Purcell's Pairings | ✔

XIV

     THE TRIP TO Albany was long, and while Vinnie's company was truly delightful, there was only so much chit-chat Annalise could take before she wished she could leap right out the carriage window. Thankfully, they arrived before she had a chance to figure out how to do that without getting her dress caught. 

     Albany reminded her quite a lot like Manhattan, though on a bit more of a reserved side. The streets were busy, filled with suits and dresses of all styles and colours, and there were small shops set up everywhere. It seemed evenly divided between the shopping aspect and the farming part; there had been nothing but empty fields for hours when they first entered the city, but as they drew closer to what seemed to be the other side, there was a major change in the way things had been developed. Carriages dotted the roads, and Annie could sense a large amount of liveliness, even from a distance. A large section was blocked off up ahead, and she knew instantly that that was where the festival was taking place. She glanced over at Vinnie, who was ecstatic. She had been surprised to discover just how much the woman seemed to appreciate the arts, for the feeling she had received from the Arten family was very old-school and traditional; she wouldn't have been surprised if Vinnie and her sisters preferred the idea of motherhood over independent activities, such as pottery-making, for example. It was shocking, much comfortable Annalise felt around Vinnie, especially in comparison to her strict older brother. If it weren't for their shockingly similar looks, Annie most likely would not have assumed they were related; the two were polar opposites. 

     "Annie, we're here!" Vinnie exclaimed, grabbing her hand the second the carriage rolled to a stop. Annalise was quite literally yanked out of the cart, and she was extremely thankful she hadn't taken a wrong step and landed on her face. She was quite a few inches shorter than Vinnie was, and it was difficult to keep up with the woman's long strides, but she managed. Vinnie was confident, and Annalise admired the way she marched through the crowd of people; it almost seemed as though people were moving out of the way for her, creating a perfect path for her to walk down. Annalise was sure she looked ridiculous, practically running behind the woman, but nobody snickered or made a comment, which made her feel a bit better. 

     Streamers flapped in the wind and windchimes rang out musically. Laughter filled the air and everything felt warm, comforting. Though there was a lot happening motion-wise, at the same time, things felt as if they were moving in slow-motion. Art was everywhere. In the middle, there was a small band playing an unfamiliar song, and a couple was dancing to the melody. Vendors that had been set up left and right were filled with everything imaginable. Annie was not surprised when Vinnie pulled her towards a stand filled with pottery; there was everything from flower pots to teacups. They were beautiful, and evidently took quite a bit of time to make. It was even more shocking to see a petite woman standing behind them. Her eyes were sparkling and her smile was so large that Annalise could practically feel the pain in her cheeks.

     "Are these yours?" Vinnie asked the brunette, who nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, this is marvelous!" Annalise smiled at the owner of the objects, then let her gaze roam as Vinnie fished out some coins for the woman. 

     There was a vendor that did not appear to have anyone standing at, but it was filled with artwork. The canvas placed were of all different sizes, and Annie was almost positive the art was based on nature. However, from where she was standing, it was difficult to tell. Turning back towards Vinnie, she tapped the woman lightly on her arm. "I will be back," she promised, gesturing to the person-less vendor. "I would just like to take a look at the work over there."

     If Vinnie had heard her, she did not respond in a way for Annalise to know, but Annie wasn't worried. There was much going on in the little festival, but it was not large enough to lose someone. Sending the owner of the pottery yet another polite smile, Annalise quickly made her exit. Being by herself gave her a moment to breathe, too. She hadn't heard from her sisters yet, though she suspected the letters she wrote would have only just arrived at the guest house. Were they still there? With scarlet fever on the loose, they had to have gone elsewhere. Were they with their parents? Further? The concerned questions twisted a knot in Annalise's stomach, and she focused hard on the closest painting to her person. It was of a beautiful bridge that arched over a river. The sky consisted of various greys and blues, suggesting a rainstorm was coming about. She drew a finger over the water. It looked so real. It made her long for her own brushes once again; she hadn't touched them since before the Winter's Ball. With a sigh, she slowly turned away, feeling remotely homesick once again.