathroom shower covered with a torn curtain. A toilet with no seat, and in her mind, she thought this was hell. Behind the bathroom, there was a table with two chairs, a small cupboard for kitchen utensils. The concrete floor was cold, and the walls were unpainted. The scent of lavender floated through the air, and she wondered how.

Edith had remained at the top of the stairs and her beady eyes did not stop observing the curious Mrs Jones as she inspected the living quarters. Mrs Jones walked back to the staircase and looked up at Edith.

“Well, there is nothing much to do here, expect put some fresh flowers on the table and brighten up the room.” She said while walking up the stairs.

“Flowers, and where will you get these?” Edith asked in her authoritative voice.

“From the garden, of course.” Mrs Jones replied, noticing the haughty look on Edith's face.

With Emilia under lock and key, the priest had arranged this to stop the gossip mongers from spreading more stories. The priest knew he had to discuss this matter with Mr. Tovar and managed to visit the gentleman without the villager's knowledge. He went up the hill after sunset, knowing the villagers were all indoors. The walk was painful for him; his health appeared to be failing as he struggled to catch his breath from the uphill climb. At the entrance of the Tovar Mansion, the priest removed a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow. He ran the bell. The Priest opened the large steel gate, and he went inside. He walked up the pathway, which was aligned with seasonal flowers displayed in neat rows along the path. He admired the beauty and walked up the few steps to the porch. Mr. Tovar was waiting for him.

It was a beautiful warm evening, and Mr. Tovar indicated to the priest to sit. Willingly he did so, the view was spectacular. The green lawn and abundant flowers, with bordering oak and willow trees encapsulated tranquility. Mr. Tovar offered the priest some juice; he accepted and after passing the glass sat down.

“Well Father, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” Asked Mr. Tovar.

“Mr. Tovar, you are the most respected man in the village and we all hold you in high esteem.” The priest said.

“Yes, you say that all the time, surely your visit is not to remind me of whom I am?”

“No, Mr. Tovar, I wanted to mention that fact because you are the only respectable person to help us with a small dilemma we are facing.”

“Well now, I am curious, what is your dilemma?”

The priest told him about the encounter between his manservant Paul and the young Emilia. He promptly told Mr. Tovar about his actions and keeping her under lock and key. Without looking directly at Mr. Tovar, the priest continued to mumble on and blurted out that she was with child and that he now has placed her in his parish house until the baby is born.

“Father, surely you don’t want me to take the young Emilia and child!”

“Not at all, Mr. Tovar, we will have the baby adopted and send Emilia to the northern village to work, it is more about your servant Paul.”

“Ah, Paul, what a splendid fellow he is. He told me what he had done and regrets that the church has banned him from attending the services.” Mr. Tovar said.

“He did, I am so sorry Sir, but I had to quell the gossip and ensure that this type of behavior does not happen again.”

“Yes, father, you must run your parish with your conscience, and I will rule the village with mine. I am telling you this once and once only. Your behavior toward the young Emilia is terrible. To cage her like a criminal is immoral. Perhaps you should ask her to forgive you.”

“Mr. Tovar, the scandal and shame Emilia brought to the church is unforgivable.”

“Priest, nothing is unforgivable, you have studied religion and should be the first person to admit this. What are you teaching these people, fear?”

The priest was disgusted with the treatment he received from Mr. Tovar and knew that if he continued to state his argument, Mr. Tovar would prohibit him to some remote island. Realizing that he would have to concede defeat, he apologized and told Mr. Tovar, he would seek forgiveness from Emilia and let her return to the village and her adopted family. Mr. Tovar with a small smile on his face nodded his head in agreement.

“Father, go seek the forgiveness and then send Emilia and her nurse Mrs Jones to my home. I want to care for them.”

“Sir, what will the villagers say?”

“I don’t care for gossip, and whatever they do say, will harm you and not me,” Mr. Tovar said and stood up.

The priest stood up knowing that he was expected to leave and return to the parish. He bade Mr. Tovar farewell and walked down the pathway to the gate. As he approached the gate, he turned around and saw Mr. Tovar watching him. The priest walked down the hill in the fading light of day, saddened by the action Mr. Tovar imparted toward him.

At the parish, he was too distraught to return home and went to his office. He sat down and cried. How the man he admired all his life could turn into such an obnoxious person, he thought. He felt betrayed and knew that Mr. Tovar would have him transferred if he disobeyed his request.

