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| Ever since the previous night, Marie had been filled with a kind of anxiousness that surprised her a great deal. Never in her short life had she experienced something as.... thrilling as meeting someone that gave her such a feeling. It was odd to her that all her life she had been cooped up, kept away from such a thing. She silently knew that her mother would have been all too happy to learn each and every outstanding detail about Elijah Brooks. Marie's father.. not as eagerly, but he was an even tempered individual, who would lend an ear to his daughter's happiness every once and a while. She had awoken this morning with such nerves, that at breakfast, hunger had nearly escaped her. Marie seemed unable to sit still, continually getting up and pacing by the window, waiting, and planning. How could she get away from Bertha.. let alone get out of the house un-noticed? Was such a thing even possible? She'd only just touched her toast when her father came into the room, looking well rested, and rather pleasant. Marie greeted him with a smile she knew barely hid her restlessness. "Good morning, father." She said politely, but pleasantly, pushing her plate away from herself and backing her chair out from the table. "Good morning Pidgeon!" Her father greeted with a pleasant chuckle. Marie smiled more warmly and headed to the window in front of the dining table. "Good day for a walk.. wouldn't you agree?" She asked as though there were no hint if mischief flurrying around in her brain. Her father looked to her, surely surprised that his daughter, who rarely got out of the house, seemed so fascinated with the world at present. Marie turned her head slightly over her shoulder, giving her father what she hoped was a soft, hopeful look. He glanced up from the paper that had just been handed to him, and took a deep breath, as though he were deciding something very important. "I do suppose so, yes. Would you find interest in taking a walk, my dear?" The older man asked with, what Marie could only describe as quiet satsifaction from reading his daughter so well on his face. "Very much so." Marie answered after a moment's silence. "I'll send for Bertha then. Have her take you out for a while.. doesn't that sound lovely?" Marie attemped not to let him see the dissapointment in her eyes. "Bertha.. is ill, this morning, papa." Marie told him with so much false earnesty, she surprised herself with her ability to lie to her father. "Ill?" He repeated, quite astounded that the news had not reached him first. "I wasn't made aware of this. Is she going to be quite alright?" Marie felt a pang of guilt wash over her at his surprised, and worried tone. She didn't want to hurt him in this process, but she really did want to get out of the house and this seemed to be the only way. "Oh yes.. she will be fine. I expect a doctor will be by at some time today. I wonder.. with Bertha unavailable, would it be alright with you, papa -- if maybe, I could venture out on my own today?" She knew it was not acceptable. Not at all. If he said yes, surely he was out of his mind! Marie almost cringed, waiting for his response. "Good heaven's child! on your own? Don't be silly! You couldn't go out.. Surely you need some sort of... escort to.. to.. well," A chuckle passed over his lips. "My dear, it is most unwise, and very unacceptable to let one's daughter venture out by herself.. unaccompanied. If I was not such a busy man I would take you out myself. He announced proudly, rustling the paper, as he turned a page. "But one never knows just what is out in the world.. and you are far too young to be out on your own. Wouldn't you agree?" She knew better than to defy him, and Marie bit her lip in concentration. "Yes.. I suppose that seems logical." It was not hard to see how dissapointed the young redheaded teen looked at the moment. And her father sensed this, as he glanced back up at his child, standing by the window with all the grace and loveliness that her mother once possessed. He sighed, clearly beaten by her unhappiness. "Though, I cannot see why you shouldn't take Abagail with you." Mr. James proclaimed, trying to hide his smile. Marie turned. Abagail was a scullery maid. A pretty girl, but with not much knowledge. Marie knew that the yound maid had never learned to read, and Marie felt awfully sometimes. Yet, as nice a girl as she was, Abagail was a bit slow, and easy to lose. Marie's head filled with ideas as she smiled a mile wide. "Thank you papa!" A hug, and a kiss atop his head, and the young girl was off to collect her hat and ribbons. Today was not just a day out in the town.. but it was a day to wear something perhaps a little lovelier than she was used to -- something more pleasant. -------------- With Abby at her side, Marie moved swiftly, making sure to point things out to the older girl by her side. Abby had to be no older than 25, but her looks made her appear very young. Marie looked a bit older today, bits of her red hair purposely down and falling upon her shoulder. However, the majority of it was up, such as society suggested. Her dress was a soft blue in color, something very close to periwinkle. Marie felt her breath coming quickly and her nerves began to build. The Books Jewellers was just up ahead, and she could see the front of the shop from their currently position just down the road. Marie felt herself quicken her pace, and nearly pulled her escort with her. A few paces from the door, Marie turned to Abagail and looked at her with a very serious but calm expression. "Abagail... I know that I have never asked you for much of anything in the past. And what I am about to ask of you is very important to me. I met a man yesterday. And I've promised to see him again. You know as well as I do that my father would have a hard time permitting this. I am asking you.. let me have time with him. Please.. I really.. It was a promise." Marie looked down slightly, before looking back at Abby. "Ms. Marie.. I... I suppose I could permit it. But you have a limited time. Make your visit quick! I will be next door.. I'll collect you soon." Marie was filled with a sudden admiration for the girl in front of her, and gently touched her shoulder. "Thank you.. from the bottom of my heart." Marie told her earnestly, then moved back and up towards the store. Good feelings surrounded her. She reached the handle of the door, looked back at the scullerly maid moving next door, and swallowed. Her hand turned the knob, and Marie heard the tinkle of a small bell above her head. It seemed as though her head was filled with a strange perfume. It was a lovely shop, very well decorated, and stocked richly with beautiful jewels. Her heart felt light, but also had claimed a permanent spot in her throat, signifying Marie's nerves. She looked around a moment, not wanting to touch anything. Would he hear her enter? Would he come? Marie breathed in, and suddenly felt very alive. |