Symphonies in E Minor

Chapter Three: The Missing Chaperone

Aaliyah doesn't like to be without a chaperone at night, but she doesn't exactly know where hers is at the moment. And she's trying desperately not to panic.

She went to get her measurements taken for the adjustments of the dress sent in for her sister's wedding. The parcel arrived a little later than she hoped, resulting in her spending most of the day trying it on and having her aunt pin the exact spots where the material needed to be tightened or readjusted. But the tailor herself had taken so long when taking Aaliyah's measurements to confirm her aunt's own measurements, so that by the time she was finished, it was dark outside. Her chaperone had disappeared to one of the many pubs around the block, and now that she's finished, Aaliyah doesn't know which one it is.

The snow will begin falling again tonight, she thinks, as she stares up at the sky. She must head home before then, but where is her chaperone? And where is the carriage?

She pulls her shawl over her petticoat tighter, hearing the previously fallen snow crunch under her boots. She glances around, wary of her surroundings, wanting to see the friendly facades of other women along behind her, equally as cold, but there are only a handful of older men around her. It's expected since the tailoring shop closes last and the pubs are open the latest. To her relief, most of the men are ignoring her. When he makes eye contact with one man, she quickly turns away.

The snowy cobblestones they walk on heighten the sound of their steps, but she quickly reminds herself that the crunch does not mean they're close.

"They're not paying attention to you," she mumbles to herself, walking faster. "It's okay. Everything is okay."

Where the hell is her chaperone? There are four pubs located on this block, but what if he's decided to go further? How will she ever find him? She should have designated a time and place with him.

Worst comes to worst, she can walk home by herself, but the wind is increasing, and her fingers ache from how tight she's holding the shawl around her. She's not too comfortable with taking a random carriage, and there don't seem to be any around her anyways. Should she just go back to the tailor and wait there? Perhaps that is the best idea. She pauses, ready to turn back.

"Excuse me, Miss."

Aaliyah's blood freezes. A male voice speaks from behind her, and suddenly her body is immobile. Her heartbeat begins pounding in her neck and ears. It's obvious that he's speaking to her, his voice far too close to her for her liking. There aren't any other women on this street anyways. She trembles with discomfort. Why would he come up to her instead of asking the other men?

"Could you help me?" the man says.

Aaliyah slowly turns around to find him. His face is shadowed, but she can faintly make out his features. Behind him, she sees all the other men.

"Where is the Old King's pub, do you know?"

She blinks. Directions. All the man requires are directions. But she doesn't know where that pub is.

The man's brow furrows and he takes her in skeptically. "Miss?"

"Chan eil Beurla agam," she blurts, causing the man to frown more. He looks at her oddly and then takes a step back.

"Ah. I apologize." He ducks his head as if to say goodbye and then walks around her, still giving her an odd look.

For her own sanity, she watches the man walk away, and then hurries to the nearest pub to find shelter as the other men behind her pass her and fade into the distance. She holds a hand to her neck, feeling the thundering pulse, the lack of air in her lungs causing the world to seem slightly more hazy.