Chapter 4 Talking To A Stranger

She impulsively stepped back, her grip tightened. "Don't come any closer. Don't give me a reason to hurt you." Again he stepped closer and she stepped back in response, her heart missing a beat. "Please stop Sir, I beg of you." The tears threatened but she held them at bay.

Hands in the air in mock surrender, he said. "You should really put the bag down. I doubt chrysanthemum could hurt anyone." He put his hands down and sent the one bearing his cigar to his mouth for another drag. "My parents would not appreciate you hurting me. I am an only child you see, very much loved."

How did he know she had chrysanthemums in her bag? "How did you...? How were yo...? How did you know I have only chrysanthemums in my bag?" Her voice helped her thoughts.

"I didn't know you had only chrysanthemums." He drawled. "They possess such lovely smell. Makes you want to smile all day long for absolutely no reason at all." It wasn't a sarcastic comment, it was simply a statement. He knew of flowers.

He had no idea she held only chrysanthemums and she threw the knowledge right at his feet. She had been tricked, how wonderful! Her breath slowed down but her heart was still erratic. "Why were you following me?" She lowered her 'weapon'. "What is it that you want?" He was quiet again. "What do you want?"

"I don't suppose you could give me what I want." Her breath hitched again as his free hand found his pocket. "I wasn't following you, at least, not until you started running. Thought you saw something, I want to be safe too."

He was scared? But he was a... "But you are a man."

"Men die too." He stated flatly.

That was true. "Where are you headed so early in the morning?" She demanded. "Isn't it too early to be going about, frightening people?"

He stared. "I could ask the same of you." Then he continued as though angry, "And why were you running?!"

Beth face-palmed and sighed deeply, wearied. This simple morning was slowly wearing her out. She wished she was anywhere else but on the road to the hill, with a complete stranger. "You were walking behind me; naturally I thought the worst and ran. Then you ran after me, scaring me even further." She threw her bag over her left shoulder. In between running for dear life and holding up a discussion, daylight slowly crept in.

His face was nothing as she had imagined. For someone with a voice as deep and broken as his, his face did him no justice. It was calm and unnerving, a total opposite of his voice, which could be frightening if put into good use. There was no expression on his face, not even the anger she thought she heard. She couldn't tell much from his expression and the light, but it definitely showed strength and struggle. And he had height – she stood small before him. He stared at her and she, at him. "It was never my intention to frighten you, but I did. I deeply apologize."

Okay! Misunderstanding cleared. Now she needed to get out of there, refusing still to trust him. "Alright. I suppose that settles things. I apologize for my thoughts." Beth bowed slightly and waited for a reply, when nor was forthcoming, she started to walk away until his voice called out to her.

Somehow, it was softer. "You never answered my question."

She turned. "What question?"

He walked closer to her. A tad too close making Beth step back into the grass, tensed. This gentleman was totally oblivious to how nervous he made her. "Where are you going?"

She relaxed a bit. "Uphill." Her finger pointed in the direction. She reprimanded herself immediately. How could she tell someone she didn't know of where she was headed? What if he really wanted to harm her? Still, something about him made her feel at ease, his height probably, or his commanding voice, or the aura that accompanied him. "Where are you going?" She returned.

He only stared again. When Beth thought no reply was to be heard, she nodded and made to leave. "I don't know."

His answer was totally unexpected. Who knew not where they were headed? "Then I suppose any road will take you there. Have a good day, Sir." She bowed and started walking away and he started after her. Her heart skipped a beat. "Are you going uphill? Is that what you've decided?"

He pulled another drag of his cigar, tossed the butt and crushed it underneath his boot. "Courtesy demands I ensure you arrive at your destination safely." She stopped and he paused too. "The people need to be protected from you and your vocals."

"That is very much kind of you Sir, and I sincerely appreciate your kindness, but I assure you neither I, nor the people need your courtesy. And, I'd rather be alone on this day, someone dear to my heart awaits me."

"Your husband?"

"I am unwed, Sir"

"A lover?"

"I have no such, Sir."

"The one you are promised to then?"

"I am promised to no one. I own myself." Stopping abruptly, Beth decided this has gone long enough. She was surprised she could hold the conversation so long. "Thank you for your courtesy and kindness but I would rather make this trip alone." Waiting for his reply and getting neither an acceptance nor rebuttal, she bowed. "I'll take my leave."

His voice stopped her yet again. "Who are you? I don't think I've had the pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She turned slightly again, worried. Why was he delaying her? Was it some sort of tactic? "I am a young woman who has prior engagements she wishes to attend to. Who are you, Sir?"

He made a sound. His eyes perused her and then came the surprise. "You don't know who I am?" Beth kept her eyes on him and his surprise grew. "You really do not know." He repeated, more to himself than her.

Who was he? "Am I obligated to?" She murmured. Faraway in the eastern horizon, the sun rose with a signal of pale yellow light, illuminating the blue sky. Beth bowed again to the gentleman. "I didn't know of the obligation to know who you are, so I apologize." Of course, she was insincere. "And I thank you for your consideration to see me safely to my destination but I would politely decline and appreciate it if you would delay me no further. I wish you good luck and safety to wherever it is you finally decide to go. Good day Sir." Beth turned, picked up her skirt and ran uphill, leaving him as she realized he wasn't going to offer any answer to her apology or gratitude.

Again came his voice, ringing out, louder. "Will it be possible I see you after today?"

She yelled back to him. "I don't suppose so." And God knew she wanted far away from him as possible. In the time they were together, he had frightened, entertained, annoyed and scared her. She wished never to see such an egocentric man, be it a Lord, or otherwise.

She ran nonstop, grasping at the little air her lungs could take in, pushing herself forth to gain more grounds. Her bag rode on her hip and she struggled not to ruin the flowers anymore than it has been, for minutes ago, it was her most trusted ally.

Higher ground! She needed to get to a much higher ground. No, she needed to find the perfect spot, to watch the sun rise, the right place. Pushing herself even more, she ran with all her might, until finally, she found the highest spot. She was out of breath; but it was perfect.

And so was the sun rise.