Emily - A story of the Brontes Part III

The journey home was exhausting and sad. A letter had arrived before they set out to say that Aunt Branwell had now died. But the girls pressed on. Charlotte planned to remain for a short time and then return to Brussels as the Hegers wanted her back. Emily announced that she was going to stay and keep house for her father. She was not going back to the school. Charlotte however was determined to return as soon as possible. Emily took up the reins of running the house, working happily with Tabby. Mr Bronte was pleased to see her but he like her was a natural recluse. "It's so good to have you back, my dear", he said when Charlotte and Anne had left. Anne was still at the Robinsons' house and she had managed to get a job for Branwell as a tutor there. "I'm glad to be back, Papa. Brussels is a hateful city." "But you did so well, there, Emily. M Heger spoke highly of you and you've learned so much more French and German." "Oh I'll keep up my studies here, and write a little." "Of course, my dear." Patrick decided to teach Emily to shoot, as he had always kept a pistol with him after the Luddite riots years ago. She enjoyed it. She was happy now, working in the kitchen, walking on the moors, and writing at night. She enjoyed baking and studying German while her bread was in the oven. The following day, she decided to walk the 2 miles to Ponden Hall, a neighbour's house, which had a good library. She borrowed books from the Mechanics Institute as well, but she liked going to Ponden Hall. When she arrived, she was dismayed to find that the servant told her there was someone in the library. She rarely saw or spoke to the family when she visited. But after a long walk, she wanted to borrow some reading matter. So she took a deep breath and walked in. To her surprise, it was a young man, dressed in a rather shabby suit. She had never seen him before.