From the sweltering heat to gray skies, the priest looked out of his bedroom window and wondered if God was angry with him. It was humid and hot yesterday, and today, the clouds swelled in the sky. He knew it would thunder and rain during the day. He went downstairs.

His housekeeper Edith had prepared his breakfast and left it on the dining room table. She had her routine, and if the priest were late then he would eat cold food. The priest looked at the plate of food and as unappetizing as it was, he ate. The cold bacon and eggs were fatty, and the toast was dry. Worse he thought was the cold coffee.

Hurriedly he left the house and went to the church. Walking along the cobbled roads, he wondered how he would get Emilia and Mrs Jones to the mansion without the villagers knowing. What a dilemma he thought, he knew the villagers respected Mr. Tovar and as painful as it was to control them and infuse some faith into their minds, they remained hungry for gossip. His mind wondered how to curb this gossip and then the lightning struck down, and the clouds burst open with a torrential down pour of rain. He ran into the church buildings.

The priest was wet and shivered as he removed his jacket. He peeked outside and looked at the black sky, the rain coming down hard and the lightning bolts flashed through the sky.

“Of course, now is the time, the villagers are indoors, and nobody would notice Emilia and Mrs Jones walking up the hill to Mr. Tovar's house.” He said to himself with a smirk upon his face.

He went to his office and wondered how he could contact Mrs Jones. The phone line had been down for a week now, and with the storm, he knew it would not be repaired. Walking back toward the door, he saw Jimmy, the delinquent son of the Choir Master.

“Jimmy, dear boy, come over here,” he raised his voice hoping the child would hear him.

Jimmy came running toward the church door as fast as he could. He stood outside, dripping wet and looked at the priest.

“Sir, what's it this time, I did not do it, I swear, it was Eric.”

“Oh, never mind that now, I want you to get Mrs Jones to come here urgently. I think she is near the church or maybe at my house.” He said squarely looking at the shivering child.

“Ah, Mrs Jones, I saw her a few moments ago, I will get her to come over,” Jimmy said and ran as fast as he could from the church.

The priest went into his office and sat down, feeling confident that he could accomplish his plan and get Emilia and Mrs Jones out of the village without the gossiping mongers knowing.

“I could do with a hot cuppa coffee now,” he said and walked toward the front door. He watched the rain pelting down and wondered if Jimmy had located Mrs Jones. In the distance, he saw an old woman hobbling along as fast as she could. Mrs Jones arrived at the lobby and shoved past the priest to get out of the rain.

“My, you are wet, Mrs Jones,” The priest said.

“Yes, I know, what is so urgent, young Jimmy seems to think all hell has broken loose.” She asked him as she wiped her brow.

“Mrs Jones, I have some good news. You must take Emilia to the mansion. Mr. Tovar is waiting for both of you. He will take care of Emilia and wants you to stay with them.” He told her in a blunt voice.

“My God, what are you saying?” She said.

“Mrs Jones, there is not time to waste, get Emilia and go to the Mansion, it is not necessary for you to delay this and I will inform the village of the current situation.” Without blinking an eyelid, he looked at her.

“Father, can we not wait until the rain stops, the young lass might catch a cold or worse.”

“No, now it is important that you go now.”

He took a step back and ushered her to leave immediately. Mrs Jones shook her head and walked in the rain to the back of the church to Emilia’s room. Today, she thought they would be moving into the Priest's basement but now to the mansion. She looked up at the dark sky and thanked God for his mercy.

Emilia was sleeping when Mrs Jones entered the tiny room. She called to the young woman and told her to wrap up warm they were leaving this horrid place.

Emilia turned around still feeling tired and not responding to the urgency of Mrs Jones asked what on earth she was talking about. Mrs Jones told her they had to leave now and go to the mansion.

“Mr. Tovar wants to take care of us. He is waiting, and we should leave now.” Mrs Jones said.

“What, I don’t understand, the mansion, where Paul is, really. Is this a dream? Sleepy-eyed she got up.

“No lass, it is not, now hurry along, and let us get moving, we don’t want to keep the great Mr. Tovar waiting.”

It was not long when both Emilia and Mrs Jones, started their journey up the hill toward the mansion. The rain still pelted down and not even halfway up the road, the two of them were drenched. Emilia held onto Mrs Jones and walked as fast as she could. Emilia was excited, she was scared and still unable to understand what was happening, felt a tingle within her stomach.

