Chapter 3 Up A Hill

September 1826

Beth quickened her pace as the footfalls behind closed in on her, running up the rough road with strength she had no idea she possessed, her heart in her mouth. At six 'o'clock in the morning, Beth suddenly realized, much to her chagrin, that Carlisle might not be the safest of places.

Her hands frantically searched through her bag for something, anything that would serve as a defensive means to protect herself but flowers wouldn't even scare the nicest of people, how would it scare anyone else? She could call someone for help, but whom? And if she should try to, her assailant – she supposed the person behind her was one – would catch up with her before she could call for help again. No, she shouldn't, the knowledge they lacked regarding her exact position was probably the only advantage she had over them. If she tried to call for anyone, her voice would give it away and that was not what she wanted. Perhaps she should seek refuge in one of the caravans? But no one was awake yet, even if they were, she doubted the gipsies would look kindly upon her intrusion. It was over; she was going to die on her very own birthday. Why would life choose to be unkind to her once again? She thought melancholically. Maybe it was someone taking a morning walk. Or like her, out to fulfil an errand. She was probably overthinking. They could be harmless.

She heard a click, another click was sufficient for Beth's heart to fall through her chest to the pit of her stomach; the excuses she had made up disappeared, turning to evaporating mist. Dear Lord, please save me! She prayed as her feet unknowingly quickened their steps. She tripped but righted herself immediately; this was no time to fall. Why, oh why did I decide to leave this early?! She lamented inwardly. She could have waited till first light and rented Clover, her cousin's mare like Gwen had advised.

She heard a thump and a male's grunt of pain that scared her to the depth of her being. Oh good gracious, it was a man! Throwing all caution to the wind, she picked up her skirt and ran with everything in her, muttering fearfully, "Oh God! Dear God!! Please save me." Was she running in the right direction? She had no idea, but it was away from that man and that was enough. She heard the footfalls again, this time they were so close and swift, drawing even closer with each passing second. Wait! Was he chasing after her? Dear Lord, what is this? Why was he chasing after her? She wasn't ready to die nor was she ready to be kidnapped or worse... No, she wouldn't think of what wouldn't be as she would do everything to prevent it. Not that she could have, but trying to run even faster, she stepped on the skirt she had let go and tripped.

Her breath was knocked out of her, her soul left too. It was over. He would catch up with her now. She was never going to see her family and the thought scared her more than her death. How would they live without her? Would they survive still after another tragedy? Casting all evil thought from her mind, she scrambled to her feet; tripping again and scraping her right knee on a rock which elicited a hiss from her lips, but the pain wouldn't keep her. Wanting to waste no more time, she tried getting up to run when a hand dropped firmly on her shoulder. She gasped and did the first thing that came to mind.

Scream.

"Lady! Lady!! Quiet down." She rose to her feet and stepped away from him. "It is not bright yet for such screams or are you so proud of your vocals that you would prefer the whole world to hear you?" He sounded angry. His voice, deep and bold, rang in the almost darkness. "Go join the theatre or the circus if that is your wish. No one wants this open show you are so graciously offering." He put his hand towards his face and Beth saw the faint glow of a cigar.

Why was he angry? Did she ruin his plans? What were his plans? "Wh-wh-who are you? What d-do you want?!" Her heart quickened, thumping even more. She gripped her bag defensively. Flowers were no weapon but in times when one was desperate, anything would serve; besides he didn't know she held only flowers. If he tried anything like the unthinkable, his burial would be announced shortly. The sky was blue already but not enough light to make out his face. He was too close for comfort, so she put some space between them. "I asked what it is you wanted." Her teeth were chattering.

He stood to his full height and put his free hand in his pocket. "I wanted to make sure you were alright. That was quite a fall." He dragged from his cigar and expelled, the odor was pungent and rich. "Although with that voice demonstration, I believe you are just fine." What was he talking about? A gentle breeze blew and the grass responded to its song.

"Why were you following me?" Her voice was low and raspy; her breath, rapid. "Look, I might be a woman, but I'm not scared of you." She hoped he believed her and wasn't paying attention to her shaking voice. Or her chattering teeth. Or her heavy breathing. If it came to, she wasn't going down without a fight. "I'll hurt you if I have to."

No response. He simply stood before her.

After what felt like an eternity, he said. "I believe you as much as you believe yourself." His deep voice, slow and lazy, mocked her. The silhouette before her brought his hand out of his pocket and raised it to her face. Before she could guess its purpose, a flicker illuminated her face and momentarily blinded her. "I must apologize for doing this, but curiosity got the larger part of me." He said. "How is it, I beg to know, a small and, well, pretty Lady could harm me?" He took the light down.

He called her pretty. Oh God! And was that Brandy she smelt beside the cigar? No, she wouldn't panic. "When there is a will, there is a way." She bravely returned. She stepped closer to the bush behind her. If this man tried to get close, she'd run, because there was no way she could fight him, let alone defeat him, brave words aside.

She saw him nod, repeatedly. "So they say, until there is no more will and all ways are closed." Her heartbeat increased. At this rate, she might just about die of anxiety. She searched the area with her eyes, even if she knew there was no way she would find anything in the near darkness. "So they say." He repeated and stepped closer.