“Okay. I’ll try to stay positive. Now, do you want to keep driving?”
He did. And driving required all his focus, so the conversation waned. She would occasionally give pointers, but overall, he did a decent job. He had maneuvered the thing and had stayed on the road and not crashed into anything. It sure helped that this was not a busy road. If another carriage had happened by, they might have been in a bind, and not only because the road wasn’t wide enough. She could only imagine the shock on people’s faces.
“What are we going to do with the car? If people see it—”
“I’ve been considering that. There’s a small tool shed near the stables. That might be the most convenient place. Once in there, I can lock the door. It is unlikely to be discovered there, but still close enough to have it at hand.”
“Sounds good. But will it fit through the door? And how are we going to get it there without being seen?”
“It will fit, but once we get near the estate, there will be employees—grooms, servants, tenants. Too many people.”
They were nearing the end of the forest, so he stopped again. This time more carefully.
“I think we should hide the car here among these trees and wait until night time. Then we can bring it into the shed without being seen.”
“Yes, you’re right. Let me just grab a few things from my suitcase, then. I’ll wait until we have it in the shed to bring my whole luggage in.”
She went to the back of the car and grabbed her backpack. Opening her suitcase, she transferred a few garments and her toiletries bag to the backpack and locked the car.
“Do you think anyone will find it here?” She pointed to the car.
“I guess it is possible, but unlikely. As you see, these woods are very scarcely traveled.”
“Let's hope so. Okay, ready to go.”
“Allow me to carry your bag, please.”
With a smile and a thanks, she handed him the backpack, and they walked towards the manor. Towards this new, strange reality.
She was stuck in the past where she knew no one, had no money, no way of getting home, and had fewer rights than she was used to. But the man walking beside her radiated confidence and calm. And crazy as it was, when he said he'd help her find a way back (forward?), she believed him. What other choice did she have?
CHAPTER 14 - Nocturnal expedition
LATER THAT NIGHT, AFTERdinner, as he dressed in black clothes in preparation for their little excursion to retrieve the car, Dale pondered his unusual guest.
She had been ravishing at dinner, if not precisely proper. She wore her hair loose, the soft waves falling freely around her face and shimmering halfway down her back. Only a few strands had been pinned back with a sparkly ornament. Her plush lips had been made an even deeper rose by the subtle application of cosmetics and... had she darkened her eyelashes? He couldn’t help but stare, mesmerized by how big and luminous her eyes were.