“Mrs Jones, I felt it, I felt the baby, he moved,” She screeched as loud as she could.

“Emilia, Emilia, oh my that is wonderful, let us get moving before the baby gets too cold.” She said.

At the high gate, Mrs Jones pressed the buzzer and immediately the gate opened, they walked up the pathway in their wet condition and admired the extensive gardens and green lawns. Up the few steps and finally out of the rain, they stood on the porch.

Paul came running toward Emilia and gave her a blanket to wrap around her. He passed Mrs Jones a blanket as well.

“Emilia Oh Emilia, I am so glad you are here. Come on inside, its cold here.” He said and guided them in.

A new life for Emilia began the moment she set foot inside the mansion. The love and warmth surrounded her and for the first time in her life, she felt a surge of real love enwrap her soul. Mrs Jones could hardly contain her delight with the golden opportunity of living in such splendor. She likened the mansion to living in heaven.

Mr. Tovar would not allow Emilia and Paul to live as a married couple and insisted they respect his wishes. He reminded them that as soon as the baby was born he would arrange an exclusive marriage for the two of them. Excited with the prospect of being united in marriage for the rest of their lives, they obeyed Mr. Tovar.

The months rolled by and Emilia heavily pregnant began to feel uncomfortable. Mrs Jones was like the mother figure she never had and did everything possible to ensure her well-being. Paul had spent all his earning on setting up a small nursery for the baby and delighted with the opportunity of pleasing his new family.

One day while finishing painting the final mural on the wall, he heard a scream. It was Emilia; he knew and rushed down the passage to find her on her knees in pain.

“Mrs Jones, hurry up, its Emilia, I think it is time,” He Shouted while holding her head.

Mrs Jones rushed to Emilia and told Paul to get her to the bedroom. Paul managed to help Emilia, who fought all the way, scratching him and cursing him for the pain she was undergoing. Inside the bedroom, Mrs Jones told Paul to get hot water and towels. Without replying, he fled out of the room only to eager to escape the torture of a woman in pain.

When Paul returned a few minutes later, he did not expect to see Emilia laying so still on the bed covered in blood and Mrs Jones holding a crying baby in her arms.

“What happened?”

“Paul, congratulations, you are a father to a fine son.” Mrs Jones smiled.

“Emilia, what is wrong with her,” he asked and moved closer to the bed.

Emilia’s eyes were closed, her head wet from the sweat and her limp body did not look good. Paul wiped her brow and gently moved her hair from her face. He called to her, but there was no reply. Paul looked at Mrs Jones, who was cleaning the new baby and asked her to come and check on Emilia. Mrs Jones put the baby into a small cradle that Paul had recently made and walked toward the bed.

“Something is not right, get hold of the doctor immediately.” She screeched.

Paul was beside himself and dashed out of the room. He phoned the local doctor urging him to hurry up, and running back toward the room he bumped into Mr. Tovar.

“What on earth is the rush all about?” He asked.

Paul told him about the baby and that there was a problem with Emilia. Quickly he grabbed Paul by the arm and the two dashed into the bedroom. Mrs Jones had cleaned up most of the mess and covered Emilia, who looked like a sleeping angel. Mr. Tovar looked at the still body, and then turned to Paul, who just stood staring at his love, not understanding what was going on.

“Paul, my dear, it is indeed a joyful time for you, the birth of a son and a sad time to experience the death of your love. I am so sorry; Emilia is no longer with us.” Mr. Tovar said.

“No, it’s impossible, wait the doctor will be here now and he will make it all,” Paul answered.

The doctor arrived within the next half hour and still in shock, Paul could not accept that Emilia was indeed dead. Mr. Tovar took the young baby into the living room and with Mrs Jones standing close by, sung him a song. The little child was sleeping peaceful and Mr. Tovar looked up at Mrs Jones smiling.

Paul walked into the living room stood by the door watching Mr. Tovar holding the sleeping baby and cried. He walked away and out of the mansion. It was a cold dark night, and a sharp wind hurled around. Paul opened the gate and walked, not toward the village but toward the north, where nothing lived. The dark night and wind did not bother him as he climbed over rocks and grass, moving at a fast pace toward nothing. The tears streamed down his face, his body was cold but he could not stop walking, his mind was closed to the pitfalls he might endure. Without realizing where he was going, Paul walked over a cliff, the gravity of the earth pulled him down and as he descended toward the bottom, he shouted, “Emilia!”