One Look

Chapter 27

I couldn't help but stare out the carriage window as it pulled away from the palace. Nathaniel was seated beside me and although I could feel his gaze on me at times, I opted to ignore him. I wanted to ask him why he chose me, but I couldn't, especially not since my ladies in waiting were sitting across from us. Margaretta was sat ramrod straight, her face the perfect form of neutrality. Elaine, on the other hand was staring at the prince with a longing look.

Nathaniel cleared his throat and I glanced at him.

"It's a fine afternoon", he said awkwardly. I laughed loudly as I gestured to the pouring rain.

"Do you like the rain your highness?" I laughed, and he grinned at me.

"I find it quite refreshing".

"May I ask where you are taking me?" I questioned. From the corner of my eye I could see his shoulders tense up.

"A fine tavern", he declared, and my eyes widened in amusement. I looked at him then, and I could tell he was worried about what my reaction would be. I had never been in a tavern before, in all honesty I was intrigued. Margaretta's small gasp though made me stare at her, she was the perfect image of a textbook lady all the time but right now the image had cracked and she her eyes had narrowed at the prince. Nathaniel though had not seemed to have noticed as he was still awaiting my reaction.

"That sounds perfect", I grinned. Margaretta hissed through her teeth and I returned my attention to her again. "Whatever is the matter Margaretta?"

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering to the prince before they settled on me. "It's just a tavern, are you sure you don't mind being seen there Eloise? It's not the place for ladies".

"I assure you I am fine with it but please don't feel like you must come in, you can wait out here in the carriage", I said sweetly. A frown began to form on her face as she realised, she either had to ignore her morals as a lady and enter a tavern or she had to brake her service to me and leave me unchaperoned.

"Do not worry Eloise, Margaretta and I will be with you at all times", Elaine said quickly, before Margaretta had a chance to make up her mind.

"Perfect, well that's settled then". Nathaniel clapped his hands.

I returned my attention to focusing out the window as we took a different route to town then the one Charles and I had taken before.

"Is this another way into town?" I asked.

"We are going to the upper-class side obviously", Jane replied, a smug smile on her face. "We needn't see the faces of the poor if we can avoid it".

I gritted my teeth together and kept my tongue still, reminding myself there was no need to waste my breath on a girl who only cared about her position in society.

The carriage rolled into town and I inhaled a sharp breath. This was a totally different view then that I had seen of it before. The streets were no longer filled with peasants and instead ladies and gentlemen bustled through the streets in fine clothing. Shops and small cafes lined the streets, along with town houses and stalls selling clothing and other supplies. The rained continued to pour down, causing the pedestrians to hurry about their duties and get home to a roaring fire and a warm meal.

The carriage rolled to a stop and before I could get out, Nathaniel grabbed my arm. I stopped in my tracks and turned to face him.

"Here", he grinned, and threw his coat over my hair.

"I am forever grateful your highness". I bit my lip, turned around and hopped out of the carriage and right into a puddle.

"Watch your step miss", the footman said, and I pouted.